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?
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
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.
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!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
What next?
The uprisings in the Arab countries appears to bode well for Democracy; or it can open the door wider to radical Islam. According to what we see via the media, is that the people of Egypt and Tunisia have had enough of the corrupt regimes in their respective countries and want a free and democratic society. This implies that they, although mainly Muslim, are not looking toward radical Islam.
The recent decade has opened the world to the Internet. The availablity of information regarding the disparity of life in the west versus life in the repressive countries mainly through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, various blogs and email, has opened the floodgates of truth and freedom within those countries.
The United States needs to be wary of interference - either overt or covert - in that it might resurrect the idea of the debacle with the Shah of Iran which lead to hatred of the United States by the Arab countries, and may well have fed the rise of radical Islam. The concern is that the new government in Egypt continues to be an ally of the United States and of Israel.
This may be a turning point as dominos fall regarding the rise of democracy in the Arab countries, and could diminish the rise of radical Islam. We can only hope.
The recent decade has opened the world to the Internet. The availablity of information regarding the disparity of life in the west versus life in the repressive countries mainly through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, various blogs and email, has opened the floodgates of truth and freedom within those countries.
The United States needs to be wary of interference - either overt or covert - in that it might resurrect the idea of the debacle with the Shah of Iran which lead to hatred of the United States by the Arab countries, and may well have fed the rise of radical Islam. The concern is that the new government in Egypt continues to be an ally of the United States and of Israel.
This may be a turning point as dominos fall regarding the rise of democracy in the Arab countries, and could diminish the rise of radical Islam. We can only hope.
Response to a mailing from Mark Kirk
I received your mailing requesting a response as to what the U.S. should do about the political upheaval in Egypt. I am responding this way because the limited responses did not satisfy my feelings on this issue.
I believe that the U.S. response must be measured so that we are not perceived as interfering, especially since the possible fate of Israel could be compromised. Obviously, we would want Egypt to become a democratic state with freedom and human rights, but the risk of overt interference could give credence to the fundamentalist Islamic movement.
The primary issue, in my opinion, is that the new leader of Egypt must be pro-democracy and a supporter of Israel. Since there is no clear candidate at this time, we need to proceed with diplomacy and hope that a suitable candidate comes to the fore. It seems that the youth of Egypt would support a democratic society as opposed to an Islamic state.
I believe that the U.S. response must be measured so that we are not perceived as interfering, especially since the possible fate of Israel could be compromised. Obviously, we would want Egypt to become a democratic state with freedom and human rights, but the risk of overt interference could give credence to the fundamentalist Islamic movement.
The primary issue, in my opinion, is that the new leader of Egypt must be pro-democracy and a supporter of Israel. Since there is no clear candidate at this time, we need to proceed with diplomacy and hope that a suitable candidate comes to the fore. It seems that the youth of Egypt would support a democratic society as opposed to an Islamic state.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
The Lawyers' Party by Bruce Walker.
The Democratic Party has become the Lawyers’ Party.
Barack Obama is a lawyer.
Michelle Obama is a lawyer.
Hillary Clinton is a lawyer.
Bill Clinton is a lawyer.
John Edwards is a lawyer.
Elizabeth Edwards is a lawyer.
Every Democrat nominee since 1984 went to law school (although Gore did not graduate).
Every Democrat vice presidential nominee since 1976, except for Lloyd Bentsen, went to law school.
Look at leaders of the Democrat Party in Congress: Harry Reid is a lawyer. Nancy Pelosi is a lawyer.
The Republican Party is different.
President Bush is a businessman.
Vice President Cheney is a businessman.
The leaders of the Republican Revolution:
Newt Gingrich was a history professor.
Tom Delay was an exterminator.
Dick Armey was an economist.
House Minority Leader Boehner was a plastic manufacturer.
The former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is a heart surgeon.
Who was the last Republican president who was a lawyer?
Gerald Ford, who left office 31 years ago and who barely won the Republican nomination as a sitting president, running against Ronald Reagan in 1976.
The Republican Party is made up of real people doing real work, who are often the targets of lawyers.
The Democrat Party is made up of lawyers. Democrats mock and scorn men who create wealth, like Bush and Cheney, or who heal the sick, like Frist, or who immerse themselves in history, like Gingrich.
The Lawyers’ Party sees these sorts of people, who provide goods and services that people want, as the enemies of America. And, so we have seen the procession of official enemies, in the eyes of the Lawyers’ Party, grow.
Against whom do Hillary and Obama rail? Pharmaceutical companies, oil companies, hospitals, manufacturers, fast food restaurant chains, large retail businesses, bankers, and anyone producing anything of value in our nation.
This is the natural consequence of viewing everything through the eyes of lawyers. Lawyers solve problems by successfully representing their clients, in this case the American people. Lawyers seek to have new laws passed, they seek to win lawsuits, they press appellate courts to overturn precedent, and lawyers always parse language to favor their side.
Confined to the narrow practice of law, that is fine. But it is an awful way to govern a great nation. When politicians as lawyers begin to view some Americans as clients and other Americans as opposing parties, then the role of the legal system in our life becomes all-consuming.
Some Americans become “adverse parties” of our very government. We are not all litigants in some vast social class-action suit. We are citizens of a republic that promises us a great deal of freedom from laws, from courts, and from lawyers.
Today, we are drowning in laws; we are contorted by judicial decisions; we are driven to distraction by omnipresent lawyers in all parts of our once private lives.
America has a place for laws and lawyers, but that place is modest and reasonable, not vast and unchecked.
When the most important decision for our next president is whom he will appoint to the Supreme Court, the role of lawyers and the law in America is too big.
When lawyers use criminal prosecution as a continuation of politics by other means, as happened in the lynching of Scooter Libby and Tom Delay, then the power of lawyers in America is too great.
When House Democrats sue America in order to hamstring our efforts to learn what our enemies are planning to do to us, then the role of litigation in America has become crushing.
We cannot expect the Lawyers’ Party to provide real change, real reform or real hope in America Most Americans know that a republic in which every major government action must be blessed by nine unelected judges is not what Washington intended in 1789.
Most Americans grasp that we cannot fight a war when ACLU lawsuits snap at the heels of our defenders. Most Americans intuit that more lawyers and judges will not restore declining moral values or spark the spirit of enterprise in our economy.
Perhaps Americans will understand that change cannot be brought to our nation by those lawyers who already largely dictate American society and business.
Perhaps Americans will see that hope does not come from the mouths of lawyers but from personal dreams nourished by hard work.
Perhaps Americans will embrace the truth that more lawyers with more power will only make our problems worse.
The United States has 5% of the world’s population and 66% of the world’s lawyers!
Tort (Legal) reform legislation has been introduced in congress several times in the last several years to limit punitive damages in ridiculous lawsuits such as “spilling hot coffee on yourself and suing the establishment that sold it to you” and also to limit punitive damages in huge medical malpractice lawsuits. This legislation has continually been blocked from even being voted on by the Democrat Party.
When you see that 97% of the political contributions from the American Trial Lawyers Association goes to the Democrat Party, then you realize who is responsible for our medical and product costs being so high!
Barack Obama is a lawyer.
Michelle Obama is a lawyer.
Hillary Clinton is a lawyer.
Bill Clinton is a lawyer.
John Edwards is a lawyer.
Elizabeth Edwards is a lawyer.
Every Democrat nominee since 1984 went to law school (although Gore did not graduate).
Every Democrat vice presidential nominee since 1976, except for Lloyd Bentsen, went to law school.
Look at leaders of the Democrat Party in Congress: Harry Reid is a lawyer. Nancy Pelosi is a lawyer.
The Republican Party is different.
President Bush is a businessman.
Vice President Cheney is a businessman.
The leaders of the Republican Revolution:
Newt Gingrich was a history professor.
Tom Delay was an exterminator.
Dick Armey was an economist.
House Minority Leader Boehner was a plastic manufacturer.
The former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is a heart surgeon.
Who was the last Republican president who was a lawyer?
Gerald Ford, who left office 31 years ago and who barely won the Republican nomination as a sitting president, running against Ronald Reagan in 1976.
The Republican Party is made up of real people doing real work, who are often the targets of lawyers.
The Democrat Party is made up of lawyers. Democrats mock and scorn men who create wealth, like Bush and Cheney, or who heal the sick, like Frist, or who immerse themselves in history, like Gingrich.
The Lawyers’ Party sees these sorts of people, who provide goods and services that people want, as the enemies of America. And, so we have seen the procession of official enemies, in the eyes of the Lawyers’ Party, grow.
Against whom do Hillary and Obama rail? Pharmaceutical companies, oil companies, hospitals, manufacturers, fast food restaurant chains, large retail businesses, bankers, and anyone producing anything of value in our nation.
This is the natural consequence of viewing everything through the eyes of lawyers. Lawyers solve problems by successfully representing their clients, in this case the American people. Lawyers seek to have new laws passed, they seek to win lawsuits, they press appellate courts to overturn precedent, and lawyers always parse language to favor their side.
Confined to the narrow practice of law, that is fine. But it is an awful way to govern a great nation. When politicians as lawyers begin to view some Americans as clients and other Americans as opposing parties, then the role of the legal system in our life becomes all-consuming.
Some Americans become “adverse parties” of our very government. We are not all litigants in some vast social class-action suit. We are citizens of a republic that promises us a great deal of freedom from laws, from courts, and from lawyers.
Today, we are drowning in laws; we are contorted by judicial decisions; we are driven to distraction by omnipresent lawyers in all parts of our once private lives.
America has a place for laws and lawyers, but that place is modest and reasonable, not vast and unchecked.
When the most important decision for our next president is whom he will appoint to the Supreme Court, the role of lawyers and the law in America is too big.
When lawyers use criminal prosecution as a continuation of politics by other means, as happened in the lynching of Scooter Libby and Tom Delay, then the power of lawyers in America is too great.
When House Democrats sue America in order to hamstring our efforts to learn what our enemies are planning to do to us, then the role of litigation in America has become crushing.
We cannot expect the Lawyers’ Party to provide real change, real reform or real hope in America Most Americans know that a republic in which every major government action must be blessed by nine unelected judges is not what Washington intended in 1789.
Most Americans grasp that we cannot fight a war when ACLU lawsuits snap at the heels of our defenders. Most Americans intuit that more lawyers and judges will not restore declining moral values or spark the spirit of enterprise in our economy.
Perhaps Americans will understand that change cannot be brought to our nation by those lawyers who already largely dictate American society and business.
Perhaps Americans will see that hope does not come from the mouths of lawyers but from personal dreams nourished by hard work.
Perhaps Americans will embrace the truth that more lawyers with more power will only make our problems worse.
The United States has 5% of the world’s population and 66% of the world’s lawyers!
Tort (Legal) reform legislation has been introduced in congress several times in the last several years to limit punitive damages in ridiculous lawsuits such as “spilling hot coffee on yourself and suing the establishment that sold it to you” and also to limit punitive damages in huge medical malpractice lawsuits. This legislation has continually been blocked from even being voted on by the Democrat Party.
When you see that 97% of the political contributions from the American Trial Lawyers Association goes to the Democrat Party, then you realize who is responsible for our medical and product costs being so high!
Why I cannot vote Democratic, and why I joined the Tea Party
Freedomworks.org Friday, December 17, 2010
Tea Party Stops $1.3 Trillion Pork Bill
Yesterday, on the 237th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, pressure from grassroots activists forced Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to withdraw his pork-laden Omnibus spending bill from further consideration. Not only was the bill chock-full of earmarks, but it also sought to provide funding to key provisions of Obama's health care law. Its defeat was an early holiday gift and a story Hollywood couldn't have scripted any better.
When the Sons of Liberty stormed Boston Harbor that 16th day of December in 1773, they set in motion a chain of events that eventually led to the American Revolution. This year, the Tea Party movement proved that there has been a seismic shift in the politics of spending.
This victory wouldn't have been possible, of course, without the tireless efforts of activists like you, who helped usher in November's congressional landslide. Your desire to fulfill the timeless vision of the Boston Tea Party continues to sustain and grow this decentralized, grassroots movement.
Federal Judge: Obamacare Is Unconstitutional
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson struck down the individual mandate of Obama's health care law on Monday, finding the measure which requires citizens to purchase health care by 2014 to be unconstitutional. This is a big early victory in a long fight which will now move to federal appeals court and will likely be finally decided by the Supreme Court.
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who spoke at FreedomWorks' 9/12 Taxpayer March on Washington, has been instrumental in the fight against Obamacare.
"I am gratified we prevailed," Cuccinelli told CNN. "This won't be the final round, as this will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, but today is a critical milestone in the protection of the Constitution."
Already, support for Cuccinelli has been voiced by thousands on our FreedomWorks Facebook page. Please become a fan of FreedomWorks on Facebook to "like", "comment" and "share" our stories. Don't forget to click the suggest friends link to invite your friends to join our page. This is critical in helping us spread the word about lower taxes, less government and more freedom.
Tea Party Stops $1.3 Trillion Pork Bill
Yesterday, on the 237th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, pressure from grassroots activists forced Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to withdraw his pork-laden Omnibus spending bill from further consideration. Not only was the bill chock-full of earmarks, but it also sought to provide funding to key provisions of Obama's health care law. Its defeat was an early holiday gift and a story Hollywood couldn't have scripted any better.
When the Sons of Liberty stormed Boston Harbor that 16th day of December in 1773, they set in motion a chain of events that eventually led to the American Revolution. This year, the Tea Party movement proved that there has been a seismic shift in the politics of spending.
This victory wouldn't have been possible, of course, without the tireless efforts of activists like you, who helped usher in November's congressional landslide. Your desire to fulfill the timeless vision of the Boston Tea Party continues to sustain and grow this decentralized, grassroots movement.
Federal Judge: Obamacare Is Unconstitutional
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson struck down the individual mandate of Obama's health care law on Monday, finding the measure which requires citizens to purchase health care by 2014 to be unconstitutional. This is a big early victory in a long fight which will now move to federal appeals court and will likely be finally decided by the Supreme Court.
Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who spoke at FreedomWorks' 9/12 Taxpayer March on Washington, has been instrumental in the fight against Obamacare.
"I am gratified we prevailed," Cuccinelli told CNN. "This won't be the final round, as this will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, but today is a critical milestone in the protection of the Constitution."
Already, support for Cuccinelli has been voiced by thousands on our FreedomWorks Facebook page. Please become a fan of FreedomWorks on Facebook to "like", "comment" and "share" our stories. Don't forget to click the suggest friends link to invite your friends to join our page. This is critical in helping us spread the word about lower taxes, less government and more freedom.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A government of the people, by the people, and for the people
There are members of Congress who need to understand about the will of the people. The people of this great country want to remain in a free and democratic society, and to maintain the Constitution that has succeeded in guiding us for more than two hundred years.
Our forefathers had the wisdom and courage to establish this new country in a way that allowed for peaceful transition of leadership based on the judgment of the electorate and the electoral college. That leadership involves primarily two of the three branches of our government: the Executive and the Legislative. When either of these branches does not act in the best interest of the people of this country, the people need to speak out and demand that we are being served in our best interests and not for the convenience of the elected.
This administration and several of the those elected to Congress appear not to be sensitive to the will of the people. It is not a contest of which party is right, but what best serves the people. Each issue needs to be dealt with in a manner which answers the question without regard to the party: "What is in the best interest of the people that we serve?"
Every social system has it's benefits and it's flaws: Ours being that members of our government are elected, and in order to stay in office, they must be reelected. But at the same time they must be loyal to their party. That often results in a conflict of interest. In addition, there is pressure from lobbyists and the corruption of bills by earmarks which have no relation to the bill, but add additional costs. Talk of bipartisanship is often hollow, and unbridled power can lead to corruption.
The current administration needs to heed the will of the people. We need a smaller, more efficient government with greater fiscal responsibility. More government control is expensive and is contradictory to our democracy. The elected need to remember the words of Abraham Lincoln at the close of the Gettysburg Address: "... a government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish for the earth."
Our forefathers had the wisdom and courage to establish this new country in a way that allowed for peaceful transition of leadership based on the judgment of the electorate and the electoral college. That leadership involves primarily two of the three branches of our government: the Executive and the Legislative. When either of these branches does not act in the best interest of the people of this country, the people need to speak out and demand that we are being served in our best interests and not for the convenience of the elected.
This administration and several of the those elected to Congress appear not to be sensitive to the will of the people. It is not a contest of which party is right, but what best serves the people. Each issue needs to be dealt with in a manner which answers the question without regard to the party: "What is in the best interest of the people that we serve?"
Every social system has it's benefits and it's flaws: Ours being that members of our government are elected, and in order to stay in office, they must be reelected. But at the same time they must be loyal to their party. That often results in a conflict of interest. In addition, there is pressure from lobbyists and the corruption of bills by earmarks which have no relation to the bill, but add additional costs. Talk of bipartisanship is often hollow, and unbridled power can lead to corruption.
The current administration needs to heed the will of the people. We need a smaller, more efficient government with greater fiscal responsibility. More government control is expensive and is contradictory to our democracy. The elected need to remember the words of Abraham Lincoln at the close of the Gettysburg Address: "... a government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish for the earth."
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Republicans In Name Only
Now that the House of Representatives has a narrow conservative majority, we need to ensure that remaining RINO's (Republicans In Name Only) like Rep. Fred Upton (Michigan 6th District) do not sabotage the conservative agenda. Rep. Upton's voting record indicates that he often favors the progressive policies.
Rep. Upton aspires to the chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee which has major influence on a broad swath of domestic policy issues. However, he has voted against tax cuts and for Pelosi's Omnibus Spending Bill. He voted against federal deficit reduction and for increased welfare. He voted for bailouts and increased government regulation; against offshore drilling and for increased taxes on domestic energy companies. Those policies are indicative of a legislator who is not in touch with what the country wants.
Many people, including myself, feel that he should not become chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee since he is far out of step with the Tea Party values, the GOP, and America as a whole.
Rep. Upton aspires to the chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee which has major influence on a broad swath of domestic policy issues. However, he has voted against tax cuts and for Pelosi's Omnibus Spending Bill. He voted against federal deficit reduction and for increased welfare. He voted for bailouts and increased government regulation; against offshore drilling and for increased taxes on domestic energy companies. Those policies are indicative of a legislator who is not in touch with what the country wants.
Many people, including myself, feel that he should not become chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee since he is far out of step with the Tea Party values, the GOP, and America as a whole.
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Game of Politics
Politics is like a game of cards, but much simpler. The rules are:
1. Get yourself known to the public so that your name would be recognized on the ballot. It doesn't make a difference how this is accomplished, but it helps if it not due to any type of lewd or criminal behavior - although this would not necessarily exclude your candidacy. Make sure that you get the favor of the political leadership of the party you favor since you have virtually no chance without it, and even less a chance if it is not a major party.
2. Acquire a lot of money by promising favors and buying loyalty from those who hope to gain favor in your purview of administration. If you have the favor of the party, they will help you get the money for your campaign. Otherwise, no chance.
3. Dig up as much dirt on your opponent(s) as possible. It is not a requirement that the issues be true, only that those issues would be difficult to disprove - at least until the election is over. Generalities regarding the opponent's party is always fair game.
4. Buy as much media time as you can afford (it's campaign money anyway), and slander your opponent just shy of legal trouble. Avoid making promises except in generalities as this may backfire on you. Make sure you are well dressed and looking good as this is what the public wants. What you say is of little importance.
5. If elected, you are home free to do what you want. Fiscal management is not your responsibility because it can always be blamed on someone else. Enjoy the perks and use whatever you can to your advantage. You need something, get it and put it on the government tab. You now have power and, if handled shrewdly, a somewhat unlimited source of money.
This type of campaigning has been true ever since there have been candidates vying for the same position. It was true in our government since it's inception in the late 18th century. Although, the above rules are somewhat sarcastic, they are not far from the truth. Are we naive enough to believe that every politician has our best interest in mind? I believe that even the most altruistic fall by the wayside when they realize that the only way to keep their position is to "follow the party line" regardless of what is best for the people. Choosing "the least offensive candidate" is NOT a reasonable choice. Apparently, neither is qualification.
What the people of this great country want is relative peace and prosperity. Neither word should be taken in the absolute, but rather as a state of being free of tyranny and having unjust limits placed on our freedoms. Prosperity does not imply wealth (which is an arbitrary term anyway); prosperity is the freedom to obtain a satisfying livelihood through one's own abilities. As such, it is not, nor should it ever be, the purview of ANY governmental body to limit that personal responsibility.
Governments are responsible to ensure the safety of their constituents, but not to ensure everyone's welfare. The exception would be for the assistance of those persons who are unable to maintain a viable standard of life. When government expands its purview into the private sector, or overrides it's constitutional authority, it is wrong. In a democracy, government should not dictate how people must live. That is socialism. The more control government has, the less the people have to decide what is best for their lives. That is not democracy.
1. Get yourself known to the public so that your name would be recognized on the ballot. It doesn't make a difference how this is accomplished, but it helps if it not due to any type of lewd or criminal behavior - although this would not necessarily exclude your candidacy. Make sure that you get the favor of the political leadership of the party you favor since you have virtually no chance without it, and even less a chance if it is not a major party.
2. Acquire a lot of money by promising favors and buying loyalty from those who hope to gain favor in your purview of administration. If you have the favor of the party, they will help you get the money for your campaign. Otherwise, no chance.
3. Dig up as much dirt on your opponent(s) as possible. It is not a requirement that the issues be true, only that those issues would be difficult to disprove - at least until the election is over. Generalities regarding the opponent's party is always fair game.
4. Buy as much media time as you can afford (it's campaign money anyway), and slander your opponent just shy of legal trouble. Avoid making promises except in generalities as this may backfire on you. Make sure you are well dressed and looking good as this is what the public wants. What you say is of little importance.
5. If elected, you are home free to do what you want. Fiscal management is not your responsibility because it can always be blamed on someone else. Enjoy the perks and use whatever you can to your advantage. You need something, get it and put it on the government tab. You now have power and, if handled shrewdly, a somewhat unlimited source of money.
This type of campaigning has been true ever since there have been candidates vying for the same position. It was true in our government since it's inception in the late 18th century. Although, the above rules are somewhat sarcastic, they are not far from the truth. Are we naive enough to believe that every politician has our best interest in mind? I believe that even the most altruistic fall by the wayside when they realize that the only way to keep their position is to "follow the party line" regardless of what is best for the people. Choosing "the least offensive candidate" is NOT a reasonable choice. Apparently, neither is qualification.
What the people of this great country want is relative peace and prosperity. Neither word should be taken in the absolute, but rather as a state of being free of tyranny and having unjust limits placed on our freedoms. Prosperity does not imply wealth (which is an arbitrary term anyway); prosperity is the freedom to obtain a satisfying livelihood through one's own abilities. As such, it is not, nor should it ever be, the purview of ANY governmental body to limit that personal responsibility.
Governments are responsible to ensure the safety of their constituents, but not to ensure everyone's welfare. The exception would be for the assistance of those persons who are unable to maintain a viable standard of life. When government expands its purview into the private sector, or overrides it's constitutional authority, it is wrong. In a democracy, government should not dictate how people must live. That is socialism. The more control government has, the less the people have to decide what is best for their lives. That is not democracy.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Government in America
Today I attended my first meeting of the local Tea Party group named West Suburban Patriots. I went with an open mind to see what they had to say without any preconceived ideas other than knowing that they were dissatisfied with the direction of our government. I must admit that I shared that feeling of discontent for some time, that is to say through several cycles of Presidents and Congress, regardless of political affiliation.
I found that the speakers at the meeting were not fanatics, but rather that they were very concerned and aware citizens. The speakers, and the 40 or so attendees, honestly felt that bigger government is not the answer to the problems in this country, but, in fact, serve to exacerbate issues which could be resolved in a simpler and far less costly manner.
The function of the Tea Party is neither to support nor to wrest control from either the Democrats or Republicans. It serves to bring awareness to the people that our government is bloated and excessive in it's use of power and spending.
Many of the principles of the Tea Party are founded upon the ideas of Thomas Jefferson who, although he was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, was vigilant regarding the possibility of corruption of power by government. He even warned that "... All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."
We cannot choose to remain silent while our government takes control over our inalienable rights as citizens, regardless of the motivation or intent. Telling us that government should control health care is a dangerous precedent. It not only takes away our freedom to choose and control our own destiny, it mandates that we do what the government deems best for us. That to me smacks of socialism, and that is not what the founders of this country intended, nor is it what the citizens of this country desire for our future.
I found that the speakers at the meeting were not fanatics, but rather that they were very concerned and aware citizens. The speakers, and the 40 or so attendees, honestly felt that bigger government is not the answer to the problems in this country, but, in fact, serve to exacerbate issues which could be resolved in a simpler and far less costly manner.
The function of the Tea Party is neither to support nor to wrest control from either the Democrats or Republicans. It serves to bring awareness to the people that our government is bloated and excessive in it's use of power and spending.
Many of the principles of the Tea Party are founded upon the ideas of Thomas Jefferson who, although he was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, was vigilant regarding the possibility of corruption of power by government. He even warned that "... All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."
We cannot choose to remain silent while our government takes control over our inalienable rights as citizens, regardless of the motivation or intent. Telling us that government should control health care is a dangerous precedent. It not only takes away our freedom to choose and control our own destiny, it mandates that we do what the government deems best for us. That to me smacks of socialism, and that is not what the founders of this country intended, nor is it what the citizens of this country desire for our future.
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