Congressman Paul Ryan
I like this guy, and I think that he is on the right track. Question is, will the GOP – not to mention the Dems – listen to him.
A Roadmap for America’s Future | A Roadmap for America’s Future | The Budget Committee Republicans
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Yet again, some conservatives are looking at “moderate” Democrats as a good avenue to stopping this monstrous health care bill. And – yet again – conservatives will be disappointed.
Rep. Bart Stupak
According to Fox News, Representative Bart Stupak – the Democrat from Michigan who passed an amendment restricting the expansion of abortion in the new bill – is hopeful that a compromise can be reached.
“I’m more optimistic than I was a week ago,” Stupak told The Associated Press.
“The president says he doesn’t want to expand or restrict current law (on abortion). Neither do I,” Stupak said. “That’s never been our position. So is there some language that we can agree on that hits both points — we don’t restrict, we don’t expand abortion rights? I think we can get there.” (Fox News)
What Stupak and others are asked to do is in essence let the Senate-approved bill pass in the House, then trust the powers-that-be to go back and change things. The bill has to pass basically unchanged in the House in order for the Reconciliation Process to begin. In other words – the bill has to become law before any meaningful changes can be made to it.
Huh?
Congressman, don’t fall for it. According to Politifact.com, President Obama has yet to fulfill the majority of his promises. The ones he has fulfilled are ones that expand government expenditures and influence. Why would he want to change legislation after it has been passed? Given that the President has a 100% approval rating from the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) (OnTheIssues), he has not political nor ideological reason to limit the murdering of babies. Congressman Stupak and other pro-life Democrats have based their careers of bucking their party on this issue. I am astounded that he would endanger his political future by trusting people who should not be trusted.
But then again, Stupak is not a moderate in any sense of the word. His view on healthcare says it all:
Health care is not a privilege it is a basic right that should be afforded to all Americans. In reforming health care, Congress is building on the existing framework by making it easier for employers to provide health insurance through government-sponsored programs. (Stupak’s Website)
No Congressman. Healthcare is not, nor ever has been, a right. It is a benefit, a perk, a way of keeping employees around. It is a hedge against catastrophe. It is nice to have – but I do not see it listed as a basic right. Nor does Congress have the right to take it over – as everything the government gets its hands into explodes into a cacophony of bureaucracy and red tape.
Congressman Stupak will probably cave – since his principles are at best mixed and at worst contrary and cannot be simultaneously held. What will probably stop this bill – if it does indeed get defeated – is not decency, nor honor. What will stop this bill will be – and probably only will be – the desire of some Democrats to stay in office just a little longer. Unlike Speaker Pelosi who is calling for a heroic vote in opposition to public opinion yet knows she risks nothing because of her very liberal voting district – quite a few Democrats know that they will have to face a very angry constituency come November.
And they really do like that job in Washington, DC.
FOXNews.com – Chilling Aerial Photos of 9/11 Attack Released
Thanks ABC News for reminding us of the horrors of that day.
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A new poll by Rasmussen Reports indicates that 75% of Americans are at least somewhat angry with the government. 45% are listed as “Very Angry.”
I have always hated government by poll data. I believe strongly in a Republic form of government – elected officials who are then to rule in the best interests of the country. They answer to their constituents at election time – but during their term in office are to vote their conscience. Republics assure that the passing whims of the masses do not become lasting tyrannies of the people. Governing by polls – t0 me – often comes too close the dreaded full Democracy that the founding fathers of this country worked so hard to avoid.
This latest poll, though, could be important. It describes a growing disconnect between what Rasmussen describes as Mainstream and the Political Class. Here are some of their findings:
The divide between the Political Class and Mainstream voters, however, is remarkable. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of Mainstream voters are angry, but 84% of the Political Class are not.
Forty-nine percent (49%) worry the government will try to do too much to help the economy, while 39% fear it won’t do enough.
As the economy continues to stumble along, 59% of voters believe cutting taxes is better than increasing government spending as a job-creation tool, but 72% expect the nation’s elected politicians to increase spending instead. (Rasmussen Reports)
One way to read this report is that Americans are upset with the gridlock and the politics that has become routine in DC. Nothing gets done because of political bushwhacking – or – things only get done after payouts and costly concessions. Americans are mad not at what policy is – but HOW the government is working.
While this argument holds some truth – Americans are indeed tired of the political stunts of both parties – I believe that there is something more going on. I think Americans – from both parties as the poll shows – are finally waking up that government is not the answer. I think some of this anger is a frustration is that the average American knows how to fix things – but is hindered by a federal system that prohibits them from doing so.
Case in point. The biggest item on the block right now is a nationwide lack of jobs. 9.7% of the American population – give or take – cannot find a job. (Business Week) Yet, potential employers are faced with so many expenses that are rolled into hiring the work force that they need – from unemployment tax to social security to FICA to insurance – that it is far cheaper to go without that extra person. Ask any contractor in Campbell County, Tennessee why they cannot hire full time help and they will tell you that for the first two weeks of every month no one works – that is when the government doll check arrives. Workers will only do anything at the end of the month – all under the table of course – because their “Crazy Check” has already been spent.
Restaurants and fast-food joints have historically been the entrance place into the workforce for many people. Because these places pay minimum wage – they were never designed to be “living wage” areas. But, as the minimum wage goes up less and less job force entrants will be hired. The minimum wage is a great example of the government trying a quick fix – higher wages – that only ends up with lower employment and higher prices.
Americans are finally – I think – starting to tell the government that we can fix it – just stay out of our way. Let me hire someone at the wage I negotiate with that individual – not some inflated wage that is not determined by the market. Don’t make us pay taxes on hiring someone – nor subsidize those who are not working. Do not spend money on jobs bills when we can put people to work more effectively – and more cost efficiently – than any government program can. Don’t give us grants, loans, or subsidies – just stay out of the way.
I think this anger will continue to grow. The poll indicates an increasing division between those who hold public office – and the rest of us. Thankfully – there is more of us.
An 8 year old boy in Oregon gets suspended from school because he brought a 4 inch plastic toy gun to school – a toy gun that is part of an action figure’s lineup. School officials defended the principal, stating that she followed policy. (KPTV) Yet another example of the idiocy of zero tolerance.
When we look to the Law of God, we often think that God is indeed the original author of zero tolerance. “Lest ye die” is riddled all through the Law. But, a careful examination of Scripture finds an amazing amount of room for grace and common sense. Murders were to be put to death. (Ex. 20:3) However, the Law also setup cities of refuge for those who accidently – without premeditation or malice – kills another. The determination of guilt or innocence in such a case was left to the elders of these cities. (Joshua 20:2 – 6) The Law determined that one must not be clean in order to observe the Passover, yet at the same time allowed for accidental exposure. (Numbers 9:6 – 10) Adultery is a sin punishable by death, yet Jesus told the repentant woman to go and live her life. (John 8:11) Clearly, our God has laid out a system of rules, regulations, and moral codes – enabling us to live as people of God. While the breaking of these Laws leads to serious consequences, it is also clear that God intended the elders and rulers of the community to apply that Law with love and grace as well.
A student who brings an actual gun to school should be punished – along with his parents. A student who brings a toy that looks like a realistic gun should be talked to – then handed over to his parents. An 8 year old who brings a 4 inch toy gun that is clearly not a weapon of any sort should be allowed to go play. Instead, the boy gets suspended, and it goes on his permanent record. What idiocy.
Contact the Portland School Board to express your desire that they change their minds – and to institute a common sense – and Godly – policy.
