Secretary of State - I'm all for Hillary Clinton for this post. Main reason is that she would be very good at it. There may be a bit of conflict but I'm sure No Drama Obama can handle it. Politically, her appointment would increase his support among women. Economically, Obama should ask Doris Kearns Goodwin for a share of the royalties from increased book sales.

Treasury Secretary - Larry Summers has been the front runner but many are worried that the Harvard thing will be a big problem. I'm inclined to believe that this problem will fade away, leaving us with the complaint that Summers is too abraive. I think that Obama can convince him to tone down. And, whenever he wants abrasive, Summers can visit Raul Emanuel in the White house.

The Puppy - A major White House decision. Once selected, there will be a question of name. If
it's a girl puppy, I would name it Hillary. Then, there's a chance that a Hillary will do as Obama says. If a boy puppy, I would expect it to grow into an attack dog and name it Raul.

homer   www.altara.blogspot.com

Admiration and outrage. I have unbounded admiration of those who, in early voting this year,have stood in line for 3, 6, or up to 10 hours in order to exercise their right to vote. They, and those who may have similar waits in the general election, demonstrate true dedication to democracy in America.

But such extreme waits are an outrage. How many are discouraged from voting by long lines, or physically unable to endure them? Here we are, supposedly the greatest democracy in the world,
placing unnecessary impediments to the exercise of the basic right of voting.

Cannot the country of the internet, google, military might, and innovation figure out how to make it easy to vote? Certainly, some of the problems come from political misfeasance, but most of them stem from indifference, inefficiency, an insufficient funding. We can employ more innovative techniques such as mail voting, internet voting, and weekend election days. But the least we can do, and must do, is provide the funds, trained personnel, and number and variety of polling locations to provide our citizens a reasonable way to exercise the basic right to vote.

homer  www.altara.blogspot.com

SUB-ROSA NEWS

Some of the News
That may be True

OBAMA BUYS WORLD SERIES TIME

Chicago. October 29, 2008. This morning, Senator Barack Obama's headquarters confirmed that the campaign had purchased the game 5 time scheduled for broadcasting after Obama's 30 minute infomercial. Campaign spokesman Reginald Smith noted that the unfounded charges by Senator McCain that Obama's broadcast would cause a delay in the start of the game played no part in the decision.

While the content to be aired in the extra time could not be revealed, campaign sources indicated that the Senator may be reading excerpts from the two books he had written.

When questioned by the media, Fox News responded with a press release. The release noted that this was not a whole game, since game 5 had been halted in the 6th inning. Besides, hardly any one was watching this series at all. In a separate release, Fox News announced that the entire conclusion of game 5 would be available on You Tube.

homer www.altara.blogspot.com

CAMPAIGN DRESSING

Big issue: McCain campaign spent $150,000 on clothes for VP nominee Sarah Palin, purchased at high end stores. Big deal. How does this differ from buying campaign signs, or installing Greek style columns? On the one hand, I'm glad to have the McCain campaign impeded by a phony issue. However, distractions such as this and the William Ayres terrorist implication and the Acorn foolishness have no place in in serious campaigns.

And, in this case, buying the clothes for Palin is clearly relevant and proper since she is mainly a campaign decoration.

PALIN FLAP

Chris Matthews and others have been bashing VP candidate Sarah Palin for her view of the role of the vice president. In response to a question from a 3rd grader, she said, among other things, that the VP is in charge of the Senate and can promote policies there that will improve our nation.

The pundits keep pointing out that, under the Constitution, the vice president's role is only to succeed the president if necessary and to preside over the Senate, voting only to break any tie.

Has no one heard of Dick Cheney? He has demonstrated that the VP job can include running the White House, monitoring the CIA, firing Justice Department lawyers, promoting the use of torture, and starting wars in the Middle East.

homer   www.altara.blogspot.com

WORLDWIDE SHORTAGE OF CAT FOOD LOOMS

The UN Committee on World Hunger reported that demand for cat food, mainly in industrialized countries, has soared, resulting in severe shortages. In the United States, supply problems and higher prices have been particularly prevalent in Florida and Arizona, but officials note that problems exist throughout the country.

Social agencies have reported that many of its senior clients are suffering from early stages of malnutrition. Complaints of price gouging have risen dramatically and several states have enacted laws and are imposing fines. The Association of Community Senior Centers has called for congressional hearings.

Several pet food manufacturers are working round the clock and all deny any unwarranted price increases.

A spokesman for AARP issued a statement that, although acknowledging that the world is overrun with too many cats, there is no truth to the rumor that it is preparing a cookbook with recipes for cooking cats.

homer   www.altara.blogspot.com

FINANCIAL CRISIS SOLUTION

Unlike prior responses to crises, the Bush administration has been making a valiant effort to solve massive financial meltdown we are facing. Although the remedies make some sense, the stock market has continued to plunge and the economy is suffering.

This weekend, the G-7 foreign ministers are meeting in Washington to address this world wide problem with a world wide solution. Based on prior experiences, prospects are not good.

The solution? Get Warren Buffet, Michael Bloomberg, and T. Boone Pickins together and do whatever they say.

homer  www.altara.blogspot.com

Questions

McCain's plan is for the government to help distressed homeowners burdened by mortgages they cannot pay.
          Is it true that the government would be paying off these mortgages at face value?

         Doesn't the rescue plan do the same thing, giving the government these mortgages, which
          have been securitized?

         So isn't  the rescue route much superior, since purchases are at a heavily discounted price?

Millions of Americans live in apartments, condos, and small homes. Most of these have living room - dining areas and small kitchens.

How in the world do these families figure out their budgets and pay their bills when they do not have a kitchen table?      

homer   www.altara.blogspot.com

MCCAIN-OBAMA DEBATE

I wouldn't bet on slime-free debate tonight. McCain has a nasty streak that may lead him to repeat the recent sleazy attacks by his campaign. Meanwhile, surrogates, Fox news, and Palin broadcast  the lies and innuendos.

Portraying Obama as a man of mystery is beyond belief. The man has written two forthright books about his life and his beliefs and political philosophy, attended two U.S. universities, served as President of the Harvard Law Review, has been in politics for over 10 years. and survived grueling primaries.

I hope that the American people will not fall for these unwarranted and unsubstantiated attacks.

homer   www.altara.blogspot.com