You are President of the United States. In border cities like Detroit, Seattle, San Diego and El Paso, there is a daily barrage of mortars and rockets fired indiscriminately into these urban areas. You have negotiated truces only to see the rocket attacks increase before the ink is dry. Your citizens live in constant fear as the attacks come at all hours and they have as little as 15 seconds to seek shelter. The aggressors don't care who gets killed or what is attacked - a school, hospital, women, children, elderly - it does not matter. The more casualties and fear the better.
What would you do?
This is exactly the situation Israel has faced for over 6 years! Even after all military personnel and citizens were forcibly removed from Gaza - ending the "occupation" and supposedly the largest grievance against Israel. The squatters in Gaza decided to elect Hamas whose campaign promise was the destruction of Israel at any cost. What followed was an ever increasing volley of attacks, becoming more sophisticated as time passed.
Over 5,500 rocket and mortar attacks have occurred during the last seven years. 3,000 attacks have have taken place in 2008 - in spite of a ceasefire. With the level of violence continually escalating, and an enemy that preaches your destruction 24/7 from halls of authority, mosques and even on children's programming, you finally must realize that war is the only answer.
Nobody likes war. But the only way to peace is the complete annihilation of the threat. Hamas and the various factions in Gaza only chance of success is draw Israel into a bloody PR nightmare. Hamas cannot win militarily - especially if Israel takes the gloves off. Their only hope is to win the battle of world opinion. That is why you see the useful idiots in the western press and all of the Middle East talking heads using words like "massacre" and "disproportionate force" when it is obvious the IDF has gone out of its way to avoid civilian casualties. Hamas is counting on civilian casualties - even if they have to manufacture them.
For the sake of the handful of innocent Gaza residents who truly desire peace and prosperity, may the war be quick and decisive.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 07, 2008
December 7th - A Date Which Will Live In Infamy...
Today is the anniversary of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. Exactly 66 years ago and also a Sunday morning, hundreds of Japanese planes caught US forces unprepared for war. The attack resulted in the loss of over 2,000 military and civilian lives.
As America braces for the inauguration of Obama, its good to reflect back on what he has promised while campaigning. Obama has expressed a willingness, almost joy, at the prospects of sitting down with Iran and other terrorists and terrorist-sponsors. Even though history has proven time and again that appeasement will only embolden an enemy, Obama believes that the weight of his charisma will change the mindset of a people that fervently believes that all infidels deserve death. This mission has propelled their religion for over 1,000 years through conquest after conquest until finally they could not keep up technologically with the West.
But now with the benefit of oil wealth, we see their true nature and purpose emerge as they can now afford to fund the spread of their religion. And as in times past, they will use terror, or the threat of terror, as a means to accomplish their plans.
As we saw on 9/11 and just recently in India, this enemy needs to be taken seriously. It is not just a handful of lunatics. It is a movement that infects most of the Middle East. Not all muslims are terrorists, but it is painfully obvious that the vast majority of terrorists are motivated by this religion.
As America braces for the inauguration of Obama, its good to reflect back on what he has promised while campaigning. Obama has expressed a willingness, almost joy, at the prospects of sitting down with Iran and other terrorists and terrorist-sponsors. Even though history has proven time and again that appeasement will only embolden an enemy, Obama believes that the weight of his charisma will change the mindset of a people that fervently believes that all infidels deserve death. This mission has propelled their religion for over 1,000 years through conquest after conquest until finally they could not keep up technologically with the West.
But now with the benefit of oil wealth, we see their true nature and purpose emerge as they can now afford to fund the spread of their religion. And as in times past, they will use terror, or the threat of terror, as a means to accomplish their plans.
As we saw on 9/11 and just recently in India, this enemy needs to be taken seriously. It is not just a handful of lunatics. It is a movement that infects most of the Middle East. Not all muslims are terrorists, but it is painfully obvious that the vast majority of terrorists are motivated by this religion.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Who's Your Buddy?
I was thinking about writing a blog on which party stands up for freedom and instead came across a very nice read in American Thinker that does just that. This is a great article and I encourage you to take a look. Here is the closing paragraph which is spot on.
When the day comes that the only thing between me and liberty are some Bible-quoting know-it-alls, I'll reconsider. But right now, there are a lot of things between me and liberty, and the "religious right" is not one of them. In fact, I see them voting for more liberty, not less. If the Republican Party ever decides it really wants to be the party of liberty, rather than the slower-road-to-socialism party, I'll gladly join the religious right there.
A Libertarian Defense of Social Conservatism
As much as I approved of George Bush and his war on terror, his domestic spending policies and decisions were very much aligned with the left. I still believe the Bush Presidency will go down as a success - 7 years without a major terror attack, Iraq and Afghanistan liberated etc. You can't argue with that success no matter how bad a case of BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome) you have.
The financial problems of 2008 are largely the result of Democrat (stupid) policies. The banking scandal can be traced back to Carter/Clinton/Congress encouraging loans to those that could not qualify and then refusing to reign in Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac when it was obvious trouble was brewing.
The rise of gas prices is directly related to bad (Democrat) policies designed to "save the planet." By limiting drilling/new refinery construction and then forcing ethanol on consumers, the government involvement forced prices up across multiple industries causing the slowdown we enjoy today - Thank you Dems.
When it comes election time you do have a choice. Unfortunately, Republicans continue to offer up a liberal-lite instead of a true Conservative. Over my lifetime there is the right solution to solving the world's problems and then there is the liberal solution. Each time Republicans compromise with the left, we simply create even more problems to solve.
When the day comes that the only thing between me and liberty are some Bible-quoting know-it-alls, I'll reconsider. But right now, there are a lot of things between me and liberty, and the "religious right" is not one of them. In fact, I see them voting for more liberty, not less. If the Republican Party ever decides it really wants to be the party of liberty, rather than the slower-road-to-socialism party, I'll gladly join the religious right there.
A Libertarian Defense of Social Conservatism
As much as I approved of George Bush and his war on terror, his domestic spending policies and decisions were very much aligned with the left. I still believe the Bush Presidency will go down as a success - 7 years without a major terror attack, Iraq and Afghanistan liberated etc. You can't argue with that success no matter how bad a case of BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome) you have.
The financial problems of 2008 are largely the result of Democrat (stupid) policies. The banking scandal can be traced back to Carter/Clinton/Congress encouraging loans to those that could not qualify and then refusing to reign in Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac when it was obvious trouble was brewing.
The rise of gas prices is directly related to bad (Democrat) policies designed to "save the planet." By limiting drilling/new refinery construction and then forcing ethanol on consumers, the government involvement forced prices up across multiple industries causing the slowdown we enjoy today - Thank you Dems.
When it comes election time you do have a choice. Unfortunately, Republicans continue to offer up a liberal-lite instead of a true Conservative. Over my lifetime there is the right solution to solving the world's problems and then there is the liberal solution. Each time Republicans compromise with the left, we simply create even more problems to solve.
Stop Me If You've Heard This Before...
From the "President-Elect" Radio Address:
We wont do it the old Washington way. We wont just throw money at the problem. We'll measure progress by the reforms we make and the results we achieve -- by the jobs we create, by the energy we save, by whether America is more competitive in the world.
--- Read on. Its the same "let's just waste more taxpayer money to show how much we care" nonsense. Same song, different verse.
Today, I am announcing a few key parts of my plan. First, we will launch a massive effort to make public buildings more energy-efficient. Our government now pays the highest energy bill in the world. We need to change that. We need to upgrade our federal buildings by replacing old heating systems and installing efficient light bulbs. That wont just save you, the American taxpayer, billions of dollars each year. It will put people back to work.
--- Big Yawn. Why not cut the bloated overhead and reduce the number of redundant jobs. Or better yet, get rid of government agencies that do nothing. Talk about saving some money! Run government like a business - cut back expenses when times are tough.
Changing light bulbs? Give me a freakin' break!
Second, we will create millions of jobs by making the single largest new investment in our national infrastructure since the creation of the federal highway system in the 1950s. We'll invest your precious tax dollars in new and smarter ways, and well set a simple rule - use it or lose it. If a state doesn't act quickly to invest in roads and bridges in their communities, they'll lose the money.
--- As I said in an earlier blog, government creates nothing but dependencies. Any "job" created becomes a mandate to be funded by someone. Usually the cost is dumped on state or local authorities to pay for the "new job" when the Federal government cuts off funding after reaping the rewards of the PR and photo-ops.
BTW - Government does not invest. They spend and waste our precious tax dollars.
Third, my economic recovery plan will launch the most sweeping effort to modernize and upgrade school buildings that this country has ever seen. We will repair broken schools, make them energy-efficient, and put new computers in our classrooms. Because to help our children compete in a 21st century economy, we need to send them to 21st century schools.
--- Why not consider some real change such as a universal voucher system? How many billions have we dumped on government run schools only to see them continually fail? Enough already. get the government out of the education business.
As we renew our schools and highways, we'll also renew our information superhighway. It is unacceptable that the United States ranks 15th in the world in broadband adoption. Here, in the country that invented the Internet, every child should have the chance to get online, and they'll get that chance when I'm President - because that's how well strengthen Americas competitiveness in the world.
--- Universal DSL! Woohoo!! Pony rides, cake and punch for all!
And exactly who will pay for this? I don't know why I even ask. I'm sure it will be me and everyone else out there who actually pays taxes.
We wont do it the old Washington way. We wont just throw money at the problem. We'll measure progress by the reforms we make and the results we achieve -- by the jobs we create, by the energy we save, by whether America is more competitive in the world.
--- Read on. Its the same "let's just waste more taxpayer money to show how much we care" nonsense. Same song, different verse.
Today, I am announcing a few key parts of my plan. First, we will launch a massive effort to make public buildings more energy-efficient. Our government now pays the highest energy bill in the world. We need to change that. We need to upgrade our federal buildings by replacing old heating systems and installing efficient light bulbs. That wont just save you, the American taxpayer, billions of dollars each year. It will put people back to work.
--- Big Yawn. Why not cut the bloated overhead and reduce the number of redundant jobs. Or better yet, get rid of government agencies that do nothing. Talk about saving some money! Run government like a business - cut back expenses when times are tough.
Changing light bulbs? Give me a freakin' break!
Second, we will create millions of jobs by making the single largest new investment in our national infrastructure since the creation of the federal highway system in the 1950s. We'll invest your precious tax dollars in new and smarter ways, and well set a simple rule - use it or lose it. If a state doesn't act quickly to invest in roads and bridges in their communities, they'll lose the money.
--- As I said in an earlier blog, government creates nothing but dependencies. Any "job" created becomes a mandate to be funded by someone. Usually the cost is dumped on state or local authorities to pay for the "new job" when the Federal government cuts off funding after reaping the rewards of the PR and photo-ops.
BTW - Government does not invest. They spend and waste our precious tax dollars.
Third, my economic recovery plan will launch the most sweeping effort to modernize and upgrade school buildings that this country has ever seen. We will repair broken schools, make them energy-efficient, and put new computers in our classrooms. Because to help our children compete in a 21st century economy, we need to send them to 21st century schools.
--- Why not consider some real change such as a universal voucher system? How many billions have we dumped on government run schools only to see them continually fail? Enough already. get the government out of the education business.
As we renew our schools and highways, we'll also renew our information superhighway. It is unacceptable that the United States ranks 15th in the world in broadband adoption. Here, in the country that invented the Internet, every child should have the chance to get online, and they'll get that chance when I'm President - because that's how well strengthen Americas competitiveness in the world.
--- Universal DSL! Woohoo!! Pony rides, cake and punch for all!
And exactly who will pay for this? I don't know why I even ask. I'm sure it will be me and everyone else out there who actually pays taxes.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Choice Is Good...But Only For Our Dear Leaders...
It seems Obama will be sending his girls to a private school when they arrive in Washington. Like so many Democrats in the past, they fall on swords to protect public schools, continuing to waste billions on them, but they would never ever send their kids there.
Observe:
According to a 2007 report by the Heritage Foundation, 37 percent of U.S. Representatives and 45 percent of U.S. Senators enroll their children in private schools – a rate four times higher than that of the general population.
Simply put, choice is a good thing – but only for those rich or powerful enough to enjoy it.So what is Obama's solution for the rest of America's parents?
For all his talk of "change we need," and "change we can believe in," Obama's plan is all too familiar – keep throwing more money into the same old failed bureaucracies while branding anyone who wants to empower parents as being "anti-public education."
America Needs "Change Parents Can Believe In"
I don't fault them for wanting the very best education for their children. On the contrary, I applaud them for wanting the very best. That should be the right of every parent.
We should have a universal voucher system with a dollar amount that follows the child wherever the parent chooses. And there should be economic incentives for those that choose to home school. As a taxpayer, I want to fund quality education - the very best possible, not fraud, corruption and indoctrination camps that currently exist when schools are controlled by the government and unions.
You want to improve education? Raise teacher salaries? Raise test scores? Get parents more involved?
The answer is easy. Get government and unions out of education. Create a universal voucher system that follows students. And let the private sector enter education, allowing competition and free market forces to produce the best possible solutions.
If Democrats REALLY were concerned about teaching the children, they would give this some serious consideration. Instead they view public education as a jobs program that creates a dependent class of secure votes for their cause and a means of dumbing down future generations. And that is just pathetic.
For those wanting more meat on this subject, here is a nice overview from the Heartland Institute:
Executive Summary: Can Vouchers Reform Public Schools?
Observe:
According to a 2007 report by the Heritage Foundation, 37 percent of U.S. Representatives and 45 percent of U.S. Senators enroll their children in private schools – a rate four times higher than that of the general population.
Simply put, choice is a good thing – but only for those rich or powerful enough to enjoy it.So what is Obama's solution for the rest of America's parents?
For all his talk of "change we need," and "change we can believe in," Obama's plan is all too familiar – keep throwing more money into the same old failed bureaucracies while branding anyone who wants to empower parents as being "anti-public education."
America Needs "Change Parents Can Believe In"
I don't fault them for wanting the very best education for their children. On the contrary, I applaud them for wanting the very best. That should be the right of every parent.
We should have a universal voucher system with a dollar amount that follows the child wherever the parent chooses. And there should be economic incentives for those that choose to home school. As a taxpayer, I want to fund quality education - the very best possible, not fraud, corruption and indoctrination camps that currently exist when schools are controlled by the government and unions.
You want to improve education? Raise teacher salaries? Raise test scores? Get parents more involved?
The answer is easy. Get government and unions out of education. Create a universal voucher system that follows students. And let the private sector enter education, allowing competition and free market forces to produce the best possible solutions.
If Democrats REALLY were concerned about teaching the children, they would give this some serious consideration. Instead they view public education as a jobs program that creates a dependent class of secure votes for their cause and a means of dumbing down future generations. And that is just pathetic.
For those wanting more meat on this subject, here is a nice overview from the Heartland Institute:
Executive Summary: Can Vouchers Reform Public Schools?
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Look Mom, I'm Driving!
The auto company execs are off to Washington to grovel for "guvmint" handouts. This time they did it right, by actually driving their crappy cars all the way to Washington instead of their fancy private jets. Observe:
All three CEOs made the trip to Washington in high-mileage hybrid vehicles—the types of cars critics say the Detroit Three should have been making more of instead of becoming enamored of higher-profit, less fuel-efficient vehicles like SUVs and Hummers.
Ford announced Tuesday that it will sell its five corporate jets, and GM said it would close its corporate jet operations on Jan. 1 and try to sell the remainder of the lease time on its seven aircraft.
Ron Gettelfinger, head of the United Auto Workers, will once again join Wagoner, Nardelli and Mulally before Congress. He is traveling to the hearings in Washington on a commercial flight, just as he did two weeks ago. Gettlefinger has typically traveled to other union business on commercial flights but is often seen driving to events near Detroit with his wife.
Not just another car ride for GM CEO Wagoner
Well, I appreciate that these guys are willing to make the symbolic gesture of actually driving to Washington, but it does nothing to change my opinion that ZERO taxpayer money be given to bailout failing businesses. The problems at GM, Chrysler and Ford are self-inflicted and they need to do what any other business would do - file bankruptcy and reorganize.
Either they can get their costs down and compete with the rest of automakers or they simply need to go the way of the buggy makers a century ago. Not a dime of taxpayer money should ever be given to any business or industry.
Why is this so hard to understand?
All three CEOs made the trip to Washington in high-mileage hybrid vehicles—the types of cars critics say the Detroit Three should have been making more of instead of becoming enamored of higher-profit, less fuel-efficient vehicles like SUVs and Hummers.
--- snip ---
Ford announced Tuesday that it will sell its five corporate jets, and GM said it would close its corporate jet operations on Jan. 1 and try to sell the remainder of the lease time on its seven aircraft.
Ron Gettelfinger, head of the United Auto Workers, will once again join Wagoner, Nardelli and Mulally before Congress. He is traveling to the hearings in Washington on a commercial flight, just as he did two weeks ago. Gettlefinger has typically traveled to other union business on commercial flights but is often seen driving to events near Detroit with his wife.
Not just another car ride for GM CEO Wagoner
Well, I appreciate that these guys are willing to make the symbolic gesture of actually driving to Washington, but it does nothing to change my opinion that ZERO taxpayer money be given to bailout failing businesses. The problems at GM, Chrysler and Ford are self-inflicted and they need to do what any other business would do - file bankruptcy and reorganize.
Either they can get their costs down and compete with the rest of automakers or they simply need to go the way of the buggy makers a century ago. Not a dime of taxpayer money should ever be given to any business or industry.
Why is this so hard to understand?
Friday, November 28, 2008
Black Friday...
The day after Thanksgiving otherwise known as Black Friday, gives us the opportunity to examine what really makes our economy hum. Its not bureaucrats and its certainly not Republicans or Democrats. The way America works is ordinary Americans spending money with American businesses. The sooner the folks in Washington figure this out, the more prosperous this country will be.
Black Friday is successful because people expect bargains. And depending on the state of the economy, most businesses respond by advertising aggressively. They lower prices on toys, electronics and all sorts of items that might be in demand. Just like lower taxes spur economic growth and higher revenues, lower prices and sales generate more business. It is a tried and true method.
If Obama and Washington want to truly see America prosperous, they need to stop trying to buy favors or manipulate and "manage" the economy, and just simply get out of our lives and wallets.
Black Friday is successful because people expect bargains. And depending on the state of the economy, most businesses respond by advertising aggressively. They lower prices on toys, electronics and all sorts of items that might be in demand. Just like lower taxes spur economic growth and higher revenues, lower prices and sales generate more business. It is a tried and true method.
If Obama and Washington want to truly see America prosperous, they need to stop trying to buy favors or manipulate and "manage" the economy, and just simply get out of our lives and wallets.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
How Many Government Workers Does It Take To Bankrupt The Country?
I'm just asking the question. Because if we add another 2.5 million "guvmint" workers to the 20 million we have in local, state and Federal government, we would be well over 20 times the size of the next largest employer - Walmart. That is a payroll close to $15 BILLION we taxpayers have to cover just at the Federal level.
In fact, if we start adding up all those people on Welfare, Medicare, Social Security and then add in whatever additional dependent groups Obama and friends want to create, at some point there are too many mouths to feed and not enough taxpayers. Maybe having those 40 million aborted children in the workforce might not be a bad thing right now.
I understand that we have to have some basic government functions done by government employees. And I certainly have no problem with having a well trained and armed military. But we've got 10,000 people working at the Federal level in freakin' education! What the heck am I getting for my money? There are over 80,000 people working in the IRS trying to figure out the massive tax code and making sure they confiscate every last dime from us!
Enough. Privatize, privatize privatize and get the government out of every industry possible. The path we are headed cannot be sustained. Its time to "change" before we have no "hope."
In fact, if we start adding up all those people on Welfare, Medicare, Social Security and then add in whatever additional dependent groups Obama and friends want to create, at some point there are too many mouths to feed and not enough taxpayers. Maybe having those 40 million aborted children in the workforce might not be a bad thing right now.
I understand that we have to have some basic government functions done by government employees. And I certainly have no problem with having a well trained and armed military. But we've got 10,000 people working at the Federal level in freakin' education! What the heck am I getting for my money? There are over 80,000 people working in the IRS trying to figure out the massive tax code and making sure they confiscate every last dime from us!
Enough. Privatize, privatize privatize and get the government out of every industry possible. The path we are headed cannot be sustained. Its time to "change" before we have no "hope."
And Then Obama Said, "Let There Be Jobs."
President-elect Obama - BTW, until he has a day in court and proves that he is Constitutionally qualified, I have a hard time accepting him as President. He needs to immediately produce the paperwork and prove that he is in fact a "natural born citizen" and fully qualified to be President. These doubts cannot linger past the inauguration. If he will take these very basic steps, like every other employee and prove citizenship, he will have my respect (for the office of POTUS) and my prayers for wisdom and success as Bibically commanded.
The POTUS-elect has announced a plan to "create" new jobs, over 2.5 million. He claims he will do this by putting them to work building bridges, to where, who knows and fixing schools - yep that is a good strategy for success. He also added that his administration would "invest" in alternative energy.
Why are Americans so gullible to buy this bilge? Government NEVER creates jobs. They simply take from one group and redistribute it to another. Just like Clinton's 100,000 new cops, give or take a few tens of thousands, these are short term jobs that disappear when Federal funds go away. And they will. The state and local governments will not have the means to fund these jobs, nor should they beyond their budget capability.
The economy grows when government lowers taxes and allows more money to stay in the hands of those who will spend it and invest it in job creation. Any formula involving government "investing" or "creating jobs" will utimately collapse when the higher taxes required to support this welfare cannot be collected.
The POTUS-elect has announced a plan to "create" new jobs, over 2.5 million. He claims he will do this by putting them to work building bridges, to where, who knows and fixing schools - yep that is a good strategy for success. He also added that his administration would "invest" in alternative energy.
Why are Americans so gullible to buy this bilge? Government NEVER creates jobs. They simply take from one group and redistribute it to another. Just like Clinton's 100,000 new cops, give or take a few tens of thousands, these are short term jobs that disappear when Federal funds go away. And they will. The state and local governments will not have the means to fund these jobs, nor should they beyond their budget capability.
The economy grows when government lowers taxes and allows more money to stay in the hands of those who will spend it and invest it in job creation. Any formula involving government "investing" or "creating jobs" will utimately collapse when the higher taxes required to support this welfare cannot be collected.
Friday, November 21, 2008
If I Was King For A Day...
I keep reading all this nonsense in Washington about bailouts and numerous ideas to "spur" the economy and it makes me so sad. So I wanted to imagine a world where I was king for the day and what changes I would make.
1. Drastic Cuts To the Corporate Tax Rate - The fact that we have one of the highest corporate tax rates is one of many reasons business flees to tax-friendly states and nations. And guess what, lower taxes ALWAYS produce more revenue.
2. Drastic Cuts In the Capital Gains Tax - Don't penalize people for investing in the economy. And guess what, lower taxes ALWAYS produce more revenue.
3. Drastic Cuts In All Taxes - If I have more money in my pocket, guess what, I will spend it. If you want to see the economy improve, get people spending money again. And guess what, lower taxes ALWAYS produce more revenue.
4. No Bailouts EVER! - I'm sorry, this is just not the role of government. If you can't run your business, you probably should not be in charge or have a business. Its not the taxpayers' responsibility to save YOUR business.
5. Prosecute! - Prosecute every Fannie/Freddie punk and Democrat with their hands dirty from these banking scandals. Make them repay every cent they stole from cooking the books and jail these clowns in Congress that covered for them in Washington.
6. Freeze government hiring and salaries - In hard times, I have to make do with my income. Its time Washington should do the same. Congress especially should take an immediate 20% cut in pay and benefits. All nonmilitary pay and expenditures frozen. Drastically cut back in redundant useless Federal departments and personnel. Exactly why do we have a FEDERAL Department of Education?
7. Outlaw Democrats, ACORNs and Liberals - Well, most of them anyway. Maybe a few with brains could stay like Joe Lieberman and the more rational grassroots Democrats that vote out of fear of their union bosses or just plain ignorance. But for the most part Democrat politicians just screw up whatever they try and "fix." I call it the EVIL Midas touch. I'm only halfway kidding about this - BTW.
8. Get the Government Out - "Guvmint" needs to be removed from the medical field and a host of other industries ASAP. They only drive up costs with silly "feel good" regulation and make it harder to run a business. Get back to their original Constitutional mandates.
9. Drill Baby Drill! - Immediately open up all available land that shows promise for oil & gas exploration. Take some of the $700 Billion we send overseas each year for foreign oil and invest it in jobs in our country and grow the economy. Oil & Gas, will spike again and we cannot allow our enemies to use gas prices as a weapon against us!
10. Introduce Competition - School choice for education would empower students/parents to seek the best education. It would also create more private opportunities as business, teachers and technology create more effective and efficient ways to educate. Competition will improve education and raise the salaries for the better qualified teachers. The bloated and inefficient education bureaucracy will finally be put down for good.
11. Fairness Doctrine - Since liberals love this form of censorship as it applies to Conservative talk radio, apply this, just for fun, towards the radical left media at ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, New York Times and PBS. Let's see how they like it when they have to offer equal time to offset their liberal bias and rants. This would be only for a short time to make a point. Conservatives do not believe in censorship, unlike the liberals.
12. Free Trade - Absolutely. But treat imports exactly the way they treat our exports. That is truly free trade. If they have trade restrictions, guess what their products will get them too!
13. Terrorism & Pirates - No more playing games. The gloves come off and like the Barbary Wars in the 19th century, the threat WILL be eliminated. There will be no terrorism or pirates and definitely no safe havens for either.
14. Judges - If they try and even create even the smallest law from the bench, or borrow some insane law from a foreign power, its off to jail. Their job is to interpret NOT legislate.
15. The End of Income Tax - Within a short time a Fair Tax or a Flat Tax would replace the current grossly unfair and ridiculous tax code. You should not have to have an advanced degree or pay hundreds to figure out what to pay in taxes.
16. Medical Savings Accounts - Put the responsibility back on consumers to control how much they want or need to spend for health care. Model these after 401ks that can grow tax free and be passed to survivors. Businesses could choose to contribute and/or match employee contributions as a perk. They could be used to purchase major medical and for paying for preventative care. It takes most of the insurance headaches off the table and empowers consumers to spend THEIR money wisely for the best care. Why this has not happened sooner shows you how screwed up Washington really is.
17. UN Money - Not a dime more to support the crooked institutions at the UN or to corrupt 3rd world despots. Money will be tied to Democratic reforms - not like our Democrat party - that would be stupid. But in building Democracies and economic freedom. That is the only true way to help people in poor countries - empower them to succeed.
18. Abortion - Put more emphasis on personal responsibility. This day there are far too many ways to prevent a pregnancy. Why this is such a divisive issue is beyond me. An unwanted pregnancy should never happen. Here's a novel thought - maybe medical science could find a way and save the baby and transfer into a willing mother's womb? There is some out of the box thinking for you. Murdering a baby in the womb is not what any civilized society should ever endorse.
19. Pop Culture - Short of a meteor taking out New York City and a major earthquake sinking California into the ocean, we are probably stuck with the loony left in entertainment. I guess reeducation camps can't be used. Maybe they will move to Canada? Or, we could just ignore them. Would they then cease to exist? Seems like I saw a movie that had as a concept.
20. Religion - Maybe for once I could worship or express my Christian beliefs, or any other religion for that matter, without being chased around by ACLU lawyer types. For some reason I thought I was guaranteed the freedom of worship somewhere, Now where was that again?
Well there you go. A pretty good day of work.
Its good to be the king!
1. Drastic Cuts To the Corporate Tax Rate - The fact that we have one of the highest corporate tax rates is one of many reasons business flees to tax-friendly states and nations. And guess what, lower taxes ALWAYS produce more revenue.
2. Drastic Cuts In the Capital Gains Tax - Don't penalize people for investing in the economy. And guess what, lower taxes ALWAYS produce more revenue.
3. Drastic Cuts In All Taxes - If I have more money in my pocket, guess what, I will spend it. If you want to see the economy improve, get people spending money again. And guess what, lower taxes ALWAYS produce more revenue.
4. No Bailouts EVER! - I'm sorry, this is just not the role of government. If you can't run your business, you probably should not be in charge or have a business. Its not the taxpayers' responsibility to save YOUR business.
5. Prosecute! - Prosecute every Fannie/Freddie punk and Democrat with their hands dirty from these banking scandals. Make them repay every cent they stole from cooking the books and jail these clowns in Congress that covered for them in Washington.
6. Freeze government hiring and salaries - In hard times, I have to make do with my income. Its time Washington should do the same. Congress especially should take an immediate 20% cut in pay and benefits. All nonmilitary pay and expenditures frozen. Drastically cut back in redundant useless Federal departments and personnel. Exactly why do we have a FEDERAL Department of Education?
7. Outlaw Democrats, ACORNs and Liberals - Well, most of them anyway. Maybe a few with brains could stay like Joe Lieberman and the more rational grassroots Democrats that vote out of fear of their union bosses or just plain ignorance. But for the most part Democrat politicians just screw up whatever they try and "fix." I call it the EVIL Midas touch. I'm only halfway kidding about this - BTW.
8. Get the Government Out - "Guvmint" needs to be removed from the medical field and a host of other industries ASAP. They only drive up costs with silly "feel good" regulation and make it harder to run a business. Get back to their original Constitutional mandates.
9. Drill Baby Drill! - Immediately open up all available land that shows promise for oil & gas exploration. Take some of the $700 Billion we send overseas each year for foreign oil and invest it in jobs in our country and grow the economy. Oil & Gas, will spike again and we cannot allow our enemies to use gas prices as a weapon against us!
10. Introduce Competition - School choice for education would empower students/parents to seek the best education. It would also create more private opportunities as business, teachers and technology create more effective and efficient ways to educate. Competition will improve education and raise the salaries for the better qualified teachers. The bloated and inefficient education bureaucracy will finally be put down for good.
11. Fairness Doctrine - Since liberals love this form of censorship as it applies to Conservative talk radio, apply this, just for fun, towards the radical left media at ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, New York Times and PBS. Let's see how they like it when they have to offer equal time to offset their liberal bias and rants. This would be only for a short time to make a point. Conservatives do not believe in censorship, unlike the liberals.
12. Free Trade - Absolutely. But treat imports exactly the way they treat our exports. That is truly free trade. If they have trade restrictions, guess what their products will get them too!
13. Terrorism & Pirates - No more playing games. The gloves come off and like the Barbary Wars in the 19th century, the threat WILL be eliminated. There will be no terrorism or pirates and definitely no safe havens for either.
14. Judges - If they try and even create even the smallest law from the bench, or borrow some insane law from a foreign power, its off to jail. Their job is to interpret NOT legislate.
15. The End of Income Tax - Within a short time a Fair Tax or a Flat Tax would replace the current grossly unfair and ridiculous tax code. You should not have to have an advanced degree or pay hundreds to figure out what to pay in taxes.
16. Medical Savings Accounts - Put the responsibility back on consumers to control how much they want or need to spend for health care. Model these after 401ks that can grow tax free and be passed to survivors. Businesses could choose to contribute and/or match employee contributions as a perk. They could be used to purchase major medical and for paying for preventative care. It takes most of the insurance headaches off the table and empowers consumers to spend THEIR money wisely for the best care. Why this has not happened sooner shows you how screwed up Washington really is.
17. UN Money - Not a dime more to support the crooked institutions at the UN or to corrupt 3rd world despots. Money will be tied to Democratic reforms - not like our Democrat party - that would be stupid. But in building Democracies and economic freedom. That is the only true way to help people in poor countries - empower them to succeed.
18. Abortion - Put more emphasis on personal responsibility. This day there are far too many ways to prevent a pregnancy. Why this is such a divisive issue is beyond me. An unwanted pregnancy should never happen. Here's a novel thought - maybe medical science could find a way and save the baby and transfer into a willing mother's womb? There is some out of the box thinking for you. Murdering a baby in the womb is not what any civilized society should ever endorse.
19. Pop Culture - Short of a meteor taking out New York City and a major earthquake sinking California into the ocean, we are probably stuck with the loony left in entertainment. I guess reeducation camps can't be used. Maybe they will move to Canada? Or, we could just ignore them. Would they then cease to exist? Seems like I saw a movie that had as a concept.
20. Religion - Maybe for once I could worship or express my Christian beliefs, or any other religion for that matter, without being chased around by ACLU lawyer types. For some reason I thought I was guaranteed the freedom of worship somewhere, Now where was that again?
Well there you go. A pretty good day of work.
Its good to be the king!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Bailouts?
Where in the Constitution does it say that it is the government's responsibility to bail out failed businesses? That is our money and should not be wasted to reward private sector fraud and failure.
I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents. -- James Madison as he disapproved of an attempt to appropriate $15,000 for French refugees. 4 Annals of Congress 179 (1794).
Where is the outrage from American citizens over this $700 billion "bailout." That money belongs to you and would grow the economy much faster in the hands of American consumers where it will do some good. Buying votes or political payoffs to unions to give temporary life to failing businesses makes no sense whatsoever. If Washington is willing to give money to automakers and banks, why not a host of other industries in the future?
I survived throughout the telecom/Internet/dot com disasters, losing jobs in the process and I don't recall any Democrats rushing to bailout those industries. Nor did I expect it. If my own business suffered, I would never expect a government handout.
At the very least, the automakers need to learn from AIG executives. You don't go to Washington with your hands out flying on company jets. If you are that desperate, the private planes, outrageous executive pay/perks and any other excess needs to be eliminated before begging for taxpayer handouts. Geez.
I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents. -- James Madison as he disapproved of an attempt to appropriate $15,000 for French refugees. 4 Annals of Congress 179 (1794).
Where is the outrage from American citizens over this $700 billion "bailout." That money belongs to you and would grow the economy much faster in the hands of American consumers where it will do some good. Buying votes or political payoffs to unions to give temporary life to failing businesses makes no sense whatsoever. If Washington is willing to give money to automakers and banks, why not a host of other industries in the future?
I survived throughout the telecom/Internet/dot com disasters, losing jobs in the process and I don't recall any Democrats rushing to bailout those industries. Nor did I expect it. If my own business suffered, I would never expect a government handout.
At the very least, the automakers need to learn from AIG executives. You don't go to Washington with your hands out flying on company jets. If you are that desperate, the private planes, outrageous executive pay/perks and any other excess needs to be eliminated before begging for taxpayer handouts. Geez.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Texas Wants More Research Pork!
I came across this little gem online. Its a brief overview of how Texas wants to capture more research dollars for its universities. Certainly a noble endeavor I'm sure. Being from Texas, I hate for us not to be first in everything. After all, everything is bigger in Texas!
As I'm reading this it comes to me...This is my money they are spending. This "investment" is tax dollars confiscated from individuals and given to someone else! Why should the Federal Government be involved in this redistribution? Isn't the private sector fully capable of investing their dollars to find cures, alternate energy sources or other innovations and then turn around and profit from their work?
Here are the 2006 expenditures (tax dollars "invested") in BILLIONS by the top 5 states from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Seems Texas has its work cut out for it to catch up.
California - $3.99
New York - $2.46
Maryland - $1.86
Texas - $1.81
Pennsylvania - $1.70
Texas has a little work to do to reach first place.
Go Texas!
Bring home that pork!!
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/PDF/1525.PDF
"Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others." -- Ayn Rand
As I'm reading this it comes to me...This is my money they are spending. This "investment" is tax dollars confiscated from individuals and given to someone else! Why should the Federal Government be involved in this redistribution? Isn't the private sector fully capable of investing their dollars to find cures, alternate energy sources or other innovations and then turn around and profit from their work?
Here are the 2006 expenditures (tax dollars "invested") in BILLIONS by the top 5 states from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Seems Texas has its work cut out for it to catch up.
California - $3.99
New York - $2.46
Maryland - $1.86
Texas - $1.81
Pennsylvania - $1.70
Texas has a little work to do to reach first place.
Go Texas!
Bring home that pork!!
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/PDF/1525.PDF
"Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others." -- Ayn Rand
Friday, July 25, 2008
The Best Satire I've Read In A Long Time...
An English author's take on Obama's summer trip.
Excerpt and then link to full article below. Well worth a click and read. This is greatness!
And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness.
The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4392846.ece
I plan on not taking so long between posts now that election season is upon us....
Excerpt and then link to full article below. Well worth a click and read. This is greatness!
And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness.
The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4392846.ece
I plan on not taking so long between posts now that election season is upon us....
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Al Gore - American Hero...
ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL - BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS.
Big Al recently won an oscar for his propaganda film on the environment. Now in the eyes of some, saving the environment is a noble endeavor. But if you truly are serious about helping "save the earth" would it not be better to lead by example?
Here are some interesting tidbits on our environmental poster boy:
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=nation_world&id=5072659 - Al Gore's 'Inconvenient Truth'? -- $30,000 utility bill
http://www.drudgereport.com/flash.htm - POWER: GORE MANSION USES 20X AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD
These two articles don't even address the limos, private planes and other ways this hypocrite wastes energy. As always with liberals its: "Do as I say, not as I do."
Big Al recently won an oscar for his propaganda film on the environment. Now in the eyes of some, saving the environment is a noble endeavor. But if you truly are serious about helping "save the earth" would it not be better to lead by example?
Here are some interesting tidbits on our environmental poster boy:
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=nation_world&id=5072659 - Al Gore's 'Inconvenient Truth'? -- $30,000 utility bill
http://www.drudgereport.com/flash.htm - POWER: GORE MANSION USES 20X AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD
These two articles don't even address the limos, private planes and other ways this hypocrite wastes energy. As always with liberals its: "Do as I say, not as I do."
Monday, November 13, 2006
We all knew the implications of a Democratic victory in the past election. Now we are starting to see the results. It seems our enemies In Tehran and Damascus have certainly taken notice:
"The perceived results of the midterm elections in the U.S. were read as positive by Tehran and its allies, in the sense that it froze vigorous reactions by the U.S. against any Iranian-Syrian move in Lebanon via Hezbollah. The feelings in Tehran and Damascus, have been that if in the next weeks and months a "thrust" takes place in Lebanon to the advantage of the pro-Syrian camp, Washington will be in no position to react or counter."
From the article: Hezbollah's offensive in Lebanon has begun - World Defense Review
http://worlddefensereview.com/phares111306.shtml
It seems Iran is continuing their strategy to surround and eventually attempt to destroy Israel. Hezbollah is making moves to complete a takeover of Lebanon and if that happens, Iran will have two countries bordering Israel that are virtual puppets of Iran and sworn enemies of Israel.
Thankfully, George Bush is President for at least two more years. But with the "cut & runners" now running the Hill, will he have to fight both the terrorists and Congress?
"The perceived results of the midterm elections in the U.S. were read as positive by Tehran and its allies, in the sense that it froze vigorous reactions by the U.S. against any Iranian-Syrian move in Lebanon via Hezbollah. The feelings in Tehran and Damascus, have been that if in the next weeks and months a "thrust" takes place in Lebanon to the advantage of the pro-Syrian camp, Washington will be in no position to react or counter."
From the article: Hezbollah's offensive in Lebanon has begun - World Defense Review
http://worlddefensereview.com/phares111306.shtml
It seems Iran is continuing their strategy to surround and eventually attempt to destroy Israel. Hezbollah is making moves to complete a takeover of Lebanon and if that happens, Iran will have two countries bordering Israel that are virtual puppets of Iran and sworn enemies of Israel.
Thankfully, George Bush is President for at least two more years. But with the "cut & runners" now running the Hill, will he have to fight both the terrorists and Congress?
Monday, July 03, 2006
Independence Day...
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness..."
When those 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence over 200 years ago, they were considered traitors by the British. Many of them were wealthy and respected in their communities. Throughout the war several lost their lives, families and fortunes. But none lost their resolve that what they did was, and always would be the correct course of action. Oh, if they could only see the great country that grew from their courage!
As we celebrate another Independence Day, let us never forget their courage. May they always inspire future generations to always be fearless in the face of evil. May future leaders' courage in the time of crisis be as steadfast as our Founding Fathers!
Happy Independence Day!!!
When those 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence over 200 years ago, they were considered traitors by the British. Many of them were wealthy and respected in their communities. Throughout the war several lost their lives, families and fortunes. But none lost their resolve that what they did was, and always would be the correct course of action. Oh, if they could only see the great country that grew from their courage!
As we celebrate another Independence Day, let us never forget their courage. May they always inspire future generations to always be fearless in the face of evil. May future leaders' courage in the time of crisis be as steadfast as our Founding Fathers!
Happy Independence Day!!!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Bring the boys home?...
Imagine its December 1944. The Allied advance in Western Europe has stalled due to supply and logistic problems. Back in the US, the House of Representatives debates the merits of World War II. Representative Murtha, who is old enough to have served back then, demands an immediate withdrawal of all US military from Europe proclaiming that, "We can't win this war!"
In Berlin, the Germans are hard at work planning one final massive Winter offensive in the West. But when Adolf Hitler gets news of the pull out, he sees an opportunity. Instead of an immediate attack, he pulls his forces back to stronger defensive positions and delays the attack until after the US "redeployment".
Murtha and the "cut and run" Democrats have their way and the US pulls all of its forces out of Europe. 15 days later Hitler unleashes the German army in a massive operation that overwhelms and destroys the remaining English and Canadian forces in the West. The Allies sue for peace leaving Germany in control of all of Western Europe. They are now free to focus all their military might on the Soviet Union who they fight to a stalemate at approximately the 1939 borders between the two countries.
Fortunately none of that is true. But it is interesting to consider what would happen if the US had adopted Murtha and the Democrat's strategy in previous conflicts. You would think that members of Congress, especially those that have served in the military, would understand that conflicts must be won in a decisive manner. Wars are never won by retreating. Victory is never gained by giving up. True and lasting peace can only be obtained by completely destroying the enemies' will and ability to wage war.
A "cut and run" strategy will only encourage our enemies. Osama Bin Laden is on record as saying this after observing Clinton's disgraceful exit in Somalia. Our enemies saw American forces quit after enduring a few casualties at the hands of a ragtag bunch of thugs. An embarrassment and probably the single biggest event that convinced Osama that a major attack like 9-11 would cause the US to pull all of its forces out of the Middle East and abandon Israel.
Thankfully, Osama did not realize that George Bush is not Bill Clinton. And mercifully, the Democrats are not in power. Hopefully, they will never be in power. Because they have proven time and again that they cannot be trusted with defending America, or protecting our interests in a dangerous world.
In Berlin, the Germans are hard at work planning one final massive Winter offensive in the West. But when Adolf Hitler gets news of the pull out, he sees an opportunity. Instead of an immediate attack, he pulls his forces back to stronger defensive positions and delays the attack until after the US "redeployment".
Murtha and the "cut and run" Democrats have their way and the US pulls all of its forces out of Europe. 15 days later Hitler unleashes the German army in a massive operation that overwhelms and destroys the remaining English and Canadian forces in the West. The Allies sue for peace leaving Germany in control of all of Western Europe. They are now free to focus all their military might on the Soviet Union who they fight to a stalemate at approximately the 1939 borders between the two countries.
Fortunately none of that is true. But it is interesting to consider what would happen if the US had adopted Murtha and the Democrat's strategy in previous conflicts. You would think that members of Congress, especially those that have served in the military, would understand that conflicts must be won in a decisive manner. Wars are never won by retreating. Victory is never gained by giving up. True and lasting peace can only be obtained by completely destroying the enemies' will and ability to wage war.
A "cut and run" strategy will only encourage our enemies. Osama Bin Laden is on record as saying this after observing Clinton's disgraceful exit in Somalia. Our enemies saw American forces quit after enduring a few casualties at the hands of a ragtag bunch of thugs. An embarrassment and probably the single biggest event that convinced Osama that a major attack like 9-11 would cause the US to pull all of its forces out of the Middle East and abandon Israel.
Thankfully, Osama did not realize that George Bush is not Bill Clinton. And mercifully, the Democrats are not in power. Hopefully, they will never be in power. Because they have proven time and again that they cannot be trusted with defending America, or protecting our interests in a dangerous world.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Your Tax Dollars At Work...
God Bless our government. They bent over backwards to try and help after Hurricane Katrina only to have a large percentage of people work the system. The GAO audit reports are out and its not surprising that the payment program was filled with corruption and theft.
Here are some examples of what was found:
- As of March 2006, over 90 percent of money funded to the debit card program has been used by recipients to obtain cash which did not allow the GAO to determine how the money was actually used.
- Examples of debit card purchased goods and services that did not appear to meet legitimate disaster needs - The understatement of the week!
Jewelz - Arlington, TX - Diamond jewelry including watches, earrings, and a ring $3,700
Vacation Express - Atlanta, GA - All inclusive 1 week Caribbean vacation resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic $2,200
Lesea Broadcasting - South Bend, IN - Donations to a faith based charity $2,000
New Orleans Saints - New Orleans, LA - 5 New Orleans Saints football season tickets $2,000
Mark Lipkin Attorney - Houston, TX - Divorce lawyer services $1,000
Legends - Houston, TX - Gentleman's club $600
The Pleasure Zone - Houston, TX - Adult erotica products $400
Hooters - San Antonio, TX - Alcoholic beverages including $200 bottle of Dom Perignon champagne $300
GGW Video - Santa Monica, CA - Girls Gone Wild videos $300
Alamo Fireworks - San Antonio, TX - Fireworks $300
- As of May 26, 2006, FEMA can only account for 10,608 cards of the 10,989 cards JPMorgan Chase claimed that it has distributed. As a result, FEMA cannot properly account for 381 debit cards, worth about $760,000.
- Rental assistance payments were sent to individuals living in FEMA-paid-for hotels! Here are a couple of the more egregious examples:
Marriott Courtyard - (Lafayette, LA) - Registrant stayed at hotel from September 2005 to February 2006 at a cost of $109 to $122 per night. FEMA paid registrant two rental assistance payments in September 2005 and December 2005. Rental Assistance total: $5,208 - Hotel Payments total: $18,000
Ramada Plaza - (Corona, NY) - Registrant stayed at hotel from September 2005 to March 2006 at a cost of $149 per night. FEMA paid registrant rental assistance in September 2005. Rental Assistance total: $2,358 - Hotel Payments total: $31,000
- FEMA paid millions of dollars to over 1,000 registrants who used names and SSNs belonging to state and federal prisoners. Here are a few examples:
Case 1 involves a convicted felon, housed in a Louisiana prison from April 2001 to the present, who registered for assistance by telephone. FEMA paid over $20,000 to the registrant even though the damaged property address on the registration was a post office box address and the registrant was incarcerated throughout the disaster period.
Case 2 involves a registrant who has been incarcerated in a Mississippi correctional facility since 2004. The registrant used his name and SSN over the telephone to apply for and receive $2,000 in expedited assistance and $2,358 in rental assistance. The individual listed his correct current address, at the prison, to receive these payments.
These are just a handful of cases that permeate the "disaster" relief effort. There is potentially $1 billion in waste and fraud that is under review!
Guess what? Its hurricane season again...
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/06/14/fema.audit/index.html
Here are some examples of what was found:
- As of March 2006, over 90 percent of money funded to the debit card program has been used by recipients to obtain cash which did not allow the GAO to determine how the money was actually used.
- Examples of debit card purchased goods and services that did not appear to meet legitimate disaster needs - The understatement of the week!
Jewelz - Arlington, TX - Diamond jewelry including watches, earrings, and a ring $3,700
Vacation Express - Atlanta, GA - All inclusive 1 week Caribbean vacation resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic $2,200
Lesea Broadcasting - South Bend, IN - Donations to a faith based charity $2,000
New Orleans Saints - New Orleans, LA - 5 New Orleans Saints football season tickets $2,000
Mark Lipkin Attorney - Houston, TX - Divorce lawyer services $1,000
Legends - Houston, TX - Gentleman's club $600
The Pleasure Zone - Houston, TX - Adult erotica products $400
Hooters - San Antonio, TX - Alcoholic beverages including $200 bottle of Dom Perignon champagne $300
GGW Video - Santa Monica, CA - Girls Gone Wild videos $300
Alamo Fireworks - San Antonio, TX - Fireworks $300
- As of May 26, 2006, FEMA can only account for 10,608 cards of the 10,989 cards JPMorgan Chase claimed that it has distributed. As a result, FEMA cannot properly account for 381 debit cards, worth about $760,000.
- Rental assistance payments were sent to individuals living in FEMA-paid-for hotels! Here are a couple of the more egregious examples:
Marriott Courtyard - (Lafayette, LA) - Registrant stayed at hotel from September 2005 to February 2006 at a cost of $109 to $122 per night. FEMA paid registrant two rental assistance payments in September 2005 and December 2005. Rental Assistance total: $5,208 - Hotel Payments total: $18,000
Ramada Plaza - (Corona, NY) - Registrant stayed at hotel from September 2005 to March 2006 at a cost of $149 per night. FEMA paid registrant rental assistance in September 2005. Rental Assistance total: $2,358 - Hotel Payments total: $31,000
- FEMA paid millions of dollars to over 1,000 registrants who used names and SSNs belonging to state and federal prisoners. Here are a few examples:
Case 1 involves a convicted felon, housed in a Louisiana prison from April 2001 to the present, who registered for assistance by telephone. FEMA paid over $20,000 to the registrant even though the damaged property address on the registration was a post office box address and the registrant was incarcerated throughout the disaster period.
Case 2 involves a registrant who has been incarcerated in a Mississippi correctional facility since 2004. The registrant used his name and SSN over the telephone to apply for and receive $2,000 in expedited assistance and $2,358 in rental assistance. The individual listed his correct current address, at the prison, to receive these payments.
These are just a handful of cases that permeate the "disaster" relief effort. There is potentially $1 billion in waste and fraud that is under review!
Guess what? Its hurricane season again...
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/06/14/fema.audit/index.html
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
A little perspective on June 6th...
As we continue to hear the shrill rantings from "peace mom/dance on my son's grave" Cindy Sheehan, the media, and the rest of the loons on the left, it behooves us to consider the historical significance of casualties in previous battles.
June 6, 1918 Battle of Belleau Wood - WWI - The first major engagement of US troops in Europe. The 20 day battle resulted in 10,000 American casualties. The Germans lost 300,000 men during the battle.
June 6, 1944 D-Day Invasion - WWII - The Allies' long expected invasion of France started on this day. Total Allied casualities on D-Day were estimated at 10,000 dead, wounded or missing. It is estimated that over 1400 American soldiers lost their lives during that first day. German casualties have been estimated as high as 9,000.
By the end of the Battle of Normandy, approximately 90 days, the Allies had lost over 53,000 men. Between 15,000 and 20,000 French civilians lost their lives during the battle. The Germans reported over 70,000 deaths.
In over 3 years of fighting in Iraq, there have been only 2,475 US deaths and 292 in 5 years of fighting in Afghanistan. To put this in perspective with previous US conflicts:
US Casualties By Conflict
Revolutionary War (1775-83) - 4,435
War of 1812 (1812-15) - 2,260
Mexican War (1846-48) - 13,283
Civil War (1861-65) - 498,000 est
Spanish American War (1898) - 2,446
World War I (1917-18) - 116,516
World War II (1941-45) - 405,399
Korean War (1950-53) - 36,574
Vietnam War (1964-75) - 58,200
Persian Gulf War (1990-91) - 382
Afghanistan War (2001 thru 6/6/06) - 292
Iraq War (2003 thru 6/6/06) - 2,475
By comparison with civilian deaths in the US, in 2003 there were 109,277 deaths reported attributed to accidents or unintentional injuries. Suicide resulted in 31,484 deaths. Homicide accounted for 17,732 deaths.
What does this all mean? Well for one, the US military is doing a pretty darn good job avoiding casualties while being stuck in a "Vietnam-like quagmire".
The real point is we are in a fight we must win. And it is far better to engage your enemy in his backyard than fighting a bunch of suicidal fanatics in our own.
While we mourn every death, soldiers and civilians alike, we will not surrender or retreat. To do so would set us up for eventual destruction. Our enemy will stop at nothing to destroy Western civilization and anyone who will not accept their fanatical views. Any erosion of support for this effort will only be seen as a sign of weakness by them.
The left, who have at times been celebrated as defenders of freedom, now find themselves in an interesting spot. They are attacking the very country, government and military that allows them to express their opinions without fear. If the maniacs that run Iran and Syria were in charge here, they would never enjoy this freedom.
June 6, 1918 Battle of Belleau Wood - WWI - The first major engagement of US troops in Europe. The 20 day battle resulted in 10,000 American casualties. The Germans lost 300,000 men during the battle.
June 6, 1944 D-Day Invasion - WWII - The Allies' long expected invasion of France started on this day. Total Allied casualities on D-Day were estimated at 10,000 dead, wounded or missing. It is estimated that over 1400 American soldiers lost their lives during that first day. German casualties have been estimated as high as 9,000.
By the end of the Battle of Normandy, approximately 90 days, the Allies had lost over 53,000 men. Between 15,000 and 20,000 French civilians lost their lives during the battle. The Germans reported over 70,000 deaths.
In over 3 years of fighting in Iraq, there have been only 2,475 US deaths and 292 in 5 years of fighting in Afghanistan. To put this in perspective with previous US conflicts:
US Casualties By Conflict
Revolutionary War (1775-83) - 4,435
War of 1812 (1812-15) - 2,260
Mexican War (1846-48) - 13,283
Civil War (1861-65) - 498,000 est
Spanish American War (1898) - 2,446
World War I (1917-18) - 116,516
World War II (1941-45) - 405,399
Korean War (1950-53) - 36,574
Vietnam War (1964-75) - 58,200
Persian Gulf War (1990-91) - 382
Afghanistan War (2001 thru 6/6/06) - 292
Iraq War (2003 thru 6/6/06) - 2,475
By comparison with civilian deaths in the US, in 2003 there were 109,277 deaths reported attributed to accidents or unintentional injuries. Suicide resulted in 31,484 deaths. Homicide accounted for 17,732 deaths.
What does this all mean? Well for one, the US military is doing a pretty darn good job avoiding casualties while being stuck in a "Vietnam-like quagmire".
The real point is we are in a fight we must win. And it is far better to engage your enemy in his backyard than fighting a bunch of suicidal fanatics in our own.
While we mourn every death, soldiers and civilians alike, we will not surrender or retreat. To do so would set us up for eventual destruction. Our enemy will stop at nothing to destroy Western civilization and anyone who will not accept their fanatical views. Any erosion of support for this effort will only be seen as a sign of weakness by them.
The left, who have at times been celebrated as defenders of freedom, now find themselves in an interesting spot. They are attacking the very country, government and military that allows them to express their opinions without fear. If the maniacs that run Iran and Syria were in charge here, they would never enjoy this freedom.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Let 'em play the game...
I was fortunate to play sports throughout my life and have won a few championships along the way. Rarely did any of those teams go undefeated. There were almost always a few setbacks like injuries or players missing games for various reasons. But at the end of every season, at every level and in every sport, there was always an opportunity for redemption in the form of a playoff. Never did I have to look to computer nerds or sportswriters and have them select who was the best team in the league.
Unfortunately, that is the case when it comes to one of my favorite sports, college football. A handful of the wealthier conferences banded together and created this travesty known as the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). Or as I call it the BS CS - "championship" my foot! When you have effectively prevented almost half of the NCAA 1A teams even a shot at the title, you cannot claim that you have a true champion.
At least before the BSCS was invented the Bowl system, as flawed as it was, left the door open for upsets and some drama leading up to the final poll. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of sportswriters making the decision either. But the way things played out was at least more interesting for the fans. Now, the BSCS gods pick two teams and declare the winner between them to be the "champion". This makes every other bowl game a complete waste of time.
The reality is the BSCS is about money and power. The big conferences want all the money and the power. They argue that the outsiders can't compete - which is laughable considering what always happens in every other NCAA sport like March Madness. But the system itself helps perpetuate this myth by the windfall that is hoarded by the same power conferences. Only a liberal could love this system!
Next year we may have as many as 32 bowls. That means 64 teams will get to go to a bowl - whoopee!!!. Only one bowl will mean anything. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see SMU in a bowl game - I've waited long enough!! But I would much rather see them have a shot at winning everything through a playoff. Since every other level and sport can do it I would think the NCAA 1A teams could figure it out too!
Here is my simple plan for a playoff - 16 teams - 4 weeks - 1 true champion
ACC Champion
Big 10 Champion
Big 12 Champion
Big East Champion
CUSA Champion
MAC Champion
MWC Champion
Pac 10 Champion
SEC Champion
Sunbelt Champion
WAC Champion
5 - deserving (based on performance not alumni size) at large teams
The first round games can be played at the school's stadiums. I would prefer to avoid bowls altogether because they are part of the problem we have now. Maybe the latter rounds could be awarded by bid.
Where possible, I would also require all conferences to expand to at least 12 teams and have a championship game. No goofy 3-way ties where the 3 teams never played each other. Have every conference produce a true champion. No special waivers for Notre Dame or anyone else. Everyone must earn their way into the playoff. There could still be bowl games for the other deserving teams. With this method, EVERYONE has a legitimate shot at being the national champion. Nothing less will do.
With this system, we would have a TRUE NATIONAL CHAMPION by the start of the Spring semester. How cool would that be!!
Unfortunately, that is the case when it comes to one of my favorite sports, college football. A handful of the wealthier conferences banded together and created this travesty known as the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). Or as I call it the BS CS - "championship" my foot! When you have effectively prevented almost half of the NCAA 1A teams even a shot at the title, you cannot claim that you have a true champion.
At least before the BSCS was invented the Bowl system, as flawed as it was, left the door open for upsets and some drama leading up to the final poll. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of sportswriters making the decision either. But the way things played out was at least more interesting for the fans. Now, the BSCS gods pick two teams and declare the winner between them to be the "champion". This makes every other bowl game a complete waste of time.
The reality is the BSCS is about money and power. The big conferences want all the money and the power. They argue that the outsiders can't compete - which is laughable considering what always happens in every other NCAA sport like March Madness. But the system itself helps perpetuate this myth by the windfall that is hoarded by the same power conferences. Only a liberal could love this system!
Next year we may have as many as 32 bowls. That means 64 teams will get to go to a bowl - whoopee!!!. Only one bowl will mean anything. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see SMU in a bowl game - I've waited long enough!! But I would much rather see them have a shot at winning everything through a playoff. Since every other level and sport can do it I would think the NCAA 1A teams could figure it out too!
Here is my simple plan for a playoff - 16 teams - 4 weeks - 1 true champion
ACC Champion
Big 10 Champion
Big 12 Champion
Big East Champion
CUSA Champion
MAC Champion
MWC Champion
Pac 10 Champion
SEC Champion
Sunbelt Champion
WAC Champion
5 - deserving (based on performance not alumni size) at large teams
The first round games can be played at the school's stadiums. I would prefer to avoid bowls altogether because they are part of the problem we have now. Maybe the latter rounds could be awarded by bid.
Where possible, I would also require all conferences to expand to at least 12 teams and have a championship game. No goofy 3-way ties where the 3 teams never played each other. Have every conference produce a true champion. No special waivers for Notre Dame or anyone else. Everyone must earn their way into the playoff. There could still be bowl games for the other deserving teams. With this method, EVERYONE has a legitimate shot at being the national champion. Nothing less will do.
With this system, we would have a TRUE NATIONAL CHAMPION by the start of the Spring semester. How cool would that be!!
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