Oil War?

I am simply disgusted. 

How in the world can the president compare this environmental disaster to a war?  Oh, I get it.  This administration does not want this disaster characterized as "Obama's Katrina".  Haven't you heard the administration trying to compare this disaster to Bush's 9/11?  That is why they are using the war metaphors.  How despicable.  And, how is it that this president is willing to put 17,000 National Guard troops to work on this problem?  Are you serious?  This president is not wiling to put 6,000 troops to protect the US borders.  But, they are willing to put 17,000 National Guard troops to work on this disaster?  I think comparing this disaster to a war is disrespectful to the men and women who have and are continuing to fight on behalf of the nation.

While I am giving my opinion on the president's speech, I would also like to comment about the "we don't know where we are going or what we want" comment.  Mr. President, once again you are demonstrating that you are out of touch with us working class Americans.  We know what we want, and we know what we do not want.  Why don't you try listening for a change?  Oh, that's right: we (the American people who you work for) are too dumb to know what we want.  That is why elitists like you have to make decisions for us.  Well, November is just around the corner.  I think you will find out what we want then.  Just in case you have not followed my blog before, I voted for a Democratic Congressman in the 2008 election.  I am not only voting AGAINST that person in 2010, I am donating money and time to the campaigns of all the other candidates in the race - I am actively campaigning AGAINST the democratic incumbent. 

Mr. Obama, no matter how much your spin doctors try to spin this, the gulf oil disaster will always be your Katrina.  I just made another post about "Arm Chair Quarterbacks", where I said that I did not appreciate the media bashing you about things that were beyond your control.  But, you are the one who is supposed to be demonstrating your leadership.  And, I just don't see anything from your administration but politics as usual.

Arm Chair Quarterbacks

We've all done it.  It's a normal human behavior to express one's opinion.  The problem is when these opinions become confused with the facts.  And, it's even more dangerous when aggressive (or arrogant) individuals try to represent their opinion as fact.  Throughout my career, I have been amazed by the number of people who think they can do a particular job just by reading a book.  I guess it is possible that, in my youth, I was arrogant and naive enough to think that experience did not matter.  I am much wiser now.  :-)

But seriously; the term expert applies to an individual with knowledge, experience and skills in a particular domain.  An individual's expertise is based on their knowledge and skills.  And, the way an individual gets expertise is by learning and applying their skills to real world problems.  Experts are not elected or assigned based on political methods (like most managers).  Thus, an individual's expertise has nothing to do with whether they are "in charge" or not.  And, clearly, individuals cannot gain experience (or expertise) simply by being put in charge of something.   

So, where am I going with this, you might ask?

Well ... it's like this:  I see lots of people "arm chair quarterbacking" the Gulf situation.  Instead of doing that myself, I just want to say that this is a difficult situation for all parties.  And, I think we need to let the folks with the knowledge of these kinds of wells do their job.  I am not at all happy with the news media that has been attacking this administration for lack of action; particularly when this particular set of media is very quick to scream whenever the government attempts to do anything that could be perceived as "anti-business".  Nor am I happy with the oil company's response to the situation.  But, I still believe in letting the experts do their job.  And, I am quite sure that this administration does not have any expertise in deep water oil wells.  This is a perfect opportunity for this administration to demonstrate its leadership abilities, by working with the oil company to resolve the problem.  Of course, that is not what is happening.  I guess it was too much to expect leadership from an administration that sees itself as a monarchy.  So, I guess you could say that I am also not happy with the way this administration has handled this crisis.  Basically, I am not happy with the situation.  I think the media should shut up.  I think the administration should demonstrate leadership rather than it's regular political manipulation.  And, I think the oil industry at large should make a commitment to deal with this economic and environmental disaster; so this administration does not use this as an excuse for more big government. 

Hmm ... I guess that was still "arm chair quarterbacking".  I just hope it was in perspective. 

Arizona Hat Trick

What is a "hat trick", you might ask? A "hat trick" is a technique used by a magician to distract the audience from what is really going. A "hat trick" is nothing more than a diversion. 

So, what do I mean when I say the Arizona "hat trick"?  I am talking about a deliberate diversion; I am saying that this administration's reaction to the Arizona immigration law is intended to take the focus off of something else they are doing.  I believe this administration is trying to put the focus of the American people on anything other than the way our government passed the healthcare reform law.  

This administration is not stupid. They know very well that the American people were severely angered by the process used to push healthcare reform through Congress.  And, they know that the American people are going to do something about it, once they get the chance. Of course, they also know that the American people have a very short attention span. Put this with the fact that this administration believes that they can manipulate public opinion (given enough time), and you can see why a "hat trick" makes good strategic sense (from their point of view). After all, why wouldn't this administration think this would work?  Particularly when this is precisely how they manipulated the public to get the votes they needed to get elected.  They are thinking: The American people fell for it before - they will fall for it again.  Okay, maybe I am being a bit too cynical.  Nevertheless, this administration knows that if they do not find a way to take the public's collective mind off the way healthcare reform was passed, the Democratic Party is going to potentially lose both the House and the Senate in the November election.  That is a mighty big motivator for a "hat trick"; wouldn't you say?  The American people must not forget the despicable behavior of our government representatives during the healthcare reform process; the American people must not be distracted by the "hat trick".

The fact is, the Arizona immigration law is a law. And, laws are supposed to be enforced. Otherwise, there's no reason to have the law in the first place. If we are going to selectively enforce laws in this country, then we run the risk of having all our laws questioned and selectively enforced. What kind of country will this be, if all the citizens were to just choose the laws that they wanted to obey?  It's called anarchy.  And, it is a sure fire way to tear the country completely apart.  This country has succeeded because of the way laws are made to reflect the values of our society.  If we politicize the enforcement of laws, then we run the risk of encouraging anarchy.  It's bad enough that our elected officials are all above the law.  That is, our elected officials have a different set of laws, than us average working class Americans.  What kind of example does this set for the average working class American?  The Arizona law needs to be enforced; just like every law needs to be enforced: equally and without prejudice.  Isn't that what "government of, by and for the people" really means?

My cynical side also came up with a really good conspiracy theory.  This administration is so aggressive in trying to control and micro-manage everything, I could actually see them rationalizing the elimination of "States Rights"; based on the inability of states to get along on this issue.  I can see this administration trying to eliminate or weaken the states ability to put laws (like this immigration law) in place.  Cynical, huh?  Well, it kind of seems to me that the government wants to be involved in every aspect of everything.  So, maybe this is not so cynical after all.

Arizona, a Sovereign State within the United States of America, made a new immigration law; which is within its rights as a Sovereign State.  I find it dispicable that this administration is trying politicize this law for its own political gain.  Oh, and not matter what this administration does to try to distract from how the healthcare reform was passed into law, I (for one) will never forget.  I voted for the incumbent Democratic congressman.  And, I am going to be walking neighborhoods till November, to make sure he does not get re-elected.

Student Loans

I am happy to see that the government is taking over student loans.

Current day politics has come down to either trusting government more than industry, or, trusting industry more than government. Well, I believe our founders intended for a system of checks and balances. That is, I think there are times when the government should step in and protect it's citizens. And,to be clear, I think this should be when the citizens want and have asked for the government's help. But, for the most part, I am like most Americans: I want the government to stay out of private industry; and, specifically, to stay out of my private life!

Here's the thing. I would not have been able to go to college and earn a degree, had it not been for government managed, low interest student loans. I believe that it is in the best interest of our country, when people, who have the brains to do more, are empowered to get a better education. After all, isn't the American Dream about being able to live up to your full potential? How can the average person do this? Win the lottery? Get lucky and come up with a great idea? I submit that the path to the American Dream is through education. And, I believe that every American should have the opportunity to get a better education.

Now, let me define what I mean by having "the opportunity to get a better education". First, this is a loan. And, it should be treated like a loan; meaning that it should be paid back! Otherwise it becomes a grant - which is a fancy word for entitlement. I am not in favor of entitlements of any kind. Further, I believe that all grant programs need to be terminated; in favor of loan programs.

Oh, and one more thing: I am not in favor of the way this became law. While I am happy to see the government providing low interest student loans to our next generation of leaders and innovators, I am not happy that this bill was passed using legal trickery. At some point the Democratic "ruling party" had better wake up and realize that they work for the American people. The Democratic "ruling party" seems to think the American people are gonna forget what they have done. I will take that bet! Elections are just around the corner. And, I for one will be working very hard to make sure Americans do not forget the Democratic "ruling party's" unforgivable sin. So, I really cannot say congratulations on getting the student loan program put in place; even though I think it is a good idea. The way this legislation was put in place was not acceptable.

A note to Republicans: be careful. This is the kind of issue that reminds us independents that you are polarized towards enabling business - no matter what. Money does not grow on trees. Sometimes people need help dealing with economic disadvantages. The Republican "business at any cost approach", is precisely why you were voted out of power in 2006 and again in 2008. The average working class American is not happy with corporate executives, that earn millions of dollars a year in salary. And, this is what the Democrats play to: that sentiment. Thus, there are gonna be times when the government should provide programs, that will help the average working class person to have the opportunity to get a better education. Better educated Americans will ultimately stimulate our economy, and, help to maintain a middle class. This student loan program is a good program, that should have been passed in the first place. Shame on you for not thinking of the American people; other than when it is convenient for you to do so.

And finally, a note to Democrats: make sure this loan program does not become yet another entitlement program. As an independent, I am okay with a progressive tax system. But, that is as far as it goes.

What did you expect?

"This is what change looks like". What kind of statement is that? The context of this statement could have been a lecture; like that of a parent to a child, when the parent is trying to instruct a child on the proper way to handle a particular situation. Isn't this the kind of thing that one person would say to another, if the person making the statement thought the other person did not understand what was meant by the word "change"? Or, at least, wouldn't this kind of statement lead a rational person to believe that the person making the statement is trying to some how instruct the person (or people) that the statement is being made to?

So, why would someone make this kind of statement; after a health care bill, that the majority of the people in the United States did not want, passed through congress? Well (rolls eyes in a condescending manner), the American people cannot possibly know what is good for themselves. So, we, the Democratic Leadership, are just going to have to make those decision for them (uniformed and illiterate as they are).

If we, the American People, are as stupid as our Democratic Leadership would like to contend, then whose fault is that? In case you have forgotten, all the schools through High School are run according to government mandated instruction programs. So, what, we are all just too dumb or lazy to learn anything in school? If we are as stupid as you think we are, whose fault is that? Yeah, we the American people were dumb enough to fall for the Democratic Road Game. But, that was a momentary lapse in judgment, not a systemic indication of stupidity. Come on! We are not stupid. And, we do not like being treated like we are not smart enough to make important decisions about our lives. But, I digress.

So, what is the real reason behind the "This is what change looks like" comment? Well, the only thing that I can think of is utter disrespect for the American People. It's either lack of respect, or, an agenda that is profoundly contrary to the majority of our cultural values. I do not say this lightly. And, I am very much aware that the Republican Talking Heads have been saying this for a couple of years now. As an independent thinker, and an American that has tried to find the positive in every situation, I have been hoping that the talking heads were wrong. I hereby apologize to all the Republican Talking Heads (even you Rush). I was absolutely and completely caught off guard by the audacity of the "This is what change looks like" comment. The utter arrogance of this statement, in light of the situation, was both appalling and insulting.

To be fair, I think I figured out the motivation behind this statement; after hours of contemplation. I suspect that the speech writers wanted a "Mission Accomplished" moment (recall Bush on the aircraft carrier). Well, guys and gals, you got it. I think this comment went over as well as the Bush "Mission Accomplished" statement went over. I get it. The President promised change. The President said on election night that change had come to America. Now, he is saying that he accomplished the change he promised. To bad the change is not what the American People wanted or needed. To bad the statement came across as arrogant and condescending. But, I guess I should not be surprised. After all, this administration has not thought anything through; they are simply on an idealistic binge. That seems to be the one true trademark of this administration: doesn't think things through. From the Air Force One flyby over the Statue of Liberty, to the passing of legislation (using bribery and coercion) that will almost surely guarantee that Democrats loose lots of seats in the House and Senate.

What did I expect?

I was hoping that the deal making and corruption in Washington would stop. That is the change I was hoping for. That is the change I was counting on. But, that has not been the case. Instead, I see things in Washington are as corrupt as ever. The only change, is the political party doing the dirty deals. The irony is that I am still hearing the Democrats blame Bush; as if it's some kind of excuse for their behavior. Let's be clear about this: the corruption was not acceptable under the Bush administration, and, it is not acceptable now. Using Bush (or any republican - for that matter) as an excuse for spending trillions of tax payer's hard earned dollars is despicable.

Up to the "This is what change looks like" comment, I was not thinking that the admistration has some kind of idealistic libral agenda. I have been hoping that this administration would do what Clinton did, and govern from the middle. This administration, however, seems to think they have some kind of majical influence with the American People. I suspect they are not gonna change - ever. After all, they know what is best for the American People.

We are Watching!

My fellow Americans,

It is time for action. No matter what your involvement prior to this moment, your fellow Americans need you now more than ever.

We need to send a message to our elected representation in Washington D.C. And, since they do not seem to be able to understand us (the American People), we need to keep it very direct and very simple. Please do the following:

1) Forward this message to everyone you can. Now is the time for all Americans to let their voices be heard.

2) Get the email and phone numbers for your:
a) Congressional Representative - http://www.senate.gov/reference/common/faq/How_to_contact_senators.htm
b) Senators - https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

3) Send each of your elected representatives the following very simple message:

"We, the American People, are Watching ..."


That's it! It's not hard to do. And, it will not take much of your time. Keep it simple. Set the example.

Come on America, make your voices heard!

Founding Fathers

Thank God our Founding Fathers had the vision to construct a government with multiple branches. They were very much afraid of one branch of government gaining too much power. Thus, the "checks and balances" of a government with three branches was born.

This Administration motivated the American People with a message of hope and change. Were these just words on a TelePrompTer? Did you not understand the change the American People wanted? Let me spell it out for you: We the people wanted (and still want) a government with integrity. We did not (and do not) want all the back room deals that are required to get legislation through Congress. We did not (and do not) want government elitists, who think they know better than us; what is good for us. Did you not understand the message from those Patriotic, Independent thinking voters in Massachusetts?

The American people elected you, Mr. Obama, because they thought you were going to work on their behalf. Instead, you are off on some idealistic binge. We, the American People, are not mindless serfs to be ruled by a bunch of elitists. We are a free and independent thinking people, who want our government representatives to remember that they work for us.

Case in Point: What is the deal with this health care reform summit? You are having a summit with the very people that have already proven that they are not listening to the American people? What do you hope to gain from this? It does not make sense. Unless ... you are not listening to the American people either. What else could it be? You are still on an idealistic health care agenda, rather than taking care of fixing the economy and creating jobs. You seem to think that you can put the republicans "on the spot" about this legislation. Listen up - the Republicans are not the problem! Government Elitists are the problem! If you really wanted to do something on health care, then why not just take those issues that would most benefit the largest portion of the American population? Eliminate all the pork-barrel deals - you would not need them if the legislation benefited a larger segment of the population. How about a "keep it simple stupid" approach? Perhaps, you should have brought in some of the average Americans to your summit; some of the folks who are going to get stuck with the bill. At least they would be working for the American people, and, not trying to make deals for lobbyists.

Now that the American People understand what you meant by change, Mr. Obama, we are gonna make some changes ourselves. We call it operation "Throw the Bums out!" It's time to put people in Congress, who understand their responsibilities to the American People.

It's time for checks and balances!