I can't stand the suspense! After all this time for the Plame Affair to finally take its place as a possible giant killer, we have to wait for the most *#^! leak-proof prosecutor the Beltway has ever seen, to indicate whether and whose, heads are going to roll.
I have this ugly feeling that, after stewing all the possible perps mercilessly, Fitzpatrick will now ask for a 2 month extension. Aarrgghhh!
I can also easily imagine, after a request for thousands of frighteningly pertinent documents, he's quietly call the stricken defense attorneys and whisper, "The game's changed. In DC, the worms are turning. You have work to do. Come back to life and decency, or else your client might end up with life, indecently." We can hope to hear the flip flip, flip of defendants turning states evidence.
If there were to be a delay, the collective groans and lamentations of those inside the beltway, could probably be heard from Philadelphia.
Are we even going to know anything, even after it happens? Sealed indictments. I just keep saying to myself:
Merry Fitzmas
Treason is the reason for the season.
The reason WalMart wants Conrgess to raise the minimum wage:
Of all Scott's commitments, the one that does merit belief is his out-of-the-blue declaration of support for a higher minimum wage. For Wal-Mart is bumping up against a serious problem at least partly of its own making: Because it pitches its products to a disproportionately low-income clientele, its revenue rises and falls with the fortunes of the lower end of the American working class.
Posted by ann at October 26, 2005 08:11 AMMore on WalMart and how they hope to lower employee compensation expenses:
Not a good article to see in the paper when you're trying to improve your coporate image. Just another typical buisness: what's good for the company will definitely screw the employees.
Posted by ann at October 26, 2005 08:15 AMann, Not only that, from a CNN article this morning about Wal-Mart, "in an internal memo discouraging unhealthy people from seeking jobs".
They certainly know where to make profits and where to eliminate overhead!
That reaching out to the people for bad publicity kinda backfired, heh?
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 08:23 AMFolks, that Wal-Mart memo should be read. That thing is a disgusting rag that should be photocopied and left in the aisles and carts of every Wal-Mart Supercenter in the country.
Posted by idiosynchronic at October 26, 2005 08:25 AMmeant "good" publicity, but you beat me to it anyway!
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 08:26 AMSpeaking of getting back to the "people's priorities".
Will congress and the White House let VA benefits for the soldiers be cut? Additionally, there are still backlogs for claims? This is how we support our troops, right America?
I suggest we get Bendito, muckdog, j.west, Cyber Sarge, Bagley and for them to get 5 of their wingnut friends to volunteer at a VA hospital. After they see what I see, maybe they might just have a different idea about "staying the course"!!
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 08:38 AMNews reports are saying no indictments today and Fitzgerald might get an extension. *sigh*
Posted by CG at October 26, 2005 08:57 AMGood things come to those who wait. It sucks, but it's true.
Posted by tempus at October 26, 2005 09:04 AMOh, and also heard on the news that the White House is already planning it's attacks on Fitzgerald if anyone significant is indicted. If no one's indicted of course, they'll praise him to the high heavens as being diligent and honest and not finding anything.
Posted by CG at October 26, 2005 09:18 AMWell, while you're railing against WMT, take a look at what Northwest is doing... Northwest targets flight attendants for outsourcing.
Not only is the airline asking the flight attendants for 17% pay cuts, it is proposing to have 75% of its flights across the Atlantic and Pacific and all of its flights between Amsterdam and India staffed by "regional flight attendants" who aren't currently members of the Professional Flight Attendants Association union.
So, here's the one-word reality: GLOBALIZATION.
Pay off your debts and save as much as possible. That's my tip. Globalization is going to affect us all. And unless you have some specialized skill set, I wouldn't expect your wages/benefits to be rising anytime soon.
Posted by muckdog at October 26, 2005 09:27 AMMuck - you have an autographed copy of The World Is Flat next to your pillow, don't you?
Posted by idiosynchronic at October 26, 2005 09:36 AMmuck, That's the reason the Union's separated from the AFL-CIO this year. They understand we have to fight "globaliztion" on massive worldwide scale. Give it time it will catch up to the corporations!
Thanks for the tip, BTW. Are you sure your a Republican?
Sorry about those Astros! Lose any money?
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 09:39 AMWhite Sox, all the way, bbtb. Even Olbermann is predicting a sweep.
Posted by ann at October 26, 2005 09:46 AMcould care less about baseball, but chicago sweeps houston? that would augur well.
Posted by benjoya at October 26, 2005 10:05 AMIn a sign that things are truly changing in America. Clear Channels profits dropped 21%! Couldn't happen to nicer people, right muck!!
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 10:07 AMMuckdog,
Thanks for tip on Northwest – I may just start flying them again.
Being old enough to have caught the last of the glory days of flying, I still long to have it as it once was. Pleasant young attractive stewardesses who took pride in good service as opposed to the fat, old, surly union hacks that take up valuable space on the flights now.
ann & Judith, I almost responded to him! Aren't you proud of me!
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 10:51 AMbbtb: Welcome to the club. I'm in the doghouse with Judith and Ann as well.
Posted by tempus at October 26, 2005 11:25 AMbbtb and Tempus, I am very proud of you both. A little discipline never hurt anyone. Just keep saying 20%, 20%, 20%, only 20%.
Posted by Judith at October 26, 2005 11:43 AMJudith:
You are absolutely right. JFK would never take some of the cheap shots I do. There is no excuse.
Posted by tempus at October 26, 2005 11:57 AMYou think union members gathering in front of office buildings, wearing purple shirts and walking around in circles shouting "2-4-6-8, we just want a decent rate" is going to to offset cheaper labor overseas?
Companies aren't falling for it. Look at what's going on.
All I'm suggesting, is to take a longer term view of what is happening. In the short term, the markets may be up and you may be making decent money.
Now is probably a good time for everyone to pay off debt, don't run up any more debt, and save as much as possible. You never know when it'll be your turn to have your salary whacked to $10/hr. Be prepared.
When times are good, prepare for the bad times.
(Pretend you live in Pittsburgh. 46 weeks of horrible weather and 6 weeks to recover and prepare for the next winter!)
Posted by muckdog at October 26, 2005 12:04 PMTempus, you do JFK proud. You are right, he would never have lowered his integrity.
Posted by Judith at October 26, 2005 12:09 PMHey, u.jest! You're just a big ol' poopy-head!
heh.
Mucky, you predicting a depression? or just hoping?
Posted by iamcoyote at October 26, 2005 12:35 PMJudith:
Can I still poke fun occasionally?
Posted by tempus at October 26, 2005 12:36 PM*moans off the floor*
I do it all th' Thempushhhh . .
Oh, heyyyyyy, msh friend wesht is awake again!
You know, wesh . . i don't think that was a cute little airline attendant you scored with in cleav'land. She had too much hair. i've never seen hair there . .
here, let me have a nothoer of thoshe . .
*passes out again*
Posted by idiosynchronic at October 26, 2005 12:57 PMI'm not predicting a depression. I just think that there are lots of business models in this country that aren't working, and that companies will make adjustments. People will be fine, as long as they spend and invest wisely.
Posted by muckdog at October 26, 2005 01:11 PMGosh, idio, we just can't take you anywhere!
Posted by iamcoyote at October 26, 2005 01:11 PMSeems Al Franken is gonna be signing books at the Union Square Barnes & Noble tonight. Think I'll stop by and get my copy signed. (Assuming they'll let him sign copies not purchased at B&N.)
Posted by Tim at October 26, 2005 01:48 PMWhat can unions do? How about this:
It was announced today that the President will overturn his Gulf Coast wage cut on November 8. This was a direct result of intense pressure from Democrats and labor and religious leaders.
I might add that it's sort of pathetic that it took the involvement of religious leaders with a WH that's so religion-crazy.
Posted by ann at October 26, 2005 01:48 PMann, You know when it attacks their coffers, they are going to be pissed!
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 01:51 PMI agree with muckdog on one thing- that unless you have a unique skillset, you could be in trouble. But I don't think it's just from the threat of globalization.
The in-house Wal-mart memo made the comparison of the productivity of employees with seven years of seniority vs. those with one year. While being paid more, the seven year employees were no more productive. That same scenario can be, and is, played out in almost every corporation with higher paid senior employees replaced with lower paid, younger counterparts. So long as there is a void of morality in business, in which employees are no more valued than any other fixture in the business, we are all threatened from more than just globalization unless we have unique skillsets.
I'll also add to the failing business models statement. One thing common among the failings of several of the big companies is the cost of healthcare. GM, Ford, and Wal-Mart can't get profits to outpace rising healthcare costs. I think this might be the one stimulus to finally get the Republican majority to take a look at a national healthcare program.
And btw, muck. Not too long ago you were saying inflation was a non-issue. Do you still stand by that?
Posted by Cosrai at October 26, 2005 02:20 PMa few days ago, one of the idiot trolls who come here bragged about how much better Jebbie Bush was handling the FLA hurricane than Gov.Blanco did in NOLA. Well, well, not so fast. Despite the fact that the hurricane passed over FLA days ago, millions are still without electricity, food, water and gasoline. Complaints about slow response are growing and so is looting....Looks like the only difference is that there is no levee in Miami.
Posted by T2 at October 26, 2005 02:34 PMAnd the "idiot troll" who said those great words of wisdom, would be...you guessed it...j.west!!
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 03:09 PM
Being old enough to have caught the last of the glory days of flying, I still long to have it as it once was. Pleasant young attractive stewardesses who took pride in good service as opposed to the fat, old, surly union hacks that take up valuable space on the flights now.
No, unions aren't the cause of the demise of the airline industry, deregulation of a natural monopoly is. You can think your own party, plus some complicit Democrats, for this.
Posted by rlp at October 26, 2005 03:19 PMTempus, well okay. Just as long as it isn't serious conversation, but making fun of the subject, then it is permissible.
Posted by Judith at October 26, 2005 03:50 PMNo, unions aren't the cause of the demise of the airline industry, deregulation of a natural monopoly is. You can think your own party, plus some complicit Democrats, for this.
Posted by rlp at October 26, 2005 03:19 PM
Rip, wasn't it little Ronnie (you know, the Ronnie the media turned into a Saint) that helped deregulate the industry?
Pay off your debts and save as much as possible. That's my tip. Globalization is going to affect us all. And unless you have some specialized skill set, I wouldn't expect your wages/benefits to be rising anytime soon.
Muck is, well...right. The U.S. empire's days in the sun are numbered--and the number is small.
idio, drop me a line, wouldja?
Posted by dj moonbat at October 26, 2005 04:01 PMGreat article at, www.americanprogress.org, "Middle Class at Risk". Maybe someone will do an article on it.
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 04:04 PMI'm just wondering what skill set Drownie has that justifies his contract extention . . .
Posted by dorita at October 26, 2005 04:27 PMI've heard that "cronyism" is one of the best skills to have!!
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 04:31 PM"... a natural monopoly...."
Please define: what is a "natural monopoly?"
Posted by Bagley at October 26, 2005 04:34 PMIt's where you sit around in the nude playing monopoly!
Posted by bbtb at October 26, 2005 04:39 PM"It's where you sit around in the nude playing monopoly!"
Outstanding! A really good chuckle from that one.
Posted by Bagley at October 26, 2005 05:01 PMMuck is, well...right.
Of course he is, "neither a borrower, nor lender be" is good advice. It is hard, however, for some folks to "invest" when they live paycheck to paycheck.
I'm just wondering what skill set Drownie has that justifies his contract extention . . .
Good one, dorita. Wish I'd thought of it!
Posted by iamcoyote at October 26, 2005 05:25 PMThis administration is so corrupt, most of us know that! But the rest of our government is as bad. The laws that have come out of those crooks in powers have demonstrated how self serving SOB”s our representatives are. Like Scott Ritter and Seymour Hersh mentioned on C-span last week was that these Asses that are put in power are re-elected because no one care enough to know what they are doing. It is so sad that we put them back and back in power time after time without looking of what they are doing. Mostly are because the people in their district are working low hour and does not have any time left. It should be a law that “WETHE PEOPLE” force our congress to have all time limits. I also believe that the Supreme Court should also have a limited time 15 years is enough. An 80 years old person does not change is mind .In 1776 there was a little numbers living that long. I also believe that the delegates system should be abolished. It was OK when you have to send to Philadelphia on Horses to get the result but today, having telephone and internet it does look crazy, especially while I saw the Ohio caucuses in 2004, that is when I realize it was out fashion and out of the 21 century. The constitution was written over 200 years ago! While all the bush nuts are happy about the Iraqi constitution pass women in Iraq rights has gone back 1000 years. The Iraqi hates us now and wants us to leave. Will it brings tranquility in that country? That is still in question.
CAN YOU IMAGINE WORKING FOR A COMPANY THAT HAS LITTLE MORE THAN 500 EMPLOYEES
AND HAS THE FOLLOWING STATISTICS:
29 Have been accused of spousal abuse
7 Have been arrested for fraud, probably 8 with the new guy
19 Have been accused of writing bad checks
117 Have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
3 Have done time for assault
71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
14 Have been arrested on drug-related causes
8 Have been arrested for shoplifting
21 are currently defendants in law suits
84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last few years
Can you guess who this organization is?
Give up yet??
It's the 535 members of the United States Congress. The same group that crank out hundreds of laws each year designed to KEEP THE REST OF US IN LINE...ha.
Meet Al Franken at his book signing in NYC tonight. First time seeing him in person. Pretty cool. Very funny at times. Very serious at others. He read from his book "The Truth (with jokes)". Read a chapter that deals with religion via the death of his father and he got very emotional. It was intersting. He is very genuine when he speaks. Very passionate. Even though he deals with a lot of stuff through humor he knows his stuff. He has great delivery.
Took questions. Second guy asked how Al could complain about 2000 dead American service members and not about Saddam killing 200,000 Iraqis. Al corrected him and pointed out that Saddam killed more like 300,000 Iraqis. He spent more time answering this guy than answering any supporter. Audience booed the guy briefly. Al hushed everyone and continued.
Got my copy of his book signed. Shook his hand and aked him who he liked for the 2008 nomination. He thought for a second and responded Obama and Spitzer. Not quite sure what to make of that.
Anyway it was very good. And funny.
Posted by Tim at October 26, 2005 08:00 PMbagley,
Natural monopoly , not the home game, LOL, the economic version. (Though I guess it's possible to lose your shirt either way!)
Judith,
Good point. It was during Reagan's presidency that de-regulation went beyond competitive industries like trucking where it did good by encouraging lower prices and into natural monopolies like railroads, telecommunications and airlines where it has been a disaster.
Posted by rlp at October 26, 2005 08:04 PMinto natural monopolies like railroads, telecommunications and airlines where it has been a disaster.
you left out energy. electric deregulation has brought us much higher rates, to say nothing about enron or the '03 blackouts
Posted by benjoya at October 26, 2005 08:34 PMbenjoya,
Yep, energy is and will be a painful example for a long time. When I was posting the above, I felt like I was leaving out a good example, I'm going to blame it on a stressful week at work. I guess I would lose one piece of clothing if we were playing some kind of cross between strip poker and natural monopoly. : )
Posted by rlp at October 26, 2005 09:52 PMGive it time it will catch up to the corporations!
This comment from above concerning globalization ignores the clear evidence of the airline industry (as mentioned above) and the automotive industry (not covered in this thread) already being caught up in the effects of globalization.
It doesn't stop with consumer goods. I have an article that I hope to work into a future post concerning NBA basketball stars from China - Yao Ming and others - being forced to play for the China National team during their off-season time. This is affecting the quality of their output - something that affects everything globalization touches.
Now is probably a good time for everyone to pay off debt, don't run up any more debt, and save as much as possible. You never know when it'll be your turn to have your salary whacked to $10/hr. Be prepared.
We often blast muckdog for his cheery economic outlooks, but I have to agree with his assessment of the fate awaiting those who work for a living. I have been advising my Good Orange County (CA) Republican coworkers of this for a couple of years now, and only recently are a few of them taking me seriously.
Economic conditions in this country being what they are, I fail to see how we are going to pull away from the depression that is coming, especially when King George's fiscal mi$management is going to be enhanced by the actions of the foreign nations which hold our debt notes. The only way a country can repay such a debt load is to take it out of their workers. Read Confessions of an Economic Hit Man (link available on the main page) and see the future of America written by a man who imposed such conditions on other nations in the past for America's benefit.
What goes around will come around.
Posted by pessimist at October 27, 2005 06:12 AMpessimist, On the comment, "Give it time it will catch up to the corporations", I was referring to the Union's who split this year from the AFL-CIO.
The Teamsters and others realize that globalization is a force to be reckoned with. It will take them years to catch up worldwide. The AFL-CIO wanted to stick with the status quo and not question what was happening worldwide. Unfortunately, people involved with and support Unions worldwide are dying at a record pace. It's the same old intimidation line from years ago, but this will backfire on corporations. The determination of the people to contest corporations will eventually win out.
If you need some Union links let me know.