Engage USA by Bill Boyer

Roll'em if you Got'em

2007-09-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

It strikes me odd that our strategy with China is to engage them in commerce. The strategy touts a faith that by addicting China to the wonders of free enterprise, social and political freedoms will follow.
While I maintain tremendous trepidation as to the consequence of this relationship including; deficits, fueling China's military build up (including a world class navy), allowing China to hold over 60% of our national debt etc. I admit I could be wrong and that the elite have a good bead on this geopolitical gig.
However, if I concede that the IVY league and new world order guards have established a powerful mechanism for keeping communism in check then I have second question...
If international commerce is the Castro/Castor Oil to keep the commies at bay, how is it that we have yet to forge a similar relationship with Cuba?
Clearly, this island nation just 90 miles off our shore would be Freedom Fodder with a simple flip of the Free Market switch. Of course there is a history there, but we have already established meaningful commerce with Hanoi (Vietnam) where history was a bit more painful than the missile crisis of 1962.
I say, what's good for the "Chi" is good for and "Cube" and I can quit sneaking in my Cuban cigars.
Of course, Florida's 25 electoral votes hinge on a interesting and varied group of voting blocks. Could it be that butterfly ballots, the Grey Panthers and the exiled Cubans have that much control over my smoking decision?

Commentary pro or con or off the wall...all are encouraged to ENGAGE

Boomers have a job to do, before we exit stage SSI

2007-07-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

I had a rude awakening Saturday morning; I got my AARP card in the mail. I didnt ask for it, but apparently my 49.65 years triggers the computer to add me to the roster of what has become and will continue to be a very powerful group of citizens.

Sunday evening I had another jolt, as I watched 60 minutes air a segment featuring the US Comptroller General (David Walker) and his efforts to inform the public as to our pending fiscal crisis, no really this time.More than the War on Terror, the Impact of Illegal immigration or geo-political hot spots...Mr. David M. Walker made a compelling case (and to my mind a call to action) that our greatest crisis are the promises (financial commitments) made and IOU's written by our government on OUR behalf.

As we Boomers enter into this transitional stage (between the years when we produce the most, earn the most etc.) to an almost full throttle reversal, where we consume the most from the government dole, we have an ever shrinking window of opportunity to give our children a "chance at prosperity". Perhaps we can stave-off a class war based on age.

Mr. Walker suggests (and apparently with very little opposition) that our current promises for SSI and Medicare will bankrupt this country (beyond our ability to even borrow to operate) by 2040. Apparently Medicare is an even bigger financial crisis than SSI. These promises, our aging demographic and other mitigating issues have been discussed in other venues multiple times, but the clarity and logic driven by Mr. Walkers' presentation was very impactful to me.

What is almost worse, is that we arent even getting a fair deal for our current overspent dollar (I dont mean the current devalued currency exchange). I refer to the BLOATED ENTRENCHED AND BROKEN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. Despite paying 50% more than any other nation (both per capita and collectively) on Health Care we do not enjoy better health results; (infant mortality, life expectancy, and other metrics all suggest we are "middle of the roaders"). That is the metaphorical equivaliant of paying $800 a night to stay at a Ramada Inn.

Of course, we can mitigate some of the damage but, the numbers and weight of us aging "gimme mores" is a financial tsunami of biblical proportions. Our children and grandchildren will not be able to earn enough to sustain the weight of this gray directed flushing water. Compounding this issue is the rate of inflation for Health Care being 2x the nations general inflation rate. We have set the stage for political patricide. The hordes of us needy grays vs. the vigors of a minority but youthful generation pressed against each others need to not just exist, but to enjoy the level of consumerism we have come to expect.

Oh and unless you havent noticed the solidification of the family unit aint at an all time HIGH.This financial squeeze, the politics of pandering and a culture of "whats' in it for me" will reach an apex and something will have to give (or be given back).

Here is what I suggest;

1) immediately take the experts and lobbyists out of the health care debate. They are too entrenched in their own agendas to be grounded enough to find a solution.The AMA, ABA, HMO's and the Drug Companies have wrestled each other to a "stale mate of inaction".

2) Cap litigation at $250K per patient

3) Establish independent medical review boards (retrain or toss bad doctors, stop simply raising their insurance rates)

4) Provide Universal access to "preventative medical services" (I dont care if that sounds socialists, better a little red, vs drowning in red ink).

5) Build the flipping border fence, if we cant take care of the promises made to the citizens, how do we justify more promises for non-citizens

6) Make the FTC acknowledge that the drugs made by company ABC and sold in Canada are just as safe as the drugs made by company ABC in the USA

7) Change medicare to a "service of last resort" as opposed to a "first choice" provider/payer. Allow and compel medicare to reimburse for generic drugs. Today, they dont allow Dr.s to prescribe generics (wonder who paid whom to make that rule).Hug your kids and tell them, please dont hate me for reaching into your 401K before you actually started one.

Commentary pro or con or off the wall...all are encouraged to ENGAGE

Our Founders Gave us a "Chance" at Liberty...

2007-07-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th to you...

For me Independence Day is not just a collective celebration of the gifts we inherited from the Founders and those that came before us, but also a reminder that Liberty and our Republic require more than the foundation of a "theory of citizen-driven governance".

Just as we have give the Iraqi's a "chance at liberty" the ownership now falls to them to form for the quality and quantity of individual freedom they will enjoy for themselves, their children and their future. We should turn our attention towards are own level of self-determination, now under siege by an increasingly tone-deaf/lobby-led government.

You and me are key components to the quality and the longevity of our Nation.

Our ability to engage and remain engaged continues to be challenged by the forces of distraction and dismay. More specifically;

*succumbing to the idea that one person can't make a difference

**A work week that is now the longest in the world

***A culture increasingly distracted by the inane, the inconsequential and the ill-advised

****The increasing influence of lobbyists and money in the political arena

*****The technique of floating false issues used to distract our energy away from those dedicated to stealing your government from you.

Our nation, this "great experiment" or as Churchill described, "the worst form of government except for all the rest" is in desperate need of more citizen participation including;

*higher election turn out

**an increased effort to remain informed

***a price called participation that will eat into your other activities

****an anger that is controlled, directed and constructively deployed

(just like our founders did)

"All that evil needs to prevail is for good men (and women) to do nothing"

Happy Fourth, please share this with a friend

Commentary pro or con or off the wall...all are encouraged to ENGAGE

Scooter Scoots while Ramos and Campean Sit in Jail

2007-07-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

As I read President Bush's comments to justify his commutation of Scooter Libbey's sentence, I was bemused by his declaration that as a "first time offender we must balance his crime against a life-long public service...yadayadayada". Does that description not fit Border Agents Ramos and Campean?

Could you not also add, having risked their lives for the public good? I agree that the Scooter lynching was a politically motivated affair. Of course, we'll probably learn what else lies behind (pun intended) the slimy VP's door. I can also agree with the President that some of the sentence was excessive (3yrs). However, Ramos and Campean both got 10 years for shooting an illegal border crossing drug runner in the a##.

GWB needs to find a little more ink in that commutation pen and a lot more love in his heart for two men placed in the most confusing of circumstances...sworn to fulfill their duties while you attempted to make their job irrelevant.

Commentary pro or con or off the wall...all are encouraged to ENGAGE

Governor Selectivator

2007-06-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

As a conservative hostage in my home state of California (or as our state's chief executive refers to it "Cauleephourya", I have been bemused by his selective engagement of issues and his stated reasons for his actions or lack thereof...

Our state is still in fiscal crisis, our budget process has descended into a battle of how to spread the deficit around as opposed to fiscal responsibility. One of the drains to our state is the unmitigated and growing population of illegals. Politically, this issue trumps Iraq as a concern of our states citizens. The school system (rated 46th int he nation) has had to take extraordinary measures and endure excessive expenses to "dumb down" learning to provide for the English-Challenged squatters. The API scores (rating of high school students scholastic level) validates this crisis. Scores in schools with high illegal population are well below the 800 (test score standard). In contrast the high income and less illegal populated areas have scores that are well above the standard and well above the nations average. In a state with some of the highest housing and energy prices, the influx of illegals has artificially depressed wages making it tough for an already challenged lower-middle class to make ends meet.

Despite this compelling state-centric impacts and the cries of his legal electorate Governor Schwarzenegger has opted to not engage the issue and dismissively shirk his responsibilities by stating "this is a "federal responsibility"

So, let's give the terminator the benefit of the doubt and describe him as a strict constitutional constructionists. However,...

The Governor seems to have no problem engaging issues of a global scale. Skipping those issues that only impact the nation, he opts to spring to action and cure "Global Warming". He has been seen in London, Paris and other cities of international import articulating "his plan" to reduce carbon emissions and "lead the world" in this struggle for planet Earth. BTW, the issue of Global Warming ranks 12th on the list of concerns, well after; Iraq, Immigration, etc.

Of course, I scribe to the tenet that you shouldn't just toss out a problem without making a suggestion as to how to fix it, so here goes...

If the Governor is struggling to engage Immigration and Border Security due to his perception of constitutional boundaries...(apparently the only border limits he opts to recognize). Here is his justification and tool to engage the issue with legal vigor...

As the chief executive official of the state, he has the constitutional power to nominate leadership and otherwise has responsibility to oversee the States Department of Labor and a sub-arm of that department CAL OSHA. This governmental body is responsible to see that wages are paid based on the laws of the State (minimum wages, time recording, overtime etc). CAL OSHA is supposed to insure work sites are safe. Also, the department is suppose to advocate to insure California citizens can seek and secure legal employment.

WOW, there is was all this time, a true, legit and (bonus) a left leaning organization just ready for the Governator to engage and address problems of import to his citizens. He can conduct employer site inspections, access and review employee records, seize and where appropriate arrest purveyors of illegal documents and insure employers are conducting business in line with the laws of California.

So, Mr. Governor there you go a solution to your ability to engage the issue and advocate for the LEGAL CITIZENS of your state. I'll bet your relieved now...no thanks necessary just show that bravado so often reflected in your movies and ENGAGE THE ISSUE.

Commentary pro or con or off the wall...all are encouraged to ENGAGE

Lies That Divide

2007-06-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

This agenda-riddled Congress and our voter-tone deaf President have painted anyone against the current immigration reform legislation as uninformed racists spurred only by hateful talk radio. The biggest of these "lies that divide" is their painting our choices as limited to two extremes.
The average American doesn't want the USA to administer mass deportation nor feels it is a necessary consequence. They also don't see a dimes worth of difference difference between..."immediate probationary status" and "amnesty".

Since the bill doesn't require illegals to do anthing and we are woefully unprepared to process 12 million plus "probationary" status illegals,...nothing will happen...AGAIN.

Most Americans in poll after poll....

1) Want a fence erected and the required mechanisms deployed to get control of the border
2) Want the worst of the worst illegal employers held to account which requires INS job site inspection (fines and jail as circumstance warrants)
3) Want a streamlined/respectful process for legal immigration (not a jump in front of the line program) Just something that looks like due diligence with background checks, a prod for assimilation and doesn't take years for a legal immigrant to fulfill.

There is no reason anything has to be done, to or for the current population of illegals. They will have to choose to get in line or stay in their current status as illegal jobs dry up as employers start to go to prison.

The legal immigrant deserves a better program and process.

There is a mandate for these simple, straight forward, fair and logical steps, which of course, makes it impossible for this Congress to write it and for Bush to sign it.

Hence, most of us have to play the uneviable role of legal obstructionist to keep this Congress and this President from doing anything.

Their credibility and suspect loyalties are the biggest obstacle to meaningful progress.

Inaugural Address, my dream for Jan 2009

2007-06-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Presidential Inaugural address Jan 20th, 2009

My Fellow Americans,

We come together to celebrate another ceremony of liberty and a demonstration of our citizens’ empowerment; the transition of the Presidency. Our republic has seen, felt and endured all manner of internal and external challenges. Generations that preceded us have never faltered in the defense of liberty. A new set of challenges faces our generation. Our founders, our fathers, our mothers and ancestors call us to meet this challenge to keep the dream called America alive for our children, as they did for us.

We come to this point in history with unprecedented pressures and unique obstacles; however we also come to the battle with unprecedented abilities and gifts. We face the challenge of Islamic Extremists who have hijacked the tenets of their faith. Who send children to kill other children using insane acts of self destruction? Who ruthlessly kill their own brothers and sisters to vanquish the call for peace and love. This hate must be vanquished and it will require a singular strength of character of Islamic people throughout the Middle East and good people of all faiths throughout the world. In this struggle for peaceful co-existence we must use the power granted us with increased discretion and accuracy. We can ill afford to fire before we take aim at the heart of the true enemy. The true enemies of peace are the evangelicals of hate personified by Osama Bin Laden and all those who subscribe to his philosophy of intolerance. This President and the American people promise to the world that we will remain engaged in this battle, but we also promise to improve our aim. Our efforts to assist the world to eradicate the merchants of hate will be executed with increased accuracy and through greater alliances with like-minded people of other nations.

For the past six years we have attempted, (with goodness in our heart and at the cost of 5,000 U.S. lives and one trillion dollars), to partner with the Iraqi people to allow them to breath the air of liberty. Regardless, of the current state of affairs and any mistakes we have made, our intention has always been a mission of honor. Selflessly motivated our goal remains the same…”to allow the Iraqi’s to determine for themselves what nation and what manner of governance their children will inherit”. The time has come to pass the torch of destiny to the Iraqi’s. The nation with such rich heritage has the talent, assets and call of their own history to seize this challenge and opportunity as their own for their own. However, we owe the Iraqi people the opportunity to pursue their destiny with minimal interference from outside forces (including that of our own). It will be the policy of this President that from today until a time of the Iraqi’s choosing, our forces will redeploy to the perimeter of the nation of Iraq. We will bring control to Iraq’s borders and keep additional external outside forces from entering the nation to contaminate the integrity of the process while this nation’s seeks to build its new day. We will also work with the Iraqi government to assist in the disposal or deportation of outsiders already in the nation by lending air support and other non-ground force assistance.

Speaking of border security… The true stake holders of America, (its legal citizenry) have waited too long and been over promised and under delivered too many times the basic fulfillment of border integrity by this government. Especially during a time of war with terrorists our nation deserves an unmitigated and unencumbered process for TRUE BORDER SECURITY and control over other PORTS of ENTRY. We must know who is entering this nation and it is well within our rights to erect any structure, deploy any resource and engage any would be entrant necessary to insure we have control of this nation's populace. It will be the policy of this President to assert the necessary means to bring true and lasting Border Security to this nation by years end. We also have allowed the tenets of our own fundamental laws to be violated with reckless abandon by employers who not only flagrantly violate employment laws, but also subjugate an entire class of people to impoverishment and artificially depress US workers wages. For employers seeking additional access to legal workers, you will find a friend in this President, for employers seeking additional resources to assist in accurate identification in the hiring process you will find additional resources at your disposal, for those of you who wish to continue with the status quo, you will find an engaged and assertive executive branch who will hold you accountable for your actions.

We also must recognize the blessings of a nation that is so rich in opportunity, so filled with the air of liberty, and so embracing of cultural diversity that millions of other souls wish to join the dream that is America. This wave of would-be American enthusiasts continues to be a necessary ingredient to the soup that is the American Melting Pot of Freedom. Millions seek legal access to this nation and our process has been overwhelmed by those seeking to breathe liberties air. Those seeking legal access to American dream will find an advocate and an assertive ally in streamlining the legal process for those already in line, and for those willing to join the line in the proper order. This President will work with the Congress to erect a process that is both prudently thorough and necessarily efficient to streamline the timeline for those seeking to join America by entering through our front door. We will welcome you with open arms with a process that respects your dignity and is mindful of the realities of our War on Terror. I have a personal message and appeal to our new legal immigrants; we want and need to add your special uniqueness to our nation, we also want you to embrace the culture and tenets of America. When you accelerate your acclimation of American language, culture, and values you will accelerate America’s embracement of your unique gifts of culture, heritage and values. This is the secret sauce of the American Melting Pot, this mix of flavors that augment and enhance each other.

On one matter of housekeeping, my first official act is to grant a Presidential Pardon for Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Campean...today!

As all Americans engage in the challenges of this age, we must be mindful of the enemy within. We must also be mindful of tending to our own house to insure that the intolerance of hate and destruction in the Middle East is not transported to the United States. We as a people must reject racism, religious intolerance and only embrace merit based decision making.
There is another internal enemy of this Democratic Republic. We have a cancer eating away at the soul that is liberty. Our republic is under siege by an avalanche of special interests who have unfairly earned disproportionate access and attention of our legislators, administrators and other government officials. The true stake holders of this Republic, the American people who we are elected to represent, have had their messages drowned out by the moneyed, the incorporated and the internationalists. These singular agenda riddled merchants of manipulation are a cancer on the republic. There is no greater plague endangering our children’s inheritance than the earmarks stamped as liabilities on their future earnings. It will be the policy of this President to veto any bill that is laden with inappropriate spending directed to line items not in the national interest. I will use the pwer of the FTC to oversee and where necessary restore true market forces to our industries. Until the Congress presents bills that are uncontaminated by these artificial intrusions to the federal treasury my pen will stay in my pocket. I promise you, the American Tax Payer, you have elected a President with total respect for your hard-earned income and tax revenues you pay to sustain this nation. I call on the congress to cast out the politics of disproportional representation and clean their own houses. Until that time, I can only promise that the dirty laundry of politics as usual will not pass to the White House nor will an ill laundered bill be signed. It will be this Presidents policy and more importantly its actions to conduct business in the most open, transparent and honest manner in our history. I cannot promise that nothing will go wrong, but I promise swift and immediate action when wrong is found and I promise to fill the air in the white house with the breath of honesty, integrity, and honor. We will promote an agenda of doing what’s right even when no one is looking. Speaking of looking...I challenge all of the media to re-examine, re-invigorate and re-engaged their role as the publics watch dog. I encourage you to approach your awesome responsibilities with agenda free objectivity…you are a key component to this nations of liberty and help shape the degree our Republic is enjoyed by all citizens.

Finally I say to you the “sell out of American interest” is over. Our nation will remain a significant player in international affairs and trade. However, we are going to review the terms and dynamics of commerce, alliances and treaties to insure all of our relationships are based on mutually beneficial commerce. A new day of integrity has dawned and the dream that is America has re-awoken and the benefactor of this awakening is the world. God Bless America.

Opps, I just woke up,..well it was good dream while it lasted

Please send this to your favorite Presidential Candidate, maybe elements of this will be added to their speech

Jobs Some Americans Won't Do

2007-06-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

In an effort to lend understanding to the immigration debate and other matters of the day, here are Bill's top ten jobs American's won't do, or put differently ten Americans who won't do the job;

President Bush-
Won't secure the border
Won't seek out and engage Bin Laden
Won't insist that the justice department investigate Big Oil
Won't Pardon Ramos and Campean

Senator McCain
Won't represent the US citizens of his own state

Senator Feinstein
Won't advocate for the US workers having their wages depressed by illegal imported labor

Governor Schwarzenegger
Won't engage immigration issues because it is a Federal responsibility, but has no problem engaging Global Warming

Senator Clinton
Won't reveal what her tax increase plan actual entails

Senator McConnell
Won't stand up for core Republican values

Secretary Chertoff
Won't finish the border fence

Attorney General Gonzales
Won't engage true terroists but will engage in all other manner of government intervention

Federal Trade Commission
Is the see no evil monkey brigade for Big Oil

The American Electorate
Won't get off their bum butts long enough to vanquish these faux-leaders

Dear President Malaki...

2007-06-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

Dear President Malaki,

For the past four years we have been your partner to build a better future for your people.

We have given you a "chance" for freedom and governance by the people. Now, we're going to get out of your way and let you decide for yourselves what your future will look like. Apparently our presence in you cities is part of the problem. Don't worry, we'll be close.

In fact, for the next 2 years, we'll form a perimeter around your country and control your borders. Through a projection of our air power and a redeployment of our troops from your cities to your borders, we will insure that outside influences (Iranian, Syrians, Al Qaeda etc) stay out. You will have to clean up and vanquish those already here.

However, if you want us to, simply give us a ring...if you have discoverd an Al Qaeda , Syrian, or Iranian hide out and you want us to do a "fly by" with an A-10, a crusie missle or Helo gun ship...we're your air force home boys. Simply send us a fax to confirm as we will need to document your request. Please include longitude and latitude coordinates and your signature...you know for the record in case there's a problem.
Fourth,

2 years from today, when you have stood up and asserted for your children's and your nation's future, we'll leave. We'll probably head North and take care of that naggy neighbor of yours with eyes on your territory. Once you have finished your nation's identity clarity civil war, we'll reconginze the last government standing and forge an alliance of mutual interest.

Until then just think of us as your temporary air force and border patrol.

BTW; thanks for this opportunity to hone our border security skills, once we get it right we are going to import that acumen to our own country.

This isn't good-bye it is simply a re-definition of our role in your country

Yours Semi-Eternally,

George Walker Bush

Impeach El Presidente

2007-06-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

High Crimes and Misdemeanors
The chess pieces on the political landscape seem to be aligned against John Q and Jane Q Public. A political perfect storm of “rhinos”, “demos”, “big business” and “non-citizen radicals” have found a common ground on “immigration deform”.
Fear not there still is hope for the now disenfranchised 75% of U.S. Citizens who have been left nearly voiceless and worst called unenlightened bigots by this administration.
Here is the 4 tier strategy to pull America out of the Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole.
1) Be Legal Obstructionists, for the next 83 weeks of the Bush Presidency leverage the few sane legislators left to block any attempt by this Perfect Storm crowd to turn chaos into anarchy. Buy us time through stubborn blocking of any comprehensive legislation that requires that we trust an untrustable President on the issue of border security and interior enforcement until we can place a candidate in the White House who will get the job done. We may not be able to get the borders sealed, but we can turn back some of the tide by keeping President Bush from his last gasp at a "legacy of invasion".
2) Back Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo, or Fred Thompson the only reason the pundits are saying these candidates don’t have a chance is that we buy off on the need to pick an odds on favorite. All these guys need is a little momentum and the ISSUE rises to the top even if the candidate doesn’t.
3) Write your Senators and ask to Impeach President Bush for failing to fulfill his role as the chief law enforcement officier. His obstruction of law enforcement namely; the Border Patrol intimidation tactics and anemic interior enforcement is a crime. No, Boxer and Feinstein aren’t going to do a thing but help Bush (amazing Irony) but it will keep the thought ever present in their minds.
4) In any future election cycle, make this a front and center issue. A litmus test and flush anyone who won’t sign up as being on the “protect and defend” side of this issue. (Meaning protect American workers from sub-standard wages and defend the nation from unmitigated illegal border crossings).

Happy Memorial Day

2007-05-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Supporting the troops also means holding the civilian authorities accountable for providing these underpaid brave men and women a plan that is doable.

We can't control Iraq unless as Colin Powell suggested to GWB and Rumsfeld four years ago...that's a job for 500K troops not 135K.

We also cannot mitigate 6000 year old tribal conflicts nor should we try. Let them have at each other and when they stare down the barrel of unmitigated civil war perhaps they will act in their own mutual self interest.

We should redeploy our troops to the countries perimeter (Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait etc), secure their borders by leveraging our air power to support he troops. We will keep additional outsiders out and kill a few Al Qaida and trouble makng Iranians as they try to get it.

This will save American lives and give the Iraqi's the opportunity to decide for themselves what their country will become, and as an added BONUS the border deployed troops will give the Iranians something to get nervous about.

That's a doable plan with no timeline for withdraw Our signal to leave will be when the Iraqi generated carnage turns to a stable civilian recognizeable governance. If that never happens we'll never leave and we can easily blow away anyone who comes near our entrenched positions along the borders. Take a little Petro in payment for our services. They hate us anyway, might as well get paid for our effort.

We should also reinforce the Afghan effort and oh by the way, get about the business of hunting down Bin Laden. You know the guy who said "hey I did it and I'll do it again". This administration is just too smart for it's own good, or for ours. We need GWB's form of protection about as much as we need Tony Sopranos' protection.

Mr President, secure our borders and the Iraqi borders and maybe your poll rating will climb above 30%. Get out of the border patrols way, quit locking up agents for shooting drug runners in the a##. Then give our soldiers a plan that puts them in a position to be the heroes they are. While you're at it quit turning a blind eye to the wartime Oil profiteering and let the Justice dept and FTC do their jobs...restoring true market forces to the fuel market.

The Power Elite are just Too Smart

2007-05-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Akin to maculear degeneration an unfortunate and dangerous tunnel vision plagues those who spend too much time in Washington. Well intended brilliant public servants transform into myopic and detached power brokers. One of my favorite lines in the movie Forest Gump is the retort Forest gives to Bubba's mom. She says "what, are you stupid or something",..to which Forest says "stupid is as stupid does". The clarity of this statement is that despite appearances, resumes, degrees and experience; a stupid act is stupid even if it is wrapped in the trappings of a double doctorate authored position paper.

I'm just a farm boy from Delaware but I have not spent much time dancing the Potomac Two Step and humbly offer these thoughts as positions that would best serve the country;

1) Move the economy beyond a reliance on foreign oil
*Make this a National Imperative and priority
*Use tax incentives to stimulate the private sector
*Divert transportation revenue towards this goal

2) Secure the borders of the nation
*Comprehensive Reform means we accomplish nothing

3) Conduct interior employer enforcement
*Throw employers who hire illegals in jail

4) Move all US Troops to the perimeter of Iraq (protect their borders)
*get out of the cities, save American lives
*allow the Iraqis to determine their own fate (even if they have to duke it out)
*Keep Al Qaeda, Saudi's, Iranians, and Syrians out
(practice border control there and then import the skill at home)

5) Reduce Federal spending (back to Reagan's vision)

6) Shift educations mandate to future-centric curriculum
*Graduate more engineers, stop importing them

Happy Earth Day

2007-04-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

I was watching a replay of comedian George Carlin last week and during one of his clever rants he exclaimed "the Earth doesn't need our help, she'll shake us off like a wet dog trying to dry itself". In this humor lies a lot of truth, the real genesis of "Earth Day" is the fear of us humans that the Earth may not be as human-friendly a place as OUR impact takes its toll.

In short, the Earth will do just fine it is we humans who are in peril.

Here are a few other threats that may deserve their own "Special Day"! Although giving a world-wide peril issue a "special day" is like being on the Titanic and snapping a picture of the Iceberg and saying,.."isn't that pretty".

We minimize the danger by wrapping ourselves around a camp side fire called a special day.

Anyway back to the dangers at hand;

Genetics Day;

The Pope today called on the world to treat all stages of life with respect! Meanwhile the bio-tech stock holders rush head first into the unknown by messing with Gods' soup. I suspect as we head down this arrogant path, God will choose an appropriate time to assert himself and remind us that we aren't God, but rather a cheap copy borne of his image.

Energy Dependence Day;

As we seem impotent to move any meaningful effort or resources toward a non-petroleum based energy source, we march mindlessly into a virtual cornucopia of perils. None the least of which is WWIII. This war will involve the USA, India and China (who now holds over 60% of our debt). India and China are in the fledgling stages of their industrial revolution. Imagine what their need for oil will be given the 1.1 and 1.3 billion citizens (only 2% of whom own cars today).

This conflict will make WWII in the Pacific look like a sporting event.

When we go to war with India who will take our tech support calls for help?

Roe Appreciation Day; This will piss a few people off....

Our celebration of a women's "right" to terminate pregnancies has resulted in an annualized abortion rate of 1 million each year (USA) . I find it tradgically ironic that now we must turn a blind eye to illegal immigration as our work force is aging. We need more able and willing employees to do manual labor. It is estimated that we have over 15 million illegal immigrants in the USA and get this; we estimate sucessful illegal border crossings a a rate of 1 million per year (where did I see that 1 million number before?).

Perhaps, back when Roe v. Wade was decided, had we not opted to unleash the unmitigated abortion genie, maybe we'd have enough young workers today. If these workers were American Citizens as opposed to the less politically empowered illegal aliens, we may have entry-level wages that don't subjugate an entire class of people to impoverishment.

The consequence of the current dynamic is the largest rift between the haves from the have nots since the roaring twenties...and we know how that movie ended (The Great Depression).

Oh, by the way, don't look now but that Social Security Check that you are counting on in about 2022,..may not be there. The work force v. retiree ratio has been turned upside down by rising average ages and lower birth rates reduced further by abortion on demand.

God does have a sense of humor,..he just delivers the punch line on a different timetable.

The sins of the father are visited upon the son...or so it seems!

V-I Day March 20th 2003 or June 1st 2007?

2007-04-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

Victory in Iraq is ours...

Of course the Victory was won in March of 2003!

Now, we should simply say;

We toppled a ruthless dictator, we provided 4 years for the country to come together and create it's own sense of self. We find ourselves in the middle of a civil conflict for national identity and we have no role in that debate.

However, we do have an obligation and a self-interest in allowing the "national debate" to be between those who are solely part of the national citizenship.

Therefore, from June 1st 2007 until the last group standing as the "voice for the people of Iraq" comes to call on our various encampments we will deploy our forces to insure the integrity of the Iraqi's borders. We will insure no more Saudis, Syrians' Iranian's, Turks or even Kuwaiti's cross the national borders of Irai without the permission of the Iraqi government.

Our deployment will be design to easily vanquish any would be attackers be they from Iraqi metro centers or border incursions. Who knows, Ahmadinejad may even lose that grin and have to check his shorts as the 101st air borne deploys on the Iraqi/Iranian border :)

Did Imus Something?

2007-04-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

Napalm, Nukes and Empty Headed Nags

I really don't post this as a defense of Imus. Frankly, watching the woeful fourth estate devour their own is an entertaining sport.
It looks and feels a lot like those nature shows that film a shark "feeding-frenzy" and then one of the sharks gets nicked up and a little blood spurts out and that shark becomes part of the feeding frenzy entree' .
As an eternal optimist I think I have stumbled upon a way to make positive use of our newest American Industry...Nagging! We have a virtual cornucopia of Naggers of the first water. Napalm didn't work in Vietnam and Nukes are too clumsy a tool to deploy, but we have some laser-guided naggers who could be unleashed on our enemies around the world.
Save the Marines, Navy Seals, Army Rangers and Green Berets for really important stuff. Let's draft the first brigade of the U.S.S.N.F.(United States Strategic Nagging Force). Looking across the American landscape we can draft;

Al Sharpton (Excels in Victimizing the Victim Post-Event)
Gloria Alred (The PC Ambulance Chaser)
Rush Limbaugh (Excellence in "Bragging on Himself" Broadcasting)
Jesse Jackson (The Not So Right Reverend)
Janet Murguia (President of La Raza)
Michael Savage (Shock Jock of the Savage Nation)
Kate Michelson (Energizer Bunny of Feminist)etc.
Rosie O'Donnell (More Nagging Pounds to deploy...the Daisy-Cutter Nag Bomb)

Of course, we will have to test the viability of this fighting force. Hence I suggest;First, lets paratroop this Naggy Brigade into Iran armed only with megaphones and mirrors (to keep their self-esteem and morale high). They can unleach their nuke tipped nag attack against the ruling clerics. Nag at them about their views of womens rights and intolerance of religious minorities and secularly centered. If the Naggers prevail we score a victory and it's off to North Korea. However, if (as I suspect) they get their throats cut for spewing such anti-Islamic rhetoric we still win. The domestic landscape will be more at peace. We will be exposed to a few less opportunistic icons whose singular talent is exploiting what divides us and our nation for their own personal attention and wealth.

A picture is worth 12 million illegals

2007-04-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

President Bush acknowledged the value of a border fence today

Oil, the Border and Greasy Palms

2007-04-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Presidential Candidate that identifies and speaks to our true challenges will earn my vote. Our Nation's Health and Safety is at risk, not from Al Qeada but from the border below and our economic dependence on oil.

It's time for a Teddy Roosevelt Trust-Busting Patriot to assert him/herself on to the national stage.

In the meantime, while we wait out the Elite-Serving, Big Business Cronyism of President Bush's Administration to end...

Here's a protest that may have an impact with out inconveniencing you too much;

In May DON'T BUY FROM EXXON
In June DON'T BUY FROM CHEVRON
In July DON'T BUY FROM SHELL
In August DON'T BUY FROM ARCO
In September DON'T BUY FROM CITGO

It won't mean much unless about 50 million of us do exactly this, but it sure would mess with their cash flow and drive the bean counters nuts while demonstrating to everyone that the consumer still has power.

Pre-Depression Era Looked Like Gold Too

2007-04-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

The evening when the Titanic was hit by the infamous Iceberg those aboard (at least above the steerage level) where sipping champagne and dining in luxuary. Then reality struck and all aboard struggled to survive. The good ship SS America is plowing through the same dark, dangerous and all too hidden waters.

We have a capable and to my mind clear headed watchman in the top mast perch warning us of the pending iceberg "dead ahead"...Lou Dobbs. Admittedly, I have not been a big CNN fan and have only recently tuned into his show, read his book and watched his testimony before Congress. His message is as rare in it's candor as it is in it's clarity. He speaks for the silent majority who shake their heads at the Ramos and Capien matter, the borderless elite-centric policies of President Bush, unfair trade policies that have decimated key industries and reckless deficit spending.

Below is an article from Mr. Dobbs that reminds us that the ever widening gap between rich and poor, and rich and the median household income is not in ANYONE's best interest. This bifurcation of the status of the haves' and have nots' is at a level not seen since the pre-depression heyday or whatwas called the "roaring twenties". On occassion, you wil hear the President brag about the strength of our economy. He is as in touch with the plight of the average American about as deep as was Herbert Hoover.

The remainder of this post is Lou Dobbs article....

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/03/Dobbs.Oct4/index.html

By Lou DobbsCNN
Adjust font size:
Editor's note: Lou Dobbs' commentary appears every Wednesday on CNN.com
NEW YORK (CNN) -- The Dow Jones Industrial Average has hit an all-time high and Wall Street firms are posting some of their best earnings ever. For the first time in our nation's history, the Forbes list of the 400 wealthiest Americans includes only billionaires. In fact, having only a billion dollars means you're not on the list. As a group, the Forbes 400 has a collective net worth of $1.25 trillion.
So the rich are doing well. But how about the middle class?
More Americans than ever are living in poverty, living without health care, paying more for housing and for the costs of our public education. And real wages are falling.
Real median earnings of full-time working males fell nearly 2 percent last year, according to the Census Bureau, while the real wages of working women fell by 1.3 percent. Despite that, real median household income did manage to rise slightly last year, though that small gain was the first increase in household income since 1999.
So what has been keeping our middle class afloat in the face of rapidly rising costs? American families have been living on, as well as in, their homes. More than one-third of homeowners are spending more than 30 percent of their income on the cost of housing, a level that pushes the edge of affordability. Nationwide median home values from 2000-2005 jumped 32 percent, and homeowners have been pulling equity out of their houses in order to keep up with escalating tuition bills, health care costs and energy costs.
But not everyone is so lucky. The number of Americans without health coverage rose by 1.3 million last year, up to 46.6 million, according to the Census Bureau. What's worse, more than one in 10 American children are now uninsured. Fewer employers than ever are providing health care to their employees and those who are still lucky enough to receive employer-provided coverage are paying a much larger share: The Kaiser family foundation says the cost of family health insurance, in fact, is up 87 percent since 2000.
The same holds true at the pharmacy. Prices for the most popular brand-name prescription drugs this year rose substantially higher than the annual inflation rate, as has been the case every year this decade. The AARP concluded prices for the top 193 drugs climbed 6.3 percent over the last 12 months ending in June 2006, while inflation went up 3.8 percent. Generic drugs, however, rose 0.4 percent over that period of time.
The costs of higher education are also hurting middle-class families like never before. In this increasingly credentialed society, the total cost of tuition, fees, room and board at four-year public colleges and universities has ballooned 44 percent over the past four years. And the proportion of family income it takes to pay for college is growing for families everywhere. The biggest jump, according to the National Center for Higher Education, is in Ohio, where college costs now take 42 percent of the average family budget, up from 28 percent in the early 1990s.
Our dependency on foreign oil is also hamstringing working men and women. Gasoline prices are back on the decline (for now), but many Americans this summer were shelling out double what they used to pay to drive their cars. And gas prices now, while lower than at their peak in August, are still about 60 percent higher than in January 2001.
Perhaps one of our nation's leading business magazines would like to create something called a Forbes or Fortune 250 Million list, which would reveal the dire financial pressures that our public policies have produced for working men and women and their families. It's time for all of us to focus on that deep chasm we have allowed to open between the wealthiest Americans and the middle class and those who aspire to it.
Otherwise, there will be 250 million casualties in what has become nothing less than class warfare.

*******************************my conclusion****************************************
Perhaps, Lou Dobbs as an Independent Candidate for President

Where's Marie and King Louie?

2007-03-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

The link below refers to Circuit Cities announced work force reduction that targets store-level associates who make more then the average entry-level clerk.
http://adelphia.net/news/read.php?id=13565811&ps=1014&lang=en&_LT=HOME_BUNWC01L1_UNEWS

As you watch the continued decimation of the auto industry and other manufacturing sectors of the 80's you might have said to yourself, well at least we have retail to keep the economy purring.

In Feb 2000 Circuit City made a similar move to "dumb down" the work force that interfaces with the public. They did so as a defensive measure to imitate the then much stronger performing Best Buy. In fact, on Feb 5th of that year each store manager met with his/her top ten percent performing sales person and handed them their final check. Circuit City wrongly believed that the best way to compete with Best Buy was to imitate them.

The reason that was a flawed approach was threefold;

1) Location, Location Location,...Best Buy had a newer fleet of stores that were targeted in better parts of the markets they served. So, assuming that Circuit was successful in completely imitating Best Buy, the customer was left with no compelling reason to drive by the brighter, newer and in most cases bigger Best Buy to go to the dingier poor cousin Circuit.

2) Further the Differentiation,...If Circuit views the competitive landscape as a race to the cellar (lowest price, lowest service level wins) they still lose the game. If the model that can deliver these ever lower priced Consumer electronics is the winner then Costco or the Internet will eventually be the winner.

3) Those top ten percent sales staff were on commission. They always paid their way and then some. If they didn't provide the customer with an added value experience, they did not make any money. When did performance oriented pay plans go out of style? I guess it was about the same time board of directors decided to pay mindless amounts of dough for piss poor performance from CEO's.

There has been and always will be a market (a significant market) of those willing to pay a bit more for a bit more. The real question is between the flood unabated of cheap labor from a bordeless nation, these almost daily cowardly approaches to lower SG and A cost in the form of layoffs (except of course for the bloated CEO, and VP raises/perks) and the manipulation of the financial and energy markets who will be left with enough to buy anything.

Downward pressure on wages, productivity demands that seem to ask for less people not more from the existing staff, and the endless and ever-brash race of the "haves" to trample have nots to climb up the trough will be our undoing. It is the cost of taking God's concsious out of our souls in the name of money. The ever growing population of "used to haves" is going to be the end of our Republic and our economy.

The final irony is that when this game reaches it's logical course to conclusion....the "let them eat cakers" will meet Dr. Guillotine's invention (a truly productive way to sever the greedy from their myopic and short-sighted appendages).

The Importance of World Deployed Middle Class

2007-03-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

America's challenges home and abroad ALL share the same genesis and ALL share the same solution!

Iraq

Immigration

Long Term Economic Health

IRAQ-MEXICO and the SOON TO BE Middle-Class-less USA

Our nation has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth due to our economic, political and social structure. From 1940 to 1990 (50 years) that formula has been the political acknowledgement, financial strength, engagement, support and growth of a population that was middle-class centric. Extremist have been few because the majority of the population is not sitting in squalor nor oppressed. Extremist who have emerged have been rejected and quickly dispatched.

Since 1990 the sell out of the Middle Class, the wholesale auctioning of our assets, the decimation of key industries, and the erasure of our sovereignty is nearly complete. The dire consequences of this short-term nirvana has not been fully considered by all. Those in the power elite who suckle at the corporate and government teat only know the short-term feel good experience of such treasure looting.

The solution for amany of our maladies is rooted in a re-embracement of stability, grounding necessity and an engaged and watchfulness vibrant and loyal middle class. If those in power continue to ignore the will of the middle class they will beocme evermore unengaged and "at-risk" members of the society. An potential army of the disenfranchised.

IRAQ

The middle east already demonstrated what a large population of the disenfranchised people yield. Those that never see the wealth of national assets used for the benefit of its people will NEVER stand up to embrace a vision that has NEVER existed. Void of a middle class many Middle east countries cannot embrace individual liberty, responsibility and empowerment as the concept is as foriegn and intangible as those traveling though Willy Wonkas Chocolate Factory with the founder narrating concepts that seem too distant, too utopian, and too wierd. Purple Thumbs may just as well be the magical jelly bean that neer dissolves to a populace that has only experiences despot rulers, triabl war lords and subjegation. These despots choke on their nations wealth and contnually conjur up bizarre uses for this precious and finite capital. Unfortnuately, these same power brokers have done a fair job of allowing the masses to believe the evil USA has taken their loot. I wish it were possible to educate the Middle East about our trade deficit and let them see who as what.Hence, the lion-share of the population is neither inclined nor can be courted into standing up for an American driven vision of their future (our PR machine is impotent to correct this).

The populace has no ownership in a vision and has no faith in the tribal chiefs to look beyond their narrow and longstanding historical feudalism. These POTENTIAL stakeholders will be unmoved to rise up and create what has NEVER existed. Sadly, an internal blood letting (civil war) will be necessary so that those who are unable or unwilling to standup for a Willy Wonka vision the be coerced to stand up for self-preservation and hence compromise will be born out of terror, fear and ultimately pragmatic self-interest.

We (America) are in the way.

All is not lost; we have made a major contribution and an appropriate one to be sure. We ousted Suddam. Since we propped him up, it was only fair for us to provide this opportunity for the Iraqi's. If Iraq is to become more than 3 to 8 tribal sub-sets of a nation, it will fall on the people to shed their heritage, historical handicap of subjugation and create for themselves what nation they are willing to create for their children

.
It would be prudent for them to consider the history of what an empowered middle class can accomplish, but it will be what it will be.

MEXICO

Mexico; another nation grounded in the haves and have nots...with no middle class to speak of. Apparently the only viable option available to the stake-less is to come to America. The PRI has no interest in a vision of a thriving populace who share this nations massive natural resources. They advocate for the self-serving and self-incarceration of the status quo. The leadership is relieved to have an export strategy for those that cannot find viable lives of commerce in Mexico. The added bonus is that due to the cultural strength of Mexican citizens who do travel to America send money back home (in the billions) to their family members.That works great for Mexico today, and for the illegals who migrae here, but what happens when the weight of social costs, eductaional dumb-down and splintered culturaism (acclimating is no longer in STYLE) brings havoc to the USA. What happens when the current siege of the middle class in America turn the USA into Mexico...do they go to Canada?

Our collective enemy is the world-wide elite whose arrogance and disproportionate access to government decision makers is unprecendented. The level of their narcissism would make JP Morgan blush and the time is ripe for a Teddy Roosevelt to engage and rescue America from the bloat hogs at the Potomac trough.

When is a Bush just a Bush?

2007-02-28T12:13:00.001-08:00

“BEATING ABOUT THE…BUSH?”

CIRCA; 1700’s
LOCATION; ENGLAND
FIRST RECORDED USAGE; The phrase first appeared in 'Generydes -circa 1440:
"Some bete the bussh and some the byrdes take."

MEANING; to prevaricate and/or avoid the main issue of concern; avoid a potential argument.

Explanation-

In the 18th Century well-heeled huntsman would employ young men to walk in front of the hunting party to scare up the game from their hiding places. Commonly they would use sticks to beat the shrubs, thickets and bushes to more effectively flush-out the game into hunters’ sight/site.

A few of these game rousers were scared that they may stumble across a wild boar or similar ill-tempered beast. So, rather than get bitten these timid valets would less than enthusiastically "Beat Around the Bush". The term describes those that really don't want to flush out the beast.

Beating Around the Exxon Bush-

It is ironic that this 18th century phrase has extraordinary relevance today. President Bush took the time to tell us that we need to seek-out alternatives to our dependence on foreign oil! He did so in a single sentence during the 2006 state of the union address…”America is addicted to oil”. (Is the pusher chastising his clients?)

Of course, I humbly offer Mr. Bush is "Beating Around the Bush". The very real and serious matter of energy dependence requires a much more inspiring and engaged Presidential message/action. In the early 60's JFK stood at the inaugural podium and informed us that we would send a man to the moon and back within the decade. The technology to do so did not exist when JFK said it. Yet, after the President provided the inspiration, the Congress followed with funding and the genius of the American people provided the rest.

We don't need a JFK type push, but a genuine GWB full court press. The current technology for alternatives is further along than Willy Braun's rockets were in the early 60's. We don't need Federal funding (so the do nothing Congress can relax), but we do need the Big Oil protectionist to quit sending tax-funded research dollars to those that have no stake in the solution.

Asking Exxon to find the viable alternative to their business model inspires another adage/phrase...
…"the fox is watching the hen house"!

Don't let Chevron Corn Whole-sale you

2006-10-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Admittedly I am more than a casual Talk Radio listener. In the past weeks I have been struck not by the various hot shot mouth pieces, but a curious and constant Anti-Prop 87 commercial. My political DNA would normally push me to a "NO" vote with or without any urging by political ads. The historical track record of government leading positive change is pretty poor.

However, I am going to check the "yes" box this time and it is probably for the same reason I am going to vote for the Libertarian candidate for governor (whoever that is). It is a protest vote. The harsh reality is that Big Oil has a strangle hold on the poltiical process, bought and paid for by you and I at the "price protected pump". Apparently, Chevron (one of the sponsors of the anit-87 ads) has enough cash left over from the past few record quarters to fund these ads.

OIL IS A COMMODITY, CORN IS A COMMODITY...the difference is;

If you were a farmer who grew corn and you and 4 other farmers were the only farmers of corn in the country AND...

The 5 of you owned the harvesting machines that picked the corn AND...

The 5 of you owned the trucks that took the harvested corn to the whole-seller AND...

The 5 of you owned the Wholesale markets And...

The 5 of you owned the distribution centers that brought the corn to the retailers AND...

The 5 of you owned the majority of the Retail stores where the corn was sold

You can be assured that Corn would cost alot more that 25 cents an ear during the peak season (August) when Americans are bar-b-que crazy

A VOTE FOR PROP. 87 may not provide the alternative, but given how hard Chevron is fighting it,...there must be something to it!

The fact that the 4 billion may be passed along to us (over 4 years) seem like a lot. Let's break this down;

40,000,000 Californians
more than half drive'
14 gallon capacity (average tank)
Fill Up once a week
52 weeks in a year
20,000,000 x 14 (gal) x 52 (weeks) x 4 (years)= 58,240,000,000 gallons
divided by 4,000,000,000 (the propositions tax) = 14.56 cents a gallon

I'll pay 15 cents for the hope of an alternative

The feds gave the Oil companies a 1.9 billion tax cut (annually) to research alternatives...you know what they found out?

We will need Oil for at least the next 30-50 years and there is no viable alternative on the horizon.

FOX WATCHING THE HEN HOUSE....No Thanks!

Why I welcome a Democratic triumph in November

2006-10-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

I'll vote, and I'll vote Republican for the most part but with less enthusiasm that anytime since I started voting in 1976.

However, as I ponder the probabilities of a Democratic shift, I do not fear the future. While it is true that a DNC victory will probably mean;

***higher taxes
***a stalled Congress
***Increased exposure to addle brained rhetoric

I can take solice in two important victories that are seeded in the soil of defeat!!!

1) The GOP will take the opportunity to purge itself of the Rhino's and GOP-fakers who have taken over the party of Reagan. Like trimming back a grape vine in fall, the following year brings a stronger plant with deeper roots.

2) The democrats will (in very short order) prove once again that while they excel at opposition rhetoric, they cannot lead!

In a year or two, when it really matters, the GOP will field a President that is dedicated to;

***Truly secured borders and ports
***Fighting the true War of Terror, you know like hunting down Bin Laden
***Rejects the Big Oil manipulation of the free and fair market
***Restores fiscal responsibility

This is just one scene in the movie called American Politics. November will be that dark time, when the bad guy is just about to win and then out of the most unlikely of places,..the hero appears and galvanizes the people to vanquish the beast!

Beast=democratic liberal fringe and Rhinos with no testicles

Nukes for everyone, paid for by U.S. consumers

2006-10-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

So todays' buzz is all about the North Koreans and their "nuke lite" test. The hand ringng and blame game machines are operating at full throttle. Jimmy Carter launched his salvo at Bush in the NY Times, the Fox network fires back and trashes Clinton.

This is all folly!

Our trade deficits with the world are fueling a virtual cornicopia of soon-to-be owners of nukes in their driveway. Since we have already pawned off some of our missle technology, the world grows smaller.

Business opportunities have trumped any sense of moral compassing or national security interest. I don't suggests an isolationists policy, nor a disengagement from world commerce. However, we need to prepare for the logical, predictable and envitable consequences of our Wall Street driven political centricity.

The exclusivity of nuclear deterence is fading. The access to WMD's in places ironically other than Iraq are growing. Here's my four step plan...

1) Minimize the trade deficit which is increasingly driven by petroleum (about 750 billion annually).
2) Find the next big thing first...space based lasers, sonic weapontry, star war missle defense etc.
3) The enemy of my enemy is my friend...Japan needs nukes, as does South Korea..if everyone can nuke each other the world might become a more respectful place. If nothing else, somebody else can handle Kim Jong Il's mental illness and need to pick saber rattling over farming as a national pasttime.
4) Recognize that the most powerful weapon might be an assassins bullet, well timed and properly aimed. If a world leader demostrates the inability to be trusted with WMD, don't make the entire country pay the price. Shut him/her up the old fashion way.

I preferred the old CIA when they did terrible things fairly well. As opposed to today when they do well-intended things badly.

What is it with the beige leisure suits and short nutty mad men? Just tell the sharp shooter aim for the guy not wearing a tie!

This is of course political satire and not a call to action. Wars must be declared before heads of state are legitimate targets.

However, the age old question becomes relevant again,...if you were alive in 1937 and knew Hitler would be responsible for the deaths of 50 million people...would you be justified in ending his life?

PC DISCLAIMERS; Offer void where prohibited, children require adultsupervision, don't try this at home, responses to this offer must be postmarked yesterday, not available in all states, good while limited supplies last and finally...MY HUMBLE APOLOGIES TO THE APPEASERS WHO THINK THAT THIS IS TOO HARSH A BLOG-POST AND THAT WE SHOULD TRY TULIPS INSTEAD OF DAISY-CUTTERS so that we can have 900 cars burned and rioting in our nations capitol because some Dutchman with a crayon illustrated the prophet Muhammad in an unfavorable light!

Those deserving will fill the vacuum

2006-10-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

We need to begin fighting the WAR on TERROR and stop squandering precious treasure and blood in these mis-guided police actions!

The Sunni's and the Shiites have a date with destiny...for 30 years the Bathists under the knowing and accepting eye of the Bagdad area Sunni's subjugated, torchured and killed Kurds and Shiites. 10% of the population controlled and abused 90%....While the actions of the 10% were unforgivable, it is the 90% who are to blame...YOU GET THE GOVERNMENT YOU ARE ARE WILLING TO FIGHT FOR!

We were cupable in part (having supported and armed Saddam for 30+ years) however, we have repaid that debt and removed him. NOW THE IRAQI PEOPLE HAVE TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES WHO THEY ARE!

We are in the way of a pre-scheduled National Identity Conflict that must be fought (either verbally or physically)and resolved by the Iraqi's. My guess is the end result is 3 nation/states...the Kurds, the Sunni's and the Shiite's set up shop in their own world.

As for our 140,000 troops...I say;
1) Send 25% of them to Afghanistan to finish the job there...the 20,000 we have their need reinforcements
2) Send 25% into the region between Pakistan and Afghanistan and flush out and vanquish Bin Laden, his cornies, and anyone who decides to step in and help him.
3) Re-deploy the 50% (70,000) to various key points along the Syrian and Iranian borders to stop the flow of outsiders in to Iraq. Use our air resources to project this border protection. Much like a boxing match, keep the audience out of the fray and allow the Iraqi's to show the world who they are and who they will become.

Perhaps the prospect of an unmitigated civil war will snap the Iraqi's into a more pliable sense of governance, perhaps not...NOT OUR PROBLEM!!!

Let's get off the Oil drug and let Exxon, Chevron, Chavez grapple with China and India as to who gets the dino juice! If Exxon continues to pile up record profits on the backs of India and China...I'll sleep easier!

Will Iraqi's step up before their backs are against the wall?

2006-10-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

Backs to the Wall, a metaphor whose origin is rooted in the battlefield. Where are the moderate Iraqi's or moderate Islamic movement for that matter?

Circa; 1900
Location; Battlefield WWI
First Recorded Usage; "Every position must be held to the last man; there must be no retirement. With our backs to the wall, and believing in the justice of our cause, each one of us must fight on to the end." Field Marshal Haig's order to British troops on the Western Front, 12 April 1918

Meaning; Up against a tough situation with very little room to avoid the evitable

As of this writing, our relationship with France is a strained one. While we describe the French as allies, we also use such enduring terms as “cheese eating surrender monkeys”. In an effort to give the French their due and put one spike in this ugly description I offer this explanation of the term “back to the wall”. A French general describing that he will not surrender did use a similar term “as our backs to the wall” he described that we would not surrender to Wellington. The Old Guard dies but never surrenders." That was the defiant reply by one of Napoleon’s generals on June 18, 1815, to the Duke of Wellington’s demand for a French surrender at Waterloo. Then in 1918 General Haig of Great Britain used the term as a term to steady and provide resolve for his troops.

Our “war on terror” will pin someone’s back to the wall the question is whose back?

Hopelessness breeds contempt. In the Middle East this contempt should be more justly focused on the corrupt regimes, hedonistic royals and those that have squandered the oil revenue. The absence of a middle class and a religion that suppress sexual gratification until you a re worm-fodder has created the tempest that will erupt and is erupting across the breath of Arabia. Currently Osama Bin Laden, Al Sadr and other religious zealots have enraged the masses and leveraged their ire in our direction. We do have some culpability, but the real villain here is the same we have seen before. Post-depression Germany, Pre-Revolutionary Russia and other examples demonstrate how evil preys on hopelessness. Personifying the cause for all your ills provides a gateway, a corrupting pressure valve to funnel the dreams and energy of youth into misplaced violence.

Perhaps our reaction will not be sufficient until our BACKS ARE AGAINST THE WALL!

Now for Interior Enforcement

2006-09-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, assuming GWB doesn't use his second veto of his Presidency or some foot dragging in the implementation, the army of Common Sense (which seems to be far too uncommon) scored a victory in the early morning hours today.

The House and Senate voted to authorize and fund 1500 additional INS agents, and erect 700 miles of fencing to START the process of gaining control of our Souther Border. Additional funds were secured to BEGIN the process of various technologies to supplement the fence, and secure our Northern border and ports.

Each day my communte takes me from Carlsbad to Irvine and on weekends I travel to Temecula to pick up my kids from a prior adminsitration. Hence, I have become very familar with secondary INS stations just south of San Clemente and Temecula. On occassion the stations are open, and sometimes they are not. If we have a better handle on the frontline of border corssings, then I have a suggestion for how to better deploy the staff at these two stations and other secondary stations throughout the country.

Aside from the selfish motivation I have about getting to my destinations without wasting time and gas, I see a real upside to using these agents to conduct employer site inspections. Employers can be put on notice that I-9 forms must be in order and a genuine good-faith effort should be made to insure you are operating within the law.

No additional agents required, just a redeployment. If we minimize the need for a secondary station, we can use these resources to engage stage two of the cure...interior employer enforcement.

Let the chips fall where they may!

Mexico is not Amused

2006-09-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't read the news...the House of Representatives passed and the Seante is considering a "border fence" bill. The bill in it's present form calls for 700 miles of fencing to assist in the effort to secure the border. While my personal confidence level is not high, at least there has been an attempt to bifurcate the "immigration reform" effort from the "secure the border" issue.

As if we didn't have enough enemies of common sense, the Mexican government has warned of "harming the relationship" should such a fence be erected. Of course, my reaction is that this is a validation that we are on the right track. However, with the President, the Democrats, some GOP senators, big business, Hollywood, and the far left all on the "open borders" side of the FENCE, one more ally in their camp can't be good. However, maybe this will have the same impact that the marches in May or the Century Blvd. march in L.A. today had... to further enrage John Q. and Jane Q. Public.

I am going to add Vincente Fox to the long list of people's opinions I care not to indulge or abide. His name will join;

Kofi Annan
Vladimir Putin
John McCain
Michael Moore
Barbara Boxer

Here's the link...

http://adelphia.net/news/read.php?id=13126655&ps=1012&lang=en&_LT=HOME_WLNWC01L2_UNEWS

UBL hend on a SPIKE

2006-09-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

The most recent report from the French Intelligence agency (oxymoron?) that Bin Laden died from a diesease leaves me somewhat cold.

Call me old fashion, but I see a metaphorical opportunity slipping away. The various rumors about the "tall one" (another oxymoron) having kidney disease etc. combined with the supposed Pakistani compromise with the Taliban elders (a thrid oxymoron) on the Afgan/Pakistan border reminds me of how half-hearted we are fighting the War on Terror.

Nevermind the political touchdown hanging Bin Laden at ground zero Manhattan would provide...the victims, their families and we deserve to see justice. People like Pat Tilman (former Az. NFL star and army ranger) enlisted to (as Larry the Cable Guy says) "git-r-done". He did not envision being in Iraq, he wanted to fight the enemy.

I am a simple farm boy from Delaware, but I have seen far too often where the collective wisdom of the average American trumps the over-thought strategies of the well-heeled, highly-lettered, Ivy-schooled, pink-handed, Global-savvy Washington elite. (or as Forest Gump says..."stupid is as stupid does Mrs. Blue"!)

Can we simply accept that Musharraf is either incapable or unwilling to get the job done...hence we should take off the gloves and allow the U.S. military to perform their job without the mitigating restrictions the mis-guided State dept. imposes.

Those that fear making Bin Laden a matyr have overlooked the fact that everyday he evades capture or death promotes his legacy in Extremist Islam-land. I'd rather see him gravel in the courts and beg for his life as we fly a Boeing 747 into his hate-filled body during halftime at the Superbowl. (The commercial proceeds should go to every family member of the now 2,800 US servicemen casualties and the 20,000 injured).

A couple daisy-cutters a week until the job gets done or encirle the region, tighen the rope (where's Patton when you need him) while the misguided Al Qaida wanna be's come to Bin Laden's aid get picked off...now there is a global plan I can get behind!

Those that provide Bin Laden this haven of safety will not be victims of collateral damage, but rather reaping the reward for thier alignment with evil. I'd much rather set the tone and precendent that everywhere we think he is...a cruise missile shows up until the here-to-for phantom muslim moderates...seek him out and serve him up.

Moderate Islam is an illusion, they have either immigrated to the West or are so impotent asto make their existance irrelevant.

Ground zero on the War on Terror is not Bagdad...it's Pakistan!

Big "W" or Little "w"

2006-09-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

America's war record is either 4 wins 1 tie and 1 loss or 4-4-1 depending on whether you count big "W"'s Wars or little "w"'s Police Actions. The sole reason for our wins and our losses are tied to the same defining issue. When we engage the American People and earn their support for a WAR EFFORT we are unstoppable. So, clearly the historical answer to our current dilemma is to understand how to earn that support and hence "carry the day"!

Any objective analysis of these past successful War efforts witnessed these specific elements in common;

1) A defined enemy
2) A define objective
3) An accountability tied to those charged with the execution of the objective
4) A leader who communicated these elements in a clear and uncompromising manner

All George "W" Bush (you decide if he is a Big or Little "W") needs to do is;

1) Articulate with repeated clarity...The enemy is "Extremists Muslims"!
2) Articulate with repeated clarity...appeasers and sympathizers to this enemy are by definition also our enemy.
3) Articulate with repeated clarity...The war objective is to identify, vanquish and subdue enough of the extremists to allow the moderates to come out of hiding and assert themselves.
4) Truly set a battle plan and deploy sufficient resources to achieve the objective (which also means attack the enemy where they are, not where we would like them to be).
5) Hold the Dept. Of Defense execs. accountable for the execution of the War (big "W" plan and establish, communicate and hold them accountable for a timeline). Which also means taking the self-imposed restrictions off the military.
6) Ask the American people to accept sacrifice and solicit their support while a true war is waged toward a definitive and successful conclusion.

The American People have historically stepped-up and have always been prepared to accept anything in the short term provided the sacrafice was tied to a true plan for success. Spilling blood is a dangerous business and should not be confused with "police actions"... an enterprise for which we have historically "sucked at".

They will not accept, support or oblige an open-ended quagmire which asks that we turn a blind eye to War's necessary evils with no clear objective or tangible end game.

Leadership in this arena requires direct, consistent and logical communication. The military can handle the rest and the public will support a goal-oriented, sound strategy for dealing with this 21st century menace.

The tragedy is that someone else (meaning the USA) has to help the moderates find their collective courage to engage what is described as a fringe minority. With Islam comprised of 1.2 billion people, you would think that they could handle their own extremists without our help. We handle ours...We allow them to rant and rave until they cross the legal line. Perhaps the genesis for this extremist behavior is rooted in a yen for the 4th century lifestyle, but I tend to think the true root lives in the tyranny and oppression of the supposed "moderates" in Arabia who place the masses into squalor which breeds contempt for the "haves" vs. The "have nots".

In the end if there is a majority of moderate Islamic people out there, they will have to step up to subdue their own or ultimately be pushed back into the darkness of 400 A.D.

In the meantime, our goal should be to protect our shores and our friends from the collateral damage of this civil strife...You know like...Knowing who is crossing your border!

So no little "w"'s if you please!

Beating Around the Bush

2006-09-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

In the 18th Century well-heeled huntsman would employ young men to walk in front of the hunting party to scare up the game from their hiding places. Commonly they would use sticks to beat the bushes to more effectively flush-out the hunted to run or fly into sight/site.

A few of these game rousters were scared to stumbled across a wild boar or similar ill-tempered beast. Less than enthusiastically these timid gamesmen would "Beat Around the Bush",...a term that describes those that really don't want to flush out the beast.

It seems too ironic that this 18th century phrase has extraordinary relevance today. Our President has told the press today that we need to search out alternatives to our dependence on forgeign oil (see link below).

http://adelphia.net/news/read.php?id=13063856&ps=1014&lang=en&_LT=HOME_BUNWC01L1_UNEWS

Of course, I humbly offer Mr. Bush is "Beating Around the Bush". The very real and serious matter of energy dependence requires a much more inspiring and engaged Presidential message/action. In the early 60's JFK stood at the inanagural podium and informed us that we would send a man to the moon and back within the decade. The technology to do so did not exist when JFK said it. Yet, after the President provided the inspiration, the Congress followed with funding and the genius of the American people provided the rest.

We don't need a JFK type push, but a geniune GWB full court press. The current technology for alternatives is further along than Willy Braun's rockets were in the early 60's. We don't need Federal funding (so the do nothing Congress can relax), but we do need the Big Oil protectionist to quit sending tax-funded research dollars to those that have no stake in the solution. Asking Exxon to find the viable alternative to their business model inspires another addage/phrase..."the fox watching the hen house"!

Mr. President, quick beating around the Big Oil Bush and inspire the nation to resolve this strategic, economic and environmental threat to our childrens future!

CDC alert "PASSIVE COW DISEASE", do you have it?

2006-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

As a public service this blog site would like to alert you and in turn ask you to alert your friends of an epidemic that has consumed the independent will of millions of otherwise healthy Americans. In stark contrast to the neurological disorder Mad Cow Disease,...
Passive Cow Disease creeps into your system slowly and steadily, but stealthily rots away your will to stand up and make a difference.

The first signs are benign, even guised as appropriate social behavior. Reasonable tolerance becomes confused with lying down and playing dead. Here are a few examples from scientists currently studying this culture disrupting pandemic. Look for these in yourself, a loved one or friend;

1) Do you or someone you know quietly and without objection put your metaphorical tail between your legs when the freckled face teen behind the fast food counter tells you that it's past 10am and the ovens have magically transformed into burger only burners. Hence your breakfast sandwich is unavailable?

2) Do you or someone you know accepts without protest the re-directing of your flight plans because you failed to anticipate the 1 hour long line at the air carriers cattle rope-a-dope, which then resulted in you appearing at the self-serve kiosk 43 minutes before departure instead of the required 45. Did you passively sign off on the ticket accepting that your bag may not be at your destination when you are?

3) Do you or someone you know accept without protest the hostage holding practice now know as standard operating procedure by NFL owners? More specifically, do you live in a city where the owner has essentially told the community..."build us a new stadium or we are headed for neo-ville"? Have you reach stage two of the disorder but still supporting the team, watching, buying tickets and memorabilia etc. This is known as the Helsinki strain of the disease where you actually fall in love with your hostage holders.

I'M SORRY TO SAY...IT GETS WORSE

4) Have you or a friend ever...sat idle while thousands of illegal immigrants marched in your city, disrupted your daily commute as they demanded rights, access to services and earned the disproportionate attention of YOUR ELECTED officials? Did you fall into stage three? Actually feeling sorry for the poor employers who have been forced to hire this labor pool so that they can compete with foreign-based businesses due to an unequal playing field constructed by YOUR ELECTED officials?

5) Are you at stage 4? When you are driving to work and notice your fuel gauge is nearing "E" and you pull into the nearest Hostage Fueling Depot are you resigned to accept that this is the American dream or free enterprise? Has the memory of a time when "service" stations actually provided a service fallen out of your biological hard drive? Have you noted that to get air for your tires or water for the radiator now costs 50 cents? (No, not the rap artist).

6) Are you at stage 5? Have you or someone you know come to the conclusion that the WAR on TERROR requires that you accept an open-ended trampling of your civil liberties. Did you watch and passively pass by as the security screen demanded that the 75 year old lady remove her wig, where it was discovered that the metal detector accurately discovered the presence of "bobby pins" holding the last strands of natural hair? Did you also see and do nothing as the 22 year old Pakistani carrying the book "the evil of America" was apologized to as the screener asked to peek inside the back pack making that curious ticking noise? Does it seem normal to you that we are at War, but the borders to this nation can be as porous as if we were not?

7) Please tell me you aren't at stage 6? Have you sat down flipping through your TV screen seeking a half-hour escape from reality. You have resigned yourself to the premise that while we are told we are at war with terrorists...we have no plans to encircle the un-controlled region of Pakistan (where Bin Laden is) and engage the supporters of terror there? Have you forgotten to demand from your commander and chief that the war on terror should (at a minimum) engage the enemy?

8) If you are at stage 7, it maybe too late! We can however offer some pain mitigations as you fall into the last stages of the illness. Have you eyes started to blur as you try to distinguish between the Do-Nothing Democrats and the Used-to-be Conservative Republicans? Have you found it difficult to imagine the power you actually have to throw the bums out? If you illness has reached this stage you have two options;
a) Seek out your vice of choice (Vodka, Bourbon, Prozac etc) and up the dosage
b) Get off your bum ass and support someone (regardless of their current poll numbers) who is speaking to the issues you used to care about. In short, fake it until you make it!

EVERYBODY OUT OF THE POOL

2006-08-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, clearly the Iraqi's are not stepping up to secure our vision of freedom for them. Perhaps it is time to leverage the FEAR FACTOR to spur them to act.

Remember how fast the pool got emptied in the movie "CADDY SHACK"! When the mis-identified flying Baby Ruth candy bar plopped into the Swanky Country Club Pool? Everyone scurried away to avoid the brown turd-pedo?

Watch how fast people galvanize if we let the Iraqi's stare down the barrel at the very real prospect of an un-mitigated Civil War as we exit the cities and form a defensive perimeter around the country's borders.

We should blow the metaphorical Lifeguard Whistle and shout to the populace..."Hey, anyone not an Iraqi citizen...out of the pool"! Then seal-off the borders and make a comprehensive sweep of each community. We can look for proper documentation and toss out anyone without "papers" or a "purple thumb". Then reduce our role to maintaining the integrity of the Iraqi border. Perhaps we can plop a few extra well-equipped Marines on the Iranian border and see if President Ahmadinejad continues to smile and pop-off verbal scuds or if he'll start to soil his shorts.

Then the Iraqi's can have their nation clarifying civil action (in whatever form they opt for). We can step out of the no-win, attrition-plaqued, urban police role and let the Iraqi's do the heavy lifting. However it turns out, we can proudly and honestly say to the Iraqi's, the world, and to oursleves...we gave them "a chance at self-determination"! What they create for themselves is what they earned for themselves and they can take pride it that.

Here's the bonus, once the 101st Airborne and other fine fighting forces fine-tune their border protection acumen, they can come home and teach the border patrol how to do it!

Did Wallace get Schooled or was he an Accomplice

2006-08-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you who watched the Mike Wallace interview with Iranian President Ahmadinejad...I'd like for you to offer your opinion.

Did Mike Wallace actually get out-maneuvered by his guest or were Mr. Wallaces' occasional but weak-willed protests part of a cleaver plan to allow the Iranian unfettered access to a promote his propaganda?

Nearing 50 years old, I have been witness far too often to Mike Wallace's slice and dice style on 60 minutes to believe he has lost the tools of assertive interview techniques. The number of U.S. Businessmen, Politicians and other newsworthy personalities could tell you first hand how they were never allowed to get their side of the story on air. Yet, this U.S. agtagonists is provide full reign of the air waves to put forward his point of view on a wide range of topics.

So, in my mind...The old man has either lost his stuff or worse...He consciously opted to provide this man full and unfettered access to America. I have no objection to that except that the journalistic roadside is littered with publicly humiliated corpses of Mr. Wallace's work in the past. Many of whom were U.S. Citizen's who may or may not have made mistakes, but at least had never paid a terrorist to kill someone.

Mr. Wallace should provide Prime Minister Olmert equal time and more importantly equal treatment.

A thought about Mel Gibson's ravings

2006-08-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

Maybe Mel's anti-Semitic comments were really a reflection of what others might be thinking: why are all of these Jewish people in Hollywood making so much money? For example, the agents, who are Jewish, are making a lot of money, representing the actors, many of whom are Jewish, and making a lot of money, for the studio execs, who are Jewish, who are also making a lot of money. Who is not making money? Well, the studios claim they are not making money, so their stock price is off, and investors, presumably some who are Jewish, and maybe most who are not, are NOT making money! Maybe these money making (losing) discrepancies are the foundation for Mel's ranting?

News Flash we're at War...Belly Up to the Bar

2006-08-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

In a Democratic-Republic the root for political courage of our leaders comes from the collective courage and will of the electorate. So, when the people are divided, distracted or otherwise engaged, the "Leadership Acumen" of our governance suffers.

On occasion, we are blessed with leaders who due to their own inner strength of conviction and calling inspire the masses to a great cause, but that is not the norm. If I was a great mathematician I could graph-out the elastic limits of the political will in relation to the collective will of the masses, but suffice to say the relationship exist none-the-less. Perhaps a Gallop Pollster to handle that for me.

I heard President Bush tell us yesterday that we are "at war with Islamic fascists". Well, that is a clarifying statement that requires action. If we are at war with "Islamic fascism", then it is time for the people to galvanize and take the appropriate and self-sacrificing steps towards defeating the common enemy. Our nation has risen to such occasions in the past and now with this clarity of mission we should;

1) Deploy sufficient forces around the mountainous region of the Pakistan/Afghanistan border and encircle Bin-Laden and his cronies. We no longer need to fear the stability of Musharif's hold on power as this is WAR and it is time to engage and defeat our enemies. At least this will delineate between those with us and against us.

2) We can no longer send dollars to regimes that use those dollars to finance the enemy and do harm to us and our Allies. Hence, we must embark on a true mission of energy independence, not to protect the environment and stem global warming, but to ensure the economic and strategic health of the nation and to dry up the revenue stream of our enemies. Yes, there will be pain as we transition, but this is WAR and we must galvanize ourselves and focus on the mission at hand. No doubt Exxon, BP, Shell, Chevron and Arco will hear this call to action and step up to aid during this time of WAR.

3) We must secure our borders as one of the enemies tactics is to do harm to us with random acts of terror. They aim to cross our borders and use our various ports of entry to bring death and destruction and fear to our people and harm our economy. Yes, some of our businesses will be inconvenienced, but I am sure they will step up and support the nation during this time of peril. After all this is WAR and we must sacrifice to serve the greater good...Vanquishing our enemies. The divisiveness of partisan politics will be cast aside and the Democrats will abandon their open borders/amnesty plan and cede to the patriotic task at hand. They could at least defer the border argument for a time when we aren't on a WAR footing. Of course, the President will sacrifice his own personal view that the borders should be open as this is good for his businessmen/supporters. However such ambitions must give way to the nations’ safety. After all we are at WAR.

4) Now for us,...We should look to our grandparents as the example of how to prioritize during a time of world conflict. Tom Brokaw's "greatest generation" knew how to defeat a common enemy. So, if it isn't too much trouble, can you put down the Big Mac, set the X-Box on pause, unplug the ear buds to your I-Pod and let President Bush know you have the courage that will give him the courage to DO WHAT IS NECESSARY? By the way, we probably only need about 60% of you to do so…the rest of you can go back to your important activities.

The music stops and everyone lost

2006-08-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

Well, only in this great land of ours...

The U.S. Congress conjoined the two issues of minimum wage rate and the death tax into one comprehensive bill. By the way; "comprehensive" actually means in Washington "an excuse for hogs to trot up to the trough".

As stand alone issues I agreee with both propsed adjustments.

As a stand alone issue the minimum wage...

...is woefully inadequate. Clearly having no raise in the minimum wage while gas is up triple digits, housing up triple digits (both expense categories that are required to function in America) over a 9 year period is lunacy. Even if you accept the government supplied inflation rate of 4% annually...the minimum wage should be in the $7 range.

As a stand alone issue the death tax is...

...the most insidous of government intrusions. It is not a mear metaphor to describe this tax strategy as grave robbing. In truth, regardless of who the deceased tax payer was...his/her taxes on those funds have already been paid.

So, out of two fundamentally sound propositions joined together and we get....

...NOTHING!

3 Republicans, 1 Independent and 38 Democrats joined to defeat this bill.

The Democrats have their wedge issue "they can claim that the Republican controlled congress failed to advoacte for the down trodden working poor".

The Republicans have their wedge issue; "they can claim that the Democrats blcoked death tax reform".

Americans must yet again conclude that their "do nothing" Congress is, if nothing else,...consistent in their inabilty to serve the people.

Who is the bigot?

2006-07-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Here in San Diego we have a pretty good newspaper (SDUT) and a reasonably entertaining/talented editorial staff. However, I am going to take issue with one of their writers..."Ruben Navarrette Jr."...who writes under the Opinion page. Today (Sunday July 30th) he has poked at his favorite issue (at least as measured by the occasions he addresses the issue in print)...Immigration reform.

At least on three occasions, including today's' piece, he attempts to paint those opposed to amnesty conjoined with border enforcement as guised bigotry. This popularly professed yet error-plagued tenet suggests that anyone opposing immigration reform as part and parcel of a comprehensive solution is hiding their inner-racists child.

In the past 3 decades being painted as a racists brings more rebuke than the title of "terrorists". Hence, it has been used as a tool to advance agendas by wrapping the package in the multi-colored flag of political correctness. The effort is to intimidate those on the right with the fear of being painted or singed with the inflamed brush of bigotry. Once tattooed or branded with that instrument you are politically neutered.

What Mr. Navarrettte fails to acknowledge in his PC paintings includes;

1) The basis premise that a nation at war with terrorists should, at a minimum, have control of the various points of entry to the nation.

2) That allowing employers to illegally hire and pay sub-standard wages to a wave of millions of desperate Mexican citizens probably has a suppressing impact on the U.S. wage rate of U.S. Citizens, deflects the expenses of these employees from employer paid health care (or at least co-paid support) and thereby spreads these costs across the tax payer base. These social benefit costs are incurred during a time when California is suffering from financial woes.

3) That the influx of millions Spanish-only speaking children into the school system has negatively impacted the overall education quality of all publically educated California children (check out the Californian verses the Nations test scores). Yet, we spend $28 per student per day; one of the nation's highest per student expenditure rates.

4) That the premise of propping up and supporting the practice of paying sub-standard wages to an oppressed people is morally repugnant to many people who think that this issue was resolved in 1865.

Like a ship with a leak, California has taken on a great deal of water. We are a pretty big boat and hence our bouancy can afford a certain amount of weight. I don't suggest that we start bailing out the water (deportation etc.), but I do put forward that the first step in righting the ship begins with plugging the holes in the hull. Once we have control of our borders we can then address the broken process of U.S. citizenship and temporary guest worker processes.

Have immigrants historically faced resistance...Yes! Has some of this resistance been bias-based..Yes! Have many of the waves of immigration had a positive impact on the U.S. (both culturally and economically)...Yes! Do these facts mean that anyone suggesting a controlled and sane process for immigration is an invalid goal...NO!

These are just a few of the reasons why someone (other than Ruben) may oppose the alliance of Democrats seeking a new voter base, Corp. America wanting to maintain access to a cheap labor pool, and the geo-political mi casa/su casa crowd (all of whom send their children to private school) might oppose the bundling of immigration reform with border security.

Of course, I may just be cleverly hiding my racist tendencies...I'll check with my wife Elizabeth Herrera-Boyer (formerly of Calexico, California).

Stemming the Tide

2006-07-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Corporate Welfare "Help Uncle Sam Please Send Money"!

I find it curious that George Bush used his first and only veto on the issue of Gov't funding for additional Stem cell research (although I agree with this action). I think there were a few funding bills that were more deserving of his veto pen or pocket over the past six years.

What is even more curious to me is the basic premise being aired that Bio-Tech, Pharmaceutical and Energy companies are dependent on the Federal Govt. to help fund their research.

If you read the last section of Exxon/Mobile's annual report concerning research and defending their profits you see a chart that compares their industry's profits to other industries. Guess which three top the "profit percent" list...

Pharmaceuticals
Bio-Tech
Heath Care

So, why is it that the cost of research must be borne on the back of the tax payers, while the profit cycle of these companies is protected by the equivalent of trade protectionist measures by our government. The anti-import FDA, the tooth-less FTC and the see no evil/hear no evil Congress all either act to protect these industries from competition, or fail to act to engage anti-trust violations.

As you look at history, and the most meaningful advances in medicine and science,...The occasions where the government sponsored the research that found the cure/discovery are paled by the individual or private enterprise funded advances.

We need to get these industries off the government dole and the government out of the research business. Government can dangle a carrot to those that find the cure, the alternative fuel, the discovery,..But taking risk out of business is not the business of the government nor healthy in promoting true advancements. The result of taking risk out of business is to weaken the talent, energy and innovation that comes from the angst of business fundamental risk/reward dynamics.

Taking intelligent, calculated and well-considered research risks comes under the purview of enterprising business concerns. When government provides risk-less access to capital or painless dole no one is well served. The result of this squander-mongers process is businesses siphoning off precious capital in projects that may or may not have the merit. Traditional business scrutiny provides the risk/reward calculation that forces research advocates to be credible and results-centric. Moreover, far too often the tax-payers funds go to companies that are "connected" with Congressional members and other government decision makers, not necessarily connected with any relevant path to an advancement. We simply fund busy-work. Or as some accurately call it...Corporate welfare.

Stem Cell may very well be (as described by proponents) "the best opportunity for discovery and advances in health care in a century". If that is indeed true, this avenue of research will have no trouble finding capital to continue this worthy journey.

You don't have to have a religious-based objection to support the President's decision. Acknowledging that a significant part of the electorate objects to playing God is a political reality. While that may have been the President's motivation, I won't touch that argument with a ten foot pole. I do acknowledge the existence of many tax payers who object to stem cell research as the first turn on the roadway to organ harvesting, cloning misuse and other slippery slopes that run upstream to their of moral compass. Is it so far fetched to think that a company that found the upside of profiting from a government-sanctioned harvest program could bleed into other areas not yet on the horizon?

I just hope that in the coming two years Mr. Bush finds that veto pen and/or pocket on federal spending on order to address the 9-trillion dollar debt.

Message to Canada, quit sending us comics and journalist

2006-07-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have fallen too deep down this rabbit hole. The article attached to this link
http://adelphia.net/news/read.php?id=12953087&ps=1012&cat=&cps=0&lang=en
actually informs us that our Dept. of Homeland Security lectured the Canadians on THEIR lack of border integrity. I can only assume we decided to engage the CTI crisis ("Comedian Trade Imbalance") that we have with our Northern neighbors.

So, Mueller and Chertoff decided to deliver a joke (deadpan style)...

...Lecturing Canada on their poor border management.

We have apparently delineated between the positive impact of cheap labor from our Southern Border, from the negative impact on higher paid imported labor from Canada (i.e. comedians, entertainers, TV talk show hosts etc).

So, Homeland Security and the FBI have decided to protect us from the invasion of Comic Relief...Just at a time when the nation needs a good laugh or two.

Hopefully, the Canadian Mist was poured generously as our defenders took the plane home, or maybe it was the inbound flight to Toronto?

Help I've fallen and I can't get up...

2006-07-05T08:07:00.001-07:00

If it weren't true this would be funny. As of this writing, the Bush decree to deploy 6500 National Guard troops to assist in Border Security has actually resulted in less than 500 Guardsman on station.

This administration can deploy 130,000 troops halfway across the globe in a moments notice. (Complete with supporting equipment, supplies and privately-contracted infrastructure rebuilders).

This adminstration can artfully avoid judical scrunity and secure the phone records of millions of American's.

This administration can detain citizens and non-citizens for mulitiple years with no trial, no access to family or council.

...but they just can't seem to muster and coordinate 6,500 National Guard to administrative and infrastruture support roles along the U.S. Border. Most of whom could drive themselves to the required location in their own vehicles in a day or two.

Of course, we can dis-assemble the organization responsible for tracking and capturing Osama Bin Laden and friends.

C-A-N-'T=

C-Clumisly
A-Attempt
N-No Action
T-To Appease

Vote for Pedro

2006-06-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

A year or two ago, a low budget dead-pan comedy became a Cult Hit...Napoleon Dynamite. It was neither a historical documentary about the famous French General, nor had anything to do with explosives. It was a story about the mundane existence of a kind-hearted teen whose adolescent awkwardness guised a genuine good nature despite the tribulation of ordinary existence in Nowhereville. The film culminates in a electoral contest between the "in" cheerleader-type and the films anti-heroes' friend "Pedro". The low reactor "Napoleon" transforms into a comparative sensation as the advocate for his buddy Pedro whose flatline demeanor earns him the vote as the "do no harm" candidate for the student body Presidency.

It occurred to me (as I was forced to watch this film at my son's insistence)...that the film was chock full of political relevance. Much like our heroic duo in the film...Our political landscape has morphed from a morbid antithesis of idolatry into the elevation of do-the-least harm March of the Political Manikins.

The formula seems to be;

Sing your partys' psalms regardless of how inane
Avoid any PC gaffes as to err is inhumane
Find the least definitive answer to the most direct questions

The country is in sell-out mode with empty headed zombies inking the deeds;

We are too afraid of the teachers union to enact scholastic accountability
So; we have to raise the H1B visa quotas so that business can import skilled labor

We are too afraid of the potential future Hispanic vote
So; we fail to engage Border Security, even at a time of war

We are too afraid of Big Business and their need for cheap labor
So; our President fails to enforce the laws he has sworn to uphold

We are too afraid of terrorists
So; We cede our civil rights so that we can be protected by the State

We are too afraid to cut any programs, i.e. reduce SSI COLA increases or any other program
So; we pass the burden of debt to the next generation at a cool 9 trillion.

We are too afraid of China to engage the issues of consequence
So; we sentence The Republic of China to assimilation, the future of Oil to ever increasing prices, and our few remaining domestic manufacturers to a tactical disadvantage.

We are too afraid of Big Oil
So; we allow the market to be manipulated and cede any rights as consumers

we have too much self doubt to strive for a better future
So; we cowardly try to mitigate the pace of our demise

So, let's just get it over with....Vote for Pedro

IRAQ,...let's get ready to rumble

2006-06-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

During the 50th Congressional campaign at the Cal State San Marcos forum the candidates were asked this question..."what would you do about Iraq?” Of course, keeping in mind that a U.S. Representative doesn't "direct" the war (the Executive branch does) and that each candidate was give 120 seconds to address this 4 year old issue we all came up short in our replies. So, I am going to take a few minutes more to breathe more life into my incomplete answer that evening.
MY ORIGINAL ANSWER CAN BE VIEWED HERE
http://boyerforcongress.com/boyer/press.html

History is our friend; it provides a road map for avoiding land mines (and IED's). Iraq is really more a confederation (albeit sometimes a coerced one) of 3 cultures...Sunni's, Shiites and Kurds. The Kurds control the North from the border with Turkey to North Central Iraq, The Sunni's control Central Iraq and many of these areas also are home to the secular Baathist's (less than 10% of the population...an important point to keep in mind). The Shiites control Southern and SE Iraq and are culturally tied to Iran's fundamentalists.

During Saddams reign, the Baathist’s (the 10% group) controlled the country through brutal methods and subjugated the other groups. When the Kurds or Shiites got too upidity, they got gassed, beaten, imprisoned and/or simply disappeared. Imagine you are a surviving member of this 30+ year oppression. Remember we (the USA) supported, armed and turned a blind eye to Saddam's brutality for years. He served our purpose as the punisher of Iran. The Iran-Iraq war followed the Iranan Hostage 444 day ordeal (Evil begets evil)!
The Baathist's have payback coming and we are in the way of that reckoning. Tragically and Ironically our soldiers are being used in two ways. They provide protection for the Baathist's while many of these same people partner with the insurgents to attack the U.S. armed forces who are providing the protection. The Baathist's are resisting any true unity government due to their recognition that they will be a minority party.

If the Shiites prevail (as would seem likely) their ties to Iran presents a real problem for the U.S. A merge of Iran and Iraq would put 35% of the world’s oil reserves in the hands/control of our friends in Iran. All the more reason to get off the dino juice NOW.

The best thing for all concerned (including the U.S.) is to;

ADD 200,000 troops (ours or Int'l) into Iraq (hold on, don't click off yet)....

Reposition the troops away from all urban areas and set up an effective perimeter around the country (think of the ropes around a boxing match). Secure the Iranian, Syrian and Kuwaiti borders. Our air power can project and help accomplish this mission.

Our sole role would be to eliminate anymore insurgents from OUTSIDE the country to enter. The Iraqi's would be in-charge of their destiny. We would sign a treaty with the current Iraqi government that we would intervene on their behalf to thwart any invasion (a message to the Iranians).

We would SUGGEST (and then leave it to the people of Iraq), that they consider a CONFEDERATION of 3 MAJOR STATES (names like; KURDISHSTAN, SUNNIOPIA, AND SHITELAND). This confederation would leave to the local population 95% of the governmental direction and only provide a common currency and National defense.

What would be the likely result?

1) The Iraqi's would be galvanized to act or face true civil war
2) The U.S. troops would immediately be in a safer environment with a mission they can complete with relative ease.
3) Outsider intervention would be minimized (including the agitation our presence causes in urban settings)
4) Our exit strategy would be more clearly defined (i.e. when Iraq tells us they can handle border security.
5) We could apply passive pressure on Iran (given our proximity to their border)
6)Clear exit strategy
7) A mission that is doable
8) Less U.S. deaths, faster responsibility taken by Iraqi's

I acknowledge the downside of a potential civil war, but that already is the likely scenario with or without our presence. President Bush and Secretary Rumsfeld can announce to Iraq...you guys can get ready to rumble if you want, we just won't play the victimized referee in the middle anymore. In short, get your sh## together.

When the people of IRAQ have to truly and without mitigation face the horror of all- out civil war, my guess is that those that are in the way of solutions will be casts aside and eventually sanity (without addition U.S. bloodshed) or at least stability will prevail.

Take Action, don't wait for the government

2006-05-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

INFORMING, EMPOWERING, and EMBRACING BUSINESSES and CONSUMERS

The goal of this project is to provide consumers the opportunity to support through their purchase decisions businesses that have publically dedicated themselves to legal hiring practices and thereby pressure other businesses into voluntary compliance. This program can biforcate the legal businesses from illegal businesses and hence shine light on those that have created, sustained and supported the problem of illegal immigration.

The program would seek to provide customers and businesses an opportunity to make a positive impact on the issue of illegal immigration and hence satisfy or at least mitigate the current “frustration” level with governmental inaction. However, rather than provide a mechanism that in essence lets the government “off the hook”, the program would provide visual re-enforcement of the will of the people and encourage government to follow and support the people’s lead.
THE PLEDGE
The undersigned is a member in good standing of the Hire-Right*Buy Right League and has signed the H.R.B.R. pledge. Members of the H.R.B.R. League have made the following commitments to their community;

As an employer

I voluntarily participate in the Social Security Administration’s employment verification program.
I have made a good-faith effort to insure that all of my employees are properly documented and authorized to work in this country.
I pay wages to all of my employees that meet of exceed those required by this state.
I encourage others to do the same.

As a consumer

I will not knowingly buy goods and/or services from those who employ an undocumented workforce.
I will seek out and support those businesses that have signed the H.R.B.R. pledge and display the H.R.B.R. emblem.
I will encourage others to do the same.

Do you want to sign an H.R.B.R. pledge form and receive your display decal/emblem? Would you like to support and help this project? Email me...

Bill

hrbr@adelphia.net

Vote No (INC)

2006-05-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

(INC) Is an abbreviation with dual meanings...
or so I used to believe!

INC= Incorporated...an enterprise providing goods and/or services, financed by stock investors who in return for their financial support earn dividends or yields based on the valuation of the company.

INC= Incumbent...a political designation for the current office holder serving his/her constituency.

NOW, we can add a few more designations...

INC= INCURSION; the trampling of your right to privacy advanced under the guise of protecting you from the terrorists. As Ben Franklin said...those that would cede their rights in order to secure their safety...DESERVE NEITHER.

INC= INKY-DINKY-DO; The Potomac Two-Step (a group dance similar to a conga line) performed by the executive and legislative branch of our government, who cede our sovereignty and economic status to serve the short-sighted business of securing and exploiting cheap labor. They call the legislation "immigration reform" and the "patriot act".

INC= INCARCERATED; an individual or group if individuals formerly known as an (INC) in either the corporate or political world who now live within the penal population for lying to their investors, employees and/or constituents.

INC= IN-A-COMA; the distracted electorate who, without fail, dial into determine the fate of the American Idol, but forget to vote, write letters or demand better representation in their government.

So, this year vote No (INC)
No Incumbent deserves your vote
No Government representative should be allowed to dance the Inky-Dinky-Do
No Incorporated Big Oil(driven)Energy Company deserves your investment

Nevermind that man behind the curtain...

2006-05-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

So, the FTC (who are charged with responsibility of insuring there is a free market in play) have concluded that the photo here (1 day after Katrina) was a mere supply and demand mechanism that in no way demonstrates "gouging".

Our President is committed to protecting the nation, but refuses to secure the borders and ports nor permit interior enforcement of employment laws.

The Government finds it perfectly legitimate that Big Oil can take 1.9 billion in tax subsidies and credits, while bending the consumer over and pic-pocketing them.

Pitchforks and torches can't be too far away...I wonder what the final genesis will be for the re-taking of our representative governance?

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060522/gasoline_gouging.html?.v=11

Our Government Spares no expense to protect us

2006-05-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe this is a fence on the Mexico/Nogales, AZ border. Half a trillion spent in Iraq in the name of the "war on terror" and this is our protection at home.
The border agent move is a poltical ploy to placate just enough people so that the PBTSA (Political Bermuda Triangle of Selling out America) can pass their "immigration reform-not" Senate version.
**********The PBTSA Membership**********************************
No Enforcement (Big Business needs cheap labor) Centric Republicans
Open Borders (mi Casa su Casa) Crowd
Democrats seeking (new easy-to-fool) voters

Avoid the Smoke and Mirror trap

2006-05-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

In an effort to secure approval of a weak immigration bill, President Bush plans to sooth the ire of Americans by deploying the National Guard at the border. The plan seems to be to provide enough temporary political relief for the Congress to do his bidding.

The question is, how many days past the approval of the bill will the deployed guard stay?

Tell your representatives that you will accept nothing less than;

1) a LONG TERM, SUSTAINED and effective border integrity program
*including the deployment of adequate infrastructure, technology & human resources
2) True, robust and SUSTAINED interior enforcement
*engage employers who do not make a good faith effort to hire legally

If we don't clearly articulate this message the singular pop at the Dutch pallet factory and a temporary "dog and pony" National Guard deployment show will be the only action we will see.

We are operating from a position of strength on this issue. Keep your political foot on the necks of your elected officials. Insure they understand that they must get and stay on the path of true reform and true protection.

Once the border has been truly secured and the employers truly put on notice, then we can begin a longer term, well considered dialog towards the implementation of immigration reform. Those that deserve and earn their legal entry to this land of opportunity should have a hassel free process, but this must be implemented after the controls necessary to make the program viable, legal and workable are reality.

Over 70% of American CITIZENS want the borders secure and interior enforcement...in any other debate this would be considered a MANDATE.

Be vigiliant, demand your MANDATE be fulfilled.

http://adelphia.net/news/read.php?id=12797032&ps=1017&lang=en&_LT=HOME_PLHDC01L1_UNEWS

Empowering Good Citizens

2006-05-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

INFORMING, EMPOWERING, and EMBRACING BUSINESSES and CONSUMERS

The goal of this project is to provide consumers the opportunity to support through their purchase decisions businesses that have public dedicated themselves to legal hiring practices and thereby pressure other businesses into voluntary compliance.

The program would seek to provide customers and businesses an opportunity to make a positive impact on the issue of illegal immigration and hence satisfy or at least mitigate the current “frustration” level with governmental inaction. However, rather than provide a mechanism that in essence lets the government “off the hook”, the program would provide visual re-enforcement of the will of the people and encourage government to follow and support the people’s lead.

The undersigned is a member in good standing of the Hire-Right*Buy Right League and has signed the H.R.B.R. pledge. Members of the H.R.B.R. League have made the following commitments to their community;

As an employer

I voluntarily participate in the Social Security Administration’s employment verification program.
I have made a good-faith effort to insure that all of my employees are properly documented and authorized to work in this country.
I pay wages to all of my employees that meet of exceed those required by this state.
I encourage others to do the same.

As a consumer

I will not knowingly buy goods and/or services from those who employ an undocumented workforce.
I will seek out and support those businesses that have signed the H.R.B.R. pledge and display the H.R.B.R. emblem.
I will encourage others to do the same.

Want to know how to help this project? Email me...

boyerforcongress@adelphia.net

Engage USA: Engage USA

2006-05-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

INFORMING, EMPOWERING, and EMBRACING BUSINESSES and CONSUMERS

The goal of this concept is to provide consumers the opportunity to support through their purchase decisions businesses that have public dedicated themselves to legal hiring practices and thereby pressure other businesses into voluntary compliance.

The program would seek to provide customers and businesses an opportunity to make a positive impact to the issue of illegal immigration and hence satisfy or at least mitigate the current “frustration” level with governmental inaction. However, rather than provide a mechanism that in essence lets the government “off the hook”, the program would provide visual re-enforcement of the will of the people and encourage government to follow and support the people’s lead.

The elements;

1)Create and market a door hanger/decal or similar emblem or logo that signals to customers an identification of a business aligned with legal hiring practices.
2)Provide information via our web site and other support venues to educate and stay abreast of issues concerning hiring practices, immigration reform and identification validation techniques.
3)Network with other communities to turn this into a nationwide movement.
4)Raise and spend sufficient money to launch an information campaign that will drive businesses to contact us and eagerly ask for a pledge form and decal.
5)Businesses will need only sign “the pledge”. The pledge would consistent of 3 simple declarations;
a)Committing to making a “good-faith” effort of I-9 form compliance for all employees.
b)Encourage fellow business people to do the same.
c)Pay all employees wages consistent with local, state and federal laws.
There should also be an element of migrant advocacy. Specifically, the program should not be an “anti-migrant” program, but rather a pro-legal migrant program. Ultimately, the goal would be to continue to erode the upside of hiring illegally, by delineating non-compliant employers from “good citizen” businesses.

I humbly solicit your input and hopefully your support to bring this idea from concept to critical mass.

If you would like to get involved, please email me at boyerforcongress@adelphia.net

Engage USA: Engage USA

Engage USA

2006-04-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Oil Company Spin Machines are at full throttle...

The quote below is their latest BS. Essentially their argument is that they don't make as much as Goggle as a percent of revenue.

The fundamental difference between Oil and Goggle is that Oil is commodity that we are required to buy. Their is no comparative commodity that yields 8% net on revenue (don't farmers wish otherwise).

Goggle provides a service to America that makes this country a better place, empowers people with access to information, and ultimately is a choice...consumers can choose not to Goggle. They can't decide not to drive to work, heat their homes, and our economy requires Oil to transport goods.

For their part, the oil companies have been emphasizing that they make far less money on each dollar of sales than many other industries that aren't being excoriated for their capitalism.

Taken together, Exxon, Chevron and ConocoPhillips made a profit of $8.19 on every $100 in sales. In contrast, Internet bellwethers Google Inc., Yahoo Inc. and eBay Inc. collectively turned a $19.20 profit on every $100 of their combined revenue.

Unabated mergers, a contrived and controlled shortage and a bought and paid for congress/exceutive branch. It's time of 21st century pitchforks and torches.

Goggle Empowers, Exxon Subjugates

Exercise your limited power of choice in two ways;
For May, buy no gas or oil from Exxon-Mobile
In June, buy no gas from Shell
In July, buy no gas from Conoco Phillips
In August buy no gas from Arco
Whenever possible buy from independents even if they get their product from one of the majors.
Send a signal and wreak havoc on their cash flow!

In November vote for anyone who will engage these manipulators and promotes a real "get off the dino juice" policy.

Engage USA

Five Things that make too much sense to ever happen...

2006-04-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Since common sense and pratical solutions rarely find any meaningful support in Washington, I thought I'd take a moment and document them in cyperspace hence placing them in digital time capsule for later review. I suspect in 2016 not only will these still not have gotten any meaningful attention, the issues behind them will be at a more dire level.

1) Secure America's Borders...rather than toss this issue into the politcal noodle salad of immigration reform. Simply take the necssary steps to bring integrity and control over who is entering the nation. Most polls show this simple statement has an over 80% approval within the American public.
*Since we are being reminded how impractical it is to deal with 12 million illegals, might it make sense that we keep the number from growing?
*We have spent nearly 500 billion in Iraq as a "war on terror" strategy, can't we scrimp out about 12 billion to secure the borders from terrorist here at home?

2) Use Excess Big Oil Profits to fuel an alternatives program. Rather than allow Big Oil to ride the profit wave unabated, cap the profit at 2005 levels and use the excess to fuel research within the private sector, universities and other think tanks to get us out of this strategic, economic and national security rat hole.
*India and China will drive Oil to new highs for the next twenty years.
*2600 energy mergers have made any semblence of competition here at home non-existant.

3) Give Parents Control to chose their education provider. Yes, vouchers...we are bleeding jobs from both ends. 600,000 jobs lost in the last 6 years in the automotive industry. Importing engineers and software designers from India, China and elsewhere. U.S. companies relocating their white collar jobs, skilled labor jobs and their financial epocenters. We must unleach the power of the private sector to change the public education paradiagm. Leaders in future-centric industries should tell us what they need and we should design world-relevant education.

4) Flat Tax...Your 1040 form should have 5 lines.
1) How much did you make last year?
2) Multiple line 1 by "x"
3) Enter answer here _____
4) Enter your total withholdings for this year here______
5) Subtract line 4 from line 3 and enter your tax/refund due here______.

5) Cap Health Care Litigation to $250,000. Establish an independent medical review program for all providers. Provide basic health care requiring co-pays for all services except preventative care. Socialists? maybe, but let me ask you....which person in the country doesn't deserve access to affordable health care. BTW; don't look know but people who can't pay get cared for today, the difference is you pay for it when you and your insurance company pay $40,000 for hip replacement surgery...(In Singapore the costs is 6K in Africa 2K). Get the artificial costs out of health care or we will spend the next 50 years making Pfiser, Exxon and Blue Cross rich and we'll all be poor.

Engage USA

I Brake for Bean Counters

2006-04-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Let's face it,...we are hosed when it comes to the issue of fuel prices. There are too many forces aligned against us including;
*2600 energy mergers since 1996
*India's and China's increasing needs for oil
*Weak-Willed Democrats and Corporate Centric Republicans
*Lack of any plan to get off the dino-juice

However, if you would like to have at least the illusion of being an empowered consumer making free-will choices and impacting the market try this;
For the entire month follow this formula...
May don't buy any gas or oil from Exxon/Mobile
June don't buy any gas or oil from Shell
July don't buy any gas or oil from Arco
August don't buy any gas or oil from Chevron

It may not have any impact at all, but you'll wreak havoc on their cash flow processes and drive the bean counters crazy.

Of course, you will have to share this with about 75 million of your best friends.

Is it me, or did we lose alot of our good thinking time now that it takes less time to put $20 in the tank,...I try to leverage free time anywhere I can find it. That fuel meter sure spins alot faster than it used to.

Engage USA

Busby Ad will Backfire

2006-04-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Call me Polly Anna, but I was hopeful that the first Congressional Race of the season would be an example of what elections should look like. Unfortunately, while the primary was almost absent of negative ads (two notable exceptions), the early part of this campaign portends for rough water ahead. The recent RNC funded anti-Busby ad (suggesting she is soft on child porn) is not only an example of the worst in campaign tactics; it isn't even a smart move politically.
Imagine for a moment that a friend and co-worker of yours were "arrested" on some horrible charge. Would your first instinct be?
a) Assume he/she is guilty and separate yourself from the person
b) Hope that some terrible error had been made and speak to the facts about the person you know to be true

Either way, most of us would hope that our friend was innocent until the facts bore out otherwise. This is the crime Francine Busby is guilty of. As a lifelong Republican, I would tell you that in a similar situation, I would make the same decision and my friends would expect me to, as I would expect that of my friends. If my friendship was found to be miss-guided after the facts were flushed out, then I would march in the line of the castigators, not before.

Politically, what numb nut decided that any voter would watch that ad and look at Francine Busby as someone soft on child porn? It actually says to me that the Republicans are struggling to find real issues to engage Ms. Busby on.

Here are some tips for my misguided RNC friends...

The district has been, is and will continue to be conservative and predominately Republican, despite your poor strategy with the ad. The influence of the DNC and Move On groups is the Achilles heel of the Busby campaign. No voter wants carpet baggers entering their community and influencing their politics. Fortunately for the Republicans the Democrats have failed to find the music that sings their praises with the public. The GOP has benefited as being the "better than the alternative" party. We (the Republicans) need to aim higher than just jumping over the low bar set by the DNC.

Ads such as these bring parity to the race, here in San Diego and across the Nation.

While I do not support this ad, had nothing to do with its creation...Ms. Busby has my apologies...I am embarrassed to acknowledge the Republican endorsement trailer on the ad.

I will be supporting Mr. Bilbray in this election, but will advise him and others to "just say no to B.S. ads"!

Engage USA

We Lack Border Acumen Everywhere

2006-04-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

It is tragically ironic to me that our failures at home and abroad have at least one thing common. Our ability to restrict insurgent mobility in Iraq and our inability to protect the home land from illegal immigration (worker-bee, social service siphon-bee, and terrorist bee alike) begin with our failure to secure borders.

One of the key arguments between Rumsfeld and Powell was the post War plan. Powell who was not an advocate of our action, but like any good soldier suggested that "if" we were intent on entering Iraq, we would need nearly 500,000 troops to A) secure the border and B) provide safety and security to the population. Our unwillingness to secure the Iranian and Syrian borders has costs lives and prolongs the process.

The Bathist are resisting the formation of a government (understandable given their past subjugation of 90% of the country)
If we pulled out of the cities and change the mission to securing the borders to prevent further outside influence, we might just push the Sunni's and Secular Bathists to a more pliable position. Pay backs a bitch ain't it!

Here at home, our failure to secure our borders and ports puts the nation at risk both economically and from a national security standpoint.

The good ship S.S. United States has a breach in her hull. The Captain and Crew (President and Congress) are top side looking at the water coming in and arguing the various merits and usefulness of H2O and what if any bailing methods we should employ. I may be just a dumb farm boy from Delaware, but my view is we just need someone to go downstairs and plug up the hole.

Engage USA

Got Gas? Lee Raymond Retirement Gets Pumped Up

2006-04-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

As we enter the summer driving seasons and $3+ gas, retiring CEO Raymond (Exxon Mobile) can cruise around without worrying much about the cost of fueling his various vehicles. 2600 energy mergers and a manipulated commodity market gave Big Oil enough dollars to give Mr. Raymond a nice retirement package.

Big Oil is insulated from price swings in Crude,...how insulated are you feeling these days?

When there is a frost in Florida or California,..the price of OJ goes up...we all understand that, but the grower doesn't have a record year as he/she has less product to sell. The grower doesn't own the production, distribution, processing, wholesaling and retailing of the commodity.

Here is the relaly big difference,...if OJ gets too high, you and I can buy Cranberry juice, but we don't have an alternative to oil.

http://adelphia.net/news/read.php?id=12731014&ps=1014&cat=&cps=0&lang=en

Why do Demo's only want "choice" in coffee and abortions?

2006-04-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

The world continues to shrink and there is no policy or strategy that can delay - or offset this force. We are not preparing our children to successfully compete in this smaller, tougher and less American-friendly world. The world they will inherit is likely to be more complicated, increasingly competitive, and no-doubt challenging.
We all cherish our children’s future and we ask ourselves the same question: Are we doing enough?
American employers are exporting jobs to India and China and they are also importing skilled employees like engineers, software designers and other “white collar” positions.
There can be no more poignant indictment of our failure to prepare our children to compete than the fact that American mothers and fathers passing over there own and opting to hire outside the U.S. to fill their employment needs.
We can spend time questioning the wisdom and loyalty of these companies, but they are required to make decisions that serve their needs and the needs of their shareholders. They are hiring skilled labor because our educational system has been “called to action,” but given inadequate tools to produce the necessary product. Formal education’s primary goal is not to culturally indoctrinate, socially re-engineer or morally re-program our youth, the mission is to prepare tomorrow’s adults to successfully engage the world as it is, not as we would like it to be.
Teaching has been, and continues to be, an under-appreciated and noble profession. Teachers are selfless, and pivotal, to our long-term economic and strategic livelihood. Teachers carry the privilege and the responsibility to shape our children’s collective future.
Parents carry the sole responsibility to direct the development of their children. Parents cannot be asked to subjugate this role to the state. Parents should have access to choices when they invest in their most important of decision: the education of their children.
How inane is it that we have virtually unlimited choices as to where, what and how to buy our morning coffee, but have virtually no say or options as it relates to the awesome impact of K thru 12 education?
Given the challenges of the day, and the increasingly competitive make up of a shrinking world, does it seem prudent to artificially constrain educational choices? Is it not incumbent on us to unleash the extraordinary power of the American business machine to provide compelling and powerful choices in education?
Vouchers have been made the educational “dirty word” by those who fear the consequences of accountability that every other industry recognizes as reality. We haven’t moved the discussion far enough towards choice. Unleashing the power of accountability, results-oriented compensation and the ingenuity of private enterprise can only improve our educational relevance. To help us collectively secure the nations economic future we must:
Abandon the current paradigm. More specifically, we should allow parents to direct their tax dollars dedicated to educational pursuits in a “voucher-like” fashion. Public institutions that are providing adequate education have nothing to fear, and those that don’t would have a reason to catch up.
We must improve teacher compensation, but tie such increases in compensation to the results their efforts achieve. In short, bonuses are just as appropriate in the educational industry as it is in other parts of the private sector.
We need to partner with key leaders in industries that are future-centric. Knowing what these industries need relative to educational preparation is step one in designing “world-relevant” educational curriculum.
Internships should not be reserved for the medical industry. Conjoining classroom education with “hands-on” application of that education will accelerate our youths ability to “hit the career path” sprinting.
Finally, religious-based educational institutions can be part of our menu of choices. Their potential contribution cannot be left out of the power-of-choice equation simply due to feeble arguments about church-and-state separation. These schools could receive voucher compensation for the percentage of their curriculum that delivers the secular basics all students must have.

Who is taking care of Whom?

2006-04-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

Despite the excessive Congressional influence of supposed experts (i.e. lawyers, doctors, HMO's and pharmaceutical companies), far too many citizens - nearly 45 million - find themselves without access to basic healthcare. Many of our citizens are at risk just because they change jobs.
Healthcare dollars are squandered to pay for things that have nothing to do with providing actual care. Too much litigation, too much effort, and too many costs are squandered by providers who have to constantly cover themselves from potential law suits. Ask any nurse how much of their day is filled with non-healthcare functions.
Perhaps the "experts" and the "obstructionists" should just get out of the way and let the citizens have a shot at fixing this. We can find the solution to provide access to reasonably priced health care.
Here is a look at my plan that would lower costs, raise accountability, and allow ordinary citizens access to basic and reasonable health care services:
Removing the artificial costs of healthcare by capping litigation damages to a pre-determined formula based on loss by a neutral and non-industry invested body.
Employ an independent medical performance review program that monitors, rates, re-trains and disciplines medical providers when medical mistakes are made. In other words, remove bad doctors and retrain them - don't just raise their insurance rates.
Create a national basic healthcare access program for the uninsured that requires co-pays by the patient for all treatment except for preventative health care procedures.

Choking on Dino Juice

2006-04-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

We are paying too much for our fuel and this is not good for our economy and certainly not good for our household budgets.
India and China are dramatically increasing their consumption of this finite resource. To be solely dependent on oil to fuel our economy is inherently dangerous for our economic health, our strategic interests, and our environment.
The oil companies have insulated themselves from price swings and continue to pile-up record profits on the backs of the consumer. We are not insulated, nor have we been allowed to play our legitimate role in the free market as discriminating customers.
We must return true market forces to the industry by:
Having the Department of Justice review the pricing practices and conclude if the Big 5 oil companies should be broken up into smaller identities, or at least be barred from being involved in all aspects of the market process.
Dedicating the federal tax on gasoline to fuel a "race to alternatives" program. This program should have the same sense of purpose as the dedication our country had during the Space Race of the 1950's, '60's and '70's.
Writing federal anti-price gouging laws that hold the station owner and oil company CEO criminally liable anytime gas prices are artificially raised during a time of disaster, natural or otherwise.

Border Sanity Por Favor

2006-04-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

The political tactics of divisiveness are tearing open the wounds of hate, bigotry and myopic self-interests. It is time that San Diegan parents and grandparents stand up and demonstrate an example for our children and our leaders. We must set an example that displays collective wisdom, pragmatic problem-solving and unity to address an issue that impacts all of us.

Whether you are a natural-born citizen, an immigrant who came here and became a citizen or currently an undocumented resident of this land we share one common bond…we all cherish our children’s future.

Let us set aside the matter of immigration for a time, and address the singular issue of border integrity and National security.

Make no mistake we are at war with an enemy intent on doing this nation harm. This enemy spares no one in their misguided quest to advance an agenda through death and destruction. Their victims include non-military citizens…women and children. The young and old, the defenders and the defenseless are potential victims of these religious zealots who have long ago de-famed and rejected the tenets of their own deity. They intend on killing your children and mine.

During this time of war, regardless of your politics on immigration reform we can agree that terrorists can use our vulnerable southern border as an unsupervised port of entry. We cannot wait for the transporters of tools and terrorists with their agenda of hate, death, and destruction to our nation.

We have witness far too often the reactive nature of our government that engages issues clumsily and ineffectively after a major event. The lesson of Katrina is the lack of acknowledging predictable potential dangers and failing to prepare. Planning and preparation are more important and effective that reactive regret. Our governments (local, state and national) failed to prepare, were too slow to act and then overspent and clumsily reacted after a major city, built under sea level within the historical path of hurricanes finally was hit. Motivated by political fear and regret, and belated not public service our Government has spent and continues to spend irresponsibly to repair damage to lives and property. Having a lucid plan for evacuation would have served the citizens of New Orleans much better.

We cannot wait for Al Qaeda to attack El Paso, Yuma or San Diego to recognize the current threat. We should prudently protect our homeland from predictable events. We owe our children the safety of prudent protection, not prove our love after an attack with grandiose and belated symbolism.

You and I as parents must reject the politics of divisiveness and assert our power as citizens. We must unite and demand that our leadership immediately provide the funding and action necessary to secure our borders. We must provide the infrastructure, technology and man-power to protect all of us (citizens, new citizens, soon to be citizens, and temporary guests). We must secure the border as a nation defense reaction to the reality of the War on Terror.

Let us defer the debate about immigration just long enough to focus solely on the Nation Defense Imperative of securing our borders. We have been at risk for nearly 5 years. Our President, the Congress and the Dept. of Homeland Security are charged with the responsibility of providing for the common defense. We have allowed them to provide common-rhetoric.

Our Nation has the skill to accomplish anything we collectively decide to pursue. America can and must secure the border while providing dignified, safe and legal access to this nation of immigrants.