Ok I know I've been gone quite a while, but instead of the might of the pen I decided to put boots on the ground. Now that the rally is over (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C428E5202A0E4CF8&search_query=912+denver) it's time to get back to the pen.
I'm fairly certain that the concept I started of BIZZARO WORLD a few months back is even more relevant now.
I mean are you serious?????? This health care thing is INSANE. We've all gone over this time and time again, who is right, who is lying and so on.
What AMAZES me is that our Government just put a GAG order on heath care companies contacting their customers with information about what these bills will do to consumer's insurance plans. (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/23/mcconnell-blasts-government-gag-order-private-health-care-provider/)
Now unless I'm mistaken, there is still a freedom of speech in America, and the Government doesn't yet control all of industry. This is one of the most obvious examples of overreach I have ever seen. Sen Baucus needs to be impeached immediately and the people of Montana should be ashamed. It's not like Humana was out there committing medical fraud, or endangering patients' lives, they were giving their OPINION. Remember the phrase "it's a free country"? Are you sure about that???
We have a President who has said in a joint session of Congress that "we will call you out" if you say something the administration disagrees with on health care. I know Obama isn't a huge fan of the Constitution (wait wasn't he a constitutional lawyer) but there is this pesky little thing called the FIRST AMENDMENT. I think it reads something like the following; "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Are we still the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave"? Seriously?????
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
When will we learn???
Immoral Profits?? Fair Wages?? The Rich Getting Richer???
All of these phrases have been talking points for the Congressional Leadership in the last few months during the battle to fundamentally transform America. Good politics, maybe. Hypocracy? For certain!!!!!!!!
The problem goes back to the first time a politician got paid more than the average schmuck out earning a living. See, our Founding Fathers understood that being a leader was supposed to entail sacrifice, hence Ben Franklin's plea for not paying members of Congress at all. While he lost that fight, there was a strong movement to limit what members of Congress were paid. Somewhere we went way off track and lost the idea of our government officials being servants and not masters.
Using two websites I found online (links at bottom of page) it's pretty easy to see why our elected officials tell us anything they think we want to hear and try scapegoating every profession from auot execs to bankers to insurance companies in order to stay in office.
Until the 1970's, Congressional pay was right at or just below the average pay for the American worker. In 1973-1974 the average income for an American worker was approx $45,000 per year. In 1975 Congress voted themselves a pay raise taking the average Congressional salary to $44,600. From here it all goes downhill.
In 1980, the year Reagan was elected, the average American worker's salary had dropped a touch to around $41,000. We were in a huge recession, Carter had given us stagflation causing that number to drop all the way through 1984. At the same time Congress voted themselves pay raises in 1977 ($57,500 avg), 1979 ($60,662 avg), 1983 ($69,800) and 1984 ($72,600).
Hmmmm, isn't it odd that these are the same people who complain about the rich getting richer, evil profits, and how they are looking out for the little guy. Let's keep in mind that throughout this period Democrats completely controlled the House, and mostly controlled the Senate.
How is it that during a recession they never had to take a hit like the American people did???
The story actually gets worse. While the average salary for the American worker has jumped up and down since 1984 (see link below) topping out at just above $50,000 per year and dropping as low as$45,000 approximately, Congress has continued voting itself pay raises. For example, in 1991 the average salary for a member of Congress was $101,900 (a 50% increase from 1984!!!!!) and jumped to $125,100 that same year.
How great would it be if you had a job where you could vote yourself a raise of 25% in a single year without actually doing more work????
And don't think I'm just blaming Democrats on this. From 1994 to 2004 Congress's pay increased another $24,500 (which I admit does look like chump change after the huge increases in the 80's and 90's).
I'm not even going to touch the benefits side - but if you think these people will retire on social security guess again.
I know a lot of this is wonkish, and some folks will get lost in the numbers, but the point is we are ASKING Congress to lie to us. In order to keep these cushy jobs Congress has to make it look like they are doing more and more. The truth is, all they are doing is screwing things up.
The Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee John Conyers asks "what good is reading a 1,000 page bill if you don't have two days and two lawyers to understand what it means?" Sorry John, but that what we are paying you $168,000 to do!!! He just admitted to anyone who would listen that he is guilty of dereliction of duty, but I'll bet you $1,000 that he will get re-elected.
The fault lies with the American people in this. If Congress has a 21% approval rating how is it that 80% of the members get re-elected? I'd like to start a movement called "throw the bums out", but since all the fundraising advantages are given to the incumbent, we can expect to see this happen election after election.
When will the American people realize that our system can't work if we not only allow our elected representatives to lie to us, but we beg for more lies each term. The incentive is obvious. In order to keep your position, offer more and more free ice cream to blocks of voters. Whether offering to save mortgages, pay for higher education, or cash for clunkers, the list goes on and on. If you wait long enough the politicians are sure to offer something that appeals to you. Problem is there is no free ride, and sooner or later the fix causes more problems. Which of course, congress has a great new plan for. It's a vicious cycle which never ends. We are still fighting the "war on poverty" that started in 1960 with LBJ!
Oh by the way, the average household income in the US for 2007 rose to $50,233 (US Census Bureau). So your average member of Congress is only earning 3.3 times what the average American HOUSEHOLD earns. Think there might be a problem??? Maybe we should ask Nancy Pelosi about immoral salaries?
In fact, anyone who plans to attend a town hall meeting with in ther district over the break should ask why congress believes earning that much is moral? Be interesting to hear that answer.
Links
http://www.visualizingeconomics.com/2008/05/04/average-income-in-the-united-states-1913-2006/
http://www.congresslink.org/print_basics_pay.htm
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/income_wealth/012528.html
http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/2009/08/john-conyers-im-not-going-to-read-bill.html
All of these phrases have been talking points for the Congressional Leadership in the last few months during the battle to fundamentally transform America. Good politics, maybe. Hypocracy? For certain!!!!!!!!
The problem goes back to the first time a politician got paid more than the average schmuck out earning a living. See, our Founding Fathers understood that being a leader was supposed to entail sacrifice, hence Ben Franklin's plea for not paying members of Congress at all. While he lost that fight, there was a strong movement to limit what members of Congress were paid. Somewhere we went way off track and lost the idea of our government officials being servants and not masters.
Using two websites I found online (links at bottom of page) it's pretty easy to see why our elected officials tell us anything they think we want to hear and try scapegoating every profession from auot execs to bankers to insurance companies in order to stay in office.
Until the 1970's, Congressional pay was right at or just below the average pay for the American worker. In 1973-1974 the average income for an American worker was approx $45,000 per year. In 1975 Congress voted themselves a pay raise taking the average Congressional salary to $44,600. From here it all goes downhill.
In 1980, the year Reagan was elected, the average American worker's salary had dropped a touch to around $41,000. We were in a huge recession, Carter had given us stagflation causing that number to drop all the way through 1984. At the same time Congress voted themselves pay raises in 1977 ($57,500 avg), 1979 ($60,662 avg), 1983 ($69,800) and 1984 ($72,600).
Hmmmm, isn't it odd that these are the same people who complain about the rich getting richer, evil profits, and how they are looking out for the little guy. Let's keep in mind that throughout this period Democrats completely controlled the House, and mostly controlled the Senate.
How is it that during a recession they never had to take a hit like the American people did???
The story actually gets worse. While the average salary for the American worker has jumped up and down since 1984 (see link below) topping out at just above $50,000 per year and dropping as low as$45,000 approximately, Congress has continued voting itself pay raises. For example, in 1991 the average salary for a member of Congress was $101,900 (a 50% increase from 1984!!!!!) and jumped to $125,100 that same year.
How great would it be if you had a job where you could vote yourself a raise of 25% in a single year without actually doing more work????
And don't think I'm just blaming Democrats on this. From 1994 to 2004 Congress's pay increased another $24,500 (which I admit does look like chump change after the huge increases in the 80's and 90's).
I'm not even going to touch the benefits side - but if you think these people will retire on social security guess again.
I know a lot of this is wonkish, and some folks will get lost in the numbers, but the point is we are ASKING Congress to lie to us. In order to keep these cushy jobs Congress has to make it look like they are doing more and more. The truth is, all they are doing is screwing things up.
The Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee John Conyers asks "what good is reading a 1,000 page bill if you don't have two days and two lawyers to understand what it means?" Sorry John, but that what we are paying you $168,000 to do!!! He just admitted to anyone who would listen that he is guilty of dereliction of duty, but I'll bet you $1,000 that he will get re-elected.
The fault lies with the American people in this. If Congress has a 21% approval rating how is it that 80% of the members get re-elected? I'd like to start a movement called "throw the bums out", but since all the fundraising advantages are given to the incumbent, we can expect to see this happen election after election.
When will the American people realize that our system can't work if we not only allow our elected representatives to lie to us, but we beg for more lies each term. The incentive is obvious. In order to keep your position, offer more and more free ice cream to blocks of voters. Whether offering to save mortgages, pay for higher education, or cash for clunkers, the list goes on and on. If you wait long enough the politicians are sure to offer something that appeals to you. Problem is there is no free ride, and sooner or later the fix causes more problems. Which of course, congress has a great new plan for. It's a vicious cycle which never ends. We are still fighting the "war on poverty" that started in 1960 with LBJ!
Oh by the way, the average household income in the US for 2007 rose to $50,233 (US Census Bureau). So your average member of Congress is only earning 3.3 times what the average American HOUSEHOLD earns. Think there might be a problem??? Maybe we should ask Nancy Pelosi about immoral salaries?
In fact, anyone who plans to attend a town hall meeting with in ther district over the break should ask why congress believes earning that much is moral? Be interesting to hear that answer.
Links
http://www.visualizingeconomics.com/2008/05/04/average-income-in-the-united-states-1913-2006/
http://www.congresslink.org/print_basics_pay.htm
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/income_wealth/012528.html
http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/2009/08/john-conyers-im-not-going-to-read-bill.html
Friday, July 3, 2009
What I believe (Happy Birthday America)
It's a new week, and still the amazing amount of change continues to roll right on down the Progressive path. I love America, like I'm sure you do. I'm the kind of guy who tears up during the National Anthem, especially when the fans yell "STILL THERE"! I always get to the game in time for the flyover, and it's the highlight of my week to see those jets coming in over the stadium. I'm teaching my son now to thank those he sees in uniform, because keeping my family safe is the greatest gift they could ever give me.
A lot of people feel the same way I do, but what do they BELIEVE in? I can't answer for anyone else, but I can tell you what I believe in.
I believe in our Constitution and that it is not a "living" document. I've read enough of the Founding Fathers to know that they were afraid of a strong central government, and wanted this country to succeed because of the people, not the politicians. When the Constitution says General Welfare, I believe that means no man should be favored over another, poor over rich, strong over weak.
The equal playing field of our country is that we all have 3 basic rights; Life, Liberty and Property (read the 5000 Year Leap and you will see why "pursuit of happiness" was a compromise). That means the Government doesn't need to run my everyday life, right down to how many volts I use, or how much gas I consume, or what type of car I drive.
I believe that you have a right to your religion, and I have a right to mine. I've never tried to "push" my Christianity on anyone, but if you'd like to talk about it I'm open. The problem is, your religion does not trump mine either. The truth is, this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, but it is not a theocracy like Iran. At the same time, stop trying to get rid of the wonderful history of our nation by erasing any reference to God. You can believe in a hundred gods or none at all, but you do not have the right not to be offended. If having "In God We Trust" on the dollar is an issue for you - feel free to leave, or just keep it to yourself.
I believe that if you bust your ass to make a dollar, you should be able to choose how you spend it. And regardless of what people say, there needs to be a single tax rate for everyone. 20% of $1,000,000 is still one hell of a lot more than 20% of $10,000. The term "Fair Share" in America means punish the rich and make them the enemy. I seriously hope to be one of the rich one day, and I don't want to be the enemy. You cannot build up the bottom by taking from the top. all you do is kill jobs and create social divisions. The truth is, you can't really hurt the "super rich" anyway. It's those who have the opportunity to jump up into a better lifestyle who get killed. Those are the people who start companies, create jobs, and give us paychecks each week. Sorry, but the more you demonize them the less they are going to invest, which is occurring right now.
I believe we have a right to ask our politicians to be better than we are, just like we should ask of our priests, teachers, judges and policemen. Problem is we dismiss their failings and we let their rot influence and become our own. If you are a politician caught in a scandal - get out. Personally, I'd never run for office because I can see the temptations that exist, and I don't trust myself to overcome them. I will look for and support any men who are better than I am.
Jeeez, that takes us to the parties. Whether you call yourself a Republican or Democrat, you need to clean the hypocrisy out NOW. Republicans, you dug your own grave. You cannot run on ethics and smaller Government and then become the exact opposite you of what you promised. I'm sorry I had to leave the party, but if you are going to act like progressives I will not be voting for you. If you say you are for family values and cheat on your wife, get out. If you even hint of putting your leg into another bathroom stall - I'll kick your ass myself.
Democrats, wow I guess it really is a case of loving power too much. Last year all I heard was that Bush was spending too much. Now Obama goes in way over the top and all I hear is chirping crickets. Nancy Pelosi accuses your CIA of lying and committing Federal offenses and once again - it's OK. Take the beam out of your own eye before pointing out the splinter in someone elses. I'm willing to give someone on either side a chance, but it's very limited when it comes to politicians.
TERM LIMITS - this is a must in our day and age. There are people have been in the same elected office longer than I have been alive. Our country was not designed this way. We now have a "ruling class". Think I'm wrong - don't kid yourself. Clintons, Kennedys, Bushs and Gores. We have, what, over 300,000,000 people out there, and the best we can do are these people??? The same people run over and over again. The same people lie to you over and over again.
Let's end the bills that run 1,300 pages and get back to common sense law. The honest truth is, politicians can't run their own bank, but we expect them to run health care, or keep our taxes low???? If just once, everyone voted against the incumbent, it would send a serious message, and put fear back into the political class - fear of the citizens!
I believe that we as American have become arrogant. We think that the government can fix our problems. NOT POSSIBLE - they can't avoid crapping where they eat, how can they take care of you. American Idol is now more important than election day. There isn't much else to say about that.
I am pro life, but I believe it should be a states rights issue. If Massachusetts wants to be a pro abortion state, so be it, it is on them. I've really become a states rights guy. If Colorado wants legal marijuana, so be it - I won't smoke it still, and it can't be much easier to get than it is now. Here's the thing, let us VOTE on issues.
I believe there was global warming into the 90's - there had to be since the "consensus" of scientists concluded we were headed for an ice age in the 70's. I still remember the cover of Time magazine. I just do not believe WE can "fix" it. If you use some common sense you will realize why the Enviro movement had to switch from Global Warming to "Climate Change". The planet isn't getting hotter anymore. One thing constant about the weather is change. Heck, Colorado was at one point in the past a deciduous rain forest - I've seen the fossils. Change is about all they can guarantee - more hubris I guess.
I believe there are very few people in this country who I would not enjoy having a beer, playing golf, hunting or playing basketball with. I tell you right now - Obama would never get a shot off against me - I don't care if the Secret Service was right in my grill. That doesn't mean even the two of us who are totally opposed in beliefs couldn't get along.
I do think that the people in POWER - politicians, corporate CEOs of monster companies and professors in their ivory towers do think that we are all stupid. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, you are either a useful tool, or an idiot to these people because all they want is power.
I don't want power over anyone. Your success does not mean I fail, your loss is something I should sympathize with, but it is not my responsibility unless I choose to make it so. There is nothing our Government can do better than the private sector, as long as we the consumer use some common sense.
I'd like to believe that our brightest days are ahead, but I see too many smart people playing the game they want you to play, and going after their friends and neighbors as the enemy.
"The Government that is big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have" Thomas Jefferson.
That's what I believe.
Happy Birthday America. Thank you Founding Fathers. May we have many, many more.
A lot of people feel the same way I do, but what do they BELIEVE in? I can't answer for anyone else, but I can tell you what I believe in.
I believe in our Constitution and that it is not a "living" document. I've read enough of the Founding Fathers to know that they were afraid of a strong central government, and wanted this country to succeed because of the people, not the politicians. When the Constitution says General Welfare, I believe that means no man should be favored over another, poor over rich, strong over weak.
The equal playing field of our country is that we all have 3 basic rights; Life, Liberty and Property (read the 5000 Year Leap and you will see why "pursuit of happiness" was a compromise). That means the Government doesn't need to run my everyday life, right down to how many volts I use, or how much gas I consume, or what type of car I drive.
I believe that you have a right to your religion, and I have a right to mine. I've never tried to "push" my Christianity on anyone, but if you'd like to talk about it I'm open. The problem is, your religion does not trump mine either. The truth is, this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, but it is not a theocracy like Iran. At the same time, stop trying to get rid of the wonderful history of our nation by erasing any reference to God. You can believe in a hundred gods or none at all, but you do not have the right not to be offended. If having "In God We Trust" on the dollar is an issue for you - feel free to leave, or just keep it to yourself.
I believe that if you bust your ass to make a dollar, you should be able to choose how you spend it. And regardless of what people say, there needs to be a single tax rate for everyone. 20% of $1,000,000 is still one hell of a lot more than 20% of $10,000. The term "Fair Share" in America means punish the rich and make them the enemy. I seriously hope to be one of the rich one day, and I don't want to be the enemy. You cannot build up the bottom by taking from the top. all you do is kill jobs and create social divisions. The truth is, you can't really hurt the "super rich" anyway. It's those who have the opportunity to jump up into a better lifestyle who get killed. Those are the people who start companies, create jobs, and give us paychecks each week. Sorry, but the more you demonize them the less they are going to invest, which is occurring right now.
I believe we have a right to ask our politicians to be better than we are, just like we should ask of our priests, teachers, judges and policemen. Problem is we dismiss their failings and we let their rot influence and become our own. If you are a politician caught in a scandal - get out. Personally, I'd never run for office because I can see the temptations that exist, and I don't trust myself to overcome them. I will look for and support any men who are better than I am.
Jeeez, that takes us to the parties. Whether you call yourself a Republican or Democrat, you need to clean the hypocrisy out NOW. Republicans, you dug your own grave. You cannot run on ethics and smaller Government and then become the exact opposite you of what you promised. I'm sorry I had to leave the party, but if you are going to act like progressives I will not be voting for you. If you say you are for family values and cheat on your wife, get out. If you even hint of putting your leg into another bathroom stall - I'll kick your ass myself.
Democrats, wow I guess it really is a case of loving power too much. Last year all I heard was that Bush was spending too much. Now Obama goes in way over the top and all I hear is chirping crickets. Nancy Pelosi accuses your CIA of lying and committing Federal offenses and once again - it's OK. Take the beam out of your own eye before pointing out the splinter in someone elses. I'm willing to give someone on either side a chance, but it's very limited when it comes to politicians.
TERM LIMITS - this is a must in our day and age. There are people have been in the same elected office longer than I have been alive. Our country was not designed this way. We now have a "ruling class". Think I'm wrong - don't kid yourself. Clintons, Kennedys, Bushs and Gores. We have, what, over 300,000,000 people out there, and the best we can do are these people??? The same people run over and over again. The same people lie to you over and over again.
Let's end the bills that run 1,300 pages and get back to common sense law. The honest truth is, politicians can't run their own bank, but we expect them to run health care, or keep our taxes low???? If just once, everyone voted against the incumbent, it would send a serious message, and put fear back into the political class - fear of the citizens!
I believe that we as American have become arrogant. We think that the government can fix our problems. NOT POSSIBLE - they can't avoid crapping where they eat, how can they take care of you. American Idol is now more important than election day. There isn't much else to say about that.
I am pro life, but I believe it should be a states rights issue. If Massachusetts wants to be a pro abortion state, so be it, it is on them. I've really become a states rights guy. If Colorado wants legal marijuana, so be it - I won't smoke it still, and it can't be much easier to get than it is now. Here's the thing, let us VOTE on issues.
I believe there was global warming into the 90's - there had to be since the "consensus" of scientists concluded we were headed for an ice age in the 70's. I still remember the cover of Time magazine. I just do not believe WE can "fix" it. If you use some common sense you will realize why the Enviro movement had to switch from Global Warming to "Climate Change". The planet isn't getting hotter anymore. One thing constant about the weather is change. Heck, Colorado was at one point in the past a deciduous rain forest - I've seen the fossils. Change is about all they can guarantee - more hubris I guess.
I believe there are very few people in this country who I would not enjoy having a beer, playing golf, hunting or playing basketball with. I tell you right now - Obama would never get a shot off against me - I don't care if the Secret Service was right in my grill. That doesn't mean even the two of us who are totally opposed in beliefs couldn't get along.
I do think that the people in POWER - politicians, corporate CEOs of monster companies and professors in their ivory towers do think that we are all stupid. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, you are either a useful tool, or an idiot to these people because all they want is power.
I don't want power over anyone. Your success does not mean I fail, your loss is something I should sympathize with, but it is not my responsibility unless I choose to make it so. There is nothing our Government can do better than the private sector, as long as we the consumer use some common sense.
I'd like to believe that our brightest days are ahead, but I see too many smart people playing the game they want you to play, and going after their friends and neighbors as the enemy.
"The Government that is big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have" Thomas Jefferson.
That's what I believe.
Happy Birthday America. Thank you Founding Fathers. May we have many, many more.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
How stupid can we be?
I have been thinking over the last few days about the state of our country; and I have to admit, I'm scared. I seriously wonder if the American people are intelligent enough to get themselves out of this fix we are in. I know that we look down our noses at people who let thmselves be ruled by despots, never claiming their own freedom. As a really good guy says, "take the beam out of your own eye before pointing out the splinter in another's". It's not like we have any people in power who answer only to the President right?
We look over at Iran and see this huge uprising taking place. It's silly really, because the two candidates were both "chosen" by the Supreme Leader (say that a few times to see if it rolls comfortably off your tongue) not by any kind of democratic process. The FIX was in, and the reform candidate was never going to win. Like everyone else I really hope this leads to Iran's leadership being overthrown, but I doubt it. Let's say the "reform" candidate gets the position; is this really the peoples choice, or will he too answer to the Supreme Leader?
Funny thing is, the "FIX" is in here as well. Look at all the unconstitutional things our administration is doing (and this isn't just about Obama). A great example (and the one that makes me think we are all stupid) is the position of Czar. Barack Obama has 16 of them and counting. SIXTEEN!!! These are people who hold vast powers but answer to no one other than the President. Our system was not designed this way, and this kills the whole idea of checks and balances. Anyone care to know what people in these positions were called under FDR?? hmmm anyone??? (Bueller...... Bueller) DICTATORS!!!!! (Thanks Glenn Beck for the history lesson) Seriously?!?!?! Are we really this stupid, allowing a position like this to exist under ANY administration is wrong, right or left. It's as big a joke as having a Supreme Leader pick a couple guys to be President (anyone seeing parallels here?????)
Ok, I admit I'm not the smartest guy on the planet, but I do know a couple basic facts. First, power corrupts. We are all human and all VERY fallible. Two, absolute power corrupts so fast it would make your head spin. If the American people want their own Supreme Leader, fine. WAIT, HOLD ON ONE SECOND!! There is this pesky little thing called the Constitution. We'd have to get rid of that first. Or we'd have to be stupid enough to just let every administration run over us due to our own ignorance. Wait, what do you say??? We have been that stupid???? Actually, yes we have, because the Czar position goes back to Reagan in my memory, and that's just the title, not the position, remember FDR started this.
These are the positions we are giving all this unchecked power to.
Car czar - handling the newest company, Government Motors and its subsidiary Chrysler
Cyber-security czar - given a “broad mandate” by President Obama to oversee our nations cyber infrastructure. (Big brother really does exist!)
Pay czar - for bailed out companies…this position will oversee wage limitations on executives of these companies. (How dumb were those Exec's to agree to take the Gov't money)
Great Lakes czar - tasked with the cleanup of the Great Lakes waterways (good luck)
The border czar (does this person make sure there is plenty of water for the poor illegals crossing our border???)
Drug czar (I'm wondering if this person tests the pot to make sure it's good, cause we are LOSING the "War on Drugs")
Stimulus accountability czar (So far this job has been pretty easy -Naptime!!!)
Urban czar (WHAT?!?!?! When did we give John Traviolta a government position)
Energy czar - Hmmm is this the guy suggesting Windmills????
Bank bailout czar -this one is obvious
Regulatory czar - a regulator to oversee the regulators- nice
Terrorism czar (wait shouldn't this be "Man made Disaster" Czar?)
Faith-based czar - I'm not even going here - what a joke
Health reform czar (wouldn't this be the Director of Health and Human Services???)
Guantanamo czar (ROFL - this is the guy with the lack of a plan right??? "Let's send them to an island paradise boss!")
Non-proliferation czar - This guy is packing for N Korea right now (hope you like dog!)
Sixteen people, many of them doing a job that falls under the specific perview of a cabinet postion.
HOW STUPID ARE WE??? Not one of these people has been confirmed by the Senate, or even has to talk to congress about the moves they make. For example, the Car Czar could, I dunno, tell 900+ dealerships that they are closed, regardless of profitability (oh wait, our Government thinks profits are BAD). Thus putting thousands of people out of work, and many very successful businesses into bankruptcy.
Iranian people are protesting and dying in the street today, while we are sitting in our houses, playing Russian (pun intended - get it Czar/Russian???) roulette with the greatest form of government to exist on this earth. We are letting our freedom go, all in the name of Change! This isn't change,it's progressivism and they can keep it. I like the Constitution and I will do my part when called upon.
I mean, seriously, how stupid are we?
We look over at Iran and see this huge uprising taking place. It's silly really, because the two candidates were both "chosen" by the Supreme Leader (say that a few times to see if it rolls comfortably off your tongue) not by any kind of democratic process. The FIX was in, and the reform candidate was never going to win. Like everyone else I really hope this leads to Iran's leadership being overthrown, but I doubt it. Let's say the "reform" candidate gets the position; is this really the peoples choice, or will he too answer to the Supreme Leader?
Funny thing is, the "FIX" is in here as well. Look at all the unconstitutional things our administration is doing (and this isn't just about Obama). A great example (and the one that makes me think we are all stupid) is the position of Czar. Barack Obama has 16 of them and counting. SIXTEEN!!! These are people who hold vast powers but answer to no one other than the President. Our system was not designed this way, and this kills the whole idea of checks and balances. Anyone care to know what people in these positions were called under FDR?? hmmm anyone??? (Bueller...... Bueller) DICTATORS!!!!! (Thanks Glenn Beck for the history lesson) Seriously?!?!?! Are we really this stupid, allowing a position like this to exist under ANY administration is wrong, right or left. It's as big a joke as having a Supreme Leader pick a couple guys to be President (anyone seeing parallels here?????)
Ok, I admit I'm not the smartest guy on the planet, but I do know a couple basic facts. First, power corrupts. We are all human and all VERY fallible. Two, absolute power corrupts so fast it would make your head spin. If the American people want their own Supreme Leader, fine. WAIT, HOLD ON ONE SECOND!! There is this pesky little thing called the Constitution. We'd have to get rid of that first. Or we'd have to be stupid enough to just let every administration run over us due to our own ignorance. Wait, what do you say??? We have been that stupid???? Actually, yes we have, because the Czar position goes back to Reagan in my memory, and that's just the title, not the position, remember FDR started this.
These are the positions we are giving all this unchecked power to.
Car czar - handling the newest company, Government Motors and its subsidiary Chrysler
Cyber-security czar - given a “broad mandate” by President Obama to oversee our nations cyber infrastructure. (Big brother really does exist!)
Pay czar - for bailed out companies…this position will oversee wage limitations on executives of these companies. (How dumb were those Exec's to agree to take the Gov't money)
Great Lakes czar - tasked with the cleanup of the Great Lakes waterways (good luck)
The border czar (does this person make sure there is plenty of water for the poor illegals crossing our border???)
Drug czar (I'm wondering if this person tests the pot to make sure it's good, cause we are LOSING the "War on Drugs")
Stimulus accountability czar (So far this job has been pretty easy -Naptime!!!)
Urban czar (WHAT?!?!?! When did we give John Traviolta a government position)
Energy czar - Hmmm is this the guy suggesting Windmills????
Bank bailout czar -this one is obvious
Regulatory czar - a regulator to oversee the regulators- nice
Terrorism czar (wait shouldn't this be "Man made Disaster" Czar?)
Faith-based czar - I'm not even going here - what a joke
Health reform czar (wouldn't this be the Director of Health and Human Services???)
Guantanamo czar (ROFL - this is the guy with the lack of a plan right??? "Let's send them to an island paradise boss!")
Non-proliferation czar - This guy is packing for N Korea right now (hope you like dog!)
Sixteen people, many of them doing a job that falls under the specific perview of a cabinet postion.
HOW STUPID ARE WE??? Not one of these people has been confirmed by the Senate, or even has to talk to congress about the moves they make. For example, the Car Czar could, I dunno, tell 900+ dealerships that they are closed, regardless of profitability (oh wait, our Government thinks profits are BAD). Thus putting thousands of people out of work, and many very successful businesses into bankruptcy.
Iranian people are protesting and dying in the street today, while we are sitting in our houses, playing Russian (pun intended - get it Czar/Russian???) roulette with the greatest form of government to exist on this earth. We are letting our freedom go, all in the name of Change! This isn't change,it's progressivism and they can keep it. I like the Constitution and I will do my part when called upon.
I mean, seriously, how stupid are we?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Bridges
A funny thing happened to me this week. I had to attend the funeral of an ex customer with a fellow employee. This employee shall remain anonymous, but she is a HUGE Obama supporter. I'm talking HOPE stickers on her car, pictures of the "Chosen" one in her office and so on.
It's funny, because I would consider her a Kool Aid drinker, because of all the junk she has. It really bothers me too because I know how intelligent she really is.
When picking her up I turned on some music with my IPod, as I didn't want the trip to turn into a huge argument,(like the one I had last year with my boss over politics on a 3 hour drive) over talk radio.
Shockingly (ironic tone totally intended), the discussion did turn to politics, because of my work with the Broomfield 9/12 Project. I was really cautious with my tone, and words. It's hard to come out and say "oh I think both Obama and Bush have driven us right off the cliff, and both have ignored the hell out of the Constitution."; even if that's exactly how I feel.
I was slightly stunned when she came out and said that she thinks all politicians are bad, and they all ought to be thrown out. She went on a tirade about personal responsibility, and how all the baby boomers never taught their kids about money, and now we are paying the price. When I asked her how it felt to own a car company, she threw up a bit of denial "oh come on, Obama didn't really do that" (YES REALLY!!!! I was screaming inside) but for the most part I found we agreed on 90% of what we were discussing.
I mean we really agreed! She was lambasting the liberals and crazy environmentalists, called Tiller a murderer (and yes, she is pro choice) and admitted that we are going bankrupt as a society, both morally and financially.
The only thing she wouldn't do was throw Obama under the bus. Which I think I understand a bit now. When you dedicate so much emotionally to a person it is hard to admit that you were wrong. And she was either wrong, or lied to my face about what she believes, and I know her to be an honest person. I think this is a case of her not being able to "willingly suspend disbelief" as the Secretary of State would say (it was actually tough for me to type that out, I really don't like her). I really worked hard to explain to her that I believe both Obama and Bush are progressives, and that we need to get back to the basics, let the States decide their own laws, own future and get the Feds out of everything. That it was hard for me to turn my back on the fact that I was raised Republican, but that we cannot continue down this path.
At the end of the conversation, we agreed that there was a lot we agreed on, more than we disagreed on. I think she will end up letting go of her emotional attachment, and I hope so. I will be the first to pick up the HOPE sign if someone can convince me that socialism/fascism/statism works. So far in my life I've never seen it happen, but I have seen it destroy good people and kill the human spirit. Some of my customers and friends are being ground down by it right now.
When my friend got out of the car at her house, she said something that I will cherish and something I never expected to hear. "Jason, you have a gift, and you better not waste it. You need to make sure people hear what you have to say, whether that means teaching or something else, use that gift!" This coming from someone who voted opposite every belief I hold true last election.
The bridges are out there, and if either of the political parties quit playing games, and actually got back to values, they'd take this nation by storm. A die-hard conservative man and an Obama voting pro choice woman just proved it!
It's funny, because I would consider her a Kool Aid drinker, because of all the junk she has. It really bothers me too because I know how intelligent she really is.
When picking her up I turned on some music with my IPod, as I didn't want the trip to turn into a huge argument,(like the one I had last year with my boss over politics on a 3 hour drive) over talk radio.
Shockingly (ironic tone totally intended), the discussion did turn to politics, because of my work with the Broomfield 9/12 Project. I was really cautious with my tone, and words. It's hard to come out and say "oh I think both Obama and Bush have driven us right off the cliff, and both have ignored the hell out of the Constitution."; even if that's exactly how I feel.
I was slightly stunned when she came out and said that she thinks all politicians are bad, and they all ought to be thrown out. She went on a tirade about personal responsibility, and how all the baby boomers never taught their kids about money, and now we are paying the price. When I asked her how it felt to own a car company, she threw up a bit of denial "oh come on, Obama didn't really do that" (YES REALLY!!!! I was screaming inside) but for the most part I found we agreed on 90% of what we were discussing.
I mean we really agreed! She was lambasting the liberals and crazy environmentalists, called Tiller a murderer (and yes, she is pro choice) and admitted that we are going bankrupt as a society, both morally and financially.
The only thing she wouldn't do was throw Obama under the bus. Which I think I understand a bit now. When you dedicate so much emotionally to a person it is hard to admit that you were wrong. And she was either wrong, or lied to my face about what she believes, and I know her to be an honest person. I think this is a case of her not being able to "willingly suspend disbelief" as the Secretary of State would say (it was actually tough for me to type that out, I really don't like her). I really worked hard to explain to her that I believe both Obama and Bush are progressives, and that we need to get back to the basics, let the States decide their own laws, own future and get the Feds out of everything. That it was hard for me to turn my back on the fact that I was raised Republican, but that we cannot continue down this path.
At the end of the conversation, we agreed that there was a lot we agreed on, more than we disagreed on. I think she will end up letting go of her emotional attachment, and I hope so. I will be the first to pick up the HOPE sign if someone can convince me that socialism/fascism/statism works. So far in my life I've never seen it happen, but I have seen it destroy good people and kill the human spirit. Some of my customers and friends are being ground down by it right now.
When my friend got out of the car at her house, she said something that I will cherish and something I never expected to hear. "Jason, you have a gift, and you better not waste it. You need to make sure people hear what you have to say, whether that means teaching or something else, use that gift!" This coming from someone who voted opposite every belief I hold true last election.
The bridges are out there, and if either of the political parties quit playing games, and actually got back to values, they'd take this nation by storm. A die-hard conservative man and an Obama voting pro choice woman just proved it!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Too Much Information
TMI
It used to just be a silly schoolgirl phrase, or a way to tease your friends when they spilled something personally embarrassing. Now it's a political strategy by to Obama administration.
Despite the fact that we have become a 24/7 Media world, even the media can't keep up with what Obama is pushing down the pipe. Just last week, you had the battle over Gitmo, Heath care, and Cap and Trade. and new CAFE standards. Not to mention the credit card protection act, Obama's speech at Notre Dame and talks of the impending GM bankruptcy. This is all in one week. How is the regular Joe out there supposed to follow all of this? I'm going to let you in on a little secret - they want you overwhelmed.
I heard someone make the analogy of the media pipeline being about 6" in diameter and the administration pushing 18 inches of information through it each day. No wonder the White House felt the need to create their own "media" release when the UCONN Lady Huskies came to visit. Every other reporter was busy with the 40 other stories that day.
When Obama said "CHANGE" he wasn't kidding. Debate has gone right out the window. You are going to get nationalized health care, despite the fact that we have no idea what it will look like. Maybe that's why he can't rally his own party to fund his closing of Gitmo. The plan is short on, well to be honest, a plan.
Just wait because the best is yet to come. Cap and Trade is the largest tax hike on all economic "classes" ever. Once again, a plan is sprinting through the House, but there hasn't been a lot of open debate on this. We really haven't even had the debate over whether we need it. Personally, I'm not a big fan of walking through my house feeling like I'm in a eclectically lit hallway from a fight scene in a Jason Bourne movie, but get used to it. (BTW, just for fun I did install some compact fluorescent bulbs in my basement stairwell, now I bounce off the walls when I go downstairs. It really does feel like I'm in a movie.) Compact fluorescents are just the beginning. I had a discussion with a friend who works for a wind turbine manufacturer the other day. Even he admitted that they couldn't survive if it wasn't for government subsidies, they can't compete with coal. Do you ever hear that though? All you hear is that they are "good", not bad like coal and oil.
I find it terribly ironic that the man who campaigned on "transparency" is giving us the equivalent of a laser show. So many thing are happening on a daily basis that no one can follow all of them and remain sane. And the best part about a laser show is that everyone looks at the pretty colors, while you never know what's happening in darkness on the floor below. Of course, having a few media outlets in your back pocket, NBC and the New York Times to be specific, only helps in this charade.
When you lose even the chance at debate, the days of the republic are limited. Of course, there are quite a few people who don't really care and think politics isn't for them. In this case the TMI means anything relating to politics is just a bother. Ignorance is bliss.
At some point the American people are going to wake up to a country that looks nothing like what the Founding Fathers put together. Since I'm an extremist fear monger, I believe we have already crossed that line.
The next time you watch the news, ask yourself what you aren't hearing about, or what's already happened while everyone was looking somewhere else.
Then again, maybe everything is TMI. It's your choice my friend.
Welcome to "Change".
It used to just be a silly schoolgirl phrase, or a way to tease your friends when they spilled something personally embarrassing. Now it's a political strategy by to Obama administration.
Despite the fact that we have become a 24/7 Media world, even the media can't keep up with what Obama is pushing down the pipe. Just last week, you had the battle over Gitmo, Heath care, and Cap and Trade. and new CAFE standards. Not to mention the credit card protection act, Obama's speech at Notre Dame and talks of the impending GM bankruptcy. This is all in one week. How is the regular Joe out there supposed to follow all of this? I'm going to let you in on a little secret - they want you overwhelmed.
I heard someone make the analogy of the media pipeline being about 6" in diameter and the administration pushing 18 inches of information through it each day. No wonder the White House felt the need to create their own "media" release when the UCONN Lady Huskies came to visit. Every other reporter was busy with the 40 other stories that day.
When Obama said "CHANGE" he wasn't kidding. Debate has gone right out the window. You are going to get nationalized health care, despite the fact that we have no idea what it will look like. Maybe that's why he can't rally his own party to fund his closing of Gitmo. The plan is short on, well to be honest, a plan.
Just wait because the best is yet to come. Cap and Trade is the largest tax hike on all economic "classes" ever. Once again, a plan is sprinting through the House, but there hasn't been a lot of open debate on this. We really haven't even had the debate over whether we need it. Personally, I'm not a big fan of walking through my house feeling like I'm in a eclectically lit hallway from a fight scene in a Jason Bourne movie, but get used to it. (BTW, just for fun I did install some compact fluorescent bulbs in my basement stairwell, now I bounce off the walls when I go downstairs. It really does feel like I'm in a movie.) Compact fluorescents are just the beginning. I had a discussion with a friend who works for a wind turbine manufacturer the other day. Even he admitted that they couldn't survive if it wasn't for government subsidies, they can't compete with coal. Do you ever hear that though? All you hear is that they are "good", not bad like coal and oil.
I find it terribly ironic that the man who campaigned on "transparency" is giving us the equivalent of a laser show. So many thing are happening on a daily basis that no one can follow all of them and remain sane. And the best part about a laser show is that everyone looks at the pretty colors, while you never know what's happening in darkness on the floor below. Of course, having a few media outlets in your back pocket, NBC and the New York Times to be specific, only helps in this charade.
When you lose even the chance at debate, the days of the republic are limited. Of course, there are quite a few people who don't really care and think politics isn't for them. In this case the TMI means anything relating to politics is just a bother. Ignorance is bliss.
At some point the American people are going to wake up to a country that looks nothing like what the Founding Fathers put together. Since I'm an extremist fear monger, I believe we have already crossed that line.
The next time you watch the news, ask yourself what you aren't hearing about, or what's already happened while everyone was looking somewhere else.
Then again, maybe everything is TMI. It's your choice my friend.
Welcome to "Change".
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