A Return from Obscurity

I've completed my Army training and now am able to continue my writing here on financial and political issues.  It has been a while but there is a lot of things to discuss: the upcoming election, the poor state of the economy, and - unfortunately given that it was discussed here months ago - the spiraling problems with our debt.  In addition, I will also be highlighting stocks more often with focuses on what I'm investing in these days.  Thank you to the people that have encouraged me through my time in basic and those who have followed this blog.

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)

CNOOC Limited is a state-owned company, the 3rd largest petroleum producer in China.  It's share cost comes with a nice semi-annual dividend.  In addition, it is down for the year some 70 dollars which makes me inclined to invest sooner than later.  Being shares of rival Total S.A. are up 10 dollars since the market crash in August, it might be wise to invest in China to bet on growth in an economy less affected by said crash.  

Boot Camp

This blog will be suspended for a few months.  I'm leaving for boot camp on Monday and will not have access till late summer.  Have a good summer and enjoy the fun...I'll probably be doing pushups!

Congress Returns for Debt Ceiling Fight

Next Monday the debt ceiling debate will kick off the return of the Congress - which has had about four weeks off to celebrate Easter.  The issue has been buried as this week has been spent in celebration over the death of Bin Laden.  However, it is expected that the temporary unity will quickly dissolve as Congressional leaders stall the inevitable yes vote on raising the ceiling in hope for as much concessions as possible.  Though we can wish for a real stand to be made at this juncture, there will probably be a minuscule reduction in projected spending and, of course, continued debt.

Obama's Re-Election not a Guarantee

With President Obama's successful defeat of Osama Bin Laden, many people believe that it may now be impossible to defeat the President in 2012.  This is not true.  Aside from his success on this front, he fails with respect to the economy.  CNN ran a poll today indicating that, even though his job performance rating has received a slight bump, his numbers on the economy and, more importantly, his handling of the deficit are down.  Unless he works to put forth a real program turn around the deficit, his political future is still an unknown.

Osama Bin Laden is finally DEAD

Americans can wake up Monday morning to face a new week and a new month knowing that the infamous terrorist who mocked and enraged us, who sought to destroy everything that we stand for, who murdered thousands of our fellows citizens, who cost us trillions to pursue is finally and forever GONE from the Earth.

As we move forward to further undo his terrible work, I hope we can do so with renewed cooperation and hope. Today is America's Day.

Sen. Mike Lee Proposes a Spending Limit Amendment

Long Form Republican Membership Certification

Donald Trump might be the GOP front runner at the moment, but it is likely due more to his celebrity status and his recently trumped (excuse the pun) birther "success", of which he takes full credit than actual political support.  Meanwhile, in the real world, his credentials are being questioned by legitimate politicians, namely Sen. Rand Paul.  Coming off the heels of yesterday's news, Paul has asked to see the long form certificate of Trumps Republican Party membership.  Poking fun at Trump's political flip-flopping is nothing new, but it is coming from the GOP who have let their message be overrun as of late with bad policy and bad spokesmen (or carnival barkers).  Distracted from the debt debt much?