Thursday, December 30, 2010

Government Spending at its Finest: Studying World of Warcraft and Other Virtual Games - $2.9 Million

Yes, that is right. Our government spent $2.9 million of our taxpayer money to research the collaborative benefits of virtual games.

We have to stop this wasteful spending. When you hear about things like this, post it to Facebook, Twitter or some other social media website. Believe it or not, you do have the power to stop Washington. By getting the word out, we can shine a light on programs like this one. Hold Congress and the White House accountable.

When you look at how things work in Washington, they know that we have short-term memories. Politicians are good at helping us forget by using the "Jedi Mind Trick". They wave their hands and simply tell us to forget what we saw or heard.

NO MORE! HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Voluntary End-of-Life Planning Back!

Due to all of the issues, Congress removed this from the Affordable Healthcare Law. Now, it is back as a regulation.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Temporary Extensions of the Bush-era Tax Cuts at What Cost

President Obama and the Democrats came up with a compromise on the tax cuts. There would be a 2 year extension on the tax cuts for all. However, the Republicans must approve of a 13-month extension to the unemployment benefits. That is a 151 weeks of unemployment. Do you believe this? I know that we have to help the unemployed. I ought to know. I was laid off and could not find a job for almost 17 months. I appreciated the help, but I also realize that the benefit needs to come to an end sometime.

The big question is funding. Pelosi said that we would use deficit spending for this worthy cause of helping the unemployed. She also said a couple of days ago that for every dollar spent on the unemployed, it returns to $2 to the economy. I think she is smoking some of the wacky weed from her own state of California. In order to deal with this, I think we all need to start smoking to try to understand this and the mindset of the free-spending liberal Congress.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, this extension will cost the American taxpayer a whopping $56 billion over 10 years and since we need to fund this program, it will come from deficit spending. You know what that means. Our national debts grows again. Do you know that we already spend $31.9 billion PER MONTH on just interest payments on our debt? Think about it this way. We pay in one month to service our debt what an average government agency costs to run for 1 year. If you aren't scared yet, you have already smoking the same stuff Pelosi is smoking.

Wake up, America! I know that we are charitable to a fault and we want to help those who are in need. But, we need to do it in a better way. Give them back their dignity and put them back to work. Stimulate the economy by extending the tax breaks permanently. Slash the budgets. Yes, I advocate looking at the entitlement programs and defense. Those programs suck more money out of the budget than any others. These are hard times, ladies and gentlemen. We have to do things that we do not like doing.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Democrats Want the Bush-era Tax Cuts to Expire for ALL People

The reason for all of the Democrat ultimatums regarding the Bush-era tax breaks is quite simple if you think about it. If the tax breaks for the high income were to expire, then the government gets $700 billion in spend on whatever they want. They are not interested in lowering the national debt. With the additional money, they can afford to expand the government and pay back their union buddies for all of their work in keeping them in office.

You might be thinking, "Well, $700 billion is a lot of money." Think again. If the middle-class tax break expires, the Democrats are looking at $3 trillion is revenue back to the government. You see. They know the figures and the plan is very simple. Play games and have meetings while the clock ticks away. Let Republicans become a roadblock. Once the tax breaks expire, the Republicans look like the bad guys and the Democrats getting a major boost in the 2012 elections by pointing to the Republicans as the "bad guys who stood in the way of the middle-class tax breaks". You could not ask for more.

If Republicans and Democrats had addressed the tax breaks earlier in the year, the economy would have taken off and began to flourish as opposed to languishing. But, that's not the Democrat's plan. There are more things that they want to do to make sure that 2012 will be the year when Democrats will take back Congress.


Now, enter President Obama with his ultimatum of vetoing any bill for tax breaks that does not include extensions to the unemployed. Very sneaky, Mr. President. If the Republicans stand their ground, they will not extend unemployment benefits beyond 99 weeks. Once again, the Democrats have the Republicans right where they want them. If they do not agree to extending the unemployment, Republicans will be the bad guys once again and Democrats have something to crow about. If they do agree, then the Democrats will show them up as a pushovers.

My advice to Republicans is very easy to understand. Forget how you will look during the 2012 elections. Do the right things for the right reasons. Stand on principle and let the American people judge you for what you have done and plan to do in the future. We need men and women of iron will and focused on standing up for future generations and for this great nation.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Tax Breaks for the Wealthy: Another Democrat Party Ploy

The only reason the Democrats are forcing these votes is paint the Republicans as defenders of the wealthy. To be honest, I believe that the Democrats don't want any of the Bush-era tax cuts to pass. They want the revenue that will be generated when the tax break expires. Democrats are not interested in getting the economy back on track. They are more interested in turning our great nation into a full-blown welfare state and they do not care how they do it. They see the $700 billion in government revenue that will fund their agenda.

Look at what they are doing. If the Republicans do not vote for the President's plan, they get painted as the guardians of the wealthy. If they vote for it, the Republicans look like a bunch of political push-overs. In the end, the Democrats are looking to win 2012 by forcing the Republicans to vote no to the middle-class tax breaks. I can already see each Democrat running in 2012 snapping up all of the audio clips of Republicans saying no to the tax breaks.

Democrats time after time use the class card to divide and conquer their enemies. Take a look at their arguments against the tea parties, Republicans in general or, for that matter, anyone who has a brain and voice to speak against them.

As I have said before, I am a conservative first and foremost when it comes to politics. I believe in working together to solve problems. However, I'm not a doormat. I will speak out against both parties.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Federal Pay Freezes...NOT!

Earlier in the week, President Obama announced that there would be a pay freeze for government employees. While everyone is talking about the President's efforts, we didn't look at the fine print. This president is a master of deception.

It turns out that the federal employees will not be getting "cost of living" increases which amounts to 1.4%. However, most federal employees will still receive automatic seniority-based pay increases. These are called "step-pay" increases. They are given to employees for satisfactory job performance. Given the government's method for rating employees' performance, simply breathing constitutes satisfactory job performance.

So much for saving us money, Mr. President.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

House Passes Middle-Class Tax Cut

Once again, the Democrats are working over time to make the Republicans look bad. This vote was not for the American people. It was a political ploy to see if the Republicans would cave to the Democrat rhetoric. I think John Boehner hit the nail right on the head when he referred to this political maneuvering as "chicken crap". I would have certainly given him more points if he had used the expletive to underscore the Democrats and their ploys.

I am absolutely tired of this whole routine. If I were in Congress, I would have told the Democrats that it is all or nothing. Let it be on their head. I don't care if you are rich or poor. Everyone needs to pay their fair share. I remember when Teresa Heinz held a meeting after she had her taxes done by her accountants and lawyers. She lamented that it was sad that she didn't have to pay a lot in taxes. Warren Buffet said that the rich need to be taxed more. I say this. There is no law or IRS regulation that makes anyone take a deduction. If you enjoy paying more in taxes, please be my guest and pay more. I believe in paying for the government; however, I do not enjoy seeing it wasted on earmarks and ballooning the government with more employees especially if they are union people.

Last year, nearly 50% of the taxpayers did not pay taxes. I say that is wrong. Everyone must pay their fair and just share of taxes. If the government will retain the Bush-era tax cuts for all AND stop the binge spending by writing a budget and sticking to it, we will see our income take off.

Let us stop the rhetoric and get to work! If the Congress refuses, call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask for your senators' and/or representative's office. Reminder your senators and representatives that you will remember their voting record in 2012. Remember, they work for you. Term limits already exist. The process is called voting.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

A Very Interesting Video to Think About

When I watched this video, I thought it was very amusing. However, when you start looking at various characters, one stands out more than the others. That character is George Soros.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Politics as Usual?

If there is one term I absolutely hate, it is "politics as usual". Why are we willing to accept things as they are? During this mid-term election, I have seen so many cases of dirty politics and people tend to dismiss it as something that always happens when two people run for office.

It doesn't have to be that way. I refuse to abide by those who accept these practices and will not tolerate it in any candidate I choose to vote for. If a candidate wants to engage in dirty politics and smear campaigns, I will not vote for him. Instead of telling the American voter where they stand on issues, they are more interested in denigrating their opponents. I believe that any candidate who engages in that sort of politics is someone we do not want to represent us.

A candidate that will do anything to win is one that will do anything to stay in office. That candidate will sell his soul for re-election and fail to represent the people who put him in office.

If I were running for office, I would state my position clearly and let the voters know where I stand on any issue. If I lose, I lose with a clear conscience. If I win, then I know that the people I represent believe that I will keep my word and do what I said I would do.

So, my words to any candidate running for any office. Be honest. Stay on message. Let your opponent know that you will not engage in dirty political tricks. State clearly, "I am a person of integrity and will not dignify a smear campaign with a response. I am above that. I will work to address the issues and formulate a solution."

I would vote for that candidate in a heartbeat.

Friday, October 15, 2010

No Congressional Budget, But...

The Obama administration is set to announce today, October 15th, that the federal budget will exceed $1 trillion for the second straight year.

The Congressional Budget Office projects a budget deficit of $1.29 trillion for the 2010 fiscal year which ended on September 30th.

With all of the spending going on with "shovel-ready" projects and earmarks for all, I would have figured our income would be roaring down the road at breakneck speeds. No, it is quite the opposite. With first time jobless claims increasing by 13,000 which was reported yesterday, it seems that all of the money that was spent did not do much to stimulate the economy. It did, however, stimulate a spending frenzy with Congress and the President. $50 billion for teachers and more his union buddies.

Additionally, Congress has not submitted a budget. I guess they do not want the public to know what we are in store for prior to the mid-term elections. I hope and pray that the American public rises up and votes them all out of office.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

No Respect for the WWII Memorial

This past weekend we saw a host of organizations come together at the Lincoln Memorial to protest capitalism. The rally was called "One Nation". Look at how they treated the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. This is absolutely appalling.

Monday, October 4, 2010

New Environmental Campaign to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint

Take a look at the video created by the people behind the “10:10″ campaign. This movement is trying to encourage people to reduce their carbon consumption by 10 percent in 2010. This organization has been forced to pull their controversial new advertisement from the internet after widespread public outcry. The gruesome 4-minute ad depicts global warming skeptics being literally blown to pieces after their tree-hugging friends insist they’re under “no pressure” to modify their carbon consumption.

WARNING: This video is very disturbing. But, it does demonstrate how far an extremist organization will go to force their viewpoint down people's throats.

Shocking Comments from Virginia Ironside

How can anyone say something like this and say it with no thought or feeling?

Before you listen to the comments, please make sure your children are not in the room.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

The Summer of Recovery

Vice-President Biden called this summer "the summer of recovery". Has it happened? Did I miss it? It never happened. Look at what is going on.

  1. According to recent data from the Federal Reserve, corporate cash is still hovering at record levels of $1.84 trillion, and cash remains higher than it was just 18 months ago. These high cash levels are starting to become a sore spot among ...market observers. The hope was that cash-rich companies could ignite the economy coming out of the recession by dipping into their deep pockets to boost spending and demand. It hasn't happened. The reason is that businesses are scared and they are uncertain about the future. My own health care premiums went up 30%. The insurance companies are building cash reserves so that they can handle all of the regulations and agencies that will be created. Remember, 16,000 more IRS agents just to enforce the mandate to buy health care insurance. Businesses are scared. When businesses are scared, they don't hire.
  2. The Initial claims for unemployment aid rose to 465K. Economists had thought that the number would remain flat. It didn't.
  3. Consumer confidence declined in July and only slightly improved in August.
  4. The government's solution of spending more and more money is not working.
No one is buying the lame excuses of the Democrats or the Republicans. I'm tired of all of this and truly want change. Let us return to small government. Let us reduce spending. Let us cut taxes. Let us slash the budget.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Stimulus Money at Work

Foxnews.com

More than a year after Congress approved $800 billion in stimulus funds, the Los Angeles city controller has released a 40-page report on how the city spent its share, and the results are not living up to expectations.

"I'm disappointed that we've only created or retained 55 jobs after receiving $111 million," said Wendy Greuel, the city's controller. "With our local unemployment rate over 12 percent we need to do a better job cutting red tape and putting Angelenos back to work."

My Thoughts
When you put the government in the driver's seat regarding the economy, all you will get is waste and nothing gets done. Why should we expect anything different. We voted them into office.

Mid-term elections are almost here. Make sure you are registered and vote. I don't care if you are Republican or Democrat. Both parties should be ashamed for allowing things like this to occur. I am so tired of voting on the basis of choosing the lesser of two evils. I am looking for a conversatives who truly believe in small government and will work to reduce its size and influence in our lives.

For the full article, click here.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

No to Qur’an Burning!

Let me start off by saying this. I'm not happy with the radical viewpoints of Islamic extremists. I also realize that no matter what political party, religious sect, or any organization, for that matter, contains radicals who are bent on making a point in a violent way. Additionally, I also realize the first amendment rights of individual to speak out or protest something that they want to people to know about.

Terry Jones, pastor of the 50-member Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL, has decided to burn Qur'ans in protest of the Islamic faith and how it has disrespected Christianity. First in foremost, Christians are told to love their enemies and to be respectful. This act of book burning goes against everything I believe. It is a senseless act and should not be done.

I know that in other nations, the ownership of a Bible could be punishable by imprisonment. I know that some nations would put a person in prison just for talking about Christianity. None of these things should be used as a reason to be disrespectful of another person.

Read John 15:9-12. Jesus tells us to love one another. If all of us followed that basic principle, the world would be a better place.

So, I say, "Don't burn the Qur'an!"

I would suggest doing something positive like sponsoring a Bible drive. Collect money and purchase Bibles for those in the world who are hungry for the Word. That would be a better way of being a Christian and living the teachings of Christ Jesus.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Forget the Mosque at Ground Zero

As a Christian and an American, I do not care if the mosque is built near Ground Zero. Yes, it bothers me that the builders have not considered the feelings of Americans, but there is something that bothers me more.

There was a small Greek Orthodox church, St. Nicholas, at Ground Zero. It was destroyed when one of the towers fell on it. The landing gear from one of the planes that crashed into the towers plowed through the church.

We, as Christians, should be coming to the aid of this small church and rebuilding it. There are 70 families who no longer have a church to worship in. No final decision has been made in almost 10 years. The decision to build a mosque received almost immediate approval and faced very little obstacles. However, St. Nicholas did not get the same treatment.

Instead of complaining about the mosque, let us lift up this church in prayer and support it in whatever way we can. Let us rebuild the church for the glory of God.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Harry Reid Uses Allies to Attack Angle

Harry Reid uses his allies to attack his opponent, Sharron Angle. Instead of condemning dirty politics, he remains silent and encourages his allies to do his dirty work.

Once again, Democrats are trying to look good while using everyone else to attack opponents. I guess they are getting desperate.

Click here for the full article.

Former NEA General Counsel Bob Chanin and NEA Goals

Listen to what the goals for the NEA are. So much for the children and education.


Democrat Party Calling for Dirt

In an article from the Dallas Morning News entitled "Anger management and Rep. Ciro Rodriguez', I read that that DNC has put out a call for ALL Democrats to use their cell phone video cameras to capture Republicans saying embarrassing things and to post them immediately to websites.

Do you believe this? When confronted with the possible loss of the House and even the remote loss of the Senate during the mid-term, the response from the Democrats is to dig up dirt on Republicans. Instead of standing on their records, they are content in engaging in dirty politics. Why aren't they standing on their records?

Let's look at the record of this Congress. Uncontrolled spending, TARP, the stimulus package that did nothing and, of course, health care reform.

When asked about their records, they respond defensively and scream at the constituents and state that they were provoked by members of the tea party movement. Here's a prime example of the defensive positioning of Democrats.

Ciro Rodriguez in Texas blew up when a constituent called him out on health care and corrected him on his figures. She was right about the numbers. Judge for yourself.


Monday, July 12, 2010

Democrat Party's Strategy for Mid-Terms: Dig Up Dirt on Republicans

In a recent Washington Post article entitled "Democrats digging harder than ever for dirt on Republicans", Democrats are showing their change in tactics in order to keep their seats in Congress. Instead of standing on their records (or lack thereof), they have decided to play dirty politics.

In past elections, Democrats have stated that they are above dirty politics. Since their records are being carefully examined, they have nothing to offer their constituents. Look at health care reform. Over 60% of Americans want to repeal the law. They just don't want to reform or amend it. They want it repealed.

During the 2008 Presidential elections, Americans were told that there would be change. They promised transparency and no more of the business as usual. It didn't happen. We saw Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi making deals to get health care reform passed. We saw closed door sessions and very limited television debate.

So much for change.

For the entire article, click here.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Congressman Pete Stark and His Comments

Judge for yourself. I believe he perfectly exemplifies how our elected officials in Washington view their constituents.


Saturday, May 15, 2010

BP Exec: Gulf of Mexico "Relatively Tiny" Compared to "Very Big Ocean"

FOXNews.com - BP Exec: Gulf of Mexico 'Relatively Tiny' Compared to 'Very Big Ocean'


If Tony Hayward, the chief executive at BP, is trying to win points with the American people, he isn't doing a great job by making comments like this.

I know that accidents happen on drilling rigs; however, the response from our own government and BP has been laughable to say the least. The government in 1995 created a plan to handle such events. It required use of booms used to collect and burn off the oil. However, the government never purchased the booms and the only company in the US that makes them only had 1 in stock.

Great. Just another example of how our government "protects" us. We had a plan, but we didn't follow it.

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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

A Few Interesting Points about Our Tax Code

Here are so very interesting bits of trivia regarding the US tax code.

1. Taxes used to be simple. In 1913, the first income tax form and instructions totaled four pages. By contrast, today's 1040 plus instructions totals 176 pages.

2. The tax code gets more complicated. The code is now 3,784,745 words long, not counting the 2009 and 2010 changes. It will get worse in the future.

3. Americans spend more than 7 billion hours trying to comply, according to a forthcoming study from the National Taxpayer Union (NTU). "That is the equivalent of 3.7 million employees working 40-hour weeks year-round without any vacation. That's more workers than are employed at the five biggest employers among Fortune 500 companies," writes David Keating in the NTU study.

4. "Counting time and money for individual taxpayers, the compliance burden would total an incredible $103 billion for individual taxpayers alone."

Don't get me wrong. I pay my taxes and realize that we have to pay for services that our government performs. However, I think our system of taxation needs to be completely overhauled. If I had my choice, we would move to a simple flat tax system and get rid of all of the deductions. I benefit from some of them, but I also know that people are paying for my deductions.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Sallie Mae Blames 2,500 Layoffs on Obama's Student Loan Overhaul

FOXNews.com - Sallie Mae Blames 2,500 Layoffs on Obama's Student Loan Overhaul

Powerhouse student loan provider Sallie Mae says layoffs are imminent as a result of President Obama's new student loan overhaul.

My Thoughts
Instead of working with the student loan industry to make it easier for them to loan money, Congress specifically the Democrats and the Obama administration decided to take over student loans in order to fund parts of it health care programs.

By doing this, student loan companies will now start laying off employees. Thanks, guys!

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Democrats Accused of Trying to 'Intimidate' Firms for Airing Health Care Concerns

FOXNews.com - Democrats Accused of Trying to 'Intimidate' Firms for Airing Health Care Concerns

The CEOs of some of the country's biggest companies are being summoned to Washington to defend claims that the health care reform law would cost them millions -- a move Republicans say amounts to intimidation.

My Thoughts
Congress is trying to save face by shifting the blame on the negativity for the health care law to everyone else including businesses that now have to increase spending on employee medical benefits. Some businesses are stating that they may have to lay off employees to pay for this health care law.

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Friday, March 26, 2010

Jobless Benefit Expiration To Affect Thousands

Jobless Benefit Expiration To Affect Thousands -Labor Group - FOXBusiness.com


WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- More than 200,000 people would stop receiving checks in the first week if federal jobless benefits expire April 5 due to congressional inaction, according to pro-labor group the National Employment Law Project.

My Thoughts
While Democrats shifted gears from jobs back to health care, thousands of Americans will have their unemployment benefits cut off if Congress does not act. Republicans will blame Democrats and Democrats will blame Republicans.

I blame both parties for missing this.

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3M Sees 12 Cents a Share Charge On Health-Care Bill

3M Sees 12 Cents a Share Charge On Health-Care Bill - FOXBusiness.com
SAN FRANCISCO--3M Co. said Friday that it expects to record a non-cash charge of $85 million to $90 million after tax, or about 12 cents a share, in the first quarter of 2010 as a result of the recently passed health-care bill.

My Thoughts
Another company announces that they will have to take a charge for the health care law that the President signed.

With the economy in a fragile state and slowly recovering, corporations will be faced with outsourcing the work to foreign countries and laying off employees.

So much for helping with jobs and stimulating the economy.

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AT&T Taking $1B Charge to Cover Costs of New Health-Care Legislation

AT&T Taking $1B Charge to Cover Costs of New Health-Care Legislation - FOXBusiness.com

AT&T (T: 26.24, 0.08, 0.31%) said Friday that tax ramifications related to the newly passed health-care legislation will force it to take a $1 billion non-cash charge in the first quarter.

My Thoughts
It looks like the new health care law will take its toll on the economy. I have heard of companies that are talking about outsourcing more of their jobs so that they can avoid paying more for health care. Some companies are talking about laying more employees off in order to get them off of their payrolls in order to avoid paying more for health care.

Isn't this wonderful? I saw a news segment of a man jumping for joy saying that he will get free health care and housing. Free? It will cost all Americans dearly for this program.

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Friday, March 19, 2010

"Cornhusker" Out, More Deals In: Health Care Bill Gives Special Treatment

FOXNews.com - 'Cornhusker' Out, More Deals In: Health Care Bill Gives Special Treatment

Democrats unveiling revisions Thursday to their health care overhaul bill decided to kill the extra $100 million in Medicaid funds for Nebraska that has become a symbol of backdoor deal making. But the 153 pages of changes to the massive health care package include extra money for several other states.

My Thoughts
The President and his buddies in Congress will do whatever it takes to make this unwanted bill a law. I honestly believe that Congressmen are holding out their votes so that they can get a sweetheart deal for their states. It is morally reprehensible for anyone during this economic downturn to take more money for their state's just to stay in office.

Do you honestly think that spending all of this money is going to solve the health care issues we have. In a recent survey by the New England Medical Journal, 46% of the doctors surveyed said that they will leave their profession due to the headache that this health care bill will cause once it becomes law.

The CBO points out that the government will will save up to $138 billion over 10 years once this becomes law. Explain to me how a government that prides itself on overspending and missing the mark on every project is able to save money. I think it is never going to save that money and will most likely overspend.

With $38 trillion dollars in unfunded liability in Medicare, we will just simply accelerate the insolvency of the program with this bill.

Don't get me wrong. I believe that we need to reform the health care industry; however, it needs to be done slowly and done with the intent of truly helping people rather than using it as a political legacy. The President has made it quite clear to the rank and file that his presidency is at stake and that they need to come to his aid and not to the aid of the nation.

I predict that this bill will be passed either by a vote or through the "deeming" process (aka Slaughter solution). If it passes, I know that Americans will rise up and vote out the incumbents. All are tired of the games played by Washington. So much for transparency and change. Didn't someone during the presidential elections promise those things?

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Friday, March 12, 2010

GOP Senators Question $1M Salary for Boys and Girls Club CEO

FOXNews.com - GOP Senators Question $1M Salary for Boys and Girls Club CEO

Four senators said they were concerned that the chief executive of a charity that has been closing local clubs for lack of funding was compensated nearly $1 million in 2008. They also questioned why in the same year officials spent $4.3 million on travel, $1.6 million on conferences, conventions and meetings, and $544,000 in lobbying fees.

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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Obama Confuses Decades, Inflates Estimated Health Care Savings by $868B

FOXNews.com - Obama Confuses Decades, Inflates Estimated Health Care Savings by $868B

Obama boasted Monday that Democrats' health care proposals would cut deficits by $1 trillion "over the next decade," a flub that inflated the actual estimate by $868 billion.

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Saturday, March 6, 2010

Harry Reid: "Today is a big day in America. Only 36,000 people lost their jobs today, which is really good."

As one of the millions of unemployed individuals in the US, I really appreciate Harry Reid's glib attitude and remark about how the workforce only lost 36,000 jobs. His comment ranks up there with Marie Antoinette's quote, "Let them eat cake."

Thanks, Senator Reid. I appreciate the sentiment.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Pelosi: Lawmakers Should Sacrifice Jobs for Health Care

FOXNews.com - Pelosi: Lawmakers Should Sacrifice Jobs for Health Care

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged her colleagues to back a major overhaul of U.S. health care even if it threatens their political careers, a call to arms that underscores the issue's massive role in this election year.

My Thoughts
Nancy and gang will stop at nothing to get this legislation through even if it means losing everything in the process. All she wants is that one feather in her cap. Nancy doesn't care how this will impact the country or her colleagues. She just wants this done so she can go back to her constituents and tell them that she faced down the Republicans and beat them.

I would like to see her constituents vote her out of office as well as see Harry Reids' vote him out. I am so tired of both parties and what they have done to our system of democracy.

I believe that the American people need to rise up and take their country back from these charlatans. We need to work together to bring fiscal responsibility to our nation, reduce government spending and its size. Let us resolve TODAY to vote them out of office and start over.

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Friday, February 19, 2010

Obama Writing Health Bill to Skirt GOP Filibuster

FOXNews.com - Obama Writing Health Bill to Skirt GOP Filibuster

The president reportedly is working on health care legislation intended to reconcile differences between House and Senate Democrats that could be attached to a budget bill and pass with only 51 Senate votes.
My Thoughts
I guess the President has decided enough of that "change" rhetoric and has decided to become a Washington player and use whatever means necessary to jam down the throats of the American people a health care program that will not solve any problems, cost more than we can afford and create more bureaucracy.

I have read of a couple of reports that show that health care premiums are going up. According to the insurance providers, they have to do it because of the spiraling health care costs. I would argue that if we get health care expenses under control, get more people employed and make it easier for small businesses and self-employed to get unrestricted access to health care insurance, we will see a major improvement.

The health care insurance industry needs to be more competitive. In some states, one insurer covers 90% or more of those insured. Where is the free market system there? Health insurance providers can easily reduce the amounts that they are willing to pay on procedures. Remember the negotiated fee schedule that both hospital and insurance company argue over all of the time. We are stuck in the middle. Since insurance companies drive down the amount they are willing to pay, the hospital drives up the cost to get more money from the insurance companies. For those who have no insurance, they pay the inflated rates.

This is not the thing to do. I believe it starts with tort reform and ends with hospitals going back to the model of taking care of the patient rather than constantly taking care of the bottom line.

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Top U.N. Climate Official Yvo de Boer Resigning

FOXNews.com - Top U.N. Climate Official Yvo de Boer Resigning

Yvo de Boer, the top U.N. climate change official, is resigning after nearly four years -- mere months before 193 nations are due to reconvene in Mexico for another attempt to reach a worldwide agreement on controlling greenhouse gases.

My Thoughts
With everyone questioning the findings and reports regarding global warming, no wonder he resigned. Additionally, have you noticed that we don't use the phrase, "Global Warming", anymore? It is now "Climate Change". If you are using "Global Warming" you will be harshly corrected.

When you have scientists who are picking and choosing data points and using poor scientific methods for gathering and keeping records, you have to wonder about them. Did they just do this to get more grant money? You have to wonder.

Several days ago, Donald Trump suggested that Al Gore be stripped of his Nobel Prize since most of the findings he used in his book and movie were erroneous or based on exaggerated findings. I suggest that his documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth", be stripped of its Academy award for "Best Documentary". I guess that will never happen.

Where is Al Gore? Why hasn't he said anything about all of this? Isn't he the poster boy for the cause? Excuse me, Mr. Gore, I have a few questions for you.

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Silver Lining Hard to Find for Some on Anniversary of Stimulus

FOXNews.com - Silver Lining Hard to Find for Some on Anniversary of Stimulus

The United States of America owes $1.6 trillion more today than it did a year ago. The jobless rate has climbed from 8.1 percent to 9.7 percent. And the deficit has soared to record levels, with another record likely to be set this year.

Happy anniversary.

My Thoughts
After being unemployed for 14 months, I can start the stimulus has done very little for me. I did get an extension to my unemployment insurance, but I would much rather have a job. My brother jokingly asks me about enjoying my unemployment check. Although he doesn't mean anything by it, I still feel that I'm taking money for doing nothing.

This is the first time in my life that I have been receiving government money. I can tell you that I do not enjoy it and would much rather have a job.

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Tapes Reveal Edwards Discussing Scheme and Mistress Complaining, Ex-Aide Says

FOXNews.com - Tapes Reveal Edwards Discussing Scheme and Mistress Complaining, Ex-Aide Says

John Edwards' former mistress would "get extremely upset and threaten to go public" whenever he discussed his love for his wife Elizabeth in the media, a former aide told Fox News Thursday, as he released a voice mail tape in which a woman he said was Rielle Hunter can be heard complaining to Edwards about such an interview.

Just think he ran for President.

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Sunday, January 31, 2010

TARP Cop: Some Bailout Goals Still Unmet

FOXNews.com - TARP Cop: Some Bailout Goals Still Unmet

The government’s top bailout cop said Sunday that more than a year after the financial crisis hit, many of the goals of Washington’s $700 billion bank rescue program remain unmet and that policymakers still have not addressed fundamental problems that triggered the crisis, leaving the financial system vulnerable to another collapse.


My Thoughts
Most economists will say the same thing, "The recession is over." I disagree. I believe that we are still in the midst of it and it will get worse before it gets better. Why do I say that? Simple. The government continues to tinker in the free market system and it will cause the problems and allow the economy to founder.

So far, unemployment remains over 10%. It is only after the loss in Massachusetts and the growing dissatisfaction of the people with Washington's failure to address the unemployment rate. I talked with a friend of mine at Dell. He told me that 120 people were laid off in his area alone and walked out the door this past week.

Can anyone explain to me with the President's new rhetoric on jobs why this is occurring? With companies dealing with more and more government involvement in their business processes, I believe they will continue to lay people off and outsource their jobs. As I mentioned before, I am not for completely deregulating an industry. I believe the government has to be there to maintain some control. However, it needs to know when to do things and when to remain hands off.

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Stimulus Bill to Cost $75 Billion More Than Expected, CBO Says

FOXNews.com - Stimulus Bill to Cost $75 Billion More Than Expected, CBO Says

The whopping $787 billion federal stimulus package passed by Congress last year is now expected to cost $862 billion over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

In a recent CNN/Opinion Research poll, 56% of Americans oppose this plan. In March, 2009. 54% supported the plan. Oregon is using the stimulus money to create more government jobs.

My Thoughts
In my humble opinion, the stimulus package is a failure. It was touted as the plan to keep unemployment under 8%. Unemployment is at 10+% and underemployment is 7%. Every supporter of the stimulus package says the same thing to defend it. "Bush caused all of these problems and we have to deal with it."

I believe both parties are to blame. By growing the federal government to astronomical proportions, we will see out of control spending and more government intervention. Don't get me wrong. I do believe there are times when the federal government needs to regulate.

However, a government needs to recognize its place. I am a very strong believer of states' rights and the 10th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. If the government cannot figure out its place, we should help them by voting them all out of office and starting over from scratch.

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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Edwards Admits Fathering Love Child, Reportedly Separates From Wife

FOXNews.com - Edwards Admits Fathering Love Child, Reportedly Separates From Wife

After months of denial, former presidential candidate John Edwards has admitted fathering his former campaign videographer's child.

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Senate Democrats Propose $1.9T Increase to U.S. Debt Limit

FOXNews.com - Senate Democrats Propose $1.9T Increase to U.S. Debt Limit

Senate Democrats on Wednesday proposed allowing the federal government to borrow an additional $1.9 trillion to pay its bills, a record increase that would permit the national debt to reach $14.3 trillion.

My Thoughts
To even consider this during this juncture shows poor judgment and tells the American people that they are poor stewards of our money. Remember, it is our money that we pay to the government in taxes.

In almost every household, families run their budgets on a cash basis. They don't use deficit spending to buy things. If they want something, they save for it or decide it isn't something they really want.

With credit card debit decreasing on a monthly basis, Americans, I believe, have learned their lessons. Most of my unemployed friends say the same thing. "We are not going back into debt anymore. We have learned our lesson." I just wished the government learned its lesson about spending.

With our debt mounting and our credit score at risk, I think Congress would be silly to even suggest this as a solution. The Democrats will probably starting whining about how we are in a war that is costing us billions a month. We will hear the whole laundry list of people to blame. Stop blaming people and work the problem! Cut back on the programs! Let the states deal with social programs. The states are capable and closer to the issues of their people. They can certain provide better and more timely response to problems.

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Oil-Rich Nations Fall Far Short in Haiti Donations

Oil-Rich Nations Fall Far Short in Haiti Donations - International News News of the World Middle East News Europe News - FOXNews.com

What do Alyssa Milano, Sandra Bullock, Lance Armstrong, Gisele Bundchen, the country of Senegal and — very possibly — you have in common?

All — including you — have donated more funds to the Haitian relief effort than oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Top economies like Japan and China, meanwhile, have donated $5.3 million and $4.4 million, respectively, or roughly 1 percent of the nearly $400 million donated. Germany, according to U.N. documents, has donated more than $6 million, easily surpassing donations from the Russian Federation, which provided $700,000 and one cargo aircraft with two helicopters.

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Brown Win Forces Democrats to Re-Evaluate Health Care Reform Game Plan

FOXNews.com - Brown Win Forces Democrats to Re-Evaluate Health Care Reform Game Plan

Democrats are being forced to re-evaluate their plans for health care reform after Republican Scott Brown's victory for the U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts.

My Thoughts
I figured that the Democrats would do this. Take a look at what happened. Brown's victory in a state with a 3 to 1 ratio of Democrats to Republicans was not just a statement about the health care bill. It was a clear message to Congress that the American public is not going to tolerate their arrogance anymore. They have let their wishes be known and the Democrats are now facing a public that will start voting them out of office if they refuse to listen to their constituents.

Remember the town hall meetings and anger that was expressed over the specifics of the bill. Well, they just saw a small portion of it. Yesterday's election let them know the extent of that anger.

The Democrats can do a couple of things, but I believe they will chose to let Brown take his seat in the Senate before the vote on health care. Here are the other possible actions and their fallout.

1. Use the "Nuclear Option". By using political tactics, Congressional Democrats could push through the bill with a simple majority. The Democrats have enough votes in both houses to do it. They would have to strip things out of the bill and the House would have to accept the Senate's version. The fallout (pun intended) would be horrible for the Democrats.

During Obama's campaign, he pushed change and transparency in government. If the Democrats continue to use of bribes, secret meetings and political tactics to get the health care bill passed, Obama will be a one-term President and Congress will be Republican-led.

2. Vote before Brown takes his seat in the Senate. This would be another horrible move for the Democrats. It would prove to the American people that their elected officials are completely out of touch with the needs of the people and that they are arrogant.

The results are the same as option 1. Obama is out during the next election with most of the Democrats.

3. Downplay all of this and regroup. I think they will do this and they are already starting to talk about it. Read the article from Fox. Let everyone cool off and put health care on the back burner for a while or indefinitely. The Democrats will shift to another issue. In this case, jobs and the economy will be the most likely area for them. The President is going to work on creating his committee to work on lowering the deficit. The Democrats are already saying that we need to concentrate on jobs.

The results are better for the Democrats. If the health care bill is debated after Brown takes his seat and it is defeated, Democrats can tell their constituents in November that they tried. No other President or Congress faced the issues of health care head on. It was those Republicans again. Also, they can focus on the issue of jobs and the economy and let their constituents know that they see the plight of the little guy and are working to help get the economy on its feet and people back to work.

In their minds, the American public is gullible enough to buy all of this and they will get to keep their seats. I hope that we are strong enough to see through their thinly veiled attempt to woo back their voters and vote them out of office.

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Monday, January 18, 2010

Senate Race in Massachusetts

I have been reading articles about the race and its importance. The thing that we need to consider is what length will the Democrats go to in order to protect the Senate health care reform bill.

They have already talked about using the "nuclear option" and they are already discussing acting before Brown takes his seat in the Senate. In either case, Americans will see that all of the talk about change in Washington, DC was more rhetoric and political hot air. Nothing of substance. Just more of the same with the same outcome. Broken promises.

For example, the televised debates on health care that we were promised will never occur. Obama during his campaign promised that those debates would be televised. Now, Congress says, "I'm sorry. We won't do that." Why? Because they will make deals like they did a month ago in order to get this horrible bill to the President's desk.

Many Democrats say the same thing. "Well, the President can't make Congress televise the debate. Remember, there are 3 branches to the government." I don't need a government class to know that. However, the President can strongly influence Congress to do the right thing. He has not done that. The compromise we are given is that we would see about 1 hour of the debate. That's just great.

If I were in Congress, I tell you what I would do. I would have my colleagues get up during the vote and walk out of the chamber and let the news media know that since our voices weren't going to be heard, why waste the time. It would be a grand statement that we have never seen. Voters will re-elect those Senators and Representatives in landslides and the Democrats will be shown the door the next election.

You ask why all of this. Well, with November coming up, House and Senate Democrats up for re-election need to show something to their constituents. They will go back and ignore TARP and the other bailouts that have failed or fizzled. They will tell the voters that they passed health care reform and have given their best to the people. That's why this is so important.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Dems Weigh Other Options for Passing Health Care if GOP Wins Kennedy's Seat

FOXNews.com - Dems Weigh Other Options for Passing Health Care if GOP Wins Kennedy's Seat

Chris Van Hollen, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, told Bloomberg this week that Democrats are still considering reconciliation, a tactic that forbids filibusters and allow bills to pass with just 51 votes, or a simple majority.

Once again, a perfect example of how things are done in Washington, DC.

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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Coakley: Loss in Massachusetts Senate Race Would Hurt Democrats, Health Care

FOXNews.com - Coakley: Loss in Massachusetts Senate Race Would Hurt Democrats, Health Care

Democrat Martha Coakley and her supporters warned at a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., Tuesday night that the fate of health care reform and the Democratic Party's majority in Congress all hinge on the outcome of her bid for Senate in Massachusetts next week, according to accounts of the closed-door affair.

To me, her statements make her look very desperate. I think the Democrats are hurting and they know it. With Congress' arrogance and its free-spending mentality, I think there will be changes in Congress.

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Cash for Flunkers: Great Blog Piece on Fox News Business

President Obama now wants a windfall profits tax assessed against the nation’s top 20 to 30 banks to cover the estimated $120 billion in projected TARP losses, costs largely incurred from bailing out the failed insurer AIG, the automakers, and bad borrowers.
So which banks could be hit with the new “cash for flunkers” tax, by how much, and will it really raise tax revenues to cut down the deficit? Or will consumers have to pick up the tab?

Click here to read the entire entry.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Feds Probe Cadmium in Kids' Jewelry From China

Feds Probe Cadmium in Kids' Jewelry From China - Local News News Articles National News US News - FOXNews.com

LOS ANGELES — Moving swiftly, U.S. product safety authorities say they are launching an investigation into the presence of the toxic metal cadmium in children's jewelry imported from China after disclosure of lab tests showing that some pieces consisted primarily of the dangerous substance.

First, it was lead paint on toys. Then, it was garbage used in teddy bears. Now, it is heavy metals used in children's Jewelry. When are we going to learn that we have no control over the items that China builds and ships over here? When US companies produced things, we could be certain of some level of safety in our products. Are we going to learn from this?

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Wednesday, January 6, 2010

CIA Resources Diverted to Climate Change

CIA Resources Diverted to Climate Change The FOX Nation

As terrorists continue to infiltrate America, the Obama Administration is tasking some of our nation's most elite intelligence-gathering agencies to divert their resources to environmental scientists researching global warming.

Experts with The National Center for Public Policy Research are decrying this practice as a distraction from important counterterrorism duties. They further question if it a possible avenue to renew climate change subterfuge already plaguing some of these scientists.

Talk about a misappropriation of resources.

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Did NPR Use Taxpayer Money to Promote "Teabagger" Bashing Video?

Did NPR Use Taxpayer Money to Promote 'Teabagger' Bashing Video? The FOX Nation

A video created by Mark Fiore titled "Learn to Speak Tea Bag" in November. American taxpayer dollars may have been spent on this video to bash people who speak out against the injustices of our system.

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ACORN Qualifies for Funding in Senate Health Bill

ACORN Qualifies for Funding in Senate Health Bill The FOX Nation

Senator Roland Burris is claiming credit for a provision in Harry Reid's "manager's amendment," unveiled Saturday morning, that could funnel money to ACORN through the health care bill.

Do you believe this? I guess Senator Burris will get another term with help from ACORN.

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C-SPAN Challenges Congress to Open Health Care Talks to TV Coverage

C-SPAN Challenges Congress to Open Health Care Talks to TV Coverage The FOX Nation

The head of C-SPAN has implored Congress to open up the last leg of health care reform negotiations to the public, as top Democrats lay plans to hash out the final product among themselves.

Congress will keep us in the dark as long as they can regarding this bill. Most Americans are against it, but Democrats will force this down our throats. Another bitter pill to swallow.

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The $100 Million Health Care Vote? - The Note

The $100 Million Health Care Vote? - The Note

Senator Harry Reid, who drafted the bill, cannot pass it without the support of Louisiana’s Mary Landrieu.
How much does it cost? According to the Congressional Budget Office: $100 million.

Look at Nebraska and what the state is getting for its vote in the Senate.

3 Democrats Drop Plans to Seek Re-election

FOXNews.com - 3 Democrats Drop Plans to Seek Re-election

Taken together, the decisions by Senators Chris Dodd of Connecticut and Byron Dorgan of North Dakota as well as Colorado Governor Bill Ritter caused another bout of heartburn for Democrats as they struggle to defend themselves in a sour political environment for incumbents, particularly the party in charge.

I think the Democrats are in trouble and they know it. Senator Arlen Specter, D-PA, will probably swap parties again and become a Republican.

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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

U.S. Health Spending Growth Falls to Slowest Rate in Half a Century, Study Finds

U.S. Health Spending Growth Falls to Slowest Rate in Half a Century, Study Finds - FOXBusiness.com

With 10% unemployment and 7% underemployed, I can see why health spending cut back. If it weren't for my doctor and his staff taking care of my family's needs at cost or less, I don't know what I would have done.

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