tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90753244696689184662024-03-18T04:47:46.873-05:00The Hamburg PostThe Hamburg Post promotes conceptual ideals that America was founded by moral and ethical people who pursue intellectual dialogue and critical thought on the topics that shape our community, state, and nation. Through open, honest, and civil discourse is how current citizens pass legacy and stability onto future generations.tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.comBlogger673125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-11112396587287009742017-03-01T12:50:00.000-06:002017-03-01T22:07:07.306-06:00Trump's First State of the Union AddressLast night President Trump spoke to the Nation and a joint session of Congress. While I was leading my own city council meeting, I did not have the opportunity to tune in. Instead I read the speech, provided by http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/the-administration/321699-full-speech-president-trumps-address-to-a-joint-session, and will go through it discussing aspects of it. Hope is that others will read it again, learn from it, and see truly where President Trump looks to take the United States.<br />
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For the record, you will see my comments intermixed with the words of the speech.<br />
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Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and Citizens of America:</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our Nation's path toward civil rights and the work that still remains. Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms. </span><span style="color: red;">Good that President Trump wasted little time putting this to rest as some in the media was blasting him for not responding more quickly.</span></div>
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Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice –- in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present.</div>
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That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am heretonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart.</div>
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A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning.</div>
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A new national pride is sweeping across our Nation.</div>
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And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp.</div>
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What we are witnessing today is the Renewal of the American Spirit.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead. </span><span style="color: red;">About time!</span></div>
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All the nations of the world -- friend or foe -- will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.</div>
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In 9 years, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding -- 250 years since the day we declared our Independence.</div>
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It will be one of the great milestones in the history of the world.</div>
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But what will America look like as we reach our 250th year? What kind of country will we leave for our children?</div>
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I will not allow the mistakes of recent decades past to define the course of our future.</div>
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For too long, we've watched our middle class shrink as we've exported our jobs and wealth to foreign countries.</div>
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We've financed and built one global project after another, but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities of Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit -- and so many other places throughout our land.</div>
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We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross -- and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate.</div>
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And we've spent trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled.</div>
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Then, in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started as a quiet protest, spoken by families of all colors and creeds -– families who just wanted a fair shot for their children, and a fair hearing for their concerns.</div>
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But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus -- as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and large, all across our country.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Finally, the chorus became an earthquake – and the people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple, but crucial demand, that America must put its own citizens first ... because only then, can we truly MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. </span><span style="color: red;">This point is critical for the continuation of the United States as we are just an infant in comparison to other countries.</span></div>
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Dying industries will come roaring back to life. Heroic veterans will get the care they so desperately need.</div>
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Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve.</div>
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Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and railways gleaming across our beautiful land.</div>
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Our terrible drug epidemic will slow down and ultimately, stop.</div>
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And our neglected inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety, and opportunity.</div>
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Above all else, we will keep our promises to the American people.</div>
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It's been a little over a month since my inauguration, and I want to take this moment to update the Nation on the progress I've made in keeping those promises.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Since my election, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler, General Motors, Sprint, Softbank, Lockheed, Intel, Walmart, and many others, have announced that they will invest billions of dollars in the United States and will create tens of thousands of new American jobs. </span><span style="color: red;">This is real job growth; yet keep in mind the plant in Mexico will still be built.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> The stock market has gained almost three trillion dollars in value since the election on November 8th, a record. </span><span style="color: #2b2c30;"> We've saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of the fantastic new F-35 jet fighter, and will be saving billions more dollars on contracts all across our Government. We have placed a hiring freeze on non-military and non-essential Federal workers. </span><span style="color: red;">This is good, because we need job growth to be robust in the private sector not in the public sector.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a 5 year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials –- and a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government. </span><span style="color: red;">Wonder how this will effect former President Obama as he takes charge of foundation or speaks out against Trump?</span></div>
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We have undertaken a historic effort to massively reduce job‑crushing regulations, creating a deregulation task force inside of every Government agency; imposing a new rule which mandates that for every 1 new regulation, 2 old regulations must be eliminated; and stopping a regulation that threatens the future and livelihoods of our great coal miners.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> We have cleared the way for the construction of the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines -- thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs -- and I've issued a new directive that new American pipelines be made with American steel. </span><span style="color: red;">While the pipelines will help, they have been mostly put together so the job number might be on the high side.</span></div>
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We have withdrawn the United States from the job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> With the help of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have formed a Council with our neighbors in Canada to help ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the networks, markets and capital they need to start a business and live out their financial dreams. </span><span style="color: red;">And here I thought GOP Candidate Trump hated women and wanted to only abuse them!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> To protect our citizens, I have directed the Department of Justice to form a Task Force on Reducing Violent Crime. </span><span style="color: red;">Good Luck on that!</span></div>
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I have further ordered the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, along with the Department of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to coordinate an aggressive strategy to dismantle the criminal cartels that have spread across our Nation.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> We will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth -- and we will expand treatment for those who have become so badly addicted. </span><span style="color: red;">Let's hope this means mainstreaming drugs and treat them as we do alcohol or prescription drugs. Take away the most lucrative source drug cartels and street gangs have to raise funds and we may finally get our inner cities back.</span></div>
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At the same time, my Administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement and border security. By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone. We want all Americans to succeed –- but that can't happen in an environment of lawless chaos. We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great wall along our southern border. It will be started ahead of schedule and, when finished, it will be a very effective weapon against drugs and crime.</span><span style="color: red;"> Finally the law passed in 1984 will be completed.</span></div>
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As we speak, we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our citizens. Bad ones are going out as I speak tonight and as I have promised.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this question: what would you say to the American family that loses their jobs, their income, or a loved one, because America refused to uphold its laws and defend its borders? </span><span style="color: red;">We are a country of laws, laws that keep our freedoms in tact. For far too long we have allowed our political elites to ignore the laws and restrict our freedoms. </span></div>
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Our obligation is to serve, protect, and defend the citizens of the United States. We are also taking strong measures to protect our Nation from Radical Islamic Terrorism.</div>
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According to data provided by the Department of Justice, the vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country. We have seen the attacks at home -– from Boston to San Bernardino to the Pentagon and yes, even the World Trade Center.</div>
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We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur. Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values. </span><span style="color: red;">Assimilation!</span></div>
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We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America -- we cannot allow our Nation to become a sanctuary for extremists.</div>
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That is why my Administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our Nation safe -- and to keep out those who would do us harm.</div>
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As promised, I directed the Department of Defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS -- a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians, and men, women, and children of all faiths and beliefs. We will work with our allies, including our friends and allies in the Muslim world, to extinguish this vile enemy from our planet.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30; font-family: "graphik web" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"> I have also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support Iran's ballistic missile program, and reaffirmed our unbreakable alliance with the State of Israel. </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "graphik web" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">How long until the Embassy moves from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem?</span></span></span></div>
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Finally, I have kept my promise to appoint a Justice to the United States Supreme Court -- from my list of 20 judges -- who will defend our Constitution. I am honored to have Maureen Scalia with us in the gallery tonight. Her late, great husband, Antonin Scalia, will forever be a symbol of American justice. To fill his seat, we have chosen Judge Neil Gorsuch, a man of incredible skill, and deep devotion to the law. He was confirmed unanimously to the Court of Appeals, and I am asking the Senate to swiftly approve his nomination.</div>
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Tonight, as I outline the next steps we must take as a country, we must honestly acknowledge the circumstances we inherited.</div>
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Ninety-four million Americans are out of the labor force.</div>
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Over 43 million people are now living in poverty, and over 43 million Americans are on food stamps.</div>
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More than 1 in 5 people in their prime working years are not working.</div>
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We have the worst financial recovery in 65 years.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> In the last 8 years, the past Administration has put on more new debt than nearly all other Presidents combined. </span><span style="color: red;">Watch that grow over the next 8 years as interest rates rise!</span></div>
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We've lost more than one-fourth of our manufacturing jobs since NAFTA was approved, and we've lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Our trade deficit in goods with the world last year was nearly $800 billion dollars. </span><span style="color: red;">Maybe we can see a return to buying products that last and are less disposable without becoming isolationists.</span></div>
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And overseas, we have inherited a series of tragic foreign policy disasters.</div>
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Solving these, and so many other pressing problems, will require us to work past the differences of party. It will require us to tap into the American spirit that has overcome every challenge throughout our long and storied history.</div>
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But to accomplish our goals at home and abroad, we must restart the engine of the American economy -- making it easier for companies to do business in the United States, and much harder for companies to leave.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Right now, American companies are taxed at one of the highest rates anywhere in the world.My economic team is developing historic tax reform that will reduce the tax rate on our companies so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone. At the same time, we will provide massive tax relief for the middle class. </span><span style="color: red;">Can we finally see a Flat Tax?</span></div>
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We must create a level playing field for American companies and workers.</div>
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Currently, when we ship products out of America, many other countries make us pay very high tariffs and taxes -- but when foreign companies ship their products into America, we charge them almost nothing.</div>
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I just met with officials and workers from a great American company, Harley-Davidson. In fact, they proudly displayed five of their magnificent motorcycles, made in the USA, on the front lawn of the White House.</div>
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At our meeting, I asked them, how are you doing, how is business? They said that it's good. I asked them further how they are doing with other countries, mainly international sales. They told me -- without even complaining because they have been mistreated for so long that they have become used to it -- that it is very hard to do business with other countries because they tax our goods at such a high rate. They said that in one case another country taxed their motorcycles at 100 percent.</div>
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They weren't even asking for change. But I am.</div>
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I believe strongly in free trade but it also has to be FAIR TRADE.</div>
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The first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, warned that the "abandonment of the protective policy by the American Government [will] produce want and ruin among our people."</div>
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Lincoln was right -- and it is time we heeded his words. I am not going to let America and its great companies and workers, be taken advantage of anymore.</div>
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I am going to bring back millions of jobs. Protecting our workers also means reforming our system of legal immigration. The current, outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers, and puts great pressure on taxpayers.</div>
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Nations around the world, like Canada, Australia and many others –- have a merit-based immigration system. It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially. Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon. According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs America's taxpayers many billions of dollars a year.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, will have many benefits: it will save countless dollars, raise workers' wages, and help struggling families –- including immigrant families –- enter the middle class. </span><span style="color: red;">Silicon Valley should be happy to hear this.</span></div>
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I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation’s security, and to restore respect for our laws.</div>
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If we are guided by the well-being of American citizens then I believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades.</div>
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Another Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, initiated the last truly great national infrastructure program –- the building of the interstate highway system. The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding.</div>
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America has spent approximately six trillion dollars in the Middle East, all this while our infrastructure at home is crumbling. With this six trillion dollars we could have rebuilt our country –- twice. And maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negotiate.</div>
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To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States -- financed through both public and private capital –- creating millions of new jobs.</div>
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This effort will be guided by two core principles: Buy American, and Hire American.</div>
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Tonight, I am also calling on this Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare with reforms that expand choice, increase access, lower costs, and at the same time, provide better Healthcare.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Mandating every American to buy government-approved health insurance was never the right solution for America. </span><span style="color: red;">In a free society, no one should be mandated to buy anything yet SCOTUS applied the taxation power of Congress to justify the ACA mandate.</span><span style="color: #2b2c30;">The way to make health insurance available to everyone is to lower the cost of health insurance, and that is what we will do. </span></div>
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Obamacare premiums nationwide have increased by double and triple digits. As an example, Arizona went up 116 percent last year alone. Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky just said Obamacare is failing in his State -- it is unsustainable and collapsing.</div>
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One third of counties have only one insurer on the exchanges –- leaving many Americans with no choice at all.</div>
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Remember when you were told that you could keep your doctor, and keep your plan?</div>
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We now know that all of those promises have been broken.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Obamacare is collapsing –- and we must act decisively to protect all Americans. Action is not a choice –- it is a necessity. </span><span style="color: red;">The best hit is yet to come as big employers must provide health care coverage as the exception runs out December 2017. If nothing is done, it will be amazing to watch these companies run the cost benefit analysis. My bet is many will pay the fine as it will be cheaper.</span></div>
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So I am calling on all Democrats and Republicans in the Congress to work with us to save Americans from this imploding Obamacare disaster.</div>
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Here are the principles that should guide the Congress as we move to create a better healthcare system for all Americans:</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> First, we should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, and that we have a stable transition for Americans currently enrolled in the healthcare exchanges. </span><span style="color: red;">If we do this President Trump, how will we use the talking point of death anymore?</span></div>
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Secondly, we should help Americans purchase their own coverage, through the use of tax credits and expanded Health Savings Accounts –- but it must be the plan they want, not the plan forced on them by the Government.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> Thirdly, we should give our great State Governors the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out. </span><span style="color: red;">Ugh, still leaving the door open to single payer..grrrr</span></div>
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Fourthly, we should implement legal reforms that protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs that drive up the price of insurance – and work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately.</div>
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Finally, the time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across State lines –- creating a truly competitive national marketplace that will bring cost way down and provide far better care.</div>
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Everything that is broken in our country can be fixed. Every problem can be solved. And every hurting family can find healing, and hope.</div>
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Our citizens deserve this, and so much more –- so why not join forces to finally get it done? On this and so many other things, Democrats and Republicans should get together and unite for the good of our country, and for the good of the American people.</div>
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My administration wants to work with members in both parties to make childcare accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents have paid family leave, to invest in women's health, and to promote clean air and clear water, and to rebuild our military and our infrastructure.</div>
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True love for our people requires us to find common ground, to advance the common good, and to cooperate on behalf of every American child who deserves a brighter future.</div>
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An incredible young woman is with us this evening who should serve as an inspiration to us all.</div>
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Today is Rare Disease day, and joining us in the gallery is a Rare Disease Survivor, Megan Crowley. Megan was diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare and serious illness, when she was 15 months old. She was not expected to live past 5.</div>
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On receiving this news, Megan's dad, John, fought with everything he had to save the life of his precious child. He founded a company to look for a cure, and helped develop the drug that saved Megan's life. Today she is 20 years old -- and a sophomore at Notre Dame.</div>
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Megan's story is about the unbounded power of a father's love for a daughter.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> But our slow and burdensome approval process at the Food and Drug Administration keeps too many advances, like the one that saved Megan's life, from reaching those in need. </span><span style="color: red;">Also doesn't recognize alternative solutions that are not supported by Big Pharma or reimbursed by Medicare.</span></div>
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If we slash the restraints, not just at the FDA but across our Government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles like Megan.</div>
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In fact, our children will grow up in a Nation of miracles.</div>
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But to achieve this future, we must enrich the mind –- and the souls –- of every American child.</div>
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Education is the civil rights issue of our time.</div>
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I am calling upon Members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them. </div>
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Joining us tonight in the gallery is a remarkable woman, Denisha Merriweather. As a young girl, Denisha struggled in school and failed third grade twice. But then she was able to enroll in a private center for learning, with the help of a tax credit scholarship program. Today, she is the first in her family to graduate, not just from high school, but from college. Later this year she will get her masters degree in social work.</div>
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We want all children to be able to break the cycle of poverty just like Denisha.</div>
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But to break the cycle of poverty, we must also break the cycle of violence.</div>
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The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century.</div>
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In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone –- and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher.</div>
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This is not acceptable in our society.</div>
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Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, to attend a great school, and to have access to a high-paying job.</div>
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But to create this future, we must work with –- not against -– the men and women of law enforcement.</div>
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We must build bridges of cooperation and trust –- not drive the wedge of disunity and division.</div>
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Police and sheriffs are members of our community. They are friends and neighbors, they are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters – and they leave behind loved ones every day who worry whether or not they'll come home safe and sound.</div>
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We must support the incredible men and women of law enforcement.</div>
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And we must support the victims of crime.</div>
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I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims. The office is called VOICE –- Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement. We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests.</div>
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Joining us in the audience tonight are four very brave Americans whose government failed them.</div>
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Their names are Jamiel Shaw, Susan Oliver, Jenna Oliver, and Jessica Davis.</div>
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Jamiel's 17-year-old son was viciously murdered by an illegal immigrant gang member, who had just been released from prison. Jamiel Shaw Jr. was an incredible young man, with unlimited potential who was getting ready to go to college where he would have excelled as a great quarterback. But he never got the chance. His father, who is in the audiencetonight, has become a good friend of mine.</div>
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Also with us are Susan Oliver and Jessica Davis. Their husbands –- Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver and Detective Michael Davis –- were slain in the line of duty in California. They were pillars of their community. These brave men were viciously gunned down by an illegal immigrant with a criminal record and two prior deportations.</div>
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Sitting with Susan is her daughter, Jenna. Jenna: I want you to know that your father was a hero, and that tonight you have the love of an entire country supporting you and praying for you.</div>
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To Jamiel, Jenna, Susan and Jessica: I want you to know –- we will never stop fighting for justice. Your loved ones will never be forgotten, we will always honor their memory.</div>
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Finally, to keep America Safe we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war and –- if they must –- to fight and to win.</div>
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I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the Defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history.</div>
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My budget will also increase funding for our veterans.</div>
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Our veterans have delivered for this Nation –- and now we must deliver for them.</div>
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The challenges we face as a Nation are great. But our people are even greater.</div>
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And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform.</div>
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We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens. Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero –- battling against terrorism and securing our Nation.</div>
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I just spoke to General Mattis, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies." Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity. For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom –- we will never forget him.</div>
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To those allies who wonder what kind of friend America will be, look no further than the heroes who wear our uniform.</div>
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Our foreign policy calls for a direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world. It is American leadership based on vital security interests that we share with our allies across the globe.</div>
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We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism.</div>
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But our partners must meet their financial obligations.</div>
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And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> We expect our partners, whether in NATO, in the Middle East, or the Pacific –- to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost. </span><span style="color: red;">Wonder if we are no longer the Police of the World, will others like the West or Us?</span></div>
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We will respect historic institutions, but we will also respect the sovereign rights of nations.</div>
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Free nations are the best vehicle for expressing the will of the people –- and America respects the right of all nations to chart their own path. My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America. But we know that America is better off, when there is less conflict -- not more.</div>
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We must learn from the mistakes of the past –- we have seen the war and destruction that have raged across our world.</div>
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The only long-term solution for these humanitarian disasters is to create the conditions where displaced persons can safely return home and begin the long process of rebuilding.</div>
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America is willing to find new friends, and to forge new partnerships, where shared interests align. We want harmony and stability, not war and conflict.</div>
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We want peace, wherever peace can be found. America is friends today with former enemies. Some of our closest allies, decades ago, fought on the opposite side of these World Wars. This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world.</div>
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Hopefully, the 250th year for America will see a world that is more peaceful, more just and more free.</div>
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On our 100th anniversary, in 1876, citizens from across our Nation came to Philadelphia to celebrate America's centennial. At that celebration, the country's builders and artists and inventors showed off their creations.</div>
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Alexander Graham Bell displayed his telephone for the first time.</div>
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Remington unveiled the first typewriter. An early attempt was made at electric light.</div>
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Thomas Edison showed an automatic telegraph and an electric pen.</div>
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Imagine the wonders our country could know in America's 250th year.</div>
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Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people.</div>
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Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope.</div>
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American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.</div>
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Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect.</div>
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And streets where mothers are safe from fear -- schools where children learn in peace -- and jobs where Americans prosper and grow -- are not too much to ask.</div>
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When we have all of this, we will have made America greater than ever before. For all Americans.</div>
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This is our vision. This is our mission.</div>
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But we can only get there together.</div>
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We are one people, with one destiny.</div>
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We all bleed the same blood.</div>
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We all salute the same flag.</div>
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And we are all made by the same God.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2c30;"> </span><span style="color: red;">Shocked I haven't seen these words just above on a Meme with Hitler nearby.</span></div>
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And when we fulfill this vision; when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of American Greatness began.</div>
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The time for small thinking is over. The time for trivial fights is behind us.</div>
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We just need the courage to share the dreams that fill our hearts.</div>
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The bravery to express the hopes that stir our souls.</div>
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And the confidence to turn those hopes and dreams to action.</div>
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From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears –-</div>
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inspired by the future, not bound by the failures of the past –-</div>
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and guided by our vision, not blinded by our doubts.</div>
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I am asking all citizens to embrace this Renewal of the American Spirit. I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold and daring things for our country. And I am asking everyone watching tonight to seize this moment and --</div>
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Believe in yourselves.</div>
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Believe in your future.</div>
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And believe, once more, in America.</div>
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Thank you, God bless you, and God Bless these United States.</div>
tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-40025595614533575632016-11-11T15:57:00.000-06:002016-11-11T15:57:12.622-06:00Trumps First 100 DaysI know its been a long time since I have blogged. I figure we need to stop hyperventilating over Trump winning the Presidency of the United States. Let's take a good look at what he intends to attempt accomplish in the first 100 days:<br />
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There has been a lot of talk about Trump's first 100 days and all the freedoms that will be lost..here is what he said he plans to do - no keep in mind he will still need Congress to go along-<br />Source: <a href="http://www.npr.org/2016/11/09/501451368/here-is-what-donald-trump-wants-to-do-in-his-first-100-days" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.npr.org/…/here-is-what-donald-trump-wants-to-do-…</a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">BTW, I put my comments in </span><span style="color: red;">()</span><span style="color: #1d2129;"> after each point I felt to comment on......</span></div>
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What follows is my 100-day action plan to Make America Great Again. It is a contract between myself and the American voter — and begins with restoring honesty, accountability and change to Washington</div>
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Therefore, on the first day of my term of office, my administration will immediately pursue the following six measures to clean up the corruption and special interest collusion in Washington, DC:</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* FIRST, propose a Constitutional Amendment to impose term limits on all members of Congress; (</span><span style="color: red;">Term limits is part of the solution. The bigger swamp is the staffers that remain even after the official leaves office</span><span style="color: #1d2129;">.)</span></div>
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* SECOND, a hiring freeze on all federal employees to reduce federal workforce through attrition (exempting military, public safety, and public health);</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* THIRD, a requirement that for every new federal regulation, two existing regulations must be eliminated; (</span><span style="color: red;">Think we need smart regulations, not just eliminating for the sake of eliminating</span><span style="color: #1d2129;">)</span></div>
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* FOURTH, a 5 year-ban on White House and Congressional officials becoming lobbyists after they leave government service;</div>
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* FIFTH, a lifetime ban on White House officials lobbying on behalf of a foreign government;</div>
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* SIXTH, a complete ban on foreign lobbyists raising money for American elections.</div>
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On the same day, I will begin taking the following 7 actions to protect American workers:</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* FIRST, I will announce my intention to renegotiate NAFTA or withdraw from the deal under Article 2205 (</span><span style="color: red;">It was a terrible deal and needs re-working</span><span style="color: #1d2129;">)</span></div>
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* SECOND, I will announce our withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* THIRD, I will direct my Secretary of the Treasury to label China a currency manipulator (</span><span style="color: red;">This one will be fun to watch, as I was just watching a Bloomberg program and one of the Executives for Alibababa was on and the lady doing the interviewed inquired to the toxic assets the banks are holding in China</span><span style="color: #1d2129;">)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* FOURTH, I will direct the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to identify all foreign trading abuses that unfairly impact American workers and direct them to use every tool under American and international law to end those abuses immediately. (</span><span style="color: red;">As long as we don't use protective tariffs - free trade is not a bad thing for American businesses)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* FIFTH, I will lift the restrictions on the production of $50 trillion dollars' worth of job-producing American energy reserves, including shale, oil, natural gas and clean coal. (</span><span style="color: red;">This is the waive of our future, we can be a major player in the energy export field. Do it, create jobs, and raise the GDP thus raising tax revenue)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* SIXTH, lift the Obama-Clinton roadblocks and allow vital energy infrastructure projects, like the Keystone Pipeline, to move forward. (</span><span style="color: red;">Yes, get oil off the tracks so other goods can flow more cheaply and we as consumer can pay a fair amount)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* SEVENTH, cancel billions in payments to U.N. climate change programs and use the money to fix America's water and environmental infrastructure. (</span><span style="color: red;">Agreed, take care of the homeland first, if the UN wants to study climate change then let them do it.)</span></div>
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Additionally, on the first day, I will take the following five actions to restore security and the constitutional rule of law:</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* FIRST, cancel every unconstitutional executive action, memorandum and order issued by President Obama. (</span><span style="color: red;">No issues with that. Executive Orders ought to be very limited in scope or we lose the co-equal aspect of government)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* SECOND, begin the process of selecting a replacement for Justice Scalia from one of the 20 judges on my list, who will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. </span><span style="color: red;">(Agreed, we need more originalists on the bench as this will lead to greater freedoms for all people no matter your gender, race, creed or sexual orientation)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* THIRD, cancel all federal funding to Sanctuary Cities(</span><span style="color: red;">Amen, this has choked the funding at the local level)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* FOURTH, begin removing the more than 2 million criminal illegal immigrants from the country and cancel visas to foreign countries that won't take them back. (</span><span style="color: red;">Yes, we are a country of laws, if you break them, then you need to be punished. There are many people that wait in line to come here. Just follow the law)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">* FIFTH, suspend immigration from terror-prone regions where vetting cannot safely occur. All vetting of people coming into our country will be considered extreme vetting.(</span><span style="color: red;">No trouble here. This is not xenophobia...we have seen time and time again in Europe and even with the Minnesota Somalia population where the lack of a robust vetting process has lead to issues)</span></div>
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Next, I will work with Congress to introduce the following broader legislative measures and fight for their passage within the first 100 days of my Administration:</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">Middle Class Tax Relief And Simplification Act. An economic plan designed to grow the economy 4% per year and create at least 25 million new jobs through massive tax reduction and simplification, in combination with trade reform, regulatory relief, and lifting the restrictions on American energy. The largest tax reductions are for the middle class. A middle-class family with 2 children will get a 35% tax cut. The current number of brackets will be reduced from 7 to 3, and tax forms will likewise be greatly simplified. The business rate will be lowered from 35 to 15 percent, and the trillions of dollars of American corporate money overseas can now be brought back at a 10 percent rate. (</span><span style="color: red;">Wait, did he just say Middle Class. I thought it was just the rich that will get relief)</span></div>
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End The Offshoring Act. Establishes tariffs to discourage companies from laying off their workers in order to relocate in other countries and ship their products back to the U.S. tax-free.</div>
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American Energy & Infrastructure Act. Leverages public-private partnerships, and private investments through tax incentives, to spur $1 trillion in infrastructure investment over 10 years. It is revenue neutral.</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">School Choice And Education Opportunity Act. Redirects education dollars to give parents the right to send their kid to the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school of their choice. Ends common core, brings education supervision to local communities. It expands vocational and technical education, and make 2 and 4-year college more affordable.(</span><span style="color: red;">Amen, give education back to the local level as its not a one size fits all)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">Repeal and Replace Obamacare Act. Fully repeals Obamacare and replaces it with Health Savings Accounts, the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines, and lets states manage Medicaid funds. Reforms will also include cutting the red tape at the FDA: there are over 4,000 drugs awaiting approval, and we especially want to speed the approval of life-saving medications. (</span><span style="color: red;">Get rid of the mandate, get rid of kids staying on til 26, allow for broader selling of HSA's and Health Insurance is so far they meet State guidelines)</span></div>
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Affordable Childcare and Eldercare Act. Allows Americans to deduct childcare and elder care from their taxes, incentivizes employers to provide on-side childcare services, and creates tax-free Dependent Care Savings Accounts for both young and elderly dependents, with matching contributions for low-income families.</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129;">End Illegal Immigration Act Fully-funds the construction of a wall on our southern border with the full understanding that the country Mexico will be reimbursing the United States for the full cost of such wall; establishes a 2-year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence for illegally re-entering the U.S. after a previous deportation, and a 5-year mandatory minimum for illegally re-entering for those with felony convictions, multiple misdemeanor convictions or two or more prior deportations; also reforms visa rules to enhance penalties for overstaying and to ensure open jobs are offered to American workers first.(</span><span style="color: red;">Secure borders will help American workers, families and communities</span><span style="color: #1d2129;">)</span></div>
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Restoring Community Safety Act. Reduces surging crime, drugs and violence by creating a Task Force On Violent Crime and increasing funding for programs that train and assist local police; increases resources for federal law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors to dismantle criminal gangs and put violent offenders behind bars.</div>
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Restoring National Security Act. Rebuilds our military by eliminating the defense sequester and expanding military investment; provides Veterans with the ability to receive public VA treatment or attend the private doctor of their choice; protects our vital infrastructure from cyber-attack; establishes new screening procedures for immigration to ensure those who are admitted to our country support our people and our values</div>
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Clean up Corruption in Washington Act. Enacts new ethics reforms to Drain the Swamp and reduce the corrupting influence of special interests on our politics.</div>
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On November 8th, Americans will be voting for this 100-day plan to restore prosperity to our economy, security to our communities, and honesty to our government.</div>
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This is my pledge to you.</div>
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And if we follow these steps, we will once more have a government of, by and for the people.</div>
tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-57239420811833283982015-01-15T07:46:00.000-06:002015-01-15T07:46:02.635-06:00Net Neutrality: Regulation needed?I recall a time when dial up was the mode of connecting to the internet and even then the content was very limited. No fancy graphics, no cookies, no advertising existed. Today, many of us gain access to the internet through our smartphones while others still use that thing called a computer. Then again, the computer is being eased out by the tablet and hybrids of the tablet/laptop. The content is richer, more graphic and interactive now as well.<br />
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Over the last few weeks, I have researched the topic of Net Neutrality to learn about what this term really means and thoughts of leading experts in the field. While I am sure I missed a few experts thus not giving me the entire picture, enough material was consumed to at least get the conversation started. Unfortunately, as I type this blog entry the recent speech given by President Obama won't be mentioned as I haven't heard or read the transcript yet despite the many sound bites that exist on the internet.<br />
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A reason why proponents of Net Neutrality are promoting is the power Internet Service Providers (ISP's) have over the speed at which we consumers receive content. Netflix appeared to be at the apex of this controversy as ISP's were throttling, slowing down, users that were streaming, watching, content from Netflix. In an article by The Windows Club, What is Net Neutrality - Definition, it is asserted that Comcast was "slowing down Netflix to promote its own paid videos". Thus pushing users to use Comcast lineup more than Netflix.<br />
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Now, in 2014 the Federal Trade Commission (FCC) did set a few rules to regulate that internet:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Transparency: ISP's have to report and publish their performance periodically to traffic, irregularities, charges applied to faster bandwidth, and websites blocked.</li>
<li>ISP's cannot unlawfully block websites: Not a clear definition of though of unlawfully given.</li>
<li>ISP's cannot slow down the internet speed: Meaning if you pay for 1GB data transfer, then you get at least 1 GB data transfer speed.</li>
</ol>
Other reasons for Net Neutrality is that it will promote competition thus preventing a Ma Bell situation. Creates an environment of innovation while ensuring the Internet remains a free market place. <br />
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The counter points to Net Neutrality is that simply it is not needed. Why? Net Neutrality is not needed because ISP's benefit little from blocking content or "degrading network performance". The Internet is transforming as those that use it more than others, ISP's feel they have the right to charge more for the heavy usage; which is an aspect that those that favor Net Neutrality seeks to end. <br />
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If the recent Golden Globes are any indication where American's are headed for their viewing of television, then the conversation of throttling, bandwidth, heavy users and alike will be more mainstream. Very few nominations for Golden Globes, in television categories, were from shows on ABC, NBC or CBS. With just a handful more from cable networks that don't stream their shows online. Another concern of Net Neutrality is "Big Brother" syndrome. <br />
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Users and ISP's fear that if Net Neutrality is enacted that the FCC, at the whim of political power grabs, will not impartially regulate the Internet; rather will create uncertainty, stifle innovation, and end Capitalistic opportunities on the Internet. <br />
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Many of us do experience Net Neutrality already though despite the vague rules set forth by the FCC in 2014. If we were to go to a local library to access the internet, the library, i.e. Government, has put restrictions on the content and websites one can search or interact with. If you happen to work in a cube farm, your access to certain content, i.e. this blog, may be restricted. <br />
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I bring up these last to illustrations not because I favor restricting access; rather to illustrate that as a free society we are not always as free as we think to make our own choices. As for Net Neutrality goes:<br />
<ol>
<li> If an ISP wants to charge one more for heavy usage I am fine with that.</li>
<li> If an ISP wants to throttle my service or restrict content for which I search for I am not fine with that. </li>
<li>If an ISP wants to use cookies to track my searches to advance advertising to the banners then so be it as I understand that by my usage of the ISP I give up certain freedoms.</li>
<li>Regulation seldom results in innovation.</li>
</ol>
The Internet pushes our boundaries and opens the world to our homes. We as consumers have the responsibility to ensure the content we search for, the programs we employ, the websites we create and words we type are without our own moral and ethical dogma. tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-69806020927461741642015-01-01T10:25:00.001-06:002015-01-01T10:25:21.501-06:00Happy New Year and Good Morning 2015!In traditional fashion, 2015 was brought in last night with the ball dropping in Time Square and champagne being popped open. Another tradition is setting New Year resolutions. While I know my posts have been sparse in the last quarter of the year, I set forth a new charge for 2015. I resolve to post twice a month on topics of debate to allow me ample time to research the topic and vet information brought forth. <br />
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All too often in our discourse of the topic of the day is shallow, knee jerk and recitation of talking points. We are better than that. We deserve better. By taking more time to research topics, it will allow for a deeper start to the conversation and hopefully a great result as we discuss the topics of the day. <br />
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As usual I am open to suggestions on topics to start the conversation on. Let's make 2015 a year of meaningful conversation and crafting solutions/understandings that deepen, enrich our lives. Shed the shallowness that most on social media sites and our media in general keep us in bondage. <br />
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Look forward to the first posting on the 15th to start a conversation of meaningful importance.<br />
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Happy New Year!tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-89536371214378138402014-09-02T18:17:00.002-05:002014-09-02T18:17:57.771-05:00First Day of SchoolSeptember 2, 2014 - marks the start of school for 2014. Yes, I know that some schools started last week. A lot of pictures on Facebook from friends, family and other relations showing the kids off to the bus stop with smiles on. As these kids go off to school and learn, my hope is that Civic classes make a Renaissance.<br />
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Over 200 years ago, old power wigged men decided that the oppression by the English Crown had gone on long enough. They acted, with the help of France, and formed a new government that we enjoy today. Along the way, many of the wrongs were corrected - Woman's Sufferage, Civil Rights Act - unfortunately one thing continues to erode; States Rights.<br />
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The 10th Amendment has been eroded and really leaves little in regards to State Rights anymore. The concept is rather simply; the power of the country is to reside in the State Houses of government and not Washington D.C. States no longer are allowed to choose their Senators; instead they are elected which allows money from outside the State to influence not mention the carpetbaggers. The concept of State Rights was to prevent a strong centralized system of government to rule over the land as the issues facing New Yorkers were much different than issues facing those from other States. <br />
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Just like today, issues facing Minnesota differ than those facing Arizona, Texas or even Maine. These <br />"laboratories of Democracy" were set in place for this reason. When you get your new iPhone or Galaxy, we all choose which Apps we are to have, right? Well that is the same concept with State Rights.<br />
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If the laws of the land are the same in Minnesota as they are in California as they are in New York and we don't like them then we have no place to relocate to. Just like if we tire of Angry Birds and want to move onto Candy Crush, we have that ability by adding and deleting Apps. If you live in Minnesota and you don't like the fact that you cannot openly carry your weapon of choice, you have the ability to move to a State that does.<br />
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Some common laws ought to exists to aid in the flow of goods, the protection of private property and ensure basic civil rights exist. Let's hope our young children wake up and realize the benefits of a de-centralized system of government while we still have some freedom of choice, assembly, religion, and association. tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-2312888305800703632014-08-19T18:35:00.000-05:002014-08-19T18:35:50.767-05:00Michael Brown: Gunned down in Cold blood or Justified Killing?Ferguson, Missouri is the new focal point of racial tensions. The issue at hand is the death of Michael Brown at the hands of Ferguson Police Office Darren Wilson. Facebook, Twitter, and the media has been all over this story with speculation on what took place. Instead of allowing the investigation to play out, the typical race baiting machine - Rev. Al & New Black Panthers - show up to stir the pot. To make matters worse, the city is put on curfew after several nights of looting and rioting.<br />
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No one is willing to take a breath and allow the facts to sort themselves out. After discussing this on Facebook with others and reading media reports we do know certain indisputable facts. The facts that no one is disputing are:<br />
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<ol>
<li> FPD Wilson approached Michael Brown and Dorian Johnson as they were walking in the middle of the street to ask them to get out of the street.</li>
<li>After passing Michael Brown and Dorian Johnson, FPD Wilson hears on the radio a description of two people involved in a strong-arm robbery earlier in the day.</li>
<li>FPD Wilson believes Michael Brown and Dorian Johnson fit that description and backs up his vehicle to investigate further.</li>
<li>Struggle ensued in/near the FPD vehicle between FPD Officer Wilson and Michael Brown.</li>
<li>Shot was fired in the vehicle.</li>
<li>Michael Brown and Dorian Johnson fled on foot.</li>
<li>FPD Officer Wilson got out of the car to pursue.</li>
<li>FPD Officer Wilson order Michael Brown and Dorian Johnson to "Freeze".</li>
<li>Michael Brown turned around.</li>
<li>Michael Brown was shot multiple times being hit six times with all bullets entering the body from the front.</li>
<li>Michael Brown was killed with final bullet to head.</li>
</ol>
The rest of the conversation is speculation. The big question that remains is: Was Michael Brown standing still with his hands raised as some eyewitnesses claim or Was Michael Brown running at FPD Wilson as some eyewitnesses claim. The answer to this question will determine the course of action taken against FPD Wilson. <br />
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For society, did we learn nothing from the Martin/Zimmerman case? That we need to allow the facts to come out before we rush to judgment. Please let's all take a step back, a deep breath and stop passing along speculation as fact. A young man is dead, families are grieving - we owe it to them and society at large to allow the facts to be heard in their entirety before judgment. tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-55848130640386322872014-08-13T21:38:00.001-05:002014-08-13T21:38:44.757-05:00What can be learned from Robin Williams?The gruesome details of Robin Williams suicide is well documented. The suicide now catapults depression onto the front page and the trending topic on Facebook and Twitter. A relative of mine posted an article, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katie-hurley/theres-nothing-selfish-about-suicide_b_5672519.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katie-hurley/theres-nothing-selfish-about-suicide_b_5672519.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063</a>, on their Facebook page with the plea of "we need to raise suicide awareness. Hopefully this tragic loss will help to raise the awareness and help our loved ones and have a few less loses." The author, of the link above, writes, "Suicide is a decision made out of desperation, hopelessness, isolation and loneliness."<br />
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Suicide being a selfish act was a mantra I carried the banner for. In fact a few of my past blog posts calls out suicide as a selfish act. Since that point, my view on suicide has shifted from it being a selfish act to cowardice act. Life is short enough. Darkness is all around us with the singular goal of dragging us to the depths of despair. Salvation and strength is given us all in the spark that burns within us all. In my response to my relatives posting, I agree that "the author is accurate that many make it out about the survivors as they lay claim to a selfish act." <br />
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People, like my relative (bless her soul), want to use Robin Williams suicide as another example to promote suicide awareness. To which I am fully behind and engaged. Allowing the acceptance of suicide as an option in life does a disservice to all those in dark places. Why do we allow this to take place? <br />
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Brutally open and honest conversation is avoided with emotional matters which leads to lip service to causes like suicide awareness. Every day time ought to be set aside to reflect. It can be five minutes, a hour or longer. The bottom line is to take inventory of the day and of oneself. Yet, if one holds a view of the cowardice act suicide is, one is labeled an insensitive jerk! Really?<br />
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As I posed to those viewing the thread on my relatives page, "You say I am an insensitive jerk, yet I am willing to discuss the topic for what it is. Who is really being insensitive to those with depression? The one that sees suicide as an out or one that recognizes the spark within gives us the strength to come out of the darkness?"<br />
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The Light within all contains the strength to pull anyone from the deepest depths of Hades. The climb make take a day, a week, a month or years. The end goal ought to be to give those within the darkness the tools and support to make the climb instead of saying their is another way. The pain will be eternal when suicide is chosen and the Light will not ascend. Allow the Light to shine through and salvation will be obtained.<br />
tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-46285936263076319242014-08-08T08:20:00.001-05:002014-08-08T08:20:29.181-05:00Social Media Experiment - August 12th Primary DayOn Tuesday, August 12th, Minnesotans will be going to the polls to vote in primaries. I live in Minnesota District 47A where there will be two GOP candidates facing off in a primary and one DFL candidate in that primary. Unsure what the ballot for the Independent looks like at this point. Here is my experiment for social media - granted I am not utilizing social media to the fullest as I will only be posting here on blogger.com, Facebook and Linked In - to see how many write in primary votes I can garner for Minnesota District 47A. If you live in Minnesota District 47A please write my name in. And if you don't live in Minnesota District 47A please share this with someone that does so they may write in my name as well.<br />
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I look forward to seeing how this social media experiment will play out and the ripple effect it may have in future primary and elections. <br />
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-37819954485167954192014-07-28T21:29:00.000-05:002014-07-28T21:29:29.360-05:00The Cusp of AnarchyNorth Korea announced that if the United States continued it's operations in the area they are going to launch nukes on the White House and the Pentagon. President Putin has provided resources to help pro-Russians in their Civil War in Ukraine. The Israeli's and Palestinians escalated their Civil War to ground troops invading the Gaza Strip. And the United States struggles to keep her boarders secure while floating the notion of impeaching the President.<br />
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Since World War II the United States has been on the aggressive to contain the expansion of Communism. Trouble the aggression created is developing an entitlement mentality of other world wannabe powers and the loss of diplomacy. Once the Berlin Wall feel and it was clear the United States was the Last Super Power emboldened other wannabe powers to attempt to exert their beliefs. Many were upset when Sen. Obama mentioned that he would sit down with other world dictators - friends and foes - after being elected President. <br />
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We now face the Dark Ages of Diplomacy. American society is not interested in electing a President or any Washington D.C official based on their vision of America or the ability to bring diplomacy to the position. Rather American society has allowed the Two-party system to lead us down this road. To help pave the road, the media plays the role of puppet and marionette to the ideological play written by the Two-party puppet masters.<br />
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When a one or a group of people attempt to bring enlightenment to the Dark Ages, they are demonized by one side and Co-op by the other. Tea Party for the Right and Occupiers for the Left. To ensure that no new group gains a foothold the media aids in fanning the flames of demonization. Unfortunately, far to many in American society will drink in the kool aid of which ever side they feel connected with as the unabated truth about the other side without actually investigating it themselves. <br />
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The United States was founded on the belief that "all men were created equal". Granted not all laws applied equally from the onset but the United States has made great strides in including more people in forming the future of the freest nation in the World. While no government is perfect, nor will one ever be, but American society has the luxury knowing that one holds the keys to their future not afforded the vast majority of the rest of the World. <br />
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Evidence of the luxury of American society is the emboldened illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants are here in the United States protesting for "Rights", using taxpayer dollars, obtaining driver licenses, and taking advantage of a liberal welfare system. Now, a rush of children are pounding our Southern border in reaction to an executive order issued by President Obama that gave hope to these illegal immigrants of Amnesty. <br />
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While we are a Nation of Immigrants, there becomes a time when a Nations identity shifts to the Nation itself. For decades the United States used quotas to stem the tide of immigrants to the shores. Unfortunately, after the spread of Communism became a real threat following World War II the quota system started to erode and refugee status became the new system. The refugee system is fueling the entitlement mentality of the World.<br />
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The United States refugee system has allowed these groups to transplant without laying the expectation beforehand of assimilation. The Germans, Irish, Dutch, Swedes, Fins, etc..all understood the concept of assimilation. The result of not laying out this expectation beforehand will be Anarchy inside of the United States. Once that Anarchy comes to a head, that will be the time American society true enemies will come. When they come, we will be to focused on the infighting created by the Two-party system and promoted by the media. <br />
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America society is only a few months away from going back to the polls to vote for mid-term elections. Take time to inventory those candidates on the ballot, take time to inventory your role in allowing the Dark Ages to continue, take time to inventory your responsibility to assimilation. Then make sure you pull the lever for the candidate that will ensure a Nation that continues the luxury.tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-90874140415421543892014-07-10T08:00:00.000-05:002014-07-18T15:58:12.916-05:00Democrats illustrate disregard for US ConstitutionDuring my morning reading of various news sources I came across an article on Yahoo! titled <em>Dems Strike Back on Hobby Lobby Case With 'Not My Boss's Business Act' (</em><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/dems-strike-back-hobby-lobby-case-not-bosss-182210871--abc-news-politics.html"><em>http://news.yahoo.com/dems-strike-back-hobby-lobby-case-not-bosss-182210871--abc-news-politics.html</em></a><em>) </em>In the article, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray is quoted, "We are here to ensure that no CEO or corporation can come between people and their guaranteed access to healthcare. I hope Republicans will join us to revoke this court-issued license to discriminate and return the right of Ameircans to make their own decision about their own health care and their own bodies."<br />
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Sen. Murray, healthcare is not a right afforded Americans under the United States Constitution. The decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the owners of Hobby Lobby's US Constitutional Right to be able to exercise their religious views is a Right guaranteed all Americans. While I understand the attempt of this legislation is to score political points; rather than to observe the restrictions our Constitution places on Congress, the President and the Judicial branch. <br />
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Nothing in the Hobby Lobby cases is preventing any American to ability to make their own decisions on their own health care or bodies. Ironically, the Affordable Care Act does as it mandates all Americans to have health care coverage or face additional taxation for not. Thus taking away the option for any American to self-insure.<br />
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Another point getting lost in the conversation is healthcare, at least until the ACA, is a benefit offered by an employer to attract and retain employees. Benefits offered to employees by employers are not a right of employment thus can be changed at anytime. No one denies people the right to pursue their own happiness and success; rather people need to understand that when you trade your services for money and benefits you give up some of your rights afforded you under the US Constitution while performing the duties of said job. Prime example is the three paragraphs every computer displays when one has to sign into a work station that essentially states that by hitting ok you, as the employee, are giving up your right to illegal search and seizure protection is so far as the use of the computer.<br />
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Sen. Boxer (D-CA) quips in the article, "The court's majority has decided that corporations are entitled to more rights than individual Americans." Again a chirp to score quick political points rather than actually reading the application of the decision. Why does Sen. Boxer think it is okay for Congress to pass a law and the President of the United States to sign said law that curtails one ability to practice their religious beliefs without fear of retribution from the Government?<br />
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Yes, Hobby Lobby is a closely held corporation. A reason people will incorporate their business is to limit their liability and protect their personal assets. By doing that, does an American give up their Rights afforded to them by the US Constitution? <br />
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Marcia D. Greenberger, Co-President of the National Women's Law Center, is quoted at the end of the article, "Bosses should stick to what they know best: the boardroom and the bottom line. Stay out of the bedroom and the exam room." Now, I did read the opinions rendered in the Hobby Lobby decision, all sides, and I don't recall a single sentence that authorized a boss to dictate to employee what they are to or not to do in the bedroom or the exam room. I wonder too if Marcia Greenberger understands that when, at least prior to the ACA, employer offered healthcare as a benefit of employment it never translated to a right guaranteed by the US Constitution. <br />
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Now, if real change wants to occur the Senators need to look to the US Constitution to make that change otherwise they can waste taxpayer money debating a law that is already Unconstitutional. The only reason why ACA is allowed to remain in effect is that Congress has the power to tax.tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-13085515369211342772014-07-04T12:11:00.000-05:002014-07-04T12:11:06.601-05:00Happy 4th of JulyEvery year the United States celebrate the 4th of July as the birth of our great nation with fireworks, family gatherings, concerts and other events. In recent years, I wonder if Americans understand the great sacrifice that 56 men made when they signed the Declaration of Independence putting in motion a form of government that would grant freedoms to citizens never observed prior. Unfortunately, from the dawn of the United States people have attempted to expand government in exchange for freedom and perceived security. <br />
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Take time today to re-read, or for many read for the first time, the Declaration of Independence as it established the framework of our free society enjoyed today.<br />
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When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.<br />
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We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.<br />
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He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.<br /> He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.<br /> He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. <br /> He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. <br /> He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.<br /> He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.<br /> He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.<br /> He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.<br /> He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.<br /> He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.<br /> He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.<br /> He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.<br /> He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:<br /> For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:<br /> For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:<br /> For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:<br /> For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: <br /> For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:<br /> For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences<br /> For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:<br /> For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:<br /> For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.<br /> He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.<br /> He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. <br /> He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.<br /> He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. <br /> He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.</blockquote>
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.<br />
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Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.<br />
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We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-85344246546990114952014-06-15T12:32:00.003-05:002014-06-16T17:37:08.168-05:00Happy Fathers Day!Today, many of us will spend the day with our fathers, sons, daughters, and other family members in celebration of Fathers Day. While is a great day to honor our Fathers, shouldn't we really be honoring our Dads! Any yard bird with the capability to produce semen has the chance to become a Father, but it takes work, dedication, and physically being involved in our children lives that makes us a Dad and worthy of such a day.<br />
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For this reason, we ought to rename it Dad's day because far too many baby momma's exist in the world today. We need more Father's to become Dad's. A Dad nurtures, disciplines, molds, listens, loves, interacts, offer a shoulder to cry on, allows the child to fail, helps the child learn from their mistakes, allows them to make life's tough choices even when they are not ready to do it and most importantly - a Dad is there providing a safe haven no matter what life event takes place in their son or daughter life.<br />
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So to all the Dads - Happy Dads Day! Because you are the real men in the family.tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-78549592891372623642014-05-22T22:48:00.000-05:002014-05-22T22:48:49.510-05:00Cuban Speaks the Truth!The NBA is still dealing with the fallout of Donald Sterling's private comments to his bi-racial girlfriend and will soon have a hearing to decide if Sterling violated the NBA Constitution by comments made. <br />
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One of those owners that will vote on the future of Sterling is Mark Cuban the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Cuban is no stranger to fines by the NBA and brash or controversial statements. In an interview with Inc. Magazine Cuban stated, "I mean, we're all prejudiced in one way or another. If I see a black kid in a hoodie and it's late at night, I'm walking to the other side of the street. And if on that side of the street, there's a guy that has tattoos all over his face - white guy, bald head, tattoos everywhere - I'm walking back to the other side of the street."<br />
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What does the media take from that statement? Cuban is a racist because he moves across the street way from the black kid in a hoodie. Totally ignore the fact that he just said he cross back to the other side if he saw a bald headed, tattoo white guy. Cuban went on to explain further, "And the list goes on of stereotypes that we all live up to and are fearful of. So in my businesses, I try not to be hypocritical. I know that I'm not perfect. I know that I live in a glass house, and it's not appropriate for me to throw stones."<br />
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Mark Cuban is not alone as no one person is perfect, no one person is free of prejudice. Prejudice is how our brains discern from friend or foe, safe or dangerous, right or wrong. People are naïve to believe that racist rants, racist comments, use of slurs are the monopoly of one class or race in society. Every race, class or group of society has their prejudices of other groups. <br />
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Trouble is no one wants to be honest about this topic. Instead we must bully those that make an off-colored comment, joke or assumption. And if you don't cowtail to the PC Police we will make life hell until you do....btw that is being a bully. We don't want bullying going on in school but we are all for it when dealing with people, companies or groups we disagree with. <br />
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Take a moment and do your own inventory of your prejudices. Everyone has them. Right or wrong there exist. tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-46362476695691472052014-05-07T22:29:00.001-05:002014-05-07T22:29:52.008-05:00Now it beginsOn Monday one of President Clinton's skeleton's came out of the closet. I know it is not really a skeleton since it was his famous line, "I did not have sexual intercourse" that lead to his impeachment trial. Granted his impeachment wasn't about his affair, as that was nothing new to the Clinton camp, but his lying to a grand jury. I love listening to the pundits speculate why Monica Lewinsky is coming forth after 10 years of silence. And to Vanity Fair of all rags.<br />
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It is a simple. There is no secret that President Clinton's infidelity irked First Lady Clinton but it was part of being with Bubba. Now that former Secretary of State Clinton is likely to hold the cards for the Democrat nomination for 2016 there are still a few small camps that don't like the Clinton's and that is why Monica is coming out.<br />
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Monica is coming out to help sully former Secretary of State Clinton's chances to be the Democrat nominee. While the Democrats would love nothing better than to check the box of nominating a female, far too many people in the Democrat party are tired of the Clinton's. Looks like another female will be the nominee in 2016; Elizabeth Warren?tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-19981746306533366692014-03-02T17:57:00.001-06:002014-03-02T17:57:39.206-06:00Embrace the news!Last week President Obama announced that he is looking to reduce the military force troop levels to levels below those prior to World War I. Since that announcement I am shocked that real Conservatives don't see this as an opportunity to promote the US Constitution. Instead they are out there complaining that President Obama is going to hurt our readiness.<br />
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Stop, pause, take a breath! President Obama is handing real Conservatives a gift here. For decades our State National Guards have been at the mercy of the President. Remember we are a collection of States that have seen their Rights eroded since the ratification of the United States Constitution. The time is now to regain those Rights given the States in the 10th Amendment.<br />
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Governors, Senators and House of Representatives its time to pass legislation that brings back the control of the National Guard. Then it is time to exploit the 2nd Amendment by keeping readiness in the expansion of the National Guard and Militia's within our States. When a President comes calling for our National Guard or Militia we will then have the ability as a State to say - Yes or No.<br />
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Allow the President's Budget and the cuts to take place in exchange for giving the States back control of the deployment of the National Guard and Militias. Real Conservatives ought to pick up this mantra. By picking up this mantra, States will regain control of a Right they were given to start with and we gain more standing for the 2nd Amendment.tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-39209218986434808672014-02-27T19:48:00.000-06:002014-02-27T19:48:16.738-06:00Religious DilemnaIn the event you missed this week, Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed the controversial bill passed by the Arizona legislature that would have given businesses, and citizens, of Arizona the ability to run their businesses based on their religious beliefs. The bill was dubbed the "Anti-Gay" Bill by Progressives and backed up by "Moderate" Republicans as an affront to Civil Liberties of same-sex couples in Arizona. What I am curious is if anyone read the bill as I doubt those with the largest megaphones did.<br />
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Here is the Bill: http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/51leg/2r/bills/sb1062p.pdf<br />
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While the originals of the bill stem from recent business owners being sued over not photographing same-sex marriages, baking cakes for same-sex weddings and providing flowers for same-sex ceremonies. I am a small business owner. As a small business owner I wouldn't turn away anyone as long as the payment method for the services I render is done with legally obtain dollars.<br />
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Then again its my business and my choice as an owner to make that decision. If another business owner wants to alienate a segment of the population because of a moral, religious or any objection then so be it. If their business fails, its on that business owner. The florist that was sued in Washington over not providing flowers for a same-sex marriage because she didn't feel Jesus would approve then so be it. AGAIN it is her business.<br />
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SB 1062 in Arizona wasn't giving religious freedom to just Catholics, Lutherans, Methodist, or any other Christian sect. It was giving religious freedom to ALL religions. 86 large companies, along with the NFL, placed pressure on Gov. Brewer to veto the bill - ironic isn't that the Progressives can't stand Big Business contributing to political campaigns but have no problem when Big Business is backing their cause!<br />
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American Airlines CEO Doug Parker was reported to have written a letter to Gov. Brewer saying(http://money.cnn.com/2014/02/25/news/economy/arizona-anti-gay-bill/),"I can assure you that this proposed legislation is causing tremendous concerns for our employees, particularly those who live and work in Arizona." Really? Expanding religious freedom and protecting that religious freedom from lawsuits is creating a concern for employees? The Bill doesn't allow business or institutions from violating the religious freedom of the employee.<br />
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Progressives are there for religious freedom for the employee but don't want to give the Mom and Pop business owner the same religious freedom. By not allowing a business owner the ability to run their business aligned with their religious belief but imposes upon that business owner the religious beliefs of their employees and patrons is not equitable in a free society. We all have the Right to exercise our religion without fear of retribution by the government. The fact, as in the case on the above example from Washington, it was the Attorney General that brought suit. Combine that with the Affordable Care Act, religious freedoms of the business owner is being trampled upon.<br />
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I know I said this above but it needs repeating - Being a small business owner, I don't understand why anyone would turn away patrons/clients in so far as the money used to pay for services is obtained legally. Yet in a free society, that business owner has that choice just as everyone has the choice of not patronizing that business.<br />
<br />tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-586188671117419422014-02-16T13:20:00.000-06:002014-02-16T13:20:37.171-06:00Status QuoYet again, President Obama via Executive Order alters the Affordable Care Act by waiving the requirement that businesses with less than 100 employee provide health insurance until after the next Presidential election cycle. The ACA was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama with the notion that it would mandate that all Americans have health insurance coverage by January 1, 2014.<br />
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The latest Executive Order violates that United States Constitution as the Executive Branch doesn't have the power to legislate or alter enacted law. Sen Mike Lee (R-UT) claimed on FoxNew Sunday today that, "the president knows this is wrong" and doesn't see anyway to stop President Obama. Really!?!?<br />
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Trouble is that Sen. Lee and others, except perhaps Rep. Rand Paul, wants to be on record of leading the charge of impeachment against the first black president. There is no clearer violation of the United States Constitution by these Executive Orders that are waiving the requirement and pushing back the date of the mandate.<br />
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By allowing President Obama to get away with a clear violation of the powers granted the Executive Branch does pave the way for future Executive Branches to further violate the United State Constitution. Perhaps that is the real reason why Sen. Lee, and others, are not moving forward with impeachment proceedings. America its time to wake up and demand that our Constitution be upheld and not allow any branch of government to usurp it.tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-18188614638859228882014-01-25T13:26:00.000-06:002014-01-25T13:26:54.181-06:00Letter from the White HouseI opened up my email this morning and found a letter from Dan Pfeiffer, Senior Advisor to President Obama, previewing the State of the Union speech coming up next week by President Obama. In reading through the email a few points really concern me and should concern all Americans.<br />
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<i>In this year of action, the President will seek out as many opportunities as possible to work with Congress in a bipartisan way. But when American jobs and livelihoods depend on getting something done, he will not wait for Congress.</i></div>
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<i>President Obama has a pen and he has a phone, and he will use them to take executive action and enlist every American -- business owners and workers, mayors and state legislators, young people, veterans, and folks in communities from across the country -- in the project to restore opportunity for all.</i></div>
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<i>It will be an optimistic speech. Thanks to the grit and determination of citizens like you, America has a hard-earned right to that optimism. Five years after the President inherited the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, our businesses have created more than eight million new jobs in the past 46 months, and they're primed to create more.</i></div>
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Within these three short paragraphs lies plans if followed through to transform our Republic form of government into something far worse; a socialist state. It is true that President Obama came into office during the worst economic conditions seen in the United States since the Great Depression and it is accurate that since he has taken office five years ago that 8 Million jobs have been filled. Despite these facts the policies of President Obama have created uncertainty in the work force resulting in over 90 Million American's leaving the job force.</div>
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President's over time have attempted to expand the use of Executive Orders to side step Congress and ignore the United States Constitution. Also, the Supreme Court has ruled on the expansion of powers with varying degree of outcomes based mainly on the prevailing ideology of the Court. Yet this is the first time in our nations history that a President is so bold and reckless in the threat of Executive Order.</div>
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The Affordable Care Act, despite not being passed as a tax was upheld by SCOTUS based on it being so, is a debacle. While elements of it are progress in dealing with the escalating health care costs it created more questions and uncertainty in the market. Without rehashing the debate, President Obama by stroke of the pen waived the mandate for the Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, Big Business and Unions. Thus re-writing the ACA which is not a power the Executive Branch has; yet Americans sit idly by and allow it to happen. </div>
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President Obama needs to understand that the Executive Branch doesn't have the power to create legislation nor re-write legislation signed into law. If the President Obama is serious about getting people back to work then remove the uncertainty of the ACA.</div>
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The other part of the email that is concerning and more than likely puts a smile on Karl Marx face is the part of "<i style="background-color: transparent;"> [enlisting] every American -- business owners and workers, mayors and state legislators, young people, veterans, and folks in communities from across the country -- in the project to restore opportunity for all." </i><span style="background-color: transparent;">The government's role is not to create jobs; rather the government is to ensure employers don't exploit the employees. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">I look forward to listening President Obama speak on Tuesday. My hope is that he will finally earn that Nobel Peace Prize he was awarded after being elected.</span></div>
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tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-35869056524897736312013-12-19T19:41:00.000-06:002013-12-19T19:41:43.553-06:00Duck Suspension: Freedom of Speech?!?!In a recent issue of GQ magazine(<a href="http://www.gq.com/entertainment/television/201401/duck-dynasty-phil-robertson">http://www.gq.com/entertainment/television/201401/duck-dynasty-phil-robertson</a>), Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson discusses an array of topics but the one that landed him a suspension dealt with his answer to the question: What, in your mind, is sinful?<br />
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Phil Robertson responded, "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men." It is this response that gets the air time, especially on Progressive media outlets, but Mr. Robertson didn't stop there as he referenced the Bible. Specifically he paraphrased Corinthians when he quipped, "Don't be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offends, the greedy, the drunkyards, the slanderers, the swindlers - they won't inherit the kingdom of God. Don't deceive yourself. It's not right."<br />
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GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz offered a response by stating, "Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil's lie about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe. He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans - and Americans - who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples. Phil's decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on A&E and his sponsors who now need to reexamine their ties to someone with such a public disdain for LGBT people and families."<br />
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Wow! Mr. Robertson is pushing "vile and extreme stereotypes" - where? In his response to the question about what is sinful - where does he push a stereotype? Perhaps its when GQ quotes Phil's thought on "modern immorality" as - "It seems like, to me, a vagina - as a man - would be more desirable than a man's anus. That's just me. I'm just thinking: There's more there! She's got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical." While I don't go as far as Mr. Robertson goes to consider two men, or more, engaging in anal sex as a sin; I do understand where Mr. Robertson may come to that conclusion based on his religious beliefs. Again though I ask Wilson Cruz - where did Phil Robertson push a stereotype?<br />
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All this being said, the rub on this situation is that Phil Robertson's freedom of speech and/or religion has been violated. I am sorry to say folks there has been no government clamp down on Phil Robertson and as far as I know he is still a free man and not in jail. Question that Progressives won't answer is: What if a member of the LGBT community was suspended from a show for stating their religious view on sin?<br />
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Personally I never saw the appeal of Duck Dynasty - perhaps I am not redneck enough - nor do I watch A&E all that much to begin with. I think Brandon Ambrosino (<a href="http://ideas.time.com/2013/12/19/the-duck-dynasty-fiasco-says-more-about-our-bigotry-than-phils/">http://ideas.time.com/2013/12/19/the-duck-dynasty-fiasco-says-more-about-our-bigotry-than-phils/</a>) sums it up well at the end of his article when he writes: "GK Chesterton said that bigotry is "an incapacity to conceive seriously the alternative to a proposition." If he is right - and he usually is - then I wonder if the Duck Dynasty fiasco says more about our bigotry than Phil's." By "our" Brandon refers to the LGBT community as he is gay.<br />
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Progressives and Conservatives need to learn that bigotry, racism, sexism, etc...flows both ways. While Phil Robertson doesn't talk for all Christians, he does for an unknown number. Obviously Christians don't interpret the Bible all the same or we wouldn't have Catholics, Orthodox, Baptist, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Episcopal s, Methodists, Protestants, Lutherans, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, etc. The final point to digest - Earlier this year a major retailer got into a PR mess in Minnesota because some cashiers refused to check out pork because it was against their religion - Imagine if that retailer fired them!tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-35971054960015791542013-11-28T08:31:00.003-06:002013-11-28T08:31:40.936-06:00Thanksgiving DayIt is another Thanksgiving Day. What better message to read than from one of our Founders that started the official holiday. George Washington proclaimed this over 200 years ago.....<br />
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WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"</div>
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NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.</div>
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And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.</div>
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GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.</div>
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(signed) G. Washington</div>
tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-80561664253493196272013-11-16T10:08:00.001-06:002013-11-16T10:08:50.158-06:00Healthcare Insurance BandaidYesterday the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3350 (<a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr3350eh/pdf/BILLS-113hr3350eh.pdf">http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr3350eh/pdf/BILLS-113hr3350eh.pdf</a>) that will allow health insurance companies to continue to offer insurance policies that did not meet the grandfather clause of the Affordable Care Act or the minimum standards set in place by ObamaCare. Rep Upton (R-MI) sponsored H.R 3350 that passed 261-157 with over 30 Democrats voting in favor of it. Earlier this week, President Obama acknowledged that his pledge that if you like your health insurance you can keep it was not accurate. While President Obama did not say he lied to the public, he did recognize that "We put a grandfather clause into the law but it was insufficient."<br />
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Throughout the week, the drum beat has been that this misstep to dropped coverage only applies to the 5% of the market. While that is accurate, what is not discussed or even raised is that waivers were given to the rest of market until 2015. What will happen in October of 2014 when ObamaCare provisions of the law are applied to employer based health insurance plans?<br />
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President Obama also said during his press conference this week that, "We're also requiring insurers to extend current plans to inform their customers about two things. One, that protections -- what protections these renewed plans don't include. Number two, that the marketplace offers new options with better coverage and tax credits that might help you bring down the cost." A) The Executive Branch does not have power to make/alter law that is the power of the Legislative Branch. B) Offer more coverage or options never drops the cost of anything!<br />
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Now a Bipartisan bill has been passed by the House of Representatives, which President Obama plans to veto, ought to be given a vote in the Senate. Rep. Pelosi is accurate when she stated prior to Affordable Care Act being passed when she said that once we pass this bill we will know that is in it.tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-13937839155778306102013-11-12T21:21:00.000-06:002013-11-12T21:21:00.261-06:00Is Anarchy and Tyranny knocking at the door?In reading Mark Levin's book <i>The Liberty Amendments, </i>I know that I have fallen off discussing the proposed Amendments to which I will return to them soon, I stumbled upon a curios passage Levin quotes of John Adams. The passage appears in Chapter Eight: An Amendment to Protect Private Property (p 139-140):<br />
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"Suppose a nation, rich and poor, high and low, ten millions in number, all assembled together; not more than one or two millions will have lands, houses, or any personal property; if we take into account the women and children, or even if we leave them out of the question, a great majority of every nation is wholly destitute of property, except a small quantity of clothes, and a few trifles of other movables. Would Mr. Nedham be responsible that, if all were to be decided by a vote of the majority, the eight or nine millions who have no property, would not think of usurping over the rights of the one or two millions who have? Property is surely a right of mankind as really as liberty. Perhaps, at first, prejudice, habit, shame or fear, principle or religion, would restrain the poor from attacking the rich, and the idle from usurping on the industrious; but the time would not be long before courage and enterprise would come, and pretexts be invented by degrees, to countenance the majority in dividing all the property among them, or at least, in sharing it equally with its present possessors. Debts would be abolished first; taxes laid heavy on the rich, and not at all on the others; and at last a downright equal division of every thing be demanded, and voted. What would be the consequence of this? The idle, the vicious, the intemperate, would rush into the utmost extravagance of debauchery, sell and spend all their share, and then demand a new division of those who purchased from them. The moment the idea is admitted into society, that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. If "Thou shalt not covet, " and "Thou shalt not steal," were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society, before it can be civilized or made free."<br />
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John Adams wrote that passage originally in "<i>Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States."</i> The United States is a Republic and not a true Democracy a concept that retards the Progressive ideals; unfortunately it doesn't eliminate them. Despite living in a free society, governed by representative rule, liberty and protections of private property are eroding. The erosion isn't a recent occurrence; yet it has been kicked into overdrive in recent decades.<br />
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Our National Debt has topped $17 TRILLION! A number trivialized by Progressives and Big Government Spending Conservatives while ignored by the vast majority of journalist ( a term I use loosely). One must hand it to Big Government types though. While Mr. Adams crafts precepts restraining the poor, idle, vicious and intemperate, Big Government has crafted precepts more enterprising; entitlements. The current continuing resolution calls for the United States Federal Government to spend $3.4 TRILLION of which, roughly, $2.5 TRILLION is entitlement spending. That $2.5 TRILLION earmark does not include the subsidies dolled out for ObamaCare.<br />
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The foundation of a free society is the right to private property free from government intervention and seizure as well as protected by the same said government from others in society. Taxation, entitlements, and willful idleness are all elements causing the erosion of ones right to private property. The rich have the means to relocate while the Middle Class and poor do not. What happens when the Rich are no longer an option? Anarchy and Tyranny will take hold - That is the legacy the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y leave for those born in the 21st Century.tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-71623216300995956622013-10-26T09:49:00.000-05:002013-10-26T09:49:18.508-05:00Obamacare failures is the shiny objectOver the past weeks, the Hamburg Post has been filled with blog posts reviewing the Amendments that Mark Levin proposes in his book The Liberty Amendments. Today, a break from that and a look at ObamaCare. The past week saw Congress grill various stakeholders in the development and roll out of the Federal website Healthcare.gov as it hasn't worked as advertised. <br />
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The various glitches being reported now have Democrats, that are up for re-election in 2014, asking President Obama to delay the mandate from six weeks to an entire year. First off, the President doesn't have the power to legislate which he has already done granting Congress, the Executive Branch and business exemptions from the law. The Affordable Care Act clearly states in the law the start date of the law and all of whom are to be part of it. To change this, delay or not, Constitutionally requires an act of Congress and a signature of the President.<br />
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That being said, America faces a larger problem with ObamaCare. Well it's not a problem if you enjoy being dictated to and prefer a loss of freedom. For Americans that prefer choice and freedom the current glitches are all part of the plan. In order for ObamaCare to work, it requires 7 million healthy Americans to sign up to pay premiums to cover the costs of less healthy users. Trouble is that the healthiest Americans, as a pool, are those between the age of 18-26. <br />
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Ironically the Affordable Care Act has taken these healthy American's off the payroll by allowing them to stay on their parents health care until they are 26. Without this low risk pool paying premiums, the funds will not exist to pay for higher risk pool users of the exchanges. Yet, this is just part of the complicated plan of cradle to grave nationalized health care.<br />
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Another aspect of the Affordable Care Act was to require health insurers to take on all Americans despite of their preconditions. Health care insurers, for the most part, already do this but the insurance premiums are higher for high risk pools than lower risk pools. Now with that option taken away from healthcare insurers, those of us in lower risk pools now must pay higher premiums. <br />
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Precondition pool is the Trojan Horse of the Affordable Care Act for Single Payer Nationalize healthcare system. Companies such as UPS have given notice to their employees that spouses will no longer be covered. Consulting firm Deloitte surveyed 560 companies and found that 9 percent of them plan to drop coverage over the next three years. We are also seeing a shift from full time employment to part time employment by firms to get under the 50 employee number that allows them to avoid a fine for not offering healthcare benefits. <br />
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Once the pool of preconditioned Americans are no longer covered by employee based healthcare insurance the exchanges will be deemed a failure then the real push for Nationalized healthcare begins. <br />
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<br />tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-57203970408964309612013-10-22T20:23:00.000-05:002013-10-22T20:23:35.038-05:00Term limits on the Supreme CourtChapter 4 of Mark Levin's book The Liberty Amendment tackles the Judicial branch of Government( p49-50):<br />
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Section 1: No person may serve as Chief Justice or Associate Justice of the Supreme Court for more than a combined total of twelve years.<br />
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Section 2: Immediately upon ratification of this Amendment, Congress will organize the justices of the Supreme Court as equally possible into three classes, with the justices assigned to each class in reverse seniority order, with the most senior justices in the earliest classes. The terms of office for the justices in the First Class will expire a the end of the fourth year following the ratification of this Amendment, the terms for the justices in the Second Class will expire at the end of the eighth year, and of the Third Class at the end of the twelfth Year, so that one-third of the justices may be chosen every fourth Year.<br />
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Section 3: When a vacancy occurs in the Supreme Court the President shall nominate a new justice who, with the approval of a majority of the Senate, shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term. Justices who fill a vacancy for longer than half of an unexpired term may not be nominated to a full term.<br />
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Section 4: Upon three-fifths vote of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Congress may override a majority opinion rendered by the Supreme Court.<br />
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Section 5: The Congressional override under Section 4 is not subject to a Presidential veto and shall not be subject to litigation or review in any Federal or State court.<br />
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Section 6: Upon three-fifths vote of the several state legislatures, the State may override a majority opinion rendered by the Supreme Court.<br />
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Section 7: The States' override under Section 6 shall not be the subject of litigation or review in any Federal or State court, or oversight or interference by Congress or the President.<br />
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Section 8: Congressional or State override authority under Section 4 and 6 must be exercised no later than twenty-four months from the date of the Supreme Court rendering its majority opinion, after which date Congress and the States are prohibited from exercising the override.<br />
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Thus far I have been on board completely with Levin as to Amendments needing to be added that will lead us to more freedom and control over our lives. When I read this chapter the first time my knee jerk reaction was yes. I do like the notion of term limits on Justices while at the same time I struggle with the notion that 9 people can make decisions that drastically impact our lives. <br />
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With our country becoming more and more polarized, we have seen - especially in my life time - the courts outcomes are not based on Constitutional limitations rather by judicial review. That judicial review has turned the courts into a defacto legislature. The fact that 9 humans cloaked in black robes will judge cases in the purview, limited by the Constitution originally and later expanded in Marbury v Madison, without error is a fallacy. Humans by our very nature are flawed thus the 9 Justices are flawed despite their education and training.<br />
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Adding another layer that gives Congress more check and balance on the Judicial system while also allowing the States that same authority is interesting. What makes this additional twist more interesting is the limitations that Congress and the States have to override a decision. tthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9075324469668918466.post-72263132481808783702013-10-17T20:07:00.000-05:002013-10-18T06:52:49.754-05:00Restoring the SenateIn Chapter 3, Mark Levin proposes the following Amendment that would restore the Senate (p33):<br />
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Section 1: The Seventeenth Amendment is hereby repealed. All Senators shall be chosen by their state legislatures as prescribed by Article 1.<br />
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Section 2: This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.<br />
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Section 3: When vacancies occur in the representation of any State in the Senate for more than ninety days the governor of the State shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.<br />
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Section 4: A Senator may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the state legislature. <br />
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Prior to the Seventeenth Amendment, Senators were chosen by the State Legislatures to represent their State in Congress. Perhaps when the Seventeenth Amendment was ratified was the end of the Statesman in Congress. In recent years, money is spent insanely by outside sources - on both sides of the aisle - to help elect a Senator that the National parties want to see in Congress. <br />
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Returning back to the original intent of electing the Senate returns a vital State right Perhaps if this was in place, Minnesotans would have seen their Senators vote for placing a tax on medical device companies when Minnesota is home to one of the largest and respected medical device communities in the United States.<br />
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Some may attempt to argue that keeping the Seventeenth amendment in place protects our Democracy. Trouble is that we don't live in a pure Democracy; rather we are a Republic that uses elected officials to represent our interests. And one of those interests is to keep politics local which is lost when Senators are elected by popular vote.<br />
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Levin surmises (p 46), "However, it will be opposed by the Statist, for he may pose as a democrat, but it is democratic tyranny that he favors." Levin continues (p 47), "Furthermore, state sovereignty is not a top priority for most senators because the state legislatures hold no sway over them. Therefore, situations arise where senators vote for major federal legislation over the strenuous objections of their own state." Guess that is why Sen. Franken and Klobuchar voted for the Affordable Care Act!<br />
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Source: Mark Levin's The Liberty Amendmentstthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09917268285666551114noreply@blogger.com0