The Problem With Putin

 

Russia's ruble's plummeting because of cheaper oil.

Tensions there are simmering and could come to a boil

As we tighten sanctions further, turning up the heat,

Hoping Russia changes course; that they'll admit defeat.

Problem, as I see it, is that Putin's still in charge

And his cult of personality's grown rather large.

Thanks to Russian media, which Putin now controls,

Most of Russia stands by him, according to the polls.

NATO says that Putin's getting bolder by the day;

Economic sanctions don't appear to hold much sway.

Those may work on other countries and their leaders, but

I've begun to worry Putin really is a nut.

Turning the Economy Around?

(Courtesy of jazminmercer.com)

With their plan for turning the economy around,

GOP could send the country crashing to the ground.

Unemployment rates are down... The markets? Record highs.

Fuel is cheaper, we're insured, new housing's on the rise.

Since we're in recovery already ('though it's slow)

Why would they turn that around?  There's not far down to go.

We have got to hit the gas 'cause that is what it takes.

Do not stall the country now by slamming on the brakes.

Who's Steering The Ship of State?

Income inequality, where few hold all the wealth,

Hasn't proven helpful to our economic health.

As we lose the middle class we lose the driving force

For a strong recovery because we've lost its source.

I hate to sound cynical because I'm, mostly, not.

I'm inclined to give something a fair and decent shot,

But I'm an idealist who doesn't understand

How the situation's gotten quite so out of hand.

I've begun to wonder, since we've given this a try

(and we've seen it doesn't work since poor people can't buy

Anything but food and Walmart clothing for their backs.

Unemployment's bad without degrees and worse for blacks...)

Why don't we try something else?  I think it's time we did.

Politicians work for those who've placed the highest bid.

We have got to change the law that lets those bidders hide.

How else will we know if we've been taken for a ride?

President Obama - Is Too Good Not Good Enough?

(Courtesy of pinterest.com)

I support the President; I voted for him - twice.

He is very smart and not in need of my advice.

But I've started worrying, with all that's in the news,

If I'm being too dismissive of the Right Wing's views.

Not about Obama Care, despite the current mess.

'though it needs some tinkering, it will be a success.

Not on the economy, which didn't crash and burn

(Even though the job growth rate is slower to return.)

Seems to me, domestically, he's doing all he can

Given that Republicans will not work with the man.

It's the other problem - with his image overseas.

Countries aren't afraid of him and, thus, do as they please.

Not as if he'll go to war 'cause, once a war begins,

People start to die and, in the end, nobody wins.

Unmanned drones cut down on that so using them is smart

Even if our foes believe they prove we lack the heart.

Putin's seized Crimea and the Syrians are slow

Handing in their chemicals to us because they know:
 President Obama is too rational to fight,

Drones don't pose the kind of threat that keeps them up at night.

When you win the Nobel Prize for Peace you're kinda stuck.

If no one's afraid of you they tend to push their luck.

So, Republicans believe a cowboy's what we need.

Do they have a point?  Can someone be too good to lead?

Wall Street's Hissy Fit

(Photo/InvestWithAlex.com)

Yesterday the markets dropped; they had a hissy fit

When Bernanke said the Fed would taper back a bit.

Wall St. knew that this was coming; there weren't any shocks...

Doesn't mean they have to like it - hence, the falling stocks.

Ben Bernanke quit his job as Chairman of the Fed;

Monday morning Janet Yellen will be there instead.

Tapering is likely to continue under her.

(Thanks to Ben Bernanke, we're much better than we were.)

Now that the economy is chugging right along,

Giving indications the recovery is strong,

Wall St. needs to come to grips; they need to do it now...

Not take out their anger on the NASDAQ or the Dow.

Long Term Unemployment Benefits

(Photo/Huffington Post)

Long-term unemployment benefits must be resumed;

Without those then millions who are out of work are doomed.

It's a short extension but, until there are more jobs,

People can't find work (and not because they're lazy slobs.)

Can't get by on minimum; it's not a living wage.

Can't do work too physical (at least, not at my age.)

Have to make enough to pay their health insurance bills.

Must compete with younger folks and their updated skills.

They're afraid their resumes go straight into the trash.

Can't get funds for start-ups 'cause the banks aren't lending cash.

First we have to figure out a way out of this mess;

Get the unemployment rate to 5%, or less.

Let's invest in research projects in genetic codes;

Offer free tuition, fix our bridges and our roads.

People don't want charity, they want a decent job...

Congress needs to do theirs lest they face an angry mob.

Dear Congress... Enough Already

(Photo/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP Collection)

"No one wants Obama Care," Republicans insist.

Tell that to the millions who attempted to enlist.

There was so much traffic that computer systems crashed...

Signing up for programs that Conservatives have trashed.

Ted Cruz, who's a Senator (and Speaker of the House?)

Lit a fire that's becoming difficult to douse.

We are past the boiling point - which makes for bitter Tea -

Fighting to block health care many want, apparently.

If you couldn't sign up for Obama Care, don't fret;

We're not even close to any deadlines for it yet

(Unlike our economy; it's running out of time...

But I'll save that topic for tomorrow's silly rhyme.)

People at the registries are back at work today;

(Not like furloughed workers who've been told to stay away)

It might still be busy and you may be put on hold...

A.C.A. is popular, despite what we've been told.

Congress Takes Hostages

 

Tea Party took hostages; the hostages are us...

Promise that they'll let us go if no one makes a fuss.

Simply give them what they want and nobody gets hurt.

If we don't they'll drag our reputation through the dirt.

They would shut the country down to block Obama Care.

If they are successful all Republicans will share

In the blame that follows when our credit rating tanks

Over threats that we won't pay our bills in future...  Thanks.

Why won't the Republicans tell them to take a hike?

Isn't this the kind of thing economies don't like?

This is not the way we want to see the country run.

We just held elections and Obama, clearly, won.

Congress isn't working.  It's become a running joke.

Not sure how it happened but I'm pretty sure it's broke.

They're not helping those of us who need the help the most

And, if they don't fix it, our economy is toast.

Race for the White House - Stick a Fork In It.

I think this goose is cooked.  (Photo/The New Yorker)

Should Obama lose this race to Romney, I'll be shocked...

Never mind the millions Crossroads GPS has stocked.

Maybe the economy is not in perfect shape

But, poor Mitt has blundered once again - and it's on tape.

Mother Jones released remarks that he made "off the cuff."

I have listened to it and it's pretty damning stuff.

Said that half our people are just victims who won't work.

Romney, yet again, has come off looking like a jerk.

True that many do not pay a federal income tax;

Doesn't mean they sit around at home and just relax.

Need to have some fat to spare to put "skin in the game."

(This archaic tax code that we've got is what's to blame.)

Said the Middle East is doomed and there could be no peace.

Romney's put his foot in it...  Will wonders never cease?

How the polls are even close I - frankly - do not know.

Think, this time, Mitt Romney's dealt himself a fatal blow.