Author Archive

The Mainstream Media Won’t Tell You , But I Will »

By bert on Feb 18, 2009 in Backtrack Obama, Current Affairs, Social Security | 34 Comments

SOCIAL SECURITY IS NOT BROKE
As with so many of his positions, Obama’s stance on Social Security has ‘evolved.’ In September of 2008, Slate’s Peter Bray asked, why did Obama delete the following from his on-line position paper on Social Security:
“[Obama] does not believe it is necessary or fair to hard working seniors to raise the [...]

Is Prohibition on the Horizon Again? »

By bert on Feb 18, 2009 in Current Affairs | 57 Comments

The economy is tanking. Malls are closing. Unemployment is high. IRA’s and Money Markets are fast losing money.
I need something to help me relax; get my mind off the news. Maybe I will just slip down to the neighborhood bar for a bottle of beer. Tell a few jokes and have some good laughs [...]

How Social Security Has Changed Over the Years »

By bert on Feb 16, 2009 in Age Discrimination, American Consumers, Banking Institutions, Congress (House & Senate), Current Affairs, Depression, Economic Stimulus, Economy, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Health Care, Illegal Aliens, Medicare, Social Security | 18 Comments

(bumped up from earlier this evening — it is the most fascinating history, and a true must-read! - Susan)
In the first post on our nation’s Social Security system I tried to give a brief history of how the program came about and the immediate needs of people suffering from the Depression that caused FDR to [...]

The Pygmalion Effect »

By bert on Feb 16, 2009 in Current Affairs | 56 Comments

When I was in college getting my education degree I read a book that profoundly affected me and my eventual teaching style. In fact, it has affected my entire life. That book was Pygmalion In the Classroom, by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson.
The basic premise and findings of Rosenthal’s and Jacobsen’s research is that when [...]

Best of Times, Worst of Times »

By bert on Feb 16, 2009 in Current Affairs | 17 Comments

You know, sometimes we political junkie types get so wrapped up in politics and current events we forget there is other news and other things taking place in the world.
The great English writer Charles Dickens opens his magnificent novel A Tale of Two Cities, a love story set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, [...]

Here’s Your Change…….. »

By bert on Feb 15, 2009 in President Barack Obama, stimulus tax package | 86 Comments

 

On Valentine’s Day My Favorite Couples »

By bert on Feb 14, 2009 in Current Affairs | 16 Comments

Anthony & Cleopatra
“Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety.”
Shakespeare, Anthony and Cleopatra (2.2.244)
Lancelot & Guinevere
“Like souls that balance joy and pain,
With tears and smiles from heaven again
The maiden Spring upon the plain
Came in a sunlit fall of rain.
In crystal vapor everywhere
Blue isles of heaven laugh’d between,
And far, in forest-deeps unseen,
The topmost [...]

Open Thread »

By bert on Feb 14, 2009 in Current Affairs | 30 Comments

“I did not vote for Obama, but he is remarkable. In less than three weeks in office he has collected more than $150,000 in back taxes.”

Best of Times, Worst of Times »

By bert on Feb 14, 2009 in Current Affairs | 33 Comments

You know, sometimes we political junkie types get so wrapped up in politics and current events we forget there is other news and other things taking place in the world.
The great English writer Charles Dickens opens his magnificent novel A Tale of Two Cities, a love story set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, [...]

Queen for a Day »

By bert on Feb 12, 2009 in Current Affairs | 59 Comments

Editor’s Note: This is bert’s premiere post as a writer for us. Please welcome her to our family of writers. The only sad part is that she is out of town today, but she’ll be home later this afternoon so she can check your comments then, and respond to you! - Susan
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When I [...]

Why Social Security Matters To ALL of Us »

By bert on Feb 9, 2009 in American Consumers, Current Affairs, Depression, Economy, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Social Security | 62 Comments

(bumped up from early Sunday night)
Editor’s Note: Yes! This essay is written by “bert,” who you all know from her regular comments here. She submitted this superb article for publication, and we are so pleased to share this fine writing and excellent research with you. Below, you’ll see that “bert” also found a shocking [...]