Is there something wrong with the drinking water in Washington D. C.? When a politician drinks it does he/she lose his/her short term memory and become arrogant?
Why is anyone even considering this newly proposed omnibus spending/budget bill? This almost 2000 page bill was introduced two days ago. It has a price tag of 1.1 trillion dollars. Debate starts tomorrow. Senate leadership wants to vote on it tomorrow. It is laden with earmarks – special spending rewards for Congressmen and women, who vote for it. Congress has had months to pass the 2011 budget and did nothing. Now this has to be voted on immediately. It’s an emergency! Don’t read it – just vote for it.
Does the November election mean nothing to Washington? Voters told Congress that their wild, irresponsible spending must stop. This country can not afford it. Congress is destroying this country. Do not borrow anymore money to fund projects that are unwanted or unnecessary. We are 14 trillion dollars in debt. STOP the spending spree!
The other lesson of the November election was that Congress must stop ignoring the voice of the American people. You represent us. You are responsible to us!
Bills like this infuriate the American people. It is deliberately long to conceal all the nasty details you don’t want revealed until it is too late. It must be voted on quickly before anyone knows just how bad it is. It is packed with special rewards for those who vote for it. We remember the Cornhusker Kickback and Louisiana Purchase. This bill represents what the American people most dislikes about Washington.
Signed,
The Electorate
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Happy 235th Birthday, US Marine Corps!
Some people wonder all their lives if they've mad a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.
-Ronald Reagan
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
To the few, the proud, the brave, the bold, the ones who run towards danger, who never shirk duty, to each and every Marine whether at home or abroad, as well as those who have gone before and those who's time will come,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Make Your Voice Heard: VOTE!
Election Day is here yet again. It's time to do your duty as an American citizen, drive your ass down to your precinct, and cast your ballot. To quote Charles Schultz, this is your life, Charlie Brown. You need to go out and take part in it.
Remember, no griping unless you've made your voice heard.
The Daughter of the Electorate
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
State Aid Bill
The House has been called back in session to vote on a 26 billion dollar State Aid bill. This bill is a BAILOUT for states. States that have acted responsibly will be forced to subsidize states that have acted irresponsibly. Not only is this not fair, but it will only encourage irresponsible states to continue to act irresponsibly. Governments, like private citizens, must learn to live within their means.
Each state needs to make the hard choices. They must choose what budget cuts suit their circumstances. Law enforcement, fire services, and teaching positions should be the last cuts considered. Every state has non-essential expenditures that can be cut. Each state must decide their priorities.
The purpose of this bill may or may not be to support another union. The issue is that this massive federal spending spree must STOP. The federal government must break its spending addiction.
NO MORE BAILOUTS!
Signed,
The Electorate
Each state needs to make the hard choices. They must choose what budget cuts suit their circumstances. Law enforcement, fire services, and teaching positions should be the last cuts considered. Every state has non-essential expenditures that can be cut. Each state must decide their priorities.
The purpose of this bill may or may not be to support another union. The issue is that this massive federal spending spree must STOP. The federal government must break its spending addiction.
NO MORE BAILOUTS!
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, August 2, 2010
Non-Enforcement of Immigration Laws
George Washington stated, “We are a nation of laws and not of men”.
We have immigration laws that have been passed by Congress. The Executive branch has deliberately decided which laws it will enforce and which laws it will not enforce. If the Administration disagrees with a law it has decided that it will not enforce that law. It does not agree with our current immigration laws. Hence it will ignore them.
The Executive branch is, in effect, granting itself the powers of the Legislative branch. Is Congress fighting this usurpation of its power? Of course not, it is meekly ceding its power. Soon their will be no balance of power. The Executive branch will reign supreme. Congress will soon be irrelevant!
It is long past time for the Executive branch to enforce the laws passed by Congress. Enforce our immigration laws. Secure our borders. Require full workplace enforcement. The American people were promised this in 1986 when amnesty was granted to illegal immigrants living within our borders. The federal government has broken its promises.
Once our borders have been truly secured and we have real workplace enforcement for a period of one year, we can consider what to do about illegal immigrants living in the United States.
Signed,
The Electorate
We have immigration laws that have been passed by Congress. The Executive branch has deliberately decided which laws it will enforce and which laws it will not enforce. If the Administration disagrees with a law it has decided that it will not enforce that law. It does not agree with our current immigration laws. Hence it will ignore them.
The Executive branch is, in effect, granting itself the powers of the Legislative branch. Is Congress fighting this usurpation of its power? Of course not, it is meekly ceding its power. Soon their will be no balance of power. The Executive branch will reign supreme. Congress will soon be irrelevant!
It is long past time for the Executive branch to enforce the laws passed by Congress. Enforce our immigration laws. Secure our borders. Require full workplace enforcement. The American people were promised this in 1986 when amnesty was granted to illegal immigrants living within our borders. The federal government has broken its promises.
Once our borders have been truly secured and we have real workplace enforcement for a period of one year, we can consider what to do about illegal immigrants living in the United States.
Signed,
The Electorate
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
It has been more than 80 days since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill began. I have watched in horrified amazement as this disaster unfolded. It is obvious that we have no idea how to respond to oil spills at this depth. We did not implement our own worse case scenario plan. We did not instigate a burn. We did not have the skimmers and booms we needed. We turned down the offers of other countries who wanted to help.
What did the federal government do? For over 30 days it did virtually nothing! The government sat there twiddling its thumbs as the black oil crept closer and closer to shore. I did not expect the federal government to plug the spill, but I did expect them to do something – anything – to protect the shores.
The Gulf States begged for help. They received little. In many, many cases the federal government actually prevented the states from helping themselves. The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers said that states could not build berms without a study because it might adversely affect the environment. Any sane person knows the oil would do vastly more damage than a berm would.
Please tell me that this very slow and lack-luster response to the spill was not done to advance a political agenda. “If the damage is bad enough, we can pass Cap + Trade.” Of course, the alternative reason – incompetence – is not reassuring either.
It is obvious that this country needs oil – our own oil – to function. We must not depend on foreign oil. Practical alternative fuel is far in the future. We need to seek safer oil. If the government can not protect our shores from deep-water drilling, we need to drill closer to shore where spills can be contained quickly. We need to drill on shore. We need to make use of our large quantities of shale oil. We need more clean coal and natural gas. We can not afford to turn this country into a third world economy by waiting for some unknown or undeveloped alternative fuel. We need fuel now. We have fuel – let us use it.
Signed,
The Electorate
What did the federal government do? For over 30 days it did virtually nothing! The government sat there twiddling its thumbs as the black oil crept closer and closer to shore. I did not expect the federal government to plug the spill, but I did expect them to do something – anything – to protect the shores.
The Gulf States begged for help. They received little. In many, many cases the federal government actually prevented the states from helping themselves. The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers said that states could not build berms without a study because it might adversely affect the environment. Any sane person knows the oil would do vastly more damage than a berm would.
Please tell me that this very slow and lack-luster response to the spill was not done to advance a political agenda. “If the damage is bad enough, we can pass Cap + Trade.” Of course, the alternative reason – incompetence – is not reassuring either.
It is obvious that this country needs oil – our own oil – to function. We must not depend on foreign oil. Practical alternative fuel is far in the future. We need to seek safer oil. If the government can not protect our shores from deep-water drilling, we need to drill closer to shore where spills can be contained quickly. We need to drill on shore. We need to make use of our large quantities of shale oil. We need more clean coal and natural gas. We can not afford to turn this country into a third world economy by waiting for some unknown or undeveloped alternative fuel. We need fuel now. We have fuel – let us use it.
Signed,
The Electorate
Saturday, July 10, 2010
2011 Budget Hidden in War Bill
The House recently passed and the Senate is considering a supplemental war funding bill. Of course, Congress is adding billions in extra spending for their favorite projects, which are in no way related to war funding. This unfortunately is only Washington politics as usual.
What is really offensive is a hidden provision that was added to the bill which states that if the war funding bill is passed that the 2011 budget will “be deemed as passed”. Congress is too cowardly to openly debate and vote on next year’s budget. They know it is larger than last year’s humongous budget. This budget includes over one and a half trillion dollars of deficit spending. Congress knows the public is concerned about their outrageous spending and borrowing. The American people want the government to cut spending and reduce the debt. Congress does not want to go on record as voting for this spending binge in an election year. Hence they seek to hide the budget in another bill.
The 2011 budget should not be slipped through in a hidden provision. It needs to be openly and fully debated. Congress’ votes need to be recorded. If you support the bill, you must be willing to say so. You are responsible for your votes. The American people are tired of dirty tricks and backdoor deals. We deserve better.
Most importantly do not use our military to sneak through more outrageous spending. Anyone who uses our military to pass a bloated budget should be ashamed. This would be Washington at its devious worst.
Signed,
The Electorate
What is really offensive is a hidden provision that was added to the bill which states that if the war funding bill is passed that the 2011 budget will “be deemed as passed”. Congress is too cowardly to openly debate and vote on next year’s budget. They know it is larger than last year’s humongous budget. This budget includes over one and a half trillion dollars of deficit spending. Congress knows the public is concerned about their outrageous spending and borrowing. The American people want the government to cut spending and reduce the debt. Congress does not want to go on record as voting for this spending binge in an election year. Hence they seek to hide the budget in another bill.
The 2011 budget should not be slipped through in a hidden provision. It needs to be openly and fully debated. Congress’ votes need to be recorded. If you support the bill, you must be willing to say so. You are responsible for your votes. The American people are tired of dirty tricks and backdoor deals. We deserve better.
Most importantly do not use our military to sneak through more outrageous spending. Anyone who uses our military to pass a bloated budget should be ashamed. This would be Washington at its devious worst.
Signed,
The Electorate
Friday, July 9, 2010
Department of Justice Lawsuit
Today the Department of Justice filed suit against the state of Arizona stating that Arizona’s law was illegal because it was the job of the federal government to secure the borders of this country. No one has ever disagreed with the statement that securing our borders is the responsibility of the federal government. However the federal government is derelict in its duty. The federal government has not secured our borders. It no longer even seems to be trying to secure our borders.
The Constitution was never meant to be a suicide pact. James Madison made it very clear in the Federalist Papers that if the federal government did not or could not secure our borders that states retained the right of self-defense. Does anyone really think that if hostile Indians swarmed a state’s border that the state would wait for the federal government to defend them? The answer is obvious. Drug dealers and human traffickers are now swarming our southern borders. If the federal government will not act, states are permitted to protect themselves.
The federal government should take this opportunity to assure the states that it will secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. The federal government should not seek to further its political agenda by using the trouble and suffering of the citizens of this country.
Signed,
The Electorate
The Constitution was never meant to be a suicide pact. James Madison made it very clear in the Federalist Papers that if the federal government did not or could not secure our borders that states retained the right of self-defense. Does anyone really think that if hostile Indians swarmed a state’s border that the state would wait for the federal government to defend them? The answer is obvious. Drug dealers and human traffickers are now swarming our southern borders. If the federal government will not act, states are permitted to protect themselves.
The federal government should take this opportunity to assure the states that it will secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. The federal government should not seek to further its political agenda by using the trouble and suffering of the citizens of this country.
Signed,
The Electorate
Thursday, July 8, 2010
NASA's Mission
The Electorate is finally over their ennui regarding this Congress and President and is now back to a regular writing schedule. We'll be starting off with NASA Chief Charles Bolden's statements of Obama's instructions for NASA.
In an interview with Al Jazeera Charles Bolden, the NASA administrator, stated that President Obama charged NASA with three tasks. The most important of these tasks was “to find a way to reach out to the Muslim world”.
This is insanity!! Are the inmates in charge of the asylum?
NASA’s mission is the exploration of space – for this country. NASA is not a political organization. Why is this administration perverting it? Why is Congress allowing this to happen?
Last spring the President, single-handedly, ended the United States manned space program. He gave up our leadership in space. Now he is using this once proud program to investigate global warming and singing “kumbaya” with friends and foes alike.
Bolden also stated that the United States is not going to travel beyond low-Earth orbit on its own. This statement is incorrect. Our government is not allowing NASA to go beyond low-Earth orbit. We have the ability to explore beyond this point. We need to unleash NASA and let it do what it wants to do – what has done in the past and can do again.
Allow NASA to explore the final frontier. The future awaits us.
Signed,
The Electorate
Snark from the Daughter of the Electorate: I guess we were stupid to believe the goal of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was space flight.
In an interview with Al Jazeera Charles Bolden, the NASA administrator, stated that President Obama charged NASA with three tasks. The most important of these tasks was “to find a way to reach out to the Muslim world”.
This is insanity!! Are the inmates in charge of the asylum?
NASA’s mission is the exploration of space – for this country. NASA is not a political organization. Why is this administration perverting it? Why is Congress allowing this to happen?
Last spring the President, single-handedly, ended the United States manned space program. He gave up our leadership in space. Now he is using this once proud program to investigate global warming and singing “kumbaya” with friends and foes alike.
Bolden also stated that the United States is not going to travel beyond low-Earth orbit on its own. This statement is incorrect. Our government is not allowing NASA to go beyond low-Earth orbit. We have the ability to explore beyond this point. We need to unleash NASA and let it do what it wants to do – what has done in the past and can do again.
Allow NASA to explore the final frontier. The future awaits us.
Signed,
The Electorate
Snark from the Daughter of the Electorate: I guess we were stupid to believe the goal of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was space flight.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Get Serious: Secure the Border!
American citizens have been asking the federal government to secure our southern border. American lives are at risk. Tuesday the Administration made an almost useless gesture. The President threw a bone to the clamoring American public. He said that he would send 1200 of the National Guard to help secure the border. That would be one member of the National Guard every one and two-thirds miles. Is this supposed to secure the border? Is this a bad joke? The government needs to send ten times this number. We need 12,000 troops – not 1,200.
Early reports state that the troops sent will be used in administrative positions. We need “Boots on the Border” and not “Boots under Desks”. Currently border patrol agents are out gunned and out numbered. The National Guard could correct this problem.
Meanwhile where is the fence that we have been promised for the last twenty-five years? We can reduce our unemployment rate by hiring workers to BUILD the FENCE. In areas where a fence has been built the borders are significantly more secure.
Neither Democrats nor Republicans are serious about securing the border. Democrats see more Democratic voters. Republicans see cheap labor. The public sees a serious problem that threatens their lives and the national security. We are tired of governmental dithering.
The primary job of the federal government is to protect its citizens. SECURE THE BORDER –NOW! Finish the fence and send at least ten thousand of the National Guard to secure the border
Signed,
The Electorate
Early reports state that the troops sent will be used in administrative positions. We need “Boots on the Border” and not “Boots under Desks”. Currently border patrol agents are out gunned and out numbered. The National Guard could correct this problem.
Meanwhile where is the fence that we have been promised for the last twenty-five years? We can reduce our unemployment rate by hiring workers to BUILD the FENCE. In areas where a fence has been built the borders are significantly more secure.
Neither Democrats nor Republicans are serious about securing the border. Democrats see more Democratic voters. Republicans see cheap labor. The public sees a serious problem that threatens their lives and the national security. We are tired of governmental dithering.
The primary job of the federal government is to protect its citizens. SECURE THE BORDER –NOW! Finish the fence and send at least ten thousand of the National Guard to secure the border
Signed,
The Electorate
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Health Care Rationing May Be Our Future
During the health care debate the public expressed concern that the health care bill would result in rationing and bureaucrats denying health care because it deemed that care to not be cost effective. We were told by politicians that we were being foolish and that that would never happen.
NOW let us look at the man that President Obama has nominated to head Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). What are the beliefs and policies advocated by Donald Berwick? CMS is the world’s second largest health care insurance provider - only Great Britain’s NHS is larger. Currently the CMS covers over 98 million Americans and has a budget of around 800 million tax payer dollars. It provides health care coverage for almost one-third of our population.
Donald Berwick is a big supporter of the rationed British system. He has stated, “I am romantic about NHS. I love it.” He has also said, “Any health care funding plan that is equitable civilized and humane must, must redistribute wealth from the richer among us to the poorer...Excellent health care is by definition redistributional.” He believes we should have a socialized health care system like that found in Great Britain. Of course, their survival rate for nearly every disease is significantly lower than ours.
The British rationing system (NICE) denies treatment if they deem this treatment to not be cost effective. Berwick supports this cost cutting rationing saying, “NICE is extremely effective.” I’m sure that the people who die because their treatment is denied, don’t appreciate this cost effectiveness.
The health care bill that Congress passed, against the wishes of the American people, has placed an unbearable burden on our health care system. We do not have the money to pay for it and we do not have enough medical providers. We will have another EMERGENCY. Isn’t it fortuitous that last year Congress established the Comparative Effectiveness Research panel (CER)? What a coincidence! We already have a bureaucratic panel that will determine who is “cost effective” and may receive medical treatment. If Donald Berwick’s nomination is approved he can approve and administer this health care rationing. He has already praised the British rationing system and would support it in this country. When asked if CER would lead to rationing he replied, “The decision is not whether or not we will ration care. The decision is whether we will ration with our eyes open.”
This sounds like a “Death Panel” to me. The question is whether Congress will allow Donald Berwick, a health care rationing enabler, to be appointed to run the CMS.
Signed,
The Electorate
NOW let us look at the man that President Obama has nominated to head Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). What are the beliefs and policies advocated by Donald Berwick? CMS is the world’s second largest health care insurance provider - only Great Britain’s NHS is larger. Currently the CMS covers over 98 million Americans and has a budget of around 800 million tax payer dollars. It provides health care coverage for almost one-third of our population.
Donald Berwick is a big supporter of the rationed British system. He has stated, “I am romantic about NHS. I love it.” He has also said, “Any health care funding plan that is equitable civilized and humane must, must redistribute wealth from the richer among us to the poorer...Excellent health care is by definition redistributional.” He believes we should have a socialized health care system like that found in Great Britain. Of course, their survival rate for nearly every disease is significantly lower than ours.
The British rationing system (NICE) denies treatment if they deem this treatment to not be cost effective. Berwick supports this cost cutting rationing saying, “NICE is extremely effective.” I’m sure that the people who die because their treatment is denied, don’t appreciate this cost effectiveness.
The health care bill that Congress passed, against the wishes of the American people, has placed an unbearable burden on our health care system. We do not have the money to pay for it and we do not have enough medical providers. We will have another EMERGENCY. Isn’t it fortuitous that last year Congress established the Comparative Effectiveness Research panel (CER)? What a coincidence! We already have a bureaucratic panel that will determine who is “cost effective” and may receive medical treatment. If Donald Berwick’s nomination is approved he can approve and administer this health care rationing. He has already praised the British rationing system and would support it in this country. When asked if CER would lead to rationing he replied, “The decision is not whether or not we will ration care. The decision is whether we will ration with our eyes open.”
This sounds like a “Death Panel” to me. The question is whether Congress will allow Donald Berwick, a health care rationing enabler, to be appointed to run the CMS.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, May 17, 2010
Deficit Spending
For over a year people have been protesting Washington’s out-of-control spending and the rising deficit. Congress said it was listening to the people and passed Pay/Go. The concept is good, but Congress has exempted many, many project from the Pay/Go requirements. Since Pay/Go was passed, Congress has increased deficit spending by 173 billion dollars. Pay/Go will only work if Congress actually abides by it.
Before the Memorial Day recess Congress proposes to spend 200 billion more dollars. Congress’ pledge to spend tax payer dollars carefully has quickly vanished. This is Washington spending as usual.
Is Congress observing what is happening in Greece? Greece has piled entitlements on entitlements. Greece has been spending money it does not have. Greece is facing bankruptcy. The IMF is bailing out Greece – We are bailing out Greece. This is like Germany bailing out California. We should not be bailing out the EU.
Greece should be a cautionary tale for the United States. Congress has just placed a massive entitlement (Health Care) on the shoulder of the citizens of the United States. Congress has been spending massive amounts of money that we do not have. Washington needs to wake up and smell the rotting roses.
Congress is ignoring the proposed 2011 budget. They do not want to consider it in an election year. They know that the public is disgusted with Congress’ massive deficit spending. The 2011 budget spends 3.38 TRILLION dollars. This is a 9.7 percent increase over this year’s budget – which was a massive increase over the 2009 budget. The proposed 2011 budget includes 1.56 TRILLION dollars of deficit spending.
Congress needs to really listen to the voice of the people. Congress needs to stop spending money that we do not have. Congress is running down the road to ruin. Stop and reverse course!
The ultimate authority...resides in the people alone (James Madison). Congress serves at the pleasure of the people. The people are not happy.
Signed,
The Electorate
Before the Memorial Day recess Congress proposes to spend 200 billion more dollars. Congress’ pledge to spend tax payer dollars carefully has quickly vanished. This is Washington spending as usual.
Is Congress observing what is happening in Greece? Greece has piled entitlements on entitlements. Greece has been spending money it does not have. Greece is facing bankruptcy. The IMF is bailing out Greece – We are bailing out Greece. This is like Germany bailing out California. We should not be bailing out the EU.
Greece should be a cautionary tale for the United States. Congress has just placed a massive entitlement (Health Care) on the shoulder of the citizens of the United States. Congress has been spending massive amounts of money that we do not have. Washington needs to wake up and smell the rotting roses.
Congress is ignoring the proposed 2011 budget. They do not want to consider it in an election year. They know that the public is disgusted with Congress’ massive deficit spending. The 2011 budget spends 3.38 TRILLION dollars. This is a 9.7 percent increase over this year’s budget – which was a massive increase over the 2009 budget. The proposed 2011 budget includes 1.56 TRILLION dollars of deficit spending.
Congress needs to really listen to the voice of the people. Congress needs to stop spending money that we do not have. Congress is running down the road to ruin. Stop and reverse course!
The ultimate authority...resides in the people alone (James Madison). Congress serves at the pleasure of the people. The people are not happy.
Signed,
The Electorate
Friday, May 7, 2010
We Need Secure Borders
It is the responsibility of the federal government to secure and protect our borders. For years violence has been spreading across our southern borders. Why is the federal government not stopping this?
How many more violent crimes must occur before the government is willing to take action? The federal government needs to send the National Guard to our southern border to stop this invasion. The federal government needs to start building the promised fence – again. The PRIMARY job of the federal government is to PROTECT the American people. When will the government do this?
In the Federalist Papers, James Madison states while the federal government is responsible for protecting our borders that if it does not or can not do this that states retain the right of self-defense. States are ALLOWED to defend themselves. That is what Arizona is doing. It would not have been forced to do this if the federal government had been doing its job.
Long debates can be reserved for the future. The borders need to be secured NOW.
Signed,
The Electorate
How many more violent crimes must occur before the government is willing to take action? The federal government needs to send the National Guard to our southern border to stop this invasion. The federal government needs to start building the promised fence – again. The PRIMARY job of the federal government is to PROTECT the American people. When will the government do this?
In the Federalist Papers, James Madison states while the federal government is responsible for protecting our borders that if it does not or can not do this that states retain the right of self-defense. States are ALLOWED to defend themselves. That is what Arizona is doing. It would not have been forced to do this if the federal government had been doing its job.
Long debates can be reserved for the future. The borders need to be secured NOW.
Signed,
The Electorate
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Puerto Rico Democracy Act
I have no objection to Puerto Rico becoming a state, if that is what the citizens of Puerto Rico want. Currently they have most of the advantages of statehood without the disadvantages (taxes). Puerto Rico has voted three times to remain a territory.
I do object to the parsing of words. If you don’t like the answer to your question, you change the question. Washington is trying to ask the question so that they get the answer they want.
The Puerto Rico Democracy Act proposes a two step process. In the first election the citizens of Puerto Rico will be asked if they wish to maintain or change Puerto Rico’s current status. It is likely a majority will vote for change, since they hold a variety of opinions concerning the type of government they want. Then a second election would be held, which would give them four choices: statehood; full independence; independence with political associations with the United States; and retaining their current commonwealth status.
It is almost inevitable that none of the four choices will receive a majority of the votes. Statehood may indeed receive the highest percentage of votes, but without receiving a majority of votes. If Puerto Rico is to become a state, it needs to be supported by a majority of its citizens. A minority should not be allowed to dictate the type of government that the majority must have.
This matter should be decided by a simple vote. Do you or do you not wish statehood? Let the majority decide. Eliminate the legal eagle wording and political maneuvering.
Signed,
The Electorate
I do object to the parsing of words. If you don’t like the answer to your question, you change the question. Washington is trying to ask the question so that they get the answer they want.
The Puerto Rico Democracy Act proposes a two step process. In the first election the citizens of Puerto Rico will be asked if they wish to maintain or change Puerto Rico’s current status. It is likely a majority will vote for change, since they hold a variety of opinions concerning the type of government they want. Then a second election would be held, which would give them four choices: statehood; full independence; independence with political associations with the United States; and retaining their current commonwealth status.
It is almost inevitable that none of the four choices will receive a majority of the votes. Statehood may indeed receive the highest percentage of votes, but without receiving a majority of votes. If Puerto Rico is to become a state, it needs to be supported by a majority of its citizens. A minority should not be allowed to dictate the type of government that the majority must have.
This matter should be decided by a simple vote. Do you or do you not wish statehood? Let the majority decide. Eliminate the legal eagle wording and political maneuvering.
Signed,
The Electorate
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
People's Options: Health Care
To Congress,
People have still not forgotten the health care bill. It is still the topic of public daily conversation. We did not want this bill. We did not like this bill. People are unhappy that their opinions were ignored by Washington. We think the bill will personally harm us and harm the country as a whole.
I received your E-mails praising the virtues of the health care bill. Your arguments are weak and unbelievable. Facts do not support your statements. Even government agencies are stating that this bill will not accomplish what Congress said it would. The price of health care will go up not down. Many people will not be able to keep their insurance that they like, because companies will find it more cost effective to just pay the finds. Eventually private insurance companies will be driven out of business.
Congress passed this bill and now the public has to deal with it. In November of 2010 and 2012 we can thank you for this disaster. Twenty states have currently filled suits against the provisions of this bill. Thirty-nine states are considering or already implementing legislation to curtail the bill. A state amendment will be placed on the Florida ballot this November allowing Floridians to express their opinions of this bill. How can not purchasing a commodity be interstate commerce?
The first step to repealing and replacing this bill can begin this November. If the people can regain control of even one house, funding for the bill can be blocked. It can be repealed after the election of 2012. Most provisions of this bill will not go into effect until 2014 anyway. In the meantime we can hope that the courts will make the right decisions and declare the bill unconstitutional – which it is. Congress was not given this power.
My personal choice of solutions is to convince two-thirds of the state legislatures to call for a Constitutional Convention to precisely and limitedly define the phrases “to regulate Commerce...among the several states” and “promote the general Welfare”. Doing this would rectify this problem and prevent future problems.
Signed,
The Electorate
People have still not forgotten the health care bill. It is still the topic of public daily conversation. We did not want this bill. We did not like this bill. People are unhappy that their opinions were ignored by Washington. We think the bill will personally harm us and harm the country as a whole.
I received your E-mails praising the virtues of the health care bill. Your arguments are weak and unbelievable. Facts do not support your statements. Even government agencies are stating that this bill will not accomplish what Congress said it would. The price of health care will go up not down. Many people will not be able to keep their insurance that they like, because companies will find it more cost effective to just pay the finds. Eventually private insurance companies will be driven out of business.
Congress passed this bill and now the public has to deal with it. In November of 2010 and 2012 we can thank you for this disaster. Twenty states have currently filled suits against the provisions of this bill. Thirty-nine states are considering or already implementing legislation to curtail the bill. A state amendment will be placed on the Florida ballot this November allowing Floridians to express their opinions of this bill. How can not purchasing a commodity be interstate commerce?
The first step to repealing and replacing this bill can begin this November. If the people can regain control of even one house, funding for the bill can be blocked. It can be repealed after the election of 2012. Most provisions of this bill will not go into effect until 2014 anyway. In the meantime we can hope that the courts will make the right decisions and declare the bill unconstitutional – which it is. Congress was not given this power.
My personal choice of solutions is to convince two-thirds of the state legislatures to call for a Constitutional Convention to precisely and limitedly define the phrases “to regulate Commerce...among the several states” and “promote the general Welfare”. Doing this would rectify this problem and prevent future problems.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, April 26, 2010
Incomplete Financial Reform
Congress is debating a financial regulation bill. Why is Congress ignoring the gorilla in the room? Why is Congress not seeking regulation reform for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? These quasi governmental institutions were the leading cause of our current recession.
The recession started with the housing crisis which was caused by sub prime mortgage loans. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with Congress, encouraged and enabled these loans. Starting with the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 and extended by such bills as the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Security + Soundness Act of 1992 banks were required to grant risky loans to people who could not afford them. By 2001 over fifty percent of home mortgages had to meet the requirements set in these acts. It was inevitable that the housing market would collapse.
Yet most in Congress do not think Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac need to be further regulated. Some in Congress say that these institutions will be regulated at a latter date. When Congress kicks the can down the road that means they will never do it.
When Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac granted outrageous bonuses to their executives, Congress ignored it. These institutions have been guaranteed endless bailouts. They are rife with incompetence and corruption. People have protested this for many years. Nothing was done.
Any financial regulation reform is meaningless, if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not included in the bill.
Signed,
The Electorate
The recession started with the housing crisis which was caused by sub prime mortgage loans. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with Congress, encouraged and enabled these loans. Starting with the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 and extended by such bills as the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Security + Soundness Act of 1992 banks were required to grant risky loans to people who could not afford them. By 2001 over fifty percent of home mortgages had to meet the requirements set in these acts. It was inevitable that the housing market would collapse.
Yet most in Congress do not think Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac need to be further regulated. Some in Congress say that these institutions will be regulated at a latter date. When Congress kicks the can down the road that means they will never do it.
When Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac granted outrageous bonuses to their executives, Congress ignored it. These institutions have been guaranteed endless bailouts. They are rife with incompetence and corruption. People have protested this for many years. Nothing was done.
Any financial regulation reform is meaningless, if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not included in the bill.
Signed,
The Electorate
Border Insecurity
I completely understand the frustrations that the citizens of Arizona feel. Their homes are no longer safe. Crime is running rampant. They are threatened with murder, kidnapping, rape, robbery, and vandalism. Criminals are swarming across the border. Drugs are flooding our borders. Arizonans are under attack. They have begged the federal government to send in troops and secure the border. The government, so far, has refused to do this. Are Arizonans expected to watch it happen and do nothing?
It is the responsibility of the federal government to secure the border. Why aren’t they doing it? Almost three years ago Congress promised they would build a fence to help secure the border. Where is the fence?
When Congress finishes the fence and has secured our borders, I will be willing to consider comprehensive immigration reform. Let Congress first show that they take our security seriously and will keep their promises.
Signed,
The Electorate
It is the responsibility of the federal government to secure the border. Why aren’t they doing it? Almost three years ago Congress promised they would build a fence to help secure the border. Where is the fence?
When Congress finishes the fence and has secured our borders, I will be willing to consider comprehensive immigration reform. Let Congress first show that they take our security seriously and will keep their promises.
Signed,
The Electorate
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Areas of Concern on Financial Reform
The proposed financial reform bills have four main areas that need to be addressed before there is a final vote on the bill.
A vital part of needed reform is missing from the proposed financial reform bills. Reforms for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not addressed. These two institutions played a major role in our current recession. It would be foolish in the extreme not to include them in a financial reform bill. It would be like going on a diet without addressing your caloric intake.
Wall Street is going to love the proposed liquidity fund. It provides for a permanent revolving bailout. It will encourage risky financial behavior. Risk will not frighten them, because they will not have to face the consequences of their risky behavior. This provision does not prevent bailouts – It creates them!
Some members of Congress are proposing to again separate commercial banks from investment banks. This is actually a good idea. The Glass-Steagall Act (1933) established this separation. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (1999) removed this separation and allowed banks to combine commercial, investment, and insurance services. This created banks that were recently deemed “to big to fail”.
The most alarming part of the proposed legislating is the amount of power that Congress cedes to the Executive branch. Without the approval of Congress, the administration can take over any company that IT deems to be at risk. This is not limited to banks. The Administration would control the operations of these companies. It would set policies, salaries, and the very existence of these companies. I would like to ask Congressional Democrats a question. Would you have granted these vast new powers to the Executive branch if George Bush were still President?
I ask Congress to further consider what needs to be included in a financial reform bill. Do not rush this. Our economy is at stake.
Signed,
The Electorate
A vital part of needed reform is missing from the proposed financial reform bills. Reforms for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not addressed. These two institutions played a major role in our current recession. It would be foolish in the extreme not to include them in a financial reform bill. It would be like going on a diet without addressing your caloric intake.
Wall Street is going to love the proposed liquidity fund. It provides for a permanent revolving bailout. It will encourage risky financial behavior. Risk will not frighten them, because they will not have to face the consequences of their risky behavior. This provision does not prevent bailouts – It creates them!
Some members of Congress are proposing to again separate commercial banks from investment banks. This is actually a good idea. The Glass-Steagall Act (1933) established this separation. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (1999) removed this separation and allowed banks to combine commercial, investment, and insurance services. This created banks that were recently deemed “to big to fail”.
The most alarming part of the proposed legislating is the amount of power that Congress cedes to the Executive branch. Without the approval of Congress, the administration can take over any company that IT deems to be at risk. This is not limited to banks. The Administration would control the operations of these companies. It would set policies, salaries, and the very existence of these companies. I would like to ask Congressional Democrats a question. Would you have granted these vast new powers to the Executive branch if George Bush were still President?
I ask Congress to further consider what needs to be included in a financial reform bill. Do not rush this. Our economy is at stake.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, March 22, 2010
To Representative Suzanne Kosmas
We, your constituents, can not offer you special deals or appointments, but we can hold you accountable for your votes. Actions do have consequences. We will remember that you did not represent us.
Signed,
The Electorate
Signed,
The Electorate
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Health Care: Impossible Claims
Washington is making impossible claims as it seeks to convince the American people that the proposed health care bill will be good for us and the country. They ask us to abandon all reason and believe the impossible. I would like to list a few of these claims.
The government will provide higher quality health care to more people at a lower cost.
The same government that bankrupted social security and Medicare will run this new program so efficiently that the deficit will be reduced by their health care plan.
Medicare can be cut by over 500 billion dollars and the quality and quantity of senior care will not be affected.
The Medicare cuts will save Medicare even though the money saved will be spent to fund health care to other people.
A finite number of health care providers can treat 30 million more people and maintain the same quality of care.
The bill will not cause health care premiums to go up.
The bill will not cause middle class taxes to go up.
The health care bill will not exceed estimated costs. When has any government program not exceeded estimated costs?
Ten years of taxes to pay for the program is truly the equivalent of an average of five years of received benefits. Compare apples to apples and not apples to oranges.
This health care bill will not cause the national debt to soar and bankrupt our country. Out of control spending is destroying the country.
The government can fairly decide what treatment individuals are eligible to receive. Allowing a “cost effectiveness” panel is health care rationing.
Washington
Americans do not believe these impossible claims. We are not gullible. That is one of the reasons we oppose the bill. We also do not trust our government to fairly control our health care. The government should not be able to determine how “cost effective” our lives are.
We, your constituents, do not want you to vote for this health care bill – no matter how the vote is hidden. Vote “NO” on the health care bill and “NO” on any self executing rule.
Signed,
The Electorate
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