BO Zeroes in on Defense

Whilst the legislature debates the wasteful $819B porculus bill, Barack Obama has asked the Joint Chiefs to evaluate the defense department and cut 10% from their budgets. The Big O came into Washington promising to go line by line through the budget, and cut out waste, which is admirable. I hope he lives up to that promise. And I'm sure that Defense has some fat to cut, just like every government program. But it just doesn't jive that while Defense goes on the cutting block, he's planning to grossly enlarge other areas of government, particularly pertaining to entitlement programs. I thought he meant he'd look at every government program for wasteful spending, not just those pertaining to our national security.

Like I mentioned, every federally funded program seems to have some inherent waste. It's how the government, unlike the private sector, operates. But I came across an interesting post on an op-ed on the Fox Forum by someone claiming to work at the Pentagon for 30 years:

"I have been in the Pentagon for over 30 years, also. and have been associated with the Acquisition side of business in the 5-sided building. Yes, there are contracts which are wasteful. But you need to also be transparent in your statement that the Congressional rules by which the Acquisition process must follow breeds the wastefulness there. So when the prez directs the SecDef and CJCS to cut spending, it puts the onus upon them to determione where to cut costs and assess that risk. All the while avoiding the real problem and that is the broken acquisiton system levied upon the OSD staff by way of Congress. If O'Bama really wants to cut Pentagon spending, he needs to first turn to Congress and get the rules reviewed and changed. Otherwise, this pressure on the current POM cycle brings risk to our soldiers and military programs."

If this is the case, then why isn't BO addressing the root cause of the problem, and getting Congress to change the rules which will allow for a more seemless and efficient Defense Department, instead of snipping away at the edges where it can cause our military and national security the most harm?

I feel less safe every day with this guy at the helm. I bet the guys on the battlefield do too.

Secret Healthcare Agenda Hidden in Stimulus Plan

It's no secret that Barack Obama ultimately wants a universal government funded healthcare system in this country. He has chosen Tom Daschle, an over-the-top advocate for universal healthcare as his nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary. Tom's mantra for enacting this reform, as stated in his 2008 book is "Move fast, before the public can debate, and create as vague a bill as possible". How comforting that in Obama's promised new age of transparent government, he chooses someone who will attempt to sneakily foist upon the American people the single biggest change that will effect their lives.

What's little known however, is the dirty little secret that the current Stimulus Plan contains a huge expansion of government funded healthcare. If this porker of a bill passes, up to 10 million more Americans could be eligible for federal healthcare in the next month. Some of the proposed expansions to "stimulate" the economy:

1. The SCHIP program, initially designed for very poor working families, will now enable families who make up to $65K per year to enroll.
2. Medicaid will expand to include Americans who have lost their jobs. In most cases, states cannot apply income tests, so the Investment Banker who just lost his job can sign up for free health care, courtesy of you, the taxpayer. His family gets the free ride too.
3.COBRA, the plan that allows the unemployed retain the insurance of their former employer will allow for workers over the age of 55 to retain this coverage until they are eligible for Medicare at 65, and the feds will pick up 65% of the tab.
4. The government will decide which electronic medical records programs can be used by hospitals and physicians.

Finally, the Dems are gearing up to lower the age of Medicare eligibility to 55. Yes, Medicare, the healthcare program that will shortly run out of money as currently written.

I've got to hand it to the new administration; they are darn good at presenting a crisis argument for the passage of the stimulus to the American people, all the while stealthily attempting to enact laws, that once in place, will be virtually impossible to revoke. I don't know what more infuriating; government's outrageous arrogance, or the American people's ignorance and apathy to the monumental shifts that are taking place right under their feet.

Welfare for Illegals, Paid for by Our Kids

Just in from AP:

WASHINGTON (AP) - The $800 billion-plus economic stimulus measure making its way through Congress could steer government checks to illegal immigrants, a top Republican congressional official asserted Thursday.
The legislation, which would send tax credits of $500 per worker and $1,000 per couple, expressly disqualifies nonresident aliens, but it would allow people who don't have Social Security numbers to be eligible for the checks.

Undocumented immigrants who are not eligible for a Social Security number can file tax returns with an alternative number. A House-passed version of the economic recovery bill and one making its way through the Senate would allow anyone with such a number, called an individual taxpayer identification number, to qualify for the tax credits.


How many more juicy morsels of Democrat spendapalooza garbage can we expect to find in this ghastly stimulus package? Just wait, folks, its going to get scarier as more details emerge. We'll keep you posted....

Republican Congressmen and Women Rock!

While the grotesque $819B Bucket of Organic Lard known as the stimulus plan was passed by the House yesterday, it was done without one Republican vote. Eleven brave Democrats also voted nay to this travesty of legislative crap, which was passed with 244-188 votes. While it has been sold to the American people as a package to stimulate jobs, the WSJ reports that only $90B, or 12% of the money will be spent on job creation. The rest of the package includes significant funds for Democrat favored programs such as ACORN, STD prevention, the arts, smoking cessation programs, construction of new ATV trails, etc. etc. The $275B in tax relief will be doled out as a rebate and aimed at primarily lower income individuals who do not pay any federal income taxes. In other words, it's a welfare check. Of course, we know Bush tried the same thing last year, with little stimulatory effect on the economy, and that was BEFORE the crisis hit. Anyone want to guess how much of that $275B in welfare payments will actually be spent to stimulate the economy rather than used to pay a couple of bills? So kudos to the men and women who finally had the guts to stand up and vote No, in the face of hearty opposition. Let's hope that this is the opening salvo in a strong Republican opposition to reckless spending. Finally, I feel that someone is representing the will of so many of us across this country who feel disenfranchised and without a voice in government.

Next up: the Senate vote. This one may be tougher, as Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell has indicated he will not filibuster, and the bill in the Senate has more provisions amenable to the GOP. This is where we come in, folks. Our huge groundswell of phone, email, and fax messages sent to Congressmen screamed NO!, and they listened. We must continue to light up the phones, now in the Senate, and make our voices loud and clear.

Click on the links to the left and find your Senator's contact information. Tell them that the Stimulus Plan as currently written is an outrage and and that you encourage them to vote No. They represent you; not the myriad special interests who have hopped on board this train wreck of a bill. Call Mitch too. He needs to demonstrate the same strength that the House leadership has. We won't stand idly by while they sell us down the river.

200 Economists

200 economists from the Cato Institute, some Nobel Laureates, have published an ad in major US newspapers this week briefly outlining their thoughts about Obama's Stimulus Plan:

"Notwithstanding reports that all economists are now Keynesians and that we all support a big increase in the burden of government, we do not believe that more government spending is a way to improve economic performance. More government spending by Hoover and Roosevelt did not pull the United States economy out of the Great Depression in the 1930s. More government spending did not solve Japan's "lost decade" in the 1990s. As such, it is a triumph of hope over experience to believe that more government spending will help the U.S. today. To improve the economy, policy makers should focus on reforms that remove impediments to work, saving, investment and production. Lower tax rates and a reduction in the burden of government are the best ways of using fiscal policy to boost growth."

Will the Real Obama Please Stand Up?

Today, President Obama met with Republicans on the Hill to discuss his economic stimulus plan and encouraged them to put partisan politics aside in an effort to revive the ailing economy. Republicans, reportedly, were "swooning" over BO and his sincere efforts to listen to their concerns, something which the House and Senate leadership has utterly failed to do.

"President Obama won praise from some of the House's most conservative lawmakers as "engaging" and "respectful" during his meeting with congressional Republicans Tuesday.

Rep. Bob Inglis (R-S.C.) said that Obama was sincere and "impressive" during his meeting with Republicans Tuesday afternoon.

"There's real desire in this room to figure a way back to prosperity," Inglis wrote on Twitter. "[The president] and Republicans here [are] expressing deep concern about unemployment."

"If [the] President carries this on it does open door for a new tone!" Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.) exclaimed.

"Sharp differences are muted," Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas) Twittered."

After only one week in office, a distinct pattern has emerged of Obama's leadership style across the spectrum, from engaging foreign leaders to the American people to Republican lawmakers. He is conciliatory, seemingly willing to listen, speaks of unity and a post partisan nation.

Meanwhile, the Democratic leadership has acted in the exact opposite vein with their rhetoric and actions, by excluding Republican involvement in hammering out details of the stimulus plan, and marginalizing them even further than was possible for the majority party to do during the Bush years. The stimulus plan, as currently laid out, is a pork barrel of useless projects long adored by liberals, along with tax rebates which will do little to nothing to actually stimulate the economy. And it will, by all accounts, grow larger.

So who is the real Obama, and when will he emerge? Will he try to play both sides of the fence, acting as good cop to Pelosi and Reid's bad cop, but ultimately getting exactly what he intended all along? Or is he simply naive and unable to control the far left loons in the legislature, and despite sincere motivation to act in a bipartisan fashion, will prove to be impotent in reining in his own party? His record in the Senate shows an aversion to making hard choices. He cannot avoid them now. Soon, we will see the real Obama, but of the two choices, neither is encouraging, nor what this country needs at this perilous juncture.

I Won

So said President Obama in his "bipartisan" meeting with Republicans last week to discuss the $825B and counting fiscal stimulus plan to be passed sometime in the next few weeks. Obama wants bipartisan support (read CYA in case the whole shebang goes south and does nothing for the economy.) Which is exactly what it will do.

First of all, is this guy a bratty nine year old? Who says "I won" in the real world to one's adversaries when trying to hammer out a deal? Secondly, the Republicans would be wise to steer way clear of approving this mother of a plan, which will do nothing to stimulate the economy in an expedient manner, and is so laden with liberal dream pork, it's like a bucket of organic lard.

Only $26 billion of the $825B will be spent this year. It's January, for Pete's sake-they've got a whole year to grease the economic engines and this is the best they can do? Virtually nothing in the entire plan will create long term job growth, stimulate consumer spending, or result in saving jobs. Infrastructure, road, and bridge building take years to get going, even if they are "shovel ready". (And how many government funded infrastruture and road building projects have you heard of that come in at budget and on time?) The tax "rebates" are nothing more than welfare checks to those who don't pay taxes. Rebates don't work. As an example, please see Bush's rebate stimulus plan of last spring. It barely increased consumer spending, and that was BEFORE the crisis hit. Nobody is going to spend a rebate check on a tv- they are going to squirrel it away, resulting in zero stimulus to the economy. Finally, the crap that bogs down the bill such as spending on contraceptives is outright ludicrous. By the way, would someone please ask Nancy Pelosi who is going to fund Social Security for all of us in the future? It's the people who are born TODAY who will carry our water buckets, Princess. (Maybe you should reconsider your corporate jet. Oh sorry that's only for business people, not lowly public servants such as yourself).

The only good I see coming out of this plan is it's complete and total inability to stimulate the economy. There won't be any spin factor that could possibly twist it's illegitemacy. Obama and the liberal ideology will be proven useless and ineffective and hopefully 2010 will result in a new dawn for America. It's a shame that we have to endure this darkest night for such an unnecessarily long period because of such misguided thinking.

How Many American Lives?

From an anonymous source:

"The average age of the military man is 19 years.

He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who,
under normal circumstances is considered by
society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.

He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop
or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can
apply first aid like a professional.


He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.

He is self-sufficient. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons
and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy.

He is the American Fighting Man that has
kept this country free for over 200 years.


How will Obama's actions affect the fates of these young men and women, who stay ever-vigilant to protect us? Will more enemy combatants ultimately end up back on the battlefield, getting their second chance to kill our men and women in uniform? Will Obama do as much to protect them as he has to protect the terrorists who would, if given the chance, think nothing of taking our lives, and the lives of our children? Does his notion of balancing our ideals and our safety come with a price tag of more American lives lost? Most Americans, and more importantly, those on the battlefield who have faced the enemy, would say yes.

So what will be his excuse when the terrorist he coddles kills a mother's son in battle, or murders scores of civilians on our soil? Will he still maintain his self-righteousness? My guess is that if he has regrets, it will be for the destruction of his own legacy, and not for Americans whose lives have been snuffed out.

Adopt a Terrorist

Due to Obama's executive order to close Gitmo, there will soon be an abundance of terrorists wandering the streets with no home and no means of supporting themselves. I suggest that the ACLU create a non-profit organization entitled "Adopt a Terrorist". Liberal lovers of terrorist rights could then cleanse their bleeding hearts of the past 7 years of horrific Caribbean living which the terrorists at Gitmo have had to endure. "Adopt a Terrorist" advocates may provide clothing, food, shelter, and bomb making equipment for those who have been wronged. Access to educational sites on the internet such as bioterrorism, dirty bombs, and how to infiltrate the US via cargo container is highly recommended. In return, adoptive familes will receive a free pass from the next terror attack on US soil.

Retraction: Adoptive families will not receive a free pass from terrorist attacks on US soil. Sorry, they still hate you too.

Where in Tarnation are all the Republicans?

I suppose it's easy to get lost in all of the frenzied media attention given to the new President, but did the Republicans suddenly go into collective hiding? The only peeps I hear about them are that they are busy attending "bi-partisan" dinners, and muttering sweet nothings about giving Obama a chance. John McCain is Obama's new BFF, and syndicated columnists like David Brooks and Charles Krauthammer are singing his praises. I know the guy is charismatic but does one completely lose one's mind upon meeting "The One" in person? Is that it, really? Or have they just lost their cajones and are too ashamed to admit it, so they're chalking up their love-in to the post-partisan "let's all work together" mumbo jumbo the new Dear Leader professes.

Well, I've got a little news for all of you Republican legislators and columnists who want to give the Big O some breathing room. You've been had. Because while you wait breathlessly to "give him a chance", he is tirelessly working to transform this nation forever, right under your feet. He figures once he's got you sidelined, it'll be a snap to run the ball all the way up the field, barely breaking a sweat. You will all be co-conspirators because you didn't even attempt to smack him down. And when the damage is done, history will show the great American "transformation" to a socialist democracy to be a bi-partisan act, approved by all the people of this great land.

Wrong. You were elected to protect the Constitution, to protect "we the people", and to preserve the spirit of ingenuity that has made this the most innovative and productive nation on earth. I'd like to give you the benefit of the doubt, and think that you are really just biding your time for the most opportune moment to make your voices heard. But your recent past actions have not inspired even that level of confidence. So get out there and fight. For us, for our kids, and for the future of our nation. I do not want to have to tell my grandkids about the America that once was. I want them to experience it for themselves. If you don't have the guts to do it, get off the playing field and let someone else sack this quarterback.

The Classless Masses

I wonder if Michelle Obama thought the Americans who derided President Bush and Laura on their way out of DC yesterday were "downright mean"? Do ya' think? Chanting "na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey good-bye" as the President and his wife ascended the dais to depart the capital via Marine One, the gatherers on the West Side of the Capital demonstrated the complete lack of respect and childishness which defines so many liberal thinkers. Where does that kind of hate and disrespect come from? I don't like Obama's policies, and believe him to be a charlatan, but he is the President of the United States, and the office is to be respected, no matter what one thinks of the man who holds it. The same holds true for Bush. Shame on them.

A New Era in America

Today Barack Obama will be sworn in as President of the United States of America, heralding in an unprecedented change for our nation. I am glad that we are finally here, if only to momentarily quiet the Bush haters and let the new guy demonstrate if he can really deliver. The great genius of Obama's campaign was to allow people to transfer their hopes and dreams onto him like a blank screen, as we really never got to know the man, and for what he stands.

Soon that will change. Will he capitulate to the demands of the far left loons in Congress and the Senate? Or will he govern ever cognizant of November 2012, knowing that most Americans don't want big government; they just want efficient government? Will he heed the lessons of history when it comes to fixing our ailing economy? While I have no doubt that Obama is intelligent, I sometime marvel at his naivete, such as his sudden change of stance on terror and the Iraq war after his initial security briefings post-election. Did he really think all that terrorist stuff was just conjured up by the Bush administration? Does he really not know the ramifications of FDR's policies during the Great Depression? One only hopes that he will approach his Presidency with a centrist's viewpoint, and have the strength to thwart the rantings of his moronic cohorts in the legislative branch.

Today is a day of reflection and hope for all Americans, regardless of political persuasion. Many are euphoric at this historic moment. But we all should be proud that the great democratic experiment put forth by our founding fathers continues to stand the test of time, and remains alive and well. They sure knew what they were doing. Let's hope Obama shares some of their wisdom.

Where's the Personal Responsibility?

President-Elect Barack Obama is going to emphasize "responsibility" in his inaugural address. Better break out the liquor cabinet: this is gonna be a gagger.

From Foxnews:

Barack Obama's inauguration address will stress "responsibility" by calling on Americans in government and business to embrace a new era of proper behavior.

"Getting our country back on track," is the core theme of the speech, said Obama Press Secretary Rob Gibbs, adding that the president-elect wrote the bulk of it as it is now.

"We need more responsibility and accountability certainly in the way our government acts. We have to have it certainly in many of our financial institutions that sort of have gotten us to where we are in this economic crisis today," he said.

"Obviously the American people are all going to have to give some," Gibbs added, noting that the address will also try to stress that "those that have had the short end of the stick for the last few years (will) get the help that they need."

Ummm, do you consider those who have gotten the short end of the stick the idiots who bought a house with no down payment and zero interest loans who now want a FREE down payment? Is that responsible? Is it now my responsibility to provide these morons with that gift? What about those who used up all the equity in their homes to get a new flat screen TV and new car? Is that gratis, per the US taxpayer?

The issue at hand is not just a lack of responsibility in government and business. It is a lack of responsibility across the spectrum, individuals included. Americans gorged like pigs and showed off the bling that was never really theirs on borrowed money which they would never repay. Talk about THAT, BO, or this country will circle the drain no matter how much of our money you through down the toilet.

Moonbats' Plans to Ignite Civil War

Several far left liberals are entertaining the notion of prosecuting Bush administration officals for war crimes associated with the Iraq invasion and treatment of terrorists. Fox news reports:

"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is receptive to the idea of prosecuting some Bush administration officials, while letting others who are accused of misdeeds leave office without prosecution, she told Chris Wallace in an interview on "FOX News Sunday."
"I think you look at each item and see what is a violation of the law and do we even have a right to ignore it," the California Democrat said. "And other things that are maybe time that is spent better looking to the future rather than to the past."
Rep. John Conyers, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, announced Friday he wants to set up a commission to look into whether the Bush administration broke the law by taking the nation to war against Iraq and instituting aggressive anti-terror initiatives. The Michigan Democrat called for an "independent criminal probe into whether any laws were broken in connection with these activities.""

In addition, Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning economist, columnist for the NYT, and terminal sufferer of Bush Derangement Syndrome, dedicated his Friday column to the same cause; prosecution of Bush, et al. Obama has not ruled out prosecution but says it is unlikely.

Are these people completely nuts? Does Nancy forget that she voted for the invasion into Iraq? Our nation and it's people are suffering under great economic stress, anxiety, and fear for the future, terrorists and rogue nations are chomping at the bit to test our naive President-elect, and Pelosi, Krugman, Conyers, and crew want to ignite a culture war. To divert even one moment of attention or funds to this issue should be slapped down immediately by whatever sane voices remain in Congress. My stomach turns with each passing day at the new bits of news related to the next four years and the unprecedented arrogance of those who will be in charge. The MSM, as usual, only fuels the fire.

We cannot take this assault sitting down.

Warning Signal to Greedy State Unions

I guess the state unions don't really understand that there is No Mo' Money! Really. We're not kidding. So unless there are concessions made in contracts, states will no longer be able to pay anyone. Tax refunds are just the beginning. So take your pick- layoffs, or wage, pension, and healthcare contribution concessions that are more in line with the private sector. Do you get it now?

"Calif. tax refunds to be delayed starting Feb. 1
Jan 16, 3:40 PM (ET)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California's controller says he will begin a 30-day delay on tax refunds and other payments starting Feb. 1 because the state is running out of money.

Controller John Chiang said Friday he must delay $3.7 billion in payments next month because lawmakers have failed to address California's growing deficit.

With a $41.6 billion shortfall over the next year-and-a-half, the state is on the brink of issuing IOUs.

Chiang says his office must continue education and debt payments but will defer money for tax refunds, student aid, social services and mental health programs.

A severe drop in revenue has left the state's main bank account depleted. The state had been relying on borrowing from special funds and Wall Street investors; those options are no longer available."

"Oh My God!"

So much for bipartisanship and reaching across the aisle. That must be another example of the campaign "rhetoric" Obama admitted to the other day.

January 15, 2009 1:33

"ABC News' Rick Klein and Dean Norland Report: House Minority Leader John Boehner needed only three words to serve notice that President-elect Barack Obama is nowhere close to achieving the big bipartisan vote on the stimulus package he wants so badly.

"There was no Republican input at all involved in what House Democrats outlined today," Boehner, R-Ohio, said at a news conference at the Capitol. "I just took a moment to look over the draft from Chairman [David] Obey and the draft or outline from Chairman [Charlie] Rangel. Oh, my God.
"I just can't tell you how shocked I am at what we're seeing. You know it's clear that they're moving on this path along the flawed notion that we can borrow and spend our way back to prosperity.""

By May, we should have another umpteen billion dollar global warming stimulus to pay for on top of the currently debated stimulus package which should end up at around $1 Trillion. >>

Folks, this is getting downright scary. We are at the leading edge of the biggest, most devastating financial hurricane to ever hit the United States of America, all perpetrated by those we elected to lead and protect us. The Republicans seem paralyzed and dumbstruck. Is there no way to stop this disaster? Does ANYONE have any ideas?

I hear crickets.

Secretary of Tax Cheats

Timothy Geithner's little "goof" in forgetting to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes for years has been getting the white glove treatment from the mainstream press. Aw shucks, it was just a silly, completely innocent mistake. Is this what we can expect from the guy who will head the Treasury and thus, the IRS? Apparently he not only has issues with handling his own money, but check out this from the NYTimes:

Where Was Geithner in Turmoil?
By ANDREW ROSS SORKIN
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/business/25sorkin.html?_r=1&dbk

President-elect Barack Obama unveiled on Monday an economic team with deep experience handling economic crises. But does the man at the center of this star-studded cast, Timothy F. Geithner, the nominee for Treasury secretary, have what is needed to take the nation in a new financial direction?
But Mr. Geithner’s involvement in several ultimately ill-fated efforts to buttress the American financial system is the very reason some Wall Street C.E.O.’s — a number of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of piquing the man who regulates them — question whether he’s up to the challenge.
“We have only two things to say about Tim Geithner, who we do not know: A.I.G. and Lehman Brothers,” said Christopher Whalen of Institutional Risk Analytics. “Throw in the Bear Stearns/Maiden Lane fiasco for good measure,” he said. “All of these ‘rescues’ are a disaster for the taxpayer, for the financial markets and also for the Federal Reserve System as an organization. Geithner, in our view, deserves retirement, not promotion.”
Ouch.
“He was in the room at every turn of the crisis,” said another executive who participated in several such confidential meetings with Mr. Geithner. “You can look at that both ways.”

Mmm, hmmm. That surely inspires confidence. A tax scoflaw AND a lousy financial overseer to handle the worst economic crisis in decades.

US Military warns "Sudden Collapse of Mexico is Possible"

This article came out today from the El Paso Times. One of those 'out of the blue" possibilties I mentioned in my previous post. Of course, Obama just met with the President of Mexico this week, so he should be duly warned and good to go.

EL PASO

- Mexico is one of two countries that "bear consideration for a rapid and sudden collapse," according to a report by the U.S. Joint Forces Command on worldwide security threats. The command's "Joint Operating Environment (JOE 2008)" report, which contains projections of global threats and potential next wars, puts Pakistan on the same level as Mexico.
"In terms of worse-case scenarios for the Joint Force and indeed the world, two large and important states bear consideration for a rapid and sudden collapse: Pakistan and Mexico." The Mexican possibility may seem less likely, but the government, its politicians, police and judicial infrastructure are all under sustained assault and press by criminal gangs and drug cartels.
How that internal conflict turns out over the next several years will have a major impact on the stability of the Mexican state. Any descent by Mexico into chaos would demand an American response based on the serious implications for homeland security alone."

Expect the Unexpected

Eight years ago, George W. Bush was sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States of America. The economy was in recession and things were relatively peaceful abroad, except for the recent bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen. Bush's focus was inward; address the recession, Social Security and Medicare, education, taxes, and inject more faith based initiatives and policies into government.

In the blink of an eye, that all changed. On a beautiful late summer day, the defining issue of his Presidency quite unexpectedly became one of foreign policy: the War on Terror and subsequently, Iraq. He and his team flew by the seat of their pants. They made some big mistakes, but they learned from them, and made changes. To Bush's credit, untold numbers of possible terror plots have been thwarted, and America has not been attacked since. He is regularly lambasted in the media for being a war-mongerer and even criminal with tactics used in dealing with terrorists. But what would those same people say if we had been attacked again, even regularly, if he had failed to get tough? Do you remember 9/11? Do you remember the fear, the feeling of vulnerability and of having no control, wondering where and when and what the next attack may bring? That awful nightmare has abated, but if terrorists had continued to attack us every few years, can you imagine the collective feelings of despair, anxiety, and outrage that would define the citizens of this country? Our attitudes about the economic crisis would pale in comparison.

And so Barack Obama will soon be sworn in as the 44th President. He comes in with full knowledge of the economic and foreign policy challenges, along with the ever present threat of new attacks on US soil. Whether he and his team can face these issues effectively remains to be seen. In spite of these huge challenges, there is one thing he can hang his hat on; the defining issue of his Presidency will most likely be something that comes out of the blue, something he never anticipated.

So from where will the threat emerge? A solar flare or nuclear bomb exploded overhead that disrupts the power grid? Another unforeseen economic threat? A naturally occuring epidemic? An event in a relatively unknown country which spurs on a widespread global conflict? Or possibly something of his own doing?
Whatever it may be, like Bush before him, it will be Obama's capacity to learn and lead on the fly that will decide our fates.

Stepping Right Up!: Republican 2012 Presidential contenders with their hands out

Interesting blog detailing some of the partakers in the feeding frenzy for stimulus funds. Reminds me of watching bluefish chasing menhaden right up to the RI beaches and then attacking with wild and savage ferocity. In nature, it's a scary, yet awe-inspiring sight. In government, it's just scary.

Stepping Right Up!: Republican 2012 Presidential contenders with their hands out

Blowhard Barney

It looks like Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) is up to his antics again (will we EVER be rid of this moron?). GM is once again asking Congress for more bailout money, although it's not sure exactly how much more than the $13.4 billion previously allocated by the Treasury Department. GM's COO says that the company is certain that it will negotiate concessions with the UAW, including a reduction in labor and health costs. Under the guidelines for the bailout, the automakers have until February 17th to hammer out the details of how they will cut labor costs to be more in line with foreign auto manufacturers in the US. However, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger has said the union will approach President-elect Barack Obama's administration to end what he called unfair requirements in the loan terms for concessions from the union.

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., has proposed getting rid of a requirement that GM and Chrysler negotiate labor cost parity with foreign-owned automakers that have U.S. factories.

Hourly wages for UAW workers at GM factories already are about equal tothe average of $30 per hour Toyota Motor Corp. pays at its older U.S. factories, according to the companies. But including benefits and the cost of providing health care to retirees, the Detroit automaker saysits total labor cost is around $69 per hour, compared with an all-inclusive cost of $53 per hour at Toyota.

Would someone from Barney's 4th congressional district in MA please call his office and inform him that he works for his constituents, NOT the UAW? His number is (202)225-5931.

Latest Fashion Trend in Mug Shots

I realize it's hard to see some of the T-shirts worn by this fine crowd, but guess what they all have in common? That's right, they are all Obama supporters. When was the last time you saw a mug shot with someone wearing a Bush T-shirt?

Climate Czarina's Socialist Ties

There's no longer a need to intimate that Obama harbors a far left socialist agenda. The Washington Times reports today on Obama's pick for Global Warming Czar:

"Until last week, Carol M. Browner, President-elect Barack Obama's pick as global warming czar, was listed as one of 14 leaders of a socialist group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, which calls for "global governance" and says rich countries must shrink their economies to address climate change.
Socialist International, an umbrella group for many of the world's social democratic political parties such as Britain's Labor Party, says it supports socialism and is harshly critical of U.S. policies.
The group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, the organization's action arm on climate change, says the developed world must reduce consumption and commit to binding and punitive limits on greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr. Obama, who has said action on climate change would be a priority in his administration, tapped Mrs. Browner last month to fill a new position as White House coordinator of climate and energy policies. The appointment does not need Senate confirmation.
Mr. Obama's transition team said Mrs. Browner's membership in the organization is not a problem and that it brings experience in U.S. policymaking to her new role.
Mrs. Browner ran the Environmental Protection Agency under President Clinton. Until she was tapped for the Obama administration, she was on the board of directors for the National Audubon Society, the League of Conservation Voters, the Center for American Progress and former Vice President Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection."

So while we freeze during the coldest winter in years, Pravda reports that earth is entering a new Ice Age, and the economy needs all the help it can get, Obama and Ms. Browner are apparently at the ready to do whatever it takes to enact their radical agenda.

Don't sit idly by folks. Click on the links at the right to find out your Senators' and Congressman's names to contact them and make known your complete disagreement with this woman's agenda. Mumbling amongst ourselves does nothing to stop the train wreck. Take a few minutes and take some action!

Bush III

Has anyone noticed how similar Obama's proposed policies are mimicking those of the Bush administration with each passing day? The liberal intelligentsia must be on the verge of having a collective stroke.

The first Bush III policy changes came soon after the election, when Obama received his first top secret security briefing. Reality must have hit him square in the face, because his grandiose ideas of a Kumbeyah world seemed to have disappeared and his stated stance on terror toughened. What did he actually think the security briefing would reveal- that Bush and his cronies had made up the stories of how extremists want to obliterate us? My bet is that Obama crapped his pants that day. Most recently, he is even backtracking on quickly closing Gitmo, because, as he now states, "there are dangerous people there who would do us great harm". Duh. Regarding the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, he has kept the Bush team on board. Hmmm, maybe he realizes that they actually know what they're doing over there.

Obama's economic policy has taken on similar aspects to Bush's, not that that is such a good thing, as Bush has become our first Socialist President with his billions of dollars in bailouts and nationalizing of private businesses. It's like the two men have merged into one persona. They are now in collusion to spend the last half of the $350 billion dollar bailout immediately, and together are trying to figure out how to coerce a skeptical Congress into giving them what they want. Even when it comes to taxes and entitlements, Obama has become more Bush-like. He's backtracked on his plans to increase taxes on the wealthy, and plans a revamp of entitlement programs such as Medicare and Social Security.

Bush's approval ratings hover around 20%. Give Obama a year, and then watch his ratings drop like a stone into the ocean, as it dawns on his supporters that instead of the "change they can believe in", they got snookered into "more of the same."

This Is It

You know that scene near the end of the movie Titanic, in which Leonardo DeCaprio and Kate Winslet are holding onto the rails and looking over the edge of the great ship, which bobs completely upright for a few moments before plunging into the icy Atlantic forever? As the ship starts to descend, Leonardo yells "This is it!".

Well that's exactly how I feel about the state of our government, our leaders, our economy, and our prospects about now. This is it. We're going down, it's going to be bad, really bad, we have no control, and all we can do is hang on for the ride and hope that we can hold our breath long enough to come to the surface without being dragged down by the colossal beast. And then once the ship sinks, it's still going to be rough, and who knows if we'll survive the aftermath?

After hearing Obama's plan to throw everything AND the kitchen sink into his stimulus plan, I'm even more anxious. Does he just not have a clue, and figures that if you throw enough crap against the wall, some of it's going to inevitably stick?
Or will we be handed the new Socialist States of America on a platter, cooked up and served so quickly that we didn't even have a chance to look at the menu?

I just can't get some gnawing little questions out of my head. Where is the money coming from and what are the future ramifications? I was brought up to be responsible with my finances, so perhaps that's why I can't get this question out of my mind. Many Americans, apparently, have never given a thought to this issue regarding their own expenses, so why would they worry about the government's borrowing habits? Then I read editorials like Mr. Krugman's in the NYT today, in which he begs Obama to spend more, baby, more, and oodles of commenters say "Yeah!". Huh? What fantasyland do these people live in?

Then there are the pesky details about the spending, which, in order to be implemented, are huge roadblocks. Even if projects are shovel ready, roads and bridges and infrastructure need permitting and reviews and approvals by a gazillion state and local committees, which take FOREVER to work their way through the bureaucratic process. Having worked on a small town Historical Commission for 10 years, I saw this process up front and personal on a very small scale, and the bureaucracy was mind boggling. Government just doesn't DO fast.

I understand that nobody has had a chance to read the plan yet, but why are fiscal conservatives afraid to speak up? Isn't it their job to do so if they were elected under such a premise? We are not talking small numbers here; we're talking about mortgaging our kids' futures. Economists are already saying that the proposed tax cuts are a waste of money and will do nothing to stimulate the economy. So why waste that $300 billion. Save it, man.

But I fear that nobody is listening, and nobody in charge is heeding the lessons of history. So here we are, looking over the precipice. We're going down. This is it.

No Mo' Money

Just as Obama is warning of future years of trillion dollar deficits, and Nancy and Harry are salivating over the prospect of spending more money that we don't have, China has indicated through its economic policies over the past two weeks that it's appetite for buying up US debt is fading fast. So who then is going to buy up all the debt that our government is intent on amassing? The actions of our leaders are reminiscent of a college kid with their first credit card, cluelessly buying cool clothes and partying away, without thinking about the reckoning that awaits.

I'm confused. FDR's big spending on infrastructure did not push the US out of the Depression. Instead, it was a host of other factors, most notably the involvement of the US in WWII, which finally propelled the country out of it's long financial drought. The tax rebates of last spring which put a little spending money in people's pockets, did not curtail the current recession. The $700 billion bailout along with all of the other billions recently spent on nationalizing private businesses, has not had the expected effect of minimizing the pain. So what makes Obama and the Democrats think that doing more of the same is going to do anything more than dig us into a deeper hole? A hole which may be impossible to dig ourselves out of without the aid of Chinese willingness to hold our debt?

This all seems like nothing more than the bad policy of reckless spending and denial which caused the housing bust, but on a much larger scale. Unfortunately, the ramifications could be far more ominous. The US can print more money, but that will only diminish the value of the dollar. If our debtors call in the chips, and the dollar becomes more and more worthless, where does that leave us? It seems like in lean times, it might be worth considering cutting out every bit of fat in the budget. Take the medicine now and stave off a full blown potentially lethal infection later. The problem is that a fiscal conservative's view of wants is a liberal's view of needs. Do we really need to fund cutting edge gyms in prisons, housing for illegal immigrants, private jumbo jets and expensive junkets for members of Congress, and cappuccino makers in schools, when we have NO money? Someone always comes up with an argument why some bit of unnecessary spending should continue, or why some new spending should be initiated. When will they just say "No"? I'll tell you when; when it's too late. When we are in such bad shape that the country becomes like a dying elephant and the scavengers around the globe come and pick our bones. Then people will demand accountability from their leaders.

What scares me is that the people who should know this stuff don't seem to be doing anything to change the direction of our impending wreck.

How Many Zeros in a Billion?

This is too true to be funny.
The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money.

A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it's releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.
E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.

While this thought is still fresh in our brain...
let's take a look at New Orleans...
It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.

Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D) is presently asking Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans. Interesting number...what does it mean?

A. Well...if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, and child) you each get $516,528.

B. Or...if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home gets $1,329,787.

C. Or...if you are a family of four...your family gets $2,066,012.


Washington, D. C. <>

Are all your calculators broken??

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago...
and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt...
We had the largest middle class in the world...
and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?

Can you spell 'politicians!'

Gird Your Loins

At a time in our history when the country is confronted with increasing global unrest and hostility, Obama has gone ahead and nominated former Clinton Chief of Staff, Leon Panetta, as Director of the CIA. With little actual intel experience, albeit lots of administrative skills, where will Panetta's appointment leave the US?

Let's see. Panetta was around during the 90's when the Clinton adminstration dropped the ball in combatting growing extremist operations, allowing Al Queda to flourish and ultimately carry out it's most heinous attacks on US soil. Since then, with a reshuffling of the CIA, most experts agree that current CIA Director Hayden has increased morale at the beleagured agency. Fortunately he will leave it in much better shape than he found it.

We've got terrorists in Afghanstan and in an increasingly dangerous Pakistan, Iran going nuclear, Russia once again boldly rearing it's head, and the crazy Dear Leader still in charge of nuclear North Korea. Our intel services are going to be vital to our survival and they will be stretched thin, as our enemies span the globe, and are licking their chops at the prospect of the new, inexperienced, President-elect coming into office at a time when the US is on it's knees economically. While focus needs to be on the economy at home, we cannot for a minute take our eyes off of the enemies abroad. Not the best time to pick someone with no experience on the ground to direct intelligence operations, particularly since Obama himself demonstrates such naivete in his world views. As Joe Biden warned us, we'd better gird our loins.

And the MSM Bias Marches On

While Ann Coulter's viewpoints are not quite my cup of tea, this, from DRUDGE today, is truly disheartening, and yet another nail in the coffin of Free Speech in this country.

NBC BANS COULTER FOR LIFE; CUT FROM 'TODAY' SHOW OVER BOOK'S CLAIMS, NO MORE CABLE
Mon Jan 05 2009 17:50:57 ET

The nation's top selling conservative author has been banned from appearing on NBC, insiders tell the DRUDGE REPORT. Banned for life! "We are just not going to have her on any more, it's over," a top network source explains. NBC's TODAY show abruptly cut Ann Coulter from its planned Tuesday broadcast, claiming the schedule was overbooked.

Coulter was set to unveil her new book, GUILTY. But one network insider claims it was the book's theme -- a brutal examination of liberal bias in the new era -- that got executives to dis-invite the controversialist.

"We are just not interested in anyone so highly critical of President-elect Obama, right now," a TODAY insider reveals. "It's such a downer. It's just not the time, and it's not what our audience wants, either."

For the book, Coulter reportedly received the most-lucrative advance ever paid to a conservative author. The TODAY show eagerly invited the author months ago, for her first network interview on GUILTY. The exclusive was to air during the show's 7 AM hour. The cut came Monday afternoon.

Where is Ford's Most Cutting Edge Auto Plant?

For the past 20 years, my dad has been a strong advocate of buying American cars from American companies. No more. Since the automobile bailout, and the refusal of the UAW to give up any concessions, he will now buy other US-made, but foreign owned, car brands, such as Toyota and Honda. He recently informed the owner of the local GM dealership where he lives, and from whom he has bought numerous vehicles, that because of the UAW, he will take his money elsewhere. This seems like a fine strategy to get the point across to automakers that if we want American car companies to thrive (which we do) then they must be able to compete in the global markeplace. We're not in Kansas anymore (or Michigan) and the UAW had better realize that unless they change their ways, the American automobile industry is circling the drain, bailout or no bailout. An unsustainable business plan can only be propped up by the government for so long before taxpayers revolt and say "enough". (Shameless plug- get your "enough" t- shirt by clicking on the link to the right).

This is a short video of a new Ford plant in Brazil . One look at this and you will be able to tell why there will probably never be another one built in the USA . It will also point out why more assembly plants will go offshore.

http://info.detnews.com/video/index.cfm?id=1189

And pay attention to the last few words. That sentence says a lot!

Obituary: Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a class mate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student; but couldnot inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else is to Blame and I'm a Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

Author Unknown

Five Dem Govs

U.S. governors seek $1 trillion federal assistance
Fri Jan 2, 2009 5:48pm EST

Five Democratic governors have asked the Obama administration for $1 Trillion dollars in state aid for schools, roads and infrastructure, unemployment benefits, and assistance in tackling rising home foreclosures through loan modification programs. The govs apparently spent more than their allowance, and want daddy to pay up so they can continue to live the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed. Only problem is, Obama doesn't have the money either, but we know this sugar daddy is bound to come through for the chillin's. There ain't no free lunch, but daddy sure won't let that little inconvenience get in the way. Because he knows there are people out there whose pockets he can pick whenever he lets his hounds, Nancy and Harry, off their leashes to tear into their prey.