07 Feb 09 Are the Blue Dogs Backing Down from their Values?
The Blue Dog Democrats are a coalition of Fiscally conservative Democrats, that have been a reasonably powerful force despite their small numbers. They have been the reason that despite a clear majority in the house the Democrats have to keep their plans in check so they won’t loose this group of voters. With the recent stimulus bill however I’m beginning to get concerned. The fact is, that the stimulus bill no matter how you look at it , goes against any form of conservative values anyone might have. Spending for the sake of spending just so you can give a temporary and artificial boost to the economy is pure insanity especially when you look at the long term effects of the national Dept. I was sure that with this blatant waste of money that surely the Blue Dog Democrats, including my representative Jim Matheson wood be fighting tooth and nail to get this ridiculous bill under control, but was disappointed when he voted for the bill and released a press release stating his bogus reasons. Unfortunately, there have been many other Blue Dog that have fallen to the same fate.
When Bush was in the white house this group was fiercely independent and fought waste on both sides of the isle. My concern is that they have caught Obama fever and that their core values that made me respect, and even vote for some members of the democratic party, has gone to mush. I will reserve final judgment for a little while longer, but based on the stimulus bill it looks like the the Fiscal Conservative values of the Blue Dog Democrats is out the window , to make room for Obama worship.
26 Jan 09 CNN Does Obama need to be a better president because he is black?
Here is a question that was posed by CNN.
Will people hold Obama to a different standard because he is the first African-American president?
Based on what we have seen from the media especially CNN is absolutely. He has clearly been held to a totally different standard than McCain, and even Hillary Clinton. The bar has been set far lower than it has been set for any other presidential candidate. It only stands to reason that as president the similar low bar will be set so that as an absolute average president the media will swoon and praise it as great. I’m now looking at this based on how the media will cover it, perhaps not how history will look back on it. I’m not sure whether this biased coverage from the media is based on their love for him, or just being afraid to criticize a black person, but it is clear that there is a bias.
The problems we face now are significant and we need a greater than normal president to set us on the right track to fix our problems in a way that strengthens us for the long term. Looking at what he has proposed we will likely see a short term bump in the economy. The problem is is much of the overall recovery plan will provide a short term bump, but weakens us for the long term. The biggest problem is the increased intrusion by the government, and increased deficit spending. Both of those things have been proven over time to negatively effect an economy over time.
Obama may have it easy as far as media coverage goes, but in order for us to really address the problems our country has he really needs to step up. Unfortunately, I’m finding that with many of the issues that need to be addressed he is proposing plans that are not sound.
13 Jan 09 Closing Guantanamo Bay is a bad idea.
Word has leaked out that President Elect Obama will likely issue a executive order shortly after his inauguration. Although this decision would not be the end of the world, it is not a good idea. Yes, there have been problems with the detention facility, but it would be far better to address the problems rather than close the options we have available. There are some very dangerous individuals detained there who would like nothing more to orchestrate another attack on us. The plan is to move these high risk individuals back to prisons in there own countries. Most criminal organizations are ultimately run by individuals who are in prisons. Although we go to great efforts to cut off the communication it always seems to get through. If we put these people in prisons on their own countries we are opening the door of communication so that they can reorganize there terrorist groups ad begin planning future attacks. If we bring them to mainland US facilities they are entitled to trials and although it works well most of the time, we all know what a joke our legal system can be at times. What if a judge decided to release one of these high risk individuals on bail. The isolation and legal freedoms of Guantanamo Bay provide us a valuable option in dealing with terrorists. It is never a good idea to eliminate options.
Tags: Guantanamo Bay, Obama
25 Nov 08 My thoughts on Obama
As we approach the Obama Presidency I’m going to do somthing that the republican establisment never gave Clinton, and Certainly the Liberal establishment never gave Bush, and that is a fair chance. Many of the pundits are already critisizing silly things like the fact that he started a .gov website to put forth his agenda and assist with the transition. How awefull that a President elect be up front about his plans. I am not saying I will abandon my conservative values, and I will discuss issues with Obama’s Plan in relation to those values. What I will not do is nit pick every little action, and automatically dismiss every decision because he made it.
With the issue of the web site for example. I think it was a great move. If you have not been to change.gov yet I suggest you take a look. It clearly outlines his stance and plans on a variety of issues. If yo are a conservative and not just a talking head it is very valuable to see what the real issues you need to be concerned about are. For example I see and hear a lot of fear over gun rights issues, and that doesn’t even make Obama’s list of issues. It also clearly outlines his plans to increase taxes on the very people that create jobs in our country, and that is an issue that we need to be concerned about.
A we approach the new presidency we need to set asside the bias against Democrats, and discuss the issues at hand in a clear way.
07 Oct 08 Bailout for Wall Street= My Bailing from McCain Support
It is clear from the wall street bailout, that Mcain does not have the sound judgement needed to be President, or even a Senator for that matter. It is clear that he is in the pocket of lobbyists, and that he is no Maverick. The problem is that there are many who went along with the pressure including Obama. I have researched the issue in depth because I have been told by the politicians that if we really understood the issue we would know why this is so important. What I found is that although this is one solution, that has a moderate chance of success, there were many other possible solutions with a proven track record, that although a little tougher on Wall Streets Executives, could help and likely solve the problems we face. I also found that the Credit Crunch only had to do with very large loans to very large compnaies. All of the talk that this would effect car loans, college loans and even small business loans was not ever going to be effected. Just a little lie from politicians to make it more palatable. I honestly can say that the politicians probably believed what they were saying. They were just repeating the script given to them by the hundreds of Wall Street lobbyists.
07 Oct 08 Obama, McCain, and Bush the Socialist Duo
I’m beginning to realize that regulation, governement takeovers, and government programs are the message of both parties. We are moving closer and closer to socialism, a proven failure. It may take a little pain but a free market left to itself will always correct itself. The more we move towards goverment regulations, the more likely the industry will try to fnd shaky money making methods. The biggest issue we have now is that our government is to large and we spend to much money. Even when you take the war out of the budget Bush has had huge increases in goverment spending. Obama is promising more government programs, and more spending, and more regulation of private industry.McCain is promising more government programs, and more spending, and more regulation of private industry. Wow! What a Choice!
08 Jul 08 John Edwards to end poverty in US, Well in his eyes.
I was listening to NPR today, yes I’m a conservative who listens to NPR. I can only take so much of Rush and Friends. Anyway back to the issue they had a interview with John Edwards and his quest to end poverty. The thing I found interesting is he kept saying he wanted to end poverty but supported policies that actually increase poverty. I will look at a few of the key aspects of this issue to define why Edwards is so far off on this issue. The biggest problem is that in this country we define poverty as a percentage of the population, so as we bring people out of poverty the line moves and they are once again in poverty. It’s pretty tough to get people out of poverty if you keep moving the line. If we look at previous definitions of poverty it would be those who have no means of feeding themselves. If we look at it this way there are very few in poverty in this country, because the religious organizations, and other charitable organizations are taking care of those who hunger in this country. If the need increased I’m confident that there would be plenty of generous people that would step up to meet that need. As we as a society continue to improve however, we keep raising the standards. Now if you don’t have health care you are in poverty, but even this is taken care of if there is a true medical emergency emergency rooms will take anyone regardless of there ability to pay. I believe that in reality poverty is a non-issue in this country. There are people with less, and there life is more challenging as a result. But we have no right to be wealthy, that has to be earned. The policies that are being promoted by Edwards are actually hurting what he is fighting for. We first have to realize that the one thing that has made this country so wealthy and powerful is that companies big and small produce and generate wealth. The Government takes from that wealth and produces little to nothing to make our country progress. Any program that increases government programs is taking away from the ability to expand our collective wealth. There has been no communist that has been economically successful. You might argue that China is successful, but the only reason they are gaining economic power is that they have adopted a more open market like we have here. The fact is that redistribution of wealth and strong government control of business has only produced wide spread suffering and economic misery. Universal Health care, Expansion of Welfare, and expansion government programs have a net affect of increasing poverty because we are taking away from those that produce. We should be grateful to Bill Gates, and the many other entrepreneurs that have provided so many jobs for our country. They are the only reason we have such great potential in this country. Business and Corporations should be congratulated and praised, but instead Edwards and the other Liberals Criticize and punish the very people that make our country great.If Edwards really wanted to reduce the poverty in this country he would quit giving speeches, because that gig only produces a few jobs and start a large petroleum Company Drilling in Alaska. Not only would he provide a lot of jobs, but he would help drive down oil prices making it easier for millions of Americans to make it on there current incomes. While he runs the company, he could push his friends in Congress to lower taxes, so he can afford to expand his business further, and provide better benefits to his employees. The tax cuts would benefit many other businesses so they could expand. Pretty soon every worthwhile American would be well employed and we would look to other countries to fill the need for further growth. Not only would we end poverty in America, but we would take great steps to reducing poverty world wide. The fact is that Business is the answer not Government. Is Edwards blind to facts, or does he have some other motive for position on this issue?
14 Apr 08 Gun Control and the Second Amendment
The second amendment has become a key issue in the presidential campaign. When listening to both Obama and Clinton, it is very clear that they don’t understand the second amendment. In reality I think very few people truly understand the purpose and core principals in the second amendment.
As we look at the constitution and it’s ammendments it is very clear that the purpose of the constitution is to set up a goverment that is ultimately still controlled by the people. It sets out a clear structure for a government where no individual becomes too powerfull and where decision makers are held accountable to the people through elections. After our basic government structure was set the Bill of Rights was written to ensure that strict limits were placed on the goverment so that the people would continue to keep the control in our goverment.
These rights are :
- First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petition
- Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
- A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
- Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.
- No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
- Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
- The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
- No person shall be held to answer for any capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
- Sixth Amendment – Trial by jury and rights of the accused; Confrontation Clause, speedy trial, public trial, right to counsel
- In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district where in the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
- Seventh Amendment – Civil trial by jury.
- In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
- Eighth Amendment – Prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.
- Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
- Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
- The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
- Tenth Amendment – Powers of states and people.
- The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
- Why is it so important that the right to bear be in the bill of rights. Is it so that we can go hunting? Is it so we can defend ourselves? To me it is clear that neither of these reasons are good enough to be put in the constitution. Our founding fathers recognized that in countries where arms are not held by the common people it is very easy for that government to fall into military rule. By keeping the people armed it is possible for states and communities to raise militias to prevent military coos. It keeps the power with the people. Knowing this it becomes clear that the people need the right to bear arm for the specific pourpose to defend against the military, either our own or from an invading force.
- It is clear based on current and proposed laws that this understanding is nonexistent. We have a ban on assault rifles, we are trying to limit purchases to one per month. We are placing strict limitations on handguns. We are giving the government a registry so they can track who has what weapons. All of these are specifically weakening the peoples ability to fight against a military force. It is clear that the people should have the right to possess arms at least equal to those in the possession of our military or foreign militaries.
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08 Feb 08 McCain is our Man! It’s not as bad as it seems.
With the removal of Mitt Romney from the race, it looks like John McCain will be the Republican nominee. I too am not thrilled with a few of John’s decisions, Particularly in regards to limiting free speech with the McCain Fingold bill. But, in all reality he does look at issues with a similar logic to my own. His decision to support the comprehensive immigration bill despite the rhetoric and hype produced by the party base showed me that he understands the issue better than most, and has the courage to make a decision despite the unpopularity of the decision. Voting against the Bush tax cuts, and many other of his votes shows his understanding that the biggest threat to our economy is our ballooning national dept. Now, I think he has learned that tax cuts do not decrease revenue, he will make better decisions regarding taxes in the future. All in all he will be strong on national security issues, and good with foreign affairs, good on government waste, moderate on personal rights and moderate on the economy. That is certainly better than either of the Democratic candidates which would be poor on National security, Fair with foreign affairs, poor on personal rights and abysmal on the economy.
I do not believe that I have to agree on every issue with a candidate to support them. I have to admit that it is hard to find a candidate that believes we should cut the National Endowment for the Arts, Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Food Stamps, CHIP, and basically everything except the department of defense, and what is necessary to take care of national transportation issues, Cut Income Tax and go back to a voluntary tax system that we used to have. But there are not many politicians out there promising to cut government programs and particularly welfare. So I choose my candidates based on who I think is best of the likely contenders. John McCain is definitely the best option now out of those that have a chance of winning.
05 Feb 08 How did I vote on Super Tuesday?
Well the big day is here. I went to the polls to put in my vote for who I would like to support in the presidential election. As I considered the candidates I would consider for office it came down to three people. Mitt Romney, John McCain, and Ron Paul. Although I like the passion of Ron Paul, and some of his ideas, his understanding of our economy, and how our finance system works is not based in reality. Sure in speeches it sounds great, but when it comes down to what really works in a global economy, many of his initiatives don’t hold water. Besides the president does not make laws, and I seriously doubt his ability to get much done with congress. John McCain is a very viable candidate and I like his ability to work with the other side of the isle on a variety of issues. I’m not like many of the radio folks that hate McCain. Although the Immigration bill he supported had some flaws, I agree with McCain that we need a comprehensive solution to deal with it. Enforcement 1st, won’t work without a structured system to deal with the underlying reasons for illegal immigration. In the end though I question his judgment dealing with the elimination of free speech through campaign finance reform. I voted for Mitt Romney, He is a solid candidate that has a proven track record of correcting problems. He is the only candidate that seems to have a sound understanding of our economy, and what it will take to keep it running. He seems to look first toward private industry as a solution to our problems rather than the government. He has sound judgment, and knows how to lead.
