The Senate Finance Committee chaired by Senator Max Baucus cobbled together what is shaping up to be a flawed Health Care Reform Bill. The details of which Senate bills this new Bill came from are undisclosed at this time. There is some speculation as to whether the President will sign, or veto a Bill with so many contradictions to his previous promises that his Health Care Reform vision called for. The Baucus Bill contains eight major contradictions to Obama’s promises. These contradictions are chronicled below:
Obama Promise no.1 - Will not raise taxes on the middle class.
Baucus Bill Contradiction -$2 billion in new “penalties”
Obama Promise no. 2 - Will reject any Bill that “adds one dime to the deficit.”
Baucus Bill Contradiction - $239 B added to deficit
Obama Promise no.3 – “If you like your current plan you can keep it.”
Baucus Bill Contradiction – One half of Medicare Advantage benefits will be cut
Obama Promise no.4 – “If you like your current Doctor you can keep your Doctor.”
Baucus Bill Contradiction – Squeezes Doctors and Hospitals until they reduce patient access.
Obama Promise no. 5- A promise that no Government Bureaucrat will stand between patients and doctors.
Baucus Bill Contradiction – Establishes a Medicare Commission with power to deny treatment.
Obama Promise no.6 – “Slow the growth of Health Care costs for our families.”
Baucus Bill Contradiction – Adds a new tax on hearing aids, eye glasses, wheel chairs, pace makers, breakthrough drugs, etc.
Obama Promise no.7 – A promise that Healthcare reform will fix the economy.
Baucus Bill Contradiction- Adds new taxes on small business.
Obama Promise no. 8 – Promises to insure all Americans.
Baucus Bill Contradiction- Leaves 25 million uninsured.
The information herein was extracted from an article by Newt Gingrich, which appeared in the “Human Events” Conservative Newspaper, dated October 12, 2009.
What do you think? In its present form would Obama sign or veto?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Obama, Commander in Chief....In Name Only
Anyone that was fortunate enough to have studied world history is more than likely familiar with the legendary quote that "Nero fiddled While Rome Burned". We have a current day analogy to that ancient quote it goes something like this; "Americans soldiers are dying in Afghanistan while Obama was in Copenhagen making a pitch for the Olympic Games to be held in Chicago."
President Obama as our Commander in Chief is a miserable failure. General McChrystal the Theater Commander has requested an additional 40,000 troops to meet the challenges presented by the Taliban and Al Quaeda. He stated the seriousness of the situation as questionable for our success if he is not provided the resources he requires to be successful. No one knows the battle ground situation better than the on site commander, and the Commander in Chief should trust him and by the most expeditious means provide the equipment and the personnel to win the war in Afghanistan. If the Commander in Chief is not in this war to win, then let us just get the hell out! The way things are currently going we are taking the same path the Russians took, and those results were not good.
Our Commander in Chief would not even make a good Platoon leader, and I wouldn't trust him to lead a troop of Boy Scouts across the street, further he wouldn't make a pimple on a 2nd Lieutenant platoon leader's derriere. The Commander in Chief's indecisiveness at the this critical juncture of the war is costing more brave young Americans lives.............while Obama fiddles.
May God Bless America, and say a prayer for our troops that are in harms way.
President Obama as our Commander in Chief is a miserable failure. General McChrystal the Theater Commander has requested an additional 40,000 troops to meet the challenges presented by the Taliban and Al Quaeda. He stated the seriousness of the situation as questionable for our success if he is not provided the resources he requires to be successful. No one knows the battle ground situation better than the on site commander, and the Commander in Chief should trust him and by the most expeditious means provide the equipment and the personnel to win the war in Afghanistan. If the Commander in Chief is not in this war to win, then let us just get the hell out! The way things are currently going we are taking the same path the Russians took, and those results were not good.
Our Commander in Chief would not even make a good Platoon leader, and I wouldn't trust him to lead a troop of Boy Scouts across the street, further he wouldn't make a pimple on a 2nd Lieutenant platoon leader's derriere. The Commander in Chief's indecisiveness at the this critical juncture of the war is costing more brave young Americans lives.............while Obama fiddles.
May God Bless America, and say a prayer for our troops that are in harms way.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Selling Our Sovereignty
This post is a letter I had sent to Senator Mitch McConnell and 13 other Congresspersons in May 2008. It had relevance then and now. It points out just how much the Conservatives have lost their ideological compass. I think it deserves another read.
Senator Mitch McConnell May 30th 2008
Republican Leader, United States Senate
Senator McConnell,
I am not one of your constituents, however, as a life long Republican, and fiscal conservative I feel compelled to write to you (Republican Leader U.S. Senate) on issues that are important to me as well as millions of like minded Americans. The Republican Party has lost its ideological compass. The tenets of traditional Republican Party values have been lost, ignored, or exist in words only. Hopefully, my time will not be wasted in sending this correspondence to you Senator McConnell. Please take the time to read the following, and you just may get some idea as to how mainstream American feels.
The following mini-dissertation covers several subjects that are very disturbing to me. I need to vent my frustration, and anger at the government and its lack of action on many issues I feel are vital to the survival of our country, our way of life, and our unique American culture. So here goes.
It is apparent to me that something is terribly wrong in our country today. The lifeblood of our nation is being drained, our unique American culture, and our way of life is being destroyed. I can only surmise that this is happening with the complicity of our government, in league with forces, governments, or powerful groups that are working to establish Global Governance. Sadly, The United States Constitution seems to be of little importance to our national leaders anymore. The Bill of Rights, particularly the first ten amendments explicitly protect the rights of the people from an oppressive and intrusive government. Sadly our rights are disappearing. Political Correctness rules as a major factor in the selling of the sovereignty of America--------- where we were born, raised, helped to build, defended, and loved. Unfortunately, elected and appointed officials are more interested in gaining control of individual’s lives, limiting rights, and holding power than they are in doing the right thing. On most issues the vox populi seems to fall on deaf ears in Washington. The aforementioned being said, I do have a modicum faith, and believe that at some point in time the American people will stand tall and send the message to an omnipotent government that-----------enough is enough! However, until we get past political correctness, racial profiling issues, feely good diversity, and the fear of offending someone with our words, our flag, or the mention of God, our culture, or worrying about what other countries think of us, sadly this country will continue on a downward spiral. Any patriotic American does not want that to happen!
In late 1993, or early1994 when NAFTA was implemented I remember Ross Perot’s words (paraphrase) that if NAFTA becomes law the American people will hear a huge sucking sound------------the sound of our manufacturing base leaving the country all in the name of greed, and bottom line profits for large corporations. Well, that prediction came to fruition, and the loss of our manufacturing base did in fact become a reality. As a consequence of NAFTA we the American people are hard pressed now to find anything to purchase that is made in the U.S.A.
I am weary, and resentful of hearing the recorded message “press one for English” on our phones every time we call a business etc., I reside in Illinois, and recently heard an announcement in a Wal-Mart Super Store made in Spanish. Excuse me, but this is the United States, and the last I heard, English was the preferred (“official”) language. Now the administration is doing their best to make some 20 million (estimated) illegal aliens citizens. The government is trying to dupe the citizens of this great country into buying a “Comprehensive Immigration Bill”, what does that mean? Whatever the context, it certainly doesn’t fit the definition of “fully informed”. Fortunately, the American people spoke up loud and clear. We the people wanted no part of that bill, and it did go down to defeat. The bill was ill conceived, as I understand it was written behind closed doors. There were no committee meetings subsequent to the bill being written, and the bill not being read or understood by all concerned before it was rushed to a vote. The American people were not made aware of what was going on until congress tried to jam it down our throats. This stunk to high heaven-------Little wonder most people do not trust congress.
Now I read that the Bush administration is quietly pushing for a Mexico to Canada super highway, and that the environmental impact study has been completed. I also read that construction on this highway is due to start next year. This is infuriating in more ways than one, first of all it smacks of collusion and back room deals without keeping the American people informed (again). If this actually comes to fruition, what’s next? We give everything west of the super highway to Mexico? Now I read that President Bush has met with México’s President, and will soon meet with Canada’s Prime Minister to discuss a North American Union. I don’t recall President Bush asking the American people how they feel about a North American Union. Why is the Denver Mint minting the “Amero”? Is this a done deal? I certainly hope this North American Union idea dies a quick death. With all that is going on I imagine our country’s founding fathers must be turning over in their graves.
On the subject of illegal immigration which word in ‘illegal immigration” does the administration not understand? If it is illegal, it is against the law, if it is against the law it is punishable under our laws. After all we are a country that lives by the Rule of Law (supposedly). I do not believe that most members of congress have the intestinal fortitude to do what is right. The administration needs to shut down the borders, and have a moratorium on immigration. Implement a serious effort to find those employers who are hiring illegal aliens, and hit them with serious fines that will get their attention. Do the same with the landlords who rent/lease to illegal aliens.
The American people will have to unite, rise up and replace those congressman, and Senators that are not getting the job done, and are out of touch with mainstream America. I know this is a representative republic; however, we don’t seem to have that representative relationship happening.
Other issues:
I have a real problem with the “Fairness Doctrine” in terms of the First Amendment rights of the people, and the obvious attempt at shutting down talk radio. Senator Trent Lott’s statement a while back when he attacked talk radio and said they were “running the country” and that we would have to “deal with that”. This is not Nazi Germany.
The McCain Feingold Campaign Reform Bill also stifles our 1st amendment rights.
I have a problem with the never-ending attacks on our 2nd Amendment Rights. There are a myriad of gun laws on the books that are not enforced---------why not? Yet the liberal left and some conservatives are trying to take away those rights by introducing new legislation---------it never ends.
I have a problem with the almost total destruction of the 4th Amendment under the guise of fighting the drug war. For all practical purposes our rights to reasonable search, and seizure, and warrants ----------gone.
I have a problem with what appears to be a calculated plan to dumb down of our educational system. I am tired of hearing the same old mantra-----the kids today are so much smarter than we were. Contrary to that line of thinking I believe that there is a long slow deliberate path leading to a society of ignorant myrmidons. With easily controlled minds filled with mush. What has happened to the in-depth studies of U.S. History, The United States Constitution, world history, geography, economics, earth/ physical sciences, and mathematics------------ all but gone? Every other developed nation in the world out scores American students on achievement tests. The government seems to think it is more fitting to educate our young in tree hugging, alternative lifestyles, diversity, basket weaving---------et al. Get the Federal Government out of our educational system. Disband the NEA.
I do believe that President Bush is right on the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the tax cuts in his first term really stimulated our booming economy----------these are very positive things. On the other hand the President seems to have lost his veto pen, and is a huge spender of taxpayers’ money, not a good steward of our resources.
I have lost faith and confidence of the United States Congress and the Bush administration. Both the previous Republican controlled congress and the current Democratic controlled congress have been, and are shameful in their performance----------let me count the ways:
1.Failure to protect the borders
2.Failure to make the Bush tax cuts permanent
3.Allowing the McCain Feingold Campaign Reform bill to become law.
4.Passing the Kennedy Education Bill
5. Failing to get the Social Security Reform bill through (allowing a percentage of Social Security tax to be invested in private accounts)
6. Trying to jam the Immigration Reform Bill down our throats
7. The pending construction of the Mexico to Canada Super highway
8. Enormous amount of pork barrel spending. House $12.94B, Sen. $6.39B. Totaling: 19.33 billion dollars
9. Talk of open borders and a “North American Union”
10. The Denver mint selling Ameros
11. Recently authorizing Social Security benefits for illegal aliens.
12. Failure to build new refineries, and drilling for oil in ANWAR.
13. Do not even get me started on the United Nations.
I could go on and on, but I think you have a pretty good idea of what is really disturbing me about the Federal Government and this administration.
Senator McConnell as you will note I have contributed nothing to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. However, I have completed the survey. I feel I am a better judge of how my money should be spent than the government wasting the money on silly irresponsible earmarks. In my view “conservative values” represent the rhetoric that Republicans like to use.
Having stated my views on the issues in the body of this correspondence I do know that with a Democrat in the White House, and a Democratic controlled Congress the country would be much worse off. The United States of America would probably become the Unites Socialist States of America.
Senator Mitch McConnell May 30th 2008
Republican Leader, United States Senate
Senator McConnell,
I am not one of your constituents, however, as a life long Republican, and fiscal conservative I feel compelled to write to you (Republican Leader U.S. Senate) on issues that are important to me as well as millions of like minded Americans. The Republican Party has lost its ideological compass. The tenets of traditional Republican Party values have been lost, ignored, or exist in words only. Hopefully, my time will not be wasted in sending this correspondence to you Senator McConnell. Please take the time to read the following, and you just may get some idea as to how mainstream American feels.
The following mini-dissertation covers several subjects that are very disturbing to me. I need to vent my frustration, and anger at the government and its lack of action on many issues I feel are vital to the survival of our country, our way of life, and our unique American culture. So here goes.
It is apparent to me that something is terribly wrong in our country today. The lifeblood of our nation is being drained, our unique American culture, and our way of life is being destroyed. I can only surmise that this is happening with the complicity of our government, in league with forces, governments, or powerful groups that are working to establish Global Governance. Sadly, The United States Constitution seems to be of little importance to our national leaders anymore. The Bill of Rights, particularly the first ten amendments explicitly protect the rights of the people from an oppressive and intrusive government. Sadly our rights are disappearing. Political Correctness rules as a major factor in the selling of the sovereignty of America--------- where we were born, raised, helped to build, defended, and loved. Unfortunately, elected and appointed officials are more interested in gaining control of individual’s lives, limiting rights, and holding power than they are in doing the right thing. On most issues the vox populi seems to fall on deaf ears in Washington. The aforementioned being said, I do have a modicum faith, and believe that at some point in time the American people will stand tall and send the message to an omnipotent government that-----------enough is enough! However, until we get past political correctness, racial profiling issues, feely good diversity, and the fear of offending someone with our words, our flag, or the mention of God, our culture, or worrying about what other countries think of us, sadly this country will continue on a downward spiral. Any patriotic American does not want that to happen!
In late 1993, or early1994 when NAFTA was implemented I remember Ross Perot’s words (paraphrase) that if NAFTA becomes law the American people will hear a huge sucking sound------------the sound of our manufacturing base leaving the country all in the name of greed, and bottom line profits for large corporations. Well, that prediction came to fruition, and the loss of our manufacturing base did in fact become a reality. As a consequence of NAFTA we the American people are hard pressed now to find anything to purchase that is made in the U.S.A.
I am weary, and resentful of hearing the recorded message “press one for English” on our phones every time we call a business etc., I reside in Illinois, and recently heard an announcement in a Wal-Mart Super Store made in Spanish. Excuse me, but this is the United States, and the last I heard, English was the preferred (“official”) language. Now the administration is doing their best to make some 20 million (estimated) illegal aliens citizens. The government is trying to dupe the citizens of this great country into buying a “Comprehensive Immigration Bill”, what does that mean? Whatever the context, it certainly doesn’t fit the definition of “fully informed”. Fortunately, the American people spoke up loud and clear. We the people wanted no part of that bill, and it did go down to defeat. The bill was ill conceived, as I understand it was written behind closed doors. There were no committee meetings subsequent to the bill being written, and the bill not being read or understood by all concerned before it was rushed to a vote. The American people were not made aware of what was going on until congress tried to jam it down our throats. This stunk to high heaven-------Little wonder most people do not trust congress.
Now I read that the Bush administration is quietly pushing for a Mexico to Canada super highway, and that the environmental impact study has been completed. I also read that construction on this highway is due to start next year. This is infuriating in more ways than one, first of all it smacks of collusion and back room deals without keeping the American people informed (again). If this actually comes to fruition, what’s next? We give everything west of the super highway to Mexico? Now I read that President Bush has met with México’s President, and will soon meet with Canada’s Prime Minister to discuss a North American Union. I don’t recall President Bush asking the American people how they feel about a North American Union. Why is the Denver Mint minting the “Amero”? Is this a done deal? I certainly hope this North American Union idea dies a quick death. With all that is going on I imagine our country’s founding fathers must be turning over in their graves.
On the subject of illegal immigration which word in ‘illegal immigration” does the administration not understand? If it is illegal, it is against the law, if it is against the law it is punishable under our laws. After all we are a country that lives by the Rule of Law (supposedly). I do not believe that most members of congress have the intestinal fortitude to do what is right. The administration needs to shut down the borders, and have a moratorium on immigration. Implement a serious effort to find those employers who are hiring illegal aliens, and hit them with serious fines that will get their attention. Do the same with the landlords who rent/lease to illegal aliens.
The American people will have to unite, rise up and replace those congressman, and Senators that are not getting the job done, and are out of touch with mainstream America. I know this is a representative republic; however, we don’t seem to have that representative relationship happening.
Other issues:
I have a real problem with the “Fairness Doctrine” in terms of the First Amendment rights of the people, and the obvious attempt at shutting down talk radio. Senator Trent Lott’s statement a while back when he attacked talk radio and said they were “running the country” and that we would have to “deal with that”. This is not Nazi Germany.
The McCain Feingold Campaign Reform Bill also stifles our 1st amendment rights.
I have a problem with the never-ending attacks on our 2nd Amendment Rights. There are a myriad of gun laws on the books that are not enforced---------why not? Yet the liberal left and some conservatives are trying to take away those rights by introducing new legislation---------it never ends.
I have a problem with the almost total destruction of the 4th Amendment under the guise of fighting the drug war. For all practical purposes our rights to reasonable search, and seizure, and warrants ----------gone.
I have a problem with what appears to be a calculated plan to dumb down of our educational system. I am tired of hearing the same old mantra-----the kids today are so much smarter than we were. Contrary to that line of thinking I believe that there is a long slow deliberate path leading to a society of ignorant myrmidons. With easily controlled minds filled with mush. What has happened to the in-depth studies of U.S. History, The United States Constitution, world history, geography, economics, earth/ physical sciences, and mathematics------------ all but gone? Every other developed nation in the world out scores American students on achievement tests. The government seems to think it is more fitting to educate our young in tree hugging, alternative lifestyles, diversity, basket weaving---------et al. Get the Federal Government out of our educational system. Disband the NEA.
I do believe that President Bush is right on the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the tax cuts in his first term really stimulated our booming economy----------these are very positive things. On the other hand the President seems to have lost his veto pen, and is a huge spender of taxpayers’ money, not a good steward of our resources.
I have lost faith and confidence of the United States Congress and the Bush administration. Both the previous Republican controlled congress and the current Democratic controlled congress have been, and are shameful in their performance----------let me count the ways:
1.Failure to protect the borders
2.Failure to make the Bush tax cuts permanent
3.Allowing the McCain Feingold Campaign Reform bill to become law.
4.Passing the Kennedy Education Bill
5. Failing to get the Social Security Reform bill through (allowing a percentage of Social Security tax to be invested in private accounts)
6. Trying to jam the Immigration Reform Bill down our throats
7. The pending construction of the Mexico to Canada Super highway
8. Enormous amount of pork barrel spending. House $12.94B, Sen. $6.39B. Totaling: 19.33 billion dollars
9. Talk of open borders and a “North American Union”
10. The Denver mint selling Ameros
11. Recently authorizing Social Security benefits for illegal aliens.
12. Failure to build new refineries, and drilling for oil in ANWAR.
13. Do not even get me started on the United Nations.
I could go on and on, but I think you have a pretty good idea of what is really disturbing me about the Federal Government and this administration.
Senator McConnell as you will note I have contributed nothing to the National Republican Senatorial Committee. However, I have completed the survey. I feel I am a better judge of how my money should be spent than the government wasting the money on silly irresponsible earmarks. In my view “conservative values” represent the rhetoric that Republicans like to use.
Having stated my views on the issues in the body of this correspondence I do know that with a Democrat in the White House, and a Democratic controlled Congress the country would be much worse off. The United States of America would probably become the Unites Socialist States of America.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Supporting Congressman Shimkus
Having read all of the denigrating press about Congressman John Shimkus’s, conduct during the now infamous “You Lie” episode with Representative Joe Wilson blurt during the Presidents address to the Joint Session of Congress. Representative Shimkus quietly arose and departed the Chambers subsequent to Mr. Wilsons Comment. Apparently many were offended by his actions. I believe it is time for someone to stand up for the Congressman. Over the years I have had only satisfactory results in my interface with Congressman Shimkus. I was privileged to have a one on one meeting with John Shimkus during the recent Congressional recess. I found him to be engaging and concerned about the issues I wanted to address, and discuss.
Congressman Shimkus is a West Point Graduate, and a retired LTC from the United States Army, and a former schoolteacher, not a lawyer. When you become an Office and a Gentleman you take an Oath which in part says you swear to “Protect and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies both foreign and Domestic”. When you leave the service the Oath goes with you. Arguably we have a domestic enemy in the White House.
Given the aforementioned, I believe that Congressman Shimkus departure from the Chambers of Congress was a silent expression of dissent, and with all the negative press, he got his message across without saying a word. I do support the honorable Congressman and his action. Oh, I am not a large campaign contributor.
May God Bless America, and truly American Congressmen
Congressman Shimkus is a West Point Graduate, and a retired LTC from the United States Army, and a former schoolteacher, not a lawyer. When you become an Office and a Gentleman you take an Oath which in part says you swear to “Protect and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies both foreign and Domestic”. When you leave the service the Oath goes with you. Arguably we have a domestic enemy in the White House.
Given the aforementioned, I believe that Congressman Shimkus departure from the Chambers of Congress was a silent expression of dissent, and with all the negative press, he got his message across without saying a word. I do support the honorable Congressman and his action. Oh, I am not a large campaign contributor.
May God Bless America, and truly American Congressmen
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