What a wild, crazy, bizarre, unprecedented, divisive and ultimately revealing election this has been.
I think we are all still in shock. But I kind of got it right. I've been on numerous talk shows and on the Friday before the election I was on WJR, the biggest radio station in Detroit. The host asked If I thought Trump still had a chance to win. I said that I thought that there were a lot of people that didn't want to tell the pollsters that they were going to vote for Trump. I was on that show again the day after the election and the host said I was probably right.
The Media
The media made Trump and then tried to destroy him. They covered him a lot in the beginning of the campaign because, let's face it, The Donald is good for ratings. Then when the media realized that Trump might actually win, they went to extraordinary lengths to try and vilify and destroy him. They didn't even try and hide their bias. A biased media has little value in a democracy.
Divisive and Revealing...
A lot of friendships and familial bonds have been strained by this campaign. I was playing chess one day with a long-time friend and we started discussing the candidates and their policies. My friend and I were on different sides of the aisle. There were some very intelligent high school kids in the restaurant we were at that heard our discussion and took my side and voiced their opinions. At one point I thought my friend was going to stroke out. I know what you're thinking, who won the chess game? I did. My friend is a skilled chess player, but I've won my share. A few days later my friend and another buddy were going to play tennis together. The friend that I had disagreed with said that he wouldn't come if we discussed politics so we agreed not to talk about the campaign in front of him. It's interesting to note that my other buddy agrees with me on politics but doesn't discuss it in front of our other friend.
There are strong feelings and sentiments on both sides. A number of people have asked me, " how can people that call themselves Christians vote for Hillary?" One of my tennis buddy's said he didn't think Hillary should be prosecuted. I said " really with all of her lies and obvious crimes?" He said "Nope, we should hang the b...h." Actually, I've heard that from a few people.
I do find it interesting that Mr. Obama while appearing to pass on the mantle of the presidency to Mr. Trump, hasn't said word one about these violent protests about Trump. If he really wanted a peaceful transition...Hillary said she wants a successful Trump presidency. I haven't heard her say anything about the protests either.
Trump isn't a Republican..
On a radio interview I said Trump wasn't a Democrat or a Republican, he's a Nationalist. He wants what is best for the country. So do I. For me it's even more basic. It's about common sense.
For example, politics aside, does it really makes sense, at a time when several factions around the globe want to kill us...does it really make sense to open our borders wide open and let everyone, including terrorists into our country? Beyond that, does it really make sense to support all these people with our tax dollars? I think one of Trumps ideas was to ask new immigrants if they believed in America and Democracy. Since we're paying for these people that might be a fair question.
The Ultimate Reality Show..
In effect this is Donald Trump sitting across from Mr. Obama and saying ""You're Fired."
America has spoken. All politicians make promises and most don't keep them. But remember, Donald Trump isn't a politician. I think the fact that Trump is a Nationalist and only wants what is good for this country is a good thing and hopefully will bode well for this country, I do have a question for President Trump. If Hillary was a crook a day before the election, isn't she still a crook? I know Mr. Trump has to get up to speed in his new office, but it will be interesting to see how he makes good on his promises.
Make America Great Again. And God Bless America!
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
I'm an American!
Recently I was asked if I am a democrat or a republican. I said "I'm an American".
I wasn't trying to be flip. That's how I really feel. I'm for anything that is good for America or Americans. How do I feel about the issues?
Immigration: At a time when when we are under the greatest threat from terrorists, this president wants to let anybody in. And sanctuary cities where illegal aliens can harm or kill our citizens at will...there are already federal laws against this that aren't being enforced by this administration. Kind of makes you wonder whose side this guy is on?
Iran Nuclear Treaty: Senator Cotton had to travel to Vienna to learn that a secret side deal had been cut between Iran and the very organization that was suppose to inspect them, and that only the Obama administration can know about it...not congress...not the American people...are you kidding me? Also under this deal, Billions of dollars would be released to one of the biggest sponsors of terrorism in the world. And there would be no restrictions on ICBM.s, missiles that could reach the USA...what could go wrong? Obama thinks this is a good deal? Really?
Obamacare: Many people with subsidies can't afford to buy a health care plan. Still, even more can't afford to go to the doctor or hospital because they can't afford to spend thousands on the deductible.
Americans are forced to buy health insurance or pay a penalty. Regardless of what the supreme court says....is that really the American way?
Social Security: I keep hearing politicians talk about reforming it. How about the gov't paying back the billions of dollars they "borrowed" form Social Security. Gore talked about a lock box on Social Security. Sure it sounded dumb, but I think he had something there.
Donald Trump: The Donald. Sure he's a blowhard and a little crazy, but he's has the guts to stand up and tell the truth about what's happening in this country.
That's what we need in this country....more truth and more Americans to tell it!
I wasn't trying to be flip. That's how I really feel. I'm for anything that is good for America or Americans. How do I feel about the issues?
Immigration: At a time when when we are under the greatest threat from terrorists, this president wants to let anybody in. And sanctuary cities where illegal aliens can harm or kill our citizens at will...there are already federal laws against this that aren't being enforced by this administration. Kind of makes you wonder whose side this guy is on?
Iran Nuclear Treaty: Senator Cotton had to travel to Vienna to learn that a secret side deal had been cut between Iran and the very organization that was suppose to inspect them, and that only the Obama administration can know about it...not congress...not the American people...are you kidding me? Also under this deal, Billions of dollars would be released to one of the biggest sponsors of terrorism in the world. And there would be no restrictions on ICBM.s, missiles that could reach the USA...what could go wrong? Obama thinks this is a good deal? Really?
Obamacare: Many people with subsidies can't afford to buy a health care plan. Still, even more can't afford to go to the doctor or hospital because they can't afford to spend thousands on the deductible.
Americans are forced to buy health insurance or pay a penalty. Regardless of what the supreme court says....is that really the American way?
Social Security: I keep hearing politicians talk about reforming it. How about the gov't paying back the billions of dollars they "borrowed" form Social Security. Gore talked about a lock box on Social Security. Sure it sounded dumb, but I think he had something there.
Donald Trump: The Donald. Sure he's a blowhard and a little crazy, but he's has the guts to stand up and tell the truth about what's happening in this country.
That's what we need in this country....more truth and more Americans to tell it!
Saturday, December 27, 2014
2014...A year I would mostly like to forget.
Transition
The older I get, the more life seems to be about transition. As the adage goes, the only constant is change. Earlier this year I lost both of my parents in a short span of time. Specifically my mom, January 31 and dad February 11. Life is short and fleeting. My mom was a kind, loving woman who was kind to everyone she met. She was a big fan of mine. She carried a copy of my book in her purse and would mention it to anyone that would listen. My dad was a hard worker and a decorated WW2 combat Veteran. My parents lived into their late 80's and are hopefully in a better place now. At a recent dinner the host asked if anything unusual had happened to us this year. My parents passing was unusual but luckily something that only happens once in your lifetime. There are so many things we can't control in life. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and keep taking positive action, every day and every way you can. So much for the Sermon on the Mount....
Obamacare
Or as I like to call it, the Unaffordable Healthcare Act. I suppose some people saw their premiums go down this year, but not the ones I talked to. One of my health insurance clients saw a huge rate increase this year. When I asked the carrier who had previously had some of the lowest rates in the market why they were raising their rates, I was told that Obamacare allowed them to! It should be interesting when the subsidies some people are getting begin to evaporate. And with these high deductibles, many with health insurance can't afford to go to the doctor.
You never know about people...
Bill Cosby. His legacy is tarnished if not ruined for life. Why did he have to drug those women...if in fact, that is what he did. Although you wonder why it took so long for those women to come forward.
And then there's Stephen Collins who played a minister on television but molested some kids.
I guess we all have a dark side. Let's hope we show more light than darkness in our lives.
Moving Forward
Stay Positive. Take action. Years ago when my book, Patrick Gilligan Says Be Your Own Boss! came out I was a guest on a lot of talk shows. One host invited me to her book club at her home. As I sat and listened to the dozen or so would-be authors gripe and moan about their literary efforts, some having worked on their books for years, I said " look, you guys are probably all better writers than I am, but I'm the only published author in the room." Move confidently toward your goals everyday!
Make it a great 2015!
The older I get, the more life seems to be about transition. As the adage goes, the only constant is change. Earlier this year I lost both of my parents in a short span of time. Specifically my mom, January 31 and dad February 11. Life is short and fleeting. My mom was a kind, loving woman who was kind to everyone she met. She was a big fan of mine. She carried a copy of my book in her purse and would mention it to anyone that would listen. My dad was a hard worker and a decorated WW2 combat Veteran. My parents lived into their late 80's and are hopefully in a better place now. At a recent dinner the host asked if anything unusual had happened to us this year. My parents passing was unusual but luckily something that only happens once in your lifetime. There are so many things we can't control in life. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and keep taking positive action, every day and every way you can. So much for the Sermon on the Mount....
Obamacare
Or as I like to call it, the Unaffordable Healthcare Act. I suppose some people saw their premiums go down this year, but not the ones I talked to. One of my health insurance clients saw a huge rate increase this year. When I asked the carrier who had previously had some of the lowest rates in the market why they were raising their rates, I was told that Obamacare allowed them to! It should be interesting when the subsidies some people are getting begin to evaporate. And with these high deductibles, many with health insurance can't afford to go to the doctor.
You never know about people...
Bill Cosby. His legacy is tarnished if not ruined for life. Why did he have to drug those women...if in fact, that is what he did. Although you wonder why it took so long for those women to come forward.
And then there's Stephen Collins who played a minister on television but molested some kids.
I guess we all have a dark side. Let's hope we show more light than darkness in our lives.
Moving Forward
Stay Positive. Take action. Years ago when my book, Patrick Gilligan Says Be Your Own Boss! came out I was a guest on a lot of talk shows. One host invited me to her book club at her home. As I sat and listened to the dozen or so would-be authors gripe and moan about their literary efforts, some having worked on their books for years, I said " look, you guys are probably all better writers than I am, but I'm the only published author in the room." Move confidently toward your goals everyday!
Make it a great 2015!
Friday, December 27, 2013
If You Like Your Health Care Plan.... You Can Keep It!
Probably the mantra for 2013. That has to rate right up there with the first President Bush oft quoted promise "Read my lips..no new taxes." The Affordable Health Care Act. I think the Unaffordable...would have been more accurate. And then there's their web site. I remember reading that the company chosen to run that site had been fired by Canada for various problems. Then after the site is an obvious debacle, the administration says they are going to get the very best people working on it. Too bad they didn't think of that before. Many say that the site is still not secure and people are still required to use it.
Then the President said again you could keep your old plan. The only problem is that the insurance companies had already scrapped those relatively inexpensive plans for more expensive plans with much higher deductibles to comply with the law. In effect, these plans amount to "catastrophic coverage", with people paying for most of their care out of their pocket. I've heard that there are multi-billion dollar funds built into the law to make insurance companies whole if they have problems providing the coverage.
So, who wins? Perhaps the working poor, because they are suppose to get a tax break or subsidy to help pay for these plans. But, I've heard that many of them can't afford these plans..even with the subsidies.
Of course, insurance companies will make out.
So who loses? You guessed it...the taxpayer. Some have speculated that some insurance companies may go out of business because they are forced to sell plans that consumers can't afford. Well, if they do, I'm sure they will ask the gov't....the taxpayer, for a bailout.
I agree something had to be done about healthcare. This wasn't the answer. Perhaps they could have given a stipend or tax break to those below a certain income level that wanted to buy a healthcare plan.
Another flaw in their plan is that they want to put a lot more people into Medicaid. The problem there is that fewer and fewer health care providers are participating in Medicaid because their fees keep getting cut. In order to keep providers and attract more, they will have to increase those fees. Until they do, there won't be enough professionals to care for all of the new people.
More government news: The Post Office recently announced that they had ONLY lost $5 billion last year. Only....too bad the government can't be run like a business, with consequences for ill advised actions and inefficiencies.. And that brings me to a positive note:
As long as this country has great entrepreneurs, and we do...we will always prosper. And entrepreneurship is still the best way for many Americans to Succeed. Don't forget about my highly acclaimed book,
Patrick Gilligan Says Be Your Own Boss! Make it a great 2014!
Then the President said again you could keep your old plan. The only problem is that the insurance companies had already scrapped those relatively inexpensive plans for more expensive plans with much higher deductibles to comply with the law. In effect, these plans amount to "catastrophic coverage", with people paying for most of their care out of their pocket. I've heard that there are multi-billion dollar funds built into the law to make insurance companies whole if they have problems providing the coverage.
So, who wins? Perhaps the working poor, because they are suppose to get a tax break or subsidy to help pay for these plans. But, I've heard that many of them can't afford these plans..even with the subsidies.
Of course, insurance companies will make out.
So who loses? You guessed it...the taxpayer. Some have speculated that some insurance companies may go out of business because they are forced to sell plans that consumers can't afford. Well, if they do, I'm sure they will ask the gov't....the taxpayer, for a bailout.
I agree something had to be done about healthcare. This wasn't the answer. Perhaps they could have given a stipend or tax break to those below a certain income level that wanted to buy a healthcare plan.
Another flaw in their plan is that they want to put a lot more people into Medicaid. The problem there is that fewer and fewer health care providers are participating in Medicaid because their fees keep getting cut. In order to keep providers and attract more, they will have to increase those fees. Until they do, there won't be enough professionals to care for all of the new people.
More government news: The Post Office recently announced that they had ONLY lost $5 billion last year. Only....too bad the government can't be run like a business, with consequences for ill advised actions and inefficiencies.. And that brings me to a positive note:
As long as this country has great entrepreneurs, and we do...we will always prosper. And entrepreneurship is still the best way for many Americans to Succeed. Don't forget about my highly acclaimed book,
Patrick Gilligan Says Be Your Own Boss! Make it a great 2014!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Politics
If nothing else, politics can be entertaining. Especially with a dynamic speaker like Bill Clinton. He gave a masterful speech at the Democratic Convention. Although he left out one small detail. It's great that he had four straight balanced budgets when he was president. His omission. He , at least in part, set the stage that would make it very difficult if not impossible for future presidents to balance their budgets. A little thing called NAFTA. With millions of jobs outsourced and still being outsourced, how can the economy ever fully recover? I wonder how many balanced budgets Clinton would have had if the president before him had signed NAFTA? None I would guess.
I had listened to speakers at the Republican Convention earlier. They said some interesting things. Of course the next day you learn that a lot of what they said wasn't true. What I can't understand is why they lie about things that can be easily checked? Although I believe someone said that they can't have a campaign run by fact checkers. Who needs the bother?
They say that the first casualty of war is the truth. I think the same can be said about politics!
God Bless America!
If nothing else, politics can be entertaining. Especially with a dynamic speaker like Bill Clinton. He gave a masterful speech at the Democratic Convention. Although he left out one small detail. It's great that he had four straight balanced budgets when he was president. His omission. He , at least in part, set the stage that would make it very difficult if not impossible for future presidents to balance their budgets. A little thing called NAFTA. With millions of jobs outsourced and still being outsourced, how can the economy ever fully recover? I wonder how many balanced budgets Clinton would have had if the president before him had signed NAFTA? None I would guess.
I had listened to speakers at the Republican Convention earlier. They said some interesting things. Of course the next day you learn that a lot of what they said wasn't true. What I can't understand is why they lie about things that can be easily checked? Although I believe someone said that they can't have a campaign run by fact checkers. Who needs the bother?
They say that the first casualty of war is the truth. I think the same can be said about politics!
God Bless America!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2011 in review
The Economy
Pretty much the same as last year. They say less people are unemployed this year. My guess is that a lot of people just gave up looking for work and aren't counted anymore.
Politics
My response to the Occupy Wallstreet movement. What took so long? I wondered how long it would take for people to get fed up enough to revolt or at least react. The system is essentially unfair. The rich get richer at taxpayer expense, and there's no accountability. When the politicans bailed out the banks with our money, there were no provisions for setting aside a portion of that money for loans to Americans. And there were no limits set on executive bonuses. Alot of these clowns got millions-they should have been fired! As for the presidential race, another circus has come to town. Perry makes George Bush look like the smart one. Herman Cain may be the biggest clown of them all, but the season is still going.
People In The News
Boy, people sure have a short memory, or they weren't really paying attention. I see Condeleeza Rice has a book out now. Was't she essentialy in charge of the nations security when 911 hit. Nice job Condy. And Colin Powell is out there too. Wasn't he the guy that stood before the world and said that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction? He basically made the strongest argument for war, and we've paid dearly ever since. Then there's Bill Clinton out with a book on creating jobs. I call that the height of hypocrisy! He was one of the geniuses behind NAFTA, which cost this country thousands of Manufacturing jobs. Remember Ross Perot saying if NAFTA is passed your going to hear a loud sucking sound of American jobs being lost. He was so right.
Celebrity
We live in a world where you don't have to have talent to be famous. Dancing With the Stars. Are any of these people stars? Makes you wonder what's real.
What to Do?
Take care of yourself and others as much as possible. For many, starting your own business is the best solution. Read a good book on the subject like, Patrick Gilligan Says Be Your Own Boss!, now available on kindle.
Pretty much the same as last year. They say less people are unemployed this year. My guess is that a lot of people just gave up looking for work and aren't counted anymore.
Politics
My response to the Occupy Wallstreet movement. What took so long? I wondered how long it would take for people to get fed up enough to revolt or at least react. The system is essentially unfair. The rich get richer at taxpayer expense, and there's no accountability. When the politicans bailed out the banks with our money, there were no provisions for setting aside a portion of that money for loans to Americans. And there were no limits set on executive bonuses. Alot of these clowns got millions-they should have been fired! As for the presidential race, another circus has come to town. Perry makes George Bush look like the smart one. Herman Cain may be the biggest clown of them all, but the season is still going.
People In The News
Boy, people sure have a short memory, or they weren't really paying attention. I see Condeleeza Rice has a book out now. Was't she essentialy in charge of the nations security when 911 hit. Nice job Condy. And Colin Powell is out there too. Wasn't he the guy that stood before the world and said that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction? He basically made the strongest argument for war, and we've paid dearly ever since. Then there's Bill Clinton out with a book on creating jobs. I call that the height of hypocrisy! He was one of the geniuses behind NAFTA, which cost this country thousands of Manufacturing jobs. Remember Ross Perot saying if NAFTA is passed your going to hear a loud sucking sound of American jobs being lost. He was so right.
Celebrity
We live in a world where you don't have to have talent to be famous. Dancing With the Stars. Are any of these people stars? Makes you wonder what's real.
What to Do?
Take care of yourself and others as much as possible. For many, starting your own business is the best solution. Read a good book on the subject like, Patrick Gilligan Says Be Your Own Boss!, now available on kindle.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
2010 In Review
2010 is almost over. Interesting year. Let's review:
The Economy: Many reports indicate that 2011 will be a better year. I hope so. Some economists have said that the deepest recession since the Great Depession is over. I still contend that unemployment and outsourcing of American jobs are the biggest problems facing the economy and this country.
This has been called a jobless recovery. A jobless recovery! Who are they trying to kid? With 10% of the workforce out of a job, how can the economy rebound? If people are out of work and they don't have disposable income, how can they purchase goods and services to grow the economy?
Politics: When things get worse under the Democrats-we throw the bums out. And when things get worse under Republicans-we throw the bums out. If these elected officals looked out for the American people instead of the special interest groups and lobbyists that own them-they might accomplish something.
Health Care Reform: As I've said before, something had to be done. Don't forget that more and more people are losing their health insurance everyday! Although I don't like the idea of being forced to buy health insurance. The courts are divided on that provision of the law. But removing pre-existing condition clauses and limits on coverage are among the many pluses of the bill.
Entertainment: Hollywood seems addicted to remakes these days. I hate it when they remake a movie they have no business remaking like True Grit. Jeff Bridges is no John Wayne! I'd urge those that saw the remake to view the original. No comparison. Now Hawaii Five O. The only thing the new show has in common with the original is that it is set in Hawaii. Don't get me wrong, it's a good show. When I watch it, I look at it as another crime show set in Hawaii. It's not Hawaii Five O! While we're at it, I don't like the new James Bond.(I know he's had the role for a while now, but I wasn't doing my blog then) This guy is basically a thug. If you want to make movies with him, fine-just don't call him James Bond.
As for Dancing with the Stars, when was Bristol Palin ever a star? I must have missed that.
It's always good to be optimistic about the future, at least it will make you feel better. Let me close with my signature close from my radio and television programs.Folks, remember if you can imagine it. you can achieve it, if you can dream it you can become it! I'm Patrick Gilligan, and I'll see you next time. Make it a a Great Year.
The Economy: Many reports indicate that 2011 will be a better year. I hope so. Some economists have said that the deepest recession since the Great Depession is over. I still contend that unemployment and outsourcing of American jobs are the biggest problems facing the economy and this country.
This has been called a jobless recovery. A jobless recovery! Who are they trying to kid? With 10% of the workforce out of a job, how can the economy rebound? If people are out of work and they don't have disposable income, how can they purchase goods and services to grow the economy?
Politics: When things get worse under the Democrats-we throw the bums out. And when things get worse under Republicans-we throw the bums out. If these elected officals looked out for the American people instead of the special interest groups and lobbyists that own them-they might accomplish something.
Health Care Reform: As I've said before, something had to be done. Don't forget that more and more people are losing their health insurance everyday! Although I don't like the idea of being forced to buy health insurance. The courts are divided on that provision of the law. But removing pre-existing condition clauses and limits on coverage are among the many pluses of the bill.
Entertainment: Hollywood seems addicted to remakes these days. I hate it when they remake a movie they have no business remaking like True Grit. Jeff Bridges is no John Wayne! I'd urge those that saw the remake to view the original. No comparison. Now Hawaii Five O. The only thing the new show has in common with the original is that it is set in Hawaii. Don't get me wrong, it's a good show. When I watch it, I look at it as another crime show set in Hawaii. It's not Hawaii Five O! While we're at it, I don't like the new James Bond.(I know he's had the role for a while now, but I wasn't doing my blog then) This guy is basically a thug. If you want to make movies with him, fine-just don't call him James Bond.
As for Dancing with the Stars, when was Bristol Palin ever a star? I must have missed that.
It's always good to be optimistic about the future, at least it will make you feel better. Let me close with my signature close from my radio and television programs.Folks, remember if you can imagine it. you can achieve it, if you can dream it you can become it! I'm Patrick Gilligan, and I'll see you next time. Make it a a Great Year.
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