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What’s Wrong with Mr. Obama?

July 6, 2014

Filed under: Management,observations,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 3:13 pm

Recently Peggy Noonan at the WSJ wondered how President Obama could have failed so badly, at least according to a recent poll.

I couldn’t help wondering what was so bad about our foreign and domestic policy.

Exactly what part of our foreign policy is a disaster?

That we did not bomb Russia for taking Crimea?
That we haven’t threatened nuclear war to support Ukraine?
That we did not send 10,000 troops back into Iraq, to fight a war that we could not win?
That we did not send another 5,000 young men and women to die in the sand so that oil companies can make more money?
That we did not solve all the problems created by British and French Imperialism over 100 years ago?
That we did not arm Al Quaeda in Syria?
That we could not convince The Palestinians not to form a united front?
That we could not force Israel to talk with people who want nothing more than their complete annihilation?
That there are few leaders in North Africa who understand how to govern?
That we did not invade Egypt to prevent a military takeover.
And the domestic mistakes include:
Refusing to negotiate with Republicans who see no problem with defaulting on our debt?
Refusing to negotiate over whether the government should be shut down?
Refusing to negotiate with Republicans who see no danger in climate change?
Refusing to negotiate with Republicans who think the earth is our garbage can and we can spoil it however we want?
Refusing to negotiate with Republicans who think it’s just fine that Walmart employees can work full time and still need food stamps?
Refusing to negotiate with Republicans who will not admit that 8 years of a GOP presidency takes at least 8 years to clean up?
Refusing to negotiate with a GOP that thinks 11 million people who now have health insurance would be better off living on the street when illness forces them to lose their home?
Refusing to negotiate with a GOP which believes the government had better not intrude into their lives by regulating guns, but that it’s OK for the government to tell a woman when she can have a baby?
No Mr. Obama is not perfect, and there are many things he has done wrong, or too slowly, but I’ll take hime any day over, Bush II, Bush I, Reagan, Ford, Nixon or Eisenhower. And by the way, if you have problems with Obama, I can’t wait to see what you do when Hillary takes over.

 

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Business is Booming in the President’s Home State

March 15, 2012

Filed under: Hawaii,Uncategorized — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:59 am

Just got back from my morning walk , while on vacation on the Big Island, so I thought I’d pen a few  random thoughts.

Traveling on United Airlines was never a great experience, but now that Continental has taken over, it’s worse. San Jose Mercury News had a nice story on the problem this week. People affected most are veteran travelers who use miles and upgrades. Not a good segment to anger since they make up most of your profits.

For my wife and I, it meant an unnecessarily late departure since gate agents had to come on to plane to sort out upgrades to First Class. Took an extra 30 minutes because the computers couldn’t deal with it. We flew coach because they only had one seat to offer. In the past we have been upgraded with no problem.

Otherwise flight was fine – no bumps. Had a nice long chat with flight attendants about what’s going on. They are not happy. But they gave us champagne because they  knew we were upset about the seating issues.

Business on the island seems to be really picking up. Mauna Lani and Orchid Hotels seem very busy. Only new business at The Shoppes is a taco stand. Juice 101, where my wife gets her smoothies etc, was booming as was grocery store, as usual.

Spoke to one local dive shop who said it’s best business has been, in three years.

Rental agents say some units are at 95% occupancy over first three months of the year. Although they are hesitant to predict summer they are optimistic. They are even considering raising rates. Tourism is up some from Japan. JAL cancelled direct flights to Kona last year, but there are three charters coming this month. Louis Vuitton at Kings Shops is happy since it’s usually their first stop. Yen is dropping, so we’ll see.

On tour at Hawaiian Vanilla Company. The owner's son explains to visitors how the orchids are grown.

Real Estate folks say the market is improving significantly. One long-term renter I spoke to said she was having trouble finding a place for next year, since so many owners were able to rent short term for more money, or were trying to sell.
Whales seem to be only mammals staying away. Saw a few this morning, but until today, they were few and far between. Locals don’t have an explanation.

Trip to Hawaiian Vanilla Company was worth the drive to the Hilo side.  Tour, which included lunch, was given by 18-year-old son of the owner, very poised. He knows his vanilla beans.Coincidentally our friends, Mike and Sallie, who live here, happened to mention the night before that they want to visit Madagascar – which is the world’s largest vanilla producer. Mexico is second.

Trade winds were pretty strong on the first two days, making the golf courses a real challenge, but they have let up a bit today. Went to the farmer’s market Tuesday. Bought bread so I’ll probably be gaining weight, despite the fact that I’ve been running on my walk.

No snow on Mauna Kea, but rain has been good this year and island residents are happy the drought has lessened at bit. Of course no, Hawaiian post would be complete without a gas price update. Yes, regular gas is approaching $5.00 per gallon.  Rent a bike.

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