stlouisinsite's Blog

     Let it never be said that President Bush lacks a bit of the common touch.  Without fast action to help the financial industry, the prez said yesterday, 'this sucker could go down.'

     Was the prez calling the financial industry a sucker?  Well, apparently, sort of.  Meanwhile, Secretary of the Treasury Paulson's massive bailout plan continues to rankle many, including leading Republicans like Newt Gingrich.  The Newtonian says another approach would be more productive, and does not foresee a '29 type crash should Congress fail to approve the Paulson Plan.

    Paulson, of course, served as CEO for Goldman Sachs, a leading Wall St. financial services company, for seven years prior to becoming SecTreas.  ABC news reports Paulson was paid $140 million during that time, including a $38 million bonus at one point.  

    Upon accepting the SecTreas post, Paulson had to divest about $483 million worth of Goldman Sachs stock, ABC reports.  The company has spent $43 million on lobbying and campaign contributions to Congress since 1989, and is currently the largest single contributor to the presidential campaign of....Democrat Barack Obama.  (The company's bankers are also significant contributors to Republican John McCain's presidential campaign.)

    Meanwhile, the nation's First BOOGEDY, Massachusetts Congressman Barney 'Frankly-I'm-Gay' Frank, has emerged as the Democrat's chief spokesman for the Paulson measure.  The First BOOGEDY has been yelling 'foul' ever since McCain reappeared in Washington as the crisis continue.

    Hey, Barnes, chill.  As a senator, McCain outranks you, anyway.

    Perhaps the one positive from all this is the emergence of Frank as a nationally known figure.  For should Frank ever become identified as a spokesman for the gay lifestyle, it's likely the rest of the nation would be scared straight with one look at the guy.

     Three hijacked American passenger planes had already hit their targets, killing thousands and causing millions dollars of damages.

      A fourth hijacked airliner was still in the air, headed towards another target -- the very seat of the U.S. government, either the White House or the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.  Al Quaeda terrorists hoped this final blow would not only take more innocent lives, but perhaps demoralize and cripple America's will to fight.

      But on this Sept. 11, 2001, this final horrific blow would not take place.

      For America's heroes were about to step forward in the skies far above a Pennsylvania field, risking everything in the hope a final tragedy would be averted.

      On that day in the sky these American heroes had already heard from loved ones the news about some of the other hijackings that day.  And now, their craft, flying from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, had also been hijacked, they knew.

      Their world, a world of work and family, of life and love, had been hijacked by radical terrorists of a different, and very dark, vision.  The American heroes' world of hopes and dreams, of  hard work and dedication, of family, had that day become enveloped by the darkness perpetrated by these criminals.

      And yet, despite the darkness, the despair being kept at bay by their love of country and nation, knowing their chances of success were slim, these American heroes decided to act.  Despite that darkness, they organized.  They rammed the cockpit door with food and drink carts, anything in their possession, to strike back at the terrorists who were attempting to destroy our world.

      And somehow they succeeded.  They fought the terrorists right there, in a jet airliner cockpit high above a Pennsylvania field.  They fought for their loved ones at home, for their nation, for their American birthright, for their American way of life.

      And they won.  For that airliner never reached its intended target in the nation's capitol, instead crashing in rural Pennsylvania.

      No government body, no boss, no directive told these American heroes to act.  And yet they acted with a simple, direct courage. 

      These American heroes acted in the true spirit of the American nation that day.  

     In an attempt to moderate his image, Barry Obama has chosen Joe Biden as his running mate.  National and local media, as well as Obama supporters, giddy over the expected news, waited breathlessly until the story broke late Friday.

     Biden, the long-time Delaware senator, does indeed bring some needed depth of experience to the ticket.  Dems hope Joe can swiftly go into attack mode to balance the more even-handed Prince Obama.

     In style, if not substance, Biden most clearly reminds one of former Republican Vice President Spiro Agnew, also from a Middle Atlantic state, Maryland.  Agnew, of course, resigned from the vice presidency during the Nixon presidency.

     It's not known at present whether Biden, a Catholic, supports Obama's pro-choice positions on abortion.  If so, the ghost of St. Louis archbishop Raymond Burke, now reassigned to the Holy See, could haunt the ticket.

     "Joe, if you ever visit Rome, I better not see you in my communion line," could be words ringing in the ear of the Dem hopeful.

      The official announcement of the selection will be today in Springfield, Illinois.  Biden once read about Abraham Lincoln in college, and Obama likes to pose as some type of latter-day Lincoln spinoff.

      In choosing Biden, Obama has, of course, rejected a whole slew of other hopefuls, including former First Lady Hillary Clinton, who will now pretend she fully supports the ticket.

      Neither did Obama select former radical Weatherman pal Bill Ayers, famous for saying he regrets more bombs were not set in America during the extreme Vietnam-era radical days.  

      In his run for the presidency, Prince O has, at least for now, distanced himself from earlier radical associations. 

      It's also rumored a new Obama ad will feature average Americans as well as various news media representatives shouting, "I'm 'Obamified, how about you?"

     Amid continued Russian pledges to pull their marauding forces from the independent nation of Georgia -- the latest news report now says Friday -- one cannot help but think their actions more likely amount to regime change, Russian style.

     While George Bush was frolicking at the Olympics in Beijing, and while Condi Rice continues to say "stop it, now, and go home," other important Washington politicians and officials say 'there is nothing we can do,' and NATO oldsters walk as if afraid of their own shadow, the Russians continue to steal a nation.

     One thinks Russia's words are more aimed at stalling and misleading than truthtelling.  Sometimes actions do speak louder than words, and few reports indicate the Russians are preparing to leave.

     Regime change, Russian style, could well involve several aspects.  First, an invasion in response to supposed Georgian 'crimes.'  Then, promises to leave, when the situation is 'stabilized.'  All the while, Russia continues to apply mounting pressure to the Georgian regime of President Michael Sakaashvilli. 

     Eventually, the Russians may believe, the regime will fall in the face of overwhelming power.   

    The Georgian military, including ships, planes and troops, have been decimated.  So has much military equipment.  Russian troops continue to occupy strategic points in the country, and have taken some prisoner.  Reports also indicate tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced, and put in dire straits.  

    CNN announcers and other news organizations say these actions continue, and then ask 'what are the Russians up to?'" 

    The end game for the Russians appears to be regime change -- ending the regime of West-leaning democratically elected president of Georgia. (Perhaps the Russians are jealously emulating American actions in Iraq.) 

    Don't we see a pattern here?   

    In the end, events may prove the only way to stop the Russians from accomplishing their goals will be the introduction of American power in the region.

    Certainly, not all of America's carrier task forces, to provide air support for any troops, are tied up in the Middle East.  American power could  -- if not should -- be brought to bear on this crisis.   

          The bet here is that without the introduction of American and/or other friendly forces, the Georgian experiment in democracy will very likely fall within two months. 

    Without any real resistance, the Russians may well feel time is very mch on their side.

     To help curtail gang thuggery, beatings and robberies at the Delmar and Forest Park Metrolink stations, KMOX radio breathlessly reports, police may now 'call in air support,' or use a police helicopter.  Wow, really?  St. Louis seems to be experiencing a serious disconnect from reality lately.  First, the news media reported, equally breathlessly, SLPD's plan to use microphones to identify the locations of gunshots in some neighborhoods.

     Really?  How about stop pulling these great sounding stunts, and get serious about combating crime instead.  Because 'air support' and microphones mean absolutely NOTHING if real cops are not on the ground going after the criminals.  Think about it -- these are essentially after the fact fancy sounding techniques that may hide inattention to the real task at hand, and do very little to ensure the safety of St. Louisians.

     Anyone who has recently been in the Delmar Loop or on Metrolink likely has seen evidence of these problems being mentioned on the news.  How difficult is to put an armed police officer -- not a security guard with a walkie/talkie -- or two at these metrolink stations -- and on the trains -- with instructions to do the job of protecting innocent residents?  Personally, I am all for a little efficient billy-clubbing when the occasion calls for it.

     And, then, police might not have to call in 'air support.' 

     And during a stop yesterday at the Forest Park metrolink, the only person providing security that I observed was a completely unarmed -- not even a stick or club -- private guard. 

     Reports I've heard say one of the young men beaten up last week has a damaged eye socket and blurred vision (in contrast to Kmox reporting yesterday the victim had a gash on his forehead). 

     Of course, large groups of people cannot perhaps be stopped before the fact.  But certainly police can be made available and ready for such a possibility.

    Police Chief Joe Mokwa, an intelligent and articulate man, has done a commmendable job in his tenure as the P.D'S head honcho.

     And yet, the facts are the facts.  And it's time to go, Joe.

     Having full knowledge your daughter was getting not one but several extremely sweetheart deals from the city's towing contractor is not cool.  Granted, the actions were perhaps not illegal.  And Joe Mokwa is a very decent, good man.

     But it's time to go, Joe.

     The Post-Dispatch in its front page story Sunday did an outstanding investigative piece in laying out the facts here.  And for Joe Mokwa, the news is not good.

     In one of the cars, Amy Mokwa crashed the vehicle, which at the time had expired Iowa plates.  In another, she caused a chain reaction crash, and was found to have twice the allowed blood alcohol level, but was not charged. 

     If you're not the police chief's daughter, you don't walk away free as a bird on that one.  In the other two vehicles obtained from the towing company, she was charged with driving without a license.  Ms. Mokwa also faces unrelated felony drug and theft charges.

     The Post also reports at other times officers apparently 'borrowed' these seized vehicles for their personal use.  Very conveniently, the towing company cannot find the records,though.    

     These incidents and others are a real blight upon the city of St. Louis.  In fact, this one smells so bad the federal government is now investigating.

     Let's quit all the pussyfooting around, folks.  It's time for a shakeup in St. Louis P.D., instead of the current shakedown.  

     The sooner the better.  Let's remove this stain from the city.

Anheuser Busch has had an historic, truly remarkable run in St. Louis as the King of Brewers, but apparently a change is in the offing. And perhaps that change is really only a sign the once stagnant city of St. Louis is about to move beyond the beer culture that has so defiantly stamped its imprimatur on the region, and recreate a more dynamic -- and prosperous -- city.

With its many assets -- its people being number one -- the St. Louis region has tremendous potential.  It's probably good many don't know all that is available here, or millions might flock to live here. 

The future, and its possibilities, are endless.  It's only up to St. Louisians, and its leaders, to realize the potential here.  Perhaps its time for a change -- and for St. Louisians to embrace the future with confidence in our abilities and resources, and to create a better, more prosperous region.  

     P-D reports Wednesday Metro Police unveil hidden microphones in the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood to pick up sounds of gunfire.  This supposed help courtesy of a $250,000 federal give-away.

     Is this really the news, or more likely a take-off on a scene from a Three Stooges movie?  "Hey, what's that, you hear a shot?  No, I didn't hear a shot, did you?"

     Please, SLPD.  Just in case you haven't heard lately, St. Louis remains one of the most violent cities in America.  Are we aware of that yet?  Go out and fight the crime.  We don't need high tech microphones trying to pick up sounds of gunfire after the fact.  

     Just about guarantee you, if we had the courage and/or resources to place cops walking the beats in these neighborhoods, you'd see a drop in crime.  And they wouldn't be walking armed with only bobby clubs.

     Enough of the Three Stooges stuff.  Let's get back to business.   

   In his radio address today, Pres. Bush once again gave a clear enunciation of the need for increased American oil production, specifically in Alaska (Anwar), and offshore.

   The Democratic response, from Rep. Nick Rahall (W.Va.)?  No, said Rahall, this is more political posturing to aid the oil companies. 

    Are Democrats once again playing politics with the national interest?  A vast majority of Americans now favor increased drilling for oil in the U.S., what would seem to be a common sense approach.  Can the Democrats not see the forest for the trees?  Is the only game the Democrats can play one of politics?

    Democrats apparently are so stuck in the mud on this issue and others that they will not change their tune even when opinion polls show increased opposition to such a stance.  And meanwhile, the American people continue to pay, pay and pay more, as Congress fiddles while the country burns.   

    Democrats have now proved they can play the political game, on any issue, including vital ones, ad infinitum. 

    What they haven't shown thus far is much willingness to address real issues with realistic solutions.  

     A federal jury in Chicago has convicted Obama friend and fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko on 16 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and aiding and abetting bribery.  Rezko allegedly used his political connections with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to manipulate state contracting decisions to squeeze contractors for bribes, according to the Post-Dispatch.   

     Obama's reaction is puzzling.  His handlers issued a statement saying Obama is "saddened" and "this isn't the Tony Rezko I knew..."  No, of course not.  But being 'saddened' really doesn't begin to get it.  First off, Obama is one of the few citizens of Illinois to be saddened by the conviction of a criminal.  The fact that presumably Obama was misled by Rezko -- an admitted personal friend whose wife purchased a piece of property next door to Obama's to sell it to him -- should not make one saddened, but angry.  

     Now, one might be saddened if your fifth grade pal was sent to the principal's office for misdeeds.  But this rises far above such trivialities.  This involves political corruption at the highest levels of state government, involving persons who were caught and prosecuted by conscientious federal officials doing their duty.  

     One should not be saddened by such events but thankful to the federal government for going after crooks.  

     Apparently Sen. Obama here fails entirely to grasp in any way the magnitude of these events.  His only reaction is an emotional, even superficial, 'sadness.'

     This from the man who wishes to be president of the United States.          

'On the mound for the Republicans, fireballing righthander Matt Blunt -- the Boy Guv -- .  Blunt, winds to the stretch, and here comes the pitch to the Dem's big thumper, 'Say Hey' Jay Nixon, the A.G, and it's a sharp breaking ball on the outside corner at the knees, strike three called!  Oh, what a pitch from the Boy Guv, and the Big Thumper is left standing at the plate with his bat on his shoulder!  Wow!!'

Yes, folks, Jay was pounding on the front door with all he had, this investigation and that, this charge and that, ramping up for his big run, planning to trample the Boy Guv in a mad rush to the Governor's Manse, but when he got in the house, what did he find?  Nothing at all, for the Boy Guv had outwitted his nemesis, leaving the 'empty tomb,' for the governor had simply walked calmly out the back door, leaving Jay to sing the Resurrection Blues!  

During his press conference Wednesday, Governor Blunt said at least twice Democrats have wasted three years attacking the wrong man.  Republicans still have nine months to field a strong candidate:  Democrats have to be saying, 'hey, wait a minute here.'

But there is to be no waiting, for the Boy Guv has left the house, and the Democrats' punching bag is now as empty as last year's pinata.

(It's Christmas time, and time to give due respect to the men and women who deliver the news to St. Louis on local tv.   An appreciation, channel by channel.)

Channel Two:

Tom O'Neill --  Hey, it's Tom O"Neill!  Could we get a new hairdo or something here?

Mandy Murphey --  Long-time local newscaster still finds something to smile about.  Nightly.

Dave Murray -- Good guy or what?  Plus, seems to know the weather.

Glenn Zimmerman -- Local chap makes good on airwaves.  Cool, very cool.

Margie Ellisor --  If you're this attractive, does the rest really matter?

Tim Ezell --  Huh?  Excuse me, I must be confused.  Did I just see what I think I saw?  

Channel Four:

Larry Connors -- Dean of St. Louis newsies.  Rock solid.

Vickie Newton -- Photogenic gal with great smile.  Also knows how to deliver the news.  Doesn't need that occasional pseudo- African attire look,  though.

Kent Ehrhardt -- Likeable and knowledgeable weather guy.

Steve Savard -- Affable sports guy.

Doug Vaughn --  Conveys  light touch, and rare for sportscaster, doesn't seem to take himself or the games too seriously.  

Laurie Waters -- Who can forget Laurie Waters?  This gal's as American as apple pie!! 

Russell Kincaid -- Good pickup for 4 newsteam.  Solid, solid.

John Mills --  Good reporter with one of a kind personality.

Channel Five

Art Holliday -- Average white guy delives the news.  Wait a minute, he's not a white guy, is he.  Art will probably still be around for the Second Coming.

 Mike Bush -- Yeah, Mike Bush.  Isn't that  the same guy that  used to do sports?  'And now the weather, with Channel Five meterologist Mike Bush.'  Whatever.

Deanne Lane -- Smoth workhorse newsie.  As familiar to St. Louis viewers as.....well, pretty much the rest of the Five newsteam.

Jennifer Blome --  What's going on with you and Art anyway?  Can you guys keep it clean?

Renee Knott --  Still haven't quite figured out that first name.  Well, the last one either, actually. Are you related to Knott's Berry Farm?  Brings fresh approach to otherwise moribund newscast.

Katie Felts --  This is a talent, very sharp.  Look for her to go beyond this gig.

Cindy Prezler --  I still say that last name is misspelled.  And we're glad that you're glad, Cindy.

Frank Cusanamo -- 'Hey, Frank, you got time for a game of stickball?'

Kate Quinn -- Could someone please take this lady out to dinner once in a while?

Rebecca Wu --  Whew, whew!!  Cutey pie newsie with lots of smarts.

Jeff Smart -- I think that's his last name.  Solid reporter showing he can also handle anchor's seat.

John Fuller -- He's still here?  Do you know what this guy does when not giving the weather?  Well, we don't, either.

Channel 11

Rick Edelen -- Yeah, Rick Edelen.  I remember him.

Rich Gould --  When he wants to be, this guy is a crack sports reporter.  Got the voice for it, too.

Laurie Moon --  I think there's somebody here by this name,  I really do.

(Apologies to those I've missed.  And right now I can't think of any good excuses either.)