Independent Rants

Electability

2012-01-25T14:50:00.001-08:00

When we field the idea of "electability" we have already lost the race.

Real leaders are flawed, they take chances, they have made mistakes.They lead by overcoming their flaws and defeating or at least subduing the cause of their mistakes and transgressions.

Those who are "electable" are simply good at hiding their Human Nature (in other words..liars)

Dec 5th

2011-11-23T19:03:00.001-08:00

Well Dec 5th is the Dead line I gave in my letter to candidates. So far the best response has been a "thanks for your E-mail" from Romney. Hmm ... I know I am not a big mover and shaker, but shouldn't a concerned voter be worth at least some work for free lackey staffer responding with "check the FAQ"?

Maybe I should send it to Obama?

Romney

2011-11-15T15:45:00.001-08:00

Hey I got a "Thanks for the E-mail" letter in my email today from Romneys campaign. still no answer but better than any one else has done so far.

21 days

2011-11-08T14:08:00.001-08:00

and nothing from any one.. not even a "thank you for your interest please read our FAQ's and be sure to donate".

Rick Perry Open Letter

2011-10-21T21:23:00.001-07:00

Good Evening Mr Perry,

This is an open Letter

I am sending these same questions to Herman Cain and Mitt Romney:

I am an independent conservative voter. I ascribe to no political party because I do not feel that they really care whether or not they represent the American People. I feel they care about being elected, and from that point on about staying elected. In this letter I will give you my perspective on several points and ask you to answer them . This letter will be posted on the internet on my blog and linked to the one social media outlet I use (facebook) and any answer you correspond with will be posted and linked to these venues. If you decline to respond or simply chose not to respond after 45 days I will post that you have declined to answer or not responded as appropriate. Should you like, I would invite you to come have a cup of coffee with me and give your answers in person. However I know your time as a Presidential Candidate is at a premium and certainly will not hold it against you should you decline this offer.

I understand that the office of President of the United States is limited, intentionally so by our constitution. So in these questions I do not want to know what you will do. I want to know what you wish to see our nation do as it’s leader. I wish to know your opinion on where we should aim and what we _should_ do.

First – Separation of Church and State.

Many of our founding fathers whose Ideals you claim we should defend were not exactly Christian. Several were Universalist and Unitarians. (Note: I willingly concede have not found any reference to any being Atheistic.)

Do you believe it is right for a government to tell their people how they should or will believe?

Do you believe religious courts (Sharia, Rabidic, Papal) should be recognized as equal to the civil courts of our nation?

Second – Immigration

In Recent years I have heard the rally call that Illegal Immigrants are being denied basic rights. I specify them as illegal in that they have no visa, they have entered through no legitimate port and are in violation of immigration guidelines of our nation.

On a strictly legal basis:
Are Illegal Immigrants entitled to the privileges of our country to include Social security, public health care, social services, etc?

On Moral Basis:
What are you willing to see this Nation do to protect these who have fled poverty and persecution from rampant exploitation?

On a National basis
What are you willing to do to protect the livelihood of the minimum wage American worker?

On Enforcement
Explain to me how turning over control of our borders to the branch of the US Military being the US Coast guard is a violation of Posse Comitus.

Third – Industry

This country is facing a crisis of inverse proportions. Thousands of jobs in skilled trades and infrastructure go unfilled while the rate of unemployment remains at a ridiculous high level. Liberal arts and vocational education across the country has been dumped wholesale in favor of raising graders on standardized testing. We now live in a society of consumers rather than producers.

Industrially
What can be done to restore this country to production and trade rather than consumption and consumerism?

Vocationally
What can we do to train/retrain our unemployed population as well as our children now in school so that we can stem the tide of unemployment?

Agriculturally
Why are we turning our backs on our farmers and ranchers, that last true production industries we have?

Fourth – The Right to Bear Arms

The Second Amendment reads: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

As this is an issue of constitutional Law and of Us Code (US code 10) how can any state of municipality enforce laws regarding the right to bear arms (even maintaining the 10th amendment which states:” The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” )As this is clearly an issue reserved for constitutional law?

Fifth – Energy
This one is fairly straight forward

Are you willing to risk non election or non re-election for the cause of American energy independence?

Are you willing to Support Nuclear Power in America?

Are you willing to support alternative energies such as solar, wind, and hydro-electric?

Are you willing to back our Natural Gas industry against the oil empires of the world?

I thank you for your time and await your response.

Don Riney
Average American Voter.

Open letter to Mitt Romney

2011-10-21T21:22:00.001-07:00

Good Evening Mr Romney,

This is an open Letter

I am sending these same questions to Herman Cain and Rick Perry:

I am an independent conservative voter. I ascribe to nopolitical party because I do not feel that they really care whether or not theyrepresent the American People. I feel they care about being elected, and fromthat point on about staying elected. In this letter I will give you myperspective on several points and ask you to answer them . This letter will beposted on the internet on my blogand linked to the one social media outlet I use (facebook) and any answer youcorrespond with will be posted and linked to these venues. If you decline torespond or simply chose not to respond after 45 days I will post that you havedeclined to answer or not responded as appropriate. Should you like, I wouldinvite you to come have a cup of coffee with me and give your answers inperson. However I know your time as a Presidential Candidate is at a premiumand certainly will not hold it against you should you decline this offer.

I understand that the office of President of the United States is limited,intentionally so by our constitution. So in these questions I do not want toknow what you will do. I want to know what you wish to see our nation do asit’s leader. I wish to know your opinion on where we should aim and what we_should_ do.

First – Separation of Church and State.

Many of our founding fathers whose Ideals you claim we should defend were notexactly Christian. Several were Universalist and Unitarians. (Note: I willinglyconcede have not found any reference to any being Atheistic.)

Do you believe it is right for a government to tell their people how theyshould or will believe?

Do you believe religious courts (Sharia, Rabidic, Papal) should be recognizedas equal to the civil courts of our nation?

Second – Immigration

In Recent years I have heard the rally call that Illegal Immigrants are beingdenied basic rights. I specify them as illegal in that they have no visa, theyhave entered through no legitimate port and are in violation of immigrationguidelines of our nation.

On a strictly legal basis:
Are Illegal Immigrants entitled to the privileges of our country to includeSocial security, public health care, social services, etc?

On Moral Basis:
What are you willing to see this Nation do to protect these who have fledpoverty and persecution from rampant exploitation?

On a National basis
What are you willing to do to protect the livelihood of the minimum wageAmerican worker?

On Enforcement
Explain to me how turning over control of our borders to the branch of the USMilitary being the US Coast guard is a violation of Posse Comitus.

Third – Industry

This country is facing a crisis of inverse proportions. Thousands of jobs inskilled trades and infrastructure go unfilled while the rate of unemploymentremains at a ridiculous high level. Liberal arts and vocational educationacross the country has been dumped wholesale in favor of raising graders onstandardized testing. We now live in a society of consumers rather thanproducers.

Industrially
What can be done to restore this country to production and trade rather thanconsumption and consumerism?

Vocationally
What can we do to train/retrain our unemployed population as well as ourchildren now in school so that we can stem the tide of unemployment?

Agriculturally
Why are we turning our backs on our farmers and ranchers, that last trueproduction industries we have?

Fourth – The Right to Bear Arms

The Second Amendment reads: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to thesecurity of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shallnot be infringed.

As this is an issue of constitutional Law and of Us Code (US code 10) how canany state of municipality enforce laws regarding the right to bear arms (evenmaintaining the 10th amendment which states:” The powers not delegated to theUnited States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, arereserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” )As this is clearly anissue reserved for constitutional law?

Fifth – Energy
This one is fairly straight forward

Are you willing to risk non election or non re-election for the cause ofAmerican energy independence?

Are you willing to Support Nuclear Power in America?

Are you willing to support alternative energies such as solar, wind, andhydro-electric?

Are you willing to back our Natural Gas industry against the oil empires of theworld?

I thank you for your time and await your response.

Don Riney
Average American Voter.

the 40%

2011-10-21T20:35:00.001-07:00

100% is the total population . (according to the US Census Bureau 100% is 307 Million) which means 1% is 30.7 Million. Wow ... so 3.07 MILLION people have the most wealth. (1% is allot of people!)According to the US dept of Labor we have 9.1% unemployment.307 million X .091 = 27.94 Million out of workyeah not good but we didn't adjust the numbers for underemployment either but since no one can seem to agree what that means we will leave it alone.What this also means is that 100% - 10. 1 % = 89.9%This is how many Americans have jobs that are not in the OMG range of pay307,000,000 x .891 + 273.5 million that have jobs.Now how many non degree skilled trade jobs are available in America? as a Building Super I have a hard time finding people who are qualified for the jobs my company has open. seriously.. I work for for a major real estate corp and we honestly need building engineers, HVAC techs and skilled tradesmen. There are jobs folks! lots of them.No they don't have a 35th floor corner office but hell you want to make a pay check and earn a living or do you want a view?70% of Americans make 70,000 or less a year. Most Skilled trades make 40,000 a year or more after a couple of years of training. (that's at the 45% level for USA) 50,0000 after a couple more (hey that's 55%)So come join the 45% to 70% range in America. We pay our bills and work our asses off. Yes there is at least 30% richer than the top of us but I don't care! I have enough to pay my bills and still buy something special for the My Wife and Kids. you want something from Corporate America, well stop asking for the corner office and start asking for the wrench. if we don't produce we have no GNP.Come and join the 60 to 70%! We need you!And if you are honestly tired of corporate domination of America get your ass out and vote! I am one of the 40% who voted how about you?

I am not the 99%

2011-10-21T14:55:00.001-07:00

I am _not_ the so called 99%, nor am I the highly accused 1%. I and my Wife have worked for what we have. We give back to our community and our fellow man as we can afford. We don't have time to "occupy" anything but our home which we pay for every month to the bank and to the utilities and yes even to the state in the way of property taxes.I don't have time to spend at rallies and protest more than just the occasional token appearance. I vote. I question those I vote for and those I didn't. I believe that those I did not vote for and still won have a responsibility to hear _my_ voice and represent _me_ not just those who voted for them.I am of the 60% to 70%, ya know the working class. I go to work, I take care of my family, I pray for my son in the US navy. Oh and yes I work for a large cooperation. Because they exist my family meets their needs.Deal with it and move on people.

I've noticed...

2011-10-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

1st Amendment of the US Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances"

Definition of Occupation from Merriam Webster:
a : the act or process of taking possession of a place or area : seizure
b : the holding and control of an area by a foreign military force
c : the military force occupying a country or the policies carried out by it

One of these things is not like the other.

Honestly I wish these "occupation" protest where around when I was young and unemployed, it would have been nice to have a PC reason to sit on my ass and just not bother looking for work.

wow

2011-06-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Not much has changed. High end lobbies and corporations still hold the balls o our senators and representatives. Republicrats and Demopublicans still don't care who they hurt to stay in office. The Same issues that were talking points 4 years ago are the talking points of the next election.

How Sad.

Taps for fallen heros

2011-05-30T06:47:00.001-07:00

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

Open Letter to Herman Cain

2011-05-21T18:58:00.001-07:00

An Open Letter to Herman Cain Candidate for President of the United States of America

I am an independent conservative voter. I ascribe to no political party because I do not feel that they really care whether or not they represent the American People. I feel they care about being elected, and from that point on about staying elected. In this letter I will give you my perspective on several points and ask you to answer them . This letter will be posted on the internet on my blog and linked to the one social media outlet I use (facebook) and any answer you correspond with will be posted and linked to these venues. If you decline to respond or simply chose not to respond after 45 days I will post that you have declined to answer or not responded as appropriate. Should you like, I would invite you to come have a cup of coffee with me and give your answers in person. However I know your time as a Presidential Candidate is at a premium and certainly will not hold it against you should you decline this offer.

I understand that the office of President of the United States is limited, intentionally so by our constitution. So in these questions I do not want to know what you will do. I want to know what you wish to see our nation do as it’s leader. I wish to know your opinion on where we should aim and what we _should_ do.

First – Separation of Church and State.

Many of our founding fathers whose Ideals you claim we should defend were not exactly Christian. Several were Universalist and Unitarians. (Note: I willingly concede have not found any reference to any being Atheistic.)

Do you believe it is right for a government to tell their people how they should or will believe?

Do you believe religious courts (Sharia, Rabidic, Papal) should be recognized as equal to the civil courts of our nation?

Second – Immigration

In Recent years I have heard the rally call that Illegal Immigrants are being denied basic rights. I specify them as illegal in that they have no visa, they have entered through no legitimate port and are in violation of immigration guidelines of our nation.

On a strictly legal basis:
Are Illegal Immigrants entitled to the privileges of our country to include Social security, public health care, social services, etc?

On Moral Basis:
What are you willing to see this Nation do to protect these who have fled poverty and persecution from rampant exploitation?

On a National basis
What are you willing to do to protect the livelihood of the minimum wage American worker?

On Enforcement
Explain to me how turning over control of our borders to the branch of the US Military being the US Coast guard is a violation of Posse Comitus.

Third – Industry

This country is facing a crisis of inverse proportions. Thousands of jobs in skilled trades and infrastructure go unfilled while the rate of unemployment remains at a ridiculous high level. Liberal arts and vocational education across the country has been dumped wholesale in favor of raising graders on standardized testing. We now live in a society of consumers rather than producers.

Industrially
What can be done to restore this country to production and trade rather than consumption and consumerism?

Vocationally
What can we do to train/retrain our unemployed population as well as our children now in school so that we can stem the tide of unemployment?

Agriculturally
Why are we turning our backs on our farmers and ranchers, that last true production industries we have?

Fourth – The Right to Bear Arms

The Second Amendment reads: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

As this is an issue of constitutional Law and of Us Code (US code 10) how can any state of municipality enforce laws regarding the right to bear arms (even maintaining the 10th amendment which states:” The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” )As this is clearly an issue reserved for constitutional law?

Fifth – Energy
This one is fairly straight forward

Are you willing to risk non election or non re-election for the cause of American energy independence?

Are you willing to Support Nuclear Power in America?

Are you willing to support alternative energies such as solar, wind, and hydro-electric?

Are you willing to back our Natural Gas industry against the oil empires of the world?

I thank you for your time and await your response.

Don Riney
Average American Voter.

Rep's and Dem's

2010-08-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Sigh.. I wish I could say that either of these parties represented my interest but they don't I think both represent the interest of a small sector of campaign contributing elite. they don't care about the average American. They don't care about anything but a dedicated agenda,. Meanwhile in the real world, Jobs are down (still yet) taxes are a mixed pot of give and mostly take and our gov't seems to be perfectly happy to ignore damages caused by a corporation, with major American assets, on the Gulf.

Lets give them a break, obviously they need it they are exhausted from looking out for their own interest up on the Hill, Lets have pity on them and vote for Non-incumbents so that these slugs..er um.. public servants can have a well earned respite from ruining .. whoops.. running the country.

Whisky Tango Foxtrot

2010-02-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

Can some one please explain to me why it is suddenly Taboo for political figures to appear at conventions, and meetings that are openly "For Profit". Speakers get paid for their appearances no matter who is setting up the big to. It is always a circus,. the only difference is the shingle hanging at the door.

Sara Palin (whom I think is as hot as she is out of touch with how life actually works) gets slammed for speaking at a Tea Party Convention that is not run for a 501 c front and Govn'r Huck-a-billie retroactively claims that CPAC is for profit and pay to play and 'not republican enough'

Sigh

I guess it's just further example of the fact that Republicans don't get it, we aren't any happier with them than we are the Democrats. Term limits are a good thing, if your Rep/Senator has been there 2 terms (or one if they voted for the stimulus ) then vote against them this fall.... Limit the term we are beholden to bullshit.

Change is rough and Change hurts (contrary to recent campaign promises) if you want to change how this country is running then boot the SOB's out of office. Dem Rep Indy doesn't matter get out and vote get your neighbor to vote get their neighbor to vote. There is no EASY way out of this economy so let's tighten our belts and make the changes required instead of prolonging the inevitable.

Get rid of the baggage in DC and let Americans keep (and Spend) what they earn. that is how we will survive. That is how we will recover. The middle class Blue collar worker of America is willing to work. They are willing to do whatever it takes to provide for their families. That is what we should be supporting, not some 6 term leech on the thigh of the democratic process.

Trim the fat. It is going to hurt. Hell it might even hurt me, but I have been poor before and just as then I will now do whatever I have to to provide for me and Mine.

Wake up Politicrats the working class of America is fed up with all of you. the Tea party movement is but the first evidence of our frustration of what you have done to our nation. The energy is there, and as Newton said a body in motion tends to stay in motion. I am not asking if you are for or against The movement that has begun, I am asking you for your own peace of mind.... are you part of the Avalanche or are you below it?

Vote Them Out

How Long

2009-12-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

I am curious, how long does it take until I am no longer an immigrant? I know this post is likely to fan the flames, but I really want to know. My family first came to the new world as colonist in 1632. Members of my family have served in the military and militia forces of every conflict witnessed by the people of this land since that time. The blood of my ancestors is spread from Baltimore to California, yet I am constantly reminded that "we are a nation of immigrants."

Three Hundred Seventy-Seven Years I count to when the first of my line set foot upon American soil. How many more must pass before I am called a native son?

Crimes against Freedom

2009-11-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

There are crimes against our fellow man, there are crimes against humanity, and occasionally there are crimes against freedom. The shootings at Fort Hood is one of these. Not only has the Gunman deprived his innocent victims of life and limb, he has deprived us and our nation of those who offered, with their life's blood, to ransom the promise of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Worse than this, he was their brother.

When in the military you can disagree with your shipmates and even flat out dislike each other, but when shit hits the fan you are fellow soldiers standing on the line to defend each others lives and the safety of the nation your swore your life to. The very idea of opening fire on fellow US soldiers is so abhorrent to me as a vet that I am still trying to wrap my mind around it.

This was not friendly fire, this was not a broken mind snapping in the theater of war. This was the act of a craven and a coward. Attacking those who he knew could not fight back as they would be unarmed. This was treason in every sense of the word.

This gunman is a murderer, a traitor to his nation, and a betrayer of a sacred trust. May he beg forgiveness and mercy before God, for it is my ardent hope he finds none before the law of man.

I don't understand

2009-10-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

Obama has been given a Nobel Peace prize... I don't get it, for what? He hasn't even been in office a year, the same wars that were raging when he took office are still ongoing. un-employment is up the economy is down

Nelson Mandela
Mother Teresa
The 14th Dali Lama

These I understand without question

Heck I can even accept Jimmy Carter for his constant efforts here and abroad to improve living conditions for .. well every one.

But some one please tell me what Obama has actually done to deserve a Nobel Peace Prize?

Tell me more what he had done prior to 2009 that even warranted nomination?

Why before 2009 you ask, because Nobel Prize nominations are made in the year before the award is given, the latest deadline is Feb 1 of the year given. So he wasn't even President when Nominated, or had just finished adjusting the name plate on his desk.

So did he get nominated for being an effective media hound and reading speeches well, or was it strictly for winning the election? Or did he win a Nobel prize by making campaign promises that he hasn't even kept? Maybe it was the ability to throw a huge party in DC?

I guess all those petitions going around a couple months back to nominate Michael Jackson for a Nobel Prize weren't as far fetched as I though they were!

Obama is not a Nazi

2009-09-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Obama is not a Nazi, none of our presidents have been members of the German National Socialist party, nor do they fit the modern profile of what the term "Nazi" has come to mean. For that matter I don't even find him to be a Socialist.

Honestly, though some of his policies and ideals do lean towards a socialist agenda, I find him to be a Nationalist. His primary platform and political core is based upon economic redistribution, and government regulation / oversight of industrial production and labor. As well his policies fall in line with the idea that national identity and government has power to require loyalty and obedience of component bodies. (ie. States being required to pass certain laws and adhere to given budgetary restrictions in order to receive stimulus money)

Now Nationalism isn't necessarily a bad thing... if kept in moderation. If allowed to run the gambit of political power unchecked you end up with an authoritarian state. Benito Mussolini and the Italian Fascist regime is an example of Nationalism carried a few steps to far.

Now on the other side of the aisle is the Republican party, they aren't Nazi's either. So far as I can tell they are also not adherents to the ideal of Republicanism. I tend to find most modern Republicans to be Federalist. Basing their stated aims on a strong core federal government with rights to create and enforce all laws concerning currency,levy of taxes, immigration, international policy and treaties. Problem is they tend to stop there and forget that the States still have rights and are, or should be partners in the overall government of the confederation.

Both cases lead to an overbearing central government with little check on legislature or executive power who address the claim of violation of States Rights is is either in the best interest of national advancement and ideals or justified under the implied federal power to pass any laws "Necessary and Proper" in order to accomplish their enumerated tasks.

So as we go along can we dispose with the epithets of "nazi" and "socialist" and "communist"? Really if the best our leaders in Washington can do for debate, and influencing public opinion is name calling, then vote the sorry SOB's out of office and let some one else have a shot!

The Grasshopper and the Ant (revised edition)

2009-09-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

The Grass Hopper and the Ant (revised edition)

In a field one summers day, a grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart’s content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.

“Why not come and chat with me,” said the Grasshopper, “instead of toiling and moiling in that way?”

“I am helping to lay up food for the winter,” said the Ant, “and recommend you to do the same.”

“Why bother about winter?” said the Grasshopper; “we have got plenty of food at present.” But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food, and found itself dying of hunger. Grain also being the currency of the land he realized he had no job to help him get the medical care he so desperately needed. He also found himself in foreclosure on the wonderful tree stump he had inhabited and could not pay the ever increasing payments upon even though he knew they would be due. At this time he saw the ants distributing every day, the corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. So he went unto the great acorn, where the council of insects met and beseeched them to help.

“I have nothing oh worthy insects, yet the ant lies warm and comfortable in his mound, feasting upon corn, he has saved enough to feed and provide for me and my family as well as those in his own brood”

The chief executive beetle looked down upon him and said, “Shall we leave this creature out in the cold though he has wasted our resources throughout the warm seasons? Shall we not tax the ant to help provide for this poor soul?”

And so the Grasshopper was given paper pictures of grain printed in the thousands that he might have the means to pay his bills and live on equal terms with the hard laboring ant.

The ant looked upon this and said “we cannot eat the pictures of grain and if it is traded the same as grain soon all grain will lose its value. “ The ant was looked upon by the Council that met at the great acorn, they labeled him as discriminatory to other insects, and they told him that he should mend his ways.

The End

Immigration and Healthcare

2009-08-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

On Monday Obama assured the world that he would tackle Immigration reform. Well maybe some time next year anyway. Then he took to the air burning off the JP-8 to get to the Town Hall Meetings, to promote and grandstand the virtues of a deeply flawed bill.

Health care has to come before Immigration reform, this is the current clear line of priority presented by our president. Obama is going around the country to tout the health care reform bill and attempt to convince those of us who are the unbelievers. Immigration reform will not be tackled until at least 2010, after the Health care reform bill has hypothetical passed.

It is strange that very few are willing to talk about the connection between the two. Perhaps it is because it isn't "politically correct" to point out how much illegal immigration cost in terms of health care every year.

"In Texas, where the state comptroller estimates illegal immigrants cost hospitals $1.3 billion in 2006, the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston is considering denying cancer care to such immigrants." (From USA Today)

1.3 Billion dollars in one state for one year. In 2006 at that, before bubbles started popping and we were all forced to admit the economy was slipping into recession. Before more and more people were unemployed and were forced to use ER's as a public clinic.

Just like the cost of malpractice insurance this cost to provide services to the those who reside in our nation illegally is passed on to the rest of us in the form of higher health care cost, higher premiums, and higher taxes to support community hospitals.

So I have a suggestion... Lets make it easier to get a migrant worker visa. (Heresy...I know!) Lets make it possible for these folks who are hard working men and women to have health care benefits and pay taxes. That's right _Pay Taxes_ which helps pay for the community clinics and hospitals that are currently suffering due to the financial burden. It also protects them from exploitation while protecting the jobs of American citizens because they would have to be paid the same minimum wage and have the same legal recourse against abuse. The same protection in regards to workers comp, access to insurance for themselves and their families.

Simply put it's a multi-billion dollar hole in logic to say that immigration has to take second chair to health care, as they have profound effects on one another.

Papers Please....

2009-08-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

A man walks in through a sliding glass door, negligently the woman there, without looking up, taps the card swipe on the counter. Nervously the man withdraws his federally issued universal ID. His hand shaking, he runs it through the reader. The woman stops briefly and glances at her screen, "I'm sorry Mister Jones, we can't help you here."

Mr Jones looks down at his card and then back at the reader.. "Ma'am I've been seeing the Dr here for 2 years... The Cancer ain't spread but it's still there, where am I supposed to go" The health care officer sighs heavily clearly annoyed at the question. "Mr Jones the system says you have used up all available funds that were allotted to you this year for advanced care, you'll just have to go to the primary care center and see what they can do for you there." As she speaks a uniformed officer steppes up beside the old man "let me help you back to your car Mr Jones." As he is lead from the building the next person in line swipes their card.

This is fiction for now Universal ID's with all of your personal information issued by the Federal Government, A cold computer system that uses some committees formulas to decide who can have what care.

Yes it's fiction for now, read the health care bill... call your Congressman.

Face Off

2009-07-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

Political tensions are running high, the world is watching as the media coverage ramps up it's coverage of this volatile situation.

Iraq? - No
Iran? - No
China, Russia, Taiwan, North Korea, Afghanistan, Honduras, any of those? - No

None of these, not health care, not gun control, not even hidden taxes. The President of the United States of America instead is worried about the actions of a single law enforcement officer in Cambridge Mass., who arrested a man who happens to be the presidents buddy.

Barack Obama has , As President of the United States, criticized the officer involved and even by his own words brought race into a situation where it did not need to be discussed.

Whether or not Professor Gates was aggressive or unruly enough to warrant his arrest is a matter for administrative review by the Cambridge PD, not something for the President of the United States to censure and publicly criticize when he didn't even investigate the facts in the case.

Obama is asking what's the big deal that he gave his personal opinion of the matter? Apparently he doesn't understand that he doesn't have private opinions any more. For at least the next three and half years every statement he makes is as the chief executive of the nation, not as a private citizen.

Barack Obama wanted the Presidency and he got it and every thing that goes with it. This includes the microscope of the media and the American public on his actions, and statements. Assuming the persona and onus of the office means a large level of de-personification. He is no longer just a man he is the President. 24-7, 365 days a year. Having 'private and personal opinions' is a luxury that heads of state don't get to enjoy. I guess if he doesn't like it he should be more careful what he asks for.

Though I do not think it intentional, the sway Obama has as President has been brought to bear he has exerted the power of his office on a civil case that should have been left to the proper _much lower_ authorities. Intentional or not this was an abuse of power.

Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!

2009-07-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Obama, and Liberal Democrats claim and proclaim we need a Health care Reform Bill passed and signed as law _right now_

Why? Why are the president and these "Washington Orthodox Democrats" in such a hurry to spend trillions of dollars on something before giving it time to be properly reviewed and looked at by both houses, and the American people? My mother taught me that if some one is using high pressure sales to get me to by an orchard, that all I will typically get is a single lemon for the price of the whole farm.

That is exactly what this administration is trying to push on us, a lemon. The government now controls and dictates terms to GM and anyone doing business with them, next they are aiming for every health care institution in America. A nice neat isolated board of directors will get to decide who gets what kind of medical attention according to neat charts and tables, and who doesn't. Sure there will be an appeals system but winning the appeal for treatment of a back injury might be of little comfort to some one who has lost their job and become paralyzed from an injury that could have been treated, but the circumstances didn't warrant the more expensive procedure requested.

I suppose we will change the name of the Surgeon General to the "Health Care Czar" and a presidential appointee will then have executive control over the system as well. Heck all these czar appointments have worked really well this far!

What next, federalizing the ownership of Banks? Sure we have the FDIC and the Federal reserve but I am talking about direct government ownership of your banking institution. Direct government oversight of your spending and savings. Their hand in your investment portfolio ready to hand out your retirement to those who didn't save at all. Why stop there?

Several very large grocery chains have faltered in the last decade, lets federalize the food provision infrastructure of the country as well. We can have a "Nutrition Czar" ensuring every one eats the right foods and ending the obesity problems of our nation!

I have to stop this sarcastic rant now, I am beginning to scare myself with the thought that some one might just take these parodies of rational thought to be good ideas....

Knock Knock Knock....Oh hello Mr Orwell........We're here from the Government, don't worry though we're here to help.

Stereotypes

2009-07-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Republicans are gun toting truck driving rednecks who are too ignorant to care about their fellow man!

Democrats are all pinko commie socialist that want to tell me how to live my life while they sip their cafe' latte'!

Moderate Republicans/Democrats are traitors to their parties ideals!

Independents are simply too uneducated to make a choice of who or what they support!

These and many other stereo types are shouted out across blogs and comment boards; in editorials and letters to editors. They are ingrained in the media and pushed upon us by those who wish to cast each other in a negative light. is it really so difficult to accept that there are those in our country that have a different point of view than our own? Is vilifying and casting them in these undesirable rolls really the way we intend to move our country forward?

Stereo types and epithets can in fact be used to unify a cause and even a nation, just look at the success Adolf Hitler had using them in Nazi Germany. He and the Nazi's unified Germany and took a bankrupt nation to the brink of world domination by use of such campaigns. Is this really a model to be followed? Certainly it didn't seem to work out very well for South Africa.

Both the Republican and Democrat parties represent large sectors of our society. Neither they nor others should be reviled or vilified for their beliefs. Those elected to high office should remember that they represent not only the best interest of their party but of the entirety of the constituency they represent. they should remember this most especially when the good of those they represent is contrary to the party line.

Sotomayor

2009-07-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Sonia Sotomayor makes me nervous. Any one who is effective as she is at evading a question, and not giving a straight answer makes me nervous.

Health Benifits

2009-07-17T04:35:00.000-07:00

I have been reading allot on the discussions of health care reform. I am dismayed to see that the many of the Dem's in the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee are upset that the republicans, some members of their own party and (surprisingly) Obama are actually against the concept of taxing employer provided health care benefits as income.

Some how senators like Montana's Max Baucus actually believe that increasing the tax load on employers and working class Americans is the way to pay for health care reform. Apparently he can't see the plain fact that the cost of those taxes along with the ever increasing portion we as working class Americans pay out of our pockets to have access to those company insurance plans means an _increase_ in the number of Americans who will not be able to afford health care. The end result will be that as fewer and fewer employees sign up for group health plans, employers will have to dump their program altogether as it will cost them to much to maintain for a small group.

This of course means more flooded ER's and scant few public clinics that are already over burdened by the un-employed and un-insured, will be further over-run by the _under insured_ who had to give up their benefits in order to buy food and pay the rent.

Ironically it is insurance that drives our health care prices through the roof. In our litigious society doctors have to carry and maintain an obscene level of malpractice insurance, as do suppliers of medical equipment. This cost is of course, as in any business, passed on to the consumer/patient.

In Texas several years ago they passed a law limiting the amount of medical malpractice settlements. Now I know that many of my fellow Texans did not see the over all benefit of this law, nor will most ever be bruised by having their losses limited by it. I however got to see the up side. The cost of my daughters power wheel chair after the law was passed was 35% less in cost than the comparable chair it was replacing due too age, wear and tear. We asked our equipment provider about this and they confirmed that the cost reduction directly reflected the reduction in their insurance cost. It really does work

There are doctors willing to work for less money and in clinics and offices that charge on a sliding scale. They simply can't afford to provide that service to their community as they would be bankrupted by the insurance and or frivolous law suits. So how about instead of forcing employers to tax their employees into doing without coverage, we limit malpractice suits and find a way to under-write a form of federal insurance for doctors who are willing to work in public offices. heck Medical school is expensive. instead of having brilliant young minds starve themselves to pay back student loans, how about we set up a program by which for every year of medical school the tax payers pay for these young doctors spend a year practicing in an office that offers subsidized services on a sliding scale?

America does need to work together to solve our ever increasing cost of health care, but taxing those who work to provide quality services to their families is not the way to do it.

Fussy

2009-07-15T04:07:00.000-07:00

one more re post from my personal blog originally posted Feb 12, 2008

Yeah, I am a little fussy
My wife tells me I am getting more and more 'fussy' about certain things. Like having an American Flag up on Flag days, and that I actually look up and find out that only one of our choices for President has ever served in the Military they mean to be Commander in Chief of.

I suppose she's right, but I think it is more frustration than fussiness that brings out these sentiments in me. I get frustrated when I hear Americans talk about our country as if it were something to be ashamed of. I am frustrated when My children are taught more about JFK's assassination than the 13 days in which he made the choices of weather or not to end the world. I get frustrated when people tell me that Freedom of Speech means "You can say whatever you want as long as it doesn't upset any one" Growing up I was taught by men and women serving in our armed forces that they meant to defend my right to say whatever I wanted even what I had to say out right pissed them off.

In my frustration I have to look at my self in the mirror and ask, "What are you doing about it? Sure you are an honorably discharged veteran, but that was 16 years ago. What are you doing now to teach your own children to be proud of where they live and what their forefathers have created. What are you doing to encourage others to fly the Stars and Stripes and understand the blood sacrificed in it's shadow should be honored and not forgotten."

I can answer myself that I try. I try through my life, and my actions to remind others that freedom has a cost, that liberty and safety are not the same thing. I was once told that if we can have a positive impact on just one other person and improve the way they live, weather we ever know it or not, then our efforts are not wasted. I was taught that if by serving my country and possibly giving my life as a soldier I can protect the Freedom of Just one person, then it was a worthy way to meet my maker.

So I tell my children to respect those in service to our nation. I teach them to look deeper into history than just the pretty pictures in a high school text. I fly the flag at my home, and I exercise my rights as a citizen of the United States given to me by the founding Fathers as often as I can.

So I suppose my wife is right I have gotten a little fussy about some things. It's my duty as an American to be fussy about these things that I believe in, and my privilege as a veteran to know I put my name on the line and volunteered to protect, with my life, other peoples right to think I'm wrong.

Energy Frustration

2009-07-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

The topic of energy brings up sore points all around. I hear all sides bemoan our dependence on foreign oil, yet no one really seems to want to change it. The technologies exist to allow us to make more fuel efficient gasoline engines. Gas turbines, clean diesel bio-diesel, all are marketable now. We have the ability to separate hydrogen from water using radio waves. We have Natural Gas in abundance that could be harnessed for our needs. Wind, Hydro, Tides, Nuclear, Clean Coal. Every one of these could put us another step towards that idea of energy independence. Yet every one has a well funded lobby aiming to keep it from becoming a reality. Every one has been stopped at some point from being built or used in an effective manner.

I hear environmentally focused friends proclaim how wonderful it would be to have "plug in Electric cars". I wonder where they think the electricity in that outlet comes from? I hear nuclear power bashed for being .. well nuclear. "It produces nuclear waste that will be in our environment for millions of years!" As this sermon is delivered I watch the environmentalist lecturing me as he is sipping from his plastic bottle of water. I actually heard Cleaner coal burning technologies bashed as an "untried technology" Gee, hasn't all technology through out all time began untested?

Cars and transportation are all well and good but our true concern in energy should be the grid. We don't have enough energy production in our country to support its present or future needs. Rolling black outs ad failures of parts of the national grid show this all to clearly. If we don't do something soon. we are going to be in the dark. quite literally...

I am sure the average man does not grasp the enormity of a complete grid failure. Most all of the other utilities rely on the grid to keep running. Water Pumps, Gas compressors, flood control, Sewage removal and treatment, food processing. all of this and so much more just goes away. We need energy independence to assure our way of life, not our way to work.

Tea Party notes

2009-07-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

I was very supportive of this movement back in April as you can see from the post I have imported from my personal Blog. Unfortunately for this movement it seems more and more to have been high jacked by the GOP and the Religious Right to be used as a soap box. Which means of course this movement, that started out so well with so great a purpose, is being walked upon and stood upon by many the very people who helped pass the taxes and spending bills it was meant to protest.

I don't like the feeling of the boots of hypocrites upon my shoulders. However since I have no intention of simply walking away from things I believe in, I will say my peace here. To any who are willing to listen.

Remember as we prepare for mid term races. If your incumbent, what ever party they are from; voted for taxes, stimulus packages, spending bills, environmental hocus-pocus that does nothing but cost money for the average American; or any thing you don't agree with then use your God Given right and vote against them! Remember it was members of both houses and both parties over two presidential terms who have voted for and passed these bail outs and this obscene level of government spending. So find out if your public officials voted against your best interest. Find out and, with your vote, do something about it.

Tea Party

2009-07-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Originally Posted 4/13/09

Tea Party
I am proud to be an American. A proud veteran of the US Navy. I get a tear in my eye as I hold my hand over my heart and listen to the stirring chords of the Star Spangled Banner. I am proud to be guaranteed specific rights and liberties by the Constitution of the United States of America. It is my privilege and my private vanity that I put my name on the line and offered my life as a soldier to protect these rights and liberties for all American citizens.

I am embarrassed.
I am embarrassed not by my country.
I am embarrassed by those who have been appointed and elected to care for it's needs.

I am ashamed of the members of the House of Representatives, those that are elected to ensure that the people of every district across the land has a voice that will be heard and a hand upon the tiller of our great nation. I am ashamed that our Representative spend more time and money campaigning to keep their job, than they actually spend _doing_ their job. That they willingly turn a deaf ear to those who are not convenient to hear.

I am appalled with our Senators. Who's sacred trust is that they should craft legislature that protects the Constitution and the people who live beneath it's laws. Instead I see them crafting lies that then become laws in the name of special interest groups. Lies that become law that strip the Constitution of it's precious freedoms one word game at a time.

I look with pity and a sick heart upon the Supreme Court of this land. They who should have been the last best refuge and defense of the rights and liberties of "we the people"; they who now dictate terms and partisan politics to congress, the president, the people, and the world.

I am abhorred by what has become of the Executive branch of the United States Government. They who for all these many years should be leading us and standing firm upon the foundation our founding fathers laid, they who should be the ultimate patriot, the greatest cheerleader the nation has; I see instead not one or two but multiple Presidents and vice Presidents who are and have been more interested in apologizing to the world for our existence, than in the business of showing us and all nations on earth that we are in fact the greatest nation alive! I see our executive branch setting the example that we should be ashamed of who we are, that it is wrong to be prideful of being called "American".

I am proud to be an American. A proud veteran of the US Navy. I get a tear in my eye as I hold my hand over my heart and listen to the stirring chords of the Star Spangled Banner. I am proud to be guaranteed specific rights and liberties by the Constitution of the United States of America. It is my privilege and my private vanity that I put my name on the line and offered my life as a soldier to protect these rights and liberties for all American citizens. I am proud to stand up and say these things are wrong and hope my voice may yet be heard. I am proud to stand up not only for _my_ Rights and Liberties but for those of my children and my children's children.

Come stand with me. Stand and let the sky tremble with the native greatness of America. Let us make a sound so great that those who have abused their power remember that it was we who, by our own inaction, gave power to them and it is we, by taking action, who can take it away!

find a tea party near you today.
http://taxdayteaparty.com/
Posted by Darius at 4/13/2009 11:46:00 AM

Left or Right

2009-07-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 4/14/09

Left or Right?
Left, Right, Republican, Democrat, who cares!? I am an American first foremost and always! I hear Liberal commentators vilify the tea parties saying it's "AstroTurf" laid down by the GOP. I hear the GOP and ultra conservatives touting that America is rising up against the liberals at long last. I don't think either side is actually paying attention.

I intend to protest what both Republicans and Democrats have done with my tax dollars. Last time I checked there were members of both parties in congress when these benighted bailouts were voted on in session to be signed by both Republican and Democrat presidents.

I am pissed off that they no longer give a damn about the people they are supposed to represent. I am pissed off the only choice I have at election time is "who I would rather vote against" No body votes for a person or proposition any more they vote against things they find unpalatable. We no longer really have a choice of what we want just between which person or thing we want less.

Wake up Liberals and conservatives, republicans and democrats. wake up and smell the coffee. Americans of every walk of life are just tired of being played.
Posted by Darius at 4/14/2009 02:41:00 PM

Tax Day Respect

2009-07-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

Originally posted on 4/16/09

Tax Day Respect.

What makes these Tea Party Protest different? _Respect_ Respect for our nation and it's constitution respect for our fellow protesters, and Respect for our Nations Flag.

For years watching video and pictures of protest I saw individuals expressing their anger and their freedom of speech by showing disrespect to the symbol of our nation, even going as far to burn it. At the Tea Party I saw Matt Foster, one of the organizers of the Arlington Tea Party helping to fold our flag the way it is prescribed to be done in US Code.

In Pictures and video I saw individuals throwing rocks and jeering at the police, Last night I saw individuals helping each other in traffic and thanking the officers in attendance for their service.

I am proud of these Protest for many reasons, but the quality of the people involved tops the list.
Posted by Darius at 4/16/2009 07:28:00 AM

The Declaration

2009-07-14T11:31:00.001-07:00

Originally posted July 3rd 2009 on my personal Blog

The Declaration
This being the start of the 4th of July weekend I thought it right to re-read the document that started it all on that summer day in 1776.

http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm

I have read this document many times, though more and more it seems the leaders of our nation have forgotten the basic objections raised by The Declaration.

things like

"He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance."

And now our own government creates office after office each of which strips us of some small portion of our freedom and liberty, ensuring we all do things the governments way because they know what's best for us.

"He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power."

We have all seen the continued encroachment of the use of our armed forces to control our own people. Our Leaders even going as far as to assign federal troops to be at the disposal of DHS to be used to control civil unrest caused by the economic recession.

"He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:"

Our President has openly stated that _Foreign_ courts and constitutions should be considered and heeded in our domestic policy. that we all are subject to _their_ idea of rule and law.

"For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:"

Now our leaders hide taxes and economic pressure on it's own citizens hiding it in so called environmental initiatives like cap and trade, or telling us it's for our own good when they pass sin taxes on sugary foods and drinks while subsidizing the industry that produces them.

"For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:"

Federal Agents may detain a citizen of our country indefinitely for simply being a considered as a possible threat to national security. held and imprisoned without trial or even consultation with an attorney.

"For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever."

The Stimulus bill pushed through the legislature Forced the governing bodies of all 50 states and the territories of our nation to capitulate authority and give over a level of States Rights and Sovereignty.

These things have been done by Democrats, and Republicans alike. it has not been a sudden change but a slowly growing cancer eating away at our lives, liberties and our pursuit of happiness.

Still yet I will celebrate my nation upon the anniversary of it's birth. I will remember that my freedoms and liberty's were born of blood shed by brave men and women. That that same blood is still being shed for this purpose and will continue to be shed in the future by those who commit their lives to protect the US and it's constitution against all enemies Foreign and Domestic.

I will celebrate My nation and its history, I will celebrate it's future I will celebrate what this country has been, What it is and what it still can be. the icon of hope and liberty for all people who live beneath The Stars and Stripes. I shall also celebrate the freedom I have to Stand and openly disagree with those who rule and cast my vote against them.
Posted by Darius at 7/03/2009 07:34:00 AM

Independent Rants

2009-07-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Looking back over my personal blog I have allot of personal general post interspersed with political rants based from the point of view of an independent voter. Being an Independent is important to me as I believe the two party system is inherently flawed and only by the introduction and infusion of turbulence, rabble rousing and fresh idea's can a Democracy continue to function in a healthy fashion. I am in favor of Electoral college reform as well as election policy reform.

I believe electoral votes should be divided amongst candidates according to the percentage of popular vote they received. If third party candidates are never seen as receiving electoral votes in the national executive election, then they are seen by the media and by many of our nation as nothing more than a foot note, at best, an annoyance by most. I don't believe this would change the result of the most recent Presidential election but it might be a better reminder to Mr Obama that a large percentage of this country did not in fact vote for him. He is every bit as responsible to those of us who voted against him as he is to those who voted for. him.

I believe that party line voting should be stripped from ballots. Every one should chose on each and every item who or what they are voting for. To this end I think party affiliations should also be removed from the names on the ballots. If you are a candidate for public office and members of your own party don't know your name, you have a problem.