Wanted to Write But

Did not have the time. 

Biden Pardons his son. After saying a long time that he will not pardon his son, Biden pardoned. Hunter Biden was found guilty of having illegal gun and income tax evasion. Instead of pardoning for these 2 crimes. Biden gave a blanket pardon to his son Hunter. Pardon for any and all crimes he may have committed from 2014 to 2024. Even his own party is not happy with this. 

Trump’s several court cases. Once he won the Presidential election in November the cases against him were withdrawn except the one in New York. The New York Attorney General filed a case for deceiving banks and insurers by massively overvaluing assets. I think this is a ridiculous case. He said the value of his property is this much and the banks agreed to that value. The banks never complained to anyone. He repaid the loan. Where is the case then? For Example, If I want to pledge my house and get a loan from my bank and I say my house is worth $2 million and the bank agrees to my valuation and gives me the loan and finally I repaid the loan. Bank never complained. Why the Attorney General is worried about it. 

New York Subway Chokehold case. There was a US Marine veteran Daniel Penny riding in the New York Subway. A man was making noise and threatening other passengers. This US Marine wrestled with that guy, put a chokehold on him, and the man died. Penny was arrested and put in jail. He was found not guilty by the jurors. 

United Health Care CEO shot dead in New York. United Health Care is the largest health care insurance company in USA. The CEO of that company was shot dead in close range in front of the hotel he was staying in New York. After a massive manhunt the shooter was arrested in Pennsylvania. It looks like he had a problem with his medical claim with that insurance company. It came to the attention that UHC has the highest rate of claims denial (32%) among all other insurance companies. The shooter will be tried in a court of law and 9 jurors will decide his fate. Of the 9 jurors, even if one juror thinks he is not guilty, he will be acquitted.

Police Help

Milly is 82 years old. She lives with her husband Tom. He is 84 years old. They have been married for 60 years. Kids are grown up and this old couple live alone. They are healthy and have enough money so having a happy life. 

One night after dinner, they went to bed. They fell asleep quickly. At midnight Milly heard some noise in their garage. She woke her husband Tom and asked him to go and find out. 

Tom woke up from bed and turned on the lights. He went near the garage and heard some thieves were trying to get into the garage. They were struggling to broke the garage door open. 

Tom immediately called the 911 and asked the police to come immediately to stop these intruders. The police took Tom’s address and said there was no one available and will send some police officers when they become available. 

Tom hung up the phone and waited for 5 minutes. The thieves were still struggling to break open his garage door. 

Tom then called the 911 again and said there is no need to send the police any way since he shot dead all the 4 intruders. 

Within 3 minutes there were 4 patrol cars with officers, 2 ambulances, an emergency medical team and a police helicopter showed up. 

The officers arrested the thieves. 

Milly was proud of her husband Tom’s clever idea.

Kids in Professional League

Just read a 13-year-old kid Vaibhav Suryavanshi was bought by Rajasthan Royals for $130,500 in the mega IPL auction.

Let us take NFL. National Football League of USA. There used to be a rule that anyone who wants to play in NFL must have gone through 4 years of college. Then the players union protested and they came to an agreement that a player must be at least 20 years of age to become a pro. 

Another one is NBA. National Basketball Association of USA. Per agreement between the players union and NBA, the minimum age limit was set at 19. (LeBron James became a nationally known basketball player at the age of 14. But he has to wait until he is 19 years old to become a pro.) 

I am totally against selecting under age kids in professional sports. Why? 

Just stripped the childhood away from this kid. 

The kid’s self esteem is tied to sports performance. 

The kid cannot handle unhealthy performance pressure. 

The kid will not perform for his own sake but to please his parents and not to upset the coach. 

He will make more money than his friends who are not in colleges yet. So he will lose his childhood friends,

Other players in the team will have occasional alcohol parties and late-night entertainment. What will this kid do at that time? Some unscrupulous team mate will introduce the kid to all of these. 

Do the clubs think there are no adult players better equipped physically and mentally than a child? 

PS: I can hear someone mentioning the name of Sachin Tendulkar. He was 16 when he played for the country. He joined the IPL professional league when it started in 2008 at the age of 35. Playing for a country is different from playing in a professional league. You win a lottery (Sachin Tendulkar) once in a billion years.

Leave USA?

Before the 2024 election a few celebrities, especially in Hollywood, said they would leave USA for good if Trump was elected because they cannot stand him. How many have left so far? I can name only 2 who have actually left. 

Ellen DeGeneres. She has left for UK blaming Trump. But the papers have said she moved into a mansion in UK which she bought in 2019. 

Eva Longoria. She has left for Spain. Newspapers and TV said she left for Spain because she did not like Trump’s victory. But she gave a statement that she moved because of her work and wanted to live near her relatives in Spain.

 

Some of the others who said they will leave but not yet bought their tickets are: Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct movie actress), Cher (Music Icon), Raven-Symone (Actress, Singer), America Ferrera (Actress), Minnie Driver (Actress), Whoopi Goldberg, Barbara Streisand, and others I cannot remember their names now. 

They have not left so far and will not leave. My own reason for their not leaving USA and we are stuck with them: 

USA made them rich.  Not that much income in other countries.

Other countries have higher tax rates then USA. 

They will still have to pay US Income Tax unless they relinquish US citizenship. 

They don’t want to leave their enormous homes in USA. 

They just want attention by making this dramatic statement. 

One guy who said he is leaving USA moved to Hawaii. That is his worldly knowledge. 

I was watching the Bill Maher show a few days ago. He asked an author (don’t remember her name) her view when some of the Kamala Harris supporters declared “no sex, no dating, no babies, no marriage” until Trump leaves office. She said then conservatives will produce more kids.

Trump's Cabinet Members

Here are some members of cabinet appointed by Trump. All cabinet appointments have to be approved by the Senate. 

Department of Government Efficiency – This will jointly lead by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. They are going to remove wastage from the government and save 2 trillion dollars. But the question is does it need 2 people to head for an agency. Also, Musk and Ramaswamy both are very intelligent with huge ego. There are people complaining that Musk is behaving as if he is the co-President of USA. I think one of the 2 will be given another post very soon. . 

Secretary of State – Marco Rubio. He is currently a senator from Florida. He is very well versed in foreign affairs. He will be the first Latino to serve as America’s top diplomat. 

Border Czar – Tom Homan. He will be in charge of USA’s border including Southern and Northern Borders, all maritime, and aviation security. During Trump’s first term, Mr. Homan had the same job. He is considered very ruthless. Now he is responsible for deporting 15 million illegal immigrants. 

Defense Secretary – Pete Hegseth. A surprise pick. He was a Major in the military. Served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Graduated from Princeton and Harvard. Won many awards for bravery. Retired Generals and senior politicians are disappointed that one of them was not selected instead of this 44 year old Major who knows nothing except the military. 

Attorney General – Matt Gaetz. Big disappointment in both parties. He is now a congressman from Florida. He is a bully. He created such a problem that in 2023, the House had to have 11 ballots before selecting a Speaker of the House. All cabinet appointments have to be approved by the Senate. Republicans have 54 members in the 100 member Senate. I think he will have difficulty in getting approval from the Senate because a few Republican Senators will vote against him. (If the opposition to him is strong, Trump may withdraw his nomination and nominate someone else.)

Director of National Intelligence – Tulsi Gabbard. Many people think she is of Indian origin because her first name is Tulsi. Her parents followed Hinduism and therefore named her Tulsi. She served in the Military and saw action in Iraq. She is a Lieutenant Colonel. She is loved by both Republicans and Democrats. Many people thought she would be nominated as Defense Secretary. (When Trump had debate with Biden and Kamala, Tulsi coached Trump.).  She takes oath of office with Bhagavad Gita in her hand.

Department of Homeland Security – Kristi Noem. She is currently Governor of North Dakota. This Department is responsible for anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management. She is a tough cookie. She was in the short list to be the Vice President nominee. But the news came out that she shot her dog because it was “dangerous” and “untrainable”. Then she killed her family goat because it was nasty and mean. Trump then dropped the idea of picking her as his VP.

America Delivered

It’s a Boy. 

Total Electoral College Votes 540 

Electoral College Votes to win 270 

Trump 277 

Kamala 224 

Yet to be Declared 39 

Trump elected 47th President of United States despite all the TV Networks (except Fox News), all the print newspapers, and the entire Hollywood movie industry against him. Congratulations Donald. 

(Sarcasm). Now that Trump is elected, the borders will be closed and all illegal immigrants will be deported. No unemployment in USA. Dow Jones (stock market) will rise by 10,000 points. Milk and honey will now flow in the streets of San Francisco. The Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East war will end immediately. On hearing Trump’s victory, Putin, Xi Jinping and the Ayatollah are shaking in their boots.

All In A Day

It happened today. 

I take 2 medicines daily. I got my refill on October 17 but could not find it in my house. I must have misplaced or lost. Therefore, I went to my Pharmacy and asked for replacement. The Pharmacist told me my “renewal” is due end of December because I got my 90-day refill supply only on October 17. I told her I cannot find my medicines at home. 

The pharmacist said she will call my insurance company and tell them the situation and ask for an “override” – that means giving me another 90 day supply without asking me to pay the full price. (Under my insurance, I do not pay anything for my medicines.) 

She called. She came to me and said the insurance company wants you to call them personally and explain the situation. 

Since I had my cellphone with me, I called the insurance company right away. A lady answered. I explained that I misplaced my medicine I got on October 17 and I need a refill right now. I got a reply in a sweet southern accent. 

“I understand honey. I misplace my medicines sometime. Please hold on for a few minutes”.

I was holding on for about 10 minutes listening to the boring recorded music. Then she came on the line and said “honey, your override request is approved. You go to the pharmacy and get your medicines. Anything else I can help you with today?” 

I said thanks a lot. (I wanted to say thanks a lot honey. But since I am not from the southern part of USA this “honey” stuff does not come to me automatically.)

I Voted Today

I voted today. 

Though the official voting day is next Tuesday, November 5, almost all states allow early voting either in person or by mail. In my area in California, the voting place opened on October 26. But all votes will be counted after close of business on November 5. 

Ballot information were available in several languages. See the photo below. There are a few languages from India. 

After I voted, they gave a sticker that said “I Voted”. It is also in a few languages including Hindi. 

 Will wait for November 5 to know the results.

Getting Crazier

McDonald’s is a place for part time work for almost all high school students in the USA. Most of the Americans have special affection towards McDonald’s. Those who worked earlier at McDonald’s are now old enough to vote. You know what Donald Trump did? He put the McDonald’s apron and worked in a McDonald’s store for 30 minutes to get publicity. 

In order to attract black male voters, the Kamala Harris campaign has launched a new digital ad on social media urging young men—specifically young black men—to get out and vote in November. If they don’t vote they will not get a date with girls. Girls will refuse to date those guys. ‘Pop the Balloon or Find Love,’ features young men and women who pop balloons when someone they see no longer interests them.

Forgivable Loan

A forgivable loan is essentially a “grant” with conditions rather than a loan. I personally would call it a non-repayable loan. 

Kamala Harris has proposed a $20,000 forgivable business loan to black entrepreneurs. Then I start to think. 

Suppose a black guy starts to sell lemonade on the street corner for 50 cents a cup and is he entitled to this forgivable loan? 

How black is black to give this forgivable loan? 100% black, 50% black, or 2% black because one has 2% black in his DNA? 

The total population of blacks in USA is 15%. The balance of 85% are Whites, Hispanic, Asian, and others. Where is she getting this money to pay forgivable loans to blacks? From the 85% non-black people?

At least, she could have offered this to all poor people who wants to start a business,

Assuming Kamala Harris wins this election, can she really give such forgivable loans to blacks? There will be hundreds of law suits that would end up in the Supreme Court. Remember, of the 9 Supreme Court judges, 6 of them are conservatives. In other words, Trump supporters. 

I think Kamala is offering these incentives to buy the black votes fully knowing that this cannot be implemented.

60 Minutes, a CBS Show

I do not belong to any party. I am like a commentator. I write what I see. 

I have been writing that all the networks (except Fox News), CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, CBS and famous news papers like New York Times do not like Trump. Therefore, they start to support Kamala Harris. It is OK if they support Kamala but they go out of they way to fabricate their reporting. It is their job to report the news as it happens but they openly favoring Kamala, not because they like Kamala, but because they hate Trump. 

In previous debates, all the moderators were siding with Kamala and bullying Trump. And here is the latest and they were caught red handed. 60 Minutes, a program produced by CBS Network, published an interview with Kamala Harris. They sent a few video clips of their promotion on Sunday. But when they broadcast the interview to the public on Monday, an answer to a question by Kamala was replaced. 

The question was: It seems like Prime Minister Netanyahu is not listening to USA. 

Kamala struggled to answer the question on Sunday's promotional video.   It was a completely different answer to the same question on Monday broadcast.  They changed the answer she gave to a different question as an answer to this question.

Shame on you CBS.

Obama said in a speech today in Pittsburg, in support of Kamala Harris, Americans are hurting and they want change.  Did he forget who is in charge now?  It is Biden and Kamala.

Vice Presidential Debate

Yesterday, October 1, debate was between Democratic VP Candidate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican VP Candidate Ohio Senator JD Vance. 

After a long time I saw a decent and civil debate. Both candidates shook hands at the start. At the conclusion, both candidates’ wives came on the stage to be with their husbands and shook hands. (Vance’s wife Usha is of Indian origin.) Even during the debate, both candidates agreed with each other on some points. 

Here is my personal report card. 

JD Vance A 

Tim Walz B minus 

Mr. Vance was strong on immigration and economy. Mr. Walz was strong on abortion. 

Mr. Vance goofed when asked if he was in Mike Pense’s place will he refuse to certify the 2020 election results. He had problem answering that question and finally gave a slick answer that he will obey the President. 

Mr. Walz finally said he lied when he said he was in Hong Kong when the Tiananmen Square protest was taking place. 

This debate reminded me of Kennedy-Nixon debate. Vance (like Kennedy) was at ease and Walz (like Nixon) was nervous. During the debate Vance was looking at Walz when Walz was speaking. But when Vance was speaking Walz was taking notes seriously. 

As with every other network (except Fox News), the moderators were siding with Democrat Walz and the 3 ganged up on Vance. The moderators fact checked Vance several times and when he tried to reply, they cut off his mike. 

Vance again and again pointed out what Trump failed to do during his debate with Kamala. Kamala was telling she will do this and do that on the very first day in the office. During yesterday’s debate, Vance mentioned several times “you are in power for the past 3.5 years and why you did not do these. If you want to you can do them today and not wait for you to win”. 

The moderators deliberately did not ask Walz why as Governor of Minnesota, he ordered tampons be placed in the boys’ bathroom. (Republicans making fun of him by calling him Tampon Tim.)

Happy 100th Birthday

39th President of the United States (1977 to 1981) celebrates his 100th birthday day today, October 1. Happy Birthday Mr. President. He and his family are celebrating today in his hometown. 

He is a Democrat. Mr. Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. He served as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Submarines. Mr. Carter was interested in politics and opposed racial segregation. He supported civil rights movement. He served as Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. 

Mr. Carter was not known well outside of Georgia but won the Democratic Party nomination in 1976 and became President of U.S. defeating Gerald Ford of the Republican Party. As a President he was not effective and considered as a weak President. In 1980, Ronald Reagan defeated Mr. Carter in a landslide. 

But today is his 100th Birthday and I will talk only about his good qualities. 

After leaving office he established Carter Center to promote human rights. For the work this center did, Mr. Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize. Mr. Carter established a nonprofit housing organization, Habitat for Humanity. He travelled to many countries as election observer.

Mr. Carter and his family are very simple easy-going people. When he was Governor of Georgia and President of the United States, Mr. Carter’s mother Lillian Carter worked as a Peace Corps volunteer Nurse in India. No one knew about her in India until the American Embassy called the Indian Government to arrange secret service (police) protection for her.

Once again, Happy 100th Birthday Mr. President. May you live many more years.

Mr. Irrelevant

(PS: No need to have knowledge of the American Football to understand this blog post.) 

The NFL (National Football League) of USA recruits 262 new players out of colleges each year. The last player chosen (262) is always nick-named Mr. Irrelevant. In the year 2022, the last player, Mr. Irrelevant, was Brock Purdy. The team recruited him was San Francisco 49ers. Brock plays the position as a Quarter Back. (A quarter back is responsible for a team's victory or loss.)

If you are the last player chosen, you might as well wish not in the League. Brock Purdy was taken as a Quarter Back. For 49ers he was in the bench as a 3rd quarter back. He will always be in the bench and almost never get a play time. 

In that year, on a Sunday, 49ers played a game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay’s Quarter Back was Tom Brady. He was considered as God of American Football. He led his teams win 7 Super Bowls. It is like winning IPL Championship 7 times. 

Brock Purdy’s parents were hard core fans of Tom Brady. They came all the way to San Francisco to watch their favorite player Tom Brady of Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They knew their son was a substitute player in the bench for 49ers. 

When the game was about to start, the spectators received an unexpected news. The first and second quarter back of 49ers were injured and the 3rd quarter back Brock Purdy will be the playing quarter back for 49ers.  The spectators were stunned.  The last player chosen that year Mr. Irrelevant going against The God of American Football!  The parents were very happy to see their son play his first game and that too against their hero Tom Brady. 

Want to know the score of that game? Purdy played like a savvy veteran quarter back and defeated Tom Brady’s team 35 to 7. Purdy’s parents were triple happy. They came to watch their hero, Tom Brady. They saw their son play his first professional game and that too against Tom Brady.  They saw their son beat the heck out of their hero. 

From that day Brock Purdy became the starting quarter back for the 49ers. In 2022, he took 49ers to Divisional Championship. In 2023 he took 49ers to the Super Bowl and lost it. 2024 Super Bowl will be played in February 2025.

Page from the Past

Once upon a time me and my wife went on vacation to Chennai. We were going to have extended stay for more than 6 months. In those days if you want to stay for more than 6 months, you have to register with FRRO (Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office). We were planning to register ourselves with FRRO. 

We went for a dinner at the residence of my brother-in-law. In that dinner party, there was a guy who was a local political leader belonging to the ruling party. Nice guy. My brother-in-law told him me and my wife are going to the police station to register ourselves for staying in India. He was half drunk. He said you don’t have to go to the police station. I will ask the SP (Superintendent of Police) to come to your home to register. Tell me which police station you are going. I told him the name of the police station in Chennai. 

I also told him not to ask the SP to come to the place where we were staying. We will go to the police station ourselves and register ourselves. 

The next morning, I and my wife went to the police station. The inspector in charge said that the SP is waiting for us. (That local political guy had called the SP and told him we were coming that morning.) 

We told him that we want to register for FRRO. He was a nice gentleman. IPS. Young guy. He said I will register you but lot of people do not know the problem involved. If you register with FRRO to stay in India for more than 6 months, when you want to leave you have to get the FRRO permission to leave the country. As bad luck would have it, you may have to go to USA on an urgent matter on a Friday evening. The FRRO is closed on Saturdays and Sundays and God forbid there will be a religious holiday in India on Monday and Tuesday, and you will not be able to get that permission until Wednesday to leave the country. 

He said he will suggest the following. You guys live in USA and must have money. At the end of 6 month why don’t you both leave for Sri Lanka in the morning and come back the same evening,  It is only a 50-minute flight.  A new 6-month duration stay will then start. 

We thanked that IPS Officer and came home. That is how we went to Sri Lanka and stayed there for a week.

Laddu Ladai

Read in the papers that Chandra Babu Naidu has complained that the laddus in Tirupathi Tirumalai temple is made out of animal fat instead of ghee. I will give you my thinking before you read the whole blog post. 

Bull Shit 

Let me write a rebuttal. 

To give a contract to a vendor, it has to be approved by the Devasthanam Board Members. There are 24 of them. All of them are Hindus. One is even a BJP member. Then it has to be approved by the Executive Officer and sent to the AP Government. So Jagan or his party is not involved in it. 

The Laddu making chief cook has been working for 26 years. There are more than 180 Undercooks & Assistants inside those vast kitchens who prepare Laddus, Pongal, Pepper Pongal, Puliohara and Curd Rice every day. 

Do you think no one has spotted the different fat for making the Laddus? 

Do you think none of the millions of devotees, from lay men to sophisticated intelligent educated people, who get the Laddu prasadam every day, has spotted the animal fat smell?

My opinion is it is all politics. This may backfire on Chandra Babu Naidu.

No Tax on Overtime and Tips

These 2 ideas – No income tax on overtime pay and tips earned by workers – was proposed by Trump. These 2 ideas will ease the tax burden of workers and put more money in the pockets of those working long hours. 

This will also encourage employees to work more hours and thus help the employers with extended labor force. 

Of course, there are people who oppose these ideas. I think they are silly arguments. 

These 2 policies will favor those who are able to work extra hours. But not favor those unable to work overtime, like working parents who are unable to work overtime, etc. These people continue to work their regular hours whereas workers who can do overtime would enjoy tax-free earnings with their extra hours of pay. 

I think this is communism. What is the problem if you are able to work overtime and get extra money? My thinking is if they are unable to work overtime now, then these 2 policies will have no change in their lives. 

Another argument is this will help working in the services sector. People working in the salaried position who may work long hours will see no benefit. This is happening today that they don’t get overtime pay now. So there is no change in their lives. If you want to work overtime and get tax free pay, then go and find such a job. 

I consider these are weak arguments. If I am in a position that pays me tax-free overtime pay and able to buy BMW and you are not in a position to work overtime or in a salaried position and able to buy a Toyota only, that is life.

To quote late President John F. Kennedy – There is always inequality in life. Life is unfair.

Ethical Dilemma

In the bustling city of New York, the headquarters of the global corporation ExoTrade thrived with ambition and competition. Each year, the company set sales quotas for its regional managers, calculated as a percentage increase over the previous year's revenue. The process was simple and fair—or so it seemed. 

Alan Carter was the regional manager for the Northeast, tasked with administering his area's sales quotas. Each year, Alan faced the daunting challenge of meeting the new quota, which was based on the previous year's performance plus a percentage increase. With the pressure mounting and the economic conditions growing increasingly volatile, Alan felt the weight of the quotas becoming an insurmountable burden. 

Alan’s office was a shrine to the fine art of strategy. His desk, cluttered with spreadsheets and reports, bore the marks of countless late nights. One quiet afternoon, as he scanned the numbers from last year’s sales report, an idea began to form in his mind. It was a devious plan, born of desperation and ambition. 

He struck up a friendly rapport with Martin, the IT guy who managed the company’s databases. Martin was known for his technical prowess but was also a bit of a tech geek who loved sharing tips and tricks. Alan, with a charming smile and a friendly demeanor, began inviting Martin for coffee breaks and small talk. 

As weeks went by, Alan subtly nudged the conversation toward the intricacies of the company’s financial databases. He learned how to navigate the system’s quirks and took note of the vulnerabilities. He used his newfound knowledge to orchestrate a clever manipulation of the sales figures. With Martin’s subtle assistance, Alan managed to make last year’s revenue report disappear by a staggering $2 million. 

The following month, when the time came to set the new quotas, Alan looked at the adjusted numbers with a smug satisfaction. The new quota was substantially lower than what it would have been, thanks to the artificially reduced figures from the previous year. Alan relished in the sweet relief of a more manageable target. 

The quarters passed, and Alan’s sales team exceeded the new, lower quota with ease. Alan was hailed as a brilliant manager, his success stories becoming the talk of the office. His superiors praised him for his exceptional performance and innovative approach to overcoming challenges. But behind the accolades, the truth remained buried. 

The manipulation was eventually discovered by another manager named P. But her protest went nowhere. Meantime Alan Carter got a promotion and transferred to another country.

Arasan anrey kolvaan. Dheivam ninru kollum. (King will kill immediately. God will wait and kill him eventually)

The Debate

I will give my result before going into details. 

Kamala Harris B Plus 

Donald Trump C Plus 

Now that I have given my result, I want to go into details. I may be biased. ABC News was hosting the debate. David Muir and Linsey Davis. My opinion is they both were pro-Kamala and anti-Trump. They asked favorable questions to Kamala. They even let her say whatever she wants instead of asking her to answer the question. (At least CNN, an anti-trump TV network, was fair when hosting the debate between Trump and Biden.)

For example, the very first question to Kamala from David Muir was: 

Are the Americans better off than 4 years ago? She replied: 

I was raised in middle class. I am the only person to lift the middle-class people. I have a plan to build an opportunity economy. I want to build homes for middle class people. My opponent wants to give tax cut to rich people. 

David Muir did not ask her to answer the question he asked. 

Most of the questions were easy on Kamala Harris and tough on Trump. He gave more time to Kamala to speak.

The mike was supposed to be muted when a candidate was not speaking. At one point, Trump did glance over when Harris attempted to speak into her microphone that was supposed to be muted but was not. David Muir was just quiet. 

The one plus-point for Trump was his closing statement. 

“She’s going to do this, she’s going to do that, she’s going to do all these wonderful things. Why hasn’t she done it? She’s been there for three and a half years. They’ve had three and half years to fix the border. They’ve had three and half years to create jobs.” 

Just FYI. If Kamala won today’s debate, all credit goes to Rohini Kosoglu, a Sri Lankan Tamil from Jaffna. She was Kamala’s debate coach. (Namma Thamizh ponnu) Our Tamil Girl did a good job.

Hunter Biden’s Alford Plea

President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden has been charged with 9 counts of income tax evasion. In the court house today, he admitted guilt to all charges via Alford Plea. 

An Alford Plea is “I am innocent but there is enough evidence with the prosecution to convict me and therefore I plead guilty to all charges”. 

(Here is another simple example: Husband comes home and the wife looks at the car. There was perfume smell inside the car. She also sees a panty lying on the front passenger seat. There is a lipstick mark on the husband’s cheek. The wife asks was there a woman with you in the car. The husband says I am innocent and there was no one with me in the car. But there is enough evidence here to tell there was a woman in the car. Therefore, I admit guilt.)

The prosecutors did not agree for this Alford Plea by Hunter Biden. But the judge said he will admit guilty plea if he replies to all 9 charges individually. The judge then read each charge and Hunter Biden replied “yes, guilty as charged” 9 times. 

Sentencing is scheduled for December 16. He could get a maximum of 17 years in prison and $1.5 million in fines. 

But will he go to prison? My bet is he will not. Let us see the following 3 scenarios.

President Biden pardon’s him. (A President can pardon anybody for any crime.). While Biden was running for office, he said he will not pardon his son. But he is not running for office now. He can now say “heck with it. I am pardoning my son”. 

If Kamala Harris wins. She never said she will not pardon him. She can pardon him because Hunter Biden is her boss’s son. 

If Trump wins. An outgoing President (Joe Biden) can make a personal request to the incoming President (Trump). Trump will say “don’t worry Joe. I will take care of it”.  Trump could say I pardoned Hunter Biden to maintain peace between the 2 parties and in the country.

At high level politics, everybody is friends with everybody on a personal basis. Only the innocent public will think they hate each other.

Sleepless Night

Just read a news item that a Japanese gentleman sleeps only 30 minutes every night and wakes up with full energy. He believes this will double his life expectancy. He also said it will boost his work efficiency. 

Most doctors recommend 7 to 9 hours of sleep for a healthy life. 

I know a number of people have problem getting into sleep. They go to bed at 10 pm and are awake until 3 or 4 am and then fall asleep involuntarily. 

I have read that in the US Army they train soldiers how to fall asleep within 5 minutes after lying down no matter where they are – be it in their barrack or in the battle field. 

This reminds me of an Executive Vice President I worked for. His name is Ted A. (French speaking audience in New Orleans will know who he is). He is known for sleeping only 2 hours a night. Between 1 am and 3 am. Then feel fresh and start concentrate on his work. 

I don’t know how his wife felt about it. But it was a problem for his subordinates. He had 9 General Managers reporting to him. He had an immediate staff of 5 people. Whenever he calls an all-day meeting of all these 14 people, it will start at 8 am and end at 9 pm. He won’t allow anyone to take even a bathroom break. Lunch would be a working session. At the end of the 9 pm meeting, there will be lavish dinner with lots of drinks. But who wants them at that hour? Every one would wants to go home and sleep. 

But Ted is fresh like a fish. 

How is your sleep pattern?

American Girl Friend

I was watching a Malayalam movie. There was a scene: 

A girl waiting in the street to go to college. A guy was traveling in a motor cycle. The girl asks him for a “lift” to college. The guy refuses. The girl bad mouths him. Then he give her the "lift" to college.

I have lived all my adult life in USA. Therefore, I am not familiar with the boy-girl “stuff” in India. But I want to tell a few instances I have seen in USA. 

Long time ago, we were living in Lexington Avenue. (This is for the benefit of those French speaking audience who knew and familiar with that place.) 

Our (me and my wife and 2 small kids) next door neighbor was a young bachelor white guy. His girl friend used to come every Sunday and clean the entire home. Also, wash and iron all his clothes. He will sit, drink beer and watch her. 

He vacated. Another guy came. He was a long-haul truck driver. One night we heard big argument from their house and crying by a girl. Next day morning, we saw her. Bruises on her face and black eye. Since we knew her, we asked her what happened. She just smiled and said there was a slight argument last night and it was no big deal. 

We know a college student living 70 miles from his home. Living in a dorm (college hostel). Seven out of ten times, when he comes home for long weekends, his girl friend drives him, drops him, goes back to her home which is 100 miles away. Then at the end of the weekend, she drives 100 miles, picks him, and then drop him in his dorm. 

I told my wife (when she was alive) every guy should have an American girl friend. An Indian girl friend will never do these things.  My opinion is it is the other way around.  

My wife used to say “why don’t you marry an American girl”. I said: I never said about marriage. I said American girl friend and not wife. 

(I have heard of stories about how girls do their boy friends’ home work and project papers in colleges in USA.) 

Please tell me about happenings in India. Thanks.

America's Kamal Haasan

We all know, at least Tamil speaking people, how the famous movie actor Kamal Haasan speaks. No one would understand what he says. There is a feeling he himself does not understand what he says when he speaks. 

I thought no one can beat him or even come close to confusing the audience from his speech.

I found one from our own Besant Nagar, Chennai. This person can equal or even beat Kamal Haasan in confusing the audience. Please listen below.

Kamala's Oration

Kamala Harris made a fantastic oration a short while ago. The assembled Democratic crowd stood up and gave a big ovation. She gave a rousing speech. 

Kamala said how her mother said don’t complain about anything but do something about it.

As a President, I will create an opportunity economy. An Opportunity economy where everyone has a chance to compete and a chance to succeed. 

I will bring together: - Labor and workers, - Small business owners and entrepreneurs, - And American companies. 

We will: - Provide access to capital for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and founders. - We will end America's housing shortage. 

And protect Social Security and Medicare. 

So many other promises to mention including how she would tackle the border issue. 

While I was watching her speech, I was drinking scotch. After she finished her speech, I stood up and applauded for a minute. 

Then I sat down. Had another round of scotch. Now I started to think clearly. 

Kamala’s speech sounded as if she is the opposition party and trying to unseat a Republican President. 

In USA, President and Vice President is a single package. They are elected together. Not separately. I was thinking Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are running the country for the past 3.5 years and will be in power till noon on Monday, January 20, 2025. Why can’t they implement all these promises now? 

Why can’t you create an economic opportunity now? What is stopping you? 

Why don’t you bring labor and workers and small business owners together now? What is stopping you? 

Why don’t end America’s housing shortage now? What is stopping you? 

Why don’t you tackle the border issue now? What is stopping you? 

Will you accept your Biden/Harris Administration past 3.5 years is a failure and will try to do a better job if elected in November?

Have to stop here now. My son is asking me to join him at the dinner table.

Kamala Harris - Economic Agenda

Vice President Kamala Harris laid out an ambitious economic agenda for her presidential campaign last Friday. I would like to write about 2 main points. 

$25,000 towards down payment for purchase of home by a first-time buyer to tackle affordable housing crisis. Kamala says it will help more than 4 million people. No details about how this will work. (No idea if this is only for US citizens OR for tax paying non-citizens like H1B people also,)  It has both supporters and critics. Alexander Gorlin, the famous author on affordable housing likes this idea. But some economists feel this plan would just further inflate the real estate market, put the U.S. further into a financial deficit, and ultimately be another reason for the government to increase taxes.

Federal ban on price gouging on food and groceries. She said this is the reason for higher prices now and inflation. Kamala wants to introduce Price Control Plan to stop “price gouging”. 

A Harvard Economist Jason Furman who worked for President Obama said: “This is not sensible policy, and I think the biggest hope is that it ends up being a lot of rhetoric and no reality. There’s no upside here, and there is some downside.” 

Price controls are government-mandated minimum or maximum prices set for specific goods and services. If this is implemented, supply and demand will no longer determine prices or profit levels. Price controls can lead to problems such as shortages, rationing, inferior product quality, and illegal markets. 

Richard Nixon, a Republican President, in 1971, introduced wage and price control.  It ended in utter failure and people paid the price

Price controls by the Government are established only in Communist and Socialist countries. Not in the free world. (While writing this I am thinking of Kamala Harris’s dad Dr. Donald Harris, a professor at Stanford University. He was a Marxist Economist.) 

No tax on tips and child tax credit are borrowed from the Republican Party.

A Drive Thru Surprise

One bright morning, I was excited to get my favorite breakfast from McDonald's. As I drove into the drive-thru line, ready to wait patiently for my turn, something unexpected happened. 

A car zoomed in from the side and cut in front of me, bypassing the line entirely. I felt a surge of frustration and wanted to get out of my car to ask her to wait her turn, but then I remembered stories about road rage and how things can sometimes get out of hand. I took a deep breath and decided to stay quiet, choosing to focus on my own breakfast instead. 

Finally, it was my turn to order. I pulled up to the microphone and placed my usual breakfast order. After that, I moved to the first window to pick up my food. The smell of freshly cooked breakfast made me even more excited, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. 

When I reached the second window to pay, the cashier girl smiled at me and said, "You don't need to pay for your order. The lady in the car ahead of you paid for it." I was stunned. I glanced back, but the car that had cut in line was already gone. 

I drove away with my breakfast, feeling a bit confused but mostly touched. It was a nice reminder that there are some truly kind people out there, even if they might be in a hurry or facing an emergency. The unexpected gesture made my morning even brighter, and I decided to pass on the kindness in my own way someday.

PS: This is not a fiction.  True Story.  One more time this type of situation happened.  Going to San Francisco, at the Bay Bridge Toll Plaza, the toll collector told me the car driver ahead of me  has paid for my toll charge also.

Ugly American

2024 Olympics – Basketball Final – Gold Medal Game – Team USA vs France. The great Victor Wembanyama was playing for France. Our own hero – Steph Curry of San Francisco Golden State Warriors was playing for team USA. He was instrumental in USA beating France 98 to 87 and USA winning the Gold Medal. 

And now the game ended. Steph Curry’s wife and kids and Curry’s mother were leaving the stadium. They were blocked to cross the street by the French Police. They do not speak French. The French police do not speak English. 

A passerby who was standing there, who can speak French and English, volunteered to translate. He told the Curry family they have blocked the crossing because the French President Emmanuel Macron who attended the USA-France Basketball Final was leaving and therefore had to block the roads so his convoy can go through freely.  The Curry family demanded they cross the road to their parked car.  But the French police were polite but firm and did not allow them to cross till the motorcade of the French President crosses the place.

But we Americans do not care. Now Ugly Americans come into the picture. Here are the comments in the American papers. Just like comments in the Indian press when things do not go the Indian way.

The French police are angry that USA beat France. (The French police were in the street and they do not even know the score) 

The French police are angry at Steph Curry because he was responsible for France’s loss and therefore, they are punishing Curry’s mother, wife, and kids. (The French Police do not even know who these people are in the street.) 

One San Franciscan wrote: Don’t they know Steph Curry is our hero and how dare they stop his family from crossing the street. 

I love Steph Curry.  This sounds like they were acting entitled.

Give me a break.

PS: A personal experience with French Police.  Long time ago, my wife and I were visiting Paris.  My brother was working and staying there in a fancy apartment. We stayed with him for a few days.  An important minister in the French Government was also staying in that apartment.  Therefore, there were a few police officers at the entrance to the apartment at all times.  When my wife and I were leaving to go back to USA, there was difficulty in putting our suitcases in the taxi.  The guarding French Police helped and made sure we had a smooth ride to the airport.

Walz is Veep Candidate

Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her Vice-Presidential Candidate. She was considering 6 people including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. 

There is generally a good opinion about Governor Walz. Here are some details. 

He is 60 years old and Governor of Minnesota. 

He is a war veteran having served in the Army National Guard.  He was a teacher for some years and coached the high school basketball team which won state championship. 

He was elected to the US Congress (Parliament) from 2006 to 2019, when he was elected Governor of Minnesota.  

One thing I like about him is that as a Governor he introduced free mid-day meals to school kids throughout the State. (Reminded me of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj who introduced free mid-day meals to school kids in the 1950s.) 

One criticism is that he is extreme left leaning. 

Harris and Walz jointly appeared this evening in Philadelphia and spoke to their supporters. Before that, Governor John Shapiro (who did not get the Veep nomination) gave a rousing speech. I was thinking this guy should have been picked as Veep by Kamala Harris. If he were to contest in 2028, I would seriously consider voting for him. 

After thought. Trump should have picked Tulsi Gabbard as his Vice Presidential candidate. She has all the qualifications. She was a Congresswoman, served in the Army as Lt. Colonel and saw action in Iraq, well liked by many in the Democratic Party (the opposition party).

'Cackling' Kamala Gets the Nomination

 'Cackling' Kamala Harris gets the Democratic Party Presidential Nomination to contest in 2024.

Universality Place

Ever heard of these 2 words? I did not until today. 

I was watching the Olympic opening ceremony. When Pakistani Delegation was shown on the TV, a commentator observed: There are 240 million people and 18 members representing that country. 7 are athletes and 11 officials. Even among the 7 athletes, 3 are representing Universality Place. *

Then I researched what Universality Place means. I quote from a writing: Universality Places are a lifeline to athletes from underrepresented National Olympic Committees. They are designed to increase the diversity of participating nations across the sports program of the Olympic Games. 

These are kind of “quotas” for smaller delegations who do not qualify for the Olympics on merit. Of the 200 countries in the world, there 93 countries qualify to participate in certain events under Universality Place. The Olympic committee knows these athletes will not win but still they want to increase the diversity. 

Sounds like education or job quota in certain countries. USA has an equivalent called DEI. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Diversity in politics too. There is a controversy that one of the U.S. Presidential candidates this year is selected on the basis of DEI only. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have come under attack in American boardrooms, state legislatures and college campuses across the country.

Is Universality Place a good idea or not?  What do you think?

* Universality Place is awarded only for Track and Field events and not for Team Events like hockey or basketball.

History Repeats?

1968 US Presidential election – President Lyndon Johnson, Democrat, decided not to seek re-election 

2024 US Presidential election – President Joe Biden, Democrat, decided not to seek re-election 

1968 US Presidential election – Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Democrat, gets the Democratic Party nomination 

2024 US Presidential election – Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrat, likely to get the Democratic Party nomination 

1968 Democratic Party Convention in Chicago. There were lot of protests and riots 

2024 Democratic Party Convention in Chicago. Will wait to see 

1968 US Presidential election – Richard Nixon, Republican, who ran for President before and was defeated gets the nomination 

2024 US Presidential election – Donald Trump, Republican, who ran for President before and was defeated gets the nomination 

1968 US Presidential election – Richard Nixon, Republican wins 

2024 US Presidential election – Will wait and see

The Seat of Understanding

As the boarding announcements echoed through the bustling airport terminal, passengers began shuffling towards the waiting aircraft. Among them was Mrs. Evelyn Brooks, a refined woman in her early sixties. She settled into her seat by the window, meticulously arranging her belongings around her. Her attention to detail reflected in her immaculate appearance and the subtle elegance of her demeanor. 

Just as she was getting comfortable, a stark contrast to her appeared—a man in worn-out clothes and a rugged appearance, clutching a small bag, approached hesitantly. He glanced at his boarding pass and then at the seat next to Mrs. Brooks. With a polite nod, he sat down, careful not to intrude on her space. 

Mrs. Brooks eyed him disapprovingly, a furrow forming between her brows. She pressed the call button impatiently. A flight attendant, ever graceful in her uniform, appeared promptly. 

"Is something the matter, ma'am?" she inquired politely. 

"Yes," Mrs. Brooks replied curtly, "I cannot sit next to this... person. Please find him another seat." 

The flight attendant maintained her composure despite the request being entirely unreasonable. "I apologize, ma'am, but the flight is fully booked. There are no other seats available." 

Mrs. Brooks' dissatisfaction was evident, her lips pursed tightly. "Well, then move me to another seat." 

"I'm afraid that's not possible either," the flight attendant explained, trying to diffuse the tension delicately. 

Growing more insistent, Mrs. Brooks demanded, "This is unacceptable! Speak to the captain. There must be something that can be done." 

The flight attendant, with a reassuring smile, excused herself and headed to the front of the plane. She explained the situation to Captain Johnson, who listened attentively, a thoughtful expression on his face. 

After a brief pause, Captain Johnson nodded decisively. He leaned forward and whispered an idea to the flight attendant, who nodded in understanding. She returned to Mrs. Brooks' row, a composed smile on her face. 

"Ma'am," she addressed Mrs. Brooks and the villager sitting beside her, "I have good news. Since the lady next to you prefers not to sit together, sir, I must move you to a different seat." 

The villager looked puzzled but complied, following the flight attendant down the aisle towards the front of the plane. Mrs. Brooks watched in disbelief as the man was led to the first-class cabin and settled into a plush seat, looking both bewildered and delighted. 

The flight attendant returned to Mrs. Brooks' side; her expression serene but hiding a hint of amusement. "Is there anything else I can assist you with, ma'am?"

PS: Got idea to the above story after reading a news item where a Bangalore Mall denied entry to a farmer in dhoti.

Election Update

Republican National Convention ended today in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump accepted the nomination to be the Presidential candidate for the Republican Party.  (Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago from August 19 to August 22.)

Earlier, he nominated Senator J D Vance of Ohio State to be his Vice Presidential candidate. His wife, Usha Chilukuri, is of Indian origin. Her parents, originally from Andhra Pradesh, are settled in San Diego, California. 

Last Saturday, an assassination attempt was made on Donald Trump while he was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania. His right ear was pierced by the bullet. He seems to be OK. Looks like he is going to get a lot of sympathy vote. Right now he is leading Biden by about 5 points. 

After the assassination attempt on Mr. Trump, Mr. Biden called him and expressed his concern and sympathy. He wished Mr. Trump a speedy recovery. Mr. Biden also asked the Secret Service to give extra protection to Mr. Trump. 

After disastrous performance by Mr. Biden during last month debate with Mr. Trump, many Democrats are calling for his withdrawal from the race and let some other Democrat to contest and beat Mr. Trump. But Mr. Biden is adamant and said he is not going to withdraw and will contest the election. There is a rumor that Barack Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi are behind in the move to make Mr. Biden to drop out of the race. There is a Tamil proverb “Adi mel adi vaithal ammium nagarum” (If you keep hitting it, even the strong iron rock will move). My personal opinion is Mr. Biden will eventually drop out. 

If Mr. Biden drops out, who will be the Presidential Candidate for the Democratic Party? Many people think Kamala Harris (now Vice President for Biden) will automatically get it. I think there are quite a few people waiting in the wings including California Governor Gavin Newsom. 

Let us see how this develops in the coming weeks.