1. Matt Taibbi: Everything You Need to Know about Wall Street in One Brief Tale 2. Republicans Reveal a New Internal Conflict 1. Matt Taibbi: Everything You Need to Know about Wall Street in One Brief Tale Today’s paragraph two is about the conflict between Main Street and Wall Street. Serendipity struck as I finished it when I found this Rolling Stone article by Matt Taibbi. Matt’s article is a perfect complement to paragraph two today. I recommend the commentary, too. http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/blogs/taibblog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-wall-street-in-one-brief-tale-20120113 2. Republicans Reveal a New Internal Conflict When the history of the 2012 Presidential Election is written, two potential themes are already presenting themselves for inclusion. One is the impact of Super-PAC advertisements on voters. The second is how damaging the revelations of the discord within the Republican Party were to voters in the general election. While that history is now being developed, there is a new development in the discordant themes. The new development is the challenge by Republicans Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry of the business record of Mitt Romney. The pair says Romney indulged not in “Venture Capitalism”, but rather in “Vulture Capitalism”.* Further they say Romney’s record is not one of job creation, but of job destruction. Amazingly, this means there is now a debate about << MORE >>

Another great bit of commentary from Seth Godin    

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2012/01/learningleadership.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2Fsethsmainblog+%28Seth%27s+Blog%29 ... << MORE >>

Do we have the politics of envy or the politics of realizing we have allowed ourselves to be screwed? Charles Blow examines the question.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/14/opinion/blow-bitter-politics-of-envy.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212 ... << MORE >>

A sports article about a situation sure to offend your sense of fairness. The comments are worth your time.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/14/opinion/nocera-more-ncaa-justice.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212
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1. Registration Advice for Primary Voters 2. Early Primaries Results’ Meaning for Independent Voters 1. Registration Advice for Primary Voters A conversation I was having with a lady earlier this week offered some insights worth sharing. I discovered she thought since she was registered with one of the two major parties, she was required to always be registered with that party. This is not true. If you are registered as an independent voter, there is nothing to stop you from registering as a member of another Party. Further, if you are registered as a member of one party, there is still nothing to stop you from registering as a member of another party. Some of you might tell me things are done differently in your state, but as far as I know there are no blood oaths to be taken or penalties for perjury associated with voter registration. You can register for whatever party you want, but you can only have one affiliation. The reason for the requirement is so during elections where the parties are trying to settle some internal matter (such as selection of candidates for the general election) voters are only able to have a ballot with one party’s candidates on it. Either that, or some sort of mechanism with the ballot is used (especially where independent voters are allowed to vote in primaries) to ensure only one party is voted for. In other words, if you << MORE >>

1. Radio and Ebook Announcements 2. Never Again 1. Radio and Ebook Announcements I’ll be on PressPause in Atlanta again on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 6:15 p.m. EST (5:15 p.m. CST). We’ll be talking about the Iowa Caucus results and the upcoming primaries. The link to enable you to listen to the show follows. http://www.presspauseonline.com/listen.asp For those of you with those brand new Nooks or Kindles you got for Christmas, allow me to announce I’m going to release an Ebook version of Neither Liberal Nor Conservative Be in February. I’m writing a revised introduction to go with the book and there will be new offers for you on my web site for both the print and electronic versions. I also have plans to move the web site from www.KindredMindsEnt.com to www.TheCenterStrikesBack.org. The CenterStrikesBack.org will also be a Facebook page shortly. Obviously, just like the candidates and political parties, we’re gearing up to offer you our very best for the 2012 election. 2. Never Again Wishing someone well during the holiday season is a common, yet sincere act. Each person can have a different vision for what being well means. Hopefully, your vision came true over the last week or so. The reality is, of course, not everyone’s dream for how the holidays should go (or other events) happens the way they would like. Even what might be considered an amazing holiday for some might seem disappointing for others if expectations are too high. If you are human, then circumstances change. People die, children grow up and career opportunities cause relatives and friends to live apart. Thank goodness for the ease of telephone communications. In fact, today we even have Skype so we can see the person we’re talking with. Nevertheless, sooner or later some planned event is a disappointment. Maybe there was a high school reunion you wanted to go to, but you didn’t. You didn’t because you thought your car wasn’t good enough or you disliked the way you looked or some other reason. Maybe << MORE >>

This article by the authors of a new book about who and what makes up the Tea Party and its issues speaks to many of the myths I've been telling you drive conservatism as ... << MORE >>

Seth Godin has a great message for the new year for the woe is me and my circumstances crowd.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/12/the-chance-of-a-lifetime.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2Fsethsmainblog+%28Seth%27s+Blog%29

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1. Senator Ben Nelson’s Decision Not to Seek Reelection 2. Part Two: Hiring and Firing Applied to Politics 1. Senator Ben Nelson’s Decision Not to Seek Reelection Commenting on US Senator Ben Nelson’s decision this week not to seek re-election, I told a friend on a scale of 1 to ten, with ten being most surprised by the decision, I am about an 8. On the one hand, Nelson had to know there were few people of his stature in Nebraska capable of stepping up on short notice to compete for a job having the magnitude of his own. I had mused he might run with the thought of winning and then resigning in a couple of years when a more capable replacement emerged. Still, Nelson is the type of man who sees through a job to completion. One of Nelson’s criticisms for Mike Johanns, Nebraska’s other US Senator, was Johanns had quit one elected office in order to seek another mid-term. Accordingly, if Nelson considered that option he probably concluded he couldn’t allow himself to do something he openly criticized others for. On the other hand, Nelson is 70 years old. If he had won reelection, he would have been 71 and facing a 6 year term taking him to age 77. When someone is 18 waiting to be 21, those three years can seem like an eternity. Similarly, when someone has worked as long and hard in demanding positions as Ben Nelson has, the lure of retirement, even semi-retirement, out from under the constant stress and abuse of an elected position can be appealing, indeed. Think of yourself at age 70 plus and ask yourself what you want your life to be like then. Couple those factors with the ever more brutal nature of politics today and the probable motivations driving Nelson’s decision become further apparent. I have always found Senator Nelson and his staff to be very open, professional and willing to listen. His tenure shows the difficulty of trying to perform in elected office as a pragmatist among partisans. I wish him well in whatever endeavor he decides to undertake, as well as his final year in office. In fact, his final year might yield a number of singular moments. While he is highly likely to be cognizant of the impact of his actions on the electability of whoever tries to replace him from his party, the freedom from being concerned about the impact of a vote or statement on his own electability could very well lead to a number of astonishing “What the hell” votes, statements and other actions on his part. Oh, and by the way, Happy New Year to Everyone. 2. Part Two: Hiring and Firing Applied to Politics Today continues the offering of some alternative perspectives voters should consider in evaluating candidates for the coming 2012 election. Last week comparisons were made << MORE >>

1. An Early Christmas Present 2. Hiring and Firing Applied to Politics 1. An Early Christmas Present Today’s paragraph two focuses on drawing some parallels between the hiring and firing of pro football head coaches (specifically the firing of Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley) and the hiring and firing of elected officials. Obviously, in the time between I wrote paragraph 2 and today new information is available. Haley’s firing worked out for the Chiefs—at least in the first game after the firing. The Chiefs spoiled the aspirations of the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers for an undefeated season. The Chiefs led almost throughout the game and won 19-14. I was at the game in Kansas City and I have to say it was an early Christmas present. I had toyed with the idea of selling my tickets. I’m glad I didn’t, although judging by the number of Packers fans in the stands many others were unable to resist the temptation. When my wife and I got to our hotel Saturday night there were already three tour bus loads of Packers fans in the hotel. Hotel personnel told us they had made repeated shuttle trips to the airport to pick up groups of Packers fans wearing team colors. As a result, one of the delights of the Chiefs fans as the game went on was to see the angst of the Packers fans in person. Chiefs’ fans ached for a touchdown, not only to build the lead but to have the opportunity to do their irreverently defiant touchdown cheer. The moment finally came with about 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter and the cheer was done with gusto. My wife said it was one of the most exciting games she had ever been to. The crowd stood the entire game. It was certainly a delightful reminder of why I continue to pay the money to attend in person. By the way, the outcome of the game was not only notable for the change in a head coach. The game was also notable for the full game debut of Kyle Orton as Chiefs quarterback. What a showdown the final regular season game will be when Orton and the Chiefs take on Tebow and the Broncos, especially since the Broncos released Orton in favor of Tebow. Can you say payback? Hope you and yours have delightful holidays, whatever and whichever holiday you celebrate. 2. Hiring and Firing Applied to Politics If in some way you are someone who works for a manufacturer of a certain brand of automobile, then you are expected to buy and drive your manufacturer’s products. Clearly, the same expectation exists for just about any other product or service out there. That’s why a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial showing a Coke delivery driver drinking a Pepsi product was funny. For everyone else not affiliated with actually manufacturing a product making a choice is a personal matter. Making a choice is driven by the desire to get the best value possible. Or at least such should be the desire; given the knowledge lowest price does not always equal the best value. One of Zig Ziglar’s best known sayings is, “I’ve always found its better to spend a little more than I planned instead of not enough as I should.” Similarly, those affiliated with political parties know who they’re going to vote for. The unaffiliated voters, therefore, are the ones who are going to decide an election. These comments are intended for << MORE >>

1. Sioux City Debate and Matt Miller’s Critique of Obama 2. Examples of Political Prejudices Applied to Campaigning 1. Sioux City Debate and Matt Miller’s Critique of Obama Two quick points before today’s paragraph 2. First, hearkening back to what we’ve been writing about (how campaigning is like auditioning) I was struck watching the December 15, 2011 Republican debate with the following thoughts. If this were a singing competition like American idol, then one might be able to make the following analogy. A strong component of the Iowa Republican Party is made up by evangelical social conservatives. They form a type of politics just like soul music is a type of popular music. Three of those candidates (Bachmann, Perry and Santorum) base their appeal on a type of argument of, “Not only do I like the kind of music you like, but I am a singer of the music you like.” The others take more the approach of, “I may not be able to sing the song you like exactly as you like it, but I support your kind of music.” I was also impressed with both Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman (Paul, especially) for a real politik view of foreign relations. Paul made a point I like to make. Turn things around and look at circumstances from the viewpoint of the other country first. This is in keeping with Covey’s dictum of “Seek first to understand, before seeking to be understood.” Matt Miller had an excellent critique of President Obama’s speech in Osawatomie, KS. The perspective is unique and worth your time. http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/president-obamas-roosevelt-speech/2011/12/07/gIQAUkCccO_story.html?hpid=z3 2. Examples of Political Prejudices Applied to Campaigning Current political news offers two clear examples of the underlying political prejudices motivating our two main political parties. These examples illustrate the underlying beliefs, myths or prejudices (choose the term you prefer) the two parties present to the public and their true believers in an attempt to get support. The two examples are Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich’s remarks regarding how children are raised in the homes of poor families and President Obama’s recent speech in Osawatomie, KS. In recent remarks, Mr. Gingrich stated << MORE >>

You heard it first on my Blog, folks!

"Ad war likely if Nelson runs again"

http://www.omaha.com/article/20111212/NEWS01/712129943 ... << MORE >>

1. ‘Tis the Season 2. Another F-Word 1. ‘Tis the Season The last few years the first week in December has been marked by a snow fall and (where I live) we seem to keep snow on the ground until March. I am the kind of person who would much rather sweat than shiver, so this is not good news. Still, I can be philosophical about it. We will soon arrive at the winter solstice. Over the next 75 days, the days will get longer, the temperatures will begin to moderate and spring will present the promise of a new year. Similarly, the next 75 days will be significant politically. With the electoral selection events in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada (among others) leading up to the Super Tuesday set of primaries in February, the Republican field will narrow. The extensive number of contenders you have today will shrink to the final two and the die will then soon be cast for November’s general election. Should you expect a respite from March to September? Probably not, for two reasons: First, we have had an intensive civics lesson over the last 3 years regarding the importance of the members of the Congress. Electing a President with the policies you endorse without electing the members of Congress who support similar policies is like conducting an attack as pure infantry without the support of armor and artillery. You might succeed, but your chances of success are much smaller. Second, the Citizens United Supreme Court decision has opened the flood gates of money being used to generate ads by organizations other than the political parties. Expect << MORE >>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4NrECZ9a2U&feature=related

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1. On the Radio in Atlanta, Plus More on Auditioning 2. Parallels between Auditioning, Interviewing and Campaigning 1. On the Radio in Atlanta, Plus More on Auditioning I will be appearing on the Atlanta, GA radio show Press Pause on Saturday, Dec 3, 2011 at 6:15 p.m. EST (5:15 CST). The program is hosted by Patricia Wilson-Smith and is broadcast on WAEC 860 AM. The station web site has a button to let you listen live at http://love860.com/. Paragraph Two today is about comparing auditioning and interviewing to campaigning. All are a form of sales. I wanted to share a couple of auditioning stories I hope you’ll find amusing. There are a lot of unemployed folks out there. Maybe someone you know in that situation might find something useful from these stories. First, my good friend and high school buddy Tina Stillwell has a position at Missouri State University where she gets to interview notable alumni from our alma mater. One of those interviews was with the actress Kathleen Turner of Body Heat and Romancing the Stone fame. Turner told Tina about how she got the part in Body Heat. She was auditioning in the producer’s office, which had a beautiful white shag carpet and a glass coffee table with an ash tray filled to overflowing. Turner was asked how she saw her character. Turner replied she must be a drunk. How else could she do the things she was doing unless she was drunk? The producers said, OK, let’s see you play drunk. Turner did. As part of her improvisation, she deliberately overturned the ashtray onto the rug. The producers said, “We love it!” and, of course, she got the part. Second, I read recently the comments of a very popular actor who counseled people not to be discouraged by temporary set backs. He told a story of auditioning for a part in a movie he was absolutely sure he was the best suited to play, but was not selected. He continued to believe no one else could do a better job until the movie was made and he went to see it. He saw then why he lost out to the other actor. The actor who lost was George Clooney, the actor who got the part was << MORE >>

One of the points this article from Time Magazine makes is one we have long been concerned with here and in my book. Our reliance on a "volunteer" military means our society as a ...

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1. Wishing You a Great Holiday Season 2. Perspectives on the Perry Gaffe 1. Wishing You a Great Holiday Season Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. At most family gatherings, families avoid divisive topics like politics. If yours does not, then we hope what you read here enabled you to recognize, if not confront, the factual and philosophical inaccuracies so often used to form political opinions. Remember one of the best techniques to join in those discussions is the third party technique. The technique involves you responding to an opinion you disagree with by saying, “What would you say to someone who says (whatever other opinion).” This puts the discussion on a more intellectual level. If someone gets angry because they are unable to respond, then they can be angry at “someone who says”, instead of you. Once again, our best wishes to you and yours for a great holiday season. 2. Perspectives on the Perry Gaffe Now that jokes and general hubbub have subsided, the time comes to offer you alternate insights from Rick Perry’s gaffe at a recent Republican Candidate Presidential Debate. We’re not interested in the fact Mr. Perry had a memory lapse and couldn’t remember the third federal agency he proposes to eliminate in and of itself. We all have such lapses. More revealing and thought provoking are some of the factors behind the lapse. Consider these two quotes about lying. If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything. ~Mark Twain No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar. ~Abraham Lincoln Now think of what an actor goes through auditioning for a part. To portray a part, the actor must << MORE >>

1. Wishing You a Great Holiday Season 2. Perspectives on the Perry Gaffe 1. Wishing You a Great Holiday Season Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. At most family gatherings, families avoid divisive topics like politics. If yours does not, then we hope what you read here enabled you to recognize, if not confront, the factual and philosophical inaccuracies so often used to form political opinions. Remember one of the best techniques to join in those discussions is the third party technique. The technique involves you responding to an opinion you disagree with by saying, “What would you say to someone who says (whatever other opinion).” This puts the discussion on a more intellectual level. If someone gets angry because they are unable to respond, then they can be angry at “someone who says”, instead of you. Once again, our best wishes to you and yours for a great holiday season. 2. Perspectives on the Perry Gaffe Now that jokes and general hubbub have subsided, the time comes to offer you alternate insights from Rick Perry’s gaffe at a recent Republican Candidate Presidential Debate. We’re not interested in the fact Mr. Perry had a memory lapse and couldn’t remember the third federal agency he proposes to eliminate in and of itself. We all have such lapses. More revealing and thought provoking are some of the factors behind the lapse. Consider these two quotes about lying. If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything. ~Mark Twain No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar. ~Abraham Lincoln Now think of what an actor goes through auditioning for a part. To portray a part, the actor must << MORE >>

Some amusing commentary on the results of last week's elections. I guess I can't relate in one sense. When I lived in Washington State, I bought my liquour at the Class VI store on ... << MORE >>

A good article as a supplement to today's Ezine.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/14/opinion/krugman-vouchers-for-veterans-and-other-bad-ideas.html ... << MORE >>