Barack Obama...speech at UN unpresidential? Swipes @ Bush unprecedented...

Bright and early this morning, Barack Obama strode to a podium in New York City to elucidate his thoughts on the world political and social scenes for the first time at the United Nations assembly.

To many, The U.S. President's speech - which tended to split hairs and stress the differences between the George W. Bush regime and that of his own over the past nine months - was unpresidential.

Critics argued that America's dirty laundry should not be aired on the world stage.

In sum, they underscored that it was a speech tailor-made for American voters, not for our allies abroad.

I am in accord.

The President's subtle references to North Korea and Iran (and  the political inferences) also failed to sit right with pundits and politicians alike.

Why?

Because the Prez's sly (self-serving) action was unprecedented!

In the final analysis, the occasion allowed the opportunity for President Barack Obama to reach out - be heard, if you will -  near and far.

Did he touch anyone?

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Free Iran...news alert! Protestors at Federal Building...Feb 8th

Just a short while ago, I was cruising along Wilshire Boulevard when I spied a rag-tag band of protestors in front of the Federal Building waving signs excitedly to motorists passing by.

In bold-faced type one screamed out the following message:

"Free Iran".

Another made a plea.

"Democracy for Iran."

Why is it that activists on the trail of their cause always park themselves down in front of the Federal Building?

Are they in the dark about the fact the FBI holds sway on the top two levels of that high-security Government facility?

Unfortuately, the traffic was so hectic in Westwood, that I was unable to scoot from the inside lane over to the side of the road to snatch up a flier or at least have a brief chat with one of the organizers.

I expect there will be a report on the news tonight or in the dailies, tomorrow.

Free Iran?

Yeah, and while you're at it - free the nuclear bombs - too!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Schwarzenegger flexes muscle...divest funds from Iran, now!

Governor Schwarzenegger announced on Monday he'll be pushing through a bill with the specific aim of divesting State Pension Funds from Investment Houses and Finance companies which do business with Iran's Energy and Defense Departments.

The sum in question may amount to a total of $24 Billion Dollars in assets, according to informed sources.

Schwarzenegger anticipates support from the voters because,

"California has a long history of leadership and doing what's right with our investment portfolio," the Governor assured the press in Sacramento, yesterday.

"Last year I was proud to sign legislation to divest from the Sudan to take a powerful stand against genocide. I look forward to signing legislation to divest from Iran to make an equally powerful stand against terrorism."

Two major State Pension funds are expected to oppose the move - in part - on grounds that divesting stock could cost more than $120 million in expenses for the State in the form of taxes, commissions, and the like.

A CalPERS spokesperson argued that the Fund can be more effective in persuading corporations to change their political policies by exerting influence as a major stockholder.

I say, nonsense!

I agree with Arnold's position that, "...the State should make a strong statement against terrorism by exerting financial influence of the Nation's two largest public pension funds."

As Americans, are we only prepared to take action against terrorism provided it is perceived as a financially sound move?

Even if divesting means unexpected expenses, additional taxes, and the imposition of commission costs - such action is bold-faced, vital, and heroic.

In this hour of uncertainty, it is important that we let our hearts and minds lead - not our pocketbooks!