Manns Medium

Turn on your television to any national news channel and all you may hear is this argument about the need for security pitted against the desire for privacy or the roles of journalist versus the attention span of the public.   Each argument has its merits and each has its flaws but the one thing that each of the warring factions seem to ignore is that nether has to suffer complete defeat and a compromise is well within reach.   Stop with all of your “the world is ending” drama, step back and think and be amazed at how easily all these issues can be resolved. Case in point, first we must all be willing to re-define the definitions of these words that we wreckfully toss about as if we are auditioning from some bumper sticker.   We must look to our past not to repeat but to learn from.   With all of the intelligence being wasted on just chasing our tails, going around in circles and never solving anything, surely that intelligence could be used to once again solv...

Listening to the expert pundits and journalists on cable news, it appears that the recent attacks by President Obama on what Mitt Romney has been allowed to say is being viewed as tainting the oath of office or staining the office.   Some say that the recent vitriol regarding Rev. Wright, Food Stamp President, not an American at heart, birthers, high school and college transcripts and so much more are Tea Party backed and a “dog whistle” to those who harbor a deep resentment of the first African-American president.   I say that if that is truly the case, then the same must be said by the media as well.   Simply put, the reason behind many speaking of the whistling is that those doing the whispering are doing so without regards to the facts.   It is also combined with distortion of what really is happening but what about the media and friends of the media.   Politicians distort the truth and many viewers rely on the media to ask the questions and demand clar...

Republican National Committee (RNC) offers Political Action Committees (PACs) “access to top RNC leadership throughout the Convention and an opportunity to network with other Fortune 500 Companies and Trade Association executives,” for a fee.   The fee is “a contribution of $15,000 to join the Majority Fund for 2011 and making an additional contribution of $15,000 in 2012.”   The two year membership commitment opens PACs to access to “four credentials and two hotel rooms in Tampa.” What does that really mean and how does this prove how money has taken control of our politics and election?   It is quite safe to assume that any entity that pays this much to have access to our political representatives will eventually get something in return.   No one will pay this much and get nothing in return.   This contribution promises contributors a “Grand Majority Fund status and will be invited to attend and receive premier credentials to special events at the 2012 RNC Co...

After hearing so much about the need for a new tax system and a few unconventional plans like the “999” plan   or the choice of a flat 20% and staying with the current system, I decided that I would give it a shot.     With the reduction in the brackets, standard deductions, estate taxes and the elimination of the alternative minimum tax, I think this plan has something for everyone.   Information from Government Spending in the United States retrieved from www.usgovernmentspending.com , says that the normal federal expenditures is 6 trillion dollars divided as 18% for Healthcare, 15% for Education, 12% for Welfare, 16% for Pensions, 15% for Defense and 24% Discretionary/Remainder.   I have taken this 6 trillion dollar number to use in my calculations and attempting to reach this number in my tax reform plan.   It was also important to take a look at what is reported to be the current breakdown regarding revenue.   This information was retrieved...

Some reporters, commentators and journalist have been stuck on the premise regarding how long it will take to bury Libya’s deceased dictator.   Like many leading stories, the need for drama is great so they play it up as something that could have grave consequences not only for Libya but for the United States.   It appears that our news media has been infected by the Hollywood Bug. Mommar Khaddafy’s body is reportedly still in Misrata and is laid out for those who wish to see his life-less body.   The freezer, where the body is supposed to be, may feel cold to many but to those who have endured Khaddafy’s wrath for 42 years, it’s as warm as the summer sun.   Khaddafy’s body should remain there as long as there are people lined up to see it because they deserve this closure.   The rebels are attempting to make sure that the people of Libya can close this chapter of their lives and go on without worrying that he still exists.   These citizens began this ...

Mitt Romney has a well-earned reputation as a “flip-flopper” and one of the lessons learned from those currently in Congress and our former presidents is this nation cannot afford another politician who does not have a consistent position on the issues facing this nation.   There is plenty of documented and recorded proof of how Mr. Romney will tailor his position to meet the requirements of his audience and while that is a good thing when you are trying to sell a product, it should not be accepted when you are asking for the votes to place you in the White House. Now, truth be told, Mr. Romney is not the first and probably will not be the last person to demonstrate this behavior but he should be the reason why the public begins to demand better.   Some say that Mr. Cain will be given a pass for his misstatements and they use the excuse of him not being as “polished” as the others candidates.   My only question then is if that is truly the case, how could Mr. Cain be...

Got my first look at a show that I was excited to hear about, UP with Chris Hayes.   I had listened to him comment on other shows and really liked the way he made thoughtful arguments.   I also liked the way he would hold people’s feet to fire when he interviewed them, asking all the questions that is worthy of being asked and others avoid asking.   I was a little disappointed when I watched today.   His guests were Maggie Haberman from Politico, William Cohen of Vanity Fair, Rinku Sen of Colorlines.com and Reihan Salam of The Daily.com.   The style of debate on the show was refreshing and the time Chris gave others to respond was great.   Each made valid points when it was their time to debate but the one flaw was when they made statements which I thought deserved more explanation, Chris failed to ask or inquire more.   In an effort of being totally fair, those on the panel never pushed the other to explain more in detail either. William Cohe...