© Damian Chung | Dreamstime.com

MUDGE’s Musings

Oops.

Turns out that all those ambitious windmill plans might be more worthy of Don Quixote than Michael Bloomberg.

Seems that generating power is only part of the equation, whether you use boring and dirty old technology (coal-fired) or exciting and clean new technology (wind turbines).

See, that power has to get from those lonesome windy landscapes to the nation’s factories (ah, an optimistic curmudgeon!), shopping malls and homes, and it won’t get there by wishing it so.

No, that generated power, sulfurously filthy or delightfully green, needs the national power grid to get from Windyvastwasteland, Texas to where it’s needed, and folks, the national power grid is a subtle but critical part of what one of my favorite amateur pundits calls, in a most memorable coinage, “this country’s infrastructure osteoporosis.”

Wind Energy Bumps Into Power Grid’s Limits

The Energy Challenge | By MATTHEW L. WALD | Published: August 26, 2008

When the builders of the Maple Ridge Wind farm spent $320 million to put nearly 200 wind turbines in upstate New York, the idea was to get paid for producing electricity. But at times, regional electric lines have been so congested that Maple Ridge has been forced to shut down even with a brisk wind blowing.

That is a symptom of a broad national problem. Expansive dreams about renewable energy, like Al Gore’s hope of replacing all fossil fuels in a decade, are bumping up against the reality of a power grid that cannot handle the new demands.

The dirty secret of clean energy is that while generating it is getting easier, moving it to market is not.

The grid today, according to experts, is a system conceived 100 years ago to let utilities prop each other up, reducing blackouts and sharing power in small regions. It resembles a network of streets, avenues and country roads.

“We need an interstate transmission superhighway system,” said Suedeen G. Kelly, a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

While the United States today gets barely 1 percent of its electricity from wind turbines, many experts are starting to think that figure could hit 20 percent.

Achieving that would require moving large amounts of power over long distances, from the windy, lightly populated plains in the middle of the country to the coasts where many people live. Builders are also contemplating immense solar-power stations in the nation’s deserts that would pose the same transmission problems.

Boone Pickens, as it turns out, has budgeted for a dedicated transmission line between his latest project and Dallas, 250 miles, a drop in the bucket of the existing 200,000 miles of power lines. He says that he can get away with this in business-friendly Texas (maybe that goes with lethal-injection friendly Texas?), but that regional and national regulations make the addition of new interstate lines nearly impossible.

As the insightful and talented governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, says,

“We still have a third-world grid,” Mr. Richardson said, repeating a comment he has made several times. “With the federal government not investing, not setting good regulatory mechanisms, and basically taking a back seat on everything except drilling and fossil fuels, the grid has not been modernized, especially for wind energy.”

The Energy Challenge – Wind Energy Bumps Into Power Grid’s Limits – Series – NYTimes.com

Infrastructure is literally the nuts and bolts that keep this country moving.

Nuts and bolts are boring.

Way too boring, apparently, to the evangelical neocons who are cheerfully gutting the federal government (interestingly, apparently by overstaffing bureaus with their co-religionists and party faithful in order to cause operational gridlock) and thus running OUR national infrastructure into the ground.

People, it’s time for BOLD.

It takes bold women and men of uncommon vision to see beyond the tiresome and mundane slogan, crumbling infrastructure, to the greater principle.

Without working bridges and highways, without capacious power lines and competent schools, without the national will to rebuild our bones and brains and sinews, then we will, indeed, slip right through the second world into third world status.

Our children and grandchildren deserve better. We deserve better.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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MUDGE’s Musings

Two recurring themes on this site converge this week, as alternative energy, mainly windmills, and New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, not a presidential candidate, occupy the same NYTimes story.

Bloomberg Offers Windmill Power Plan

By MICHAEL BARBARO | Published: August 19, 2008

In a plan that would drastically remake New York City’s skyline and shores, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is seeking to put wind turbines on the city’s bridges and skyscrapers and in its waters as part of a wide-ranging push to develop renewable energy.

The plan, while still in its early stages, appears to be the boldest environmental proposal to date from the mayor, who has made energy efficiency a cornerstone of his administration.

Mr. Bloomberg said he would ask private companies and investors to study how windmills can be built across the city, with the aim of weaning it off the nation’s overtaxed power grid, which has produced several crippling blackouts in New York over the last decade.

Invoking, tacitly or not, Daniel Burnham’s injunction to make no little plans, Mayor Bloomberg would like to pepper the NYC skyline and offshore waters with windmills. Of course, wishing doesn’t make it so.

But the mayor’s proposal for wind power faces several serious obstacles: People are likely to oppose technologies that alter the appearance of their neighborhoods; wind-harnessing technology can be exceedingly expensive; and Mr. Bloomberg has less than 18 months left in office to put a plan into place.

Bloomberg Offers Windmill Power Plan – NYTimes.com

Several thoughts come to mind upon reflection.

• One might have wished to be a fly on the wall of the conference room where Mr. Bloomberg met with Boone Pickens. Two self-made $zillionaires, two successful entrepreneurs who, lately, have caught the environmental virus.
  

• The so-called egg-beater windmill, more technically a vertical-axis windmill, seems like an excellent solution for a city skyline. Click for the most likely image I found of such a vertical-axis windmill although this huge one is built at ground level. Doing a little reading on the subject has convinced me that, as it can handle winds from any direction without requiring the mechanical complexity of turning conventional blades into the wind, the vertical axis windmill might well be a better solution anywhere, not just at the spire of skyscrapers.

• Manhattan filled with skytop windmills might make the city a dead zone for pigeons.

I’m liking the plan better and better.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

MUDGE’s Musings

Frank Rich of the NYTimes eviscerated John McCain over both his supposed area of expertise, military affairs, as well as Sen. McCain’s admitted area of weakness, matters economic. It wasn’t pretty.

It’s the Economic Stupidity, Stupid

Op-Ed Columnist | By FRANK RICH | Published: July 20, 2008

THE best thing to happen to John McCain was for the three network anchors to leave him in the dust this week while they chase Barack Obama on his global Lollapalooza tour. Were voters forced to actually focus on Mr. McCain’s response to our spiraling economic crisis at home, the prospect of his ascension to the Oval Office could set off a panic that would make the IndyMac Bank bust in Pasadena look as merry as the Rose Bowl.

“In a time of war,” Mr. McCain said last week, “the commander in chief doesn’t get a learning curve.” Fair enough, but he imparted this wisdom in a speech that was almost a year behind Mr. Obama in recognizing Afghanistan as the central front in the war against Al Qaeda. Given that it took the deadliest Taliban suicide bombing in Kabul since 9/11 to get Mr. McCain’s attention, you have to wonder if even General Custer’s learning curve was faster than his.

Mr. McCain still doesn’t understand that we can’t send troops to Afghanistan unless they’re shifted from Iraq. But simple math, to put it charitably, has never been his forte. When it comes to the central front of American anxiety — the economy — his learning curve has flat-lined.

Rich follows similar economic criticism of McCain from Paul Krugman 12 days previously, before Phil Gramm elevated himself from has-been to economic advisor to get thee gone in just a few hours time.

Mr. McCain’s fiscal ineptitude has received so little scrutiny in some press quarters that his chief economic adviser, the former Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, got a free pass until the moment he self-immolated on video by whining about “a nation of whiners.” The McCain-Gramm bond, dating back 15 years, is more scandalous than Mr. Obama’s connection with his pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Mr. McCain has been so dependent on Mr. Gramm for economic policy that he sent him to newspaper editorial board meetings, no doubt to correct the candidate’s numbers much as Joe Lieberman cleans up after his confusions of Sunni and Shia.

[By the way, the photo at the top of the column will hereby become Left-Handed Complement's official John McCain portrait.]

Carly Fiorina has picked up the economic cudgel from temporarily banished ex-Sen. Gramm. She comes with a wonderful track record: booted out of Hewlett-Packard after five years of big talk and miserable results.

Then Rich wanders into a long-time hobby-horse of this nanocorner of the ‘Sphere©, Michael Bloomberg, positing him a potential vice president on the McCain ticket.

Mr. McCain reminds us every day how principled he is. That presumably means he’d risk a revolt by his party’s dwindling agents of intolerance and do everything in his power to persuade Mr. Bloomberg to join his ticket in the spirit of patriotic sacrifice. The politics could be advantageous too. A Bloomberg surprise could impress independents and keep the television audience tuned in to a G.O.P. convention that will unfold in the shadow of Mr. Obama’s address to 75,000 screaming fans in Denver.

Op-Ed Columnist – It’s the Economic Stupidity, Stupid – Op-Ed – NYTimes.com

All this vice presidential speculation this year provides the usual column-inch filler during the summertime doldrums for the political junkies out here, but it’s also particularly of interest, in a year of unusually vulnerable presidential candidates. (Hey, if Hillary can point it out, so can I. I’m going to hate myself in the morning, though.)

But, hey, Frank Rich! I want Michael Bloomberg for the good guys.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

Thought I was done with Michael Bloomberg.

Not so fast, tiger.

This is all good sport in New York City, where, after all, Bloomberg is the two-term mayor, in a term-limit district. What’s a billionaire to do? Next?

Well, continuing the candidate introduction thing, John McCain was in town last week, so speculation naturally returned to Mike’s potential role on the Republican ticket. You’ll recall he introduced Barack Obama at his memorable Cooper Union appearance a couple of weeks ago, fueling Democratic running mate speculation anew.

Bloomberg Introduces McCain

By Michael Cooper | April 10, 2008, 2:11 pm

Perhaps when Michael R. Bloomberg finishes his term as mayor of New York he could become a professional speculation-fueler.

After all, his decision to leave the Republican Party fueled some pretty heated speculation that he might run for president this year as an independent. Then, after he announced that he would not run, his introduction of Senator Barack Obama at a speech last month at Cooper Union fueled speculation that he might like to be his running mate.

And on Thursday he introduced Senator John McCain, who gave a speech at a window company in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. That seemed sure to fuel speculation that, well, you get the idea by now.

Bloomberg and McCain go way back. And the mayor is always a gracious host. And, he’s a two term mayor in a term-limit town.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

Bloomberg Introduces McCain – The Caucus – Politics – New York Times Blog

So, perhaps Mayor Mike planted a seed. After all, McCain has lot’s of time. New York might make a nice balance to Arizona. Of course, if John is not rabid enough for the maniac wing, they’ll be positively frothing at the mouth over the prospect of Bloomberg as VP candidate, especially given McCain’s age, his 96-year-old mother notwithstanding.

A day or so later:

New Bloomberg Job Rumor Is Followed by a Denial

By FERNANDA SANTOS | Published: April 14, 2008

The political future of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has been the subject of relentless speculation for months. First he was said to have been flirting with a presidential bid. Then his name was floated as a possible running mate of Senator Barack Obama.

Now, Mr. Bloomberg is rumored to be eyeing a third mayoral term. And just as with the earlier rumors, City Hall aides have issued firm denials about this one.

“It’s untrue,” Stu Loeser, the mayor’s press secretary, said in an interview on Sunday.

The idea of the mayor’s considering running for a third term in next year’s election was reported by The New York Post on Sunday.

You’ve got to figure, a man doesn’t amass $billions by not having contingencies.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

New Bloomberg Job Rumor Is Followed by a Denial – New York Times

President of the U.S. on an independent ticket: Lot’s of analysis in 2007-8, but, after all is spent and done, not likely. So, no.

Vice President of the U.S. on the Democratic ticket: Hillary – too much NYC. So, no.

Vice President of the U.S. on the Democratic ticket: Obama – possibility, but a black and a Jew on the same ticket: too much NYC. So, no.

Vice President of the U.S. on the Republican ticket: McCain is a man he can do business with. Apparently McCain is a man anyone with sufficient cash can do business with. But, Mike left the Republicans earlier this political season. So, probably not, but…

Mayor of NYC for a third term: Can the term-limit law be changed? There may not be enough $zillions to persuade the speaker of the NY city council, a potential candidate herself, to go for that. So, probably not, but…

Three no’s, two probably no, but’s.

Hey Mr. Bloomberg, one could always retire to banking. I hear that there are some real bargains out there.

Quite a sport, this Mike-watching.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

He could have spoken anywhere; that’s what the communications age is all about. Perhaps he should have spoken in Pennsylvania; after all, its April 22nd primary represents the next towering challenge to his candidacy.

But, he spoke in New York City, because that’s where beats the economic heart of the country (and not too long ago, the planet). And his speech was about our economic distress, the Wall Street half of the equation, where “pain trickled up.”

An interesting site, new to Left-Handed Complement, “The Reality-Based Community” has been added to our blogroll with alacrity. There, yr (justifiably) humble svt found some incisive analysis, and, usefully, a transcript of this powerful statement.

Obama on the economy

March 27, 2008 | Posted by Mark Kleiman

Public images, once established, are hard to change, and it isn’t going to be easy for Barack Obama to escape the “pretty words, no substance” label that his opponents and some journalists have tried to pin on him. But if anything could do it, today’s Cooper Union speech ought to.

Those familiar mainly with the Obama of the stump speeches, the election-night speeches, and the Ebeneezer Baptist Church address on MLK Day — the Obama of the “Yes We Can” music video — will find the Cooper Union lecture a significant change of pace. No soaring images, not much poetry, few applause lines, lots of analysis and substantive proposals, only one Obama-esque turn of phrase in describing the current crisis in mortgage-backed paper:

“What was bad for Main Street was bad for Wall Street. Pain trickled up.”

The speech itself: workmanlike, serious, substantive.

For those who like pictures to go along with the words, here’s the video. For all the words in print form, click the link below.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

The Reality-Based Community: Obama on the economy

Obama began his talk with a brief history lesson, going back to the Founding Fathers.

It’s this sense of history that drew him, I’m certain, to Cooper Union, the scene of a very influential speech by a then little-known presidential candidate named Lincoln, in 1859.

Consider Barack Obama.

A speaker unafraid to share substantive ideas, rather than the usual politician’s sloganeering, in adult language.

Boldly framing his context to the designers of this country, most relevantly Alexander Hamilton, one of history’s great polymaths and a great economic actor too little appreciated today.

And choosing to speak in a locale subtly redolent of presidential history, a reflection of our greatest president, who was in that place 149 years ago magnificently eloquent in his own time of American crisis.

And, Michael Bloomberg introduced him.

What a ticket that would be!

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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Independent nonpartisanship has a flexible definition for NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

A frequent subject at this nanocorner of the ‘Sphere©, we’ve been intrigued for most of a year with his potential independent candidacy for U.S. president.

See below for a list of links.

Bloomberg left the Republican party last year, many believed in preparation for a run at the presidency as an independent.

Apparently, though, the Republican party in New York State is still close to his heart, or his wallet.

Bloomberg Steps In to Help G.O.P. in Albany Fight

By RAYMOND HERNANDEZ |Published: March 1, 2008

While declaring his commitment to nonpartisanship, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is quietly injecting himself — and his money — into one of the most explosive partisan battles in decades in New York.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg quit the Republican Party in June.

Several weeks ago, the mayor wrote a $500,000 check to help keep the dwindling and increasingly imperiled State Senate Republicans from losing their grip on power, according to an official with direct knowledge of the donation.

The Democrats are seeking to gain control of the Senate for the first time in 40 years, and the race is growing personal and bitter.

Here’s that list of stories, including a couple of quite recent ones. Once again, it’s been a popular topic here, so I would guess that a few others share my fascination.

Independence assumes the ability to decide to support whomever one pleases. Nonpartisanship would seem to mean no support, or at least equal support.

But that’s not what’s happening in New York State. No evidence exists that the man is funneling money to the state’s Democrats, who see a historic opportunity to take back the State Senate after 40 years.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

Bloomberg Steps In to Help G.O.P. in Albany Fight – New York Times

Mike, your “third way” includes support for the forces in New York State who diametrically oppose your positions on abortion rights and gay marriage?

I guess I’m not surprised that you have shown us again that pragmatic politicians are all the same after all.

Just disappointed at business as always.

And this space officially ends its support for Michael Bloomberg as vice president on the Obama ticket.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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Last post, Michael Bloomberg told us that no, he is not a candidate for the presidency in 2008.

Today, some interesting commentary.

Declining to Enter Field, Mayor Eyes Sideline Role

By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE and DIANE CARDWELL | Published: February 29, 2008

For more than two years, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg had the ultimate presidential campaign that wasn’t. Aides spent hundreds of hours and untold dollars plotting out a route to the White House. But the prospects for his maybe-I-will, maybe-I-won’t campaign were never tested in the quiet of a voting booth.

This week, as Mr. Bloomberg officially ended his flirtation with a presidential campaign, he said he would seek other ways to influence national politics and spread his gospel of “independent, nonpartisan” politics, perhaps to whoever takes up residence in the White House next year.

One almost feels that it’s embarrassing overkill should we repeat the list of articles we’ve pursued over the past months. Almost.

Just too intriguing to stay away.

But, our fantasy of an Obama-Bloomberg ticket? Vigorous and inspiring poetry at the top; universe-class accomplishment at second chair. What’s not to love?

Mr. Bloomberg on Thursday dismissed the possibility of running for vice president. But he clearly yearns for a prominent role, and the person involved with the discussions about his future suggested he could become treasury secretary or another cabinet member someday.

Sorry, MUDGE, the answer is no. Bloomberg in the cabinet? Done deal, whomever, of whatever party wins.

But he’s a big picture guy and shouldn’t settle.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

Declining to Enter Field, Mayor Eyes Sideline Role – New York Times

Mayor Bloomberg wants to be influential, help set the agenda, make an endorsement.

Only, endorsements don’t count for much anymore.

After all, our dreadfully uninformed populace never heard of most of the endorsers, including Mayor Mike.

When he figures this out, maybe he’ll change his mind about the vice presidency. It’s that national stage he belongs on.

One can dream.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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It’s only fitting, for mm300, to return to a most intriguing topic here at this nanocorner of the ‘Sphere©, the potential independent presidential ambitions of Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City.

Faithful reader won’t mind being reminded of some of our previous posts that consider Mr. Bloomberg’s elaborate dance over the past several months.

Indeed, mm066 is the single most hit post on this site.

Obviously, he intrigues many of you as much as he does yr (justifiably) humble svt.

So Mayor Mike wrote an opinion piece in today’s NYTimes.

I’m Not Running for President, but …

By MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG | Published: February 28, 2008

WATCHING the 2008 presidential campaign, you sometimes get the feeling that the candidates — smart, all of them — must know better. They must know we can’t fix our economy and create jobs by isolating America from global trade. They must know that we can’t fix our immigration problems with border security alone. They must know that we can’t fix our schools without holding teachers, principals and parents accountable for results. They must know that fighting global warming is not a costless challenge. And they must know that we can’t keep illegal guns out of the hands of criminals unless we crack down on the black market for them.

He makes a case that the issues facing this country defy simplistic solutions and sound bites. The American people must transcend parties and think independently.

MUDGE has tried very diligently over the years to be independent of parties, though his heritage is very strongly Democratic party. Occasionally, I’ve found a Republican who is actually preferable to his Democratic opponent; not often. Fingers of one hand, in nearly four decades of voting. But that’s them, not me.

Another problem: talking to a good friend this week who is a registered Independent — who knew one could do that? Certainly not in my state. Of course, this means he is unable to vote in the primary elections, where he has to declare a party. The entire point of being an independent voter is so that you don’t have to declare. So he finds himself disenfranchised until the general elections.

Back to Mr. Bloomberg. He makes a strong case for an urban agenda, independent of the traditional party positions.

But, here it is in black and white, folks. Read it and weep (or at least gnash your teeth):

I believe that an independent approach to these issues is essential to governing our nation — and that an independent can win the presidency. I listened carefully to those who encouraged me to run, but I am not — and will not be — a candidate for president. I have watched this campaign unfold, and I am hopeful that the current campaigns can rise to the challenge by offering truly independent leadership. The most productive role that I can serve is to push them forward, by using the means at my disposal to promote a real and honest debate.

So, Michael, you’ve really decided that the means at your disposal do not include running as an independent?

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

I’m Not Running for President, but … – New York Times

Seems to this observer that, he still is leaving the door to a candidacy ajar. He wants to influence the conversation, and I for one would love to hear more from him. His city isn’t perfect by any means, but his common sense approach has certainly been successful in many of the important measures.

So, I return once again (in that a couple of the posts in the above link list refer to it) to Jon Taplin’s proposal of a couple of months ago, an Obama-Bloomberg ticket. Makes more sense than ever, especially considering the stunning progress Obama has achieved since Taplin wrote in early January pulling in front of Mrs. Clinton.

Now, an Obama-Bloomberg slate (and remember, the once-Democrat Bloomberg resigned from the Republican party last year) answers all of the criticism regarding substance within the eloquent packaging.

Speak hopefully, and carry a big stick. I’m liking this a lot.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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Ralph Nader, who made his name beating up on a GM car with its engine in the wrong place, once again finds himself in the wrong place, announcing another 3rd party run for the presidency.

Nader to Run Again

By Sarah Wheaton | February 24, 2008,  11:26 am

“Dissent is the mother of ascent,” Ralph Nader said on “Meet the Press” this morning. “And in that context, I have decided to run for president.”

Beginning his third third-party run in as many presidential elections, Mr. Nader, a consumer advocate, cited a litany of issues he feels have been “taken off the table,” including single-payer health care, the war, labor law reform, and “cracking down on corporate crime.”

Nice to know that while certain bodily functions may diminish or even disappear by age 74, the ability to be a fatuous obsolete horse’s ass stays strong well into one’s eighth decade.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

Nader to Run Again – The Caucus – Politics – New York Times Blog

If Nader ever was relevant to the political discourse of this nation, that time has long since departed.

His performance in 2004, when he received only 10% of the less than 4% of the vote he fatally deflected from Gore in 2000, failed to deter him. Such obdurate behavior is a prime symptom of fatuous obsolete horse’s ass-ness referenced above.

If the U.S. is really interested in a viable third party candidate, that strong, decisive, relevant candidate would be: Michael Bloomberg.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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Late start tonight; busy day led to a busy evening.

Did get time to step outside into the crystal clear 13°F night to gander at the lunar eclipse.

Very cool. Cold, actually, but fun to see.

Puts our everyday concerns into perspective, when you get that all too rare chance to slow down, pause and look up to see the cosmos working in its own time and rhythm.

To business.

As part of the NYTimes series of extended coverage of the presidential candidates, they’ve just published the following:

For McCain, Self-Confidence on Ethics Poses Its Own Risk

By JIM RUTENBERG, MARILYN W. THOMPSON, DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK and STEPHEN LABATON | Published: February 21, 2008

WASHINGTON — Early in Senator John McCain’s first run for the White House eight years ago, waves of anxiety swept through his small circle of advisers.

Stephen Boitano/Getty Images | Vicki Iseman at an awards dinner in 2004.

A female lobbyist had been turning up with him at fund-raisers, visiting his offices and accompanying him on a client’s corporate jet. Convinced the relationship had become romantic, some of his top advisers intervened to protect the candidate from himself — instructing staff members to block the woman’s access, privately warning her away and repeatedly confronting him, several people involved in the campaign said on the condition of anonymity.

When news organizations reported that Mr. McCain had written letters to government regulators on behalf of the lobbyist’s client, the former campaign associates said, some aides feared for a time that attention would fall on her involvement.

Mr. McCain, 71, and the lobbyist, Vicki Iseman, 40, both say they never had a romantic relationship. But to his advisers, even the appearance of a close bond with a lobbyist whose clients often had business before the Senate committee Mr. McCain led threatened the story of redemption and rectitude that defined his political identity.

Straight talk my …

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

For McCain, Self-Confidence on Ethics Poses Its Own Risk – New York Times

I respect the man as a decorated war hero and courageous POW beyond measure.

As a politician, however, regardless of his “straight” talk, McCain’s actions, according to the Times’ writers, don’t match up.

All politicians have baggage. They don’t get to high office (or even dog catcher) without donations from people who expect that their contributions are not altruistic in the slightest.

Republicans specialize in McCain’s kind of lobbyist related baggage, which I imagine most of the country feels is preferable to the kind manifesting itself in men’s rooms and with Congressional pages.

We’ve talked of Ms. Clinton’s baggage.

Mr. Obama, in national politics for a much shorter time, has a smaller briefcase, but baggage all the same.

Baggage comes with the territory.

No wonder so many have been so apathetic about politics as practiced in this country. Especially young people, who have seen it all on CNN and Fox News and have turned away with disgust.

No wonder there’s been such enthusiasm for those candidates and potential candidates who are viewed as outside mainstream politics.

But even the Huckabees and Ron Pauls of this election season come with baggage; they didn’t get invented yesterday, after all.

It’s why this nanocorner of the ‘Sphere© has been so intrigued by Michael Bloomberg. As a self-made billionaire, Bloomberg is by definition impervious to lobbyists and other special interests.

Of course he comes with baggage too. His name, after all, isn’t Blair.

Well, that’s all I’ve got tonight. Read the NYTimes story, all six writers’ worth, and remember that the inspiringly heroic John McCain of the Vietnam era has grown into an entirely conventional politician. With baggage.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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Quirky things going on out there, folks. None seem expansive enough to go all expansive on you, so we’re going to have another episode of SASB:

©

Gassing…

A couple of scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have, they claim, found a way to turn airborne carbon dioxide back into gasoline.

Scientists Would Turn Greenhouse Gas Into Gasoline

By KENNETH CHANG | Published: February 19, 2008

The scientists, F. Jeffrey Martin and William L. Kubic Jr., are proposing a concept, which they have patriotically named Green Freedom, for removing carbon dioxide from the air and turning it back into gasoline.

The idea is simple. Air would be blown over a liquid solution of potassium carbonate, which would absorb the carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide would then be extracted and subjected to chemical reactions that would turn it into fuel: methanol, gasoline or jet fuel.

This process could transform carbon dioxide from an unwanted, climate-changing pollutant into a vast resource for renewable fuels. The closed cycle — equal amounts of carbon dioxide emitted and removed — would mean that cars, trucks and airplanes using the synthetic fuels would no longer be contributing to global warming.

Of course, there’s a hitch, there’s always a hitch.

There is, however, a major caveat that explains why no one has built a carbon-dioxide-to-gasoline factory: it requires a great deal of energy.

Nuclear energy.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

Scientists Would Turn Greenhouse Gas Into Gasoline – New York Times

Now, please don’t get yr (justifiably) humble svt wrong. I’m no knee-jerk anti-nuke guy.

I am happy, though, that the nuclear power plant nearest MUDGEville was closed some years ago (on merit, or lack thereof, not because we didn’t need it).

But, it’s going to be messy. After all, the Greenies’ heads will explode if you show them that the most effective way to eliminate carbon dioxide produced by gasoline powered automobiles is to build a nuclear powered carbon dioxide to gasoline conversion factory.

©

…’bout birds…

Next on today’s short list: the Navy’s going to shoot down one of our satellites, perhaps as soon as when you are reading this post, Wednesday 20-February-2008.

U.S. to Attempt to Shoot Down Faulty Satellite

By THOM SHANKER | Published: February 15, 2008

WASHINGTON — The military will try to shoot down a crippled spy satellite in the next two weeks, senior officials said Thursday. The officials laid out a high-tech plan to intercept the satellite over the Pacific just before it tumbles uncontrollably to Earth carrying toxic fuel.

President Bush ordered the action to prevent any possible contamination from the hazardous rocket fuel on board, and not out of any concern that parts of the spacecraft might survive and reveal its secrets, the officials said.

The challenging mission to demolish the satellite on the fringes of space will rely on an unforeseen use of ship-based weapons developed to defend against ballistic missile attacks.

They admit it’s challenging. But the Navy is gung ho:

The weapon of choice, after modifications that are under way, is the Standard Missile 3 on Aegis cruisers. The defensive missiles and supporting radar were being modified and tested to shoot down enemy warheads. So the software is being reprogrammed to home in on the radar and other signatures of a large satellite instead of a ballistic missile, officials said.

But, no, it’s not about sending a message to anyone, especially not to any Chinese anyones.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

U.S. to Attempt to Shoot Down Faulty Satellite – New York Times

You may recall that China hasn’t officially admitted, but most certainly did, shoot down a satellite of its own about 13 months ago.

And, oddly enough, China has expressed an opinion about the Navy’s plans.

China Expresses Concern Over U.S. Plan to Shoot Down a Faulty Spy Satellite

By DAVID LAGUE | Published: February 19, 2008

BEIJING — In response to a United States plan to shoot down a malfunctioning spy satellite, China has warned against threats to security in outer space, without mentioning its own successful anti-satellite missile test last year.

The Chinese government also stopped short of linking the planned American strike with Beijing’s repeated calls for a complete ban on space weapons.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Liu Jianchao, said the Chinese government was concerned about the American plan, Xinhua, the state-run news agency, reported late Sunday, noting that the target satellite was loaded with toxic fuel.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

China Expresses Concern Over U.S. Plan to Shoot Down a Faulty Spy Satellite – New York Times

Long years ago, during the heart of the Republican Camelot (the Reagan years), the military’s “Star Wars” anti-missile system was controversial.

Mainly, because it couldn’t be done.

Now the Navy says it’s got the technology to take that crippled bird out of harm’s way.

Forecast for Northeast Illinois tomorrow: blustery, highs 5 to 10°F above zero, sunny yet chance of metallic or toxic gaseous satellite precipitation: percentage not established.

Do they make an umbrella for that?

–Yes, actually, from depleted uranium. They call it a tank.

©

… and supermen -er, man

Okay, so I was going for a “it’s a bird, a plane, no it’s Superman” thing; didn’t quite pan out. Close. But, no. Superman?

No, I didn’t mean the comic book character played by George Reeves, or Christopher Reeve.

I’m referring to Michael Bloomberg!

So, here’s what we know so far (hmmm, kind of like a comic book after all…):

Many folks are still quite revved up about the concept of Michael Bloomberg running for president. And, as we’ve know so much more about who’s in the race, and who’s fallen back, his name still lingers, at least among the dreamers.

This is drawn from a site called Political Lore.

Is There Still Room for Bloomberg?

February 16th, 2008 Shaun Booth Posted in Shaun Booth, Presidential Candidates, Election 2008 |

There is no doubt that Mayor Michael Bloomberg would be a formidable candidate, however some political pundits are currently making the argument that if the race becomes McCain versus Obama they will win the votes of all independent and moderate voters in the center, leaving no room for Michael Bloomberg independent Presidential run. However as the nation’s economy continues to gain prominence and coverage of the Iraq occupation continues to dwindle, my feeling is that the door remains open for Bloomberg.

Michael Bloomberg, the current Mayor of New York City, earned his wealth by being the founder of the largest financial news outlet in the world, Bloomberg L. P. So while McCain is reading up on the economy while on the campaign trail, and close examination of Obama’s fiscal policy proves it to be simply unaffordable, Bloomberg has been in the thick of the economic world for over 20 years.

We’ve been here folks. He’s not running. He’s not not running.

No, he’s not not not running.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

Is There Still Room for Bloomberg? | PoliticalLore.com

But, we can’t help but stay intrigued by the thought of such an accomplished person getting an international stage for his brains and skills and talent.

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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Time for another in the continuing saga of Michael Bloomberg, billionaire mayor of New York City, and his interesting feints at running for president this year.

At the bottom of this post, we’ll provide our ever lengthening link list, as this story has intrigued this nanocorner of the ‘Sphere© for many months now.

Yesterday, 13-February, President Bush signed the tax rebate legislation that he, George III, promises will lift this nation out of its recessionary funk.

The mayor, who knows a thing or two about matters financial (made his not inconsiderable fortune reporting financial news to professionals by harnessing novel technology to do so), spoke quite colorfully today.

He characterized the rebate as “like giving a drink to an alcoholic,” and said the nation “has a balance sheet that’s starting to look more and more like a third-world country.”

Not sure, but Burkina Faso might have just been insulted.

Bloomberg Ridicules Washington On Economy

‘Cash Rebates Like Booze For Alcoholics’

U.S.Resembling A ‘Third-World Country’

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) ― Mayor Michael Bloomberg has unleashed another flurry of jabs on Washington, ridiculing the federal government’s rebate checks as being “like giving a drink to an alcoholic” on Thursday, and said the presidential candidates are looking for easy solutions to complex economic problems.

The billionaire and potential independent presidential candidate also said the nation “has a balance sheet that’s starting to look more and more like a third-world country.”
President Bush signed legislation Wednesday that will result in cash rebates ranging from $300 to $1,200 for more than 130 million people.

As is his wont, Mayor Bloomberg denied that he is a candidate for the presidency, but did say that he feels increasingly compelled to speak out, in an effort to influence the national discussion.

He even had a kind word for Barack Obama.

You know what this space thinks: Bloomberg for President, a non-starter. On a ticket with Obama? Hmmm.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

wcbstv.com – Bloomberg Ridicules Washington On Economy

Meanwhile, distressing news and analysis keeps piling up.

If yr (justifiably) humble svt has the stomach for it, we’ll examine some of the more distinguished opinions next time.

Meanwhile, if you’d like to catch up with this space’s coverage of the ongoing progress of Michael Bloomberg’s flirtation with national office, here’s that listing.

Gotta love a good story.

Even in installments (I’ve heard Charles Dickens started that way).

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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It’s Slippery Saturday (in these northern climes) following Tsunami Tuesday. And we’re wondering where Michael Bloomberg fits in the election puzzle.

As faithful reader knows, we’ve been following the non-candidacy of Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City, since we staked out this nanocorner of the ‘Sphere©. As a review, you might consult the following:

As this has been an eventful week in the endless saga of Campaign 2008 (began the day after the November, 2006 elections), we wondered how Mike’s plans (or non-plans) might be affected by the tumultuous events.

On the one side, the very even positions of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton — a delegate count and popular count virtual dead heat after Tsunami Tuesday.

On the other side, Tuesday’s bloodbath ratified the startling reemergence of John McCain, such a front runner that Mitt Romney has departed the field, purportedly $50million in personal funds the lighter for his trouble. Someone on Public Radio’s “Wait, wait don’t tell me” this morning cracked that, when interviewed, Romney angrily denied ever being a candidate.

In a race McCain vs. either Obama or Clinton, is there room for Bloomberg? McCain, after all, is the conservative Republican that even liberals like (and yr (justifiably) humble svt pleads guilty – starts with his answer to “what did you do in the war, Daddy?”). Obama is rather out there, from a conservative’s perspective, but his messages of non-partisanship and reconciliation play surprisingly well in red states. And of course, Ms. Clinton comes from a centrist tradition.

So, if McCain, Obama and/or Clinton are the choices, where would Michael Bloomberg fit. Were the Republican candidate preacher-governor Huckleberry or changeling-Mormon Romney, Bloomberg might have an easier time making a case for a third alternative.

Or, perhaps there’s a better idea. We picked up on Jon Taplin’s proposal for a Obama-Bloomberg ticket several weeks ago.

Now, via the Huffington Post, and published just before Tsunami Tues., is a version of the same tune.

Obama/Bloomberg: A Can’t Miss Ticket?

|Bruce Yaffe | Posted January 31, 2008 | 05:02 PM (EST)

…There is a legitimate option requiring immediate action that significantly increases the likelihood of a Bloomberg presidency. Though Mayor Mike is a CEO kind of guy, it is not unreasonable for him to team up with the other non-polarizing candidate in the race, Barack Obama, forming a real bipartisan coalition. Michael Bloomberg as Barack Obama’s endorser, supporter, and eventual running mate!

Michael Bloomberg is 65-years-old, and his best and perhaps only shot at becoming president of the United States is by being the VP in a successful administration. Mr. Bloomberg would be a ‘most senior advisor’ for eight years, adding significant ‘gravitas’ to the executive branch, providing superior managerial expertise, economic expertise, and a large cadre of intelligent loyalists. He could legally provide enormous campaign funding and prevent the need for President Obama to kowtow to special interests or to waste time fundraising….

What we’ve been thinking for a while, Bruce.

A successful eight year Obama-Bloomberg administration would, at age 74, perfectly position Michael Bloomberg to be the next president of the United States. A viable option for a healthy man with a fully functioning 98-year-old mother.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

Huffington Post – Obama / Bloomberg: A Can’t Miss Ticket?

One would have to imagine that, after the bloody primary season results in victory for either Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama, it would be difficult for either to accept the other as a “kiss and make up” running mate. Too much vitriol caught on too many YouTube vids.

But a ticket of Obama-Bloomberg makes such sense: no ugly charges, no further fund-raising problems, and someone to choose from on a ticket with actual managerial experience.

What do you say, Mike?

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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Now that we’re three weeks into 2008, and Blue Monday is behind us, we’re ready to once again consider the presidential prospects of New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Anyone stumbling more than once over this nanocorner of the ‘Sphere© will recall that Mayor Mike’s non-campaign has intrigued us for many months.

Faithful reader may further recall our R-word post of a few days ago. Paul Krugman was analyzing the Republican and Democratic candidates’ plans for dealing with our current increasingly dire economic distress. We commented that Krugman’s analysis left out a key player.

Can’t help but wonder what Michael Bloomberg thinks… Mike, Mr. self-made billionaire, what gets us out of our funk, fast?

Apparently, the mayor, or his people, were thinking along similar lines.

Bloomberg Rips Federal Stimulus Package

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Published: January 23, 2008 | Filed at 7:37 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the White House and Congress on Wednesday are negotiating a shortsighted economic stimulus package after years of lousy financial management.

At an evening session of a meeting of the U.S. Council of Mayors in Washington, DC, Bloomberg laid into the administration’s proposal.

The billionaire mayor, who is said to be considering an independent presidential bid yet denies that he is a candidate, said the $150 billion stimulus package being hammered out between Democratic and Republican leaders won’t be enough.

The man knows his numbers; recall that starting from a good idea, he worked smart enough, and hard enough to become a billionaire.

”There’s just one problem: It’s not going to make much of a difference because we’ve already been running huge deficits,” Bloomberg said.

Some of those urging Bloomberg to run for president say his record as a CEO is his biggest selling point in a time of economic turmoil.

And, as MUDGE asked the other day, does he have a better plan in mind? Actually, yes.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

Bloomberg Rips Federal Stimulus Package – New York Times

Makes sense, doesn’t it? A few hundred dollars of tax rebate isn’t going to save anyone’s house.

Makes sense, doesn’t it? Plan to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure for the long term, rather than playing political games with earmarks year to year.

Makes sense, doesn’t it? Ease immigration – get more motivated, vigorous workers into the country to help us work our way out of our economic funk (can’t grow by shrinking!).

As I hoped, on this issue, the man makes sense.

Your country needs you, Michael Bloomberg!

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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The current issue of Business Week contains an interesting interview by Maria Bartiromo of Charlie Cook, a Washington DC based political analyst. You may have seen his talking head during an election night or two on NBC.

Political Guru Charlie Cook on the Primaries

FACE TIME By Maria Bartiromo | January 21, 2008

Charlie Cook, political analyst photographed on 8 January 2008 in Washington DC Chris Usher

MARIA BARTIROMO

What will be the biggest issues in the election?

CHARLES COOK

I think it’s going to be the economy and America’s place in the world. And one of the things that’s sparking Obama’s rise is the idea of restoring respect for America.

Who displays the best grasp of economic issues?
Mike Bloomberg. What’s interesting is that if you look at polls of Democratic voters, they are very concerned about the economy. Republican voters just don’t seem to be showing that much concern about where the economy is going. But once the GOP nominee emerges, the economy is going to assert itself as a very, very big issue in the general election.

Guess it’s not just New York types who like Mike. Second question – out flops Bloomberg.

Could he win?
[Third-party candidate] Ross Perot was at 30% percent and in first place at one point in June, 1992, and an independent candidate would need to be able to get 37% to 39% of the popular vote to start winning a bunch of states by small margins and assemble the 270 electoral votes necessary. It’s plausible. A very bright, very impressive person spending $1 billion, with no fund-raising expenses and no nomination fights, could win if the stars line up right in the sense of both parties’ nominees emerging badly damaged.

We just posted this grid a few days ago, but here’s what we’ve been talking about since last June:

Bartiromo’s interview of Cook covers all of the major candidates of both parties, but Bloomberg was discussed first.

Definitely attention grabbing.

[Please click the link below for the complete article -- but then please come on back!]

Political Guru Charlie Cook on the Primaries

MUDGE thinks that third party candidates stir the pot; sell advertising and commercials; buy advertising and commercials; and generally pique the interest of the commentariat. Oh, boy, a three-way!

But could there be more going on? With the economy seemingly headed for recession (ugh, the dreaded “R”-word!), perhaps having a leader who is recognized as very smart where economic issues are concerned might be seen by more than just political types as salutary for the U.S.

Last time we facetiously (that’s our story now) proposed an Obama-Bloomberg ticket, but I’ll bet Business Week would love a Michael Bloomberg-Warren Buffett ticket!

It’s it for now. Thanks,

–MUDGE

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