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From Politico:

Today after almost a century of trying, today after over a year of debate, today after all the votes have been tallied, health insurance reform becomes law in the United States of America.

Yep – we have immortalized the corruption and cowardice of Senators and Congressman. This law puts in writing how Nelson, Stupak and other pro-life democrats sold out their values.  It records the embarrassment of ignoring due process – and will forever herald a worldview that puts the self above all the rest.

Conservatives, though, are not out of this fight.  If anything, we are now more ready for an election revolution.  From the Heritage Foundation:

Obamacare is today’s Intolerable Act. And just as the colonists banded together to enact change after those acts were passed, so should America respond to Obamacare. This law must be repealed.

November cannot come soon enough.

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.

Sen. Ben Nelson said Tuesday it was a mistake for the Obama Administration to take on massive health care reforms in 2009, and suggested efforts would have been better spent addressing the economy. (Freemont Tribune)

No, Senator, it was a mistake for you to vote on the bill.  The President is no longer in the Senate (and oh how we wish he was still there) – and therefore has no vote in the legislative process.  The President may set the vision – and try to set the agenda – but it is you and your fellow legislative members that set policy.

I understand White House pressure.  I understand that Sen. Harry Reid had you on speed dial.  I understand that you were the subject of attack of many left-wing blogs during your days of “hold-out”.  But no one – no one – can force you to vote.  That is what your state sent you to do – vote on what you think is best.

For a while, you were the hope of many that there indeed could be a Democrat with some guts to stand up against the murderous practice of abortion – and in so doing prevent such a disastrous vote.  Yet – not really surprising – you got bought off with the Nebraska exclusion.  So much for guts and principles.

So, while I am perfectly willing and ready to blame President Obama for a great many things – he had nothing to do with your vote.  The question is – do you have the guts to stop this bill when it comes up for the final vote?  Let us hope that the source of your core values – the poll numbers – convinces you to do so.

Senator Chris Dodd (D) of Connecticut announced today that he will not run for reelection.  Despite the joyful news of getting rid of one of the country’s most corrupt Senators, the GOP needs to be careful in their response.

Democrats are loosing 4 seats to retirement this year.  While Republicans are loosing 6 seats for the same reason – the Democrats are considered more at risk.  (Fox News)

Republicans, however, have to overcome two major hurdles.

First is the division in their own party between conservatives and moderates.  Moderates such as Olympia Snowe and others have continuously disappointed Republicans across the country by voting with Democrats on key issues.  They have embraced the idea of bi-partisanship – not understanding that the Democrats aren’t giving up anything.

Meghan McCain writes on her blog:

I am very proud to have the opportunity to speak on how the Republican Party can continue to find ways to be more inclusive and return to its core values and beliefs. Some photos from the weekend are below. (http://mccainblogette.com/)

These people and others do not realize that the reason why the GOP lost the election in 2008 was precisely because it got away from its core values and beliefs – though not the ones that Meghan is talking about.

Fortunately, RNC chair Michael Steele is waking up:

RNC Chairman Michael Steele, appearing Wednesday on “Fox and Friends,” said the right-wing populist movement “puts in stark relief where the American people are” and asserted it’s important for the GOP to “understand this so that we can move towards it, embrace it, and then move into the future.” (UPI.com)

About time – because I continue to believe that if the GOP will embrace its core values of limited government, less taxes, and individual freedom – they will win just about every time.

The other obstacle is overcome a very persuasive ignorance in this country.

This audio clip is from a few months ago, but it illustrates an ignorance that got President Obama and the Democrats elected in the first place.

Unfortunately, no amount of reasoned discussion will overcome such an incorrect view of government.  However, we must try.  The conservative movement must be in the cities, in the community centers, on campuses, and in churches.  We must be reaching out – providing for basic needs, but also educating at the same time.  Instead of Acorn, we should be the Oak Tree – strong, stately, and helping people get to the point where they can be Oak Trees themselves.

Goodbye, Senator Todd.  We will not miss you.  Here’s to hoping that we elect responsible Senators who will wipe out all the mess you have caused.

Last week Senator Barbara Boxer insisted that a Brigadier General call her “Senator” instead of “Ma’am.”

Dear Senator Boxer:

I am appalled at your foolish display at last week’s hearing concerning the restoration process and the Army Corps of Engineers. Proper military protocol dictates that any person with a higher rank, or of a high ranking civilian office, is referred to as “Sir” or “Ma’am”. Yet, you insisted you be called “Senator” because “you worked hard” for that position. As you worked for that position, clearly you did not pay any attention to proper military protocol. Neither did you display the class that one assumes comes with your office by publicly chiding a high ranking Army officer.

Instead of issuing a statement that says you had a “phone conversation” with the general following the hearing, I would urge you to make a apology for disrespecting a man who has worked equally hard to obtain his present rank and position. Our military men and women are placing their lives on the line in all areas of the world. By embarrassing Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh as you did, you also bring dishonor on them.

Sincerely,

Reuel K. Sample

Sent via email on June 21, 2009.

Senator Boxer is no friend to the conservative. In this display, she has demonstrated that she is no friend of the military either. I hope her constituents remember – and take the proper action to replace her.