Ayn Rand

The Economist had a nice write up on Ayn Rand. There are two new books out on her life. If you are not sure where you stand on the role of government - read some of Ayn Rand's work. She was able to see the Great Deal for what it was - central planning. She saw government as nothing more than an excuse for power-grabbing. She said intellectuals and bureaucrats pose as champions of the people against the powerful. But in reality they are empire builders motivated by envy and greed.

Her thoughts can certainly be debated but they are interesting at this time in the United States. We can't forget the surge of collectivist thought that ran through the United States during and after the Great Depression. Maybe Ayn's thoughts are a little severe - but they are clear and direct. It is easier to have focus and passion when you get to live through the Russian revolution and see its aftermath. She saw firsthand what the champions of the people brought forward.

Time will tell us many things about our country - let's hope the past 100 years are not too easily forgotten.

All Day at OU

Carla and I went to the University of Oklahoma today with Caitlin. She is considering a program called "Humanities in Medicine". The program is through the Honors college and allows students to focus on more courses that are not science or math related while still completing their core pre-med courses. The program is a great fit for Caitlin as she has interests in a variety of areas. It was difficult to sit in a room and see her respond to some pretty difficult questions from some very bright and direct people. She handled it well.

The nice thing about the program is a reserved slot in OU's medical school. She also had a very good visit at Oklahoma Christian last week and is very excited about what OC has to offer. I'm just thankful that she has choices and has matured into such a nice young lady. Blessings.

Stand Down Rush

The WSJ allowed Rush some space in the opinion section over the weekend. For those not in the know, Rush decided he would invest in a group that is trying to purchase the St. Louis Rams but was subsequently asked to bow out due to previous remarks he made about Donovan McNabb. Rush takes an interesting tact to deflect his actions.

Rush considers others at fault for his actions and takes the time to point out that Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Jesse Jackson have made what he calls racist comments in the past. What right does the media have to ask these men about my statements - Rush implies. Since, apparently, in Rush's eyes, these men are the real racists. If you find someone else who did wrong, it excuses your wrongs?

Rush goes on to point out he believes in a "colorblind society where every individual is treated as a precious human being without regard to his race?". Here is the quote that allowed him to "resign" from ESPN.

"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well,'' Limbaugh said. "There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team."

I'm not sure I would paint Rush's comment as colorblind? Additionally, Rush did not apologize for his comment but said they were directed at the media - interesting slant as the comments also appear to be directed towards the NFL and Mr. McNabb. At this time, the part about the NFL and Mr. McNabb is not a convenient truth.

In turn, when Rush decides he wants to be part of the ownership of an NFL team, he is perplexed that the NFL, the NFL players union boss and several players are concerned about him being part of an ownership group. Several players actually say they would not play for a team involved with Rush.

Rush fails to see that his actions have produced the results. He blames others, specifically the media, for the conflict and describes the media as a "cancer on society". Here is the cancer Rush, it is people who do not take ownership for their actions, who can't accept the outcomes they are responsible for. You say you will not go away. What will not go away is your racist comment and your failure to apologize for it. Maybe if you start with an apology others will see you have come down off your mountain. Until then, they have only one choice, to believe that you believe completely in your original words - and your original words were not colorblind.

Stand Down Rush

Down Time

This was an unusual Saturday as it did not include a scheduled activity. Carla and I got up and went to breakfast. I am embarrased to say what time we woke up but let's just say it was after 8am. After breakfast we watched the mighty Sooners fall in a great defensive struggle with Texas. After that I spent an hour in my fantasy Porsche land reading of 911's for some time in my distant future. Caitlin and I spent some time on her college applications and I finished up some light honey do's for Carla. Natalie and I snuck out for some Starbucks (secret). Outside of that, just a little organization in my office and some reading before bed.

Now the sad statement - why is a day like today rare? Seems like we can take a hint from the French here and turn the throttle back a bit. Maybe it is just where Carla and I are with children.

If you are a 911 fanatic - let me know. If you are a 911 fanatic that doesn't see one in your garage for years to come - I feel your pain. We will get there my brother.

Tomorrow night Caitlin and I will go to the U2 concert. Looking forward to a great evening.

Common Sense?

Read the article by Solomon and Fitzpatrick on the front page of the WSJ today. The main topic is the pay "Czar's" (Kenneth Fienberg) removal of Ken Lewis' 2009 pay. The story also points out that Mr. Lewis will recieve almost $70 million in retirement benefits (read cash). This does not take into account what Mr. Lewis has already received from BofA. The article further discusses Stan O'Neal's receipt of $161.5 million when he left Merrill Lynch. Mr. O'Neal and Mr. Lewis pulled a combined $231.5 million in capital out of Bank of America over the last year. It would take $2.7 billion in revenue at 8.5% to create enough income to cover their compensation.

Several parties chime in that Kenneth Fienberg is "overreaching" and is "punitive". How much common sense does it take to stay away from the position that the two gentlemen actually earned their payouts?

I will take the position that neither of these gentlemen added the value they pulled out of the organizations they allegedly led. I further take the position that the supporters of Mr. Lewis and Mr. O'Neal enhance the view of congress and the American public that Wall Street is out of touch. If I were in Mr. Feinberg's position I would appoint an external party to evaluate just how much value either of these gentlemen added to their orgnazations during their tenure. If they did add value then certainly an equitable compensation can be arrived at for their tenure. If no value was added, then gentlemen - please jump on board the reality train with the rest of us.

Common sense tells us that if they added value, then they would not have needed a bail out - Ask Jamie Dimon. If you think JP Morgan Chase was bailed out then read Mr. Dimon's opinion on that. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/chi-mon-burns-dimon-0824-aug24,0,6678002.column) You can also look at JP Morgan Chase's stock performance over the last year vs. its peers.

Is there a Vacuum?

Some fifty years ago the world was thrown into the abyss with mass destruction of population centers. What really triggered the degredation of the human condition in Europe and to a lesser extent Asia? Was it a power grab by individuals? If so, what opened the door for these individuals to assume absolute power?

I propose that the only way individuals receive absolute power is when an economic vacuum occurs in a society. The Versailles Peace Conference opened the door for the instability in Europe and the rise of Hitler. Are we seeing something similar today, the early stage of the rise to power of individuals based on economic weakness? What are your thoughts? Are we seeing some of this in Russia? The United States? Latin America? Africa? The Middle East?

Here we go

This is my first post to my blog. I think I am primarily going to use this blog to discuss books I am reading and political thought. I am not going to focus on Republican vs. Democrat but more global macro issues (geopolitical?). Please challenge my thoughts.

President Clinton (love him or hate him he would get elected today over all candidates) said the book that most impacted him was Quigley's "Tragedy and Hope". This was a great read and also has impacted my world view. More to come on that...