Social Media Experiment - August 12th Primary Day

On 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.

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.

Debt Ceiling back again!!!

Congress acted prior to the flip of the calendar to avert the "Fiscal Cliff" by raising the top nominal tax rate on those making over $450,000 while extending a plethora of "tax cuts" for everyone else. In addition Congress did not extend the payroll tax holiday which took money out of the depleted SSN kitty. Over the past few days we witnessed history with the swearing in of our President as it was a peaceful transition of power. Also, MLK was celebrated and Roe v. Wade had it's 40th anniversary.

Today, the House of Representatives will vote on raising the Debt Ceiling to ensure the United States can pay its debt for the next three months. The GOP lead House also put in a provision that if the Senate cannot pass a budget then the payroll of both houses of Congress would be held in escrow and if they are unable to establish a budget by the end of the 2014 budget year Congress still get's paid. Here is the bill: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c113:H.R.325:

Some see the extension of the Debt Ceiling with the caveat of the no pay clause as a gimmic by the GOP. While Congress should give back their pay and not get paid going forward until a budget is passed, it is really just a gimmic by the GOP because the no pay pledge is really just a deferral of payroll. That being said, others claim that the United States is Constitutionally obligated to pay all debts incurred by the Government. Actually under Article 1 Section 8 the Constitution reads:

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

Can someone please help me understand where it states that Congress is Constitutionally obligated to pay all debts? I see that Congress has the power to pay the Debts but I don't read that as it is obligated to pay the Debts.

Thanksgiving Day

Many of us will embark on a journey today to meet with friends and families and gorge on the bounty of the fall harvest. Others will find that comfortable recliner and doze off and on with whistles and pads hitting each other in the background. Then there will be a segment of our population that won't participate in any of this for one reason or another. No matter the location, the activity, the abundance of food and people one surrounds themselves with today - Just be thankful that we all go to sleep at night and then wake up in the morning in a country that allows us freedom to pursue the path in life we wish.

I am thankful and blessed that my family has the freedom to pursue any path in life they desire. I am also thankful and blessed for the conversations I have on a daily basis ranging from mundane weather to the complex economy. A recent conversation surrounded around the topic that received a lot of press from the Left based off an interview that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fl.) gave to GQ magazine.

In case you missed the article or don't tune into the Left wing media outlets, the interviewer asked Sen. Rubio on how old he thought the Earth is. To which Sen. Rubio responded, "I'm not a scientist, man. I tell you what recorded history says, I can tell you what the Bible says, but I think that's a dispute amongst theologians and I think it has nothing to do with the gross domestic product or economic growth of the United States."

Sen. Rubio expanded his thoughts, "I think parents should be able to teach their kids what faith says, what science says. Whether the Earth was created in 7 days, or 7 actual eras, I'm not sure we'll ever be able to answer that. It's one of the great mysteries."

Based on this interview, and there is more to the GQ interview on this topic,Sen. Rubio is being branded by the Left as "Anti-Science" or pandering to the "Religious Right of the GOP party". Let's stop for a second and reflect on the conversation of Creationism and Evolution. Simply put the Creationism camp believes that God, or a higher power, essentially created the Universe and all that we see and interact with. The Evolution camp believe that Man has evolved from a subspecies and has become what we are today.

Now, why must we talk in terms of two camps - perhaps it is because we are so conditioned to Right vs. Wrong, GOP vs. DFL, White vs. Black, Straight vs. Gay,etc...Why can't these two theories of life and the Universe coexist as one larger theory?

Something created the Universe, Solar System and everything within it. Our world, our person, our everything is made of tiny molecules. Decades ago a great medical cure all was discovered - Penicillin - yet today some are allergic to it, some respond well to it while in some cases it has no effect anymore. Why might Penicillin have a reaction differently for some? Because organism adapt or evolve in order to stay in existence.

God, or the One, it is taught in religious circles, created the Universe in 7 days but days as we know it is very defined yet days may have an entirely different meaning. At the end of those 7 days we finally had Man - Adam. Yet the story of the Garden of Eden doesn't come alive or I should say Adam and Eve are not aware of their nakedness until they eat from the Forbidden Tree.

The awareness of their nakedness is a sexier story to tell then to say that Man became aware after years of evolution from being a chimp to the discovery of fire. God created the Universe and within the Universe established globes of laboratories to track the progress of his creation. The progress that God watches over are the forces in play from the creation thus elements within these globes will adapt, change or evolve over time. Within these globes of laboratories, God waited until a creature - Man - evolved to the point of being able to speak, procreate and develop a social strata. At this point God injected Man with the Spirit or the Essence of Man.

The Essence of Man is created to give Man uniqueness from the rest of world within Man operates. Over time God sent messengers to help guide the evolution of Man in hopes of creating a more perfect image or creature. The messengers have taken several forms - Noah, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, Allah, Budha - and these messengers where to influence what God created and direct the evolution of the physical surroundings of the Essence of Man.

I ask again, Why do we speak of Creationism and Evolution as mortal enemies and bitter rivals when it is feasible that they coexist in a larger theory or grand plan? As you go about your day today think about this and be thankful that you live in a country that protects your freedom to the ability to discuss such a topic.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Wisconsin Recall

As many of us know by now Gov. Walker survived the recall bid last night by a wider margin than he beat Barrett the first time around. While I waited for the polls to close and the results to stream I decided to watch MSNBC to listen to the Liberal pundits spin the results. I will admit that I found humor in their dejected faces as they had to report that not only Gov. Walker kept his position so did the LT. Gov and the Speaker as well.

The spin though was that Gov. Walker's win was not a reform on Obama since exit polls had him leading Romney by 8 points. One brave soul on MSNBC pointed out that Wisconsin has voted Democrat in every Presidential election dating back to Clinton. The assessment is correct. Wisconsin will more than likely go to Obama but this wasn't about the national election for President; rather this vote was a referendum on public unions and austerity measures; both went for Conservative ideals.

Lawrence O'Donnell repeated the fact that the GOP outspent the Dem's by a 7-1 margin and blamed the United Supreme Court decision Citizen United for it. Early reports stated that voter turnout was more than 65 percent which was about 15 points more than in 2010. The big winner last night was Wisconsin and America as Democracy reigned.

While the sat watching MSNBC, I posted on Facebook (in jest) that "Just got back from Wisconsin. No ID required to vote. Love this country!" One post took me very seriously and actually thought I'd commit a felony to prove my point. My ruse rubbed a friend of mine's so wrong that he may have defriended me but not prior to his wife posting - This is Matt's wife - as a former resident of WI I am digusted by your actions. I am guessing you are trying to prove a point but all you are doing is coming off like a complete asshole. don't try to prove their needs to be voter fraud laws by actually participating in voter fraud. Laws should not have to be passed to account for assholes like you.

As I stated above, I didn't actually go to Wisconsin to vote rather thought it comical to state what I did originally. Most of our laws are to protect stupid people from harming themselves or government officials (on both sides of the aisle) thinking they know what is best for us. We have become a society of lazy, dumb and entitled people. No longer does the vast majority of people take the time to read the morning newspaper, engage in critical thought or investigate a claim made. 

The Government has said that we need SSN, we need Medicare, we need Health Care, we need free abortion services, we need (fill in the blank). So when Government says things are getting better then why should we question it or when Government says we need to just take the wealthy to pay the bill then why should we question it? Now the Mayor of New York is saying no to soda over 16 ounces yet if you are really thirsty just buy two! WHAT! 

Americans wake up! Government is in our lives far to much. 

Cain wins an upset victory in Florida presidential straw poll - The Hill's Ballot Box

Cain wins an upset victory in Florida presidential straw poll - The Hill's Ballot Box


WOW! Cain has been regulated as a token player in the Republican primary has perhaps broken the glass ceiling. The win will definitely make things interesting especially if he is able to parlay the straw poll win into a GOP nomination. Granted that is several months away, can Cain carry the victory onto the next debate and contest unlike Bachman?

GOP - Small Government, right?

Yesterday the Star Tribune reported that the Minnesota State Legislature is debating a bill that would ban all abortions after 20 weeks unless the health of the mother is in danger. My first thought when reading the article was, "Didn't people vote in GOP candidates to reduce the size and scope of government?". I struggle with the topic of abortion because my unscientific view is that the decision should be between the female (and her support staff) and her doctor. Government should not dictate if abortion is legal or illegal.

That being said, taxpayer dollars should not be used to pay for abortions or anything that related to abortions. Why should the Government be involved in abortion decisions?

Tea Party: Racists or Diverse?

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/107001988.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:U0ckkD:aEyKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Since the rise of the Tea Party the accusations flew about their racist and bigoted thoughts. At every turn the Liberal media and pundits attempted to paint all Tea Party goers as angry, white, middle aged men. While there was a fringe group that joined the fray for a chance to vent their anger against a black president, the majority of them were just fed up with over taxation, deficit spending, loss of freedoms and the arrogance of a growing central government.

Democrats did their best efforts to put a face on their liberal agenda with Obama because it offered them the opportunity to paint the GOP as the Party of "Fat Cat" white guys. Unfortunately, the Democrats didn't realize the ground swell of fiscal Conservatism that existed in America. Personally, I wished the Tea Party movement had started during the 2010 Primary season to avoid the racist, angry, white man moniker the Left has attempted to paint them.

As the article points out, the Tea Party backed candidates are more diverse then what the media leads on. Probably the biggest Tea Party backed candidate is Marco Rubio and he is a Latino. It will be interesting if the Congressional Black Caucus will offer an invitation to the newly elected black Congressman that are cloaked in the GOP.

Reenactments Participation really campaign fodder?

Wow, I really mean WOW!!!! It is Sunday morning and along with it brings tea, making breakfast for the family and reading the Star Tribune. It did not take long in reading the paper this morning to find a story that has no purpose in the election process. The story was one transplanted from the Washington Post with the tag line "GOP candidate wore Nazi uniform at reenactments". Democrats are truly worried about losing the House of Representatives, rightfully so, and have done a hit piece on Republican challenger Rich Iott. According to the article, Rich Iott participated in reenactments, with his son, of 5^th SS Panzer Division Wiking as they fought the Soviets.

Rich Iott defended himself by saying, "Never, in any of my reenacting of military history, have I meant any disrespect to anyone who served in our military or anyone who has been affected by tragedy of war. I have immense respect for veterans who served our country valiantly, particularly those who fought to rid the world of tyranny and aggression by relegating Nazism to the trash heap of history." Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesman Ryan Rudominer stated, "It sends a chilling message to all Americans, especially to our veterans and to those of the Jewish faith, that John Boehner and the Republican leadership in Washington would actively seek out a candidate like this and embrace him." Rich Iott, as of yesterday, was listed on the Republican's website as one of the "Young Guns". Is this really an issue in the campaign? Does participating in a reenactment translate to a character flaw for office?

Every year, up and down the East Coast reenactments of the Civil War takes place. Does that mean that every person that fights on the side of Johnny Reb is a racist, bigot and insensitive to minorities? This attempt to smear a challenger is why so many Americans are turned off by politics. Is Rep. Marcy Kaptur really in that much trouble of losing her House seat that she needs to campaign on a non-issue of reenactments? I am running for City Council in Hamburg this year. Granted we are talking about a small community, to many in Hamburg I am still an outsider even though I have lived there for nearly 8 years. While those seeking re-election have made decisions that I don't agree with, I will not use inflammatory attacks on their non-council decisions to win an election. I will stand on my own two feet and state my vision, principles and thoughts of what can move Hamburg forward and if that is not what residents of Hamburg seek then life will go on.

For politicians that seek to use the smear campaign or supporters of said candidates is a weak attempt and indicates, to me at least, that their candidate doesn't have the mustard to hold office. So, does it really matter that Rich Iott participated in reenactments of WWII as a SS solider?

Pledge to America or Hope and Change: Which will get America back on track?

The GOP launched their Pledge To America (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/documents/GOP_pledge_09222010.pdf) in an attempt to win back Congress. Take a moment and read it for yourself to determine if the message that is being sent is what is being portrayed in the media. Based on my understanding of the "Pledge" here is what I took away from it.

A plan to create jobs, end economic uncertainty, and make America more competitive

• Permanently stop job-killing tax hikes
  
• Small business that create jobs will get a 20 percent tax deduction
  
• Require Congressional approval of any new federal regulation
  
• Repeal small business mandates passed via the health care law
  

A plan to stop out-of-control spending and reduce the size of government

• Roll back government spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels – estimated savings $100 billion in year one
  
• Cut Congress' budgets, establish strict budget caps, net hiring freeze, review government programs for redundancy and duplication
  
• Reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
  
• Safe guard entitlement programs for seniors and future generations
  

A plan to repeal and replace the government takeover of health care

• Allow Inter-state purchasing of health care coverage
  
• Enact real medical liability reform
  
• Give small business greater purchasing power
  
• Create new incentives to save for future health requirements
  
• Codify the Hyde Amendment
  
• Ensure people with pre-existing conditions can get coverage
  
• End taxpayer funding of abortion
  

A plan to reform Congress and restore trust

• Require every bill to contain Constitutional citation
  
• Allow all Americans to read the bill for at least three days prior to vote
  
• Cut out unnecessary spending
  

A plan to keep our nation secure at home and abroad

• Fully fund a missile defense
  
• Enforce sanctions on Iran
  
• Keep terrorist combatants at Guantanamo Bay
  
• Ensure federal government fulfills its constitutional duty to protect citizens through enforce of border security
  

After the Pledge to America was unveiled I received the following retort from the Democrat Party.

Chris -- 

Yesterday morning, Republicans unveiled their plan for governing -- their Pledge to America.

They're pledging to cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires.

They're pledging to roll back regulations on big oil and Wall Street.

They're pledging to strike down rules reining in the credit card lenders and the insurance companies.

They're pledging to increase the deficit by trillions of dollars.

Their agenda is a windfall for the folks spending millions to put them back in power -- the lobbyists, the big corporations, and the special interests.

We're not sitting by watching this scheme become a reality. Our plan to win this fall is as different from that of the GOP as our agenda for the country.

We've got organizers on the ground in every state, working with campaigns and volunteers to coordinate an unprecedented voter-turnout operation.

We're knocking on thousands of doors and making millions of calls to get our voters out to the polls.

We pay for this work with our By the People Fund -- and we're trying to reach 3 million grassroots donations through the course of this campaign.

To stay on pace, we need 5,241 donations by the end of the week.

Can you chip in $5 or more to help us meet our goal?

This Republican Pledge to America is nothing new. Even John Boehner said, "We are not going to be any different than we've been."

They're offering up the very same agenda that put us on a path to the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

That means they're not prepared to discuss protecting Social Security and Medicare.

They have no plan for education or teachers.

They offer up no solutions to the outsourcing of American jobs.

They lay out no plans to invest in key industries like clean energy and manufacturing.

They don't talk about rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, and railways.

With your help, we can send the Republicans back to the drawing board.

Together, we'll make sure the country never returns to the failed policies of the past. But that means moving forward with our plan to win the 2010 elections.

Please support the By the People Fund today:

http://my.democrats.org/BTPDeadline

Thanks,

Governor Tim Kaine
Chairman

 

Regardless of the results in November, one thing that will not change is both major parties got us in this mess. How can we trust either party to move the country forward? We know the current regime running record deficits with no end in sight while the other party had an opportunity to be fiscally conservative but failed us during the Bush era. What do we do as Americans? Where do we turn?