Daily Rant – February 5, 2010
February 5, 2010
When you and I run out of money in our checking account, we do not write any more checks. But that is exactly what Congress and the President are proposing. I understand that Bush did this too, but he is not president anymore. It was a bad idea then, and it’s a bad idea now. Besides, weren’t Democrats complaining about Bush’s deficit? Where are they now when Obama has the pedal to the metal?
“Oh, but he’s so clean and articulate,” they say, “his intentions are good.” The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
By cutting the budget to a $1.56 trillion deficit this year, liberals are patting themselves on the back for fiscal conservatism. Next year it will be a $1.27 trillion deficit and goes down each year afterward. How is that anything to cheer about? It’s still DEFICIT SPENDING! In fact, about the only place they are cutting is the defense budget… the one place where the constitution gives them authority to spend!
What Obama fails to realize in offering a $5,000 tax incentive to businesses who hire new employees, is that it does not increase jobs that were not already going to be created. It just gives a little kick back to an employer who was already going to hire anyway. Just as most politicians have never been out of the public sector, how would they know this until we business people tell them? Remember, and you business owners out there already know this, companies do not hire people because they get a $5,000 tax break from the government. They hire because they have goods or services that customers want and need and it will help them make a profit. For the most part there is no need to hire people because the economy sucks.
The way to turn things around is for Obama and Congress to give everyone a tax break and reduce regulations, even if it is temporary. The proposal on the table punishes those making over $250,000 with higher taxes. Who in the heck do they think is creating the jobs? It’s sure not that fellow on the corner with the “will work for food” sign. And like I said above, employment won’t come back until the economy comes back. They are tied together.
Everyday I hear liberals on the talk shows saying that government is spending money to boost the economy. Some Florida politician said we need to spend our way to prosperity. How has that been working for those people who go to debt consolidation companies for counseling? It can’t be done. The interest on the borrowed debt alone is staggering. As we’ve pointed out here before, the government can only spend what it taxes or borrows from the private sector. It produces nothing of its own, so like the bucket of water from the swimming pool analogy, taking from one end and dumping it into another does not raise the level of the water.
Liberals have successfully demonized big corporations for years about being greedy. Nobody who agrees with them ever seems to stop and think, “Hey, I work for a big company. If we shut them down, where will my paycheck come from?” Or, “My (father, mother, brother, neighbor, friend, etc.) works for a large corporation. They will be hurt if that company goes out of business.” After all, wasn’t this the reason Obama and the Democrats just had to save the banks or the auto companies? At least, that’s what they said. Now corporations are the bad guys? Besides, most big businesses started as small businesses. Look at HP and Microsoft, for example.
For a solid year this president has been blaming just about everyone he can think of for his failures. Judging by his recent speeches (more than one day so far. Who’s running the white house while he’s out of the oval office? I want to know!) that is not going to end any time soon. At some point, he has to stop blaming Bush and start taking credit for his terrible policies. We warned everyone that this guy was too inexperienced to run the country. Nobody would listen. And if it is not his inexperience that is causing him to make such terrible decisions, I have to think he’s doing it on purpose. It is something I am loathe to consider. Judging by the direction the country is going and the fact that Obama is not changing direction, what else should I think?
- FedUpEditor
Daily Rant – January 26, 2010
January 26, 2010
It’s About Character… Not Being A Character!
This post is in response to the Scott Brown YouTube video which is going around the Internet regarding his backtracking on the health care issue. So far, I think we are safe in that neither the House nor Senate bill are anything close to what he describes in this press conference. There are rumors this is being sent viral by the ACORN types out there trying to confuse and divide conservatives. Don’t fall for it!
I may have written either here or on my other blog, about the difference between having character and being a character. The latter can be bought; like the right car, piercing, tattoos, expensive clothes, haircuts, gold front teeth, designer nails, Hollywood fame or whatever. These do not represent having character, though in our culture of celebrity, it seems to have gotten confused.
For example, in Los Angeles, if the stars had character they would have foregone the expensive dresses and tuxedos and the two awards shows which aired last week and gone to Haiti to help out. They would not be content to just wearing colored ribbons to “raise awareness”. I think we are all aware there was an earthquake in Haiti. In their defense, maybe they had to stay and work to pay the taxes which will be siphoned off to send for relief efforts. However, I hear their industry already gets hefty tax breaks from the government.
Back to Scott Brown. He gathered campaign donations based on his opposition to the health care plan that congress was considering, plain and simple. Those donations came from all over the country, so regardless of what he says about representing his state first, he owes all of us for helping him win over Coakley. Now he says, everyone is “entitled” to health insurance? How so? I agree if we are expecting them to pay for it. This makes it a privilege not a “right” as it has been presented to us by politicians.
I do think we have the “right” to buy any insurance plan we want, even if it is being offered by a company in another state. This competition will go far to help lower the costs. I also recommend employers start giving their employees the value of health insurance in dollars along with their salary to let them choose their own health insurance. That way employees can see how much everything really costs. Finally, we need tort reform with a cap on what can be paid out for lawsuits. This responsibility will build character.
In my opinion, politicians are lacking in this commodity. The fact that they can be “bribed” to vote for legislation with which they disagree confirms they have no character. If a bill is wrong, it’s wrong, no matter how much money one gets for changing sides. I know this is a pretty strong accusation, but I stand by my claim. In fact, listen to any politician and you hear about the need to “reach across the aisle” to write legislation. BULL. If it’s a bad law, there is no amount of crossing over that will make it better. And why is it Republicans are expected to cross over, while Democrats are not?
I originally had intended to write today about Obama’s society as he envisions it. This also ties into character. He and Democrats have, for the longest time, tried to set it up so there is no chance to fail. Examples like bailing out Wall Street entities on the verge of collapse or car companies about to implode are just the latest tip of the iceberg.
Look at past social programs like section 8 housing. I have tenants who are on subsidies and if they try and get off or make too much money, they lose their benefits. How is this helping lift them from poverty? The answer is, it isn’t. And by giving up the chance to fail, by default, they are also giving up the chance to succeed. That is not what the United States is all about; I think it’s our saving grace. The majority of people still think this is the greatest country on Earth and that the opportunities are limitless if you work hard and want it enough.
After all, how many of you would go to a movie where, instead of vanquishing evil or succeeding over huge obstacles, the hero or heroine settle for mediocre? And how many best selling books are there called, “How to Be Average”. Maybe in Europe, but not in the United States.
Most of us do not want a job with the government or a union where people are judged, not by how well something gets done but by how long they have been doing it. The same is true for education. Besides, as I have pointed out before; if there is no private sector pumping money into the government through taxes to pay for jobs in the bureaucracies, there would be no funds at all unless they were borrowed or printed. And then how would we ever expect to pay back those obligations if nobody was out there to tax? You can bet that is what China is asking itself right now.
Mr. Obama and his Democrat pals have now taken over all student loans. Did you know that if you go to school and then end up in the public sector your debt will be forgiven after a certain number of years? This has been around since 1958 for teachers and other low income borrowers. But if you are the least bit successful, you will have to repay the debt in total. How is that government’s incentive to succeed? How does that speak to character? In fact, I submit if you become successful, it would make more sense if the debt was forgiven sooner because you would be making up for it by being in a higher tax bracket and by contributing positively to our economy!
I, for one, think all these debt forgiveness programs being advertised on the radio are dishonest. When I make an agreement, even if it is a bad one, I do my best to honor it. I understand every situation is different, but after declaring bankruptcy over 30 years ago, I felt horrible about it. My credit was ruined for 10 years. I vowed I would never do it again. What did I learn after the bankruptcy fell off my credit report? Nothing! I went out and was in debt again after only a few months. Fortunately, I hooked up with some good influences and was able to turn it around in time. This is why I am so big on financial education for the masses. I believe the public would then demand politicians balance the budget.
This all comes back to the subject of character. Today, my word means something. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. For years Washington has been full of Congressmen and Senators who tell the truth only when it’s convenient or… when they are caught! And sometimes, as with Nancy Pelosi, even then they stick with the lie like she did about the CIA enhanced interrogation techniques. That is also not true of most of our politicians which is why I believe we need new leaders. And 2010 is the perfect time to do it.
- FedUpEditor
Daily Rant – January 24, 2010
January 24, 2010
California Leading the Way, Part II
After our great conservative win in Massachusetts and an announcement that the brakes are being put on the health care bill by Nancy Pelosi (unless they pull the reconciliation trick this weekend), I am saddened to hear state legislators made the first move to OUTLAW people from having private health care insurance and creating a universal health plan for Californians. Can this be constitutional?
Usually I am for states rights, but in this case, I am not. Republicans are outnumbered in the state house, so this is simply another Democrat mandate that is being forced upon us citizens by the central planners. Given that California is already having budget troubles, and this plan costs $225 billion, where will the money come from? Why would these people even consider taking on such an expensive proposition? I know the answer, but I am trying to be civil.
Apparently the results of Tuesday’s election in Massachusetts didn’t make a dent in the fat heads of Sacramento politicians. The election of Scott Brown was clearly a mandate on the unpopularity of a universal health plan. Perhaps California politicians didn’t think this same sentiment applied to bankrupt states like ours.
Maybe we should refresh California legislators’ memories about the result of Hawaii’s attempt to provide universal health care to its children back in 2008. It failed after only 7 months because of…. wait for it… budget shortfalls! And this was to only insure the children. Think how soon it might have gone belly up had they tried to insure everyone! Apparently it was only aimed at children who didn’t have insurance so quickly people dropped their coverage and went into the “free” plan. Surprise, surprise!
As recent as March of 2009, the Boston Globe published an article titled “Mass. healthcare reform is failing us”. They cite 5 specific reasons why this program is a bust, and it is one of the most successful attempts at universal health care.
On the Federal level, sane people need only see the failures of Medicaid and Medicare like doctors opting out due to government’s low reimbursements, and they would see the costs of such a program is unsustainable. For folks who love that word “sustainable” Democrats sure like to push social programs that are not! All this from a group of legislators who couldn’t balance the budget last time because they are spending too much and tax revenues are down. Unemployment is on the rise, tax revenues are falling and the state legislators want to spend more money for health care. It’s time for a regime change.
Our Marin Conservative Forum Executive Committee is going to address this California issue in a letter to our representatives and the governor voicing our outrage at the arrogance of the Democrats in our state who intend to outlaw private health insurance in order to implement a state run plan. These actions will continue our slide into the third world economy. This idea along with their burdensome environmental regulations are breaking the back of the state’s economy and driving up unemployment forcing companies and citizens to leave the state.
- FedUpEditor
Daily Rant – January 19, 2010
January 19, 2010
America at a Crossroads – OPINION
Granted Obama can gather a crowd every time he speaks. There will always be those who believe in what he is trying to do. But the fact that the last several special elections have been a promise of better things to come just shows how Americans are waking up to the con.
After all, we have a guy who says he is for the common man, but has alienated just about every group and insulted our citizens at every turn. I started a list the other day because I have had this idea for awhile. Truth is, who hasn’t he attacked? Think about it. Are you on this list? Do you know any of the people on this list or work with someone who is? Do you have family who have been in the Obama cross hairs? Everyday he targets someone new.
- If you drive a pick-up, he thinks you are the problem as he has said in the rally for Martha Coakley against Scott Brown
- If you are in the armed forces Obama has shown his distaste for you in the fact he is giving terrorists their rights while going after the men and women who protect this country
- If you work in the financial industry your wages and bonuses are being “adjusted” because you are greedy
- If you live in Cape Cod, Obama wants to put up a wind farm despite your objections
- If you want everyone on health care, neither the House nor the Senate version has it; an estimated 14 million people will still be without it
At just about every turn Obama is at odds with some segment of our population. Remember, he was the guy who was going to bring the country together with “hope and change”. But it seems we are more divided than ever. And why wouldn’t we be? Wehn people struggle with a poor economy, they get downright cranky!
The real hope is that tomorrow Massachusetts lights the way for the November elections. If Scott Brown can win it will send a message clearer than the “mandate” President Obama says he had after the 2008 elections. It will be a rejection of the Socialist agenda he and his pals in the House and Senate are pushing. But will it be too late to stop health care?
Has anyone stopped to think that if Ted Kennedy were still alive we would not have the opportunity we have at this time? There seems to be a lot of divine providence in the fact that this one little election has such huge significance for our entire country. Is it ordained from on high, or just a cosmic coincidence? I happen to think the former.
All through out history, America has had its challenges that nobody thought we could overcome. Our very existence was not supposed to come about having to face a large and well outfitted British Army. Yet the American spirit surprisingly won out, and we became a free and independent nation.
Then there was the War of 1812. We were nearly defeated again by the British but, thanks to Col. Andrew Jackson and some mistakes made by his enemies the tide was turned at the Battle of New Orleans. It was won by a handful of those pesky Americans from all walks of life… not trained soldiers, but the common folk. The British casualties were enormous while only a few Americans were injured. Though the war was officially over and the peace treaty had been signed days earlier, the news didn’t get to the troops until several months later.
Time and time again, American exceptionalism has triumphed over the forces from outside our country. But today we face an even more sinister threat from within. People who look like they are our friends have invaded our government and taken over the Democrat Party. The Republicans have not been much better in some cases, part of the reason we have come to this place in history. But Conservatism is on the rise and not a moment too soon.
It is my opinion that the Democrat Party no longer represents American values. That is why more moderate Democrats and Independents are turning away from the liberal craziness in droves. In the past both parties used to want what was best for the nation, then argue about the best way to make that happen. But today, we have people fully aware that their legislation is disliked yet they push ahead in spite of our protests. Shady deals abound. Money is wasted to bribe others for votes. This is not democracy; it is tyranny fraught with corruption.
What tomorrow’s election signifies is this; if this “blue” state votes for Scott Brown it will mean a return of conservatism and a rejection of the socialist agenda of the liberals. Though there is still a long way to go, this home of the Puritans, Pilgrims and Patriots will be well on the way to helping our great nation in making a recovery. Granted Obama can gather a crowd every time he speaks. There will always be those who believe in what he is trying to do. But the fact that the last several special elections have been a promise of better things to come just shows how Americans are waking up to the con.
After all, we have a guy who says he is for the common man, but has alienated just about every group and insulted our citizens at every turn. I started a list the other day because I have had this idea for awhile. Truth is, who hasn’t he attacked? Think about it. Are you on this list? Do you know any of the people on this list or work with someone who is? Do you have family who have been in the Obama cross hairs? Everyday he targets someone new.
- If you drive a pick-up, he thinks you are the problem as he has said in the rally for Martha Coakley against Scott Brown
- If you are in the armed forces Obama has shown his distaste for you in the fact he is giving terrorists their rights while going after the men and women who protect this country
- If you work in the financial industry your wages and bonuses are being “adjusted” because you are greedy
- If you live in Cape Cod, Obama wants to put up a wind farm despite your objections
- If you want everyone on health care, neither the House nor the Senate version has it; an estimated 14 million people will still be without it
At just about every turn Obama is at odds with some segment of our population. Remember, he was the guy who was going to bring the country together with “hope and change”. But it seems we are more divided than ever. And why wouldn’t we be? Wehn people struggle with a poor economy, they get downright cranky!
The real hope is that tomorrow Massachusetts lights the way for the November elections. If Scott Brown can win it will send a message clearer than the “mandate” President Obama says he had after the 2008 elections. It will be a rejection of the Socialist agenda he and his pals in the House and Senate are pushing. But will it be too late to stop health care?
Has anyone stopped to think that if Ted Kennedy were still alive we would not have the opportunity we have at this time? There seems to be a lot of divine providence in the fact that this one little election has such huge significance for our entire country. Is it ordained from on high, or just a cosmic coincidence? I happen to think the former.
All through out history, America has had its challenges that nobody thought we could overcome. Our very existence was not supposed to come about having to face a large and well outfitted British Army. Yet the American spirit surprisingly won out, and we became a free and independent nation.
Then there was the War of 1812. We were nearly defeated again by the British but, thanks to Col. Andrew Jackson and some mistakes made by his enemies the tide was turned at the Battle of New Orleans. It was won by a handful of those pesky Americans from all walks of life… not trained soldiers, but the common folk. The British casualties were enormous while only a few Americans were injured. Though the war was officially over and the peace treaty had been signed days earlier, the news didn’t get to the troops until several months later.
Time and time again, American exceptionalism has triumphed over the forces from outside our country. But today we face an even more sinister threat from within. People who look like they are our friends have invaded our government and taken over the Democrat Party. The Republicans have not been much better in some cases, part of the reason we have come to this place in history. But Conservatism is on the rise and not a moment too soon.
It is my opinion that the Democrat Party no longer represents American values. That is why more moderate Democrats and Independents are turning away from the liberal craziness in droves. In the past both parties used to want what was best for the nation, then argue about the best way to make that happen. But today, we have people fully aware that their legislation is disliked yet they push ahead in spite of our protests. Shady deals abound. Money is wasted to bribe others for votes. This is not democracy; it is tyranny fraught with corruption.
What tomorrow’s election signifies is this; if this “blue” state votes for Scott Brown it will mean a return of conservatism and a rejection of the socialist agenda of the liberals. Though there is still a long way to go, this home of the Puritans, Pilgrims and Patriots will be well on the way to helping our great nation in making a recovery.
- FedUpEditor
Daily Rant – January 16, 2010
January 16, 2010
Can Mass. Recall Barney Frank?
With the spotlight on Massachusetts and the special election around Scott Brown’s run for the Senate, there is a dark cloud representing the fourth district in that state. Democrat Congressman Barney Frank [clueless] is no stranger to corruption, yet he remains in office despite his arrogance. I want to do something about that. Can we hope for a challenger to Mr. Frank’s seat?
Some of you may already know this, but for those who do not, back in 2006, Frank’s personal aide was running a gay prostitution ring out of Barney’s apartment. Because of political correctness, this story was pretty much swept under the rug. After all, it wasn’t he, but a hired assistant who was running the illegal business. Had this been a Republican, I think you know what would have happened. Just look at what happens when a conservative taps his foot under a bathroom stall or sends a text to a male page!
Okay, so these scandals have come and gone. But what about the one brewing? Surely you’ve heard about this headline:
HOUSE PASSES HISTORIC LEGISLATION TO REFORM WALL STREET AND PROTECT THE ECONOMY
It’s on Barney Frank’s home page which says, “Today, the House of Representatives approved sweeping new legislation to modernize America’s financial rules in response to the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.” But do you know what this law actually does? (And did any Republican vote for it? If so, they need to go too.)
- Increases consumer protections by creating a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), a new, independent federal agency solely devoted to protecting Americans from unfair and abusive financial products and services. (Can you say, “bureaucracy?”)
- Additionally, it creates the Financial Stability Council (FSC), a council of regulators that will identify financial firms that are so large, interconnected, or risky that their collapse would put the entire financial system at risk. (Another bureaucracy. I feel safer already, don’t you?)
- End Taxpayer Bailouts and “Too Big to Fail”, an orderly process to shut down failing institutions. (But did you know this does NOT apply to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? More on that later.)
- Rein in Executive Compensation among other regulations.
These last two items are the ones I want to discuss in more detail. Note that none of the above regulations apply to Barney’s personal treasure chests of Fannie Mae and Feddie Mac. To quote the Hill Blog:
“Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now basically a “public policy instrument” of the government, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) suggested Tuesday.
“Frank, the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, asserted that the companies, which were taken over by the U.S. in September 2008, have become an extension of the government’s policy-making tools.”
Essentially what this means is that Freddie and Fannie have unlimited funds to operate; they have been given a blank check. It has been reported that the government (that’s you and me) stand to lose as much as $400 billion from this conservatorship. When these entities finally fail as they surely will, is Barney Frank going to be held accountable like he should be? Or will the press give him another pass?
This is not the worst of it. Barney Frank was responsible for the legislation to charge levies on the banks who paid their officers high salaries and bonuses (bullet 4 above). Go get them, Barney. But what about those Fannie and Freddie officers who also received salaries and huge bonuses? Mr. Frank admits they are too high, but nothing can be done about it. Oh, really? After all, aren’t they instruments of policy now under the federal government? I’ll bet if people put up enough of a stink, he would figure out something…or maybe not; he’s pretty arrogant from having gotten away with so much for so long.
Look at it this way. We loaned money to the banks and financial institutions to keep them from failing. Then they turned around and paid out huge salaries and bonuses to certain executives. Barney and his minions in the House swept in and did something about it to take them down a notch.
We also loaned money to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to keep them from failing. Then they turned around and paid out huge salaries and bonuses to CEOs. But this time Barney and his minions can do nothing about it. Is this because they are Barney’s “instruments of policy?”
CNN Money reports: “The $6-million compensation packages were approved by the Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and made public on Dec. 24, 2009, Christmas Eve.”
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sounds a lot like the other bureaucracies being set up by Barney Frank in this new legislation chartered to police the financial institutions. But here’s the rub. FHFA’s mission statement says, “Provide effective supervision, regulation and housing mission oversight of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks to promote their safety and soundness, support housing finance and affordable housing, and support a stable and liquid mortgage market.” WHAT A JOKE! They did none of those things… and we are paying their salaries and bonuses!
The worst part about the whole thing is that the subprime mess was actually orchestrated by Barney Frank in the first place! The Boston Globe reported this in 2008. Now he has been called on to fix it?
To summarize, thanks to Mr. Frank we are getting two new agencies who are going to do just as good (bad) a job at overseeing the financial institutions as FHFA was in overseeing Fannie and Freddie. Our government has become the personal wallet of Congressman Barney Frank, (D-MA) and must come to an end. THIS SPENDING HAS TO STOP!
What I am suggesting is a letter writing campaign to congress to protest Barney Frank’s actions. If he is justified in going after executives of one entity like the financial institutions, then he must also go after the lending giants’ executives. Personally I say, “hang them all, including Barney Frank.” Anyone with me?
- FedUpEditor
Daily Rant – January 14, 2010
January 14, 2010
Next week the Marin Conservative Forum is hosting an event with Larry Greenfield recapping the Obama Administration’s first year. Are there any successes? I don’t think so, unless you are a Saul Alinksy follower. He essentially was neither Republican or Democrat, but was a Marxist/Communist who preached chaos in America. Looks like he got his wish. If that is what you expected out of Obama, then I guess he is a success. If you want the best for America, then he is not.
Every day we have to beat back another onslaught against our liberties by the radical left who has taken over the Democrat Party. Are there any sane Democrats who are willing to speak out against the road their party has taken? The attack against American exceptionalism is so great that many of us are spending more time working against this tyranny than we are in our own businesses. This is a mixed blessing. Because of our government’s screw ups our businesses are suffering. And because the economy is down with little hope of getting better in the near future, we have more time for political activism. It’s a good news, bad news kind of thing. And because many of us are having challenges staying in business, it has given some of us the impetus to get into elected office.
There is such an intrusion of government in our lives, restaurants are now are told they can not cook with trans-fats because they will kill us, but marijuana is about to be legalized because it will bring in tax revenue. When did I fall through the looking glass? When you define up as down and down as up, what else can I conclude? However, it is not the cute world of “Alice in Wonderland”. Every day elected officials are deciding what we can or can not do, so much so, that we are getting mixed messages like the one above. Nanny state officials are doing everything to lengthen our lives so they can then pass a health care bill that will kill many of us by denying treatment as we get older. The problem is with the California state government as well as the federal government which is why we need to win them both back.
As I have said in other articles, the primary factor which gives me hope for the future is that the United States is full of entrepreneurs who believe in the free market and the opportunity to create their own rags to riches stories. We will never convince the welfare crowd that government is bad. Those people do not make up the majority anyway. Our hope is we can change the educational system so that more and more people “get it” before they end up in that welfare system. Yet many of us were educated in the public school system and have made it out okay. So will there be others who do the same. Of all the people I have met who have experience with the school system (whether Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal) they are all unhappy with it too. This also gives me hope.
The school system is part of the problem. If history and economics (as opposed to conflict resolution as I recently witnessed at Lu Sutton Middle School, Novato) were the only subjects taught we would be in a whole lot better shape. But as long as someone is around who is not afraid to tell the truth about our history, the United States will survive the revisionists’ attempts to alter it. It is the form in which it will survive that concerns me the most. Our free market system has been so aberrated by the likes of Barney Frank and people of his ilk making laws and regulations that what we have left is more like fascism than capitalism. And when we demonize any private sector company or group, we are also to blame.
Since our country’s founding, we have had a great growth unlike anything seen in history. So now all of a sudden capitalism doesn’t work? Who came up with that one? it is the only thing that has any hope of bringing us out of this malaise, and yet liberals seem to want to abandon that model and try communism which has failed everywhere it’s been tried. GOOD PLAN!
When I hear any politician speak ill of a certain sector, in my mind I try to put myself in the position of the president of a company they are targeting and defend them. I try and draw a parallel with my business to see if what they are doing makes sense in a free market. Most of the time, it does not. But “compassion” and “empathy” for the little guy (David) against the big guy (Goliath) is almost always brought into the discussion as a way to win the debate, even when the results do not bear them out. In school this was called propaganda. Because most of us are the little guy we are supposed to side with our friend, the government, who is going to help us take down the big guy. The problem comes when people fail to realize that government IS the big guy!
Let us take the petroleum industry. We are told repeatedly that they are to blame for high gasoline prices. Is not this, a man-made global warming scare and the belief we are running out of precious resources the reason for the rush to alternative fuels? However, neither wind nor power are able to survive on their own and need subsidies from you and me to compete. Here I am struggling in my own business and I have to shell out hard earned money to bail out some “green” company that can’t make it on its own.
Liberals accused oil companies of windfall profits and many of us followed right along. Given all the regulations against domestic exploration, companies have moved to other countries which makes transportation of the fuel more expensive and drives up costs. This helps the host country like Venezuela and hurts our own with unemployment and loss of tax revenue. It has not slowed our need for gasoline one bit. Think about it. Even Prius drivers need gas to run their vehicles. Imagine if you owned a business and had to go overseas to get your product because it was illegal for you to get it here. Would you put up with it?
Let’s take the current position Obama on the bank levies. Last year the bailout caused many financial institutions to run to the government for help. That was their first mistake. Ours was to save these failing institutions. For some reason, Bush and most of the politicians thought these companies were too big to fail which would cause massive unemployment. So they were given stimulus money to help ensure their successes. What happened? They succeeded to some degree. Now they are going to be TAXED EVEN MORE because they succeeded. Why are they being punished for doing what the bailout was supposed to do? Wasn’t that the point? But Obama is so sure he is on the side of the little guy that the public will go right along with him. Those evil banks! But when has anything the government done to punish a company or a sector ever made it back into your pocket?
I have two points to make here. One is that people who vote Democrat because they are for the little guy should think again. They are just as much to blame for support of big business as are Republicans, pure and simple. So was their stimulus and the bailing out of failing car companies. I thought Democrats ran against Republicans because they were against “corporate welfare”? The second point is that powerful Democrats caused the problem; Barney Frank, Maxine Waters and Christopher Dodd. [Note: my spell checker keeps wanting to change his name to Dodo but I have resisted.] It was they who said there was nothing wrong when Bush warned of the potential problems created by their sub-prime lending guidelines. Now they are claiming to be the only ones who can solve the economic mess they themselves have created! Forcing banks to loan money to people who have no chance of paying it back and then calling it predatory lending is insane! And look who is on the hook for paying the tab. You and me, my friends. Another GOOD PLAN!
Once again I have started an article about Obama’s failures and have only scratched the surface. It is no wonder our country is ready for a second revolution. Our elected politicians are not listening to us, and worse, do not seem to care what we think! So much so that many of them will lose their seats in the mid-term elections this year. Some have already decided not to run again because they hear the footsteps. Fine by me. But this will work only if elected conservatives pick up the mantle the Tea Parties have laid out and move that agenda forward.
The Washington beltway media will not be kind. This is one more reason to let them fail too. The public is tired of left-wing propaganda and want to hear the truth. I believe the people of the United States are ready for it.
- FedUpEditor
Daily Rant – January 11, 2010
January 11, 2010
It’s the Economy, Stupid!
It’s one year after the stimulus and nobody, other than the brain-dead liberals who call into Sean Hannity’s show, think the economy is getting better. I have to laugh because no matter how hard you spin this one, the economy is not showing any signs of improvement. We just had another jobless report that experts say was higher than expected. If it’s always unexpected, then why are these people the experts? And who are they anyway? I want names so I don’t accidentally take some of their advice.
As I reported the other day, the only sector that seems to be growing is government. Along with the growing number of jobs are the growing salaries. Is it going to be that the only jobs we can get are in government? It won’t work and I’ll explain why in a minute. While the economy loses more and more jobs in the private sector, can this possibly be the goal or our current administration? I hate to think the worst of our elected politicians but could they be hoping that things get so bad we all rely on government for our handouts? And once that happens will we elect and re-elect a Democrat majority who will continue to give us those handing out the goodies? Here’s my question. What happens when everyone is in the cart? Who will pull it? How long can the printing presses continue to spit out money before they run out of ink?
Walter Williams was host on Rush’s show last week. I think it was a rebroadcast of an earlier show, but he is the first to use the analogy that I have been putting forth for some time. It was this. Think of the economy as a swimming pool and government is a bucket. The only money government gets is from those who work and produce. So take a bucket full of water (taxes) out of one end and dump it into the other end. For a few minutes it causes ripples, but the water level hasn’t changed. Sorry if I am repeating myself, but this is one reason government stimulus will NOT work. A second one would just be another mistake that takes money from the private sector for investment or creating jobs and gives it to the bureaucracy to pay itself to do essentially nothing toward solving the problem. Some call it a Democrat slush fund to buy votes in November. I can believe that.
Eagle Forum had a piece today talking about the causes of unemployment. While it offered no solutions, it did explain what is happening with many of the jobs that used to be done here in our country. They are being outsourced to places like China and India where people will do the same jobs for much less. Corporations move their operations there because there are less regulations. If illegal aliens come here and do the jobs Americans won’t do, pay no taxes and suck off the welfare trough, what will happen to us? You are beginning to see the results, and it is only bound to get worse if something doesn’t change.
Heritage said today the economy is showing signs of improvement. You could have fooled me, but let’s say for a moment that it is so. Is this what Democrats are hoping for? That the economy will come back on its own? We are a resilient nation, probably the one thing that gives me hope (real hope) for our country’s future. But the fact it is improving because of the government stimulus is a fallacy. It also could be that I ate chicken yesterday. Just because two things happen at the same time does not mean one caused the other. As in the swimming pool scenario above (and a comparison Heritage also makes in this article… great minds think alike), students of the economy KNOW that the stimulus is NOT what is bringing about recovery. In fact, in my opinion, it will probably have more to do with consumer confidence than anything. The worst thing that could happen now is that the economy starts doing well, Democrats erroneously get credit for it from the voters because of the stimulus. This would then set us up for a bigger recession in the not to distant future!
Economist Vox Day is quoted in World Net Daily today as saying we are headed for another great depression if things don’t change and politicians do something different than the way we’ve done it in the past. “When it comes to economic predictions, Vox Day is so accurate it’s scary. Scarier still is the content of his predictions.
“He’s forecast the sub-prime meltdown, the home-value crash, unemployment figures—right down to intricate details and key dates. He recently predicted the collapse of even more banks. He says the expansion of credit, which is necessary to provide what passes for growth in a credit-based economy, has ended.”
Essentially he says we are in for tough times unless something changes. That will be up to us. The mid-term elections may be the make it or break it for our country. It will be necessary for politicians to challenge the conventional wisdom and labels to educate the votes and do what’s right because it’s the right thing to do… not because it gets them re-elected.
- FedUpEditor
Daily Rant – Part 2, January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010
I listen to the liberals who call in to the talk shows and realize we will never please them. The good news is they are in the minority. True, they are a loud minority with friends in the House, Senate and White House, but come November 2010 they will see what they are up against.
Up until Obama’s election, liberals have been flying under the radar. True, Pelosi was starting her agenda even when Bush was President, but after the inauguration it was full speed ahead. No amount of tea party protests would dissuade them from doing their dastardly deeds. From government stimulus to corporate bailouts and buyouts, people were upset as they should be.
Now we are up against health care. This is the lesson I want to impart to anyone who will listen. Just as Republicans thought getting someone with an R behind their name elected to office was most important regardless of what they stood for, Democrats are making a similar mistake with the health care “pass it at any cost in any form just so we get a win” mentality.
Republicans made the mistake of accepting the likes of Jim Jeffords (who later switched to Independent but would caucus with Democrats) or Arlen Specter who changed parties AGAIN, this time back to Democrat! Even choosing John McCain through allowing open primaries was a huge mistake and helped get Obama elected. Had McCain won, however, there may not have been as big of an opportunity to change things as there is right now! A chance at a second revolution, if you will.
So let’s look at the Democrat playbook. We now have a bill that Senators had to be bribed to vote for it AND they had to be allowed to opt their states out of the program. How good can it be if they want out? And if it’s that bad, why did they vote for it in the first place? Ben Nelson is not up for re-election in 2010, but could face a recall if Nebraskans get wise. He needs to go now rather than later. Sure his state gets goodies paid for by the treasury, but they will be taxed first to pay for them; out of one pocket and into another. What a great system! So my point is, this “must get something passed no matter how bad it is just to say we won” attitude is going to KILL the Democrat party.
Watch the special elections in January and see if this doesn’t bear out. Places that used to be Democrat will now be represented by Republicans. We already saw it in December’s special elections back east. Let’s just hope it is in time to save our country.
- FedUpEditor
Daily Rant – January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010
Now I know why they didn’t catch the underwear bomber before he lit himself on fire and passengers took him down. It is because their head, Janet Napolitano, is profiling the wrong people.
You may remember that back in April of 2009 she distributed a memo telling Homeland Security to watch out for people like us… what she called, “right wing extremists”. So while they are looking for us Constitution reading conservatives, Napolitano has dropped the ball and allowed terrorists to once again rule our flying lives.
Most recently after the Delta flight where the terrorist tried to detonate the explosive underwear he had on, Ms. Napolitano said it showed the system worked. If she is talking about the American spirit, then the system did indeed work. Alert passengers took him down. But if she is talking about Homeland Security, she couldn’t be more wrong. Her failed “system” nearly cost over 200 people their lives.
There were a lot of “ifs” in that incident. But the gist of the story is, if someone is on the no fly list or is a suspect of being a terrorist as this fellow was, then buys a one way ticket in cash and has no checked luggage, that should be a concern and set off all sorts of red flags! But since we don’t have a “war on terror” anymore this will probably happen again and again. The flying public will be the ones to pay the price with longer lines and tighter security because TSA is afraid to profile. (Note: You wouldn’t believe the number of Mormon grannies who are trying to smuggle bottles of liniment oil on the planes these days!)
Is it any wonder that radical Muslims get a free pass when our government is looking at its own citizens just so they don’t offend anyone? Bottom line? Napolitano should go. She has been an embarrassment to Obama and to the country. But as Truman said, “the buck stops here.” So essentially it is Obama’s fault for picking her in the first place.
- FedUpEditor
Daily Rant – January 5, 2010
January 5, 2010
Not long ago, our Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared in Copenhagen at the United Nations Global Warming Conference to give a speech about how California has led the way in climate change legislation while still providing a robust economy.
“We have shown we can do both,” he said. Excuse me?
California’s unemployment rate was over 12% in August of 2009 and is probably much higher by now. Much of this is due to the fact that regulations and legislation have chased many businesses out of the state to places like Texas, Nevada and Arizona (all red states, by the way). So much for his claim to a robust economy. You can’t have employment with no businesses and without employees and employers paying taxes, there is no money to run the state government. Legislators can not balance the budget with revenue shortfalls.
Now instead of solving our economic woes like maybe allowing drilling offshore in order to get some of those lucrative oil lease revenues, our state representatives like our brilliant Jared Huffman are busy banning things like trans-fats in restaurants. The theory is that trans-fats are making people obese. The next thing they will go after is sodas (they already have banned the machines on school property) and snack foods. But none of these things produces one bit of revenue or helps the economy. In fact it most likely hurts it. When does it stop? Besides, I don’t see people getting thinner because of this legislation! Enough is enough.
Our nanny state is in such a precarious position that it is starting to crumble before our very eyes. The only infrastructure projects that are happening on our highways are paid for by government stimulus money given to us out of “Obama’s stash”. What people seem to forget is… we don’t have it to begin with.
California is broke. The US government is broke. Yet they all keep spending our money like it magically appears out of thin air. Actually, in the case of the federal government, it does as the printing presses continue to whir away. Experts predict with all this frivolous spending and printing of new money, inflation has nowhere to go but up. In fact, if it weren’t being held down artificially by the Fed, it would probably be double digits right now. It can not continue forever if they want the economy to come back.
The story is that in Russia money became so worthless from policies similar to those we have today that people would carry around wheelbarrows full of rubles. They had a popular joke which went like this. A woman went into the bakery to buy some bread and left her wheelbarrow full of money outside. When she came back to get cash to pay the baker, the money was still there, but the wheelbarrow was gone.
If California goes belly up, we still have other states where we can move. But if the US goes belly up, the whole world loses. It will be too late for conservatives to say, “I told you so.”
- FedUpEditor
