Senator McCain
Even though I am not a resident of Arizona, I watched with great interest your discussion with Sean Hannity regarding the budget crisis.
There are two entities who will suffer immediately from this "bizzaro" event: The economy, and the Tea Party. Eventually, this may cost President Obama the reelection, but at what cost to the people of this nation?
YES, spending must be brought to a "reasonable" limit (depending on who is defining reasonable), but MUST be manageable within the budget.
YES, we will need to increase the debt limit, and NOT in two phases which will start this "bizzaro" event all over again. Let President Obama fight for reelection, and let the American voters make that decision.
YES, Cut, Cap, and Balance is good for our future, but if it is a boulder in the path to a solution, then perhaps it should be a separate issue. Understandably, the Republicans, including Tea Party members, realize that the momentum is on their side at this time and need to make the most of this opportunity to get it passed. But we need to get unreasonable spending (pork, waste, golden/silver fleece) out of Congress.
YES, as you can tell, I am a Conservative fiscally and politically, and currently a member of the Tea Party because I believe in their principles. But the Liberal Senate and the President, as well as many Republicans in both houses, need to realize that politics is not a zero sum game. There is a third player in this game. It is the American people who are taking a dim view of our government and their "bizzaro" politics. Have we lost sight that this is a government "... of the people, by the people, and for the people ..." as Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg Address?
Friday, July 29, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Stop the insanity!
Our government is out of control. For the first time in my 72 years, through wars, and economic downturns, I feel that our government is teetering on the edge of failure. Insistence on more spending and government control is NOT the answer.
Mr President and Liberal members of the Senate, please stop this game of chicken and do what is right for the citizens of this country! Our economy is in shambles, people are out of work and losing their homes. We are in the midst of a crisis, and you and the Liberal Senate want to keep pushing the agenda of bigger government and more spending. That does not work - unless of course your goal is Socialism. Is that what "Change" was about?
For many years, I tended to agree with conservative principles but would vote independently based on the "best person for the job" regardless of the party. Now I have joined and fully support the Tea Party and the Conservatives in Congress who hold the antitheses of your values. You were elected to support the Constitution, not to reshape government to suit your idea of what it "should be". Please stop turning this country into a welfare state where the citizens no longer have the right to choose their future. You are taking away our rights and choices in health care, business, and intruding more and more into our personal lives. Sounds like Socialism again.
Please stop the insanity! Government is "of the people, for the people, and by the people" and not for the personal agenda of one party. The Conservatives have it right with Cut, Cap, and Balance. No legislation is 100% but they have the correct idea to get government under control.
Mr President and Liberal members of the Senate, please stop this game of chicken and do what is right for the citizens of this country! Our economy is in shambles, people are out of work and losing their homes. We are in the midst of a crisis, and you and the Liberal Senate want to keep pushing the agenda of bigger government and more spending. That does not work - unless of course your goal is Socialism. Is that what "Change" was about?
For many years, I tended to agree with conservative principles but would vote independently based on the "best person for the job" regardless of the party. Now I have joined and fully support the Tea Party and the Conservatives in Congress who hold the antitheses of your values. You were elected to support the Constitution, not to reshape government to suit your idea of what it "should be". Please stop turning this country into a welfare state where the citizens no longer have the right to choose their future. You are taking away our rights and choices in health care, business, and intruding more and more into our personal lives. Sounds like Socialism again.
Please stop the insanity! Government is "of the people, for the people, and by the people" and not for the personal agenda of one party. The Conservatives have it right with Cut, Cap, and Balance. No legislation is 100% but they have the correct idea to get government under control.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Media Ethics
Media Ethics?
Posted by Peter Strom on June 15, 2011 at 7:17pm
View Peter Strom's blog
Now that is an oxymoron! "Media Ethics". With so much divisiveness in the world today, religious wars, ethnic infighting, political differences, and my morality versus yours, we don't need the media to fuel the fires of hatred and ignorance with derision.
The Tea Party is often the target. Media often portrays the Tea Party, and those who support those views, as right wing fanatics. But, that also means we are getting more attention these days. We are no longer the little kid on the block - we are a force to be seriously reckoned with. Liberals and the RINOs, Republicans In Name Only, realize that we mean business and are serious about returning our government to the principles laid out by the founders and defined by the Constitution.
Our face to the public must be clear. We must stand united in principle and in action. We need to overcome the slander and lies by being steadfast and open in our base principles of smaller government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets. No one would deny those values. However, as expected in politics, the "other guys" are the bad guys regardless of which side of the political fence they are on. And when people on either side of that fence need a scapegoat, we are it. But do not be dismayed. I am sure that our founding fathers had many disagreements on policies and procedures, but they stuck to the truths that defined our nation to this day: Freedom, Government of, by, and for the people, and Free market Capitalism. Government needs to step back and get out of the way of the people who want to restore this country to those principles. Corruption, greed, and divisiveness have no place in government, and the Tea Party is willing to lead toward that goal.
Division among the Republican candidates is greatly weakening the chances for Conservatism. We need a strong, responsible leader who can rise above the rest. And that leader must abide to the Constitution as stated in the Oath of Office of the President. And that person must have as a primary goal during his or her administration, to get this economy back on track to solvency, and reject the socialist agenda of more government.
As with any grass roots movement, the Tea Party needs to be united in our core principles. That is what the public needs to see if we are to effect positive changes in government. That is what we stand for, and without those fundamental core principles we are just another radical fringe group to be ignored.
Posted by Peter Strom on June 15, 2011 at 7:17pm
View Peter Strom's blog
Now that is an oxymoron! "Media Ethics". With so much divisiveness in the world today, religious wars, ethnic infighting, political differences, and my morality versus yours, we don't need the media to fuel the fires of hatred and ignorance with derision.
The Tea Party is often the target. Media often portrays the Tea Party, and those who support those views, as right wing fanatics. But, that also means we are getting more attention these days. We are no longer the little kid on the block - we are a force to be seriously reckoned with. Liberals and the RINOs, Republicans In Name Only, realize that we mean business and are serious about returning our government to the principles laid out by the founders and defined by the Constitution.
Our face to the public must be clear. We must stand united in principle and in action. We need to overcome the slander and lies by being steadfast and open in our base principles of smaller government, fiscal responsibility, and free markets. No one would deny those values. However, as expected in politics, the "other guys" are the bad guys regardless of which side of the political fence they are on. And when people on either side of that fence need a scapegoat, we are it. But do not be dismayed. I am sure that our founding fathers had many disagreements on policies and procedures, but they stuck to the truths that defined our nation to this day: Freedom, Government of, by, and for the people, and Free market Capitalism. Government needs to step back and get out of the way of the people who want to restore this country to those principles. Corruption, greed, and divisiveness have no place in government, and the Tea Party is willing to lead toward that goal.
Division among the Republican candidates is greatly weakening the chances for Conservatism. We need a strong, responsible leader who can rise above the rest. And that leader must abide to the Constitution as stated in the Oath of Office of the President. And that person must have as a primary goal during his or her administration, to get this economy back on track to solvency, and reject the socialist agenda of more government.
As with any grass roots movement, the Tea Party needs to be united in our core principles. That is what the public needs to see if we are to effect positive changes in government. That is what we stand for, and without those fundamental core principles we are just another radical fringe group to be ignored.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Capitalism is NOT a dirty word!
This great country was founded on Capitalism where people have the right, and the privilege, to create wealth for themselves and others through creative enterprise. It is the antithesis of socialism where government controls and stifles economic growth through unwieldy legislation and taxes.
We are the envy of the world because we have those freedoms engendered by Capitalism. Our Constitution was written by patriots who had the courage and foresight to see a great opportunity for a free and open society. They stood up against tyranny and control by a monarchy which would deny us those freedoms. We should not forget that many lives were lost in support of those freedoms for ourselves and other people around the globe.
Now we are returning to tyranny by a government bent on greater taxation, spending, and socialist policies. Do we need to again fight for our freedom? The early founders of our government anticipated that those in power would forget the principles laid out in our Constitution and even suggested that revolution would be necessary from time to time. Freedom of speech and public demonstration hopefully preclude the need for physical confrontation and bloodshed. But corruption and greed is still rampant in government at all levels and cannot be tolerated! We must continue to fight for our freedoms with each election and weed out those who ignore the will of the people. READ OUR LIPS ... NO NEW TAXES! Government spending must be reduced by getting rid of special interests, pork, and corruption.
Capitalism grows our economy, and wealth is not evil. Wealth acquired through hard work and entrepreneurship is what built this country. To destroy incentives of entrepreneurship by excessive taxation and our growing dependency of foreign money leads to increased welfare and the weakening of our economy.
The basic principles of good government are: Fiscal responsibility, free markets through Capitalism, and much less dependency on welfare. We are nearing the precipice of fiscal collapse. Government needs to understand that they are here primarily for the national defense, and to support the economy by ensuring fiscal responsibility. They are not here for the purpose of legislating morality, nor to pad their pockets with legislation to ensure their comfortable retirement and special privileges. Unions and government employees are citizens as well and must abide by the same laws and forgo special treatment.
The voters are angry, and will be watching as we approach the 2012 elections.
We are the envy of the world because we have those freedoms engendered by Capitalism. Our Constitution was written by patriots who had the courage and foresight to see a great opportunity for a free and open society. They stood up against tyranny and control by a monarchy which would deny us those freedoms. We should not forget that many lives were lost in support of those freedoms for ourselves and other people around the globe.
Now we are returning to tyranny by a government bent on greater taxation, spending, and socialist policies. Do we need to again fight for our freedom? The early founders of our government anticipated that those in power would forget the principles laid out in our Constitution and even suggested that revolution would be necessary from time to time. Freedom of speech and public demonstration hopefully preclude the need for physical confrontation and bloodshed. But corruption and greed is still rampant in government at all levels and cannot be tolerated! We must continue to fight for our freedoms with each election and weed out those who ignore the will of the people. READ OUR LIPS ... NO NEW TAXES! Government spending must be reduced by getting rid of special interests, pork, and corruption.
Capitalism grows our economy, and wealth is not evil. Wealth acquired through hard work and entrepreneurship is what built this country. To destroy incentives of entrepreneurship by excessive taxation and our growing dependency of foreign money leads to increased welfare and the weakening of our economy.
The basic principles of good government are: Fiscal responsibility, free markets through Capitalism, and much less dependency on welfare. We are nearing the precipice of fiscal collapse. Government needs to understand that they are here primarily for the national defense, and to support the economy by ensuring fiscal responsibility. They are not here for the purpose of legislating morality, nor to pad their pockets with legislation to ensure their comfortable retirement and special privileges. Unions and government employees are citizens as well and must abide by the same laws and forgo special treatment.
The voters are angry, and will be watching as we approach the 2012 elections.
Fiscal Responsibility
Fiscal Responsibility -- What part of that statement is unclear to our governments - Federal, State, and Local?
Why are in this position to begin with? Where was Congress the last several years? This crisis has not just suddenly appeared and could not have been anticipated long ago. Congress, regardless of which party had control, continued to tax and spend for their favorite "pork" projects to help ensure their reelection and used taxpayer money at will for their special interests and perks, and to pad their retirement.
Yes, there are wars, and there were debts incurred, and there were "bailouts" (a whole 'nuther topic on stupidity). So let's blame the "other guy" whether a prior President, prior Congress, or the "other party"). Pogo said in one of the comic strips, "We have met the enemy, and it is us!" How true! WE are the cause of our failures, either through neglect, inattention, or just disregard for the rising problems.
Now we have reached a debt crisis point at ALL levels of government. Now, suddenly, as if there was no prior awareness, we (the unwary citizens) are being told that unless we allow the Federal government to raise the "debt ceiling", that we will be punished (my word) by higher taxes, stopping or limiting Social Security and Medicare payments (let's scare the elderly and disabled), face a financial crisis and economic recession with rising mortgage rates, higher food costs, more job loss (scare the rest of the public), and having our country's credit status downgraded.
The people of the United States, at each election, hope for the best. We put our faith and trust in those we elect to look out for us, and to vote for what is best for the people and NOT what is best for the party or self interest. I am sure that I express the feelings of the majority of intelligent voters, that our governments, at all levels, have let us down. It is up to Congress and the President to fix this problem with minimal impact to the citizens of this country, and to place fiscal responsibility as one of the primary goals of government in the future. That is why we elected you, so get on with it!
Why are in this position to begin with? Where was Congress the last several years? This crisis has not just suddenly appeared and could not have been anticipated long ago. Congress, regardless of which party had control, continued to tax and spend for their favorite "pork" projects to help ensure their reelection and used taxpayer money at will for their special interests and perks, and to pad their retirement.
Yes, there are wars, and there were debts incurred, and there were "bailouts" (a whole 'nuther topic on stupidity). So let's blame the "other guy" whether a prior President, prior Congress, or the "other party"). Pogo said in one of the comic strips, "We have met the enemy, and it is us!" How true! WE are the cause of our failures, either through neglect, inattention, or just disregard for the rising problems.
Now we have reached a debt crisis point at ALL levels of government. Now, suddenly, as if there was no prior awareness, we (the unwary citizens) are being told that unless we allow the Federal government to raise the "debt ceiling", that we will be punished (my word) by higher taxes, stopping or limiting Social Security and Medicare payments (let's scare the elderly and disabled), face a financial crisis and economic recession with rising mortgage rates, higher food costs, more job loss (scare the rest of the public), and having our country's credit status downgraded.
The people of the United States, at each election, hope for the best. We put our faith and trust in those we elect to look out for us, and to vote for what is best for the people and NOT what is best for the party or self interest. I am sure that I express the feelings of the majority of intelligent voters, that our governments, at all levels, have let us down. It is up to Congress and the President to fix this problem with minimal impact to the citizens of this country, and to place fiscal responsibility as one of the primary goals of government in the future. That is why we elected you, so get on with it!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Stop the Piracy!
Why haven't we learned from Thomas Jefferson, Adams, and Madison when they had enough of the Barbary pirates and sent the Marines to end the intimidation and ransoming of ships on the high seas. The only difference is, before it was Libya on the shores of Tripoli, and today it is Somalia. In both cases, it is predominantly Muslim, and the same sort of ransoming was the modus operandi. And, undoubtedly, much of the ransom or booty is being used to fund Al Qaeda.
I strongly feel that we need to fight back. We first need to rescue the more than 400 hostages to prevent them of being victimized in retaliation. We are a powerful country but we are perceived as weak due to inaction. Since this is really an international issue, we need to include the support of other democracies.
We need to arm the merchant ships, and provide them with experienced Marines if necessary. If the ship is approached by pirates, just blow them and the 'mother ship' out of the water. Perhaps they will get the message as they did in the early 1800's off the Barbary coast.
It is time to end the piracy, and end our support of Al Qaeda!
I strongly feel that we need to fight back. We first need to rescue the more than 400 hostages to prevent them of being victimized in retaliation. We are a powerful country but we are perceived as weak due to inaction. Since this is really an international issue, we need to include the support of other democracies.
We need to arm the merchant ships, and provide them with experienced Marines if necessary. If the ship is approached by pirates, just blow them and the 'mother ship' out of the water. Perhaps they will get the message as they did in the early 1800's off the Barbary coast.
It is time to end the piracy, and end our support of Al Qaeda!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The End of Hatred? ... Not While Labels Exist
With the welcome demise of Bin Laden, the world is rid of one more source of evil, but he is not the last. There are other warped minds who are ready and willing to take his place. They cannot see the world for it's beauty and wonder. Their obsession is to destroy all of humanity who do not agree with their miserable view of life. Those unfortunate beings are sores on humanity that will continue to fester and grow unless the source is addressed.
Hatred is not inborn; it is learned. Hatred is engendered by ignorance, cruelty and neglect of basic needs. Hatred begets hatred; ignorance begets ignorance. It allows religion or race to become a weapon that is exacerbated by power and greed. When people live in a society that preaches hatred for others 'not like them', whether based on religious, cultural, ethnic, or racial differences, it engenders hatred, and encourages those like Bin Laden, Hitler and others.
We need to stop labeling ourselves and others. Labels are different from attributes. An attribute is a description without emotional attachment. Male, female, blond, brunette, tall, short are examples of attributes; it is simply what we are. But when we apply negative feelings toward an attribute, it becomes a label which separates us. Skin color is an attribute; religion is an attribute. But when strong negative emotions are attached, it becomes a label and labels are learned. And labels separate us from each other.
Every society needs to reflect on its values. Every society needs to eradicate those labels. Every society needs to stop isolating its people from others who have different attributes. I believe that the United States is the beacon of freedom because we are an amalgam of many races, cultures and religions.
Every society needs to look upon the earth as a small speck in the universe that has the incredible ability to sustain life. Regardless of your religious views, or even if you are an atheist, you are here, and it is your responsibility to ensure that this planet is left at least as it was when you were born, if not better for your having been here. Bin Laden, and some other purveyors of hatred may be gone, but until this world no longer labels people and hates them for their differences, we will never be truly free.
Hatred is not inborn; it is learned. Hatred is engendered by ignorance, cruelty and neglect of basic needs. Hatred begets hatred; ignorance begets ignorance. It allows religion or race to become a weapon that is exacerbated by power and greed. When people live in a society that preaches hatred for others 'not like them', whether based on religious, cultural, ethnic, or racial differences, it engenders hatred, and encourages those like Bin Laden, Hitler and others.
We need to stop labeling ourselves and others. Labels are different from attributes. An attribute is a description without emotional attachment. Male, female, blond, brunette, tall, short are examples of attributes; it is simply what we are. But when we apply negative feelings toward an attribute, it becomes a label which separates us. Skin color is an attribute; religion is an attribute. But when strong negative emotions are attached, it becomes a label and labels are learned. And labels separate us from each other.
Every society needs to reflect on its values. Every society needs to eradicate those labels. Every society needs to stop isolating its people from others who have different attributes. I believe that the United States is the beacon of freedom because we are an amalgam of many races, cultures and religions.
Every society needs to look upon the earth as a small speck in the universe that has the incredible ability to sustain life. Regardless of your religious views, or even if you are an atheist, you are here, and it is your responsibility to ensure that this planet is left at least as it was when you were born, if not better for your having been here. Bin Laden, and some other purveyors of hatred may be gone, but until this world no longer labels people and hates them for their differences, we will never be truly free.
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