Saturday, August 16, 2008

GEORGIA & POLAND--WHAT'S MOTHER RUSSIA'S PLAN?

The problems in Georgia and Poland should give the world pause.

Russia is not our friend! Putin is not our friend! Russia is just lying in wait until it can rebuild the Soviet Union by ensnaring all those countries on its borders which haven’t the strength or alliances to protect themselves.

Americans were surprised when those small countries, relatively newly freed from the Soviet Union’s domination, volunteered to help us in Iraq, but those countries do not take freedom for granted having lived under the grinding Soviet heel for so long. They understand the purpled fingers of joyous people who get to vote. They understand the struggle and sacrifice it is to make a democracy work.

Georgia’s struggle is the struggle of all free people. The United States took the lead in supporting them.

Poland signed a treaty with us to place ten defensive missiles there. Russia immediately threatened Poland stating that by agreeing to this placement, Poland is in danger of nuclear attack from Russia. Indeed, it would AIM its missiles with nuclear warheads at Poland. Today that threat was modified to say that would be the case IF Russia and the U.S. go to war. A map, however, shows that missiles from Russia toward the U.S. would not fly over the range of those ten U.S. missiles in Poland.

Whose missiles aimed at the U.S. would fly over that area in Poland? Iran’s missiles. Just as the U.S. said when it first proposed the system to protect against rogue nations. Remember, too, we received no help from NATO in proposing a defensive missile system.

CNN this morning suggested we provoked Russia to issue that threat, but CNN would like to paint us as the world’s enemy as often as it can. After all, Iran’s buildup of nuclear power is merely peaceful. Isn’t it????

Western Europe is mum about Russia’s invasion of Georgia. They’ve been happy allowing us to take the lead in protecting the world, and they vetoed Ukraine’s and Georgia’s membership in NATO. The U.S. has already sent humanitarian aid to Georgia while Europe is afraid to confront Russia and its oil. The only pipeline bringing oil from the Caspian Sea that does not traverse Russia is the one that traverses Georgia. So Europe is pretending this will all go away. Just as Europe sat back and allowed Hitler to invade sovereign countries, they will appease Russia.

History tells us where the appeasement (milk & cookies approach) led. Ernest Hemingway, then a reporter, warned the world about Hitler and Mussolini when he correctly called the Spanish Civil War a testing ground for the fascists. He predicted a world war within ten years. Hmmmmm

All of this takes us inevitably to our presidential candidates.

Obama wants all this at the U.N. and the Security Council. Duh! Russia has veto power on the Security Council. Does Obama really think Russia will vote for its own condemnation in any form?

McCain, who has been to Georgia on numerous occasions and who has vacationed there, said the U.S. must take a pro-active stand, though not a military one, in shoring up the country’s fragile democracy.

Both candidates applauded the President’s quick response with humanitarian aid.

Once again, Obama proves he just doesn’t get it!!!!

And good for President Bush, who had Condeleeza Rice there making an American stand for Georgia’s fledgling democracy. Much better a war of words than a war.

"nuclear+war" "Condoleeza+Rice"

Saturday, August 2, 2008

DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU ABOUT TAXES!

On July 29th I warned that we would be flooded with news of failing infrastructure. Yesterday, our local rag, The Times Herald Record, screamed loud and clear from its front page that 61 area bridges etc. are in need of repair!!!!! SIXTY ONE. This morning on TV, CNN announced that 25% of the bridges in the country are in need of repair. ONE IN FOUR! All this as we are bombarded with reminders of the horrific bridge collapse about a year ago. That bridge is scheduled to re-open in Sept. This morning there was a news piece on the baby born after his pregant mother survived that collapse. It's all leading up to the same thing--a rise in gasoline taxes.

That as Congress calls it quits for the summer and leaves without any help for Americans. This when independent truck drivers are barely making ends meet. This when many Americans are having trouble getting to work. AT LEAST THE REPUBLICANS PROTESTED THE BREAK AND STAYED, DEMANDING THE DEMOCRATS RETURN AND GET IT DONE. They turned off the mics and lights on the Republicans.

The Republicans demand off shore drilling be included in the bill. The Democrats absolutely refuse. It doesn't matter to them that EVERY POLL INDICATES AMERICANS WANT OFF SHORE DRILLING INCLUDED IN A COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY BILL.

I have two feelings about these actions:

1. The Democrats have forgotten what their job is in Congress. They represent their constituents--not themselves or their party's line. Their constituents want relief, and they want relief in the form of more domestically produced oil.

This is what frightens me about Dems. THEY THINK THEY KNOW HOW WE SHOULD LIVE OUR LIVES, and they are going to cram their ideas down our throats whether we want it or not. THEY THINK WE ARE INCAPABLE OF MAKING DECISIONS FOR OURSELVES so they will gladly make them for us. People like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid do this everyday when they refuse to allow bills/amendments etc. to even come to a vote where members of Congress can do their jobs. THEY FEEL THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE THE DECISIONS FOR EVERYONE and we citizens haven't even the right for our elective representatives to represent us!

2. Although Obama will come around (because it's expedient) to agree to some kind of off-shore drilling compromise, the DEMS ARE PROTECTING OBAMA FROM HAVING TO ACTUALLY VOTE TO ALLOW OFF-SHORE DRILLING. Talking isn't acting, and that is what Obama is good at doing. Better to take off for the summer, and let the country sizzle.

If Obama is elected and the Dems increase their hold on Congress, we are in big trouble!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

AP BUZZES ABOUT A RAISE IN FEDERAL GASOLINE TAXES

Since the beginning or June I’ve been pointing out just how much government loves gasoline taxes and how we’ll never see relief from the politicians. (http://a-big-bang.blogspot.com/2008/07/more-on-our-gas-woes-dont-expect.html) All of a sudden the news is filled with reports that our highway infrastructure is in tremendous disrepair. Believe me, folks, they’re preparing you for what is to come.

Just listen and read—in the coming weeks we’ll hear about bridges, tunnels, and major arteries that will cause horrific disasters because of neglect. We’ll be afraid to drive over a bridge or through a tunnel. BTW, according to an AP article on July 19, 2008, just three years ago the Highway Trust Fund had a 3 billion dollar surplus. So let me ask, “Why has our infrastructure fallen apart when there was money to spare? How did this happen so quickly?” Hmmmmmm

The skinny is, again according to the AP, that lawmakers are “quietly talking about raising fuel taxes by a dime from the current 18.4 cents a gallon on gasoline and 24.3 cents on diesel fuel.” That’s federal gasoline taxes we’re talking about. Seems to me the states will feel the same pinch and move in the same direction. Tighten your money belts; it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!

Meanwhile, Congress is adjourning for their summer break (but don’t let me get on that topic) without doing one thing to help us. While Pelosi is “saving the planet,” our country, despite promises made by the Democratic majority in Congress, is falling apart. No wonder Congress’ ratings are the way they are—far lower than the President’s. Let’s drill, go nuclear, employ wind and solar power, develop hydro-electric cars, etc. Let’s do it NOW!


"Associated+Press"

Sunday, July 27, 2008

OBAMA BOMBS AMERICA IN EUROPE

There are so many things about Barak Obama I don’t like that as he continues and the negatives add up, I’ve begun sighing deeply in exasperation.

This European tour is one more bad example of how he would lead our country. It’s bad enough that he panders here at home, but abroad he is slick, oily, and unfortunately attractive because he feeds every negative Europeans have of us.

He got the biggest applause in Germany when he apologized for us. The crowd went wild at the mention of torture. For Obama anything more than the milk & cookies approach is torture. He also pointed out how we haven’t lived up to our ideals. Perhaps he should read that our aim is to “create a more perfect union.” What direction is the country moving because of his candidacy? It is moving in the “more perfect” direction.

In Germany we thwarted their national goals in two devastating wars and then had The Marshall Plan to rebuild them into a major power. We gallantly fed them when they were boxed in by the Soviet Union and then flexed our muscles just enough to see the Berlin Wall reduced to rubble and East Germany reunited with the west, Obama somehow envisions Germany a model? Huh? That is the same country experiencing a resurgence of skinheads and neo-Nazis, isn’t it? Aren’t they having problems with the influx of illegal immigrants? Haven’t terrorist cells been located there? Still doing business with Iran? They helped us when we needed it, right? Nein. Is this the model Obama sees for us?

We twice saved France from Germany’s national goals and then waited outside Paris so that de Gaulle could lead a triumphant march back to the Eiffel Tower. In “gratitude” he later threatened to break the U.S. dollar. Obama cozied up to Sarkozy, the man who demands a second referendum in Ireland (he didn't like the outcome of the first) because the people there don’t want the limitations of the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty; they know what bowing to the socialist-leaning EU will do to curtail the Celtic Tiger’s economy. That is the same France with double-digit unemployment compared to our slightly more than 5% rate. That is the same France beleaguered with riots by their immigrants. That is the same France rife with but unwilling to deal with anti-Semitic crimes. That is the same France that cannot stand the fact that English is the international language. France loves to do business with Iran. Is this the model Obama sees for us?

At the same time Obama sucked up to these people, he couldn’t bring himself to see our troops in the hospital in Germany. I received an email, too, but won’t print it because it is uncorroborated that stated he snubbed the troops in Afghanistan and went straightaway with the General. I don’t recall seeing any photos of him with our troops. Did you?

Speaking about war, by the way, Obama grudgingly admits the surge is working. But he’d still vote against it. Tail between his legs, Obama would run. Says he’d listen to the generals on the ground but still would vote against the surge. They’re the ones who suggested a change in tactics and the surge. Obama’s statement makes no sense to me.

The press said Obama looked presidential. He’s a good looking guy. Dress me up and I will look presidential too. And I bet I know a heck of a lot more about America and what it stands for and its history than he does. I bet I wouldn’t sell us short to people who want to see us cut off at the knees. That’s just what Obama will do if he gets the chance. Not with my vote.

"political+blogs" "Celtic+Tiger"

Saturday, July 19, 2008

CONGRESS CONTINUES TO RUN AMUCK WITH OUR TAX MONEY

The Senate's vote on Wed to TRIPLE spending for a much acclaimed program to protect against AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis is a sign that the U.S.A. remains a leader in helping those around the world. We actually deliver what we pledge unlike many other countries in the world. It is the most ambitious health program ever in the history of the United States.

Unfortuately, this $48 billion dollar package DOES NOT HELP ANYONE HERE. It all goes to Africa--granted the continent is being decimated by these diseases, internal wars, external wars, corrupt governments, sectarian fighting, genocide, racial strife and practically every other man-made and natural disaster there is. BUT...

1. This is the same Congress that does not pass spending bills to keep our military safe and well-equipped. Replacement truck parts in Iraq, for instance, may be a year in waiting because vendors are unpaid; the newspapers are full of reports of faulty electrical work and shoddy electrical equipment resulting in military deaths and injuries, and Congress keeps screaming about the expense of the Iraq war.

This is the same Congress that complains about a "recession," "bad economy," and the plight of Americans who can't afford to buy the things they need WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING SUBSTANATIVE to control the situation.

This is the same Congress that talks about energy and reducing oil independence to bring down prices but which doesn't legislate consistent tax breaks for people to afford solar or wind energy or who add doors, window, etc. to lessen their individual use of resources or for companies to afford technological development. (Remember that Kennedy and Kerry opposed wind farms that might mar their Massachusetts views of the Atlantic ocean)

This is the same Congress led by that despicable Nancy Pelosi who damns the President with his low approval rating while leading a do-nothing Congress with an approval rating 20 points below President Bush's.

This is the same Congress that WILL BREAK FOR SUMMER RECESS WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING about any of the problems that beset us.

WHAT A WASTE THESE MEN AND WOMEN ARE!!!!

This bill, this latest assault on our wallets, is their own "feel good," global way of looking busy. It goes along with their interest in any possible sports irregularities such as steroid useage--obviously problems of vital national interest. Ha Ha It goes along with their constant supoenas issued to presidential aides, etc., to get headlines for their party while ignoring, with the media's complicity, the wrongdoing of such members as Charlie Rangel with his four rent-subsidized apts.--three to create a spacious home for himself and one as an office, or Chris Dodd's special treatment in getting mortgages, etc. Or my own Senator, Chuck Schumer (photo upChuck) whose comments may have contributed to IndyMac's bank failure. According to NPR,

"Twelve days earlier, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, had written to bank regulators warning that "a significant move by IndyMac's depositors to redeem their deposits could leave the firm in a disastrous financial situation." Once those letters became public, Schumer's worst fears were realized.

More ironically is that Schumer, when blamed, quickly pointed out that those pointing fingers at him were using "Bush tactics." DUH!

I know I'm rambling a bit, but launching the biggest health initiative ever--in Africa--at a time when we can't balance our budget, don't adequately fund the military (including Veteran hospitals, etc.), need to develop an energy policy (which will be expensive), seek to lessen the tax burden for our citizens, protect the Homeland (also expensive), rebuild failing infrastructure, and help those damaged by floods, fires, and other recent natural disasters is another example of Congress' misguided thinking, its inability to focus and accomplish anything positive for our country, its self-congratulatory smugness, and its damaging partisanship that puts party above country. Would that we could toss the whole lot out!



Wednesday, July 16, 2008

MORE ON OUR GAS WOES--DON'T EXPECT POLITICIANS TO GIVE UP THE CASH COW

I pointed out at the beginning of June just how much of a governmental cash cow gasoline taxes are. ( http://a-big-bang.blogspot.com/2008/06/gas-taxes-is-governments-cash-cow.html )Don't expect any relief from your elected officials, Democrat or Republican--there's too much money and power at stake here. We will get their gas--hot air--finger pointing--and condescension as they look at us as too stupid to grasp the reality of the situation. New York's Democrat Maurice Hinchey, for instance, talks about the "oil men" in the White House while he either ignorantly or knowingly exploits the situation for his own political advancement.

Here's some truths from WebCPA with studies done by CCH. In the past year, eight states have raised their gasoline taxes with Minn. leading the way with a two cent hike. Additionally, while one side of every politician's mouth blurts outrage over the suffering citizen, the other side has authorized increases allowing sales taxes to increase up to 1% with Indiana, Iowa, and Maryland leading the way. Only Utah dropped its taxes--from 10% to 4.65%. Is it possible that Utah is the only state concerned with its citizens' woes?

Why? Simple. Gas taxes fund highway projects (or at least they're supposed to) when coupled with the Federal Government's matching funds. This oil crisis is a BOON for governments. They've got their sticky fingers on every available taxpayer dime.

So while Russia drills 50 miles off our shores and China drills 30 miles off our shores with certainly less concern for our environment than we have, we cannot drill. We have to be dependent on foreign oil. Because of modern technology and safety features, no oil rig was in jeopardy during Hurricane Katrina. Off the coast of CA it is estimated that oil could be with us within a year, yet our politicians, more concerned with themselves than with us, refuse to allow companies to drill. They claim that oil companies already have leases. True, but the permit process is so cumbersome that it can take decades. NO KIDDING.

Here's an interesting tidbit. Just by President Bush lifting the executive order against drilling and asking Congress to act, oil futures dropped!!!! Want more reasonable energy prices. Get Congress to do its job!!!!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

REPUBLICANS AREN'T INCITING RACE FEAR; OBAMA IS

Obama must read my blog! I commented on the professionally painted van I spotted in Monroe, New York bearing the accusation, “Bigots vote Republican.” (http://a-big-bang.blogspot.com/2008/06/obama-lack-of-judgement-some-more-bad.html)

No sooner do I mention that we’re being told the reason people don’t vote for Obama is race than he shoves that right in our faces! At a Florida fund raiser, he said, “They’re [Republicans] going to try to make us afraid…He’s young and inexperienced and he’s got a funny name. And did I mention he’s Black?”

Interesting rhetoric and interesting reasons. How did the commentators respond?

Jonathan Smith, Democratic strategist, said this morning on Fox News that Republicans have done the race thing before, citing the Willie Horton ads in 1988. Smith apparently relied on the fact that many voters do not remember the specifics.

Yes, Horton was Black. But he was in a Massachusetts penitentiary on a life-without-parole sentence for stabbing a 17 year old 19 times and leaving his body in a dumpster. In 1986 Horton was released on a “weekend furlough,” a Massachusetts rehabilitation program, from which he did not return. Instead, in 1987, he twice raped a Maryland woman and assaulted her fiancĂ©. The Maryland judge who sentenced him refused to send Horton back to Massachusetts saying he was afraid Horton would be released again. Horton remains in a Maryland prison today.

In fact, 268 Massachusetts prisoners escaped instead of returning at the end of their furlough weekend.

Michael Dukakis, governor or Massachusetts, was the Democratic nominee for President. He did not initiate the furlough program but did not end it, and he vetoed a bill to stop it. The furlough program remained in effect until after Dukakis left office.

There were ads on television about Willie Horton and about the other escapees. They did highlight Dukakis’ attitude.

SO, Jonathan Smith lied. The problem with Horton was not that he was Black. It was that he was a murderer, a rapist, a robber, and a thoroughly recalcitrant criminal. Not the same thing at all.

It is not that Obama is Black that will make me vote against him. It is that he is inexperienced in all areas, cannot choose acquaintances or advisers correctly, makes inflammatory statements while he accuses others of hitting below the belt, and subscribes to a political philosophy, basic Marxism, that is totally abhorrent to me. His redistribution of wealth policy is the one thing he does make clear.

No one wants to be called a racist, and this tactic is dishonest and extremely problematic because honesty is called into question.