Talk About a Fiscal Cliff

Tax (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

Of late, I have been trying to avoid posting things of a political nature.  Sometimes, though, I can't help myself.  I especially reserve the right to post something of a political nature when it impacts me personally, as is the case with this post.

Two weeks ago, Congress and the President reached a deal to extend the Bush era tax rates for most Americans to prevent us from going over the so called "fiscal cliff" that would have most likely sent us into another recession.  According to those powers that be and their complicit media, we are to be oh so grateful that they pulled together to avoid the fiscal cliff.  Well call me ungrateful because I am not buying into the hype.

You see, I am facing my own personal fiscal cliff.  Let's start with the expiration of the 2% payroll tax holiday that took place on January 1st.  With all of the hype from the media and politicians about how the fiscal cliff deal prevented tax increases on all but the richest Americans, lost was the fact that most would be facing smaller paychecks due to the end of the payroll tax holiday.  Sorry, elite media and pols, but that is a tax increase.  I actually saw the increase on my check on January 3rd.

Unlike a lot of folks, I was fully aware that this was going to happen.  There have been a lot of news stories out there about how people were shocked that their paychecks were smaller.  I will not be like some on the right who will blame Barack Obama for this (well not entirely) because even had Mitt Romney been elected this tax break was going to expire.  Nobody was calling for it to be extended.

I do find it funny (in an ironic way, not humorous) that when the right points out that 47% of Americans do not pay income taxes, the left is quick to point out that those people do pay payroll taxes.  Then when the left  (media and politicians) wants to say that only the rich saw a tax increase with the fiscal cliff deal that they conveniently leave out the fact that everyone would see a payroll tax increase.  Let's be consistent, people!

Regarding the 2% payroll tax holiday, I will say that it was a pretty stupid idea to begin with, though when first implemented it did benefit me.  Two years ago, my health insurance premium went up quite a bit.  That 2% tax break was just enough to offset that premium increase so it ended up being a wash for me.  It just seems like I can never get ahead.

Speaking of health insurance premiums, that brings me to the second part of my personal fiscal cliff.  Back in October, I posted about my health insurance premium increase for 2013.  My share of the health insurance premium went up 30%.  While I saw the first check with the higher payroll tax two weeks ago, I saw the first check with the higher insurance premium this week.  The Dickster is NOT a happy camper.

When you combine the expiration of the 2% payroll tax holiday with my increase share of my health insurance, I have seen my net paycheck decline by about 7% or so.  Meanwhile, gas and food prices are both on the rise.  Plus, the Maryland state government is back in session and looking to raise gasoline taxes.  Lower net pay and increased living expenses are not a good combination, hence the presonal fiscal cliff.

On a side note, I was able to download my W-2 today.  There was something new on it this year thanks to the Obamacare health care bill that was passed a few years ago.  There is now a box that shows how much the employer provided health care costs.  It shows the combined total of the employer and employee share of the health insurance premium is.

Here is some food for thought.  Currently, both of those contributions are tax exempt.  The employer gets to write the premium off as an expense, and the employee is able to pay their share before tax withholding takes place.  There are a lot of folks in government who would like to see those tax exemptions eliminated.  In other words, the employer share would end up being taxable as income for the employee and the employee's share would not get the tax break.  For me, that would increase my taxable income by 20% while not increasing my actual pay.

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Olympics Coverage

China vs. Austria in Olympic Beach Volleyball. The Austrian team are sisters. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love the Olympics.  I especially love cheering for the red, white, and blue of the United States.  The thing about the Olympics is that you get to see a lot of sports that you wouldn't otherwise give a hoot about any other time.  It is a good thing it only occurs every four years, because that is about as much gymnastics and track and field than I can handle.  Though I have to confess that I don't think I can ever get enough of women's beach volleyball.

For close to two weeks now, my routine has been to have the Olympics on television as I go through my evening routine.  The only problem with watching the prime time coverage of the Olympics is that everything is on tape delay since the games are in London this year.  In a lot of cases, I have known the results of most of the events before the broadcast began, but I have still enjoyed watching the competition anyway. I think it should become a permanent rule that all future Olympic games should be held in the Western hemisphere so that I can watch the games live in the evenings. After all, this is America dammit!

OK, I am actually kidding about that last couple comments.  This isn't the first time that the Olympics have had a lot of tape delay for the prime time broadcasts here in the states.  The big difference is just how much more we are connected these days.  In the past, it wasn't too difficult to avoid seeing or hearing the results prior to that evenings broadcasts.  Now it is just about impossible.

Early in this year's Olympics, I gave up on trying to be kept in the dark regarding the results.  The culprit ended up being my smartphone.  I have a number of news apps on my phone, along with Twitter and Facebook.  The event was when Ryan Lochte won the gold medal in the Men's 400 meter individual medley and Michael Phelps finished in 4th place.  My phone buzzed and I had a breaking news alert from my USA Today app staring me in the face.  At that point, I just started tweeting every Olympic update that I liked.

Still, I watched the event and enjoyed it.  Same with many of the other events that have taken place during this Olympiad.  In fact, I am watching the Olympics as I am typing this.  Currently, platform diving is taking place, which I actually do not know the results.  And yes, I will definitely be watching the broadcast of the gold medal match of women's beach volleyball between the two US teams of Misty May-Treanor/Kerry Walsh vs Jen Kessy/April Ross even though I know who wins.  Thank goodness the 2016 games will be in Rio de Janeiro in four years.  Maybe there will be some live broadcasts in prime time.

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Fundamental Transformation

I am about to write a sentence that I didn't think that I would ever write. Barack Obama is right about one thing. We do need to fundamentally transform this country. Unfortunately he is dead wrong about the type of transformation we need.  I am not usually one that finds "messages from God" in everything that I see and hear around me. However, there have been two books and an event, the Cowboy Monkey Rodeo at the Bowie Baysox game, that I attended recently that have left me with the thoughts that I am about to share with you here.  I will deal with each individually and briefly.

The first book was On the Precipice by Chris Hambleton.  The book takes a look at the message to Israel and Judah from the Biblical Book of Hosea and how it could possibly relate to the United States of America today.  It addresses the consequences of how Israel turned its back on God and in turn, God removed His hand of blessing upon them.  As Israel continued to turn to idolatry and foreign aliances, God left them to their own devices leading to the fall of the nations of Israel and Judah and the eventual Diaspora of the Jewish peoples.

Hambleton then compares the message to Israel and taylors it towards the United States.  He argues that the United States was a unique country in history.  Unlike Israel who was chosen by God, the United States was founded upon Judeo Christian principals and relied on God in their early days.  As we have grown stronger and richer as a nation, much like Israel, we have turned away from God and rely on our own strength and wisdom. 

One cannot read our Declaration of Independence and the writings of the Founding Fathers without coming away with the notion that at the very least, they believed in a Creator and Divine Providence.  Our Constitution does not guarantee that people will be free from religion with no reference to God in the public arena, but that everyone was free to worship or not worship however they see fit.  Its purpose was to prevent the government from forcing everyone into the same creed such as the Church of England.  Sadly, we have twisted it such a way to push God further from the public square.

Which brings me to the second book that I recently read that has lead to this post.  That book was called Why Christians Can't Be Democrats by Michael DeLance Thomas.  I have to confess that I did not fully read the description when I downloaded the book.  Originally, I thought it was going to be a humorous look.  Instead, it was a serious look at the policies that the Democrats stand for and how those policies stand in conflict with Christianity.

The premise of Thomas' book is that Christianity is based on being under God's government.  God's government allows man to be free.  He argues that man's government is here to protect our rights under God's government.  However, the more we allow man's government to take control of things in our lives, the more we push God's government away from us, thus reducing our freedoms.  The goal of the Christian should be to vote for politicians that will promote God's government over man's government.

Thomas argues that the Democrats are more devoted to pursuing man's government over God's government.  Under God's government, we rely on each other to voluntarily pursue acts of charity.  Rather than to allow individuals to act freely to help others in need, man's government forces others to pay in the form of taxes to redistribute income to those in need.  The Democrats and their policies rely on man's government to a much greater degree.  To be fair, Thomas does not argue favorable towards Republicans, but does say that they tend to rely somewhat less on man's government.

You may now be wondering how the Cowboy Monkey Rodeo relates to these two books.  Fair question.  During the last segment of the Cowboy Monkey Rodeo, the man who works with the monkeys and dogs for the performance gave a little speech.  He said that we as a country had lost our way.  We had failed to adhere to our founding principals and that we had pushed God further away from our lives.

So, when I say that I believe we do need to fundamentally transform this country, it is in the form of a Spiritual transformation.  I am not saying that we need to become a theocracy.  Nor am I saying that everyone in the country needs to become a born again Christian.  What I am saying is that we need to return to the principals that this country was founded upon and that made the United States what it was.  With God's help, we can.

North Korean Rocket Launch

North Korea and weapons of mass destruction (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I was sitting here tonight with my son watching Wheel of Fortune on television when ABC News broke in to announce that North Korea had attempted to launch a rocket into orbit today.  It is not sure at this time whether or not the launch was successful or not.  It is news that gives me great concern.

North Korea states that the rocket is needed to launch a weather satellite into orbit.  One report I read on CNN stated that many view the launch as cover for a ballistic missile testing.  Many in the international community had warned North Korea not to go through with the rocket launch.

You might be wondering why I would have concern for North Korea developing rockets when countries are launching various satellites into orbit on a regular basis.  The main reason is that North Korea also has nuclear weapons, and let's face it, North Korea doesn't exactly have the best reputation among countries out there.

The combination of a rocket and nuclear weaponry is the perfect combination for a rogue country such as North Korea to launch an electromagnetic pulse attack against the United States or another country.  An EMP attack could have a devastating effect on our country.

For those not aware of what would be involved in an EMP attack, the scenario would be as follows.  A nuclear weapon would be launched into orbit.  It would then be detonated above the United States.  With the detonation above the atmosphere, there would be no danger of nuclear fallout.  However, the electromagnetic pulse from the explosion would essentially fry our electrical grid.

The potential exists that the country could be without electricity for not just days, but potentially months.  With so much of our existence tied into having reliable electricity, most Americans would not be prepared for such a catastrophe.  Pandemonium would reign supreme throughout the land.  It would be devastating.

A couple years ago, I read a book by William Fortschen called "One Second After" that painted one potential scenario if the US were to be attacked by an EMP attack.  It was frightening to say the least. I also recently downloaded another book for my Kindle called "77 Days in September" by Ray Gorham which I will be reading after I finish the current book I am reading.

In 2001, the government created the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States From Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack.  In that same year, we were attacked in the 9/11 attacks.  Much of our attention has been towards protecting us from other such attacks.  However, we also have to be keenly aware of any other potential threats that could be on the horizon.

We need to be prepared for the very real threat of an EMP attack.  There are steps that need to be taken to harden our electrical grid to protect us from the vulnerability that exists.  Instead of the usual political bickering, this is one area that should be addressed by both sides of the political aisle.  We can not afford to wait until after an attack to address the issue.

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Music Monday-Ray Charles "America"

Tomorrow, Ameritopia the latest book by Mark Levin will be released.  I imagine that when I turn my Kindle on, it will automatically download as I have preordered my copy for the Kindle.  Every Friday night, as Mark Levin closes his show, he plays America by Ray Charles.  In honor of the release of Ameritopia, America by Ray Charles is my Music Monday selection this week.

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

Music Monday-Brooks & Dunn "Only in America"

Happy Birthday America!  I hope everyone has a great 4th of July.

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

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Pew Research News Quiz

I like to take quizzes on line, especially if those quizzes allow me to see how I compare to the public in general.  I have always been a somewhat competitive and intelligent person.  It was important to me to perform well on tests and to do better than those around me.  I wasn't so competitive (at least not always) that I had to be the best or perfect, but I always wanted to be, at the very least, above average.

So this morning, while I was looking over my Facebook feed and playing some mindless games, I saw a link posted by Red State.  It was a link to a political IQ quiz at the Pew Research Center that features eleven questions on current political news.  Of course I immediately clicked on the link to take the quiz and leave Farmville alone for awhile.

Before I brag on myself and tell how I did on the quiz, let me say a few words about the general results of the quiz.  I will not reveal any of the specific questions or how many people got each question correct.  At the end of the quiz, you can check to see a complete breakdown of how many people answered each question correctly, and a breakdown by demographics such as age, education, and gender.

On a quiz like this, it probably will not come as a surprise that the older and more educated a person was, the more answers that were answered correctly.  For example, college graduates on average answered 7.4 questions correctly, while those who had a high school education or less answered only 4.9 questions correctly.  Those 50 and older answered 6.4 questions correctly but those in the 18-29 age range answered only 4.8 correctly.

Only 6 of the 11 questions were answered correctly by at least half of the respondents, which is pretty sad when you think of it.  I hope you will take the time to take the quiz here and let me know if the comments how you did.  My score?  I answered 10 of the 11 questions correctly which is better than 90% of the population in general.  Then again, I am in all three of the demographics that performed the best on the quiz; college educated, age 50 and over, and male.

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Veteran's Day 2010

Today is Veteran's Day.  A day to give tribute and thanks to those who have served this country to help keep us free.  I have a great deal of respect for the men and women who have been a part of our military heritage.  They deserve our praise and our thanks every day, and not just today.  In honor of our veterans and those that are currently serving, a thank you video from Ray Stevens. 

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H.R. 4646

Image via WikipediaImagine if you will, that you have a job. For the sake of simplicity, I will use round numbers. Now, lets say that every pay period you make $2000. After the government takes the withholding for federal, state, and Social Security taxes, you are left with a net check of $1500.

So far, so good. Now imagine that you take your check to the bank, or maybe you even have direct deposit to make your life easier. The way the money gets to the bank doesn't matter. Now the bank takes a $15 fee out of the check you brought to cash or deposit.

It doesn't stop there. After you get paid, you have bills to pay. Now again, it doesn't matter if you pay the bills using online bill pay or you write a check. To keep things simple, let's say you write a check to your mortgage company for $750 to cover principal, interest and anything else rolled into your mortgage. Your mortgage company adds another $7.50 to your bill as another fee.

Now you need to eat, right? So you head out to your local grocery store to pick up your shopping for the week. You go to the checkout with your groceries, and after everything is added up, along with any sales tax, the total comes to $100. You swipe our credit or debit card to pay the bill and have to add another $1 fee to the total.

Is this just another way for those greedy banks to profit off of the little man? Not exactly. This is exactly the scenario that Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) has proposed in H.R. 4646 AKA The Debt Free America Act. Congressman Fattah is proposing a 1% tax on all transactions.  The stated purpose of this tax is to pay down the national debt of $13 trillion within 7 years of passage.  The funds are ONLY to be used to pay down the debt.  In addition to paying down the debt, HR 4646 states as a goal the repeal of the federal income tax after the debt is paid down.

On the surface, the idea of paying down the debt and the elimination of the income tax is appealing.  It is what lies beneath the surface that is disturbing.  First, to pay down the debt in seven years would take about $2 trillion out of the economy every year.  I am sure that will help the already anemic economy, NOT!  Second, the text of the bill states that the "tentative" income tax rate will be 0% beginning in 2018.  Have you ever known Congress to give up any taxes they have coming in?  They will find a way to change the law to allow income taxes to continue. Lastly, we have heard before that certain taxes would be used solely for one purpose, like Social Security.  How is that working out?

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Better Late Than Never

Image via Wikipedia

I greatly admire our men and women in uniform.  They put their lives on the line for us daily to protect our country and way of life.  To me, they deserve our support, regardless of whether or not you agree with the reasons they may have been sent into battle.

Army Lieutenant and helicopter pilot Ronald Markiewicz was awarded the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic efforts during battle.  He received his medals today in the office of Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) for his service in the Vietnamese War 39 years ago.

Lieutenant Markiewicz flew two missions during the war where his chopper was hit by anti-aircraft fire.  In both instances, he was wounded in battle.  The first mission was to bring supplies to Vietnamese marines and to pick up wounded servicemen.  The second mission was to help troops recover downed helicopter crews.

Congratulations to Lieutenant Markiewicz for the well deserved recognition of his heroic actions during his time of service.  Thank you for your service to our country.  You should have been honored long before today.  

World Cup 2010

Image by mikkelz via Flickr

Have you heard?  The World Cup started yesterday.  Supposedly it is a big deal, but I couldn't care less.  In fact, I already wish it were over.  For the last week or so leading up to the "big event" I have seen a lot of hype about the World Cup on the news.

To paraphrase the first George Bush and his "I do not like broccoli," I proudly and unabashedly proclaim that I do not like soccer.  Sure, I have heard all the arguments.  You don't like it because you don't understand it.  Hogwash!  But it is the most popular sport in the world.  So what!

Apparently, I am not the only one that feels this way.  A recent Zogby poll showed that 63% of American men said that soccer would never be as popular as football, baseball, basketball, or hockey in the USA.  Overall, 54% of all Americans felt that way.  Only 24% of us plan to watch any of the World Cup at all.   

In my mind, I can only think of a handful of reasons to kick a ball during a sporting event; kicking a field goal or extra point, punting, or playing a rousing game of kickball.  About the only good thing to come out of soccer is the soccer style field goal kicker in football.  Although, I have to admit, I miss the good old straight on kickers like Mark Mosely.

As I said, even though the World Cup has just started, I already wish it were over.  For the next month, the news media will be bombarding us with how great the sport is.  Sportscasters will be giving us scores like 1 to nil instead of the usual 1 to nothing or 1 to zero.  Or they will talk about the pitch instead of the field.  Thank goodness the World Cup only comes around every four years.

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Our Schools are Totally Messed Up

There is something seriously wrong with the school systems in this country.

First, you had an assistant principal in California who told five kids they had to remove clothing that displayed the American flag or go home.  He was concerned that it might offend kids of Mexican heritage on Cinco de Mayo.

A couple days later, also in California, a 13 year old was told during art class to choose another art project because the teacher deemed her project "offensive."  She drew the American flag and was just starting to write "God Bless America" when the teacher confronted her.  The teacher praised another student's drawing of Barack Obama.  When asked point blank in a meeting with the child's parents whether it was the flag that was offensive or the phrase "God Bless America," the teacher would not answer.  The lesson, Obama is good, the flag is bad.

Now, there is a 10 year old girl in Texas is facing a week of detention because of the school's "zero tolerance" policy.  Her offense was accepting a Jolly Rancher candy from one of her classmates at lunch.  The state has a law that bans so called "minimally nutritious" foods.  Each school district is given their own discretion on how to enforce the rule, but one week detention for something as trivial as having a piece of candy seems a bit asinine to me.

Where to Put Obama's Picture

I received the following in an email this morning.  In light of the news that there are a record 40 million Americans now receiving Food Stamps, I felt it appropriate share this. Where to put Obama's picture   George Washington, our nation's first president and leader of the American Revolution!   Abe Lincoln, honorable leader pulled our nation through its darkest time!   Alexander Hamilton, founding father, first secretary of the treasure and leader of the constitutional convention!   Andrew Jackson, "Old   Hickory  " fought the British in   New Orleans  !     Ulysses Grant, Union army general, lead the North through the Civil War! Ben Franklin, Genius inventor, political theorist and leading author of the constitution.     Finally, we have someone to put on the food stamp!!!!!!!   Obama’s policies will put more people on welfare than any president before him so this placement is most appropriate. Unlike the Nobel Peace Prize, for which he did nothing, this is an “honor” he richly deserves.

Iranian Missiles Could Reach USA by 2015

Image via Wikipedia

The Defense Department released an unclassified report yesterday regarding the Iranian military capabilities.  Their report stated that Iran could be capable of producing a long range missile that could reach the United States by 2015.  It is also estimated that Iran could be capable of developing a nuclear weapon in the next 3-5 years.  If that is not a sobering thought, then I don't know what is.

Now, I am not enamored with the idea of us ever having to use a nuclear weapon again.  However, having lived through the Cold War, I do like the idea of having the deterrent available to us.  When past presidents had to deal with the Soviet Union and the nuclear arms race, each side knew the other was capable of wiping the other off the map.  Despite our philosophies being polar opposites, neither side wanted a holocaust. 

I don't think we can say the same thing about the Iranian government.  With the Iranian regime, we are dealing with an ideology that believes that they will receive their reward in heaven by fighting the infidels of the west and Israel.  Their mindset is not like any other we have dealt with in the past.

The idea of reducing nuclear weapon stockpiles in and of itself is not necessarily a bad idea.  Reagan and others negotiated with the Soviets to reduce arms.  Our dealings with the Iranians, and the North Koreans for that matter, have shown time and time again that negotiations are futile.  Obama himself said that the threat of a nuclear attack has gone up.  Based on that alone, now is not the time to cut funding on missile defense or our nuclear deterrent.

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The Taxman Commeth

Image by jeku arce via Flickr

Tomorrow is tax day.  Wouldn't it be great if:

1. April 15th was just another spring day
2. You could keep your entire paycheck with no taxes withheld
3. Taxes would be simple and fair
4. Taxes were based on how much you spend, not how much you earn
5. You didn't have to worry about an IRS audit
6. All tax loopholes were eliminated
7. Businesses wouldn't have to pass on taxes by hiding it in the price you pay
8. People that do not report income pay their fair share
9. You receive a prebate to help pay for necessities up to the poverty level

All of these things could be a reality if we would only pass the FairTax.  You can check out what the FairTax could do for you by visiting their FairTax calculator.  This country was founded in part because of a tax revolt, it is time for a new revolution.

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Half of Americans Pay No Income Tax

Image by alancleaver_2000 via Flickr

Tomorrow, when you are traveling to work, take a look at the person in the car next to you.  There is a pretty good chance the person next to you isn't paying any federal income tax.  The Tax Policy Center projects that nearly 47% of Americans will pay no income tax.  Sadly, I am not among them, and I am far from one of the evil rich.

The left is fond of saying that the filthy rich need to pay their fair share of taxes.  The study shows that the top 10% of wage earners are paying 71% of the federal taxes.    Those same 10% of wage earners earn only 48% of the total income.

Now, I am not saying there shouldn't be a progressive income tax.  The rich can afford to pay a higher share.  However, there is something inherently unfair, to use the left's terminology, about having nearly half of the population paying nothing.  In fact, the study shows that the bottom 40% actually end up making a profit. I always thought that was called welfare.

Something Isn't Right Here

United State Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Ferschke was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.  While there, he met and developed a relationship with a Japanese woman named Hotaru.  Sgt. Ferschke was then deployed to Iraq.  In July of 2008, the couple were married by proxy over the phone.  Sadly, one month later, Sgt. Ferschke was killed.

Prior to their marriage, the couple gave birth to a son.  Now, Hotaru and their son face deportation because the State Department refuses to recognize their marriage as legitimate because the couple was not able to consummate their marriage vows as required by US immigration laws.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has told Sheriff Joe Arpaio that he is to no longer to authorized to make arrests of illegal immigrants.  Sheriff Joe, to his credit vows to continue to seek out and arrest criminals that are in this country illegally.

There is something wrong when our state department on the one hand wants to deport the widow and child of one of our fallen soldiers, then on the other wants to strip our law enforcement officials of the power to arrest those who are entering the country illegally.  One would think that the Department of Homeland Security would want our law enforcement officials to enforce our laws and protect our borders.  I kind of thought that was why the department was created.

Fortunately for Hotaru Ferschke and her son, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) has introduced a bill that would recognize the marriage of Hotaru and Michael Ferschke.  The bill has some support on both sides of the aisle.  Members of the House have also introduced legislation to help the widow.  Please write to your Senators and Congressman asking them to support Senator Webb's legislation.

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Roman Polanski

Roman Polanski via last.fm

Thirty one years ago, Roman Polanski was facing sentencing for drugging and raping a 13 year old girl.  He was 31 years older than the girl.  Like a coward, the pervert fled the country and has been considered a fugitive for the past three decades. 

He was arrested in Switzerland over the weekend and is facing possible extradition back to the US.  Sadly, France, Poland, and the Hollywood elite are all coming to his defense.  They feel that Polanski is being treated unfairly and should not have to face punishment for his crime.  They and other progressives believe he has suffered enough for his crime.


BULL SHIT!  I know that our Constitution guarantees that there shall be no cruel and unusual punishments.  For drugging and raping a 13 year old girl, I believe there is no such thing as cruel and unusual punishment.  You see, I believe that anybody that does something like that should suffer. My idea of the ideal punishment for this type of crime is to hang him upside down by his testicles.  Then, he should be shot.  Extreme? Maybe, but I guess I am just not as enlightened as the French.  I have no mercy for pedophiles. 

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Obama, FDR, and the Great Depression

Image by State Library of New South Wales collection via Flickr

There are a number of reasons why I am against the unprecedented expansion of the federal government and the massive debt we are accumulating.  First and foremost, there is so much that the government has no business being involved in.  As if I needed another reason, here it is.

The Institute of Economic Affairs has released a pamphlet stating that Barack Obama is repeating the same mistakes that FDR made in handling the Great Depression.  The study has been endorsed by economist James Buchanan who won the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1986.  The paper was written by economists Charles Rowley of George Mason University and Nathanael Smith of the Locke Institute.

The authors argue that FDR's interventionist policies and tax increases delayed the recovery by several years.  They see "troubling similarities" between FDR's policies and Obama's.  They believe that the large deficit spending and government involvement will hamper long term economic growth and may delay full economic recovery by several years. Furthermore, they fear that the US could face the same fate as Argentina which slid from First to a Third World status.

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Ted Nugent: Ted, White, and Blue: The Nugent Manifesto

Cover via Amazon

As I mentioned a few days ago, I had to take a business trip to California. During the first leg of the trip, I finished reading "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming" which I reviewed a few days ago. After finishing that book, I began reading Ted Nugent's "Ted, White, and Blue: The Nugent Manifesto." Well today was the return trip home to Maryland so I polished off the Nuge's missive.

I have to say, that I have not been a big fan of Nugent's music. "Cat Scratch Fever" was OK, but it wasn't something I ever wanted to purchase. I did enjoy his time with Damn Yankees, but that was mainly because I was a fan of Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades.

The first time I became aware of Nugent's political views, was when I saw him on The Glenn Beck Show. I immediately thought, "I may not be a big fan of his music, but I like the way he thinks." Nugent is a staunch conservative and makes no bones about it. In "Ted, White, and Blue" he articulates his views in the way that only he can. That is to say, he isn't exactly politically correct and he offers no apologies. Instead his response is "deal with it."

It is Nugent's way of telling it the way he sees it that made this enjoyable for me to read. He tackles a wide range of subjects and I find myself in agreement on almost everything, though some of his views might sound a little extreme, but Nugent proudly wears the right wing extremist label.

Take Ted's view on war. Ted's view on war is that if we are going to send our troups into battle, then they should be allowed to commit to total war, complete and total destruction of the enemy, much like Harry Truman dropping the bomb on Japan. According to Ted, "Lasting peace can only be achieved through the application of relentless and superior fire power."

Ted takes the same view as another famous Ted, Teddy Roosevelt. Roosevelt insisted that an immigrant should assimilate himself to the US and in every facet become an American, including learning English. Nugent, like most conservatives, have no quarrel with folks who come to this country legally to become citizens. His issue is with the illegal immigrants, or as he calls them criminal aliens, because they have committed criminal acts. His answer is to "shoot to kill" any armed alien who attempts to enter this country illegally.

As a member of the Board of Directors for the National Rifle Association it should come as no surprise that Nugent is a strong advocate for 2nd Ammendment rights. Nugent believes that all law abiding citizens should have the right to carry a concealed weapon. As he puts it, the police can't be everywhere and in most cases arrive after the fact. So called "gun free zones" are only opportunities for evil to reign without fear of reprisal.

If you are looking for a politically correct disertation of conservative views, "Ted, White, and Blue" is probably not for you. If you want to get through all the PC bull shit and hear somebody tell it like it is, then pick up the Nuge. If nothing else, he makes things interesting. I may have to go back and take a second listen to some of his music. In the meantime, for your listenting enjoyment, how about a little "Cat Scratch Fever."

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