"I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees."

And so goes the famous or soon to be very famous line from Dr. Seuss' 1971 ode to overconsumption. The book has seen its share of controversy as it demonized logging and other industries. Fans and environmentalists say the book is an apt warning about the future of our country and the world if those mean, for-profit corporations are allowed to destroy the planet in the name of a buck ... or two. Hollywood keeps coming to us with movies centered around nature taking revenge, and like those anti-war movies that have won a bunch of awards, moviegoers haven't mostly yawned.

Of course this time it's different because the message is aimed out our children. I'm a fan of Dr. Seuss and have no problem with his concern about pollution and overconsumption, but in the hands of Hollywood, we have to get ready for a giant dose of hypocrisy and finger wagging. These jetsetters that make more money than any Wall Street titan and consume just as many resources with their personal footprints have been such phonies about the environment and about being clean. They sell fear to the rest of the world while living the good life that includes no accountability, and they get paid when the movies is in the can, even if nobody goes to see it.

As snipers for the environmental movement, their aim is too often off the mark because they love money more than they love anything else. I'm not knocking them for that, just for acting like your priorities are wrong and theirs are lined up just right. But in many respects, Hollywood is the right place for the Lorax considering his description.

He was shortish. And oldish.
And brownish. And mossy.
And he spoke with a voice
That was sharpish and bossy.

How can Hollywood keep churning out movies where condemnation is the main point, whether its war, republicans or success? At some point these studios have to make a buck, too. Well, maybe the compromise will come from corporate sponsors, mass marketing deals and product endorsements. Sure, in many respects this goes against the very theme of movies and the industry itself, but you can't pay $25.0 million salaries and have a person dividing M&Ms by color in trailers without going against some principles. I guess they rationalize that in the end you can exercise moral indignation if you are preaching worthwhile messages.

In other words there are greedier people committing more harm than we do with bad movies.
But maybe with the "Lorax" Hollywood has pushed the envelope of even its standards of hypocrisy, considering the movie has 70 different product tie-ins including an SUV and a company that makes disposable diapers. Sure, it's a crossover with SUV's and the diapers coming from the self-professed super green Seventh Generation. This has environmentalists in an uproar as only a handful of the companies involved are truly "green." In the end, the environmental movement had to enter into this deal with corporate America, and both get something out of it. It means a ton of money for special interest organizations and a seal of approval for corporations. And that seal is also a license to make more money—lots of people pay 15% more if the product is "green."

Nature magazine called the "Lorax" a "parody of a misanthropic ecologist," which might be heavy-handed. But the story sees the destruction of the truffula trees, and I suspect lots of trees have been cut down to print those millions of books that have delighted children around the world for more than half a century. But I'm not mad at Dr. Seuss, he brought us joy. But Hollywood must stop ruining their industry and our heroes with messages they don't really believe. In honor of Dr. Seuss, and to celebrate his birth 108 years ago, today, I've written my own ode:

Movies were once adventures and fun
Swashbuckling heroes
Now there are none

Story-telling is out
Yet propaganda is snappy
But moviegoers are sad
When the lights come on
They're not happy

Stop selling me products
And your beliefs on the sly
I just want to look at the big screen
And believe I can fly

-Charles Payne

I'm a huge movie fan and will support movies like Act of Valor. which salutes America's greatness. I'm not going to see a movie that makes me feel guilty because the ticket stub might have once been a truffula tree.

The Market, Oil, and Smart People I Know

Last night's guest on Payne Nation made great observations about the stock market and oil rally. Larry Shover of SFG Alternatives calls the upside determination a "ferocious bid" but worries about a sharp pullback not unlike the one gold saw this week. Ironically, his "buy" signal comes with an increase in real wages which are at their lowest point since 1948. The thing is that bottom lines have been bolstered in part to lower wages, so it would hurt incomes but add true growth to an economy feeding at the misery trough of cheap money. Then there was Steven Schork from the Schork Report.

He predicts a release of oil from the Strategic Reserve and blaming speculators. But the real solution, and one I haven't heard anyone else mention, is the repeal of the Jones Act. Yes, the same Jones Act that stopped foreign ships from helping clean up after the Gulf oil disaster. His rationale was interesting and thoughtful, which means it will not happen.

Today's Session

There will be no jobs report today, but without early morning news, stocks are drifting and the bulls appear to be more sober. There isn't a lot of angst, but a fair amount of reflection. This has been an amazing ride, stealthy, underreported, and steady but can the data keep up to not only justify the move but also facilitate further upside?

It's a good question. Momentum means ties go to the bulls and even when numbers come in below consensus, the narrative can be positive (see yesterday's income and spending results). While the market roars, many deep-pocketed folks are still not sure.

In Europe, deposits at the ECB leaped to €776.9 billion from €475.2 billion overnight! Banks have three years to do something with the cash and repay it at 1%, but for now they are comfortable taking all that "free" cash and getting 0.25% interest.

We aren't forcing the issue right now. Let's see how the market shakes out. The resolve has been amazing, but there are more chinks in the armor. Moreover, looking at the spike in President Obama's disapproval, I get a sense that consumer confidence could also be moving lower as well. My biggest concern is what happens when the market is really tested. I don't think it happens before the jobs report next Friday, although we could see an increase in volatility. Warm weather of all things might be the only thing that saved the economy and markets from a rougher start to the year—thank goodness for global warming.

Comments

I was thinking the better option is Putin. Gary Briggs on 3/2/2012 9:51:45 AM

Another President; Ho, Uncle Joe, Adolph, Mao. Skinner Chalk on 3/2/2012 9:53:17 AM

It took a Carter to get a Reagan! So for that I thank you Mr. President. PS what was you GPA in school? David Henson on 3/2/2012 9:58:05 AM

Obama is Jimmy Carter on steroids!! Never considered the possibility that we would, in my lifetime, see a worse President than Carter. I believe at the time Carter at least loved this country; I don't think Obama did, does or will ever love the USA. That's sad. CAptainc77a, Houston on 3/2/2012 9:59:45 AM

CARTER. Charles, I've been following you for years and I am amazed that we agree 100% on everything political!! I consider you my political soul mate!!! Sharon Chaput on 3/2/2012 10:03:16 AM

Carter JD on 3/2/2012 10:03:39 AM

Carter Vern Carlsen on 3/2/2012 10:03:48 AM

Wilson; He was a starry eyed liberal and an elitist. He provided us with the doomed League of nations that ushered in WW 2 and was the precursor to the UN. Clay on 3/2/2012 10:07:40 AM

Jimmy Carter Jr Lyle on 3/2/2012 10:13:02 AM

This president is more like Carter. His comment about being the new Regan only highlights how out of touch he is with what is going on in our country and our dysfunctional government. john t on 3/2/2012 10:13:40 AM

I think obama is hell bent on undermining our Constitution, the demise of the USA. Jimmy Carter was stupid, obama is our enemy. If obama is re-elected, the USA is gone as a great beacon of freedom. forget the Constitution. Townes Watson on 3/2/2012 10:16:48 AM

Jimmy Carter Jason Harvey on 3/2/2012 10:24:25 AM

Carter. Major disaster. Edward Ptacek on 3/2/2012 10:27:15 AM

Mr. Obama and Mr Carter are like peas in a pod or should I say, Peace Prize Winners in a POD. What a Joke! They are a set of book ends. The only things Mr. Obama and Mr Reagan have in common is that they are both tall. Harold Wells on 3/2/2012 10:32:06 AM

Obama is a pompous, arrogant,vainglorious, narcissistic boob who has embarrassed and weakened the United States in ways Jimmy Carter had not considered. gary on 3/2/2012 10:34:55 AM

Carter but without the semblance of caring or Millard Filmore, except that he acts like he Knows LESS THAN Nothing Jerry J on 3/2/2012 10:36:12 AM

carter j egan on 3/2/2012 10:39:13 AM

He is more like Fielding Mellish (Bananas)Woody Allen. Doesn't have a clue. R McLaughlin on 3/2/2012 10:39:20 AM

More like Carter, except even worse. Margie on 3/2/2012 10:45:22 AM

Jimmy Carter. In fact the joke is Obama is serving Carter's second term. I believe Obama will have a worse record than Carter. Bob Medkeff on 3/2/2012 10:47:28 AM

I think Jimmy Carter was just a dope, but has anyone ever figured out what it will cost us to give Secret Service protection to Obamas children for the rest of our lives, even if he loses the election. Presidents should be allowed to run until after they are 70 years old or have been sterilized. Elaine on 3/2/2012 10:51:46 AM

New Reagan?? You have got to be kidding me. He is dumber than a box of rocks!! Not the brightest crayon in the box either. He is 1,000 times WORSE than Jimmy Carter. Lord, have mercy on us. Mary A. Manson on 3/2/2012 10:54:41 AM

I lived through the Carter years. I had no idea anyone could be a worse president than him. But here he is, Obama the destroyer. Cliff on 3/2/2012 10:55:24 AM

Carter/FDR/Wilson combined, Scary, scary guy!!!! Harp_5A on 3/2/2012 10:55:37 AM

Obviously, the turkey is no Reagan. He has no moral compass, does not love the USA, does not care about people, and has done nothing to help the economy. As for being a Carter, he has shown the same economic understanding (lack thereof), but has failed to be allowed to implement double digit inflation except in regards to fuels; and Carter also had an understanding of morality. Let us hope and pray that he also matches Carter in term length. I think the best comparison is Marcos (of the Philippines), with elaborate spending of money the country could not afford for the benefit only of himself and his friends, and aiming to leave the country broken. Bob on 3/2/2012 11:01:17 AM

Obama is delusional. Reagan believed in Lower taxes, smaller government, less regulation a strong military and individual freedom----- everything that Obama is against Diane on 3/2/2012 11:02:54 AM

Definitely Carter Grace on 3/2/2012 11:14:03 AM

He is too dangerous, effective and radical to be Jimmy Carter. He is more like Woodrow Wilson. Rick Hathaway on 3/2/2012 11:17:19 AM

Presently, I would take Jimmy Carter back in a New York minute. Obama is off the charts bad. Dave Begley on 3/2/2012 11:17:29 AM

D: A Bolshevik premier Joe D on 3/2/2012 11:27:04 AM

Carter was not an effective president, but he did not do anywhere near the damage Obama has. Obama is in a class by himself as one of the worst presidents. What a shame he forfeited the great opportunity he had to be a role model. Paul on 3/2/2012 11:39:02 AM

If Obama is the "new" Ronald Regan than we should ask for the old one back. He is definitely channeling Carter. Norma JV on 3/2/2012 11:40:11 AM

Carter !!!! Ralph Wessel on 3/2/2012 11:51:05 AM

Obama is by far worse than Jimmy Carter. At least Carter loved this country. He was way off in his leadership and policies but he was patriotic. Obama is a socialist/ communist who I truly believes eNtail to be an elite entitled leader who will live with his elite buddies on the backs of those who still have a work ethic and don't want to give up in America yet cathy forrest on 3/2/2012 12:07:15 PM

Charles, If you have to compare yourself to someone else in order to gain respect or acknowledgement, you are not the new Ronald Reagan. Or the new anybody worth revering. Saverio Saverio on 3/2/2012 12:10:49 PM

Carter was the worst until obama came along. Carter was just a plain ldealogical imbicil. Obama ia just plain anti American, plain disregard and disrespect for the laws and the spirit that made America great. With all due respect, the Office of the President deserves respect however this president deserves NONE and needs to go away now via a COMPLETE ASS KICKING of him and his radical ideals in November. His messages of victimization are as pathetic and devisive as he is. This is who America elected; God, please help us. Please. Thanks for the forum Charles tim abbott tim abbott on 3/2/2012 12:11:01 PM

Woodrow Wilson, just like Wilson Obama thinks he is god!!! Mark Koss on 3/2/2012 12:56:51 PM

President Obama is worse than Carter because he is the most insidious person to hold the office. He really should be in Hollywood because he can say things that he knows are not true with a straight face. Frances Wiggins on 3/2/2012 1:01:10 PM

"Like no other the U.S. has ever had" It is an insult to compare him to Jimmy Carter, who was just worthless, while Obama is dangerous to America! Bob Pitman on 3/2/2012 1:11:06 PM

Who is the President of Venezuela? Rich on 3/2/2012 1:12:37 PM

God, he's even worse than carter, whom I thought was unparalled in stupidity and still is. Delta on 3/2/2012 1:29:42 PM

Obama like REAGAN?! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha He wishes! Of course he's more like Carter. Pendit1 on 3/2/2012 1:35:55 PM

"Once upon a time at the movies" Heroes and villains oh how I am amazed, a spectacle of excitement as I gaze. Into the fantasy I will go, not a worry or problem all is let go. Avenge for the hero, the villian no more. I leave with a grin, All is safe in the world once again. Larry Preston on 3/2/2012 1:45:26 PM

He's the worse, MOST DANGEROUS president we have EVER had! He's not worthy to even SPEAK Regan's name. Exceedingly destructive and calculating. Gail on 3/2/2012 2:39:27 PM

I am a democrat, I really should be independent that is how I vote. This president is a total idiot. This dumb-ass thinks he caused the stock market to go up 60% since he has taken office. Maybe if you dumped all your money in when it was at 6500 on the DOW, but who did that. I never regained all of the money I lost in the downturn. I tried some different things but I am not a savvy trader like the wall street guys. Quit blaming them I want my retirement to go up not down. What a moron. I am voting Rep for president no matter who is there. You know what Obama did for me in healthcare? Caused my insurance to go up at least 25-30 more dollars a month and my prescription has doubled. As a single person in my mid 50's I put out about 200 per month and I have a 5000 deductible. I am probably one of the luckier ones here and If I had a job it might be easier. 9% unemployment and you think this is good, what planet did you come from. I have been in the printing business as a printing pressman for over 30+ years and had never been with out of a job until now. I can't even find one and have been on unemployment for almost 2 years now. I had to go back to school to start a new career in Physical Therapy Assistant. I am worried if I am going to make it or not. This is a real bitch at over 50 years old. The only real help I am getting is a pell grant that is helping me pay for school. OK, this one is helping me, I will give him that. But with gas at over 4.00 a gal now this really hurts. Get the pipe line going jackass. Do some more drilling for oil. Do not close the power plants we need the electricity. What does the president want me to do, put a windmill on my car and get a solar energy panel for the roof? Obama wants me to go solar and build a windmill but I just can't go down to Home Depot to get those now can I? A person that lives near me in Northeast Ohio wanted to put up a windmill and had to get permission from us neighbors and I said go for it but our stupid town planners said no. Each one of us has a 5 acre plot and this person has 15 acres. We are in a small town west of Lordstown, Ohio. I do like the idea of the solar and the windmills and the electric cars but the cars do have to be charged and that does take electric use. Everyone cries about this global warming crap but I bet the president would not give up his air conditioning in his home and in his car to save on energy now would he. That's what I thought. Ronald Reagan? Are you kidding me? Guy Fox on 3/2/2012 3:03:29 PM

Carter Tamara on 3/2/2012 3:38:46 PM

Every night before I go to bed my prayer is that from this day forward Obama will be just like President William Henry Harrison :) Mark R on 3/2/2012 3:47:41 PM

Carter. I believe we can place presidents in one of 3 categories: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Reagan was in the Good category and Carter and Obama are Ugly! Marilyn on 3/2/2012 4:57:11 PM

Carter Stephen Shortall on 3/2/2012 5:41:27 PM

He's worse than Jimmy Carter as his long term goals are for complete Government oversight of America while minimizing the effects of a free market society. The Healthcare bill is a perfect example. We continue to learn more about the depths of it's impact on Healthcare as time passes. It's passing at the 11th hour was a back door slight of hand on America. Keep up the good work Charles, lots of little people like me on fixed incomes need your common sense voice. Phil Orlando, FL Phil on 3/2/2012 5:43:50 PM

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