A Poor Comparison

I find it amusing.....no, that's not quite correct.  I find it disgusting.  Yep, that's the word.  I find it disgusting that on the day named to honor a hero of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, we inaugurate a President who claims to support those rights yet does everything in his power to usurp them.

Martin Luther King, Jr., fought for the rights of an oppressed people.  Barack Hussein Obama fights to subjugate "We The People."  I am saddened that the two are now connected in history.  One for a day in his honor and the other for a second pseudo coronation.  Yep.  Disgusted is the right word.

The Trillion Dollar Debacle

The Administration, along with the Democratic Leadership in Congress, are not concerned with the U.S. defaulting on its financial obligations although that is what they would have the public believe.  It's all a "marketing" ploy to position themselves as the "saviors" of the U.S. credit rating when in reality it isn't the possible default that bothers them; it is the cap on their uncontrolled spending.  What they want is equivalent to "I can't be out of money, I still have checks!"

I wonder if they realize that there are no bankruptcy laws that apply to the country.  If it goes bankrupt they can't just file a few documents that stiff their creditors.  When you consider who owns the debt, bankruptcy would likely mean war.  You can't fight a war without lots of money.  Sounds like a no-win situation to me.  I wonder sometimes if they understand how the real world works....oh yeah, work is something others do so that the government can take the fruit of their labor and give to those who don't.  Never mind......

Gun Control

The hot topic for the last few days has been gun control legislation.  Sigh.  The issue just won't go away.

The Constitution is clear on the rights of the people to own firearms.  It is a clause included because of the tendency of government to tyrannize citizens who are unable to defend themselves.  Are you as a taxpayer feeling a bit tyrannized lately?

I am not advocating armed revolution.  I am advocating balance.  The possibility of armed revolt is a check against the tyranny of government.  It is one of those "separation of powers" clauses that seeks to create balance.  Without the threat of opposition, any power tends to dominate.  The right of the citizens to bear arms is an attempt to balance the power of the citizen against the power of the state.

I realize the argument is that people are murdered by firearms.  Yes, they are.  And by knives and hammers and ladders and cars and medical malpractice and wars and the list goes on and on.  It is a cliche but, "guns don't kill people, people kill people" is a true statement.  Criminals will find weapons and commit crimes.  Firearms in the hands of reasonable citizens is a means of self-protection. 

Gun Control is merely another attempt by those in power to consolidate that power.  It is a means by which politicians can play on the "heartstrings" of a gullible public to gain power over a broader group of people.  It is not about protecting people from violence, it is about gaining power.

If we continue to allow power to accrete to those in Washington we will eventually fall into a completely subservient state.  I find that extremely unpalatable.  I prefer freedom to slavery. 

Gridlock is a Good Thing

It appears that the best the American public can hope for in the coming weeks is complete and total gridlock on Capitol Hill.  The debate hasn't changed.  The Fiscal Cliff "crisis" was nothing but a manufactured deadline that truly accomplished nothing lasting.  The problems have not changed.

The two opposing philosophies on "tax and spend" vs. "fiscal responsibility" are not driving the discussions.  Power and power alone are what is at stake in the minds of the politicians.  Is it "my way" or is it "your way" is the only debate.  There is not statesmanship and no seeking of a middle-of-the road compromise. 

The only possible outcome that meets in the middle is gridlock.  Maybe that's the best thing that could happen.

Aid for Politicians

Disaster Relief is certainly an area where I believe there is a role for the Federal Government.  That role however, should be limited.

In the midst of devastation from storms or other natural disasters there is often the need for additional policing activity as well as the immediate reconstruction of basic utility infrastructure -- seeing that there is power and potable water as well as clear avenues of access (roads) is a necessary function of government.  For those who have lost everything there is the need to provide shelter and food for a short period -- but not indefinitely.

The problem is that people now seem to expect the government to totally rebuild their lives.  This especially irritates me when it includes houses on a beach that are going to be subject to the next hurricane, or houses on the bank of a major river that periodically floods, or houses on a major fault line that is likely to be hit with another earthquake.  Private insurance should handle those things.

One of the things that has happened with disaster relief though is that the enabling legislation is often accompanied with "pork."  Special interest groups always seem to benefit from disasters.  Frequently, it seems that much of the aid never actually reaches the people most in need -- that is, of course, unless they compose a major voting block.

Disasters always provide photo op's for politicians.  A highly photographed hug or a well choreographed scene of "picking through the rubble" always seem to make the headlines.  Those who are trying to "pick up the pieces of their lives" rarely do though. 

Disasters can make or break politicians.  If they are seen to be strong, forceful leaders who are watching out for their constituents by fighting for huge volumes of federal relief dollars, they usually get reelected.  If on the other hand they are seen to be slow to respond and fail to obtain those federal dollars, they usually are replaced in the next election cycle by someone with a better story.

Self-interest drives behavior.  The ability to vote money for oneself at the expense of others will lead to the downfall of our country if we don't elect LEADERS who will stand up and say, "No more pork.  We spend what is needed but no more."

National Debt

Did you know that the National Debt has increased by $3.86 Billion per day since September 28, 2007?  That is scarey by itself.  However, when you realize that the Total National Debt of $16,437,033,476,729.94 equals $52,318.49 per person in the U.S. based on an estimated population of 315,172, 572 it's is downright terrifying! (see here  of course it changes daily so by the time you read this my figures will be incorrect)

Time to cough up your share.....

Let Congress know you are fed up with their profligate ways!

Fallout Follies

The news today was filled with various takes on the averted Fiscal Cliff.  The consensus seems to be that virtually all of us will see a tax increase.  What we won't see is reduced spending.

Washington will continue to ask for more and more of our money in more and more different ways.  Some taxes, like the Income Tax, are easily on everyone's radar.  Other taxes are less so.  Taxes on imports and exports, taxes on corporations, "fees" for virtually everything that we do -- all are taxes that ultimately hit the consumer's pocket.

The outcry over the fact that no vote was taken on relief for victims of Hurricane Sandy is another interesting piece of this Nation's fiscal puzzle.  Reliance on the government to bail everyone out, no matter the "disaster" is just one more contribution to the spend, spend, spend mentality in Washington.  After all, votes are at stake.  It isn't really about relief to people.  Certainly there are needs, but no one is starving and without clothing as a result of Sandy.  Local relief and charitable organizations are seeing to those basic needs.  Governor Christie is crying out to Washington for one reason only -- to tell "his" voters that he is looking out for their interests.

With the much bigger issue/deadline of averting sequestration, it was inappropriate for Congress to consider anything else.  I'm just amazed that they are in session. 

Why are people so blind to what is happening in Washington?  Is it that there are more people dependent on the government now than are not?  If that is the case, we have entered a downward spiral that ends only with failure as a nation.  I don't think we are there yet, but the rate of decent is frightening.

Resurrection

The last time I posted on this blog was April 30, 2011.  I didn't post a single time in 2012.  Any guesses why?  My disgust at the Presidential Race.

Why do I choose now to resurrect this blog?  That's a good question.  My disgust with Washington Politics is probably greater now than it was a year ago.  Maybe that's the reason.  I just got to the point that I needed to voice my thoughts about the mess we are in.  Angry?  Maybe that's a more accurate description.  I just got a belly full.  I posted the following comment on Facebook earlier.

"I'm on a crusade. This is my resolution for 2013 -- to get people to understand how they are getting taken by those in power in Washington. We have got to boot the bums and it's time to start now preparing for the next election. There are too many "one issue" voters who don't look at the big picture result of their uninformed actions. I'm recruiting. Help me get out the message."
 

The thing that got me going this morning was two headlines related to the Senate vote last night.  The first is that they passed a measure that would raise taxes on working people by $650 Billion but only cut spending by $15 Billion.  The second was that "by executive order" they were going to get a raise.  Yep, I have a hard time with that.  They have one of the lowest approval ratings in history and they are being rewarded for doing such a great job by a President who is rewarding his "buddies" for doing things his way.

There's more to it though.  The measures that were passed place the bulk of the burden on working class folks.  The language they use attempts to hide that fact, but it's a fact.  It has to do with an increase in payroll taxes (an additional 2% of your wages) and favorable tax treatment for dividend income.  How may working class people have significant dividend income?  That's the domain of the wealthy/high income class to which virtually all of both the Senate and House members belong.

So, I hate to put a damper on the new year, but we are reaping the results of leaving the power in the hands of the same old tax-and-spend crowd that has ruled in Washington for quite some time.  Yes, I said ruled.  They may be elected but they act like they were crowned -- especially the pair in the White House.  Maybe anointed is a more accurate word.....

A Balancing Act

When we look at the structure of government, we all must realize that it is not about some idealistic set of principles, it is about mutual or common interest.  Balance of powers is just that -- a balance of the interests of the powerful against each other in a manner that no one of them can gain dominance.  Otherwise, there develops a dominant ruling entity -- whether it be a king, autocracy, plutocracy, or whatever.

The U.S. system was designed for a balance of powers -- Executive vs. Legislative vs. Judiciary.  In theory it is a great design although in practice it is in constant search of balance. 

There is one piece of the balance of powers that is little discussed -- or at least has been examined very little since the Civil War.  That is the balance of power between the states and the federal government.  Until that relationship is returned to balance, we will continue to see the growth of government at the federal level at the expense of the states.  The states must come together in mutual self-interest to preserve that power.  The Constitution has a provision for that, it is the power to amend.  I don't think the Constitution needs amending.  I do think that the states must elect members of Congress who will vote to return that balance.  Or, better yet, let's see a President who will push to return that balance.  There are a few potential candidates out there.

Decision Points

I am certain that the left-leaning of this country will believe that it is nothing but a lie -- propaganda -- but, George W. Bush's book, "Decision Points," is one that I would highly recommend to all.  It provides a great deal of insight into the events of the eight years of his presidency and in my opinion, distills them down to a comprehensible level.  Some might believe that the crucible of the Presidency shapes a man.  I think instead that it reveals the man.  It is undoubtedly true that the account is from the perspective of the former President, however, that in itself is the most telling of all.  His view of himself is one that is worthy of emulation.

What Perspective?

Obviously, the author of this post hasn't been keen to offer his perspective on things lately.  The elections sent a message to Congress, but, we have yet to see how well they got the message.  So far it seems to be mostly rhetoric.

Since I last posted, I made a trip to Kenya.  That's one way to put things in perspective.  When you see that the country has been ravaged by poor governance, corruption and the HIV pandemic, you can quickly be thankful that the U.S. isn't in that kind of shape.  I guess I shouldn't complain about Congress.  Their kind of corruption hasn't stopped the U.S. economy from continuing to move ahead -- yet.

I think the unrest in the Arabic speaking countries is another thing that helps put things in perspective.  Maybe they are getting fed up with corrupt governments that turn a blind eye to terrorists.  I just hope we don't see radical Islamist governments replace them.  We certainly don't need another Iran in the world.  Here, in the U.S., we just have an election.  It's hard to imagine the turmoil that comes with a change in government leadership in other countries.  I suppose we should be thankful -- no, I don't suppose -- I know we should be thankful that we can still have a peaceful transition of power.

OK, enough rambling.  Maybe I'm getting some perspective back......

Politics as Unusual

After putting the title on this piece, I wondered if it was true, was it truly an "unusual" election night?  It was certainly historic, but, I think in many ways it was a very predictable election.

In spite of the efforts by many to remake the U.S. into the Euro-model, we remain uniquely our own.  We don't carry the baggage of the Medieval kingdoms in our makeup, nor do we carry the ethnic hatreds of Europe.  Yes, there is certainly ethnic tension, but, it is uniquely our own -- the product of a slave system that was divided along racial lines rather than that of the conquered and the conquering except possibly along our Southwestern border where the racial tensions may be traced back to the war with Mexico (Texas Independence).

We are a nation of fiercely independent people who sought to re-make the world in a better image.  An image in which a man could overcome obstacles by the efforts of his own hands in order to reach a level of success rather than to be born into a caste where his options were limited merely by the circumstances of his birth.  If royalty is in our blood, it is tempered by the blood of countless victims of the political whims of the "Great Houses" of Europe.  It is a uniquely American makeup that will resist subjugation at every turn -- whether it be at the hands of a conquering invader or at the hands of those who would elevate themselves to a ruling class.

There are exceptions, however.  In many of our larger cities and along our Southwestern border, are people who feel as if they are a subjected class.  They are people who feel an inferiority due to their racial background and due to their economic situation.  They are the ones who look to a "benevolent ruler" to have mercy on them through a welfare state.  They, along with the centers of power (i.e. the Northeast and the West Coast), cause the political map of the U.S. to exhibit significant splashes of blue on a map that is otherwise red.

The winners in yesterday's election must realize that the results are the product of resistance to overreaching government, not an endorsement of a political party.  They are a clear message that we do not wish to be ruled by the elite, we wish only to be left alone to rule ourselves.

The secondary message is one that has been ignored for a large part of the history of this nation.  That is the message that the poor and economically subjected areas of our country -- i.e. the inner cities and the poor laboring classes -- must be elevated to the status of full participants in the greatness of this country.  They can no longer be treated as problems or as cheap labor (virtual slavery), but must instead be brought into full economic and social participation.  When that occurs, they will no longer be subjected to the machinations of those who would become a ruling elite.

How can those groups be lifted from their misery?  Get them employed in meaningful work that is economically rewarded at a level sufficient to lift them from their poverty and feeling of helplessness.  The best stimulus would be to provide tax breaks to companies who would create jobs in our inner cities that would erase the need for dependence on a welfare state.  Many will need to be educated in order to perform those jobs.  We should provide additional incentives for private educational initiatives by those same companies in order to improve the basic skills of those workers and their families.  We must quit relying on a "nanny-state" to provide such things, but instead provide incentives to the private sector to step up to the challenge.  It is in all of our best interests.  Prosperity comes when individuals are rewarded for their efforts.

Quantitative Easing

I'm a little slow sometimes in catching up to what is going on in the economy.  The fact is, I don't pay that much attention to the news and most news coverage is of all the wrong things anyway.  The things that truly impact us tend to stay below the radar of most of the media.

Tonight a friend asked me what I thought about the Quantitative Easing Policy of the Fed.  It was a new term to me, so, I did some research.  At risk of being raked over the coals for doing so, I am going to link (here) to the Wikipedia definition.  Yeah, I know, there is definitely risk associated with using a Wikipedia definition, but, after a good deal of research of other sources I concluded that it does a pretty good job of explaining it.

I also am linking an MIT article that is another attempt at explaining it.  Interestingly, the conclusions of the two definitions are somewhat at odds.  The MIT article seems to think it will do no harm, the writer of the Wikipedia entry sees a good deal of risk.

I not only see risk, I see definite harm to the average citizen.  The impact of the policy is an increase of the money supply while forcing interest rates to artificially low levels.  The result is a deflated dollar.  That means that the average citizen is losing wealth because his money is worth less and he can't get a reasonable return on most investments that he would make.

The problems with the economy are not going to be fixed by Monetary Policy.  The real issue is uncertainty created by wrong-headed Fiscal Policy.  Until Congress and the current Administration get their house in order, the economy will remain stagnate.  While there is plenty of money in the system, no one is willing to risk it to create new jobs.  Banks aren't lending without Federal Guarantees and businesses aren't expanding in the face of huge tax increases on the horizon. 

The Season of Mud

The campaign rhetoric of the mid-terms is turning nasty as usual.  Such a turn is emblematic of our society in general.  We have come to tolerate incivility to the point there are few limits on behavior short of breaking the law.  That is frequently done as well because the consequences are usually light or non-existent except in the most heinous cases -- and then only if caught. 

It is also a manifestation of the loss of moral guidance.  In a society where people are taught that there is no ultimate moral law, how can we expect civil behavior?  The most vitriolic attacks seem to come from the left which is made up primarily of those who do not believe in God.  They may tell you they are Christian, or whatever, but, a lack of belief in God makes such a statement merely a political expedient.  I think that is the case of our "dear leader" in Washington.  Political pragmatism as the guiding principle for leadership means getting the job no matter what it takes (lying, back-stabbing, etc.) and then holding on to it by the same methods.

The American people need to learn to recognize such individuals for what they are -- power-hungry and morally bankrupt.  Sadly, it has become accepted by nearly all political aspirees that not responding in kind is a sign of weakness and a sure-fire way to lose.

It's About the Economy

The Administration doesn't get it -- still.  It's about the economy.  They think the American public is a bunch of idiots.  The money they are throwing at "stimulus" packages is just designed to buy votes for another few years of power.  It certainly won't stimulate the economy.

Money is being tucked away by businesses who have the power to create jobs.  Why would they invest it with such an environment of uncertainty in Washington?  Or, perhaps, why invest when there is such certainty in Washington? -- certainty that those in power are out to take what isn't their's and throw it to those who would keep them in power.  Either way, the economy suffers.

It isn't something that is popular to mention, but, the War in Iraq was actually a stimulus to our economy.  Spending on military equipment and supplies created lots of jobs, as did troop recruitment.  It also cost less than the Obama Administration's "stimulus" spending to date -- which, by-the-way, did nothing to stimulate the economy.

I'm not much on "ranting" about every little thing that goes on in the world -- whether politics, economics or whatever.  There are just a handful of fundamental issues anyway.  They come back to differences in world-view.  Right now, mine is at a polar opposite to what I see in Washington.  Fortunately, mine includes a faith in something higher that sustains me through the valley of the shadow.......

Miracles Do Happen

It must be the end of the world because Congress is finally doing its job!  Interesting, an unrecorded voice vote -- they all know that it is the right thing to do.

House Approves $600M For More Drones, Agents at U.S.-Mexican Border

The bill is a step in the right direction.  Comprehensive Immigration legislation is still needed but, not blanket amnesty.  Nothing will do any good though until the border is secure.

The president Just Dosn't "Get" It On Jobs

Sustainable jobs are created by businesses, not by government.  There is a tipping point that will be reached in which there is not enough productivity by the private sector to support the public (government) sector.  Unless of course, the trend toward nationalization of businesses continues (bank bailout, automaker bailout, etc.) and we convert completely to the "dark side" -- er, I mean Communism/Socialism/State Ownership.

To create jobs, businesses need 1) adequate excess income to reinvest and 2) a stable regulatory environment in which risk is known.  The current Administration and Democrat controlled Congress has taken, or is taking away in the form of repealing the Bush tax cuts, both of these necessary ingredients.

In an AP article (Obama overtures to business fall flat ) out today, the president notes:

"This should be as American as apple pie," Obama told a Democratic fundraiser in Austin, Texas, on Monday. "And yet we can't get it moving through the Senate." He speculated that Republicans were blocking the bill because they didn't want to do anything to help him and were "thinking about the next election instead of the next generation."

The truth of the matter is better stated by Steve Forbes in the same article:

"The truth is that not even the Franklin Roosevelt administration was as hostile to and ignorant about free enterprise as this administration is," declared magazine publisher and one-time GOP presidential contender Steve Forbes.

So, is it all about politics, or is it about the economic policies of the Administration/Democratic Congress?  As a small-business owner/manager, I say it is about the economic policies of the Administration.  It appears that Mitch McConnell at least has a clue.

But Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky shot back in a statement, "For more than a year and a half, the president and his Democrat allies on Capitol Hill have pushed an antibusiness, anti-jobs agenda on the American people in the form of one massive government intrusion after another."

I wonder when the president will "get" the message?  After all, as noted in the same article, there isn't a single former CEO of a business in his entire cabinet or among his top economic advisers.  The outlook for an improving jobs situation given the shape of things in Washington is dismal.

Austin: Safe Haven City for Alien Socialists

Isn't it interesting, Governor Rick Perry (R-Texas) did the polite thing?  He greeted the president and shook his hand after applauding him as he left Air Force One.  But, the president wouldn't even accept the letter personally offered by the Governor.  I guess it was beneath his dignity.

Perry invites Obama to tour the border with him

I doubt very much that the president will tour the border with Governor Perry.  I'm actually a little surprised that he entered the state given the attitude of the majority of the people.  I suppose that Austin would be considered a "safe haven" city for alien Socialists though.....

Note:  I have placed the word president in a smaller font and without capitalization to make the point that I believe the office, as well as our country in the eyes of the world, has been significantly diminished under the current administration.

Protesting federal cops detain commander in Juarez

Until the law enforcement agencies in Mexico can clean up internal corruption, there will be little progress in the border war.

Protesting federal cops detain commander in Juarez

It is criminal elements along the border that are creating the real problem. Yes, unrestricted immigration must be addressed, but, the violence is coming from criminals. Control is necessary to stop the criminals -- and not just those from Latin America -- from crossing our borders. Islamic terrorists are coming in also.

Trying to Snuff the Light

It's not about religion as much as it is about power.  The Taliban doesn't want charity to reach the needy villagers of remote parts of Afghanistan because it would hurt their grip of power over them.

Charity: 6 Americans on medical team among 10 killed by militants in remote Afghanistan

They fear Christianity.  Light shining in darkness reveals the evil that lurks therein.