THE LAME DUCKIES ARE HONING THEIR KNIVES - Just a Minute Radio for Friday 101119

            It *IS* Fridaaaaayyyy…..

 

            And we’re happy for it. I really don’t know how much more colorful our autumn foliage could have been here in Greenville County.  I know from being up in Henderson County a week or two ago that the ‘falling’ of the foliage there was a *lot* further along than down here in the upstate.  And it seems that even the sort of sedate ‘oaks’ if given half a chance by whatever makes their foliage a sort of deep brownish maroon, took advantage of it this year.

 

            There were occasional ‘blasts’ of yellow from hickory trees… the sweet gums put on a show almost every year… and aside from shade that seems to be their prime usefulness.  Well… I won’t go strolling through the imaginary forest in my brain… but it is a beautiful time of year and when the weather is nice as it has been (except for max dryness) things seem to go OK… the punkins look good amongst the fall landscapes. I’m quite blessed by the Lord’s handiwork – how much better it will be in Glory is apparently beyond our imagination.

 

            The political scene – the theatre of man – by contrast seems fairly ugly.  By that I take as exhibit A – 80 year old Charlie Rangel.  He’s spent half his life in the Congress… elevated himself to a position of power and respect – and kicked it all away somehow blinded by the fact you can’t simply go through life ignoring rules and then saying … “If I have offended anyone… etc. etc….” He’s a smart enough man to know he egregiously stepped outside the lines of acceptable behavior.  For the head of the tax-writing committee to think he could flaunt those rules and get away with it for a decade… it was foolish, dangerous and destructive.  Ginned-up half- hearted apologies delivered into the air just wouldn’t cut it. He and I, are old enough to recognize he followed the path (except for the excesses in drinking) that his predecessor in that very Congressional District, Adam Clayton Powell, did virtually the same thing. Thumbed his nose at living within the law and the rules.  The same fate befell the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee (Wilbur Mills) in the same era … only he ran his car into the tidal basin at night with a woman in the right seat who was not his wife…  That took *him* off the scene too. 

 

            It’s the same old thing – sin – that carries away those who, in their exercise of power become prisoners of it – not realizing it is eating them alive.  Sad, sad stories… and unnecessary—but there they are…

 

            Well… have a good weekend… and remember HE is God, HE is good, HE is just. It’s all there for the reading – just pick up the book and learn.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

            Jack

       Delayed audio link:

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THE LAME DUCKIES ARE HONING THEIR KNIVES

Just a Minute: -- The ‘grating’ sound you hear across the Potomac is minority Republican ‘lame duckies’ honing their knives for spending cuts -- if not now -- in January.

Sen. Claire McCaskill, Democrat of Missouri, wants a binding two year earmark moratorium. Others like Dan Inouye of Hawaii shake their heads.  He’s a champion earmarker.

Oklahoma’s Dr. Tom Coburn teams with South Carolina’s Jim DeMint, in welcoming Ron Johnson, who unseated liberal Russ Finegold, from his eighteen year senate seat -- Ron set foot first in Washington six months ago when starting his campaign.  

North Dakota’s John Thune says all ‘non-discretionary spending should be cut back to inflation-adjusted 2008 levels. Marco Rubio pulled out a plumb from the Florida pie and holds that seat for the GOP.

Problem is the numbers just now aren’t with Republicans -- but they seem determined to fight the good fight.  

DeMint – who’s often fought a lonely battle, is asked: “How does it feels to have some reinforcements, he says: “I can’t tell you how good it feels.”
            <> I’m Jack Buttram.

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I VOTED FOR HER JUST AFTER I VOTED AGAINST HER - Just A Minute Radio for Wednesday 101117

            Grrrrowth… that’s what we’re after – Grrrrooowth!

 

            And we’ll see if we get it as Congress (known as  the ‘lame duck session) wrestles mighty issues to the ground – only to find they’ve often turned to jelly in the waiting – and now either everybody wants to get everything done – or somebodies want nothing to be done – or a select group of people want some things done and others left undone…. You can’t tell the players without a scorecard.

 

            I guessed that most people would be so glad the election is over they would show little interest in what’s going on under the Capitol Dome… -- There was plenty going on just not many people there – and the ones that were there were thinking in such a confused fashion two reporters interviewing them 5 minutes apart would have written two different stories.

 

            So now speculation goes this way and that.  Madam Speaker of the House, everyone thought would step down after such a ‘shellacking’ as Prez Obama phrased it.  But no, either she’s glued to it – or thinks she is – or she’s going to hang on for dear life proving that she *really* is the queen of the House of Rep… and nobody better challenge that!  Especially if they plan to live more than a week.

 

            Meantime, Charlie Rangel hires and fires his attorneys, in order that his trial may either be delayed or (he hopes) dismissed because there’s too much other stuff to be doing. Peter King – Republican counterpart of Rangel, from Suffolk County, NY seemed to want to defend Rangel saying there was no malicious intent.  I wonder how many plain, hardworking people from middle America could get by with such a defense in not paying their taxes.

 

            For me, members of Congress like Rangel and Spratt and, and yes, Thurmond (now no longer in jeopardy of being thrown out of Congress) are examples of being in power too long. I write that not without sympathy… but also with a clear-eyed recognition that people have a certain almost double certain, propensity to fool *themselves* about their value to the public good. In general they continue to hold office out of inertia, sometimes out of corruption and doing the wrong thing.  Mayor Koch said it well that sometimes public officials lose sight of their own poor performance capability and stay on the stage too long.  “Term limits – where are you when we *need* you!”

 

            Time for a nap… we’ll all be needing it before Thanksgiving.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack

       Delayed audio link:

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

I VOTED AGAINST HER JUST AFTER I VOTED FOR HER …

 

Homer: JUST A MINUTE: – Mr. Jack – Kin you figger out *why* Mrs. Pelosi wants ta be…

MizP: … Th’ Minority leader… why is tha-ut? She don’t cotton ta bein’ second chair?

BB: That’s whut Ah thank too Miz Pearl.

Jack: You don’t understand folks – it’s a question of power.

MizP: Powuh Mr. Jack… she’s a havin’ ta take backseat to Mr. Bayner…

Homer: At’s rite.

Jack: Two things, Homer – she thinks being Minority leader is just a temporary job.

MizP: She thanks she’s a-gonna be back in th’ saddle agin…?

Jack: Not only that she believes it’ll happen in 2012 – next go ‘round.

MizP: Whut do you thank?

Jack: The Republicans in ‘94 did lose seats to the Democrats after their big win…

MizP: But hit wasn’t a big turn aroun’ wuz hit…

BB: Naw – But it did start a slide back to th’ other side.

Homer: Well whut about Mr. Shuler… th former quarterback –he’s a-challengin’ her.

BB: You know, a-tryin’ ta be anuther Minority leader ain’t jist tiddledee winks.

Jack: That’s why Madam Pelosi wants to hold on… you get to appoint people to jobs and

MizP: An do favors…

Homer: An sneak in your own earmarks when it’s late in th’ nite.

MizP: Has Mrs. Murkoskiwowski won yet?

Jack: Last time I checked she was about two thousand votes ahead.

BB: She said she a-doin’ whut Strong Thumond did.

Jack: That’s not correct.  Senator Thurmond promised when he set out on his write-in campaign that

            if he won he’d resign in two years and go the regular procedures of voting – and he did.

MizP: Did he give up seniority?

Jack: He did indeed – which is more than Mrs. Murkowski promises.

Homer: Ah-m a gittin’ tarrd of people sayin’ one thang and doin’ another.

Jack: Character shows too when we start on time and end on time.

MizP: Tha-ut means hit mus be time.

Jack: Exactly Miz Pearlie…  see you next Wednesday. I’m Jack Buttram.  

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MITCH DISCOVERS WHICH SIDE HIS BREAD HOLDS THE BUTTER -- Just A Minute Radio for Tuesday 101116

            Good Day… It’s supposed to rain today – so I guess there’s a parade out there somewhere…

 

            But in Mudville, Mighty Casey hasn’t struck out … at least not yet – for the first day of the returned lame-duck 111^th Congress found the minority rather chillingly give the majority a ‘preview of coming attractions.”

 

            Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader had previously allowed his fear by banning earmarks that the legtislators would be ‘giving up too much power.’ But one only has to look at a graph of how ‘earmarks’ have expanded government spending over the past five years or so, to recognize an abuse of power.  It was an earmark that got Senator Stevens of Alaska in – well warm water – when he got an appropriation for his famous bridge to nowhere.

 

            The power to shelter a packet of taxpayers dollars for some pet hometown project had – like topsey – just grown to ridiculous proportions. And now that hard times had come knockin’ at the door… the taxpayers wanted legislators to lock the door… which Senator McConnell indicated they will indeed do.  However… the deed is not done yet…and I suspect the lame duckies will gin up something to make taxpayers even more distrustful of their elected representatives.

 

            In any case… yesterday’s effort at least (and more we hope) signaled the way the coming Congress is going to try and be frugal with the money we are borrowing from China and everybody else – and planning to leave to our children and grandchildren to pay off. I guess that’s what gripes me most about this spending spree on which we have been set by the tall, tan young man who convinced the Nation he was a man of character – when it now looks as if he’s just naïve to an inexperienced peak!

 

            But we have at least two more years of his Administration to weather – and it’s going to be tough going down an already muddied road. You might as well stock up on your ‘anti-outrage’ pills because we’re all going to need them as these clashes come on the scene.

 

            Let us pray for love and harmony – and keep a wary eye on the pantry door or the safe deposit box.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack Buttram

Delayed audio link:

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

MITCH DISCOVERS WHICH SIDE HIS BREAD HOLDS THE BUTTER

Just a Minute: -- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. began his speech yesterday afternoon: (quote) "Nearly every day that the Senate's been in session for the past two years, I have come down to this spot and said that Democrats are ignoring the wishes of the American people," surprising the Democrats he added. "When it comes to earmarks, I won't be guilty of the same thing."

It had appeared McConnell would be at odds with Tea Party-ites in his own GOP ranks – But he made clear which way he intended to lead his troops.

The Majority Leader (to be) in the House, Rep. John Boehner from Ohio had already given a fairly stern speech to the incoming freshmen legislators saying it was going to be a tough session and he thought the newly minted legislators should strap on their battle gear.  

From my standpoint, it’s an epic start to a scenario the liberal left views with alarm and will mount opposition to it. We’ll just have to see how this match plays out.

<> I’m Jack Buttram.

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RECENT FACTS THAT CONCERN - Just A Minute Radio for Monday 101115

            Here we are at the start of a brand new “unspoilt” week. – But in Washington, looking at this week the theme song is “It’s going to be a hot time in the old town tonight!  Otherwise known as the Great Chicago Fire!

 

            Maybe it won’t be that bad… but there are two big clouds on the horizon… one is the Senate and one is the House. Probably the darkest and most foreboding is the House. Madam Speaker has built up the Thunderhead considerably by deciding to take a step down in leadership is most unrewarding for her campaign as a notable leader. Some of the grey heads are shaking them wondering what in the world she is doing taking on such an unwelcoming job.  But perhaps the lady has a secret plan and we shall observe its unfolding.

 

            First off for the Congress as a whole: Not a single appropriations bill has been passed. If they don’t get passed, the government shuts down… and on that score the debt ceiling will be reached sometime in the first two months.  Republicans learned in 1994 how disastrous shutting down the government can become – and say they are not going there. OTOH (which is computerese for ‘on the other hand’) there are members on both sides of the aisle who say there will *have* to be compromise.  As I’ve written before, former footballer Heath Schuler (D-NC), who handles the Congressional district roughly west of Asheville in NC was on TV Sunday saying that if she does not step down and no one else challenges her, he will… Which is quite an ambitious step for a two-term Congressman to make… challenging the (to be) former Speaker. It’s a dangerous game… walking through a swamp filled with quicksand holes and not so baby alligators.

 

            In addition to the debt ceiling – there are the appropriations bills, the STAR treaty and key problems arising to be handled somehow on trade agreements with Korea, Columbia, and Afghanistan.

 

            But just to look on the other side of the aisle, how is Mr. Boehner (R-OH) going to handle new congressmen who ran backed by the Tea Party folk and pledging “no compromise” going to keep that pledge and keep the fiscal roof from falling in?  He can expect little help from is minority counterpart – who has crossed the river in her pledges it seems – and also unable to wiggle around in the dilemma in which both parties find themselves so far as “getting things done” which all the pollsters say is what the electorate says they want no matter which party label it wears.

 

            Looks to me like the beginning of a showdown season.  These fiscal votes about tax rate extensions etc. won’t wait. If nobody wants to compromise and the bus is headed for the cliff with all aboard…. It won’t be a White Christmas – but a Red one…

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

RECENT FACTS THAT CONCERN

Just a Minute: -- American news media have virtually ignored Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – who extended his planned three day stay in the US to five days trying to convince government officials economic sanctions against Iran are NOT working, and the situation will call for a credible military threat to be put on the table. 

Netanyahu is trying to correct current U.S. opinion Iran’s nuclear threat is not immediate or serious by saying: “Jerusalem is not [just] a settlement; Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel.”  But American media for the most part ignores it. And the President characterized his final stop on his ten day tour telling a dispirited, twice disappointed Indonesian crowd -- “I’m finally home.”

What hasn’t registered with the media and the Administration is, Iran is into an end-of-time theology. They believe the Twelfth Imam -- Islam’s messiah -- may be here any moment and with nuclear weapons at the ready, they can end Judeo-Christian civilization.

Joel C. Rosenberg says it’s a perilous situation that demands our prayers and attention.

<> I’m Jack Buttram.

 (END)

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RECENT FACTS THAT CONCERN - Just A Minute Radio for Monday 101115

            Here we are at the start of a brand new “unspoilt” week. – But in Washington, looking at this week the theme song is “It’s going to be a hot time in the old town tonight!  Otherwise known as the Great Chicago Fire!

 

            Maybe it won’t be that bad… but there are two big clouds on the horizon… one is the Senate and one is the House. Probably the darkest and most foreboding is the House. Madam Speaker has built up the Thunderhead considerably by deciding to take a step down in leadership is most unrewarding for her campaign as a notable leader. Some of the grey heads are shaking them wondering what in the world she is doing taking on such an unwelcoming job.  But perhaps the lady has a secret plan and we shall observe its unfolding.

 

            First off for the Congress as a whole: Not a single appropriations bill has been passed. If they don’t get passed, the government shuts down… and on that score the debt ceiling will be reached sometime in the first two months.  Republicans learned in 1994 how disastrous shutting down the government can become – and say they are not going there. OTOH (which is computerese for ‘on the other hand’) there are members on both sides of the aisle who say there will *have* to be compromise.  As I’ve written before, former footballer Heath Schuler (D-NC), who handles the Congressional district roughly west of Asheville in NC was on TV Sunday saying that if she does not step down and no one else challenges her, he will… Which is quite an ambitious step for a two-term Congressman to make… challenging the (to be) former Speaker. It’s a dangerous game… walking through a swamp filled with quicksand holes and not so baby alligators.

 

            In addition to the debt ceiling – there are the appropriations bills, the STAR treaty and key problems arising to be handled somehow on trade agreements with Korea, Columbia, and Afghanistan.

 

            But just to look on the other side of the aisle, how is Mr. Boehner (R-OH) going to handle new congressmen who ran backed by the Tea Party folk and pledging “no compromise” going to keep that pledge and keep the fiscal roof from falling in?  He can expect little help from is minority counterpart – who has crossed the river in her pledges it seems – and also unable to wiggle around in the dilemma in which both parties find themselves so far as “getting things done” which all the pollsters say is what the electorate says they want no matter which party label it wears.

 

            Looks to me like the beginning of a showdown season.  These fiscal votes about tax rate extensions etc. won’t wait. If nobody wants to compromise and the bus is headed for the cliff with all aboard…. It won’t be a White Christmas – but a Red one…

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

RECENT FACTS THAT CONCERN

Just a Minute: -- American news media have virtually ignored Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – who extended his planned three day stay in the US to five days trying to convince government officials economic sanctions against Iran are NOT working, and the situation will call for a credible military threat to be put on the table. 

Netanyahu is trying to correct current U.S. opinion Iran’s nuclear threat is not immediate or serious by saying: “Jerusalem is not [just] a settlement; Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel.”  But American media for the most part ignores it. And the President characterized his final stop on his ten day tour telling a dispirited, twice disappointed Indonesian crowd -- “I’m finally home.”

What hasn’t registered with the media and the Administration is, Iran is into an end-of-time theology. They believe the Twelfth Imam -- Islam’s messiah -- may be here any moment and with nuclear weapons at the ready, they can end Judeo-Christian civilization.

Joel C. Rosenberg says it’s a perilous situation that demands our prayers and attention.

<> I’m Jack Buttram.

 (END)

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NOW THAT WE'RE IN THE DITCH -- WHAT NEXT? -- Just A Minute Radio for Friday 101112:

            Hello once again… it’s FRIDAAAAAAaaaaayyy! (turn off the echo chamber)

 

            I don’t think the mechanics at JUST RITE AUTO are hanging on every word that comes from DC about who is going to be the assistant minority leader… otherwise known as the ‘whip’.  He’s the guy (or gal) who gets the job of rounding up the votes (or trying to make sure everybody you’re counting on does vote) when legislation comes to the floor in either the House of Representatives or the US Senate. It’s routine business and hardly attended to by those outside the process.

 

            Although I must recognize Mrs. Pelosi as the Speaker in the House has gained *more* name recognition -- and from the other side – dislike – than anyone else who has held that job in my lifetime. The Speaker is usually known… it’s the Assistant, the Whip and the Conference leader who carry a lot of the load but generally get little recognition for performing their duties.

 

            Anyway, I’d rather be writing about preparing the winter garden… or getting the flower beds ready for blooming time next Spring… not that I’m an avid gardner... its just that on some days I really want to deal with things of more importance than wrangling over ‘earmarks’ or other arcane terms in the legislative process.  So somebody drop me a line about the best species of Pansy’s to plant for color and durability at the 82^nd latitude here in South Carolina.

 

            The contrast of what goes on under the Capitol Dome and what goes on under the Farmer’s Peaked cap couldn’t be more vivid. Somethings really matter – and others just fill up pages and pages and go nowhere.

 

            Anyway… I hope you made our Veteran’s happy yesterday.. and that you had a blessed holiday.  A measure of my absenmindedness was impressed upon me when I made a totally unnecessary trip to an empty mailbox.  I knew that… why couldn’t I remember it?  I do remember a trip to the mountains we made to visit some friends yesterday… and the vividness of the fall colors in the lower elevations in SC. Up on the escarpment… much of the color has passed…. But it’s still a wonderful time of year. I hope you’re enjoying it too.  God bless you all.  Make your Sunday School teacher happy this weekend…-- BE THERE!

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack and Barbara

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          “JUST A MINUTE”

NOW THAT WE’RE IN THE DITCH – WHAT NEXT?

Just a Minute: -- David Broder, dean of the DC pundits, recommends the last election be called a "swerve” rather than a “tidal wave.”  Why? – it draws the picture of a highway rather than a beach – so we may envision a car jumping the meridian and suddenly appearing in front of oncoming traffic.

While it is “scary at first and disorienting,” he says, “…it requires immediate adjustment...”

This is, by his lights, the precise predicament of the White House.  While he notes the President’s usual analytical demeanor in his first post-election news conference – as the extent of the “swerve” and change of course set in, panic mounted, magnified when Speaker Pelosi decided she would stay on, despite contrary precedent.

The President’s men had already marked her as the scape-goat. But now with both Pelosi and Sen. Reid picking up leadership reins it’ll require quick action by Mr. Obama himself when he gets back from his massive Asian tour. 

Well -- we’ll see how it goes.  

<> I’m Jack Buttram.

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WHO WILL SPEAK AS HOUSE GOP LEADER? -- Just A Minute Radio for Thursday 101111

            Mrs. Pelosi’s decision to remain in House leadership has thrown off the whole game.

 

            “She’s acting like a secret agent for the Republican Party,” said one anonymous Democrat House member who doesn’t want his committee assignment snatched away, Older heads in the House say almost every preceding House Speaker stepped out of leadership when there were big losses under his leadership. (Sam Rayburn was the sole example who didn’t and he was only out of the Speakership for two years before marshaling his troops to and regaining the majority.)

 

            Apparently Mrs. Pelosi thinks she can make the same thing happen. Her letter to House members says she hopes to see them back under the Capitol Dome in two years. Possibly it could happen if Republican freshmen lose their way or get tangled in the legislative skein. Left-leaning journalists, have their fingers crossed recalling how long it took them to learn the ‘tricks’ of how the House works.  All sorts of lobbyists, hold their financial cards close to their chests to keep their own counsel.

 

            Right now it’s an insiders game because the old-timers have a better feel for what may happen in the cloakrooms and watering spots where strategy is developed and often sold especially to newcomers who have little experience in big-league politics and often defer to senior ‘persuaders’ who show them a different path. Assorted party leaders on both sides of the aisle, are awfully good at showing a new member how to bring home the bacon… butter his bread – or whatever metaphor you wish to apply. Often, however, it

dims the newly-minted Congressman’s ability to properly paddle his own canoe.   

 

            Sometimes the early founders of the tea-party factions are not as aware of what moves legislation or changes opinions over the short haul – and before you know it an unsuspecting ‘freshman’ may have signed on to a move that will prove troublesome in a short time. Newer staffers haven’t experienced as much legislative history, often coming from State Legislatures where the competition is more along the lines of the ‘good ole boys’ – not realizing they’re neophytes in the big leagues now – and will possibly make commitments that they wish they hadn’t.

 

            Well… those are difficulties we don’t have to worry about *except* when the results come in and the new national legislators  begin to see what kind of pie the new chef has cut for them. It’s all part of the learning curve… which you and I pay for in higher taxes or greater expenses on health care and assorted other programs not fully understood.

 

            Time to go… Have a great day – will look for you again toward the end of this week or the next one.

 

            Cordially,  IN HIM

 

 

            Jack

Delayed audio link:

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

WHO WILL SPEAK AS HOUSE GOP LEADER?

Just a Minute: -- Failure is easy – it’s success that’s difficult. The Bait Shop and Sushi Bar group yesterday examined the problems sprouting after the election.  Everyone readily claims success – but failure? Oh... not my fault!  

Already we see Speaker Pelosi splitting her party holding her leadership when obviously the gracious – and most successful thing would be to step aside.  In the GOP certain past party members have endorsed a candidate and are trying to outflank a newer House member.  

Why does this happen? 

We’re all humans and have human shortcomings. Scripture describes our problem as – “We think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think.”  Governor Reagan, even before he became President said there is little that cannot be overcome if we do not concern ourselves with who gets the credit.

Already there are bruises and hard feelings. Experienced members as well as freshmen Tea Partiers must gingerly and caringly find their way now into re-organizing the majority party.

It will only be accomplished by God’s grace.

<> I’m Jack Buttram.

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THEY HAVE TA' FITE YA SEE, ER TH' GAME'S OVER -- Just a Minute Radio for Wednesday 101110

            Hellooooo out there in Listener’s Lane –

 

            We’re trying to figure out just why there’s so much shot and smoke still in the air.  Votes being demanded in the House Minority meetings… that will splinter the good will of that former majority.  Accusations flying back and forth among various congressional contests and not much of an ameliorating wind in the willows.

 

            I just read a note today about November 11^th being one of the marks of Indian Summer.  Supposedly that’s a left over from the Indians of North America who thought their god sent them a last burst of warm air before the winter.  Looks like the last bursts of warm are coming from both parties… right now… hard to see because the battlefield smoke still is hanging around.

 

            The leadership battle in the House has been complicated on the soon to be minority side by Mrs. Pelosi deciding she would like to stay on in the minority leader’s post – which leaves too few chairs at the table to accommodate everyone and the question is who is willing to give up his seat.  So far… no volunteers.

 

            The Wall St. Journal carried a front page story yesterday about the criss-crossed interests of Senator DeMint and Rep. Bob Inglis. I happen to know personally the individuals involved and the story isn’t entirely accurate – as is usually the case with awkward situations. Nonetheless the controversy will continue.

 

            Same problems with Senator Murkowski’s write-in campaign in Alaska – and there are efforts afoot to try and get Governor Machin of West Virginia to switch parties for the two years of the contest he’s just won.  Although the retiring Senator from Pennsylvania might have some guidance to offer.

 

            All in all it’s not a very pleasant picture – but then that was true during John Adams’ Presidency – the not so hidden conflicts between him and his rival Thomas Jefferson.  I’m afraid it is an all too common characteristic of strong people holding strong positions… and not being very charitable about giving them up.

 

            Well, it’s burning the post-midnight oil with me to put this on the screen – so let’s let it ride. They will eventually iron things out. So let’s have no more canings on the Senate floor – we’ve progressed beyond that stage we all hope.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THEY HAVE TA’ FITE YA SEE, ER TH’ GAME’S OVER

 

BB: JUST A MINUTE: – Mr. Jack – Why ain’t there enny peace?

Jack: I don’t understand the question Billy-bob.

 MizP: Mr. Beelie is astin’ why is th’ fitin’ still a-goin’ on?

Homer: Yeah… Mr. Jack… hit’s awful.

Jack: What’s the complaint, Homer?

Homer: Govnor Barber don’t keer fer Mr. Steele of the Reepublican Committee.

BB: He done give him some faint praise bout fund rasin’ –

Jack: They ought to be peace makin’

MizP: Do you thank hit ‘s b’cause th’ PrezDint’s out of town.

BB: Naw -- hit’s cause they’s in a fitin’ mood.  

Homer: Mr. Clyburn wants’s um ta have a vote ‘bout th leaders of th’ House.

MizP: ‘cause he’s ‘bout ta git pushed out  an he don’t wanna go.

BB:  Th’ ‘Publicans is a-wantin’ th Guvner of West Virginnie ta come over an be on their  side.

Homer: He was onny ‘lected ta fill Mr. Byrd’s term fer two years.

MizP: An Miz Murkiekowskie mite win tha-ut seat in Alaski…

Jack: Oh boy what a mess.  I thought we got over all this…

BB: Oh no… ther was a frunt page WALL Street story yestiddy describin’ bad blood ‘tween Mr. DeMint an Inglis.

MizP: Well why is all a this a happnin?

Homer: Well, whut air we a-goin’ ta do about it.

Jack: One scripture verse comes to mind Homer… Not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think.

BB: That’s one that don’t git listened to much … not aroun  Warshington.

Homer: The rite idea is like th’ Bible says – not thankin too highly of ourselves.

Jack: Last week we talked about startin’ a weekly study of Timothy.

BB: OH yeah… I fergot.

Jack: Let’s all read second Timothy before next Wednesday.

MizP: Ats a good idea… but I ‘spect we’s outer time this week.  

Jack: You’re right Miz Pearl… we’ll have to say good by

BB: Until next Wednesday.

Jack: OK  Until Next Wednesday we’ll talk it over --- I’m Jack Buttram.

(END)

JEBCO Editorial Service

wmuu.com

E-mail n4zhk@arrl.net

 

 

 

I DUNNO -- HE CRIES A LOT AND YELLS -- "CALL DADDY" -- Just A Minute Radio for 101109

            We’re here on a lovely Tuesday –

 

            And we’re pickin’ up the pieces after the election that took place a week ago.  They’re still countin’ ballots in Alaska – and quit in Washington just because one of the contestants conceded.  So – now we’re in the post election season and NewsMax in conjunction with their partners Survey/USA ran a poll of 1000 registered voters to see how they would fare if running for the White House against President Obama.

 

            First off – they seemed to take special delight in pointing out Mrs. Clinton would come in 20 percentage points ahead of Mr. Obama. But it’s hard to figure out what that means. Possibly Mrs. Obama would have come in 20 percentage points higher than Mr. Obama – which *might* create another problem. Right now we don’t need any more problems – we’ve got enough on hand.

 

            So to make it worthwhile the NewsMax team picked out a few more unauthorized candidates, and they ended up asking about 1000 registered voters – presumably scattered across America – for whom would they vote if the election was held that day.

 

            Newsmax believes they have something interesting and did the matchups with Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and Evan Byah, a retired Senator who has about $10 million stashed away wherewith he could challenge Obama – but in the straw poll he got only 41 percent to Obama’s 59 percent.  Donald Trump is in there somewhere too… NewsMax is going to dribble out the results over the next few days they say.  I say lets study crickets or ice formations… anything other than *more* politics for the present.

 

            We’ll be back tomorrow to survey the folks over at Earl ‘n’ Lester’s Bait Shop and Sushi Bar on the Caroliner line. I hope you’ll join us.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack Buttram

Delayed audio link:

 

http://www.wmuu.com/blog/category/audio/just-a-minute/

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

I DUNNO – HE CRIES A LOT AND YELLS – “CALL DADDY.”

Just a Minute: -- Seems like we can’t get enough politics from having an election – we gotta make up some more. A couple of children belonging to newly elected office holders get arrested and on top of that news papers make up new contests and take more polls. Hey folks can’t we go back to living normally?

A Newsmax-USA Survey  ginned up between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton reported after last week’s election their poll showed Mrs. Clinton came in first  by a 20-percentage-point margin in a head-to-head pretend race for the presidency. Aren’t we covered up already with more real political information than we can use?

They ran the poll to find out how several well-known celebrities might fare if they ran against Mr. Obama for the White House. They matched up Mrs. Clinton, Sarah Palin, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Donald Trump, and Glenn Beck, and asked a thousand registered voters, and found a large majority of the respondents chose the fake candidates rather than the President. – OK… so what else is new?

¨     I’m Jack Buttram. . (END)

                                                                                Jebco Editorial Service

www.wmuu.com

E-mail n4zhk@arrl.net

 

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