Tag Archives: Politics

Today’s Special – Thomas Sowell Interview

Peter Robinson at the Hoover Institution interviews Dr. Thomas Sowell, noted economist, historian, and philosopher on his new book ‘Basic Economics’ and today’s economic situation and why we are where we are.

The interview is chock full of food for thought.

Thanks to the Hoover Institution for producing this interview, Peter Robinson for asking the questions, and Dr. Sowell for sharing your genius and book, Basic Economics, with us.

Repeal It, The Alternative Already Exists

Listen to all the reporting and hand wringing over the thought that the new House majority party is out to repeal Obamacare. As though something terrible will happen. Actually, passing Obamacare, or more correctly, shoving it down our throats, is precisely why there is a new majority party in the House. It’s not that Americans would not like improvements in health delivery and health insurance in this country. It’s just that they did not ask for and do not want THIS solution.

The alternative exists that will deal with those ten percent of Americans that don’t have and for some reason do not want health insurance. It will do it without ruining the health insurance industry and the plans for the other 80 or 90 percent of Americans and their employers that are just fine with their current situation and the plans they have. The alternative is not a budget buster. Nor does it take your choice away or make your health care decisions for you. That alternative is H.R. 3400

The Empowering Patients First Act, or H.R. 3400, would allow:

  • Individuals to choose their health insurance (no mandates)
  • Deductibility of health insurance premiums regardless of who pays
  • Employers to provide flexible health-insurance options to employees
  • Health insurance coverage for low-income families (300 percent of the federal poverty level)
  • Health insurance for high-risk individuals (pre-existing conditions)
  • Sale of health insurance across state lines
  • Expansion of Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs
  • Individual membership association health insurance plan
  • Association Health Insurance Plans
  • Medical liability limitations (Tort reform)

Unlike Democrat-care, the Republican alternative would not impose fines on workers or employers, require cuts in Medicare, increase taxes, require a new government bureaucracy, require a “government health insurance” option nor add $1 trillion or more to the national debt.

Pulled this out of the archives . . .

At the beginning of President Obama’s speech to the joint session of Congress on Sept. 9, 2009 a truism was spoken about “comprehensive” (that’s political-speak for government-controlled) health care.

President Obama said “A bill for comprehensive health reform was first introduced by John Dingell Sr. in 1943. Sixty-five years later, his son continues to introduce that same bill at the beginning of each session.”

The truism that seems to escape Democrats is that for 65 years, they continue to ignore the will of the people. That socialized medicine is one thing that Americans do not want, and it’s time to move on. If the president really believes what he is saying, then he ought to be confident enough to also say that if his plan does not increase the availability and quality of care and the debt, and does not decrease the cost, then he will scrap his version of health care reform before his term ends and enact H.R. 3400, the Republican alternative.

Regarding President Obama, you have a decision to make. Is he lying about there not being a Republican alternative, or is he that far out of touch that he doesn’t even know it exists? Which one works for you?

Besides, if you take the president at his word, it should be President Obama calling for its repeal. He said he would not sign a health care reform bill if it did not bring down costs or if it increased the debt. By any account, Obamacare has not lived up to what he promised. Do you still trust what President Obama says? It’s a rhetorical question.

The American people already answered that one. And it’s time for a change. H.R. 3400, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, ought to be the course of action to take where actual health care reform (as opposed to deform) is concerned. Whatever comes out of it, it ought to be something that the American people want, not what a bunch of idealogues high on government-run health care want. An idea that has been rejected routinely for 65 years.

Fairness Doctrine Is Censorship In Hungary

Actually, it is considered censorship here too, although the political Left will disagree. Freedom, especially freedom of the press and freedom of speech has been diminished in Hungary.

Hungary’s recently elected right-wing government has introduced a law demanding — under threat of fines and even shut-down — that news sources be “fair and balanced,” to borrow a phrase from a US news network.

But it doesn’t stop there.

[T]the agency created to determine whether news outlets are in compliance is stacked with political allies of the prime minister and would essentially have the freedom to punish news outlets as it sees fit.

The EU gets it and does not approve. Brings into question the notion that Hungary is not representative of the EU.

The law has raised concerns among Hungary’s European Union partner countries, particularly given that the country will assume the EU’s rotating presidency on January 1. Germany, in particular, has questioned whether Hungary can now be considered a legitimate representative of European values.

Media included in the law is TV, daily and weekly newspapers, magazines and internet sites. The whole nine yards. What is particularly amazing is that it wasn’t that long ago that Hungary was in the communist bloc where there was no freedom of the press. What are they thinking?

Link: In the Middle of Europe, a Democracy Introduces Press Censorship

Deficit Commission And Debt Ceiling Sleight Of Hand

Hearken back to 2008. The government’s budget (yeah, they had one back then) was what it was. The debt was what it was also. Since that time, we’ve seen what we were told were ‘bailouts’ for various and sundry items that were going to save the economy from collapse. Instead, what happened was that the size of government grew.

Now, the president’s Deficit Commission dutifully omitted the part about going back to where we were in 2008, as if the new bloated government was the new starting point to work on decreasing the debt. They, through this sleight of hand, have assumed the massive growth in government in the last two years as a given, instead of the temporary booster shot that the bailouts were sold to us as being.

Putting aside all the minutiae and detail, the crux of the proposal comes down to two points: capping federal government expenditures at 22% — and eventually 21% — of GDP, and capping revenues at 21% of GDP.For virtually all of the Clinton and G.W. Bush years – and during all the Kennedy/Johnson/Nixon years – federal expenditures ranged between 18 and 20% of GDP.

The more important problem is on the revenue side. According to Office of Management and Budget figures, federal revenues have NEVER reached 21% of GDP. In fact, only in Bill Clinton’s final year in office – and during WW II – did revenues even exceed 20% of GDP. During the whole time from 1960 through 2008, federal tax revenues almost always fell between 17 and 19% of GDP, only occasionally rising above 19% (chiefly in Clinton’s second term) or below 17% (G. W. Bush’s first term). Even President Obama’s FY 11 Budget has federal revenues rising only to around 19% of GDP by 2015. So the 21% “cap” represents two full percentage points of GDP above what we have experienced even during historically “high” tax environments.

The next project for the new congress (remember we still don’t have a 2011 budget) is whether or not to raise, I said RAISE, the debt ceiling. That is a process that allows Washington to put us further into debt. It is also the process that will codify and approve the smoke and mirrors of the stimulus spending as being temporary, to being the new bloated state and size of our government as being permanent.

Question is will the American people see it this way? When Obama says we need to cut spending, he means that after increasing spending by orders of magnitude that we should be content with that, keep the size and reach of government where it is,  and then we shouldn’t be spending any more.

Which brings us to ‘put our money where your mouth is’ day. Will congress acquiesce to the current size of government and all the bureaucracy that goes with it or will they say NO to raising the debt ceiling? If they approve raising the debt ceiling, will they follow up with the drastic cuts needed so we will not have to raise our grandchildren’s debt again?

Here is something else to ponder. No matter the spin about spending out there, our national debt has now surpassed, or on its way to soon surpass, our GDP. Put simply, we’re spending, and continue to spend, more than we make.

Link: What Am I Missing?

MSNBC, The Hate Network

“Great video: head of GOProud interviewed by retarded person on MSNBC,” the Bend Over network. Oh, or rather the Lean Forward network. Filling in on the Ed Shultz show, aka the Mike & Ed show,  host Chenk Uygur says Republicans hate gays. If Christopher Barron was black, Chenk Uygur would have said Republicans hate blacks too.

It is fun to watch Christopher Barron, the head of GOProud, make mincemeat out of that stereotypical jerk.

Government-Union Partnership?

And in the quid pro quo department comes this gem that garnered zero mention in the media. It apparently has been scrubbed from the Department of Labor’s website. If it’s not there, does that mean it never happened? Screenshot below tells the story. Thanks to Red State for their diligence in being the watchdog on this story. You won’t find it anywhere else.

Isn’t it amazing why too, no one has ever questioned what business it is or should be of the government to support labor unions? They are a business just like any other. But, instead of taking them over, the Obama administration is more concerned with helping them grow by advancing The Employee Free Choice Act, now commonly called ‘Card Check.’

And so it was that last week, President Obama met with union leaders and ‘[T]alked about creating good jobs for the American people, and how the partnership with labor unions is essential to growing our economy and continuing our recovery.’

President Obama is the last person on the planet who believes that labor unions create jobs or grow the economy. And that some partnership with them (aside from giving them controlling interest in Chrysler) is essential to growing the economy.  Considering that labor unions constitute only 12.3% of the workforce, down from 20.1% in 1983 when comparable records were first available, it is obvious that the president is looking for ways to pay them back for their huge campaign contributions and political activism in support of the Democrat party’s agenda. Labor unions won’t create jobs or continue a so-called recovery in the same way that the stimulus money has not created jobs or stimulated the private sector economy.

Looking at which side Obama’s bread is buttered on, it is revealing to see that union membership rate for public sector (government) workers is 37.4 percent, and only 7.2 percent in the private sector. Is it any wonder why Andy Stern is the most frequent visitor to The White House?

Check this, from Red State . . .

In light of the NLRB’s attacks on business this week, this little piece is striking, as it is the epitome of why the economy still sucks unemployment remains high.

The U.S. Department of Labor, which has become akin to the Ministry of Workers’ Councils, regularly issues a newsletter via e-mail and posts it on the Ministry’s website. This week, among other items touted, was this little gem on union bosses meeting with President Obama to discuss growing the economy and the government-union partnership.

[Screenshot below the fold just in case…well, you know.]

Obama, Solis and Labor Leaders

President Obama, Secretary Solis and key White House staff met last week with a dozen leaders from several national labor unions to discuss ways to work together to strengthen the economy. The group talked about creating good jobs for the American people, and how the partnership with labor unions is essential to growing our economy and continuing our recovery. The president and the labor secretary also highlighted critical steps that the administration has taken and pledged to continue to work closely with organized labor in the coming months on important economic issues.

It’s funny that the administration still refuses to admit that unions are the antithesis of private-sector job creation. In fact, it seems the only way unions create jobs is to buy politicians who steal other people’s money, then reward the union bosses with taxpayer dollars and government-approved discrimination.

Links:

Sen. Harry Reid’s Last Left Hook, Filibuster ‘Reform’

Lame Duck and current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has one last Left Hook to add to his former boxing career. He just may attempt to reverse himself, and those in this video, regarding the filibuster by changing the rules in the senate to make it a simple majority.

While echos of the Nuclear Option are still bouncing around the halls, Democrats are just fit to be tied that some of their pay-back legislation was blocked by the filibuster. They would like to ‘fix’ that for the next Congress in ways that they know best. Just change the rules before they get there. The non-passage of their union-support program called Card Check, a Public Option for ObamaCare and Climate Change legislation really ticked them off. And lets not forget the Mexican Dream Act.

Considering how much pride Vice President Joe (BFD) Biden took in legislating against the will of the American people, slipping a few more goodies in on the last day in power could only be a bonus.

Link: Returning Democratic Senators Unanimously Push For Filibuster Reform | Filibuster Reform – “The Quest for Absolute Power” | RedState.

Joe Biden Sends His Congratulations

Vice President Joe (BFD) Biden sent out his congratulatory message to the eleven percent of the country that think we’re going in the right direction. Oh how easy it is to ignore the other eighty-nine percent of us. Here it is, with comments.

Ross —

Yeah, we’re on a first name basis.

I’ve been in Washington for almost 40 years. I’ve seen a lot of Congresses come and go. But I can’t remember a group of lawmakers who accomplished more than the folks who just wrapped up their work.

Replace ‘lawmakers’ with ‘lawbreakers’  or ‘pirates’ and he’d be more correct. They dispensed with the Constitution about two years ago.  What Joe really means is, ‘despite the will of the American people, we shoved government-run health care down their collective throat anyway. Aren’t we good?’

With their help, we repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and ratified the START arms control treaty. We passed a new law to rein in the abuses on Wall Street and protect consumers. We reformed the health care system and passed the Recovery Act to get our economy growing again.

And that’s all working so well isn’t it? No net increase in full-time jobs, unemployment still over 9.5%, with real unemployment north of 15%. Well, repealing Bill Clinton’s DADT is a plus.

But do you know why all that happened? Because people like you rolled up your sleeves, dug deep, and decided to make a difference. We had a dedicated group of lawmakers — no doubt — but they were supported every step of the way by folks from all across this country who were ready for change. People like you.

I know why. It happened because you decided not to listen to the American people and ram legislation through without reading it.  That’s why. And yes, eleven percent of the folks liked the idea of imposing ‘social justice’ throughout the land, like it or not. ‘Social justice’ does sound better than what it really means. Which is redistribution of wealth.

I know how much that means to me. And I can’t even begin tell you how much it means to the President.

Oh come on Joe. Give it a try.

So here’s the deal: President Obama wants to send you a note to express how grateful we are for all you did.  Would you like to receive one?

Ahhh, ‘the deal.’ No thanks Joe. I think that eleven percent figure is about right. But give the DNC credit for trying to demonstrate greater support than there really is with this mailing. Joe, don’t be surprised if most of those on your mailing list pass on this one.

Two years ago, we were staring into an abyss. The financial crisis was the worst this country has faced since the Great Depression.

So what’s your point? We still are, and it still is.

But this Congress passed the largest set of tax cuts for the middle class since President Reagan, the largest education reform since President Johnson, the largest infrastructure investment since President Eisenhower, and the largest clean-energy bill ever.

And, you also increased the size of government exponentially. But here again, I’ll give you credit for repealing Clinton a second time by keeping the tax rates where Bush ’43 left them instead of where Bill Clinton left them. But Joe, only in your mind does leaving the tax rates unchanged constitute a cut. Well, you and your boss, and apparently the DNC also pretend to believe it.

The ‘this Congress passed the largest set of tax cuts for the middle class’ part is a lie of whopper proportions. Joe, let me remind you of what your boss said about these Bush tax rates. He said that they were ‘tax cuts for the rich’ and ‘on the backs of the poor’ and were ‘destroying the middle class.’ Joe, the benefits of what actually were the Bush tax cuts have worn off years ago. In the last two or three years, we have lost millions of jobs with no signs of improvement. The FUD factor still reigns supreme. But here’s the good part, now President Obama says that these same tax rates that were destroying the middle class are not only good for the middle class, but will now create millions of jobs. This, after having already lost millions of jobs. Huh?

Everything else Congress did just grew government and increased our national debt. Something only a community organizer would or could be proud of.

Now — even though we still have a ways to go — the economy is growing again.

Not in the private sector Joe. Not in the private sector.

Prior to this Congress, lawmakers had talked about reforming health care for almost a century. But with the President leading the way, these folks went out, and — with you at their side — they did it. Now 32 million more Americans will have access to health coverage.

Just goes to show how when you are persistent enough, that even 60 years of the American people saying NO to government-run health care, and a Congress that won’t take NO for an answer, what one can accomplish. So 300 million Americans can pay more in every way including suborning their own health care responsibilities and decisions to the government so, allegedly, 32 million people can have some kind of health care. Amazing.

When we came into office, just about the entire country had come to realize that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was wrong. More than 14,000 brave men and women had been discharged simply because of who they were. With your help, we struck down that law and made this country a more just place.

Good job. Funny though, that was one of the first things Bill Clinton did. Just don’t call our troops homophobes. And, no grab-ass on the battlefield. Talk about friendly fire.

Every lawmaker who worked to accomplish these things will talk about their votes — and the role they played in this progress — for years.

Legislating against the will of the American people is a big deal. Will probably never be forgotten. At least not by 2012.

The President and I take great pride in those achievements. But each one belongs to you. You believed in them, you fought for them, and we’re darn grateful.

No Joe. You and your Congress deserve all the credit.

So let the President send you a note to show our appreciation.

Sign up here:

http://my.democrats.org/ThankYouCard

Thank you — for everything,

Joe

Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee bla bla bla ….. and bla.

And thank you Joe, for the opportunity to help you spread the word.

Links:  Bill Clinton Sends The Kid Off ‘Please Go’ From PresserKill The So-Called Tax Cut BillObama To Focus On The Economy; Believe It, Or NotCongressional Performance

Kennedy Retirement From Congress Leaves A Family Void

Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies at the Brookings Institution, said it has become more difficult over the years for Kennedy family members to extend their brand of liberalism outside the Northeast.

“As the country has grown more conservative,” West said, “it’s been harder for the Kennedys to win elective office.”

Link:  Kennedy Retirement From Congress Leaves A Family Void

2010 Census Adjusts Representation

The purpose of the census, done once every ten years, is to make adjustments in the House of Representatives to assure accurate representation in Washington based on population of the states. This interactive map provided by the Census Bureau illustrates the population shift for the last hundred years.

Census Bureau Director Robert Groves gave the highlights.

“This 2010 census population represents a growth of 9.7 per cent over the official population count of 2000.”

“As you know the constitutional purpose of the census is the redistribution of the membership of the House of Representatives across states proportional to the population,” continued Groves. “Since 1940 the law has specified that the Census Bureau use the method of equal proportions to assign seats to the states.”

Pointing out the trend since 1940 that N.E. and Midwestern states lose seats, and South and Western states gain seats (creating a net shift of 79 seats) Groves went on to prove this decade as no exception. This decade’s population spread will see a 12-seat shift with eight states gaining representatives, 10 states losing seats. Texas benefits most with a gain of four seats.

Link: U.S. Census Bureau Announces 2010 Census Population Counts