Monthly Archives: October 2008

Powell endorses Obama

Posted on October 19, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

I watched this.  I suppose that President Obama will find something for Colin Powell to do for the next few years, but that will be unfortunate. Powell is someone who truly "blotted his copybook" as the Brits used to say.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 64 Comments

“Serving the President”

Posted on October 17, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

Today it was once again possible to hear both serving officers of the armed forces and the newspeople who cover them speak of their belief that military and naval officers "serve the president."  This time the mention was in connection … Continue reading →

Posted in government | 36 Comments

“Joe” and the Magic Plunger.

Posted on October 17, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

Someone wrote to ask if I thought "Joe" might be a "plant," a "shill,"  a "ringer," etc.  The appearance of this fellow in the midst of the desperate search by Rick Davis, McCain et al for a rallying figure among … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 37 Comments

The GOP and the income tax.

Posted on October 16, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

A new feature of the ever evolving memes and themes of the McCain presidential campaign is the accusation that Obama is in favor of a "redistribution of wealth" in the United States through what amounts to confiscatory taxation.  Both McCain … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 42 Comments

Trouble reaching SST?

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

I number of people are reporting difficulty in reaching SST.  How many?  pl

Posted in Ukraine Crisis | 48 Comments

Outplayed again in Iraq?

Posted on October 14, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

"If the parliament refuses, Maliki would have "no choice" but to request a U.N. extension "because the American forces will lose their legal cover on Dec. 31," he told the Times of London in a weekend interview. "If that happens, … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 29 Comments

TA post on reading list.

Posted on October 14, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

Take a look.  pl

Posted in Ukraine Crisis | 2 Comments

Merely An Observation

Posted on October 13, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

THIS IS NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE!! One of our correspondents who shares my measured optimism concerning the financial markets offers the following observations: ————————————————————– Companies which have less than 20% debt/equity ratio and at least $1B in cash, a track record … Continue reading →

Posted in The economy | 24 Comments

Dowd on Seneca

Posted on October 12, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

"The decline and fall of the American Empire echoes the experience of the Romans, who also tumbled into the trap of becoming overleveraged empire hussies. As our sand-castle economy washes away under the tide of bad gambles and debts, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | 30 Comments

“Playing with Fire”

Posted on October 11, 2008 by Michael Chevalier

"The McCain-Palin ticket has given toxic speeches accusing Obama of being a friend of terrorists, then released short, meek repudiations of some of the rough stuff, including McCain’s call Friday to "be respectful." Back in February, the Arizona senator apologized … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 56 Comments