Occupy Wall Street Movement Draws Predictable Response From Republicans

Over the last few weeks you may have heard about the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York's lower Manhattan. It has been active almost a month now, but only recently garnered coverage from the mainstream media. If you were to take a message from these people, it would probably concentrate on the financial system in our country that we bailed out, while they refused to return the favor. While Wall Street and the big banks sit on 2.5 Trillion dollars in assets, and continue to pay record bonuses to their employees, those of us on Main Street struggle to make ends meet. It is a wholesale indictment of the 1% of American corporations and individuals who now hold all the money, all the tax breaks, and all the power. The movement has spread to other cities across the country, and it's unsure when, or if it will end anytime soon.

It is the first major uprising from the left I've seen in a while. It is driven by young people who have completed college, but been unable to find a job. It's the unemployed, some of whom have been job hunting for 2 years or more. It is those who are tired of working longer hours for less pay, and want something better to show for all their hard work. It is the remnants of an ever shrinking middle class in this country, who are tired of all the breaks going to those who need them the least.

So it comes as no surprise to anyone when the Republicans denounce these people, in favor of their rich, and corporate masters. Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) said “They don’t know why they’re there. They’re just mad,” Broun said on ABC’s "TopLine.” “I see people angry in my district too. But this attack upon business, attack upon industry, attack upon freedom and I think that’s what this is all about.”
Broun said labor unions are trying to exploit the anger felt by the protesters to help the president in his reelection campaign. He went on to say the President is just ignorant and incompetent on how to create jobs and freedom in this economy. He is taking away our freedom and our jobs.

So the President is taking away our freedom? Really? See now this is the kind of "wrap yourself in the flag" crap, that makes me absolutely mental! Translation: Democrats want to destroy this country by trying to control corporations and the rich, ie: the protesters want to destroy this country. It is classic Republican fear factor politics. May I add, only a Georgia Representative like Broun would have the balls to make these kind of absurd insinuations. Just when I think they can't go any lower, some right wing bumpkin like Broun proves me wrong. Do you seriously think this argument between the rich, and corporations, and the middle class, unemployed is about robbing FREEDOM?! If you have half a brain in your head you say of course not! But that never stops Republicans from playing the patriot card when they don't have an answer for the real issue at hand. So lock your doors and windows, while corporations and the rich lay waste to the middle class, you'll be safe in your homes from the protesters who want to take your freedom. GIVE ME A BREAK!

Since President Obama Took Office, Republicans Have Made No Bones About How They View Him

The day after he was elected, the Right had to take back America from that black man in the White House. In 2008 our civil discourse had reached new lows, but when Obama won the election, conservatives dove to new lows. The birther issue thrived for over 2 years, until the President finally stopped it. He's not legitimate, he doesn't fit the criteria, How did this happen, we have to stop this somehow? Well to be blunt, you can't label yourself a racists by saying "That nigger doesn't belong in the White House!" So they walk all around it, he's a Socialist, a Nazi, a Communist, a Marxist, when all he really is to these people is "The nigger in the White House." So the primary motivation becomes "Get that nigger out of the White House", or as they like to say "Take back America!"(from the nigger in the White House). Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has stated plainly the primary goal of Republicans is to defeat Barack Obama in 2012. This is their PRIMARY GOAL, not jobs, not healthcare, not taxes. Now is my emphasis on race exaggerated? Maybe, but the Tea Party folks who run the Republican Party right now are all over this, while moderates are cringing every time the dog whistles blow.

So as a result we got the party of "NO". If Obama wants it, we hate it. If Obama likes it, and we used to like it, we hate it. For 3 years Republicans have stalled, filibustered, and rejected compromise at all costs. It has made an already dire economic situation worse, and deadlocked the halls of Congress for 36 months at a time when action is not only needed, but demanded. However, their not done yet. 13 months out from the Presidential election, and Republicans continue to drag their heals while regular hard working Americans loose their jobs, their homes, and their dreams. All so Republicans can "Retake" the White House.

Lets not just stop at the politics, many Republicans have a personal stake in removing this President. I am only 46, but I have never seen a President treated with more disrespect and outright contempt, than President Obama. Until he took office, when before did you hear about Congressmen like Joe Wilson (R-SC) yelling "YOU LIE!" at the President, in the House Chamber, during A State of the Union?


When before did you hear of Congressman like Jef Landry (R-LA) holding up signs in the House Chamber while the President addresses a joint sesssion of Congress? This is the United States Congress, not some high school pep rally?!


Then we have the latest insult, the President wants to address Congress, House Speaker Boehner (R-OH) says "Wednesday is no good for me, how about Thursday?" When have you ever heard about something like this with another President? Then when he does address Congress some Republicans say "I'm busy, I have a football party to attend." like Senator David Vetter (R-LA). Who has ever refused to attend a session of Congress called by the President himself? Can you imagine the hell that would get raised if Democrats had done that to G.W. Bush? The world would end!, but see he's just the nigger in the White House, he's doesn't deserve the same courtesy that every President before him deserved. He is yesterday's news, and the sooner the better. They may think this is working, but with an 82% disapproval rating for Congress, and with most of those blaming Republicans, we'll see who gets the respect they deserve. Regardless of what you may think of Barack Obama, he is OUR President, and is entitled to the same respect as all those commander-in chiefs that came before him. So as the Right continues to erode what, if anything remains of civility in our government, we will see soon enough who's strategy worked, and more importantly how it worked.

Perry Slows, While Republicans Remain Angry And Confused

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812, is famous for saying "Don't Give Up The Ship." Governor Rick Perry has further exposed himself as nothing more than a another southern political rube, whose ship is slowly running aground. He has 3 Republican debates under his belt, and has not shined in any of them. He has faltered under attacks from his fellow Republicans that were hardly withering in force, or content, and shows himself less and less worthy of his position as the Republicans top pick. He continues to stand by and expound on his controversial statements about social security, immigration, health care, and general economic growth. His recent foray into foreign policy, showing up in New York in a vain attempt to undermine the President, not only did a disservice to President Obama, but showed himself as a foreign policy novice who hasn't got a clue. Making incendiary comments with regard to Israel made him look like a major clod. This man hasn't got a clue about Israel, and probably couldn't find it on a map if it was tattooed to his ass.

Republican party faithful are standing behind him as the current leader in the polls, but at the same time are slowly sliding their feet toward the exits. Several political journals this week were already ringing his death nell, as just one more Republican flash in the pan. To add insult to injury, factor in Herman Cain's big win in the Florida Straw Poll, which left Perry brushing off the dust of a dismal second place showing. In the meantime, once again Mitt Romney is beginning to look like the sane, albeit uninspired, man for the job. While he does not excite the Republican base, he has been a constant and steady force moving toward the primaries. All this despite his own short comings, which no one seems to want to exploit.

All this points to an increasingly disgruntled Republican electorate whose true colors have shined with each passing debate. Cheers for Perry's execution of 235 inmates, overshadowed recently by the Troy Davis affair. Ron Paul being asked if a young man with no insurance should just be allowed to die? Garnishing cries of "Yeah!" A gay active duty U.S. Marine in Iraq asking if Republicans will undermine the the recent repeal of DADT ( Don't Ask, Don't Tell) to a chorus of Boos! and in none of these instances did any of the Republican candidates stand up and say "hold on that's just not right." NOT ONE. The far rights anger is palatable. You can almost taste it as drips from the mouths of these hard core, right wing, nut jobs yelling from the crowd. Now, to every one's surprise, here comes Herman Cain in Florida? If you still think Rick Perry is going to be the Republican standard bearer, just keep listening to what he says, and like all the rest, your feet will be sliding toward the exits. The Republicans are furious that in an election year where President Obama is so vulnerable, this is the best they have to offer, and it's killing them!

The Republican Agenda Is Way To Obvious To Miss

You see and hear it everyday in the news, in commercials, in speeches, and debates, the right wing agenda. Of course everyone knows about the left wing agenda to bring down this country, but the right has one too, and they're not trying to hide it. We are all well aware of Republican forked tongues rampant in their politics. Here are 2 examples: 1) When President Obama rolled out the American Jobs Act, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) said he was open to some of the Presidents proposals, but didn't like his "all or nothing" attitude with regards to the bill, are you kidding me? From one of the kings of all or nothing politics? Really? 2) Yesterday, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) told reporters he was hopeful debt reduction goals could be reached by the Congressional Super-committee, then in the same breath said tax increases were off the table. He mused, "tax the rich, tax the rich, that's not what America is about..." and that it was "class warfare." In an economy with 14 million people unemployed, where Republicans haven't passed 1 jobs bill, and are content t sit on their hands until November 2012, DEMOCRATS ARE WAGING CLASS WARFARE ON THE RICH!!!!! Are you out of your mind? Eighty plus percent of people want the Bush tax cuts to expire, and taxes increased on the rich, yet they stand there unmoved regurgitating the same non-sensible rhetoric to their demented base of followers, who happily gobble it up. Time after time they stand firm to defend the indefensible, and they don't care who doesn't like it.

Three big pushes are on across the country, above and beyond their credo of "Defeat Barack Obama at all costs." First, big business is taking a big leap into the public relations game to tell us how wonderfully they benefit all of us. There are several examples, but the most blatant industry I've noticed are energy companies. Big Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal, are bombarding the airways with how many jobs they create, how safe they are, how serious they are about "alternative fuels", how they drive the economy. The latest and most offensive one I've seen of late, comes from the "Clean Coal" people (which is an oxymoron, there is no such thing as clean coal), they are running commercials for people to contact congress to stop regulations wanted by the EPA. If their damn coal is so clean why should a few regulations get in their way? Because its all a lot of crap! Big Oil gets government subsidies to create safety plans on how to save walruses in the Gulf of Mexico, then when one of their rigs explodes, it takes them 3 months just to cap the damn thing. Exxon-Mobil alone made 25 Billion dollars in just the first quarter of this year, 3 months!? with that kind of money it takes you 3 months to cap a well. I'm not even mentioning the environmental damage caused to the Gulf beaches, local economies, and jobs. But what do Republicans say "Drill Baby Drill." You see those adds for clean natural gas? How abundant it is and how they take great care in getting it out of the ground? I have a documentary for you all to watch its called Gasland if you've seen it you know what I'm talking about. They pump a cocktail of over 500 chemicals into the ground to get the gas (most of them carcinogens)in an operation called fracking. It contaminates water supplies, and lets you light a fire when water comes out of your tap, yummy. sound safe to you? I think not. In all these instances Republicans want less regulation, even to the point of destroying the EPA itself. That's what you get with a party driven by concern for corporate profits and not people.

Second, In Republican controlled states with Republican Governors and State Assembly's, there has been an all out war declared on organized labor, both public and private. You've watched it play out in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, to name a few. Why? not to balance budgets as they would have you believe, but to cripple or destroy the one major funding source for Democratic candidates in the country. Budget axes are dropping on teachers, police, fireman, government employees, organized labor in general, and it's not just at the state level it's at the federal level. One and all who are these people? The Middle Class, the ever shrinking middle class, whose median household income has dropped consistently since 1999, while poverty in America is on the rise, and while the rich just keep getting richer.

Third, In these same Republican controlled states there have been an increased effort to pass state legislation that promotes voter suppression. Aimed at the elderly, the poor, and minorities, its just another part of the rights grand scheme. Keep the economy in limbo to defeat Obama, crush progressive donors, make it as difficult as possible for those who generally vote Democratic to do so. It is cold and calculated, and to see it all you have to do is look. I point these things out so that when you do see them, you'll know it's true, and it's obvious, and most importantly it needs to stop.

America's Great Divide

Over some period of time now, I have noticed a national division in this country. I'm not just talking about our increasingly fractured political institutions, or the entrenched political extremes that seem to define our politics. I'm talking about a simple basic concern for human dignity, kindness, and compassion, to our fellow human beings. This is not a uniquely American quality, it is universal in its nature, and appealing in the very smallest measure of its practice. As Americans we like to tell ourselves that we are the greatest country on the planet, and many are convinced that because we say it, it makes it so. However, there continues to be a very distinct difference in some people's mind of what that America should look like?

When I think of America, I think of the recent report of several people pushing over a burning car, to save the motorcyclist trapped underneath. I think of the communities that come together after natural disasters, with a resolve to share their grief, and rebuild their lives. I think of those who work 2 or 3 jobs to feed their families, while going to school to become something better than their parents were. I think of all the volunteers who help the hungry, the needy, the desperate, the disenfranchised, the people who through no fault of their own find themselves in a difficult position, and need help.

Yet, there are some among us who have been fortunate enough to never want or need for any of the material things we use to define success. They are people whose American dream started the day they were born, and because they have never had to endure the trials of those less fortunate, they have become insulated to the travails of their fellow man. Perhaps they did know those trials, but find it easier to forget them, because they were able to rise above? Whatever the reason, these 2 basic types of people exist in our country today, and it is getting much easier to pick each of them out of the crowd.

Those people driven by experience, and the knowledge that what is here today may be gone tomorrow, and have been touched by some type of personal tragedy that took away those material things that define their status in our society. I'm not talking about loosing a loved one, I'm talking about loosing your job, your home, your American dream. It is these people who struggle daily, who work, and pay their taxes, obey the laws, and fight to raise their children, that understand the compassionate America.

Then there are others who are inherently angry. There are bogey men behind every corner, and they are coming for what they have. Who are these people? They are immigrants, gay, black, poor, organized labor, environmentalists, and government regulators. They believe if you don't think as they do, you are a threat. They question your rights, your legitimacy, your legality, your right to function in the same world they do. They believe that America is the greatest country in the world, because FOR THEM, it is. They are pro-life, but kill doctors who perform abortions in the name of God. They want to have prayer in public schools, and applaud when a Governor touts how many people he's executed. Because any government is evil, those who are struck with an unforeseen medical misfortune should die, because they made the wrong choice. They watch as a congresswoman and 18 other people get shot, some killed, in a public parking lot, then auction off the exact same gun used in the shooting, as a show of support for the 2nd Amendment. They are afraid of government, minorities, regulators, anybody who can be perceived as a threat.

In the last 20 years these people have slowly taken control of our democracy. Backed by a never ending supply of money, they are slowly destroying the middle class. Now that they have the lobbyists, and the money, they are beginning to dismantle every institution in this country that stands in their way. Organized labor for starters, the dismantling of Medicare and Social Security, the wholesale destruction of government regulations on our food, our water, our air, our coal, our oil, our natural gas, our health care, and anything else that stands in the way of their corporate masters. One in six people in this country are now in poverty. people wrap themselves around blocks for miles at 2am to stand in line for free health clinics. The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer, and there they stand, this heartless class of Americans who have come out of the shadows to take their seat at the table of power. They don't compromise, they don't apologise, and they don't care what you think. You are either with them, or your against them, where do you stand?

Busy Political Week For Republicans & Democrats

This last Wednesday night at the Reagan Library, the 8 major Republican candidates squared off in the first debate to showcase Governor Rick Perry's talents at the podium. In the first of several debates that will be taking place into mid-October, there were some noteworthy developments. The second tier candidates tried very hard to gain some momentum, and while everyone was sharp, I don't think anyone gained much ground to speak of. Jon Huntsmann was more assertive, but didn't resonate. Herman Cain, and Newt Gingrich got a few applause lines, but both are dead men walking, add Rick Santorum who was flat and did the worst in my opinion, and that pretty much rounds out the bottom feeders.

In the top tier, 2 candidates got sent to the minors, those being Ron Paul and Michelle Bachmann. Paul tried very hard to put some hits on Governor Perry, but the more he talks, the more extreme he reveals himself to be. He has his core of supporters that will get him 9-10% in the polls, but I suspect that will gradually erode as time goes on. Michelle Bachmann seems to have peaked with the Ames Straw Poll. She once again played fast and loose with facts, and going into the debate had lost half her support to Perry. She did nothing in this showing that would lead me to alter that position.

Which takes us to the big 2, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. Perry surged ahead of Romney in polling prior to the debate, and many people were watching Perry's debut to see how he would do against the current field. Let me end the suspense, Romney ate his lunch. Mitt Romney was cool, calm, and composed. He was articulate, prepared, and on message. He was unrattled by attacks, and gave as good as he got. Perry was brash, prepared to a point, but became rattled by some questions, he looked like the kid who got called on who didn't do his homework. Then in an attempt to project strength, doubled down on 2 issues that will haunt him and alienate moderates. First, he reiterated his claim that Social Security was a "Ponzi" scheme that didn't need to be fixed, but thrown away. Second, he questioned the science behind global warming, which he claimed was incomplete. He had lots of red meat for the wing nuts, but little appeal for the general election. Remember this is a marathon, not a race. Romney did what he had to do, and Perry fell short. Mark me folks, this was the first time people got to kick the tires on Rick Perry, the more they look under the hood, the less they're gonna like this guy.

So that takes us to last nights Presidential address to Congress and President Obama's introduction of the "American Jobs Bill". The bill provides $450 Billion for tax reform, infrastructure, veterans, teachers, the middle class, mortgage assistance, and more. Now I described this speech as a make or break for the President, and this is what I thought. He painted Republicans into a corner, projected the strength needed for the moment, and most important, has forced Republicans to say "No" to programs they endorse, funded the way they want. Here is a plan that adopts several Republican ideas, then dares them to pay for it by cutting another $500 Billion from the budget to pay for it. Cuts that will be above and beyond the $1.5 Trillion mandated to be cut by the Congressional Super committee, and will include reforms to both Social Security and Medicare. The move was brilliant, and made me wonder where this Barack Obama has been for the last 3 years?

I'll be honest, I didn't think he could pull it off, but he did, and my hats off to him. However, before we start popping champagne corks lets have a little reality check. There are 14 months left before the 2012 elections, and as the President so artfully pointed out, the American people can't wait that long for Congress to act. So where does that leave us? As the President went into detail about his proposed bill, Republicans sat stone faced, and unmoved with each new detail. Remember the Republicans primary goal is to remove Barack Obama from the White House. Do you really think they will be motivated to give him a legislative victory of any kind, just one year from an election? Of course not, that's why the Presidents plan is so perfect. Here is a bill full of your ideas, done the way you want, paid for the way you want, REJECT IT AT YOUR OWN PERIL and show America who you really stand with? If you won't do it YOUR way, what is it gonna take for Republicans to do anything? The line that needed to drawn, has been drawn. Do you fold and get hurt in the election, or do you dig in and say "No" and get hurt in the election. It's a catch 22 and the Republicans know it, question now is, what are they gonna do about it?

Why We Can Expect Nothing To Happen In Washington For The Next 15 Months

The last 24 hours were really telling with regard to the state of affairs in Washington. President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner couldn't even agree on when the President could give a speech. In a move that shocked no one, President Obama once again caved to Boehner's demand. Now granted. it's just a date and the optics of when or where probably don't matter, but to me, it plays as just another example of the President's inability to say "No". It also doesn't give me hope that he will be able to deliver big with his speech on September 8th. A speech I've said before, may very well make or break the President.

So with that being said, and the Congressional approval rating at an all time low, what can we expect to see from Washington over the next 15 months? Well a lot depends on Obama's speech. If he hits it out of the park next week, he will hopefully create a dividing line that can be rallied behind, forcing Republicans to once again say no to the middle class, in support of the rich. If he gives us the same old uninspired rhetoric that contains some loosely detailed amorphous plan, the package will be dead on arrival.

However, the thing to notice here is that the ball is in the Republicans court, despite what kind of plan the President introduces next week. If they are forced to defend their positions with purpose, or just give us more of the same supply side voodoo economic non-sense, what, if any, action is taken falls to them. So my guess is that because of their intense loathing for anything President Obama produces, we will generally have more of the same gridlock, and partisan grandstanding we have come to hate about Washington.

Never before have I seen such a distinct ideological divide between the two major political parties in this country. True to form the Republicans have fought for 3 years to stop anything the President sets his mind to, all in the belief that it will help them re-take the White House in 2012. Here are some of these distinctions as defined by the Republicans.

Social Security: Is a burden we can no longer afford, it's a ponzi scheme, is a never ending drain on our economy.
Medicare & Medicaid: Has weakened the country by dismantling the institutions that used to care for people, is social engineering, should be replaced by a voucher system, is unsustainable.
Unemployment Benefits and Natural Disasters: Continued extensions of unemployment make people lazy, both should be paid for with more discretionary spending cuts, FEMA and other governmental agencies should be abolished.
Voting Rights: States should adopt picture ID requirements for all voters ie: a state drivers license; student ID's and Military ID's are not valid, gun permits are valid. If the very young, the very old, the poor or disenfranchised can't meet this criteria tough luck.
Abortion: Should be outlawed across the country, extremists believe it is fair game to kill abortion doctors, or bomb abortion clinics, no exceptions for abortion should be allowed. It should be outlawed by amending the Constitution.
Gay Rights: Being gay is a lifestyle choice, you are not born this way, you can pray the gay away with the right counseling, marriage should be between one man and one woman, we should amend the Constitution to declare this, gays are sinful barbarians who are unable to be happy.
Gun Control: All guns automatic, semi-automatic, hand guns, rifles, should be available to anyone who wants them, any gun regulation is an infringement of a citizens 2nd Amendment rights, the current background check data base work just fine.
Government Regulation: Should be stopped on our food, our water, and our land. Any regulation on banks curtails economic growth, and hurts the economy, there should be no regulation on energy development oil, coal, nuclear, natural gas, it kills jobs.
Taxes: Taxes should be low on corporations, the rich, hedge fund managers, capital gains. This stimulates growth and creates jobs.
Health Care: Is not the business of the Federal Government, and should be left to insurance companies in the private sector to handle, again with little regulation.
Iraq & Afghanistan: Were wars of necessity after 9/11 and the cost in blood and treasure was well worth it, and continues to be vital to the overall security of the United States. In gathering intelligence for potential operations here and at home, torture is perfectly acceptable, as is the unlimited detention of prisoners in the name of national security.
Church & State: The United States is a Judeo-Christian nation and other religions do not hold equal status aside from those mentioned. Creationism should be taught in schools, ones religious beliefs should be a litmus test for those holding any office in the government, prayer should be allowed in schools.
Global Warming: Is unproven, there is no consensus from the scientific community that global warming is real, or in any way man made.

I think I made my point, which is this. These are the people holding the strings right now. These are the people who are holding our government hostage until November of 2012. They are uncompromising, ideological zealots, and intransigent against anything that may move the country forward, or allow President Obama any scrap of personal victory. The challenge ahead is can the President draw these distinctions for the American people? We will find out soon enough, and I have my doubts, but lets hope he can, the future of the nation is riding on it.

Dear President Obama, In My Opinion...

Alright my friends, it is time to lay it on the line. On September 5th President Obama will go on T.V. to roll out his economic recovery/jobs plan. How he handles the roll out and implementation of this plan, just may determine whether he gets another four years as President. Liberals and the Democratic base are screaming for a bold, detailed, and crystal clear vision of what the President plans to put forward to deal with jobs, and the faltering American economy. I believe it may very well be the defining moment of his Presidency.

The question arises, is the President capable of delivering such a proposal? This is not something he can delegate to Vice President Biden, or Congress, or his advisers. It has to be written by his hand, delivered with his heart, and pressed forward by his leadership, nothing less will do in the current situation, nothing. However, if history is our window to the past, I just don't see him being able to pull this off, and his ability to break from his previous efforts is essential.

A major problem within the administration as I see it, is that he is surrounded by political advisers who don't want to take on the Republican House. The prevailing philosophy being, why put something forward that you know has no way of passing? Unfortunately that's the whole point! Stand-up, be counted, LEAD! Force the Republicans into the defensive for a change. Stand up for the middle class and make Republicans vote against extending unemployment, vote against the payroll tax break, vote against infrastructure, vote against anything that will make people realize where they really stand. Republicans are puppets of the rich, the banks, big oil, big insurance, big pharma, because after all corporations are people too. The people need to be reminded of this constantly, or it just get lost in the Republican fear factory.

So do you think he can pull it off? I admit, I am pessimistic. If we get the same old Obama with a nice speech, and a vague limited vision for what he wants to do, then the battle will be over before it starts. The people want bold action, the media pundits want it, the Democratic base wants it, the question remains can the President deliver? I truly hope he still has some of that change we can believe in because without it, nothing happens, and that doesn't help anyone.

Gov. Rick Perry Wants Some Things For America That Should Suprise You

Texas Governor Rick Perry has certainly made a splash in his first week on the campaign trail to be the GOP nominee for President. In fact, his first view under the national microscope finds some disturbing things on the Governor's wish list for America. He has captured headlines all week with his brash demeanor, and blunt vision for the Country, but while the Tea Party crowd eats it up, will the rest of us be able to swallow the United States according to Rick Perry? Let's take a look at some of the things the Governor wants for the Nation.

In a shot at President Obama he "...wants service members to have a commander-in chief who they can respect." and "someone who is in love with America." when asked if he thought President Obama didn't love America he replied, "I dunno you need to ask him." These kind of dog whistle moments, perk up the ears of the GOP fringe, but rarely play for mainstream America, including Independents. Perry joins a long line of conservatives that have made a hobby out of questioning the legitimacy of the President. Whether it's his birth certificate, his birthplace, his religion, or any other vague reference that calls into question his right to the oval office.

Another history buff in the same vein as Michelle Bachmann, he claimed "...when Texas entered the union in 1845 it was with the understanding it could pull out." Texas negotiated the power to break into 4 additional states at some point, but not the right to secede. Sounds like delusions of grandeur to me, to talk secession from the union in the 21st Century.

He threatened Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke with treason if he printed more money between now and the 2012 election. He said "...we would treat him pretty ugly down in Texas. He also wants to make the federal government as inconsequential in your life as possible. If your on Social Security or Medicare, that one will give you the warm fuzzies.

Oh but wait there's more. He wants to abolish the lifetime tenure of federal judges, to "...restrict the unlimited power of the courts." He goes on to say Congress should be able to override the Supreme Court with a 2/3rds vote, "...nine unelected judges tell us how to live." He wants to alter the Constitution to do all this.

He wants to repeal the 16th and 17th Amendments to the Constitution. The sixteenth would eliminate the federal income tax, the seventeenth would end the direct election of senators. He said "The American people mistakenly empowered the federal government during a fit of populist rage." So how would the government function, donations? No direct election of senators What? Had enough? Oh no, yes there's more.

He wants a balanced budget amendment. For 235 years the people have counted on their elected representatives to do this, and the merits of this may or may not appeal to you, but most economists agree in general this is a bad idea all the way around. Our ability to be flexible with our monetary policy is crucial to avoiding unnecessary crisis.

Abortion should be made illegal throughout the Country, and there should be an amendment to the Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. In both cases state laws currently on the books would be overturned. This would effectively ban gay marriage nationwide, and outlaw abortion of any kind. On abortion he said "so important...to the soul of this country and to the traditional values [of] our founding fathers." Really? was gay marriage or abortion even on the radar of the founding fathers? And for someone who wants to uphold the tradition of those founding fathers, he sure wants to make a lot of changes to the document they came up with to govern this country.

So what do you think of Rick Perry now? Wanna know the scary part? ITS ONLY BEEN A WEEK! What other Constitutional quandaries will he come up with? Hell at this rate he'll have the whole Constitution on the scrap pile in a month! Front runner? maybe for a little while, but don't hold your breath on his nomination hopes. Besides do you really think the nation is ready for another ultra-conservative wing nut Governor from Texas? I'm thinkin not.

Busy Week For Republicans, But Message Remains The Same

Well a Republican debate, and the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa has kept Republican presidential hopefuls on their toes over the last 5 days. The debate had few notable moments as the candidates took aim at each other, rather than the President, no doubt to swing Iowa voters for the Straw Poll. They concentrated on the ever looming specter of an out of control Federal Government, and a renewed pledge to cut spending and not raise taxes. This was capped by a unanimous show of hands to the question, "...if you were given a debt reduction bill that was a 10 to 1 ratio of budget cuts vs. raising revenues would you take the deal?" They all said "No". A scary message from a field that seems captured by the intransigence of the Tea Party crowd.

As for the Ames Straw Poll Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-MN), and Chairman of the Republican Tea Party Caucus won the most votes, with Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) just 150 votes behind her. Tim Pawlenty captured a distant third place showing, which effectively put him out of the contest. He put all his resources into the Straw Poll, and a dismal third place, coupled with empty coffers forced his exit from the race.

He was replaced by Texas Governor Rick Perry who announced his intentions to seek the White House in South Carolina yesterday. Perry who brings 26 years of political experience to the table, is categorized as a prolific campaigner, and no one to take lightly. He will no doubt grab the spotlight for a time, the question is will he be able to sustain some momentum, or simply fall in line with the rest of the mediocre Republican field? There is general consensus he needs to hit the ground running, due to his late entry into the race.

The big problem with all of this is Iowa. The State of Iowa is not a true litmus test for mainstream America, but because they're the first delegate contest in the Nation, they get bombarded with media attention a full year before the actual contest. Iowa's Republican electorate is heavily evangelical, and I think it's fair to say dominated more by social conservative issues, than mainstream conservative issues. Which is why Mitt Romney, and Jon Huntsman did not fully participate here. The only mainstream Republican to participate was Tim Pawlenty, and he is now gone. Why? Because mainstream Republican ideals do not resonate there. Republican Iowa is bible land, bastion of one man - one woman marriage, gun toting NRA members, Pro-Life fanatics, and uncompromising fiscal Tea Party rubes. So the candidates doing well here, are the ones who embrace these views. So it comes as absolutely no surprise when Michelle Bachmann wins here. The Republican field as I see it breaks down this way:

The Mainstream Republican: Mitt Romney

The Right Wing Tea Party Extremists: Michelle Bachmann, Rick Perry, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum.

The Short Lived Bottom feeders: Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Thaddius
McCotter.

In my experience as a political analyst, oddly enough Republicans are very predictable when it comes to picking their Presidential nominees. They generally choose the person who has done the time, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, John McCain. All were people who made runs in the past and fell short, but were eventually rewarded by the party despite their ability to win the General Election. So going out on a limb early here, Mitt Romney will be the Republican nominee, because he's done the time. Now the battle for king of the extremists will be entertaining to watch, but will most likely only produce the V.P. pick, so that when all is said and done, the crazies will have a place at the table. Their battlegrounds will be States like Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, West Virginia, and the Deep South, look for Michelle Bachmann and Rick Perry to be the main contenders here. Romney will most likely get the lions share of Pawlenty's supporters, and will eventually get Jon Huntsmans people as well, so hang in there, the Iowa feeding frenzy won't end until January 2012, and most likely a few more names will be gone by then as well.

America Is At A Crossroads

Any nation's journey through time is defined by an unending string of quintessential moments that define that nations path, and its future. For America, one of those major moments came last night. One of the major credit rating agencies, Standard and Poors, for the first time in 235 years of American History downgraded our Nation's bond rating to AA+ with a Negative Outlook. For the very first time the full faith and credit of the United States of America is something less than AAA. Now many are trying to downplay the significance of this in order to calm world markets, but the rating marks much more than a downgrade in our bond rating. It marks a downgrade in America itself, and our ability to function effectively as a government, and the worlds sole superpower.

From the President, to the House, to the Senate, this stain on America's name graces each and everyone of the bodies I have mentioned. It has placed us at a crossroads, and the road forward is dim. We have a President who does not engage in the business of government until it is too late, and even then, yields to his opposition. We have a House of Representatives fractured by uncompromising factions, who would rather be right, than do the peoples business. They waste time on bills that have no future, ideas that carry no weight, and ideological dogmas that prevent compromise because they signed some inane pledge somewhere down the line, that caters to one man, and not the public welfare. For 7 months Congress played their little game, going back and forth until things reached critical mass, and with hours to spare, averted disaster with a sub-standard bill that will once again lay the heaviest burden on those who can lease afford it.

Millions of our people our out of work, our roads and bridges are collapsing, our trains clickity clack down old rails at 50 mph, while in China, France, and Japan they cruise at over 300 mph, Our Education system is in need of a desperate overhaul, and the separation between the rich and the poor gets bigger with each passing day. This is the America we have created, and for the first time in history I think it is a safe bet to say the next generation will have less than we have had.

Yes people this is our reality, we live from month to month, election cycle to election cycle. We put band-aids on knife wounds and pray for the best, we have become a Nation just content to get by, and it is a wake-up call for all those who have become complacent with the current state of affairs in America. Yes we are at a crossroads, and how we move forward will effect the millions of Americans yet unborn into the promise that is, the American Dream. We have forgotten how to dream big in America. How to build the Hoover Dams, the Golden Gate Bridges, the Empire State Buildings, the Apollo Rockets, the Interstate Highways, all the things that only a Nation can build. These are not done by small business, State Governments, or the Public Sector. All the great wonders of the world were built by the power and might of governments and empires that invested in their futures. In doing so showed the world they were powers to be reckoned with, that they were here to stay, and challenged those around them to marvel at the possibility of how great a people can be. Do you feel that way about America today?

In the grand scheme of things, with Congress at an 82% Disapproval rating, Republicans at a 72% Disapproval rating, and Democrats at a 66% Disapproval rating, what is our next move? On one side you have the Republicans, who carry the standard of big business, the military, and the rich, don't know history, reject science and anthropology, and walk a fine line between democracy and theocracy. On the other hand you have the Democrats, who claim to champion the middle class, the poor, seniors, the disabled, pledge to defend Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, and then at every turn slowly undermine the very causes they swear to defend, by consistently caving to Republican demands. Take your pick, not very promising choices are they. We as a Nation need to start thinking big again, because if we don't, AA+ with a negative outlook will be the least of our worries.

Democrats Are Unwilling To Govern

As I return from vacation, the debt crisis was averted with a terrible bill, and with just hours to spare. Once again the Democrats have caved to the right, the stock market is down 1200 points over the last 2 weeks. On a lighter note, unemployment ticked down to 9.1%, to which I say big deal!

Seven months of political posturing has amounted to a massive waste of time for the the American people. As citizens of this Country we deserve much better than what Congress and the President have had to offer us over the last year. I don't know about you, but I am sick to death of the party polarization, and political gridlock that does nothing to help our economy, or our people. Those who represent us in Washington are at a historic low in my book. Both Democrats and Republicans need to cut the crap for once, and start doing their jobs. The main one being getting people back to work, create jobs, and stimulate the economy. However, they can't even agree on how to do that. So the best we can expect is more of the same.

As for President Obama and the Democratic Leadership, they are nothing more than tools. The President, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid are nothing more than Republican concubines. Let me paint a picture for you, the 3 mentioned above on their knees in black latex and handcuffs, while John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, and John Cantor have their heals on their backs while holding whips and a riding crop yelling "No revenues, say it! No revenues!" Then in the low tone of a whipped puppy the lifeless reply "No revenues." This is what the Democratic party IS, this is what the Democratic party WILL ALWAYS BE. When we held the House, Senate and the White House we couldn't get anything done? Why should we expect any different with divided government?

I supported President Obama, and I believed in the message of change he offered the Country. However, he has consistently proven when the chips are down, and it's time to ante up, he will fold every time. This goes for the Democrats as a whole, they are supposed to be champions of the people, and all they are is doormats. How can the progressive base of this party continue to function effectively if every time Republicans put their foot down, Democrats cave like a house of cards. The President and the Democratic leadership have to start showing me they can give, as well as they take. Until that happens, my support for anything they attempt to advance will receive a tepid sideline approach. I am a Progressive Democrat and I have no where else to go, and the specter of the alternative may be enough to enlist a reaction, but just once I'd like to see a strong Democrat say No to the Republicans for a change. The breed may be extinct, and is surely endangered, but if there was ever a time when our Country needed one, it would be now.

The People Wanted Divided Government, And Will Now Reap A Ruined Nation

I am heading out on vacation with my family tomorrow, but fully expect the Country to be in the shitter by the time we get back. Only 6 days left and the Republicans have had everything but a cure for cancer handed to them, and they continue to walk away even when they get what they want. They have been doing a lot of screaming lately about where the President's or Democrats plan is? While progressives have placed a wide variety of unpopular measures on the table as tools for a deal, that doesn't qualify as a plan. A plan is what Republicans offer, that have wonderful names like "Cut, Cap, & Balance", but no chance of passing and do nothing but waste time we don't have. So while Democrats don't use the luxury of naming their plans, they also don't waste precious time pursuing them if they have no chance of passage. So the debt ceiling looms ever closer, while the political theater plays on and people are beginning to wake up, (albeit late), to the impending economic disaster that is preparing to unfold just 6 short days from now.

The Government rating agencies Moody's, Standard & Poors, and Fitch, are all getting out their red pens ready to lower the Nations credit rating for the first time in 235 years. So for all those fiscally responsible Republicans who outright refuse to raise the debt limit (ie: the Tea Party crowd), stick these facts in your portfolio. For each percent interest rates rise because of default, add $1 Trillion dollars to the debt. If we pay only the interest on the debt with only 60% of our revenues remaining, while domestic obligations fall to the waist side, in just six weeks our debt would be $78 Trillion dollars. Hows that for a debt crisis?

So who is to blame here? Well there is plenty to go around. The President, our delegator in chief, came late to the party after the Biden talks broke down when Republicans walked out. The President continues to show his inability to get his hands dirty, making sure everyone in the sandbox has a toy and then looks down to find he doesn't have any for himself. He also continues to reinforce the Republican talking point that he leads from behind. The Congress, for once again waiting until the last minute to address this problem until it became a crisis. Then last but not least, Tea Party Republicans who will not budge off their no tax increase pledges, which they made to Grover Norquist, their constituents, or both. This group more than any other has been the fly in the ointment. John Boehner is Speaker of the House, but he's weak. He lacks the character and personal strength needed to force his caucus to the table and deal. Eric Cantor has contributed to this by hamstringing Boehner, and working behind the scenes to keep the Tea Party caucus entrenched. However, with the cliff rapidly approaching Cantor my now just realize what he has created, and it's to late.

So if the Bumpkin Wing of the Republican Party remain uncompromising by their misguided, and purely ignorant political dogma, then basically we're fucked. Honestly, it's that simple. I doubt they would even let a clean bill just to raise the debt ceiling pass, because they have to have cuts equal to the debt increase. So save your money, don't buy a new car, home, or major appliance, because divided government is about to deliver big time for those of you that voted for this in 2010. My advise, work late, and kiss your bosses ass, cause hard times are coming.

Our Democracy Is Being Undermine By Big Money Interests

In light of the current implosion of Rupert Murdoch's News International, some disturbing thoughts came to mind. We are increasingly living in a world where those who influence our democracy are driven not by the will of the people, but rather big money interests. Now I am not so naive as to believe this has not been the case for a very long time in our nations history, but not since the Guilded Age of robber barons, has the influence on American political policy been so blatantly obvious. Mr. Murdoch's multi-billion dollar media empire spans 3 continents and until recently, has been able to manipulate public opinion and government policy at will. The personal power wielded by Mr. Murdoch has been questioned, only now, because they took part in the most repugnant and unconscionable tactics of hacking the phones of politicians, celebrities, families of fallen soldiers, and even a 13 year old murder victim. Of course you've heard of these indiscretions before, but the billions in Murdoch's coffers often made these unethical breaches quickly vanish. Only under public outcry railing against the systemic culture of a "story at any price", has finally put enough blood in the water, for Murdoch's minions to jump from his pocket and fain outrage at the very practices they endorsed. As News International slowly unwinds, there is no telling where the new and daily revelations will lead, but I think it is safe to say the drama will be playing out for some time. All this raises the question, should one man, or one company, be able to monopolize the media to the extent that news becomes nothing more than propaganda? It is no secret Murdoch's vast empire has a notably right leaning slant, and has provided a platform for that slant around the world. In America, the likes of Fox News, Bill O'Reilly, and the Wall Street Journal, all fall under his fingertips. All of these so called media outlets are safe havens, employers, and promoters, of this countries right wing agenda. In Britain, their politicians and police ally with Murdoch's tabloids, just as Republicans sit back and put their feet up at FOX. All this made possible by one man, and one company whose boundless financial resources has allowed it to operate with impunity in promoting political policy in, Great Britain, the United States, and where ever the long arm of Murdoch's empire might reach.

Looking more closely at things here in the U.S. I think one of the most devastating changes in our democracy was the "Citizen's United" case that was settled by the Supreme Court last year. The conservative court, in a 5-4 decision held basically that corporations are people. Furthermore they can contribute unlimited funds to political candidates without disclosure of who gave what to whom. As a result, hundreds of millions of dollars have brought campaign spending through the roof to everything from State and County contests, all the way to Presidential campaigns. The majority of these contributions supporting the right. Which leads me to my next example, big business and the rich.

Big business, you know them: Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Insurance, and lets not forget Big Banks. These forces and the fortunate few who benefit from them, are the core Republican constituency. "But what about the Tea Party you might say?" These are merely pawns used by the right, to give the illusion that they are fighting for the people. These poor bastards are the tools Republicans have created, who consistently vote against their own interests, while the Right dangles the hope that one day they might be able to join the club. They are further lured by social conservative mantras of evangelical zeal, the sanctity of marriage, the sanctity of life, and most important, false patriotism. Wave your flag and cheer for the U.S. of A. we are your protectors, we support the Constitution. All while Republicans lead them down the primrose path to get screwed harder and deeper with every step, and do it with a smile. How do we know this is true? Compromise has become a dirty word on the Right. Even if you can get 80 or 90% of what you want by raising revenues, that's not good enough. Even at the cost of the full faith and credit of the United States, these people would rather see economic ruin, than make even one concession. Protect big business and the rich at all costs, our way or the highway. This kind of political grandstanding has no place in our political discourse. You cannot govern by intransigence, that road holds nothing but deadlock and paralysis. It is not a pragmatic system of governance. So this is where the Right, under its corporate and media giants have led us; the question now is, do the people have the power or the will to change it, I wonder?

House Republicans Are Playing Politics With Our Future

In a little over 3 weeks The United States of America will for the first time in its 235 year history default on its national debt. The economic consequences of which will not only devastate the U.S., but the world. As the economy continues to struggle, compounded this week by a third straight month of increases in unemployment, one wonders if our elected officials in Washington are capable of anything unless they are being held by their ankles over the Grand Canyon? This is the fast approaching scenario we are facing. Politician's continue to posture and pour on the rhetoric, while the standing of the worlds greatest power hangs in the balance, is nothing less than deplorable. Mind you this is not future spending, (as I think many people in this country have been led to believe), this is money we have already spent. So for example, if you buy a car and then suddenly stop paying on that car, you go into default, and your credit gets wrecked. This is the fate we face on a global stage.

President Obama has (in my view) tried to diligently address this issue, and in a rare show of backbone, tried to define the urgency of this problem. All the while the Party of "No" has once again stepped up to stonewall his efforts at every turn. Vice President Biden engaged in debt talks with party leaders, and the Republicans walked out. President Obama has put everything on the table, and Republicans will not. The very future of our place in the world is in the balance, and Republicans don't care.

Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) has declared the President and the Democrats are creating a crisis in order to extract concessions from Republicans. First of all, Democrats don't need a crisis to try and extract concessions from Republicans, they need dynamite. Second, if the Senator is clueless as to the implications of his statement, the people of South Carolina need to find someone more worthy of not only their interests, but the nations. Presidential candidate Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) said if the August 2nd deadline passes without a deal, we won't go into default we'll just pay the interest first. Then pick and choose of the 80 million checks we pay every month. So as we run out of money, who do we pay? Salaries and support for our troops? Social Security beneficiaries? People on Medicare and Medicaid? You can't pay them all, and who will decide? This is a prospect that hasn't been an issue for 235 years, so who will decide?. If you only pay the interest on your car, you will still go into default, and your credit will still get wrecked. So in light of the financial standing of the United States in the world, to even think about putting forth such an argument is irresponsible in the extreme. Under George W. Bush's Administration the debt limit was raised 7 times, where were all these fiscally responsible Republicans then? Now, because a Democrat is in the White House they would have the audacity to put us in the same category as Greece, Ireland, and Portugal?

It was suggested last week that the Republicans have drifted so far to the right they cannot govern effectively. The Republican leadership under Boehner, Cantor and McConnell have become paralyzed by their own major constituency, big business, and the rich. As taxes sit at record lows, and middle class incomes continue to decline, they continue to remain entrenched by refusing to raise revenues at all cost. At the risk of our Nation's standing, or more importantly, to their political futures. Republicans would see our country ruined, just so they can re-take the White House. The thinking being an economic collapse works in their favor, it's that simple. This is the ultimate insult to us as citizens of this great country, that politics is worth more than the general welfare. Now that may sound a little high minded, how we are governed, sadly, is never that simple. What I do know is this, Republicans are not just playing politics with their own narrow ambitions, they are playing with the very livelihood of the American people, and for that they should be deeply ashamed.

President Obama Will You Please Stand Up

I have discussed in the past my misgivings about the President's leadership style. I have been critical of his seeming inability to enter the fray on any debate. There is a major debate brewing over the raising of the National Debt Ceiling, and the implications of this debate could be catastrophic. As part of this debate Republican Rep. Eric Cantor (VA) and Sen. John Kyl (AZ) walked out on the bi-partisan talks in what was apparently a politically staged event. The budget talks led by Vice President Joe Biden are trying to reach a bi-partisan solution to the impending budget crisis. There is roughly 6 weeks left to address the budget and debt crisis, but Republicans still feel it necessary to do some political posturing on an issue that could potentially destroy the world economy. The impact on the anemic recovery in America would be equally devastating, if the country defaults on its debts. In a recent poll I saw this morning, 41% of Americans say DO NOT raise the debt ceiling, 38% say DO raise it. Clearly the people of this nation have no clue the impact of not raising the debt ceiling, and the Tea Party crowd in particular doesn't seem to understand the gravity of following this path. The Republicans are juggling with fire on this issue, and to let it deteriorate into some kind of ideological pissing contest is nothing short of irresponsible. The question then becomes why do they feel so emboldened to push the envelope on this vital and very dangerous issue?

While the walk-out of Cantor and Kyl this week was staged or not, it did force the President to step into argument. The Problem: He should have been there to begin with. I'm sure Vice President Biden is perfectly capable of leading the budget talks, but with the World and American economies in the balance, if the President shouldn't be involved in this conversation I don't know who should? Many pundits make excuses for Obama, that he is a delegator, and that his style simply keeps him out of these, or any debates. While this may be, the criticism that he leads from behind becomes more and more true. He is the Commander-in-Chief, not the Delegator-in-Chief. In the current state of national affairs, we need a leader who knows how to put the hammer down when issues demand it.

Everyone would like to have bi-partisan solutions to all our major governmental problems, but that is not a pragmatic vision in the current political atmosphere. The Republican Party is increasingly becoming entrenched by a supply side, hard right wing philosophy that leaves little, if any room for compromise. This is not an issue The President and the Democrats can cave on. We have given enough! An agreement that holds Democratic concessions, and keeps the Republican ramparts against tax increases for the rich and corporations is unacceptable, PERIOD!

The greater peril for the President, aside from potential economic devastation, is that his continued failure to stand firm against the right is having a tangible erosion of support on his base ( It certainly is with me ). While this group will find no comfort in a highly flawed option on the right, they may become so disaffected that come November 2012 they simply sit home. It is encouraging that the Republican field is so weak, however if the economy implodes and Republicans can pin the failure on President Obama, it may put re-election for him out of reach. The Debt Crisis ( Which is a creation of Republican administrations and lawmakers ) could very easily be just another argument that Republicans high jack to the detriment of Democrats and the nation as a whole. Why? Because Republicans don't need facts to prove their points. They have become experts at creating arguments that don't hold water, but are cheesecake for an ignorant, misinformed, electorate that is way to quick to gobble up the steady stream of lies the right now puts out on a regular basis. If the President and Democratic leaders shrink from the upcoming budget battle and debt crisis, the consequences will be long lasting, and far reaching. If the President fails here, my trust in his ability to be an effective leader going forward will be shaken to my core. This is a major turning point that will show us just what the President is made of... lets hope it's not rubber.

American Education's Failures Will Define Our Future

In the world, we currently rank 35th in Math, and 29th in Science. This in itself is a tragedy, not only for the generation young people we are unleashing into the American electorate, but for the Nation as a whole. I will come to how I think this has happened in a moment, but I would first like to address the subject near and dear to my heart, Social Studies.

I am Certified Social Studies Teacher in the State of New Jersey. I hail from a long line of past, present, and future, public school elementary, and secondary school teachers, and administrators. The recent study known as the Nation's Report card, an assessment of students knowledge of the historical development of democracy, culture, technology, and America's role in world affairs. In this study less than a quarter are scoring at or above the proficient level, according to a report released on Tuesday. The results of the 2010 National Assessment of Educational Progress showed just 20 percent of fourth graders, 17 percent of eighth graders, and 12 percent of twelfth graders were performing at or above the proficient level.

As products of the Oklahoma State Public School system, I am sorry to say that my own daughters have trouble with basic historical facts, current events, or the basic workings of our government. This makes me absolutely mental, and to make matters worse they resist any efforts to change this. The life altering skill of rapid texting, coupled with the useless distraction of social media have replaced our children's interest in any subject, let alone History. Telling eight friends what you had for lunch has become more important than finding the United States on a map. Furthermore take this to the bank, of the 12% of High School Seniors listed above, only 9% could identify a picture of Abraham Lincoln.

We are raising a generation of morons, that increasingly struggle to adapt to college life. They are disengaged from the political process, don't have the faintest clue whats on the news, in a paper or magazine. They watch bulldogs on skateboards on YouTube and think it's cute, but have no idea we are involved in 3 conflicts overseas, and don't care. Politicians love ignorant constituencies because they can feed people lies, and the people don't know the difference. Does this outline what you would consider a danger for our Country? I hope so.

Finally, why is this happening? Despite all the rhetoric by both parties about the importance of education, when the slightest monetary struggle comes down the pipe, the first place to get funding cuts is education. No one teaches to get rich. People teach because they love what they do, and hope that what they teach helps their students to grow and develop into something better than they started with. We reward this with poor pay, by attacking their unions, by not giving them the resources they need to do their jobs. Ask any teacher worth their salt, and they will tell you they spend a lot of their own money trying to make their classrooms better. Medicare and Social Security are entitlements given to those who have helped shape our past. Shouldn't Education be the entitlement we give our children to shape the future? I think so.

Republican Debate Showed A Party Trapped By Ideology And Failed Policies.

If you were one of my readers who happened to eat dinner before watching the debate, I'm sure like me it became a wasted meal about 10 minutes into the debate. Where do I begin? The 7 dwarfs squared off last night in a very painful to watch 2 hour melee, that was riddled with misinformation, and wanting for solutions to the very problems they so vigorously offered. The topics varied, but were quantified like this:

The Affordable Health Care Act (ie: Obamacare)was conceived by the Devil and must be repealed like yesterday. Add universal acceptance of Rep. Paul Ryan's destruction of Medicare and the denying of access to hospitals by illegal immigrants and you get a picture that looks something like this. Instead of Medicare you will get a voucher that goes to the insurance company. As of TODAY this voucher is about $6,000 short of what is needed for 70+ year old American citizens to buy coverage, you will pick up the tab for the rest. Pre-existing conditions will once again allow health insurance companies to deny coverage. Arbitrary monetary ceilings will go back in place, so if your catastrophic illness goes above say $1 Million dollars, your out on the street. The ability to keep your children on your health insurance until age 26 will go away. Free preventive care for people, especially our seniors will end. If you are here illegally and your child needs medical attention. sorry your not a citizen, please take your child to bleed outside, we need the room. I think this is what they call compassionate conservatism?

We are taxed to much on everything, and in every area. They continue to cling to the failed policy of trickle down economics, which has not worked for over 30 years, yet they hold onto it like the Arc of the Covenant. The only difference is that along with the Ten Commandments, Ronald Reagan is in there too. They want to cut so many taxes I'm beginning to wonder how they think the States and the Federal Government are supposed to function without all these revenues? Herman Cain suggested cutting the Capital Gains tax to zero for five years to stimulate businesses. This would cost the Government 80 Billion dollars in revenue! Where is that coming from? So much for the businessman in the race.

No one deserves to be bailed out by the government no matter how critical they may be to the Nation Economy. A perfect example, the auto industry. I assure you by the time they got done bashing the UAW, and spitting on the bailout that saved the industry, they didn't win many friends in Michigan last night. Despite that, there was one glaring exception to their bailout positions and that was Wall Street. The very economic policies they touted last night were a direct result of the meltdown on Wall Street. No regulation, No oversight, Greed run rampant, and they still had the balls to tell people this is the way it needs to be to create jobs, and people stand up and cheer? Really? But lets not stop there, Michelle Bachmann called the EPA the "Job Killing Administration" Who needs clean air, water, and food? All this with a new strain of E-Coli sweeping across Europe. I guess a quick wash in the sink should be enough for that spinach? We have plenty of Clean Coal (which is the biggest oxymoron in the American vernacular these days) Many areas are fighting over fresh water now, lets make it so industry can pollute that to the point we have no water left? After all industry, business, money, that's what's important.

Not once did you hear anyone talk about the middle class last night, not once! Why? because what they are offering is not FOR the middle class. Hell, Mitt Romney before a TV break asserted that private enterprise should take care of disaster victims like those in Missouri and Louisiana. Helping our own people in a disaster is not the job of the Federal Government, the States and private enterprise should do that? WHAT!? This is what they have to offer. I'll finish with a one word summery of each candidate as I witnessed last night:

Mitt Romney - Slippery
Tim Pawlenty - Weak
Michelle Bachmann - Surprise
Rick Santorum - Sneaky
Ron Paul - Predictable
Newt Gingrich - McCarthyism
Herman Cain - Parrot

Take your pick people the sky's the limit.

Republicans Double Down On The Destruction Of Medicare

Well the vote is in, and 40 more Republicans have signed on to Rep. Paul Ryan's death wish for Medicare. The U.S. Senate voted today 57-40 AGAINST the Republicans "Path to Prosperity." and in so doing put 40 more Republicans on the books in support of this nightmare. In a bell-weather election earlier this week, in New York's heavily Republican 26th District Democrat Kathy Hochul defeated her Republican rival Jane Corwin 47% to 43%. She ran primarily on the issue that her opponent would kill Medicare and support the Ryan Plan.

Democrats have now galvinized a tri-fecta that Republicans can not run from. 1) The Ryan Plan which destroys Medicare for anyone 54 or younger, giving them instead a voucher to suppliment their insurance needs at age 70. If that wasn't bad enough, the voucher will never even touch your hands, it goes directly to the insurance company you choose to give you overpriced, and unreliable coverage. 2) Tax cuts for the rich has become about as popular as brusselsprout ice cream. Some polls have rejection of this running between 70% & 80%. 3) Once again on record, Republicans will not cut subsidies for Big Oil despite a record first quarter profit in 2011 of 35 Billion dollars. You add this to $4 dollar a gallon gas, and you have an issue that goes right to the pocketbook. It's no wonder no one wants to run for President on the Republican side? Before they even get started they have 3 anvils around their necks.

So lets summerize, they have 3 hardcore loosing issues to explain, and they are doubling down that the American people will buy this bill of goods?! It's like being on the Titanic and saying "Isn't the music wonderful?" All the while poor Rep. Ryan says the Democrats are using scare tactics to misrepresent the issue. Isn't that rich coming from the kings scare tactics and misrepresentation? He says President Obama has taken no leadership role on this issue, that Republicans at the very least have a plan. Ask Jane Corwin in New York how that's workin out for ya Mr. Ryan?

The Democrats need 24 seats to retake the house. There are 97 competitive districts up for grabs next year, not even counting Republican strongholds like New Yorks 26th. If Democrats ride this wave until next November, they will be unstoppable. The Republican party has cut its own throat, not only do they have less than mediocre Presidential stock, they all have to pass this ultra conservative litmus test that forces them to support the very issues that are going to get them routed! It's Insane! Newt Gingrich found that out when he went on Meet the Press and called the Ryan Plan "social engineering", then spent the rest of the week eating his words because it didn't play on the Right. To make matters worse the only Republicans not in the race are only going to move the party furthur Right. So even if a moderate like Huntsman, or Romney, or Pawlenty, get the nod, by election time they'll be damaged goods, and unpalatable to the one group they need most, independents. So get your popcorn ready, sit back, and watch the Republicans slowly implode, God I love a good fireworks show!

Some Thoughts About The Death Of Osama Bin Landen

There is not doubt the nation as a whole has picked up a collective spring in its step this week. However, a week following the death of America's public enemy number one, Osama Bin Laden, has spurred different views depending on who you ask? I think we can put to rest the old adage that Democrats are week on national defense, at least for a while. The indecision and lack of strategy associated with the quagmire of Vietnam, and the image of several helicopters destroyed in the desert of Iran in 1979, were very vivid pictures associated with the military ineptitude of Democratic administrations. However, those fortunes took a big turn this week. President Obama after careful consideration chose a more difficult, yet gutsy call, to take out Bin Laden with a surgical strike by Navy SEALS. He opted to not use predator drones, or stealth bombers to obliterate the Bin Laden compound, but rather take him out with precision. The result: Bin Laden was killed, his body taken and buried at sea, and we got a treasure trove of intelligence from the Bin Laden compound, not bad for guy who supposedly leads from behind. Former President Bush this week refused an invitation to join President Obama at a wreath laying ceremony at Ground Zero. Which raises the question "Why Not?" Well it was Bush who ignored the intel in August of 2001 that an attack was coming, 9/11 happened on HIS watch, It was Bush who sat on his ass for 7 minutes when told "...America is under attack." It was Bush who let Bin Laden escape from Tora Bora. So for all the bravado about his 7 years of enhanced intel gathering he was unable to do what President Obama did. It is no wonder he declined, it would have been a picture of success and failure side by side.

As for Republicans, a full 39% give absolutely no credit to Obama for killing Bin Laden. While 81% of Republicans think George W. Bush should get the credit. Now I would love to give President Obama all the credit for this defining moment in American History, but I can't. The fact is there was a bevy of intel from both the Bush and Obama administrations that made this possible. So while I am overjoyed President Obama got to pull the trigger, the Bush administration in at least some small part helped load the gun. That being said, while all the torture advocates crawl out from their holes seemingly vindicated, there is a disconnect. The Bush Administration had 7 years to act on all their intel, The Obama Administration took 2. So for all the accolades the right is now pouring on the Bush Administration, the fact is if their intel was so great, why didn't they have an opportunity to do what President Obama DID? Well let me tell you how the President Bush got sidetracked.

When President Bush took office we had a budget surplus of about 200 billion dollars and the National Debt was about 5.6 Trillion. From 2001 to 2009 President Bush resided over the following:

1) The War in Afghanistan
2) The War in Iraq
3) 2 massive tax cuts for the rich
4) A prescription drug plan for senior citizens

All of which were UNPAID FOR.

5) And the grand finale, the collapse of the American Economy and the worst fiscal meltdown in decades.

President Obama gets tossed the keys to the White House by Bush with a 13 trillion dollar deficit which is now 14 Trillion, and coming to a Congress near you going up. You know Bin Laden's core ideology was not only to terrorize the West, but to bankrupt it trying to stop him. Mission accomplished? Maybe. Where were Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor, John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, and the rest of the Republican right when they were increasing the deficit by 8 trillion dollars? So now President Obama comes into office and they want to destroy Medicare, Education, Organized Labor, Heating Assistance for the Poor, scream we have to get our fiscal house in order because of what they did, and ultimately don't balance the budget! It is nothing short of obscene! The Republicans are acutely delusional at this point, I mean how would you explain it?

The last word is with Bin Laden gone we need to rethink our actions in the Middle East, and the Islamic World as a whole. In his final days Bin Laden had just as many enemies in the Muslim World as he did in the West. This is not the death nell for al-Qaida, but I do think they have been greatly diminished, and our military exploits in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya all need to be retooled, if not ended outright. If these wars have taught us anything, it should be that the cost in blood and treasure is too high for conventional military operations. Precision surgical strikes, covert operations, and a commander in chief willing to make those calls on our soil, or someone else's, is obviously the way to go. Hopefully with the continuation of the "Arab Spring" the people of the Middle East may finally rise above the autocratic and oppressive regimes that have ruled for half a century without falling to far into the trap of religious dogma. In turn changing the landscape to embrace the freedom of Democracies led by the voices of the people. The world is at a crossroads, here's to hoping we make the choices that lead to peace and stability in that very troubled region.

Now In Trouble, GOP Hits Self Destruct Button

Lets begin this segment with the current state of the Republican Party as a whole. They are leaderless, have zero charisma, and with the first Republican debate a week away have only one candidate who has officially announced he's running. What is Mitt Romney gonna do talk to himself? A recent New York Times/CBS News Poll asked prospective Republican voters who the were excited about? The winner, NONE OF THE ABOVE, followed by Mitt Romney in 2nd with 9%, and Mike Huckabee in 3rd with 8%. The rest of the dismal field trailed behind in ever decreasing single digits. I've heard several reports from various media sources, that Republicans are increasingly registering as Independents. The most notable of these is in the suburban Philadelphia area, which makes or breaks how the State votes in General Elections. I think it safe to say that they are not leaning to the center, so much as moving away from affiliation with the current Republican Party. Well quite honestly can you blame them?

In an attempt to finally put to rest the carnival sideshow being perpetrated by birthers in this country, President Obama released his long form Birth Certificate. However, 48 hours later with egg still dripping off their faces, these unrepentant clowns keep on peddling their looney tune conspiracy theories to the rubes on the far right, and the FOX News crowd. Frankly when you boil this down to its purest form you can very easily make this out for what it is, racism. When LBJ past the 1964 Civil Rights Act he said the Democrats would loose the south for a generation. Over 45 years later that prediction has become the norm. A majority of the lunatic fringe in the Republican Party hails from Dixie, driven by bigoted, uneducated, gun toting, zealots. It is my personal belief, that this is the common thread that makes people vote contrary to their own interests. Republicans are haters, and fear mongers, and consistently questioning the legitimacy of others, especially if they happen to be President of THEIR country.

As if things weren't bad enough, enter Donald Trump. He spins into the Republican field like a whirling dervish, making bold assertions about President Obama at every level. Despite his claims against the President, which have no basis in fact, he continues regurgitating one lie after another until he reaches the point of no return. Lets face it, this guy passed GO about 2 weeks ago. His ego maniacal rantings leave even pundits on the right scratching their heads. He has been a boisterous distraction from the tepid and mediocre cast that is supposedly running for President from the GOP. Result, a USA Today/Gallup Poll Tuesday said 65% people would definitely NOT vote for Donald Trump. Bottom line Donald... you're fired!

So with all that fabulous news swirling about the GOP, lets talk about the "Path to Prosperity". A couple weeks ago this draconian political noose was taken by Republicans who wrapped it around their collective necks, and then Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) pulled the level to hang his fellow members. All but 4 did not escape the hang mans noose. The centerpiece of the legislation being more tax cuts for the rich, an unbalanced budget, and the destruction of Medicare, and much to my amusement they are catching hell from every quarter. They back peddle, and justify, but the people are not buying it, and this is just the beginning. The part of the plan the destroys Medicare I think is comical. They claim it doesn't take effect for 10 years, the idea is so bad that we couldn't possible institute this now, we'll kick it down the road 10 years! Enter Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in one of his few shining moments, he is going to force Senate Republicans to vote on the "Path to Prosperity" So not only will we have all the Republicans in the House who voted for this nightmare, we will now have the Senate Republicans on record as well. Shrewd, and well played Mr. Reid, if I do say so myself. Come November you are gonna see a lot of political pamphlets that say you gonna vote for me, or the dead guy, take your pick.

Budget Showdown Will Test Democratic Resolve

Well now that we have avoided a budget shutdown at the eleventh hour, due to Republican theatrics, and an attempt to pander to the Tea Party crowd, where do we go from here? The Republican House has passed Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-WI)"Path to Prosperity" which I spoke about a little in our last conversation. This was a very bold risk on the part of Republicans. It lays out, in great detail, their road map to curb spending and cut the deficit. Naturally it cuts programs for the poor, disabled, and the middle class, while once again championing big business and the rich. Most noteworthy cutting funding of Planned Parenthood and the EPA. Who needs assistance for disadvantaged young women, or pollution protections? Just another boot to the neck of the poor, and perk for big business.

However, the shining jewel of their plan is the destruction of Medicare as we know it. For those of you 54 or younger, you would be given "greater choice in handling your own health care." that's Republican code for being kicked to the wolves. They do give you a $15,000 voucher to help you supplement your health care costs, but as we all know that wouldn't go far today, let alone 15 years from now. All our seniors would be handed over to the Insurance Industry to create health insurance policies for those in their 70's. Just when health care becomes most important, Big Insurance will be their to pick up the slack, comforting is it not? In 15 years if your a senior citizen $15,000 stands between you and the street. Sounds fair huh? It does to Republicans. Oh and just to make it more enticing lets cut the tax rate for the rich from 35% to 25%, after all they do create all the jobs... in India, and Mexico, and China.

Rachel Maddow (who I like very much) said last night the Tea Party has peaked, they are no longer a force in the Republican Party. She based it on the greatly diminished nationwide turnout for rallies on Tax Day. The last 2 years they brandished rallies in the thousands, while this year their turnout was in the hundreds or less. She went on to claim they were now an invisible force within the party that's being used to justify moving to the hard right. She makes a good point, but it is misguided. There are 70 plus members of Congress that were elected to, and belong in the Tea Party Caucus. The recent budget battle in the house to pass last years budget took Republicans, AND Democrats to pass because Tea Party Republicans would not vote for it. They felt the budget cuts didn't go far enough, and further thought Republican Speaker John Boehner sold them out. As he stood at the podium to announce the deal, Tea Party leaders were threatening a primary race against Boehner. They have a congressional caucus with enough members to influence the passage of legislation. To think them out of the picture is, in my opinion a bit premature.

The question now goes to the Democrats, and President Obama in particular, to stand behind the line in the sand they have drawn against Republicans. The picture frankly is not an optimistic one. While Republicans come up with their own policies, we have bi-partisan commissions. The Gang of 6, The Gang of 10, The Apple-Dumpling Gang. Even when we hold the majority we dissolve into these worthless commissions which are basically a major waste of time. There were some tough words thrown out by the President this week, can he stick to them? History would say no. He is a well liked, but weak leader. History would show us that the Republicans will hijack the conversation and compromise will overtake the promises that for once Democrats are willing to fight for something. It is a true challenge that will influence the upcoming debt ceiling debate, and this years budget debate. Considering the radical stance Republican leaders have taken in one voice, staggers the imagination as to why Democrats should have any problem winning the debate. For the love of God stand up for the American people just once! The Democrats are a party that is in a constant need for spine donors, here's to hoping we find a few.

If You Think The Republican Party Is For Average Americans, Guess Again.

I know you probably get tired of hearing this, frankly I get tired of saying it, but sadly not enough people understand it. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan(R-WI) introduced the Republican Plan to slash government spending this week. The "Path to Prosperity" as they call it, once again steps on the necks of those who can lease afford it. Of course no Republican Plan would be complete without a tax cut for the wealthy. So let's cut the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%, this also applies to individuals. However,by the time you get through this plan you will need every dime you can get.

Five Trillion dollars gutted from Medicaid, and food assistance for the poor, elderly, and disabled. It would repeal the Medicare provision of President Obama's health care bill that closes the so called "doughnut hole" for seniors prescription drugs. The (CBO) Congressional Budget Office claimed it would increase the debt five trillion dollars. So you save no money, you gut Medicaid and Medicare, put even more hardships on the poor and middle class, and in 10 years don't even come close to balancing the budget, They admit this!

Now if you can't see that the only people who benefit from this, are corporations and the wealthy. Then I have 3 words for you, "Reading is Fun", you can pick it up at most book stores. Now say you are a Republican, or better yet, a Republican thinking of running for President. Since the Republicans don't have a prayer of getting this through the Senate, or past the President. Lets put the entire party on the line with what is essentially a non-binding resolution, saying lets gut Medicare/Medicaid, cut more taxes on the rich, continue to hurt the poor and middle class, and that basically all our talk about balancing the budget is a lot of crap, AND GET IT ON RECORD IN A HOUSE VOTE?! It's like The Emperors New Clothes, and Paul Ryan is naked as a jaybird.

My next question is, why aren't the Democrats screaming this from the rooftops?! It doesn't get any better than this? And with a government shutdown looming because of Republican idea logs who won't budge on this, its like manna from heaven. They will shutdown the government to support big banks, big oil, big pharmaceuticals, big insurance, while lamenting the hardships of the rich! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Not only have they ripped the man from behind the curtain, they are offering him up to us as cheesecake, and that we don't understand the intricacies, trust us it will be good for you. The American people are dumb, BUT COME ON! It is no wonder no one wants to run for President for the Republicans. They said they'd come clean with Americans and boy have they. Anti-Labor, Pro Big Business and deregulated corporate greed, against health care reform, banking reform, screw the poor and middle class, and say smile it all makes for a stronger America... where do I sign!

Libya... Really?

I don't even know where to begin here. As you all know the United States is now in the process of dropping bombs on yet another Muslim country, this years lucky winner LIBYA. After a request from the Arab League, and United Nations Resolution 1973, authorization was given to stop the slaughter on civilians, mainly the rebels fighting against Moammar Gadhafi's 40 plus year regime. After initial gains the rebels seemed well on their way to ending Gadhafi's rule, but efforts floundered when the Libyan leader brought out his tanks and aircraft. Then suddenly when Gadhafi's forces were poised to retake the last significant rebel stronghold, the city of Benghazi, a No-Fly-Zone was put in place. Holding a mandate from the Arab League & the U.N., NATO Forces, mainly the United States, Great Britain, and France, began destroying Libya's air defenses, air strike capacity, and hostile armoured ground forces, to stop Gadhafi from "killing his own people". My doesn't THAT sound familiar.

Can someone explain to me the insatiable attraction the United States has acquired for the political quicksand, and military flypaper that is the Muslim world? President Obama has tried to reassure the American people that we will not have a lead role in these operations militarily, (excuse me, I'm laughing very hard right now) and that NATO, and the Arab League will do the heavy lifting. Well we know the major NATO players, so lets look at the Arab League participants who have signed on for military action. Qatar. Yes that little giant of the Arab world, Qatar. I'm not sure you can land 2 planes in that country at the same time?

The next thing I want to know was who lobbied to get us involved here? I understand Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was pushing for it, as well as, our U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. The question remains, "In Gods name WHY?" ...and what possessed President Barack Obama to TAKE that awful advice? I mean after all the buck stops with him, and he can distance himself in words all he wants, he just bought the ranch... and it's a lovely 10 bedroom, 12 bath, bombed out palace in Tripoli.

At a time when his poll numbers and popularity are on the rise, this will probably become the worst foreign policy decision of his presidency. We are going to hand the lion share of these operations in a matter of days not weeks... to who? Qatar? France? Nobody can bring to the table the military technology needed to maintain an EFFECTIVE No-Fly-Zone except the United States. If this whole situation isn't the biggest bag of snakes I've ever seen, I don't know what is?

Some questions to ponder: Rebels forces have light weapons and are great at shooting them in the air, but the minute a shell flies overhead they get back in their pick-up trucks and drive away. Who is their leader? Who will take over the government if Gadhafi falls? Why are we protecting the most heavily recruited area for Al Qaeda, eastern Libya? What is our mission? What is our exit strategy? If the Arab League is so hot to get rid of Gadhafi, why won't they step up to the plate? In the words of Richard Dreyfus in the classic movie Close Encounters "I want to talk to somebody in charge! I got a couple of hundred God damn questions of my own! Who the hell are you people! What the hell is going on around here!" This entire venture is insanity, why are we constantly getting involved in this kind of shit? Is it possible for us to get out of the quagmires we're already in before we start new one's? I'm stunned, and this is going to come back and bite Obama in the ass so hard he won't be able to sit for a month. Bombs Away!