And so the veil of deceit lifts. The news media, so eager to proclaim Obama as the messiah during the election cycle, now turns on him and begins to devour him. What changed? In one sense, nothing. Obama's promises of socialist changes are progressing. Universal health care, nationalization of manufacturers and banking, imposition of union … Continue reading Tea Party
Tag: Inflation
"Stimulus" Bill Now Tops $900 Billion
Congress is sapping any possibility of US productivity for generations to come. Only a fraction of this so-called "stimulus" bill actually stimulates the economy. The vast majority of it is increased government oversight and additional government programs. By taking such a whopping amount from the American people, the US government is stifling productivity of the … Continue reading "Stimulus" Bill Now Tops $900 Billion
The Fine Print of the Immigration Bill
Fortunately, the Senate gagged on ramrodding (which is different than "Hillary Ramrodding") the immigration bill down The People's Throat. It'll give us more time to hoot and hollar and threaten to vote for the other party. James Lileks offers these highlights of the immigration bill this morning, and it's amazing what they thought they could … Continue reading The Fine Print of the Immigration Bill
Market Influences
Today's a good example of why I invest mechanically. I don't read news resports to see whether the market is going up or down, I just stay invested because over the long haul the market goes up. The daily fluctuations, no matter how hard I try to understand them, only make sense if you are … Continue reading Market Influences
Gimme Your Money For Your Own Good
First, our Texas government says they have more money than ever. In fact, they have too much. [Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton] Strayhorn estimated legislators will have $64.7 billion in state revenue to spend in the upcoming two-year budget — $6.4 billion more than they had in January 2003. Then they say they need more: [Texas … Continue reading Gimme Your Money For Your Own Good
Due to Inflation, Inches Are Longer
Once upon a time, I could walk into any department store and buy a pair of pants that fit. 34" inseam, 34" waist. They always fit perfectly. Over the last 5 years I've gained a little weight and I'm now wearing 38/34, but I'm working that off again (I've lost 17 lbs in 2 months!) … Continue reading Due to Inflation, Inches Are Longer
The Economy Today
Two news stories today make it clear how the economy is fairing today. First, the economy is in the doldrums. Consumers aren't spending, businesses are losing money, the world is coming to an end: NEW YORK (Reuters) - Discount retailer Dollar General Corp. on Wednesday posted an unexpected profit fall with customers hurt by high … Continue reading The Economy Today
Houstonians: Vote Yes on Proposition 2
I love what those guys at C.L.O.U.T. are doing and trying to keep our property taxes low. They're easy to listen to on the radio, but man, they need somebody to help them with their emails to make them easier to read. Ouch. Short recommendation: Vote Yes on Proposition 2. The other Proposition 1 is … Continue reading Houstonians: Vote Yes on Proposition 2
Higher Paying Jobs
I had a conversation with a good neighbor and friend tonight, and one of the topics was job growth. Here in Houston, the job market has been terrible, and it's apparent some jobs in some industries are not coming back. But I think this is looking at the economy through a pinhole - the US … Continue reading Higher Paying Jobs
Chasing the Wind 