In an interview with Katie Couric for cbsnews.com, Glenn Beck, the poster boy for a grassroots renegade movement against the powers that be (usually Democrats), said John McCain was a worse choice for president than Barack Obama, and that he may have even considered voting for Hillary Clinton, and not McCain, had she been the democratic nominee.
The rest of the interview will be on the web later today, and I expect a lot of people will check it out, if only to hear his reasons why. Beck is getting a lot of attention because he's striking a nerve with a lot of people in his commentaries. People tend to gravitate toward people with whom they agree and find some common ground.
Now, I'm not sure Beck really believes all that he says-- but, those who follow him are making him seem like a wise business choice, if nothing else. As a businessman, he's a Rush Limbaugh for TV. The big winner in this is Katie Couric, who will likely get a lot of new people to sample her style online and maybe even her broadcast.
Here's part of the clip that's been release:
Save More, Spend Less with ClarkHoward.com
Consumer advocate Clark Howard is by far one of my favorite radio talk show hosts. What I like most is he truly aims to empower consumers to challenge the status quo. He also regularly shares information about scams. His website has a plethora of information on how to REALLY save money. Some of his advice is extreme (like ordering eyeglasses from China for $5, instead of using Lenscrafters or some other eyeglass store), but it's all useful. HE goal is to make sure people know that their dollar holds power, so they should hold their dollar. If you'd like to check out his website, it's clarkhoward.com.
He has a TV show that airs on CNN Headline News on weekends. Check your local listing for times.
He has a TV show that airs on CNN Headline News on weekends. Check your local listing for times.
Gov. Sonny Perdue Joins Right Against ACORN
With all of the talk about ACORN misusing money in a myriad of ways, the state of Georgia has decided to cancel its contracts with the organization.
Here's the news release from the governor's office:
ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the Department of Human Services contract with ACORN which expires this month:
“I want to thank Sen. Rogers and Reps. Graves, Keown, and Setzler for bringing the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (“ACORN”) contract to my attention. In July, I directed my office to review all consulting contracts the state has with outside vendors to look for budget savings; that review did not identify the ACORN contract, because it does not involve state funds. The State ofGeorgia will not renew the contract, which expires in 13 days. Further, I have issued an Executive Order that prevents executive branch agencies from doing business with ACORN in the future and calls for a review of any existing contracts with ACORN.”
The text of Governor Perdue’s Executive Order is below:
Whereas: O.C.G.A. § 50-5-50 states that it is the public policy of the State of Georgia that contracts and other procurement activities be conducted with integrity and in a manner that will increase public confidence; and
Whereas: Although it is always important that the State does business with organizations with integrity, in this current budget environment it is especially vital to monitor the use of our scarce resources; and
Whereas: To date, 70 employees of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (“ACORN”) have been convicted of crimes committed in the course of their work for the organization; and
Whereas: There are numerous investigations, indictments, and prosecutions currently pending against ACORN and its staff throughout the nation; and
Whereas: As a result of recent actions by ACORN, the U.S. Census Bureau ended its relationship with ACORN on September 11 and the U.S. Senate voted 83-7 to cut off federal funding from ACORN on September 14; and
Whereas: Recent acts of ACORN employees and agents resulted in ACORN subjecting itself to an internal review of its acts and practices;
Whereas: ACORN’s current acts and historical conduct make clear that financial involvement with organizations such as ACORN is contrary to the public policy of the State of Georgia and the best interests of its citizens.
Now, therefore, by the power vested in me as Governor of the State ofGeorgia , it is hereby
Ordered: That all state departments, agencies, boards, bureaus and commissions including without limitation the Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia as defined in O.C.G.A. § 50-5-77 and within the executive branch (hereinafter “Agencies” or “Agency”), are hereby prohibited from entering into any future contracts with ACORN or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
It is further
Ordered: That all Agencies are hereby directed to cease all existing funding for ACORN or its subsidiaries or affiliates unless such funding is legally obligated. If an Agency determines that such funding is legally obligated, that Agency is directed to inform the Executive Counsel to the Governor of its determination.
It is further
Ordered: That all Agencies are hereby directed to provide to the Executive Counsel to the Governor a copy of all existing contracts or other agreements between the Agency and ACORN or its subsidiaries or affiliates no later than September 23, 2009.
It is further
Ordered: That no later than September 23, 2009, all Agencies are hereby directed to provide to the Executive Counsel to the Governor a copy of all existing contracts or other agreements between local governments and ACORN, its subsidiaries or affiliates that involve state funds.
This 17th day of September, 2009.
Governor Perdue
Here's the news release from the governor's office:
Statement of Governor Perdue Regarding the Department of Human Services Contract with ACORN
“I want to thank Sen. Rogers and Reps. Graves, Keown, and Setzler for bringing the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (“ACORN”) contract to my attention. In July, I directed my office to review all consulting contracts the state has with outside vendors to look for budget savings; that review did not identify the ACORN contract, because it does not involve state funds. The State of
The text of Governor Perdue’s Executive Order is below:
Whereas: O.C.G.A. § 50-5-50 states that it is the public policy of the State of Georgia that contracts and other procurement activities be conducted with integrity and in a manner that will increase public confidence; and
Whereas: Although it is always important that the State does business with organizations with integrity, in this current budget environment it is especially vital to monitor the use of our scarce resources; and
Whereas: To date, 70 employees of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (“ACORN”) have been convicted of crimes committed in the course of their work for the organization; and
Whereas: There are numerous investigations, indictments, and prosecutions currently pending against ACORN and its staff throughout the nation; and
Whereas: As a result of recent actions by ACORN, the U.S. Census Bureau ended its relationship with ACORN on September 11 and the U.S. Senate voted 83-7 to cut off federal funding from ACORN on September 14; and
Whereas: Recent acts of ACORN employees and agents resulted in ACORN subjecting itself to an internal review of its acts and practices;
Whereas: ACORN’s current acts and historical conduct make clear that financial involvement with organizations such as ACORN is contrary to the public policy of the State of Georgia and the best interests of its citizens.
Now, therefore, by the power vested in me as Governor of the State of
Ordered: That all state departments, agencies, boards, bureaus and commissions including without limitation the Board of Regents and the University System of Georgia as defined in O.C.G.A. § 50-5-77 and within the executive branch (hereinafter “Agencies” or “Agency”), are hereby prohibited from entering into any future contracts with ACORN or its subsidiaries or affiliates.
It is further
Ordered: That all Agencies are hereby directed to cease all existing funding for ACORN or its subsidiaries or affiliates unless such funding is legally obligated. If an Agency determines that such funding is legally obligated, that Agency is directed to inform the Executive Counsel to the Governor of its determination.
It is further
Ordered: That all Agencies are hereby directed to provide to the Executive Counsel to the Governor a copy of all existing contracts or other agreements between the Agency and ACORN or its subsidiaries or affiliates no later than September 23, 2009.
It is further
Ordered: That no later than September 23, 2009, all Agencies are hereby directed to provide to the Executive Counsel to the Governor a copy of all existing contracts or other agreements between local governments and ACORN, its subsidiaries or affiliates that involve state funds.
This 17th day of September, 2009.
Governor Perdue
Shots Fired: CNN's Bad Reporting
September 11th, 2009 should serve as an example of what NOT to do for students of journalism who may find themselves in a decision making position in a newsroom. Professors remind your students to verify information heard over police scanners BEFORE reporting.
On the 8th anniversary of 9/11/01, CNN reported that the U.S. Coast Guard had fired 10 shots at another vessell in the Potomac River. Just moments prior, President Barack Obama crossed a bridge over the river to go to a rememberance ceremony. Such false information, shut down air traffic at a nearby airport and prompted several first responders to go to the area to assist the Coast Guard. Later, the Coast Guard indicated the radio chatter was part of training exercise.
Once CNN realized the error, there was no culpability admitted. The questioning immediately turned to: Why would the Coast Guard hold a training exercise on 9/11.
BIG MISTAKE: There should have been a responsible adult in the room to at least scrutinize what was heard on the police scanner prior to reporting that information. By the organization's own admission, what CNN reported was not verified visually by any of CNN's reporters or producers or confirmed by any law enforcement official. On a day of such importance and reverence, you'd think they would exercise a bit more caution and responsibility in their reporting.
On the 8th anniversary of 9/11/01, CNN reported that the U.S. Coast Guard had fired 10 shots at another vessell in the Potomac River. Just moments prior, President Barack Obama crossed a bridge over the river to go to a rememberance ceremony. Such false information, shut down air traffic at a nearby airport and prompted several first responders to go to the area to assist the Coast Guard. Later, the Coast Guard indicated the radio chatter was part of training exercise.
Once CNN realized the error, there was no culpability admitted. The questioning immediately turned to: Why would the Coast Guard hold a training exercise on 9/11.
BIG MISTAKE: There should have been a responsible adult in the room to at least scrutinize what was heard on the police scanner prior to reporting that information. By the organization's own admission, what CNN reported was not verified visually by any of CNN's reporters or producers or confirmed by any law enforcement official. On a day of such importance and reverence, you'd think they would exercise a bit more caution and responsibility in their reporting.
Why would a "Prince" and a "King" run for mayor?
Macon, Georgia has very interesting politics, but the cycles seem to repeat themselves. Its the same names or the same faces just moved around.
But, boy oh boy, politics in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee just read like a soap opera.
When the Dr. W. W. Herenton announced he would quit his job as mayor to focus on a congressional campaign, it didn't take long for nearly a dozen candidates to step forward and seek the job. While there are experienced political leaders in the race, they certainly lack the color and charisma of two of my favorite candidates, Robert "Prince Mongo" Hodges and Jerry "The King" Lawler.
The King was best known in Memphis as a wrestler, who walked around with a crown. He made his hometown proud when he joined the national wrestling scene with Vince McMahon and WWF/WWE as a commentator on Monday night Raw for several years in the 90s.
CLICK HERE to visit Lawler's campaign site.
I actually had the opportunity to meet Prince Mongo when I was a news intern. We went to his home near Park Avenue after neighbors complained about his yard decorations, which included mannequin heads on top of broomsticks positioned around his front yard in a picket fence style. He used his Toyota Sequoia as a dog house. The neighbors who lived closest to him, ironically, had no problem with the stuff in his yard. In fact, many of them joined him for dinner once a week. He'd cook them a steak dinner in the summers and regularly delivered groceries to those with whom he wanted to share. All of the stuff he said about being from another planet seemed small when you really got to know the guy.
To learn more about Prince Mongo's campaign, CLICK HERE.
Both men use a common sense approach to politics, which should never be undervalued... even if they royally odd!
But, boy oh boy, politics in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee just read like a soap opera.
When the Dr. W. W. Herenton announced he would quit his job as mayor to focus on a congressional campaign, it didn't take long for nearly a dozen candidates to step forward and seek the job. While there are experienced political leaders in the race, they certainly lack the color and charisma of two of my favorite candidates, Robert "Prince Mongo" Hodges and Jerry "The King" Lawler.
The King was best known in Memphis as a wrestler, who walked around with a crown. He made his hometown proud when he joined the national wrestling scene with Vince McMahon and WWF/WWE as a commentator on Monday night Raw for several years in the 90s.
CLICK HERE to visit Lawler's campaign site.
I actually had the opportunity to meet Prince Mongo when I was a news intern. We went to his home near Park Avenue after neighbors complained about his yard decorations, which included mannequin heads on top of broomsticks positioned around his front yard in a picket fence style. He used his Toyota Sequoia as a dog house. The neighbors who lived closest to him, ironically, had no problem with the stuff in his yard. In fact, many of them joined him for dinner once a week. He'd cook them a steak dinner in the summers and regularly delivered groceries to those with whom he wanted to share. All of the stuff he said about being from another planet seemed small when you really got to know the guy.
To learn more about Prince Mongo's campaign, CLICK HERE.
Both men use a common sense approach to politics, which should never be undervalued... even if they royally odd!
A Great Unscripted Moment: "You Lie!"
When South Carolina U.S. Representative Joe Wilson stood up and yelled "You Lie" to President Obama in a joint session of Congress, the part of me that appreciates political theater applauded. I supported, not necessarily the message, but the method. It's just so rare that our elected officials let their guard down long enough to let us know how they really feel. It was the one moment during the president's speech where he was caught off guard.
The book by Joe Klein, "Politics Lost", points out a growing need for more unscripted moments in American Politics. It's when strategy and message control play second fiddle to real, brutal honesty. It's that type of political discourse that's needed more... and that needs to be on display more.
Sadly, the congressman apologized for the outburst. But, he gets points from me for being candid in simple terms concerning a complicated issue. For those people who say Rep. Wilson's comments were disrespectful, inappropriate, or made in the wrong setting, I don't totally understand what they mean. I know the members of Congress have rules for debate, so maybe Wilson was out of order. But, it was an opinion that should not be bottled up.
If more of our leaders really shared how they felt about an issue, perhaps our country's policies would better reflect the wants, needs, and desires of the American people.
You can watch the "You Lie" moment here at 21:48...
The book by Joe Klein, "Politics Lost", points out a growing need for more unscripted moments in American Politics. It's when strategy and message control play second fiddle to real, brutal honesty. It's that type of political discourse that's needed more... and that needs to be on display more.
Sadly, the congressman apologized for the outburst. But, he gets points from me for being candid in simple terms concerning a complicated issue. For those people who say Rep. Wilson's comments were disrespectful, inappropriate, or made in the wrong setting, I don't totally understand what they mean. I know the members of Congress have rules for debate, so maybe Wilson was out of order. But, it was an opinion that should not be bottled up.
If more of our leaders really shared how they felt about an issue, perhaps our country's policies would better reflect the wants, needs, and desires of the American people.
You can watch the "You Lie" moment here at 21:48...
If you can't pay for health insurance, should you live?
President Obama is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress tonight to make his case for healthcare reform or health insurance reform, if you prefer. This is a touchy issue for a lot of people because they either don't believe in the government safety net, or they don't believe a country with such resources should allow even the least among us to do without.
One of the biggest arguments I hear is from people who say-- don't mess with my healthcare. I like things just the way they are. Others say-- I've got the money and insurance to cover me if something happens. The government shouldn't change anything.
The other big argument points to people who can't afford health insurance. The pro-reform crowd has a lot of different messages, but the one that stands out to me highlights the need for government reform based on limited access because of pre-existing conditions.
First, we should examine the government safety net idea. Our country has sent a message since the Great Depression that if you can't afford to have your basic needs met, taxpayer social programs will provide. It's a logical step to say, if you can't afford basic health care, our nation will provide.
Second, we need to consider the limited wealth of our nation. Simply put, I'm not sure our country can afford to deliver on that promise established by past generations that the government will provide when we as individuals can't.
And finally, we should look at how we show compassion for those who can not afford to live, literally. If we can't afford basic medical care, who can? Are there organizations that have a cheaper solution?
No one will be completely satisfied with any legislation that's passed, but we should at least consider the long-term impact our leaders finally agree on. Then, work to perfect it for as many Americans as possible.
One of the biggest arguments I hear is from people who say-- don't mess with my healthcare. I like things just the way they are. Others say-- I've got the money and insurance to cover me if something happens. The government shouldn't change anything.
The other big argument points to people who can't afford health insurance. The pro-reform crowd has a lot of different messages, but the one that stands out to me highlights the need for government reform based on limited access because of pre-existing conditions.
First, we should examine the government safety net idea. Our country has sent a message since the Great Depression that if you can't afford to have your basic needs met, taxpayer social programs will provide. It's a logical step to say, if you can't afford basic health care, our nation will provide.
Second, we need to consider the limited wealth of our nation. Simply put, I'm not sure our country can afford to deliver on that promise established by past generations that the government will provide when we as individuals can't.
And finally, we should look at how we show compassion for those who can not afford to live, literally. If we can't afford basic medical care, who can? Are there organizations that have a cheaper solution?
No one will be completely satisfied with any legislation that's passed, but we should at least consider the long-term impact our leaders finally agree on. Then, work to perfect it for as many Americans as possible.
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