Saturday, February 18, 2012

Taking responsibility

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February 18 2012
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Letter: Taking responsibility February 18, 2012, 05:00 AM Letter
Editor,
The conservative economist Bruce Bartlett was the supply-side champion who wrote the manifesto for the Reagan Revolution. Bartlett became a senior policy analyst in the Reagan administration and a top official at the Treasury Department under George H. W. Bush. Yet for all those credentials, he is today an outcast from the very conservative ranks where he was once so influential.
The Bush tax cuts have added at least $3 trillion to the debt. When Bush took office, budget projections showed a $6 trillion surplus, enough to pay off the pending $6 trillion national debt. Instead, by the time Bush left office, the national debt had ballooned to over $10 trillion. The Republicans are now refusing to take responsibility for having driven the borrowing binge that put the nation in the hole it is in now.
“Well, it’s very much like religion. And I think that it’s not a surprise that so many very, you know, devout Christians are a part of the Republican Party and accept a lot of this. Because the nature of deep religious belief is faith, which means you accept things for which there is no proof.” Bruce Bartlett.


Ted Rudow III, MA
Palo Alto

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Bush tax cuts

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Peninsula readers' letters: Feb. 16
From Daily News Group readers
mercurynews.com Posted: 02/15/2012 06:37:23 PM PST February 16, 2012 6:22 AM GMT Updated: 02/15/2012 10:22:21 PM PST
Dear Editor: The conservative economist Bruce Bartlett, a supply-side champion who wrote the manifesto for the Reagan Revolution, became a senior policy analyst in the Reagan White House and a top official at the Treasury Department under the first George Bush. Yet for all those credentials, he is today an outcast from the very conservative ranks where he was once so influential.
The George W. Bush tax cuts have added at least $3 trillion to the debt. When Bush took office, budget projections showed a $6 trillion surplus, enough to pay off the pending $6 trillion national debt. Instead, by the time Bush left office, the national debt had ballooned to more than $10 trillion and the Republicans are refusing to take responsibility for having driven the borrowing binge that put the nation in the hole it is in now.
This is what Bartlett said about Republican ideology: "Well, it's very much like religion. And I think that it's not a surprise that so many very, you know, devout Christians are a part of the Republican Party and accept a lot of this. Because the nature of deep religious belief is faith, which means you accept things for which there is no proof."
Bruce Bartlett,
Ted Rudow III, MA

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Bush tax cuts?

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/02/15/18707393.php
Bush tax cuts?by Ted Rudow III, MA Wednesday Feb 15th, 2012
The conservative economist Bruce Bartlett, the supply-side champion who wrote the manifesto for the Reagan Revolution. Bartlett became a senior policy analyst in the Reagan White House and a top official at the Treasury Department under the first George Bush.Yet for all those credentials, he is today an outcast from the very conservative ranks where he was once so influential. The Bush tax cuts have added at least $3 trillion to the debt. When Bush took office, budget projections showed a $6 trillion surplus, enough to pay off the pending $6 trillion national debt. Instead, by the time Bush left office, the national debt had ballooned to over ten trillion, and the Republicans are refusing to take responsibility for having driven the borrowing binge that put the nation in the hole it is in now.
"Well, it's very much like religion. And I think that it's not a surprise that so many very, you know, devout Christians are a part of the Republican Party and accept a lot of this. Because the nature of deep religious belief is faith, which means you accept things for which there is no proof" Bruce Bartlett
Ted Rudow III, MA

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Spartan Daily

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February 13, 2012

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Celebrating the freedom of being single on Valentine's Day

by Megan Mills Feb 13, 2012 4:40 pm Tags: love, relationships, single, Singles-Awareness Day, SJSU, valentine's day



Megan Mills is a Spartan Daily staff writer.



The smell of materialistic gifts is in the air — chocolate hearts, the teal image of Tiffany and Co. boxes and the gigantic stuffed animals all fit our perception that today is Valentines Day.

“Is it just me or is Valentines Day on steroids this year?” Miranda said to Carrie on an episode of "Sex and the City," referring to the amount of heart-shaped balloons covering the ceiling of a restaurant on Valentines Day.

Each year, this holiday seems to become more extravagant and outrageous, from the commercials on T.V. to couples scrambling around trying to find the perfect gift for their partner.

Today is the day when society demands couples express their undying love for each other through roses, diamonds and expensive dinners.

A person should express their love for their significant other every day of the year, not just on February 14 — It should be life-long.

According to aboutflowers.com, 19 percent of men and women send themselves flowers on Valentines Day.

This statistic truly breaks my heart.

Why are we wallowing in our self-pity instead of celebrating as singles? We have the freedom to do what we want, when we want.

Being single on this Hallmark holiday reminds us that we don’t need to spend our money on a cliché gift that will probably be forgotten by the time the next holiday rolls around.

We should not be singled out because our status on Facebook says we are "single."

We should acknowledge the fact that we do not need another person to constantly remind us how special and unique we are.

In addition to being independent, we can skip the stress of having to figure out what to purchase, where to eat and sweating over whether your date enjoys it as well.

We should look at this as a positive day to celebrate being single instead of giving into the “singles-awareness day” (SAD) theme, which says that singles should realize they are alone and sink into a depressive state.

We are not alone.

Of course I always enjoy the Valentines Day “pity” card I get from mom and dad, equipped with an abundance of candy to ease the pain — mine arrived in the mail yesterday.

Today, remember not to be discouraged if you are not in a relationship.

Today is a commercial holiday, which lets companies take advantage of love-struck couples.

Instead, relish the freedom and opportunity we have as singles.

Being alone on Valentine's Day can be just as entertaining as going out with friends or taking the time to do a little something for the most important person — yourself.

Unfortunately we can’t avoid this plague of every product and food item suddenly becoming heart-shaped or made of chocolate, but singles can turn this day into a positive experience.

Three simple suggestions include throwing an anti-Valentines Day party, taking a friend out to dinner or treating yourself to whatever you want.

Declare today the day when being single means Valentine's Day is cheaper, easier and all about you.

What could be better?

So the next time you see Cupid today, resist the urge to tackle him to the ground.

Simply think to yourself, "This manufactured holiday only lasts 24 hours."

It will be over soon.

Ted Rudow III, MA ·



History books tell us that during the Feast of Lupercalia, an event which evolved into the celebration known as Valentine’s Day, it was the custom for Roman youths to cast lots to pick a girl to not only bestow gifts upon, but to court the following year. In this modern day and age, such a random way of selecting a sweetheart has been abandoned. Instead, on February 14th, lovers in many countries give cards and gifts to express their love to the one they have romantic feelings for.

The Greek language has various words for love. One of them is agape, meaning love without expecting anything in return. This is not selfish or self-serving love-it is selfless and unconditional. But is it possible? How can we not feel slighted when we don't receive the treatment we want or feel we deserve in return for some good deed? How can we not "keep score," or not desire recompense or at least a response?

What is real love? It is wanting the best for someone else. It is putting their welfare above yours. It is being happy when they gain what they wanted or worked for. Can you love like that? No, none of us can of ourselves. But if you ask the Lord, He can give you this kind of love-love that seeks the good of someone else, even above your own, even to your own hurt. And it is a beautiful thing when that happens. Even if no one else notices, God does, and He will reward you in Heaven.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Valentine thoughts

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Peninsula readers' letters: Feb. 10

From Daily News Group readers


Posted: 02/09/2012 06:02:52 PM PST
Updated: 02/10/2012 12:02:05 AM PST


Valentine thoughts

Dear Editor: History books tell us that during the Feast of Lupercalia, an event which evolved into the celebration known as Valentine's Day, it was the custom for Roman youths to cast lots to pick a girl to not only bestow gifts upon, but to court the following year. In this modern day and age, such a random way of selecting a sweetheart has been abandoned. Instead, on Feb., 14, lovers in many countries give cards and gifts to express their love to the one for which they have romantic feelings.

The Greek language has various words for love. One of them is agape, meaning love without expecting anything in return. This is not selfish or self-serving love -- it is selfless and unconditional. But is it possible? How can we not feel slighted when we don't receive the treatment we want or feel we deserve in return for some good deed? How can we not "keep score," or not desire recompense or at least a response?

What is real love? It is wanting the best for someone else. It is putting their welfare above yours. It is being happy when they gain what they wanted or worked for.

Ted Rudow III, MA

Palo Alto

Valentine thoughts

MercuryNews.com
eEdition / Subscriber Services
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science
earthquakes
politics / government
california
nation / world

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Publications San Mateo County Times
Palo Alto Daily News
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Milpitas Post
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Saratoga News
Sunnyvale Sun


Peninsula POWERED BY



Peninsula readers' letters: Feb. 10

From Daily News Group readers


Posted: 02/09/2012 06:02:52 PM PST
Updated: 02/10/2012 12:02:05 AM PST


Valentine thoughts

Dear Editor: History books tell us that during the Feast of Lupercalia, an event which evolved into the celebration known as Valentine's Day, it was the custom for Roman youths to cast lots to pick a girl to not only bestow gifts upon, but to court the following year. In this modern day and age, such a random way of selecting a sweetheart has been abandoned. Instead, on Feb., 14, lovers in many countries give cards and gifts to express their love to the one for which they have romantic feelings.

The Greek language has various words for love. One of them is agape, meaning love without expecting anything in return. This is not selfish or self-serving love -- it is selfless and unconditional. But is it possible? How can we not feel slighted when we don't receive the treatment we want or feel we deserve in return for some good deed? How can we not "keep score," or not desire recompense or at least a response?

What is real love? It is wanting the best for someone else. It is putting their welfare above yours. It is being happy when they gain what they wanted or worked for.

Ted Rudow III, MA

Palo Alto

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Cuba

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/02/07/18706850.php
Anniversary
by Ted Rudow III, MA Tuesday Feb 7th, 2012
There are no commemorations planned in Washington, D.C., but today marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. embargo against Cuba — the longest-running embargo in the world. On February 7, 1962, President John F. Kennedy formally expanded the harsh regime of commercial and financial sanctions against Cuba that have continued to the present day.
-->
The embargo has been solidly bipartisan, notably intensifying under the Helms-Burton Act of 1996, which was passed by a Republican-controlled Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton, a Democrat. Castro's government has squelched people's freedom somewhat, and they have been intolerant of religious activity, but that's not entirely Castro's fault. It's largely the result of the influence of other elements in his government, as well as, at least in the beginning, pressure from his communist backers who support him. Most people think the way to get the few remaining Communist countries to open up more is not to isolate them, but to engage them in conversation, to have interaction with them. That's the way they've treated North Korea and other former Communist countries. But they're doing exactly the opposite with Cuba!--Mainly due to the Cuban-American lobby, which is very strong in Washington. It's a '60s policy toward Castro in a '2010s World. You know what's the worst thing about the U.S.?--Their hypocrisy!
Ted Rudow III, MA

Sunday, February 05, 2012

Super Bowl

Spartan Daily
February 1, 2012
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Eli is an elite quarterback
by Nick Celario Jan 31, 2012 8:28 pm Tags: Eli Manning, NFL, SUper Bowl XLVI

Throughout his career, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has been overshadowed by other quarterbacks who are considered to be the best in the NFL, such as Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady.
Being constantly compared to his older brother Peyton, also considered to be one of the league’s finest, does not help his cause.
Earlier in the season, Eli said he considers himself an elite NFL quarterback, comparing himself to the likes of Brady.
According to ESPN, Manning has completed 61 percent of his passes, threw for 4,933 yards, 29 touchdowns and 16 interceptions during the 2011 regular season.
Manning also has an overall quarterback rating of 92.9.
During a playoff game against the 2010 Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers this season, he completed 63.6 percent of his passes and threw for 330 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
During the same game, he had a quarterback rating of 114.5.
Manning has proven himself as one of the better quarterbacks in the league this season.
This Sunday, he has the opportunity to prove himself yet again as he and the Giants face Brady and the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl XLII rematch.
During that Super Bowl in 2008, Manning made a key play in the final minutes, avoided getting sacked then completed a pass to wide receiver David Tyree to convert on fourth down and sustain the drive.
He then capped off the game-winning drive with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Plaxico Burress.
In doing so, the Giants stopped Brady from winning a fourth championship and tying the record for most Superbowl wins by a quarterback.
The Giants also took away the Patriots’ chance of completing a season undefeated, an achievement that has not been accomplished since the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
Despite winning a championship, Manning was still not grouped among the league’s premier signal callers.
If Manning and the Giants beat New England again for a second Super Bowl five years, Manning ought to be considered elite now, right?
Winning a championship, let alone two, should allow him to be thought of as one of the league’s best.
Having one more championship than his old brother Peyton, a guaranteed future Hall of Fame quarterback, ought to put him in the company of the league’s elite.
Defeating Tom Brady, a sure-fire future Hall of Famer, in two Super Bowls should make a compelling argument for him to be considered as one of the greats in NFL history.
If the Giants win this Sunday, Manning should get the recognition he deserves and be distinguished as an elite NFL quarterback.
@TedrTed ·
There's nothing wrong with sports, and watching them every so often can be fun and relaxing. The Super Bowl and other sports really foster the spirit of competition.It's the spirit of the world, the "me first" spirit -- do what's best for yourself, win no matter who you have to hurt or step on in order to get ahead of the next guy. That's just the opposite of what Jesus wants to teach people -- to love your neighbor as yourself. Of course, some form of sports is fine. It's good exercise and can be good fellowship time with others. But things in the world are so different, and when athletes get to the professional level where they're being paid to win, it gets extremely competitive. It becomes almost a life-and-death spirit. For example, the soccer players in the World Cup practically ran themselves to exhaustion, suffered injuries and bruises, and still kept playing because they wanted to win no matter what it cost them physically.
Ted Rudow III, MA
class of 1996