Education

It is so depressing when one tries to come up with ideas that will help our nation address problems impacting our educational system. I am hoping that President Obama's efforts will make a difference.

At any rate, it is comforting to read Thomas Friedman's column on the Intel Science Finalists. What was remarkable was (1) the vast majority were Asia, and (2) some of the school districts advertise for immigrants to come to their school district.

Wouldn't it be great if we could create an environment where children would consider education their number one objective!

Why I Love Living in Massachusetts!

I realize that Massachusetts is not the only place in the United States that I could live without fighting all the time! There are other states that I could survive in, but surely it would be difficult for me to live in states similar to Texas!

The latest fiasco of their decision regarding what should be included in the text books is unbelievable! When members of the committee will discount the universal endorsement of certain conclusions by EXPERTS, seemingly because they are experts, is mind-blowing! What would I do if I lived there!

The distinguished governor raised the issue of secession from the United States. From some points of view, they are so different that would conclude that they have already succeeded from the rational world!

Since people have the right to live where they want, I have be glad that I am permitted to live in this state that also makes my blood boil! We have corrupted public officials who no longer support their constituents but rather are controlled by their leaders with severe penalties for disagreement. We have financial problems. We have weather that is less than ideal. But, at least I have papers who fight for the right views and I can find people who agree with me (always a source of gratitude) on some things.

We often say that we have no control over our birth or our genes. We are thankful we live in the United States and I am personally thankful for living in Massachusetts!

Support President Obama with Health Care Vote

Never have I felt as proud of Dennis Kucinich for his announced support for the health care bill.

My correspondence to him explains why I support his decision.

In the past, I have provided some funding for your campaign (albeit, not that much) because you are one of the few people in Congress who support views I can totally agree with. Granted, they are often nor politically palatable. Nevertheless, you are a great congressman, as noted by your pressing to have a debate on Afghanistan (that was disappointedly not covered much in the press). I too have shared your views on health care. i wanted a single payor system to get rid of the insurance companies. We were in agreement. Given that the bill under consideration does not meet my expectations, i could accept no bill rather than a bad bill that really only "promises" reform rather than demand reform. However, you displayed great wisdom in announcing your support of the bill, not because of the bill itself, but to ensure that the President will be able to continue to try to address multiple issues demanding his leadership. Thank you.

Praise for Obama

I am one of many who have been disappointed by President Obama. I want him to be stronger in his defense of what is "right", i.e., obviously, a code for the progressive agenda, e.g., a health care bill that will correct the sway of the private insurance companies over the health care program. I want him to support an independent consumer protection agency, as articulated by Elizabeth Warren. I want financial regulations to control default swaps without any investment in the underlying economic item and it would be great if these swaps were processed in the open market, guaranteeing some form of transparency. Obama has not used his leadership on these issues, from my perspective.

It was, however, noteworthy that David Brooks has spoken so positively about President Obama. No one in Washington outshines Obama, from his perspective. This is quite a compliment and instructive to me about my need to "cool it".

Praise be to President Obama!

Health Care Reform: Reduce Costs In a

In the past, I have referenced my major problem with the health care bills that were passed in the House and Senate, viz., there is no actual reform of the system that will reduce costs. The general statements from the administration seem to focus on the fact that a signed bill will eventually force Congress to address the problems associated with the costs of health care which are clearly unsustainable.

Warren Buffet, surely a person of high regard in the world of finance, gave an interview on CNBC that zeroes in the problem while keeping a judicial deference to the fact that he is not in a position to articulate what exactly should be done. This should be addressed by the experts in the field. He wants the experts to be locked in a room until they come up with a plan that makes sense. He recognizes that all sorts of constituencies will be fighting to protect their interests and only some disinterested parties can make the necessary recommendations, albeit, the votes in Congress will be difficult to come by!