So the backlash begins

The GOP has taken the lead in the generic party preference poll. Dems traditionally lead this poll by large margins, so this change is quite astounding. I think it shows considerable dissatisfaction with the performance of Congressional Dems, and maybe even Obama, since his poll numbers are also falling.



A few points about the AIG bonus hullabaloo. Sure, the bonuses are despicable under the circumstances. However, the bonuses are contractual bonuses and AIG has no choice but to pay them. Barney Frank is demanding the names of the bonus recipients. AIG leadership is in the wrong here, not the bonus recipients. The show being put on by the Dems in congress is to cover for the fact that they allowed Treasury to spend the money without any strings whatsoever, so the bad accountability lies with Congressional leadership. Also, Senator Dodd inserted a provision in the TARP bill that permitted the payment of such contractual bonuses, and now that the crap has hit the fan, he is trying to cover his fanny by saying that Congress will tax the money back into the Treasury. If Congress can tax specific private citizens by name, then is anything we own safe?

Update:
CNN states:
Dodd acknowledged his role in the change after a Treasury Department official told CNN the administration pushed for the language.
Dodd, a Democrat, told CNN's Dana Bash and Wolf Blitzer that Obama administration officials pushed for the language to an amendment designed to limit bonuses and "golden parachutes" at those companies.
"I agreed reluctantly," Dodd said. "I was changing the amendment because others were insistent."

So now Dodd is squirming. Yesterday, he said he had no idea how the language got into the bill. Today, having been caught in a lie, acknowledges that he put the language in the bill, but he blames it on the Obama administration. A simple "I apologize. I made a mistake" would be sufficient and everyone would forgive and forget, but Dodd's pride will not allow him to do so. Will a Democrat ever take responsibility for a mistake? If it were a Republican, the Democrats would be demanding a resignation at this point.

Recent Interesting Articles

I have read the following interesting articles lately.

Utah: Where the con is on
Utah Mormons have at least one glaring fault. They are gullible, and overly trusting.

Where's the Global Warming?
Is the Boston Globe wising up? Even this lefty newspaper is having its doubts.
The last paragraph is a zinger!

Gay Marriage vs. Democracy
Gay marriage could have already been a reality if only its proponents would change strategy. The last line in this article sums it all up. Their penchant for compulsion via courts rather than persuasion via campaigning and winning elections is hurting their cause.

Democrats kick a sleeping bear

Democrats had their way in the election.
They have their way in creating legislation.
They merely have to go about their business doing what they have always wanted to do.
Now, for what reason I cannot imagine, Obama and the DNC are going on the offensive against Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh's influence was drifting downward, but the Democrats could not leave well-enough alone. They have whacked the beehive and kicked a sleeping bear. The Democrats have called attention to Limbaugh and now his audience will likely grow due to those tuning in to see what all the fuss is about. Limbaugh has now challenged Obama to a debate of the issues, but Obama would be foolish to accept such a win-win situation for Limbaugh.

First Victory

Here is the game score of my first victory.
I had the white pieces. My opponent was winning and I believe he mistakenly resigned. He should take my f pawn en passant with a very sharp attack.

I am not doing as well in my other games.

Chess Tournaments

I have had the itch to play chess lately. So I have joined a few online tournaments.
The first one has started. There are only five players in this one. I don't know what TER means in the fifth column from the left, but the important number is the Rating column, which tells everyone the strength of the player. I have the second highest rating in this tournament. Can you guess the countries of the participants from the flags? In order from the top they are Russia, Chile, USA, Hungary, and USA. Note the reflection time in the upper right hand corner of the table. Each player has 20 days of thinking time and each move must be made within 2 days of the opponent's previous move.
Click on the image to enlarge.



Update:
A second tournament has started. I have the fifth highest rating, so this tournament will be extremely tough. The countries are, in order from the top, USA, USA, Wales, USA, Australia, Ukraine, and Russia.

I don't know about you, but I care.

I think Chuck Schumer is a very skillful politician and he has been very effective for the Democrats. Nevertheless, he is a condescending blowhard. Note the phrases "chattering class" and "American people don't care." Such are the linguistic signals that politicians unwittingly send about how they really think.

Sloppy Journalism

I really am getting weary of journalistic malpractice that goes on in our current media.
Another example today is the AP article with the following.

Iraq wraps up election with major violence

Jan 31 10:20 AM US/Eastern

BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's provincial elections have wrapped up without any reports of serious violence.

I am posting this at 11:45pm MST, so the AP has left this glaring 'error' out there for nearly 12 hours. Reuters and AP always have an adverse knee jerk reaction to any good news out of Iraq.