POLITICAL: Worrying about reelection as opposed to the country

Thursday, July 15, 2010

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/12/us/politics/12governors.html

July 11, 2010
Governors Voice Grave Concerns on Immigration
By ABBY GOODNOUGH

*** begin quote ***

BOSTON — In a private meeting with White House officials this weekend, Democratic governors voiced deep anxiety about the Obama administration’s suit against Arizona’s new immigration law, worrying that it could cost a vulnerable Democratic Party in the fall elections.

*** end quote ***

Interesting that there is very little worry about the massive problems that face the country. That’s of little concern. It’s all about getting reelected. And, what issues reflect upon that goal. Never a concern that if they had real solutions they’d be whisked into power.

At the root of the Gooferment’s problem is their starting point — force. It immediately makes what they do: immoral, ineffective, and inefficient. They have a tremendous unavoidable and imho unrecoverable burden.

It seems so apparent to me: adopt honest money by repealing the “legal tender” diktats, end the income tax returning to funding the Gooferment by tariffs and excise taxes; repeal the mandatory school attendance diktats; reduce the size and scope of the Gooferment by shutting down whole sections of Gooferment; stop the various wars; end the “war” on (some) drugs; pardon non-violent drug offenders; repeal the 17th for the direct election of Senators; and institute a single 18 year term for Supreme Court justices.

Seems so obvious to me!

Then stand back and watch the economy take off.

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POLITICAL: My plan … secession

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/Republicans-should-embrace-Paul-Ryan_s-Road-Map-98201434.html

Republicans should embrace Paul Ryan’s Road Map
By: Fred Barnes Weekly Standard
July 12, 2010

*** begin quote ***

For Republicans, the road map authored by Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin is the most important proposal in domestic policy since Ronald Reagan embraced supply-side economics in the 1980 presidential campaign. It’s not only the freshest, boldest, and most comprehensive Republican thinking, it’s also the most relevant. If Republicans adopt the road map as their basic ideological blueprint, it offers them the prospect of a landslide in the midterm election this year, followed by victory in the presidential election in 2012.

*** end quote ***

Well, you have to have something to allow you to win. The Republicans are the only choice. We’ve seen what the Democrats can do. Not that the other side of the duopoly is much better.

“We, The People” had to turn the District Of Corruption into a revolving door until we can unwind it.

Secession is the only way to cut this mess down to size. Maybe the USA has to split into pieces like the USSR. Too big to allow to exist. Vermont may be the first to go. California if spun off would be the 12th largest country in the world. Texas.

Time to let everyone go their own way. Peacefully. The American experiment has failed. As predicted, once folks figured out how to vote themselves benefits from the public treasury.

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POLITICAL: It’s the “effete”; not the “elite”

Monday, July 12, 2010

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2010/07/reclaiming_language_on_the_rig.html

July 05, 2010
Reclaiming language on the right
Harry Beadle

*** begin quote ***

At any rate, I would argue there are many other words which better describe the true nature of our liberal friends. One I would propose is “effete.” The same online American Heritage Dictionary defines the word this way: “marked by self-indulgence, triviality or decadence; as in an effete group of self-professed intellectuals.” I am sure you see the relevance. Another definition from the same online source is: “unable to produce, sterile.” Liberals surely do not produce original ideas; as for sterility, we can but hope.

*** end quote ***

I agree.

From hence forth and forever more, I will refer to the Progressive ex-Liberal self-annointed Socialist “elite” as “The Effete”.

It fits them so much better.

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POLITICAL: The Police need an “enhancement”

Sunday, July 11, 2010

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66763A20100709

California transit cop verdict sparks looting
By Steve Gorman and Peter Henderson
  LOS ANGELES/OAKLAND | Fri Jul 9, 2010 4:52am EDT

*** begin quote ***

LOS ANGELES/OAKLAND California (Reuters) – A white former transit police officer was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in a videotaped shooting death of an unarmed black man last year in Oakland, California, sparking a wave of looting and destruction in the city on Thursday.

*** and ***

Jurors can render an involuntary manslaughter conviction if they believe the defendant lacked an intent to kill but engaged in conduct so grossly negligent that it amounts to a crime.

*** end quote ***

Obviously, California juries are “interesting”. They may have gotten this one right. But shouldn’t there be an “enhancement” for police who are supposed to be “professional”. And the video akes this look like an execution.

The looting is probably opportunists rather than upset citizens.

Makes one wonder what’s going to happen in the next “Greatest Depression” which is right around the corner. When folks are really hungry, scared, and pissed off?

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POLITICAL: Who’s pulling the ball out from whose kick?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell070610.php3

Jewish World Review July 6, 2010 / 25 Tamuz 5770
Santa and Frank
By Thomas Sowell

*** begin quote ***

People who remember the old comic strip “Peanuts” will recall an often repeated situation where Lucy offers to hold a football for Charlie Brown to kick. Then, as Charlie coming running up to kick it, Lucy snatches away the ball and Charlie Brown loses his balance and goes crashing on his backside.

The reason this same scene remained funny, despite how often it was repeated, is that in the later repetitions Charlie Brown would express suspicion at Lucy, recalling how she had tricked him before. She would then come up with some claim that she wasn’t going to do that any more— and of course she did.

There is a similar routine that has been repeated many times in Washington, over the years, with the Democrats playing Lucy and Republicans playing Charlie Brown.

*** end quote ***

I hate to disagree with the learned Thomas. (The number two of the few economists I respect; behind Walter Williams.)

In his little “morality play”, I’d cast the Taxpayer as Charlie Brown and the politicians and bureaucrats in the District of Corruption as Lucy.

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SOCIALISM:Exactly how is microcredit for capital formation consistent with socialism?

Friday, July 9, 2010

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N04171136.htm

RPT-FEATURE-Venezuela slum takes socialism beyond Chavez
06 Jul 2010 11:00:17 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Esteban Israel

*** begin quote ***

They are also turning their hands to urban agriculture and fish farming to feed locals, and say that the future communal bank will extend micro-credit to foster economic independence.

*** end quote ***

Why?

If these guys are socialists why do they need money. And, microcredit? That makes no sense. These guys are socialists. Credit is at the bedrock of capitalism. And, that’s their evil villain. Unfortunately, economics is as real as physics in terms of science. Scarcity is a sad fact of life. And, wishing it would go away is hopeless. And actually detrimental to making life better for everyone.

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POLITICAL: Too big to fail doesn’t appy to nations?

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

http://libertyslifeline.com/2010/06/28/the-regulators-are-dead-long-live-the-regulators/

The Regulators are Dead, Long Live the Regulators
Jun 28, 2010
2010 Election, Bailouts, Economy, Fiscal Crisis, Liberty, Obama, Politics, Taxes

*** begin quote ***

Senator Chris Dodd and Representative Barney Frank were at the heart of the financial debacle, claiming that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were in sound financial shape. Meanwhile Senator Dodd was getting a sweetheart mortgage from Countrywide as a “Friend of Angelo” Mozillo, the CEO of Countrywide. Now we are to believe that Senator Dodd and Representative Frank have ridden to the rescue and have crafted the solution we have all been waiting for, just don’t ask about Fannie and Freddie, they aren’t included in this master work.

*** end quote ***

“Too big to fail” means too big to permit to exist.

In the real world of nature, there’s a limit on growth and size. Bee colonies split. Poor people emigrate. You can only grow so big.

Common problem for publicly traded companies is they can’t grow at a rate sufficient to command a premium multiple in the stock market.

So the problem is yet unaddressed.

Some ideas might be an arbitrary limit on a company’s balance sheet. A “too big company” might be subject to tighter financial regulation, an insurance tax, or even an absolute limit.

Without the gooferment, in the real world, the huge enterprises couldn’t exist. Logistics don’t scale. Competitors emerge.

It’s sad!

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POLITICAL: DIck Morris starts a rant

Friday, July 2, 2010

http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/2010/07/01/obamas-immigration-hypocrisy/

OBAMA’S IMMIGRATION HYPOCRISY
By Dick Morris And Eileen McGann
07.1.2010

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When Obama could have passed comprehensive immigration reform – when he still had 60 Senate Democrats – he didn’t lift a finger to push it. Now that he can’t pass it – it is too late in the year, he doesn’t have 60 votes, and many Democrats will defect – he aggressively pushes it in a national speech.

The opportunism and hypocrisy of his attempt to manipulate America’s Latinos into forgetting his previous inaction is transparent and obvious.

*** end quote ***

Dick Morris made an interesting point. When BHO44 had the majority in the Senate, he couldn’t be bothered with immigration reform. No that he can’t get it done, he wants to push it. Argh! Typical Chicago politician. He wants the political power from the fight about it. He can posture as the “immigration reformer” while painting his opponents into the corner as anti-immigrant anti-Latino. Voters are so stupid.

If I was the R’s, I’d immediately propose: eliminating all personal and corporate welfare and throwing open the “golden door”. We need imigrants who want to come here to work. I’d ask for a DNA swab, a fingerprint, a quick check for communicable diseases, and then immediately issue them a new combination visa, work permit, and tax id number. Welcome to America, the land of opportunity, and fat poor people. We want those people, we need those people, we can definitely handle those people.

At the same time, I’d end the drug war. (What does a drug dealer do when Walmart sells marijuana, crack, cocaine, and speed; all for the price of aspirin. I’m confident that they Walmart and the other Pharmacy Companies will do a far better job of controlling drug addiction that the Gooferment. Look at the business made out of weight reduction and smoking cessation.

(What will the Colombian Drug Lords do when WalMArt insists on low cost high quality “junk”? Take up tourism? And, what will the Taliban do in Afghanistan when WalMart doesn’t have to pay top dollar for their poppy plants? Go back to being a fourth world country? Argh!)

AND, we won’t have children die from “illegal drugs” of unknown strength and unknown quality. (Who’s body is it? Isn’t the decision what to put in it the ultimate expression of self-ownership.) (Given that youth like to rebel and do “cool” stuff, won’t making drugs “legal” take all the allure out of taking them? Kinda hard to envision yourself as a James Dean type rebel when you are in the queue at WalMart with Granny buying pot for her glaucoma!)

Pardon the non-violent offenders in Federal prisons. We could then close more than half the prisons. And focus on the really bad human beings who kill and hurt people.

And along with “fixing” (i.e., nuking) the drug laws, let’s eliminate the death penalty nationally. Aside from it not being cost effective, the gooferment should NEVER have the power to kill its citizens. I agree with Bill O’Reilly; Alaska sounds like a nice tropical resort for criminals. Create a place like the French Devil’s Island. No cruelty; just isolation of the truly dangerous.

And, let’s talk energy. France gets 80% of its electric power from nukes. They have a few national “standard designs”. If a company uses one of them, then there is expedited approvals. Now we need to import less oil.

Why does the Federal Gooferment have any role in the national electric grid? Sell it to the power companies.

Why does the Gooferment run airports? Sell them to the airlines. Why does the Gooferment run airport security? Turn it over to the airlines.

Suddenly we need a lot less gooferment workers! With bug salaries and big pensions.

And speaking about pensions! Why can’t we get out of the pension business completely.

Like any other fraud, we should prosecute any crime with the objective to make the victim whole. Restitution! Not incarceration or even rehabilitation. Let’s make sure that crime doesn’t pay.

The Gooferment should only be a referee; not a participant. And certainly not an operator. Gooferment skrules, gone. Clearly we need a 20 or 40 year transition plan.

Gooferment “social security” fraud, gone. Clearly, we need a fifty year transition plan.

Argh! There so much to do. Old Wall Street expression: When you’re in a hole, stop digging. We should not be creating more “holes” for future generation to dig themselves out of.

(Where do politicians, bureaucrats, and the elite send their children to school? Certainly not the “public school”! Argh!!)

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POLITICAL: I thought is was all about finding the “truth”

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

http://www.slate.com/id/2256188

Certain Knowledge
Why all crime-scene evidence should be DNA tested.
By Radley Balko
Posted Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at 9:59 AM ET

*** begin quote ***

Arguing over which evidence gets tested shouldn’t be part of either side’s strategy. The prosecution and the defense should begin knowing that all of the evidence has been tested or will be. For old cases like Skinner’s, if there’s significant doubt about the defendant’s guilt that testing could resolve, legislators shouldn’t wait for the courts—they should make sure themselves that testing is done.

*** and ***

By refusing to answer the question, Texas officials are acting as if preserving a conviction is more important than knowing for certain who killed Twila Busby and her sons.

*** end quote ***

One reason to oppose the “death penalty” is that it’s irreversible.

Wasn’t this supposed to be a search for Truth?

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POLITICAL: I’d prefer USP, UL, Consumers Reports, doctors, and WalMart over the FDA

Friday, June 18, 2010

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholic-businessman-battles-als-prepares-for-eternity/

Catholic businessman battles ALS, prepares for eternity

By Spencer S. Busby

*** begin quote ***

San Diego, Calif., Jun 6, 2010 / 01:19 pm (CNA).- Three years ago, Shane FitzMaurice was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The rare neurological disorder is typically fatal within five years of diagnosis.

*** and ***

Initially, the diagnosis felt like a death sentence. “At first, I was in denial,” FitzMaurice said, “feeling all doom and gloom and ‘why me’?”

But then he decided to fight back. Last August, he traveled with his wife to Monterrey, Mexico, to undergo an experimental procedure that implanted his own body’s stem cells into his brain. While FitzMaurice was pleased that he took action by undergoing the procedure, he admits that it has resulted in only limited improvement.

Still, FitzMaurice believes such therapies should be more freely available in the United States. “People with a terminal diagnosis should be able to sign a waiver with FDA to be guinea pigs, because we do not have the time to wait.”

*** end quote ***

We know so little about our own bodies.

And it’s a terrible disease.

That being said, the man has a great point. Why should the FDA keep interfering? Are they protecting him from something worse? What could that be?

TIme to nuke the FDA!

They are just a bunch of bureaucrats captured by Big Pharma.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Thalidomide? That happened with the FDA. And they used it to slow the process and make it more expensive. It’s not like we don’t have drug disasters anyway. And, what good drugs have they prevented by making it too slow and too costly.

I’ll take faster and cheaper. USP, UL, Consumers Reports, doctors, and WalMart will do a much better job of keeping us safe.

Argh!

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