Common Sense Punditry

The Birth of a New Verb

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:53:00 +0000

By Bill Reid

This is a fast changing world. The younger generation doesn’t even speak the same language as their predecessors because of the influence of an exploding social media.

I believe that when the political history of the current period is analyzed in retrospect and written based on the results and outcomes of the policies of current day politicians, there will be a new method of referencing the collective opinion of those who understand or bother to study some of the dubious political characters of our time. I believe there will be the birth of new verbs that sum up that understanding. In fact, there are already some of these in existence today. For example, the creation of the internet search engine Google. As Google grew into the dominant giant that it is today a new verb was born. It is not uncommon to hear just about anyone say, “Google it”, as they refer to some bit of information that might reside on the Internet. A new verb was born. The same could be said of the treatment of Judge Robert Bork during a Senate Judicial Committee confirmation hearing. After a lengthy hearing that was fraught with unbridled character assassination of Judge Bork by those on the left who disagreed with his judicial philosophy, Judge Bork withdrew his nomination for U. S. Supreme Court Justice, and soon it became popular in political circles to refer to similar attacks on one’s character as being “Borked”.

Today I believe that we are living through an economic period in our history that, while not entirely created by the current President, is certainly being exasperated by his ineptitude, ignorance, stupidity, or radical ideological beliefs. We currently have a President who, by almost any thoughtful account, is totally unqualified for the post to which he, with a tremendous amount of help from his handlers, managed to get elected. He was, and in many ways still is, a political novice, having served in the Illinois State Senate for a few years, then getting elected to the U. S. Senate almost by default before being selected by his political party to run for the Presidency. I don’t know for sure who to blame for the election debacle that put him in office, maybe the left leaning media, maybe an ill informed and ignorant electorate, but just as likely, a corruption of the voting processes by powerful special interests. None the less, we have him as President for the time being, hopefully just for the remainder of one term, and we have to live with the naiveté that permeates the thinking of both the President and those with whom he surrounds himself. There are many others who are complicit in determining the ill advised policies that are being forced upon the American People right now, such as the environmental movement, big labor unions, and many in academia who continue to push failed divisive ideological theories. As best I can determine there is a small but vocal minority of radicals who continue to believe and spread the lies that are constantly being dumped on an economically overwhelmed American Public that has little time to do anything other than try to find a way to survive their current circumstances. Those who produce are busy at work trying to produce their way out of their current miseries, and those who are takers are doing what they do best, taking from the public dole and repeating the lies that have been hammered into them over years of welfare assistance.

This is not to suggest that the President, who may be one of the most unqualified ever elected to the office of President of the United States, does not have qualities and skills that have served him well. He does. In my opinion, his most powerful skill is his ability to present material that is read from a teleprompter with a certain quality of voice and sound of authority that leads those with undecerrning minds to accept whatever he is presenting as fact, and believe every word of it. We now know, however, that there are many of his speeches on record, going back through his career as a public figure, where the positions he espoused, and the promises he made, were nothing more than “hot air” coming out of his mouth. He has proven, since his election, that there really was little that he said in order to get elected, that he has actually followed through with as the office holder who has the power to put those policies into effect. There is scarcely a statement that he has made over his time as President that one can dissect without finding at least some “untruth” or sleight of wording.

I believe that in the not too distant future, verbalization used in descriptions of those who wield the power to “pull the wool over the people’s eyes”, or to otherwise “obfuscate” the real meaning of their statements, will contain some form of the President’s name. For example, if there happens to be someone out there with great oratory skills that has a tendency to stretch, twist, or just outright mangle the truth, that person might be referred to as an “Obamanator”. Another example could be the dissection of a statement that could have more than one meaning as “Obamanese”. An analysis of a speech might lead to it being referred to as an “Obamanation”, and a comment on a live speech might refer to the speaker as “Obamanating”. But the ultimate verbal tag for those whose tendencies are to BS their way through life at the expense of the gullible or less informed would be the label “Obamavore”.

So there you have it. All that has transpired in the process that has given us the worst qualified President, at the worst possible juncture in our nation’s history, along with the revelation of the shallowness of the thinking of he and his minions is very likely going to lead to the birth of a new verb in the American vocabulary, and the “Obama’s” of the world will no longer be able to hide behind their loud mouthed oratory as they attempt to pass off the excrement of their ideology on the unsuspecting masses. Yet in spite of all the damage that is being visited upon America and American’s in general by the lame brained policies of his administration, this President might, in a strange sort of way, be the best thing that could have happened at this time in our history. It Is very possible that this President is the catalyst that was needed to bring about a great awakening of patriotic Americans who are now becoming the early foot soldiers of a new American Revolution, one that will take us back to our roots and provide the strength of conviction, and commitment necessary to remake America into the strong, proud home, and defender of, personal freedom, that it once was, and can be again.

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

What Is Wrong With the Original Blueprint?

By

Bill Reid

Last night I sat through the third State of the Union Address given by President Barak Obama. It was his “blue print” to “rebuild America”. It was a painful experience.

Almost from the very beginning there were promises of more government programs that will turn our ailing economy around. One after another they came, in quick succession, from proposals for three way government, education and private partnerships to “retrain” hundreds of thousands of unemployed workers for jobs that don’t really exist, to directives to all departments of the government to “cut waste”, to “pie in the sky” dreams of new clean energy technologies that would be funded by taxpayers. Then going through the same tired rhetoric about how the rich should pay their “fair share”, and oil companies had for too long been the beneficiaries of government subsidies that should now be stopped and have that money redirected to support unproven green technologies that will produce more new jobs than we can fill.

There were so many proposals and plans being tossed about that the whole affair became “mind boggling”. At one point I was so overwhelmed with all the “good things” that Barak Obama says are going to come to the rescue of the “American Dream”, that I was afraid to get out of my chair for fear that the dizziness created by all that was swirling around in my head would cause me to lose balance and fall. And it was all about how “the government was going to fix things”.

Then, in the middle of it all he, as a Democrat, compared his vision of the role of government to that of a Republican, Abraham Lincoln, when Lincoln said “The government shouldn’t do anything for the people that the people can do for themselves.” What did he say? I found myself doing a mental double take. Did he really say that? How could he possibly think that Lincoln’s statement was even remotely consistent with anything else that he was spewing out for consumption when everything that he had brought up in his speech was related to government involvement in almost every detail of every American’s life? What a farcical comment! I am quite sure that when President Lincoln make his original comment about his view of what the government’s role should be in the lives of individual Americans, he wasn’t seeking to create a nation of people dependent on the government dole.

When, finally, after 65 minutes of loud oratory, the President ended his so called “state of the union address”, I sat almost dumbfounded, wondering “where is the blue print?” To me there was nothing more than a long series of discombobulated proposals, threats, and some of the same old promises that we have heard now since way back in the campaign of 2008. Then it occurred to me, if America is “broken”, as would be indicated by the assertion that the blue print that I couldn’t see was for the “rebuilding” of America, then why not pull out the “original blueprint” and compare what we have now, after 225 plus years of “adjustments” to the original blueprint, and see if we can determine where some of the intervening generations went wrong with those adjustments.

I think if the President wanted to be completely honest with the American People last night, he should have stood up there and said; Folks, we’ve been wondering around in the wilderness for about 3 or 4 generations now, looking for a magic potion that would take us from a solid well built and thriving America to some utopian dream that we haven’t quite been able to make a reality, and in the process we have “broken” the model that had worked for us so well until about the beginning of the 20th century. So tonight I am proposing that we go back to the “original blueprint” and start all over. I am proposing this drastic change because America is in real trouble, and I have come to the conclusion that “the Founders” must have been a lot smarter and wiser than some of us were lead to believe.

The Federal government was never meant to be the colossal, lumbering giant that it has become. The lessons are there to be seen everywhere one looks. Will someone tell me why our so called leaders can’t see them, and in doing so, come to the conclusion that the “original blueprint” was about as close to perfection as we could ever hope to come?
___________________________________________
Bill Reid is a blue collar retiree who has become an Internet entrepreneur. As a believer in the founding principles of our country who has become very alarmed by what he perceives as the irresponsible practices of today’s political elite, he has become a part of the loyal opposition. Establishing and promoting the blogs “Common Sense Punditry” and “Voices of Outrage”, Bill attempts to reveal the insanities that are being forced upon the American People in the hope that a younger generation will take up the cause and help to return America to “common sense” practices and solutions.
__________________________________________

America – “A Nation of Immigrants” or “A Nation of Dissidents”?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Immigration reform has been one of the hottest political topics facing Americans for most of the first decade of the 21st century. There were two failed attempts to pass “comprehensive immigration reform” during the Bush Administrations and now the current administration doesn’t have the political guts to face the issue of illegal immigration head on and chooses instead to try to circumvent the law through bureaucratic slights of hand.

It appears that the impetus for most of the activity relating to this very important issue is the premise by those on the “left of the political spectrum” that we, as a Nation, should have “compassion” for immigrants since we are “a nation of immigrants”. Since all these “poor” masses who are pouring across our borders illegally are only trying to “better” their lot in life, and since we Americans are only qualified to reap the great bounty of America simply by right of being born in America, then we should extend all of the benefits that come with being a “natural born citizen” of this great nation, to all comers.

Of course there are others who, with motives driven primarily by greed, will support the premise that we are a “nation of immigrants” as well. Big business in general being one of the most obvious, because of cheap labor, but also many middle class homeowners who happen to be the largest single group who take advantages of cheap illegal immigrant labor. So there is plenty of blame to go around if that’s what we need to soothe our national conscious.

There are some questions that are burning a hole in my brain that I think need to be answered if we are to ever come to grips with the immigration issue in America once and for all time. I think I know the answers, but I’ll pose the questions here so that, hopefully, we can all find ourselves on the same page and put all the bickering behind us. Perhaps then we can finally get on with the business of establishing a sensible immigration policy that will protect the values and culture that most Americans appreciate and cherish.

This exercise will require some logical thinking, and further, clear definitions of the terms “Emigrants” as opposed to “Immigrants”. These two entirely different designations, when presented with the “spoken word” in the English language, sound the same, and therein, I believe, lies the basis for some of the disagreement among our citizens.

Please follow along with me here as I lay out the reasoning behind my conclusions.

Question 1 - How should we classify the early settlers of the “New World” and later, the British Colonies, and their offspring?

I think the answer might be that “most” of those who chose to emigrate to the Colonies and/or the continent that was historically referred to as “The New World”, would be “classified” as dissidents. There was no “organized country or government” at the destination they chose, and they were leaving a religious, political, or economic system that, to them, was unacceptable. They were “dissenters” in one way or another, and were willing to take the risks that came with the voyage and unforeseen hardships that they had to know lay ahead of them as they embarked to the “New World”.

Here is the definition of Dissident: disagreeing especially with an established religious or political system, organization, or belief. You can draw your own conclusion.

Question 2 - Were there any Immigrants in the British Colonies before Independence was won from the British?

I think it would be fair to say that, No, there weren’t any, simply because there was no ‘America’ into which anyone could be considered an “Immigrant” since there was no single organized government with an immigration policy. That being the case, those who came to the “New World” or later, to any of the Colonies would probably be considered as fleeing from a system with which they disagreed, so they would then be considered Émigré’s.

Here is the generally accepted definition of an Émigré, or Emigrant: (noun) one who emigrates; (adjective) departing or having departed from a country to settle elsewhere.

America: Transformation and Transition

As the “New World” was gradually transformed over time, from the wilderness that it was in the beginning, into townships, and eventually independent organized colonial governments, there also had to be a transition from being a “place” for an individual to flee to, to a “place” where individuals were invited to settle. I don’t know where one could draw the line and definitely say that it was “on this date” that such a transition was complete. Personally, I don’t think that time has actually come as yet. People from all over the world are still trying to get to America, the “land of opportunity” as they are attempting to escape from some form of oppression in their country of origin.

For the sake of argument however, let’s agree that the transition was probably complete at about the same time that the U. S. Federal Government, in its infancy, began trying to place some controls on “who” was coming to America in 1815. At that time a law was passed that required that the “passenger manifest” of ships be “noted” for the record.

From the earliest record of some form of “immigration” control in 1815 to the present time, there have been many other laws or rules applied to the “immigration policy” of the United States that attempted to restrict both the “quantity” and the “quality” of the “immigrant”.

The generally accepted definition of Immigrant is: a person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence.

The Origination of American Ancestry

I doubt that there is a way to truly establish the “real number” of legitimate citizens of the United States considering the latest massive influx of illegal aliens of all nationalities, and the inability of our Federal Bureaucrats to regulate the temporary visas that are regularly abused by many others who are allowed to enter our country legally, then refuse to follow the rules that would have them return to their country of origin. Without this type of information it would be very difficult for any one on either side of the issue of comprehensive immigration reform to speak with certainty as to the percentages of the American population that came to the “new world” or the “British Colonies” prior to the establishment of the United States of America and those who chose to “emigrate” after policies were implemented in an attempt to manage or restrict immigration.

As previously noted, the first instance of known immigration controls didn’t begin until around 1815, and has gone through various “modifications” at times over the next 195 years to bring us to the point at which we wrestle with the issue today. However, it is generally believed that there is pretty much an even split between the descendants of the original settlers and the descendants of those who came through Ellis Island beginning in 1892 and ending at its close in 1954.

It is clear to me that there is a distinction between those whose ancestors were the early “emigrants” coming to the “New World” because they held dissenting views of the political, religious, or economic systems where they were born, and those whose ancestors came much later after a civilization was created and a nation was established. Logic tells me that there could not have been the opportunity that existed for the second group, actual “immigrants” as opposed to “emigrants”, had it not been for the hardships suffered, and actions taken by those earlier settlers, who, along with their descendants, were responsible for the establishment of a “nation” and whose central government then eventually decided to restrict the flow of those who would be allowed to enter the “land of opportunity”.

In the beginning the intention of the new government of the United States of America was to encourage others to come and become a part of America. The process was “unfettered” for quite some time but as the need to manage the quantity and quality of the immigrants allow into the country changed, laws were promulgated and regulations written to implement those laws. But today it shouldn’t really matter how we collected the legal citizenry to this point, only that we need to maintain the integrity of a sane growth process to keep America on a path that will provide the same level of opportunity that has existed in the past for future generations.

Less Rhetoric – More Action

Today, as a top heavy bureaucracy, we find ourselves mired in a collection of “catch 22’s” that has almost every American Citizen searching for any semblance of sanity in our immigration policy.

Shouldn’t we just recognize that much of what is driving the debate is senseless rhetoric and take the necessary steps to impose the controls that will provide for the safety and integrity of the American Culture for the benefit of American Citizens?

Shouldn’t the debate be as to whether or not the “American Dream” or “land of opportunity” can be preserved and remain a viable, vibrant opportunity generator for those who qualify for Legal Citizenship?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:47:00 +0000

Cultural Survival
by
Bill Reid

Occasionally I am moved to publish my thoughts because the message is one that seems impossible to articulate to the targeted audience. This article is one of those and the audience is "young Americans". Young Americans, at this point in my life, are those who fall in the 18 to 45 age group.

As I look back over my 67 years I find that my thinking has evolved from almost total self indulgence to, now, being much more thoughtful and all encompassing in nature. I think the progression of awareness that I am trying to describe here is simply human nature taking it's course, though there are always exceptions to every rule.

When we are young we are caught up in comparisons to others and seem to have less respect for the opinions and observations of others. We generally go about life haphazardly, based on the current whims of society, seeking to satisfy our perceived "needs" and "wants", rather than applying our skills and talents toward the betterment of mankind at large. Ultimately, however, life demands that we begin to, at some point, pay attention to what is going on around us and make a meaningful contribution.

The reason I feel that the message in this article is so important is because I understand all too well how fleeting life is, and how much of it I wasted with my own self indulgence. What I am attempting to do here is sound a warning to all those "young Americans" out there who, whether they realize it or not, are following a similar path and are missing their opportunity to make a difference in the evolution of mankind in this world.

Cultural Preservation

Yes, there is career, and family, and all the other facets of life that must be a part of everyone’s existence. But there is also something much bigger and infinitely more important that is commonly overlooked. And that is the maintenance of our culture.

One of the most important parts of every culture is its dominant religion. As one who subscribes to the Christian faith, I find that most Christians are very tolerant. It is part of our religion. Not all religions teach tolerance. This brings me to the very core of the reason for this article. There is a huge fundamental difference between Christians and Muslims and that difference is tolerance.

I am not a religious scholar and I don't profess to be any kind of expert on religions of any kind. However, I have become keenly aware over the last 20 to 25 years of the effort that is being made by some Muslims, who practice the most intolerant version of Islam, to force their faith and will upon all other people of the world. Not just Christians. All other religions. They are emphatic in their belief that Islam will be the only religion of the world, and they are embarked upon a "holy war" or "Jihad" to make that goal a reality.

I doubt that there is a religion anywhere in the world, and this statement will include atheists and agnostics as well, who do not seek to grow their numbers. Every religion goes about that task in their own way. Most are peaceful and non-threatening. The radical element of Islam does not seek to expand its numbers by peaceful methods. To the contrary, the "radical Jihadists" are working day and night to impose their radical beliefs on all other people in the world by the application of terror as their principle weapon. Destruction of the cultures that harbor the "other" religions of the world will become the ultimate end result of their "holy war".

A War of Terror

The use of terror as a weapon against a perceived enemy is not new. It has existed in one form or another throughout the history of mankind. Why does this most inhumane types of warfare still exist today. The answer is...because it works. Terror intimidates masses of people, millions at a time, with just one horrific event. The more horrific the better. The more unbelievable, the better. The more carnage and destruction, the better.

The Disadvantage of Being Civilized

The problem that Americans are faced with today is twofold. First, we are predominantly a Christian nation that believes in being tolerant and forgiving. Radical Islamists are neither. Secondly, our attempt to "level the playing field" or "bring about equality" in our American Society by codifying and applying moralistic laws has put America at a distinct disadvantage as we go about trying to defend ourselves against the terroristic attacks of those radical elements of Islam or the "Jihadists".

Couple the preceding limitations with yet another fact of life today in America and other freedom loving nations of the West. It is now becoming alarmingly obvious that there has been another "front" in the war being prosecuted by the "Jihadists" that has gone undetected for many years now. The second "front" isn't any less important than the "terror operations" of the main "front", in fact, it might be the more important of the two.

Conversion and radicalization of young Americans and others, including their own children, by indoctrination is likely to have a cumulative effect of both pressure applied by those who are converted upon those they are seeking to convert, as well as an increase of the intimidated population who have yet to be converted. In other words, the loss of the will to resist the "Jihadists" efforts.

There Seems To Be No Hope

I know I am painting a bleak picture of the future. It makes me sad to realize that all we are suffering today around the world and here in America has evolved during my lifetime to this point. I ask myself quite often, "How could this have been happening and I was so unaware of its existence?" Could it be because I was more focused, first on my own self indulgence, then absorbed in the business of providing for my family and other interests that now seem so insignificant by comparison? I think part of the problem was just me not paying attention. Looking back I can see so many things that I might have done to help preserve our way of life, such as being more involved in church activities, youth programs, political activities, and even more time spent in an effort to "home educate" my own children to help them better understand the importance of maintaining our way of life, including the preservation of our "God given rights" and our "Constitutional rights".

There are also other reasons that could be the subjects of complete articles of their own, and some of those are that the main stream media outlets and politicians during that time of my life were working hard to ignore the warning signs. Another issue would be that we, here in America, were at the pinnacle of our military power and there was no need to "fear" these isolated incidents of terror. We could easily overwhelm any enemy. But now it is clear, it is very difficult to engage an enemy that you cannot identify and who has no "national" affiliation.

Global Corporatism

There is also the issue of world economics and the capitalist tendency, which has been both boon and bane to America, to ignore the political ambitions of dictators and tyrants, and now "Jihadists", in favor of capturing more profits and creating global enterprises with little allegiance to any nation or government.

We all know that money is the fundamental driving factor in the development of the civilized world. The judgment of those who subscribe to the philosophy that "money is power" will be clouded by greed. They believe that the more money one has, the more powerful they become. The truth is that the wealthy do live in styles that most common men will never enjoy; however, there is also another truth that seems to elude the wealthy, and that is that they will have no better chance of surviving a massive terror attack than all the others who happen to be within striking range of the event. Having more money will not immunize anyone from the wrath of the "radical Jihadists".

Is There A Solution?

I think the answer is yes. There is hope for the civilized world, but a successful campaign against the "radical Jihadists" will never have a total and final solution. An acceptable resolution of today’s crisis will come at a price, both in terms of life itself, and time and treasure to get the job done. Above all, young Americans must become involved in the struggle to help stem the momentum that is currently in favor of the "radical Islamic Terrorists". The question is, where do they start? The problem has been allowed to develop for many years and will not be stamped out in just a few years, maybe not even in a few decades. The problem can be solved. It will require time. It will require money. It will demand persistence and dedication. It will not be easy and there is no guarantee of success just because Americans are part of a militarily powerful nation.

The Battle Before The Battle

Americans today, especially older Americans, are clearly divided politically. Not so much by parties, but by political philosophies. The two major elements of this political struggle are Liberals and Conservatives. Generally speaking, Liberals tend to believe in the "nanny state", big government taking care of every human need from cradle to grave. And Conservatives tend to believe in smaller government with the personal independence and freedom that is secured with by their own personal responsibility.

In my opinion, before any battle can be waged and won against the "radical Islamists", there needs to be a settlement of differences between the Liberal and Conservative elements of America.

It is clear to me that a total takeover of Liberal policies will soon relegate America to a chaotic state that is beholden to other powers in the world. China is on the rise and could become the dominant power within just a few years if current trends hold and Americans fail to rise to the challenge.
It is also clear to me that policies which produce a pure Conservative state could lead to just as disastrous results. There needs to be a balance of the two for this Republic to survive and currently the trend toward Liberalism is where the momentum lies. Common sense must prevail or America will die by suicide.

A United "Young America" Can Win

Older Americans, like me, will be non-factors in the battle against the "radical Jihadists" to the extent that we don't have the physical energy required for the dedication and persistence that will be required of our populace in the battle. The problem began on our watch and we missed our opportunity to "nip it in the bud" in its infancy. My generation has failed in our duty to maintain the strength of character to do what is necessary to win a "religious war". The enemy understands that this war is "generational". America's leaders and many of its citizens do not grasp the concept of a "generational struggle".

If we are to prevail, young Americans must become aware of the seriousness of the situation, both on the home front with the upswing of "liberalism", and the "war of terror" that surely exists between all civilized nations and the "radical Islamists".

Secondly, they must resolve to take whatever steps are necessary to make life untenable for those who would terrorize and kill innocents in their quest for religious supremacy. That could mean doing some things militarily that seem extreme. It could actually mean "fighting fire with fire".

Finally, our young Americans are waging this new kind of war against the "Islamic Jihadists", they must teach their young that the war will continue beyond their life time and they must "engage" the enemy in any way that they can and do all they can to stop the "Jihadist" movement. Why must we do so? Because the "Jihadists" are well into their indoctrination of their young, teaching them to "kill" non-believers. Promoting terrorism.

Urgency Requires Action

There is no time to waste. The frequency and boldness of the terrorists’ attacks and attempted attacks demand that no time be wasted in mobilizing the American psyche for the battle that is already underway. The attacks of September 11, 2001 should have been the rallying point, but it turned out not to be for many Americans, old and young alike. Unlike the swell of patriotism subsequent to the attack of the Japanese on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the patriotic zeal that was created by the attacks of 9/11 quickly waned and soon it was back to politics and life as usual for many.

I hope this article will strike a spark among our young Americans, who will then take up the fight. Most of us will not be able to participate in the military as a combatant, but all of us have the ability to engage in the process of creating a national resistance to this attempted destruction of America and the American Dream.
One of those ways is to take up the pen or any other method of communication to join the national discussion of this most important issue. Our cultural survival depends on it, so I urge anyone who believes, as I do, that we have to take whatever action we can, to find a way to “engage” in the battle, and do it now.

Obama's "Guarantees"

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:45:00 +0000

A few hours ago I happened to catch a short "blurb" on Fox News Channel where the run up to the story showed a portion of an Obama interview with one of the many "left wing" hacks that produce "Obama News" for their audience. I am not sure if it was Matt Lauer or Bill Moyer, but that doesn't matter. They are both left wing nuts anyway.

The focus of the FNC report was Obama's answer to some softball question about what would happen if the Senate didn't pass the massive health care bill that is currently being debated there. What struck me about Obama's answer was not the answer itself, but his emphatic, theatrical delivery of the answer. To paraphrase, he said, "I can GUARANTEE the American People that if this bill does not pass the cost of their health care will go up, they will be dropped from their employers plans, and insurance premiums will be so high that no one can afford to pay for insurance". With the booming voice and demeanor that was, and still is, present during his many campaign oratories, Obama made crystal clear his "GUARANTEE".

Does anyone remember Obama's "guarantee" of transparency in government? Does anyone remember Obama's "guarantee" of "cleaning up" Washington, D. C.? No more lobbyists. No more "politics as usual" for his administration. No sir! Not in his Presidency. His administration would "open to the American People" and "clean".

Did he back up those GUARANTEES? I think the answer to that question is as clear by now as it ever will be. He never intended to keep those promises. He's nothing more than a "political hack" for the left wing extremists who have taken over the Democrat Party. A "mouth" that spews the rhetoric. Nothing more, nothing less. I think it would be safe to say that this man is a very convincing BALD FACED LIAR!

With the super majority that now exists in the House and Senate, there is little hope that anyone or anything can stand in the way of these outrageous spending bills, the Cap and Trade Bill, global warming "giveaways" to third world countries, amnesty for illegal immigrants, and God only knows what else they will foist upon the backs of working Americans. Now with the Fed printing money so fast that they are burning up the printing presses, Americans will loose buying power at an unprecidented rate when the "chickens come home to roost". More dollars for less product. That's what inflation does.

Do you think another three years of this kind of reckless fiscal behavior will be sustainable? I don't. And if you agree, then I suggest that you make a decision right now, that you and your family will have to make sacrifices you never dreamed of when it comes to pass and prepare your children and grand children for their loss of liberty and freedom.

Alternatively, you can make another decision. Make whatever sacrifice you have to in order to help stop the Obama Express. I urge you to visit this link and watch a brief video. If this video doesn't inspire you to action, then nothing will. It is time to get involved. Help save America!

Another Hypocrite Identified!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:23:00 +0000

Okay.... Let me see if I have this right.

The leftist crowd has been pushing a radical environmental agenda for years under the widely touted assumption that all the ills that we might be suffering from time to time, whether its tied to "global warming" or "global cooling", are caused by the industriousness of human beings. That is to say, in a little different way, that we humans, as an element of the earths population, are destroying our planet in our attempts to improve and advance civilization.

In a concerted effort that has spanned over 4 decades, these self-righteous, ideological nutcases have been attempting to prove their "theory" by trotting out the opinions of so called "environmental scientists" (only the one's whose opinions support their theory) in a overt and blatant attempt to brainwash as many of our children and young adults in government run schools and left leaning universities as they possibly can. They have been very successful in cramming their "one sided views" into the minds of the masses who were simply taking them at face value without question. Of course they must be right, many thought, because they have the "scientific data" to prove their point.

Now we have a new development coming to light that raises questions as to their motives and veracity. Emails from inside the small cluster of "scientists" (please note that I am using that term loosely) who have been at the epicenter of these "global warming theories" that have been made the basis for a massive piece of legislation in the United States (Cap and Tax) and other worldwide environmental initiatives, are being made public (leaked is the leftist terminology). These emails show that there has, at the very least been an inside effort to "hide" certain data that would be harmful to the environmentalist nutcase' agenda, and beyond that, to poison the well of data that would debunk their theory.

One would think that most "right thinking people", and by that I mean those who employ logic and common sense, will gladly welcome this new information that has come to light on the eve of a great push for legislation that will, by all accounts, literally put the brakes on the American economic engine, as it could lead to a more sensible non-emergency approach to curbing whatever polluting indulgences our industry might have been guilty of since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. And I believe that most "right thinking people" will react just that way. But not the leftist nutcase ideologues.

No... The leftist nutcase ideologues are having a much different reaction to this "leaked" information and the damage that it will undoubtedly cause to their push for more government control of every aspect of American Freedoms. Their reaction is currently being "showcased" by one nutcase U. S. Senator Barbara Boxer of California as she calls for an "investigation" into the "criminal acts" of the "leakers". Doesn't that seem to be a strange position for a U. S. Senator who is sworn to "uphold and defend the constitution" of the United States?

In the context of our political history over the last 40 or so years, Boxer's leftist outcry seems to me to be a little hypocritical. Perhaps we should think back a few years to a time when Barbara Boxer was likely a very young, still wet behind the ears, leftist nutcase in training in the mid 1970's when the Democrats (whose party was in the process of being hijacked by the left wing nutcases of the day) were ever so gleeful that President Richard Nixon was in the thick of an illegal cover up of the break in of the Democrat Headquarters at the Watergate Hotel. Wasn't that scandalous event perpetuated by "leaked" information by an informant who was only identified as "Deep Throat"?

If anything, Ms. Boxer should be nominated as an all time champion "political gymnast" for this demonstration of back flipping ability. Otherwise, she and others like her should be awarded their rightful place in American Political History as the back stabbing, power grubbing, special interest hypocrites that they are.

Yes... I think I have it right...

Just 5 Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:45:00 +0000

This is a 5 minute presentation that clearly demonstrates the dilema of the current immigration problem. I urge you to take JUST 5 MINUTES to watch, and then if you still don't understand the destructive nature of U. S. Government Immigration Policy and get involved in correcting this massive miscarriage of Federal power, then God help your children and grand children because they will loose the legacy of American Freedoms that could have been passed to them by our generation.

Why?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:11:00 +0000

As I pen this post, I am wondering if there is any limit to the stupidity of the established elite in Washington, D. C.?

For many years now we have been attempting to deal with Islamic aggressors who have been attacking our facilities at home and abroad. Whatever their grievance is seems to have become manifest with the take over of our U. S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran in 1979, and has not ceased since that time. I could, but won't, recreate a long list of attacks that are all aimed directly at the heart and soul of America, American, and the American way of life, which to this point, has been liberties and freedoms known nowhere else in the world.

The way that we have chosen to deal with those who were caught and blamed for the aforementioned attacks has alternated between treating them as combatants on the one hand because they have chosen to "declare" war... not us, or as criminals who have acted against the established laws of our country, which then causes us, according to our U. S. Constitution, to be required to extend to them the same rights as "citizens" of the United States. In the case of the latter, they have the full power of the court system at their disposal, including their right to be represented by counsel for which we may be required to pay. This is an absurd position regardless of any context.

It is very clear to me, and many other Americans, that these operatives are terrorists by their own admission and their goal is to destroy not only our government, but all of our other freedoms under our constitution, including that of religion.

Now we have the "liberal elite", who happen to be in power in Washington, D. C. at the moment, calling for the the admitted mastermind of the attacks of 9/11 to be tried in New York City, in a Federal court. Why? That is the simple question that screams for an answer! Why?

Why give the terrorists the same standing as a U. S. Citizen in a Federal Court?

Why give the terrorists the full power of the mostly misguided American media?

Why give the Citizens of New York City and New York State the bill for the cost of security for such a trial?

Why give the terrorists a much needed forum in which to declare their disdain for our culture?

Why create a litteral propaganda juggernaut that the terrorists can use to further forment hate and discontent among their legions?

Why set up a mechanism with which the terrorists can enhance their recruitment of other Jihidists?

A long list of "why's" could be called for here... but ultimately there is only one question in my mind...

Why give the terrorists anything other than about 5 minutes to spew their hatred just prior to tightening a noose around their neck and hanging them?

In my opinion, a trial of these terrorists should be a Military Tribunal and shouldn't last more than a day at the most with hanging to commence within 48 hours or sooner if the gallows can be built before that time. They have already admitted guilt in most cases, and if not explicitly, then by their knowledge of the events of 9/11. That is enough! These operatives are "soldiers" in a jihad that has been declared and is currently being carried out around the world against anyone who does not subscribe to their beliefs.

If we continue to allow our elected and appointed officials to attempt to deal with these terrorists as part of a civilized society, then we will loose this war eventually, because the terrorists have no such respect for civility. By the actions that they take on a regular basis, IE; bombings, etc, they demonstrate that they care not about any "convention of war".. such as the Geneva Convention. Their targets are innocent civilians enmasse as a means of creating an atmosphere that will stifle the economies of the countries that they target. They don't care if there are women, children and other innocent non-combatants whose lives are destroyed... they only want to acheive one thing and that is total Islamic dominence of the world. We should be reading their "play book". Why tie one hand behind our backs in the name of civility and eventually loose the war? The only way to win is to seek them out, no matter where they are, and totally destroy them, not capture and try them.

Consider this an appeal to every right thinking American, and I don't mean "right" in the sense of the far political right. I am referring to just common ordinary everyday thought. It is called common sense. Then apply a little extrapilation to see where that will take us. We must fight back and we must do so now.

There are two enemies of our attempts to save our way of life... One is the terrorists themselves and you already know what I think should be done with them. The second enemy of our success in saving the American way of life is the misinformed, misguided elite establishment in Washington D. C. who are, through their distorted vision of this time in the history of the world, allowing the enemies of freedom everywhere to gradually win their battles by intimidation tactics. Simply put the terrorists are attempting to "bully" their way to their goals and our stupid officials in Washington D. C., no matter their political allegiance, are helping them. Therefore, part of the solution to the world's terrorism problem is to "change" the thinking of the officials who are making these insane decisions. It must be done quickly before they are allowed to implement their intentions. I suggest that can be accomplished peacefully through a very strong POPULAR UPRISING of the electorate in America.

America is the last bastion of hope for freedom and we are currently loosing the battle. Join with me to encourage your neighbors and friends to engage the idiots in Washington DC and make known our demand for a change in the "rules of engagement" in this war to destroy us.

A Timely Message (1961)

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:13:00 +0000

In 1961 I was just graduating from high school. Politics was the last thing on my mind.

At the same time, Ronald Reagan was already being called upon to use his many talents to help spread the warnings that we have been given over the last 50 or so years. The message you will hear in this 11 minute 45 second radio broadcast by a younger Ronald Reagan couldn't be more appropriate to the debate that is raging currently about "healthcare".

Please listen.

And Then There Was The Second Amendment

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:37:00 +0000

Following The Progression

You're sound asleep when you hear a thump outside your bedroom door. Half-awake, and nearly paralyzed with fear, you hear muffled whispers. At least two people have broken into your house and are moving your way. With your heart pumping, you reach down beside your bed and pick up your shotgun.. You rack a shell into the chamber, then inch toward the door and open it. In the darkness, you make out two shadows.

One holds something that looks like a crowbar. When the intruder brandishes it as if to strike, you raise the shotgun and fire. The blast knocks both thugs to the floor. One writhes and screams while the second man crawls to the front door and lurches outside. As you pick up the telephone to call police, you know you're in trouble.

In your country, most guns were outlawed years before, and the few That are privately owned are so stringently regulated as to make them useless. Yours was never registered. Police arrive and inform you that the second burglar has died. They arrest you for First Degree Murder and Illegal Possession of a Firearm. When you talk to your attorney, he tells you not to worry: authorities will probably plea the case down to manslaughter.

"What kind of sentence will I get?" you ask.

"Only ten-to-twelve years," he replies, as if that's nothing. "Behave yourself, andyou'll be out in seven."

The next day, the shooting is the lead story in the local newspaper.. Somehow, you're portrayed as an eccentric vigilante while the two men you shot are represented as choirboys. Their friends and relatives can't find an unkind word to say about them. Buried deep down in the article, authorities acknowledge that both "victims" have been arrested numerous times. But the next day's headline says it all: "Lovable Rogue Son Didn't Deserve to Die." The thieves have been transformed from career criminals into Robin Hood-type pranksters. As the days wear on, the story takes wings. The national media picks it up, then the international media. The surviving burglar has become a folk hero.

Your attorney says the thief is preparing to sue you, and he'll probably win. The media publishes reports that your home has been burglarized several times in the past and that you've been critical of local police for their lack of effort in apprehending the suspects. After the last break-in, you told your neighbor that you would be prepared next time. The District Attorney uses this to allege that you were lying in wait for the burglars.

A few months later, you go to trial. The charges haven't been reduced, as your lawyer had so confidently predicted. When you take the stand, your anger at the injustice of it all works against you. Prosecutors paint a picture of you as a mean, vengeful man. It doesn't take long for the jury to convict you of all charges.

The judge sentences you to life in prison.

This case really happened.

On August 22, 1999, Tony Martin of Emneth, Norfolk , England , killed one burglar and wounded a second. In April, 2000, he was convicted and is now serving a life term.

How did it become a crime to defend one's own life in the once great British Empire ?

It started with the Pistols Act of 1903. This seemingly reasonable law forbade selling pistols to minors or felons and established that handgun sales were to be made only to those who had a license. The Firearms Act of 1920 expanded licensing to include not only handguns but all firearms except shotguns.

Later laws passed in 1953 and 1967 outlawed the carrying of any weapon by private citizens and mandated the registration of all shotguns.

Momentum for total handgun confiscation began in earnest after the Hungerford mass shooting in 1987.. Michael Ryan, a mentally disturbed Man with a Kalashnikov rifle, walked down the streets shooting everyone he saw.. When the smoke cleared, 17 people were dead.

The British public, already de-sensitized by eighty years of "gun control", demanded even tougher restrictions. (The seizure of all privately owned handguns was the objective even though Ryan used a rifle.)

Nine years later, at Dunblane , Scotland , Thomas Hamilton used a semi-automatic weapon to murder 16 children and a teacher at a public school.

For many years, the media had portrayed all gun owners as mentally unstable or worse, criminals. Now the press had a real kook with which to beat up law-abiding gun owners. Day after day, week after week, the media gave up all pretense of objectivity and demanded a total ban on all handguns. The Dunblane Inquiry, a few months later, Sealed the fate of the few sidearm still owned by private citizens.

During the years in which the British government incrementally took away most gun rights, the notion that a citizen had the right to armed self-defense came to be seen as vigilantism. Authorities refused to grant gun licenses to people who were threatened, claiming that self-defense was no longer considered a reason to own a gun.. Citizens who shot burglars or robbers or rapists were charged while the real criminals were released.

Indeed, after the Martin shooting, a police spokesman was quoted as saying, "We cannot have people take the law into their own hands."

All of Martin's neighbors had been robbed numerous times, and several elderly people were severely injured in beatings by young thugs who had no fear of the consequences. Martin himself, a collector of antiques, had seen most of his collection trashed or stolen by burglars.

When the Dunblane Inquiry ended, citizens who owned handguns were given three months to turn them over to local authorities. Being good British subjects, most people obeyed the law. The few who didn't were visited by police and threatened with ten-year prison sentences if they didn't comply. Police later bragged that they'd taken nearly 200,000 handguns from private citizens.

How did the authorities know who had handguns? The guns had been registered and licensed. Kinda like cars.

Sound familiar?

WAKE UP AMERICA ; THIS IS WHY OUR FOUNDING FATHERS PUT THE SECOND AMENDMENT IN OUR CONSTITUTION.

"..It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds.." --Samuel Adams

And The Insanity Spreads

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:19:00 +0000

Just the fact that the American People are sitting on their hands as the socialists are preparing to "chop off" the last of our dwindling liberties is reason enough to pass on this recent dispatch from "the hill"...

House health care bill makes individual private medical insurance illegal

Thanks. I went to IBD and verified this. Thanks to the President,
Administration, and Democratic Congress, the citizens who work and
contribute are going to be screwed. Thanks, Mr. President... This looks
like change we can believe in... but, it stinks.

But, keep smiling. You may not have long to smile. After age 65, you will
be left to die without somewhat costly life-lengthening medical treatment
you literally busted your ass over the years to now have. Sorry. No hips.
No knees. No dialysis. No bypass. No stent. No pacemaker. No life. And,
no money for a funeral because the Government taxed you to death to cover
the $10T committed/spent in just the past six months. About ten times what
Bush did in eight years.

Never though I would seen such a crappy Government in this Country.
Cheers,

-----------------------------------------
It's Not An Option

By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:20 PM PT

Congress: It didn't take long to run into an "uh-oh" moment when reading the
House's "health care for all Americans" bill. Right there on Page 16 is a
provision making individual private medical insurance illegal.

IBD Exclusive Series: Government-Run Healthcare: A Prescription For Failure

When we first saw the paragraph Tuesday, just after the 1,018-page document
was released, we thought we surely must be misreading it. So we sought help
from the House Ways and Means Committee.

It turns out we were right: The provision would indeed outlaw individual
private coverage. Under the Orwellian header of "Protecting The Choice To
Keep Current Coverage," the "Limitation On New Enrollment" section of the
bill clearly states:

"Except as provided in this paragraph, the individual health insurance
issuer offering such coverage does not enroll any individual in such
coverage if the first effective date of coverage is on or after the first
day" of the year the legislation becomes law.

So we can all keep our coverage, just as promised - with, of course,
exceptions: Those who currently have private individual coverage won't be
able to change it. Nor will those who leave a company to work for themselves
be free to buy individual plans from private carriers.

From the beginning, opponents of the public option plan have warned that if
the government gets into the business of offering subsidized health
insurance coverage, the private insurance market will wither. Drawn by a
public option that will be 30% to 40% cheaper than their current premiums
because taxpayers will be funding it, employers will gladly scrap their
private plans and go with Washington's coverage.

The nonpartisan Lewin Group estimated in April that 120 million or more
Americans could lose their group coverage at work and end up in such a
program. That would leave private carriers with 50 million or fewer
customers. This could cause the market to, as Lewin Vice President John
Sheils put it, "fizzle out altogether."

What wasn't known until now is that the bill itself will kill the market for
private individual coverage by not letting any new policies be written after
the public option becomes law.

The legislation is also likely to finish off health savings accounts, a goal
that Democrats have had for years. They want to crush that alternative
because nothing gives individuals more control over their medical care, and
the government less, than HSAs.

With HSAs out of the way, a key obstacle to the left's expansion of the
welfare state will be removed.

The public option won't be an option for many, but rather a mandate for
buying government care. A free people should be outraged at this advance of
soft tyranny.

Washington does not have the constitutional or moral authority to outlaw
private markets in which parties voluntarily participate. It shouldn't be
killing business opportunities, or limiting choices, or legislating major
changes in Americans' lives.

It took just 16 pages of reading to find this naked attempt by the political
powers to increase their reach. It's scary to think how many more breaches
of liberty we'll come across in the final 1,002.

A Timely Message

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:03:00 +0000

Every once in a while a message comes along that makes sense. This one does and therefore, earns a post here.

Here's what you get. When you visit the link in the title of this post, you will see and hear what is fast becoming a rising sentiment in America. Some are beginning to wake up to the fact that our government has been "off the track" for a long time, and our current course has been, and continues to be, policy that will literally destroy the great experiment of a "virtuous people, governing themselves" through a "Representative Republic".

Some of us believe that the destruction will be even more catastrophic, leading to the break up of the United States, and the end of the worlds greatest economic power, and force for good that has ever been conceived by man (through devine intervention), forever.

America as a "way of life" is fast coming to an end. If we are to save ourselves from what has been a debacle of stupidity and ill conceived policy, we must do all we can to wake up the ordinary work-a-day citizens to the facts. The alarm is being sounded. Commonsense must prevail and we must start now.

My fervant hope is that, in some small way, this blog, this post, this communication, will help provide the impetitus or spark for more to get involved...

"Do it now" has never been said with more urgency than I want to impart to you here. Do something... join a "Tea Party" in your town, or support a patriotic effort of some sort. Become a part of a growing movement to "take back our country".

Thank you.
Bill Reid

A Message To The Republican Party

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:47:00 +0000

To: Chairman, RNC

Dear Mr. Steele,

Thank you for contacting me. I did not send a contribution and I am going to take a few minutes here to tell you why.

I am not a Republican, I am not a Democrat, and I consider myself an Independent thinker. In the most strict sense of the term, I am an American. I believe in American values, not socialism, communism, or any of the other "isms" that so many of the radical special interests groups espouse. I want what is good for America. It just happens to be that I am a 66 year old white male who has been retired on a fixed income now for about 4 years. The savings that my wife and I thought would provide the cushion that we could fall back on in the event that hard times happened along, has dwindled to about half of what it was when I retired... just 4 short years ago... and now those "hard times" have arrived. Not a pretty picture.

8 years ago I supported George W. Bush and the Republican Party with both my votes and my money, primarily because I could not stand the thought of having an environmentalist nutcase, nit-wit like Al Gore as our President. We came dangerously close to seeing that reality then, and so again, 4 years ago I supported George W. Bush and the Repubilcan Party with both my votes and my money (though it was much less than before), and "right thinking Americans" were able to stave off yet another attempt of the "left wing" of the Democrat party's attempt to take over our government. I should tell you at this point that the support that I gave to the Republicans and George W. Bush was done with my eyes wide open. I heard him when he promised "free trade"... not fair trade. And again when he emphatically exclaimed that Mexico, our neighbor to the South, "is our friend"....I heard him, and I knew that translated into a "sell out of American jobs" to the ineffective border controls that would allow illegals to flood our nation and suck the life out of our social systems. That is now a reality as untold millions have come here for the "perks" that we "give" them. Yes, they do work, and they are generally good people. But our system was not designed to care for all the indigent of the world, Mexico and otherwise. It was designed for Americans. Americans like you and others who were born here or became Americans through legal immigration and legal means.

Here's the bottom line Mr. Steele. During those 8 years, during which about 12 years of Republican control of the house and the Senate ended, I lost ground. I am less secure financially today and find myself seeking a continuing means of support as there is little hope that the "system" that so freely supports the illegal immigrants and other "slackers" who should not be getting money from the government, will not be the level of support that my wife and I envisioned when I retired. At the current rate, and I think the rate will escalate under the Democrat dominated government that we are now saddled with, I expect that within 5 years I will be forced to divest myself of all that I currently own (regardless of whether the markets are favorable or not) and have spent literally a working lifetime to acquire, in an attempt to stave off absolute poverty. Much of this is due to the policies and inept leadership that we were provided by Republicans and a Republican controlled Congress. I could enumerate a long list of greivances for which I hold Republicans responsible. Not because they were the only game in town, but because when they had the power to make a difference, they didn't. The Republican Party, in my humble opinion, squandered away a golden opportunity to put this country back on a successful track, but instead, decided to become "bi-partisan" and let the Democrats "share" power in all the congressional committees and other institutions as well. (As I recall the first really major accomplishment of the Bush Administration was to get a Democrat back education bill passed. Isn't that a little bit sick? I don't think that is why Americans elected Republicans into power. Do you?)

I believe in simple economics and business practices and I think politics and politicians should be held to the same ethical standards as is any business that is worth its salt. It's simple. If I come to your store and you are selling peanut butter (maybe not the best example right now), I take the jar from your shelf and bring it to the counter. There we do an exchange, my money for your peanut butter. You then have payment for what you have already provided to me, (the peanut butter), and I have the jar of peanut butter. I take the product home with me, open it up and begin to consume it. If I find that the product is not as represented, then I am coming back to your store... not to buy another jar of peanut butter, but to make you take back the "bad" peanut butter, and then I will go to someone else's store to see if they have a good product that I can use. Most likely I will not even shop at your store again, and if enough people have the same experience with your products you will go out of business.

Mr. Steele, I think that is where the Republican Party is today. They are on their way "out of business" because the products that they promised to the people who "shopped at their store" turned out to be less than the advertising lead everyone to expect. Now, if you were in business, as in the last example above, would you appeal to the people, whom you have alienated by providing them with bad products, to "give" you enough money so that you could go out and try to develop a better product that you can sell somewhere down the road, say maybe 2 or 3, but more likely 4 or 6 years? I doubt that you would be so naive.

If you want my money, of which there is precious little left, then you are going to have to prove to me that you are already offering a product that I know will work. When your Republican politicians can learn to stand together to hold off the insane policies that the Democrats are very busy "cramming" down the gullet of every American, those who are stupid enough to believe the stimulus that is offered will work and those who are wise enough to see that we will never be able to "borrow" our way out of debt, then I will consider doing more than just try to enlighten everyone that I know about the consequences we are about to suffer. In the meantime, we will all go down the tube together, good or bad, wise or not, just because a hand full of so called Republicans chose to go over to the other side and "aid the enemies of American Independence.

This is a sad day for America, and if the tide of stupid, self destructive policies, both Republican and Democrat supported idiocy, is not curbed soon, this country will be America in name only, just a gutted shell of what was, and could have continued to be, the most productive and benevolent society ever to occupy this earth. A very sad day indeed.

Bill Reid
Phone:469-595-0661
http://billreid.info

The Bubble Is Bursting

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:03:00 +0000

The current economic crisis is the result of irresponsible spending that dates all the way back into the 1950's and 1960's, with a marked upturn during the Johnson administration. We have faced similar but lesser circumstances 7 or 8 times since then, and each time we have sought to resolve the issue by pushing the "bubble" further into the future by printing additional money and/or devaluing our currency.

The problem that we are now facing is that we cannot print money fast enough to keep the "bubble" from bursting. To continue this same type of failed remedy (spending our way out of debt) as has been done in the past, is pure folly. Borrowing money to pay off debt will not work. It does not work with individuals and it does not work with governments. Eventually the currency that is being devalued to create this "illusion of plenty" will become worthless and having it will be senseless.

There is only one solution to this economic crisis, which is just a bigger version of all those that came before, since the end of WW II, and that is, to once again become a nation of producers instead of encouraging our status as "consumers".

Eventually, the "buck will stop somewhere", either voluntarily or involuntarily in the form of a total financial collapse. If it happens involuntarily then chaos will reign and blame will be assigned, but the end result will be the same. The United States will devolve into a fractured, confused collection of regional economies based on their ability to produce something necessary for the survival of the masses, but overall will settle into a world role something like the Europe of today and will be vulnerable to the whims of totalitarian governments that will survive simple due to their heavy handed population control tactics.

God Save America, because those who are currently in power, the same as the last two eight year administrations of Clinton and Bush, do not have either the vision or the leadership ability to avoid the inevitable.

When Will The Insanity End?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:03:00 +0000

Illegal immigration. Border security. Healthcare. Social Security. Terrorism. The Constitution. Hot topics all, with some, seemingly, demanding a higher priority among our elected representatives than others, depending on the decibel level of the cries of outrage from the lower classes. An interesting word...."representative"....I am beginning to wonder exactly what it does mean.

A little while back, as I was making a short trip to run some errands, I heard a news broadcast from one of the more prominent Dallas radio stations. I had to do a mental double take to be sure I had heard what I thought I had heard. The news broadcaster was saying that the Dallas Independent School District had just "negotiated" an agreement with Mexico's Secretary of Education, to help provide more bi-lingual teachers for the Dallas Independent School District. About 40 such teachers would be brought to Dallas from Mexico under the H1B Visa program to help alleviate the shortage of "bi-lingual" teachers here. Then later I learned that the DISD is not the only school system to reach such a deal with Mexico. Several other States, in fact, around the USA have made similar deals.

Now isn't this an interesting turn of events. On the one hand we have an "out of control" illegal immigration" issue that our House of Representatives and Senate of the Federal Government are working feverishly, and I use the word "work" loosely, to pass legislation that would spend billions of U. S. Taxpayer dollars to build a massive 700 mile fence along our common border with Mexico in an attempt to stem the flow of illegal immigration across the Mexican border. On the other, we have administrators of our school systems, who are hired by the elected representatives of our local governments, making deals to import even more foreigners legally, to help teach the children of those who are already here, many of whom are here illegally. Am I missing something here? Does this picture look right to everyone except me? Am I the only one who doesn't get it? Or, perhaps I am one of the few who really does get it!

Why don't we take a step back here? Take a deep breath and see if we can relax our "boggled" minds for just a few minutes? I would like to make a point here that is extremely clear to me, whether anyone else can see it or not. Through our laws and regulations, we have created the incentives (carrots) that become the "magnets" for the world's (read, primarily Mexico's,) tired, poor, downtrodden, who come here seeking our economic bounty. Our Congressional, Executive, and Judicial Branches of government, over many years and many laws (some which include the perversion of our Constitution's 14th Amendment), have provided a very strong magnet that works a lot like the "energizer bunny" in reverse. Instead of just keeping on "going and going", it just keeps on "taking and taking", and the "taking" is self-perpetuating.

I should make very clear, that I have no problem with the Mexican people, or some of the other Latin American People, who are coming across the border. With the exception of the criminal element they are generally hard working family oriented and responsible. The bottom line is, however, that if they are here illegally, they are law breakers and we have to deal with them or suffer the consequences. Here's my case for radical change, and it has to come soon! Forget about the fence, the solution is to remove the carrots so that those who are coming will stop, and then stop the welfare for those who are here, and they will self-deport gradually over a period of time!

Carrot number one. We have convinced ourselves that as a generous, giving people, we must confer citizenship upon anyone whose mother can manage to get inside our boundaries before the birth occurs. Unconstitutional by just about any measure one can apply, but we allow it.

Carrot number two. We have promulgated regulations relating to "family reunification" that will eventually allow this new "citizen" the ability to bring every member of his immediate and extended family here too. In fact, taken to the extreme, the current "chain migration" policy would eventually extend to every person on the planet. How foolish is a policy that does that? But we do it anyway.

Carrot number three. We have chosen, generally, not to enforce our immigration laws to the extent that we allow local governments to decide whether or if they will even try to determine the legality of any immigrant that is exposed to their law enforcement and justice system. What good is it to be a "nation of laws", if we choose not to enforce them? But selective enforcement is allowed.

Carrot number four. We have structured our tax regulations so that the "poor" or "near poor" do not pay income tax, and, in fact, will qualify, through means testing, for the Earned Income Tax Credit. (This means that the rest of us pay them for working at low paying jobs, and having large families.) Statistics show that the hoards of Mexican's streaming across our borders fit into this category, and the percentage of those qualifying for the EITC by head of household, is almost 50%. We pay them for doing the low paying jobs, supposedly those that Americans won't do, so that we can have cheaper "everything" that we consume, or their employers will have a blacker bottom line.

Carrot number five. We also allow these same people in the previous category to access our "welfare" system through the same methods. Means testing, for which they generally qualify by default. They come here with little education or means to earn higher incomes, so they put a heavy burden on a wide variety of public programs. (Programs included in this list would be TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), SSI, general assistance, Food stamps, public/rent subsidized housing, WIC, and Medicaid.) Nationally, almost 29% of immigrant households use a welfare program, compared to a little over 18% of natives.

There are a number of other "carrots" that I will only mention here in passing because I think by now anyone who has read this far is on mental overload. But there is the "Visa Lottery" (Luck of the draw, no special qualifications), and H1B (work) Visa's, which are grossly abused, just to name a couple. There are others as well, and when taken in the aggregate the opportunities that all these "carrots" present are simply an overwhelming enticement that cannot be ignored, not just by individuals in foreign nations, but the poor nations of the world themselves, who see this as a golden opportunity to lighten their load.

Finally, the dramatic increases in enrollment in many school districts around the country are being proved not to be just the "baby boomer echo" as has been suggested, but the additional 10.3 million school age children of immigrants between the ages of 5 and 17 who account for over 19% of the total school age population with the promise of increasing to 21% in the coming years. Unfortunately, the numbers of children of immigrant parents is disproportionately larger than the corresponding tax revenue collected from immigrants to pay for the additional burdens due to lower incomes generally for immigrant families. This "shortfall" has to come from somewhere, and guess where "somewhere" is? And now we are spending some of the "extra money" that is required to educate children who shouldn't even be a part of the education system in our country on teachers from their "home" country who will teach them in their native language. (Anyone want to venture a guess as to where these "foreign" teachers will send their newfound wealth?)

I guess if I could ask any question that I was absolutely sure I already knew the answer to, it would be, "Are we crazy?" And the question that I am absolutely sure that I don't have the answer to is, "When will the insanity end?" We have an immigration/healthcare/education crisis of epic proportions cutting deep into the fabric of the America that has tried to "save the world", and which threatens our very existence. Our "representatives" in the Congress, Executive, and Judicial Branches of our government don't seem to have the backbone to do anything about it. Is the power of "political correctness", and "special interests", so strong that our ruling elite will shirk their duties to uphold our Constitution for the tax paying American Citizens who voted them into office?

I certainly am not suggesting that it should happen, but if our "representatives" continue to ignore the political will of the People on these grave matters at hand they could look up one day and see an angry mob coming up the street with torches, clubs, ropes, and lots of tar and feathers, a very unpleasant thought, but a possibility none the less, and any potential "trial" would be very brief, something like, "The Republic has failed on your watch. Did you cast your vote for the American People?"

If the America that we have today (what's left of it) is to survive beyond the next 20 to 30 years, hard choices and changes must be made. Laws must be passed and enforced to take away the "carrots". Employers, including individual homeowners, who offer jobs for cheap illegal immigrant labor must be disciplined to the extent that is necessary to create a void where those jobs now flourish. Something other than a minor fine should be in order. Perhaps loss of liberty and treasure, just like a dope dealer? When illegal immigrants come here and low paying jobs are NOT plentiful, they will go home on their own. The creation of such a climate would be cheaper, by far, than any other method. The message has to be communicated to the world that America does not have the ability to be, nor should it be, the teat that nurses the world's problems. We must take a stand now, or we will eventually become a non-factor in world affairs, unable to support our citizens, and on an economic par with those developing nations who are electing to dump their poor on our shores today.

God save America.

Bill Reid is a life long resident of Texas. Born during World War II, and raised in West Texas on a dryland cotton farm during the 40's, and 50's. As the first of five boys, born to parents who were children of the depression, and raised during tough times on the farm, work became a way of life at an early age, and valuable lessons learned continue to serve him and his family well. Now retired from a succession of careers, including the military, equipment operator, truck driver, and business man, Bill is using his many talents and skills for the benefit of anyone who is seeks to better themselves. As a very active student of computer technologies, the Internet, and social and political issues Bill has become a very strong resource and willing mentor for young and old alike. You can learn more about Bill Reid and view his recorded presentation of "A Virtual Business Overview" here.

A Movement Worth Joining

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:38:00 +0000

The time has finally come. A time when it appears that the established governing authority must be "retrained". Will you be a part of the "movement" or will you remain in the "silent majority" and allow our country to wilt and die this self inflicted death?

As we move near to the election in November of 2008, there are many whose "idealistic ferver" has blinded their common sense. A confluence of events and circumstances have created a fertile field of discontents who are willing to accept ANY "change" in the hope that the change will be something positive for them. Such has been the case in a number of "overwhelmed" nations in the past, like the German Nation of the 1920's and 30's, post WW I. And there are others. The theme is "change", and, even though the promises are empty, the desperate are willing to accept anything other than what they are currently saddled with.

Unfortunately, too many of the desperate are looking for a "gift", or an "easy" way out of the circumstance that all too often is the result of an overburdened bureaucracy that has come to be more intent on serving itself, than the people to which it is obligated.

There is no "easy way out". It is time that those who have some semblence of common sense left to take control of the run away madness that is the Federal Government. It won't be easy, but it must be done and the only way to effect "good" change is to demand "good" change from those who cast the votes in our "Representative Republic".

This message of change is the right one. Not the empty rhetoric that we are hearing from the candidates who seek the highest offices in our Nation.

This is a movement worth joining. But we must begin now. If we wait until the situation is completely hopeless, then drastic measures will be necessary, as the speaker says, just like in the first American Revelution. Let's not allow our country to degenerate to that level. We can take back our government, no matter who the President is, if we will assume control of our elected representatives in the House of Representatives and the Senate of the United States. Follow the advice of the Speaker in the video behind the link here. Call the number. Demand "good change".

The Role of A Citizen

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Reid) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:08:00 +0000

The following is an updated version of a previously published article (Star-Telegram.com of Fort Worth, Texas, January of 1999.) It seems to be especially appropriate that I post it here as the "inaugural" post for the Common Sense Punditry Blog. A bit of a flashback to the past, to be sure, but still as correct as ever, in my view.

A Call To Duty

When we are born in this country we are automatically granted certain rights and freedoms that exist nowhere else in this world. These rights and freedoms are guaranteed to us by our Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the United States, and it's Amendments. Before these, however, there was a document called The Declaration of Independence. It was signed by 56 brave souls, who, after considering the consequences, risked their fortunes, happiness, and, indeed, their lives, when they announced their defiance of a tyrannical king. Apparently they felt a strong call to duty.

The famous Declaration started a process, eventually a revolution, in which, only 3 to 4 percent of the Colonists participated, and the tyrannical king was forced to recognize their independence. Apparently these participants felt a strong call to duty. Some of them gave their lives and fortunes for the effort.

After the War for Independence was won, many of these same Americans participated in the conventions which resulted in the creation of the afore mentioned documents. It was a long and arduous process that took many years, but eventually, a document was created that satisfied the Governments of the 13 States that comprised America at the time, that there was no possible way that the freedoms that had been hard fought for, would be lost to another tyrant or a tyrannical Federal government. It was called the Constitution of the United States of America, and it included the Bill of Rights. The efforts of these Framers, citizens of the Original Thirteen States, represent a strong call to duty.

From the very beginning of our history in this nation there have been many assaults against our constitution, and our American ideals, some subtle, some not so subtle. There have been wars, and lesser conflicts that have required the need for good men and women to sacrifice of themselves for the good of the nation, and to preserve our constitutional way of life, and the freedoms that are its birthright. Some of these men and women made the ultimate sacrifice, they gave their lives. Some were rendered helpless by the wounds of war and it's inherent horrors, both physically and mentally. I venture to say that even those who were not called upon to enter the actual field of combat, but served, would tell you, if they could, that the times and events surrounding their service changed the course of their lives forever. They all paid a price, but, as citizens they answered the call to duty when it came.

During World War II, during the invasion of Normandy, and the ensuing battle for the liberation of Europe, from June 6, 1944, D-Day, to May 7, 1945, and the surrender of Germany, there were 743,375 total casualties of American Troops. Of these, 435,249 were battle casualties, who either were killed or wounded on the battlefields of Europe.(Ref. Citizen Soldiers, by Stephen E. Ambrose) Many millions of others also served in other theatres and battles around the world, and the foregoing example does not intend in anyway to trivialize the sacrifices they made as well.

Question: Do you think any of these brave souls, upon entering the military, were jumping up and down with joy, shouting, "How wonderful, I am going to be allowed an opportunity to be killed or wounded, or crippled for life in the defense of freedom!!"? I doubt it, but they, as patriotic citizens, did answer the call to duty.

Since that time, those who have chosen to serve have had to suffer through the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, as well as countless other lesser (but no less deadly, or debilitating for some) conflicts, skirmishes, and so called "police" actions, that are continuing even as I write this letter. These citizens also chose to answer the call to duty.

Today, in my humble opinion, we are faced with a threat greater than all that have come before. In the past, the assaults on our American ideals, freedoms, democracy, and the Republic itself, have all come from outside our borders. Our citizens have responded to the call, as is their duty, and rebuffed all attempts to destroy our way of life. For the last 80 or so years however, there has been a steady chipping away of the freedoms that we are guaranteed under The Constitution.

The forces who would steal, and the forces who have the power to either keep or give away the birthright for which many brave Americans who have fought and died are within our own borders. They are called Globalists and Congressmen. The Globalists seek to subject the entire world to some sort corporate socialism with all workers under the thumb of the ruling elite. (The United Nations?) Your elected representatives, both Congressmen and Senators are the only entities that stand between success or failure of the Globalist's agenda. Which way will they go on this very crucial issue? Will it be for the Constitution and the American People, or will it be the Executive Branch and its cronies? Who will they represent? This brings me to the point of this message; the role of the Citizens of the United States of America.

As Citizens, we are expected to vote for our representation, and a few of us do just that. However, many don't. They simply discard their franchise, thinking that "just one" vote won't matter. After the elections, those elected represent all of us, whether we voted or not. Whether we choose to vote or not, we are still subject to serve in the military, pay taxes, and otherwise live by the rules set by those elected representatives. So, if we want a voice in our government (of the people, by the people and for the people), we need to fulfill our responsibility as citizens, and communicate with those who are elected, and let them know how we feel, and what we think about the critical questions that they are called upon to decide everyday.

To underscore the previous statement, I quote a member of the Judiciary Committee (during the Clinton impeachment hearings of 1999), who happened to be leaning against recommending impeachment to the full House of Representatives, and whose name I do not recall. He said, "It (my decision) will depend on how the people focus on this". I believe with this statement, he is actually asking for a directive from his constituents. He was calling on them to do their duty, and govern.

Will you do your duty? Will you write, call, fax, email, or otherwise contact your congressperson and speak your mind? Will you become proactive, and help our country by urging everyone you know to read this letter, and pass it on to everyone they know? If your answer is yes to the previous question, then you must know that time is critical. Will you do it today? Right now? It will only take a few minutes of your valuable time, and seems such a small price to pay considering all those who have died to maintain your freedoms, and your ability to speak out. They did their duty, now it is time for you to do yours, and by doing so, save the American way of life for generations of our children to come.

You can reach your congressional representative at the Capitol switchboard number then just ask for them by name. The number is (202) 224-3121. If you prefer, it will be just as effective to call the local office for your congressman. They will get the message just the same. When you reach your congressman's office, ask them to do their duty, and uphold our Constitution!