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Center of the Earth
by DigitalBob (Libertarian)
About The Author
I'm a software consultant, working for a multinational company. I live in Michigan and have most of my life. I have a college degree, married, children, and a dog. I'm in my 40s and pay taxes. I've had the opportunity of international travel, but I now work from home. You will see me write as "DigitalBob" in many opinion colums, since I don't think my employer would be very flattered that I'm so critical of institutions. I really don't like institutions. Call me Grumpy, if you please. My teen-agers do.
About The Column
Before Gallileo, theologians thought that the Earth was the center of the universe. Rome thought it was the center of civilization. In his 1864 classic Journey to the Center of the Earth, Jules Verne wrote an aventure of a group of explorers, who found the lost city of Atlantis at the bottom of a volcano . We have those among us those who believe the Earth is flat or hollow or that Venus stopped the Earth because of its strange eliptical orbit a few thousand years ago. Some sailors were afraid to venture too close to the horizon, for fear of falling off the Earth. They only knew what they could see. And that will be my limitation too. I find the politics of the extremes very annoying, as I hope you will, after reading this column. Going Nuts for Farm Subsidies
Published: May 16, 2008
Although there are some new caps, the 2008 program is basically unchanged since the one in 2002. Taxpayers are funding a host of unnecessary research and marketing programs.
NC's Upset Winner is . . . Alan Keyes?
Published: May 7, 2008
Just when you thought it was over, this race gets a little stranger. Keyes may get a couple delegates to the convention.
Ron Paul Spends Cinco de Mayo with 1500 Hoosiers
Published: May 6, 2008
On the eve of Indiana's Primary, Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul makes one last visit on the Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne campus.
Gas Tax Shell Game, Blame Game
Published: May 4, 2008
Candidates' proposals have nothing to do with solving anything, except their vote deficits.
My Precinct Delegate Quandary
Published: April 30, 2008
I'm seriously thinking of running for my first elected office. It shouldn't be this hard. So what's going through my mind that's keeping me from sending in the forms?
Ron Paul Indiana Signs of Life
Published: April 29, 2008
Nevada shows that not coming in first doesn’t mean you can’t win a state. The Paul campaign is down, but not over in the Hoosier state.
Stagflation, My Old Friend
Published: April 6, 2008
For those of us who grew up in the 1970s, we're beginning to see familiar patterns that led to double digit inflation. Enjoy my childhood memories.
My Condolences to Senator Stabenow
Published: April 4, 2008
In the local papers, the Michigan junior U.S. Senator was on the front page--along with her husband and his hooker.
Biodiesel Scam against U.S. Taxpayers, European Producers
Published: April 3, 2008
In an effort for politicians to appear “green”, the U.S. subsidies for biofuels are having unintended consequences on two continents.
Reflections on "The Clean Energy Scam"
Published: April 2, 2008
The cover article from this week's Time magazine says what many, although not most, think about so-called "clean" alternative fuels, particularly ethanol.
The Anti-Voter Ultimately Decides
Published: March 29, 2008
How sad that we vote not for who we want, but against what we don't want. This Presidential election will be no different.
Iceland Fights Inflation
Published: March 26, 2008
In contrast to the US Federal Reserve, the central bank of the northern Atlantic island nation of Iceland raises its rates to 15% on inflation fears. My crystal ball says the US will do the same in about a year.
Gold, Oil and Dollars
Published: March 12, 2008
What is the real price of Oil? If it were priced in gold instead of dollars, would it be as expensive?
Dried Up Tears
Published: March 12, 2008
This is a response to Michael Savage's observation on last week's massacre of Israeli schoolchildren. He may be right. Perhaps I don't have enough tears.
Advice for McCain
Published: March 5, 2008
Now that John McCain has locked up the Republican nomination, I can put on my cynical advisor hat. I’m sure that he’s gotten most of the advice below, but from someone else, who can keep a straight face.
Seeking Anti-War Republican
Published: February 19, 2008
Below is a want-ad you're not going to see in your local newspaper. It isn't PC. But as these wars in Iraq and Afghanistan burn American lives and dollars....
Washington State's 2nd Chance Republican Primary Tuesday
Published: February 16, 2008
With most of the media declaring John McCain the Republican nominee, most are ignoring that he hasn't gotten a lock on the remaining states yet.
McCain's Citizenship
Published: February 13, 2008
The requirements for President are that one must be at least 35 years old, a "natural born citizen" of the United States, and a resident for 14 years. John McCain has the first requirement down twice, but the second one could be called into question.
Ron Paul Financial Support Fading
Published: February 12, 2008
Internet supporters have been generous to the 10-term Texas Congressman and his libertarian message. This week's contributions are the lowest in four months.
Ron Paul's Moral Victory
Published: February 11, 2008
I never like to lose. I've heard the term "Moral Victory" more times than I like to admit. But in this case it's apropos.
GOP Voters in LA, KS, WA: McCain isn't the One
Published: February 10, 2008
Despite Romney's plea for Party unity, GOP Kansas primary voters pick Huckabee, Louisiana and Washington State split their vote.
Half of Louisiana's GOP Delegates Sought in Primary
Published: February 9, 2008
In a previous article, I attempted to explain the Bayou State's Caucus/Primary system. Today's vote will count only if one candidate gets more than 50%.
Romney Gone, Delegates Available
Published: February 8, 2008
Ron Paul and Huckabee camps have to scramble if they want the spoils of the Romney withdrawal.
After Super Tuesday, Ron Paul Should Consider a Plan-B
Published: February 6, 2008
Money and Support from the grass roots aren't getting it done for one presidential candidate.
Ron Paul has the Money, but not the Mo from Maine
Published: February 3, 2008
Yesterday's projections from Maine show that Ron Paul may place third in Maine's GOP caucus, which may be an indicator of things to come.
Fred Gone, Rudy Next?
Published: January 23, 2008
Thompson quits bid for President yesterday, Hunter last week. Will Florida break Giuliani?
GOP Votes Several Times In Louisiana
Published: January 22, 2008
Following the Ron Paul campaign, I wondered, "Why is he spending so much time in Louisiana lately?" The Primary won't be until after Super Tuesday. And then there are Caucuses....
Why I gave another $25: TV Time
Published: January 21, 2008
After contributing to the Ron Paul MLK Moneybomb this morning, I wrote a quick note to the official campaign.
Ron Paul Indiana Ballot Drive Is Done
Published: January 19, 2008
My sources say that the signatures are already collected. Gambling911.com is a little slow on the story. Ron Paul supporters need to focus their time on things that matter.
How Ron Paul Won Jefferson County
Published: January 18, 2008
If the grass roots wants to help Ron Paul win this election, it needs to emulate what works, quickly. One county in Iowa figured it out.
Ron Paul Beats Fred and Rudy in Michigan
Published: January 16, 2008
Paul's 4th Place Finish is a sign to the lesser candidates to make a move or get out.
Ron Paul Supporters Toasting Victory in Michigan
Published: January 15, 2008
The Ron Paul 2008 official office and Meet Up groups are getting ready for Michigan returns. Everyone should be commended.
Counting Yard Signs in Southwest Michigan
Published: January 14, 2008
Since everyone is following polls for this Presidential election, I thought I'd run my own. I am flagrantly biased towards Ron Paul.
Ron Paul, Michigan, and Jobs
Published: January 11, 2008
In a few days, Michigan voters will have their say. Ron Paul is what's needed in the Wolverine State.
Quick Views from the UK, Monday
Published: January 7, 2008
DigitalBob is traveling for business this week in the UK, and will be back next week. He won't have access to American television, which may not be a bad thing. This is intended to be first in a series of notes this week.
Paul, McCain, Huckabee Qualify on Rhode Island Ballot
Published: January 4, 2008
Just received confirmation from RI Sec. of State's office three Republican candidates to be designated "Qualified For Ballot Placement" today.
Iowa's Witching Hour is 7 P.M. For Ron Paul Supporters
Published: January 3, 2008
In a few hours, we'll see if Ron Paul's people prove the mainstream media and polls wrong. If you're late, your vote doesn't count.
3,400 Indiana National Guard On Their Way To Iraq
Published: January 3, 2008
Pride and sadness are two emotions that come to mind when I saw this on my local TV news.
Ron Paul Only Conservative On Corn
Published: January 1, 2008
Ron Paul is the only presidential candidate that treats farmers with dignity as businessmen and as adults. He doesn't rob taxpayers to buy votes of farmers or anyone.
Iowa's Corn Welfare
Published: December 31, 2007
As the nation watches Iowa anxiously for who the most likely next President will be, let's take a moment to look where your tax money is going.
Brother, Can You Spare Me Another $23 Million?
Published: December 30, 2007
Ron Paul campaign sends out plea for more money. And it may just get it.
Setting the Ron Paul Mendoza Line
Published: December 29, 2007
With the Iowa Caucus just a few days away, the polls have Romney and Huckabee battling it out for first place. Who gets third is the real story.
Fred Thompson Lacking In "Substance"
Published: December 27, 2007
"Substance" is the new video put out by the Thompson campaign, which it wants to air in Iowa. The 30-second video ad doesn't say how he will accomplish his Conservative-endorsed goals.
Fred Thompson Nearly Out Of Gas
Published: December 27, 2007
Keeping true to his campaign, he's bringing back the Red Pickup and Ronald Reagan from the dead. He's begging for money to prop up his failed conservative bid in Iowa.
Ron Paul Short in Rhode Island
Published: December 25, 2007
A change in filing deadlines has caught several campaigns off guard. Two Democrats and one Republican have gotten enough signatures for the March 4 primary.
Ron Paul Blimp Now Targets Football
Published: December 23, 2007
Blimp tentatively scheduled to fly over college bowl and NFL playoff games in Florida in January.
Ron Paul Iowa Caucus Goers Well Prepared
Published: December 23, 2007
After surveying the websites of GOP candidates, the Ron Paul campaign gives very specific instructions, not just for the precinct polling, but for the whole caucus process.
Michigan Democrats Should Consider Ron Paul
Published: December 21, 2007
Because Michigan moved up the date for its primary before Feb. 5, the Democratic National Committee has stripped MI of its delegation. Democrats are free to make a stand in the Republican Primary, if they choose to.
Tancredo Out, Who's Next?
Published: December 21, 2007
The GOP cannot settle on a front-runner, and may not have one by Super Tuesday. Tancredo got his message out and dropped out.
Billions of Dollars for Palestine: Bribes for Peace.
Published: December 18, 2007
Every Time Our Government Opens Its Mouth, It Reaches Into Your Wallet. The U.S. should get out of the middle east, and let the people there figure it out.
The Hillary We Already Know
Published: December 18, 2007
Senator Clinton has a new website dedicated to making her look more human. It's sad that she has to prove that. I don't want to like politicians. I want to know what they will do.
Virginia Settles on Presidential Candidates, Several Missing
Published: December 17, 2007
Although Viginia's Primary isn't until one week after Super Tuesday, it's interesting which candidates did not file. In a close race, States like Virginia may be more important
Ron Paul Excluded from Bill O'Reilly Poll
Published: December 15, 2007
For some, this may not be news--just confirmation of the sad reality of a major newscaster.
Ron Paul Donors Waiting to Exhale
Published: December 14, 2007
The slowdown in fundraising in the last two weeks is the calm before the storm. A repeat of Nov. 5 on Dec. 16 would give Paul over $15 million for the quarter.
Ron Paul Blimp Blog Boasts Banner
Published: December 13, 2007
New Blimp Blog has pictures, updates to schedule.
Ron Paul, Romney, Thompson Battling for Top Spot in West Virginia GOP
Published: December 12, 2007
The CNN Opinion Poll released this week does not include Paul and Thompson. Yet those two candidates are on the minds of West Viginians.
Iran's Nukes, They Should Know Better
Published: December 8, 2007
The Common Sense of our politicians baffles me. The NIE report shows the Iran threat is not as immediate as we were led to believe.
Ron Paul Blimp Meets First Funding Goal
Published: December 7, 2007
The $200,000 needed by Dec. 7th came in before 1 p.m. It's a "go" for launch.
Romney's Unnecessary Speech
Published: December 7, 2007
Although Mitt Romney gave an historic speed for a Mormon running for President, I don't think it was necessary. It's all been said before.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell, And Mostly Don't Care
Published: December 5, 2007
Gays in the Military don't bother me. I'm grateful for everyone in the Military. It's when behavior distracts from the mission is where line should be drawn.
Ron Paul Blimp Flight Plan Released
Published: December 3, 2007
This most visible PR stunt in the presidential campaign will begin this weekend.
What Happens After Ron Paul?
Published: December 2, 2007
For those who look at the glass half empty, there is a chance that Ron Paul may not win the Republican nomination for President. My daughter asks, what then?
McCain Hints Choice For VP: Upton?
Published: November 29, 2007
During the CNN/YouTube debate, McCain gives the qualifications for his VP. They seem to match up with the Congressman from Michigan.
Government for Sale, County Plans to Timeshare Lobbyist for $15,000
Published: November 28, 2007
In an ever shrinking pie of federal dollars, this community believes the only way to get its share is to hire its own lobbyist.
Democratic Primaries Skewed toward Clinton by FL, MI
Published: November 26, 2007
The DNC has nearly guaranteed Sen. Clinton will get at least half the delegates before Feb. 5, as of today.
Mitt Romney's Energy Program Will Burn Dollars
Published: November 25, 2007
Mitt Romney's plan for enery independence would result in unnecessary record spending, and would stand in the way of private enterprise initiatives. He's likened it to the Manhattan Project and the Moon Program. Romney should consider foreign policy part of the solution.
Presidential Primaries: Don't Forget Michigan!
Published: November 24, 2007
Iowa and New Hampshire are getting the media attention and candidate visits. The two major parties are more concerned about keeping power than attending the needs of Michigan citizens.
Dr. Who for President
Published: November 20, 2007
Ron Paul is picking up some traction in recent CNN poll in New Hampshire. The Doctor from Texas is still unknown to most of the public.
Ron Paul Coins Soars After Raid
Published: November 17, 2007
Commemorative coins value increase after Feds take dies and stock from private mint.
Be Aware of the World Social Forum!
Published: November 16, 2007
Jackie Smith, PhD, gives lecture at Notre Dame campus to introduce the World Social Forum during International Education Week, seeks student action.
Rice's Extremism
Published: November 14, 2007
Criticism of Secretary Rice's commitment to fighting "Extremism" at United Jewish Communities conference
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