Quarterback, Congressman, Secretary, Nominee

Jack Kemp
(1935-2009)

Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton: Chatter & Punishment

Risk Rewards

Supreme Farewell

On Friday, Supreme Court Justice David Souter announced his resignation. Officially, he will depart June 26. President Obama released this statement:

President Obama: “I just got off the telephone with Justice Souter. And so I would like to say a few words about his decision to retire from the Supreme Court.”

“Throughout his two decades on the Supreme Court, Justice Souter has shown what it means to be a fair-minded and independent judge. He came to the bench with no particular ideology. He never sought to promote a political agenda. And he consistently defied labels and rejected absolutes, focusing instead on just one task -- reaching a just result in the case that was before him.”

“He approached judging as he approaches life, with a feverish work ethic and a good sense of humor, with integrity, equanimity and compassion -- the hallmark of not just being a good judge, but of being a good person.”

“I am incredibly grateful for his dedicated service. I told him as much when we spoke. I spoke on behalf of the American people thanking him for his service. And I wish him safe travels on his journey home to his beloved New Hampshire and on the road ahead.”

NEW RULE

Legislation should react. Legislation should not be reactionary.

The United States Senate has proposed junk food regulation. The Connecticut Senate has passed teenagers and weapons access restrictions. Why are politics necessary? Firearm salesman should restrict teenagers’ access. Parents should regulate junk food.

All legislation cannot be proactive. However, reactionaries never improve epidemics. In 1986, Len Bias overdosed on narcotics. The United States Senate passed remarkable restrictions. The United States has never recovered.

Worth A Read

Superfecta Blog

An intelligent equine enthusiast’s musings.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Jose Canseco?

According to Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the internet is satiated. Can Ashton Kutcher still twitter?

Today’s top five or this weekend’s attractions (1) Kentucky Derby, (2) Bulls vs. Celtics, (3) Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton, (4) Penguins vs. Capitals, (5) Ducks vs. Red Wings

Pointless Resuscitation

On Thursday, Chrysler filed bankruptcy. I advocated automotive resuscitation. I regret this. Bankruptcy was the obstacle. Bankruptcy was not the objective.

Paterno: Big Ten Should Expand

Joe Paterno: “We go into hiding for six weeks. Everybody else is playing playoffs on television. You never see a Big Ten team mentioned. So I think that's a handicap. I've tried to talk to the Big Ten people about, 'Let's get a 12th team -- Syracuse, Rutgers, Pitt -- we could have a little bit of a playoff.'”

“The only Northeastern team that's got a shot would be us, and yet we've got a tough job because the Big Ten is not as visible in the key times as the Southeastern Conference and the Big 12.”

“You know, it's a conference that's dominated by a couple of people. If I start talking, they're polite, but they snicker. They don't know I know they're snickering, but they're polite. ...I wish I were younger and going to be around [another] 20 years. We're not talking about invading Normandy. We're talking about some alignments that could happen very quickly.”

Survivor: Confronted Coach Escapes

On Thursday, Coach garnered immunity. Subsequently, multiple arguments ensued. Coach and Debbie. Coach and J.T. Coach and Sierra. Ultimately, Coach survived. Via a 4-2-1 vote, Sierra was eliminated.

NEW RULE

Confirmations are never imperative.

On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Kathleen Sebelius (65-31). Her confirmation was never important. President Obama sets policy. Cabinet members repeat policy. Additionally, cabinet rejections are self-inflicted. Abortion is not unpaid taxes. Sebelius’ confirmation was assumed. Her confirmation is also worthless.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Republican?

After two days, Dorothy Utley, Lavern Utley, and their chihuahua were reunited. After forty-four years, Democrats and their lapdog were also reunited.

Today’s top five or premiere pugilists (1) Floyd Mayweather, (2) Manny Pacquiao, (3) Israel Vazquez, (4) Bernard Hopkins, (5) Shane Mosley

President Discusses Moments, Mistakes

President Obama Complete Text

Yahoo: The Next 100 Days

They might be less dizzying than the first 100, but President Barack Obama’s second 100 days in office could prove just as vital to his legacy. By Day 200 – August 7 — the president will know if hopeful spring signs presaged an economic recovery, whether he’s on course to pass comprehensive health care and energy legislation, if his initial foray into Middle East peacemaking brings any results, and if he’s succeeded in getting banks and automakers off life-support.

The White House is carefully preparing for all these issues, but they got a reminder this week that the best laid plans are often upended by unpredictable events. The decision by Sen. Arlen Specter to switch from Republican to Democrat could play a pivotal role in at least two big-ticket issues on Capitol Hill – and that’s only the first of what may be other X-factors in the weeks ahead. Here’s a look at 10 key decisions Obama faces in the next 100 days:

1. Will Obama fire another CEO by Monday?
When President Barack Obama fired General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner, the task fell to car czar Steven Rattner, who delivered the news to Wagoner in the Treasury building. So Citigroup’s Vikram Pandit and Bank of America’s Ken Lewis might want to steer clear of Treasury over the next week. Both men run banks that might need massive infusions of capital when Treasury announces the “stress test” results on Monday.

But Obama’s price for government help might just be the head of another CEO. That could open him up Republican charges that he’s meddling in free enterprise. But politically, a financial firing would go a long way toward helping the Obama push back against complaints he’s been hard on the auto sector and easy on Wall Street. Just don’t expect Obama to deliver the news in person.

2. Will Obama go “nuclear” on health care?
Tuesday morning, before Specter made his stunning announcement and became the 59th Senate Democrat, a senior White House official said Democrats were likely to ram health care through the Senate with only a simple majority – no matter how much Republicans didn’t like it. By Tuesday evening, another White House official stated the obvious: “Obviously, the equation’s a little different should Franken be seated.”

That is to say, if and when Al Franken is certified as the winner of the Minnesota Senate race sometime in June or July, the Democrats have their 60th Senate vote. That would allow them to break a GOP filibuster on a major healthcare bill – meaning Obama wouldn’t have to resort to the legislative tactic that Republicans claim is the “nuclear” option. But Obama’s keeping it as an “insurance policy,” one administration official said.

3. “Torture memos” aside, what will Obama do about Gitmo and CIA interrogations?
Obama set off a firestorm recently by releasing legal memos detailing interrogation methods some viewed as torture. But that controversy could pale in comparison to the one he will confront in the coming weeks, as his administration wrestles with the question of what to do with the roughly 240 war-on-terror prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, which Obama pledged to close a year after taking office. He gave an interagency panel until July 21 to come up with a new framework for detaining prisoners. In practical terms, that means confronting the explosive issue of where war-on-terror detainees will be housed on U.S. soil, a prospect that has already led to protests from various lawmakers.

Obama set the same July 21 deadline for another controversial question – can the CIA go a bit farther than military interrogators in questioning terror suspects? Obama has pledged to bar the return of the most aggressive techniques in the “torture memos,” such as water-boarding. But in both cases, human rights groups are watching closely for any sign of backsliding by Obama, who must balance the need to detain and question anti-U.S. terrorists with his campaign promises to do it differently than the Bush administration.

4. What to say to Israel about Middle East peace?
Obama has invited Middle Eastern leaders to the White House in the coming weeks. And all eyes will be on his talks with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, to see if Obama takes a harder line toward Israel than the Bush administration did. Obama is likely to stress that, like Netanyahu, he realizes that dealing with the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran is vital to bringing stability to the Middle East – one reason Obama is pursuing engagement with Tehran and preparing further sanctions in case diplomatic outreach doesn’t work. But Obama will also likely tell Netanyahu: “You’ve got to take some steps yourself, Mr. Prime Minister.”

Specifically, he will likely urge Netanyahu to say something in public to indicate some support for the eventual creation of a separate Palestinian state, a step Netanyahu has been unwilling to take since he took office March 31. Netanyahu may well come to Washington prepared to outline a new approach that will do just that.

5. What to say at Notre Dame?
Obama’s May 17 commencement address at Notre Dame in has riled many in the anti-abortion community, who are protesting the Catholic university’s invitation to a president who supports abortion rights. Thanks to a troubled economy and his own deft positioning, Obama has largely avoided the culture wars. No avoiding them at South Bend.

The commencement speech has not yet been written, but Obama aides suggest he’s likely to address the issue head-on in the manner he typically does when faced with a controversial topic. Expect him to stress the need to reduce the number of abortions. Whether Obama is able to defuse his support for abortion rights, or only angers some in the Catholic community further, could have consequences for his future political prospects with a key constituency.

6. Will Obama let Chrysler and GM go bankrupt?
Obama has adopted a get-tough approach to the ailing automakers – giving Chrysler until this week and General Motors until next month to pull themselves out of their financial woes, or he’ll cut off government assistance and let them fall into bankruptcy. He could know the fate of Chrysler at any moment – either they cut a deal with Italian automaker Fiat, or Obama shuts off the bailout funds.

For GM, Obama would have to cough up an additional $11.6 billion in loans in exchange for at least half of the ownership of the company. If he lets GM topple into bankruptcy, he could take some blame turning his back on a 101-year-old company once considered a jewel of American capitalism. If he embraces a rescue package, he could be seen as a little too eager for government to take over major chunks of the free market.

7. What to do about Pakistan?
Pakistan could easily become the first major foreign policy crisis of Obama’s presidency, if Taliban militants gain strength in coming months and further threaten the stability of Pakistan’s government. For now, Obama will attempt to head off a crisis by urging Pakistan to carry out serious counter-insurgency operations and by beginning new civilian aid programs in Pakistan’s western border areas aimed at reversing Taliban gains. But more American boots on the ground? Not likely, beyond the couple of dozen Special Forces soldiers Pakistan agreed to let in to help train Pakistani forces. The U.S. could keep up attacks on militants using unmanned drones.

But if the situation in Pakistan deteriorates further, a military coup would become more likely, as the Army has repeatedly seized power in moments of crisis in the country’s history. At that point, Obama might issue a small protest, but privately view a military takeover as an unfortunate but unavoidable step for stabilizing the country.

8. Will Obama show labor some love?
It’s the labor movement’s No. 1 priority – legislation to make organizing unions easier, known as the Employee Free Choice Act. But Obama hasn’t much appetite to push the bill often called card-check. Here’s another place where Specter’s switch could change the political odds. Specter had effectively killed the bill by coming out in opposition last month – when he was still trying to curry favor with GOP voters in Pennsylvania.

But Obama may have more leverage now to encourage Specter to support the bill. Still, it’s not clear Obama is willing to spend any political capital on it, especially when he’s got his hands full with tough battles on health care and energy.

9. Can Obama get a win on energy – without driving away moderate Democrats?
The White House is circling its calendar for Memorial Day to get a wide-ranging energy plan through a key House committee. Obama sees the so-called “cap and trade” plan as a win-win – cutting global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and shifting the U.S. toward cleaner energy. But already Obama and Democratic leaders may face the need to compromise – with fellow House Democrats, particularly in Rust Belt and coal country states where they know a thing or two about smokestacks.

They fear Obama’s plan to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 14 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 would drive away jobs and drive up energy costs. So Obama will have to decide how far to go to get a bill through – possibly by backing off part of his plan to sell pollution permits to raise $646 billion over 10 years, and instead giving some of the permits away to companies facing job cuts.

10. Where to go on vacation?
Seems innocent enough, right? But since President Clinton famously polled where Americans thought he should vacation in 1995 and settled on Wyoming’s Jackson Hole over Martha’s Vineyard, presidential holidays have been closely scrutinized. Don’t expect to see Obama sporting a cowboy hat atop a horse a la his Democratic predecessor. Obama aides assure that he’s not testing vacation preferences and that he’ll go where he wants to go. “He always does,” said one aide.

The Boston Globe reported earlier this month that the president may wind up on the Vineyard, and had rented a house for the end of August in the popular African-American vacation enclave, Oak Bluffs. Obama has been there before, including to stay with Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree after the 2004 Democratic convention in Boston. But an aide said that as of late last week, no holiday plans had been booked yet.

Three Eliminations, Zero Surprises

In two weeks, America has eliminated Anoop Desai, Matt Giraud, and Lil Rounds. This season is sans talent. Thus, anyone’s elimination is possible.

NEW RULE

Swine flu is an annual scare.

Domestically, swine flu cases total 91. Internationally, swine flu cases total 57. This is not a pandemic. This is a pandemic placebo. Americans should be cautious. However, hysteria should not be contagious.

Worth A Read

PA Water Cooler

Blogging the keystone state.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Edgerrin James?

In Zimbabwe, an elephant exodus has been reported. In Pennsylvania, a similar phenomenon has occurred.

Today’s top five or greatest political party switchers (1) Ulysses S. Grant, (2) Ronald Reagan, (3) Strom Thurmond, (4) Ray Nagin, (5) George Wallace Jr.

Specter’s Assessment: Republicans Include No One

On Tuesday, Senator Arlen Specter switched parties. He was a Republican. He became a Democrat. “One of the my opponent's principle advisers said, "We don't care about stage two. Stage one, we want to beat Arlen Specter,” said Specter. “We'll worry about stage two later." They don't make any bones about their willingness to lose the general election if they can purify the party. I don't understand it…”

Obviously, Specter’s swap was employment preservation. However, he remains a patriot and statesman. Conservatives will celebrate his exodus. They will excoriate his character. They should be ashamed. Today, Republicans suffered a loss. The loss should matter.

Press Conference Complete Text

Cardinals Ditch Dulled Edge

Free Agency is alluring. Athletes are courted. They are enticed. They receive millions. Unfortunately, investment provokes expectations. Franchises require results.

On Tuesday, the Arizona Cardinals released Edgerrin James. “Edgerrin James had a great run in Arizona and now it is time for him to continue his Hall of Fame career elsewhere,” said Agent Drew Rosenhaus. “One of his goals was to help the Cardinals get to a Super Bowl and he is eager to help another team get to that same level. Edgerrin is excited about signing with a new team. So far, several teams have expressed interest and we may have a deal in place in the very near future.”

From 1999-2005, James amassed 2,188 carries, 9,226 yards, and 64 touchdowns. Regrettably, his production reduced. From 2006-2008, he accrued only 794 carries, 2,895 yards, and 16 touchdowns.

In Indianapolis, James was a recognized component. He coveted superstar renowned. Arizona courted him. They enticed him. James signed a 4-year, $30 million contract. Results never equaled expectations.

Pittsburgh Retains Coach, Competence

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins retained Coach Dan Bylsma. Upon Michel Therrien’s firing, the Penguins stood 27-25-5. Since, they are 22-5-4. Pittsburgh’s decision is correct.

American Idol Live Blog

Due to a prior commitment, I missed last week. I sincerely apologize.

Kris Allen (23 – Arkansas)

The cocktail lighting is exquisite. The suit is an appropriate choice. He epitomizes the theme. His performance is excellent. He does not oversing. He does not exude cheesiness. He is elegant and refined. He will easily advance.

Allison Iraheta (16 – California)

Her commencement is graceful. Her washrag dress is gruesome. This is this season’s predicament. Marginal talent. Mediocre appearance. Her performance improves throughout. She never oversings. For once, her emotion is natural. She should also advance.

Matt Giraud (23 – Michigan)

Brody Jenner phoned. He requested his poseur mannerisms. The facial expressions are awkward. The hat is contemptible. The entire vibe is manufactured. His performance is acceptable. His vocals are superb. Unfortunately, the mood ruins the moment. He is endangered.

Danny Gokey (28 – Missouri)

His commencement is sterling. His emotion transcends the selection. His emotion is palpable. His appearance remains ridiculous. American Idol should not advance a geek. Unfortunately, the geek is stellar. He will advance again. However, he should not win. His victory will conclude this program.

Adam Lambert (26 – California)

His commencement and entrance are intriguing. The lighted staircase is mesmerizing. The white suit is stunning. His performance is exemplary. He slightly oversings. His black makeup is scary. American Gothic Idol? With that stated, he is exemplary. He is tomorrow’s conversation.

NEW RULE

Comical is calamitous.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad repudiates the Holocaust. He vilifies Israel. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez brands President Bush “El Diablo.” He labels President Obama “ignorant.” Anyone rational ignores them. Unfortunately, Ahmadinejad and Chavez possess nuclear weapons and petroleum.

In Iran, journalists are imprisoned. In Venezuela, opponents are attacked and persecuted. These tactics are constant. They are routine. The international community is aware. Ahmadinejad and Chavez may appear idiotic. However, they are omnipresent terrorists.

I will not advocate assassination, invasion, or rebellion. I will not criticize policy. I will simply state the obvious. Ahmadinejad and Chavez are a serious international threat. They merit reaction.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren't you White House Military Office Director?

Allegedly, the conficker virus enslaves computers. Who invented this virus? The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?

Today’s top five or American Idol predictions (1) Kris Allen, (2) Adam Lambert, (3) Matt Giraud, (4) Allison Iraheta, (5) Danny Gokey

Morons Over Manhattan

In New York City, an approved exercise occurred. Air Force One and two military aircraft flew over several structures. Their objective was a photographic opportunity. Approval is irrelevant. This was stupid.

Southern Opportunity

When one possesses records and respect, championships are craved. Championships demarcate elite and exemplary. They separate select and superior. Their value is inestimable.

On Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs traded Tony Gonzalez to the Atlanta Falcons. As reciprocation, the Chiefs received a fifth round selection (2010). “It's somewhat bittersweet,” said Gonzalez. “I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love. But I'm looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years.”

Chiefs Coach Todd Haley’s reaction was perplexing. “This is what we felt was best for us right now all things considered,” said Haley. “We're doing everything we can to give ourselves the best chance to win games in 2009 and that's what we as a group felt was the best way to go.”

During his career, Gonzalez has amassed 916 receptions, 10,940 yards, and 76 touchdowns. In 2008, he racked 96 receptions, 1,058 yards, and 10 touchdowns. “With Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and now myself, we have the chance to be in the top five in the league in offense every year,” said Gonzalez. “How could I not be excited to join that team?”

Gonzalez is an excellent professional. He is an exemplary individual. He is not a winner. His regular season record is 95-97. He has never won a postseason contest. In Atlanta, Gonzalez may not garner a championship. However, he possesses an opportunity.

Big Five & Hot Five (During NFL Draft Hiatus)

Big Five (Alphabetical)

Craig’s List Killer

David Kellermann

General Motors

NBA Draft Declarations

North Korea Disarmament

Tony Gonzalez

Hot Five (Alphabetical)

Automotive Resuscitation

Craig’s List Killer

Hugo Chavez

Michael Vick

Swine Flu

Tony Gonzalez

Talladega Turbulence

NEW RULE

Joe Dumars merits termination.

On June 3, the Detroit Pistons fired Coach Flip Saunders. On June 10, they hired Coach Michael Curry. On November 3, the Pistons acquired Allen Iverson. They discarded Chauncey Billups. In 2007-2008, the Pistons were 59-23. In 2008-2009, they were 39-43.

Dumars cannot terminate anyone. He cannot swap anyone. The Pistons have imploded. He is solely responsible. Dumars’ tenure must conclude.

Worth A Read

Hostess with the Mostess

Fabulous inspiration for contemporary entertaining.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be sane?

Unbelievable Weekend. In the first round, the Raiders selected a mediocre wide receiver. In the second round, the Raiders selected an overrated safety. In the third round, the Raiders selected an underrated blogger.

Today’s top five or California’s calamities (1) Al Davis, (2) Oakland Raiders, (3) Darrius Heyward-Bey, (4) Michael Mitchell, (5) San Jose Sharks