Some quick snapshots of Sir Paul McCartney and Larry Kane in the East Room of the White House.

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If you read this blog, you know that some of the participants (the followers) can be a bit nasty. Is that an understatement Larry, or what? The discourse on in this blog ranges from creative writing from some thoughtful people, to some very unusual writers. Check it out. You might get enlightened or develop instant nausea.

In the spirit of trying to deal with the defaming internet writers (not all, just a naughty few) my Voice of Reason Show Sunday at 9:30 on Comcast Network is devoted to cleaning up the Internet, without killings its freedoms. I am not a censor, but I abhor over-the-edge comments on race, religion and gender, unless they are reasonably intelligent. Bottom line: EDGY is good. SUPER NASTY is not. Get the drift?

As I write, the Attorney General of Connecticut reports that the AIG executives have under-reported those big bonuses by over 50 million dollars. Why is it that states have been dead on to the AIG disaster, but the Feds seems a day late and millions of dollars short?

Political question: Why is ex VP Dick Cheney suddenly the GOP’s attack weapon against Barack Obama? His attacks on Obama’s security decisions seem like “sour grapes.” If Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney are all the GOP has to offer, I would worry about the future of the two-party system.

Final questions: Whats happened to Mitt Romney? The guy shows up at a Republican conference a month  ago and hasn’t said a word since. The man wants to be the President. Perhaps his strategy is simple: make no controversial statements. No news is good news. But you can’t hide forever. I would have expected a stronger strategy at this point from the Governor. Also, are you wondering what I’m wondering about the strange case of some GOP Governors, who are turning down stimulus money. One of them is Haley Barbour of Mississippi. That state is economically depressed and needs stimulus.  The voters could very well pay the Governor back the next time around.

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In Good Company?

The big issues of the coming year will surprise you. Number one is the continuing outrage against Wall Street and what is perceived as big business crushing the little guy. This is unfortunate because many companies really care about their employees, while others disregard the contributions of staff members. These companies, even in bad times. look out for the bottom line to PREVENT layoffs, not to precipitate them. But here’s the problem: corporations , big and small, will be under attack because the mantra of 2009, from the White House, to the State Houses and City Hall, will be “more power to the working classes of America.”  The bottom line: is that greed in the highest places, criminal and otherwise, has changed the landscape of how Americans view the companies that create jobs and profits AND those who are led by people without vision. It would be sad if Americans judge all companies on the basis of some bad managers who have ruined the corporate landscape.  But going forward, rewarding failure will no longer be an option in public companies.

Libraries Are Us

Super first year for Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, but his sophomore year will test his mettle. The issue of library closings will be very difficult to resolve, unless the Mayor can find funds to keep them open. Money will be tighter for City Hall as the year evolves, but he also knows that raising taxes can cause a fast flight of business out of Philadelphia. The library issue will turn out to be a lot tougher than the administration expected.

Obama Plan

Watch for some VERY fast action on the Obama stimulus, perhaps Congressional approval by January 27th, a week after the inaugural. For Congress, that would be an all time record. Republicans will be less likely to block the plan, for fear they would become obstructionists in a very dangerous economy. Obama will have a good year, because he will be measured by the final days of George W. Bush. Obama will be the big national story in 2009. The only questions marks – the unknowns of international terrorism and the combustible Middle East.

TOP OVERSEAS STORY – ISRAEL

Already, the international double standard has been applied to Israel as it pummels the Gaza strip. The most telling reaction is the mild reaction of Egypt, Jordan and the Emirates, all clear enemies of Hamas.  Hezbollah’s leadership, the other side of the terror rackets in the Middle East, has encouraged protest, but so far no attacks from the North end. The rocket attacks precipitated the reprisal. That’s the way it works in the Middle East. The timing of the Hamas attacks is fascinating. The timing of the Israeli counter attack is even more fascinating. The fighting comes as both Israel and America face new administrations. One thing is clear – international press coverage of the current battle is so one sided that one wonders what happened to even the appearance of objectivity. Israel always gets the blame, even when it is attacked first. Guarantee this: Israel and the Middle East crisis will be overseas story number one. And Israel will defend itself despite the news world’s bias against the Jewish state.

LOCAL MENACE

Crime in the suburbs is getting out of control. This is no surprise since many suburban communities face the same challenges as urban centers – economic uncertainty and a growing drug trade. Suburban crime, often overlooked, will become the biggest local story of 2009.

POLITICAL AMBITION

The political winds will be at gale force in our region. Chris Matthews, Mr. Hardball, will decide next week whether to run for the U.S. Senate held by Arlen Specter.  One thing for is for sure: Expect State Representative Josh Shapiro to declare for that Senate seat shortly. 2009 will be the year that crime-busting former US Attorney Pat Meehan will rev up his GOP campaign for Governor. Pa. Attorney General Tom Corbett also wants the job in 2010. It may be the longest and costliest Governor campain Pa. history.

SPORTS -

Phillies will repeat. Flyers will make Stanley Cup finals. Eagles will win wild card game. You know my record. Don’t take it to the bank.

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This book is the best and most accessible read on John Lennon I have experienced so far and I have read many books on the man and have been immersed in his solo and baetles work a long time. This is a great first book also for the casual reader who is just curious. I am about halfway through and I don’t want to finish it… I met Larry Kane in 2001 on a book tour for his book Philadelphia. (which is a wonderful book to read on a long winter night by a fire) He was doing a mini writer’s conference at a book store in Bucks County.
It was shortly after 9/11 and I remember there was a moment of tension with one member of the audience trying to provoke him as a journalist. Mr. kane handled it both intelligently and graciously which impressed me.

When I met him I felt foolish afterwards because as much as I enjoyed that book I just wanted to talk about his relationship and contact with The Beatles especially John Lennon. I remember asking him if he was going to write about any of those experiences. He was gracious and said he had considered it and I moved on feeling that I annoyed the man unintentionally. I had always wanted to thank him for sharing those memories on TV after John was murdered and I was glad I finally did.

I am so glad that since that time he has written both Ticket To Ride which I loved and this new book about John. Thank you Larry. I also enjoyed Philadelphia and I apologize if I had asked those questions at the wrong time…who knows maybe I validated your urge to write those books. Thank you. I am enjoying this insightful book.

— Avid Reader

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