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
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
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
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
Monday, April 26, 2010
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
Monday, March 1, 2010
Jobs
Did not Congress promise that this year they would focus on jobs? Why then is Congress focusing again on health care? They are once again trying to spend trillions of dollars we do not have on legislation that the American people do not want. Why does Washington continue to ignore the American people? Where are their priorities? Washington is putting party agenda ahead of the good of the country. Health care is sucking all the air out of the halls of Congress. Every other issue is placed after it. JOBS should be the main issue. Concentrate your efforts on jobs.
The Senate passed a 15 billion dollar jobs bill. This bill exempts small businesses, who hire unemployed workers – What about underemployed workers? – from the 6.2 social security tax until December and allows a one time $1000 tax credit if the worker retains his or her job for one year. This is not really much of an incentive to hire new workers. It may offer a small amount of help, but will not reverse the massive job losses that are crippling this country. The bill is exempted from PAYGO and will be financed by increasing the deficit. Moody’s Investors Services estimate that it may create 250,000 new jobs. This is not cost effective job creation.
Congress wasted 862 billion dollars on a “stimulus” bill filled with pet pork projects. Unsurprisingly it did not work. The Senate proposes spending just 15 billion dollars on jobs. That tells you what their priorities are.
The House’s “jobs” bill proposes spending 154 billion dollars. A portion of it will be used to encourage small businesses to hire unemployed workers. It proposes using 75 billion of TARP funds for aid to states and infrastructure. The TARP bill stipulated that returned or unused TARP funds would be used to reduce the national debt. It is illegal to use this money as the House proposes. The bill also extends unemployment benefits by six months; expands the child tax credit; and extends highway and mass transit programs. This is not really a jobs bill. It’s the “Son of Stimulus” bill.
Washington needs to get serious about jobs. The government does not create anything but short term or bureaucratic jobs. Businesses create jobs. All the government can do is to create an atmosphere that is conducive to job creation. This can mainly be accomplished by across the board tax cuts. Right now the government is a roadblock to job creation. Government needs to get out of business’ way and let capitalism work.
Signed,
The Electorate
The Senate passed a 15 billion dollar jobs bill. This bill exempts small businesses, who hire unemployed workers – What about underemployed workers? – from the 6.2 social security tax until December and allows a one time $1000 tax credit if the worker retains his or her job for one year. This is not really much of an incentive to hire new workers. It may offer a small amount of help, but will not reverse the massive job losses that are crippling this country. The bill is exempted from PAYGO and will be financed by increasing the deficit. Moody’s Investors Services estimate that it may create 250,000 new jobs. This is not cost effective job creation.
Congress wasted 862 billion dollars on a “stimulus” bill filled with pet pork projects. Unsurprisingly it did not work. The Senate proposes spending just 15 billion dollars on jobs. That tells you what their priorities are.
The House’s “jobs” bill proposes spending 154 billion dollars. A portion of it will be used to encourage small businesses to hire unemployed workers. It proposes using 75 billion of TARP funds for aid to states and infrastructure. The TARP bill stipulated that returned or unused TARP funds would be used to reduce the national debt. It is illegal to use this money as the House proposes. The bill also extends unemployment benefits by six months; expands the child tax credit; and extends highway and mass transit programs. This is not really a jobs bill. It’s the “Son of Stimulus” bill.
Washington needs to get serious about jobs. The government does not create anything but short term or bureaucratic jobs. Businesses create jobs. All the government can do is to create an atmosphere that is conducive to job creation. This can mainly be accomplished by across the board tax cuts. Right now the government is a roadblock to job creation. Government needs to get out of business’ way and let capitalism work.
Signed,
The Electorate
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
National Debt: Debt Reduction Commission
It is encouraging that the federal government is beginning to realize that this country has a debt problem. However I believe that a Debt Reduction Commission is merely a ruse. It is the vehicle that will be used to justify tax increases. The President says he is agnostic about raising taxes. This is Harvard speak for he supports tax increases. During the campaign it was obvious that he could not finance his expensive, expansive agenda by only taxing “the rich”. The middle class will be expected to shoulder the burden too.
We can save the expense of a Debt Reduction Commission. Who doesn’t know that this country has a debt problem? There are only two ways to reduce our debt. We must spend less or tax more. This is not rocket science!
If taxes are raised during a recession, the economy will go into another tail spin. History also shows that if a government raises taxes, government revenue actually decreases. It would be counter productive to raise taxes.
The federal government really, really wants to implement its expensive, power expanding new programs. It must resist this compulsion. Pet projects can wait. The national debt is dragging down the country.
The government needs broad-based spending cuts. Waste and redundancies are rampant in the federal government. In the eighties the government had an independent study to cut costs without effecting performance. The study more than paid for itself.
PAYGO is a good baby step. It would be more significant if waivers were not offered for so many projected programs.
We don’t need a Debt Reduction Commission. We need some common sense in Washington. Cut the wasteful spending! Cut the pet pork projects! Eliminate all earmarks! Be responsible with taxpayer money.
Signed,
The Electorate
We can save the expense of a Debt Reduction Commission. Who doesn’t know that this country has a debt problem? There are only two ways to reduce our debt. We must spend less or tax more. This is not rocket science!
If taxes are raised during a recession, the economy will go into another tail spin. History also shows that if a government raises taxes, government revenue actually decreases. It would be counter productive to raise taxes.
The federal government really, really wants to implement its expensive, power expanding new programs. It must resist this compulsion. Pet projects can wait. The national debt is dragging down the country.
The government needs broad-based spending cuts. Waste and redundancies are rampant in the federal government. In the eighties the government had an independent study to cut costs without effecting performance. The study more than paid for itself.
PAYGO is a good baby step. It would be more significant if waivers were not offered for so many projected programs.
We don’t need a Debt Reduction Commission. We need some common sense in Washington. Cut the wasteful spending! Cut the pet pork projects! Eliminate all earmarks! Be responsible with taxpayer money.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, February 8, 2010
How Secure Are We?
Is the federal government really taking national security seriously? Several incidents in the last year make me doubt that they are.
Last week Iran fired a rocket into space. As Iran launches its space program, we seek to end ours. What is wrong with this picture? This has not only scientific implications - it has military implications. We would be more secure if we maintained our leadership in space.
We are investigating the CIA and the methods it used. Would it not be a good idea to investigate terrorist activities instead? We have neutered the CIA. They are so concerned about avoiding prosecutions that they are afraid to do their jobs. The actions they took in the past were deemed legal at the time. Is the government seriously considering rewriting the laws and prosecuting members of the CIA with ex post facto laws?
We are reading Miranda rights to terrorists on the battlefield and after terrorist acts in this country. We are granting Constitutional rights to enemy combatants. We propose trying these combatants in civilian courts. We should be trying them in military tribunals where classified material will not be compromised and civilians put at risk. What a waste of time and taxpayer dollars.
The leaders of our security agencies agree that a terrorist attack in this country is a certainty in the next six months. They know how compromised our security has become.
The primary job of the federal government is the security of this country. This does not seem to be a top priority of this government. I, for one, am not feeling very secure.
Signed,
The Electorate
Last week Iran fired a rocket into space. As Iran launches its space program, we seek to end ours. What is wrong with this picture? This has not only scientific implications - it has military implications. We would be more secure if we maintained our leadership in space.
We are investigating the CIA and the methods it used. Would it not be a good idea to investigate terrorist activities instead? We have neutered the CIA. They are so concerned about avoiding prosecutions that they are afraid to do their jobs. The actions they took in the past were deemed legal at the time. Is the government seriously considering rewriting the laws and prosecuting members of the CIA with ex post facto laws?
We are reading Miranda rights to terrorists on the battlefield and after terrorist acts in this country. We are granting Constitutional rights to enemy combatants. We propose trying these combatants in civilian courts. We should be trying them in military tribunals where classified material will not be compromised and civilians put at risk. What a waste of time and taxpayer dollars.
The leaders of our security agencies agree that a terrorist attack in this country is a certainty in the next six months. They know how compromised our security has become.
The primary job of the federal government is the security of this country. This does not seem to be a top priority of this government. I, for one, am not feeling very secure.
Signed,
The Electorate
Saturday, February 6, 2010
OSHA, VPP and the 2011 Federal Budget
While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is well known, much less is said about one of their innovative safety programs. Created in 1982, the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) is a leader in promoting exceptional habits and policies in the workplace. Companies can apply to join this program to demonstrate their beliefs in a safe and efficient workplace. According to OSHA VPP Fact Sheet, the “sites are committed to effective employee protection beyond the requirements of OSHA standards.” This commitment is revealed in the fact that the average VPP workplace has 51% less lost workdays than companies outside the program. The program is open to both companies large and small and is a boon to the American working environment.
At the outset, companies undergo a rigorous initial week long evaluation. They are then re-evaluated every 3 to 5 years. There are two ratings given to companies during their evaluations. The first rating is Merit which OSHA defines as “an effective stepping stone to Star. Merit sites have good safety and health management systems, but these systems need some improvement to be judged excellent. Merit sites demonstrate the potential and the commitment to meet goals tailored to each site and to achieve Star quality within three years. However, each Merit site is limited to one three-year term unless a second term is approved by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. Onsite evaluations occur every 18 to 24 months.” The second, and higher, rating is Star. OHSA calls this rating “for exemplary worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems. Companies in the Star Program have achieved injury and illness rates at or below the national average of their respective industries. These sites are self-sufficient in their ability to control workplace hazards. Star participants are reevaluated every three to five years, although incident rates are reviewed annually.”
The VPP is ancillary to OSHA enforcement efforts. It supports rather than detracts from them. In OSHA terms, the program “compliments the agency’s enforcement activity without replacing it, allowing the agency to focus its inspection resources on higher-risk establishments.” Part of the VPP effort is outreach to companies that do not have stellar track records. By doing this, companies can assist others in creating safer and more efficient workplaces freeing agency resources.
In addition, VPP has a training program for employees of Star rated companies to assist in the evaluation and training process. During their 3 year term (after intense training), Special Government Employees (SGE) work with OSHA employees in conducting VPP assessments by reviewing documents, conducting onsite reviews, interviewing employees of the company under review and helping prepare final written reports. There are over 1,600 SGEs and their efforts with VPP are funded by their own companies. As OSHA says in their SGE pamphlet, the SGE program “encompasses the spirit of VPP – industry, labor, and government cooperation,” and it “embodies the idea of continuous improvement.”
The time and support these companies (and many more) have put into providing a safe workplace seems to be going unnoticed by OSHA, the Department of Labor and in the budgets of the current administration. In the FY2010 budget, while there were funds available OSHA did not use them for cooperative programs. Cuts were made to the number of initial audits performed for the year, and an increase in the wait time for recertification was pushed through. For FY2011, Secretary Hilda Solis has stated that OSHA will focus more on enforcement than improvement and thus shift 35 workers from supporting VPP to enforcing regulations. While there is always a need for enforcement of regulations, programs to bolster improvements in workplaces are essential in reducing the number of workplace accidents promoting the health and safety of the American worker. Secretary Solis also made an incorrect statements in the budget proposal when she said, “The VPP program in the past has been successful in promoting best practices and corporate safety and health programs, primarily in high performing large businesses. Rather than devote resources to mostly large companies that voluntarily meet and exceed OSHA’s requirements, OSHA is looking to sharpen its focus on businesses that continue to violate the law and put workers’ lives at risk, as well as on protecting hard-to-reach populations.” While large companies are involved in VPP, small companies hold a strong footing.
An example of a small company with excellent standing in VPP is Scott’s Liquid Gold. It is a company that has been in business for 56 years as an American standard in manufacturing and distribution. Their quality American made products range from wood cleaners to diabetic lotions to cosmetics. They have long been a member of the Voluntary Protection Program yet they are not a large company. Scott’s Liquid Gold has only 68 employees. Their Regulatory/Safety Manager, Kelli Heflin, is a member of the Special Government Employee program and participates in evaluations of other companies all while making sure her own is a safe and healthy place to work.
Please read through and see all that these programs provide employees and employers alike. Help them maintain the staffing levels and improve their budgets. Programs such as these are a necessity in creating and maintaining safe, healthy and happy workplaces.
We need to stand up for the Voluntary Protection Program and the member companies and those who aspire to join. We need to stand up for the Special Government Employee program and the workers who take on the additional job of helping others. We need to stand up for the American attitude of constantly striving for a state of excellence.
Signed,
The Daughter of the Electorate
OSHA Voluntary Protection Program flyer can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/factsheet-vpp.pdf
OSHA SGE flyer can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/sge/OSHA_3222_sge.pdf
At the outset, companies undergo a rigorous initial week long evaluation. They are then re-evaluated every 3 to 5 years. There are two ratings given to companies during their evaluations. The first rating is Merit which OSHA defines as “an effective stepping stone to Star. Merit sites have good safety and health management systems, but these systems need some improvement to be judged excellent. Merit sites demonstrate the potential and the commitment to meet goals tailored to each site and to achieve Star quality within three years. However, each Merit site is limited to one three-year term unless a second term is approved by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. Onsite evaluations occur every 18 to 24 months.” The second, and higher, rating is Star. OHSA calls this rating “for exemplary worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems. Companies in the Star Program have achieved injury and illness rates at or below the national average of their respective industries. These sites are self-sufficient in their ability to control workplace hazards. Star participants are reevaluated every three to five years, although incident rates are reviewed annually.”
The VPP is ancillary to OSHA enforcement efforts. It supports rather than detracts from them. In OSHA terms, the program “compliments the agency’s enforcement activity without replacing it, allowing the agency to focus its inspection resources on higher-risk establishments.” Part of the VPP effort is outreach to companies that do not have stellar track records. By doing this, companies can assist others in creating safer and more efficient workplaces freeing agency resources.
In addition, VPP has a training program for employees of Star rated companies to assist in the evaluation and training process. During their 3 year term (after intense training), Special Government Employees (SGE) work with OSHA employees in conducting VPP assessments by reviewing documents, conducting onsite reviews, interviewing employees of the company under review and helping prepare final written reports. There are over 1,600 SGEs and their efforts with VPP are funded by their own companies. As OSHA says in their SGE pamphlet, the SGE program “encompasses the spirit of VPP – industry, labor, and government cooperation,” and it “embodies the idea of continuous improvement.”
The time and support these companies (and many more) have put into providing a safe workplace seems to be going unnoticed by OSHA, the Department of Labor and in the budgets of the current administration. In the FY2010 budget, while there were funds available OSHA did not use them for cooperative programs. Cuts were made to the number of initial audits performed for the year, and an increase in the wait time for recertification was pushed through. For FY2011, Secretary Hilda Solis has stated that OSHA will focus more on enforcement than improvement and thus shift 35 workers from supporting VPP to enforcing regulations. While there is always a need for enforcement of regulations, programs to bolster improvements in workplaces are essential in reducing the number of workplace accidents promoting the health and safety of the American worker. Secretary Solis also made an incorrect statements in the budget proposal when she said, “The VPP program in the past has been successful in promoting best practices and corporate safety and health programs, primarily in high performing large businesses. Rather than devote resources to mostly large companies that voluntarily meet and exceed OSHA’s requirements, OSHA is looking to sharpen its focus on businesses that continue to violate the law and put workers’ lives at risk, as well as on protecting hard-to-reach populations.” While large companies are involved in VPP, small companies hold a strong footing.
An example of a small company with excellent standing in VPP is Scott’s Liquid Gold. It is a company that has been in business for 56 years as an American standard in manufacturing and distribution. Their quality American made products range from wood cleaners to diabetic lotions to cosmetics. They have long been a member of the Voluntary Protection Program yet they are not a large company. Scott’s Liquid Gold has only 68 employees. Their Regulatory/Safety Manager, Kelli Heflin, is a member of the Special Government Employee program and participates in evaluations of other companies all while making sure her own is a safe and healthy place to work.
Please read through and see all that these programs provide employees and employers alike. Help them maintain the staffing levels and improve their budgets. Programs such as these are a necessity in creating and maintaining safe, healthy and happy workplaces.
We need to stand up for the Voluntary Protection Program and the member companies and those who aspire to join. We need to stand up for the Special Government Employee program and the workers who take on the additional job of helping others. We need to stand up for the American attitude of constantly striving for a state of excellence.
Signed,
The Daughter of the Electorate
OSHA Voluntary Protection Program flyer can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/factsheet-vpp.pdf
OSHA SGE flyer can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/sge/OSHA_3222_sge.pdf
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Why I Write
Sometimes I wonder why I take the time to write to Congress. Is anyone listening? I don’t want to write. I do have a life. However, I feel compelled to write. I have been horrified by Washington’s actions in the last year. Washington has lost its way. They have forgotten who they are and who we are. Americans are an independent, stubborn people with a strong sense of justice. We don’t want government to run our lives. We do not want handouts. Our fate should be in our own hands.
Washington has forgotten what has made this country great. The Constitution has become something that lawyers try to circumvent. They play word games with it. We know what it means. The Constitution can only legally be changed by amendment. Stop trying to pervert its meaning for your own purposes. I see our Republic and all we hold dear under attack, and I can’t just silently sit back and watch it happen.
This country was formed by men and women who put everything on the line to guarantee basic human rights for themselves and their posterity. Some of my ancestors were among them. Through the years others fought and bled and died defending our rights to this free government. Men and women are still fighting and dying for it. I can’t now be silent while you try to alter or dismantle this government. I couldn’t live with myself if I did. We have a trust with the future.
So I will continue to write. I will come to Washington, if I must, and stand with like minded citizens. This country is worth standing up for.
Signed,
The Electorate
Washington has forgotten what has made this country great. The Constitution has become something that lawyers try to circumvent. They play word games with it. We know what it means. The Constitution can only legally be changed by amendment. Stop trying to pervert its meaning for your own purposes. I see our Republic and all we hold dear under attack, and I can’t just silently sit back and watch it happen.
This country was formed by men and women who put everything on the line to guarantee basic human rights for themselves and their posterity. Some of my ancestors were among them. Through the years others fought and bled and died defending our rights to this free government. Men and women are still fighting and dying for it. I can’t now be silent while you try to alter or dismantle this government. I couldn’t live with myself if I did. We have a trust with the future.
So I will continue to write. I will come to Washington, if I must, and stand with like minded citizens. This country is worth standing up for.
Signed,
The Electorate
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wake Up Call
Mr. Brown goes to Washington. If Congress doesn’t wake up and start listening to the people many more Mr. Browns and Mr. Smiths will be going to Washington come November.
Send the health care bill back to the drawing board and do it right. Stop the irresponsible spending. Eliminate earmarks and backroom deals for special groups. Cut discretionary spending. Reduce the national debt – Why isn’t returned TARP money being used to pay down the debt as was stipulated in the TARP bill? Cut business and individual taxes so that more jobs can be created. Drop the political correctness and start taking national security seriously.
The United States government is the people’s government. Stop ignoring the will of the people!
Signed,
The Electorate
Send the health care bill back to the drawing board and do it right. Stop the irresponsible spending. Eliminate earmarks and backroom deals for special groups. Cut discretionary spending. Reduce the national debt – Why isn’t returned TARP money being used to pay down the debt as was stipulated in the TARP bill? Cut business and individual taxes so that more jobs can be created. Drop the political correctness and start taking national security seriously.
The United States government is the people’s government. Stop ignoring the will of the people!
Signed,
The Electorate
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Health Care: Please Vote "No"
Soon you will face one of the most important votes that any senator has ever been asked to make. Will you place the health care of this nation into the hands of the federal government? Will you take our health care decisions out of our hands and place it into the hands of bureaucrats? At one fell swoop will you turn one-sixth of our economy over to Washington? Big government is not the answer. It has never been the answer. Frequently it is the problem.
Recently a government panel – with no radiologists or oncologists on this panel – decided that women over forty no longer needed yearly mammograms. This panel stated that mammograms are now only necessary every two to three years for women over fifty. The American Cancer Society and most doctors do not agree with the decision of this panel. Everyone knows that early detection of this disease is vital. Soon insurance will no longer pay for yearly mammograms. How many women will die as a result of this decision, if the decision is allowed to stand?
This is the kind of decision that bureaucrats make. They are only concerned with the bottom line. That is why our health care decisions need to remain in our hands and the hands of our chosen doctors. We do not want to be “cost effective”. We want to be healthy and alive.
Congress promised cheaper, high quality health care for all. The proposed bills deliver more expensive, lower quality health care which still does not cover thirty million people. The bills cut Medicare and create new taxes and fines. Take these plans back to the drawing board.
Your vote, especially on cloture, will help determine whether we will keep our health care under our control or if the federal government will take over and manage our health care. The federal government is not noted for its efficiency and the public dreads a government takeover. I ask that you vote to keep health care in the hands of the people.
Signed,
The Electorate
Recently a government panel – with no radiologists or oncologists on this panel – decided that women over forty no longer needed yearly mammograms. This panel stated that mammograms are now only necessary every two to three years for women over fifty. The American Cancer Society and most doctors do not agree with the decision of this panel. Everyone knows that early detection of this disease is vital. Soon insurance will no longer pay for yearly mammograms. How many women will die as a result of this decision, if the decision is allowed to stand?
This is the kind of decision that bureaucrats make. They are only concerned with the bottom line. That is why our health care decisions need to remain in our hands and the hands of our chosen doctors. We do not want to be “cost effective”. We want to be healthy and alive.
Congress promised cheaper, high quality health care for all. The proposed bills deliver more expensive, lower quality health care which still does not cover thirty million people. The bills cut Medicare and create new taxes and fines. Take these plans back to the drawing board.
Your vote, especially on cloture, will help determine whether we will keep our health care under our control or if the federal government will take over and manage our health care. The federal government is not noted for its efficiency and the public dreads a government takeover. I ask that you vote to keep health care in the hands of the people.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Wrong Direction
I, as are many other Americans, am alarmed at the direction that this Congress and Administration is trying to take our country. The federal government seeks more and more power and control over the private sector and over our lives. Bigger government is not the answer. It is the problem. Our latest financial disaster was precipitated by the sub-prime mortgage collapse. The federal government was the primary cause of this crisis. The federal government not only encouraged these bad loans it required them, by Congressional acts. Banks would not have approved these unsound loans without the pressure from the federal government.
The strength of America does not lie in the federal government. The strength of America lies in the determination and ingenuity of its people. We do not want the government to give us “free stuff”. We only want the opportunity to work hard and use our talents to better our lives and the lives of our families. Big government is stifling us. Get out of our way and let us try to succeed. Thomas Jefferson once said that any government big enough to give you everything you want...is big enough to take everything you have. We do not want this type of government.
I honestly think that Congress knows we do not want these policies that they are seeking to force down our throats. That is why the bills are written in secret and then rushed through Congress. That is why they seek to pass them in a non-election year. They hope we will forget about what they have done. We will not forget.
If Congress continues to not represent us and our opinions, they will not represent us in the future.
The strength of America does not lie in the federal government. The strength of America lies in the determination and ingenuity of its people. We do not want the government to give us “free stuff”. We only want the opportunity to work hard and use our talents to better our lives and the lives of our families. Big government is stifling us. Get out of our way and let us try to succeed. Thomas Jefferson once said that any government big enough to give you everything you want...is big enough to take everything you have. We do not want this type of government.
I honestly think that Congress knows we do not want these policies that they are seeking to force down our throats. That is why the bills are written in secret and then rushed through Congress. That is why they seek to pass them in a non-election year. They hope we will forget about what they have done. We will not forget.
If Congress continues to not represent us and our opinions, they will not represent us in the future.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Bailing Out Newspapers
Bailing out newspapers is an absolutely terrible idea. This could corrupt or destroy the concept of a free press. The press has always played a special role in this country. It is the watchdog of the republic. It is a check on the government. It reports on the actions of the government – the good and the bad. The government can only be accountable to the people, if the people know what the government is doing. The First Amendment states “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom...of the press”.
If the press receives money from the government, it becomes indebted to the government. The press is seriously compromised. The government can use the power of the purse strings to influence and control what the press reports. The press needs to be independent if it is to be believed.
If a newspaper can not produce a product that people are willing to buy, then it needs to fail. It will be replaced by a news organization that can succeed. When the government, in anyway, influences or controls the news, the news becomes propaganda.
If the press receives money from the government, it becomes indebted to the government. The press is seriously compromised. The government can use the power of the purse strings to influence and control what the press reports. The press needs to be independent if it is to be believed.
If a newspaper can not produce a product that people are willing to buy, then it needs to fail. It will be replaced by a news organization that can succeed. When the government, in anyway, influences or controls the news, the news becomes propaganda.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Delcaration from 1776
Perhaps you recognize it. Emphasis mine.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Health Care: Spending
This country can’t afford a large government run health care plan. Claiming “we can’t afford not to” is not a logic or legitimate excuse. Congress has already spent all the money we have and more. Congress spent 787 billions dollars on a stimulus bill that didn’t stimulate. Congress passed a 410 spending bill with nearly 9,000 earmarks. Congress expanded SChip to families that earn over $80,000. The government is spending money they do not have on things we do not want or need. There is nothing left to spend. No one wants to loan us more money. If we continue to print money, that is not backed, we risk runaway inflation. No government or family can continue to spend money they do not have. Your bank account is empty. Stop writing checks.
The majority of Americans do not want a government run, government controlled health care plan anyway. Congress needs to pass health care reform that Americans actually want. We want health care that we control. We want tort reform to help lower costs. We need to eliminate needless tests and frivolous law suits. We want a wide assortment of plans, which can also be purchased across state lines; so, that we can select the plan that is best for us. We want no person to be excluded because of a pre-existing condition. We are willing to subsidize premiums f or those who “truly” need it. We want more doctors and nurses. The government could provide scholarships to those seeking to enter these fields. In return these new doctors and nurses could agree to work in clinics for a set number of years. Congress needs to pursue solutions that will actually work instead of a utopia they think they can create.
Signed,
The Electorate
The majority of Americans do not want a government run, government controlled health care plan anyway. Congress needs to pass health care reform that Americans actually want. We want health care that we control. We want tort reform to help lower costs. We need to eliminate needless tests and frivolous law suits. We want a wide assortment of plans, which can also be purchased across state lines; so, that we can select the plan that is best for us. We want no person to be excluded because of a pre-existing condition. We are willing to subsidize premiums f or those who “truly” need it. We want more doctors and nurses. The government could provide scholarships to those seeking to enter these fields. In return these new doctors and nurses could agree to work in clinics for a set number of years. Congress needs to pursue solutions that will actually work instead of a utopia they think they can create.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, August 31, 2009
Health Care: Seniors
You represent Florida. Florida is the land of retirees. The proposed health care bills will have a very adverse effect on seniors.
A large portion of the proposed bills will be paid for by cuts in Medicare. Medicare will be cut by over 500 billion dollars. These cuts will be made as more and more “baby boomers” enroll in Medicare. Seniors are told that their benefits will not be cut and the quality of care will not suffer. The cuts will be offset by increased government efficiency. Is this the same government that is bankrupting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security? Is this the same government that instigated and ran “Cash for Clunkers”? The reimbursement rates for specialists and treatments are being reduced. An example of these cuts is the reduced allowance for an echo cardiogram ( a basic diagnostic procedure ). Its reimbursement rate will be cut by 40%. By drastically reducing rates the government is, in effect, rationing treatment. People will needlessly die because of these cuts.
The stimulus bill created the Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) panel. The House bill proposes a Benefits Advisory Board. These boards will decide what treatments are acceptable and who may receive them. Health care is to be “cost effective”. How “cost effective” will seniors be deemed to be?
I am dreading the time when I will have to depend on Medicare for my health care. Age should not be a determining factor for receiving health care. Can’t our government do better than this?
A large portion of the proposed bills will be paid for by cuts in Medicare. Medicare will be cut by over 500 billion dollars. These cuts will be made as more and more “baby boomers” enroll in Medicare. Seniors are told that their benefits will not be cut and the quality of care will not suffer. The cuts will be offset by increased government efficiency. Is this the same government that is bankrupting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security? Is this the same government that instigated and ran “Cash for Clunkers”? The reimbursement rates for specialists and treatments are being reduced. An example of these cuts is the reduced allowance for an echo cardiogram ( a basic diagnostic procedure ). Its reimbursement rate will be cut by 40%. By drastically reducing rates the government is, in effect, rationing treatment. People will needlessly die because of these cuts.
The stimulus bill created the Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) panel. The House bill proposes a Benefits Advisory Board. These boards will decide what treatments are acceptable and who may receive them. Health care is to be “cost effective”. How “cost effective” will seniors be deemed to be?
I am dreading the time when I will have to depend on Medicare for my health care. Age should not be a determining factor for receiving health care. Can’t our government do better than this?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Government Intrusion
If the proposed health care bills were truly about health care reform, they would easily and quickly pass. The bills seem to be less about health care and more about government control and power. The American people are saying, as loudly as possible, that they do not want a government takeover of health care. The government is already intruding into our lives more than we wish.
The government says it will provide greater coverage to more people at a lower cost. The government will do this by eliminating fraud and acting efficiently. Do you really expect the American public to believe this? We have all dealt with government bureaucracies and efficiency is not even in their vocabulary. The only part of the federal government that runs efficiently is the military. While it’s nice that you want to eliminate fraud, why haven’t you already tried to do it?
In the past six months we have seen the government takeover and control our financial institutions. We have seen the government takeover two large segments of the automotive industry in a travesty that ignored actual bankruptcy laws. Companies were taken away from the actual stockholders and awarded to the gover nment and unions in a move that would have awed and impressed Hugo Chavez. Now the government wants to takeover health care. No, thank you!
Health care should remain in the hands of the patient and their selected doctor. The government should not be in this equation. If I don’t like my health care plan, I can change it. Once the government gets involved that choice will disappear. No private company can compete with a government run, government subsidized program. They will eventually all be forced out of business. The federal government was instituted to protect the American people, not to control them. Congress needs to step back from their intrusions; take a deep breath; and listen to the American people.
Friday, August 7, 2009
The People's Right To Speak
Why have the American people become the target of Washington's attacks?
The White House has set up a web site to report "fishy" correspondence that challenges their health care proposals. The White House needs an enemies list? Is this Germany in the 1930's? Report your mothers, your fathers, your neighbors. Dissension will not be tolerated. Forget that pesky First Amendment.
Nor does Congress want to face a "mob" of little old, blue haired ladies or women with children or men who have served their country. These people are dangerous. They are well dressed. Their attendance at town hall meetings is manufactured. It is not real.
If our elected officials can't recognize real, every day Americans, they have been in Washington too long. These people are upset because their elected officials have ignored them. Our representatives are trying to force a government take over of our health care system down our throats. Washington tells us this is a good plan. Anyone would be happy to have such a health care plan - except them, of course. They are so special.
We do not like this plan. We do not want this plan. I have written and explained, in detail, what is wrong with this plan and why it is wrong. I have written and explained, in detail, what health care reform is needed and why it is needed. Now I am just saying what the majority of this country is saying.
We do not want any of these plans. Washington is selling snake oil and the American people are not buying.
Signed,
The Electorate
The White House has set up a web site to report "fishy" correspondence that challenges their health care proposals. The White House needs an enemies list? Is this Germany in the 1930's? Report your mothers, your fathers, your neighbors. Dissension will not be tolerated. Forget that pesky First Amendment.
Nor does Congress want to face a "mob" of little old, blue haired ladies or women with children or men who have served their country. These people are dangerous. They are well dressed. Their attendance at town hall meetings is manufactured. It is not real.
If our elected officials can't recognize real, every day Americans, they have been in Washington too long. These people are upset because their elected officials have ignored them. Our representatives are trying to force a government take over of our health care system down our throats. Washington tells us this is a good plan. Anyone would be happy to have such a health care plan - except them, of course. They are so special.
We do not like this plan. We do not want this plan. I have written and explained, in detail, what is wrong with this plan and why it is wrong. I have written and explained, in detail, what health care reform is needed and why it is needed. Now I am just saying what the majority of this country is saying.
We do not want any of these plans. Washington is selling snake oil and the American people are not buying.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, July 27, 2009
Health Care: Plans We Don't Want
Does Congress ever wonder why so many people are opposed to their health care proposals? Let me enlighten you.
1. The government claims that everyone will be covered; the quality of health care will be better; and health care will costs less. Does anyone believe this is possible? The American people are not that gullible.
2. The health care proposals are too expensive. Health care constitutes one-sixth of our economy. A government run option is not only expensive, it is undesirable.
3. No matter who Congress says will pay for these proposals, we know that the people will eventually pay for it – in higher taxes, higher premiums, or in lost jobs.
4. Congress is not properly addressing real ways to cut health care costs. Fraud is rampant in current government run health care programs. It is estimated that this fraud costs taxpayers about one billion dollars a year. Fraud is dramatically lower in private programs. They very actively seek to curb it.
5. Tort reform is not addressed. This would greatly reduce the number of unnecessary tests order. Doctors would not be forced to practice CYA medicine. It would limit the number of frivolous law suits, which would reduce malpractice insurance and lower the cost of health care.
6.When more people are covered and the number of doctors stay the same, you must have longer waits. Rationing is a given.
7. The quality of care would deteriorate. Doctors would have less time with patients and the government proposes limiting which treatments are available.
8. The stimulus bill provided for panels which would determine what treatments are “cost effective” and who may receive these treatments. If you are old or chronically ill your options would be even more limited. The government would determine if you had the right to survive. Isn’t this compassionate and Orwellian?
9. One size does not fit all in medicine. There are too many variables. Doctors must decide what treatment is best. The government should not interfere.
10. One politician actually said that it is the duty of old people to die and get out of the way. What a rich resource would be thrown away if we did this.
11. Small businesses would be taxed up to 8% if they did not provide health care to employees. The plans they offer must also meet set government standards. Small business is the engine of our economy. This would cost many jobs. Jobs are what the country currently needs most.
12. By refusing to exclude abortion from government insurance standards, abortion will, as courts have previously decided, be included. No matter where you stand on abortion, disagreeing taxpayers should not be forced to pay for it and doctors should not be forced to perform it, if it is against their conscience. There are nearly one thousand Catholic hospitals in this country. The Catholic religion – freedom of religion still does exist – condemns abortion. These Catholic hospitals would cease to exist. If they didn't meet government requirements they would not be eligible to receive government funds. Hospitals need these funds to stay in business.
The health care bills in Congress are rushed, ill-considered plans. A government take-over of health care is not wanted or needed. We need thought out good health care reform. Congress needs to do a good job – not a quick job. These problems have existed for decades. Please do this right.
Signed,
The Electorate
1. The government claims that everyone will be covered; the quality of health care will be better; and health care will costs less. Does anyone believe this is possible? The American people are not that gullible.
2. The health care proposals are too expensive. Health care constitutes one-sixth of our economy. A government run option is not only expensive, it is undesirable.
3. No matter who Congress says will pay for these proposals, we know that the people will eventually pay for it – in higher taxes, higher premiums, or in lost jobs.
4. Congress is not properly addressing real ways to cut health care costs. Fraud is rampant in current government run health care programs. It is estimated that this fraud costs taxpayers about one billion dollars a year. Fraud is dramatically lower in private programs. They very actively seek to curb it.
5. Tort reform is not addressed. This would greatly reduce the number of unnecessary tests order. Doctors would not be forced to practice CYA medicine. It would limit the number of frivolous law suits, which would reduce malpractice insurance and lower the cost of health care.
6.When more people are covered and the number of doctors stay the same, you must have longer waits. Rationing is a given.
7. The quality of care would deteriorate. Doctors would have less time with patients and the government proposes limiting which treatments are available.
8. The stimulus bill provided for panels which would determine what treatments are “cost effective” and who may receive these treatments. If you are old or chronically ill your options would be even more limited. The government would determine if you had the right to survive. Isn’t this compassionate and Orwellian?
9. One size does not fit all in medicine. There are too many variables. Doctors must decide what treatment is best. The government should not interfere.
10. One politician actually said that it is the duty of old people to die and get out of the way. What a rich resource would be thrown away if we did this.
11. Small businesses would be taxed up to 8% if they did not provide health care to employees. The plans they offer must also meet set government standards. Small business is the engine of our economy. This would cost many jobs. Jobs are what the country currently needs most.
12. By refusing to exclude abortion from government insurance standards, abortion will, as courts have previously decided, be included. No matter where you stand on abortion, disagreeing taxpayers should not be forced to pay for it and doctors should not be forced to perform it, if it is against their conscience. There are nearly one thousand Catholic hospitals in this country. The Catholic religion – freedom of religion still does exist – condemns abortion. These Catholic hospitals would cease to exist. If they didn't meet government requirements they would not be eligible to receive government funds. Hospitals need these funds to stay in business.
The health care bills in Congress are rushed, ill-considered plans. A government take-over of health care is not wanted or needed. We need thought out good health care reform. Congress needs to do a good job – not a quick job. These problems have existed for decades. Please do this right.
Signed,
The Electorate
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Destroying the Economy
We see the economy struggling to recover. As it does, Congress and the Administration continue to erect roadblocks that will prevent it. They seek to place more and more burdens on businesses - large and small. Small business is the engine of our economy. Normally small businesses create about 70% of our new jobs. Currently, small businesses are creating almost all of our new jobs. Big business is standing back waiting to see what basic rules the government will change next.
Government has turned the world upside down with its business take-overs and business controls. New and higher taxes are being purposed. More and more, the government is telling businesses what they can and cannot do. Cap + Trade will strangle businesses unless they are one of the select few who will wildly profit from it. Small businesses will be devastated. Health care mandates will damage businesses and Congress ignores the fact that the vast majority of Americans do not want a large invasive government run plan. We want a smaller, less expensive privately run plan. Government, however, likes large, expensive legislation that increases its size and power.
As the federal government taxes and spends, seeking to extend its control of our lives and livelihoods, it is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. If you destroy the economy, you are also destroying yourselves. Washington politicians remind me of the story of the frog and scorpion. The scorpion stings the frog even though he knows his actions will drown them both. When he was asked why he did it, he replied "It's the nature of a scorpion". It is the nature of politicians to seek more power and control even though they must know their greed will destroy the system that gives them their power.
Washington needs to control its nature and its urge to tax,spend, and increase its power and size. Can you think of the good of the country and be an American not a politician?
Signed,
The Electorate
Government has turned the world upside down with its business take-overs and business controls. New and higher taxes are being purposed. More and more, the government is telling businesses what they can and cannot do. Cap + Trade will strangle businesses unless they are one of the select few who will wildly profit from it. Small businesses will be devastated. Health care mandates will damage businesses and Congress ignores the fact that the vast majority of Americans do not want a large invasive government run plan. We want a smaller, less expensive privately run plan. Government, however, likes large, expensive legislation that increases its size and power.
As the federal government taxes and spends, seeking to extend its control of our lives and livelihoods, it is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. If you destroy the economy, you are also destroying yourselves. Washington politicians remind me of the story of the frog and scorpion. The scorpion stings the frog even though he knows his actions will drown them both. When he was asked why he did it, he replied "It's the nature of a scorpion". It is the nature of politicians to seek more power and control even though they must know their greed will destroy the system that gives them their power.
Washington needs to control its nature and its urge to tax,spend, and increase its power and size. Can you think of the good of the country and be an American not a politician?
Signed,
The Electorate
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