You have to wonder sometimes whether or not we just really underestimate the Clinton "Machine". A few months back, Hillary Clinton had a sizable lead in polls of around 20% for voters of Pennsylvania. As time has progressed, that lead dwindled down to just a few points and even tied in some polls just as a week ago. Then comes Tuesday April 22 nd, ...she completely blew Barack Obama out of the water. Was it her campaign advisers and volunteers or was it him imploding before our eyes? Whatever it is, it's fascinating on many fronts.
Now, many of you know that I do not support Hillary Rodham Clinton or Barack Hussein Obama to be our next president. My reasons are that I do not feel that their vision for America will pull us forward economically or protect us from unforeseen circumstances home and abroad. However, I do respect them for the part they are taking in regards to our political process. I also truly enjoy watching this unique political process take place as well as watching all the trends that lead up to actual votes in primaries across the country. Some of those trends include seeing Clinton's money drying up as well as her support. Also, watching the "rock star" status of Obama take over in getting those once associated with Clinton as supporters. Now if you watched the news in the last month or so, you saw that Obama has taken some hits regarding his former pastor Rev. Wright and his assessment of voters in Pennsylvania. Disassociation from one person can hurt you in many ways but mainly it hurts in your principles if you wait too long. So, the question lingers, did Pennsylvania hurt Obama's momentum? Only time will tell.
Now, as far as momentum, Clinton may have gained some, but she is not in free sailing mode just yet. She has had her own setbacks in recent weeks. For instance, there was the much gone over "sniper fire" instance she claimed while in Bosnia, since she has rebuked by saying she misremembered her trip to the region. Also, her daughter has fielded questions about Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky when voters asked how that instance made her mom stronger. The point is, whatever day it is or week for that matter, and being under a scrutinized media microscope, the chances are greater that things will be said and over blown to greater proportions now that the presidential race is in its final stages. Both parties, candidates and all their supporters are looking for anything to make their candidate appear closer to the "average" voter.
The next test for the candidates are the states of North Carolina and Indiana. Indiana, to some appears to be an even ground for both. I'm not so sure though. Indiana has a proximity advantage for Obama, being next to his home state of Illinois. The larger, more populated areas such as Indianapolis and Gary (a short distance and somewhat suburb of Chicago) will more likely favor Obama. Whereas the more rural areas will favor Clinton. Only time will tell. Also, we must remember that the media reports are a pivotal part of this campaign. Every ounce of coverage will have an effect one way or another. Sit back, relax and get some popcorn. This could get real exciting if Clinton can pull off a few more victories.
God Bless America!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Patriots Day: A Revolutionary Holiday!
This past weekend, my wife and I , along with our daughter and some of her friends from class, including her teacher, took a trip to Massachusetts. The purpose of this trip was to witness the reenactments of the battles of Lexington and Concord. I was taken back as was many of us of the amount of people that was there for this event as well as the preparation for it and the historic reference. The events were held at Minuteman National Historic Park and is held every year the weekend leading up to Patriots Day.
What amazed me most was the amount of people that was involved in the whole process. Hundreds of people wore Colonial uniforms, British uniforms as well as other outfits for woman and infants. The purpose of this trip was to go see the Re-enactment of the first shots of the American Revolutionary War. As you know, the first shots were held at the battles of Lexington and Concord.
I was in astonishment while in the visitor center that we were only a few hundred yards away of where the first shots of the Revolutionary War rang out. We were on the same trail and terrain that Paul Revere and William Dawes had rode to warn the Colonists that "the Regulars are coming." Looking at the a memorial of where a British soldier was buried, reminds me of what it would have been like had the Colonists not stood up and fought for their rights of Freedom and Liberty. Thank God we now have those rights and I am forever grateful of our Founding Fathers and heroic Colonists.
I urge others to get the chance and to take in the events of Lexington and Concord during Patriots Day weekend. Also, you can always take a break from it and watch the Boston Red Sox play a morning game or the Boston Marathon. Regardless, there is much to be said of the historic element that we have so close to home. If we just ignore the past, we will never be able to cherish or respect what we have presently.
God Bless America!
What amazed me most was the amount of people that was involved in the whole process. Hundreds of people wore Colonial uniforms, British uniforms as well as other outfits for woman and infants. The purpose of this trip was to go see the Re-enactment of the first shots of the American Revolutionary War. As you know, the first shots were held at the battles of Lexington and Concord.
I was in astonishment while in the visitor center that we were only a few hundred yards away of where the first shots of the Revolutionary War rang out. We were on the same trail and terrain that Paul Revere and William Dawes had rode to warn the Colonists that "the Regulars are coming." Looking at the a memorial of where a British soldier was buried, reminds me of what it would have been like had the Colonists not stood up and fought for their rights of Freedom and Liberty. Thank God we now have those rights and I am forever grateful of our Founding Fathers and heroic Colonists.
I urge others to get the chance and to take in the events of Lexington and Concord during Patriots Day weekend. Also, you can always take a break from it and watch the Boston Red Sox play a morning game or the Boston Marathon. Regardless, there is much to be said of the historic element that we have so close to home. If we just ignore the past, we will never be able to cherish or respect what we have presently.
God Bless America!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Is the Economy that bad? Go Buy Some Stocks!
Well as we near the dreaded April 15th IRS tax deadline, how do we feel about the economy? I know, some of you may say that it the overall picture of the economy is that we are in a "recession" or some argue that this is actually a "depression". Whatever is going on, I'm sure we can all agree that things can get better.
Gas prices, food prices and other goods are gradually increasing, thus putting more of a burden on our families and citizens. I know my wife and I have felt some of the sting in our pockets. Heating oil and gas have hurt. Maybe it's because we bought a new truck and that F150 is sucking down the gas like a thirsty dog. Oh well, I needed it right? I think so. Regardless of the prices we pay, we still have to make sacrifices to make sure we hold our heads above water. We take turns on using the gas guzzling truck versus the other economy car. We buy store brands items instead of name brand (except Oreo's). We constantly look for the cheapest gas in the area and try not to take too many trips away from the home. Sacrifice is the name of the game.
There is also another thing we do that I feel is a better deal than it was a year ago. It may sound crazy but what the heck, we're still young. We increased our funds to our retirement accounts and stocks savings accounts. What...you ask? Well, if you haven't realized it lately, stocks are down right now, which means in MattTERMS...they are on sale! That's right, company stocks such as Merck (MRK), Pfizer (PFE), Microsoft (MSFT), and yes, even Bear Stearns (BSC), are all "on sale". Now, we know what happened to Bear Stearns and how the Fed is bailing them out, so throw that aside for now. Those other companies have great growing potential right now. For one, they all pay dividends and two, they are with-in striking distance of their 52-week low. Which means the "Blue Light Special" is on in Aisle Watt Street.
Now, I'm not a financial guru, but I do know a sale when it hits me beside the head. I know, how can stocks be considered a "sale" item? Well, the point is, if you are investing for your future, putting more money in your retirement savings or other investment portfolios, buying more stocks at a lower price only means that when the market does correct itself, the stock goes up as well as the dividend. Mind you, we only invest in proven companies, such as those in the Dow Jones 30, especially those that pay dividends. So, let the American investment spirit take over and let the fortunes begin.
God Bless America!
Gas prices, food prices and other goods are gradually increasing, thus putting more of a burden on our families and citizens. I know my wife and I have felt some of the sting in our pockets. Heating oil and gas have hurt. Maybe it's because we bought a new truck and that F150 is sucking down the gas like a thirsty dog. Oh well, I needed it right? I think so. Regardless of the prices we pay, we still have to make sacrifices to make sure we hold our heads above water. We take turns on using the gas guzzling truck versus the other economy car. We buy store brands items instead of name brand (except Oreo's). We constantly look for the cheapest gas in the area and try not to take too many trips away from the home. Sacrifice is the name of the game.
There is also another thing we do that I feel is a better deal than it was a year ago. It may sound crazy but what the heck, we're still young. We increased our funds to our retirement accounts and stocks savings accounts. What...you ask? Well, if you haven't realized it lately, stocks are down right now, which means in MattTERMS...they are on sale! That's right, company stocks such as Merck (MRK), Pfizer (PFE), Microsoft (MSFT), and yes, even Bear Stearns (BSC), are all "on sale". Now, we know what happened to Bear Stearns and how the Fed is bailing them out, so throw that aside for now. Those other companies have great growing potential right now. For one, they all pay dividends and two, they are with-in striking distance of their 52-week low. Which means the "Blue Light Special" is on in Aisle Watt Street.
Now, I'm not a financial guru, but I do know a sale when it hits me beside the head. I know, how can stocks be considered a "sale" item? Well, the point is, if you are investing for your future, putting more money in your retirement savings or other investment portfolios, buying more stocks at a lower price only means that when the market does correct itself, the stock goes up as well as the dividend. Mind you, we only invest in proven companies, such as those in the Dow Jones 30, especially those that pay dividends. So, let the American investment spirit take over and let the fortunes begin.
God Bless America!
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