Foreign Affairs: Obama/Hillary's softball 60 minutes interview, where they patted each other on the back about their "accomplishments" of the last four years, makes one wonder - what world are they living in?
* Iran about to get nuclear weapon
* Civil war in Syria
* Egypt lead by Muslim dictator
* Israel in peril
* Putin on the prowl and looking to reestablish Russia as Superpower
* Afghanistan about to be retaken by the Taliban
* North Korea threatening us with a "first strike" nuclear attack, and breaking the 1953 armistice.
* Iraq gradually becoming a client state of Iran
* Inability to prevent Chinese hackers from stealing our valuable military secrets
Worse yet, there is every reason to believe that all of the above will deteriorate further in Obama's second term.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Most Divisive/Disingenous President Ever: Senate's "Gang of 8" just came up with a bipartisan immigration plan. Rather than letting plan work it's way through Congress/become law, Obama comes up with own plan that incorporates deal stopping legislation on gay rights within. REASON: Obama incorporates gay rights legislation within immigration bill hoping/anticipating Republicans will vote against his proposal. If they do, he/Dems can then run on that Republican vote, demonizing Republicans in eyes of Hispanics, and hoping to garner votes in 2014.
NOTE to Hispanics: Obama is more interested in winning the next election than he is in implementing immigration reform. With the "great divider" as President, it's no wonder that nothing ever gets accomplished in our federal government.
NOTE to Hispanics: Obama is more interested in winning the next election than he is in implementing immigration reform. With the "great divider" as President, it's no wonder that nothing ever gets accomplished in our federal government.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Obama Deceptions:
* Obama swore an oath to protect/defend the Constitution. Based on his plethora of executive orders, and more of same on the way, the constitution needs protected from Obama.
* Obama says the reason he wants gun control is to protect innocents. Maybe, but true purpose may be far darker - confiscation prior to dictatorial power grab.
* Obama likes to pretend that unemploment is 7.8% and improving. Hardly, real unemployment, -when you consider people who gave up looking for jobs, is 11%, and likely to get worse with ever increasing deficit.
* Obama says he's going to keep Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but he pressures Israel from striking and hires soft on Iran Hagel for SECDEF.
* Obama would like us to believe that he bears no blame for Benghazi. Consider the odds on that to be practically nil.
* Obama 's 2008 scam was to pretend to be "great uniter"/"hope and change" candidate. Results: The most divisive President ever. The Post Partisan President is actually the Most Partisan President.
* Obama pretends that he's willing to compromise but Republicans aren't. Hardly, BHO's managed to avoid any real deficit reductions, the deficit is still at $1.3T/year.
* Obama swore an oath to protect/defend the Constitution. Based on his plethora of executive orders, and more of same on the way, the constitution needs protected from Obama.
* Obama says the reason he wants gun control is to protect innocents. Maybe, but true purpose may be far darker - confiscation prior to dictatorial power grab.
* Obama likes to pretend that unemploment is 7.8% and improving. Hardly, real unemployment, -when you consider people who gave up looking for jobs, is 11%, and likely to get worse with ever increasing deficit.
* Obama says he's going to keep Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but he pressures Israel from striking and hires soft on Iran Hagel for SECDEF.
* Obama would like us to believe that he bears no blame for Benghazi. Consider the odds on that to be practically nil.
* Obama 's 2008 scam was to pretend to be "great uniter"/"hope and change" candidate. Results: The most divisive President ever. The Post Partisan President is actually the Most Partisan President.
* Obama pretends that he's willing to compromise but Republicans aren't. Hardly, BHO's managed to avoid any real deficit reductions, the deficit is still at $1.3T/year.
* Obama likes to pretend he's proposing real deficit cuts. Hardly, his "Obama cuts" are cuts to programs we were never going to do in the first place. Eg., say you're cancelling a trip to Mars, and calling such a $1T deficit savings.
* Obama likes to pretend that he's interested in reducing deficit. Proof is in the pudding - $1.3T per year increase, and no Obama deficit reduction plan.
* Obama likes to pretend he's the smartest guy in the room. If so, why has he hidden his SATs, LSATs and college/law school grades?
* Obama feigns indignation/outrage when pressed. Notice I said "feigns" - when challenged, BHO's strategy is that the best defense is a good offense.
* Obama likes to pretend he's the smartest guy in the room. If so, why has he hidden his SATs, LSATs and college/law school grades?
* Obama feigns indignation/outrage when pressed. Notice I said "feigns" - when challenged, BHO's strategy is that the best defense is a good offense.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Bankrupt States, Counties and Municipalities
Bankruptcy: States, Counties and Municipalities across the country are unable to cover their debts, and some may actually end up declaring bankruptcy. The current facility, administrative, entitlement, and employee costs, and also the long term pension/health benefit costs of retired government employees, are all cost drivers.
Possible Ways Forward out of the Financial Morass:
A. Consolidation: Recently moved to the Pittsburgh area. Was shocked at the real estate tax rates for the area (at least as compared to where I lived before). Was looking at a Pittsburgh county map, and noticed that there were in excess of 50 townships (some call them bureaus).
Started thinking about the above. It's no wonder that taxes are so high - rather than consolidating, you have 50+ of everything - political officials, township bldgs, police bldgs, administrative support personnel, utility bills, school districts, etc, etc, etc. Have to believe that if states (I'm assuming that the Pittsburgh area is not unique in this situation) would consolidate to the maximum extent possible, huge savings would be garnered for the taxpayers of the Pittsburgh area (and other cities, townships and counties across the U. S.). Probably the most logical consolidation level would be at the city level, or in absence of a big city, at the county level. Township governments should be avoided to the maximum extent possible. Most people don't even know who their local township officials are.
Actually, I'd be shocked it Pittsburgh couldn't reduce taxes by at least 50% if they were to consolidate. Realize that such a proposition would be fought tooth and nail by all the political officials/the govt employees in the Pittsburgh area as consolidation would obviously be a real negative for them. But - it's what's best for the taxpayers............ Monies could be spent on what people wanted rather than on unnecessary duplication of effort.
We don't need over 50 sets of peoples doing exactly the same kinds of things. Consolidation could lead to massive tax cuts. Also, the long term burden for states and localities would be reduced - less employees = less retirement costs (pensions and health care costs) NOTE: You can attrition the personnel down, rather than have massive personnel cuts.
B. Government's Role: Before retiring I was a Comptroller of an organization with approximately 800 employees, and $400M/year in revenue. I sort of liken overhead costs at our organization with the function of the federal and state governments - with the federal/state governments being the overhead to the private sector. The federal/state governments have numerous vital functions - national defense, national guard, the courts, providing for the safety net, social security, etc. However, in general, believe that overhead at an activity and the role of the federal/state governments are basically the same - provide for vital functions for the organization/country/state at the lowest possible cost.
When I say provide vital functions - this does not in any way include make work projects just to get people off the unemployment roles. This also does not mean farming out monies for the Solyndra's of this world - or for PBS for that matter. Vital means vital. If it isn't absolutely necessary, you don't do it. We need government to be as small as it can be. Keeping costs down will help with the deficits, and free up taxpayer monies for taxpayer usage. We need to grow the private sector (which will help even more with the deficits), not the government sector. Growing the government sectors just increases our debt.
C. Unions
Right to Work States vs Forced Unionization: In the United States, we have Right to Work States and Forced Unionization States. Approximately 50% of the states are in each category. With Right to
Work States, people have a right to work anywhere in that state without being forced to join a union/pay union dues. For Forced Unionization States - if a company in one of these states is unionized, you must join the union, or you won't be able to work for that company. Each state has laws specifically relating to this "right to work" union issue.
Advantages of Right to Work States: Aside from not compelling people to join unions/pay union dues, businesses in Right to Work States can typically put themselves in a more competitive position domestically and internationally due to the decreased power of unions in regards to the negotiation of pay, leave, benefit packages, and hirings/firings. This increased viability of businesses in Right to Work States benefits not just the owners of the business, but also the employees of that business, and increases the tax base of the state through higher employment. Comment: While the concept of unionization in general is fine, union members, and specifically union management, need to keep in mind that excessive demands, that make the companies/industries that their union members work for uncompetitive, is totally counterproductive - i.e., not in the best interests of, the union members that they are representing. NOTE: If you'd like to read more on union competitiveness, go to "Unions - Competitiveness and Intimidation Tactics" at "onemanandhisview".
Unions and Marginal Employees: The practice of unions protecting and preserving the jobs of marginal employees is a disservice to not just the entire business (through decreased production) but puts added pressure on coworkers who try and cover for the underperforming employees. Likewise, public unions protecting marginal government employees decreases production and requires the utilization of additional taxpayer dollars to cover the underperforming employees.
Public Unions and the Democratic Party: The practice of public unions donating a substantial portion of their union dues to the Democratic Party, who then - if elected, grant pay, leave, and benefit packages that are favorable to the unions, is unseemly at best. It certainly gives the appearance of impropriety - a conflict of interest for the elected Democratic politicians who, once elected, are supposed to be exercising the judicious use of taxpayer dollars, and not "paying back" those that helped them get elected. NOTE: Take a look at the current budget situation in California if you want to see where this "pay back" gone way awry can lead you.
Unions and the Federal Government: In the federal government, public unions are not allowed to bargain for pay and benefits. They are only allowed to bargain/negotiate over conditions of employment - employee safety and working conditions. This practice/policy should also apply to state/local government employees as well.
Summary: Consolidation, performance of only vital governmental functions, and union regulatory/behavioral changes, would dramatically improve the financial position of state/local governments. Likewise, improvements to the national economy - improvement in the mortgage crisis, employment gains, and increased investment/job growth - which is currently stymied by Obamacare, Dodd-Frank and EPA over regulations and tax/dividend increases on the rich, all need to be rectified for optimal growth. NOTE: See my article on "Capitalist Manifesto" - at "onemanandhisview".
Bankruptcy: States, Counties and Municipalities across the country are unable to cover their debts, and some may actually end up declaring bankruptcy. The current facility, administrative, entitlement, and employee costs, and also the long term pension/health benefit costs of retired government employees, are all cost drivers.
Possible Ways Forward out of the Financial Morass:
A. Consolidation: Recently moved to the Pittsburgh area. Was shocked at the real estate tax rates for the area (at least as compared to where I lived before). Was looking at a Pittsburgh county map, and noticed that there were in excess of 50 townships (some call them bureaus).
Started thinking about the above. It's no wonder that taxes are so high - rather than consolidating, you have 50+ of everything - political officials, township bldgs, police bldgs, administrative support personnel, utility bills, school districts, etc, etc, etc. Have to believe that if states (I'm assuming that the Pittsburgh area is not unique in this situation) would consolidate to the maximum extent possible, huge savings would be garnered for the taxpayers of the Pittsburgh area (and other cities, townships and counties across the U. S.). Probably the most logical consolidation level would be at the city level, or in absence of a big city, at the county level. Township governments should be avoided to the maximum extent possible. Most people don't even know who their local township officials are.
Actually, I'd be shocked it Pittsburgh couldn't reduce taxes by at least 50% if they were to consolidate. Realize that such a proposition would be fought tooth and nail by all the political officials/the govt employees in the Pittsburgh area as consolidation would obviously be a real negative for them. But - it's what's best for the taxpayers............ Monies could be spent on what people wanted rather than on unnecessary duplication of effort.
We don't need over 50 sets of peoples doing exactly the same kinds of things. Consolidation could lead to massive tax cuts. Also, the long term burden for states and localities would be reduced - less employees = less retirement costs (pensions and health care costs) NOTE: You can attrition the personnel down, rather than have massive personnel cuts.
B. Government's Role: Before retiring I was a Comptroller of an organization with approximately 800 employees, and $400M/year in revenue. I sort of liken overhead costs at our organization with the function of the federal and state governments - with the federal/state governments being the overhead to the private sector. The federal/state governments have numerous vital functions - national defense, national guard, the courts, providing for the safety net, social security, etc. However, in general, believe that overhead at an activity and the role of the federal/state governments are basically the same - provide for vital functions for the organization/country/state at the lowest possible cost.
When I say provide vital functions - this does not in any way include make work projects just to get people off the unemployment roles. This also does not mean farming out monies for the Solyndra's of this world - or for PBS for that matter. Vital means vital. If it isn't absolutely necessary, you don't do it. We need government to be as small as it can be. Keeping costs down will help with the deficits, and free up taxpayer monies for taxpayer usage. We need to grow the private sector (which will help even more with the deficits), not the government sector. Growing the government sectors just increases our debt.
C. Unions
Right to Work States vs Forced Unionization: In the United States, we have Right to Work States and Forced Unionization States. Approximately 50% of the states are in each category. With Right to
Work States, people have a right to work anywhere in that state without being forced to join a union/pay union dues. For Forced Unionization States - if a company in one of these states is unionized, you must join the union, or you won't be able to work for that company. Each state has laws specifically relating to this "right to work" union issue.
Advantages of Right to Work States: Aside from not compelling people to join unions/pay union dues, businesses in Right to Work States can typically put themselves in a more competitive position domestically and internationally due to the decreased power of unions in regards to the negotiation of pay, leave, benefit packages, and hirings/firings. This increased viability of businesses in Right to Work States benefits not just the owners of the business, but also the employees of that business, and increases the tax base of the state through higher employment. Comment: While the concept of unionization in general is fine, union members, and specifically union management, need to keep in mind that excessive demands, that make the companies/industries that their union members work for uncompetitive, is totally counterproductive - i.e., not in the best interests of, the union members that they are representing. NOTE: If you'd like to read more on union competitiveness, go to "Unions - Competitiveness and Intimidation Tactics" at "onemanandhisview".
Unions and Marginal Employees: The practice of unions protecting and preserving the jobs of marginal employees is a disservice to not just the entire business (through decreased production) but puts added pressure on coworkers who try and cover for the underperforming employees. Likewise, public unions protecting marginal government employees decreases production and requires the utilization of additional taxpayer dollars to cover the underperforming employees.
Public Unions and the Democratic Party: The practice of public unions donating a substantial portion of their union dues to the Democratic Party, who then - if elected, grant pay, leave, and benefit packages that are favorable to the unions, is unseemly at best. It certainly gives the appearance of impropriety - a conflict of interest for the elected Democratic politicians who, once elected, are supposed to be exercising the judicious use of taxpayer dollars, and not "paying back" those that helped them get elected. NOTE: Take a look at the current budget situation in California if you want to see where this "pay back" gone way awry can lead you.
Unions and the Federal Government: In the federal government, public unions are not allowed to bargain for pay and benefits. They are only allowed to bargain/negotiate over conditions of employment - employee safety and working conditions. This practice/policy should also apply to state/local government employees as well.
Summary: Consolidation, performance of only vital governmental functions, and union regulatory/behavioral changes, would dramatically improve the financial position of state/local governments. Likewise, improvements to the national economy - improvement in the mortgage crisis, employment gains, and increased investment/job growth - which is currently stymied by Obamacare, Dodd-Frank and EPA over regulations and tax/dividend increases on the rich, all need to be rectified for optimal growth. NOTE: See my article on "Capitalist Manifesto" - at "onemanandhisview".
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Obama and his Hidden Agenda for our Nation
Debt Ceiling: Now that the Fiscal Cliff has been averted, the next fiscal crises looming involves the increase to our Debt Ceiling. For this go-round, strongly suspect that there is an additional fiduciary matter that will be dependent upon the outcome of the negotiations - a possible downgrade to our credit rating. Simply put, if our Government fails to show that we are serious about making inroads toward reducing our debt, believe we're going to be downgraded, and that the interest rate we have to pay on our debt will increase dramatically.
2012 Election: You can understand why the Democrats/their ever loyal allies (the mainstream press) wanted to talk about such peripheral matters as "taxing the rich", and the "war on women" in the 2012 campaign. Both played well politically, and were excellent at diverting attention away from the crucial issue of our era - our out of control federal deficit. NOTE: If you'd like to read an article on the mainstream press, go to "Mainstream Press's Betrayal of America" at "onemanandhisview".
Fiscal Cliff Negotiations: The thing is, the election is over, Obama won, but still nothing was done about our out-of-control deficit during the recent fiscal cliff negotiations. The Democrats, once again, managed to control the agenda of the debate (with an able assist from the mainstream press), and the negotiations ended with Democratic wins - increasing taxes for families making over $450K, and extending unemployment benefits - but no real decrease to our expenditures.
Debt Ceiling Negotiations: The President has already said that he does not intend to negotiate over raising the debt ceiling, that there should be no negotiations over costs we've already incurred (or are on the verge of incurring).
While some Keynesian thinkers might argue that our economy is currently not strong enough to bear the impact of dramatically reduced government expenditures, the answer to this is - "if not now, when"? Simply put, Obama tried Keynesian economics with his $830B stimulus package in 2009 - it failed to meet the targets that Obama's own fiduciary personnel set. While this Keynesian argument was debatable during the first year of Obama's administration, with a $16T deficit that has been growing by leaps and bounds for four straight years, this argument is no longer even remotely tenable. NOTE: If you'd like to read a discussion on Keynesian Economics, go to my article "Failed Keynesian Economic Policies" at "onemanandhisview".
Democratic Rationale: You have to wonder - what is going on? The Democrats have to realize the dire shape we are in. That our snowballing deficit will eventually sink our economy and turn us into the next Greece - riots and all. Here are some thoughts on what their thinking on this matter may actually be:
a. Math Issue: Have often noticed that many Democrats (Liberals) aren't particularly good at math. Perhaps they just don't get it.
b. Democratic Socialism: The Democrat's real goal is to have a social welfare state (like Europe), with high taxes on the rich and the middle class - so as to redistribute wealth "fairly". Creating a big deficit via out-of-control spending would be a way of forcing the issue on taxes - i.e., the snowballing deficit mandates drastic tax increases on all but the poor to keep the country out of bankruptcy.
c. Diabolical Plot: Take actions, as necessary to cause dire economic and political conditions within the country so that Obama can seize total power (become a dictator). If this is Obama's actual goal, anticipate that the following step by step list of actions would closely approximate Obama's plan of action and milestones:
1. Crash Economy: Take no action to slow deficit growth to ensure country goes bankrupt. Only "Obama cuts" are acceptable. NOTE: "Obama cuts" are imaginery cuts to programs we were never going to do in the first place. An example of an "Obama cut" would be to cancel the Mars space program, and save $1T, and call this a "savings".
2. Civil Unrest: After country goes bankrupt, facilitate/initiate the starting of riots, and take all actions necessary to ensure continued civil unrest. NOTE: Stirring up racial unrest would enhance this goal by further increasing tensions.
3. Declare Martial Law/Seize Power: When anarchy reins supreme, "save" country by declaring martial law to allay fear of populace, and then seize total power.
4. Paint patriots (freedom fighters) as criminals: Initiate executive orders declaring criminal any Americans that resist institution of martial law/Obama dictatorship. NOTE: Easier to persuade army/police/national guard to act against US citizens if you can claim that freedom fighters are actually law breakers.
5. Subdue populace: Civilians resisting Obama dictatorship need to be subdued using all force necessary by the army, national guard and police.
Important Note: If you can manage to confiscate guns from civilian populace before the chain of events indicated above unfolds, so that we are "sheep waiting for slaughter", the entire endeavor will be far easier to accomplish.
d. Punitive: Obama is intentionally trying to wreck our economy (see below):
Unamerican Thinking: Some would argue that our current sad economic state of affairs, and our snowballing deficit, is intentional, that Obama has been sabotaging our economic recovery due to his deep seated hatred for this country - that the words "Great Satan" proclaimed by such luminaries as Ahmadinejad does not echo hollow on his ears. Consider the following:
Birds of a Feather: You're typically known by the company you keep:
Reverend Wright: Otherwise known as, Mr. "Not God Bless America, God Damn America". Obama sat in his church for 20 years, and he called him his mentor. Listen to Obama's June 2007 speech at Hampton University (available on YouTube), where the "Great Uniter" praises Wright, and spouts class warfare, sounding like either a divisive panderer or a racist. Relevant comment: I certainly would not have sat in a church headed by a "man of God" espousing white supremacy views for 20 minutes much less 20 years.
Michelle Obama: On Feb 18, 2008 Michelle Obama said that for “the first time” in her adult life,” she was proud of America, as she spoke during a rally to support her husband’s first presidential bid. Sounds an awful lot like a black American with a really big chip on their shoulder.
Bill Ayers: The person from whose living room Obama's first political campaign was launched. Ayers is the former fugitive of the law, and leader of the Weather Underground, which was an American radical left organization whose goal was to create a clandestine revolutionary party for the violent overthrow of the US government.
Marshall Davis: Through Frank Marshall Davis, Obama had an admitted relationship with someone who was publicly identified as a member of the Communist Party USA CPUSA). The record shows that Obama was in Hawaii from 1971-1979, where, at some point in time, he developed a close relationship, almost like a son, with Davis, listening to his “poetry” and getting advice on his career path.
Federal Security Clearance: Was a DOD manager for most of my thirty year career. Based on my knowledge of background checks that are required to get security clearances, Obama - based on who he has associated with (see above), could not have gotten a secret security clearance much less a top secret security clearance.................. This is the guy we have running our country?
Redistribution of Wealth: Obama's favorite tactic (other than demonizing Romney) was demagouging the Republicans over the issue of taxing the rich. As the self professed "champion of the middle class" he campaigned on making sure that the rich pay their "fair share". Of course, what is the "fair share"? Is the fact that the top 1% of wage earners already pay 40% of the income tax bill not enough - particularly when you consider the fact that the bottom 47% of wage earners of this country pay nothing? In fact, worse yet, these days the bottom 47% are using the ballot box to vote themselves "free stuff" from funds that they country doesn't even have. NOTE: Democrats like to say that low income earners are paying taxes - the social security tax. Wrong - the social security tax is people's contribution to their own retirement program. It is not like the income tax - the tax that pays for the running of this country.
Obama's children's book: - Within this book he states that one of his 13 inspirational characters is Sitting Bull - the Indian Chief largely responsible for the defeat of Custer at the Little Big Horn. My suspicion is that anyone who think's that Custer's Last Stand was orchestrated by a "inspirational" person has a real problem with this country, fitting right in with the left's view of our country through a dark spectrum - as an evil country that has inflicted unfair/inhumane treatment on both internal/external peoples. Specifically, that our misdoings are largely related to our evil capitalistic society's quest for resources, land and power.
Class Warfare: Obama's 2008 pitch about not red and blue states, but the United States has rung hollow. Instead of being the "great uniter", he has turned out to be the "great divider". His entire campaign was based on playing different portions of the voting populace against each other. People are more alienated and ostracised from each other than ever.
Sometimes I wonder is this guy actually the "Manchurian Candidate"?
Final Thought: Am leaning toward (c) above. NOTE: If you'd like to read an article on what the Republicans should do in the upcoming debt ceiling negotiations, go to "Debt Ceiling Increase" at "onemanandhisview".
Debt Ceiling: Now that the Fiscal Cliff has been averted, the next fiscal crises looming involves the increase to our Debt Ceiling. For this go-round, strongly suspect that there is an additional fiduciary matter that will be dependent upon the outcome of the negotiations - a possible downgrade to our credit rating. Simply put, if our Government fails to show that we are serious about making inroads toward reducing our debt, believe we're going to be downgraded, and that the interest rate we have to pay on our debt will increase dramatically.
2012 Election: You can understand why the Democrats/their ever loyal allies (the mainstream press) wanted to talk about such peripheral matters as "taxing the rich", and the "war on women" in the 2012 campaign. Both played well politically, and were excellent at diverting attention away from the crucial issue of our era - our out of control federal deficit. NOTE: If you'd like to read an article on the mainstream press, go to "Mainstream Press's Betrayal of America" at "onemanandhisview".
Fiscal Cliff Negotiations: The thing is, the election is over, Obama won, but still nothing was done about our out-of-control deficit during the recent fiscal cliff negotiations. The Democrats, once again, managed to control the agenda of the debate (with an able assist from the mainstream press), and the negotiations ended with Democratic wins - increasing taxes for families making over $450K, and extending unemployment benefits - but no real decrease to our expenditures.
Debt Ceiling Negotiations: The President has already said that he does not intend to negotiate over raising the debt ceiling, that there should be no negotiations over costs we've already incurred (or are on the verge of incurring).
While some Keynesian thinkers might argue that our economy is currently not strong enough to bear the impact of dramatically reduced government expenditures, the answer to this is - "if not now, when"? Simply put, Obama tried Keynesian economics with his $830B stimulus package in 2009 - it failed to meet the targets that Obama's own fiduciary personnel set. While this Keynesian argument was debatable during the first year of Obama's administration, with a $16T deficit that has been growing by leaps and bounds for four straight years, this argument is no longer even remotely tenable. NOTE: If you'd like to read a discussion on Keynesian Economics, go to my article "Failed Keynesian Economic Policies" at "onemanandhisview".
Democratic Rationale: You have to wonder - what is going on? The Democrats have to realize the dire shape we are in. That our snowballing deficit will eventually sink our economy and turn us into the next Greece - riots and all. Here are some thoughts on what their thinking on this matter may actually be:
a. Math Issue: Have often noticed that many Democrats (Liberals) aren't particularly good at math. Perhaps they just don't get it.
b. Democratic Socialism: The Democrat's real goal is to have a social welfare state (like Europe), with high taxes on the rich and the middle class - so as to redistribute wealth "fairly". Creating a big deficit via out-of-control spending would be a way of forcing the issue on taxes - i.e., the snowballing deficit mandates drastic tax increases on all but the poor to keep the country out of bankruptcy.
c. Diabolical Plot: Take actions, as necessary to cause dire economic and political conditions within the country so that Obama can seize total power (become a dictator). If this is Obama's actual goal, anticipate that the following step by step list of actions would closely approximate Obama's plan of action and milestones:
1. Crash Economy: Take no action to slow deficit growth to ensure country goes bankrupt. Only "Obama cuts" are acceptable. NOTE: "Obama cuts" are imaginery cuts to programs we were never going to do in the first place. An example of an "Obama cut" would be to cancel the Mars space program, and save $1T, and call this a "savings".
2. Civil Unrest: After country goes bankrupt, facilitate/initiate the starting of riots, and take all actions necessary to ensure continued civil unrest. NOTE: Stirring up racial unrest would enhance this goal by further increasing tensions.
3. Declare Martial Law/Seize Power: When anarchy reins supreme, "save" country by declaring martial law to allay fear of populace, and then seize total power.
4. Paint patriots (freedom fighters) as criminals: Initiate executive orders declaring criminal any Americans that resist institution of martial law/Obama dictatorship. NOTE: Easier to persuade army/police/national guard to act against US citizens if you can claim that freedom fighters are actually law breakers.
5. Subdue populace: Civilians resisting Obama dictatorship need to be subdued using all force necessary by the army, national guard and police.
Important Note: If you can manage to confiscate guns from civilian populace before the chain of events indicated above unfolds, so that we are "sheep waiting for slaughter", the entire endeavor will be far easier to accomplish.
d. Punitive: Obama is intentionally trying to wreck our economy (see below):
Unamerican Thinking: Some would argue that our current sad economic state of affairs, and our snowballing deficit, is intentional, that Obama has been sabotaging our economic recovery due to his deep seated hatred for this country - that the words "Great Satan" proclaimed by such luminaries as Ahmadinejad does not echo hollow on his ears. Consider the following:
Birds of a Feather: You're typically known by the company you keep:
Reverend Wright: Otherwise known as, Mr. "Not God Bless America, God Damn America". Obama sat in his church for 20 years, and he called him his mentor. Listen to Obama's June 2007 speech at Hampton University (available on YouTube), where the "Great Uniter" praises Wright, and spouts class warfare, sounding like either a divisive panderer or a racist. Relevant comment: I certainly would not have sat in a church headed by a "man of God" espousing white supremacy views for 20 minutes much less 20 years.
Michelle Obama: On Feb 18, 2008 Michelle Obama said that for “the first time” in her adult life,” she was proud of America, as she spoke during a rally to support her husband’s first presidential bid. Sounds an awful lot like a black American with a really big chip on their shoulder.
Bill Ayers: The person from whose living room Obama's first political campaign was launched. Ayers is the former fugitive of the law, and leader of the Weather Underground, which was an American radical left organization whose goal was to create a clandestine revolutionary party for the violent overthrow of the US government.
Marshall Davis: Through Frank Marshall Davis, Obama had an admitted relationship with someone who was publicly identified as a member of the Communist Party USA CPUSA). The record shows that Obama was in Hawaii from 1971-1979, where, at some point in time, he developed a close relationship, almost like a son, with Davis, listening to his “poetry” and getting advice on his career path.
Federal Security Clearance: Was a DOD manager for most of my thirty year career. Based on my knowledge of background checks that are required to get security clearances, Obama - based on who he has associated with (see above), could not have gotten a secret security clearance much less a top secret security clearance.................. This is the guy we have running our country?
Redistribution of Wealth: Obama's favorite tactic (other than demonizing Romney) was demagouging the Republicans over the issue of taxing the rich. As the self professed "champion of the middle class" he campaigned on making sure that the rich pay their "fair share". Of course, what is the "fair share"? Is the fact that the top 1% of wage earners already pay 40% of the income tax bill not enough - particularly when you consider the fact that the bottom 47% of wage earners of this country pay nothing? In fact, worse yet, these days the bottom 47% are using the ballot box to vote themselves "free stuff" from funds that they country doesn't even have. NOTE: Democrats like to say that low income earners are paying taxes - the social security tax. Wrong - the social security tax is people's contribution to their own retirement program. It is not like the income tax - the tax that pays for the running of this country.
Obama's children's book: - Within this book he states that one of his 13 inspirational characters is Sitting Bull - the Indian Chief largely responsible for the defeat of Custer at the Little Big Horn. My suspicion is that anyone who think's that Custer's Last Stand was orchestrated by a "inspirational" person has a real problem with this country, fitting right in with the left's view of our country through a dark spectrum - as an evil country that has inflicted unfair/inhumane treatment on both internal/external peoples. Specifically, that our misdoings are largely related to our evil capitalistic society's quest for resources, land and power.
Class Warfare: Obama's 2008 pitch about not red and blue states, but the United States has rung hollow. Instead of being the "great uniter", he has turned out to be the "great divider". His entire campaign was based on playing different portions of the voting populace against each other. People are more alienated and ostracised from each other than ever.
Sometimes I wonder is this guy actually the "Manchurian Candidate"?
Final Thought: Am leaning toward (c) above. NOTE: If you'd like to read an article on what the Republicans should do in the upcoming debt ceiling negotiations, go to "Debt Ceiling Increase" at "onemanandhisview".
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Debt Ceiling Increase - Best Strategy for Republicans
Recommendation for Republicans: Republicans should tell Democrats - adopt Bowles-Simpson - "take it or leave it". Since Bowles-Simpson was a bi-partisan committee, designed to solve the debt crisis, do not think that Democrats would be able to say no to this deal, and since I believe that this is the best deal that Republicans can possible get anyway - this is how they should proceed.
Republicans have recently been proposing that pieces of Bowles-Simpson should be used as part of the now finalized Fiscal Cliff and the Debt Ceiling deal - but this is not their best approach. To force a deal - they need to demand that Bowles-Simpson be utilized - word for word.
Status of the Negotiations: If you look at things from the perspective of the Fall 2011 through today. the only cuts to expenditures that have occurred to date are by way of sequestration ($500B cut to defense, and $500B cut to discretionary spending). NOTE: The major components of the fiscal cliff deal in Jan were further extension of unemployment benefits, and a tax increase on families making over $450K. There were no expenditure cuts.
Sequester: Republicans should let the sequester cuts stand unless biparrtisan expenditure offsets can be agreed to. Taxes should not be raised to offset/recover the sequester cuts. NOTE: If bi-patisan agreements can be reached to allow prioritization and then reprogramming of expenditure cuts within the governmental Departments - to soften the effects of the sequestration, that would be a positive development.
Recommendation: Republicans need to do something to slow the growth of the deficit. Let the government default/shutdown if that's what it takes to get meaningful reductions to our federal debt. Republicans need to accept that they will take a hit (political blame) if the government defaults/shuts down. Instead of worrying over being blamed for this, they need to own the blame if necessary, and instead use the authority to raise the debt ceiling as leverage to get real expenditure cuts. They need to stand firm for as long as necessary to obtain real and substantive reduction to the growth of the deficit.
In the long run - if through the Republicans standing firm - if through their strength of will, the deficit issue is resolved, the immediate blame of the government default/shut down will be more than offset by the credit for putting the nation on a supportable path forward, as we back away from the financial abyss.
Recommendation for Republicans: Republicans should tell Democrats - adopt Bowles-Simpson - "take it or leave it". Since Bowles-Simpson was a bi-partisan committee, designed to solve the debt crisis, do not think that Democrats would be able to say no to this deal, and since I believe that this is the best deal that Republicans can possible get anyway - this is how they should proceed.
Republicans have recently been proposing that pieces of Bowles-Simpson should be used as part of the now finalized Fiscal Cliff and the Debt Ceiling deal - but this is not their best approach. To force a deal - they need to demand that Bowles-Simpson be utilized - word for word.
Status of the Negotiations: If you look at things from the perspective of the Fall 2011 through today. the only cuts to expenditures that have occurred to date are by way of sequestration ($500B cut to defense, and $500B cut to discretionary spending). NOTE: The major components of the fiscal cliff deal in Jan were further extension of unemployment benefits, and a tax increase on families making over $450K. There were no expenditure cuts.
Sequester: Republicans should let the sequester cuts stand unless biparrtisan expenditure offsets can be agreed to. Taxes should not be raised to offset/recover the sequester cuts. NOTE: If bi-patisan agreements can be reached to allow prioritization and then reprogramming of expenditure cuts within the governmental Departments - to soften the effects of the sequestration, that would be a positive development.
Recommendation: Republicans need to do something to slow the growth of the deficit. Let the government default/shutdown if that's what it takes to get meaningful reductions to our federal debt. Republicans need to accept that they will take a hit (political blame) if the government defaults/shuts down. Instead of worrying over being blamed for this, they need to own the blame if necessary, and instead use the authority to raise the debt ceiling as leverage to get real expenditure cuts. They need to stand firm for as long as necessary to obtain real and substantive reduction to the growth of the deficit.
In the long run - if through the Republicans standing firm - if through their strength of will, the deficit issue is resolved, the immediate blame of the government default/shut down will be more than offset by the credit for putting the nation on a supportable path forward, as we back away from the financial abyss.
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