Saturday, September 15, 2007
Iraqi Constitution
Will someone please remind the surrender monkeys of another fairly successful and prosperous country that took some time to pass a constitution? Seems this small country of a half million persons, with multiple diverse groups, and under no threat of daily homicide bombings, took a full 11+ years to finalize a satisfactory system of government. What country was this? Ours. And were it not for the help of a strong ally in France, we might not have brought it together. Doesn’t everyone want to give Iraq a chance, and continue to be its strong ally?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Victims of our own success...
John Stossel says it with so much more eloquence ('Good News: The World gets Better', RealClearPolitics.com, July 25, 2007) than I, but I have been saying for years that we are victims of our own success. The deer-in-the-headlights response to this statement generally prods me to continue... Were it not for our capitalist system, and the ability to earn obscene profits, people would not have the time to divert to social causes.
Whether it is the environment, poverty, homelessness, or even anti-capitalist protestations, Americans have the luxury to pursue their convictions because of a free market economy and adherence to the rule of law. We live better than any society has ever lived, anywhere; and we take it for granted.
Those living in 'poverty' in America, typically enjoy decent housing with indoor plumbing, electricity, modern appliances, TV with cable, and often a car. This is somewhat better than the upper middle class in places like Indonesia, Africa, most of China, and even large parts of South America; and better than the affluent in many countries.
We have become the most compassionate and giving society on the earth because we could afford to; and we can afford to because we have it really good!
Whether it is the environment, poverty, homelessness, or even anti-capitalist protestations, Americans have the luxury to pursue their convictions because of a free market economy and adherence to the rule of law. We live better than any society has ever lived, anywhere; and we take it for granted.
Those living in 'poverty' in America, typically enjoy decent housing with indoor plumbing, electricity, modern appliances, TV with cable, and often a car. This is somewhat better than the upper middle class in places like Indonesia, Africa, most of China, and even large parts of South America; and better than the affluent in many countries.
We have become the most compassionate and giving society on the earth because we could afford to; and we can afford to because we have it really good!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Pa State Budget...
In regard to Brad Bumstead’s article (‘State staffers return to work’, Tribune-Review, Tuesday, July 10, 2007), I have several questions. Not of Brad, nice piece of work there, but of the residents of PA.
We must understand that the furloughs were for show, another ‘Fast Eddie’ sideshow trick designed to garner support for his budget. But in performing the lay-offs, Rendell designated 25,000 state employees as ‘non-essential.’ If these jobs are not essential to run the Commonwealth, why are the taxpayers of PA forced to pay their salaries and benefits?? Why not open these positions to private industry; where competitive forces could increase efficiency and provide unfettered tax revenue back to the state?
The other question concerns the Governors’ demand of tax credits for movie producers who film in PA. Huh? Is this not akin to an admission that the current tax rates are too high? If our representatives are continuously handing out tax breaks to bring business into the state, doesn’t it follow that the discounted rate would both bring in new, and retain existing business??
Just a thought.
We must understand that the furloughs were for show, another ‘Fast Eddie’ sideshow trick designed to garner support for his budget. But in performing the lay-offs, Rendell designated 25,000 state employees as ‘non-essential.’ If these jobs are not essential to run the Commonwealth, why are the taxpayers of PA forced to pay their salaries and benefits?? Why not open these positions to private industry; where competitive forces could increase efficiency and provide unfettered tax revenue back to the state?
The other question concerns the Governors’ demand of tax credits for movie producers who film in PA. Huh? Is this not akin to an admission that the current tax rates are too high? If our representatives are continuously handing out tax breaks to bring business into the state, doesn’t it follow that the discounted rate would both bring in new, and retain existing business??
Just a thought.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Taxes...
In regard to Jeremy Boren's article ('Lower Hill panel might find cues elsewhere in Pens' arena talks', Tribune-Review, Friday, April 27, 2007 ) -- When are the citizens of western PA going to realize the truth in the old adage: 'If you build it, they will come'? I'm not talking about the arena, rather your communities. Highly confiscatory taxes and burdensome regulations drive dollars (read: jobs) out and keep them away. How many times do you need to see infusions of public cash into 'depressed' areas fail, to realize wealth redistribution schemes never work. What does work is true (read: non-Rendell) tax and regulation reform, providing a business-friendly environment. Need Proof? - check out the 5 fastest growing states in the US; Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Florida, and Utah; what do they have in common? According to the Tax Foundation; lower and simpler systems of tax and regulation. Those states are growing because their business-friendly systems attract companies and employees (read: people, like all those our area has lost). Wake up WPA! A politician's ability to bring tax dollars (read: monies that should never have been taken) BACK into his/her district is not a reason to celebrate; it is just simply poor governance.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
An open letter to America
“I don't see how you can lead this country to succeed in Iraq if you say wrong war, wrong time, and wrong place. What message does that send our troops? What message does that send to our allies? What message does that send the Iraqis?” – George W Bush.
Remember the Iraq war? It was a defining event in recent political history. It was a sweeping military victory that removed a despicable tyrant, followed by a year long struggle against vicious insurgents. The insurgents were holding out hope that their vicious actions would divide and weaken America, but that was not to be. Elected representatives of this glorious republic stood together and showed the terrorists what strength was! Oh, sure, not everyone agreed with the war, many did not; but they never let that division show to the enemy. The elected representatives debated policy and disagreed with each other; but kept these derisions within the walls of the people’s house, which is prudent. The Islamofascist insurgents and terrorists, who respect strength and power above all else, soon came to realize that America was not to be toyed with. They gave up their insurgency years ago, reconciled their sectarian differences, and are securely building the democratic state of Iraq. All this in four years – fully seven years quicker than we did! Amazing!
Wait a tick!! That’s not how it happened!
The real truth about Iraq is that it could have been like that. Unfortunately for thousands of America’s bravest and most honorable citizens, their service pay included a stab in the back from their elected representatives.
You see, we live in a well designed representative republic, not a democracy. Our forebears understood that democracies can lead down a path to socialism and tyranny, so they designed this representative system. In this system, we the people select volunteers from among our ranks to LEAD us. Those selected are to spend their time making the difficult decisions necessary to keep us safe and secure, maintain our liberties, and ensure that our rights are not violated (in other words LEAD). They may often need to act against the perceived communal interest; for blowing with the political wind, or governing by opinion poll are the worst forms of democracy! Those elected must also understand that they represent all of the people within their district; not just those that voted for them. Likewise, they cumulatively represent the United States of America; not just those on one side of the aisle, but ALL of them.
When America does anything, we do it as a country. When we send navy assets to airlift food and people in Indonesia, after the tsunami; WE do that. When we lower tax rates to stimulate the economy and create jobs; WE ALL benefit (I know what you are going to say, but the average American family pays $2600 less now). When America goes to war, WE ALL go to war.
So, when American leaders publicly speak out against the war, its policies, or the actions of our troops, it is detrimental on several levels. First and foremost, these actions have an adverse affect on the morale of troops prosecuting the war. Troops certainly look to their leaders for guidance; but also need to have a sense that the orders they follow are right and just. Conflicting messages about the fairness of their mission confuses the soldiers; making them a less effective force. And a political defeat, pulled from the jaws of victory, could do long term damage to the military’s esprit de corps – something that could take a years to rebuild. Second, these actions and words bolster the resolve of our enemy. The sub-human ‘insurgents’ in Iraq, and their supporters, understand only strength and power, so our enemies see internal quarreling and partisan attacks as signs of weakness. This perceived weakness strengthens their resolve to continue attacking and killing; thinking that the American steadfastness will weaken and we will pull out. So, when you hear "There was no firefight. There was no IED that killed these innocent people. Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood. (Murtha, May 19, 2006)” from John Murtha; it translates into another month of violence and hundreds dead. All of the talk about deadlines, timelines and dates for withdrawal infuse our enemies with confidence that their plan will work; if only they can keep up the violence.
We need to stand strong and united, as one America, against this enemy. This is not George Bush’s war; it is our war, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, John Murtha, Hillary Clinton, New York Times, Washington Post, and me. It is OUR responsibility to ensure victory; and public dissent, partisan quarreling, and political maneuvering is NOT the way to get it done!
Remember the Iraq war? It was a defining event in recent political history. It was a sweeping military victory that removed a despicable tyrant, followed by a year long struggle against vicious insurgents. The insurgents were holding out hope that their vicious actions would divide and weaken America, but that was not to be. Elected representatives of this glorious republic stood together and showed the terrorists what strength was! Oh, sure, not everyone agreed with the war, many did not; but they never let that division show to the enemy. The elected representatives debated policy and disagreed with each other; but kept these derisions within the walls of the people’s house, which is prudent. The Islamofascist insurgents and terrorists, who respect strength and power above all else, soon came to realize that America was not to be toyed with. They gave up their insurgency years ago, reconciled their sectarian differences, and are securely building the democratic state of Iraq. All this in four years – fully seven years quicker than we did! Amazing!
Wait a tick!! That’s not how it happened!
The real truth about Iraq is that it could have been like that. Unfortunately for thousands of America’s bravest and most honorable citizens, their service pay included a stab in the back from their elected representatives.
You see, we live in a well designed representative republic, not a democracy. Our forebears understood that democracies can lead down a path to socialism and tyranny, so they designed this representative system. In this system, we the people select volunteers from among our ranks to LEAD us. Those selected are to spend their time making the difficult decisions necessary to keep us safe and secure, maintain our liberties, and ensure that our rights are not violated (in other words LEAD). They may often need to act against the perceived communal interest; for blowing with the political wind, or governing by opinion poll are the worst forms of democracy! Those elected must also understand that they represent all of the people within their district; not just those that voted for them. Likewise, they cumulatively represent the United States of America; not just those on one side of the aisle, but ALL of them.
When America does anything, we do it as a country. When we send navy assets to airlift food and people in Indonesia, after the tsunami; WE do that. When we lower tax rates to stimulate the economy and create jobs; WE ALL benefit (I know what you are going to say, but the average American family pays $2600 less now). When America goes to war, WE ALL go to war.
So, when American leaders publicly speak out against the war, its policies, or the actions of our troops, it is detrimental on several levels. First and foremost, these actions have an adverse affect on the morale of troops prosecuting the war. Troops certainly look to their leaders for guidance; but also need to have a sense that the orders they follow are right and just. Conflicting messages about the fairness of their mission confuses the soldiers; making them a less effective force. And a political defeat, pulled from the jaws of victory, could do long term damage to the military’s esprit de corps – something that could take a years to rebuild. Second, these actions and words bolster the resolve of our enemy. The sub-human ‘insurgents’ in Iraq, and their supporters, understand only strength and power, so our enemies see internal quarreling and partisan attacks as signs of weakness. This perceived weakness strengthens their resolve to continue attacking and killing; thinking that the American steadfastness will weaken and we will pull out. So, when you hear "There was no firefight. There was no IED that killed these innocent people. Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood. (Murtha, May 19, 2006)” from John Murtha; it translates into another month of violence and hundreds dead. All of the talk about deadlines, timelines and dates for withdrawal infuse our enemies with confidence that their plan will work; if only they can keep up the violence.
We need to stand strong and united, as one America, against this enemy. This is not George Bush’s war; it is our war, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, John Murtha, Hillary Clinton, New York Times, Washington Post, and me. It is OUR responsibility to ensure victory; and public dissent, partisan quarreling, and political maneuvering is NOT the way to get it done!
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