If the economy, the war, an opponent with more cash and an unpopular President in office, all were not enough to doom his campaign -- any chance of victory went irretrievably south after Senator McCain selected Governor Palin as his running mate. Bold choice? You betcha, but look what it bought him.
I was hopeful after Ms. Palin's rousing convention speech, but I still worried that Joe Biden would wipe the floor with her at the debates -- he did not and I kept hoping. I chose not to write about my Palin doubts, but my heart sunk after those Katy Couric interviews. I became an impostor by my silence.
Katy Couric's interview revealed a vacuous performance from a candidate who is supposed to be a heartbeat away from the Oval Office. Ms. Palin did the best she could and she will have a future in national politics, but she was not at all ready for this experience. Don't blame her, blame McCain's advisers. Having the "right views" and no skeletons, is not enough.
Yes, Ms. Palin has a fine record as Governor, yes she appeals to my Midwestern values and yes I was invigorated by selection of a conservative woman on the ticket, but she simply doesn't know enough and she is not yet equipped to think fast enough on the national stage.
As Peggy Noonan aptly put it in her October 17 Wall Street Journal column (Palin's Failin') -- "She just. . . says things." One thought for future GOP campaign strategists: if the market data suggests that your candidate's running mate should be a female-outside the Beltway-gun toting-strident Pro-Lifer; you must look harder than they did in 2008.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
The infamous AIG party
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| AIG logo |
Unfortunately, due to the timing, the issue has become a a silly media-driven frenzy. Even the White House couldn't resist criticism and CNN keeps blaring, "Spa treatments! Spa Treatments!"
If an insurance company employs a business model of selling through independent reps, it likely does something similar to reward and motivate top performers (Note: they are not employees).
These events are planned months, or years in advance. It has nothing to do with the loan program -- it wasn't even funded by the holding company. It is...a cost of doing business. Should AIG shut down incentives for independent sales agents? If so, there's no incentive, ipso facto.
Disclaimer: I own shares of AIG, but even if I did not, my reaction to this storm would be the same.
I did not like the bailout. However, I reject some of this populist furor because it has painted the AIG event with the same brush used to condemn the Dennis Kozlowski Toga bash and his golden shower curtain.
Old Hillary Posts (re-posted)
Saturday, June 07, 2008--Hillary Clinton, Peggy Noonan and me
I owe Wall Street Journal columnist, Ms. Peggy Noonan. My own infatuation with the tenacious campaign of Hillary Clinton almost made me lose my senses. Peggy Noonan brings me back to earth. Before I explain, here's my basic take on Peggy Noonan - she's a better columnist than speechwriter, or television commentator.
For me, one of the most memorable parts of the disastrous Dukakis campaign in 1988, was when Dukakis mocked the famous Noonan line written for George Bush, about "a thousand points of light" when he asked derisively, "What does that mean?" Fairly asked, in my opinion.
I owe Wall Street Journal columnist, Ms. Peggy Noonan. My own infatuation with the tenacious campaign of Hillary Clinton almost made me lose my senses. Peggy Noonan brings me back to earth. Before I explain, here's my basic take on Peggy Noonan - she's a better columnist than speechwriter, or television commentator.
For me, one of the most memorable parts of the disastrous Dukakis campaign in 1988, was when Dukakis mocked the famous Noonan line written for George Bush, about "a thousand points of light" when he asked derisively, "What does that mean?" Fairly asked, in my opinion.
Similarly, I was baffled by the amount of recognition Ms. Noonan received for the phrase crafted for President Reagan to describe Washington D.C. as, "that shining city on a hill." So much for my petty problems with her speech writing.
On TV she's occasionally cheeky or demonstrative, leaving the impression that she is trying to hide some nervousness. Stage fright (if that is indeed the culprit here) breeds gaffes.
Case in point, I spotted Ms. Noonan on a TV program years ago expressing doubts about the notion that Lyndon Johnson was a humorous man. Presidential historians and anyone who's read enough about our 36th President will tell you that Johnson was often hilarious. (A brilliant mimic and comic story teller for starters). It wasn't a difference she needed to have with her TV co-panelists that day.
However, as an Op-ed reader, I look forward to Peggy Noonan's Saturday column in the Wall Street Journal. She incisively expressed her views about the actions and character of Hillary Clinton in several columns and today's piece, "Recoil Election" -- is another fine example. Ms. Noonan understands how both Clintons are brilliant, cunning and hopelessly deceptive and her prose keeps subtly pulling you in as she makes her case.
Although I remain awed by Ms. Clinton's durability, the playing of the gender card as reason for her downfall overshadows some of the virtue behind her campaign effort. In her piece this morning, Ms. Noonan makes comparisons to the character of an equally tenacious Golda Meir. (I might add Margaret Thatcher to that list). The point is this: other high profile women in politics face equally daunting gender challenges without falling prey to so much excuse-making. Noonan nailed it.
Monday, May 19, 2008--- True grit
I've been hard on the Clintons for a long time. A sample of my dissatisfaction with Mrs. Clinton's persona can be found in this post and an equally frank assessment of Mr. Clinton's presidential foibles can be found here.
Even if I set aside their policy positions, with which I almost uniformly disagree, it's their pathological dishonesty and smugness that leaves me cold again and again. I see Bill and Hillary Clinton as one person who has never stopped disappointing me. With all that as the backdrop for this post, I am about to go positive on one of them...
Yes, I began to feel something inspiring while contemplating Hillary Clinton recently. I find it redemptive to have had so much disdain for a person and then find something to admire. Strange feeling. My positive revelation is this: she's stronger than I ever realized.
It's not Mrs. Clinton's usual pluck that I am referring to here. The in-your-face type of retort that she is both admired and reviled for, by millions. I'm talking about her tenacity. The type of thing that reveals itself after one is knocked down again and again. Some people get hit harder each time and yet still manage to rise. Think of Richard Nixon in his teens as the tackling dummy on the football team. Yes Mr. Nixon had this quality too.
One must respect another person who has taken so many punches and just keeps coming back. It would be intellectually dishonest to ignore it, no matter how much contempt I have for her attitudes, ethics and policies. I called the Democratic race over almost exactly 3 months ago - Mrs. Clinton will not be her party's nominee for president.
What I didn't predict and never expected, was that she'd stay in the race this long, after so much bombardment, and still credibly come back for more. It's fascinating to watch. Iran has cause to be afraid...very afraid.
Case in point, I spotted Ms. Noonan on a TV program years ago expressing doubts about the notion that Lyndon Johnson was a humorous man. Presidential historians and anyone who's read enough about our 36th President will tell you that Johnson was often hilarious. (A brilliant mimic and comic story teller for starters). It wasn't a difference she needed to have with her TV co-panelists that day.
However, as an Op-ed reader, I look forward to Peggy Noonan's Saturday column in the Wall Street Journal. She incisively expressed her views about the actions and character of Hillary Clinton in several columns and today's piece, "Recoil Election" -- is another fine example. Ms. Noonan understands how both Clintons are brilliant, cunning and hopelessly deceptive and her prose keeps subtly pulling you in as she makes her case.
Although I remain awed by Ms. Clinton's durability, the playing of the gender card as reason for her downfall overshadows some of the virtue behind her campaign effort. In her piece this morning, Ms. Noonan makes comparisons to the character of an equally tenacious Golda Meir. (I might add Margaret Thatcher to that list). The point is this: other high profile women in politics face equally daunting gender challenges without falling prey to so much excuse-making. Noonan nailed it.
Monday, May 19, 2008--- True grit
I've been hard on the Clintons for a long time. A sample of my dissatisfaction with Mrs. Clinton's persona can be found in this post and an equally frank assessment of Mr. Clinton's presidential foibles can be found here.
Even if I set aside their policy positions, with which I almost uniformly disagree, it's their pathological dishonesty and smugness that leaves me cold again and again. I see Bill and Hillary Clinton as one person who has never stopped disappointing me. With all that as the backdrop for this post, I am about to go positive on one of them...
Yes, I began to feel something inspiring while contemplating Hillary Clinton recently. I find it redemptive to have had so much disdain for a person and then find something to admire. Strange feeling. My positive revelation is this: she's stronger than I ever realized.
It's not Mrs. Clinton's usual pluck that I am referring to here. The in-your-face type of retort that she is both admired and reviled for, by millions. I'm talking about her tenacity. The type of thing that reveals itself after one is knocked down again and again. Some people get hit harder each time and yet still manage to rise. Think of Richard Nixon in his teens as the tackling dummy on the football team. Yes Mr. Nixon had this quality too.
One must respect another person who has taken so many punches and just keeps coming back. It would be intellectually dishonest to ignore it, no matter how much contempt I have for her attitudes, ethics and policies. I called the Democratic race over almost exactly 3 months ago - Mrs. Clinton will not be her party's nominee for president.
What I didn't predict and never expected, was that she'd stay in the race this long, after so much bombardment, and still credibly come back for more. It's fascinating to watch. Iran has cause to be afraid...very afraid.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Vinegar in your morning cup of coffee
When I was first learning to write essays, our teacher stressed the importance of grabbing your readers' attention early on in your work, like a compelling "lead" to a news story.
Consider columnist Jessie Eisinger's recent piece in the latest edition of Portfolio magazine in which his very first sentence will punish the reader harboring any sense of financial security...
"The worst Wall Street turmoil in a generation is going to wipe every other issue off the table for the next president."
You'll want to read on, but be warned, it gets worse. Eisinger describes potential for so many financial calamities that one might arrive at a conclusion some have long feared, but few vocalize. He put it thus:
"There will be blood."
Common sense dictates that one can only cop a dangerously free ride for so long. At the end of that ride (and there always is an end) there is an inexorable crash, and that brings great pain to the free-rider.
Unfortunately, there will also be pain felt by those who paid for their free rides because they are tethered to the free-riders - and that's the real tragedy. We'll pay for the free-riders' avarice, their lack of discipline, their recklessness.
Consider columnist Jessie Eisinger's recent piece in the latest edition of Portfolio magazine in which his very first sentence will punish the reader harboring any sense of financial security...
"The worst Wall Street turmoil in a generation is going to wipe every other issue off the table for the next president."
You'll want to read on, but be warned, it gets worse. Eisinger describes potential for so many financial calamities that one might arrive at a conclusion some have long feared, but few vocalize. He put it thus:
"There will be blood."
Common sense dictates that one can only cop a dangerously free ride for so long. At the end of that ride (and there always is an end) there is an inexorable crash, and that brings great pain to the free-rider.
Unfortunately, there will also be pain felt by those who paid for their free rides because they are tethered to the free-riders - and that's the real tragedy. We'll pay for the free-riders' avarice, their lack of discipline, their recklessness.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Obama travel files is breaking news?
Apparently, Senator Obama's passport file has been reviewed.
OK, logical questions are by whom and why? Also, how did the story breakers learn about it? But I'm also trying to understand -- where is the story?
Is there some profound secret associated with Mr. Obama's public travels? What is the conspiracy they are tripping over themselves to report upon? Moreover, why is a presidential candidate's foreign travel history somehow more privileged than a review of his tax returns?
OK, logical questions are by whom and why? Also, how did the story breakers learn about it? But I'm also trying to understand -- where is the story?
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| Keith Olbermann, Wikipedia |
Is there some profound secret associated with Mr. Obama's public travels? What is the conspiracy they are tripping over themselves to report upon? Moreover, why is a presidential candidate's foreign travel history somehow more privileged than a review of his tax returns?
The media is reacting as though someone has broken into the office of Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist again. Keith Olbermann at MSNBC has actually referred to this story as "jaw dropping."
Please. We need much more. For the moment, my jaw is motionless.
Please. We need much more. For the moment, my jaw is motionless.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Hello Earth to Google! Anyone there?
A small, almost unnoticeable news brief on the page B4 of The Wall Street Journal today, contained a disturbing AP report. Apparently, the Pentagon had to intercede in order to thwart Google from proceeding with its plans to have "Google Earth teams" make detailed, panoramic maps of U.S. military bases.
I suspect that authorized military personnel know how to get around on those bases very well without using Google Earth.
To Google, I say: Your earth technology is magnificent, but don't you think that you might be compromising national security by plastering that content out on the Internet? (Sorry Google, I feel strongly about these things; but please don't shut down my blog).
To Google, I say: Your earth technology is magnificent, but don't you think that you might be compromising national security by plastering that content out on the Internet? (Sorry Google, I feel strongly about these things; but please don't shut down my blog).
Thursday, February 28, 2008
R.I.P. WFB
Yesterday morning at the age of 82, while working in his study, we lost William F. Buckley.
Mr. Buckley captivated many of us for decades with his columns, speeches, debates, appearances on TV talk shows, authoring of 50+ books, harpsichord-playing, creation of National Review and a seminal television program for serious political discourse called, "Firing Line."
In my twenties, I'd watch television debates with awe and amusement as Mr. Buckley gracefully routed his opponents. He had no equal then. I'm not sure he has one today. Millions of Americans, I'm guessing under the age of 35, have little appreciation of this man's enormous gifts and contributions to contemporary conservative thought.
He advocated for free markets and limited government before it was common to do so. He warned about secularism before it reached the proportions with which we now contend. He was America's most charming intellectual. His command of language, politics, economics, history and philosophy is practically legendary.
But it's often the subtle things we recall about those we've known (or wish we had known). I'll never forget that devilish, enlightened sparkle in his eyes flashing at the same moment his expansive smile would emerge. That radiant face revealed something more than the intellectual gifts for which he is often parodied.
What I saw in his signature facial expressions, was an abundant joyfulness and love of life beaming straight through the camera lens and into American homes.
Mr. Buckley captivated many of us for decades with his columns, speeches, debates, appearances on TV talk shows, authoring of 50+ books, harpsichord-playing, creation of National Review and a seminal television program for serious political discourse called, "Firing Line."
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| WFB, Wikipedia |
He advocated for free markets and limited government before it was common to do so. He warned about secularism before it reached the proportions with which we now contend. He was America's most charming intellectual. His command of language, politics, economics, history and philosophy is practically legendary.
But it's often the subtle things we recall about those we've known (or wish we had known). I'll never forget that devilish, enlightened sparkle in his eyes flashing at the same moment his expansive smile would emerge. That radiant face revealed something more than the intellectual gifts for which he is often parodied.
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| WFB with Ronald Reagan, Wikipedia |
What I saw in his signature facial expressions, was an abundant joyfulness and love of life beaming straight through the camera lens and into American homes.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Does Mr. Rivera know something pivotal about Candidate McCain?
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| Geraldo Rivera, Wikipedia |
My first reaction was that I must have missed some bombshell discovery like a photograph of Senator McCain on a boat with an attractive woman in Bimini.
No we didn't miss anything like that because there has been zero evidence to support such a "smoking gun". Why would Geraldo Rivera be interviewing these women about the McCain story in the New York Times?
Unless Mr. Rivera knows something that the rest of us do not, linking the stories of these women and their affairs with Bill Clinton to the current McCain story, is poor journalism. And if Mr. Rivera does know something more, he ought to report it.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
It's over for Hillary Clinton
It's over for Sen. Hillary Clinton.
It doesn't matter what happens in Texas, Ohio, or elsewhere. Her presidential bid is finished. Forget your delegate counts (pledged or not) and your polling data.
Consider instead the NY Times blog today and posts under the story, "Clinton Sharpens Her Attack on Obama"
Try to find authors supporting Mrs. Clinton. Instead, overwhelmingly, you'll find items from Democrats, that sound like this one...
"I went to an ivy league college with a lot of people who remind me of Mrs. Clinton. Bright, articulate, driven, but with an off-putting sense of entitlement. A know-it-all attitude that brooks no dissent."
It's as if scores of the party faithful are now emboldened to express heretofore repressed criticisms of Ms. Clinton, because they no longer fear retribution. Maybe this is cathartic for them. In any event, it is over.
It doesn't matter what happens in Texas, Ohio, or elsewhere. Her presidential bid is finished. Forget your delegate counts (pledged or not) and your polling data.
Consider instead the NY Times blog today and posts under the story, "Clinton Sharpens Her Attack on Obama"
Try to find authors supporting Mrs. Clinton. Instead, overwhelmingly, you'll find items from Democrats, that sound like this one...
"I went to an ivy league college with a lot of people who remind me of Mrs. Clinton. Bright, articulate, driven, but with an off-putting sense of entitlement. A know-it-all attitude that brooks no dissent."
It's as if scores of the party faithful are now emboldened to express heretofore repressed criticisms of Ms. Clinton, because they no longer fear retribution. Maybe this is cathartic for them. In any event, it is over.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Ann Coulter looks at the bright side
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| Ann Coulter, Wikipedia |
Nonetheless at a recent outing, after contemplating a question from an audience member as to whether there could be any positive aspect associated with both Clintons returning to the White House, Ms. Coulter replied calmly with a smile,
"At least we'd get the silverware back."
Hilarious!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Reflections on a summit for prosperity
Yesterday on a snowy, wet Saturday, the Wisconsin Chapter of Americans For Prosperity (AFP) held its "Defending the American Dream Summit" in Pewaukee and attendees listened to speeches from Dinesh D'Souza, Steve Moore and local county Sheriff David Clark.
Attendees also witnessed a color guard, a stirring video of the late Ray Charles singing "America The Beautiful" and a film that celebrated the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan. There was much more. If AFP hadn't delivered quality, I wouldn't have stuck around for 8 hours. Other items from my notepad:
Wisconsin Attorney General, J.B. Van Hollen made a notable observation about Thomas Jefferson's seminal phrase in the Declaration of Independence "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". Mr. Van Hollen noted that unfortunately, many people in our nation have misconstrued Jefferson's intent to justify an expectation for government entitlements. Van Hollen notes, that Jefferson never envisioned life, liberty and the guarantee of happiness. Rather, the founding idea was to help people by removing obstacles, by protecting them and by giving them a fair chance, but not through guaranteed taxpayer sponsorship.
Todd Berry of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance gave a sober, tightly-constructed review of Wisconsin's fiscal mess and the accounting chicanery used to screen out our "structural deficit." Republicans are not without blame as significant red ink extends back to the Thompson administration.
Perhaps because Mr. Berry's group is nonpartisan, he chose not to identify more recent causes of our fiscal morass. Mr. Berry said "we" created off-the-books debt by issuing bonds to fund transportation projects. Yet, the last mega-hit to the transportation account was delivered two budget cycles ago -- compliments of Governor Jim Doyle and his "Frankenstein veto" when he transferred $400 million to public education funding. That move was not authorized by the legislature and of course it was not a "we" -- it was a "him".
Attendees also witnessed a color guard, a stirring video of the late Ray Charles singing "America The Beautiful" and a film that celebrated the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan. There was much more. If AFP hadn't delivered quality, I wouldn't have stuck around for 8 hours. Other items from my notepad:
Wisconsin Attorney General, J.B. Van Hollen made a notable observation about Thomas Jefferson's seminal phrase in the Declaration of Independence "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". Mr. Van Hollen noted that unfortunately, many people in our nation have misconstrued Jefferson's intent to justify an expectation for government entitlements. Van Hollen notes, that Jefferson never envisioned life, liberty and the guarantee of happiness. Rather, the founding idea was to help people by removing obstacles, by protecting them and by giving them a fair chance, but not through guaranteed taxpayer sponsorship.
Todd Berry of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance gave a sober, tightly-constructed review of Wisconsin's fiscal mess and the accounting chicanery used to screen out our "structural deficit." Republicans are not without blame as significant red ink extends back to the Thompson administration.
Perhaps because Mr. Berry's group is nonpartisan, he chose not to identify more recent causes of our fiscal morass. Mr. Berry said "we" created off-the-books debt by issuing bonds to fund transportation projects. Yet, the last mega-hit to the transportation account was delivered two budget cycles ago -- compliments of Governor Jim Doyle and his "Frankenstein veto" when he transferred $400 million to public education funding. That move was not authorized by the legislature and of course it was not a "we" -- it was a "him".
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
NOW, that's an outrage
I never thought I'd find myself on the same side of anything as Ted Kennedy -- until NOW. A press release from The New York Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) has attacked Senator Ted Kennedy for endorsing Barack Obama.
The chapter has called the Senator's action, the "ultimate betrayal" since apparently, a vote for anyone but Hillary is beyond their sensibilities.
In fairness, the NOW national organization has officially disavowed this insipid press release, but even that might not blunt the near-term reputation damage -- compliments of its New York chapter.
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| National Organization For Women, public logo |
Saturday, January 26, 2008
I'm sure he gets better advice than mine...
but I do not understand why Senator Obama highlights relatively innocuous aspects of Hillary Clinton's history like service on Walmart's board (is that a crime?) when there is so much else to choose from.
Ms. Clinton burst on to the national scene in 1992 when she insulted American women who choose to stay home and raise their children (remember her "bake cookies" comment?). Then we learned about her involvement in FileGate and TravelGate.
Ms. Clinton later made preposterous statements to the press about a "vast right wing conspiracy" when asked about her husband's peccadilloes which were already well chronicled. One could go on and on.
Now she criticizes Senator Obama for the quality of clients he represented while in private practice. I bet Ms. Clinton would much prefer to discuss her board memberships than many other issues that stained her political dossier. Why does Senator Obama choose Walmart?
Ms. Clinton burst on to the national scene in 1992 when she insulted American women who choose to stay home and raise their children (remember her "bake cookies" comment?). Then we learned about her involvement in FileGate and TravelGate.
Ms. Clinton later made preposterous statements to the press about a "vast right wing conspiracy" when asked about her husband's peccadilloes which were already well chronicled. One could go on and on.
Now she criticizes Senator Obama for the quality of clients he represented while in private practice. I bet Ms. Clinton would much prefer to discuss her board memberships than many other issues that stained her political dossier. Why does Senator Obama choose Walmart?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Behaving un-presidential
I'm intrigued by all the disapproval of former President Bill Clinton's recent speech-making. When Senator Ted Kennedy is unhappy with the Clintons, you know it's an unusual time.
Some have criticized Mr. Clinton's bare-knuckled comments to promote his wife's candidacy as "un-presidential" which seems like a fair charge to me. What happened to ex-Presidents and a long tradition of publicly-muted retirement? I've long been enamored with Mr. Clinton's intelligence, his command of complex issues and I do believe he cares about the average citizen. He's also a magnificent speaker and a gifted politician and a Dem with some fiscal moorings. There's much to admire in this man.
On the other hand, he used the Oval Office like a sex parlor, deceived the American people about it, lied under oath, rented the Lincoln bedroom, pardoned billionaire tax cheat Mark Rich and one could go on. How consistently did he behave in a "presidential" manner while in office?
I was disappointed by his indiscretions because I'd hoped Bill Clinton would be a Democrat that I could admire without reservation. He is somewhat different from the see-no-evil tax and spend pack he runs with.
After all, we haven't seen a surplus since Bill Clinton left the White House. His peccadilloes aside, I'll give him some credit for those balanced budgets and we need a dose of fiscal responsibility -- now.
Some have criticized Mr. Clinton's bare-knuckled comments to promote his wife's candidacy as "un-presidential" which seems like a fair charge to me. What happened to ex-Presidents and a long tradition of publicly-muted retirement? I've long been enamored with Mr. Clinton's intelligence, his command of complex issues and I do believe he cares about the average citizen. He's also a magnificent speaker and a gifted politician and a Dem with some fiscal moorings. There's much to admire in this man.
On the other hand, he used the Oval Office like a sex parlor, deceived the American people about it, lied under oath, rented the Lincoln bedroom, pardoned billionaire tax cheat Mark Rich and one could go on. How consistently did he behave in a "presidential" manner while in office?
I was disappointed by his indiscretions because I'd hoped Bill Clinton would be a Democrat that I could admire without reservation. He is somewhat different from the see-no-evil tax and spend pack he runs with.
After all, we haven't seen a surplus since Bill Clinton left the White House. His peccadilloes aside, I'll give him some credit for those balanced budgets and we need a dose of fiscal responsibility -- now.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
A toast to South Carolina
The Palmetto state makes me proud tonight. I love its motto: Dum Spiro Spero (while I breathe, I hope).
Consider the beginning to tonight's Republican debate in Myrtle Beach -- a chorus of men in suits and women in lovely white dresses all singing the Star Spangled Banner.
My, how radical. For me, it was a perfect start to the debate.
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| South Carolina state flag |
My, how radical. For me, it was a perfect start to the debate.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
State of Wisconsin flubs identity handling (redux)
Haven't we seen this movie before?
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported today that a state mailing may have compromised the identities of thousands of Wisconsinites because of Social Security numbers that were inadvertently printed on mailing labels.
I published a column last year in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after approximately 171,000 taxpayer social security numbers adorned the front of tax booklets. I also mentioned in that column, another breach (not cited in today's Journal Sentinel story) by a human resources aide who mishandled social security numbers of state assembly members.
In the midst of all of this carelessness, is a blame game. It appears that the State Department of Health and Family Services and Governor Doyle's spokesman, Matt Canter, are feigning indignation in order to place the blame squarely on the vendor, EDS.
I remember the Mea Culpa letter last year from the printer that accompanied a similar letter from the Department of Revenue explaining and taking responsibility for that debacle. At least, there was a semblance of accountability communicated by the Department of Revenue.
In today's JS story, the Governor's spokesman Matt Canter, suggests that there is a big difference between last year's data goof and this new one because last year, the printer had no use for the data compromised, but EDS needed the data to do it's processing this year.
How does that make State government any less responsible? In both cases state government provided the data files containing our social security numbers to a vendor. Therefore it's incumbent upon them to review and sign off before irretrievable privacy damage goes out the door.
Here's the first step for a patient to heal thyself - admit you have a problem and stop blaming the vendor. Next, examine your processes and what went wrong- then implement new controls and test them, again and again - to ensure they are working. We don't need to have someone's head - just take responsibility, analyze it and fix it.
Also announced today was Governor Doyle's commendable effort to expand tax incentives for research and development at Wisconsin companies. If only we could persuade the Governor's administration to research and develop better state processes for handling sensitive data.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported today that a state mailing may have compromised the identities of thousands of Wisconsinites because of Social Security numbers that were inadvertently printed on mailing labels.
I published a column last year in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after approximately 171,000 taxpayer social security numbers adorned the front of tax booklets. I also mentioned in that column, another breach (not cited in today's Journal Sentinel story) by a human resources aide who mishandled social security numbers of state assembly members.
In the midst of all of this carelessness, is a blame game. It appears that the State Department of Health and Family Services and Governor Doyle's spokesman, Matt Canter, are feigning indignation in order to place the blame squarely on the vendor, EDS.
I remember the Mea Culpa letter last year from the printer that accompanied a similar letter from the Department of Revenue explaining and taking responsibility for that debacle. At least, there was a semblance of accountability communicated by the Department of Revenue.
In today's JS story, the Governor's spokesman Matt Canter, suggests that there is a big difference between last year's data goof and this new one because last year, the printer had no use for the data compromised, but EDS needed the data to do it's processing this year.
How does that make State government any less responsible? In both cases state government provided the data files containing our social security numbers to a vendor. Therefore it's incumbent upon them to review and sign off before irretrievable privacy damage goes out the door.
Here's the first step for a patient to heal thyself - admit you have a problem and stop blaming the vendor. Next, examine your processes and what went wrong- then implement new controls and test them, again and again - to ensure they are working. We don't need to have someone's head - just take responsibility, analyze it and fix it.
Also announced today was Governor Doyle's commendable effort to expand tax incentives for research and development at Wisconsin companies. If only we could persuade the Governor's administration to research and develop better state processes for handling sensitive data.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Public education and "choice"
Some public education voices extol a right to choice that includes free-from-faith learning environments. Public Teachers Unions have also historically chosen to fight performance standards intended to hold their members accountable.
Yesterday’s blog post from Patrick McIlheran is spot on. Mr. McIlheran makes the point that when parents choose alternatives to public education for their children, the principle of free choice often vanishes from teacher unions' consciousness and they behave as though they are the victims.
I'll always choose to support a strong public education system, but I also choose to reject the views of those who are antagonistic, if not hostile toward alternative education. We also need adoption of reasonable and enforceable performance standards for public school teachers.
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| Office.com clip art |
Yesterday’s blog post from Patrick McIlheran is spot on. Mr. McIlheran makes the point that when parents choose alternatives to public education for their children, the principle of free choice often vanishes from teacher unions' consciousness and they behave as though they are the victims.
I'll always choose to support a strong public education system, but I also choose to reject the views of those who are antagonistic, if not hostile toward alternative education. We also need adoption of reasonable and enforceable performance standards for public school teachers.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Repudiation
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| Hillary Clinton, official public photo |
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