Restoring the Senate

In Chapter 3, Mark Levin proposes the following Amendment that would restore the Senate (p33):


Section 1: The Seventeenth Amendment is hereby repealed. All Senators shall be chosen by their state legislatures as prescribed by Article 1.

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.

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.

Section 4: A Senator may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of the state legislature.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Source: Mark Levin's  The Liberty Amendments

The Leadership Vacuum

The old saying goes, " As Rome burns, Nero dances" or something like that. Don't be mistaken I am not comparing President Obama to Nero; rather I am comparing the entire leadership of the United States to Nero. For over two decades our elected officials have failed us. The trouble is that we Americans have enabled this failure through our apathy and lack of demand to vetting our leaders.

One has to go back to President Truman to get our last true leader that actually meant it when saying, "The buck stops here." In the White House we have the American version of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. But our King Louis is years in the coming so no one should be surprised. We haven't voted for Statesmen for decades; rather our politicians have been able to skate by without addressing the tough issues and being properly vetted. Minnesotans saw that last year when the Legislature, again, kicked the can down the road instead of dealing with the tough realities that face the State.

Thankfully the small town I live in and the Council I am apart of understands that we cannot rely on handouts to fund our government and that if we want to grow we all must share in the pain. Here we all sit watching United States embassies burn and KYC restaurants being attacked. What did KYC ever do? Don't they employ people in the country they are in?

Instead of sending a stern message, words are not stern in my book, the current administration first apologized for the film that apparently started it all. The attacks on our embassies and bomb threats on US campuses are not a response to some YouTube video that has been on YouTube for several months. It is a result of the Arab Spring that our current leadership thought was a great Democracy movement. The Arab Spring was a guise to put in power those factions in the world that want to see the destruction of the West.

We need leadership. We need a Statesman. Are we capable in America anymore to vote for a person that is capable of making the tough decision even if it's unpopular and may not get re-elected for that or will we stay in our camps and blindly vote D or R?

Rhetoric of the campaign season

It does appear now that Gov. Romney will secure the Republican nominee for President of the United States and President Obama will be the Democratic nominee. Before the media starts spinning things and before Super PAC's start running their ads for or against a candidate let's get some definition's out there that we can all agree on. Here is a short list:

Democrat - A member of the Democratic Party.

Republican - A member of the Republican Party.

Socialism - A theory or system of social reform which contemplates a complete reconstruction of society, with a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor.

Capitalism - An economic system based on predominately private (individual or corporate) investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of goods and wealth.

Fascism - An authoritarian system of government under absolute control of a single dictator, allowing no political opposition, forcibly suppressing dissent, and rigidly controlling most industrial and economic activities.

Communism - A scheme of equalizing the social conditions of life; specifically, a scheme which contemplates the abolition of inequalities in the possession of property, as by distributing all wealth equally to all, or by holding all wealth in common for the equal use and advantage of all.

Republic - A state in which the sovereign power resides in the whole body of the people, and is exercised by representatives elected by them.

Democracy - Government by popular representation; a form of government in which the supreme power is reatined by the people, but is indirectly execercised through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed.

Liberalism - An economic theory advocating free competition and a self-regulating market and the gold standard.

Progressive - Disposed toward adopting a new methods in government or education, holding tolerant and liberal ideas, and generally favoring improvement in the civic life.

Conservative - One who desires to maintain existing institutions and customs; also, one who holds moderate opinions in politics.

All these definitions are taken from www.webster-dictionary.org. It is interesting to see the root definitions of these words. I think for an accurate debate and character to develop we need this common ground. Now, if others feel Webster has it wrong then let's redefine them so we are all on the same page going forward.

President Obama State of the Union

Okay, I did not get to see the speech first hand as I had my own civic duty tonight; Hamburg City Council meeting. I did read the speech and here are my likes and dislikes:

"It's no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences over the last two years. The debates have been contentious; we have fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that's a good thing. That's what a robust democracy demands. That's what helps set us apart as a nation." – I agree. We can have and must have "contentious" debate on the topics that divide us ideologically. Then we need to find a middle ground. Hopefully pundits on both sides of the aisle listened to this as they are the polarizing group.

"At stake right now is not who wins the next election – after all, we just had an election." – Funny, I recall the recently elected President saying that "elections have consequences." Those words spoke by Obama was meant to be a poke in the eye of Republicans and fueled partisan politics.

"Two years after the worst recession most of us have ever known, the stock market has come roaring back. Corporate profits are up." – True but this is not due to his Stimulus Package; rather it's due to companies shedding jobs, inventories and other cost cutting measures. Too bad the Democratic led Congress didn't take note by increasing the National Debt by more than $3 Trillion.

"What's more, we are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an idea – the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own destiny." – Bingo! The idea was a nation of a limited Central government and the empowerment of States. The trouble is that we have seen the power of the Central government increase while State Rights have been eroded. The latest is the Health Care Mandate.

"Our free enterprise system is what drives innovation" – Exactly! So why did we have TARP and the GM Bailout? I understand that not all of this was implemented by Obama but he has not shied away from trying to turn TARP into a slush fund.

"Some folks want wind and solar. Others want nuclear, clean coal, and natural gas." – I like this idea. President Obama can start by overturning President Carter's ban on reusing spent nuclear rods as the technology has improved to the point that allows France to reuse their spent rods thus reducing nuclear waste.

"That responsibility begins not in our classrooms, but in our homes and communities……Our schools share this responsibility. When a child walks into a classroom, it should be a place of high expectations and high performance. But too many schools don't meet this test….'If you show us the most innovative plans to improve teacher quality and student achievement, we'll show you the money.'" – I agree here. The trouble is the teachers Unions. For a long time I thought teachers needed higher pay but after hearing about the benefits they get after retiring my view has changed. Message to Teachers: Do you want the money now or do you want the benefits later?

"Now, I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration. I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows. I know that debate will be difficult and take time. But tonight, let's agree to make that effort. And let's stop expelling talented, responsible young people who can staff our research labs, start new businesses, and further enrich this nation." – Sounds like Amnesty to me. We need to enforced our laws and apply the 14^th Amendment as it was intended and anchor babies was not it.

"Over the last two years, we have begun rebuilding for the 21st century, a project that has meant thousands of good jobs for the hard-hit construction industry. Tonight, I'm proposing that we redouble these efforts." – Does this mean another Trillion Dollar Stimulus package? Wasn't the last one suppose to keep unemployment under 8%?

"So tonight, I'm asking Democrats and Republicans to simplify the system" – I agree. I know he was talking more about Corporate taxes but it applies to all of us. It is time for a flat tax with no tax credits. We all use the roads, the waterways, and the security of our military so we all need to pay a share.

"To help businesses sell more products abroad, we set a goal of doubling our exports by 2014 – because the more we export, the more jobs we create at home." – I am all for this but let's not do it via another QE.

"Now, I've heard rumors that a few of you have some concerns about the new health care law. So let me be the first to say that anything can be improved. If you have ideas about how to improve this law by making care better or more affordable, I am eager to work with you. We can start right now by correcting a flaw in the legislation that has placed an unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small businesses." – Okay, if President Obama is serious then let's remove the mandate, create true tort reform, and allow the purchase of insurance across state lines.

"So tonight, I am proposing that starting this year, we freeze annual domestic spending for the next five years. This would reduce the deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade, and will bring discretionary spending to the lowest share of our economy since Dwight Eisenhower was president." – Heard this one before, I believe last year he said that we reduce deficit by more than $200 billion over the next decade. We need to put all the sacred cows on the table. Cut military spending, education and entitlement programs.

"The bipartisan Fiscal Commission I created last year made this crystal clear. I don't agree with all their proposals, but they made important progress. And their conclusion is that the only way to tackle our deficit is to cut excessive spending wherever we find it – in domestic spending, defense spending, health care spending, and spending through tax breaks and loopholes." – Didn't Obama start the speech requesting civility and cooperation? Then why not implement the Fiscal Commission's suggestions? I don't agree with them all either then again I am not asking for bipartisanship.

"And if we truly care about our deficit, we simply cannot afford a permanent extension of the tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of Americans." – Agreed. If we are to truly take care of the deficit we all need to pitch in. Scrap the current tax code and replace it with a flat tax that has not tax credits. Although we did cut SSN withholding by 2% for 2011.

"In fact, the best thing we could do on taxes for all Americans is to simplify the individual tax code. This will be a tough job, but members of both parties have expressed interest in doing this, and I am prepared to join them." – AGREED!!! Flat Tax with no tax credits. Done!

"In the coming year, we will also work to rebuild people's faith in the institution of government. Because you deserve to know exactly how and where your tax dollars are being spent, you will be able to go to a website and get that information for the very first time in history. Because you deserve to know when your elected officials are meeting with lobbyists, I ask Congress to do what the White House has already done: put that information online. And because the American people deserve to know that special interests aren't larding up legislation with pet projects, both parties in Congress should know this: if a bill comes to my desk with earmarks inside, I will veto it." – Didn't President Obama say that all bills passed would be posted online for at least five days before he'd sign them into law? Plus, didn't he say that he would sign any bill that wasn't paid for? He broke both of those within days of saying it. Why are we to believe he will veto a bill that has earmarks within it?

Well that is my take on the speech. Now it's time to listen to the pundits!!!

Democratic Principles eroding under the Obama Adminstration

Democracy is being challenged by the cloak of “Best interest of the United States”. Two alarming episodes playing out are the continual detaining of suspected terrorist and the message sent by Vice President Joe Biden. Granted the unending detaining of suspected terrorist subjects has been policy since 9-11, the thought that “change” was coming gave a glimmer of hope that America’s United States Constitution may regain its importance.

The President while campaigning for office set forth the notion of closing Gitmo detention center and to deal with those detained. The presumption was that all those housed in the facility would face trial and depending on the outcome would be either released or retained per court ruling. During the past week, President Obama and former Vice President Cheney have traded barbs on the issue of closing Gitmo and CIA memo results. Congress stripped out $80M that was to fund the closing of Gitmo due to no clear plan by the White House.

After the dueling speeches by Obama and Cheney, surrogates on all sides have laid out the plans going forward. One of the moves indicates that some detainees will be held “indefinitely” because they pose a threat to the United States even though proof, in the court of law, does not agree. The US Constitution protects the liberties of people accused of crimes from unnecessary punishment and a right to a speedy trial. Set aside the point that Bush has done the same thing as America voted for “change” in the last election cycle.

President Obama has proved, i.e. firing of CEO’s, that the US Constitution is a piece of paper worthy of nothing. It should not shock anyone that part of the plan for Gitmo detainees is to remand them indefinitely. The other affront to Democracy is being done through the message Vice President Biden is sent the Lebanon.

On Friday, Vice President Biden landed in Lebanon to carry the message that future US Aid to Lebanon hinged on the outcome of upcoming “Democratic” elections. Vice President Biden stated after a meeting with President Suleiman, “I do not come here to back any particular party or any particular person. I come here to back certain principles.” The United States has labeled Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.

Hezbollah has made inroads in recent elections by becoming an emerging force in the “Democratic” process. Hezbollah response to Vice President Biden’s statements is one of caution and “strong suspicion as to the real reason behind it”. Good or bad, if we are to stay true to our ideals of Democracy then the Obama Administration is not to dangle US Aid in front of the Lebonanese people in an effort to sway their vote.

Continuing the platform of “change” will lead America down the road of ruin and forever alter our liberties and pursuit of happiness within our own borders.

Oligarchy to Monarchy; The death of Democracy

The defection of Arlen Specter to the Democrat Party was touted as a victory by Democrats and a blessing by Republicans. Pundits, namely those on MSNBC, are giddy at the upheaval taking place within the Republican Party as moderates are finding there is no room for them. Regardless if you are liberal, conservative, or moderate we are all witnessing something very dangerous taking place in America politics; creation of a one-party system.

An oligarchy already exists on the national political scene. Third party candidates rarely get the exposure, exceptions are Nader and Perot, required to launch a major offensive. The Republican Party is becoming a regional party and may lose their footing on the main stage. While those on the left are cheering, it presents American Democracy in a precarious situation. With no other party established on the national scene, the regionalization of the Republican Party will doom Americans to choosing from one party.

Every national election other candidates are listed on the ballot, without the ability to participate in national debates, they do not get the national exposure the current Oligarchy enjoys. What America requires to save Democracy is more political parties for Americans to choose from. All too often Americans vote for or against the two major parities. President Obama talks a great game and adopted the Clinton game book on his path to the White House.

The mastery of the Clinton playbook by President Obama is a prime example of voters going to the poll to cast their vote based on emotion rather than logic. The Republican Party message of fiscal responsibility was muddled as President Bush abandoned his conservative heritage by opening up the pocket book in the final two years of his Presidency. The departure from fiscal responsibility created the perfect storm for a “liberal” liberal to be voted in. The Republican hierarchy realized this by putting forth their sacrificial lamb; Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin.

The $3.6T budget proposed by President Obama increases the realization of a one-party system as Americans become slaves to the Government. Ironic that many compare President Obama to President Lincoln as Lincoln fought to free the slaves and Obama is fighting to enslave all Americans. I challenge every America to find candidates that best represents their core beliefs and vote for them. The Democrat and Republican Parties are not the only games in town.

Continuing to use the mentality of it’s a “waste of a vote” will destroy Democracy in America. I am suggesting or recruiting for any party rather to find a candidate that fits your core beliefs to rally behind. If one does not exist then perform your patriotic duty and become that candidate. More candidate choice is demanded for the survival of Democracy in the United States.

Perfect Storm for Cuba/American relations

The announcement by President Obama, delivered by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs yesterday, to loosen travel and financial restrictions toward Cuba is a positive shift in policy for Cuban-American relations. To expand on the policy shift, it was announced that United States will work with telecom companies to offer cell phone and television service to Cubans. Opening up communication with the island is a welcomed approach to dealing with the aging Communist Regime.

Why now?

With Fidel Castro in the twilight of his life and Raul Castro not far behind him, the opening of relations to the populous of Cuba is a perfect storm. By requiring relatives in the United States to pay for the cell phone and television access is a brilliant move by President Obama. The requirement will give the United States greater access to intelligence gathering via provisions in the Patriot Act signed by President Bush in 2006.

Finally the Patriot Act, which stripped away a level of civil liberty in the United States, will bear fruit as with the loosening of Cuba restrictions. While the United States is searching telephone and financial records of Cuban-Americans, a grassroots campaign can be launched via ads broadcasted into Cuba. The missing element to all this is how Castro’s feel about the shift. Since Fidel Castro has looked for an end to the Embargo for years, one can assume the shift is welcomed and encouraging.

The shift in policy also allows Raul Castro to tout a relationship change with the United States that his brother Fidel was unable to achieve. Raul Castro will be tempered by the potential ground swell of Democratic rhetoric that runs counter to the Communist doctrine. The perfect storm of the decline of Russian power, Patriot Act, Raul Castro, and the election of a Community Organizer to President of the United States may finally open up Cuba to America.