Quick Thoughts - Newt Gingrich's Rise, NBA Lockout, and Other Observations

I'm brief-writing today, and as is my habit, I need to mix in a post in an effort to get the writing juices flowing (seriously, this works for me for some reason).  Anyway, here are a few posts to confirm what I've said on this blog in the past:

Newt Gingrich's Rise Proves Everyone Hates Mitt Romney:

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the 2012 GOP Primary is all about Romney v. the anti-Romney.  Fundamentally, GOP primary voters do not like Romney.  Here's how I know: people who answer survey questions say they won't vote for someone because they either a) Don't know the candidate; b) Like the candidate, but like another candidate more; and 3) they hate the candidate.

Since he's been running for President since 2007 (or earlier), everyone knows Mitt Romney.  And given that Bachmann, Trump, Perry, Cain, and now Newt Gingrich, have all been the frontrunner at some point in this race, its pretty clear that the voters are consistently picking anyone over Romney.  The exceptions to this rule are Jon Huntsman (who is a poor man's Romney to Republican voters, and a rich man's Romney to Democratic voters), Ron Paul (who's off in a world of his own), and Rick Santorum.  To be honest, I have no idea why the voters haven't gone with Santorum yet - my best guess is that he gives off a "loser" vibe.

In any event, if Romney gets the nomination, he won't be beloved by his base, and that will make for an interesting general election.

NBA Lockout

So, it looks like the NBA season will be locked out due to the labor issues between the owners and the players.  As I said before, the only way the players will get any leverage in this potential lockout is for the players themselves to form their own league - thus threatening the investments of the owners (who would own essentially useless assets if the players' league does well).

Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran?

I have to admit I didn't see the last GOP debate - but the whole issue of bombing Iran to prevent it from getting nukes is a bad one because the Iranian regime is learning that when you favor loyalty over competency, you end up with an incompetent government.  The people are pissed, and want change now.  As a result, even if Iran gets the bomb, its more likely to use it on itself than on the U.S. or Israel.  Plus, in the battle of the Middle Eastern hegemonies, Turkey is winning - no one wants to be Iran anymore, everyone wants to be like Turkey.  Bombing Iran will only strengthen a hastily weakening regime.

The 2011 Chargers

Two words for you: Norv sucks.  Seriously, how often do we have to see the same story over and over again for everyone to remember that Norv Turner is not a good head coach?  That AJ Smith either won't see this, or can't see this, lends credence to the idea that the "Lord of No Rings" has to go as well.