Mr. President, take me to your leader!

I want to know where the buck stops.

History is repeating itself. It is truly disgusting to see how the President continues to be a willing and passive subordinate to his own subordinates. It appears the President has learned nothing from reading the book by Ron “Confidence men” Suskind.

Once again he has a member of his own party, Re: Harry Reid (Iago?) making decisions exposing his lack of leadership as the President of this country. I am in favor of the President himself calling back members of the Senate to resolve the tax issue and any other issue that arises. It’s their job mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
As always,
BB

House Republicans getting heat over payroll-tax measure
Excerpt:
"I've got eight people ready to negotiate," Boehner said. "We're ready to sit down and resolve these differences. And the sooner we do it, the better off we'll be."

And
The Senate had left town Saturday with the expectation that the House would accept its two-month measure, and Senate Majority Leader Reid has said he doesn't plan to call his chamber back before it reconvenes Jan. 23.
Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/12/21/133808/house-republicans-getting-heat.html#storylink=cpy

What I don't know about Hanukah

Since Hanukah has broken forth as a holiday during the Christmas season, I am mindful I know little about it:

1. What does the official word ‘Hanukah’ mean and how does it associate with the Christmas season? Why are there different spellings?

2. I have not heard hundreds of year old songs and music celebrating Hanukah. Why? What is the most famous Hanukah song?

3. What foods are eaten at the celebration? Is the house decorated?

4. What religious services are held at synagogues? I have never seen or heard of one nor been invited.

5. Are gifts exchanged? Is there a Hanukah costume worn like the one for Santa Clause?

6. Does Toys-r-Us deliver trucks full of gifts to Jewish establishments for Hanukah? Do children have a Hanukah list like a Christmas list? Who do they send their list to?

7. Do people pack up and travel great distances to be with relatives and friends during Hanukah? Is there a movie like “Miracle on 34th Street” celebrating Hanukah?

8. Is the Jewish population really offended when you wish them “Merry Christmas?”

I wonder as I wander….
As always,
BB
P.S. I think the same above questions could be asked of Kwanza. However, I do remember reading Dr. Maulana Karenga introduced Kwanza in 1966 to counter-balance the intrusion of Hanukah into the Christmas season.

In defense of two months contracts

-Mr. Schultz is here, sir.

-Show him in.

-Hi, boss, what’s up?

-Have a seat, Ed. We’ve noticed in the past few days your commentaries on the Senate ruling for the sixty day extension of the payroll tax cuts have gotten you excited, am I right?

-Uh, yes but…

-It’s very apparent to us you favor the House passing the sixty day extension, right?

- Yes, but..

-We thought it would be nice, news worthy, if you would be a living example.

-A (gulp)….living example?

-To be more passionate, man, getting sympathy from your audience as to how you, how passionate you are about the sixty day extension of the payroll tax cuts.

-Now wait a minute…

-So we have decided to modify your contract to be negotiated every two months. Excited? Think about it man, the ratings! Let's see some enthusiasm,man, let's see some “Hallelujah” moments!

- You #$%@^! I’m calling my agent!

-He gave us his solemn promise that he would call you as soon as he could. He hasn’t called?

-You #$%@^!

-Good day, Ed. And your agent said you talk too much!

-(Buzzer) Sir, Rev. Sharpton is here and Mr. Bashir is on his way up.

As always,
BB
Obama, Boehner lock horns in payroll tax fight
Read more at:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/21/us-usa-taxes-idUSTRE7B827K20111221

Embassy Iraq: A gigantic tombstone

Today is officially the last day of the Iraq War and here is what we have in memorial:

At the State Department in Washington, Undersecretary for Management Pat Kennedy has been getting contracts and other logistics in order for the embassy.
Read more at:
http://www.npr.org/2011/12/18/143863722/with-huge-embassy-u-s-still-a-presence-in-iraq

And

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The fortress-like compound rising beside the Tigris River here will be the largest of its kind in the world, the size of Vatican City, with the population of a small town, its own defense force, self-contained power and water, and a precarious perch at the heart of Iraq’s turbulent future.
Read more at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12319798/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/t/new-us-embassy-iraq-cloaked-mystery/#.Tu34lvI0JC0

There will be big fancy shops and little boutiques; book stores, movie theaters, expensive hotels with lavish spars. There will be exquisite dinning restaurants, jewelry stores, swimming and golf; gracious accommodations for rich visitors and investors, for visiting dignitaries, their entourage and guest, all paid for and maintained by the U.S. State Department.

4,483 American soldiers. RIP. Sad.

As always
BB