Hatriots - Catchy Name, but a Bunch of Horse $&!^

This guy is entitled to his opinion (I keep saying this), but give me a break. Mr. Avlon, is again seeking to paint anyone not on board with large more expensive government that will limit your freedoms in exchange for perceived security, as a violent hate-monger (the full article here http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/30/avlon.hatriots.militia/index.html?hpt=C2) First if you value freedom and believe in the Constitution, how is this bad. If you want to make sure you keep your freedom and ensure that our Government follows the premises in the Constitution, how is that bad? So if you speak up when you think your freedom and the Constitution are being infringed, this is a bad thing. OBVIOUSLY it is according to Mr. Avlon and he will try to brand you a HATRIOT. He says "Another new Hatriot group is the Oath Keepers, who claim to have some 3,000 dues-paying members, including current and former law enforcement officers, members of the military, and others who meet to reaffirm their oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. "The whole point of the Oath Keepers is to stop a dictatorship from ever happening here," its founder, Stewart Rhodes, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal." So as long as you are willing to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic and as long as those enemies are NOT part of the government it is OK. If you think we may have some enemies that are threatening the Constitution and they are part of the government then that makes you a hatriot. I did not see anything that even indicated HATE...so on waht is Mr. Avlon basing that accusation. If they support the constitution that means they are haters? If you are willing to throw the constitution out the window in order to suit you political beliefs that is fine, but don't label others and slander them, just because they do not believe the same was as you. I can't believe CNN is still viewed as middle of the road with OP-ED's like yours (but then again if you only have Fox and MSNBC, I guess it would be easy to think CNN was middle of the road). I guess we need to be careful what we think then (we wouldn't want you to label us or libel us either). There are those out there that advocate violence (both on the left and right), but there are many others that worries that our liberties are being threatened but not advocating violence. If you think a government is being unjust and not addressing the peoples concerns, at what point are you supposed to look at correcting that injustice. Hopefully you can correct it in the ballot box, but if not what then and when? A little revolution every now and then is a healthy thing (as long as those doing it agree with you beliefs). The American Revolution is in the past, but it was fought because of an unjust government imposing its will on a certain population (taxes wasn't it without representation...or at least that is popular refrain). The constitution was written to try to prevent the same abuses from being repeated. As we have gotten farther and farther from what is written in the constitution we have come ever closer to repeating those mistakes. I do not know when people will be outraged enough to correct the errors, but hopefully we will have enough people to do it when the time comes (if we aren't all sheeples by then). Have a little more tolerance. Remeber free speech is supporting the people right to be hear even when their thoughts are counter to yours and with which you oppose...that is freedom of speech, what you Mr. Avlon wrote in that article is counter to that precept and merely throwing mud at some of those that you fundamentally disagree. I expect better from a member of the press.

IDIOTS OF THE PRESS

OK, OK. The title is probably too strong, but give me a fucking break. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but no one's opinion is any better than anyone else's (it is opinion after all...not fact, so quit trying to state it as such).

Now Mr. Rich is an Entertainment Critic, he is still entitled to his opinion. I won't debate that with him. His OP-ED is as well written as it is biased ( http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/editorialsandoped/oped/columnists/frankrich/index.html ). Don't confuse his biased opinion (it is the NY Times after all) with factual reporting. In fact Pat Sajak (that is right the Game Show host) did a very good rebuttal to Mr. Riches blatherings (see link http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=36241 ).

What seems to be dismissed, is that anyone that didn't agree that the health care bill (or abomination) was just a racist and couldn't possibly have any worthy ideas. I don't agree with all opinions of the tea party (or coffee party for that matter)protesters, but they did have some legitimate issues with the health care bill. This is just one example of the media marginalizing those with ideas that differ from theirs (if you want me to provide some examples form Foxnews I can as well).

When did the press decide that reporting things objectively (meaning facts) was no longer a virtue. Now we only have YELLOW JOURNALISM and political spin (oh yeah and Lindsey Lohan's latest drunken or drugged escapede). I can't remember the last time I watched the news cycle and say any attempt at being biased. Even now those that claim to be 'fair and balanced' must think I am a complete idiot. They are biased in every story they report and equally in what they do not report. CNN is equally as bad, but when you have MSNBC on one side and FOX on the other, people conclude that CNN is middle of the road.

We should be demanding OBJECTIVITY in all of our news agencies, rather than allow them to be the undirected mouth pieces for our two political parties (or allow other parties to play on an equal footing).

Democracy - How It Is SUPPOSED to Work

Democracy is a difficult form of Government to get to work well. It requires all to be a part of it. The thought is that the group comes up with a better decision than an individual or smaller group could have arrived at. It requires them to be educated when they vote. it require them to actually go and vote. Why is it that most Americans can tell you who one on American Idol last night (I am smugly proud that I can't tell you that), but couldn't tell you what checks and balances are. The problems our country has experienced recently would hopefully galvanize more of the lazy Americans into action, but apparently not. Get off your dead asses and get educated and express your (educated) views in your vote, in your letter to your representatives. Do some research actually watch more than one news station (like CNN and FOX...and even...the channel that has lost all pretense at being unbiased MSNBC) and draw your own conclusion and act accordingly. It is your government, act on your behalf, perhaps your input can keep it from screwing it up any more than it has (it might even improve it).

A Few Other Ideas To Rein In Our Overlords

1) Get control of the House and Senate again and populate them with true representatives (they clearly didn't hear one word of protest on health care...well why would they with most media baising it their way...or marginalizing those that didn't share their views).

2) Start a movement to repeal the 17th ammendment (return appointment of US Senators
to the control of state legislatures)

3) Take the money out of national politics by ending political donations (as much as I hate limiting it...if we don't take it away from them, they will never give it up themselves). Make politicians get a required number of signatures and then apply for federal money with which to campaign. Eliminate of so-called independent PACs and shorten the political campaign season. Make it about issues and ideas, rather than who donates the most money and what they want to have happen.

4) Make laws that exempt politicians null and void. They want health care and retirement...let them all do social security and our health insurance just like you and I. If it isn't good enough for them, why would they think it would be good enough for us.

5) Put a ceiling on the wages of federal employees that is linked to the median income of private sector employees in similar jobs.

6) Put a limit on what an executive order can be used for and make them use the line item veto. The President shouldn't be able to weasel out of signing it, just because it was a part of a bill. Ban executive appointment of czars and creation of departments by the executive branch. If it isn't in the Constitution, it shouldn't be there.

7) Ban omnibus bills. Restrict all bills to a reasonable number of pages and require each member of Congress to read the bills and certify that they have been read in their final draft before they can vote on them. make it a LAW to do so (send them to jail if they don't...deport them...something).

8) Link pay for senators, representatives and the executive branch to the GDP and the the deficit or eliminate it altogether.

9) Give the states the ability to force recall elections for national office holders

10) Start scaling back entitlements (social security and Medicare should be restricted to the payer and spouse) by a percentage each year.

11) If it is not spelled out as a power reserved for the Federal Government in the Constituion, it is a State responsiblity. Return the power to where it belongs. If you think it should be at a Federal level there is a method to make it happen, it is called an amendment to the Constitution. Yes it is cumbersome, but it was made that way to limit the centralization of power.

Health Care - Oh Great, Thanks A Lot (insert sarcasm here)

Oh good we will all be cared for now. Rest at ease...our elected officials have fixed everything for us. Our Government will make it all better (they have done SOOOO good so far we can trust them to do it well this time...thats sarcasm in cased you missed it). So we have made it MANDATORY for you to purchase a product. Probably the only time I am glad there are lawyers, but go forth and challenge this. EVERY State out to be on this lawsuit band wagon. How much will this help our economy...was it so important to do it now (aside from the Democratic Orgasm of being able to enact one of their most coveted programs with no chance of anyone stopping it)...why was there a rush to pass it (aside from last quote)...wouldn't it have been better to go slow make sure it was the best we could do (AND ACTUALLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THE DAMN THING) before passing it.

First this wasn't reform. It was socializing health care , with a few reform elements.

Second the cost of this is not just the government and states, but every company and
individual that no has to bear the cost of this unfunded mandate.

Third how many of those without insurance where without it because the could truly afford it, or just didn't want to sacrifice luxuries to pay for insurance.

Fourth is this really to help the people or build greater numbers and more sheeples to be loyal and more dependent on elected officials the political elites (obviously this benefits DEMOCRATS than Republicans).

I Could Go on, but will stop with this one - This will save us money. It costs the government billions. They might have been able to convince me if the actually told me how this would save us money (oh wait they have to READ AND UNDERSTAND it in order to do that).

You Gotta Be Kidding Me AGAIN!!!!!

Okay this is venting and is a bit dated, but as I was going through my old rantings and writings...I also want to relay my severe anger at the comments of Mr. Conyers ...“I love these members, they get up and say, ‘Read the bill,’” said Conyers. “What good is reading the bill if it’s a thousand pages and you don’t have two days and two lawyers to find out what it means after you read the bill?” If you don't know what it says or means you sure as heck shouldn't be voting on it. Health care is an important issue for everyone. Why is there a rush to pass legislation on such an important issue (aside from the political reason, which is only important to politicians)? It is better to take the time to do it right, especially considering the costs involved. If there was money to spare, I would have less heartburn with it but we are already far, far, far, into debt (despite the fact that it is WE THE PEOPLES money, and not Congresses'). We elected them to represent us and make decisions for us (it makes me cringe, but we did). Part of that DUTY is to make the laws and that requires making them, understanding them and knowing EVERYTHING about them, before you actually enact them. To not read them and then voting on them is a GROSS MISFEASANCE, if not outright MALFEASANCE of elected duty. Those that say this or abrogate their duty ought to be censured at the very least (and their constituents out to throw them out of office at the earliest possible time).

Encumbants and Carrer Politicians Should Go!

Collectively I would impeach or vote out every single incumbent, or recall them immediately. I would provide an overall grade to the Congress and President, but there is nothing lower than an F-. Positions and policies presented by the government that limit freedom and socialize aspects of society is an anathema to me. I will vote against and oppose it every single time. I do not need the federal government to look after me. That is my responsibility. Doing this merely enables others to not do for them what they ought to do and allows us a good excuse to not hold anyone accountable. If there is to be guidance from the government it should be retained at the lowest level possible (state or local). It is time for brave (think of new and possibly unpopular ideas to solve our problems), unselfish (think about what is right, NOT what will get you elected…if job security and reelection is your priority, please let me know....so I can support someone else), leadership (willingness to act on the correct ideas and policies).

On a Similar note - The 2 party system is blocking 3rd parties from expressing views of many Americans. They maybe a minority, but some of their ideas do have merit and should be heard. I realize that you are all Republicans or Democrats...a few Independents, but sometimes it is more important to allow others to express their views, even if it means that the two major parties give up part of their power (that being the monopoly on power the Dems and Reps are currently sharing). Debates, funding and allowing candidates on ALL ballots is part of the democratic process (even if some of them have some...uh...unique ideas). I ccall on all of you to put aside the politics of this and support 3rd party issues and allow the positions to be heard.

You Can Have My Gun When You Pry It Out Of My Cold Dead Hands

Gun Control and Gun Laws. The 2nd Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms. Many will say this is reserved for militia, but who has the right to define what a militia is and regulate them. It is better to leave this an individual right than to constrain it from a strict constitutionalist perspective. I am fully in support of any individual having the right to be armed anywhere, anytime. I do not constrain this to any particular weapon, but encompassing all. Registration of guns is simply another form of control and makes it easier to identify individuals. While I would not like to see ex-cons possessing firearms, I believe that limiting them is a step in justifying limiting any other citizen’s rights to carry a weapon. Illegal use of a weapon (infringing on another individual’s rights) should be punished accordingly. Limiting one in the name of better protection of all is merely limiting freedom and stems from an unwillingness to hold individuals responsible for their own actions (I know I know...it isn't my fault it was {insert someone other than yourself here}). The right to bear arms was written into the constitution so that governmental oppression could be countered if necessary (they feared another King seizing control...things that make me go hmmm). The government is here to serve the people, not the other way around. As a pop culture reference from the movie V for Vendetta, “People should not fear their government, the government should fear their people”.

Homosexuality - More Moral High Ground

Gay Marriage. Gay marriage is another moral issue. Any consenting adult who wishes to enjoy (or experience maybe a better word) the legal rights of marriage, should be allowed to do so. Objecting again on moral grounds is inflicting your views (morals) upon another person. You can feel free to relax in your certainty that gays can burn in Hell for their ways without having a man-made law against it (if that is your religious belief that is). This again is an issue that should be decided on a state or local level. This does not equate to requiring churches to perform marriages. This should be a civil institution unless a particular religion allows this union as a part of their faith. Limiting gay rights is just as bad when gays desire to be recognized by another group that has differing views, such as their efforts to be recognized as members of the Boy Scouts of America. The BSA is a private organizations (although one with a Congressional Charter) that opposes homosexuality on moral grounds. If you do not hold the same moral tenants, you cannot join. Forcing the BSA to accept homosexual morals is forcing someone else’s beliefs on others. Legislating morals or forcing your beliefs on other is simply wrong and I am continually amazed that it is not supported by freedom loving Americans (regardless of their religious beliefs or political affiliation).
While we are here - Gays / Women in the Military. Members of the military have often been limited (blacks, women, etc) or constrained. It has been found that many of them that were previously excluded, can easily perform the tasks traditionally performed by white males (sometimes better). In each case of integration, there have been difficulties, but these were overcome. A homosexual serving in unit would eventually be no more a detriment to morale and discipline than when African Americans were first integrate (usually the difficulty was with whites accepting them, and not any problems with the performance of their duty). The transition would be similar to when Truman integrated whites and blacks into the military. A woman should also be able to serve in ANY position (combat or not) as long as she can perform the job or task. Failure to recognize these issues means that the military is missing out attracting additional highly capable individuals from service. Will there be difficulties in integration, obviously yes, but they are not insurmountable. Most resistance seems to be from fear and moral grounds, not any evidence. Joining the military and giving up many of the freedoms (like criticizing government policies and politicians) that service members fight for the general populations should be allowed to anyone.

Abortion - I Hold The Moral High Ground and I Will Tell You What Your Morals Should Be

Abortion. There are several issues that the Republicans have long opposed on moral grounds. First off any issue that infringes upon another individual's rights will need some type of regulation (murder, rape, robbery, etc), preferably at the state level. Anything that does not infringe on others rights should probably not be legislated (or at least debated EXTENSIVELY before any decision is reached...probably by consenus). Abortion laws should reside at a local or state level and regulated (if at all) there. Objecting to it on moral grounds is inflicting your beliefs on to another person. I hate to be told what morals I should hold and so should everyone. Obviously there are people that probably shouldn't be parents, but that is part of living in a free society. It is better to address those cases, than for the state to mandate all actions. It is also seemingly at odds with the death penalty. If you argue from a moral perspective, either it is wrong to kill (fetus or a convict) or it isn’t. I would say appeal to freedom of choice but at least be consistent. What you do in the home (and if it is your child, or relative) is just that a home issue and should be free of governmental regulation. Home is my responsibility not the governments. The comment ‘it takes a village’ is merely abdicating a parent’s responsibility for their children and laying it at the government’s door (American's being lazy and taking the easy way out). It is not easy to admit if you made an error in judgment, but that is part of being human. If your son or daughter had sex and a pregnancy result, at least own up to the fact that you’re action or inaction where a factor in that and you are ultimately responsible for your child (at least until they are 18). As unpalatable as it maybe, perhaps more Church, having the sex talk or talk about contraception could have prevented it (which of these actions you have or don’t have is up to your particular beliefs), but blaming the state for not preventing a young couple from getting an abortion is not the reason to enact that law (again if you have moral objections to abortion that is probably a discussion you should have with your child).

Right Wing Extremists - How Else Can We Marginalize Those That Don't Agree With Us

DHS Comments. The labeling of right wing extremist groups as groups that "can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly anti government, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration." That they also deliberately single out returning veterans as a source of extremists is abominable. Any individual that has served his country has the absolute right to express any opinion he wants freely and should never be labeled as a threat to the country they have served. I know many in Congress like to think they are doing 'public service', but military service is the highest form of public service. Currently many in Congress (less than any time in history, I believe) have never served in the military. Many in Congress not to mention the Executive Branch treat the military with complete contempt and condescension and only good as a reliable usually Republican voters (good people to REPs and bad people to DEMs). This is another example of labeling anyone not in complete agreement with current government policy as an extremist, and therefore a threat and to be marginalized. It is also not in the best interest of everyone (well maybe if they are supporting you an elected official) in reintroducing the ‘Fairness Doctrine’ (what a incredibly smart title for blatant censorship of those with which you disagree). It is another attempt to limit freedom of speech. There will always be those like McVeigh that do take violent actions, but he would have probably been extreme if he had been involved with ACORN. I would mention Bill Ayers and his violent actions to demonstrate that violent extremist exist independent of political ideology (this comment will probably be used to right me off as a right wing wacko…how dare I mention a left wing individuals past actions…very un-PC).

Immigration Is Not Racist, But It Is Essential

Immigration Reform. Reform of immigration laws is a must. Many of these illegals are people here doing good work. Making it easier to allow them to be in the country legally to do necessary work and feed into the system is a must. I take GREAT issue with comments that enforcing immigration laws is unpatriotic. IF IT IS ILLEGAL, IT IS ILLEGAL. If you don’t like it change the freaking law. Speaker Pelosi is pandering to a specific group and her comments are insulting to those individuals here legally doing work, not to mention the law enforcement officers doing their job. I know it is not always nice to point out that if you are not here legally, it is in fact ILLEGAL and there are repercussions for being here ILLEGALLY. Deportation is never fun, but it is one of the possible repercussions. So rather than excoriating deportation as being unpatriotic, I suggest we hold individuals that choose to enter ILLEGALLY accountable realizing that the effect this has on their family is a result of the individual entering ILLEGALLY and making a bad decision. Everyone in Congress should have been expressing their clear outrage at her remarks. Reform is obviously needed but her comments are reprehensible, especially coming from an elected leader of our country. True reform is what is needed, not ranting at the system. If you are in charge (like say being Speaker of the House), you should probably initiate change in the immigration laws (this would likely be less damaging than you working on additional spending measures or….gulp…taxes!) and not just ranting about the system you are partly responsible.

Do You Even Have ANY Concept of Fiscal Responsibility

Fiscal Responsibility. I know it is crazy, but the budget should be balanced and debt should be used only as a last resort and for a finite term. Unfortunately any money that has come into Washington was spent along with very free use of the Government Charge Card. We now have to spend the limited amount we bring in through taxes to pay for current government operation (income tax is a totally separate issue and is unconstitutional in my opinion), but pay down the debts as well. I can see only two ways to do this cut spending, which is something you in Washington seem loath to do (that’s how you justify getting reelected along with pork) or raising taxes. If the plan was to get us so far into debt that raising taxes to European levels or higher in order to make the required payments (if not to take more control and consolidate power in Washington), I would say we are well on our way. Not to mention that soon who will be willing to loan money to the US government will likely force our hand into raising taxes. The fact a 'cut' in DC circles is getting less of a percent increase than you got the year before is indicative of the problem. I'd say put us back on the gold standard (or any standard, if I thought you all would take it seriously). It really is easy, find out how much you will take in (estimate), subtract out how much we owe in debt payments, then take what is left and that is what you have to run the government. I realize the problem is that if we subtract what we owe from what we take in, we are in the red already…that is what your predecessors have left you, but that is why you are getting full time pay, to come up with the solution and implement it (not worry if this will get you reelected). Even if by some miracle Washington suddenly become fiscally responsible tomorrow, we have already leveraged many of our children’s and maybe grandchildren’s future paychecks, because we are too selfish to constrain our spending now and in the past. Please support any decrease in spending or move toward fiscal responsibility.

Spending Us Into The Freaking Poor House

Spending Bill. This again is a huge outlay of taxpayer dollars. It would be one thing to spend this amount of money, if it was a surplus (this meaning a debt free America that took in the same or more than it spent...and NOT the definition used in Washington of 'oooh money we didn’t know we would have and how can we spend it…vice giving it back to the taxpayers'). This is not even close to spending within our means. This is going into massive, unprecedented debt and with no plan how it can (if it is even possible) be repaid. This is plainly irresponsible and foolish. The economic crisis is being used to create fear and allowing many policies (mostly long held Democratic desired initiatives) to go through with little to no debate, since Republicans gave up many of their core beliefs and thus lost even the ability to slow, stop of even filibuster initiatives it seems with the last election. The clearly disingenuous comments of there is no pork in this bill, was just a matter of revising the definition of ‘pork’. While many Americans might not get enraged at this tactic (clear we are not smart enough to realize you redefined the term), it is typical of what I have come to expect of my elected officials. Comments by Senator Schumer, “And let me say this to all of the ‘chattering’ class that so much focuses on those little, tiny, yes, porky amendments. The American People really don’t care” are appalling. Unfortunately, he is probably correct. The average American doesn’t care so much as they are too lazy to be educated enough to know. Shame on all of us for not highlighting the snooty and condescending comment and using it spur the American public to take an active interest in their government.

Stimulus - You Gotta Be $%^&*&^ Me!

Stimulus. The stimulus package is the worst piece of legislation I have ever seen. I have personally read some of it (I am like many of you in the Legislative and executive branches and have been too busy to read it in its entirety) and it appears to be a VAST collection of personal projects of various congress-persons and senators and contains very little that will have an immediate effect on the economy (most spending seems to be far in the future). Aside from that, none of you could possibly read the final bill before voting on it (at least a no vote …is a position that could be supported…such as I could not in good conscience vote on a resolution I have not thoroughly read and understood and not just a vote of convenience or partisanship). The fact that it passed through Congress with NO ONE (if you did I would love to hear from you...but I have no confidence that there was anyone that has) in the entire Congress being able to read, digest and understand its contents, is a very sorry indictment on every single elected official there. What is worse is an indictment on the American public for allowing it to happen, not being completely outraged at Congress’ actions and for not recalling every single person there. You are elected to make decisions that are in the best interest of ‘we the people’. The fact that you all voted without having read the document in its final entirety and allowing time for open public discussion is an abdication of your responsibility, if not blatant misfeasance (my cynical side says MALFEASANCE). The rush to 'do something' (or at least have the appearance of having done something) seems to have overridden any common sense or responsibility you all should feel. I find it difficult to express my total disbelief in this action without cursing profusely. You all should feel ashamed for what you have done (this is assuming some of the politicians there have a conscience or moral principles). You should be shaming everyone of your peers that supported this measure on their misfeasance at every turn. To vote on a piece of legislation, spending our tax dollars, on an issue like the economy, in such a rapid and opaque manner and NO ONE seems to see the problem inherit in that is amazing. The worst is that we (the American public) allowed it to happen and took no action and did not seem bothered. Many argue this was public support for the measure (tacit endorsement), others will argue that it was fear about the economic crisis. I believe it was that most Americans have abdicated their responsibility to be an educated voter, knowing the issues, or having an opinion, or holding our elected officials responsible for their actions. Most of the public seems more intent on whether or not Jessica Simpson has gained an inordinate amount of weight or not, rather than how you are spending our tax dollars. I put this down to the ‘dumbing’ down of America. Most mainstream media devotes a lot of space to entertainment ‘news’ and the remainder heavily biased news. To get a comprehensive picture of the political scene, you are required to all source search. Most American’s are too lazy to do more than one news source (if that) much less, multiple sources. So in that respect I hold myself and the public in contempt and we deserved what we got. The media also shares in the blame for this cluster. It used to be a virtue in the media to report the events and leave bias as much as possible. Now it is not just the editorials or political commentators, that write a biased point of view (the only place where any bias ought to be), but every story and even what stories are reported exemplify bias. The coverage (how, when, and what was said) of the tea parties across the country was an ideal study of the bias of the main stream media outlets. The White House Press Secretary for all practical purpose was running the show on some outlets and others might just as come from the Republican National Convention (although one particular program, did show some Libertarian political views). Shame on the mainstream media, you have lost your objectivity and credibility, I encourage the media to return to their roots of attempting to remove bias, vice blatantly shaping everything to a particular bias. I propose we all take action to prevent this happening in the future.

Bailouts and Blame

1. Bailouts. The bailout of private companies is a waste of taxpayer money (whether it was Bush’s or Obama’s action is irrelevant, in both cases it was wrong). Bankruptcy would allow these companies to restructure debt without providing of vast amounts of taxpayer dollars. Obviously those with a good business model succeed, and those that do not get better or go belly up. Why should we support companies that had unsound business practices.
2. Blame. If these companies, after accepting taxpayer money, spend it unwisely (like bonuses, or later having to file bankruptcy). That is YOUR fault our elected representative, not theirs. Congress and the President should expect companies that already have financial difficulties to continue to spend money unwisely (they have a track record after all) and cannot be surprised when they continue to spend or run the business unwisely. To act indignant at the corporate actions and act like you had no idea (sorry for lumping all the politicians in Washington together, but I don't trust any of you very far...nor should I be expected to) is obvious political grandstanding. If you didn’t know how they used it in the past and didn’t provide them 'help' on how to spend money before it was provided, you really have no room to blame them. That is YOU (again sorry for lumping everyone together) using OUR money unwisely. I liken this to a parent seeing a child’s dirty room and cleaning it and then low and behold the next day it is messy again, and then acting surprised that they messed it up again and blaming them for not knowing they need to clean it up. What are you kidding me? This was a surprise to you? This feigned surprised is insulting again to the public (or at least me), although admittedly most of the public seems to have blamed the companies not Congress that provided the money to the company. You should be ashamed if you acted indignant and you should all be scolding you peers if they acted surprised. To say nothing of thinking about trying to retroactively taxing the individuals that took the bonuses. Not only is that likely illegal, but you in Congress screwed up giving it in the first place (I am assuming that you just didn’t think about it, although believe you knew and hoped it would escape notice), so suck it up, admit your error and do it better next time (and hope you don't get booted in the next election).

A Few Ideas

I have rarely been irritated or inspired enough to frequently write my representatives, but I do keep close watch on the events in Washington. Irritated probably does not accurately express my true feelings or the depth of my feelings regarding our current state of affairs, so I apologize if the tone is a bit scathing. We don’t have to agree, but all option, ideas and opinions should be aired and judged on their merits vice political or personal position on an given issue. I am a big proponent of the maxim "That government is best which governs least". We have strayed very far from what was originally intended by our founding fathers. States Rights being greater than federal rights and a part time legislature, vice a full time 'professional' legislature just to name just a few.

First Time Blogger

Hello Bloggers,

This is my first foray into blogging. I have no idea how many will be interested in the thoughts and ideas that will go in here, but it is a forum for me to express them (some will say vent). Just to be clear I am a strict constitutionalist, state's rights advocate and have libertarian leanings. Some will belittle this as 'mad' or otherwise try to discredit minimize what is said, what others will do who knows (usually any independent, self sufficient, freedom loving ideas are derided as crazy). This are my thoughts and last time I checked it was still legal under the right to free speech (although we will see what limits they place on us next). If the words speak to you great (if not just dont read them). Feel free to agree or disagree. If it encourages debate and makes you stop and think great (better than parroting what you hear and whichever news channel you tune into). Most Americans I believe are woefully ignorant about most things, if it get even on person to stop and think or get more active on a particular issue, then that is a good thing. Regardless, enjoy and hopefully someone will find something in the ramblings oi a MadAmerican.