First I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your views and leaving your comments. That is what we are here for. This is a place for people to come to share their views and let their views be heard, whether we agree or not. And we will not always agree. The important thing is to keep an open dialogue.
The first site you provided me to check out (politifact.com) was very interesting. It gave facts and quotes on what important figures said and whether they were true or false. For argument sake I will only cover some of the ones I found that cover our topic today:
*Mostly True Comments
"Wisconisn state and local Government workers pay $500, $600 or in some cases, $1000 per year in union dues. -Gov. Scott Walker(R-WI)
"Under Gov. Soctt Walker's proposals, "Money is being taken away from workers, and the tax breaks given to major corporations." -Progressive Change Campaign Committee
The site you provided to show your minimum wage argument (plantingdollars.com) showed if you live with roomates than yes you can live on minimum wage. Not all Americans live or want to live with roomates. Hence, the fact you can not survive alone on minimum wage without help from a roommate, spouse, or another income coming into the household. It is nearly impossible unless you live in Section 8 housing or some other type of housing that goes by our income alone.
*Example of a Average Minimum Wage Budget
(7.25hr 40hrs week after taxes $940 if you claim 0 on tax returns as most Americans do)
Rent: 450
Electric: 150
Natural Gas Bill: $150-300(winter mths)
Car/Maintainace: $200
Car Insurance: $100-150
Student Loans: $100
Food/Peronal Items: $150-$400(depending on if you have a child or children)
Cable/Internet: $30-120
Phone Bill: $100-180
*This does not include other bills such as child support, credit cards, or medical costs.
As you can see it is impossible for a single peson or even a person who is a single parent to live alone on minimum wage.
"Keep government out of PBS and you can keep your Sesame Street," you said. I would agree. However, it was the House that voted to make cuts to Public BroadCasting not me. I just report it and give my opinion. Like you, I too believe that the government has no place in this area, but it seems they do. And until we speak up and say something, they will continue to make votes regarding issues that they have no place in.
You are also right about America being a Constitutional Republic. Yet it prides itself on its democratic values. So a single voice may not speak for a movement, but it does however keep a open dialogue and allow voices that may have in no other country have a voice to be heard.
Both if not all past and present administrations have made their fair share of bad decision making. It is the American way and right of passage for the American President it seems. This in no means do I agree with any of it. I think I made that very clear. I believe I made it very clear I dont take sides one way or the other. In fact I have very strong opinions when it comes to all of the past and present administration policys. If I did not make myself clear before let me make myself clear now. I am neither a Democrat or Republican. I vote for who I believe will do the best job and at times leave the ballot blank.
As for Cash for Clunkers. Cash for Clunkers began in the Clinton Era and was removed by the Obama administration. Yes for a brief time in his early administration it was a tool to help revamp the car industry. Now everyone seems to have a new car. Some folks did not have a great experience with this program from what I understand. I personally did not partake in it. However, since around 2003 I believe the program no longer exsist so it really is a mute point.
As for Social Programs, as Americans most sof these programs you do not have to participate in them. Despite that if you do your research, you as an American have been paying for these earmarks for years and have not even know about most of them. This is why so many congressmen and women are fighting to eliminate them all together. However, if you do this it is a catch 22. A lot of helpful programs that benefit others such as programs for special needs children, programs for the elderly, and also the most controversal planned parenthood could and would be eliminated.
There would be more abuses of the poor, sick, disabled, and many states would suffer greater than they do now because funding just would not be available.
So you can not just eliminate the Government all together. That is just absurd to suggest. My issue is the abuse wiithin the sytem. That many of our tax dollars don't go to what they say they go to, but instead go into big corportions.
"You and others complain about the republican's stance lowering tax on the rich. But that is revenue taken from them, which in turn keeps the company from being able to expand, to create more jobs that could go out to an American."
The Unions in Wisconsin is not the reason the state is going broke. It may be part of the problem but not the full reason. Gov. Scott Walker made it clear on many interviews he gave that this was his agenda "to make history" and not necessarily to cut his $3.6million dollar deficit.
Maybe the Unions should be more flexible. They did attempt to work out an agreement with the governor and even agreed to his term. The Governor then made it clear he had no desire to compromise. It was all or nothing. It was his way or the highway. This was one of the main reasons people were so upset.
To take away the rights of collective-bargaining is wrong. What will be the next thing the next right they will take away? I believe that the way they handled this in Wisconsin was not the answer.
As for Charlie Sheen...If people did not care what has been going on with him, he would not be on every news station everyday, being tweeted about, or received over 10,000 hit within minutes of airing his Internet broadcast.
If you would have read my blog about him more carefully, you would have seen that I was discussing mental illness more so than Mr. Sheen. But I appreciate the fact you may not care, though others do.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Violation of Laws...Civil Rights...or Entitled GOP
"Shame" chanted the Wisconsin workers Wednesday night for over 30 minutes. Republicans some how bypassed the Democrats and cut Union Rights in a 18-1 vote with no Democrats present for the vote. This will now put sharp limits on collective bargaining rights, increase pension and health care cost for workers. Scott Walker (Gov. WI) said, "I applaud the legislation...to stand up to the status quo and take a step in the right direction..." Ok Governor but that "status quo is who will be the one who will remember this at the next election and I guarantee you wont be around for another one after that.
Democrat Senators say its a done deal but maintain Wednesday's night vote was illegal. I would have to think so! Not even the Federal House or Senate could take a vote without a vote on what some call "Obama Care" without all present. No they had to find a way around their plans and push their agenda through legally and with all members of both houses present.
So What now? Well we will have to keep a close eye on all this. Yesterday, downtown Indiana was also feeling the heat with at least a 1,000 or more protesters at the State House held a Union Rally. Even people who were in town visiting for the Big Ten Conference was joining in with the Union Workers.
If we take collective bargaining rights away from the workers we say "their voice doesn't matter." Their vote doesn't matter. That BIG BUSINESS wins again. Lets face it. That is what this is all about isn't it? Making room for big business to make even more money and the "normal person" to make less. They already control the low cost of minimum wage, which no one can live on - not even a single person these days. They control the tax cuts and breaks. Look at it, they make all the money but get the same tax breaks as a person making $250,000 right now. They are even trying to take away Public Broadcasting. Sesame Street? You want want to take away Sesame Street Really Mr. and Mrs. GOP?
What I find absurd most of all, is that the GOP and Tea Party had the nerve to hold up signs calling President Obama Hitler during the health care debates. Who is Hitler now?
I am not a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Tea party constituent. I have always prided myself on voting for who I felt was right for the job. Sometimes that was a Republican other times that has been a Democrat. Once in a while if on the ballot and available, I may even vote for an Independent if they are so worthy. However, if this kind of absurdity continues with the GOP I will have no choice but to side with the Democrats or even Independents.
I have always been a bit suspicious of Republican motives in the past. Yet I have always given them the benefit of the doubt as I would anyone. At least till they gave me a reason not to trust in what they said or did. If I was truly confused I would just leave that place on the ballot blank and vote for no one. The problem with doing that is that you automatically give the power back to the people who screwed things up to begin with.
I believe that Republican and these Tea Partier's are just so pissed off about loosing, that they have decided to go in and become power hungry and greedful. Stay with me for a minute. Think about it. Their behavior across the country seems to be: "I didn't get my way here so I'm really going to show them now!" Some Americans are upset about the Democrats walking out. Yeah all the people I know who are mad are rich, white Americans who have corporations and large businesses. Why? Because they are like small children who are entitled not getting what they want when they want it. You heard a few grumbling when the Democrats were attempting to get the health care bill passed but you didn't see them call people "Hitler" or try to take over peoples rights completely. No time and time again they tried to work with the GOP and time and time again the GOP refused.
What is wrong with helping the average American? What is wrong with doing it legally. Come on you could have found a way to get your agenda passed eventually. The Democrats were working on trying to make changes to the Bill. Why not work with them and come to a compromise? Maybe that is not in the vocabulary of the Republicans and The Tea Partier's.
By no means am I saying the Democrats are squeaky clean. Hell no they are not. They too have made their share of mistakes and acted like asses. Whose Country is this? The Peoples Country!!! The American Peoples Country!!! I believe you all have forgot that! Everyday it is more and more about raising money for your campaigns and getting re-elected than doing what is right for the American People! I understand we have Federal and State Deficits to eliminate and get down. We also need to get people back to work. The way you are going about it is appalling and ridiculous. It needs to stop before you take this great country of ours and run it into the ground.
We could but people back to work, create jobs, and yes we may have to raise some taxes to do that, however most Americans are not against that idea. Nevertheless, you give these and many other workers a even bigger pay cut while corporate executives still face no penalties or criminal charges for their actions for the financial mess they created while continuing to make millions of dollars off of these hard working American backs. Shame was not a strong enough word in my book.
Democrat Senators say its a done deal but maintain Wednesday's night vote was illegal. I would have to think so! Not even the Federal House or Senate could take a vote without a vote on what some call "Obama Care" without all present. No they had to find a way around their plans and push their agenda through legally and with all members of both houses present.
So What now? Well we will have to keep a close eye on all this. Yesterday, downtown Indiana was also feeling the heat with at least a 1,000 or more protesters at the State House held a Union Rally. Even people who were in town visiting for the Big Ten Conference was joining in with the Union Workers.
If we take collective bargaining rights away from the workers we say "their voice doesn't matter." Their vote doesn't matter. That BIG BUSINESS wins again. Lets face it. That is what this is all about isn't it? Making room for big business to make even more money and the "normal person" to make less. They already control the low cost of minimum wage, which no one can live on - not even a single person these days. They control the tax cuts and breaks. Look at it, they make all the money but get the same tax breaks as a person making $250,000 right now. They are even trying to take away Public Broadcasting. Sesame Street? You want want to take away Sesame Street Really Mr. and Mrs. GOP?
What I find absurd most of all, is that the GOP and Tea Party had the nerve to hold up signs calling President Obama Hitler during the health care debates. Who is Hitler now?
I am not a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or Tea party constituent. I have always prided myself on voting for who I felt was right for the job. Sometimes that was a Republican other times that has been a Democrat. Once in a while if on the ballot and available, I may even vote for an Independent if they are so worthy. However, if this kind of absurdity continues with the GOP I will have no choice but to side with the Democrats or even Independents.
I have always been a bit suspicious of Republican motives in the past. Yet I have always given them the benefit of the doubt as I would anyone. At least till they gave me a reason not to trust in what they said or did. If I was truly confused I would just leave that place on the ballot blank and vote for no one. The problem with doing that is that you automatically give the power back to the people who screwed things up to begin with.
I believe that Republican and these Tea Partier's are just so pissed off about loosing, that they have decided to go in and become power hungry and greedful. Stay with me for a minute. Think about it. Their behavior across the country seems to be: "I didn't get my way here so I'm really going to show them now!" Some Americans are upset about the Democrats walking out. Yeah all the people I know who are mad are rich, white Americans who have corporations and large businesses. Why? Because they are like small children who are entitled not getting what they want when they want it. You heard a few grumbling when the Democrats were attempting to get the health care bill passed but you didn't see them call people "Hitler" or try to take over peoples rights completely. No time and time again they tried to work with the GOP and time and time again the GOP refused.
What is wrong with helping the average American? What is wrong with doing it legally. Come on you could have found a way to get your agenda passed eventually. The Democrats were working on trying to make changes to the Bill. Why not work with them and come to a compromise? Maybe that is not in the vocabulary of the Republicans and The Tea Partier's.
By no means am I saying the Democrats are squeaky clean. Hell no they are not. They too have made their share of mistakes and acted like asses. Whose Country is this? The Peoples Country!!! The American Peoples Country!!! I believe you all have forgot that! Everyday it is more and more about raising money for your campaigns and getting re-elected than doing what is right for the American People! I understand we have Federal and State Deficits to eliminate and get down. We also need to get people back to work. The way you are going about it is appalling and ridiculous. It needs to stop before you take this great country of ours and run it into the ground.
We could but people back to work, create jobs, and yes we may have to raise some taxes to do that, however most Americans are not against that idea. Nevertheless, you give these and many other workers a even bigger pay cut while corporate executives still face no penalties or criminal charges for their actions for the financial mess they created while continuing to make millions of dollars off of these hard working American backs. Shame was not a strong enough word in my book.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Creative View Will Be Moving!!!
Hey all!! I have decided that the Creative View needed a bigger and better place. So we have a official web page now. It is http://www.creativeview-sherryltharp.com Come Check us out. Soon we will be able to provide you with more resources, information on events, and a lot more commentary on Political and Social issues we face today in America and around the World. For the next 4 days you can still come here to take our poll or read our blog. I hope after that you will let me know what I can do for you!
Do you have a website you want advertised? Do you have a Event you want Published? Do you have a Resource for others? I want to hear from you!!! Please contact me at my web page at Contact Us and I promise I will get back to you as soon as I can!!
Let me know what you want discussed! What is on your mind! I will make it happen! The worlds changing and its time to make changes for the better. Real changes that make a real difference. The only way we can do that is if we work together, step up and let our voices be heard. Once we speak up we can formulate a plan and do something about the problems we have in the world.
I believe as a writer I can be very instrumental in making these changes happen. By giving you a voice. By speaking up for those who can not speak for themselves. So I know you will join me in this journey.
Sherry Lynn Tharp
Do you have a website you want advertised? Do you have a Event you want Published? Do you have a Resource for others? I want to hear from you!!! Please contact me at my web page at Contact Us and I promise I will get back to you as soon as I can!!
Let me know what you want discussed! What is on your mind! I will make it happen! The worlds changing and its time to make changes for the better. Real changes that make a real difference. The only way we can do that is if we work together, step up and let our voices be heard. Once we speak up we can formulate a plan and do something about the problems we have in the world.
I believe as a writer I can be very instrumental in making these changes happen. By giving you a voice. By speaking up for those who can not speak for themselves. So I know you will join me in this journey.
Sherry Lynn Tharp
Charlie Sheen Fired! Help Coming?
Charlie Sheen was fired from CBS Warner Brothers yesterday due to his "dangerously destructive behavior" and because he was "very ill." I hear a law suit of great magnitudes coming!!! Last I checked you can't fire someone for an illness. Though I and many Americans experience this everyday.
Charlie Sheen is clearly sick. At first, I thought he was just a bully, blow-hard that liked to hear the sound of his own voice, just like many other Americans. The Internet, especially Twitter is full of opinions of Mr. Sheen behaviors, rants, out-burst, and commentary now-a-days. However, if it is not clear by now that this man needs help and HELP NOW...Than I am afraid this man will surely perish!!!
I understand that many want to continue to turn their heads and watch "great TV" and see how all this plays out. But who is going to stop this madness and help this man? At least Lindsay Lohan had a few people in her camp that cared enough to say "get it together." Where were all these TV Executives when he was spiralling out of control. Lets, say for a minute they did try to help. They tried to reason with him. Boy I would have loved to have been a fly on that wall. Did they bring in doctors? Did they take him to appointments? Did they attempt to call his family before all this happened?
I take this all very personally, because I lived with a mentally ill man for 6 years. My ex-husband suffers from bipolar . No one would listen to me either at first. When it comes to mental illness some want to think, "it isn't happening to my son or daughter...my friend." The sooner you can get them help the better. My ex-husband went from a very vibrant person to seeing things that were not there and shooting himself in the east wing of a hospital. That's not the only attempt of suicide. He also became such a different person he began to become very physically abusive towards me and to our children. Watching Sheen has been like watching my ex-husband.
They take drugs, believe it or not, because it makes them feel normal. When a person who suffers from bipolar is in its aggressive stages and not properly medicated (which can take years to find the proper medication for that particular individual) it does not only destroy that a person it can destroy everyone and anyone that comes in contact with that person.
Maybe, the Executives from CBS did the right thing. I am sure they will settle out of court and Charlie Sheen will get his payday. Yet, this isn't about a payday in the end. This is about a life. A life that is obviously in need. A life that is obviously very sick. Trust me, he is manic now, but when he comes down and he will... he will come down hard. God help those who are close to him then. He will need round the clock care. Someone to watch him, no matter how much he says he doesn't want it, because the risk for suicide goes up. That is if he makes it that far.
Someone needs to get in there now. They need to think of not Charlie Sheen but his children. Children can be the common bond, his saving grace, and a great way to reason with him. I know what I am talking about because I lived it. I still live it. I may be remarried and have gone on in many ways with my life, however, my ex-husband will always be a huge part of my life because we have children together. They are, our common bond. My ex got help and stays on his meds because of them, hence, his saving grace. When he is falling back into the manic behaviors I have to pull them back. Its not using the kids. It is saving them. It is reasoning with him. It is the only balance you can have with someone who suffers from bipolar or disorders like it.
For more information on Bipolar or other Psychological Disorders Go to www.WebMD.com
Charlie Sheen is clearly sick. At first, I thought he was just a bully, blow-hard that liked to hear the sound of his own voice, just like many other Americans. The Internet, especially Twitter is full of opinions of Mr. Sheen behaviors, rants, out-burst, and commentary now-a-days. However, if it is not clear by now that this man needs help and HELP NOW...Than I am afraid this man will surely perish!!!
I understand that many want to continue to turn their heads and watch "great TV" and see how all this plays out. But who is going to stop this madness and help this man? At least Lindsay Lohan had a few people in her camp that cared enough to say "get it together." Where were all these TV Executives when he was spiralling out of control. Lets, say for a minute they did try to help. They tried to reason with him. Boy I would have loved to have been a fly on that wall. Did they bring in doctors? Did they take him to appointments? Did they attempt to call his family before all this happened?
I take this all very personally, because I lived with a mentally ill man for 6 years. My ex-husband suffers from bipolar . No one would listen to me either at first. When it comes to mental illness some want to think, "it isn't happening to my son or daughter...my friend." The sooner you can get them help the better. My ex-husband went from a very vibrant person to seeing things that were not there and shooting himself in the east wing of a hospital. That's not the only attempt of suicide. He also became such a different person he began to become very physically abusive towards me and to our children. Watching Sheen has been like watching my ex-husband.
They take drugs, believe it or not, because it makes them feel normal. When a person who suffers from bipolar is in its aggressive stages and not properly medicated (which can take years to find the proper medication for that particular individual) it does not only destroy that a person it can destroy everyone and anyone that comes in contact with that person.
Maybe, the Executives from CBS did the right thing. I am sure they will settle out of court and Charlie Sheen will get his payday. Yet, this isn't about a payday in the end. This is about a life. A life that is obviously in need. A life that is obviously very sick. Trust me, he is manic now, but when he comes down and he will... he will come down hard. God help those who are close to him then. He will need round the clock care. Someone to watch him, no matter how much he says he doesn't want it, because the risk for suicide goes up. That is if he makes it that far.
Someone needs to get in there now. They need to think of not Charlie Sheen but his children. Children can be the common bond, his saving grace, and a great way to reason with him. I know what I am talking about because I lived it. I still live it. I may be remarried and have gone on in many ways with my life, however, my ex-husband will always be a huge part of my life because we have children together. They are, our common bond. My ex got help and stays on his meds because of them, hence, his saving grace. When he is falling back into the manic behaviors I have to pull them back. Its not using the kids. It is saving them. It is reasoning with him. It is the only balance you can have with someone who suffers from bipolar or disorders like it.
For more information on Bipolar or other Psychological Disorders Go to www.WebMD.com
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Financial Reform Who will Save Us
Financial Reform is on every one's minds now-a-days. It is on every news station you turn to. Every newspaper you read. It is even a topic I am passionate about.
Mr. William Daley the White House Chief of Staff and a former executive for JP Morgan Chase said today on Meet The Press "The normal average American is feeling it." Feeling what you might ask? Feeling the higher gas prices. The national average now being $3.50 a gallon. Why? Some might argue that it is the higher demand in the world. Others might say it is because of greed in corporate America. Whatever your position, it is not the only issue that is causing our financial crisis in America today.
According to A Wall Street Journal Poll 37% of Americans polled "Top Priority For The Government" is job creation and economic growth, while only 22% of Americans polled top priority was the deficit and government spending. And get this, only 12% of those polled top priority was health care. So what does this mean for us? Well It means a lot more confusment, arguments, and politics.
According to Daley, "Nobody has taken steps to that," speaking about the President and balancing the budget. I am sure I don't necessarily agree completely with this statement. However, when Daley went on to discuss the things that was driving the deficit, he made this statement: "Social Security is not the big driver of the deficit right now. We have to strengthen Social Security for all the recipients of that." I do agree with his position on this subject. I am a disabled American. However, I can not get Social Security Disability because of all this mess. There is just not enough money. Though the Judge would not say so on the record. He did make a statement off the record stating just that. He did, however, state in my written decision that I was a "severely disabled" individual, but could do "sedentary" work. Hence the fact I became a writer.
Than we have The Tea Party. Folks like Michelle Bachman (R-MN) head of the Tea Party Caucasus and very out spoken on what she refers to as "Obama Care" and refers to the current administration as a "Gangster Government."She said in her interview with David Gregory, "It is shocking the revelations all the money that has been spent. There was a Congressional Research Service Report that was issued in February and we discovered secretly, unbenouced to Congress over 100.5 billion dollars was hidden in the Obama Care legislation to fund the implementation of Obama Care. This was something that wasn't known. The money was broken up and hidden in various parts of the Bills. We have worked hard to discover 61 billion in cuts we could put forward and give to the President, so in effect we have taken one step forward and two steps back. Because we have found 105 billion it has already been implemented or appropriated." Later she added when asked about if she was willing to see or participate in a government shutdown, which I found interesting, funny, and absurd, "Members of Congress didn't know this money was in the Bill because we couldn't read the Bill before it was passed because it wasn't given to us but hours before we had to vote on it."
OK hold on a minute! Are you telling me that a group of educated grown adults can't speak up and say "wait a minute, we need more time to look over this before we vote on it." Come on! Do you really believe that the American Public is going to buy that excuse? Are you not Big Boys and Girls? Who were voted into office to be responsible constitutes. In my view that makes you just as responsible for that 100 billion if not more responsible because you were sloppy, and allowed yourselves to be bullied into a vote.
Michelle Bachman you can't have it both ways, sorry to say. What troubles me most about you and your comments isn't not necessarily your obvious racist remark referring to the Obama administration as "The Gangster Administration." No, it is when you said "the day before the President took office gasoline was $1.83 a gallon. In What state? I would love to have been living there at the time. As I remember it I paid well over $2.30 a gallon in gas during the Bush administration and it didn't go down till Obama took office. It wasn't till recently that it has gone back up. Sorry you can't blame everything on Obama, no matter how hard you try.
Even Bachman's statements on how President Obama handles the trouble with Gadhafi "is troubling." However, she agrees that we should not only listen to Gates and Petraeus. Excuse me Mrs. Bachman, who do you think the President advisers are on this matter? Seriously? I understand you are concerned like many Americans are about how much we depend on borrowing from other countries, but you really can't make a statement such as "its troubling how the President is responded to the situation in Lybia," and then turn around and agree with what his advisers are telling him he should do.
Michelle Bachman did say one thing I did agree with when talking about our deficit. "That can have national security implications. We don't serve our American interest well when we put our hands into creditors." She is correct. We are supposed to be the most powerful nation in the world yet we must continually borrow our way out of debt just to create more of a deficit for ourselves.
I don't know about most of you out there but I am so sick and tired of Politicians!!! I hope Bill Daley is right when he said speaking about the President, "He is not going to play the Washington games. I think we have had enough in the last two years and people are sick and tired of it. They're tired of the partnership and if anyone thinks out of this last election. The American people were voting for more partnership, more saying no. Their going to have a rude awakening in the next election. Thank you Mr. Daley for clearing up what most of us already knew...it will be politics as usual.
Most Politicians are CEO's and we have to start facing the facts. The also run the Justice System. Most Judges are "elected officials" are they not? I understand William Daley a former Executive for JP Morgan Chase disagrees. After responding to Charles Fergusons' statement (Director and Oscar winner for the documentary for "The Inside Job) "Forgive me. I must start out by pointing out that 3 years after a horrific financial crisis caused by massive fraud, not a single financial executive has went to jail and that is wrong." Daley's response to this was, "The Justice System should take its place. A politician should not be engaged, or say who should be prosecuted and who should not. That's not a responsible thing to do. You've got a number of Justice, Attorney Generals that are moving forward on cases that are legitimate. The President felt very strongly and that's why he fought so hard for financial regulatory reform. That system has to change. Most of the laws that are worked under were enacted were closer to the Civil War than to this Century."
So who do we turn to? If the Judges are also indeed truly elected officials, hence also politicians, than they to have a stake in whether or not to move forward to prosecute the executives. Most Politicians have worked with big corporations to help raise funds for their campaigns, so they don't want to take them down. And of course, their are the Politicians that are already CEO's or former executives and have special interest in these corporations that are raising prices on the "normal person."
Let's face it. This problem will not be solved over night. But until we face the truth and the facts nothing will change. Reform by definition is "a campaign aimed to correct abuses or malpractices." All I see here is more abuses and continuing malpractices being allowed to happen. The question is what are we going to do about it? Who will rise up and save us from ourselves?
Mr. William Daley the White House Chief of Staff and a former executive for JP Morgan Chase said today on Meet The Press "The normal average American is feeling it." Feeling what you might ask? Feeling the higher gas prices. The national average now being $3.50 a gallon. Why? Some might argue that it is the higher demand in the world. Others might say it is because of greed in corporate America. Whatever your position, it is not the only issue that is causing our financial crisis in America today.
According to A Wall Street Journal Poll 37% of Americans polled "Top Priority For The Government" is job creation and economic growth, while only 22% of Americans polled top priority was the deficit and government spending. And get this, only 12% of those polled top priority was health care. So what does this mean for us? Well It means a lot more confusment, arguments, and politics.
According to Daley, "Nobody has taken steps to that," speaking about the President and balancing the budget. I am sure I don't necessarily agree completely with this statement. However, when Daley went on to discuss the things that was driving the deficit, he made this statement: "Social Security is not the big driver of the deficit right now. We have to strengthen Social Security for all the recipients of that." I do agree with his position on this subject. I am a disabled American. However, I can not get Social Security Disability because of all this mess. There is just not enough money. Though the Judge would not say so on the record. He did make a statement off the record stating just that. He did, however, state in my written decision that I was a "severely disabled" individual, but could do "sedentary" work. Hence the fact I became a writer.
Than we have The Tea Party. Folks like Michelle Bachman (R-MN) head of the Tea Party Caucasus and very out spoken on what she refers to as "Obama Care" and refers to the current administration as a "Gangster Government."She said in her interview with David Gregory, "It is shocking the revelations all the money that has been spent. There was a Congressional Research Service Report that was issued in February and we discovered secretly, unbenouced to Congress over 100.5 billion dollars was hidden in the Obama Care legislation to fund the implementation of Obama Care. This was something that wasn't known. The money was broken up and hidden in various parts of the Bills. We have worked hard to discover 61 billion in cuts we could put forward and give to the President, so in effect we have taken one step forward and two steps back. Because we have found 105 billion it has already been implemented or appropriated." Later she added when asked about if she was willing to see or participate in a government shutdown, which I found interesting, funny, and absurd, "Members of Congress didn't know this money was in the Bill because we couldn't read the Bill before it was passed because it wasn't given to us but hours before we had to vote on it."
OK hold on a minute! Are you telling me that a group of educated grown adults can't speak up and say "wait a minute, we need more time to look over this before we vote on it." Come on! Do you really believe that the American Public is going to buy that excuse? Are you not Big Boys and Girls? Who were voted into office to be responsible constitutes. In my view that makes you just as responsible for that 100 billion if not more responsible because you were sloppy, and allowed yourselves to be bullied into a vote.
Michelle Bachman you can't have it both ways, sorry to say. What troubles me most about you and your comments isn't not necessarily your obvious racist remark referring to the Obama administration as "The Gangster Administration." No, it is when you said "the day before the President took office gasoline was $1.83 a gallon. In What state? I would love to have been living there at the time. As I remember it I paid well over $2.30 a gallon in gas during the Bush administration and it didn't go down till Obama took office. It wasn't till recently that it has gone back up. Sorry you can't blame everything on Obama, no matter how hard you try.
Even Bachman's statements on how President Obama handles the trouble with Gadhafi "is troubling." However, she agrees that we should not only listen to Gates and Petraeus. Excuse me Mrs. Bachman, who do you think the President advisers are on this matter? Seriously? I understand you are concerned like many Americans are about how much we depend on borrowing from other countries, but you really can't make a statement such as "its troubling how the President is responded to the situation in Lybia," and then turn around and agree with what his advisers are telling him he should do.
Michelle Bachman did say one thing I did agree with when talking about our deficit. "That can have national security implications. We don't serve our American interest well when we put our hands into creditors." She is correct. We are supposed to be the most powerful nation in the world yet we must continually borrow our way out of debt just to create more of a deficit for ourselves.
I don't know about most of you out there but I am so sick and tired of Politicians!!! I hope Bill Daley is right when he said speaking about the President, "He is not going to play the Washington games. I think we have had enough in the last two years and people are sick and tired of it. They're tired of the partnership and if anyone thinks out of this last election. The American people were voting for more partnership, more saying no. Their going to have a rude awakening in the next election. Thank you Mr. Daley for clearing up what most of us already knew...it will be politics as usual.
Most Politicians are CEO's and we have to start facing the facts. The also run the Justice System. Most Judges are "elected officials" are they not? I understand William Daley a former Executive for JP Morgan Chase disagrees. After responding to Charles Fergusons' statement (Director and Oscar winner for the documentary for "The Inside Job) "Forgive me. I must start out by pointing out that 3 years after a horrific financial crisis caused by massive fraud, not a single financial executive has went to jail and that is wrong." Daley's response to this was, "The Justice System should take its place. A politician should not be engaged, or say who should be prosecuted and who should not. That's not a responsible thing to do. You've got a number of Justice, Attorney Generals that are moving forward on cases that are legitimate. The President felt very strongly and that's why he fought so hard for financial regulatory reform. That system has to change. Most of the laws that are worked under were enacted were closer to the Civil War than to this Century."
So who do we turn to? If the Judges are also indeed truly elected officials, hence also politicians, than they to have a stake in whether or not to move forward to prosecute the executives. Most Politicians have worked with big corporations to help raise funds for their campaigns, so they don't want to take them down. And of course, their are the Politicians that are already CEO's or former executives and have special interest in these corporations that are raising prices on the "normal person."
Let's face it. This problem will not be solved over night. But until we face the truth and the facts nothing will change. Reform by definition is "a campaign aimed to correct abuses or malpractices." All I see here is more abuses and continuing malpractices being allowed to happen. The question is what are we going to do about it? Who will rise up and save us from ourselves?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
First Amendment v Bad Taste
For 20 years the congregation of the Westboro Baptist Church picketed military family funerals. They believe that God hates the United States for its tolerance of homosexuality especially in the military. Fred Phelps founder of Westboro Baptist Church and his family full of parishioners traveled to Maryland to picket the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder who was killed in a non combat related vehicle accident March 3, 2006 while serving our country in Iraq.The signs this group picketed and displayed for the whole world to see, including Matthews father said things like, "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," "Fags doom Nations, and " America is Doomed."
Matthews father filed a diversity action against Phelps and the church alleging intentional inflection of emotional distress, intrusion upon seclusion, and civil conspiracy. The lower courts ruled in favor of Snyder and Phelps had to pay punitive damages that was later reduced and challenged than later reversed. The Court stated in this ruling, "Statements were entitled to First Amendment protection because those statements were on matters of public concern, were not provably false, and were expressed solely through hyperbolic meteoric."
So after a long court battle and taking all arguments into consideration The United States Supreme Court heard and ruled on the case. On March 2, 2011 Chief Justice Roberts delivered the opinion of the Court. He stated, "speech on public issues occupies the highest rung of the hierarchy of First Amendment values, and is entitled to special protection."
He later went on to say in the opinion of the Court, "the Court is obligated to make an independent examination of the whole record in order to make sure that judgment does not constitute a forbidden intrusion on free expression...." Then went on to say "the content of Westboro's sign's plainly relates to broad issues of interest to society at large, rather than matters of purely private concern."
Roberts rapped up reading the Courts opinion by saying, " Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and - as it did here - inflict great pain...to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate."
Justice Alito disagreed saying, " Albert Snyder is not a public figure. He is simply a parent whose son Marine Corporal Matthew Snyder, was killed in Iraq. Mr. Snyder wanted what is surely the right of any parent who experiences such an incalculable loss: to bury his son in peace."
In my opinion Mr. Albert Snyder and all families military or not should have the right to bury their loved ones in peace. This means without hateful messages or screaming participants. My question is why pick this family? Matthew Snyder was not gay. He served his country proudly. His sister told the Baltimore Sun that the reason he joined the military was because he had a "unwavering sense of responsibility." Why pick any family? Is this what Christianity is about or coming to? I think not!
The people of this church or anyone like them should be ashamed of themselves. However if you look back in history they are not alone. The Supreme Court never really put the issue to rest till the 20th Century. Many individuals were killed or jailed speaking out against issues they to believed in. It was not until around the Vietnam Era (United States v. O'Brien 391 U.S. 367 1968) that the court finally took a position on public criticism of the government and changes occurred. The courts opinion stated "Our decision have fashioned the principle that the Constitution guarantees of free speech and free press do not allow a state to forbid or proscribe advocacy of the use of force or law violation except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or cause such action."
So folks, what it comes down to is this. The courts are not going to do anything as long as they show no threat to anyone. No matter how hateful they are. I guess we can forget about telling our kids not to bully or watch what they say on facebook. Heck, its freedom of speech right? The can protest all the want as long as they do it from 1000 yards away. But just because you have these rights doesn't make it right.
I think most of us out here are smart enough to figure out that this church is full of ignorant souls. And we are also smart enough to know there are more out there just like them. My fear is that the next round of people will start bringing guns to these demonstrations because well that is one of their rights too. The Right To Bear Arms. Who are we kidding. This bad taste in our mouths have to stop. I'm not suggesting we take away the rights of anyone. I am suggesting we use a little more common since.
I would also like everyone to reach out and help Albert Snyder (Matthew Snyder's father) with the court cost he will have to pay toward the Westboro Church and Phelps attorneys. I do not usually do this and will not do it often, however, this loving father was fighting for the rights of all Americans to have peaceful burials for their fallen. I think the least we can do is help him to pay the attorney fee's of the ignorant people who started this mess to begin with. Go to www.matthewsnyder.org for more info.
Matthews father filed a diversity action against Phelps and the church alleging intentional inflection of emotional distress, intrusion upon seclusion, and civil conspiracy. The lower courts ruled in favor of Snyder and Phelps had to pay punitive damages that was later reduced and challenged than later reversed. The Court stated in this ruling, "Statements were entitled to First Amendment protection because those statements were on matters of public concern, were not provably false, and were expressed solely through hyperbolic meteoric."
So after a long court battle and taking all arguments into consideration The United States Supreme Court heard and ruled on the case. On March 2, 2011 Chief Justice Roberts delivered the opinion of the Court. He stated, "speech on public issues occupies the highest rung of the hierarchy of First Amendment values, and is entitled to special protection."
He later went on to say in the opinion of the Court, "the Court is obligated to make an independent examination of the whole record in order to make sure that judgment does not constitute a forbidden intrusion on free expression...." Then went on to say "the content of Westboro's sign's plainly relates to broad issues of interest to society at large, rather than matters of purely private concern."
Roberts rapped up reading the Courts opinion by saying, " Speech is powerful. It can stir people to action, move them to tears of both joy and sorrow, and - as it did here - inflict great pain...to protect even hurtful speech on public issues to ensure that we do not stifle public debate."
Justice Alito disagreed saying, " Albert Snyder is not a public figure. He is simply a parent whose son Marine Corporal Matthew Snyder, was killed in Iraq. Mr. Snyder wanted what is surely the right of any parent who experiences such an incalculable loss: to bury his son in peace."
In my opinion Mr. Albert Snyder and all families military or not should have the right to bury their loved ones in peace. This means without hateful messages or screaming participants. My question is why pick this family? Matthew Snyder was not gay. He served his country proudly. His sister told the Baltimore Sun that the reason he joined the military was because he had a "unwavering sense of responsibility." Why pick any family? Is this what Christianity is about or coming to? I think not!
The people of this church or anyone like them should be ashamed of themselves. However if you look back in history they are not alone. The Supreme Court never really put the issue to rest till the 20th Century. Many individuals were killed or jailed speaking out against issues they to believed in. It was not until around the Vietnam Era (United States v. O'Brien 391 U.S. 367 1968) that the court finally took a position on public criticism of the government and changes occurred. The courts opinion stated "Our decision have fashioned the principle that the Constitution guarantees of free speech and free press do not allow a state to forbid or proscribe advocacy of the use of force or law violation except where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or cause such action."
So folks, what it comes down to is this. The courts are not going to do anything as long as they show no threat to anyone. No matter how hateful they are. I guess we can forget about telling our kids not to bully or watch what they say on facebook. Heck, its freedom of speech right? The can protest all the want as long as they do it from 1000 yards away. But just because you have these rights doesn't make it right.
I think most of us out here are smart enough to figure out that this church is full of ignorant souls. And we are also smart enough to know there are more out there just like them. My fear is that the next round of people will start bringing guns to these demonstrations because well that is one of their rights too. The Right To Bear Arms. Who are we kidding. This bad taste in our mouths have to stop. I'm not suggesting we take away the rights of anyone. I am suggesting we use a little more common since.
I would also like everyone to reach out and help Albert Snyder (Matthew Snyder's father) with the court cost he will have to pay toward the Westboro Church and Phelps attorneys. I do not usually do this and will not do it often, however, this loving father was fighting for the rights of all Americans to have peaceful burials for their fallen. I think the least we can do is help him to pay the attorney fee's of the ignorant people who started this mess to begin with. Go to www.matthewsnyder.org for more info.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Acceptable Parenting?
After reading my local paper today I became very infuriated while reading the "Dear Annie" section. A loving single father had written in about his not so understanding family. Apparently they took issue that he and his son shared a bathroom while getting ready at the same time. This made this the 16 year old son so uncomfortable that he no longer wanted to spend time with his extended family members. Can you blame him? One family member had went as far as telling the boy "this type of behavior would turn him gay." What? Would sharing a locker room with his male classmates turn him gay too?
How far are we going to go people? It was nothing for us to go into the bathroom as girls, with our mother while she was showering or even using the bathroom. We were all girls. We all had to get ready. It is no different than getting ready at school in the girls locker room. In most schools by middle school you are required to shower after gym. This didn't make anyone gay. Last I knew you weren't made gay, you were born that way.
I understand everyone has a different parenting style. But some people seem to be taking what is "acceptable to them" to far. We need to remember this is America. We all come from different backgrounds, have different cultural beliefs, and have different ways of parenting. Not all kids are the same. We are all individuals and lets not forget that. Each child is an individual and should be parented that way. However, it is not the place of extended family members, friends, or anyone else to say if you should be in the bathroom with your child at the same time or not.
Now there are some exceptions. For instance, if you have had a history of being a pedophile. Then you shouldn't be around children in the first place. If you have had a history of abusing a child physically than maybe you should be supervised. But these are truly up to a court and a counselor. Of course a family should be alert to these situations, but obviously this was not the case with this loving father and his son.
Lets face it, America has become to sensitive to child abuse issues. You can't discipline your child in public. You can't spank your children without someone screaming child abuse or calling CPS. You can't even ground your children because god forbid you are keeping them against their will. And people wonder why we are raising entitled children.
Time outs...ha! They don't work on all children. I spanked my children and I raised 8. They didn't like them, but they weren't supposed to. I also stood them on the wall. I also made them do chores. I wasn't a perfect parent but who is. We all make our mistakes. But I never allowed my friends or family dictate to me how I would raise my children. As a result I have very well behaved, well rounded, and some what successful grown children. Two of these children now have children of their own. They raise their children very much like I raised them. As a result, I have some wonderfully behaved and respectful grandchildren. And yes, they sometimes share a bathroom.
So America, lets get over ourselves and check ourselves at the door. Think before we speak. Think before you alienate your family over words that are so irresponsible.
How far are we going to go people? It was nothing for us to go into the bathroom as girls, with our mother while she was showering or even using the bathroom. We were all girls. We all had to get ready. It is no different than getting ready at school in the girls locker room. In most schools by middle school you are required to shower after gym. This didn't make anyone gay. Last I knew you weren't made gay, you were born that way.
I understand everyone has a different parenting style. But some people seem to be taking what is "acceptable to them" to far. We need to remember this is America. We all come from different backgrounds, have different cultural beliefs, and have different ways of parenting. Not all kids are the same. We are all individuals and lets not forget that. Each child is an individual and should be parented that way. However, it is not the place of extended family members, friends, or anyone else to say if you should be in the bathroom with your child at the same time or not.
Now there are some exceptions. For instance, if you have had a history of being a pedophile. Then you shouldn't be around children in the first place. If you have had a history of abusing a child physically than maybe you should be supervised. But these are truly up to a court and a counselor. Of course a family should be alert to these situations, but obviously this was not the case with this loving father and his son.
Lets face it, America has become to sensitive to child abuse issues. You can't discipline your child in public. You can't spank your children without someone screaming child abuse or calling CPS. You can't even ground your children because god forbid you are keeping them against their will. And people wonder why we are raising entitled children.
Time outs...ha! They don't work on all children. I spanked my children and I raised 8. They didn't like them, but they weren't supposed to. I also stood them on the wall. I also made them do chores. I wasn't a perfect parent but who is. We all make our mistakes. But I never allowed my friends or family dictate to me how I would raise my children. As a result I have very well behaved, well rounded, and some what successful grown children. Two of these children now have children of their own. They raise their children very much like I raised them. As a result, I have some wonderfully behaved and respectful grandchildren. And yes, they sometimes share a bathroom.
So America, lets get over ourselves and check ourselves at the door. Think before we speak. Think before you alienate your family over words that are so irresponsible.
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