Luke_Wilbur

Bill Burr is one funny guy. Check him out at Improv.

It is funny how before this crisis, the dollar and the yen were weak against most of the currencies in the world. Now this situation has flipped, because investors have pulled out of foreign emerging economies. http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/reo/reorepts.aspx This above link discuss recent economic developments and prospects for countries in various regions.

A Presidential Debate will be held TOMORROW OCTOBER 23RD, 2008 in Washington, DC. Constitution Party candidate Chuck Baldwin and Independent candidate Ralph Nader are confirmed to attend. All six candidates with the possibility of attaining 270 electoral votes are invited to participate. Location: Colonial Room of the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20036. Time: Debate to be held from 9:00pm-10:30pm, Doors open 8:15pm Ticketing and Media Information For the General Public: Tickets are on sale now for the Presidential Debate to be held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel Colonial Room TOMORROW, October 23rd, 2008. Tickets can be purchased through Pay Pal® at www.Freeandequal.org. 150 Tickets are available to the general public. Limit TWO (2) tickets per credit card order. Photo ID MUST be presented at the door for entry. (NO EXCEPTIONS) For the Media: Apply for press credentials by submitting a request to: media@freeandequal.org Include your name, organization, and total number of credentials needed. Also indicate if camera or other equipment will be present. Deadline for media credential requests: 5PM WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22ed, 2008. Free and Equal makes no guarantees that every request will be accepted. The credentialing of media is at the sole discretion of Free and Equal. Those receiving credentials will be informed by 8:00pm October 22ed, 2008. Credentials may be picked up outside the venue room from 7:15pm- 8:30pm the day of the debate. Doors will open for media set-up @ 7:30pm. Questions, comments, and concerns may be directed to info@freeandequal.org.

Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2008 first quarter ended December 29, 2007. The Company posted revenue of $9.6 billion and net quarterly profit of $1.58 billion, or $1.76 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $7.1 billion and net quarterly profit of $1 billion, or $1.14 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 34.7 percent, up from 31.2 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 45 percent of the quarter’s revenue. Apple shipped 2,319,000 Macintosh computers, representing 44 percent unit growth and 47 percent revenue growth over the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 22,121,000 iPods during the quarter, representing five percent unit growth and 17 percent revenue growth over the year-ago quarter. Quarterly iPhone™ sales were 2,315,000. “We’re thrilled to report our best quarter ever, with the highest revenue and earnings in Apple’s history,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We have an incredibly strong new product pipeline for 2008, starting with MacBook Air, Mac Pro and iTunes Movie Rentals in the first two weeks.” “Apple’s revenue grew 35 percent year-over-year to $9.6 billion, an increase of almost $2.5 billion over the previous December quarter’s record-breaking results,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “Our strong results produced cash flow from operations of over $2.7 billion during the quarter, yielding an ending cash balance of over $18.4 billion. Looking ahead to the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we expect revenue of about $6.8 billion and earnings per diluted share of about $.94.” Apple will provide live streaming of its Q1 2008 financial results conference call utilizing QuickTime®, Apple’s standards-based technology for live and on-demand audio and video streaming. The live webcast will begin at 2:00 p.m. PST on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/earningsq108/ and will also be available for replay. This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company’s estimated revenue and earnings per share. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Risks and uncertainties include potential litigation and government enforcement actions that may result from the matters investigated by the special committee of the board of directors and the restatement of the Company’s consolidated financial statements; unfavorable results of legal proceedings; the effect of competitive and economic factors, and the Company’s reaction to those factors, on consumer and business buying decisions with respect to the Company’s products; war, terrorism, public health issues, and other circumstances that could disrupt supply, delivery, or demand of products; continued competitive pressures in the marketplace; the Company’s reliance on sole service providers for iPhone in the US, UK, Germany and France; the continued availability on acceptable terms of certain components and services essential to the Company’s business currently obtained by the Company from sole or limited sources; the ability of the Company to deliver to the marketplace and stimulate customer demand for new programs, products, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the effect that product transitions, changes in product pricing or mix, and/or increases in component costs could have on the Company’s gross margin; the effect that product quality problems could have on the Company’s sales and operating profits; the inventory risk associated with the Company’s need to order or commit to order product components in advance of customer orders; the effect that the Company’s dependency on manufacturing and logistics services provided by third parties may have on the quality, quantity or cost of products manufactured or services rendered; the Company’s dependency on the performance of distributors and other resellers of the Company’s products; the Company’s reliance on the availability of third-party digital content; and the potential impact of a finding that the Company has infringed on the intellectual property rights of others. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007 and its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2007 to be filed with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates. Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell is reporting that Colin Powell will be on Meet the Press Sunday to possibly endorse Barack Obama on Meet the Press. For 60 years, "Meet the Press" has featured headline-making interviews with world-leaders and U.S. newsmakers every Sunday morning on NBC. Former Secretary Powell was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held myriad command and staff positions and rose to the rank of 4-star General. His last assignment, from October 1, 1989 to September 30, 1993, was as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including Operation Desert Storm in the victorious 1991 Persian Gulf war. Send Meet the Press your question http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6872152/ Here is information on how you can watch the show. Washington, DC WRC-TV, 10:30 AM WTWP-AM-Radio, 7:00 PM

There is alot of what ifs in this Keating Republican plant conspiracy. Would not the Republican party do a better job of vetting Mr. Wurzelbacher if that was the case? It is funny how the media wastes its time on this man. There are some really serious issues that need to be confronted before the election. The most important is our economic crisis. Both candidates did a piss poor job explaining to the American people the real reason why our economy is going south. The United States has turned from a manufacturing powerhouse into a merchant service industry that is slowly being replaced by foreign competition. Countries around the world are draining the value of our currency to prop up their own economy. Once Americans have no money left to spend on their goods and services these foreign competitors will leave our nation for a better profit margin. Over the past few months I have been speaking with manufacturers accross our nation. They tell me how our main department stores that we all shop at want to purchase goods at a cheaper rate. This leaves manufacturers with little choice to either get goods made abroad or go out of business. The ones that try to stick it out have a problem finding skilled workers that will do work at competitive prices. This means American made products have to be created with less people that have to work overtime. Most manufacturers say Made in America has already left in the 90's. Some businesses have turned their facilities into museums, art galleries, and urban tenant buildings. Many more factories have been abandoned and their husks are left crumbling for townspeople to discuss the glory of former times. Politicians have been talking about retraining former workers for other jobs. That is a disgusting lie that no one really talks about. We have been brain-washed to think the government and elected officials are to blame. But, really all we have to blame is ourselves. We all have the Freedom of Choice of what to buy and live within our means. The days of endless credit are over. America's youth is our only hope. Parents, teachers, government, and the news media should inspire children to save their money and buy American made toys, sporting goods, games, etc. Teenagers should be inspired to do skilled jobs. There will be major shortage of quality machinists to fabricate our goods in the very near future. My baby is screaming, so I have to go. Take a minute to think about our future. Then look at both candidates position on our future. I am sure you will come to a good decision. And smile. We can make our country healthy if truly we believe that we are all in this together.

This was one of the most spirited debates I have watched. McCain vs. Obama fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world. Bob Schieffer of CBS did a great moderating job by pushing candidates beyond their scripted talking points. Shieffer asked questions on a wide range of issues -- from healthcare, abortion, education to controversial issues on Obama's character. They were questions the country wanted to know about. Once again Senator McCain came out swinging hard, but slowed down later in the fight. I sometimes got distracted by his eyes blinking so much. I thought there might be a secret message in morse code. As the debate went on he became a little to smirky and patronizing with his remarks. Obama was calm and measured his responses like a professional speaker. Neither speakers went for a knockout punch. Senator McCain opened the debate strongly by saying that ending home mortgage foreclosures was the key to "putting a floor under" the US economic crisis. He attacked Mr Obama for planning to raise taxes: "Why would you want to increase anybody's taxes right now?'' he asked. Obama countered that he would decrease taxes for 95 percent of Americans and that any increases would hit only the wealthiest. The most memorable exchange was about Joe "the Plumber" Wurzelbacher, who is probably the most talked about man living in Toledo, Ohio. McCain's best response was when Obama said that a McCain presidency would effectively be "eight more years" of George Bush, the US president. McCain declared: "I'm not George Bush." The most heated exchange came when Senator McCain again raised Obama’s association with William Ayers, a 1960s radical who served with Mr. Obama on the board of a charitable foundation. I don't care about an old washed-up terrorist, but as Senator Clinton said in her debates with you, we need to know the full extent of the relationship with you," said Mr McCain. Senator Obama hit back: "Let's get the record straight. Bill Ayers is a professor of education in Chicago. Forty years ago, when I was eight years old, he engaged in despicable acts with a radical group. I have condemned those acts. Mr. Ayers is not involved in my campaign, he has never been involved in my campaign, and he will not be in the White House." Senator Obama then successfully countered Senator McCain: "Let me tell you who I associated with,” Obama named Warren Buffett, running mate Joe Biden, Republican Sen.Dick Lugar, and military Gen. Jim Jones. “Those are the people, Democrats and Republicans, that have shaped my ideas and will be surrounding me in the White House." This exchange was a mistake by McCain and will bring independant voters into the Obama camp.

Hofstra University will use the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex as the venue for the debate, and the adjoining Physical Fitness Center as home for the media center, which will host hundreds of journalists from around the world and all major networks, as well as supporting services for the Commission on Presidential Debates. Other Hofstra University facilities have been selected for support services for media and visitors. The debate is supposed to be focused solely on foreign policy issues. But, look for the economy to be mentioned. Senator McCain has Pledged to Bring Up William Ayers in Debate. Obama issued this challenge to his rival.

Corruption in politics is definitely not one sided.

Last nght's Presidential Debates were held at the Curb Event Center, located in Belmont University. Nothing really new was discussed from the previous debates. Tom Brokaw attempted to get both candidates to discuss to social security and medicare. Both candidates side stepped the issue. Senator John McCain did state that today's workforce could not expect to get the same benifits as their parents. I think the issue differences are becoming more clear. Senator John McCain thinks that tax cuts, government spending freezes, off shore drilling, and nuclear power will repair our economy. Senator Barack Obama thinks that rebuiding our nations infrastructure and investing in alternative energy research will repair our economy. Senator McCain believes that health care is Americans individual responsibility. Senator Obama believes that health care is a right for all Americans. When Tom Brokaw questioned the candidates on who they would pick to nominate the head of the Treasury Department. Senator McCain stated that he would ask Warren Buffet to be his first choice. That was definiteley a Maverick response. The oracle of Omaha, who is Obama’s highest-profile supporter in the financial world. Senator Obama thought Warren Buffet would be a good choice, but there are others as well. As for debate style I thought John McCain was much better in the beginning of the debate, but succumbed to his emotions further on. McCain's remark, "You know who voted for it? You might never know. That one,” he said, pointing to Obama. “You know who voted against it? Me." Calling Obama "that one" as disrespectful and that singe soundbyte will resonate throughout the campaign season. Obama had a few long pauses in his responses, but was smoother in his delivery that eventually gave him control of the debate. Here is a transcript of the debate:

Last night's debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin was better than was expected. Gov. Palin elated Republicans that worried whether she would be able to handle the event. She injected humor and a hometown charm to her answers. Sen. Biden displayed seasoned restraint and respect to the Commentator, Gwen Ifill, and Gov Palin. He gave a strong performance on his expertise on economy, foreign policy, and national security issues. Both candidates agreed how bad the economic policy of the Bush adminstration has been. Both candidates agreed that the problem was excessive deregulation and corruption by Wall Street lenders. Gov. Palin stated that John McCain warned that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac needed reform measures two years ago. Joe Biden rebutted Obama was the first to warn that there was a sub prime mortgage crisis. He further stated that John McCain made a statement shortly Obama that he was suprised that there was a mortgage crisis and gave an interview to the Wall Street Journal that he was always for cutting regulations and Wall Street could manage itself. Senator Biden also added that John McCain said two weeks ago that the country has made great progress under George Bush policies and the economy was strong. Palin rebutted that John McCain meant that the American workforce was strong. But, she did not make a comment on deregulation. She futher stated that John McCain suspended his campain last week to bring both parties together on the bailout crisis. Both candidates believe our country needs health care reform. Joe Biden stated John McCain wants to deregulate the health care industry simular to what has been done to the Wall Street banking industry. Gov. Palin stated that John McCain has a $5,000 dollar tax credit for families to get their own health care coverage. It does not cost the government as opposed to Obama's universal health care government run program. She further stated that the governments running the health care program would be simular to the government current performance. Biden rebutted that under the McCain health care plan the $5000 would not go to the taxpayer, rather the money would go to the insurance company. Further McCain's proposal would drop your current plan with your employer for a new plan that you would have to pay for yourself. He further stated the average cost of a health care plan for an American is $12,000. Under the McCain plan you would replace a $12,000 employer paid plan with a $5,000 check the government would give to the insurance company. Biden called that the "Ultimate Bridge to Nowhere." Both candidates agreed that Americans need tax relief. Palin stated that Senators Obama and Biden voted for the largest tax increases in U.S. history. Obama voted to not support tax reduction 94 times. She then further stated that government is going to have learn to live with less money. Gov Palin then stated that Sen. Obama supported raising taxes to families making $42,000 a year. Senator Biden stated that Sarah Palin was lying about Obama voting to raise taxes and that John McCain voted the same as Obama on a budget procedural vote. Biden then added that John McCain voted 477 times to raise taxes based on the same standard she was using to come up with her number. Sarah Palin did not rebutt Biden on this issue. She then made a statement on how how she eliminated personal property and state fuel taxes in Alaska. Further, Palin stated that McCain would push for tougher regulations simular to what he has done for the tobacco industry and campaign finance reform. Both candidates agreed that middle class is struggling and needs a tax break. Joe Biden stated that 100 million middle class families will not get a tax break under McCain's tax proposal. Under Obama's tax proposal anyone making $250,000 or less will not get an increase in tax and Americans making less than $150,000 will recieve a tax break. That candidates disagreed on corporate taxes. Biden further stated that John McCain wants to 300 Billion dollar tax cuts for corporate America. Obama's plan corporations would pay no more than what they did under the Reagan administration. Gov. Palin rebutted that under Obama's plan small businesses that make over $250,000 will not get a tax break thus resultung in fewer jobs being created. Palin then attacked Senator Biden's remark that paying higher taxes is patriotic. She stated that the Middle Class America does not think that is patriotic. Barack Obama proposal of spending over a trillion dollars is a backwards solution to grow our economy. Joe Biden rebutted and stated John McCain plans to give Exxon Mobil a $4 billion tax cut is unfair to Middle Class America. He then further rebutted Gov. Palin that 95 percent of small business owners make less than $250,000 and they would not get a tax increase. Gwen Ifill asked the candidates what promises would they not be able to keep due to the bailout plan before Congress. Biden stated that the commitment to double foreign assistance would be in jeopardy. Biden then attacked that they would not support McCain's and the Bush administration's $300 billion tax cut to the wealthy and the $4 billion tax cut to Exxon. But, Obama will not slow up on creating new jobs with his energy policy, education, and health care. Obama and Biden plan eliminate wasteful spending and $100 billion tax dodge that allows people to take their post office boxes off shore to avoid taxes. Senator Biden considered this type of action unpatriotic. Governor Palin stated that she had been campaigning for only 5 weeks, so there has not been a whole lot that she has promised to the American people. Governor Palin stated that there would not be large tax breaks to multinational corporations. She also stated that Obama had voted for tax breaks for large oil companies that she had to undo in her state. Biden rebutted and stated that Obama voted for the energy bill that gave tax breaks to multinational corporations, because it supported alternative energy. Biden then added that when there were seperate votes on eliminating the tax breaks for oil companies Obama voted no. John McCain voted yes. Biden then attacked Palin statement by asking if John McCain wanted to stop tax breaks for big oil corporations then why would he put in his budget to give Exxon Mobil a $4 Billion dollar tax break. Senator Biden stated that Obama agreed with Palin's plan on windfall taxes profits tax in Alaska. He stated that is what he and Obama wants to do the same for the rest of America. But, John McCain does not support that in his budget. Gwen Ifill asked the candidates how they would shrink the polarization of both parites in Congress. Senator Biden stated that he has the ability to reach across the isle to get issue resolved. He further stated that he has as many Republican friends as Democrats in government. Here is a copy of the debate transcript.

H.R.1424 Title: A bill to provide authority for the Federal Government to purchase and insure certain types of troubled assets for the purposes of providing stability to and preventing disruption in the economy and financial system and protecting taxpayers, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Kennedy, Patrick J. [RI-1] (introduced 3/9/2007) Cosponsors (274) Latest Major Action: 10/1/2008 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Passed Senate, pursuant to the order of September 30, 2008, having achieved the required 60 votes in the affirmative, with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 74 - 25. Record Vote Number: 213. House Reports: 110-374 Part 1, 110-374 Part 2, 110-374 Part 3 Note: Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. On 10/1/2008, the Senate passed H.R.1424 as the vehicle for the economic rescue legislation. See documents on the Senate Banking Committee website. Division A (pp.2-113) of the draft legislation is referred to as the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008; Division B (pp. 113-261) is referred to as the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008; and Division C (pp. 261-451) is referred to as the Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008.

Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, the vice presidential nominees of the Democratic and Republican parties, respectively, will debate each other at 8 p.m. (CDT) Oct. 2 in the Washington University in St. Louis Athletic Complex, according to the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD). This is the first time the University will host a vice presidential debate. It's the fifth consecutive presidential election that the University has been selected by the CPD, the event's sponsor, to serve as a debate host. The CPD, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established in 1987, is responsible for selecting the venues and producing the presidential debates. The CPD's three 2008 presidential debates locations and dates are: the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Sept. 26; Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 7; and Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Oct. 15. Washington University again is offering the same facilities that were made available for the 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004 debates. They include the Field House — which is the actual debate site — Francis Gymnasium, the Rec Gym and other areas of the Athletic Complex. Francis Gym and Francis Field were the sites of the 1904 World Olympic Games, the first Olympics played in the Western Hemisphere. The debate will be moderated by Gwen Ifill, a longtime correspondent and moderator for nationally televised public broadcasting news programs. Ifill, who serves as moderator and managing editor of PBS' "Washington Week" and senior correspondent for "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," also moderated the CPD's 2004 vice presidential debate between Vice President Dick Cheney and Sen. John Edwards, held Oct. 5 at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Biden was nominated for vice president Aug. 27 at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo. A week later, on Sept. 4, Palin was nominated for vice president at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. Biden, 65, is a 36-year veteran of the U.S. Senate. He was elected in 1972 when he was 29. He is known for his leadership in foreign policy, terrorism, crime and drug policy. He ran unsuccessfully for the presidential nomination of his party in 1988 and in 2008. Biden is the former chairman and long-time member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Over the years he has been influential in crime and drug policy legislation. His Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, frequently referred to as the Biden Crime Bill, increased police numbers by 100,000 nationwide and brought more federal support for criminal justice. The 2007 Biden Crime Bill addresses burgeoning crime problems such as online child exploitation, computer hacking and teenage prescription drug abuse. Palins vice presidential nomination marks the first time that the Republican Party has nominated a woman for the position. On Dec. 4, 2006, she also made history when she became the first woman governor of Alaska. Palin, 44, has overseen increases in Alaska state savings, education funding and implemented the Senior Benefits Program that provides support for low-income older Alaskans. Her administration has passed an overhaul of the states ethics laws and developed a process to construct a gas pipeline. Palin is chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, a multistate government agency that promotes the conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and natural gas resources while protecting the environment. Before becoming governor of Alaska, she served two terms on the Wasilla City Council and two terms as mayor/manager of Wasilla. Palin also has served as chair of the Alaska Conservation Commission, which regulates Alaska's oil and gas. Washington University is the only institution to host more than two debates. In 1992, the university hosted the first nationally televised three-candidate presidential debate in CPD history, was selected to host a presidential debate in 1996 that eventually was canceled, hosted the third and last presidential debate of the 2000 campaign season and the second of three presidential debates before the 2004 election.

Here is the video of the first 2008 Presidential debate between Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL).

The world’s first fuel-less car maybe coming in the near future. The Magnetic Air Car design uses magnetic technology. On Wednesday, October 1, Magnetic Air Cars, Inc new office and garage will be located at Club Auto Sport in San Jose, CA. This facility will be used for the building of our prototype design in a safe, secure and clean environment. Club Auto Sport Silicon Valley is the first in what will be an exclusive network of clubs in select locations across the country. On Tuesday, October 7, Magnetic Air Cars, Inc will be moving our meetings to the Club Auto Sport in San Jose at 11:30am. Club Auto SportSilicon Valley is a two-building complex totaling approximately 120,000 square feet of space on Charcot Avenue in San Jose's Golden Triangle. The buildings are undergoing $15 million in renovations to transform the complex into a high-tech, state-of-the- art facility with a soaring 10,000 square foot showroom and members lounge area, large modern conference room, banquet and hospitality facility, sophisticated security protections, specialized ventilation systems, and other desirable features. Magnetic Air Cars, Inc 521 Charcot Avenue San Jose, CA 95131 (866) 471-7741

It is our nature to gaze upon a temporal power for guidance to what is the greater good of a selfless act.

Can we all stop focusing on who did what and come up with solutions.

Like many Americans I am worried about paying for another person's mistake. I get even more reluctant when I see there is no promise that this is a cure all. The London and American markets are in turmoil. The U.S. controls 50% of the world's stock market. Britain controls 40% of the world's currency. Many foreign investors are fleeing both countries for Singapore and Hong Kong banks. Banks and People are flocking toward U.S. government bonds because they are insured. It looks like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will be increasing government insurance on bank deposits. This will help ease confidence in the credit market. What I think everyone agrees is that we need to have a common goal of a U.S. dollar that would be fair to both the debtor and creditor. It is the road to that goal that everyone has a different opinion. Here are my thoughts. The House Republicans want a temporary suspension of the Capital Gains tax. I think this would be good incentive to companies that invest completely in our economy. That means jobs stay in America. I also think we should take a third of the bailout money to help fund the rebuilding of our deteriorated infrastructure. We all remember the Mississippi River bridge collapsed last year. Thirteen people were killed and 145 were injured. Believe me there are many bridges in disrepair. By my farm in West Virginia I have met families who lost loved ones when the Silver bridge collapsed. All major interstate bridges should be inspected and repaired. We all remember Hurricane Katrina's storm surge caused 53 different levee breaches in greater New Orleans submerging eighty percent of the city. Almost 2000 people lost their lives. This year we got spared a category 4 hurricane, but look what IKE did to our Gulf Coast. We need to look into what Europeans are doing to reduce flood damage to their major cities. We all know the major drought that has been occurring in the South East and South West. Last year the water shortage was so bad crops whithered and state governments had to ration water. We need to construct better water supply lines and distribution centers so this does not happen again. Our main problem is energy. People all over the planet are coming up with fantastic ideas. It is time to start implementing them. My wife's grandfather told me how proud he was when he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps. He replanted trees all over Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. He was a member of what people affectionately called the Tree Army. This was time when he was proud to be working for our government. These are just examples of the projects that our government needs to do with the help of private American industry. I also think that transparent market reforms are also necessary. But regulations should be implemented on a global scale. We do not want to scare foreign investors from helping build our American Dream.

How is this one sided? Republicans deserted a Republican bill submitted by a Republican White House. I honestly believe that President Bush has had 7 years and 9 months to fix our country. He is going to walk away from this Scott free. I would agree that Democrat Speaker Pelosi should not have put this bill up for a vote if she was not sure it would pass.

Here are the NEA (N) Roll Call Votes Alabama Republican - Aderholt, N Arizona Democrat - Giffords, N; Grijalva, N; Mitchell, N; Pastor, N. Republicans - Flake, N; Franks, N; Renzi, N; Shadegg, N. California Democrat - Baca, N; Becerra, N; ; Filner, N; ; Lee, N; Lofgren; Napolitano, N; Roybal-Allard, N; Sanchez, Linda T., N; Sanchez, Loretta, N; Schiff, N; Sherman, N; Solis, N; Speier, Y; Stark, N; Tauscher, Y; Thompson, N; Watson, N; Woolsey, N. Republican - Bilbray, N; Doolittle, N; Gallegly, N; Hunter, N; Issa, N; McCarthy, N; Nunes, N; Rohrabacher, N; Royce, N. Colorado Democrat - Salazar, N; Udall, N. Republican - Lamborn, N; Musgrave, N. Connecticut Democrat - Courtney, N Florida Republican - Bilirakis, N; Brown-Waite, Ginny, N; Buchanan, N; Diaz-Balart, L., N; Diaz-Balart, M., N; Feeney, N; Keller, N; Mack, N; Mica, N; Miller, N; Ros-Lehtinen, N; Stearns, N; Young, N. Georgia Democrat - Barrow, N; Johnson, N; Lewis, N; Scott, N. Republican - Broun, N; Deal, N; Gingrey, N; Kingston, N; Linder, N; Price, N; Westmoreland, N. Hawaii Democrat - Abercrombie, N; Hirono, N. Idaho Republican - Sali, N. Illinois Democrat - Costello, N; Jackson, N; Lipinski, N; Rush, N. Republican - Biggert, N; Johnson, N; Manzullo, N; Roskam, N; Shimkus, N. Indiana Democrat - Carson, N; Hill, N; Visclosky, N. Republican - Burton, N; Buyer, N; Pence, N. Iowa Democrat - Braley, N. Republicans - King, N; Latham, N. Kansas Democrat - Boyda, N. Republican - Moran, N; Tiahrt, N. Kentucky Democrat - Chandler, N; Yarmuth, N. Republicans - Davis, N; Whitfield, N. Louisana Democrat - Cazayoux, N; Jefferson, N. Republicans - Alexander, N; Boustany, N; Scalise, N. Maine Democrat - Michaud, N. Maryland Democrats - Cummings, N; Edwards, N. Republicans - Bartlett, N. Massachusetts Democrats — Delahunt, N; Lynch, N; Tierney, N. Michigan Democrat - Conyers, N; Kilpatrick, N; Stupak, N. Republican - Hoekstra, N; Knollenberg, N; McCotter, N; Miller, N; Rogers, N; Walberg, N. Minnesota Democrat - Peterson, N; Walz, N. Republicans — Bachmann, N; Ramstad, N. Mississippi Democrat - Childers, N; Taylor, N; Thompson, N. Missouri Democrat - Clay, N; Cleaver, N. Republicans - Akin, N; Graves, N; Hulshof, N. Montana Republican - Rehberg, N. Nebraska Republican - Fortenberry, N; Smith, N; Terry, N. Nevada Democrat - Berkley, N. Republicans - Heller, N. New Hampshire Democrats - Hodes, N; Shea-Porter, N. New Jersey Democrat - Pascrell, N; Payne, N; Rothman, N. Republican - Frelinghuysen, N; Garrett, N; LoBiondo, N; Smith, N. New Mexico Democrat - Udall, N. Republican - Pearce, N. New York Democrat - Gillibrand, N; Hinchey, N; Serrano, N. Republican - Kuhl, N. North Carolina Democrat - Butterfield, N; McIntyre, N; Shuler, N. Republican - Coble, N; Foxx, N; Hayes, N; Jones, N; McHenry, N; Myrick, N. Ohio Democrat - Kaptur, N; Kucinich, N; Sutton, N. Republican Chabot, N; Jordan, N; LaTourette, N; Latta, N; Schmidt, N; Tiberi, N; Turner, N. Oklahoma Republican - Fallin, N; Lucas, N; Sullivan, N. Oregon Democrat - Blumenauer, N; DeFazio, N; Wu, N. Pennsylvania Democrat - Altmire, N; Carney, N; Holden, N. Republican - Dent, N; English, N; Gerlach, N; Murphy, Tim, N; Pitts, N; Platts, N; Shuster, N. South Carolina Republican - Barrett, N. South Dakota Democrat - Herseth Sandlin, N. Tennessee Democrat - Lincoln, N. Republican - Blackburn, N; Davis, David, N; Duncan, N; Wamp, N. Texas Democrats - Cuellar, N; Doggett, N; Green, Al, N; Green, Gene, N; Jackson-Lee, N; Lampson, N; Ortiz, N; Rodriguez, N. Republican - Barton, N; Burgess, N; Carter, N; Conaway, N; Culberson, N; Gohmert, N; Hall, N; Hensarling, N; Johnson, Sam, N; Marchant, N; McCaul, N; Neugebauer, N; Paul, N; Poe, N; Thornberry, N. Utah Democrat - Matheson, N. Republican - Bishop, N. Vermont Democrat - Welch, N. Virginia Democrats - Scott, N. Republicans - Drake, N; Forbes, N; Goode, N; Goodlatte, N; Wittman, N. Washington Democrat - Inslee, N. Republican - Hastings, N; McMorris Rodgers, N; Reichert, N. West Virginia Republican - Capito, N. Wisconsin Republican - Petri, N; Sensenbrenner, N.

Tonight the world watched the first presidential debate. Veteran PBS news anchor, Jim Lehrer hosted the event on the campus of the University of Mississippi. I thought both candidates were very formidable on responding to each other. I would give both candidates failing grades on their response on what is transpiring on the Bailout. Neither said anything new or gave clarity on this most important issue. I give Jim Lehrer high marks on trying to press the issue. Barack Obama stated that he may have to postpone parts of his alternative energy plan. John McCain stated that he would freeze the budget and cut unnecessary defense programs. Barack Obama stated he would create a nationalized health care program. John McCain stated that he did not like the idea of the federal government running our health care system. John McCain stated that Obama has wasted 18 billion dollars in earmarks. Obama stated that McCain would give a 300 billion dollar tax cut to the wealthy. John McCain got his point of that he has more experience in foreign policy issues. Barack Obama got his point that we need to broaden our country's focus from just Iraq to events happening in the rest of the world. John McCain made the point that Obama would allow the leaders of countries to sit down at the negotiating table without preconditions. Obama said that McCain's advisor, former Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, stated that our government should sit down at the table with our enemies with no preconditions. McCain rebutted and stated that Kissinger did not mean the President. Obama rebutted that he understood what Henry Kissinger meant and he would not sit down at the table with leaders of rogue countries until formal talks had begun. Obama stated that McCain's support of the invasion of Iraq was a mistake. John McCain stated that Obama decision not to support the troop surge in Iraq was a mistake. One issue that is very close to me is alternative energy. Obama stated that John McCain has voted against alternative fuels 23 times in his Senate career. McCain rebutted that Senator Obama's statement was not true. That he has always supported alternative energy and that everyone from Arizona supports alternative energy. I will have to research McCain's statement. I do know that Senator McCain has missed every Senate vote on alternative energy this year. For those of you that missed it here is the transcript

I hope this crisis teaches people all over the world that we all need to develop ethical principles that guide market competition. We must realize that stocks, bonds, and commodities can be come objects of greed. We sometimes forget their real value is dependent on social trust that people are able to do business with each other. When trust is gone value is nothing. The virtue of greed has taken over Wall Street and Government. In the past their tool has been the mainstream media. Now the Internet is the media tool of the people. We have been given the ability to conceptualize ideas from many sources. Americans from across nation are talking in forums like this one about what really is going on. I see leaders on both sides playing the blame game to the main stream media. But, I hope they realize the same principle can be applied to political power. The American People are watching.

Looks the debate is on again. The McCain campaign has sent out this statement:

Obama rejected McCain's proposal, saying it's ``more important than ever'' for the candidates to tell voters how they would deal with the crisis. He said they can address issues in Congress while campaigning. ``It is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once,'' Obama said.

John McCain Remarks on the Economic Crisis