China ridicules our deficit spending

It's pretty sad when a Communist country has to lecture you on common sense economics, but that's what we deserve.  Obama needs China onboard to continue to bankroll our excess ridiculous spending, but even they are realizing that this Administration is made up of a bunch of morons, who are trying to spend our way out of debt.

US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner was loudly laughed at earlier this year by an audience of Chinese students after insisting that "China's US assets are safe."

A ten year old with $10 in his piggy-bank will tell you he can't afford a $2500 bicycle, but evidently we have an administration that cannot grasp this concept.  We already owe almost $800 billion to China, and now we want them to give us more?  So we can create more political payoffs to unions and Government workers, and massive spending programs that don't work?  I can't wait for 2010, so we can get a jump on getting these people out of office.  To my liberal friends: New Jersey and Virginia were just the beginning of a movement that will sweep your elitists out of office. 

A message to the man who compares himself to Lincoln

Since this narcissist President compares himself to Lincoln (I'm sure in his mind that Lincoln pales in comparison), I think it's time that he start to explore the writings of his hero.  He will find out that there is no comparison at all.  Here's a quote from Lincoln I would like to send him:

You  cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot  strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring  about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and  independence.

You cannot help people permanently by doing for  them, what they could and should do for  themselves.

                                                                               ......Abraham Lincoln 

 Mr. President... read up!

American Music Awards - A sad reflection of our culture

With most of the evening filled with characters that looked like they came out of the bar scene in Star Wars, this was another for the most part disappointing look at the mediocrity of the American Music scene. With few exceptions (Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and the re-invigorated Whitney Houston) the talent has been watered down, along with the public's expectations. 

With no music appreciation in schools, kids have no understanding of what good music is, therefore they accept what is offered to them without knowing that there's more to music than a drum groove and three chords.  The young music buying audience's lack of expertise continues to promote more of these "artists."  It's a great combo: the dumbing down of the audience, which in turn demands no more than the dumbed down talents of the performers.  Alicia Keyes (songwriter, pianist, singer) is not Stevie Wonder.  Mary J. Blige is not Aretha.  Michael Buble and Elvis Costello are not Sinatra.  Lady Gaga is not Bette Midler... and so it goes down the list.  The most amazing:  every little girl's favorite, Taylor Swift won Entertainer of the Year, with a voice that is the equivalent of some of my first year singing students.   A much-hyped number by newcomer Adam Lambert, saved for the end of the show, had him coming off like the female version of Lady Gaga! 

Last night during one number, I sadly watched six background violinists, probably with 100 combined years of training between them, being paid a few hundred dollars to accompany a poorly trained rock star making millions.

All the numbers were over-produced (to make up for the lack of talent?), with lots of scenery changes, dancers, flashing lights, and gimmicks.  While watching, I realized how grateful I was to grow up in an era where real talent was appreciated.  All these extravagant over-the-top numbers wouldn't come close to the entertainment value of Aretha, Sammy, Frank, Ella or Stevie ALONE on a stage!

The rock-star mentality is pervasive these days.  All hype, smoke and mirrors, very little substance and training... almost like the new standard for electing a President.