Monday, October 31, 2011

Another Solar Company Files Bankruptcy - Taxpayers Take The Hit

Beacon Power Corporation, another solar energy company has filed bankruptcy.    American Taxpayers are on the hook once again.   Obama's Energy Department provided a $43 million loan guarantee to Beacon.  In addition, the Energy Department also funded a $29 million grant along with the state of Pennsylvania.  So in essence, another $72 million of tax payer money is down the drain.   Beacon officials were of course contributors to Socialist election campaigns.  Gosh, that's a surprise!!

While this is chump change compared to the $528 million lost in the Solyndra deal and the $500 million that was given to Al Gore's company to build electric sports cars in Finland; it is still real money.   How many schools, bridges or roads could be built with this money?   Most important, to meet a dead line date a few weeks ago, the Energy Department quickly handed out another $5 Billion to their friends and campaign contributors.  Oh, but wait a minute, Socialist President Obama recently announced that he does not take money from Lobbyists.  Of course, Obama has no problem taking money from others feeding at the trough. 

The crony capitalism must stop.   The federal government must get out of the loan guarantee business predicated on sloppy management and pay off's to campaign contributors.   If a new business is viable, there will be venture capitalists and other investors lining up to risk capital to gain a good return on investment.  We call it ROI in the private sector, a concept that Socialists just do not understand because they have never worked in business.  The companies going to the government for loan guarantees are not viable, which is the reason they cannot get private financing.  HELLO. 

There are very few members of Socialist President Obama's Administration with any business experience.   As such, they need to mind their own business and stop using tax payer money to pay off cronies and campaign contributors.   It makes sense for the federal government to issue research grants to universities related to Green Technology.   If successful, the government could then apply for the patents that could be very marketable.   The last thing the federal government should be doing is funding development of Green Technology, or any other industry.   If there is a feasible Green Technology Product, the private sector is sitting on plenty of money to fund it.   Let the private sector take the risk and earn the reward if there is one.  The government will get its share in taxes anyway if a product becomes marketable.   There is no reason to risk tax payer monies. 

Socialist President Obama continues to squander our money.   Obama wants to waste even more as he pushes for his $447 Billion SwindleUS Plan IV, "jobs plan".   Obama's trillion dollar, deficit spending, SwindleUS Plans I, II and III failed to create economic growth, or jobs in our country; yet Obama wants to double down and spend even more.   Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity.  

We need to give the federal government less of our hard earned money to waste, certainly not more through higher taxes.  We have to take federal spending down from 25% of GDP to 18% of GDP to get spending under control, end deficit spending and pay off our National Debt.   If the federal government would just impose a hiring freeze to eliminate 500,000 jobs by normal attrition in the next five years, out of 2.65 million civilian employees and bring federal employee compensation and benefits in line with the private sector, trillions of dollars would be saved in the next ten years and we could get our country back on track to fiscal solvency.   This is just common sense. 

President Obama and his Socialist Pals in government will never do it because they are owned lock, stock and barrel by the public employee unions, which is a very good reason we must sweep them all of office in 2012 and 2014.   We will continue to see these huge tax payer losses as long as Obama is in office, which is just another reason we must make Obama a one term President in 2012.  We have to end the corruption and crony capitalism that is bankrupting our country.   We can do it.   We must finish the job we started in 2010 to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.  In the mean time, expect to see more Green Companies go bankrupt at taxpayer expense.   Easy come, easy go. 

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Arab Spring - Now The Arab Winter

Today this Blogger witnessed a protest march.   No, it was not the Mobs in our streets demanding more welfare and bail outs.    Instead, this was a really important protest march.   It was a group of Christians protesting the murder of Coptic Christians by Moslem's in Egypt.   We had the Arab Spring that deposed dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.   So now we will have the Arab Winter that brings into power Islamic Fundamentalists seeking to impose intolerant Sharia law on their countries.  

It is important to realize that freedom of religion is against the law in many Arab countries and Iran.  Conversion to Christianity, or any other religion, is illegal and could be punishable by death in these countries.  Ironically, when Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Iraq were run by ruthless dictators, there was a degree of religious freedom and freedom for women and other minority groups.   With elections in these countries, it is very likely that Islamic Fundamentalists will either gain outright control, or significant influence on government.   When that happens any degree of freedom of religion will disappear.  In addition, women will become second class citizens.   Women are not permitted to drive in many Arab countries and face restrictions in the law and in employment. 

So where is Socialist President Obama on all of this.   Rather than strongly protesting the murder of Christians in Egypt and demanding that it stop,  Obama is silent.   If Islamic Fundamentalists, known at the Muslim Brotherhood gain control of Egypt, the peace with Israel that has been in place for years will fall apart.   Obama supported the Arab Spring.   Now what is Obama going to do about the Arab Winter. 

President Obama has thrown Israel under the bus on numerous occasions in an effort to support Palestinians.   Now that Israel may end up surrounded by Arab countries run by hostile Islamic Fundamentalists, committed to the destruction of Israel, Obama must make it very clear that the United States stands with Israel.   And further, if there is repression and murder in these Arab countries, particularly against Christians and other minority groups, that there will be no support from the United States for their governments.   In fact, we should impose sanctions.  We should also make political asylum available to persecuted Christians and others in these countries to get them out of harm's way.   We can't stand by an watch another holocaust. 

Based on what we see happening in the Middle East, the Arab Spring is likely to turn into the Arab Winter.   We need a President who understands International Relations 325 and the concept of American Vital Interests.  Unfortunately, President Obama is a man in an empty suit with no experience to be President.   Ronald Reagan's adage, "peace through strength" should always be our positioning not "leading from behind" Obama's positioning.  

For better or worse, until the United States achieves energy independence, which will not happen as long as Obama is in office, the Middle East is a Vital Interest of the United States.   As a result, we have to care about what happens in the Middle East.   The murder, or persecution of Christians and or other minority groups in these Arab countries must be condemned with concrete actions.   Instead, Obama is missing in action. 

Governor Mitt Romney - Can He Be Trusted

Governor Mitt Romney is a born again Conservative.   Prior to running for President, when Romney ran for office in Massachusetts, a very blue state,  Romney was clearly a liberal who was Pro-Choice, for Cap and Trade, for gay marriage and for a ban on guns.   Worst of all,  Mitt Romney enacted RomneyCare, the model for ObamaCare.    It is possible for someone to see the light and to experience conversion, kind of like St. Paul on the road to Damascus.   However, recovering alcoholics also have a tendency to fall off the wagon.    So the real question is can Governor Mitt Romney be trusted to be a reliable Conservative, if elected to the Presidency, or are we really dealing with a RINO in a Conservative suit. 

As a former history teacher,  this Blogger often looks to history as my teacher.   While I appreciate Romney's new found Conservatism, I fear that it is not real.   Once in office,  based on his record, Romney might just be tempted to "reach across the aisle" to forge compromise on all the issues listed.    We learned our lesson with Bush One, when he told us, "Read my lips, no new taxes" and then once in office got duped by the Socialists into raising taxes with no spending cuts in return.  George HW Bush lost his bid for reelection because he betrayed the tenets of the Republican Party.   But, it should have been no surprise.   George HW Bush was never really a Conservative.   Then end result was two Clinton terms in office. 

Clearly, if Mitt Romney wins the Republican nomination, this Blogger will send money to support him because we must make Obama a one term President.   However, this Blogger held his nose and sent money to support John McCain, both a lousy candidate and a RINO.   I really do not want to do that again if at all possible.   We have several real Conservatives running for the Republican nomination.   Any of them, except perhaps Ron Paul,  would be preferable to Governor Mitt Romney and Socialist President Obama.  

We have to recognize that there are two political parties in the United States.   The Conservative Party of America and the Socialist Party of America.   Forget about the terms Republican and Democrat.   As Ronald Reagan often said, we need bold colors, not pastels that blur this choice.   Socialist President Obama is about as bold a color as possible on the left and I am not talking about his skin color.   Obama is a Socialist plain and simple committed to bigger, more intrusive government, deficit spending to redistribute income, higher taxes and more regulation, ObamaCare, entitlements that are bankrupting our country, a weak national defense, including an open border, limits on guns, unlimited abortion and attacks on the traditional family.    

In contrast, we need to make sure that we nominate a real Conservative, not a RINO, who is a bold color Conservative that supports free market capitalism; limited government, lower taxes and less regulation, a balanced budget, term limits, real education, energy, health care and entitlement reform, a strong national defense, including securing our border and fighting Terrorism, the right to bear arms, the sanctity of life and family values that are the foundation of our nation.   This is the platform supported by the majority of the American people and the only way to restore economic growth and job creation again in our country.

And, to prevent the bankruptcy of our country, we must elect real Conservatives at all levels of government committed to rolling back 100 years of Socialist creep.   Is Governor Mitt Romney that person.   This Blogger can be persuaded; but I have not seen anything yet in Romney's 59 Points that would convince me.  Romney also talks about the Middle Class in his own version of the Class Warfare argument.  The good news is that this time around primaries are not winner take all.  

If Governor Romney does not go to the Republican Convention with 50% plus one vote to take the nomination on the first ballot, there is a pretty good chance that Romney will not be the Republican nominee.  At that point, Conservatives at the Convention are likely to unite around a real Conservative candidate that we can enthusiastically support.   At least that is my hope.    

Friday, October 28, 2011

Obama & Energy Department Green Loans

This Blogger thought I would provide you a good laugh.   The White House, as managed by Chief of Staff Bill Daley of Chicago corruption fame, is coordinating an investigation of the Energy Department related to Green Loans.   Herb Allison, a former Treasury Department official will spend the next 60 days reviewing  Energy Department Green Loan Practices.   This is happening because of the $528 million Solyndra scandal being invested by Congress.   You know, that is the deal where Obama gave his campaign contributors $528 million, against the advice of anyone with a brain and then they went bankrupt and left the American taxpayer holding the bag.  And then, there is the other deal for $500 million, or more, that went to former Socialist Vice President Al Gore to build electric sports cars in Finland. 

What is to investigate?   All of these Green loans are nothing more than crony capitalism, CORRUPTION and pay offs to political cronies and campaign contributors.   The fact is that the federal government should not be loaning tax payer money to any company, Green or otherwise.   We live in a capitalist country, not a Communist country.   Businesses should either be funded by investors, venture capital money or banks; not the federal government that ignores risk.   It could be appropriate for the federal government to fund research projects at universities related to medical or other scientific advances and perhaps Green technology; but that is where it should STOP. 

Obama intends to raise a billion dollars for his reelection campaign, including taking money from all sorts of labor union and other special interest groups; even though Obama claims he does not take money from Lobbyists.   What a joke.  "Whose bread they eat, whose song they sing".    This Blogger first heard this renowned comment made by old Democrat Senator Sam Irvin of Alabama during the Watergate Hearings in 1968.   Whose bread they eat, whose song they sing.   Obama has eaten so much bread from special interest groups that he sings like a canary.  But, to be fair the same could be true of most politicians.   It is just the game they all play. 

To pay off his PEEP's, environmental wackos, labor unions, trial lawyers, crony capitalist companies, illegal aliens, those on the dole and the 50% of Americans that pay no income taxes at all, Socialist President Obama takes hard earned money from the Makers in our society and gives it to the Takers in the name of "social justice".   Energy Department loans to Green companies are just one more example.   Gosh that's a surprise!!

We must take back our country in 2012 and 2014 by sweeping these Socialists, including President Obama, out of government.   These characters are bankrupting our country, living off the fruits of our labor, feeding at the trough.   We must take back our country to preserve our freedoms, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.   In the mean time, the White House investigating the Energy Department is laughable and a waste of time.   Energy Department loans to Green Companies were just pay off's to Obama's cronies and supporters.  What part of the word Crook is hard to understand.   

Thursday, October 27, 2011

76% Of Americans - Country Going In Wrong Direction

According to a Fox News Poll, 76% of Americans believe that the country, under Socialist President Obama, is going in the wrong direction.   Do you think?   Real unemployment is at 18% or more as there are 25 million Americans either unemployed, under employed working part time that want full time work, or that have just given up looking for work altogether.  The poverty rate is higher under Obama than under Bush.   43 million Americans are on Food Stamps.   Millions of Americans have lost their homes to foreclosure and millions more are upside down on their mortgages as a result of falling home prices. 

Government has never been bigger since World War II.   Under Obama, federal government spending has grown to 25% of GDP, when 18% is more typical.   In total, when local and state government is considered, government spending is now at 40% of GDP.   If government spending was the solution to spur economic growth and job creation again in our country, we should have full employement rather than an 18% real unemployment rate.   The National Debt will soon be $16.7 trillion dollars, as result of Obama's reckless deficit spending, with no end in sight.   There is probably another $60 trillion dollars of unfunded liability, not on the books, for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and federal pensions that is set to explode on the American people like a time bomb. 

Socialist President Obama is a man in an empty suit that simply does not have the experience to be President of the United States and now we see the end result.   Obama, the Community Organizer, is insighting the Socialist and Communist mobs protesting and rioting on our streets.   These Socialists and Communists are Obama's PEEP's, the Takers in our society that want the hard working Makers to support them.   Obama is playing with fire and it will backfire on him as Americans recognize that chaos and the politics of class warfare and hatred is no way to restore economic growth, or job creation in our country. 

76% of Americans get it.   The country is going in the wrong direction under Obama with all his Socialist Schemes to "transform" our country.   As such, we have to take back our country in 2012 and 2014, to prevent the bankruptcy of our nation and get our country back on the right track.   To make it happen, we must sweep these Socialists, including President Obama, our of office.   We have to clean out the barn and send these characters packing.  

We must elect common sense Conservatives, not RINO's, that support free market capitalism, limited government, lower taxes and less regulation, a balanced budget, term limits, real education, energy, health care and entitlement reform, a strong national defense, including securing our border and fighting Terrorism, the right to bear arms, the sanctity of life and family values that are the foundation of our nation.   This is the platform supported by the majority of the American people and the only way to restore economic growth and job creation again in our country. 

We must take back our country in 2012 and 2014 to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.   We can do it.   We must do it to get our country back our track.  In the mean time, 76% of Americans see the truth inspite of the left wing media.   Obama has made a mess of our country.   Obama has to go and the sooner the better. 

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Obama's Trillion Dollar Student Loan Scam

Socialist President Obama is desperate to win reelection.   To help him do it, Obama has proposed a trillion dollar student loan scam that he plans to implement by Executive Order, rather than Congressional legislation that will never happen.   The way it works is that students would use the system to pay the bare minimum over a twenty year period and then the loan would just be forgiven.  

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all do the same thing with our mortgage loans that usually take 30 years to fully repay.   But wait a minute, the majority of us take personal responsibility for out debts, unlike Obama's PEEP's.  This bail out scam will cost the American taxpayer billions of dollars once in place.   You can bet that students will pay almost nothing each year once they know that the debt will just disappear after 20 years. 

There is no end to Obama's Socialist Schemes.   This is the reason we must oppose any federal tax increase of any kind.  Giving more money to Socialists, at any level of government, just insures more entitlements going to the 50% of Americans that pay no income taxes at all that are all feeding at the trough.    We see these people in the mobs protesting and rioting on our streets inspired by Obama, the Community Organizer.  They are the Takers in our society and we, that pay all the income taxes in our country, are the Makers.  

Keep in mind, this Blogger is are not talking about the physically or mentally disabled, or those with serious illnesses; but rather perfectly healthy people that just want the rest of us to provide for them.   The Makers must say HELL NO to the Takers, not to be mean or inconsiderate; but because in providing for them we make them wards of the state at the expense of their freedom and ours.   We can't allow that to happen.

Today, under Obama, the federal government has grown to absorb 25% of our Gross Domestic Product, about the highest in our national history.   When combined with local and state government, about 40% of our Gross Domestic Product is going to support government.   How is this different than Communism.   And, even with all this government spending, since Obama was elected, we have 25 million Americans either unemployed, under employed working part time that want full time work, or that have just given up looking for work altogether.   43 million Americans are on Food Stamps as the poverty rate is actually higher under Obama than Bush. 

If government spending was the answer to our economic problems, we should have no unemployment; but that is not the case because each government job happens at the expense of jobs in the private sector. 

Government is clearly the problem; not the solution.   So now, Socialist President Obama is proposing another multi billion dollar bail out for students that are fully capable, over time, of paying off their student loans.   What message does this send to our young people about personal responsibility once they realize that they do not have to repay their debts.   President Obama is out on the campaign trail saying that if Republicans win election, you the American people are "on your own".  Mr. President, all Americans should be on their own.   We don't want the government intruding into every aspect of our lives.   Enough is Enough!!

We have to take back our country in 2012 and 2014 by sweeping these Socialists, including President Obama, out of office to prevent the bankruptcy of our nation.  Obama's student loan scam is just one more Socialist Scheme that is outrageous and unnecessary.   WE THE PEOPLE must stand up and say enough.   We must elect common sense Conservatives to get our country back on track that support free market capitalism, limited government, lower taxes and less regulation, a balanced budget, term limits, real education, energy, health care and entitlement reform, a strong national defense, including securing our border and fighting Terrorism, the right to bear arms, the sanctity of life and family values that are the foundation of our nation.   This is the platform supported by the majority of the American people and the only way to restore economic growth and job creation in our country. 

We must take back our country in 2012 and 2014.   We can do it.   We must do it to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.   In the mean time, call your Senators and Congressman and tell them HELL NO related to Obama Student Loan Bail Out Scam.   We don't want any more of Obama Socialist Schemes. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Governor Rick Perry's Tax Plan - Simple & Brilliant

Governor Rick Perry of Texas has proposed a brilliant tax simplification plan that will restore economic growth and create millions of jobs in the US, especially when combined with Perry's Energy Plan designed to make the United States energy independent.   Perry's Tax Plan includes the following:

1.  A choice of filing tax returns under the current plan, or paying a flat 20%.
2.  The Mortgage, Charitable and State and Local Tax deduction would remain in place for those earning less than $500,000 a year and then be phased out. 
3. A $12,500 exemption per person to protect low and middle income families.   Many would pay no income taxes at all once this exemption is applied.
4.  An end to any tax on Social Security benefits. 
5.  No tax on dividends or capital gains to spur economic growth.
6. Young people would have an option to use the current Social Security system, or put money into private accounts.
7.  Elimination of the Death/Estate Tax that often forces families to sell their farms, or family businesses.
8.  A flat 20% Corporate Income Tax, rather than the current 35% tax rate, among the highest in the world.
9.  A 5.25% income tax on repatriated foreign profits.   The US Chamber of Commerce estimates that one trillion dollars will be repatriated if this provision is adopted resulting in $360 billion of economic activity and 2.9 million new jobs.

Governor Perry is committed to balancing the federal budget by 2020 and paying down our National Debt by reducing the size of the federal government from the current 25% of Gross Domestic Product, under Socialist President Obama, about the highest in our history, to 18%, the traditional ratio for years.   Even though Perry's Plan involves some tax cuts, the federal government will actually generate more income from increased economic activity.   The only losers this Blogger sees related to Governor Rick Perry's Tax Plan are the accountants and attorneys that charge billions of dollars in fees each year working with Clients to avoid taxes under the current tax system. 

Governor Rick Perry's Tax Plan is a winner that will restore economic growth and create millions of new jobs in our country.   Perry's plan contrasts with Herman Cain's 9 - 9 - 9 Plan that adds a National Sales Tax to federal taxing authority, which will hurt lower and middle income Americans.   Sales tax is regressive and hurts lower income Americans more.  And,  Perry's Tax Plan speaks to all constituencies fairly contrary to Governor Romney's Tax Plan that will not result in the same level of economic growth and job creation as Perry's Plan.  

Governor Romney is just ObamaLight and still based on Class Warfare.   Romney wants to cut the size of the federal government to 20% of GDP, which is still higher than normal.   Romney wants to protect middle income tax payers; but at the expense of others that already pay 70% of the income taxes in the United States.   Governor Romney is a born again Conservative who has been a flip flopper on key issues, which is the reason most Conservatives do not trust Mitt Romney.  

Governor Rick Perry is a clumsy debater; but he has it right related to his Energy and Tax Plans.   Americans that want a slick President should vote for Mitt Romney, or Socialist President Obama.    Both Romney and Obama are great Debaters.   We can only judge Mitt Romney based on the years he spent as Governor of Massachusetts.   While in office, Romney enacted RomneyCare, which was the model for ObamaCare.   Romney was Pro-Choice long before he became Pro-Life in an attempt to win the Republican Presidential nomination.   And, while Obama gives a great speech and is a great debater, he has been a complete failure as President.   Obama is a man in an empty suit.  The reality is that millions of Americans are worse off today than the day Obama was elected.   Poverty under Obama has actually go up not down even after his trillion dollar SwindleUS Plans I, II and III. 

Of course, if we are given a choice between Mitt Romney and Socialist President Obama, we must vote for Romney as by far the lesser of two evils.   However, Governor Rick Perry is a real Conservative with a successful track record as Governor of Texas for more than 10 years.   Perry is not be the best debater, but we can trust him to support free market capitalism, limited government, lower taxes and less regulation, a balanced budget, real education, energy, health care and entitlement reform, a strong national defense, including securing our border and fighting Terrorism, the right to bear arms, the sanctity of life and family values that are the foundation of our nation.   Mitt Romney's record is mixed on all of these issues.   Rick Perry is a Conservative work horse; not show horse, with a proven track record.

This is the platform supported by the majority of the American people and the only way to restore economic growth and job creation again in our country.  Unless and until I hear, or see someone better, Governor Rick Perry continues to seal the deal for this Blogger.   We have to take back our country in 2012 and 2014 by electing real Conservatives, at all levels of government, not RINO's, or Socialist that have made a mess of things.   We have to roll back 100 years of Socialist creep to prevent the bankruptcy of our country.   To do so, we must sweep these Socialists at all levels of government, including President Obama, out of office in 2012 and 2014.  We have to clean out the barn and send these characters packing. Elections are all about ideas; not debate contests.   Governor Rick Perry has the right ideas to get the job done.   Send Rick Perry Money Now to support a common sense Conservative we can count on. 

Monday, October 24, 2011

One Trillion Dollars In Student Loans

There is approximately one trillion in student loans outstanding, most of which is guaranteed by the federal government.   Socialist and Communist organizers of the mobs protesting on our streets are calling for the forgiveness of these student loans.   Some years back the law was changed so that student loans, as one of few debts, cannot be discharged by a bankruptcy proceeding because there were so many deadbeat college graduates that refused to pay back these loans.    Now we have students that apparently did not read the fine print when they borrowed their living expenses, rather than work, and the monies for their tuition and books.    Average student loans are around $23,000; but there are many students that owe far more. 

So now the Socialists and Communists, that are protesting against the Wall Street bail outs, want American taxpayers to take the hit for dead beat students.   They are pushing for a bail out for students.   First of all, where are the parents of these students.    Why aren't parents helping their kids in need.   But more important, why on earth should the American taxpayer bail out students that have years to repay these loans at low interest rates. 

Socialist President Obama needs student votes to win reelection, so don't be surprised if the President doesn't unveil some student loan bail out plan in the next 30 - 60 days.  Let us hope that he cannot do it by Executive Order.  If he tries it, Obama should be impeached.   Obama has already over stepped the power of the Presidency through his gestapo agencies, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Labor Relations Board.   Obama is trying to use the Federal Communications Commission to gain control of the Internet.   Enough is enough. 

We have to sweep President Obama and his Socialist pals in government out of office in 2012 and 2014.   These characters, along with their supporters, environmental wackos, public employee unions, trial lawyers and companies benefiting from crony capitalism are destroying our economy and our country.   As such, we must make Obama a one term President in 2012 because he is an Obamanation on our country.   Just wait and see.  Obama will propose a student loan bail out at tax payer expense even though a majority of Americans are opposed. 

This is just another example why we must take back our country in 2012 and 2014.   These Socialist and Communists are bankrupting our country.   We can't let that happen.   Instead, we must elect common sense Conservatives that support free market capitalism, limited government, lower taxes and less regulation, a balanced budget, term limits, real education, energy, health care and entitlement reform, a strong national defense, including securing our border and fighting Terrorism, the right to bear arms, the sanctity of life and family values that are the foundation of our nation.   This is the platform supported by the majority of the American people and the only way to restore economic growth and job creation again in our country. 

And, when the students ask for a bail out, all Americans and especially those of us who worked our way through university,  should all say HELL NO.   Students need to find a job and pay off their loans no matter how long it takes.   We don't owe these students a free ride, that's for sure.      

  

Sunday, October 23, 2011

The Truth About The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is running TV commercials stating that there are 50 million Americans that paid for their Social Security and Medicare benefits and that they expect to get them OR ELSE; the implication being that they will vote against any candidate that proposes cuts to these benefits.    AARP purports to be the champion of senior citizens, which is only true in that they want seniors to get their Social Security benefits so that they have more money to buy services from AARP.   The reality is that AARP is one giant insurance broker, travel agent and service company earning hundreds of millions of dollars each year in all sorts of commissions and advertising fees for selling insurance and services to senior citizens.   AARP is often positioned as a non-profit organization when they are anything but non-profit.

After the NEA, the National Education Association, representing teacher unions, AARP is the most powerful left wing lobbyist in Washington DC feeding at the trough.   AARP supported ObamaCare even though it cut $500 Billion from Medicare and eliminated the Medicare Advantage Program for 22 million senior citizens because AARP will make hundreds of millions of dollars selling Medigap policies to these very same seniors that will have to buy more insurance to cover expenses that Medicare does not pay.   Shame on AARP for betraying senior citizens, their very members, to earn big bucks.   

Here is the truth about Medicare and Social Security.   The average American, with their company contribution, paid for perhaps 50% of the Medicare expense by the time they retire at 65 years old, that will be expended on their behalf during their life time.   As a result, in view of our National Debt, it is perfectly reasonable to means test Medicare.   It is already happening; but for those on Medicare that can afford to pay a bigger share of their health care expense, they should be paying even more.  It is another left wing BIG LIE to run adds saying that senior citizens paid for their Medicare benefits.   It turns out that on average that is only half true.  In fact, since there is no limit on Medicare contributions, only the "rich" that Socialist President Obama always demonizes actually paid for a life time Medicare benefit through payroll contributions.  Lower and Middle income wage earners certainly have not paid for a life time Medicare benefit. 

Social Security too is not actuarially sound.   Since people are living so much longer, it is very likely that most senior citizens that have been on Social Security for years will get back far more than they paid in at the expense of their Baby Boomer children.   It is the 78 million Baby Boomers that are likely to face cuts in their Social Security benefits because beginning in 1965 politicians of both political parties stole the money from the Social Security Trust Fund and spent it on new entitlements, including higher Social Security benefits and wars to get reelected.   The Social Security Trust Fund is left with IOU's from the federal government that are not included in the current $16.7 Trillion National Debt.  There is perhaps another $60 Trillion of unfunded liability to cover Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and federal pensions sitting out there like a time bomb waiting to explode on the American people.   Of course, you will never hear any of this from AARP because AARP supports big government Socialists that allow them to continue feeding at the trough.     

So senior citizens, when you send in your $5 to become an AARP member, just know that you are going on a huge mailing list designed to sell you various insurance products and services.  Senior citizens are not AARP members; they are instead AARP customers to be sure.  AARP is not the friend or advocate for senior citizens; but rather just another insurance broker out to make a big buck at senior citizen expense.   And, generally though AARP is supposed to be non-partisan, more often than not AARP covertly supports Socialist candidates for office by running issue ads that are implicitly anti-Republican.   AARP, like all lobbyists in Washington, is feeding at the trough.  AARP is in business to make money on the backs of senior citizens.  Sadly, it is what it is no matter what anyone says to the contrary.      

Iraq, Afghanistan & Pakistan - Time For New Thinking

Socialist President Obama failed to negotiate a treaty with Iraq to keep American forces there as a bulwark again Iran.  Apparently, Obama never took International Relations 325, where this Blogger learned the definition of a Vital Interest.   A Vital Interest is so important to a nation, that any country would risk blood and treasure to defend it.  For better or worse, what happens in Iraq is a Vital Interest to the United States because it sits in the center of the Middle East, where much of our oil comes from.   And, since Obama is purposefully preventing the United States from becoming Energy independent, unfortunately, we still must be concerned about anything that happens in the Middle East.  With the pull out of American troops, there is now a vacuum in Iraq, which will be filled by Iran.   Both countries are ruled by Shite governments and they will forge an alliance, for sure.   

This will threaten Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, just next door, both ruled by Sunni Muslims.   The Iranians recently supported a plot to kill the Saudi Ambassador on American soil.  Since Iran will shortly be a nuclear power, unless we do something tangible to stop it, Saudi Arabia will need to develop nuclear weapons to counter their long time, traditional enemy, Iran.   Ironically, whether overtly or covertly, Israel and Saudi Arabia will end up cooperating to stop Iranian hegemony in the Middle East.   In the mean time, the United States must now supply Saudi Arabia and other gulf countries with whatever military equipment they request to maintain the balance of power in the Middle East.   In particular, we must contain Iran with a missile defense system that should have included missile defense in Eastern Europe, which naive President Obama eliminated to please the Russians without getting anything in return.   How dumb!!  International Relations is not bean bags in the school yard. 

Next, Afghan President Karzai, that crook in charge of Afghanistan, recently said that in a war between the United States and Pakistan, Afghanistan would side with Pakistan.   While we have a vital interest in Iraq and should have kept American troops there, ultimately, we have no vital interest in Afghanistan.   Yes, we do need to keep Terrorists under control in Afghanistan; but that can be done with drone, or cruise missile bombing.   Osama Bin Laden is dead along with many of his cohorts.   It is time to declare victory in Afghanistan and bring our troops home sooner than later.   Once done, the odds are pretty good that Karzai will suffer the same fate as Libyan dictator Qaddafi at the hands of the Taliban.   So be it.  Sadly, Afghanistan is destined to be an impoverished country ruled by Islamic fanatics and tyrants.   Provided they don't support Terrorism or Terrorists, it is none of our business.  If they do go back to supporting Terrorists, bombing is preferable to troops on the ground. 

Finally, Pakistan is not an ally of the United States.  There is pretty good evidence that they sheltered Osama Bin Laden for years.  They also allow the Taliban to have free reign in their country.   We must stop providing Pakistan the billions of tax payer dollars we give them each year, much of which is gong to their military, or into the Swiss bank accounts of their corrupt government officials.   Instead, Pakistan must be contained by a US alliance with India and other surrounding countries.  At some point, if Pakistan is taken over by Islamic fanatics, which is a real possibility, and we cannot negotiate a solution to non proliferation, that could mean that we will need to destroy their nuclear capability because we cannot allow that nuclear weapons to fall into the hands of Terrorists that would detonate a bomb in Washington DC, or New York City.

President Nixon used to say that the rest of the world needs to think that the President of the United States is just crazy enough to push the nuclear button so that the button will never have to be pushed.   Socialist President Obama is just not strong enough to be credible in foreign affairs.   The fact that the Iranians would dare plan a Terrorist plot on American soil is proof of Obama's weakness.   At a minimum, we should have responded with some sort of bombing of Iranian military installations in response.   To do nothing; but talk will only embolden the Iranians so that ultimately, we will have to take even greater military action in the future.   History is our teacher.  Appeasement only leads to disaster. 

We live in a dangerous world.  We need to elect a President who understands the concepts taught in International Relations 325.   That is clearly not Barack Obama.  Machiavelli posed the eternal question, in his book, The Prince, "is it better for the Prince to be loved or feared".   Obama needs to be loved, which is dangerous to our national security.   This Blogger would add that it is imperative to our national security that our American President be both feared and respected.   It is very clear that Socialist President Obama is neither feared, nor respected by tyrants and dictators around the world that continue to thumb their noses at Obama and the United States.   That is very dangerous.   President Ronald Reagan advocated "Peace Through Strength", which must always be our position in the world.        

Friday, October 21, 2011

Time For A Flat Personal Income Tax

While Socialists in government are busy trying to raise taxes on the "rich" defined by President Obama as singles earning $200,000 or more and married couples earning $250,000 or more, Republicans are beginning discussions to make our tax code flatter, simpler and fairer.   Herman Cain's 9 - 9 - 9 plan will never make it into law because the 9% sales taxes is too regressive and would impact the poor and middle class worst.   If Cain had raised it a bit to 11 - 11 - 11 assuming it pencils and excluded food, clothing and medicine, it would have eliminated the regressive nature of the sale tax since the poor and middle class spend a good percentage of their income on these items.  

In any case, for a system that is supposed to be simple, it is too complicated and will never become the law of the land.  Besides, the notion of giving the federal government a new tax authority, a national sales tax, is a non-starter for many Conservatives since history is our teacher.   The national sales tax might start at 9% and end up at 20% or more some time in the future.  So forgettabouit. 

It could be possible to enact a 17% flat personal income tax by eliminating tax on the first $50,000 of income and all deductions, except charitable contributions and personal exemptions of $5,000 per family member.  Yes, this would get rid of the mortgage deduction, which in the short term will have a negative impact on home values, but in the end, home values will adjust allowing more young families to buy homes, in exchange for a 17% flat rate.  Eliminating any tax on the first $50,000 of income would protect the poor and lower income Americans.   Allowing a $5,000 exemption per family member would take care of families as well. 

Obviously, in real terms the "rich" would pay more in real money based on what they earn.   So the reality is that the top 10% of income earners would still end up paying 70% of the federal income tax; only without all the games that people play to get there.  And, the effective rate for someone earning $75,000 would not really be 17% anyway if the first $50,000 is excluded from income tax. So this plan would still be progressive and fair for everyone; particularly when family exemptions are included.  

The tax on capital gains and dividends should be no more than 10% since income taxes have already been paid on monies invested in our economy.  The current $5 million tax free gift exemption should remain in place to protect the gifting of family farms and small businesses.  To do otherwise often forces family members to sell the family companies they are inheriting to pay the inheritance tax, which is just plain wrong.   Remember, income taxes have already been paid over the years on these businesses, so inheritance taxes are double taxation.   The 10% tax on capital gains would apply on amounts above $5 million so a pound of flesh would still be on the table for very large estates. 

We must bring down the corporate income tax from the current 35%, about the highest in the world, to no more than 20 or 25% on pre tax profit to keep more jobs in the US.  Right now, it makes more sense to move jobs to China, or just about anywhere else in the world than to keep jobs in the US because not only are labor costs lower,  the corporate income tax rates in most countries overseas are much lower than the US.  To get there, various subsidies and loop holes should be eliminated.  

This will save billions of dollars a year in accounting and legal fees that companies must pay just to navigate the current tax code.  In addition, for the next two years, to help get our economy growing, corporations should be able to repatriate overseas corporate profits, tax free.   After that time period, perhaps a 5% tax should be sufficient since income taxes have already been paid on these profits overseas. 

Of course, even though this tax plan would restore economic growth, create millions of jobs in our country and actually result in more tax revenues going to the federal government, President Obama and the majority of his Socialists pals in Congress would be opposed.   These characters just don't understand Economics 101 or free market capitalism.  As a global business owner, I can say without any qualification that all of our business decisions include a tax analysis.  And, while taxation is not the only factor impacting our investment decisions, it is a key factor in our determination as to where we create jobs.  

The fact is that American companies can hire talented people in many countries.   The Socialist creep we have experienced for the last 100 years has actually made it more advantageous to hire employees overseas than within the United States.   The only way to restore economic growth and create jobs in the US is to roll back 100 years of Socialist creep that is destroying jobs. 

To make it happen, we must sweep Socialists, including President Obama, out of office in 2012 and 2014.  These characters along with their environmental wacko supporters, Socialists and Communists appointed by Obama at the National Labor Relations Board, public employee unions and trial lawyers making billions pursuing frivolous lawsuits are destroying jobs and our economy. 

It has to stop; but it will not stop unless we elect Conservatives that support free market capitalism, limited government, lower taxes and less regulation, a balanced budget, term limits, real education, energy, health care and entitlement reform, a strong national defense, including securing our border and fighting Terrorism, the right to bear arms, the sanctity of life and family values that are the foundation of our nation.   This is the platform supported by the majority of the American people and the only way to restore economic growth and job creation again in our country.  

We have to take back our country in 2012 and 2014, which includes reforming our tax code to make it flatter and fairer for all.   We can do it.   We must do it to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.   None of this will happen as long as Socialists are in government.   So, we have to clean out the barn in 2012 and 2014 and send these characters packing.   

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Washington DC - Wealthiest Region In US

As of result of President Obama's big government Socialist Schemes, the Washington DC area is now the wealthiest region in the nation.   Surprise, Surprise!!  15% of federal employees work in the Washington DC area along with all the attorneys, lobbyists, crony Capitalists and all the others feeding at the trough.   So much so that average base salary in Washington is now $84,523.  Since the median base salary in the United States is now just $50,046, we can clearly see the 20 - 40% more paid to government union employees than is typical in the private sector for like jobs.  In fact,  specific to government workers only in Washington DC, average total income, including benefits, is $126,369 up from $122,697 in 2009.  Around the country, average total government compensation with benefits is $108,476, while average total pay for like jobs in the private sector is $69,928. 

This is outrageous.   So while taxpayers are struggling to make ends meet, during Obama's Recession/Depression, federal government FAT CAT's are doing just fine, at our expense.  And, while the official unemployment rate in the US is 9.1% among government employees, it is just 4.7% nationally and 6.1% in Washington DC.  It seems government employees are on the job, while millions of private sector employees have faced lay off's.

This is all happening as Senate Majority Leader Senator Dirty Harry Reid of Nevada tells us that the private sector is doing " just fine" as he attempts to push through his $35 Billion mini Swindle US Plan, with tax increases to keep teachers, cops and firemen on the job that are all paid total compensation and benefits far in excess of what is common in the private sector.   This is being done as a pay off to the public employee unions. We must all stand up and say HELL NO to Dirty Harry.   Enough is enough.   If state and local governments want to avoid lay off's of teachers, cops and firemen, they must renegotiate their labor agreements to bring them in line with private sector compensation and benefits.  This is just common sense.  We don't need to spend another $35 Billion on government employees. 

What is wrong with this picture.   The American taxpayer is a slave to the new Master, government union employees and their Socialist benefactors in office that are bankrupting our country.   These government employees with their high salaries and rich pensions are like a weight around our necks.   We not only must support our our families, which is our responsibility; but we must work a third or more of the year to support these selfish, greedy, corrupt and sometimes lazy government employees.  Yet Obama says we are not paying our "fair share".  And, everyone knows, it generally takes two government employees to do the job of one private sector employee because of union work rules. 

Even though there are about 2.65 million federal civilian employees, can anyone say, with the exception of the military, that the federal government operates efficiently.   Most people would rather go to the dentist and have all their teeth pulled without pain killers than deal with a federal government agency, or employee.  And, don't get me started on the IRS.   As a business owner, we spend thousands of dollars each year dealing with the IRS.   In some cases, this includes fighting audits that have never amounted to any change in our tax filings.  When that occurs and after ten of thousands of dollars have been spent, we don't even get an I'm Sorry Letter from the IRS.  They just walk off to menace the next taxpayer. 

We have got to take our country back in 2012 and 2014.  Our Founding Fathers could never have imagined a federal government as big and intrusive as exists today.   And, Socialist President Obama wants to make it even bigger and more intrusive.  Currently, the federal government consumes 25% of our Gross Domestic Product.   When all levels of government are included that number goes up to 40%.   How is this different than Communism.  We have got to roll back 100 years of Socialist creep that is destroying our country.   To get started, we must sweep these Socialists, including President Obama, out of office in 2012 and 2014.

The fact that the Washington DC area is now the wealthiest in the nation is a clear indicator that government is out of control.   WE THE PEOPLE must take back some of the powers we have delegated to our elected representatives because they have proven over and over again that the cannot be trusted to govern our country, without more controls.   And, we definitely need term limits in place for members of Congress.   These characters of both parties earning $174,000 a year all end up as millionaires after ten or more years in office.   That is not happening on their federal paychecks.   The graft and corruption in Washington is disgusting. 

We have to take back our country in 2012 and 2014.   We have to finish the job we started in 2010 by sweeping these Socialists out of office and electing common sense Conservatives.   But that won't be enough.  We must amend our Constitution to include limits on taxes, a balanced budget amendment, term limits and a clear definition of American citizenship.  

WE THE PEOPLE must regain control of our government.   It will not happen without these amendments to our constitution.   We can do it.   We must do it to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.  In the mean time, when ever you hear President Obama and his Socialist pals in government talking about FAT CAT's, just remember, many of them work for the federal government and live in Washington DC. 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Socialist Senator Dirty Harry Reid - Delusional Liar & Crook

Senate Majority Leader, Socialist Senator Dirty Harry Reid of Nevada, in pushing his $35 billion mini SwindleUS Plan, plus new income taxes on the "rich", as a pay off to union teachers, cops and firemen.  In doing so, Reid recently stated that the money is needed to protect public sector jobs because private sector jobs are doing "just fine".   There have always been rumors in Nevada, where this Blogger lives, that Reid has suffered mini strokes; but whether that is true or not, Reid is just plain DELUSIONAL.   

The private sector has lost 6.2 million jobs since Obama assumed the Presidency and particularly after his SwindleUS Plans I, II and III were enacted by the Socialist Congress.   Only 400,000 public sector jobs have been lost in the same time period.   What is Dirty Harry talking about.  This Obama Recession/Depression has most effected private sector employees, not public sector employees, that for the most part have gone on business as usual.   Remember, there are about 15 million Americans working for the federal, state and local governments, so they have only lost about 2.6% of those jobs. 

Cards talk and numbers don't lie; but Socialists and Communists do perpetuate the Big Lie in all their communications.   Here are the facts.  If public sector employees have been laid off, it is because they earn 20 - 40% more in total compensation and benefits than typical private sector employees.  If public sector employees compensation and benefits were just brought in line with private sector employees, there would be no need for lay off's.  Reno, Nevada is a case in point.   We have firemen earning $120,000 - $180,000 a year.   Fire Department Battalion Chiefs in Reno earn about $300,000 a year.   And this does not include their pension benefits. This is more than many senior managers earn at various companies.  While first responders should earn a good living, this level of compensation and benefits is ridiculous.  

And, we have a new fire station being built just down the road from our home with SwindleUS money.  Senator Dirty Harry Reid brought home the bacon; though many homeowners (not this Blogger) are also contributing to this project because they fell short of the amount needed to finish the building; so much for government cost estimates.   However, the money is not there to properly staff the new fire station because union firemen in Reno are so over paid.    As a result, rather than adjust compensation and benefits to pay for the additional firemen needed to staff the new fire station, they will just shuffle around the existing firemen between all fire stations.   So while we are getting a new fire station, we are not getting any new firemen.  Go figure. 

Republicans in Congress should vote down Senator Dirty Harry Reid's mini SwindleUS Plan.   If local and state governments want to keep teachers, cops and firemen on the job, they need to renegotiate their labor agreements.   Why should tax payers, that are struggling, pay government employees 20 - 40% more than they are earning themselves.  Enough is enough.    These public employee unions are bankrupting our country with the help of the Socialists in government, including President Obama, that they own lock, stock and barrel. 

We have to take back our country in 2012 and 2014 by sweeping these Socialists, including President Obama out of office to prevent the bankruptcy of our nation.  Public employee unions, environmental wackos at the EPA and the Socialists and Communists at the National Labor Relations Board are destroying our country and our economy.   It has to stop; but it will not stop as long as Socialists are in power.  

We have to finish the job we started in 2010 by electing common sense Conservatives that support free market capitalism, limited government, lower taxes and less regulation, a balanced budget, term limits,  real education, energy, health care and entitlement reform, a strong national defense, including securing our border and fighting Terrorism, the right to bear arms, the sanctity of life and family values that are the foundation of our nation.   This is the platform supported by the majority of the American people and the only way to restore economic growth and job creation again in our country. 

Socialist Senator Dirty Harry Reid is delusional and is the poster child making the case for term limits.   Reid is a crook that should be in jail not in Congress.  Reid's family members are paid lobbyists in Washington making millions, feeding at the trough.   This is probably how Reid can afford to live at the Ritz Carlton in Washington DC on a salary of $174,000 a year.  Isn't it interesting that these characters in Congress that make $174,000 a year and must maintain two homes all end up as millionaires after serving years in office.  How is that possible if not for graft and corruption.   Reid is a millionaire as a result of crooked real estate deals in Nevada and feeding at the trough in Washington for YEARS. 

The private sector has lost 6.2 million jobs since Obama assumed the Presidency as a result of Obama's failed economic Socialist Schemes.   It is the public sector that has been feeding at the trough at the expense of the private sector.   We must take back our country in 2012 and 2014 to get our nation back on track.   We can do it.   We must do it to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.  In the mean time, Senator Dirty Harry Reid is hard of thinking and suffering from memory loss.  If that is not the case, then Reid is just a big LIAR.   If Reid keeps this up, his nose is going to grow and we can start calling him as Senator Pinnocio.  

ObamaCare - Just Another Ponzi Scheme

ObamaCare is unraveling even before it goes before the Supreme Court.   A key provision in ObamaCare called CLAS, which stands for Community Living Assistance Services, just fell apart.   CLAS had the federal government directly selling long term care insurance to provide for the disabled and elderly   This Ponzi Scheme was designed to collect an estimated $76 billion in insurance premiums for some number of years before the people paying those premiums would be eligible for benefits.   Of course, this $76 billion was not going into a "lock box" to provide for these services down the road; but was instead going to be spent to provide medical insurance to the 30 million uninsured people in the United States.   Sound familiar.   This is the same Ponzi Scheme that is bankrupting Social Security.

The only problem is that the Congressional Budget Office has had an Oops moment.  The CBO has come back to Obamanistas to tell them that is does not pencil.  It is impossible to use this $76 billion to fund current expenses because the cost to actually provide the long term care for the disabled and elderly down the road will be far more.   Surprise, Surprise, or really No Surprise at all.    As a result, Secretary of Health and Human Services Sibelius canceled this program because ObamaCare was not supposed to add to the National Debt; however, apparently she did not get it approved by her boss, Socialist President Obama.   Obama is now saying that CLAS is not being eliminated.   However, without this $76 billion to fund medical care for the uninsured, ObamaCare cannot work.   In addition, 6 million, mostly union members, Obama's PEEP's, have been given waivers so ObamaCare does not apply to them.  Gosh that's a surprise, isn't it.   

CLAS like all the so called savings in ObamaCare is all smoke and mirrors.   Obama cut Medicare by $500 billion and eliminated the Medicare Advantage Program that impacts more than 22 million senior citizens.  These cuts impact the payments to doctors and hospitals providing services to Medicare patients.   The only problem with this scheme is that many doctors are now refusing to take new Medicare patients because the reimbursements are so low that doctors lose money.    So much for the better care that was supposed to result from ObamaCare.  It was all baloney.   Fewer doctors willing to take Medicare patients will lead to rationing.  It is inevitable and it is already happening.  

And now, companies are starting to get their proposals for their medical insurance premiums effective January 1, 2012.   As a result of normal medical insurance inflation and ObamaCare Mandates, premiums are sky rocking going up 15% or more.  This will not be sustainable for many small businesses that will have to pass most of this increase on to their employees.    In addition, there was another $500 billion in new taxes in ObamaCare that will be a job killer.  

ObamaCare is a National Disaster, as bad as Katrina, that if allowed to stand will negatively impact most Americans.   In 2014,  when permitted, many companies will simply choose to pay the $2,000 fine per employee and stop providing medical insurance altogether.   When that happens and it will happen, many Americans that are not eligible for government subsidies, singles earning more than $50,000 a year and married couples earning more than $80,000 a year will have to buy medical insurance themselves, or go without, at a cost of $10,000 or more per year for singles, or $20,000 or more per year to insure a family of four.   Since the cost is so high,  there will be many Americans that will not be able to afford medical insurance.   So while low income Americans may get medical insurance for free or very little, middle class Americans will be out of luck.   As usual, the "rich" will be fine.

If ObamaCare is not struck down by the Supreme Court in the next year, it must be repealed to prevent the destruction of our medical system and the bankruptcy of our country.   If will only be repealed if we take back our country by sweeping Socialists, including President Obama, out of office in 2012 and 2014.  ObamaCare is just one of Obama's Socialist Schemes that is destroying our country.  The Environmental Protection Agency is a job killer.  The National Labor Relations Board is full of Obama appointed Socialists and Communists that hate Free Market Capitalism.   

We have to finish the job we began in 2010.   We have to clean out the barn to get rid of these characters and take back our country in 2012 and 2014.   We can do it.   We must do it to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.   In the mean time, ObamaCare is just another Ponzi Scheme that is becoming clearer by the day. 

Monday, October 17, 2011

Obama Fatigue - We Just Can't Take It Any More

This Blogger is suffering from Obama fatigue.   Socialist President Obama is on TV, morning, noon and night campaigning for the Presidency and he has been doing it for three years.  Many of us just can't take it any more.   The President is using Air Force One to fly around the country at taxpayer expense, rather than charging these flights to his campaign.   And, we get the same old song over and over and over again.  According to Obama, the dismal state of the economy and our high unemployment rate is the fault of everyone; but Obama.  Go figure.   Obama even blames Acts of God for our high unemployment.  Please Mr. President, leave God out of it.  

Obama's story:  The evil "rich", those making more than $200,000 a year if single and $250,000 a year if married are selfish and greedy in Obama's Class Warfare world because they do not want to pay higher taxes to support Obama's Socialist Schemes.   Obama tells us that Wall Street and the Big Banks, that contributed millions to Obama's campaign in 2008, are responsible for the financial collapse, when it was the Socialists in Congress, on the take, that refused to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that funded the sub prime mortgages that are really responsible.  And then, there are those evil oil, gas, nuclear and coal companies that are killing all of us and other profitable corporations that just refuse to create jobs, that according to Obama, are the enemy of the American people even though they employ millions of our people giving them high paying jobs and benefits.  

Obama supports the Socialist and Communist anti Semitic mobs in the streets calling for more redistribution of income in the name of social justice and forgiveness of their student loans.  These people despise Free Market Capitalism even though this economic system has created more wealth for more people than any other system in human history.   Cards talk and numbers don't lie; but Socialists and Communists are famous for the using the Big Lie to spread their propaganda.  Some of these characters are starting to criticize Jewish Bankers on Wall Street.  Where have we heard that before and what was the end of that story; pretty horrible, wasn't it.   The politics of envy and hatred that Obama is promoting in an attempt to win reelection is both dangerous and destabilizing.   It will cause the private sector not to invest money in our country, which will lead to more unemployment.   Dumb, Dumb, Dumb and pathetic. 

Ironically, two characters whose names we are not hearing from the Mobs on our streets is Franklin Delano Raines, an old Clinton guy, that ran Fannie Mae and Stan O'Neal, the former CEO of Merrill Lynch.  Both of these crooks bankrupted their companies and walked away with hundreds of millions of dollars in severance when they were fired.  By the way, not that it really matters; but both Raines and O'Neal happen to be Black Americans and big contributors to Socialist campaigns.  Gosh, do you think this might be the reason the left wing media and the Mobs on our streets don't mention Raines or O'Neal.  Or are these Mobs just clueless, which could be the case. 

Obama's latest Jobs Plan, his $447 Billion SwindleUS Plan IV, is just another pay off to public employee union members, paid 20 - 40% more than is typical for like jobs in the private sector, at the expense of the American taxpayer.  Obama's SwindleUS Plans I, II and III failed to stimulate economic growth or job creation in our country.  Obama's SwindleUS Plan IV is just more of the same.  We have heard it all before, over and over and over again. 

Obama really does not need to hit the road any more.   We can just watch the reruns because it is the same old story without the laughs.   It would be better if Obama spent more time in Washington actually working with members of Congress to grow our economy and create jobs.   The problem is that Obama is fighting for his political life.   Obama will be a one term President unless he can convince his left wing base and Independents to vote for him.    Since Obama has been a complete failure as President, the only way he can win reelection is to create enemies for a majority of Americans to HATE.   It is getting pretty ugly and it will get worse before it is over. 

We really need to sweep Obama and his Socialist pals out of government in 2012 and 2014 because they are destroying our country.  Obama has been the most divisive President since Franklin Roosevelt and we see the end result with the mobs on our streets.   We have to take back our country in 2012 and 2014 by electing common sense Conservatives that support free market capitalism. limited government, lower taxes and less regulation, a balanced budget, term limits, real education, energy, health care and entitlement reform, a strong national defense, including securing our border and fighting Terrorism, the right to bear arms, the sanctity of life and family values that are the foundation of our nation.   This is the platform supported by the majority of the American people and the only way to restore economic growth and job creation again in our country.

We have to finish the job we began in 2010 to prevent the bankruptcy of our nation.   We can do it.   We must do it to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.  In the mean time, this Blogger is checking with our local cable company to see if we can limit Obama time on our TV.   I just can't take any more Obamanations.   We have heard it all before a thousand times.   Just more Yada, Yada, Yada.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Dealing With The Illegal Alien Issue

As a Conservative, this Blogger is prepared to accept a reasonable solution to deal with the 12 million, or more illegal aliens in the United States; but not until our border with Mexico is really secured and we enact a Constitutional Amendment that specifically defines American citizenship, making it very clear that in order to be a natural born citizen of the United States, a child must be born to a citizen of the United States.   Our country is one of few in the world, if any, that allows someone to come across a national border illegally to have a baby, which then by basis of birth within our borders, automatically affords American citizenship rights.   That is ridiculous and it must stop.

We must stop the flood of drugs, Terrorists and illegal aliens coming across our border with Mexico because we simply cannot afford the billions of dollars spent each year to provide education, medical care and criminal justice services to illegal aliens.   These expenses are bankrupting our border states.  The notion that these people somehow contribute taxes to the system to pay for these expenses is absurd.   Illegal Aliens are in the 50% of residents in our country that pay no income taxes at all.  And, since they often work in the underground economy, they also contribute minimal payroll taxes to Social Security and Medicare, if any.  Further, the rents they pay, which presumably include property taxes, do not nearly cover the cost of educating the many children that come often from big families to our public schools.   

The fact is that though Mexicans that come across our border are very hard workers, there are studies that show that the actual per hour cost to employ them is more than $20 an hour when the cost to support them in our country is included in the total cost of their labor to taxpayers.   One would hope that for $20 an hour, there are Americans that would do the work being done by illegal aliens, especially now that 25 million Americans are either unemployed, under employed working part time that want full time work, or they have just given up looking for work altogether.  The reality is that our country cannot afford to continue being Mexico's safety valve and welfare system to benefit the 38 wealthy families in Mexico that own most of the wealth of that country.   Enough is enough.   This argument is not racist.  Rather, it is purely based on the economics of supporting illegal aliens in our country.   Cards talk and numbers don't lie.  We just can't afford it anymore. 

If we can first secure our border and enact a Constitutional Amendment that specifically defines American citizenship, all Americans should then support a reasonable solution for dealing with the 12 million or more illegal aliens in our country.   This Blogger is not suggesting amnesty; but rather a long process leading to citizenship.  Obviously, with the exception of those illegal aliens that have criminal backgrounds and should be deported immediately, deportation of so many people is probably not realistic or feasible.  Instead, we should require registration that would make them legal resident aliens and then determine on a case by case basis a path to citizenship, over a five or ten year period, including fines for violating our laws.   

As a requirement to become an American citizen,  anyone applying for citizenship should be required to learn English as our national language and take the Citizenship course offered at most Adult Schools.    This Blogger actually taught that course more than 35 years ago so I know a little something about the process.    Further, if in the future we still need low skilled laborers from Mexico, that can happen under a guest worker program that does not convey American citizenship under any circumstances outside normal immigration laws and procedures.   This is another reason the Constitutional Amendment defining citizenship is so critical to this process. 

President Obama and his Socialist pals in Congress refuse to do what is necessary to secure our border.   Instead, Obama is fighting and suing various states for trying to enforce our immigration laws. If we can send the army to Iraq and Afghanistan and other countries all over the world, we certainly should send our army to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California to secure our border.  We need to use advanced technology and a fence all along our border and boots on the ground to get the job done.   While we should not use drones to fire missiles at illegal aliens trying to cross our border, as we are doing to kill Terrorists in various countries, we can use drones for constant surveillance to stop the flood of drugs, Terrorists and illegal aliens crossing our border.   And, we must enact a Constitutional Amendment defining American citizenship to stop the enticement of coming across our border to have babies to secure American citizenship. 

Of course, Socialists in government, including President Obama will not do any of these things, which is just one more reason we must sweep them out of government in 2012 and 2014.  We have to take back our country, which is impossible if we do not secure our border to protect our national sovereignty.  We can do it.   We must do it to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.  As a Conservative, this Blogger is prepared to accept a reasonable solution to deal with the illegal alien issue; but first things first.   Secure the border and enact the Constitutional Amendment defining American citizenship and then we can talk.  

Republicans Buffett Rule - Congress Pass It Now

Socialist President Obama claims that the "rich", that he defines as Singles earning $200,000 or more and married couples earning $250,000 or more are ready, willing and able to pay higher federal income taxes.   As a result, Obama put higher taxes for the "rich" into his $447 Billion SwindleUS Plan IV Jobs Bill.   Socialists in the US Senate turned Obama's proposals into a Millionaire's Surtax of 5.6% in addition to the 35% top rate, which if enacted, which did not and will not happen, would mean that small business owners, that are mostly Sub Chapter S corporations, with net revenues of $1,000,000 or more would pay a top federal income tax rate of 40.6%.   This does include the 3.5% Medicare surcharge that is in ObamaCare, or other state taxes that would also be applicable.  

Small business owners could easily be paying more than 50% of their income if Socialist prevailed with all the tax increases they are proposing in their Class Warfare strategy.   70% of Americans work for small businesses.  Taking more money from small businesses will kill private sector jobs; plain and simple in order to keep paying government employees 20 - 40% more than is typical in the private sector.   There is something very wrong with this picture. 

Obama has referred to these tax increases as the Buffett rule, named after Warren Buffett, the billionaire who does everything possible to avoid paying income taxes and then complains that the rich are not paying their "fair share".   What a hypocrite.   So Republicans have called Obama's bluff.   They have proposed their own Buffett rule making it easier for anyone who is "rich", or presumably anyone else, to voluntarily pay higher taxes with all of the extra money paid in to the federal government going to pay off the National Debt.    What a great idea.   Most important, let's just see how many "rich" Americans, including Warren Buffett actually voluntarily pay more income taxes to the federal government.   Obama has nothing to lose by signing this legislation if it makes it through Congress; but the Socialists will not allow it to go through the Senate because it will demonstrate the folly of Obama's assertions.  

Here are the facts.   People with taxable income over a million dollars current pay 29.1% of their income in federal income taxes, plus whatever they pay in state income taxes.   People earning $50,000 - $75,000 pay about 15% of their income in federal income taxes, plus whatever they pay in state income taxes.  The top 1% of income earners; those earning more than a $1,000,000 a year pay 40% of all federal income taxes paid.   The top 10% those earning more than $200,000 pay 70% of all federal and state income taxes paid.  The bottom 50% of income earners pay no federal income taxes at all and most likely little state income taxes.   The United States already has the most "progressive" income tax system in the world. 

So when President Obama and other Socialists in government continue to say the "rich" do not pay their "fair share",  Obama is lying and practicing Class Warfare as his only hope of winning re-election.   Obama as a demagogue continues to perpetuate a "Big Lie" as propaganda because the President's Socialist Schemes have failed to restore economic growth and job creation in America.  

Years ago when this Blogger was a Social Studies teacher, I regularly taught about the evils of prejudice and scape goading.  Tyrants and Dictators and even some elected leaders always use scape goads in an attempt to stay in power when they have failed to govern.   Hitler blamed Germany's post World War I problems on the Jews and the Communists.  Dictators like Stalin, Mao, Chavez, and Castro have blamed poverty on the "rich" and educated.  When Nero, the Roman Emperor, set fire to Rome to clear a big section for a new palace he wanted to build, he blamed it on the Christians.   The end result of scape goading in many cases was the murder of millions of people.  

In Obama's case, he is attempting to follow the Franklin Roosevelt play book in an attempt to stay in power.  Both Roosevelt and Obama blame the "rich", the banks, Wall Street and big corporations like oil and coal companies for their failures.   The New Deal and Obama's Socialist Schemes have failed to bring down unemployment and in fact have actually made it worse.  Obama is playing a very dangerous game as he attempts to divide our country pitting the Takers against the Makers.   It is not the story we see with the mobs in the street.   They are not the 99% of Americans.   They are the 50% of Americans that pay no income taxes at all and are on the dole one way or another feeding at the trough.  They are disillusioned college students that have thousands of dollars in student loans that must be repaid. 

Obama is in sighting rage in these people and it will only lead to violence on our streets as is happening in Europe.   This will back fire on Obama and the other Socialists in government.  In the mean time, let's enact the Republican version of the Buffett rule and see how many "rich" people voluntarily give up more of the their income to pay of the National Debt, rather than fund more Socialist Schemes and entitlement programs.  

We have to take back our country in 2010 and 2012 by sweeping these Socialists, including President Obama out of office.   We don't need higher taxes and more regulations that are killing jobs.  The majority of the American people support free markets, limited government, lower taxes and less regulations, term limits, a balanced budget, real energy, education, health care and entitlement reform, a strong national defense, including securing our border and fighting Terrorism, the right to bear arms, the sanctity of life and family values that are the foundation of our nation.    Socialists including the President do not support these common sense concepts.  

We have to finish the job we started in 2010 by electing common sense Conservatives at all levels of government.   We can do it.  We must do it to preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.   We have to make Obama a one term President to get our nation back on track.  We have work to do.  Let's get it done.   In the mean time, Mr. Buffett, please put your money where your mouth is and start writing big checks to the federal government instead of doing everything possible to avoid income taxes.   We will take your money; no problem, to help pay off the National Debt.      

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Capitalism, Free Markets & The Shoe Shine Business

As a frequent traveler for more than 30 years, I have observed the economics of the shoe shine business.   Today, it is possible to buy a shoe shine in various locations at airports, major hotels and conventions centers for anywhere from $3 to $10.   However, it is also very clear related to business volume that the market value of a shoe shine, defined as the price a willing buyer most often will pay a willing seller is no more than $4, which probably assumes a tip of $1, so a total of $5.  Any time, the base price is higher than $4, rather than having seats on a shoe shine stand full of customers with people waiting in line, they go empty.  Further, it is very clear that if a shoe shine guy does not earn a piece of the action as an incentive, in keeping with the "greed" that drives human behavior, there is no motivation to implement as many shoe shines per hour as possible to earn more money.  

These facts were confirmed this week once again as this Blogger attended a convention in Denver.   There is a well positioned three seat shoe shine stand at the Hyatt Denver that should be thriving;  yet the seats go empty most of the time.  The price for a shine is $6 for shoes and $7 for boots.   More often than not, the young woman shoe shine girl working the stand was sitting in one of the seats reading a book rather than implementing a shine.  Location of the stand was definitely not an issue since it was along the path to the Convention Center across the street, as well as, not far from the bar area that was always jammed with potential customers.  It was clear that the shoe shine girl was not on any kind of incentive, since she made absolutely no effort to hustle people into her seats for a shine.   The shoe shine girl was probably paid an hourly wage, whether she did a shine or not, so why bother actually working. 

This particular example, the shoe shine business, is a graduate course in Capitalism and Free Markets.  This is a classic example that if prices are driven to high by high taxation or regulation and or if incentives are not in place, it will be a job killer.  While business location is important, if the price is too high volume goes down.   And, if there are no incentives to increase business, whether personal or corporate profit, revenues suffer and so does economic growth and job creation.   To bring it home, if Socialist President Obama decided that is was wise to grow jobs in the Shoe Shine industry, he could propose that the $6 shoe shine be subsidized by the federal government, kind of like green technology that is not economically feasible today without government subsidies.  Clearly, if the cost to the customer for a shine was just $3, with a government subsidy for the other $3, there would be lines at the Hyatt in Denver waiting for a shine and instead of one shoe shine girl working a three seat stand, two more jobs could be created.  

However, in order to subsidize the shoe shine business, Obama would have to raise taxes on otherwise more productive people to fund the $3 subsidy per shine as he is proposing to fund all of his big government Socialist Schemes.  In confiscating more money from the 50% of Americans that pay all the income taxes in the United States, they would have less to spend and invest in their businesses, or other economic activity.   So while Obama could create jobs in the shoe shine business, like in green technology, it would be at the expense of jobs in other more productive industries that could have a greater impact on our economy.   This is the reason Obama's deficit spending, trillion dollar SwindleUS Plans I, II & III failed to restore economic growth, or create new jobs in our country.   These SwindleUS Plans just did not reflect the principles of Economics 101, Capitalism or Free Markets.   And, so now Obama wants to do more of the same with his Jobs Bill, $450 Billion, SwindleUS Plan IV that if ever enacted, will achieve the very same poor result. 

Socialist President Obama has no real life experience either in the private sector or in government.  As such, the best Obama can do is implement Socialist theory that has never worked anywhere in the world it has been tried.  Obama does not understand Economics 101, or the forces of Capitalism and Free Markets.  The reality is that my shoe shine story says it all.   Free Market forces are the only way to create economic growth and real jobs.  Government intervention will never restore real economic growth and job creation in our country.  In fact, government intervention is the problem not the solution.  

As an example, in trying to deal with the sub prime mortgages that led to the financial collapse that occurred because of Socialist government intervention, now the regulations in Dodd Frank and other restrictions impacting banks and mortgage companies are making it very difficult for even credit worthy people to get mortgages.  In a vicious cycle of decline because otherwise qualified buyers cannot get mortgages, real estate values all over the country continue to fall leading to even more foreclosures.

We have to take back our country in 2012 and 2014 by sweeping these Socialists in government, including President Obama, out of office.  As proof, Socialist/Communist Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois, just proposed that the government hire all 15 million unemployed people at a cost of $40,000 per person under some emergency Presidential order, disregarding the Constitution.  The cost would be another $840 billion that would presumably have to be confiscated from current tax payers.  These Socialists are not just wacky, they are dangerous and threaten our freedoms.  

My shoe shine story indicates that government intervention will not work because taking more money from the private sector to fund government Socialist Schemes will not restore economic growth, or create any new real jobs.  Franklin Roosevelt tried this very Scheme during the Great Depression and unemployment from 1931 to 1939 never went below 12% and was as high as 20%.   Only Capitalism and Free Market principles, with all the pain and dislocation they sometimes bring, is the way to restore economic growth and jobs creation again in America.   Government is not the solution.   Government is the problem.

We must take back our country in 2012 and 2014 to restore economic growth and job creation by electing Conservatives at all levels of government that understand Economics 101, Capitalism and Free Markets.    We have to finish the job we began in 2010.   We can do it.   We must do it preserve our freedom, our nation and way of life for the sake of our children and grandchildren.  In the mean time, all you need to know about Economics 101, Capitalism and Free Markets is described in my shoe shine story.