Campaigns Concentrate on Collapse Concerns

The messy meltdown at the New York Stock Exchange that rocked bourses in Europe and Asia, has not only made the economic situation the most critical issue in the campaign; but has also unmasked how the Republicans wrecked the economy. The chilling impact of the collapse of Lehman Brothers also removed much of the glitter in the skin deep appeal of Sarah Palin, as Americans have been awakened from a spell by the reality of very hard times in the immediate future. The generally accepted perception that the US is taking the wrong route has been reinforced, and John McCain will have greater difficulty extricating from the failures of this administration.

McCain sunk deeper earlier when he echoed the White House line that the economy was fundamentally sound, and praised the government for not wasting taxpayer's money on another bailout; but reversed himself later in the day saying the economy was in crisis. Perhaps he was fundamentally sound asleep in the earlier statement, but it reflected how fundamentally out of touch he was. He passed the task to Palin to blame Washington and Wall Street's liability for the financial carnage, with undertones of retribution for those responsible. However, Palin's empty bravado was gigantic in words but lilliputian in substance.

Senator Barack Obama described the Lehman debacle's impact on consumers contrasted against the profits to the top management of such companies which sacrificed the middle class Americans. However, he did not endorse any solution or new policy, nor oppose the actions of the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve. Either he failed to seize the momentum or he may be ill-equipped to understand how to untangle such a financial mess. While polls show that Democrats are more trusted with the economy, Obama has to present a concrete and substantive vision that will take America out of this predicament, to establish his advantage. As things stand, the American public remains disadvantaged as always, while Obama plays safe.

On Tuesday, the Federal Reserve announced the bailout of AIG fully supported by the US Treasury, who said it was done to protect taxpayers. This appears to be the reason for McCain's reversal - foreknowledge of the AIG bailout to support the Administration's decision, and to make him appear like he knows the means by which to restore stability in the economy. But this reverses the Republican position of less government and allowing free market forces to take its course. The administration spin on the bailout purports to alleviate the burden to taxpayers by saving the economy, without clearly stating why or how. The argument that AIG's collapse would have more disastrous consequences because of its varied investment activities globally than Lehman's may have some validity, but why the situation reached this point has not been answered nor has anyone been charged for anything. Who will Sarah Palin prosecute in Washington for this tragedy? Her tragedy is that she barked and growled for nothing. Like a mad pitt bull.....with lipstick.

The shift from individual buyers losing their homes and crushing their dreams to the biggest institutions like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and now AIG (being taken over 80% and given $85 billion over a 2 year period) elevates the problem to a worldwide concern. They can now be forgotten because the focus is on a larger scale - plus they should be thankful they are still being saved - from heavier taxes should these monoliths be allowed to crash. It would be so unpatriotic to complain when they are being rescued from potentially bigger tax burdens. But these bailouts will cost them nonetheless, as it will increase the national debt which will be paid through taxes, together with inflation and dollar decline that will further erode their purchasing power.

Analysts in Washington and on Wall Street contend that the economy will recover strongly by next year which would reduce substantially the country's budget deficit. These are statements meant to restore confidence in the financial markets. It comes with the hope that these announcements, attributable to their equally worthless reputations, would be forgotten should it remain unchanged or gets worse. More realistic assessments indicate that the crisis will continue well into 3 years since no one can predict how deep the effects on the economy are, as well as how much the cost of the bailouts will actually be.

With all the global problems facing the next President, why anyone would seek the office and bludgeon himself further with this winless economic mess for several years defies comprehension. It would be idealistically immature to think that the winner will work as nobly as he would profess considering the nature of politicians and their ilk. But the need for a leader to inspire, protect, and restore America remains, and it falls on the shoulders of two men; one of whom is being positioned as a lameduck on his first term. Is it power and prestige? Or, our turn to be filthy rich and obnoxiously wealthy? These two go together well and are logically founded reasons.

Could it be messianic complex? Or pure altruism? Would it not be insanely unrealistic to seek the position solely for these reasons? If whoever wins does half of what he promised, or accomplishes a fourth of what is required, then the voters would have been only half as crazy or a quarter foolhardy electing him. Idealism is not dead, it is only gasping for breath.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

Palin and the Prophecy of the Pig

The incoming US President, faced with very serious problems on the national and international levels - including a possible collapse of the country's banking system by the first week of November- remains a toss-up between two candidates undergoing a rigorous election campaign, debating the critical issue of lipstick on a pig. Barack Obama's quote of this old adage has been connected by the John McCain camp as a slur on Sarah Palin, and the Republicans have prophesied this incident to be the cause of the GOP victory and the demise of the Democrat's candidacy. The prophecy may be fulfilled when pigs fly.

John McCain has been enjoying an enormous piggy back ride on the popularity of Sarah Palin, whose own stretching of the truth about her refusal to accept congressional earmarked funds; the "Bridge to nowhere" story; and the pipeline for natural gas; are subtle fairy tales meant for a wolf to lure the 3 little pigs. Truth is, she accepted $27 million in congressional funds while mayor of Wasilla; the natural gas pipeline was just signed two weeks ago which is viewed as unfeasible and will cost $40 billion, not $27 billion; and the infamous bridge she fully supported, then opposed when the earmarked funds were already removed . But the funds were given to Alaska which they used for other projects. To date, she has requested $167 million in earmarked funds from Congress.

The elasticity of the truth seems to be limitless as far as these politicians are concerned. Like the Obama campaign's statement that a technologically challenged President is not suitable for the office - referring to McCain's inability to operate a computer or send e-mails, when he is obviously a disabled veteran. All innuendoes, half truths, and stretches must be categorized for what these are: LIES! But the swine herd mentality of the campaign continues to pursue the heaping of mud on one another, thereby muddling the issues that matter most in the lives of the people. It's as plain as a pig on a sofa, the campaign by both parties is shallow and senseless, supported by sound bytes that` are in a pig's eye.

Both candidates are sweating like pigs trying to outdo one another, and are conducting their campaigns as clumsily as hogs on ice. They both seem to be packaging themselves with heavily over extended storylines to create a persona with the oratorical and inspirational skills of Kennedy or Reagan, a protector from America's enemies like Eisenhower and Roosevelt, a geo-political master like Nixon, a tough go-getter who can manuever Congress to pass important legislation like Johnson, the star quality of a decent man like Carter, and the economic savvy of a Clinton. These elements are being lumped in a single package - to attract the voters - minus these men's achilles heels of course. But this packaging is slicker than a greased pig, because such a person with all these qualities does not exist.

America is $9.3 trillion in debt, it is involved in wars on practically 3 fronts, it's banks are teetering from the mortgage crisis, its obligations in health and social security amounting to trillions of dollars more are forthcoming, and its economy is staring at a recession so deep it will give the incoming President a nightmare worse than working knee deep in mud, inside a sealed pig sty. And the campaigns by both parties choose to make a pig's ear of the debating process. Voters should heed the biblical proverb "Do not cast your pearls before swine" before deciding to vote. This election and its ghastly conduct may leave them squealing like a stuck pig after.

American voters must be perceived as ignorant by the candidates should this trend continue. Voters must refuse to be a party to this charade of silly attacks and demand a focus on issues that affect their future as a people and as a nation. It was Churchill who said " Dogs look up to man, cats look down on man, and pigs look at man in the eye and see an equal". If Americans allow themselves to be seen as simpletons, then they can expect their country to be mired worse than a pig pen - together with the hogs they elected into office. That is the only real prophecy that has any possibility of fulfillment in this election.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Pig Image with lipstick from Mick Coulas

Buttressed By Brillante Blog Award

There exists an uncommon connection between The Spitting Vessel and the author of My First Glob who goes by the name of "r". He has bestowed upon this site the Brillante Weblog Award which this site would have given to him had the Spitting Vessel received it first. "R" is very passionate about keeping his true identity secret but very vocal about his opinions, and does not publish his own photos on his site - much like the Spitting Vessel. His avatar on the right is a familiar face of an actor. There have been intermittent and extensive comment exchanges with him in the past, but the Spitting Vessel is a lurker on his site. "R" writes in elegant literary style that's intoxicatingly entertaining and intellectually stimulating. For bestowing this award upon the Spitting Vessel, this site expresses its gratitude with a big Thank You!

Like all other awards, this particular one has its own set of rules meant to promote as many blogs as possible. The award is given to blogs that are smart and brilliant in both design and content. The rules consist of the following:

1. Upon receiving the award, write a post showing it, together with the name of the blogger who gave it to you. Provide a link to the site that gave you the award.

2.Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content and/or design.

3.Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing them of their receipt of the Brillante Weblog Award.

4. Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize to (optional).

Here are the Spitting Vessel's selections:

El Correr Es Mi Destino - The author is a French woman who calls herself Zhu, who traveled halfway around the globe and decided to settle in Canada. She writes on a variety of subjects that include tips on getting a job in Canada, what Canadians are like, Citizenship issues, her travels and recent trip to Beijing, and various other topics that involve tweaking your website, evaluating templates and plug-ins, and about food. Often, she provides these in a series of posts and explains it with applicable clarity like a conscientious teacher intent on helping her students understand, learn and apply the subject. Her tone is friendly and accommodating, her persona generous and kind. It's a site where insights on people, culture, and humanity can be obtained in a gentle and patient manner.

Crete delights - This is an evolving blog of an internet marketer whose evident success has brought her closer to her dream relocation paradise - Crete. Originally based in the UK, Layne writes in crisp, and at times, irreverent tones, that is spiced with all types of British jargon and topped by that unmistakable English charm and humor. A blogger known for her passionate endorsement of Entrecard and its proper use, Layne is such an unselfish Marketer who would openly and unconditionally provide assistance, seek support for other bloggers' difficulties, and even empty all her marketing resources to anyone who asks or needs it for free. Her writing is insightful, funny, and witty, yet full of warmth and enthusiasm - like an 18 year old experiencing her first summer vacation alone with a friend. Crete Delights is a delightful read.

inspiredartbeat - Here is an artist who uses one of the most difficult materials to paint with - water color. But, she is possessed with the talent and precision to skillfully manage any medium, to create works of art that are reminiscent of times we fondly recall; times when life was simpler and truth was abundant. Her creations remind us of what we are losing and what we should regain. Though her subjects involve wildlife and life in earlier periods; the colors, strokes, and images evoke a nostalgic desire that inspires and enlightens - and shows what remains exquisitely beautiful in a world that is dominated by ugly images of war and deprivation. Her roots are in Ireland but she has resided in South Africa. She now stays with her child and grandchildren in New Zealand. Aside from the excellent paintings, her posts include stories and experiences that are poignant and engaging. Her daughter Debbie, is also an accomplished artist whose two creations recently posted show immense talent and an inimitable eye for detail.

The Fitness Diva - This blog is about remaining healthy and fit in a country that has a reputation for obesity from overeating among its citizens. But it does provide a variety of well written posts and bone crunching opinions and/or recommendations on such subjects as politics, sports, movies, music, exercise videos and food - all inclined towards health of course. The Fitness Diva does not believe in starving people to be fit, nor to eat inedible concoctions to reduce fat and weight. She believes in the constancy and regularity of simple routines and to enjoy life by asking readers to treat themselves with their favorite ice cream, or dish or pizza - and even includes the calorie measurements. Her posts are always interesting, written in that typical New York go-getter style. This site is always a pleasant exercise.

A Girl For All Status - This is an extremely engaging young woman with two kids who loves life despite the many unexpected, and at times, rather unfortunate, turn of events in her existence. Yet she remains buoyant and thankful for all the lessons learned, and those she considers the blessings she has received. Starting out as one who wanted the simple things in life and a blissful love life, her journey, ironically, encountered complications she had no preparation for. She has a gift for writing and expresses herself confidently as a woman with a lot of grit, energy and talent, coupled with a well developed analytical ability , and an intelligent and perceptive mind. Her posts are always a great read.

Manilenya - This blog mirrors the aspirations of many Filipinos who seek a better life and a better future for their families abroad, removed physically from their loved ones. Manilenya's struggle with the guilt of being away from her young child finds solace in connecting with many other Filipinos in like situations as well as finding new friends based in Manila who offer encouragement and moral support. Her posts are at times witty, sometimes funny with lots of self-deprecating humor, yet always poignant and hopeful. Her intelligence and capabilities come to the fore despite the perceived limitations she has of herself, which she doesn't realize she has already transcended. She epitomizes this robust and pliable race whose humor is its best coping mechanism. It makes Filipinos proud to belong to this race.

My First Glob - This is the last, but certainly not the least among these selections. "R" is an enigma who is just a shade shy of creating a totally anonymous blog. But he writes with the kind of humor you might find in Hugh Grant or Pierce Brosnan. His comments are insightful, yet, as mentioned in the first paragraph, read like a literary piece or a series of notes written by an English professor on Classical Literature. His series of posts on a trip to Australia is worth reading as it provides a window to his spicy personality and charming character. The Spitting Vessel returns the honor to "r" for a well deserved award.

Fannie, Freddie, Foreclosures, and the Federal Funds

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are largely invisible entities to the general public. They could even be mistaken as a Mom and Pop grocery store or male and female dolls sold as a couple. But these two highly influential institutions own or guarantee about half of the US mortgage market, with combined holdings amounting to $5.3 trillion. The sub-prime mortgage crisis that wreaks havoc on the US economy and affects the global financial system, hastened the decline of the prevailing economic structure, and exposed the malady of unscrupulous practices and malignancy of loosely organized models and methods. The untold misery and ruined lives of millions of Americans as a result of this crisis, rooted in the deception and greed that accompanied the rise of sub-prime mortgage lending, is the tragedy that will see no alleviation nor bailout.

Traditionally, banks financed their own mortgage lending and dealt directly with the home buyer, using their deposit funds for the purpose. The concern of the bank in safeguarding depositor funds was evident in its meticulous home evaluation and income capacity checks on the borrower. This process limited the amount of funds for home mortgage lending and was considered a slow process that would not meet demand. A new model was adopted where banks sold mortgages to bond markets and used the funds generated to grant mortgage loans without taking from their customer deposits. This increased the volume of homes sold that required the creation of 3 layers independent of the banks; the home appraisers, mortgage brokers (both dealing with the bank and the home buyer), and the rating agencies ( those who evaluate a bank's operations and provide reports to the mortgage bond market).

Freddie Mac (a nickname for the acronym FHLMC or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) and Fannie Mae (a nickname for for the acronym FNMA or Federal National Mortgage Association) are both GSE's (Government sponsored enterprises) but both privately owned and run entities authorized to make loans and loan guarantees on behalf of the Federal Government. Freddie and Fannie buy and pool these mortgages from the bond markets and sells them in the open market worldwide, as mortgage backed securities. Because of the millions of homes involved, the possibility of defaults from a home buyer or a bank can easily be covered by the discounted rate at which Freddie and Fannie pay for the mortgages and the spread they add when sold in the open market. All these layers above the home buyer are profit centers which are added on to the cost of the mortgage the home buyer will pay for the duration of the loan.

Fannie and Freddie thus protected banks from default losses by guaranteeing the mortgages they sold to the bond markets which they possessed, provided, the mortgages followed their guidelines. But many of these loans, a little more than half of $12 trillion were outside these guidelines due to the fast and fat profit potential of selling more in the shortest possible time. Connivance between the home appraiser, mortgage brokers, bank personnel and other parties enticed unsuspecting home buyers with deceptive schemes to sign up for a home - taking advantage of their desire for a better life, and pounding in their heads the fulfillment of the American Dream - owning a home. It would provide quality living and show them to be upwardly mobile, without stating that they will suffer the fate of Icarus.

Home buyers were offered a low fixed interest rate for two years, to lure them into accepting the mortgage offered. They were told that after 2 years, interest will be on market rates which may be lower or a little higher, but that they had the first 2 years to increase their incomes. These were actually "balloon" mortgages where the interest rates were deliberately lowered at the outset and the difference added to prevailing rates plus additional interest on year 3. The interest rates after 2 years were at times more than double while incomes remained flat and cost of living rose. Last year, 1.7 million families lost their homes and up to 2 million more are expected to be foreclosed in 2008. While some home buyers may be part of the conspiracy to defraud, these are minimal at best. Misrepresentation and deception, in the type of mortgage offered, the re-financing promise before the 2 years expire, value of the property, and even the reporting of the buyers income to the bank, were the standard practice to sell more and pocket huge commissions.

There is a glut of 4 million properties on top of continuing foreclosures that brought home prices down. This has resulted in losses to the banks for loans without the GSE guarantee; losses to Freddie and Fannie, who hold mortgages whose values have crashed; and pension funds, foreign banks, and many other small investors worldwide who included these mortgages in their portfolios. The crisis has affected the global financial markets and has created a credit crunch that suffocates the flow of funds.

On September 7, The Federal government announced a conservatorship of Freddie and Fannie, a huge takeover of both financial institutions with the Treasury department contracting billions of shares paying at the rate of 10% a year. The total amount could go into hundreds of billions of dollars. Analysts praised the move after the stock market rose the next day which is a profitable event for stock brokers. But this is a knee jerk market reaction as evidenced by the sudden tapering and decline later in the same day. It is possible that bond markets holding these mortgages rushed in to buy, hoping others would follow - then resold when the prices were up.

The takeover and bailout of Freddie and Fannie will save their stockholders and some of their investors who purchased their repackaged mortgages. Federal funds from taxpayers have been used to rescue the big corporations, but it will not be used to save the homes of these same taxpayers. The ambiguity of the Federal government's relationship with GSE's raises many ethical questions which are dismissed as mere conspiracy theories. Yet the taxpayers will be required to shoulder the cost of this bailout without clear indications of how much and how long - just like the balloon interest rates of the mortgages.

The automotive and Airline industries also suffered heavy losses, shouldn't they be entitled to a bailout too being big taxpayers? Has the United States become the bailout capital of the world for its decrepit business models, loosely structured operating systems, cross-eyed management vision, and unscrupulous business practices? Not if you are a home owner, a mere citizen who doesn't have the ear of the powers that be. One who cannot make significant contributions to their political coffers, and who cannot influence a bloc of voters whether these are bought, coerced, or convinced. Home owners, or former home owners, who need to wake up from this worst nightmare of their lives after being led to a mirage of their American Dream, will be voiceless, powerless individuals who have to bear the consequence of being duped for their ignorance.

Their loss is beyond money. It encompasses self-respect, dignity, self-worth, and crushes their spirit with a devastating blow to their belief in America and what it stands for. Their thoughts will be joined by billions of people all over the world, where no one understands what America really stands for.

Haaarrrwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Election Euphoria and the Economy

America's two major political parties have both concluded their grand extravaganza - the culmination of the campaign's circus roadshow that would formally launch their respective choices, which they hope to inflict on fellow Americans and the rest of the world. The nominees have received their affirmation and adulation, as well as their financial support - reciprocating the gesture by way of declarations of hope, change, patriotism and victory; including the obligatory attack on their opponents that were lapped up by their respective hooting throngs.

The nominees acquired a boost of adrenalin, energized to fight on by the overwhelming acceptance bestowed by their party's delegates. In their massive numbers, the delegates have gained renewed confidence that their party will be victorious, they have screamed themselves hoarse and were totally absorbed by the euphoria of the political rally that may have blurred the true state of their economic existence. The hall is silent, the floor is littered, the balloons have popped, and the delegates are tired. But the frenzy of the convention lingers in their consciousness, and as they rest their tired bones and quivering muscles, they lie daydreaming of a better future away from the present that lulls them to sleep; without being aware that when they finally wake up after the elections, there is no future to look forward to.

While they were deliriously dreaming, America lost another 84,000 jobs. And with the upward adjustment for June and July, the nation has lost a total of 605,000 jobs in 8 months. The crippling downturn in the housing market and the credit crunch has affected all sectors, and employers have reduced their payrolls and production capacities for 8 continuous months. The Federal Reserve says the economy remained weak. In fact, it is deteriorating. It is faced with the twin threats of weak growth and rising inflation. The White House has lifted its deficit forecast for 2009 to $482 billion, and the stimulus package of $130 billion is expected to add to the deficit because of the economic decline. The White House figure does not include the $84 billion for the costs of its wars. The saddest cut of all is that while household income continued to decline, the Economic Policy Institute study cites that those at the top 10% of the income distribution ladder tripled their incomes in the last 2 decades.

This miserable situation is far from the bottom of the pit. The crushing blow will be the humongous bailout for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae who hold mortgage guarantees up to $5.3 trillion, plus the retiring 78 million baby boomers beginning 2010 with the attendant costs of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid; all unfunded Federal Obligations and the National debt, brings the total Federal burden to a whopping $ 53, 000,000,000,000 (53 trillion) or, $175,000 for each American citizen.

Regardless of what growth the economy does in the next few years which could add several billions in taxes, under present laws, these are already pre-allocated. There can be no funds available for programs that would alleviate poverty, nor improve health care, create jobs, and improve the educational system. It effectively removes democracy from the hands of citizens, especially the younger workers who will be saddled by priorities they had no voice in selecting. Yet they will be burdened with higher taxes and lower wages, in addition to the higher costs of living. This is the future both candidates of the major parties cannot be honest about, for fear of being punished by the electorate. It would be worse if they were both ignorant of these facts, but that is unlikely. Their only concern is winning and locking their hands on the reins of power.

All the rhetoric, the attacks, fighting slogans, promises of change and monopolies on patriotism are mere distractions. Barack Obama and John McCain have reduced the elections - one of the most sacrosanct elements of Democracy - into a battle of personalities that belittles the discernment capabilities of their countrymen, transforming it into a popularity contest comparable to selecting Mr. Alaska, or worse, Mr. Wasilla. Both candidates are involved in a cover-up if not deception, and are cloaked with heroism or reform. But underneath, they are similar entities carved out of the pied piper, who will use their trumpets to lure the American voters to drown in the murky river of debt.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Painting for Posterity in Pisa

Since 1372, when the bell chamber was finally added at the topmost floor, the city of Pisa had gained worldwide fame for its leaning tower. After almost 700 years, the tower may be relegated to the background. A massive undertaking has begun that has roused the Pisans into a frenzy of activity and excitement that's so competitive, political pressure from local officials and the city's most prominent citizens have been exerted. A 1,700 square foot fresco, depicting the life of Pisa's beloved Saint Ranierus has generated an enormous rush of applicants for inclusion in the project that would immortalize their images for several centuries.

For several hundred years, the practice has always been to include rich and famous patrons into frescoes; and in the finest Italian tradition dating back to the Renaissance, Luca Battini - the 37 year old master painter - sought 100 prominent Pisans to model for the leading figures in the frescoes. He also held public castings for 150 extras who will appear lifesize in the work. However, his search for a midieval face created changes in the cast of characters, such that common people were given more prominent roles that dislodged some invited citizens. Battini had rejected many applicants 3 to 4 times, but they kept coming back begging for even a small part. Pressure is strong apparently because Pisans feel strongly about their Patron Saint, or perhaps, fell even more strongly about being included in the frescoes.

Saint Ranierus was born into Pisan nobility in 1117. He took a vow of poverty and journeyed to the Holy Land, returning to Pisa where he conducted his ministry. He was known to be performing miracles in Pisa during his lifetime. His remains can be seen in a crytal casket at the Cathedral of Saint Vito, which stands next to the leaning tower. Ironically, Saint Ranierus will be portrayed by a Pisan actor who appeared in many smoudering scenes for the advertising campaign of Barilla pasta. The acceptance by Pisans of this actor, Roberto Farnesi, is nothing short of a miracle.

But the task facing Luca Battini is formidable and he feels dwarfed in comparison to the great masters who portrayed the History of Italy and the story of the Renaissance. While he is used to mixing his colors the way it was done 700 years ago - painstakingly grinding powder on a large block of slate and making his own canvass from linen and glue - frescoes are a different story altogether. The paints will be mixed with water and applied to a wet, fresh, thin layer of lime mortar or plaster. The pigments are absorbed as the plaster dries. The images will appear while the plaster is wet, but it is work under pressure. The warm climate will allow Luca Battini to paint each small section of the wall in only an hour before the plaster begins to set. The painting must be accurate and exact, since the colors take on different shades as the plaster dries. If mistakes are made, the section must be axed from the wall. This type of painting work separates the masters from the pretenders.

The frescoes will be divided into 8 enormous themes across the entire wall of the Church of Saint Vito. Luca Battini will use all of the ancient skills he learned on this most ambitious project he has ever embarked on, perhaps the most ambitious work of art Italy has seen in 200 years. Those who will be included may gain some measure of immortality, if global warming does not demolish the frescoes in a decade or two.

But perhaps the best thing about this project is that it is not about King Solomon. Otherwise, Silvio Berlusconi would force his inclusion as the lead character. But the 700 wives and 300 concubines of Solomon may be outnumbered by the women that Berlusconi would have to include in the frescoes.

Haaarrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Digital Distance of the "Decider"

It was an unnatural and eerie spectacle for a two-term President to be delivering a keynote address to his party's National Convention via a remote video telecast. Beamed at the St Paul Convention Hall on a video screen was George W. Bush, asserting rather feebly that the man he defeated 8 years ago for their party's nomination should succeed him; and averred that he is ready to lead. His physical presence detached from the proceedings and his image standing at the Presidential lectern all by himself, speak volumes about his negative impact on the efforts of his party to win hearts and minds of the electorate this November.

Where the norm would be that a sitting two term President would be hailed by his party's rank and file, and be regarded as one of its most prominent and influential leaders; the McCain camp and other party bosses opted to cut his speech time in half and pushed his presence out of the Convention Hall so as not to dampen the electrifying introduction of their sensational Vice Presidential candidate. It was an affirmation that George W. Bush would be an un-entertaining and tedious baggage to their show and an effective counter argument to their hyped up rhetoric. It could be an ominous sign that John McCain, if he wins the election, will have to exert extra effort to erase the memory of the embarrassment that was George W. Bush. And this President Bush will be regarded as a forgettable malignant aberration that is best exorcised and surgically removed.

There is no doubt that George W. Bush still enjoys a high rating among party loyalists, but would perhaps choose to express this in private, or better yet at a safe distance. For all of John McCain's pronouncements of comradeship and brotherly affection for Bush, he believes that his success is hinged on an effective de-coupling from the President, to engineer a removal of their knotted umbilical cords; and eradicate the notion that his election is a third term for Bush. While no one expressed a sigh of relief that Bush agreed to a digital divide between him and the party's convention, it surely relieved the McCain camp as if a 4 foot rusty sword was pulled from their backs. Now, they would want that video moment forgotten to raise the excitement for the entry of Sarah Palin, and move George Bush to the unlamented list of pretenders of the GOP.

Surprisingly, George Jr's progenitors were there, and even more astonishingly, received resounding cheers and applause as they took their seats at the Convention Hall. They should take a considerable amount of the blame for inflicting such a congenital malady on America and the rest of the world. But it seems that the enormous volume of disingenious errors and carefully crafted deceptions have blurred their collective memories that George Sr. and Barbara Bush gave this planet the ever un-funny and shamefully ridiculous George Jr. For John McCain to say that he supports the policies of George W. and pursue an unlimited war in the middle east would be, at this point, political suicide.

That is not the sort of demise expected of him by the Republicans. They expect him, shortly after the elections, to commit himself to a natural spiritual freedom from this earth, so that their runner-up beauty queen can reign over the land as Mrs. America.

Haaarrrrrrwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!