POLITICAL REFLECTIONS

Tags

Change is Coming!

Now that the election is over, it is time to be united. We can achieve any goal if we are united. Each political party needs to reflect and rethink how to achieve America’s goals. The economy is the most critical goal because it is the key to achieving every other goal, no matter which party is in power.

The democrats have lost their way, especially on the economy.  Even though democrats champion big government as the solution to all problems, they do nothing to control the costs of government, nor make government more efficient, nor grow the economy. Their favorite campaign tactic is to smear  opponents rather than focus on issues. They are already smearing President-Elect Trump’s choices for key positions in the new administration. Their current “recount”effort is a waste of time and money, but their real objective may be to smear the election results. They promise government benefits  without any consideration of the economic impact of their policies on the nation.  They focus on increasing welfare programs, rather than policies that will bring people off of welfare.  Their socialist policies are in direct conflict with the free enterprise system that has created the greatest economic prosperity in the world.

Socialist policies destroy business incentives: Tax increases based on a false claim of fairness; punitive and costly business regulations that restrict economic growth; minimum wage increases that limit jobs for teenagers; restrictions on the supply of oil, gas, coal, and nuclear energy that increases the cost of energy for all Americans; and new  employee benefits; all add more costs to business.  Democrats are blaming their election losses on the FBI, Hillary’s campaign strategy, and African American turnout. They have forgotten James Carville’s admonition,”It’s the economy, stupid!”  Instead, they have focused on income inequality, police sensitivity training, transgender bathrooms, and climate change taxes. Not one of these issues improves the economy…just the opposite of what needs to be done.                                                                                                                     Democrats need to learn how government policy can enhance economic prosperity and job creation. They can find the answer by consulting with economic development agencies in every state all across the country. The mission of these agencies is to create jobs, increase sources of tax revenue to pay for government services, and grow their economies. These agencies focus on developing incentives for businesses.  The most important incentive is freedom. Freedom to innovate, freedom to create, freedom to take the risks of of starting and expanding a business, and the freedom to enjoy the rewards that come with business success. This is the foundation of the American Dream. A government that ensures freedom for both business and individual is the answer to a robust economy that will benefit everyone.

Republicans have an unprecedented opportunity to correct decades of political mismanagement. Socialists in the senate are already calling for obstruction tactics to prevent legislation that would fix the economy. Republicans cannot allow democrats to obstruct what needs to be done. When Harry Reid was Senate Majority Leader, he used the “nuclear option” to pack the courts with democratic liberal judges. Republicans must use the same tactic to implement policies that won them the election.

Implementing policies that will “Make America Great Again” requires changing the ground rules for doing government business.  The Trump Administration should do the following:                                                                                                                                                          [1]-Enact legislation that prohibits federal government employee unions.  Government employees are already covered by civil service rules.                                                                       [2]-Reform civil service employment rules that will allow termination of government employees who impede reform policies, and simultaneously create monetary rewards for employees that recommend cost saving/productivity improvements.                                                                                                      [3]-Enact a significant improvement to liability law that would allow innocent victims of lawsuit abuse to recover the legal and other costs of proving their innocence in court. This “Loser Pays” improvement will end the practice of “defensive medicine” that adds billions of dollars in annual health care costs, and billions of dollars of liability costs to every business in America.                                                                                                                                    [4]-Implement pilot programs to work out bugs before adopting infrastructure programs across the country. Waive the minimum wage requirements for teenagers to create jobs, and career paths for teenagers. Waive Davis-Bacon wage requirements for government funded projects to increase competition and reduce cost. Make regular assessments of progress to correct mistakes and redirect priorities. One priority would be to pick an inner city for a pilot program to erase the decades of neglect that have ravaged the lives of it’s residents.  Form a coalition of inner city leaders to support a program that rids the city of gangs and drugs, makes the streets and schools safe from crime and bullys. Revamp the city’s education system with charter schools, quality teachers, and a curriculum that includes remedial courses and prepares it’s students for 21st century jobs.  Partner with business, churches, and philanthropists to rebuild and restore the residential, commercial, and recreational core of the city.                                                                                                                  [5]-Initiate a comprehensive communications program that will quickly reach every American. The President has a bully pulpit that can be very effective in explaining the purpose and priority of every issue.  Be prepared to answer claims and accusations from the Community Organizer in Chief once he leaves office.  He entertained Al Sharpton in the White House dozens of times for a reason.  There is also a reason that he never offered any program to inner city residents other than increased welfare benefits.  There is a reason that he never addressed the illegal immigrant problem when he had control of the House and Senate. He obviously wanted to keep minorities as victims so he could act as their advocate in perpetuity.                                                                                                     Communication is more important than ever before. Young people don’t have a clue about government policy and its impact on the economy. The new Administration should teach high school and college students the fundamentals of the Free Enterprise System and expose the false promises of Socialism.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

AN INFORMED DECISION CAN MAKE IT LESS DIFFICULT

Tags

not the smears, vote the issues

Millions of American voters will soon make a difficult decision in this year’s Presidential Election.                                                                                                              Voters still don’t know what information was contained on Hillary Clinton’s missing emails.  Even if the FBI’s renewed criminal investigation of Hillary reveals criminal behavior, we won’t know it in time for the election.                                                                             Voters still don’t know what Donald Trump’s tax returns will reveal about his income, his charitable contributions, his debts, his tax rate, his net worth, or other details about his many businesses.

However, voters will know enough to make an informed decision, if they look at the evidence available.                                                                                                             We know from the FBI that Hillary lied under oath about classified information, destroyed evidence that was under subpoena, and was “extremely careless” in her handling of National Security secrets on her private server. We also know from transcripts to Wall Street Bankers, that she is on record saying she has one opinion in private and another for the public.                                                                               We know that Donald Trump has insulted politicians of his own party, members of the media, women, illegal immigrants, Muslim refugees, and others.  We know that he is politically incorrect, is prone to exaggeration, is sensative to criticism, and that he has been profane and crude in private.                                                                                                    We also know that the IRS has all of Trump’s tax return records, and no doubt will ensure that he pays his taxes in accordance with the law.

But the most important information we know from debates is how each candidate will deal with the critical issues that face America today: [Critical Issue 1]-Supreme Court Appointments – Trump will appoint judges who will uphold the Constitution as it was written and amended; Hillary will appoint judges who will liberally interpret legal issues based on current culture; [Critical Issue 2]-Economic Growth and Job Creation – Trump will implement the three fundamental business incentives that are necessary for economic growth and job creation: significant tax reduction, removal of costly and punitive regulations, and cheap energy; Hillary will increase taxes and overregulate all businesses to pay for her new socialist spending. Her Climate Change tax plan will increase energy costs for all individuals and businesses; [Critical Issue 3]-Military Readiness – Trump will expand and restore military strength, and renegotiate the phony peace deal that Obama made with Iran; Hillary will continue Obama’s policy of reduction in military size and strength, and will accept the Iran deal even though the Iranians are violating every condition that it was based on; [Critical Issue 4]-ObamaCare Repeal and Replacement – Trump will repeal and replace this economic health care disaster with a practical transition to affordable plans that have been developed by the Republican majority in the House of Representatives; Hillary will introduce a new government-run socialized public option plan to supplement or eventually replace ObamaCare; [Critical Issue 5]-Illegal Immigration; Trump will control the border, deport criminals and determine options for those that remain.  All immigrants who have entered the US illegally will not be eligible for citizenship until they leave and reenter legally; Hillary will control the border, deport criminals, support sanctuary cities and create a path to citizenship for the remaining illegal immigrants; [Critical Issue 6]-DRAMATIC CHANGE IN WASHINGTON – Trump will bring dramatic change. Hillary will not. 

Instead of focusing on issues that are critical to economic prosperity and the National security interests of the United States, Democrats have used smears and fear mongering to distract voters.  For example; they warn about Trump’s finger on the “Nuclear Trigger”; After Obama’s unilateral agreement with Iranian terrorists, who preach, “Death to America!”, the finger they should be concerned about belongs to Ali Khamenei, the Ayatollah in Iran.

Your vote is critical. Focus on the issues and you can make an informed choice.

THE DEPLORABLES versus THE DECEIVED

Tags

and Disillusioned, Deceived, Deplored

 

After three Presidential Debates, we have yet to hear an in-depth discussion of issues.   Lost in all the negative publicity about Trump, and the non-publicity about Hillary, is an honest analysis of the issues, and a comparison of what each candidate would do to solve the issues.  In case you haven’t noticed, our military has been emasculated; our police have been demonized and demoralized; our roads, bridges, and infrastructure are in need of repair; we are releasing known terrorists to kill again; our national debt is approaching twenty trillion dollars, and growing at a rate of two billion dollars per day; over fifty percent of our workforce can’t make enough money to pay income taxes; welfare benefits have more than doubled; there is a lack of incentive to work, and millions of employable people have stopped looking for work; our borders are not controlled; dead people and illegals are registering to vote; the inner cities are erupting; our education system is failing; business has become the enemy of government; companies are relocating to other countries; climate change fanatics have destroyed jobs and raised the cost of energy; our nuclear deterrent capability has been reduced and neglected; our president has just given away our ability to control the internet; health care costs are unaffordable; Iran is breaking every condition of Obama’s nuclear agreement; the Justice Department, the IRS, the EPA, the State Department, and the NLRB, have become politicized and corrupted; the Veterans Administration is incompetent and unmanageable; thousands of new regulations are introduced without any concern for cost, or impact; the federal budget is a joke; there is no control on spending; the courts have been packed with judges who interpret the Constitution as they see fit; hackers can steal our private information at will; and no one in government is held accountable.                                                                      Is it any wonder that the “Deplorables” deplore what has happened to our country?

The number of deceived Americans is overwhelming: Government corruption is covered up, and when it is discovered, the national news media doesn’t report it, or distorts it. Millennials have been easily misled because schools no longer teach history, and young people haven’t a clue about government’s impact on job creation.  Inner-City African Americans are continuously fooled even though decades of Democratic rule has resulted in crime-ridden streets, lack of jobs, and an inferior education system.  Fear mongering on abortion is used to scare women when contraception options could be made available to solve the issue. All Americans have been deceived with lie after lie on the “benefits” of ObamaCare, the Iran Nuclear “Agreement,”and that the solution to Climate Change can only be achieved with vast new taxes on our abundant sources of energy. The most damaging deception of all is the claim that taxing the “rich” will somehow pay for all the false promises, when in fact, it will destroy the American Dream, and prevent the economy from expanding.

If united, Americans could solve every problem. Sadly, we are divided, and nothing will be fixed.

 

 

HILLARY vs TRUMP —DEBATE OBSERVATIONS

Tags

Issues Matter More Than Smears

If last week’s debate was a contest for debate champion, Hillary Clinton would be the winner of the first round of a three round debate schedule. The debate reminded me of the 1975 heavyweight fight between Ali and Frazier, the “Thrilla in Manila.” Frazier had Ali on the ropes and pummeled him with punch after punch over fourteen rounds.  Yet, at the end, Ali won the fight because Frazier wore himself out with so many non-effective punches.  Ali called it his “Rope a Dope” strategy.  Donald Trump was “on the ropes” for most of the night, and thankfully for him, there are two more debates with serious issues to be discussed. But this year’s election is not about who is the best debater.  It’s about who will be the best leader of the country.  It’s about which presidential candidate has the will and determination to reverse the domestic and foreign policy mistakes that have crippled the economy, depleted military readiness, and damaged America’s reputation around the world.

Trump missed a host of opportunities to expose Hillary’s weaknesses. The first question, on economic growth, should have been a no brainer for Trump.  Jobs are created in America’s Free Enterprise System when government policies encourage businesses, entrepreneurs, inventors, and investors to take the risks of starting and expanding a business. The job creators will only take the risk when the rewards are greater than the risk.  Punitive taxes and costly regulations add to risk and reduce rewards, and therefore have a negative impact on economic growth. Hillary Clinton is proposing more taxes, more regulations, and a slew of new social programs which will increase  government spending, all of which will damage the economy, and limit job creation.

On the subject of his tax returns, Trump should say that he has broken no laws, that he has furnished all his returns to the government, did not destroy them, that they contain no national security secrets to be exposed to foreign enemies, that the IRS audits the accuracy of his returns, and that no one in his employ has ever refused to answer any questions on his tax returns by taking the “fifth.”  He should also say that Hillary Clinton, and other democrats have tried to scheme and deflect attention from her missing emails by speculating on what is in his tax returns.                                 Trump does not have to speculate on what was in her destroyed emails: the FBI confirmed that she destroyed classified information, that it was likely that foreign governments have hacked those emails, that she lied about those emails, that she lied about the attack on Benghazi, and that there is clear evidence about the inappropriate relationship between the Clinton Foundation, and the State Department.                 The current democratic discussion focusing on a partial release of Trump’s 1995 tax return is: How could a smart businessman lose almost $1 billion dollars in 1995?  Trump’s response should be that the government is losing more than $2 billion per day, that has created a twenty trillion dollar national debt, which will eventually bankrupt the country!

On the birther issue, Trump should have stated that the issue was about citizenship, not race, and he would never have mentioned the issue if Obama had not applied to college as a foreign student… and withheld other information that should have been readily provided.

During the debate Hillary referred to a 1993 discrimination lawsuit against Trump.  Trump should have mentioned that if she was going to bring up events which were settled years ago, then voters need to know that after law school, she couldn’t pass the BAR exam. Also, that when she was a member of the Watergate prosecution team in 1973, another team member accused Hillary of being a liar, unethical, and untrustworthy, and that she has continued to live up to that description all her life.

On the National Security issue, when Hillary said, “Words Matter” in regard to US relations with foreign countries, Trump should have said, “truth matters” especially when uttered by Presidents and former Secretaries of State.  How can voters trust  politicians that lie about ObamaCare, the Iranian nuclear deal, Benghazi, the Radical Islamic Terrorist threat, Climate Change, the cause of the Great Recession, and the causes of Inner City Violence.

In the next debate, Trump had better be prepared to discuss the issues that matter, and show the country the difference between his plans for the country versus Hillary’s.

 

INCONVIENT TRUTHS

Tags

Issues Matter More Than Smears

There are achievable solutions to every issue facing America today, but political partisanship blocks the way. For decades, political “solutions” have been crafted to keep politicians in power, rather than solving the issue.  Politicians determine tax policy, spending policy, regulation policy, and energy policy, all of which are key to economic prosperity. Over the years, both parties have enacted terrible policies that have created the economic mess we are in today. Obama’s policies have been especially damaging to the economy. The inconvenient truth is that today’s Democratic Party has become the Democratic Socialist Party. The Democrats ignore the devastating impact of high taxes on economic growth. They ignore the economic damage that mindless regulations do to all business. They ignore the fact that unrestrained growth in federal spending and a doubling of the National Debt will bankrupt every single social program.  They ignore the inability to fund vote buying welfare schemes like free college, paid family leave, increased food stamp eligibility, free health care, and increases in every welfare program. They ignore the crushing cost impact of their climate change tax scheme.  The Climate Change movement has become a fanatical deception: A carbon tax on oil, gas, and coal will be economically suicidal, and will do nothing to change the climate.  Democrats have perfected the ability to smear Republican candidates in order to distract voters from the real issues that matter.  The inconvenient truth is that the Democrats are wrong on every issue that will create jobs and create the economic prosperity that is needed to repair the damage that has been done to our country.  For example:

1. Substantial Economic Growth, and Job Creation…can only be achieved when government is business friendly, and supportive of incentives [low taxes and elimination of costly regulations] that encourage business investment.
2. Tax Fairness and Simplicity…can only be achieved when every citizen pays income taxes. When 50% of workers don’t pay income taxes, and receive benefits that others pay for, they have no incentive to hold the government accountable for reckless spending, mindless regulations and irresponsible taxation.
3. Regulation Reform…is desperately needed to unleash America’s ability to compete.  Businesses are restricted by bureaucratic complexity and excessive costs.  Congress needs to review, and approve all regulations before they go into effect.
4. Energy Independence and Affordability…is necessary for national security, economic prosperity, and job creation.  Environmental extremists in the EPA have deliberately prevented America from achieving these goals.
5. Immigration Reform…cannot happen without control of the border, and a thorough vetting of all immigrants.  Sanctuary Cities must comply with the law, and Criminals  must be arrested, jailed and/or deported; Non-criminals need to be identified, and options developed to determine their status.
6. “Income Equality” can never be achieved in a free society. This is a phony issue that corrupt politicians use to buy votes. “Equality of Opportunity” is the real issue and many citizens are denied this opportunity because of a poor education, a failure of government to provide safe streets, and stupid government policies that limit economic growth and job creation.
7. Racism will never be overcome until all citizens have the ability to achieve the American Dream.  All lives matter, and all Black Lives Matter, especially those who are not resisting arrest. Inner City unrest will never be overcome without a police presence that is capable of ending the drug trade, arresting the gangs, preventing crime, and providing safe streets.  Only then will businesses locate in the Inner Cities, allowing job creation to flourish.  Only then will schools be capable of enforcing strong discipline, allowing teachers to teach a quality education to all.  By preventing crime, more fathers will be available to work and provide proper parental guidance.
8. Voter photo ID requirements are an absolute necessity to prevent voter fraud, and protect the votes of law abiding citizens.  Anyone who can get to the polls and vote is surely capable of obtaining a proper ID, and registering to vote.
9. Military Strength, Intelligence, and Readiness are the best guarantees of peace, and freedom.
10. Health Care is not a “Right”.  It and other Socialist vote buying schemes are not included in the BILL OF RIGHTS.  Public Hospitals are required to provide emergency care to all as a condition of their “tax exempt” status.

CHOICES OF AN INFORMED CONSCIENCE

Tags

Become Informed

 

 

Like it, or not, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are now the only choices to succeed Barack Obama as President.                                                                                   Based on an FBI criminal investigation, Hillary Clinton has escaped a criminal indictment, but she is far from “not guilty.”  She deliberately destroyed email evidence, exposed national security secrets to enemy hackers, and hid from public view all information related to the Clinton Foundation. This foundation was deliberately based in Canada so that donations from foreign governments and favor-seeking businesses, could be bundled and forwarded to the Clinton Foundation in the US for the express purpose of not identifying the donors.                                                                                             As Secretary of State, Hillary was responsible for security at American Embassies and Consulates around the world.  She did not respond to the dozens of requests for additional security at the Consulate in Benghazi before the terrorist attack, and did not answer the cry for help during the attack. Hillary even lied to the relatives of the Benghazi victims when their bodies were returned to the US.                                                                                                                  It is not surprising that many Democrats distrust her, and have difficulty supporting her.

On the other hand, Donald Trump is guilty of carelessly insulting and smearing many of his Republican competitors for the presidency.                                                   Trump is accused of hiding something because he has not released his tax records. Democrats are trying to compare this with Hillary’s missing emails. This is not the same as destroying evidence, carelessly handling classified documents, and continuously lying. [The IRS is in possession of all of Donald Trump’s tax records.]                                                                                                 Trump is accused of insulting women [Rosie O’Donnell]; demonizing Muslims [he wants Muslim refugees fully vetted before they can enter the country]; Opposing immigration [he will enforce the law, and control the border]; and Being Anti-trade [He is opposed to bad trade deals, and wants them rewritten to put America first.]                                                    He has also been accused of racism [He frequently blames President Obama and his entire administration of gross incompetence.]                                                                                                       It is not surprising that many Republicans wanted another candidate, and have difficulty supporting him.

I have heard some Republicans say they won’t vote for Trump.  I’ve heard some Democrats say they won’t vote for Hillary.  They refer to their “conscience”, or their principles, or their disgust with politics, etc. as reasons.  Before deciding who to vote for, or who to vote against, or not to vote, Americans should become well-informed.  It is critical that voters learn more about each Presidential candidate. Who is best prepared to revive our economy, and protect the country from terrorists?  This election may determine the fate of America’s freedom for years to come.  Given the importance of this election, a choice must be made, and the basis for that choice should be a clear understanding of what each candidate would do to solve the key issues.  Following is a brief summary of the key issues that will require the next President’s attention:

[1] Supreme Court Nominations; Protection of Freedom, Bill of Rights, and Constitution.                                                                                                      [Trump will nominate conservatives, and he has provided a dozen conservative examples; Hillary will nominate liberals, and she has suggested Justice Ginsburg as an example of who she would nominate.]

[2] Economic Prosperity: Job Creation; Tax Reduction and Reform; Regulation Reform;  Cost and availability of Energy; Free and Fair Trade; Internet Freedom.                    [Trump has announced policies that will provide tax incentives, and remove regulatory disincentives for  businesses which will create jobs, prosperity, and economic opportunity…Hillary has announced that she will support Socialist policies in [5] below, which will provide zero incentives for business, but will add costs to every business.]

[3] Providing for the Common Defense: War on Radical Islamic Terrorism; Military Readiness and Rules of Engagement; Intelligence Capability; Cyber Security; Border Security; Safe Streets.                                                                                        [Trump has announced that he will rebuild America’s military capability, tear up the appeasement deal with Iran, vigorously fight terrorism, and support law enforcement…Hillary has announced that things are not as bad as they seem, and therefore she will continue with Obama’s failing policies.]

[4] Structural Reforms to improve efficiency, financial sustainability and mission, of every federal government program and regulation:                                                                        [Trump has announced that he will engage all government employees to participate in reducing cost, improving efficiency, and reassessing government priorities…Hillary has announced that she will expand existing programs and add new programs, and do nothing to reduce the cost, and efficiency of government.]

[5] Support for “Free” College Education; “Free” Health Care; Mandatory Parental Leave; Transgender Rights; $15 Minimum Wage; “Climate Change”; Tax on oil, gas, and coal; Prevention of Fracking; and  Black Lives Matter movement; and Opposition to Voter ID requirements;.                                                                                                  [Trump will focus on policies that will restore the American Dream as listed in [1], [2], [3], and [4] above…Hillary will introduce new taxes, increase the cost of energy for every American, reduce America’s ability to achieve energy independence, and enact other Socialist policies as listed.]

 

 

 

 

 

TRUMPED

Tags

before you decide, open your eyes, Think

He wasn’t my choice, but others have made it. Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee for president.  Some of my friends have said they would never vote for Trump.  Others say they need to hear more from him before they would reconsider.  We  all need to reconsider.  There is too much at stake.  The next President may be nominating, not one, but perhaps three new judges to the Supreme Court.  This one issue could affect the country for decades to come.

I’m relieved that the primaries are all but over, but the election is not. In addition to Supreme Court vacancies, there are many critical issues that must be addressed by the next President:  Economic Growth; Job Creation; Tax Reduction and Reform; Regulation Reform; Deficit and Debt Reduction; Military Readiness; Radical Islamic Terror; Cyber Security;  Nuclear Threats; Russian and Chinese Aggression: Internet Freedom; ObamaCare Repeal and Reform; Climate Change Deception; Energy Cost and Independence; Upgrading of Roads, Bridges, Airports, and the Energy Grid; VA Hospital Reform; Immigration; Entitlement Funding and Sustainability; Government Inefficiency and Lack of Accountability; Government Micromanagement; Cost and Quality of Education; Inner City Decay and Hopelessness; Voter Identification; and on and on…

What does each candidate plan to do about these issues? Which candidate can work with congress to get things done? Donald Trump needs to address each of these issues, and “make a deal” with congress.  Voters should compare Trump’s positions with Hillary Clinton’s positions… It is highly likely that they differ on every issue.  Only then should people make up their minds about who to vote for, and not vote for.  Knowledge of a candidate’s position on each issue is crucial.  Trump says he will make America great again; Hillary says she will continue the policies of Barack Obama.  We need more detail.

Some people [including me] are disgusted with Donald Trump’s insults.  However, when I compare this behavior with the lies and deceptions that are so subtly, and cleverly delivered by so many democratic politicians, I can see the difference.  For example: Hillary refers to the FBI investigation as “a security review.”  This is a deliberate LIE!                                                                                                   Political deception and lies not only fool voters, but once the liars gain power, they mismanage the economy, limit economic opportunity, and create a debt burden so large that every American will eventually suffer the impact.                                                                                                   ObamaCare was based on lies that have already had a disruptive and costly impact on the economy.  These lies have negatively affected millions of Americans, and will soon affect millions more.                                                                                                     The political lies which created the Iranian nuclear “non treaty” will have a devastating impact on America’s security, and will disrupt the entire Middle East.                                                                                                  The EPA’s unilateral war on fossil fuels and the deceptive rewording of Global Warming to “Climate Change” have already had a negative impact on the economy…lost jobs, bankruptcies, and increased risks of disruption to the energy grid.                           The punitive impact of future climate change taxation and regulation will be catastrophic…without any impact on the environment whatsoever…

So, maybe reluctant voters should ask themselves, “Which is worse, crude and insulting remarks, or a political ideology that continues to destroy the American Dream?”

HOW TO MAKE AMERICA WORSE

Tags

Freedom or Socialism

I have watched most of the Democratic debates and have been fascinated with Bernie Sanders.  He is an unapologetic Socialist, who’s main objective is focused on redistributing income from wealthy Americans to a select group of people who he expects will vote for him.  His speeches are delivered with passion, and anger.  He is credible because he believes what he says.  He is angry with the lackluster status of social and economic  progress in America [even though the democrats have controlled the presidency for the past eight years and during that time, have not proposed a single policy to improve the economy].  He preaches revolution…  careful to qualify it as a “political revolution”.  His platform priorities are:  Income inequality; Free health care; Free college education; $15 per hour minimum wage; “Climate Change” [which has nothing to do with changing the climate, but really means punitive new carbon taxes and regulation restrictions on oil, gas, and coal companies coupled with subsidies for renewable energy sources like wind and solar]; Tax increases for “Wall Street”; Tax increases for millionaires & billionaires; Amnesty and benefits for illegal immigrants; and Creation of millions of government funded jobs.  During speeches, he suggests that the disproportionate imprisionment of African Americans is somehow unrelated to their crimes; He does not mention Iran as a threat, and barely mentions ISIS.                                                                        Bernie also preaches that America was founded on… “fairness”.

Hillary is promising the same things as Bernie, plus paid family leave. She stresses the need to continue Barack Obama’s policies.  She now believes that illegal immigrants are entitled to ObamaCare benefits.  She does not mention that she is being investigated by the FBI for criminal behavior, but insists that it is only a “security review”.  A significant number of democrats think she is dishonest and can’t be trusted.  She does not sound sincere in her speeches, and her policies are far more liberal than those of her husband.

I concluded from the Democratic debates that there is nothing in their priorities that will attract business investment, create jobs, and improve the economy…just the opposite.  Either they don’t know, or don’t care.  Every issue they propose to fight, or fix, is intended to buy votes, and gain power.  Without business investment there will be no jobs, and no money for social needs.  There is no mention of the destructive impact of out-of-control federal debt.  The debt is becoming all consuming and will cause a default on every single promise made by Bernie, Hillary, and Barack Obama.

Without the knowledge of history, especially economic history, people can be easily misled with lies, deceit, and false promises.  People need to know that America was founded on FREEDOM, not “Fairness,” as Bernie says, and that freedom is the single reason America has been, and could be, great again.  If Americans knew history, they would tar and feather politicians who preach the false promises of Socialism.  The difference between Socialism and Communism can be measured by the breadth, and depth of lost freedoms.  Under Communism, people are not free, and subject to imprisonment and/or death if they don’t obey the government.  Under Socialism, people have the illusion of freedom as it gradually disappears, while they are subject to ever-increasing taxes, and regulations that dictate individual behavior.  Today, the Socialists are using violence to suppress free speech. Socialists are using organized thugs [pretending to be protesters] to disrupt Donald Trump’s political campaign.  Ironically, they refer to Trump as Hitler, when they are the ones who have adopted the tactics of Hitler’s “Brownshirts”.

I have watched all of the Republican debates and am disgusted with the petty attempts to smear each other.  John Kasich was correct when he said if this infighting is continued, the election will be lost.  This election is the most important in my living memory.  Instead of continuing efforts to divide the party, the “establishment” should focus on a platform that will actually make America Great Again. Many potential voters say they won’t vote for Trump.  Other voters say they won’t vote for a nominee other than Trump.  Democrats are hoping that each of these groups are so divided that the Republican nominee will lose the presidency, no matter who is nominated.  Democrats also hope that a splintered Republican Party will be so broken that the Republicans will lose the Senate.

The political differences in this year’s election have never been more starkly clear: Freedom or Socialism. The choice is not who is more conservative, or who is more liberal.  [Choice 1] Voters can choose Freedom and the American Dream with either  Trump, Cruz, or Kasich.  Any of the three will reduce taxes, repeal ObamaCare, rebuild the military, cut nondefense spending, and reform punitive legislation that is crushing US businesses.  Any of the three will have to work hand-in-glove with congress to correct the economic and foreign policy mistakes that have been created by Obama.  Any of the three will have to work with the senate to agree on a Supreme Court choice.  Any of the three is overwhelmingly better than Hillary or Bernie.                                                                                                         [Choice 2]  Potential Republican voters can stay divided and lose an unprecedented opportunity to make America great again.  If these potential voters stay home, and don’t vote, it will be because they have allowed emotion to overcome reason.  If they stay divided, they will enable Socialism to gain further power and ruin America.  If they remain divided, they will be responsible for making America worse…perhaps so bad that it will eventually lead to a secession of states, and possibly a second civil war…

Think about this choice before you decide you won’t vote for a candidate that doesn’t meet your ideals of a perfect candidate.  A united America can fix any problem…even those created by Obama.

 

DEBATE QUESTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

Tags

Wake Up America

So far the debates have been disappointing…too many “gotcha” questions, and not enough questions that reveal a candidate’s understanding, and position on critical issues. I would like to hear answers to the following:

To Hillary Clinton: As Secretary of State, you were in charge of security for American Embassies around the world.  In spite of hundreds of requests for additional security in Bengazi, you did not provide it, and four Americans died.  If you can’t protect one American outpost that urgently asked for your help hundreds of times, how can you protect our country as Commander in Chief?

To Bernie Sanders: [1] What good does a free college education do if there are no jobs for graduates?  [2] What policies would you propose to create jobs? [3] The “Black Lives Matter” movement has generated a great deal of attention lately.  In addition to black lives: Do black students matter?  Do black jobs matter?  Do black husbands in jail matter?  Do safe streets in black neighborhoods matter? What solutions do you propose to solve these inner city problems?

To All Republican Candidates:[1] If you don’t win the Republican nomination, will you enthusiastically support the nominee? [2] How do you plan to unite Americans? [3] What are the critical incentives necessary for long term job growth, and economic prosperity? [4] Will you be able to work successfully with members of Congress? How? [5] What are you going to do about regulations that hamstring the economy[ObamaCare, Dodd-Frank, Sarbanes-Oxley, and the EPA’s insane war on fossil fuels]? [6] How would you end the destructive partisanship that infects the Justice Department, the EPA, the IRS, the NLRB, the FCC, the State Department, the Department of Energy, and others?  [7] Will you reverse President Obama’s executive orders on foreign and domestic policy?

I am concerned that Republicans are committing political suicide with attacks on each other.  The latest idiocy is the most recent publication of National Review, which boldly proclaims on it’s cover, “AGAINST TRUMP!”  What stupidity!  The National Review has just created a great political tv ad for Hillary.  She will quote anything and everything that republicans have said against Trump.  Sadly, the magazine missed an opportunity to make it’s point without mentioning Trump.  It would have been better if the magazine had focused on the issues that must be resolved by the next president.  The magazine could have called on every candidate to respond to the issues raised.

The eventual nominee, if it isn’t Trump, will need Donald Trump, and every Trump supporter!  If Trump is the nominee, he will need the support of every other candidate for president.  Candidates that do not win must put the country’s interests ahead of their own and show it by campaigning for the nominee.

This election is the most important since the end of World War II. America’s  Freedom is threatened by two ideologies: Socialism and Radical Islam.  Socialists and jihadists seek the power of government to enforce how people must behave, and live. They each destroy economies with false promises of paradise [on earth-income equality] and [in heaven-72 virgins]. Both ideologies must be defeated to preserve and protect freedom.  

Socialism can be defeated by:[1] reversing the many disincentives that discourage investors and businesses to locate and prosper in America. [2] enacting one low tax rate for all individuals and businesses. [3] repealing and/or reforming punitive regulations that are destroying jobs and economic opportunity. [4] outlawing all government employee unions. [5] combining, and reforming all welfare programs so that they provide a social safety net without becoming a disincentive to work. [6] and drastically cutting federal spending by eliminating all federal programs that do not preserve freedom.

Radical Islamic Terrorism can be defeated by: [1] enacting the important economic steps above to provide funding needed to restore America’s military dominance. [2] rebuild, and reenergize America’s intelligence services. [3] define the enemy as radical islamists, and initiate a comprehensive effort to unite with Islamic partners willing to fight our common enemy. [4] revise the military rules of engagement to allow for collateral damage whenever, and wherever the enemy hides behind civilian targets. [4] identify radical islamic clerics who preach jihad, urging their followers to kill “infidels”. [5] and create  a cyber warfare capability that is all powerful.

 

 

THE CRITICAL NEED FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

Tags

It's the Economy... Stupid!

The 2016 election is about two ideologies that are starkly different in their economic approach, and their impact on freedom.  One ideology, based on individual freedom and the American Dream, has created the greatest economic powerhouse in the world; the other, based on a Socialist philosophy of federal government control, has failed everywhere it has been tried.  It is failing here…

Voters need to understand the economic threat of reckless spending, mindless borrowing, freedom-crushing overtaxation, and punitive regulation.  Without dramatic reform of current government policies, the US will not be able to borrow enough to pay its debts. Without reform, every program that depends on government funding…education, health care, pensions, police protection, military readiness, welfare, environmental protection, mortgage loans, student aid, the interstate transportation infrastructure… and even planned parenthood, will be drastically affected.  Some programs will be significantly defunded, others will be eliminated.  Without reform of Social Security and Medicare for future retirees, benefits for existing retirees will have to be reduced.  Today, interest rates are almost at zero, tax revenues are at historic highs, and yet the government still doesn’t have enough money to fund the false promises of career politicians. In 2015, after capping federal spending with sequestration, and decimating our military capability, the government still has to borrow 16 cents for every dollar it spends.  In the past seven years under Barack Obama’s policies, the federal debt has doubled to more than 18 trillion dollars, more debt than accumulated in the past 200 years, and this debt burden is increasing at the rate of 500 million dollars per day!  Students protesting for politically correct speech and “safe zones”are so out of touch with reality that they are oblivious to critical problems that they will be forced to live with.  For decades, corrupt politicians have promised more than the government can deliver.  The government has operated on borrowed money for 45 of the last 50 years.  Voters need to know what happens when the money runs out.  Voters need to know that the same policies that are driving the US into bankruptcy, are the same policies that prevent job creation, economic prosperity, and the American Dream.

Barack Obama warns us that the greatest threat facing America and the world is “Climate Change” caused by man’s use of oil, gas, and coal.  This President thinks a significant number of Americans are stupid. The “hidden goal” is to deceive the public and impose huge new taxes on these vital sources of energy.  Americans understand the obvious global threat of Radical Islamic Terrorism in spite of the President’s unwillingness to identify it.  Americans can easily determine which threat is real.  But the greatest threat is the lack of economic growth.  We can’t fight terrorism without the financial resources to restore our military capability.  Economic Growth is the most critical issue.

Future political discussions must provide voters with insight into a candidate’s economic understanding, plans to create jobs, plans to create economic prosperity, and plans to reduce the crushing debt burden that threatens to bankrupt the country.  The discussions must deal with tax reform, regulation reform, entitlement reform, and the economic policies that would provide the best platform to return America to  greatness.  Voters are not stupid, they are just misinformed by lies, deception, and apathy.

The 2016 presidential election will require a united front to defeat the Socialist policies of Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton.  Voters who stay home because their favorite candidate didn’t get the nomination, might as well vote for Hillary.  Any Republican candidate that does not get the nomination should put the national interest ahead of his, or her, personal interest, and vigorously support the nominee.  Those who don’t unite will prove Obama’s belief of voter stupidity to be correct.