Just saw this in a news article:
"The vote was 58-39 in favor of the provision establishing concealed carry permit reciprocity in the 48 states that have concealed weapons laws. That fell two votes short of the 60 needed to approve the measure, offered as an amendment to a defense spending bill."
How appropriate! Does that mean the "defense spending bill" was two votes short of approval as well? So, I guess 39 senators are against defense spending, and 58 are for the right to carry concealed weapons across state lines.
By the way, "What defense spending"? What was the bill for? The F-22? The war in Iraq? The war in Afganistan? Military pay increases? It could be very important during the mid-term elections.
Showing posts with label Rant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rant. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
It's Been Awhile
I know, I know, never discuss politics or religion in mixed company. BUT, with what has been going on lately, I cannot bite my tongue any longer. The time has come to vent.........a little.
What the hell are we doing to our country? We sit back and allow the people we have elected to do our bidding in Washington let this country sink further and further into the depths of dispair.
First, Barney Frank - The remaining (Taxpayer funds) of the TARP money that is left unspent (to this point) should be returned to its rightfull owners! The Taxpayers! But no, he wants to spend it on "other significant" Government projects. WTF! This attempted misappropriation of funds is brought to you by the same guy who said the Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae were doing just fine. Just in case you don't know, he is the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. This is the person that our Elected Representatives have determined has the intelligence and knowledge to advise that body on all matters financial! So much for their judgemnet.
Second, The Continuing Bailout - Stop the Madness!!!!! We cannot afford to save every entity from the responsibility of their poor judgement and ineptitude. What, you only want another 800 Billion dollars? No problem. We'll just print you up some nice, crisp, new bills. When will those dumbasses realize that they are spending our money with little or no thought of the consequences? Even the Congressional Budget Office is starting to question whether this level of spending can or should be maintained!
Third, Health Care Reform (and I use that term loosely) - What are they trying to reform? They write / submit a bill of over a thousand pages (that no one will ever read) that creates or expands thirty eight federal entities to administer each and evey aspect of the "plan". My opinion of this brilliant move is that with enough targets, finger-pointing when it fails will be as easy as shooting ducks on a pond. Think about it! Who in our Government in the last twenty plus years has ever accepted the blame for his or her actions. They point at other politicians, corporate leaders, God, the Devil, even the American People. It is NEVER their fault. Is there any wonder why certain corporate leaders and many people in general react in the same manner? We have learned our lessons, from our elected teachers, very well. The only difference being that we will be vilafied for doing so and they won't.
Fourth, Health Care Reform - Why do the politicians fail to separate this debate into its basic elements? There is the moral issue of providing coverage to individuals who cannot get or afford health insurance. There is the financial issue of how we will pay for that. And there is the reform issue of how to reduce costs without degrading service, if that is really possible. Until the President and the Congress try to look at these issues in their proper perspective, we will continue to see the OMNIBUS Healthcare Bills that have been floated (and failed) in the past. I do not think it is really possible to address all the issues in one, all or none, bill. Nor do I believe that it has to be done RIGHT NOW! Let's take our time and do it right. I know that the current administration is looking at the mid-term elections with fear and trepidation. If they fail to keep their grandiose campaign promises, they may loose the congressional majority. I mean, if you can't accopmplish your far reaching agenda with control both the executive and legislative branches of the Government, what can you do?
Last, Nancy Pelosi - Enough said.
What the hell are we doing to our country? We sit back and allow the people we have elected to do our bidding in Washington let this country sink further and further into the depths of dispair.
First, Barney Frank - The remaining (Taxpayer funds) of the TARP money that is left unspent (to this point) should be returned to its rightfull owners! The Taxpayers! But no, he wants to spend it on "other significant" Government projects. WTF! This attempted misappropriation of funds is brought to you by the same guy who said the Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae were doing just fine. Just in case you don't know, he is the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. This is the person that our Elected Representatives have determined has the intelligence and knowledge to advise that body on all matters financial! So much for their judgemnet.
Second, The Continuing Bailout - Stop the Madness!!!!! We cannot afford to save every entity from the responsibility of their poor judgement and ineptitude. What, you only want another 800 Billion dollars? No problem. We'll just print you up some nice, crisp, new bills. When will those dumbasses realize that they are spending our money with little or no thought of the consequences? Even the Congressional Budget Office is starting to question whether this level of spending can or should be maintained!
Third, Health Care Reform (and I use that term loosely) - What are they trying to reform? They write / submit a bill of over a thousand pages (that no one will ever read) that creates or expands thirty eight federal entities to administer each and evey aspect of the "plan". My opinion of this brilliant move is that with enough targets, finger-pointing when it fails will be as easy as shooting ducks on a pond. Think about it! Who in our Government in the last twenty plus years has ever accepted the blame for his or her actions. They point at other politicians, corporate leaders, God, the Devil, even the American People. It is NEVER their fault. Is there any wonder why certain corporate leaders and many people in general react in the same manner? We have learned our lessons, from our elected teachers, very well. The only difference being that we will be vilafied for doing so and they won't.
Fourth, Health Care Reform - Why do the politicians fail to separate this debate into its basic elements? There is the moral issue of providing coverage to individuals who cannot get or afford health insurance. There is the financial issue of how we will pay for that. And there is the reform issue of how to reduce costs without degrading service, if that is really possible. Until the President and the Congress try to look at these issues in their proper perspective, we will continue to see the OMNIBUS Healthcare Bills that have been floated (and failed) in the past. I do not think it is really possible to address all the issues in one, all or none, bill. Nor do I believe that it has to be done RIGHT NOW! Let's take our time and do it right. I know that the current administration is looking at the mid-term elections with fear and trepidation. If they fail to keep their grandiose campaign promises, they may loose the congressional majority. I mean, if you can't accopmplish your far reaching agenda with control both the executive and legislative branches of the Government, what can you do?
Last, Nancy Pelosi - Enough said.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Maybe I'm Wrong
I have always thought that it was every Americans DUTY to vote, as many who know me can attest. I have been very vocal concerning this attitude and have often chastised those I know who did not or do not vote. In my opinion, if you cannot take the time to prepare and vote, you have given up the right to complain or question anything done by your government. An excellent example would be the war in IRAQ. How many of the current anti-war protesters actually voted? If it is anything like the Viet Nam era protesters, the answer would be approximately 30%.
As we dissect the results of the current election, one hears about the large number of voters who turned out, many of them for the first time. There was one news story about a 100 year old woman who was voting for the first time in her life! Although the increase in voter turnout seems laudable at first glance, once a complete analysis is performed, I ,for one, am not so sure. For example, the City of Suffolk held its first mayoral election on Tuesday. Previously, the mayor was selected by the City Council. This was the FIRST time that the residents of that city had an opportunity to have a say in who governed them as the mayor. An historic election in its own right. Here are some excerpts for the coverage:
One candidate was Mike Debranski. One voter when asked why she voted for him is quoted as saying: "The honest truth?" she said cringing. "Because he had a weird last name."
The article also stated "....more than a few acknowledged they knew little, if anything, about the local candidates."
Another voter is quoted as saying: "I didn't know who was who." The article goes on to say "She said she voted for Linda Johnson because she was the only woman on the ballot."
Yet another voter had a very good reason for voting her choice. "I just put Johnson, because my last name is Johnson,".
The final example is a voter that said she didn't know any of the mayoral candidates is quoted as saying "My grandpa told me to write in me."
Nearly 5,000 of the 41,800 who voted (slightly over 10%) did not even bother to cast a vote in their local mayoral race. OVER TEN PERCENT! And that does not count the voters like those quoted above. How many more made their selections in a like manner? Some people had to stop and think to even recall who they had voted for just minutes before. Why, then did these people vote. I could venture a guess. Are these the new voters that turned out in support of Barrack Obama? Are these the New Democrats? If so, are these the type of voters that will make intelligent, informed choices in the future? That is, assuming they will continue to vote on a regular basis, which I seriously doubt!
Therein lies the reason for my self doubt. Am I wrong to expect every American Citizen to be involved in the decision making process? Obviously there are many people whose only qualification is citizenship and age, the minimum requirement. It's unconstitutional to require any more, like commitment and intelligence. But, what about the responsibility to make informed choices? Do I expect too much? Is there really that much apathy in the American Electorate?
Like I said before, take any good looking, well dressed, eloquent piece of meat, give him half a billion dollars, and he, too, could become President. Maybe that is what we deserve. Maybe issues are as dead as many of our preceeding Presidents. Now it's all hype and showmanship!
As we dissect the results of the current election, one hears about the large number of voters who turned out, many of them for the first time. There was one news story about a 100 year old woman who was voting for the first time in her life! Although the increase in voter turnout seems laudable at first glance, once a complete analysis is performed, I ,for one, am not so sure. For example, the City of Suffolk held its first mayoral election on Tuesday. Previously, the mayor was selected by the City Council. This was the FIRST time that the residents of that city had an opportunity to have a say in who governed them as the mayor. An historic election in its own right. Here are some excerpts for the coverage:
One candidate was Mike Debranski. One voter when asked why she voted for him is quoted as saying: "The honest truth?" she said cringing. "Because he had a weird last name."
The article also stated "....more than a few acknowledged they knew little, if anything, about the local candidates."
Another voter is quoted as saying: "I didn't know who was who." The article goes on to say "She said she voted for Linda Johnson because she was the only woman on the ballot."
Yet another voter had a very good reason for voting her choice. "I just put Johnson, because my last name is Johnson,".
The final example is a voter that said she didn't know any of the mayoral candidates is quoted as saying "My grandpa told me to write in me."
Nearly 5,000 of the 41,800 who voted (slightly over 10%) did not even bother to cast a vote in their local mayoral race. OVER TEN PERCENT! And that does not count the voters like those quoted above. How many more made their selections in a like manner? Some people had to stop and think to even recall who they had voted for just minutes before. Why, then did these people vote. I could venture a guess. Are these the new voters that turned out in support of Barrack Obama? Are these the New Democrats? If so, are these the type of voters that will make intelligent, informed choices in the future? That is, assuming they will continue to vote on a regular basis, which I seriously doubt!
Therein lies the reason for my self doubt. Am I wrong to expect every American Citizen to be involved in the decision making process? Obviously there are many people whose only qualification is citizenship and age, the minimum requirement. It's unconstitutional to require any more, like commitment and intelligence. But, what about the responsibility to make informed choices? Do I expect too much? Is there really that much apathy in the American Electorate?
Like I said before, take any good looking, well dressed, eloquent piece of meat, give him half a billion dollars, and he, too, could become President. Maybe that is what we deserve. Maybe issues are as dead as many of our preceeding Presidents. Now it's all hype and showmanship!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
More Politics - Media Blasting
So, race was not an issue in this campaign. For two years we have heard from both campaigns, all the network news anchors, all the talking heads on the cable news networks, all the op-ed writers in all the newspapers that RACE cannot/should not/shall not be an issue in the election. Now that the election is over, all you hear is that history was made because an African-American was elected as President. I even read an op-ed piece that identifies the election of Barrack Obama as the REAL end of the Civil War. Let me see if I've got this right. Race didn't play a part in the campaign or the election, but is the most important / historical factor resulting from the election. Not once, and believe me I read, watch, and search out news/event stories from many sources, have I discovered one opinion that states we have elected the best man for the job.
This is all a subterfuge. It is the game the politicians and the media play to fill the airwaves with superfluous bullshit to gloss over what is really important. Just think back to the campaigns. We had the "lipstick on a pig", "the Ayers connection", "Palin's wardrobe", "Rev Wright", and "he voted no on...." controversies. Why? To steer us away from the real issues. I think the media is doing it again. Rather than concentrate on "ISSUES", they concentrate on "Gossip". That's probably due to two major reasons: 1) They need to fill more time than there is news, and 2) Most people don't want to deal with the serious concerns, they want to be entertained even by the news. I'm surprised that they couldn't find a way NOT to report on the economic crisis. The prime example for this morning was the hours spent reporting on what Rahm Emanuel had to say about being selected as Obama's Chief of Staff prior to the official announcement. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.
Then, after the announcement, check out what the AP had to say about his choices.
"His choice Thursday for White House chief of staff - Rahm Emanuel, a fiery partisan who doesn't mind breaking glass and hurting feelings - is a significant departure from the soft-spoken, low-key aides that "No-Drama Obama" has surrounded himself with during his campaign. And transition chief John Podesta, like Emanuel, is a former top aide to Bill Clinton and a tough partisan infighter, though less bombastic than the new chief of staff."
So much for a non-partisan, reaching across the aisle administration. This issue did not even garner a whisper this morning. It was much more important to dwell on Emanuel's "I'm not sure I will accept, I'll have to discuss it with my family" than to explore his position on partisanship.
I voted for John McCain because I believed that he was the BEST PERSON for the job, given the current state of this country. The majority of the American People disagreed with me. So be it. I will abide by that decision, but I will not abdicate my responsibility as a citizen and member of our participatory form of government and watch things just happen. I will not wait four years for my voice to be heard. I will be WATCHING. I will be PARTICIPATING. I may not be able to affect much on the National level, but my local representatives surely know my name, and the new ones will shortly.
Am I the only one who sees this travesty, or the only one who is saying anything? I need to get a national audience and form my own "Revolutionary Party". We will be for peaceful revolution from within. We will take over the government by playing by their rules and beating them at their own game. Any Takers.....?
This is all a subterfuge. It is the game the politicians and the media play to fill the airwaves with superfluous bullshit to gloss over what is really important. Just think back to the campaigns. We had the "lipstick on a pig", "the Ayers connection", "Palin's wardrobe", "Rev Wright", and "he voted no on...." controversies. Why? To steer us away from the real issues. I think the media is doing it again. Rather than concentrate on "ISSUES", they concentrate on "Gossip". That's probably due to two major reasons: 1) They need to fill more time than there is news, and 2) Most people don't want to deal with the serious concerns, they want to be entertained even by the news. I'm surprised that they couldn't find a way NOT to report on the economic crisis. The prime example for this morning was the hours spent reporting on what Rahm Emanuel had to say about being selected as Obama's Chief of Staff prior to the official announcement. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.
Then, after the announcement, check out what the AP had to say about his choices.
"His choice Thursday for White House chief of staff - Rahm Emanuel, a fiery partisan who doesn't mind breaking glass and hurting feelings - is a significant departure from the soft-spoken, low-key aides that "No-Drama Obama" has surrounded himself with during his campaign. And transition chief John Podesta, like Emanuel, is a former top aide to Bill Clinton and a tough partisan infighter, though less bombastic than the new chief of staff."
So much for a non-partisan, reaching across the aisle administration. This issue did not even garner a whisper this morning. It was much more important to dwell on Emanuel's "I'm not sure I will accept, I'll have to discuss it with my family" than to explore his position on partisanship.
I voted for John McCain because I believed that he was the BEST PERSON for the job, given the current state of this country. The majority of the American People disagreed with me. So be it. I will abide by that decision, but I will not abdicate my responsibility as a citizen and member of our participatory form of government and watch things just happen. I will not wait four years for my voice to be heard. I will be WATCHING. I will be PARTICIPATING. I may not be able to affect much on the National level, but my local representatives surely know my name, and the new ones will shortly.
Am I the only one who sees this travesty, or the only one who is saying anything? I need to get a national audience and form my own "Revolutionary Party". We will be for peaceful revolution from within. We will take over the government by playing by their rules and beating them at their own game. Any Takers.....?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Apparently, not "NUFF SAID".......
Well, WE elected our new President and will have to live with that decision for at least four years. Because of this event, I feel that I must air my feelings or burst. I have bitten my tongue for the last few weeks and created "The Saga of Flip" as a diversion. Though that may continue, it won't be as a diversion, it will be for fun. The following are some rambling thoughts that have been held back for way too long.
If WE are to believe the voter turnout numbers, this country has been galvanized into action. WE have spoken. WE are taking control. Or, was this just an anomaly? Do WE just vote and then return to OUR inconsequential existence? That's exactly what "THEY" hope ! After all, to THEM the American People, "WE", are not intelligent or capable enough to participate in OUR government. That's what "WE" elected "THEM" for. Once "THEY" are elected, "THEY" become one of "THEM", and "THEM" don't want to deal with "WE". It's "THEM" versus "US". (That's WE, as in We the People, and US, as in United States Citizens) (T.H.E.Y - Those Hopeful Elected Yahoos) (T.H.E.M - Those High Elected Morons)
Obama said "WE are the change WE have been waiting for." So, now WE have to roll up OUR sleeves, get off OUR collective asses, and actually participate in OUR governance. Just voting is
NOT enough. It is the first step in the process of taking back OUR Rights and OUR Country. Watch carefully the actions and voting of YOUR elected representatives. Hold their feet to the fire each time they vote for special interests and earmarks that do not benefit YOU. Let them know that WE ARE WATCHING, and WE WANT CHANGE ! Not just the slogan, but the ACTION. Hold them accountable ! This starts with OUR elected city officials and goes right the the Highest Office in the land !
With a Democratic Executive and Democratically controlled Congress, legislation will be passed so fast that it will seem like a bullet train speeding through the Capital. Unfortunately, the vortex created by this high speed legislature will suck the money right out of OUR pockets and the wind out of OUR sails.
I agree with Joe Biden. WE need to "take back our country". But, unlike Joe, I think WE need to take it back from the professional politicians, not just the Republicans. Of course, I also agree with Bob the Builder and his anthropomorphic friends . "Can WE do it? Yes WE Can!"
Partisanship only matters because PARTISANS (political party members) WANT IT TO !!!!!! THEY actually thrive on conflict. It's what gets THEM the evening sound bites and makes THEM feel important. A Democratic Congress has not accomplished a damn thing in two years, blaming partisanship, not THEIR own incompetence and inability to work for the good of the people. Now with a democratic executive there is nothing to stand in THEIR way.
These are the same members of congress that ignored every warning sign leading up to current economic problems for over two years. AND WE expect them to fix it! Now, THEY will be able to expand THEIR entitlement programs with little or no checks and balances. Who will pay for those programs ? YOU guessed it, WE! Are YOU excited yet?
WE need to turn the"M" of "ME" politicians upside down. Make it a "W" for "WE". Once THEY get elected, THEIR only thoughts are for reelection, not the welfare of THEIR constituents. Does this imply that WE belong to THEM? WE need to make that happen, because, as witnessed many times over, THEY will not change THEMSELVES!
WE, too, have become enamored with special interests. WE want to be part of a "Special" group. Whether WE be divided by age, sex, race, location, education, height, weight, political party, married, single, rich, poor, middle class, WE want to be special. That's what THEY prey upon. THEY know the buttons to push to make YOU feel special. THEY will lie to to make YOU feel special, that is until YOU demand that THEY do the job THEY were elected to do. Then THEY retreat into THEIR safe little office and sulk. Only to come out should there be a photo op. These people are so far removed and isolated from the WE people, THEY probably can't even conceive of what OUR interests might be.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, and it is. But, it is the only way to ensure that "WE" get back the control of OUR country and OUR future. DEMAND REPRESENTATION. Remember, "Taxation without Representation is Tyranny". I think that's where WE are headed unless WE take a stand NOW.
If WE are to believe the voter turnout numbers, this country has been galvanized into action. WE have spoken. WE are taking control. Or, was this just an anomaly? Do WE just vote and then return to OUR inconsequential existence? That's exactly what "THEY" hope ! After all, to THEM the American People, "WE", are not intelligent or capable enough to participate in OUR government. That's what "WE" elected "THEM" for. Once "THEY" are elected, "THEY" become one of "THEM", and "THEM" don't want to deal with "WE". It's "THEM" versus "US". (That's WE, as in We the People, and US, as in United States Citizens) (T.H.E.Y - Those Hopeful Elected Yahoos) (T.H.E.M - Those High Elected Morons)
Obama said "WE are the change WE have been waiting for." So, now WE have to roll up OUR sleeves, get off OUR collective asses, and actually participate in OUR governance. Just voting is
NOT enough. It is the first step in the process of taking back OUR Rights and OUR Country. Watch carefully the actions and voting of YOUR elected representatives. Hold their feet to the fire each time they vote for special interests and earmarks that do not benefit YOU. Let them know that WE ARE WATCHING, and WE WANT CHANGE ! Not just the slogan, but the ACTION. Hold them accountable ! This starts with OUR elected city officials and goes right the the Highest Office in the land !
With a Democratic Executive and Democratically controlled Congress, legislation will be passed so fast that it will seem like a bullet train speeding through the Capital. Unfortunately, the vortex created by this high speed legislature will suck the money right out of OUR pockets and the wind out of OUR sails.
I agree with Joe Biden. WE need to "take back our country". But, unlike Joe, I think WE need to take it back from the professional politicians, not just the Republicans. Of course, I also agree with Bob the Builder and his anthropomorphic friends . "Can WE do it? Yes WE Can!"
Partisanship only matters because PARTISANS (political party members) WANT IT TO !!!!!! THEY actually thrive on conflict. It's what gets THEM the evening sound bites and makes THEM feel important. A Democratic Congress has not accomplished a damn thing in two years, blaming partisanship, not THEIR own incompetence and inability to work for the good of the people. Now with a democratic executive there is nothing to stand in THEIR way.
These are the same members of congress that ignored every warning sign leading up to current economic problems for over two years. AND WE expect them to fix it! Now, THEY will be able to expand THEIR entitlement programs with little or no checks and balances. Who will pay for those programs ? YOU guessed it, WE! Are YOU excited yet?
WE need to turn the"M" of "ME" politicians upside down. Make it a "W" for "WE". Once THEY get elected, THEIR only thoughts are for reelection, not the welfare of THEIR constituents. Does this imply that WE belong to THEM? WE need to make that happen, because, as witnessed many times over, THEY will not change THEMSELVES!
WE, too, have become enamored with special interests. WE want to be part of a "Special" group. Whether WE be divided by age, sex, race, location, education, height, weight, political party, married, single, rich, poor, middle class, WE want to be special. That's what THEY prey upon. THEY know the buttons to push to make YOU feel special. THEY will lie to to make YOU feel special, that is until YOU demand that THEY do the job THEY were elected to do. Then THEY retreat into THEIR safe little office and sulk. Only to come out should there be a photo op. These people are so far removed and isolated from the WE people, THEY probably can't even conceive of what OUR interests might be.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, and it is. But, it is the only way to ensure that "WE" get back the control of OUR country and OUR future. DEMAND REPRESENTATION. Remember, "Taxation without Representation is Tyranny". I think that's where WE are headed unless WE take a stand NOW.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Let Us Pray
We did our part. Now let's just hope enough intelligent, well informed voters did the same!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
You Had To Know It Was Coming....
WARNING: Opinions expressed here are my own and may offend some readers!!!! Parental discretion is strongly advised.
Last night I watched the second "Presidential" debate. As I sat listening to the unending drivel opined by each of the candidates, my mind asked "Haven't we heard this bullshit before?" My answer was a resounding YES. It was then that I realized that I was extremely tired of this campaign. Not physically tired, but mentally beaten down. It seemed as if I had been following this campaign for years. WAIT, I have been following it for years. This campaign has dragged on for way longer than necessary, and the result is the two candidates we have? Couldn't we have done better? Are these the two best we have to run the country? I hope not! But, they are the "Parties" representatives. We've been told, and they hope we are convinced, that Obama and McCain are the "heirs apparent" in their respective parties. Screw the parties. WHAT ABOUT US? WE THE PEOPLE? Where is OUR leader?
Besides being tired, I am SICK! I am sick of hearing all the talking heads discuss, ad nauseum, who won and who lost. It' obvious to me the loser is the American people. Do either of these guys represent you? Or, do they represent all the special interest groups, corporations, and other "Devils" they have sold their souls to? You don't have to answer that question, it's rhetorical ;-)
(Pretend you are a politician)
My opinion:
What's wrong with American politics is that we have lost the direction and idealism of our Founding Fathers. No, they weren't always right, but they were always responsible and dedicated. Their major point of dissent was whether we should have a strong Federal Government (Federalists) or a weak Federal Government (Anti-Federalists or States Rightists) . The Anti-Federalists believed the power should reside with the States. That way, the states, ergo the people, would control the real power. Unfortunately, the Federalists won out! Our leaders today are more concerned with winning reelection than doing the job they were elected to do, and the Federal Government wields power with dizzying ineptitude.
Our Founding Fathers could not even imagine the position of "Professional Politicians". Their view of government was that all persons with a stake in this nation would perform his civic duty by doing a tour of duty in that governance. Each community would send a representative to Washington to provide the input from his constituents. Yes, I know that their idea of a person with a stake in this nation was a white, male, landowner. But, think about that. At that time, white, male, landowners were usually the most highly educated, economically active, leaders in their communities. Farmers as well as scholars and industrialists.Who better to send to Washington? This perception has changed over the years and has been addressed through Constitutional Amendment. But, the concept of popular representatives doing their tour and then going home is still fundamentally sound.
That brings up another sore point. We DO NOT live in a Democracy! We live in a Representative Democracy! We elect "Representatives" to perform the day to day activity of government. Otherwise, "We The People" would be voting on every bill / law / appointee / budget / etc. required to run the country. In theory this works, but with professional politicians spending their entire adult lives in Washington, they lose sight of "We The People" and concentrate on "Me The Politician." Re-election trumps representation, and "We The People" have become so lazy and complacent that most of us don't even care, or really want to know, what is going on in our own government. Just parade some smooth talking, good looking, well dressed, financially supported piece of meat in front of us and we will trip all over ourselves to send him to Washington. AND, even if he looks us straight in the eyes and lies to us, fails to "represent" us, breaks the law, commits unthinkable acts, WE WILL SEND HIM BACK AGAIN! Go Figure!
So, let's put together a plan. "We The People" will form a nationwide alliance. We will all agree not to vote unless there is a candidate that actually meets our requirements. We have just two: 1. That they be completely open and honest, and 2. That they actually Represent the people.
WHAT IF THEY HELD AN ELECTION AND NOBODY SHOWED UP. Imagine the message that would send to Washington!!!!!
Last night I watched the second "Presidential" debate. As I sat listening to the unending drivel opined by each of the candidates, my mind asked "Haven't we heard this bullshit before?" My answer was a resounding YES. It was then that I realized that I was extremely tired of this campaign. Not physically tired, but mentally beaten down. It seemed as if I had been following this campaign for years. WAIT, I have been following it for years. This campaign has dragged on for way longer than necessary, and the result is the two candidates we have? Couldn't we have done better? Are these the two best we have to run the country? I hope not! But, they are the "Parties" representatives. We've been told, and they hope we are convinced, that Obama and McCain are the "heirs apparent" in their respective parties. Screw the parties. WHAT ABOUT US? WE THE PEOPLE? Where is OUR leader?
Besides being tired, I am SICK! I am sick of hearing all the talking heads discuss, ad nauseum, who won and who lost. It' obvious to me the loser is the American people. Do either of these guys represent you? Or, do they represent all the special interest groups, corporations, and other "Devils" they have sold their souls to? You don't have to answer that question, it's rhetorical ;-)
(Pretend you are a politician)
My opinion:
What's wrong with American politics is that we have lost the direction and idealism of our Founding Fathers. No, they weren't always right, but they were always responsible and dedicated. Their major point of dissent was whether we should have a strong Federal Government (Federalists) or a weak Federal Government (Anti-Federalists or States Rightists) . The Anti-Federalists believed the power should reside with the States. That way, the states, ergo the people, would control the real power. Unfortunately, the Federalists won out! Our leaders today are more concerned with winning reelection than doing the job they were elected to do, and the Federal Government wields power with dizzying ineptitude.
Our Founding Fathers could not even imagine the position of "Professional Politicians". Their view of government was that all persons with a stake in this nation would perform his civic duty by doing a tour of duty in that governance. Each community would send a representative to Washington to provide the input from his constituents. Yes, I know that their idea of a person with a stake in this nation was a white, male, landowner. But, think about that. At that time, white, male, landowners were usually the most highly educated, economically active, leaders in their communities. Farmers as well as scholars and industrialists.Who better to send to Washington? This perception has changed over the years and has been addressed through Constitutional Amendment. But, the concept of popular representatives doing their tour and then going home is still fundamentally sound.
That brings up another sore point. We DO NOT live in a Democracy! We live in a Representative Democracy! We elect "Representatives" to perform the day to day activity of government. Otherwise, "We The People" would be voting on every bill / law / appointee / budget / etc. required to run the country. In theory this works, but with professional politicians spending their entire adult lives in Washington, they lose sight of "We The People" and concentrate on "Me The Politician." Re-election trumps representation, and "We The People" have become so lazy and complacent that most of us don't even care, or really want to know, what is going on in our own government. Just parade some smooth talking, good looking, well dressed, financially supported piece of meat in front of us and we will trip all over ourselves to send him to Washington. AND, even if he looks us straight in the eyes and lies to us, fails to "represent" us, breaks the law, commits unthinkable acts, WE WILL SEND HIM BACK AGAIN! Go Figure!
So, let's put together a plan. "We The People" will form a nationwide alliance. We will all agree not to vote unless there is a candidate that actually meets our requirements. We have just two: 1. That they be completely open and honest, and 2. That they actually Represent the people.
WHAT IF THEY HELD AN ELECTION AND NOBODY SHOWED UP. Imagine the message that would send to Washington!!!!!
Friday, October 3, 2008
I Plan To Make This Official...
This is a cool video that Steph sent me. What the hell, I couldn't do any more harm to the country than our current leaders, executive and congress.
A vote for Jim is a vote for yourself. Common man, uncommon beliefs.
A vote for Jim is a vote for yourself. Common man, uncommon beliefs.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Barack O-My-God-Am-I-Great-bama...
Let me preface this rant with some background information. Over the past few days I have been reading some information concerning Barack Obama's trip abroad.
The first was an opinion piece by Maureen Dowd of The New York Times, titled "Ich bin ein jet-setter". The main gist of the column was that Obama was preparing physically for his political equivalent of the "Labors of Hercules". Seems rather applicable to me, since he is the first candidate to take his campaign international, and we all know it has been a long and difficult campaign, thus far. But, what disturbed me in this atricle was the following quote: "'It's important to note that it is not our intent to make policy or to negotiate; we don't do so,' said Susan Rice, an Obama foreign policy adviser. "There's one president of the United States at any given time, and we will certainly honor and respect that.'" Well THANK YOU VERY MUCH..............If this is not the most egotistical, arrogant statement I have ever heard. Does he really think that he has already been annointed the Leader of the Entire Free World??? That only through his grace does the current elected President of The United States have any bearing on the world affairs!!!!! As far as I know, there is only one that can grant that type of permission, and HE is not running for President.
The next item was an opinion piece by Cal Thomas, titled "An American innocent abroad". In this article, Mr. Thomas states: "This week, Europe will cheer Barack Obama as if he were Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, the commander of Allied troops that liberated Europe from Hitler; or John F. Kennedy before the Brandenburg Gate near the beginning of the Berlin Wall; or Ronald Resgan in the same place near its collapse. Obama is no Eisenhower, Kennedy or Reagan. He might be more like the Pied Piper, leading Europeans to their doom." The article continues to present information regarding Obama's perspectives on foreign policy and contrast some of them with John McCain's. It also cites some poll results that favor McCain. Perhaps the most telling statement comes at the end of the column. It states: "Obama has 300 foreign policy advisers, many of them veterans of the Clinton administration. Why so many? Perhaps because he is an innocent abroad and, while he may have a rosy view of the world, his worldview needs improvement."
With that as a background, I watched Obama's speech from Berlin. I could not believe what I was hearing. I honestly thought that I had misheard or misunderstood. So, I printed out a copy of the text of that speech to review, and to reassure myself that I really had misunderstood. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I had heard properly and understood the significance of what had been said. If you think that the "Liberal" Clinton Administration tried to give away the farm, just wait until or if the "Socialist" Obama policies are put into effect. What do I mean...Read On....
Take the following quote from his speech: "This is the moment when we must build on the wealth that open markets have created, and share its benefits more equitably. Trade has been a cornerstone of our growth and global development. But we will not be able to sustain this growth if it favors the few, and not the many." Does this sound like redistribution of wealth on a global scale? I know that most liberals would like to take my money/assets and distribute it over their pet projects and/or constituents, but to propose this on a global scale has not been stated publicly since Karl Marx.
Consider the following excerpts:
"I come to Berlin as so many of my countrymen have come before. Tonight, I speak to you not as a candidate for President, but as a citizen - a proud citizen of the United States, and a fellow citizen of the world." Would he have had the opportunity or even considered this tour and speaking engagement if he was not the presumptive Democratic candidate?
"As we speak, cars in Boston and factories in Beijing are melting the ice caps in the Arctic, shrinking coastlines in the Atlantic, and bringing drought to farms from Kansas to Kenya." What about the carbon footprint resulting from this totally unnecessary trip?
"...the burdens of global citizenship continue to bind us together. A change in leadership in Washington will not lift this burden. In this new century, Americans and Europeans alike will be required to do more - not less." Does he really anticipate that Europe will participate more in global issues. We, The U.S., are the largest contributor to global enterprises, and we drag organizations like NATO, kicking and screaming, into action. Will Europe finally step up to their fair share just because Obama asks?
"The walls between races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and Muslim and Jew cannot stand. These now are the walls we must tear down." If I know my history, these walls have been in existence for thousands of years. Many attempts have been made to correct this situation, and all have failed. Race, nationality, and religion have been responsible for more wars and deaths throughout history than any other cause. It will take more than an agreement between Europe and the USA to tear down those walls.
"Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation, strong institutions, shared sacrifice, and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Does he even know what this means? Cooperation on what? What institutions? (strong ones like NATO?????) Shared sacrifice? (Who sacrifices or gives the most in support of world disasters/issues? Europe?) Commitment to progress on what issues? Which challenges of the 21st century, there are sooo many!
"I know my country has not perfected itself. At times, we've struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We've made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions." "Never let them see you sweat." "At this level of negotiation, never apologize. It is seen as a sign of weakness." I know that we are not always right, but we are usually more right than wrong. We are the world leader in personal freedom and human rights. Let us hope that the imperfect example we now apparently present will discourage the rest of the world from depending on us to save their asses when they are in trouble. After all, they wouldn't accept our help if they didn't agree with our policies, would they?
His closing needs no comment, except to say "Welcome to the New World Order".
"People of Berlin - and people of the world - the scale of our challenge is great. The road ahead will be long. But I come before you to say that we are heirs to a struggle for freedom. We are a people of improbable hope. With an eye toward the future, with resolve in our hearts, let us remember history, and answer our destiny, and remake the world once again."
Hail Caesar !!
fini
The first was an opinion piece by Maureen Dowd of The New York Times, titled "Ich bin ein jet-setter". The main gist of the column was that Obama was preparing physically for his political equivalent of the "Labors of Hercules". Seems rather applicable to me, since he is the first candidate to take his campaign international, and we all know it has been a long and difficult campaign, thus far. But, what disturbed me in this atricle was the following quote: "'It's important to note that it is not our intent to make policy or to negotiate; we don't do so,' said Susan Rice, an Obama foreign policy adviser. "There's one president of the United States at any given time, and we will certainly honor and respect that.'" Well THANK YOU VERY MUCH..............If this is not the most egotistical, arrogant statement I have ever heard. Does he really think that he has already been annointed the Leader of the Entire Free World??? That only through his grace does the current elected President of The United States have any bearing on the world affairs!!!!! As far as I know, there is only one that can grant that type of permission, and HE is not running for President.
The next item was an opinion piece by Cal Thomas, titled "An American innocent abroad". In this article, Mr. Thomas states: "This week, Europe will cheer Barack Obama as if he were Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, the commander of Allied troops that liberated Europe from Hitler; or John F. Kennedy before the Brandenburg Gate near the beginning of the Berlin Wall; or Ronald Resgan in the same place near its collapse. Obama is no Eisenhower, Kennedy or Reagan. He might be more like the Pied Piper, leading Europeans to their doom." The article continues to present information regarding Obama's perspectives on foreign policy and contrast some of them with John McCain's. It also cites some poll results that favor McCain. Perhaps the most telling statement comes at the end of the column. It states: "Obama has 300 foreign policy advisers, many of them veterans of the Clinton administration. Why so many? Perhaps because he is an innocent abroad and, while he may have a rosy view of the world, his worldview needs improvement."
With that as a background, I watched Obama's speech from Berlin. I could not believe what I was hearing. I honestly thought that I had misheard or misunderstood. So, I printed out a copy of the text of that speech to review, and to reassure myself that I really had misunderstood. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I had heard properly and understood the significance of what had been said. If you think that the "Liberal" Clinton Administration tried to give away the farm, just wait until or if the "Socialist" Obama policies are put into effect. What do I mean...Read On....
Take the following quote from his speech: "This is the moment when we must build on the wealth that open markets have created, and share its benefits more equitably. Trade has been a cornerstone of our growth and global development. But we will not be able to sustain this growth if it favors the few, and not the many." Does this sound like redistribution of wealth on a global scale? I know that most liberals would like to take my money/assets and distribute it over their pet projects and/or constituents, but to propose this on a global scale has not been stated publicly since Karl Marx.
Consider the following excerpts:
"I come to Berlin as so many of my countrymen have come before. Tonight, I speak to you not as a candidate for President, but as a citizen - a proud citizen of the United States, and a fellow citizen of the world." Would he have had the opportunity or even considered this tour and speaking engagement if he was not the presumptive Democratic candidate?
"As we speak, cars in Boston and factories in Beijing are melting the ice caps in the Arctic, shrinking coastlines in the Atlantic, and bringing drought to farms from Kansas to Kenya." What about the carbon footprint resulting from this totally unnecessary trip?
"...the burdens of global citizenship continue to bind us together. A change in leadership in Washington will not lift this burden. In this new century, Americans and Europeans alike will be required to do more - not less." Does he really anticipate that Europe will participate more in global issues. We, The U.S., are the largest contributor to global enterprises, and we drag organizations like NATO, kicking and screaming, into action. Will Europe finally step up to their fair share just because Obama asks?
"The walls between races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and Muslim and Jew cannot stand. These now are the walls we must tear down." If I know my history, these walls have been in existence for thousands of years. Many attempts have been made to correct this situation, and all have failed. Race, nationality, and religion have been responsible for more wars and deaths throughout history than any other cause. It will take more than an agreement between Europe and the USA to tear down those walls.
"Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation, strong institutions, shared sacrifice, and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Does he even know what this means? Cooperation on what? What institutions? (strong ones like NATO?????) Shared sacrifice? (Who sacrifices or gives the most in support of world disasters/issues? Europe?) Commitment to progress on what issues? Which challenges of the 21st century, there are sooo many!
"I know my country has not perfected itself. At times, we've struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We've made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions." "Never let them see you sweat." "At this level of negotiation, never apologize. It is seen as a sign of weakness." I know that we are not always right, but we are usually more right than wrong. We are the world leader in personal freedom and human rights. Let us hope that the imperfect example we now apparently present will discourage the rest of the world from depending on us to save their asses when they are in trouble. After all, they wouldn't accept our help if they didn't agree with our policies, would they?
His closing needs no comment, except to say "Welcome to the New World Order".
"People of Berlin - and people of the world - the scale of our challenge is great. The road ahead will be long. But I come before you to say that we are heirs to a struggle for freedom. We are a people of improbable hope. With an eye toward the future, with resolve in our hearts, let us remember history, and answer our destiny, and remake the world once again."
Hail Caesar !!
fini
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Great American Electorate....
Is this really how we select our leaders? Does this imply that BOTH candidates have "Republican Ideas" ?
One can only hope we will give it a little more consideration than this !!!!
Enough Said.....
Even some fellow Democrats are having problems with their presumptive candidate !!
Do you think this might give Hillary the opening she has been looking for?
Do you think this might give Hillary the opening she has been looking for?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Working the news cycle....
Sorry James, but with all the political news these days, I just have to make at least one more comment.
Barrack Obama and his "Political Machine" (he learned about politics in Chicago, where the Daly machine controls all) are really working the news cycles. Have you noticed that every time Obama does something that appears to be a change in position or promises/statements made during the primaries, someone or something comes up to divert attention from that event?
The latest is Jesse Jackson's "Hot Mike" remarks about Obama right after he reversed his position on the FISA bill. All the pundits were discussing the effect of this reversal of position until the Jackson story broke. Now Jackson's comments are all you hear about. The FISA vote is now history.
This happens with too much regularity to be just coincidence. Am I the only one who sees this? His Director of CYA is really working overtime, even if only half of these events are orchestrated.
Barrack Obama and his "Political Machine" (he learned about politics in Chicago, where the Daly machine controls all) are really working the news cycles. Have you noticed that every time Obama does something that appears to be a change in position or promises/statements made during the primaries, someone or something comes up to divert attention from that event?
The latest is Jesse Jackson's "Hot Mike" remarks about Obama right after he reversed his position on the FISA bill. All the pundits were discussing the effect of this reversal of position until the Jackson story broke. Now Jackson's comments are all you hear about. The FISA vote is now history.
This happens with too much regularity to be just coincidence. Am I the only one who sees this? His Director of CYA is really working overtime, even if only half of these events are orchestrated.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Politics As Usual.....
One would think that after nearly two years of campaigning that our presidential candidates would have their stuff together. Not a chance. Once again, we are being subjected to the the back pedaling, "What I really meant to say", posturing, saying whatever the group I am speaking to wants to hear, bullshit, and just plain lying that characterizes the "Politics As Usual" atmosphere of American politics.
What pisses me off more than that is these talking heads on all the news programs that are defending their candidates. How can they sit there in all their pompous righteousness and tell the lies they are spouting and not ever crack a smile? They must think that the American electorate is as dumb as rocks. They might just be Right!!! Apparently, the American people are sooooo gullible that they only believe what has been said in the last ten minutes. We suffer from a collective long term memory loss.
Obama was spouting his rhetoric about "Change" and "A New Form of Politics", and McCain was espousing his "Moderate", "Cooperative" political methodology. Now, how in the hell are you supposed to tell them apart. They are both sucking up to every special interest group they can find to try and win votes. Both are becoming more and more centrist with each passing day. So, it will come down to the lesser of two evils once again. And, in the end, we will return to the same old politics as usual that is currently in place.
Apparently, the American people have forgotten that we have a "Representative" form of Democracy. The President has only as much say as our elected representatives allow. You know, the old checks and balances defined in the Constitution. The President has only one powerful weapon in his personal arsenal, that of the VETO, and even that can be overridden by a 2/3rds majority of our representatives. So, in reality, the President, no matter who or which party or conservative/liberal, cannot accomplish a thing without the support of our representatives. I guess that means that you can't blame the President if their policies are not implemented. Ultimately, it is OUR fault. Remember, Obama said "YOU are the change YOU have been waiting for." He has already assigned the responsibility for his success or failure to ALL OF US.
Remember when Nancy Pelosi and her new congress were going to change the face of the current administration by using the Democratic majority to "Do the will of the People". What happened there. As far as I can see, the score is Bush Administration 10, Democratic Congress 0. So much for the new direction........ How soon we forget.
I'll be the first to admit that I tend to be a conservative, Republican oriented person, but, there is a sprinkling of Libertarian in there too. I tend to view everything from that perspective. However, when it comes to selecting a President, or any other political representative, mind overcomes preset views, and I tend to select the person I feel is the best for the job. I may not agree with all of their views, but I think (and hope) they will do the best possible job they can. That means representing the PEOPLE, not the lobbyist and special interest groups.
Is there any hope for that this year? My doubts are rising with each passing day.....
What pisses me off more than that is these talking heads on all the news programs that are defending their candidates. How can they sit there in all their pompous righteousness and tell the lies they are spouting and not ever crack a smile? They must think that the American electorate is as dumb as rocks. They might just be Right!!! Apparently, the American people are sooooo gullible that they only believe what has been said in the last ten minutes. We suffer from a collective long term memory loss.
Obama was spouting his rhetoric about "Change" and "A New Form of Politics", and McCain was espousing his "Moderate", "Cooperative" political methodology. Now, how in the hell are you supposed to tell them apart. They are both sucking up to every special interest group they can find to try and win votes. Both are becoming more and more centrist with each passing day. So, it will come down to the lesser of two evils once again. And, in the end, we will return to the same old politics as usual that is currently in place.
Apparently, the American people have forgotten that we have a "Representative" form of Democracy. The President has only as much say as our elected representatives allow. You know, the old checks and balances defined in the Constitution. The President has only one powerful weapon in his personal arsenal, that of the VETO, and even that can be overridden by a 2/3rds majority of our representatives. So, in reality, the President, no matter who or which party or conservative/liberal, cannot accomplish a thing without the support of our representatives. I guess that means that you can't blame the President if their policies are not implemented. Ultimately, it is OUR fault. Remember, Obama said "YOU are the change YOU have been waiting for." He has already assigned the responsibility for his success or failure to ALL OF US.
Remember when Nancy Pelosi and her new congress were going to change the face of the current administration by using the Democratic majority to "Do the will of the People". What happened there. As far as I can see, the score is Bush Administration 10, Democratic Congress 0. So much for the new direction........ How soon we forget.
I'll be the first to admit that I tend to be a conservative, Republican oriented person, but, there is a sprinkling of Libertarian in there too. I tend to view everything from that perspective. However, when it comes to selecting a President, or any other political representative, mind overcomes preset views, and I tend to select the person I feel is the best for the job. I may not agree with all of their views, but I think (and hope) they will do the best possible job they can. That means representing the PEOPLE, not the lobbyist and special interest groups.
Is there any hope for that this year? My doubts are rising with each passing day.....
Monday, June 23, 2008
Addicted to the CWS ????
Am I addicted to the College World Series ? I think so... I start watching the CWS in earnest as soon as they start broadcasting the Super Regionals. (Note: Occasionally a local area Regional game will be broadcast in the "local" area on a small cable channel or Versus, i.e. UNC in Virginia, and I will tune in). But, I can definitely state that I have watched all or most of every CWS game since the Super Regionals started. That is until last night. The game was moved from ESPN 2 to ESPN C. Guess who doesn't get ESPN C ? Was I upset ? Oh Yea !!!! What was my recourse ? I tried to find an ESPN radio station broadcasting the game in this area. No Such Luck ! Oh, what to do ?
To make matters even worse, it was one of my team's last chance to make it to the Finals. Once the eight teams were set, I picked Stanford and Fresno State, one team from each bracket. Both teams shared one characteristic, neither was seeded. The remaining six teams were seeded. I guess I just have to root for the underdog. Stanford had lost to UGA, the #8 seed on Saturday and was eliminated (one pick gone, one remaining). Fresno State was undefeated and had to win only one more game to advance. Fresno lost 4 to 3 to UNC on Saturday, two run home run in the bottom of the eighth by Chad Flack (cool baseball name) for the UNC lead. Whoever won the Sunday game would advance. So, #8 Georgia eliminated #1 Miami, and unseeded Fresno could eliminate #2 UNC. A perfect giant killer scenario.
Add to that that James had picked UGA and UNC and you can see that there were bragging rights at stake until next year.
Finally, I logged on to the CWS website, opened one window with the audio from 580 radio in Fresno, CA., and opened a second window with Game Tracker. So there I was, listening to the play by play on the radio, and watching the little "Weeble" players act out the game. Is this a sign of addiction ? I had to have my CWS fix !
To make matters even worse, it was one of my team's last chance to make it to the Finals. Once the eight teams were set, I picked Stanford and Fresno State, one team from each bracket. Both teams shared one characteristic, neither was seeded. The remaining six teams were seeded. I guess I just have to root for the underdog. Stanford had lost to UGA, the #8 seed on Saturday and was eliminated (one pick gone, one remaining). Fresno State was undefeated and had to win only one more game to advance. Fresno lost 4 to 3 to UNC on Saturday, two run home run in the bottom of the eighth by Chad Flack (cool baseball name) for the UNC lead. Whoever won the Sunday game would advance. So, #8 Georgia eliminated #1 Miami, and unseeded Fresno could eliminate #2 UNC. A perfect giant killer scenario.
Add to that that James had picked UGA and UNC and you can see that there were bragging rights at stake until next year.
Finally, I logged on to the CWS website, opened one window with the audio from 580 radio in Fresno, CA., and opened a second window with Game Tracker. So there I was, listening to the play by play on the radio, and watching the little "Weeble" players act out the game. Is this a sign of addiction ? I had to have my CWS fix !
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