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Thursday, February 24, 2011
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Thursday, April 1, 2010
Mr. President why bother with the naysayers?
Mr. President why bother with the naysayers?
As this session of Congress progresses and as the campaign season heats up, the GOP have decided to not play the game of politics with you.
An established definition by a very brilliant man Albert Einstein states, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Have we not learned anything since the beginning of this administration? What we can expect from the “Naysayers,” regardless of what is offered, or how it’s offered, their response will be NO, NIX, NADA, NIL. Expecting a different result would be “Insanity.”
I know you have good advisers to assist you, and I know you are also a very smart man, but continuing down this path of “conciliation” will not yield the desired results.
As one commentator stated recently..” when you move to the right and the right also moves to the right, all that has happened is the center shifted and it moved to the right.” When you make these moves what are you getting in return?
These moves continue to water down the proposal and objective, while in the end, you get nothing back for the effort.
Please change your strategy. Determine where you want to be in the end, and then set that as the minimum of acceptable results. Do not give away the store before you open for business.
I stand behind you and support what you are doing, but trying to work with those who are not interested in improving this country is just too distracting. Set your program and goals, and then go for it, because the change is what we need and the change is why you were elected.
YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN, AND YES WE CAN!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
RECONCILIATION or (Wreck-in-cillation)
The dictionary defines reconciliation as the ability to blend or bring together ideas or concepts or people.
As we have heard and seen from our two political parties this word seems to be growing in a new definition. It is morphing into a more combative term that is hurled at each other like a spear.
Phrases such as “You Lie”, “It’s a baby killer”, and “Revoke & Repeal” have been added to conversation. The combative nature of this speech is presenting a problem for the currently seated electorate. When you become an obstructionist, anti-movement, or even a rejectionist, you have no place to go. How in the world can you be involved in reconciliation?
It is time for “WE THE PEOPLE” to end this futile childish behavior and elect people who understand you don’t always get what you want the first time; you don’t get all the goodies just because you asked for them. If a consensus is required you need to negotiate your best position, give and take, barter and arrive at a deal that will work for everyone. Individually and with careful consideration of all sides a resolution can be found. It may not be all the marbles, but it’s a start, a first step a foundation upon which to build. It’s far better to be part of the process, a negotiator and team member than sit on the sidelines and yell foul at those working the issue. This isn’t the American way. Nobody likes the kid who says, “my bat, my ball, my rules, either my way or the highway.”
History has not written this chapter of our political saga. The ink is still wet and the authors and still working on the words that will be placed on the parchment, but if the players don’t change their strategy the outcome will not be favorable.
As we have heard and seen from our two political parties this word seems to be growing in a new definition. It is morphing into a more combative term that is hurled at each other like a spear.
Phrases such as “You Lie”, “It’s a baby killer”, and “Revoke & Repeal” have been added to conversation. The combative nature of this speech is presenting a problem for the currently seated electorate. When you become an obstructionist, anti-movement, or even a rejectionist, you have no place to go. How in the world can you be involved in reconciliation?
It is time for “WE THE PEOPLE” to end this futile childish behavior and elect people who understand you don’t always get what you want the first time; you don’t get all the goodies just because you asked for them. If a consensus is required you need to negotiate your best position, give and take, barter and arrive at a deal that will work for everyone. Individually and with careful consideration of all sides a resolution can be found. It may not be all the marbles, but it’s a start, a first step a foundation upon which to build. It’s far better to be part of the process, a negotiator and team member than sit on the sidelines and yell foul at those working the issue. This isn’t the American way. Nobody likes the kid who says, “my bat, my ball, my rules, either my way or the highway.”
History has not written this chapter of our political saga. The ink is still wet and the authors and still working on the words that will be placed on the parchment, but if the players don’t change their strategy the outcome will not be favorable.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Obstructionism in the Political Process
As a citizen I feel helpless to combat the overwhelming tide of professional hacks. Yes hacks. “WE THE PEOPLE” work hard, do our best, and think we are electing officials who will look out for OUR interests. It appears we not only are naïve, but we also seem to be stupid.
We go to rallies, we stuff envelopes, we send dollars and we carry signs. Why do we do all these things? Because we believe we can make a difference? However, when push comes to shove, when these elected officials, who we have supported, have to make a hard choice between the “people who sent them” and the “people who pay them” it is always the later who get the vote or favor, or consideration.
So really, who is the obstructionist? Where did this wonderful concept of a people’s voice, a representation in the process go astray? When Senators or Representatives support a position that is contrary to the majority of their constituents they have become the obstructionist. They obstruct the process and the office they were sent to fill. They have aligned themselves with the “rich and powerful” lobbying groups who will line their pockets or “war chest” for the next term. It’s more about being there than doing what is best for the folks who sent them.
And all the while these same Obstructionists come home on the weekends to pander to those of us who will still come out to the meetings, carry the signs, and leave a dollar or two in the basket. When will we learn?
It is becoming clearer each day as I listen to the reports and read the federal accounts, we have a Senate that is virtually shut down by a bunch of angry men and women, who want it their way. Never mind the fact they are the minority (40%), they just want it their way or nothing will happen. Screw the majority rule concept. The thought of a year where nothing of consequence has been enacted, a year of fighting, a year of lost productivity should turn the stomach of every taxpaying American.
Complain as we do, grouse about it while talking to friends and just plain being disgusted with the process, nothing will happen until “WE THE PEOPLE” take a stand and insist on TERM LIMITS for all elected officials.
Too long has the “professional politician” being a thorn in the side of good government. Too long has “seniority” had too important role in who does what, when and where, not to mention where you sit at the table. Too long has the American taxpaying society put up with these “pampered, frail egos!”
We have identified the Obstructionists and they are those who have served in congress too long. They have served beyond the time of their fresh ideas and high ideals. They have run for reelection so they can return to their DC office. This right of return becomes the goal rather than what is more important, what they propose, what they can do for a better society.
It is time to have all elected officials and their staffs, sign a non-competitive no contact agreement (for at least 10 years) when they get elected or appointed to a federal position. We must close the revolving door of influence within the government. The same must be true for those who are running for an office or appointed to a staff position. They must not have been involved as an influence peddler to the federal government for the same period of time.
Since we now have a Supreme Court ruling that any corporation or group can give UNLIMITED funds to a campaign fund for an elected official, the public must take up the fight for TERM LIMITS. If we do nothing we will get what we deserve, and that will be NO REPRESENTATION and the OBSTRUCTIONISTS will have won!
We go to rallies, we stuff envelopes, we send dollars and we carry signs. Why do we do all these things? Because we believe we can make a difference? However, when push comes to shove, when these elected officials, who we have supported, have to make a hard choice between the “people who sent them” and the “people who pay them” it is always the later who get the vote or favor, or consideration.
So really, who is the obstructionist? Where did this wonderful concept of a people’s voice, a representation in the process go astray? When Senators or Representatives support a position that is contrary to the majority of their constituents they have become the obstructionist. They obstruct the process and the office they were sent to fill. They have aligned themselves with the “rich and powerful” lobbying groups who will line their pockets or “war chest” for the next term. It’s more about being there than doing what is best for the folks who sent them.
And all the while these same Obstructionists come home on the weekends to pander to those of us who will still come out to the meetings, carry the signs, and leave a dollar or two in the basket. When will we learn?
It is becoming clearer each day as I listen to the reports and read the federal accounts, we have a Senate that is virtually shut down by a bunch of angry men and women, who want it their way. Never mind the fact they are the minority (40%), they just want it their way or nothing will happen. Screw the majority rule concept. The thought of a year where nothing of consequence has been enacted, a year of fighting, a year of lost productivity should turn the stomach of every taxpaying American.
Complain as we do, grouse about it while talking to friends and just plain being disgusted with the process, nothing will happen until “WE THE PEOPLE” take a stand and insist on TERM LIMITS for all elected officials.
Too long has the “professional politician” being a thorn in the side of good government. Too long has “seniority” had too important role in who does what, when and where, not to mention where you sit at the table. Too long has the American taxpaying society put up with these “pampered, frail egos!”
We have identified the Obstructionists and they are those who have served in congress too long. They have served beyond the time of their fresh ideas and high ideals. They have run for reelection so they can return to their DC office. This right of return becomes the goal rather than what is more important, what they propose, what they can do for a better society.
It is time to have all elected officials and their staffs, sign a non-competitive no contact agreement (for at least 10 years) when they get elected or appointed to a federal position. We must close the revolving door of influence within the government. The same must be true for those who are running for an office or appointed to a staff position. They must not have been involved as an influence peddler to the federal government for the same period of time.
Since we now have a Supreme Court ruling that any corporation or group can give UNLIMITED funds to a campaign fund for an elected official, the public must take up the fight for TERM LIMITS. If we do nothing we will get what we deserve, and that will be NO REPRESENTATION and the OBSTRUCTIONISTS will have won!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
“Pay me now and Pay me Later”
• Do you get an all-expense-paid-for trip to some of the best vacation spots on this earth?
• Do you get paid to make a speech or show up at a dinner?
• Do you have a war chest?
• Do you have a title or are you called HONORABLE?
• Do you move to the head of every line, sit at the head table, get served first, and get special parking?
• Do you have the best health care options for the lowest costs?
• Do you have job security for 2 years to 6 years at a time?
• Do you have a job that does not have to answer to authorities?
• Do you feel above the law and require special treatment?
• Do you like to have photo-ops and ribbon cutting ceremonies?
• Do you have the ability to say one thing while knowing you believe the opposite?
• Do you …. It could go on and on just like the Eveready Bunny.
Friends… “WE THE PEOPLE” do not have these advantages because we are not ELECTED to an OFFICE. It seems if we want these perks, we need to run for office and, once elected, all of these will be available to us plus so much more.
Feel like you are being fleeced? Well STAND UP and demand representation from those you elect. Do not be swayed by the glad hand and smile. Search the records of accomplishments by your elected and hold their feet to the fire if they are not standing and voting your interests.
How long… how long will we sit on the sidelines and let Politics as Usual be the commonplace.
Make your VOICE count. Shout from the marketplace to the polling place and let freedom ring. Let it ring in the ears of those who were elected for OUR best interests, not theirs.
What do you call a Senator or Representative who does not support the interests of their constituents on Election Day? DEFEATED!
• Do you get paid to make a speech or show up at a dinner?
• Do you have a war chest?
• Do you have a title or are you called HONORABLE?
• Do you move to the head of every line, sit at the head table, get served first, and get special parking?
• Do you have the best health care options for the lowest costs?
• Do you have job security for 2 years to 6 years at a time?
• Do you have a job that does not have to answer to authorities?
• Do you feel above the law and require special treatment?
• Do you like to have photo-ops and ribbon cutting ceremonies?
• Do you have the ability to say one thing while knowing you believe the opposite?
• Do you …. It could go on and on just like the Eveready Bunny.
Friends… “WE THE PEOPLE” do not have these advantages because we are not ELECTED to an OFFICE. It seems if we want these perks, we need to run for office and, once elected, all of these will be available to us plus so much more.
Feel like you are being fleeced? Well STAND UP and demand representation from those you elect. Do not be swayed by the glad hand and smile. Search the records of accomplishments by your elected and hold their feet to the fire if they are not standing and voting your interests.
How long… how long will we sit on the sidelines and let Politics as Usual be the commonplace.
Make your VOICE count. Shout from the marketplace to the polling place and let freedom ring. Let it ring in the ears of those who were elected for OUR best interests, not theirs.
What do you call a Senator or Representative who does not support the interests of their constituents on Election Day? DEFEATED!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
“What are you thinking? I can’t hear you. “
“What are you thinking? I can’t hear you. “
The news media thrashes and dances around the major issues facing the citizens of this country in sound bites too small to comprehend while we the people are in the dark. Nowhere on the web sites of our representatives is there a clue as to how they feel about pending legislation or other issues of the day. It is as if it’s a big secret, at least from the voters.
I understand how to play poker… never let your opponent see your cards, and I suppose in politics it must be the same. How else could you become the deciding vote, or leverage that special deal for yourself or your state? But as citizens, the ones who our elected officials are to protect, how can we have a say in what they do?
It seems very strange that with all the communication methods we have today, all the social networking we have, we cannot find out what our reps are doing on current legislation. Searching for facts on our representative’s web site is like looking for who dropped the hanky.
I have long thought it is time to change the way that Congress interacts, not only with itself but with their constituents. At the time of the first Congress, the only reliable communication available was face to face. Today we have teleconferences available to put people face to face without travel. We communicate with the generals in the war zones from Washington D.C, but for some reason, our representatives need to maintain two residences and large travel expenses. It is interesting to note that any given Senator or Congressman will sit for a teleconference with an interviewer without a moment’s notice and think it is perfectly normal. Via CSPAN, we the people attend hearings on all sorts of things, and major companies have WEBINARS with two-way conversations. We have the technology and tools, but those in Washington do not have the desire to be more available to the locals. I want more interaction, a dialogue and ongoing input into the way things are done in the country. I want to have a VOICE in decisions. It is time for the American people to demand access to the process that sways the decisions of those we have sent to Washington to represent us. I call on all of you to demand reform from those we choose to be our spokespersons. They need to hear from all of us and follow our lead, not their own. Upon founding this country we had a war cry of “TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.” Today we need a new slogan … “NO MORE REPRESENTATION WITHOUT LOCAL CONCENSUS.” WE THE PEOPLE need to decide our own fate.
So to all our elected officials at all levels…. “CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?”
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