Find the Founders

It was another grand Memorial Day Weekend, full of fellowship, good eating, beer drinking and of course, fondly remembering and giving heartfelt thanks to all those who served the fight for freedom. A cold beer was held on ice for those who could not be there. God Bless all of you!

And while our thoughts were with our heroes, Memorial Day weekend is also Raceday. After the events of Sunday, I do not care to think of the irony of the two National Guard sponsored cars encountering trouble en route to victory out of the final turn four in both in the Centennial running of the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's World Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte.

In the political arena, many potential GOP Presidential candidates were out engaging the folks. This included a impromptu bus tour by Sarah Palin called the "One Nation" tour.



The tour is designed to celebrate America's exceptionalism, engage the history of what made this nation great, reconnecting with our founding fathers and restoring and building on the traditions that make America exceptional.

FOX News contributor Charles Krauthammer doubted we need anyone running around reminding about the Constitution and Gettysburg. Although I respect Krauthammer and generally agree with him, he is out to lunch on this one.

With huge numbers of America awash in guilty pleasures chronicling the lives of housewives and fresh tunes on American Idiot, indeed we do need refreshing on the pieces of historical foundation that has been laid throughout our history.

Michelle Obama said Barack Obama will make us change our history and traditions as he implements the fundamental transformation of America. Meanwhile, Governor Palin paints in bold colors as she correctly points out that America doesn’t need a "fundamental transformation," instead we need a restoration of all that is good and strong and free in America!

Certainly, that can include a thirst for learning all we can about those that paved the way in the fight for freedom. I encourage you to re-engage with our founders, and join Governor Palin in Restoring America and dicovering the great nature of our country.

Glenn Beck has led the way with his presentation of Founders Fridays last summer on his FOX News program. This past Friday, Glenn Beck was joined by David Barton as they re-visited some of the more popular topics and stories about our heroes.

HT/TheRightScoop

Squawker Silenced

Certainly saddened today to learn of the passing of CNBC's Mark Haines, the veteran co-host of Squawk Box and later Squawk on the Street.

Haines was a straight shooter and I spent most every morning over the last 15 years or so listening to his interviews and analysis along with David Faber and Joe Kernen. I always loved the "briefcase indicator" in attempting to gauge the direction of the FED on interest rates based on the volume of Chairman Alan Greenspan's briefcase. Fun times.

Haines also did a masterful job on September 11, 2001, bringing us the dreadful events of that morning all the while knowing many former guests and current friends were in peril.

There is an abundance of talent over at CNBC, but from the beginning Haines was a centerpiece. Along with much of the street and viewers across the globe, I will miss his smart elect remarks and pinpoint interviews.

Sunday Night Song

This week, President Obama made an important speech on middle east relations, and squarely put a target on Israel by pontificating for Israel to return to the borders of 1967.

The stance taken by Obama makes official what many of us have already known; he is on the other side. The speech has angered many, including many of who voted blind in 2008. Notable in this crowd is KISS front man Gene Simmons, who sat down with CNBC's Jane Wells. Dr. Love does not mince words.



Right on Gene! Obama has no fucking idea, which is becoming very dangerous.

I grew up listening to KISS and Simmons and the gang were at the forefront in stage shows no doubt. I own albums Destroyer, KISS Alive and Alive II and Love Gun and like several of their tunes.

Tonight, in what some could consider an anthem, is a Sunday Night Song featuring Gene Simmons and KISS, unmasked and unplugged, with Rock and Roll All Night. Enjoy!

Early Exit Stage Left

The 2012 candidacy for the GOP nomination of Newt Gingrich (R:GA) is over. An early exit, stage left.

On Sunday, Gingrich was a featured guest on NBC's Meet The Press, and offered the following comments in speaking of the Path to Prosperity put forth by Paul Ryan (R:WI):

“I don’t think right-wing social engineering is any more desirable than left-wing social engineering,” Gingrich said speaking of Ryan’s plan. “I don’t think imposing radical change from the right or the left is a very good way for a free society to operate.”

Many were intrigued by the candidacy of Gingrich, and open to potentially supporting him as he has appeared to have matured and grown since his days as Speaker of the House. Certainly, Gingrich is a fountain of ideas and his work in and knowledge of the arena of US history is phenomenal.

With his comments attacking Ryan and his plan, Gingrich has removed himself from consideration by most conservatives, and almost certainly any Tea Party Patriots. Byron York, of The Washington Examiner, wrote of the comments former Secretary of Education Bill Bennett put forth on his nationally syndicated morning talk radio show. York reported what I heard live as Secretary Bennett said the comments were "an unforgivable mistake, in my judgment" and that Gingrich "has taken himself out of serious consideration for the [2012] race."

To quote The Fonz, correct-a-mundo!

On my scorecard, I did not have Gingrich ranked high, but I eagerly awaited the wide array of ideas I anticipated he would interject into the debate. Instead, he is out in Howard Dean fashion.

Perhaps this is a wake up call for other GOP current or potential candidates. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem, principally due to the rising entitlement wave. Created long ago with FDR and advanced by LBJ, the entitlements of the past eroding the financial health of this country. Under this wreckless administration exponentially expanding entitlements, inclusive of the new health care legislation, we are heading toward financial ruin.

Free market capitalism, not government programs, will lead the way back to prosperity. Paul Ryan is a leader, the only elected official with the guts to tackle the problem of entitlements. Unfortunately, most Republicans are distancing themselves from Ryan and his plan, for political gain.

Among the critical items on my short list in potentially supporting a candidate in the GOP primary is support of the Ryan plan. Many conservatives and Tea Party patriots would agree. The financial position of the country is in a critical stage, and we demand, since we are all tightening our belts, that it be immediately dealt with. Those who want to dance around the issue and not stand with Rep. Ryan will learn that they cannot hide from us. We surround you, and we will dispose of you, primary by primary.

Newt Gingrich now knows, having been immediately shown the exit stage left with a blown engine before his campaign even got the tire pressure up.

Sunday Night Song

Among those expected to enter into the GOP race for 2012 was former Arkansas Governor and FOX News host Mike Huckabee. Huckabee did quite well in 2008, and most polls had him near the top of the projected field.

While he seems like a nice guy, and I frequently tune into his show, he would not be among my favorites in the GOP primary. Had Huckabee won the GOP nomination, I would have gleefully supported him in a battle against Barack Obama.

Huckabee announced on his program last night he would not seek the nomination. I must admit I thought he would be in.

Huckabee always has some musical act on his show, and he jumps in playing some base. Last night, prior to the announcement, it was the Motor City Madman himself, Ted Nugent, who rocked the crowd with one of my favorites.

Here is Terrible Ted with a charter 1977 hit of his, with Cat Scratch Fever performing our Sunday Night Song live with Mike Huckabee. Enjoy!

A Real Trump Card

In the real estate business myself, I have been a longtime fan of Donald Trump, admiring his work as a real estate developer. Although I am not to be considered a reality television viewer, I have enjoyed several episodes of Trump's The Apprentice on NBC. I met him seemingly in passing in Trump Tower in 1998, and he seemed like a nice guy and I enjoy listening to interviews with him as he is guy who speaks his mind.

Over the years, I have not been on par with Trump politically, particularly on the subject of the Iraq war. Trump thinks it was a horrible decision to engage Iraq, and due to that his opinion of George W. Bush is quite low. I completely disagree with those assessments.

Recently, Trump has labeled President Barack Obama as the worst in our history, which Trump says has forced him into considering a run for the White House himself. Conservative is how Trump labels himself, and therefore if he runs he will do so as a Republican.

His potential entrance into the political arena has already paid dividends. Outside of Trump tackling topics many run from, most notably China, he took on the birth certificate fiasco head on and low and behold, it finally appeared. For reasons like this, I welcomed his entrance into the fire.

Although it has seemingly tailed off this week, recent polling had Trump near or at the top of the leaderboard of GOP hopefuls for 2012. Common sense rhetoric is the vehicle Trump has used to gain these lofty poll numbers.

Many think this is a publicity stunt, and given Trump, who could argue. We will soon find out.

If Trump does run, he could play a real trump card.

Given his middle of the road stances on many issues and his dovish positions on middle east conflict, he will have great difficulty winning the GOP primary against a long list of strong candidates. Should Trump lose the GOP primary, he has ruled out an independent run, as he indicates this would likely hand the presidency to Obama, something he says would be catastrophic, and boy howdy do I agree.

Trump loves America no doubt, and he hates to see us in the weakened state we currently find ourselves in. Trump should seize the day, change his political affiliation to Democrat and challenge Obama in the Democratic primary. Trump could win that race fairly easily, slamming the charlatan on wide ranging issues from business economics to American spirit.

The Progressives have completely taken over the Democratic party, although this may be news to many in that group. I know there are many conservative Democrats who do not like the current direction of their party and would welcome a "Scoop Jackson" type Democrat to consider. In a primary, Trump could engage Obama directly, and I think this would be great fun.

This move would be fantastic theater and great for America, and it would give Trump the chance to speak in familiar tongue: You're fired!

Do it Donald; pull a real trump card!

Raising Cain

Last Thursday night, the GOP held their first 2012 presidential debate and gave America a glimpse of what cold be considered the second tier as many of the estimated front runners skipped the event.

The evening provided an opportunity for someone to emerge, as has happened in years past. Quite a bit of money was placed on Tim Pawlenty, the former Governor of Minnesota, while many others just knew former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum would stand tall. Texas Congressman Ron Paul has a strong following, as we all know.

Unless you got the fever from examining a dark horse for he weekends upcoming Kentucky Derby, you may not have considered Georgia businessman Herman Cain might steal the show.

Although the other candidates held steady, it was Herman Cain that positioned himself as a candidate that could move up to the first team. Cain, a former military man who began his business career at Coca Cola, has had quite a distinguished career as the former CEO of Godfathers Pizza, Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and a position on the board of directors of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank.

Cain spoke common sense, something America is clamoring for. I think America wants to eject from the tainted political process with an outsider who is free to run the country like an efficient business. This was evident in the overwhelming reaction by a Frank Luntz focus group, who came away in full support of Cain. The Wall Street Journal came away impressed also.

Recently, at the Tax Day TEA Party in Orlando, Cain was the headline speaker, and I quite like him. I am not sure if he can win the GOP nomination, but given the way Republicans give away the minority vote, Cain could give the GOP opportunities it could only dream of. Employing the business background Cains brings to the table, I think in this plain spoken Georgian you may have just met the GOP VP candidate for 2012.

Did you miss Cain dominate the debate? Take a listen as Cain recaps the evening in a discussion with CNBC's Larry Kudlow.



Cain is expected to formally announce his candidacy on May 21, 2011.

Sunday Night Song

Tonight, a strong tune from the band Toto, who came out the gate with Hold The Line in 1978!

They are hitting the road in 2011 and I hope to try to catch them holding the line!

Victors Hailing Hot at Buckeyes

The long and winding road of lies has come to rest at the heels of well liked and successful Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel. Jerseys were sold, and little lies were apparently told, which is not good. However, the big issue at hand is that it appears Tressel knowingly played ineligible players, which is a huge problem when the NCAA comes for a visit, and they are coming.

Primarily due to the tremendous success Tressel has had at OSU, many are behind him. Many are not, including former Buckeye signal caller and ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. Those folks feel Ohio State is bigger than a successful current coach and stands above these types of transgressions, and although I do not have a dog in the hunt, I agree with them.

Should Tressel be shown the door, at this unusual time of the year for such activity, who might take over. Lost Letterman has a list.

Ohio State has been dominating arch rival Michigan for about a decade now, but with a new coach and the NCAA set to visit Columbus, some Wolverine fans are feeling chippy.

The above pictured billboard, perhaps the most clever I have seen, is found outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. Alas, the color and pageantry is alive and kicking.

Navy Seals Bin Laden Fate

Amongst the wreckage of the Twin Towers, President George W. Bush made a pledge to the American people.



"We will not tire, we will not falter, we will not fail"

President Bush led the US into military action to serve justice for the barbaric actions taken against us on September 11, 2001. While we were able to achieve great successes, including victory in Iraq, disrupting terrorist activity in Afghanistan and thwarting future attacks here at home, a significant victory continued to elude us. This would be the capture or killing of Al-Queda leader and terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden.

Seemingly a few short months after 9-11, the left in America took the battle, not to our enemies, but to President Bush for waging battle against those who will us harm. Iraq, Guantanimo Bay, intensive interrogation techniques and war for oil were just a few of the issues put forth. Thankfully, Bush is man of principle and was steadfast in resolve to get the job done.

President Obama was among the loudest mouthpieces in opposition to the foreign policies Bush subscribed to. Fortunately, for whatever reason, Obama has, while kicking and screaming, continued most of these policies. In fact, to his credit, Obama has stepped up predator drone attacks.

In a stunning turn of events, America learned late Sunday night that through US Military operations, signed off on by President Obama, Osama Bin Laden was killed.



For God and Country! Geronimo! Geronimo! Geronimo!

First, I want to thank President George W. Bush for his courageous leadership and taking the fight to the enemy, helping to gather our footing and placing the United States on offense rather than defense. God Bless You Sir.

While much time is spent on this blog hammering President Obama, and rightfully so, on this occasion I wish to congratulate him on making the bold decision to have our Special Forces dart into Pakistan and kill Osama Bin Laden. This historically profound decision will reap many rewards, but more importantly, it gives a sense of closure to much of the country that was emotionaly wounded on September 11, 2001. Thank You Sir!

Most importantly, I wish to thank our troops. The level of sacrifice these brave Men and Women have endured is incalculable. Beyond that, they exhibit extreme professionalism and are quite simply the best in the world. We can never repay them for what they have given to our country. God Bless You All!

Certainly, our Special Forces deserve to be singled out for pulling off this action with surgical precision. These special operations forces are simply the best!

This was a great day for America!

Unfortunately, the war on terror is far from over, and playing our cards right going forward is critical to continue the momentum Bin Ladens demise gives us. Certainly, our relationship with Pakistan is in turmoil as they are not happy we went in without informing them. I could not care less.

I not pleased with with giving Bin Laden a proper Muslim burial. While we treat people in a humane fashion, bowing once again to the Muslim world for protocol for this mass murderer is not a course I would have followed.

On the heels of this event, the left is seeking a coming together in the political arena. Since most Americans are not for the transformation of America, this will not happen. However, we can today be very proud that our nation remains vigilant in the face of terror.

Among the many politicizing the assassination of Osama Bin Laden is formerly repsected news woman Barbara Walters, who quipped "I would hate now to be a Republican candidate thinking of running," on ABC's The View this morning. Fellow co-host and looney left bloviator Joy Behar suggested Americans should "Skip the next election". Character counts.

The election will come. Right now, Congratulations to all involved in this historic action. Excellent job! Justice is served.

Evil Dies

Glory Day! Osama Bin Laden killed by US Military!

ROT IN HELL!

Agent Speculator

This sign, reportedly located in north Central Florida, is most telling.

Please allow a moment of digression. Elements of the left wing, under the premise of assisting those in the lower levels of economic stature to purchase a home, applied pressure to banks to lend with potential charges of false racism to lend to this group of individuals. Certainly, you recall ACORN.

The easy money position taken by The Federal Reserve helped fuel and create an environment of easy lending to all levels of economic status. Coupled together, we all now know how catastrophic this series of moves was.

In response to the crash, the FED balance sheet has been expanded to allow for banks to reset. Initially, public thought was that the banks would lend this money out to the public to help restart the economy. Instead, banks have been hording the money.

Are the banks still trigger shy to lend to the small businesses and individuals that make up most of the economic growth in the community? Given the economic environment created by this administration, one which seemingly encourages people to escape their financial obligations, I would be.

Are banks not convinced of the stability of the underlying value of the collateral used to secure loans, such as real estate? I am.

Are banks saving up because they see what lies ahead in the future, which is the possibility of another crash. Could be, as a double dip recession is already underway and we can see bubbles in several areas, such as gold and silver.

If I had all the answers, I would be floating around on my Hatteras in the Bahamas.

Currently, the dollar is at near term low. One of the four pillars of Reaganomics was sound money, which includes a strong dollar, which puts our economy in prime position to function at high levels. With oil prices pegged to the dollar, a weak dollar is one of the main reasons gas prices are soaring. Another reason is the Obama administration, who set out to investigate what role speculators are having in causing prices to rise.

If I know demand is steady at a minimum and Obama is restricting oil production, adverse to increasing our domestic supply from drilling, is assisting in creating havoc in the oil rich middle east which disrupts distribution and is placing a heavy hand of regulation on the profitable energy sector, I recognize investment opportunities.

Investors are indeed speculating on higher oil costs. The way to derail the speculators is for the policies regarding oil to change, and that would heave to come from the very folks investigating potential speculation.

Recently, China has been decreasing bond purchases from the US and selling at a discounted rate, as the Chinese are not confident they will get paid what they are owed. This action devalues our economy, as does our government using quantitative easing (printing money) as stimulus.

High levels of inflation has already arrived in some areas (food), but will become an all encompassing issue in the coming years. The FED will work to quickly offset the inflationary pressure by restricting the money supply, which should include a rise in interest rates.

What will the playing field look like when this starts happening. Will the gold bubble burst. Will the much talked about municipal bond crash become a reality? Where will investors run to?

Perhaps the answer is Real Estate, a tangible investment which as adjusted has historically low prices. Due to high levels of vacant units nationwide and new home construction nil, a reset is not expected until about 2016.

If it does come full circle, I hear Exxon-Mobil is entering the home financing business. Just call me Agent Speculator!

Sunday Night Song

Been thinking about the matter of trust this week, most notably the wreckless distortion of the truth by the administration and its mouthpieces (1).

Artist Billy Joel played a benefit for the campaign of Barack Obama, who should be approaching a moment of truth with a rapidly growing number of Americans recognizing the whole situation with him was wrong.

So, tonight, from the album The Bridge, the Sunday Night Song is Billy Joel's A Matter of Trust. The video if from an appearance on David Letterman in 1987.