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Ironic: Acting Senate President Al Franken recognized James Inhofe to give a speech on Global Warming ...

Exposing back-door cap-and-trade through the Environmental Protection Agency …

It was one year ago today that I gave a speech, right here on the Senate floor, noting that the tide had turned decisively against global warming alarmism. 

Then, just two days later, Climategate exploded into view, as thousands of emails were released that showed...that the very scientific spokesmen for alarmism were scheming to block open and honest assessments of their work. 

The damage has been done, to say the least.  And so I think the chapter on the climate science wars has closed.  Of course, Climategate scientists and their allies want to keep fighting.  They are practically begging us to bring them before committees to question their work.  But we won't - because they are irrelevant. 

We are going to talk about jobs, and competitiveness, and manufacturing, and small businesses, and real people who will have to pay more for electricity, food, and gasoline. 

What Sen. Reid said about cap-and-trade-that it's dead for next Congress - may be true for the massive, thousand-page bills filled with mandates, taxes, regulations, bureaucracy, and much else. 

But it's not true for the more subtle strain of cap-and-trade now moving through the Environmental Protection Agency.   That's right: this is backdoor cap-and-trade, hidden behind an administrative curtain. 

So we need to address this, because employers and small businesses are afraid to hire and expand in large part because of EPA's global warming regulations.  To get this economy moving again, and create jobs for those who need them, we need to stop EPA.

I also want my colleagues to know that EPA is moving in all directions-beyond just implementing job-killing global warming regulations.  EPA is threatening jobs on a host of fronts. 

My sincere hope is that EPA will pull back, revise, reform, and balance its regulatory agenda to protect jobs as well as the environment.   If EPA persists on moving down a more extreme path, then our 9.6 % unemployment rate won't look much better in 2012."

Hear for yourself …

While this is the type of floor speech one would ordinarily avoid, this one has some facts that must be brought before the American public before irreparable damage is done to our economy and our nation.

The real end game …

A high-ranking member of the U.N.'s Panel on Climate Change admits the group's primary goal is the redistribution of wealth and not environmental protection or saving the Earth.  

Ottmar Edenhofer, a German economist and co-chair of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Working Group III on Mitigation of Climate Change (say that twice), told the Neue Zurcher Zeitung last week: ‘The climate summit in Cancun at the end of the month is not a climate conference, but one of the largest economic conferences since the Second World War.’ After all, redistributing global wealth is no small matter. 

Edenhofer let the environmental cat out of the bag when he said "climate policy is redistributing the world's wealth" and that "it's a big mistake to discuss climate policy separately from the major themes of globalization."

Edenhofer claims "developed countries have basically expropriated the atmosphere of the world community" and so they must have their wealth expropriated and redistributed to the victims of their alleged crimes, the postage stamp countries of the world. He admits this "has almost nothing to do with environmental policy anymore, with problems such as deforestation or the ozone hole."

This sounds like the Marxist principle: to each according to his need from each according to his ability — with a guilty conscience thrown in for good measure. As President Obama might put it, U.N. officials are seeking a "fundamental transformation" of the globe. <Source: The Climate Cash Cow|Investor’s Business Daily>

Bottom line …

The Obama Administration is clearly using Administrative and Regulatory Agencies to pursue far-left, some say Marxist, agenda which would have the United States Government insinuate itself into every facet of American life; from controlling housing, foodstuffs, healthcare, employment … to the extent of re-implementing the failed central-planning mechanism of the former Soviet Union here in the United States. An in many cases, allowing international organizations to supersede our sovereignty and impose sanctions on American institutions, corporations and individuals.

There comes a point when our nation will be further divided and polarized into those who receive entitlements and those who pay for entitlements; those who work directly for government and those who work indirectly for government – and those who believe that they are somehow superior to the American people and deserve the perks, privileges and profits of a “ruling class.”

It appears, at least to me, that we are rapidly approaching the tipping point where like King George of England, the Administration is being told, in no uncertain terms, to cease and desist from further destroying the American dream of freedom.

-- steve

Reference Links …

Inhofe Speech Transcript

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Wikileaks: The real questions the government is afraid to ask …

One, how does the Administration characterize Wikileaks, Julian Assange and the alleged leaker, a disaffected gay soldier?

Is this an act of cyber-terrorism?

Is Julian Assange, a foreign national operating on foreign soil, an cyber-terrorist?

Is the alleged disaffected gay soldier a traitor to the United States?

Two, how does President Obama and Eric Holder’s Department of Justice define the Wikileaks’ affair as a legal issue?

Is the complaint against the disaffected gay soldier a matter to be addressed totally within the military using the Uniform Code of Military Justice?

Or should the complaint against the disaffected gay soldier be addressed in a U.S. Federal Court, either in Washington, D.C. or New York? Will it be criminal or civil or both?

Will the complaint against Julian Assange, personally, be an international matter or will he be responsible to some venue and legal jurisdiction?

Will the control over the Wikileaks servers be handled by an international legal entity or by the consortium that provides guidance over Internet affairs?

Three, how does one reconcile the First Amendment issue of Freedom of the Press and the publishing of Wikileaks’ materials on the domestic scene?

What to do about the New York Times which refused to publish the e-mails on Climategate claiming they were stolen, personal communications – and yet saw no problem with publishing Wikileaks’ material or other government Whistleblower or leaked military-related information in the past?

Fourth, how does the Obama Administration counter the on-going revelations in the media that our government appears just as venal, corrupt, ignorant and self-serving as the rest of the world?

Especially when the Obama Administration has stressed political correctness, multiculturalism, moral equivalency and non-judgmental proclamations in supporting their political agenda? 

Fifth, is the rather inexperienced and sometimes incompetent President and his Administration going to take action to prevent such an occurance from happening again?

Or is Obama and his minions going to continue to dither until the matter is a non-issue?

Bottom line …

Considering that the Obama Administration appears to be extremely reluctant to mention the words terrorism and terrorist, especially in the context of Muslim terrorism and Muslim terrorists, it appears that the Administration is struggling for a politically correct way to characterize what is happening with Wikileaks.

But Wikileaks may be a blessing in disguise. Clearing the air among our friends, allies and even our enemies. Forcing the Obama Administration to recognize that good and evil does exist in the world and chart a course that clearly defines American political behavior. To allow us to treat those who give public lip service to U.S. foreign policy far harsher when we know that they are working against the best interest of America and its citizens.

Wikileaks should also serve that the Ivy League is disproportionately represented in the diplomatic service and that may of the diplomatic leaks seem to reveal that there is a smarmy class of Ivy Leaguers still writing school papers as if they were seeking a grade from a learned professor.

But my major concern is that the dribbling of Wikileaks’ material will serve to obfuscate the lame-duck actions of the democrat-Congress and the ongoing far-left policies of the Obama Administration.

Considering the reaction of the media, one can assume that the far-left is extremely pleased with the Wikileaks’ events – just as clearly and hypocritically they were displeased with the ongoing leaked revelations leading to climategate.

Feel free to add your own questions to this list. But, when all is said and done, whatever happens is the responsibility of a single disaffected gay individual – and perhaps a few cohorts – and there is little or nothing which can be done to stem the tide of disclosures on the international stage.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Thinking about Wikileaks ...

Unlike the mainstream media which roundly condemned the revelation of embarrassing global warming-related e-mails in the so-called “climategate” affair – and which were characterized as stolen e-mails by most --  the current Wikileaks’ revelations are being openly welcomed by the mainstream media. Especially those who have a far-left bias and want to see the United States embarrassed on the world stage as well as those who want to turn these leaks into a cheap source of material that might boost their audience numbers.

Is there anything that we really didn’t know or was not already mentioned by the media pundits?

“At the start of a series of daily extracts from the US embassy cables – many designated ‘secret’ – the Guardian can disclose that Arab leaders are privately urging an air strike on Iran and that US officials have been instructed to spy on the UN leadership.” <Source>

Arab countries have been pushing for an attack on Iran, the US is deeply concerned about loose nuclear material in Pakistan, and China’s politburo may have ordered this year’s cyber-assault on Google, according to documents released on Sunday in the world’s biggest leak. <Source>

Is this another diplomatic kerfuffle or are their real truths that need to be exposed?

There is no doubt that politicians, the world over, act differently when they are behind closed doors and in the company of their own trusted people.

The fact that our administration, no matter which party is in power, touts their transparency and accountability, even when being confronted with high-profile examples to the contrary, proves the point that much of what they do is motivated by self-interest. The self-promotion of individuals, their own political party and their own political ideology. A giant shell game if you will.

Like the revelations about Vietnam and the release of documents to the New York Times by Daniel Ellsberg, we have found that our government does not always act according to their public pronouncements and possibly not in the short-term or long-term best interests of the nation. And that foreign governments do not act with the best interests of the United States in mind – even as we pour billions of taxpayer dollars into their economies. Nothing particularly new and exciting here.

Should this particular information remain classified is now moot. The information has been widely disseminated and is available, for good or bad, for all to see.

The justification for re-publishing …

“The [New York] Times believes that the documents serve an important public interest, illuminating the goals, successes, compromises and frustrations of American diplomacy in a way that other accounts cannot match.”

“The Times has taken care to exclude, in its articles and in supplementary material, in print and online, information that would endanger confidential informants or compromise national security. The Times' redactions were shared with other news organizations and communicated to WikiLeaks, in the hope that they would similarly edit the documents they planned to post online.”

“After its own redactions, The Times sent Obama administration officials the cables it planned to post and invited them to challenge publication of any information that, in the official view, would harm the national interest. After reviewing the cables, the officials — while making clear they condemn the publication of secret material — suggested additional redactions. The Times agreed to some, but not all. The Times is forwarding the administration’s concerns to other news organizations and, at the suggestion of the State Department, to WikiLeaks itself. In all, The Times plans to post on its Web site the text of about 100 cables — some edited, some in full — that illuminate aspects of American foreign policy. <Source>

What is the public interest and what will the ordinary American think of the information released?

Most individuals could care less about the Wikileaks’ document drop. Other than information filtered through the media, both news and commentary, the information is little more than a momentary diversion which has little or no effect on their daily lives. Of more interest and impact would be knowing what the Obama administration plans to do about the upcoming expiration of the Bush tax cuts. Something which would have a substantial affect on our national economy.

For the political junkies who will pore over this material in search of supporting their particular viewpoint – no big deal here.  They will spin the documents to support their viewpoint as is their common practice. If anything, these documents may have value to historians years from now as they assess the progression of world diplomacy.

And to think that the New York Times is capable of acting as a honest broker for the American citizen when reporting the news is to be naïve. They have been shown, time and time again, to have a far-left bias and are guilty of shading news and commentary towards a “left of center” slant. To allow them to pick and choose what they decide to edit and/or publish is to recognize that they may be consciously slanting the news rather than presenting the American public with critical or crucial information.

Truth be told, there is little of interest to the average citizen. And of that, there is nothing of actionable interest that will affect your daily lives. people with the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

News outlets compounding the damage …

“England's The Guardian newspaper is one of several who have not only published WikiLeak's so-called classified cable documents today, they also have an interactive application already in place, allowing visitors to search by person, country, event or other keywords.” <Source>

In many cases, the news outlets are going above and beyond publishing the documents. Right to assisting our enemies in reducing the time required to sift through the documents and analyzing their contents.

What should happen to the leaker …

Whether or not you consider the leaker or leakers a patriot or a traitor, the fact remains that the person or persons violated their oath of office and must deal with the consequences of their actions. There is little doubt in my mind that a document dump of this magnitude is a major offense, not by a civilian whistleblower to be punished in a civilian court, but as a  nation-damaging offense – a capital offense -- that needs to be addressed in a military tribunal. 

Bottom line …

For any official to compromise their oath of office and leak classified materials, possibly to provide aid and comfort to our enemies, is an act of betrayal to the nation and they should be prepared to accept the consequences of their actions. Including long imprisonment and a sentence of death for the most egregious cases.

To believe that these documents, many of which are interpretive impressions by the document’s author, are complete, correct and tell the entire truth is ludicrous.

Some of these documents appear to involve self-aggrandizement by official agencies or individuals. There is also the possibility that some of the documents contain disinformation designed to root out spies and identify compromised sources.

If there is any major non-surprise that is revealed it is that the Saudis are both continuing to support al Qaeda (perhaps to prevent an overthrow of the Kingdom) and urging the United States to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon; which all nations in the Mideast greatly fear.

And, once again, we find that the United States’ taxpayers are continuing to fund foreign efforts that appear to be counterproductive to American interests and using money which could be better spent repairing and replacing our crumbling infrastructure – and rebuilding our decaying inner cities.

Look for more breathless pronouncements which are only a diversion from the damage that is being inflicted on the United States by its enemies, both foreign and domestic.

And if there is anything more important than these revelations, I believe it should be citizens thinking about cleaning up the current cesspool of corrupt and complacent politicians as well as restricting the flow of taxpayer money to the special interests, be they domestic or foreign.

-- steve 

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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JUST ASKING: ARE THE DEMOCRATS LOOTING FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC FOR UNALLOCATED FUNDING FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS?

Just asking ... While finishing up some professional work involving the reporting of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s third quarter financials, I am struck by a curiosity.

Either it is an innocent shell game – manipulating billions in balance sheet accounts or it might be more serious, like the democrats obtaining unallocated funds for special projects. 

What I found …

Both firms are on the brink of insolvency and require federal funding to keep afloat. Nothing new here about their condition which forced both of them, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, into a federal conservatorship.

But what is curious is why they continue to report up-streaming quarterly dividend payments to the Treasury Department when they could easily ameliorate their own liquidity problems.

Fannie Mae is reporting a net worth deficit of $2.4 billion at the end of the third quarter while up-streaming its quarterly payment of $2.1 billion to the Treasury. To cover the shortfall, they are requesting through their regulatory oversight agency, the Federal Housing Finance Administration, $2.5 billion from the Treasury.

Freddie Mac is reporting a net worth deficit of $58 million at the end of the third quarter while up-streaming $1.6 billion in dividends to the Treasury. To cover the shortfall, they are requesting through their regulatory oversight agency, the Federal Housing Finance Administration, $100 million from the Treasury.

Why are they required to pay dividends to the Treasury when they could ease their own liquidity problems on their own.

In Fannie Mae’s case, they could have retained the $2.1 billion in dividends and dipped into the Treasury for only $300 million and change to keep the game afloat.

In Freddie Mac’s case,  they could have retained the $1.6 billion in dividends and not called upon the Treasury Department for any money.

Bottom line …

Why does the United States Department of Treasury need to collect quarterly dividends from the Government Sponsored Enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and then turn around and given them additional funds from the Treasury?

What does Tim Geithner’s Treasury Department do with the dividends?

Pass them along to other financial institutions to help them maintain their solvency?

Fund additional democrat-driven social projects to curry political favor in the next election cycle?

Are these funds part of some contractual agreement which, if breached, would bring about catastrophic consequences to the GSEs?

Or is the transfer of money to-and-fro simply an electronic bookkeeping exercise to disguise the real numbers and condition of the GSEs?

Anyone out there have a solid explanation of why they engage in this type of bookkeeping and what they might actually do with the up-streamed dividends?

-- steve

Reference Links …

More information on Fannie Mae can be found at http://www.fanniemae.com/media/pdf/newsreleases/q32010_release.pdf.

More information on Freddie Mac can be found at http://www.freddiemac.com/news/archives/investors/2010/2010er-3q10.html.

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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THANKSGIVING: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2010

I am thankful for my health, my family, my friends and to be able to live in the greatest, most productive and compassionate country in the history of mankind. – steve

Capture11-23-2010-9.32.03 PM

As you contemplate the significance of Thanksgiving, be thankful that there are patriots in our nation who are willing to sacrifice their lives to keep our nation free and to insure that our governing documents: the Declaration of independence which codifies our God-given rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and our Constitution which limits the powers of the federal government, remain our guiding light.

Recall also that there are those who, knowingly or unwittingly, pursue a path of evil for their personal, professional or political benefit. Those who believe in Marxism and Communism which replaces a moral belief system and individual self-reliance with Godless devotion to a collectivist state ruled by those who, by military or financial might, proclaim themselves to be the “ruling elite.”   People who are so evil, that they have already condemned millions of people to a long, torturous death with their public policies based on nothing more than the idea that we must control our populations lest they outstrip the world’s resources. And who remain willing to sacrifice millions of others in their pursuit of a toxic political ideology.

On this day of contemplation, realize also that there is a world that may not be enjoying the comfort of your shelter, the food on your table and the companionship of family and friends. Some by choice, many by circumstance and others by virtue of the living in countries dominated by despots or denied their human rights by those who promote political or religious philosophies which preclude the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

I am also thankful that there are those in the United States have come to their senses. Those who realize that the Marxists and Communists – along with their Manchurian Candidate and his fellow travelers – almost destroyed the America we know and love with their pursuit of personal, political and financial power. And that some semblance of constitutional checks and balances have been restored by voting corrupt and complacent democrats from office.

So on this day of celebration, remember there is much work to be done. To restore the freedoms we have lost, to rebuild our own nation and to extend charity, first to our own people and then to the much larger universe. There will be sacrifices ahead, but may they be of circumstances not of our making.

I am thankful for those who are reading my blog and even more thankful for those who enter into a dialogue so that we may learn from each others as we go forward in this miraculous land of opportunity, unburdened by state-imposed hardship and free to pursue our own individual desires.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Washington's Dirty Little Secret

America is faced with a clear and present danger that has been increasing over time. Both political parties and the politicians they support, as well as the candidates they endorse, have become increasingly corrupt and self-serving; pandering to the special interests in return for campaign financing and voter support. It is if “We the People” do not exist for any other purpose than to fund Washington’s “political business.” Regulatory agencies, mandated to protect the consumer, are so controlled by industry lobbyists that much of their rulemaking is based on industry’s wants and needs and their enforcement activities are based on political calculations. However, this is not the dirty little secret. Everyone knows the game being played and what it really takes to win.

The dirty little secret is that Washington continues to violate the Constitution which they swear to uphold and defend …

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”

They have misused their powers of taxation to demand that a portion of your income is sent directly to Washington and then are willing to return a portion of that money to the citizens, municipalities and states IF they engage in politically correct behavior over which Congress and the Administration has absolutely no constitutional authority.

The United States Constitution limits the federal government’s powers and reserves all other powers either to the states or the people themselves.

Because the issue of prohibition was beyond the federal government’s constitutional authority, it required a specific amendment of the constitution; as did the repeal of prohibition when it was judged to be unworkable and caused unintended consequences like the promotion of organized crime.

Bribing you with your own money …

Therefore, both the Congress and the Administration is attempting to bribe you, with your own money, into following their dictates and behavior modification activities. In essence, the dirty little secret is that our government is increasingly usurping powers which are reserved for the states or individual citizens.

Aided and abetted by a corrupt judiciary …

However, they are not alone in their attempt to subvert the Constitution … it appears that a highly-politicized judiciary, which is also becoming more corrupt, is finding constitutional authority for the actions of government where none exist. In essence, creating law out of whole cloth and in the process, sidestepping the Constitutional mandate that Congress be the nation’s sole branch to create laws. 

From what I learned in high school civics class, about tyranny … 

Tyranny is the arbitrary, capricious , corrupt or unrestrained exercise of power and/or despotic abuse of authority which results in  oppressive, unjust and severe sanctions or mandates placed on individuals whose freedom of action is compromised by governmental actions.

And we are rapidly approaching a time when that definition is becoming truer as time progresses. There is nothing in the United States Constitution which demands an individual purchase a specific type of light bulb, toilet or healthcare insurance.

The intent of our Founding Fathers …

The Founding Fathers did not see our great nation as a “nanny state” where the needs and behaviors of its citizens are controlled by the federal, or any other, government entity. The purpose of the federal government is to do those things which require a commonality of purpose among the states and individual citizens. These are well-expressed in the Preamble to the United States’ Constitution which defines the six purposes of government.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America".

In the necessity of promoting,rather than restricting trade, the Constitution allows for the creation of a certain degree of commonality among the states. Obviously, standardized weights and measures; the acceptance of contracts created in one state and binding parties in other states; and any number of issues which support the common welfare of our nation’s citizens. Our Founding Fathers did not conceive that the mechanism for promoting trade would be used to allow the federal government to usurp authority which rightfully belonged to the states or to the people.

The Founding Fathers did not anticipate the toxic rise of trade unions nor the corruption of those who govern by lobbyists pursuing advantages which are not available to all.

The Founding Fathers believed that sex and religion were private matters so there is no prohibitions or restrictions codified into the Constitution.

The Founding Fathers did not anticipate an invasion by foreign nationals which would subvert our economy and social structure; conceding unconstitutional powers to foreign sovereign nation-states and to those who swear allegiance to foreign sovereign entities.

Misdirection …

We also have allowed local and state officials to mimic the corruption that we are finding on the national level. Specifically the influence of lobbyists and unions to milk the public treasury for self-benefit.

But perhaps the most dastardly deed is that we allowed ideologues to interfere with the education of our children. By failing to concentrate on the basics: reading, writing, arithmetic, logical thinking, history and civic duties. By allowing the corruption of the educational process by an undue worship of celebrity, those who mouth the pre-crafted words of others in memorable roles – until the true hero becomes a pseudo-fraud like Arnold Schwarzenegger who bears as much resemblance to the Terminator as he does to being a conservative Republican.

We are diverting the publics attention away from what our government is doing, purportedly in our name, to meaningless issues which occupy our attention and prevent us from seeing the truth – and acting upon that which we see.

Bottom line …

We are at a tipping point.

Where our Federal government is taking our money to redistribute to their political and personal friends or those whom they deem more worthy. Most often to purchase political influence with a defined segment of the population based on class, race, color, gender, sex or any other definable distinction.

Where the federal government is using the issue of rising healthcare costs and the lack of insurance for millions of illegal aliens to assume control over our national healthcare system and, arguably, over our individual lives; deciding, in essence, who will live or die based on both cost and political considerations.

Where the federal government is using arguably and demonstrably false science to assume control over energy production and consumption and, arguably, over our entire economy. This is not constitutional.

It is time for “We the People” to take action. It started in November when we attempted to restore constitutional checks and balances into the government by electing a Republican majority to the House of Representatives. And hopefully continuing into the 2012 election cycle when we will elect, not specifically Republicans to office, but “honest brokers” to serve “We the People.”

Until then we must bombard our elected officials with indications of our displeasure at their actions to spend money on the special interests (stimulus), control healthcare insurance (Obamacare), regulate our energy (Cap-and-Trade) and control our communications (Internet and Cable) and information sources.

We must take care of ourselves and our families first – and then push back against the increasing corruption of American politics. The price for not doing so is unimaginable – mostly for your children who will have lost their liberty, something which might require another revolution to regain.

Be well, be safe and stay well informed.

-- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Leadership of the GOP: If not Chris Christie, WHO?

Someone suggested today that Chris Christie and Bobby Jindal were not ready for the Presidency, but Sarah Palin was an acceptable candidate. All with more experience and executive leadership than Barack Obama who needs a TelePrompTer to speak to school children. Here are some of my favorite Chris Christie clips. – steve

Philosophy …

Transparency …

Outspoken …

Respectfully handling a confrontational media …

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Is the Center for American Progress urging the President to become a "dictator" when it comes to implementing his policies?

It sickens me that a far-left, some say Marxist, think tank is urging the President of the United States to strengthen the power of the Presidency and usurp the Constitutional duties of Congress as the sole law-making branch of government.

Here is how I reached my conclusion …

Capture11-18-2010-9.28.36 PM

Headed By:  John Podesta, President and Chief Executive Officer --  former White House Chief of Staff to President William J. Clinton 

Funded By: Primary funding by the progressive Sandler Foundation with multi-million dollar contributions from George Soros, Steve Bing and  and individuals associated with the Democracy Alliance.

Purpose: The Center for American Progress is dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through progressive ideas and action.

What say you John Podesta …

In the aftermath of this month’s midterm congressional elections, pundits and politicians across the ideological spectrum are focusing on how difficult it will be for President Barack Obama to advance his policy priorities through Congress. Predictions of stalemate abound. And some debate whether the administration should tack to the left or to the center and compromise with or confront the new House leadership.

As a former White House chief of staff, I believe those to be the wrong preoccupations. President Obama’s ability to govern the country as chief executive presents an opportunity to demonstrate strength, resolve, and a capacity to get things done on a host of pressing challenges of importance to the public and our economy. Progress, not positioning, is what the public wants and deserves. <Source>

What they are proposing …

In a Center for American Progress report titled “The Power of the President: Recommendations to Advance Progressive Change,” the CAP is suggesting that President Obama may want to use his substantial presidential powers to circumvent Congress’s sole ability to pass laws.

The opportunity

Concentrating on executive powers presents a real opportunity for the Obama administration to turn its focus away from a divided Congress and the unappetizing process of making legislative sausage. 

Instead, the administration can focus on the president’s ability to deliver results for the American people on the things that matter most to them:

  • Job creation and economic competitiveness
  • Educational excellence
  • A clean energy future and energy independence
  • Quality affordable health care
  • Consumer protection
  • The home foreclosure crisis
  • Accountable government delivering results at lower cost
  • Sustainable security for the nation

In addition, the key legislative accomplishments of President Obama’s first two years in office, most notably health care and financial reform, now need to be implemented effectively. Both the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act require hundreds of separate rule- makings and other agency actions to implement the legislative framework. <Source>

Justification: What CAP says the people want …

The public has made clear its disgust with Washington’s ways—the same sentiment that helped to bring President Obama to office. It would be a welcome relief from watching legislative maneuvering to see the work of a strong executive who is managing the business of the country through troubled times, doing more with less, each day working to create a stronger economy and a more effective government.

Yes, the public has made clear its disgust with Washington and, more particularly, both parties who present a clear and present danger to America as they pander to the special interests to fund their campaigns and generate voter support to pursue their self-interests and political ideologies.

The idea that it would be a welcome relief from watching the interminable Congressional wrangling to see a strong executive exert totalitarian-like powers to manage the country is not only wrong, but an anathema to the American way of life. To strengthen the power of the presidency at the risk of usurping constitutionally-granted congressional powers is not acceptable under these circumstances or any circumstances.

And it bothers me that the American public clearly indicated they did not want an ill-defined attempt to dictate America’s healthcare. Something ignored by both the Congressional democrats and the Administration.

Politicians have claimed that they are promoting transparency and accountability in government which, as a lawyer might say, assumes facts not in evidence. Especially when you consider 2,000+ page legislative bills which are not read or fully understood by the legislators who sign them – without any regard for the American citizen.

Enough is enough!

Bottom line …

There is a point when governmental action becomes tyranny and the actions of a leader turns into a dictatorship. While I am not suggesting that tipping point has been reached, I do believe it is on the horizon should America continue down the path from a progressive political ideology to a totalitarian version of Marxism.

It is up to the American people to elect “honest brokers” to serve “We the People.” It is also up to the American people to recall leaders who fail to uphold the Constitution of the United States and repeal egregious legislation which does not uphold the principles of America: freedom, equality of opportunity and justice for all under the law.

Wake up people. It may become, sometime in the near future, to hold our elected officials responsible for what has befallen the American public and to impeach the President of the United States if he has crossed the line.

-- steve

Reference Links …

Statement from John Podesta

Read the full CAP report (pdf)

Download the CAP executive summary (pdf)

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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TSA PRIMER: Simple as 1-2-3!

1. The Fourth Amendment …

 “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated …”

(Fourth Amendment – United States Constitution)

2. Benjamin Franklin …

 “Those Who Sacrifice Liberty For Security Deserve Neither”

   (Paraphrased Benjamin Franklin)

3. Commonsense

It’s the Muslims, Stupid!

 Remember ...

flag

Just an idea …

It makes just as much sense, and is probably cheaper, if a live pig is placed on each aircraft so that any terrorist attempt to reach Allah will be forever denied.  -

- steve

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

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Hispandering: Democrats try to buy Hispanics for 2012 election cycle

It’s beginning …

Capture11-19-2010-3.42.22 PM 

Friend --

President Obama has made it clear: He wants Congress to deliver the DREAM Act to his desk before the year is out. 

This important step forward on immigration reform would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented youth willing to work for a college degree or serve in our armed forces -- people who are Americans in every way but their legal status.
Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have supported this change for years -- and it would be law today if it weren't for political posturing in Washington.

The American people showed this month they were tired of the gridlock -- but right now, members of Congress are wondering if people like you are going to hold their feet to the fire.  

Stand with President Obama today -- and support the passage of the DREAM Act.

We all know that not everyone in Congress agrees on comprehensive immigration reform.
But that is exactly why we must move forward now in areas where there is broad support across the board.

President Obama has already moved ahead, toughening enforcement of the laws on the books. But that alone is not enough. This issue is too important for Congress not to act -- especially when 70 percent of voters support passing the DREAM Act and giving these hardworking youth a path forward.

It's a reform rooted in basic fairness.

Americans do not believe in punishing innocent children for their parents' actions. We believe in rewarding the folks who work hard to get an education; we believe in honoring the people who make great sacrifices to serve their country.

These are principles we take pride in -- principles that have made this nation great. And these are principles we need to stand up for today.
The President has taken a stand. Now he needs us to get his back.

Add your name to the sign-on letter and show that we will not stop fighting until the DREAM Act is sent to the President's desk.

<link deleted>

Thanks for your help,
Mitch

Mitch Stewart, Director
Organizing for America

It’s up to you to decide whether President Obama’s idea is a DREAM or a NIGHTMARE!

Mitch mentions fairness, so I ask you: How fair is it for you to deprive yourself and your family of the efforts of your hard work to support those who have managed to enter our country illegally. Sacrifice your child’s health in an overcrowded or closed emergency room?

Like all politicians, Obama and his congressional fellow travelers believe legislation is the solution. The speak of passing laws to toughen immigration enforcement, but the truth is that they are selectively applied according to the political whims of the democrats. Our border still remains porous with crime raging in close proximity to American cities. There are parts of AMERICA which our government has told us are unsafe and we need to STAY OUT of these areas lest we encounter armed illegal aliens.

Fairness? Read further to see the exemptions, exceptions and why this bill is not fair to American citizens – even as it is being hailed in Mexico as a great step forward in THEIR political agenda: outsourcing poverty, illiteracy, disease to the United States and obtaining an immigrant revenue stream in the process.

A clear and present danger …

There is no doubt in my mind that America is facing a clear and present danger from our corrupt political system in which both parties are competing against each other to provide citizenship and entitlements to illegal aliens in return for campaign funding and voter support. Without once considering the impact of a large alien population assuming a voting role in our elections and providing a further drag on our economic recovery as they co-opt social services and benefits paid for and designed for legal American citizens.

Thanks to Ira Mehlman of FAIR (Federation for American Immigration Reform), we are provided with this heads up …

A DREAM Act Fact Sheet

One of More Versions Expected in Lame Duck Session

 

November 18, 2010

With political power slipping away from them, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi intend to use the lame duck session of Congress (which includes more than 100 defeated or retiring members) to enact a sweeping illegal alien amnesty known as the DREAM Act.

Sold as a bill to help a small number of youthful, high-achieving illegal aliens who were brought here by their parents, the DREAM Act is anything but. Below are some important facts about the DREAM Act amnesty that will be put before the lame duck Congress as early as Nov. 29.

  • About 2.1 million illegal aliens could qualify, according the pro-amnesty Migration Policy Institute. Likely fraud could drive that number even higher.
  • There is no age limit on qualification in the House bill. “Kids of all ages” will be eligible. Depending on which Senate bill is considered, the age limit is either 30 or 35 years-old.
  • People with criminal records and gang affiliations are eligible.
  • Beneficiaries would be entitled to billions in education assistance: In-state tuition subsidies, Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans.
  • The DREAM Act is not just for high achievers. High school dropouts can qualify by completing their GEDs and enrolling in an “institution of higher education” such as a two-year community college or a vocational school.
  • No degree is necessary. All beneficiaries have to do is complete two years of course work over an eight-year period.
  • Education requirements can be waived due to “hardship.”
  • Military service is not a requirement. Beneficiaries can go to work in other “uniformed services,” such as NOAA or the Public Health Service. Again, even these requirements can be waived due to “hardship.”
  • Applicants who are turned down for the DREAM Act amnesty can litigate their denials.
  • The DREAM Act beneficiaries would be the tip of the iceberg. In less than ten years, DREAM Act beneficiaries would be eligible to petition for legal admission of a whole range of relatives, including their parents who brought them to the U.S. illegally.
  • Applying for the DREAM Act amnesty prevents the applicant from being removed from the country. The DREAM Act bars DHS from removing “any individual who has a pending application for conditional status,” even if the applicant is ineligible for amnesty.
  • Applying for the DREAM Act amnesty effectively prevents future removal, even if the application is denied. DHS is barred from using information provided in the amnesty application against the applicant, effectively indemnifying them against future enforcement.

Bottom line …

The political corruption of the democrats and their Marxist fellow travelers, the SEIU (Service Employees International Union), ACORN and any number of other far-left organizations is once again rearing its ugly head.

The illegal aliens have already compromised our tax system, our retirement system and our healthcare delivery system with their stolen or forged documents. A major crime, especially where identity theft is involved.

This is no time to allow either political party to pander to the Hispanics. In fact, it is time to secure our borders and get our house in order before inviting even more guests to take advantage of our hospitality. We need to provide a rational, safe and cost-effective immigration reform plan.

It’s not all that hard as I have indicated before in numerous blog entries.

-- steve

Reference Links …

There is no need to legalize "illegal" aliens ...
Immigration: simple as 1-2-3
2010 ELECTION: DEMOCRATS SELLING OUT THE UNITED STATES IN RETURN FOR POLITICAL SUPPORT ...
Immigration Reform: Caught with their pants down

John McCain: HISpandering for votes

Immigration: The politician's dirty little secret ...
Obama: Amnesty is NOT immigration reform, it is radical activism which might destroy our country financially, socially and demographically!
The public relations push to grant amnesty to illegal aliens on humanitarian grounds?
DID THOMAS JEFFERSON GIVE US THE ANSWER TO OPPOSING ANY ILLEGAL AMNESTY BILL PASSED BY CONGRESS AND SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT?
Alienation or Alien Nation: Your Choice

“Nullius in verba”-- take nobody's word for it!
"Acta non verba" -- actions not words

“Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”-- George Bernard Shaw

“Progressive, liberal, Socialist, Marxist, Democratic Socialist -- they are all COMMUNISTS.”

“The key to fighting the craziness of the progressives is to hold them responsible for their actions, not their intentions.” – OCS

"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims... but accomplices” -- George Orwell

“Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt." (The people gladly believe what they wish to.) ~Julius Caesar

“Describing the problem is quite different from knowing the solution. Except in politics." ~ OCS

| Comments (0)

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