I’m just looking back over some of the political comments in the last 2 weeks and it’s amazing how much the selection of Gov. Sarah Palin has affected the Democratic Party. You would think someone hit them all with a taser. They are acting like a chicken without a head.

I mean there is the comment by South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Fowler. Now I imagine Chairwoman Fowler is no fool, having achieved her position because she is intelligent and capable. Yrt she presents none of these qualitiues when she said Sen. John McCain chose a running mate

"whose primary qualification seems to be that she hasn't had an abortion."

If that is eloquent or insightful I can’t imagine how. And the Democratic response to the obvious outrage was less than inspiring as well. First they noted that this was an independent statement not made on behalf of Senator Obama. Then Chairwoman Fowler apologized with

“I personally admire and respect the difficult choices that women make every day, and I apologize to anyone who finds my comment offensive. I clumsily was making a point about people in South Carolina who may vote based on a single issue.”

If the comment was merely clumsy, then this half-hearted apology must be off-balanced. Because it’s obvious that Fowler does not respect a woman that chose to give birth to a baby that is less than perfect, or that has risen through the political jungle to become a Govenor of a State. Perhaps it’s because Gov. Palin is a mother of 5 that does not believe what Fowler believes, seemingly a sin among many Democrats.

But let’s not think that only women in the Democratic Party are off-kilter when it comes to Palin, or Senator Obama for that matter. Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen was more than ready to jump off the deep end with his comment.

“Barack Obama was a community organizer like Jesus, who our minister prayed about. Pontius Pilate was a governor.”

What is that supposed to mean? I respect Senator Obama, though I disagree with his ideals, but you really need to explain to me how he is God-like any more than any other human being. I mean Gandhi could be compared to Jesus in some ways, Mother Theresa could have been compared to Mary as well but Obama? Beyond being a great speaker in front of large crowds what else is there?

And to compare Palin to Pilate makes no sense. I mean her name starts with a “p” and beyond that I don’t get it. Does that mean that America is the Roman Empire, since that was the government Pilate worked in? Would Rep. Cohen agree with that? Following that analogy would Senator Biden be Judas since he has publicly denied Obama’s ability to lead the nation and no works for Obama? Would Senator Clinton be Doubting Thomas? Would the Clinton Democrats be the crowd that condemns Jesus to crucifixion?

If we are going to follow the analogy then let’s follow the whole thing. And I doubt any Democrat would be happy with those comments. But where is the Democratic Party denouncing this? So perhaps they do agree and thus they must agree with its further conclusions as well.

Honestly, since Gov. Palin has been named the Vice Presidential candidate of Senator John McCain the Democrats have been abluster. They are failing to stay on the important issues facing America. They are failing to show how their divided Party is better or how the deep divisions in their Executive candidates are a better remedy to the nations problems than the cohesive Republican candidates.

All political candidates are flawed, and they all are human. To address their failures and mistakes is fair game. But to raise any candidate up to ridiculous comparisons to religious figures, to ignore serious political factors which are the basis of why they are running is beyond stupid.

We are electing a President, not seeking to create a new religion. We are seeking to vote for a political Administration, not a best friend or exact mirror of ourselves. Perhaps if Chairwoman Fowler and Rep. Cohen can remember these simple things they can help Senator Obama. Yet I have to question what they think an Obama Administration would really bring the nation.

Labels: Carol Fowler, Democratic Party, election coverage, Gov. Sarah Palin, Rep. Steve Cohen, Senator Barack Obama, South Carolina, Tennessee

Now some may be wondering why I haven’t commented recently on the big news item that is racing across the media right now. The comment is the rage among pundits and political commentators.



I haven’t said anything about this because it is stupid. Senator Obama was not speaking about Gov. Sarah Palin. To do so would invite women voters to jump on the McCain - Palin ticket. To do so would be a strike against women’s rights and so many other factors.

When I first heard this comment I asked a woman I know what she thought of it. She was reminded of an old saying. She did not see any connection to Palin. And in the context of the full comment, not the polispeak edited version the media needs to drive up ratings, you can see that this opinion is the only real response.

This is not worth the time I have given it so far. It’s definitely not worth the time the pundits have dedicated to it.

What about why Gov. Palin believes drilling in ANWR is an obvious choice. How about what she believes would help our children gain an education. What about her position on the 2nd Amendment?

How about why Democrats are so busy attacking and discussing the VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, as opposed to Senator McCain. Please explain to me why the VP needs so much attention when the President is the forerunner of policy. Senator Obama isn’t up against Gov. Palin, and lucky for him as he would be losing hands down right now.

In 2 weeks the Democrats have forgotten that the VP does not make the final decision. And Senator Biden has all but disappeared – though he is the one best positioned to take on his rival. But the fact is that Democrats fear Gov. Palin. It’s not a debatable question, it’s a fact that has filled the news and blogs.

So the question is not if Obama can be taken out of context by a media looking for the next ratings grab. The question is can Obama not be distracted and address the issues that America will be voting on.

That’s why I’ve been quiet the last couple of days.

Labels: anwr, election coverage, Gov. Sarah Palin, major news media, Polispeak, Senator Obama, Vice Presidential candidate

As I recall, back in December I spoke about the chance of the Dow Jones hitting 11,000. It was roughly the same time that I mentioned my targets for the price of oil (initially 110 and then upped to 125). So far one has exceeded my expectations the other is probably forthcoming to a similar degree. So what else can investors expect?

Well I think the mining sector has issues that are both positive and negative. So far there is still a huge run-up in commodity prices that is keeping many companies in the black that otherwise wouldn’t. Anglo Platinum out of South Africa is one such example though there are others. But this run up won’t last too much longer.

One of the main factors helping many mining companies has been the fact that supply has been cut. Energy shortages, most notably in South Africa but also in North America and Chile, forced supply down artificially helping to boost prices. But that is a problem that has been in the works of being fixed since the 1st quarter. Once it is done supply will rise to meet the growing demand and be a signal for profit taking.

Another factor to consider it the American economy. Mining companies eked out a mere .2 percent profit so far this year, though only one other group in the S&P 500 also held a profit. As costs for fuel continue to rise that profit margin is evaporating. Add in a decrease in demand due to cut-backs, and then an increase in supply and you have strong sell signals.

Of course there are still companies in the group that have room for these problems like Marathon Oil and Newmont Mining Corp. Marathon is only trading around 7.5x earnings and Newmont was the 9th best stock on the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Gold & Silver Index. Some analysts like Brian Barish of Cambiar feel they have not caught up to the surging resource prices and thus are worth owning.

So what is the net result? It’s no easy answer but since I expect a run up in heating oil and crude oil prices as the 3rd and 4th quarters hit, plus a continued bear market in the U.S. driving Gold and precious metals, my belief is that mining stocks will outperform most markets into the 2nd quarter of 2009.

Now that doesn’t mean profit, nor does it mean that other factors like who wins the U.S. Presidential race won’t affect the final results. But I think the odds are likely to favor all the mining stocks even if their books aren’t perfect. Its food for thought, take it as you will.

Labels: American economy, Anglo Platinum, Brian Barish, Dow Jones, election coverage, Marathon Oil, mining stocks, Newmont Mining Corp, Philadelphia Stock Exchange, S and P 500, South Africa

The Presidential election is an import even in America. The up-coming 2008 election is even more important than most in my opinion. Readers of my political commentary at VASS are familiar with the fact that I believe this is a crucial point in the future of America.

Given this belief, I have followed and commented on various aspects of the Presidential candidates, the issues, my observations of average people discussing their concerns, and the truth that is often shaded or avoided by pundits, media and the candidates. Since 2006 I have dedicated an extreme amount of time trying to stay abreast of all the most relevant issues and news. More importantly I have tried to be neutral in my coverage of all of my posts.

But that is not enough.

My comments and observations are meant to provoke thought and inspire those readers that have not voted to be involved. I do not question the reason for anyone to not have voted before, or for some time. I do not question the choice anyone might make for President. I respect everyone’s ability to go into the voting booth and choose whomever they wish, and for whatever reason.

But considering that this up coming election will be so critical on a multitude of issues that will affect every American directly for the next decade at least, I feel more is needed. Again, I am not asking anyone to choose what I believe. In fact I have yet to endorse ANY candidate. But I implore you to be involved and to vote.

I truly believe that it is thru your vote, that America will be able to pick the best choice for the nation and our collective future. Anything less will leave us all with a leader of the free world that is lees than what is needed. With what is at risk in the next 10 years that is too dangerous to ignore.

So I will be taking further steps to get American citizens to vote. Again, I’m not asking anyone to pick a side that I believe. Just to vote for what YOU believe.

To that end, I have created a line of 61 consumer products that emphasize the importance of our votes. You can see a few of the products here, and each one will link you to my online store where you can see the full product line.

Be proud, stand up and be counted. Don’t sell your vote, or allow it to be bamboozled from you. Show that pride and interest in the greatest good for America with the various t-shirts, mouse pads, mugs, kids clothing, pet cover, aprons, magnets, stickers and so much more.

And don’t think this is the only thing I will be doing. There is much more planned, and already a few other bloggers have voiced their support and interest. I will be going for the support of several institutions as well. I plan to work towards increasing the number of voters, because when all of America acts together we do the best things for our nation and the world.

Keep an eye out for press releases and events coming soon. And they will continue all the way up til the votes are all counted and the winner announced.

And if you like what you see spread the word, display the products, and remind people that the difference in the last several elections was a mere handful of Americans. Your vote counts and it can make a huge difference.

Labels: 2008 election, Democratic Party, election coverage, online gifts, political stickers, political t-shirts, Presidential candidates, presidential election, Republican Party, That's why I vote