About Me

Name: TrueBlueAmerican
Email: lvnlibrarian@yahoo.com Biography
Loading...

Create Your Own Blog Find Other Townhall Blogs

Comments

Blog Roll

 

The True Definition of Cash vs. Credit

This is a lesson that all Americans should learn by the time they are able to manage their own money.  As a matter of fact,  when an eight year old begins to earn an allowance a basic economic truth should be repeated over and over until they understand what money really is and how it should be handled.   This basic truth was made evident to me in an autobiography by Shirley Temple Black.  Yes, amazing isn't it?  Yet who better to learn from then the iconic child star of the Depression Era.  The lesson is simply this: Cash is for the rich.  Credit is for the poor.  Could it be any plainer for people to understand?  More specifically, could any liberal or RINO in Washington who wants to continue spending begin to comprehend this simple statement?   It is so simple, that it will most likely go over their elitist heads. 

This is the core of American's economic woes.  Too many families were living the good life on borrowed money. This gave them the illusion that they were "rich".  When the math is finally done, that is computing how much is earned on income, how much is spent for everyday expenses and how much actual wealth a family owns the stark reality is revealed.  The family actually owns nothing but owes more than they can ever pay back.  Which begs us to ask the following questions:   How did Americans forget this economic truth?  When did the credit madness begin and common sense end?  Who is really to blame?   As you would suspect the answers to all these questions are complex.  However tackling them is what is necessary for us to finally come to grips to where we are today as a county and where we are most likely headed if we don't change our course. 

First of the baffling questions,  how Americans forgot the economic truth of cash versus credit.  This might be one of the easier questions to answer.  Our culture has become increasingly lazy by demanding that everything in life must be obtained right now.  There is no delayed gratification as previous generations practiced. There is no sense of working hard, saving money and being rewarded for following common sense practices.   It is a live for the moment society.  If that moment demands a new TV with surround sound, all one has to do is sign their salaries away to obtain it in monthly payments with interest.  Easy, right?  What happens when the bottom falls out and you lose your job?  No one ever thinks of that because for liberals, Utopia is where it all comes together.  No one loses their jobs. (Heck no one needs a job, government pays everyone to stay home).   No one goes without simple luxury, and by their definition that would be a car, TV, stereo, cable, computer and the list goes on.  The only true freedom one has is when they have CASH.  If something is wanted or needed, the consumer goes out buys it and it is theirs to keep. Simple.  No thrills common sense.  Rich people use that logic all the time.  Which may be way very few of the rich actually have credit cards. Why would they need credit if they have CASH.   

When and where the credit card boom began is up for debate. Some say in the  60's and 70's.  Other say in the 80's.  Either way it really doesn't matter.  It has taken a generation of spenders to ruin the economy of today.  The proof is in the President's own words: "We've got to spread the wealth around."   The President and his men have all grown up in an era of materialism and greed.  Notice how they approach each economic problem with printing more money, more stimulus and more spending without any regard as to whether their plans are effective or not.  Stimulus I didn't work as planned, no problem.  Stick to the game plan of print more money and spend.  Outcomes don't matter because eventually everything will change. As smart Ivy leaguers it is likely they know that this isn't true but they aren't the ones who are suffering.  It's the "little" guy they all claim to want to help.  They will continuously blame Capitalism and corporate greed for  the situation and demand that everyone be compensated for their insensitive desire to make money.  Hypocrisy at its best.  They  have the money,  they look for ways to get more money from taxpayers and yet their greed is never put to the test.  Is there corporate greed?  Yes, there are plenty of examples.  However, not every corporation is corrupt.  The sad reality is that it most likely will take another generation to clean up the mess and begin to act fiscally responsible.  The good news is that conservatism is showing the path to fiscal well being on every level of the economy.  From family finance to government spending.  It may be hip to be square ...again. 

Who is to blame for the upside down economic mess where Credit became king and Cash became the joker?  The finger pointing can go all around.  From the U.S. government  to corporations to bankers  to consumers.  Everyone shares the blame.    It's hard to notice that the sky is falling when one is too busy dancing, drinking and being merry.  Hm... sounds a lot like how the Roman Empire fell.  Is it too late for this great country?  To be honest, it's hard to tell.  There seems to be hope that a new bread of leaders are emerging to reign in wasteful spending and begin to use common sense economic policy.  However, as voters have found out the hard way over the years, legislators are human and often time they disappoint their constituents.  The only hope we have is in ourselves as we discipline our families to live by the economic truth:  Cash is for the rich. Credit is for the poor. Hopefully in the near future, it will sink into the minds of Washington and there will be prosperity again.  
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Conservative Change and 2012 Presidential Election

The political season is in full swing and now more than ever, it is time to start this blog again.  There are many issues on the agenda, and where to begin is very daunting indeed.  My absence for the past couple of months (since April to be exact) gave ample time to sit back and reflect on what the core message is for this blog.  What do I need to be  saying that isn't being said or barely being said anywhere else?  Is there room for another "conservative Republican" to voice an opinion?  The answers to these questions became apparent when watching the Republican debates and the media's attempts to make the candidates look like bumbling idiots.  One more comment on how great Mitt Romney is looking as a candidate will be enough for me to wonder if there is any hope for the American political system. The Republican Presidential field of candidates is not perfect, but then  again, the field is filled with human beings who have lives, families, hopes and dreams  In other words, they are not the Messiah.  On the bright side,   the Democrat Presidential candidate is not perfect either.  Its time to move on and find the right person for the job.  This in a nut shell is what really has Washington running for cover.  The average conservative  American voter is now taking the time to throughly vet the candidates to find out as much as possible before making a decision on who to support.  For the future of America, this is a very good thing.  Having learned the lessons of putting someone with no experience in the Oval Office, voters now want someone they can count on.  It's going to be a very tough job to defeat Obama, and an even tougher one to clean up the mess he leaves behind. This job can not be entrusted to just "anyone" 

Out of the field of seven candidates, there is a tremendous amount of talent and experience in the profiles of the candidates. Any one of them could do perform the job as President of the United States much better than Obama.  Frankly, if Democrats were thinking that Bush had a failed Presidency  they could have never foreseen how bad things could get when their Messiah showed up and promised them the moon with a side of extra government funds to boot. Clearly its time for change, but not the kind the Democrats and Obama wanted.  It's high time that conservative Republicans began to fight for and define the change that is sorely needed in our government, in our schools and in our society.   

Change can only happen  if the leaders we elect have character and the desire to do what is right.  Candidates can spew all they like about how wonderful of a family life they have, how they believe in God and the traditional Judeo-Christian values.  Actions speak much louder than words.  Great hair and perfect smiles are not a sign of a "good" person.  Actions always tell the truth sooner than the words in a speech.   

A man or woman who wishes to hold the office of President of the United States should be held responsible to perform  their duties as stated in the U.S Constitution.  There are reasons why rules and laws were put into place, which simply was to make sure no one would over step their boundaries.  This country was started to replace a monarchy and never entertain the thought of a tyranny.  However, that is just what socialism leads to in the many times it has been tried.  Don't believe me?  Read the history books that have not been altered. 

The leader of the freest country in the world must realize one very important fact: the role that the Americans play in stabilizing the world is an important one.  If our country continues down this slippery slope of bigger government, more taxes and inflation that is out of control, the bailout of the European  countries like Greece,  will seem like peanuts,  next to this country's financial woes. Not to mention dealing with foreign enemies with a hand shake while turning our backs to our allies.  President Obama has done more damage to the United States image in the world today than any other President in  history.  Jimmy Carter, for all his failures in  Foreign Relations, still fared better.  This is considering that he had the Iran Hostage Crisis, which was the end of his presidency. 

In1992, Bill Clinton had a winning campaign with the constant reminder to everyone helping on the campaign trail:  It's the economy stupid.  This is true now more than ever. With unemployment at over 9 % and this does not include those who are underemployed, businesses are failing and the housing  market is at its worst in years.    There is no way that any candidate can escape the fact that manufacturing needs to return home, drilling for oil in the USA must begin and businesses need to be assured that expanding their companies will not lead to a punishment of their success  with high corporate taxes.  America is the leader in innovation, it's time to strengthen and encourage that spirit once again.  Work is very important. 

Last but not least, conservatives have always been known to tell it like it is and not be afraid of saying it when it's true.  Our country's road down the Political Correctness path has lead us to waste our time and talents on agenda and legislations that is based on pure liberal nonsense.  When State legislators and Senate leaders are worried about Anti-Bullying laws for schools there is something wrong with lawmakers priorities. This is the biggest example of government interfering in areas that are best left up to others to correct  

It's time to call a failure, for what it is, a failed attempt to reach a  positive outcome  The first Republican candidate that takes on the responsibility to hammer home everyday that Obama has failed in his term as president has a very good start to winning the election.  The one who does this and embraces the conservative changes needed will be the next President of the United States.  If this candidate does not win,  it won't be because they were wrong.  It will be because voters have given up on America.    This is the main message of this blog:  I haven't given up on  America ---- and you shouldn't either. 

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

The 47% - The Immorality of this Economy

This will sound like a tirade of an angry taxpayer.  Probably because it is.  For the first time since this blog began, it will be personal because the 47% have made this a very personal issue to me.  Before the assumption is made that this is being written by a white educated person who makes $250,000 a year, lives in a 25000 square foot home and has money in the retirement account,  allow me to set the record straight.  I am an educated white person with a Master's Degree.  I live in a 1000 square foot home, and currently working only 5 to 10 hours a week due to the fact that the economy has been so bad.  How am I surviving?  Barely.  Yet, you'll understand why I am angered that I still owe Uncle Sam money at tax time when my husband and I are barely scrapping by on my meager income and his income that has been slashed in half due to the auto industry taking a dive.

So the 47% who pay no taxes there is only one thing I have to say to you: Have you no shame?  No self worth?  You complain along with our President that everyone should have skin the game.  Sorry, but we are down to the bone.  Nothing left to give because the 47% who like to live high off the hog from government handouts don't feel they have anything to give.  Freeloading off me is no longer an option.  I am tired of the class warfare that the liberals want me to participant in because they would rather have a dependent class than an independent class. Since we want to talk about skin in the game as our President so eloquently puts it, let's put it in perspective what that means.  It should mean that everyone pays their fair share. However, in this country, that use to take pride in ingenuity, hard work, and pulling oneself up from the bootstraps,fairness is determined by fat cats in Washington who make rules based on "feelings".  They feel that certain class of people deserve a break while another class carries the burden.   That is not fairness by any standards.  That is called putting people in a position where they will become enslaved (yes, as in become a slave) to a system that will never set them free.  That is immoral. 

To the so called "rich" who have the all the breaks. There is no envy here of how you obtain your money or how you spend it.  There is just one request that I would like to make here.   Please spread your wealth to me.  Not in the way of money, unless you have a job opportunity for me so that I might be able to put food on the table based on my own hard work.  Spread your wealth of knowledge to me and those like me who want to further ourselves along in life to the point where we are successful and perhaps, be able to help the economy grow with new ideas, new jobs and new businesses.  That should be the only "spreading of wealth" to go around.  I have not taken a dime of welfare, or government handouts because I was taught to make it on my own.  I have a brain,  able body and a willingness to learn.  However, the immorality of this current economy and mindset in Washington is keeping me and others like me from getting a job.  I want to be self sufficient.   I wish the 47% of Americans who don't pay taxes would do the same.   However,  it doesn't seem likely to happen anytime soon.  While they are busy taking from the government I will be scrapping by trying to pay my taxes and hopefully not fall further behind.   However, after hearing Obama's speech of a few days back, it hardly seems likely to happen this year.  The frightening fact that faces me daily, is that he is looking for more ways to tax me further.  If this is the case, I can't say I'd blame anyone with money to move out of the United States.  I would too if I could afford it!

America certainly has had it's ups and downs.  For all of her faults, I  love this country and appreciate the opportunity it once offered.  I hope those opportunities will come around again!


Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (3) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

State of The Union: What Obama Should Say

Tonight's State of the Union Address will be filled with praise for Obama and more promises that the current administration can not keep.    The country is is eagerly awaiting news that the economy will soon turn around and that the United States is back on its feet. Voters will want to hear about concrete strategy on how the President intends to lead America back to financial stability.   In addition, people will need reassurances from the President that the days of wasteful spending in Washington is a thing of the past.  President Obama can not deliver on what Americans need so he will have to do what he has done on the campaign trail: preach like he's the savior, promise the moon and promote liberal programs which will add to America's economic woes.  That is what the President does best.  However, if he were to be presidential tonight, what he should acknowledge is that America's economic future is not stable, and won't be until the combination of unemployment, housing, oil, and U.S. Debt show stronger numbers. 

Unemployment remains the top concern of Americans.  While the Administration touted that Unemployment numbers dropped 0.4% in December, that small drop means nothing to the millions who have been unemployed for over two years or more.  They have dropped from the numbers of those who are seeking work and collecting Unemployment benefits.  For them, their new reality is food stamps.  In May 2010 Reuters reported that over 40 million Americans are receiving food stamps.   With this in mind, one has to realize that the unemployment rate is much  higher. than 9.4%.   Americans need to get back to work, which means  that Obama should say that hurdles that hinder business growth, such as regulations and taxes, will be lifted to lure business back to the United States.   

Housing is still struggling to make a come back.  Obama's program to help those in foreclosure was an epic fail. Currently there are more homes to buy than there are buyers.   Which means the construction of new homes is down to an all time low.  This ties in with unemployment.  If there are no jobs, there are no buyers for homes and many more banks will be taking homes away from owners who simply can not pay the mortgage.  What Obama should say tonight about housing is not blaming the mess on the banks,  but give incentives to non-profit private companies to provide assistance to those who are in danger of losing their homes.  

Food and gas prices continue to rise causing additional burdens on the stressed middle class. There is a scenario where oil prices can exceed over $100 per barrel.  Oil prices will effect all other aspects of the economy from transportation to food. The price for a barrel of oil has already hit $100 mark, and OPEC in effect told the Administration to "deal" with the price.  The correct way to "deal" with this outrageous blackmail from OPEC is to start drilling at home.  Obama should lift  the offshore oil drilling ban again.  This time for the long term.  

Obama can not ignore the United States growing debt, but he will.  For the sake of painting a rosy picture for the future and keeping the "hope" alive, Obama will gloss over the reality that the US  Dollar is losing its' value globally.  America continues to borrow money to keep things going, and China remains the largest holder of our debts.  What will happen if China decides to dump the debt they have been accumulating from the U.S?  What Obama should say tonight is that his Administration will make it a priority to pay down the debt.  This includes to cease selling treasury bonds to secure more loans.  America should and will be dependent on themselves and not beholden to other countries. 

Tonight's address will not be a memorable one unless Obama decides to face the music and tell the American public what they really need to know.  Instead what they and the world will hear is more of the same "Hope and change" dance that has left people "hopeless and changed".  The reality is, America needs to be the land of opportunity again.  It's not going to happen over night, but with a clear understanding of where we are, why we are here, and what needs to be done much can be accomplished in recapturing the American Dream. 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Jackson-Lee's Constitutional Gaffe

The House of Representatives recently repealed Obamacare.  This is an encouraging first step from the newly  Republican controlled House.  What was discouraging about the debates were the tired old lines from the House Democrats.  Each Democrat that supported Health Care reform told lie after lie after lie to state their case.  These are the same lies they spewed last year when they rammed this awful bill down the throats of taxpayers.  The November 2 election should have been proof enough that Americans were rejecting the Democrats position, but apparently Democrats need more than just a trouncing at the polls to get the truth through to them.  Democrat Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee went as far to say that repealing Healthcare Reform is a violation against American civil rights.  It is now that Ms. Jackson-Lee claims to know the Constitution, the Fifth  and the Fourteenth Amendments.  Her points were illogical, pointless and proves yet again,  she didn't care what her constituents were telling her at her famous town hall. (Remember Jackson-Lee is the one who pulled out her cell phone while a concerned voter was asking her a question.) Jackson-Lee stated,  " “Can you tell me what’s more unconstitutional than taking away from the people of America their Fifth Amendment rights, their Fourteenth Amendment rights, and the right to equal protection under the law?”  For a high school government class refresher, the Fifth amendments deals with due process for citizens.  Meaning that the law protects citizens from the abuse of government authority in a legal procedure.  Apparently,  Ms. Jackson-Lee must be thinking all uninsured Americans are being unlawfully prosecuted.  In the case of the Fourteenth Amendment, the equal protection clause refers to all citizens as equal under the law.  There will be no valid reasons for a person to be denied rights to  the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Ms. Jackson-Lee can not seriously believe what she has said if she has truly read the entire Obamacare Bill.  If she did she would know that the now repealed  Healthcare Reform does not guarantee  life, liberty or happiness.  Instead, it guarantees the loss of life, the loss of liberties and the loss of happiness.  
Contrary to the Democrats lame outcry on the repeal, Americans will not suffer because the reform has been repealed.  In fact, every American should urge and support their Senators to follow the House's lead.  It's time for common sense to be used and stop this debacle of a reform before it's too late.  Americans don't want healthcare form. They certainly don't need the reform.  Americans can spot a con job when they see one.  This Healthcare Reform may have been the biggest con in American History.  If Congresswoman Jackson-Lee wants to use the Constitution as the basis for her arguments, than she had better take a closer look at the meaning and intent of the words.  Here's something for the "esteemed" Congresswoman to consider:  Everyone can get health Insurance, the problem is that it is too expensive.  How about looking at ways to lower costs so everyone can afford to buy their own insurance to meet their own individual needs?  Just a thought. 



Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Why Education Matter

In the current economic crisis, people are returning to school to earn another degree in hopes that it will pave the way for better jobs and wages.  After all, this is the generation that was brought up with the mantra, "The more you learn, the more you earn."   College has become the necessary tool to get ahead in life and fulfill the American dream.   However, that reality has been busted over the past two years due to the fact that there are more educated unemployed than in any other time in history.  The seal on sheepskin paper that declares to the world the value of a person's education amounts to nothing when times are challenging.  What has happened to the "educated"  class and why haven't they been able to pull themselves out of this unemployment slump?  The answer is simple:  the American education system has failed them. 

In 1983,  A Nation at Risk was published by the Nation Commission on Excellence in Education.  The publication pointed to the outdated American education system and called for reform in education.  in particular in the areas of Math and Science where American students routinely lagged behind the rest of the world.  Over twenty years later, virtually nothing has changed.  The same tired debates about education are still being argued. Educators complain that there is not enough money in Education.  Smaller class sizes and additional classroom computers are also offered as solutions ot the problems. Yet, student achievement are still lagging.   In a highly competitive world,  America's students are have had their future stolen from them by providing them with mediocre education.  Students are not being challenged, not given the tools to make educated decisions and not given the chance to excel.  The education system has been taken to the lowest level of expectations  and in return, America is losing not only educationally but economically.  

Two decades ago,  the opportunity existed to  head he warnings from A Nation at Risk and begin to revamp an outdated educational system.  It is ironic that the school districts, whose formation could well be dated as far back as the dark ages are entrusted with the future.  The United States government makes matters worse by interfering with national standards, mandates and regulations that do little to nothing in the education process. For example,  No child Left Behind was a program that was to ensure that states would develop and set assessments in basic skills for grade school children.  In return, states received federal funding for their schools.  Great idea?  The intentions were good but the outcome was fuzzy at best.  Today the  percentage of students dropping out of school is near 10%.    Of the students who do stay in school and continue on to college they are often not prepared for higher education and careers. Children are still left behind and the debate continues on how to solve the problem. 

There are no simple solutions to the problem.  However, three difficult hurdles must be cleared before our children begin to excel again in Education and in the world.  First and foremost,  education needs to be taken out of politics.  Easier said than done since unions are still political in nature.   Politicians on both sides of the isle and union leaders must understand that education begins at home.  Not on Capital Hill.  Having said that, the second hurdle is to give the decision on how best to educated children back to the parents.  By allowing  parents to choose  the schools that will best meet the needs of their children, it places the responsibility squarely on the parents to become involved in their child's education.  It invites competition.  It also invites educators to bring new ideas to the classrooms and spark imaginations which leads to learning. Last and most important, if we are to give our children a chance to succeed it must cross all boundaries of race and economic status.  All children must be given the opportunity to receive the best education possible.  There should be no excuse for an inner city child to receive less of an education than one in the suburbs.  There should be no tolerance for depleted school buildings.  There should be no tolerance for unions to collaborate with political pals to exchange union dues for votes. The same opportunity given to the suburban child should be given to the inner city child.   Providing a core education that equips a student with solid basic skills in reading, writing and arithmetic, will ensure a brighter future.  After all, with a basic eighth grade education, the Greatest Generation paved the way for today's wealth.  Just think what could happen if every student were able to stand on their own merits and blazed their own path.  What a different country America would be? 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (13) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

The Bleak Picture for Housing in 2011

Someone finally said the "D" word.  The media has been trying to hide the fact that America is worse off then ever by calling our economic reality the "Great Recession" .  However the housing market is showing a much different reality.  The number of foreclosed homes in 2010 went well over a million and 2011 does not look to be much better.  This marks the first time since the Great "Depression" that the housing market has been dismal.  Passing the historic mark of 25.9% of the 1928-1933.  Spin it all you'd like but the reality is that this is Obama's economy.  This will be Obama's legacy. 

When the young community organizer, senator and now President took office he allocated $75 million dollars to stop the flow of foreclosures.  Obama's Mortgage plan called for bankers to adjust mortgages in order to give homeowners the ability to stay in their homes.  This was the first lesson of how stimulus money does nothing to help a lagging economy.  Of the 1.24 million who enrolled in the plan over a third have dropped out.  Why?  After collecting the financial information, such as proof of income.  The borrowers were not qualified to  receive help.  Losing their homes in the process.  Where do we go from here? 

Economist have stated that if  the housing market is dismal the employment numbers will continue to be sluggish.  Not the comforting news that most want to hear, especially those who are beginning to think that they see the light at the end of the tunnel. Unemployment has dropped slightly last month, but even that drop isn't encouraging news.  Small businesses continue to struggle under this economy.  Yet the White House and pundits still point to the bigger companies as a sign that the tide is turning in the right  directions.  Corporations almost always survive economic crisis.  Cutting back where they need to in staff and spending does little to hurt them.  However,  when a small business is forced to do the same, they flounder and vanish.  The true test to the economy improving is a strong economic outlook for  small businesses.  At this point,  the outlook still seems shaky at best. William Dunkleberg,  economist for National Federation of Independent Business, was quoted on Bloomberg's (1/11/11) website that " Overall, job creation is likely to continue, but at a tepid pace. Until sales pick up, there is no pressing reason to hire.”  Keeping in mind that small businesses are the job creators for 99% of the workforce, this is not good news. 

Raising taxes is not the answer for an economic crisis.  Neither is throwing money at the problem.  With a GOP leadership in place, it is hoped that spending will be reigned in and taxes for everyone are cut.  Is this a little too little, a little too late?  Even someone without an economic degree can tell  you that the answer may be yes it is too late.  The course that the Obama administration has placed America on has no happy ending in the immediate future.  This problem didn't happen overnight, or even last night.  It has been years in the making with our leaders ignoring the bold moves that needed to be taken, such as no to Stimulus 1 under Bush.  In the meantime,  the average Joe will continue to struggle and many more will lose their homes.  It's part of the process of a long way out.  Eventually, this crisis, which was of Washington's own making , will be a memory.  In other words,  we are not out of the woods yet.  And it's gonna be a long while before things are 'good"   




Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

It's Not What Others Say, It's What You Do

In the aftermath of the shooting in Arizona, pundits and talk hosts have weighed in on the "motive" behind the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Too much vitriol.  Too much violence.  Too much hate in Arizona.  Hearing these simplified explanation from the pundits, who often stand on the left, caused many on the right to go on the defensive.  After all, hadn't the left participated and contributed to the vitriol?   The sad fact is that as pundits are racing to the cameras, papers and internet to explain and examine the events, one important fact has been ignored.  Words that convey frustration and even anger do not harm anyone.  Actions do and will.   American politics has always had heated arguments and passionate speeches.  The men and women who gave voice to those words did so with the intentions of changing the course in America.  Vitriol,  hate speech, and violent images do not cause crimes.  People commit the crime. 

 A strong argument against health care reform has moved many people in cities across the United States to form their own political action groups or blogs.   Death panels, and kill grandma were images that were used during heated debates.  Looking over a year's worth of newspapers clipping,  it would be hard pressed for someone to find a story about a murdered grandmother because someone wanted to prove the point that this is what the reform was all about.  As a matter of fact, there are no such stories.  

Many other factors contribute to a person making the decision to commit a crime. The current economic conditions has created many opportunities for crimes of frustration.  Statistically in economic down turns,  crime rates tend to climb.  It goes along with the old saying, "Desperate times, desperate measures".  Not  one single story about how many homes are in foreclosure or the unemployment numbers climbing higher can give incentives for a crime spree. In a  WSJ blog posted on January 16, 2008 by Heidi N. Moore entitled, "Should the Feds Set Banker Pay?", the author mused  "Maybe we should march these bankers out back, give them blindfolds and shoot them at sunrise."    Those words paint a vivid picture of violence. Almost three years later, not  one banker has been marched out to meet their end. Perhaps she wasn't convincing enough. Or perhaps, readers understood the use of a sarcastic tone. 

History, great literature and classic films all have all used images that could be considered dangerous and deadly.  This should not mean that all hateful, emotionally charged words should be wiped off the pages of books, blogs and newspapers.  It's truly a sign of the culture being afraid of its own shadow.  The left has been on the march to blame every evil deed on the right, trying to justify the need for censorship of opinions that are not like  their own.  Sadly, Jared Lee Loughner has given them that opportunity.   However, there is just one troubling matter that nags at the sensibility of common folks.  If the left feels strongly that words and vitriol can spark violent deaths, then should it be suggested that William Shakespeare's words are dangerous to all lawyers?   Don't remember the line from his play Henry VI, Part 2, Act 1V, Scene II?  "First thing we do is , kill all the lawyers."  

The cold hard fact is this:  Jared Lee Loughner committed a terrible crime.  Whatever books he has read, whatever images he has ever seen or music he has ever heard are not responsible for the shooting rampage.  Jared Lee Loughner is responsible for the crime.  
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Too Educated Or Not The Right Education

     Anyone can learn from books, but one thing that books can not teach is common "street smart" sense.  Any college graduate will agree that their college education may have been valuable but it did not teach them everything they needed to know once they went into the work force.  Some things need to be taught by experience and life.  Which begs the question after sending students off to college to provide a firm foundation in which to build their life, does it guarantee success in life?  Back in the 1950's, the answer was a firm yes.  Not many who graduated from high school went to college but those who did landed good jobs, had nice homes and were set for life.  This became the mantra.  Can't make a decent living without a college education.  There are cases of people who have become very successful without college degrees, yet the argument is that they are few and far between. True. However, a college education can become a double edged sword, both personally and for society in general.  After all education is a good thing, but it depends on how the education is used that will determine the "benefit" in life.  

The greatest generation did not pontificate on the meaning of life, nor did they over analyze every aspects of their work in order to create roadblocks to progress.  No, these men and women rolled up their sleeves and got the work done.   It would be fair to say that most of them, if not all, had barely an eighth grade education.  Makes one wonder how on earth they were able to accomplish so much without a college degree?  Henry Ford, who everyone knows developed the first assembly line, did not have degrees from colleges.  He dropped out of school at 15 to work on the family farm.  Yet, without a prestigious college degree he designed the Model T.  The rest of the story is history as people say.  Out of determination and talent Ford created an empire. Not to discredit education. Ford did believe that education was a positive step forward for society.  However, if one were to speak with him today,  odds are he would have agreed that in order to make something as tremendous as an empire or even a simple life,  education is just a tool, the rest is up to the individual.   For today's college educated leaders, their education has become the double edged sword in the sense that their education has blinded them to the realities of life.  Let's look at the tremendous legacy of Henry For'd's automotive empire.  Today's cars have to pass rigorous EPA standards,  which forces the automotive industry to spend more time, money and human resources in producing one model. Over regulated by over educated bureaucrats who "know" better.  

If education is a "tool", than the question becomes what are college students doing today with this tool?  In the past twenty years, has there been any evidence of progress coming from our Universities?  Yes, but they are few and far between.  In the past twenty years there has been many changes in the world of technology and yet with the many degreed scientists, engineers, educators and businesses America is falling behind as a world leader in manufacturing, economics and education.  In 2009,  70.1% of high school students enrolled in colleges and universities, and yet they are unprepared for the demands of college life.  What gives? They only sound explanation is the attitude of "enlightenment and entitlement " that has spread throughout academia.  Students leaving college firmly believe that with their newly earned degree that they are intellectually smarter than everyone else and that they are entitled to the corner office with executive pay from the moment they present themselves to the world.  A bit of an exaggeration?  Maybe but one can not deny that those coming out of school do not know or understand "sacrifice".  Perhaps that is the one of the negatives of the Greatest Generation, they sacrificed so much in order that their children and grandchildren would have had a better life.  Too many in our generation, do not want to sacrifice or work hard to secure a better future for the next generation.  Instead, they think they are educated enough to demand everything that they are entitled to in life. Don't believe this is true?  Explain why college educated adults would demand a loan to secure a home that they can not afford?  Better still,  explain the phenomenon of suing one's Alma Mater because the college's advertising promised that with a college degree students would find employment.  Somewhere in hallowed halls in academia there should be a seminar for all college seniors.  The seminar wouldn't take long and the information would be valuable.  What would it be called?  "Free Lunch 101".  The summary this short but valuable seminar, ladies and gentlemen there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Which brings the conversation back to the original point.  Does a college degree, or even two, guarantee success in life?  In this day and age the answer is no.  Not only because of an economy that does not allow for expansion in the workforce or that some are considered overqualified for jobs  because of their educational background.   The fact of the matter is, this generation may be enlightened about the world in a book sense but they are not entitled to what the world has to offer.  If Americans  want the good life, its time to roll up the sleeves and begin using the "education" tool and use it with common sense that only life can teach. 

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

2010 The Year Of Constitutionalism

It is interesting to see the "No-Label" group come out in the aftermath of the 2010 elections.  Listening, reading and watching commentaries on radio, blogs and television,  one might get the idea that the left had won the election   That is if people believe the "common" wisdom of the center.  Even President Obama who demonstrated over the past two  years how liberal and leftist his views are commented that the election of 2010 was about people wanting compromise.  Everyone working together, crossing the isle and meeting in the middle.  That may be the distorted view from the Oval Office window, but outside the windows of most American homes, voters were angry.  Not because the government would not "compromise" but because they compromised too much.  America's future is in jeopardy and our leaders are abusing their powers in order to advance their own agenda.   The  year 2010 will go down as the year of Constitutionalism.  Americans want a return to the value and principals that made this country great. 

In recent history, have their been so many "common" folks, lawyers, doctors, and mechanics, who willingly stopped their lives to run for political office? In Michigan alone, it was hard to keep track of how many candidates just said enough is enough,  it's time for average citizen to become legislatures to make the government work again.  Two names come to mind of men who went up against powerful Washington insiders and gave them a run for their money.  Dingell almost lost his seat to Dr. Rob Steele, who knew more about healthcare reform than the aged Dingell who has been in D.C. since it became the official Capital of  the United States.  (Yes an exaggeration, but using a bit of political humor on the last day of the year.)  Sander Levin who is a favorite in urban Detroit and Southfield,  was almost unseated by insurance agent Don Volaric.  During the campaign when a local homeless shelter opened its doors for the first time, both Levin and Volaric showed up to for campaigning.  The huge difference between the two,  Levin  brought cameras, Volaric brought food donations for the shelter.   It was a tough battle, but through it all both candidates showed class, substance and commitment to the voters of Southeast Michigan.  That can not be said of the two insiders who in many of their votes have proven that they have never been in touch with their constituents.  Although Steele and Volaric both lost, they did bring hope that next time around, Constitutional values will win the day. 

If anyone wants to blame the Teaparty for crashing the Election of 2010, that is fine.  Some party crashers are needed and necessary.  Having said that,  the Teaparty has fueled many good ideas over the past two years but one thing that was not  foreseen was renewed interest in the original documents of our nation's history.  People began to find out for themselves what a Republic was all about.   It has been amazing to watch citizens pull out copies of the constitution, laws and other materials to present to their representatives at Town hall meetings and challenge them on the issues.  In some cases, these voters knew more than the representatives.  Contrary to what John Conyers of Detroit would have everyone believe, a lawyer is not needed to read a health care reform bill that is longer than a James Patterson novel. 

What is truly discouraging are the typical suspects of the Republican party who continue to bring the party to a scratching halt because of their "moderate" tendencies.  If the GOP is going to be the big tent that they claim they want, than it is time for them to turn the reigns over to the Republicans who "get" the message of the 2010 election.  There is no room for Snowe, Collins, Brown or McCain, who refuse to budge on important issues.  The reason why McCain lost the presidency was not because Obama was better, but because he represents the old guard who will compromise his values for political gains.  America has never needed or liked career politicians.  It's time for the stage to be set for their removal from office.  2012 is not that far off. 

In the end, 2010 was devastating blow economically to America.  Nothing moves people more than when Government starts reaching into their wallets.  Unemployment is still unbelievably high.  Regardless of the new numbers published that shows less people applying for unemployment benefits, it does not count those who have simply given up on finding work.  Gas prices, food prices and taxes are all on the rise, and yet the Administration continued to push their agenda up until the last waning minutes of the lame duck session.  Memories are short.  November was only a couple of months ago.  However, there is one comfort in all of the bad news of 2010,  voters are now more vigilant.   Democrats and Republicans alike will be on the hot seat to remember the reality  of 2010 elections. They should have heard one important message:  Stay true to the Constitution and the constituents.  Nothing else matters.  As the year comes to a close, let's not lose site of what was learned in 2010 and build on the successes of the past year to make 2011 better and brighter for all. 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Observations of the 2010 Election

The night turned out to be a big one for Republicans, and more importantly for conservatives.  Without a doubt the voters  had something to say, and they said it loudly.  Most of the political map  now is colored in red, taking over places where only a mere two years ago it was blue.  While listening to the pundits and politicians on Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning three prominent themes seemed to emerge.  Rejection of Obama's policies, refusal to accept the status quo which would have allowed the establishment to continue to trample over the will of the people and a reminder that the GOP has been given the chance to do right by the people.  Don't get the message wrong. 

The Healthcare Reform has turned out to be the most damaging piece of legislation to ever hurt any political party.  Pelosi and Reid made sure that their colleagues voted for the bill, regardless of what the constituents wanted.  They were told not to worry about it and that the folks back home would be very forgiving.  They did not expect that well over half of their voters would show up at townhalls to debate what was in the bill.   When they returned to Washington, they had to have known in their gut something was not right.  For many of the Democrats, this was the nail in the coffin.  For others, for the first time in their political career they were challenged at the polls and barely won their seat back.  These unlucky Democrats will have to find a way to make Obama and their constituents happy,   Houdini couldn't even pull that trick off.  On the other hand,  the GOP will probably have a tougher time in the next two years.  Much is expected of  them to deliver on campaign promises.  If nothing else,  Healthcare Reform must be stripped apart and tossed out to the curb.  Obama and Reid can say all they want about how they will tweak it if needed but dismantling it is out of the question.  There is no room for compromise.  The GOP must have the guts to stand in the way of passing this reform and stopping the Democrats in their tracks. 

At the beginning of the political season, conservative voters chose their candidates based on the principal that the status quo was no longer acceptable.  Candidates who had never thought of running for political office, were now stepping up to the plate, offering their services to become what the Founding Fathers envisioned,  a citizen legislator. While the White House is sighing a little bit of relief over O'Donnell's, Angle's and Fiorina's loss. Tea Partiers are refusing to step down defeated.  The loses are not an indication that their Candidates were bad.  Instead it proved that the Mainstream Media still takes their marching orders from the Democrat party.  These candidates were clearly smart, articulate and qualified to hold the office.  Instead of asking the hard questions about issues, the media jumped on every chance to discredit the personal characters  of these candidates.  How ironic coming from the crowd that states loudly that character doesn't matter.  The same candidates that gave the Democrat incumbents a run for their money should take pride in the fact that they have stood up to face the attacks and stayed true to their core conservative beliefs.  These Tea Party Candidates should get up from this defeat, and be ready to fight another day.  This election is just one battle, and it is hardly the end of the war.  Conservative principals should and will win but it will take time. 

This election is a reminder to all politicians that the folks back home are watching and taking notes for the next election.  Politicians can no longer hope that the American people will forget the transgressions of the past.  The Internet, social media has all changed that in a huge way.  Ways of tracking what bills are  passed, press conferences and conferences are as simple as talk shows, RSS feeds or Google Alerts. Politicians, regardless of party affiliations, will be rewarded for listening to their constituents. It's that simple.  For the incumbents who barely made their way back to office, this should be the wake up call for them. However, skeptics will often say that leopards can not change their spots.  Senators like Reid and Boxer and Former Speaker Pelosi have shown in recent days that this is true.  Perhaps the new class of Senators and Congressman will remind them of what the people want during every session when they have a chance to debate and to write the legislations that move America to a better future.   
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Election Day 2010 A Referendum

As they say,  hell knows no fury like a woman scorned.  In this case,  it is the voters of 2008 who were scorned and have come back to have their voices heard louder and clearer.  If today turns our like the pundits are predicting,  conservatives are finally awake enough to start making a difference in elections.  This is a good thing.  It will be even better if the momentum keeps going into 2012 to test the resolve of the Conservative voter and activist.  If the 2010 election do not carry through 2012, where a new president should be elected, then all the work for the past two years will have been in vain. Dramatic? Over the top?  Perhaps a little but now is the time to stay motivated and moving.  Even if the pundits are all wrong, and the Democrats retain control of the Senate and House, this will not be a time of despair.  It will be a time of defending the conservative cause and not backing down. 

Over the past two years,  the Obama administration has seen to it to push as many reforms as the people could possibly choke on.  While people were trying to deal with deep financial troubles in their own homes, such as unemployment and foreclosure,  Obama's team were more concerned with corporate  bailouts,  healthcare reform,  cap and trade,  energy renewal and the list goes on.  All the while the blame for the economic mess was heaped on the prior administration.  The logic was (and still is) insane and filled with holes.  How can  well educated people say that they are spending money on social programs and ignore the lack of cash flow.  Has Harvard and Yale sunk so low that high schools  can teach economics better than them?   If that is so, presidents of both colleges should look into firing their Economics Department and start anew. (Suggestion:  Contact Walter Williams to get you going on the right path.)   This is their moment to enact Socialism with or without the people's consent.  Today's election may stop socialism from becoming a reality, for now.  

There is little doubt that the Liberals in Washington will come back to fight another day.  They always do. After all,  who would have ever conceived the idea that after President Nixon America would elect little known Georgia native Jimmy Carter. He was a new face, but with an old agenda hidden up his sleeves.   With all of his mistakes and blunders, it could have been easily become a Shakespeare Comedy but the press coddled and protected him.  Americans had little choice in where tot get their information.  Whatever was said on the nightly news was gospel truth, or was it?  Carter got a pass for his failed presidency, while Reagan was berated for his success in getting Americans back on their feet.   However, this time it may be a little different than thirty years ago.  Voters are now more informed than before.  They know where to look for information and are becoming savvy enough to shift through different sources to evaluate the content and find the information they need. Tactics for getting votes are getting tiresome.  How many times has grandma been threatened with losing her Social Security or Medicaid?  Too many times to count on two hands.   The old lines are not working anymore.  Most importantly, there is a general sense of weariness with the same old politicians who decade after decade have proven that do not know how to lead, to serve or represent their constituents.  This is just one of the reasons why many of the new faces in the Capital will be those who are considered "newbies"  in the political world.    In any case, every Representative whether they are Republican, Democrat or Independent will have to work harder to earn the trust of the people.  When the liberals regroup they will have a much harder time to push through their agenda in the next thirty years. 



Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Less then Twenty-Four Hours!

It is less than twenty-four hours before the polls open for Election Day 2010, and there is a ton of excitement in the air.  The GOP is looking to win big this time around, but once has to keep things in perspective.  Half the battle tomorrow will have been won.  Gaining seats in the House and Senate, and snagging a few Governors races along the way.  Michigan is poised to bring to Lansing a business man who is committed to bring businesses back to the Great Lakes state.  The Republican Gubernatorial candidate, Rick Snyder surprisingly won the nomination because he is an outsider.  Conventional wisdom would have aid that Pete Hoekstra was Michigan's man, but it seems that his years in Washington was a negative not a positive in his campaign bid.  With less than twenty-four hours to go, here are the predictions for Michigan and  the nation. 

For governor in Michigan it's a no brainer.  Virg Bernero is the loser in this race.  He complains about the economic conditions in Michigan, and yet it was his party that placed Michigan in this mess eight years ago.  Bernero can not even come up with a solid good reason why people should vote for him.  With a solid twenty points lead, Snyder will be the next Governor of Michigan. 
Another safe bet to win the Governor's seat, this time in South Carolina, is Nikki Haley,  She is one tough cookie and is not afraid to stand up to questions, and take the stings of insults.  As an Indian-America woman, she stands the chance of making history with a win on Tuesday.  Having said that,  when she wins on Tuesdays, she will not be basking in the glory of being the first. Instead, she will focus on her campaign platform of repeal healthcare,  cutting spending and keeping legislative power brokers in line. With a comfortable lead,  Haley will be governor of South Carolina. 
In California, it's a whole different matter.  What should be a no-brainer is starting to look like the impossible dream coming true for Jerry Brown.  In the 1970's he was a joke of a governor for the state and now the Democrats think Moonbeam can rise again to return California to it's happy la la land of yesteryear.  This should not be a surprise to anyone living in the United States that California is drifting in this direction.  However,  there is hope that the business community and conservatives are keeping quiet, and will come out in droves to vote Meg Whitman into the Governor's seat.  Going out on a limb here, because of Whitman's solid business background, she will win narrowly.  

In the Senate Race,  first one to look at is Nevada's Harry Reid race.  The long-time Senator is gone.  The funeral has already begun in the Nation's capital as Democrat leaders are beginning to position themselves for the top spot in the Senate.  Sharon Angle is not perfect as a candidate, but she is a refreshing change.   This seems to be the year when the establishment in D.C. is getting a boot and voters are clamoring for anyone who hasn't stepped foot in Washington.  It is certain that this was not the change President Obama had in mind a mere two years ago.   Angle's ability to raise 14 million dollars in the third quarter  is not an accomplishment to be overlooked.  That is an amazing amount of money to raise.  Whether Joy Behar likes it or not,  Sharon Angle will be the next Senator from Nevada. 

It would be irresponsible to overlook the Senate Race of Nancy Pelosi.  John Dennis is a strong candidate who just might take the San Francisco seat away from Fancy Nancy.  She has refused to debate against Mr. Dennis claiming that time is money.  That's for sure.  Ms. Pelosi has spent lots of time spending taxpayers money and believe it or not, some in San Francisco are tired of  her antics.  This could be a surprise win but it's probably not going to happen.  Pelosi will win her seat, but she won't be Speaker any longer.  That should be a small victory for conservatives.  Having said that,  this is one of the races where a miracle win would be wonderfully good. 

Staying in California,  a brief mention about Barbara Boxer's race.  Carly Fiorina has an edge that will push her over the finnish line come Tuesday.  Namely she is in touch with what voters want but she has the business experience that Californians need.  Just like Whitman,  the business community is keeping quiet for a surprise attack on the Democrats, dashing their hopes for the incumbents  to return to D.C.   Fiorina wins. 

In Florida,  only one name to know and remember.  Marco Rubio.  Latino who has what it takes to crush  Crist and Meek.  No surprise here. 

In Delaware,  Christine O'Donnell will win.  Never mind the witchcraft comments, or any other outlandish attacks they have thrown at her.  O'Donnel has proven that she can hold her own in debates and win.  Another fresh face that may not be a good candidate because this is her first attempt in politics but she is learning and overtime she will be a force to be reckon with on The Hill.  

The house races are a bit more difficult there are so many that It's hard to keep track.  With this being the case, Michigan will be the main focus for this half of the predications.   First, in the 12th District of Michigan, where it is said it is the home of the Reagan Democrats for the state,  Sander Levin will lose his seat.  For many reasons, one people are tired of his lack of commitment to the area.  He has not campaigned in Michigan this season, perhaps he is either afraid to face his constituents or he is taking them for granted.  Either way, he should have been out the door years ago.  He is simply out of touch.  His last heroic effort in D.C. is working on the China Currency bill which basically partially blames China for the US economic troubles.  Is this a bill that is more symbolic than practical.  You bet.  That's what Levin is famous for, all talk no action.  Don Volaric, a health insurance agent turned  Republican candidate as the vision and the drive to push Sandy out.  Volaric has passionately be campaigning throughout the entire district to get his message out on little money but a whole lot of enthusiasm.  Volairc wins because he can! 

Rob Steele in the 15th District has a difficult seat to win over because John Dingell has been sitting in it for far too long.  If ther eis one statement from Dingell that should cost him his seat is this:   "The harsh fact of the matter is when you’re going to pass legislation that will cover 300 [million] American people in different ways it takes a long time to do the necessary administrative steps that have to be taken to put the legislation together to control the people.”  This harsh statement was made on WJR on Paul W. Smith's show on March 24, 2010.  Dingell's attempt to control the people has come to an end.  Not only is Rob Steele a candidate for Congress, he is also a cardiac surgeon.  He understands what ObamaCare entails and why it should be repealed.  Steele wins! 

Last but certainly not least in the 14th District of Michigan, Republican Don Ukrainec  is running against John Conyers.  Conyers, as many may recall, once wanted to impeach George W. on grounds of wrongful invasion of Iraq and removal of Saddam  Hussein. During the Bush Administration is was no secret that the left would have loved to remove him from office, but Conyers specifically began his own investigation and alleged mock impeachment trail.  Sad to see that a man who represents the most economically challenged  part of Detroit more concerned with impeachment than with building up the city.  Perhaps he was bored, because after all he has been in D.C. forty-five years.   In all that time, the city has slowly crumbled around him and he looks for others to blame, just as Sandy does.  Ukrainec has a tough job to win and it is unlikely that he will because of the situation in Detroit.Too many of them are programmed vote Democrat.   However, Conyers will be up for re-election again, and Ukrainec just may be making enough head ways that next time he may win. 

These are the predictions for tomorrow.  To be open and honest, for this conservative,  it would be awesome for a total Conservative-Republican win.  It just may happen because the anti-incumbent wave is growing stronger and higher.  A tidal wave is nice but a Tsunami would be much better.  Let's see what happens. 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Why Volaric?

A little homespun politics is in order for the moment.  November is going to be here soon and the drive to get conservative, respected candidates the support they need is critical.  Every vote counts.  In this election, it is going to be all hands on deck, and take nothing for granted.  This election's theme is that every campaign is  national, whoever goes to represent a district will be making decisions that will affect the rest of the country.  In the Twelfth District of Michigan, this theme is ever so important.  In a state that has been in a recession for eight years due to Governor Granholm blowing away jobs, businesses, and young talent to other areas of the country, the need for a new beginning is desperately needed and desired.  Bravo for those who are supporting Rick Snyder in his bid for Governor, however it is important to place someone in Washington who will vote in favor of the citizens of the 12th District.  There can be no logical reason to vote for Sander Levin after his 17 years of betraying the voters. If Michigan needs change in Lansing, it only stands to reason we need change in Washington, also. 

Sander Levin has been in Washington since 1983, first representing the 17th District of Michigan, and in 1993 representing the 12th.  In his time in office he has been a rank and file Democrat.  There is no meeting in the middle with this man, he truly fights for every liberal agenda and has the backing of a typical liberal Democrat. The NAACP, NEA and the unions all give him high marks for representing their views.    Right down the line he voted with the Democrats on Healthcare, Cap and Trade,  Bailouts, and extending the Unemployment benefits.  All of these programs will cost millions of dollars, but, it's not coming out of his pocket, so why should that concern him?  He is the Chairman of the Ways and Means committee which holds a lot of clout.  This position was an obvious reward from Pelosi and Obama for all Levin's work.   The last straw for voters ought to be that he will vote NO to extend the Bush tax cuts. This will drastically hurt the middle class which is already reeling from Obama's tragic economic recovery. He is a typical Democratic bureaucrat. He wouldn't recognize the common Joe on the street unless they were holding out a tin can asking for a quarter to buy coffee. This is who he thinks he represents. The message should be sent to Levin and all his cronies loud and clear that the people that they represent are not the Average Joe with the tin can.  (Nor do they wish to become like him in the near future.)  Levin should realize he is representing middle income Americans who are not sure they will have a job tomorrow. Homeowners who don't even know if they will be able to stay in their homes because of lost income.   Average voters who are sick and tired of the same old promises and same old lies.  These are the people he is so out of touch with, and yet he has the audacity, at 79 years old, to say he wants to keep his job.  No, it's time to retire. 

The better choice out there is Don Volaric.  A bright, promising candidate who is passionate about changing the direction that this country is going in.  With Don, voters get the real deal.  A businessman who understands that money in and money out has to balance.  A family man who worries about the future of his children and wants them to have the same opportunities he has had and better.  He is someone who understands that the American dream is too important to throw away on wasteful spending. He is a constitutionalist, small government candidate who believes that our country needs to get back on track to what our founding fathers originally envisioned.  It's a fresh, exciting change from what has been representing our area.  There is only one area that Volaric lacks, and that is support.  Levin has big money behind him as always.  Volaric is new to politics and needs the support of the grassroots movement like other new candidates have experienced.  Let's make this happen for a worthy candidate.  Go to www.firelevin.com and make a donation.  It's time for true change to come to Michigan.  


Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Reflections on Constitution Day 2010

This should be a national holiday, but it's not.  Frankly, it is surprising how many people do not know what today's significance is or even that they care.  The average Joe next door is probably thinking about the weekend ahead and what game he will be watching on Sunday.  Do they mention this date in history to students?  Probably not.  Which is actually very sad, since most of our younger generation do not know the whole story of how this country was formed.  Yes, they know about the Revolutionary War, and George Washington leading the troops and they may even remember that July 4th is the day that America celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  However that is the extent of what they know.  The complete story is filled with unique characters, some shady, some valiant.  Events that tore the country almost in two and at times it was doubtful that the group of small states would ever become a stable nation.  In the interest of education and preserving our unique history,  some of the important and not so important facts about the U.S. Constitution. 

When Revolution War ended,  the young country did not come together peacefully.  The colonies were united in hating King George III and England, but that may have been the only common ground they shared.  Each state basically fended for themselves.  The country was in debt because of the war,  states did not feel that they had to support the national government if they didn't want to and citizens were struggling to make ends meet. In the process getting angrier at their local government for not doing their jobs.   Foreign countries, such as England, France and Spain were watching carefully to see if a moment would arise for them to come in and claim control over America.  In the hot summer of 1787 in Philadelphia, thirty-nine gentlemen came together to fine tune the Articles of Confederation.  Fate would set these men on a different course of action.  The U.S. Constitution was debated, crafted and signed as the framework of this great country.  Little did they know back then, that this document would become the oldest legal document in the world.  Without this document, James  Madison feared that the experiment called America would have fizzled.  His boldest idea, was that the country's governance should begin with the people. A very risky move for a new country to make.  After all could they count on commoners to say and do the right thing?  Madison knew that people could make mistakes, even the most educated man in the room could make errors, but that was the risk they had to take in order to be sure that America would never fall under the rule of a King again.   This is his greatest gift to future Americans:  a powerful voice of freedom.

Leftist claim that this document is "living" meaning that it is one that can change to reflect the current need of our citizens.   This is not true  Although the Constitution was amended twenty-seven times, the original intent and spirit of the law remains the same.  The government is responsible to the people not for the people.  In no time in America's beginnings did the Founding Fathers envision a country that would be responsible for the welfare of its citizens.   Matters such as national security, trade between states and countries, just to name a few examples, were to be handled at the national level.  All other matters were left to the States to decide for themselves.  Citizens would vote to send a representative to the House and Senate to have their ideas heard and acted upon.  Two hundred and some odd years later, this is still the role of the government.  However, some have forgotten that the main goal in the minds of the framers of the Constitution was to form a more perfect union that was free.  Free of government intrusions.  Free of oppressive rulers who looked down on their constituents. Free of tyranny. 

The Constitution still matters today because it has proven to be able to rule without biases towards anyone group or state.  It is strong enough to keep the government from becoming overbearing but weak enough to give power to the people to defend the rights that were given to them by Our Creator.   In the past primaries we have witnessed how this delicate balance of power between the government and people work towards finding solutions that will help our country grow and still remain the beacon of hope for the countries around the world. The voices from Washington are rising because the "establishment" within the political parties want to call the shots of who should represent the people.  What is amazing is that the voices outside Washington, on Main Street USA,  are louder, stronger and reclaiming their spot in the government framework.  It has been a valuable, teachable moment for everyone.  Everyone from President Obama on down to the gas station clerk down the street, have realized that the experiment called America means that the most important voice of all is that of the American people.  It's too bad that men like Washington, Madison, Jay and Hamilton are no longer around to guide this country.  However, with the new crop of conservative voices and leaders, perhaps there is hope that history will repeat itself and America can be healed from years of abuse from liberalism.

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive
« Previous1234567891011Next »