- The Closest Thing to Closure - Haste the Day (from Burning Bridges)
- Edie - The Cult (Sonic Temple)
- Stick - All (Breaking Things)
- Cindy's on Methadone - Screeching Weasel (My Brain Hurts)
- Summer, Man - Taking Back Sunday (New Again)
- Peace of Mind - Boston (Boston)
- Sweet Caroline - Me First and the Gimme Gimmes (Have a Ball)
- Let's Hear It For Love - Smoking Popes (Get Fired)
- Set Me Up - Project 86 (Drawing Black Lines)
- What Makes a Man a Man - Emery (I'm Only A Man)
- Snap Your Fingers Snap Your Neck - Demon Hunter (The Triptych)
- Faith - Dogwood (Seismic)
politics. entertainment. culture. sports. non-partisan perspective.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Wednesday Shuffle
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Where I Stand
Dave over at Oklahoma Lefty recently posted his stance on the major issues on the appropriately titled My Stance on the Major Issues. I left some comments on his posts as to where I agreed and disagreed with him but I thought I would mirror his post and show you all where I stand as well.
Issue: Abortion
Stance: Pro-life
Reason:
An unborn child is just that. A child that has yet to be born. I believe and support in a constitutional amendment that defines a person as such from conception. It is a baby. Science has proven it. I do not support abortion in those "rare" cases like incest and rape and here is why. The circumstances regarding the conception of a child are not the child's fault. A life is a life. Life should be protected at all costs.
Issue: Gun Control
Stance: Supports 2nd Amendment rights
Reason:
The 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was written so that the government would not have the power to unarm its citizens. The ownership of guns is protected by our Constitution. To restrict or ban the ownership of guns is simply against the law and any attempts to do so by the government are illegal and should be prosecuted. However, I do believe that things like background checks and waiting periods do not restrict the right of a person to own a gun, it just provides for a safety net so that guns don't end up in the hands of violent criminals.
Issue: Military
Stance: Supports a strong national defense
Reason:
I believe that one of the most important jobs of a federal government is to protect its citizens from invasion by a foreign nation. With that I believe that a strong national defense is very important to all of us.
I also, however, feel that we should heed the words of former President Eisenhower who warned us to be wary of the 'military industrial complex.' I feel that our military services and the budget of them could use some streamlining. For instance, I believe that we can save money in our defense budget by combining some of the various armed services redundant systems and capabilities.
Issue: Environment
Stance: Supports incentives to come up with alternative energy sources
Reason:
I do not necessarily believe that climate change is man-made. The climate has been changing for thousands of years. Since the Ice Age, the planet has been continually warming, this has nothing to do with us. Our Industrial Revolution has only been around for about 100 years. It has not sped up the warming of the earth's surface.
However, even with that in mind, I believe that we should protect our natural resources and come up with cheaper, more reliable sources of energy.
For instance, we must reduce our dependence on foreign oil, not only from an economic standpoint but from a national defense standpoint.
I propose that we offer incentives to companies that research and come up with ways to make alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, clean coal and nuclear more affordable and more efficient so that eventually petroleum products are nearly unnecessary. Incentives, not fines, are the key to a better and cleaner tomorrow.
Until such time as those alternative energy sources have been properly researched and they become viable sources of energy, I propose that we begin drilling in areas in our own country. I'm not sure how many of you know this but before the 1950s, our country was the leading exporter of oil in the world. Our supply has not run out, we have just been getting it from other sources. Sources that can control the prices themselves and throw up further into recession.
Issue: Taxes
Stance: Supports the Fair Tax system
Reason:
The current tax system is unfair to those that have worked hard to make a better life for themselves and their families. I am always hearing about how people want the "rich" to pay their fair share and that they want taxed on the "rich" to be raised. Well, who pays our salaries? The rich. Who owns the stores that we shop at? The rich. If we keep raising taxes on the rich, we will eventually tax the rich out of business. The end result being higher unemployment from those rich people that can't afford to keep their businesses open anymore.
I believe that the Fair Tax system is the most plausible solution.
The Fair Tax quite simply is a consumption tax that taxes only purchases on new items, excluding purchases on necessities like food. With the introduction of the Fair Tax all income and payroll taxes as well as the Internal Revenue Service as we know it would be abolished. Less money coming out of your paycheck. No social security taxes, no Medicare taxes. Just a straight paycheck. Taxes on businesses would be next to nothing as well.
Issue: Term Limits
Stance: Supports term limits for all elected officials
Reason:
This is an idea I feel is very important to me. I have a severe distaste for career politicians. Get in. Do your job. Get out. Career politicians in my opinion are too open for corruption and only with term limits can we attempt to keep politicians honest.
I propose that U.S. Senators be restricted to 2 - 6 year terms and that U.S. Representatives be restricted to 3 - 4 year terms.
There was a time when Congress was run by citizen legislators. Men and women who essentially run and served in office to perform a civil service for their country. It was not a career for them. They came to Washington DC, did their job and went back home to continue their 'real" jobs. We need to go back that direction.
Issue: Campaign Finance Reform
Stance: McCain-Feingold did not go far enough
Reason:
Campaigns should simply be financed publicly. The amount of money coming into a candidate's campaign from lobbyists should be highly restricted. Politics has become nothing more than a fundraising game. Most politicians these days spend half of their time trying to raise funds for their next election (see term limits) and not enough time serving the country.
Issue: Constitutional Amendment Banning Flag Desecration
Stance: Opposed to
Reason:
Although I am opposed to a person burning the flag, I don't feel that it is in our country's best interest to restrict the right of some one's free speech and burning an American flag clearly falls under the area of free speech. I feel that as long as a person is not violating some one's private property they should be able to do whatever they want with a flag, no matter how asinine it really is. Burning a flag in opposition of one's government to me just means that the person has no imagination and not enough intellect to come up with a better way to show his or her disapproval. I also feel that it would be a waste of our time and resources to turn issues like this into such a big deal as to want to amend the Constitution.
Issue: Abortion
Stance: Pro-life
Reason:
An unborn child is just that. A child that has yet to be born. I believe and support in a constitutional amendment that defines a person as such from conception. It is a baby. Science has proven it. I do not support abortion in those "rare" cases like incest and rape and here is why. The circumstances regarding the conception of a child are not the child's fault. A life is a life. Life should be protected at all costs.
Issue: Gun Control
Stance: Supports 2nd Amendment rights
Reason:
The 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was written so that the government would not have the power to unarm its citizens. The ownership of guns is protected by our Constitution. To restrict or ban the ownership of guns is simply against the law and any attempts to do so by the government are illegal and should be prosecuted. However, I do believe that things like background checks and waiting periods do not restrict the right of a person to own a gun, it just provides for a safety net so that guns don't end up in the hands of violent criminals.
Issue: Military
Stance: Supports a strong national defense
Reason:
I believe that one of the most important jobs of a federal government is to protect its citizens from invasion by a foreign nation. With that I believe that a strong national defense is very important to all of us.
I also, however, feel that we should heed the words of former President Eisenhower who warned us to be wary of the 'military industrial complex.' I feel that our military services and the budget of them could use some streamlining. For instance, I believe that we can save money in our defense budget by combining some of the various armed services redundant systems and capabilities.
Issue: Environment
Stance: Supports incentives to come up with alternative energy sources
Reason:
I do not necessarily believe that climate change is man-made. The climate has been changing for thousands of years. Since the Ice Age, the planet has been continually warming, this has nothing to do with us. Our Industrial Revolution has only been around for about 100 years. It has not sped up the warming of the earth's surface.
However, even with that in mind, I believe that we should protect our natural resources and come up with cheaper, more reliable sources of energy.
For instance, we must reduce our dependence on foreign oil, not only from an economic standpoint but from a national defense standpoint.
I propose that we offer incentives to companies that research and come up with ways to make alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, clean coal and nuclear more affordable and more efficient so that eventually petroleum products are nearly unnecessary. Incentives, not fines, are the key to a better and cleaner tomorrow.
Until such time as those alternative energy sources have been properly researched and they become viable sources of energy, I propose that we begin drilling in areas in our own country. I'm not sure how many of you know this but before the 1950s, our country was the leading exporter of oil in the world. Our supply has not run out, we have just been getting it from other sources. Sources that can control the prices themselves and throw up further into recession.
Issue: Taxes
Stance: Supports the Fair Tax system
Reason:
The current tax system is unfair to those that have worked hard to make a better life for themselves and their families. I am always hearing about how people want the "rich" to pay their fair share and that they want taxed on the "rich" to be raised. Well, who pays our salaries? The rich. Who owns the stores that we shop at? The rich. If we keep raising taxes on the rich, we will eventually tax the rich out of business. The end result being higher unemployment from those rich people that can't afford to keep their businesses open anymore.
I believe that the Fair Tax system is the most plausible solution.
The Fair Tax quite simply is a consumption tax that taxes only purchases on new items, excluding purchases on necessities like food. With the introduction of the Fair Tax all income and payroll taxes as well as the Internal Revenue Service as we know it would be abolished. Less money coming out of your paycheck. No social security taxes, no Medicare taxes. Just a straight paycheck. Taxes on businesses would be next to nothing as well.
Issue: Term Limits
Stance: Supports term limits for all elected officials
Reason:
This is an idea I feel is very important to me. I have a severe distaste for career politicians. Get in. Do your job. Get out. Career politicians in my opinion are too open for corruption and only with term limits can we attempt to keep politicians honest.
I propose that U.S. Senators be restricted to 2 - 6 year terms and that U.S. Representatives be restricted to 3 - 4 year terms.
There was a time when Congress was run by citizen legislators. Men and women who essentially run and served in office to perform a civil service for their country. It was not a career for them. They came to Washington DC, did their job and went back home to continue their 'real" jobs. We need to go back that direction.
Issue: Campaign Finance Reform
Stance: McCain-Feingold did not go far enough
Reason:
Campaigns should simply be financed publicly. The amount of money coming into a candidate's campaign from lobbyists should be highly restricted. Politics has become nothing more than a fundraising game. Most politicians these days spend half of their time trying to raise funds for their next election (see term limits) and not enough time serving the country.
Issue: Constitutional Amendment Banning Flag Desecration
Stance: Opposed to
Reason:
Although I am opposed to a person burning the flag, I don't feel that it is in our country's best interest to restrict the right of some one's free speech and burning an American flag clearly falls under the area of free speech. I feel that as long as a person is not violating some one's private property they should be able to do whatever they want with a flag, no matter how asinine it really is. Burning a flag in opposition of one's government to me just means that the person has no imagination and not enough intellect to come up with a better way to show his or her disapproval. I also feel that it would be a waste of our time and resources to turn issues like this into such a big deal as to want to amend the Constitution.
Tuesday Afternoon Shuffle
- World Away - Emery (from I'm Only A Man)
- Just Like Them - All (All's Greatest Hits)
- Swing - Taking Back Sunday (New Again)
- Button It - All (Pummel)
- God Part II - U2 (Rattle and Hum)
- When You're In Prison - The Offspring (Splinter)
- Ignite - Living Sacrifice (Conceived in Fire)
- Helter Skelter - U2 (Rattle and Hum)
- With A Shout - U2 (October Deluxe Edition)
- Coolidge - Descendents (All)
- Crisis King - Helmet (Aftertaste)
- Big Bang - Bad Religion (No Control)
- You're Gonna Miss Me - 13th Floor Elevators (The Very Best of 13th Floor Elevators)
- Late Again - MxPx (Panic)
- Undone The Sweater Song - Weezer (Weezer)
- Dag Nasty - Dag Nasty (Wig Out at Denkos)
- Ball and Chain - They Might Be Giants (Flood)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Quote(s) of the Day
Recently, I started doing some reading about Ronald Reagan, just trying to get to know more about this President that some in the Republican Party seem to admire so much.
So I'm still pretty early in my readings but I came across a site with a bunch of Reagan quotes. This is a list of some of my favorites:
"Approximately 80% of our air pollution stems from hydrocarbons released by vegetation, so let's not go overboard in setting and enforcing tough emission standards from man-made sources."
"Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for almost all the economic growth in the United States."
"Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them."
"Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves."
"Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives."
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And it it stops moving, subsidize it."
"Government tend not to solve problems, only to rearrange them."
"No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth."
"People do not make wars; governments do."
"Welfare's purpose should be to eliminate, as far as possible, the needs for its own existence."
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Currently Reading: Real Change
TITLE: Real Change: From the World that Fails to the World That WorksAUTHOR: Newt Gingrich
PUBLISHER: Regnery Publishing
YEAR PUBLISHED: 2008
I started reading this last night and quite amazingly, finished it today (amazing because those of you that know me know that I am somewhat of a slow reader). I just basically tore through this book. I could not put it down.
Quite honestly, I never really took Newt Gingrich all that seriously. However, my friend Wayne Glover highly recommended to me that I read this book. I am sure glad that I did.
This book is great. Former Speaker Gingrich has some really good ideas and puts it out there in simple, non-political language.
He tackles everything from Education to Immigration to Health Care and everything else in between.
I am quite honestly surprised that Mr. Gingrich has not made a serious run at the presidency. I think that if he did I would probably vote for him.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Not Gone, Not Forgotten
As you may or may not have noticed, I have become somewhat inactive on this blog lately.
Obviously it has to do with certain things that are going on in my life right now due to a certain decision that I recently made in regards to the new task I am taking on.
Anyone with half a brain can probably figure out that running for Congress is a very large thing to take on and takes up a lot of time, even in its opening stages as I have so recently realized. Hence, the lack of posts on Otter Limits.
So a few things that I want to say.
First, I would like to thank Red S Tater for putting on post on his blog in regards to my impending campaign: The Right Kind of Change.
Second, for those of you that use Facebook, I invite you to join a group that I created for my campaign on there: Steve Long for Congress
Thirdly, for any of you that use MySpace on a frequent basis, I also have a campaign site built over there: Steve Long for Congress
And most importantly....well, not really most importantly but when you realize how much money it actually takes to run a campaign, you would understand.....I have a page set up that allows for donations to my campaign to be accepted. Please contribute to the Steve Long for Congress campaign. I really hate to ask people for money but it is unreal how much money it costs to run one of these things, and I have barely just started! Keep in mind that if you do not live in my district (a lot of you don't even live in the same state as me), although you can not vote for me, you can still contribute financially.
But anyway. I really hope that you my readers take me serious on this and actually give me a chance. If you can't give, I completely understand, I am broke too. But if you feel like you could help in some other way, by all means, let me know. Shoot me an email (steven.r.long@comcast.net) and let me know how you think you can help. I could certainly use any help anyone is willing to offer me at this time.
So I am not sure when I will be able to do another Otter Limits post but I will try and keep you all updating on what is going on with this whole process.
Thanks for listening....err....reading.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
What the Heck is an Exploratory Committee?
An exploratory committee is a committee that is started by a prospective political candidate to explore the idea of running for office.
It is frequently referred to as testing the waters.
The committee works to determine if a prospective candidate can get enough support to make the effort of announcing his or her candidacy. It also investigates whether or not the potential candidate would be able to raise enough money to run a campaign effectively.
It is also a good avenue for raising funds. Candidates don't generally have to disclose fund received during the exploratory committee phase.
A person that is testing the waters does not have to register or report as a candidate until such time as that prospective candidate actually decides to run.
It also provides opportunities for prospective candidates such as being allowed free airtime. Before primary elections are held, the media begins to speculate who will be running for office. If a candidate has an exploratory committee formed, and the prospective candidate "leaks" word of it to the media, more attention will be garnered by the media which will then gauge the progress of a candidate and speculate his or her chances and helps to determine how popular a candidate might be.
Exploratory committees are nothing new, they have been around for quite some time.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Wayne on YouTube
Here are some YouTube videos of Wayne speaking at the Moses Lake Tea Party:
The last part would not embed for some reason.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday Night Shuffle
- Ball and Chain - Social Distortion (from 1990s Social Distortion)
- Hook It Up - The Donnas (1999s Skintight)
- Liar (It Takes One to Know One) - Taking Back Sunday (2006s Louder Now)
- Infected - Demon Hunter (2002s Demon Hunter)
- I'll Get There - All (1998s Mass Nerder)
- Alexithymia - Anberlin (2007s Cities)
- From Within - The Staggers (2003s One Heartbeat Away from Hell)
- Synchronity 2 - The Police (Synchronicity)
- In My Dreams - Dokken (1986s Under Lock and Key)
- Typical Love Story - Otisburg (demos)
- Simple Things - All (1990s Allroy Saves)
Don't Say I Didn't Tell You So!!!!
In April 2008, I did a post called The Candiates on Tax Reform.
I said in regards to now President Barack Obama, and I quote:
If you read this post of mine and still voted for him. It serves you right! You are only getting what you asked for!
I said in regards to now President Barack Obama, and I quote:
"...wants to reduce [the Bush tax cuts] in order to pay for programs such as health care.See?!?!?!?
He has states that he will make certain that the wealthy WILL pay more taxes."
If you read this post of mine and still voted for him. It serves you right! You are only getting what you asked for!
If you read this post of mine and did not believe me...well...maybe you will from now on.
Wayne Glover and Term Limits
Here is what Mr. Wayne Glover (Republican candidate for U.S. Senator from Washington State in 2010) proposes in regards to term limits for our Senators and U.S. Representatives.
This information can be found at his campaign website, Real Change 2010.
U.S. Representatives
Change the 2 year terms to 4 year terms and limit them to 3 terms (12 years).
U.S. Senate
Limit them to 2 - 6 year terms (12 years).
In each case, is a person is appointed to finish another's term, that remaining time will be counted as one term.
Also, if a politician has served at least one term in either the House or the Senate, then that person can only serve one term in the other.
According to Wayne,
The Presidency has term limits. Governors have term limits. Why not Congress?
Currently, Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) has served in the Senate for 48 years. 48 years?!? That is almost half a century! How has this man been allowed to stay in the Senate this long? It is time to retire old man!
In the House, the longest-serving member is John Dingell (D-MI). He began his career in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1955. What?!? Over 50 years? And the people of Michigan keep voting him back in? What are they stupid?
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) began her service in the Senate in 1992. 17 years? Yup, that's long enough. Time for you to go.
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) began her service in Congress as a U.S. Representative in 1992 and became a U.S. Senator in the election of 2000. 17 years for her too.
Another 17 year veteran from the State of Washington is Jay Inslee, who began his national political career in 1992. However, he was defeated for re-election in 1994, ran for governor (and was defeated) in 1996 and was re-elected to the U.S. House again in 1998.
Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) began his stint in Congress as a U.S. Representative in 1986. After Senator David Boren resigned as Senator, Inhofe was elected in 1994.
The junior Senator from Oklahoma, Republican Tom Coburn, began his career in Congress as a U.S. Representative in 1994. He ran for Senate in 2004 when the seat of Don Nickles was vacated, winning that election by a margin of 53%.
So I will let you do your own thinking from here. Do you really want these people to remain as professional politicians?
Visit the U.S. Term Limits website and sign the Term Limits Petition.
This information can be found at his campaign website, Real Change 2010.
U.S. Representatives
Change the 2 year terms to 4 year terms and limit them to 3 terms (12 years).
U.S. Senate
Limit them to 2 - 6 year terms (12 years).
In each case, is a person is appointed to finish another's term, that remaining time will be counted as one term.
Also, if a politician has served at least one term in either the House or the Senate, then that person can only serve one term in the other.
According to Wayne,
"This would eliminate professional politicians and would return the government back to the people."I totally agree. Make those career politicans go out and find real jobs!
The Presidency has term limits. Governors have term limits. Why not Congress?
Currently, Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) has served in the Senate for 48 years. 48 years?!? That is almost half a century! How has this man been allowed to stay in the Senate this long? It is time to retire old man!
In the House, the longest-serving member is John Dingell (D-MI). He began his career in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1955. What?!? Over 50 years? And the people of Michigan keep voting him back in? What are they stupid?
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) began her service in the Senate in 1992. 17 years? Yup, that's long enough. Time for you to go.
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) began her service in Congress as a U.S. Representative in 1992 and became a U.S. Senator in the election of 2000. 17 years for her too.
Another 17 year veteran from the State of Washington is Jay Inslee, who began his national political career in 1992. However, he was defeated for re-election in 1994, ran for governor (and was defeated) in 1996 and was re-elected to the U.S. House again in 1998.
Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) began his stint in Congress as a U.S. Representative in 1986. After Senator David Boren resigned as Senator, Inhofe was elected in 1994.
The junior Senator from Oklahoma, Republican Tom Coburn, began his career in Congress as a U.S. Representative in 1994. He ran for Senate in 2004 when the seat of Don Nickles was vacated, winning that election by a margin of 53%.
So I will let you do your own thinking from here. Do you really want these people to remain as professional politicians?
Visit the U.S. Term Limits website and sign the Term Limits Petition.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Interview with Wayne Glover
Wayne Glover is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Washington State in 2010. He is running to replace Senator Patty Murray.
This is an interview that I conducted with him via e-mail.
Why are you running for U.S. Senate?
I am running for the US Senate because I am tired of being marginalized by the political elite. When I call to voice my opinion on an issue more often than not I am transferred to voice mail which I am sure is not listened to. I am tired of politicians who are shredding the Constitution. We need a person who will be a voice for all of Washington not just certain parts of our state.
Do you think Senator Murray has done a good job so far?
If I thought she was doing a good job, I would not be running against her?
Yeah that was kind of a loaded question. I was just testing you to see if you were going to get into negative campaigning.
I do not want to engage in negative campaigning but I will use her voting record, proposed legislation and what she has done in an official capacity against her if it is pertinent. I do not think this would be negative but the biased media will.
Do you have any ideas for health care reform and if so, what are they?
The real crisis in health care is how politicians are misrepresenting the numbers of uninsured. The problem with health care is multifaceted and no one single thing will fix the problems that really exist. Unrealistic settlements in malpractice lawsuits drive the costs up for doctors. Medi-Care/Medic-Aid not paying enough to cover basic expenses has to be passed onto people who use insurance and who self pay, not to mention that 45% of the Medi-Care budget is either for administrative costs or fraud. No one who needs emergency care can be denied medical care.
I absolutely agree with you 100% on this! I too feel that the # of uninsured in America has been inflated by people with an agenda.
The actual statistics can be found in the US census or from Mark Levin's Liberty and Tyranny where he references US the census in his breakdown of the numbers.
How do you feel about term limits for U.S. Senators and Congressmen?
I have written an essay labeled Term Limits that can be found on my website I encourage everyone to look at my website. Yes, I do favor term limits but they must be done at the federal level or it will weaken the states who do not pass term limit legislation.
I agree with you on this too. In fact, I did read that essay (after I have already sent you this interview question) and found it to be one of the most intelligent things I have heard about the term limit debate.
Thank you, but I used the Constitution as a guide to the wording of the proposed Amendment. And the rest of the essay is from my own ideas and the ideas of all the people I have spoken with over the years.
Do you support campaign reform that would allow more visibility and a better possibility for third-party candidates?
I support some sort of campaign reform McCain-Feingold is not the answer because it favors incumbent politicians and restricts free speech.
As for third-party candidates, a third party candidate only weakens the candidate of the party that agrees with most but not all of the third-party candidates agenda.
Can you elaborate a bit on that last statement? Are you saying that third party candidates weaken their party or that they weaken the major parties?
I wrote an essay on this too. But it will weaken the third-parties support as well as the major party candidates support, this is important to think about when there are only minor disagreements between the two candidates and the other major party candidate would definitely be bad for the state or country. I think we always must put our states and country ahead of personal ambition.
Did you and do you support the invasion and the occupation of Iraq? Do you feel that they were/are necessary?
In 2002, I enlisted in the Washington Army National Guard, which was nearly 14 years after being released from Active Duty. We are not and have never been an occupation Army in Iraq; I know that this is politically incorrect to say. These are my personal feelings.
I was not in the Senate to vote up or down and I will not use hind site and media misperception and propaganda to slander any yes vote at the time. BUT, when the majority voted to authorize the use of force then ALL members should do whatever is necessary to protect, supply and support the Service members sent to fight and keep politics OUT of the decisions.
So do you personally feel that invading Iraq was necessary?
I think we cannot judge based on hindsight and the fact that the media misrepresented why we needed to go. If you look at the whole picture, at the time then, yes. I it was but I also think that there were mistakes made that could have been corrected sooner that would have avoided much of the problem that occurred before the surge. The "Mission Accomplished" statement was a sign to Arab allies that had been arranged by Gen. Franks and those Arab allies that the removal of Saddam was complete and that they would then help in rebuilding Iraq. This can be found in Gen. Tommy Franks' book he wrote after retiring. I think that the theory behind the invasion was sound however, mistakes were made and plans not properly followed. It is important that people look at all reasons why we went and not what the media latched onto. We should all come to our own independent conclusions based on fact not media perception.
What are your thoughts on defense spending? Should we cut the defense budget by doing things such as closing some overseas bases and reducing the amount of redundant technology among the services?
Defense is one of the few things that congress has the Constitutional authority to fund. I believe in Peace through Strength just as Reagan did. We must always be prepared to defend the United States; an objective study of history would show doubters this.
I am not in favor of any base or post closures anywhere. We live in a dangerous world despite what is not being reported in the media. It depends on who is saying it is redundant, a person who has never served has no idea what is redundant or not.
If elected, what are going to be your priorities in your first term?
Sponsor or Co-sponsor a bill that will repeal the 2009 Stimulus Plan. Fix the tax system, getting the VA a permanent budget, work to eliminate wasteful spending, support a balanced budget Amendment, if we have to work within a budget then the politicians should have to too.
You have stated that you support the Fair Tax. Do you think this particular idea on tax reform has not been given its due respect? Why do you think so many politicians are opposed to this plan?
I don’t think that any real tax reform has been given a fair chance because if true tax reform was to happen then politicians could not use taxes as a way of buying votes. True tax reform would eliminate the elitist politicians hold on power.
Do you think that the cap and trade plan is a good plan? Why or why not?
Cap and trade is a con job, there would be little to no environmental benefits and a few corporations, politicians and former politicians will make immense amounts of money at the expense of the American people. Carbon Dioxide is not a harmful gas, it is plant food, regardless of what 5 lawyers, now justices said in a Supreme Court decision.
I ask you to look into the corporations and politicians who will benefit from cap and trade. It will not be you or I, 99.9% of other Americans, or the planet that will benefit from this massive tax increase. It will tax us out of existence and if it doesn’t the proposed health care plan will.
I agree that the cap and tax bill is a bad thing for our country. I, in fact, have written a short piece about it on my blog. If you get a chance to read it, let me know what you think. The URL for that particular piece is http://otterlimits.blogspot.com/2009/07/no-friend-of-working-man.html. It is titled. No Friend of the Working Man.
Cap and trade of any form is a CON JOB! I want to know when the debate actually happened on Global Warming because it has always been stated that the debate is over now we must act. All people that I can remember who have brought up opposing facts have been marginalized or been accused of being crazy by Al Gore and the media. If the debate on Global Warming is over why did they have to change the name to Global Climate Change, if the facts supported man-made global warming then the name would not have had to be changed.
What is your position on the abortion debate?
My personal view on abortion is that it is murder, but any decision on abortion should be left for the people of a state to decide not the federal government. I think that there are certain circumstances where aborting a baby may be necessary but I would never want to be in the position to decide one life over another. There has to be better options than taking an innocent life.
Do you think that President Obama has done a good job in office so far? Why or why not?
I think his job performance has been poor at best. His agenda is not what he told people he stood for, I have talked to many people who only voted because of change but this is not the kind of change that they thought he stood for.
He keeps blaming all of the economic problems on the Bush Administration but he was elected to the Senate in 2004 and voted on the budgets of the Bush Administration and the Democrats have had control of both the House and Senate since January 2007.
He also campaigned on run away spending and deficit spending on July 14, 2009 we hit $1,000,000,000,000 in debt and will hit $2,000,000,000,000 by the end of the year. Does this constitute a good job?
No sir, it does not.
This is an interview that I conducted with him via e-mail.
Why are you running for U.S. Senate?
I am running for the US Senate because I am tired of being marginalized by the political elite. When I call to voice my opinion on an issue more often than not I am transferred to voice mail which I am sure is not listened to. I am tired of politicians who are shredding the Constitution. We need a person who will be a voice for all of Washington not just certain parts of our state.
Do you think Senator Murray has done a good job so far?
If I thought she was doing a good job, I would not be running against her?
Yeah that was kind of a loaded question. I was just testing you to see if you were going to get into negative campaigning.
I do not want to engage in negative campaigning but I will use her voting record, proposed legislation and what she has done in an official capacity against her if it is pertinent. I do not think this would be negative but the biased media will.
Do you have any ideas for health care reform and if so, what are they?
The real crisis in health care is how politicians are misrepresenting the numbers of uninsured. The problem with health care is multifaceted and no one single thing will fix the problems that really exist. Unrealistic settlements in malpractice lawsuits drive the costs up for doctors. Medi-Care/Medic-Aid not paying enough to cover basic expenses has to be passed onto people who use insurance and who self pay, not to mention that 45% of the Medi-Care budget is either for administrative costs or fraud. No one who needs emergency care can be denied medical care.
I absolutely agree with you 100% on this! I too feel that the # of uninsured in America has been inflated by people with an agenda.
The actual statistics can be found in the US census or from Mark Levin's Liberty and Tyranny where he references US the census in his breakdown of the numbers.
How do you feel about term limits for U.S. Senators and Congressmen?
I have written an essay labeled Term Limits that can be found on my website I encourage everyone to look at my website. Yes, I do favor term limits but they must be done at the federal level or it will weaken the states who do not pass term limit legislation.
I agree with you on this too. In fact, I did read that essay (after I have already sent you this interview question) and found it to be one of the most intelligent things I have heard about the term limit debate.
Thank you, but I used the Constitution as a guide to the wording of the proposed Amendment. And the rest of the essay is from my own ideas and the ideas of all the people I have spoken with over the years.
Do you support campaign reform that would allow more visibility and a better possibility for third-party candidates?
I support some sort of campaign reform McCain-Feingold is not the answer because it favors incumbent politicians and restricts free speech.
As for third-party candidates, a third party candidate only weakens the candidate of the party that agrees with most but not all of the third-party candidates agenda.
Can you elaborate a bit on that last statement? Are you saying that third party candidates weaken their party or that they weaken the major parties?
I wrote an essay on this too. But it will weaken the third-parties support as well as the major party candidates support, this is important to think about when there are only minor disagreements between the two candidates and the other major party candidate would definitely be bad for the state or country. I think we always must put our states and country ahead of personal ambition.
Did you and do you support the invasion and the occupation of Iraq? Do you feel that they were/are necessary?
In 2002, I enlisted in the Washington Army National Guard, which was nearly 14 years after being released from Active Duty. We are not and have never been an occupation Army in Iraq; I know that this is politically incorrect to say. These are my personal feelings.
I was not in the Senate to vote up or down and I will not use hind site and media misperception and propaganda to slander any yes vote at the time. BUT, when the majority voted to authorize the use of force then ALL members should do whatever is necessary to protect, supply and support the Service members sent to fight and keep politics OUT of the decisions.
So do you personally feel that invading Iraq was necessary?
I think we cannot judge based on hindsight and the fact that the media misrepresented why we needed to go. If you look at the whole picture, at the time then, yes. I it was but I also think that there were mistakes made that could have been corrected sooner that would have avoided much of the problem that occurred before the surge. The "Mission Accomplished" statement was a sign to Arab allies that had been arranged by Gen. Franks and those Arab allies that the removal of Saddam was complete and that they would then help in rebuilding Iraq. This can be found in Gen. Tommy Franks' book he wrote after retiring. I think that the theory behind the invasion was sound however, mistakes were made and plans not properly followed. It is important that people look at all reasons why we went and not what the media latched onto. We should all come to our own independent conclusions based on fact not media perception.
What are your thoughts on defense spending? Should we cut the defense budget by doing things such as closing some overseas bases and reducing the amount of redundant technology among the services?
Defense is one of the few things that congress has the Constitutional authority to fund. I believe in Peace through Strength just as Reagan did. We must always be prepared to defend the United States; an objective study of history would show doubters this.
I am not in favor of any base or post closures anywhere. We live in a dangerous world despite what is not being reported in the media. It depends on who is saying it is redundant, a person who has never served has no idea what is redundant or not.
If elected, what are going to be your priorities in your first term?
Sponsor or Co-sponsor a bill that will repeal the 2009 Stimulus Plan. Fix the tax system, getting the VA a permanent budget, work to eliminate wasteful spending, support a balanced budget Amendment, if we have to work within a budget then the politicians should have to too.
You have stated that you support the Fair Tax. Do you think this particular idea on tax reform has not been given its due respect? Why do you think so many politicians are opposed to this plan?
I don’t think that any real tax reform has been given a fair chance because if true tax reform was to happen then politicians could not use taxes as a way of buying votes. True tax reform would eliminate the elitist politicians hold on power.
Do you think that the cap and trade plan is a good plan? Why or why not?
Cap and trade is a con job, there would be little to no environmental benefits and a few corporations, politicians and former politicians will make immense amounts of money at the expense of the American people. Carbon Dioxide is not a harmful gas, it is plant food, regardless of what 5 lawyers, now justices said in a Supreme Court decision.
I ask you to look into the corporations and politicians who will benefit from cap and trade. It will not be you or I, 99.9% of other Americans, or the planet that will benefit from this massive tax increase. It will tax us out of existence and if it doesn’t the proposed health care plan will.
I agree that the cap and tax bill is a bad thing for our country. I, in fact, have written a short piece about it on my blog. If you get a chance to read it, let me know what you think. The URL for that particular piece is http://otterlimits.blogspot.com/2009/07/no-friend-of-working-man.html. It is titled. No Friend of the Working Man.
Cap and trade of any form is a CON JOB! I want to know when the debate actually happened on Global Warming because it has always been stated that the debate is over now we must act. All people that I can remember who have brought up opposing facts have been marginalized or been accused of being crazy by Al Gore and the media. If the debate on Global Warming is over why did they have to change the name to Global Climate Change, if the facts supported man-made global warming then the name would not have had to be changed.
What is your position on the abortion debate?
My personal view on abortion is that it is murder, but any decision on abortion should be left for the people of a state to decide not the federal government. I think that there are certain circumstances where aborting a baby may be necessary but I would never want to be in the position to decide one life over another. There has to be better options than taking an innocent life.
Do you think that President Obama has done a good job in office so far? Why or why not?
I think his job performance has been poor at best. His agenda is not what he told people he stood for, I have talked to many people who only voted because of change but this is not the kind of change that they thought he stood for.
He keeps blaming all of the economic problems on the Bush Administration but he was elected to the Senate in 2004 and voted on the budgets of the Bush Administration and the Democrats have had control of both the House and Senate since January 2007.
He also campaigned on run away spending and deficit spending on July 14, 2009 we hit $1,000,000,000,000 in debt and will hit $2,000,000,000,000 by the end of the year. Does this constitute a good job?
No sir, it does not.
Currently Reading: A Republic, Not An Empire
TITLE: A Republic, Not An Empire AUTHOR: Patrick J Buchanan
PUBLISHER: Regnery Publishing
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1999
Here is an overview that I found about the book at Google books:
"A commentary on America's foreign policy argues that we are being put at risk and examines the need for a new foreign policy that will put America first."
I have only read chapters 1 and 2 right now but so far I like what he has to say about our nation's foreign policy. A lot of it reminds me of the way I think about it. From what I read about the book on the blurb from the back cover of the book the beginning of the book will refer to a lot of the foreign policy of the United States of America pre-WWII. He has mentioned it a few times but has not really dived into it yet but I think that is because the chapters I have read so far are kind of like an introduction into why he is talking about what he is talking about and why he wrote this book.
Like I said, so far I like what I have read. I will probably end up posting some quotes about the book as I keep reading and will probably have some sort of review and/or some commentary on it later on this blog. It is a big book though so don't expect me to finish it too quickly. In case you did not know this, I am kind of a slow reader.
The Beatles: DOTM Part 2 (U.S. releases)
Here is part two of the Beatles discography of the moment. This one, as the title suggests, is a listing of their U.S. released studio albums.
Introducing...The Beatles
Released in January 1964 by Vee-Jay Records.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"Twist and Shout" and "Do You Want to Know a Secret"
Meet the Beatles!
Released in January 1964 by Capitol Records.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"I Want to Hold Your Hand"
The Beatles 2nd Album
Released in April 1964 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Singles:
"She Loves You?
A Hard Days Night
Released in June 1964 by United Artists (strangely the US version of this album was released a month before the UK version)
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"A Hard Days Night/I Should Have Known Better" "And I Love Her/If I Fell" and "I'll Cry Instead/I'm Happy Just to Dance With You"
Something New
Released in July 1964 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Beatles '65
Released in December 1964 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Singles:
"If I Fell/She's a Woman"
The Early Beatles
Released in March 1965 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Notes: This album contains 11 of the 14 tracks that were released in the U.K. on the album Please Please Me in March 1963.
Beatles VI
Released in June 1965 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Help!
Released in August 1965 by Capitol (released a week later than the UK version).
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"Ticket to Ride"
Notes: The differences between the UK version and the US version include:
The songs "From Me to You" "In the Tyrol" "Another Hard Days Night" "The Bitter End/You Can't Do That (medley)" and "The Chase" are not present on the UK version.
The songs "Act Naturally" "Its Only Love" "Tell Me What You See" "You Like Me Too Much" "I've Just Seen a Face" "Yesterday" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" do not appear on the US version.
Rubber Soul
Released in December 1965 by Parlophone/Capitol/EMI (both in the US and the UK)
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Differences between the UK version and the US version include:
The songs "Drive My Car" "What Goes On" and "If I Needed Someone" do not appear on the US release.
The song "It's Only Love" does not appear on the UK release.
From here on out the albums the Beatles released their albums simultaneously in the UK and the US with identical track listings starting with the album Revolver.
If you have not already, you can view the UK Beatles DOTM here.
Introducing...The Beatles
Released in January 1964 by Vee-Jay Records.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"Twist and Shout" and "Do You Want to Know a Secret"
Meet the Beatles!
Released in January 1964 by Capitol Records.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"I Want to Hold Your Hand"
The Beatles 2nd Album
Released in April 1964 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Singles:
"She Loves You?
A Hard Days Night
Released in June 1964 by United Artists (strangely the US version of this album was released a month before the UK version)
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"A Hard Days Night/I Should Have Known Better" "And I Love Her/If I Fell" and "I'll Cry Instead/I'm Happy Just to Dance With You"
Something New
Released in July 1964 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Beatles '65
Released in December 1964 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Singles:
"If I Fell/She's a Woman"
The Early Beatles
Released in March 1965 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Notes: This album contains 11 of the 14 tracks that were released in the U.K. on the album Please Please Me in March 1963.
Beatles VI
Released in June 1965 by Capitol.
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 11
Help!
Released in August 1965 by Capitol (released a week later than the UK version).
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"Ticket to Ride"
Notes: The differences between the UK version and the US version include:
The songs "From Me to You" "In the Tyrol" "Another Hard Days Night" "The Bitter End/You Can't Do That (medley)" and "The Chase" are not present on the UK version.
The songs "Act Naturally" "Its Only Love" "Tell Me What You See" "You Like Me Too Much" "I've Just Seen a Face" "Yesterday" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" do not appear on the US version.
Rubber Soul
Released in December 1965 by Parlophone/Capitol/EMI (both in the US and the UK)
Produced by George Martin.
Tracks: 12
Differences between the UK version and the US version include:
The songs "Drive My Car" "What Goes On" and "If I Needed Someone" do not appear on the US release.
The song "It's Only Love" does not appear on the UK release.
From here on out the albums the Beatles released their albums simultaneously in the UK and the US with identical track listings starting with the album Revolver.
If you have not already, you can view the UK Beatles DOTM here.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Dreaded Health Care Reform Bill
Here it is!!!
The Democrats have finally unveiled their plan to revamp health care in this country. And our President has said it is “a product of unprecedented cooperation.” (Only he forgot to mention that it was cooperation among Democrats only, big surprise there).
So here is what they are proposing:
A Medicare-style government-run plan will be established that offers many different plans with different levels of coverage.
Oh boy, here we go. Government run health care. @@
Insurance companies will be prohibited from denying coverage to the sick.
A big part of me really has no problem with this in theory. I am not sure how it would work out in practice though.
Those that can not afford health insurance will either be subsidized or eligibility for Medicaid will be expanded.
So why not just expand Medicaid and leave it at that?
Providers would be held accountable for quality care.
Although no explanation is given on how they would accomplish this? Probably by increasing taxes on the providers. @@
Coverage for prescription drugs via Medicare will be done away with.
Oh that is brilliant!! @@
And how do they plan to pay for it?
Taxes would be increased for individuals making more than $280,000 a year and families making more than $350,000.
Tax and spend. Tax and spend.
Employers that do not provide their employees will be forced to pay a penalty unless their annual payroll is less than $250,000 would be exempted.
Wouldn’t a tax incentive to the companies that provide coverage to their employees be a better incentive?
Those who choose not to buy coverage would pay a penalty.
Oh THAT is pure genius right there. That is the dumbest damn thing I have ever heard. You can’t FORCE someone to buy something!!!
Starting in 2011, a family making $500,000 would have to pay $1,500 of additional tax to help subsidize coverage for the uninsured. A family making $1 million would have to pay $9,000 more.
Only in American can we elect a President who claims to be a friend of the working man and then pull some crap like this.
The Democrats have finally unveiled their plan to revamp health care in this country. And our President has said it is “a product of unprecedented cooperation.” (Only he forgot to mention that it was cooperation among Democrats only, big surprise there).
So here is what they are proposing:
A Medicare-style government-run plan will be established that offers many different plans with different levels of coverage.
Oh boy, here we go. Government run health care. @@
Insurance companies will be prohibited from denying coverage to the sick.
A big part of me really has no problem with this in theory. I am not sure how it would work out in practice though.
Those that can not afford health insurance will either be subsidized or eligibility for Medicaid will be expanded.
So why not just expand Medicaid and leave it at that?
Providers would be held accountable for quality care.
Although no explanation is given on how they would accomplish this? Probably by increasing taxes on the providers. @@
Coverage for prescription drugs via Medicare will be done away with.
Oh that is brilliant!! @@
And how do they plan to pay for it?
Taxes would be increased for individuals making more than $280,000 a year and families making more than $350,000.
Tax and spend. Tax and spend.
Employers that do not provide their employees will be forced to pay a penalty unless their annual payroll is less than $250,000 would be exempted.
Wouldn’t a tax incentive to the companies that provide coverage to their employees be a better incentive?
Those who choose not to buy coverage would pay a penalty.
Oh THAT is pure genius right there. That is the dumbest damn thing I have ever heard. You can’t FORCE someone to buy something!!!
Starting in 2011, a family making $500,000 would have to pay $1,500 of additional tax to help subsidize coverage for the uninsured. A family making $1 million would have to pay $9,000 more.
Only in American can we elect a President who claims to be a friend of the working man and then pull some crap like this.
Wayne Glover in 2010?
This is another Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Washington. Another person that is making that respectable effort to un-seat Patty Murray from the seat she has held for far too long.
Here are some quotes I found on his website:
On Energy
On Immigration
There is not very much information about specific political positions and I was not able to find out very much about him at all except that I read somewhere he was a former Army veteran. In any case, hopefully I will have more information about him in the future.
For now, I am still thinking Salazar is Washington's best hope to un-seat Patty Murray and try to effect some REAL change in 2010.
Here are some quotes I found on his website:
"Too many of the people we elect to public office have put their party or personal agenda ahead of America and its legal citizens.........."
On Energy
"The government should encourage developing new energy sources through rewards and not through higher taxes. Taxing CO2 emissions is not the answer, because this will cost money that could be spent on alternative energy development..."
On Immigration
"We must secure our borders and require that people respect our immigration laws. I know....how difficult it is for people from certain countries to get visas but it does not give anyone the right to circumvent the current process. If we give special privilege to people who break the immigration laws what kind of message does that send to the people who waiting for legal entry?"
There is not very much information about specific political positions and I was not able to find out very much about him at all except that I read somewhere he was a former Army veteran. In any case, hopefully I will have more information about him in the future.
For now, I am still thinking Salazar is Washington's best hope to un-seat Patty Murray and try to effect some REAL change in 2010.
Update:
Here are some other quotes that I found on another Glover for Senate page:
Here is an interesting one about lobbyists:
e"Lobbying is the Constitutional right of all legal citizens, corporations and organization as a way to persuade the governing body to enact particular legislation........Lobbyists are not the problem that many politicians say they are. Corrupt politiicans (that stand in line to receive money that the lobbyist will give them for their vote) are the problem. If a lobbyist has a valid argument then that should be all the persuasion needed, if their argument is not valid no amount of money should make it valid. It is time we vote for people whose only special interest group is the American people. The legal citizens of Washington will be my only special interest."
On the Welfare system:
"A smaller Federal government is the most effective government. If the federal government was....doing what it was supposed to do there would be more money in the state and local governments to take care of the social problems of their area. We have a stronger voice at the state and local level......A state or local government knows more about the needs of their communities than a person who spends most of his/her time in Washington DC
Here is something interesting about him. He actually states that we should replace any Representative or Senator that voted for the bailout bill of 2008 and the stimulus package of 2009. By voting for these, he says, "they are voting for expansions of the federal government and/or unconstitutional powers or programs that does nothing more than to solidify their power and control over the states and their citizens."
The more I read about the guy, the more I begin to like him. He sounds like an anti-Federalist to me. A person that favors a less powerful central government that only performs the functions that the Constitution speficially assigns to them.
Isn't It Ironic?
Isn't it a little bit ironic that the person whose legal actions effectively legalized abortion in the United States in 1973 is now a pro-lifer that volunteers for Operation Rescue?
In fact, at one point in time, she actually petitioned to have Roe v Wade overturned.
And she has shown up recently in the news as having been arrested during the Soto(Oscar)mayor confirmation hearings because she was protesting during Senator Al Franken's opening statements.
How ironic. But hey, good for her for switching to the right side.
No Friend of the Working Man
I found this Palin quote over at Flopping Aces.
It is a response to the Obama cap and tax plan:
Ok, so technically he did not lie. Increasing one's electricity bill, technically, is not raising taxes.
However, the principle of the matter is that this just points out how much a friend of the poor this man isn't.
I take offense to this because I am one of those people Governor Palin (is she still a governor or has she already resigned?) spoke out. I struggle to make ends meet.
But let us look at a hypothetical situation.
Let us say that I am a person that barely makes enough money to live on. I am barely scraping together enough money every month to pay my bills. My electricity bills go up. Technically, at that point, all of my bills are going to go up because the other people whose bills I owe are going to increase their rates because their electricity bills go up.
So what are my options? I can either go out and find a second job. At that point, yes, I will make enough money to keep my head above water and continue supporting my family. Supporting them financially that is. But am I really supporting them? With me (remember hypothetically) away from home longer because I now have a 2nd job because I don't want to be evicted and I don't want my water and power shut off, I never see my kids so they are not spending time with their father and not learning essential things from me so they end up as ill-adjusted citizens. All because my electricity bill went up!
But that is not my only option, my other option is that I can ask for assistance from the government. I can basically get more financial assistance from my state government. So, in essence, I am on welfare. Again, because my electricity bill went up. And the problem is that I will not be able to get off welfare until I somehow score a better paying job which isn't very likely because the job market sucks thanks to the cap and tax plan (among many other things) or when the policies that brought about the cap and tax plan are ended, which isn't very likely. So in reality, I am going to end up on welfare, even though I have a job, because my electricity bill went up. So not only am I working a job AND on welfare but I am probably feeling pretty low about my station in life because I am on welfare.
It is a response to the Obama cap and tax plan:
"The Americans hit hardest will be those already struggling to make ends meet. As the president eloquently puts it, their electricity bills will 'necessarily skyrocket.' So much for not raising taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year."
Ok, so technically he did not lie. Increasing one's electricity bill, technically, is not raising taxes.
However, the principle of the matter is that this just points out how much a friend of the poor this man isn't.
I take offense to this because I am one of those people Governor Palin (is she still a governor or has she already resigned?) spoke out. I struggle to make ends meet.
But let us look at a hypothetical situation.
Let us say that I am a person that barely makes enough money to live on. I am barely scraping together enough money every month to pay my bills. My electricity bills go up. Technically, at that point, all of my bills are going to go up because the other people whose bills I owe are going to increase their rates because their electricity bills go up.
So what are my options? I can either go out and find a second job. At that point, yes, I will make enough money to keep my head above water and continue supporting my family. Supporting them financially that is. But am I really supporting them? With me (remember hypothetically) away from home longer because I now have a 2nd job because I don't want to be evicted and I don't want my water and power shut off, I never see my kids so they are not spending time with their father and not learning essential things from me so they end up as ill-adjusted citizens. All because my electricity bill went up!
But that is not my only option, my other option is that I can ask for assistance from the government. I can basically get more financial assistance from my state government. So, in essence, I am on welfare. Again, because my electricity bill went up. And the problem is that I will not be able to get off welfare until I somehow score a better paying job which isn't very likely because the job market sucks thanks to the cap and tax plan (among many other things) or when the policies that brought about the cap and tax plan are ended, which isn't very likely. So in reality, I am going to end up on welfare, even though I have a job, because my electricity bill went up. So not only am I working a job AND on welfare but I am probably feeling pretty low about my station in life because I am on welfare.
Granted, there are people out there that have absolutely no pride and find it perfectly okay to live out their entire life on welfare. But I am willing to bet that there is a pretty good percentage of people on welfare but really don't want to be on it and wish something would happen to help them get off of it.
So how, might I ask my friends, is THAT being a friend and supporter of the working man?
I find myself in perfect agreement with Governor Palin on this. We can NOT afford to allow this cap and tax bill to become law. We simply can't.
Pleeeease....write your elected officials and let them know this can not happen. If you don't know who your elected officials are, I have a widget on the side of my blog here (no, not there! over there on the right!) where you can type in your zip code and find out who they are and how you can contact them.
And remember to vote in 2010 for a Congressional takeover!!!
So how, might I ask my friends, is THAT being a friend and supporter of the working man?
I find myself in perfect agreement with Governor Palin on this. We can NOT afford to allow this cap and tax bill to become law. We simply can't.
Pleeeease....write your elected officials and let them know this can not happen. If you don't know who your elected officials are, I have a widget on the side of my blog here (no, not there! over there on the right!) where you can type in your zip code and find out who they are and how you can contact them.
And remember to vote in 2010 for a Congressional takeover!!!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Beatles: DOTM Part 1 (UK Releases)
I realized last night after posting my Picking the Favorite of the Beatles post that I have never done a discography of the moment for this band.
Initially I found that quite strange but then I remember that at one point I had attempted to do it but realized what a big undertaking it really was and decided against it mid-stream.
So I decided to give it another go. I will be splitting this one up into 2 separate posts. Part 1 will be what is considered "canon" releases which are basically all of the U.K. released. Part 2 of course will be all of the U.S. releases.
Initially I found that quite strange but then I remember that at one point I had attempted to do it but realized what a big undertaking it really was and decided against it mid-stream.
So I decided to give it another go. I will be splitting this one up into 2 separate posts. Part 1 will be what is considered "canon" releases which are basically all of the U.K. released. Part 2 of course will be all of the U.S. releases.
Also I will only be listing studio albums. I am not going to get into the myriad of compilation albums that have been released from this band. There are way too many to get into and I doubt I could really find an exhaustive list of them anywhere.
So without further adieu, it begins:
Please Please Me
Released in March 1963 by Parlophone.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London.
Band lineup:
John Lennon - vocals, guitar; Paul McCartney - vocals, bass; George Harrison - vocals, lead guitar; Ringo Starr - drums, vocals (this line will remain the same for all releases)
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Love Me Do/PS I Love You" "Please Please Me/Ask Me Why" "Twist and Shout" and "Do You Want to Know a Secret"
With the Beatles
Released in November 1963 by Parlophone.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Road.
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"All My Loving" and "Roll Over Beethoven"
Hard Days Night
Released in July 1964 by Parlophone.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Road and Pathe Marconi Studio.
Tracks: 13
Singles:
"Cant Buy Me Love/You Can't Do That" "A Hard Days Night/Things We Said Today" "And I Love Her" and "I'll Cry Instead"
Beatles For Sale
Released in December 1964 by Parlophone.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Road.
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Eight Days a Week"
Help!
Released in August 1965 by Parlophone/Capitol/EMI.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Raod.
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Ticket to Ride" "Help!" and "Yesterday"
Rubber Soul
Released in December 1965 by Parlophone/Capitol/EMI
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Nowhere Man"
Revolver
Released in August 1966 by Parlophone/Capitol/EMI
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Yellow Submarine/Eleanor Rigby"
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Released in June 1967 by Parlophone/Capitol.
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road
Tracks: 13
Magical Mystery Tour
Released in November 1967 by Parlophone/Capitol.
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road and Olympic Sound Studio, London
Tracks: 22
Singles:
"Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever" "All You Need Is Love/Baby You're a Rich Man" and "Hello Goodbye/I Am the Walrus"
The Beatles (White Album)
Released in November 1968 by Apple/Parlophone/EMI
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road and Trident Studios in London
Tracks: 30
Singles:
"Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da/Julia"
Yellow Submarine
Released in January 1969 by Apple
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road
Tracks: 13
Abbey Road
Released in September 1969 by Apple/Parlophone
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road, Olympic Studio and Trident Studio
Tracks: 17
Singles:
"Something/Come Together"
Let It Be
Released in May 1970 by Apple.
Produced by Phil Spector
Recorded at Abbey Road and Apple Studios
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"Get Back" "Let It Be" and "The Long and Winding Road"
So without further adieu, it begins:
Please Please Me
Released in March 1963 by Parlophone.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London.
Band lineup:
John Lennon - vocals, guitar; Paul McCartney - vocals, bass; George Harrison - vocals, lead guitar; Ringo Starr - drums, vocals (this line will remain the same for all releases)
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Love Me Do/PS I Love You" "Please Please Me/Ask Me Why" "Twist and Shout" and "Do You Want to Know a Secret"
With the Beatles
Released in November 1963 by Parlophone.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Road.
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"All My Loving" and "Roll Over Beethoven"
Hard Days Night
Released in July 1964 by Parlophone.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Road and Pathe Marconi Studio.
Tracks: 13
Singles:
"Cant Buy Me Love/You Can't Do That" "A Hard Days Night/Things We Said Today" "And I Love Her" and "I'll Cry Instead"
Beatles For Sale
Released in December 1964 by Parlophone.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Road.
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Eight Days a Week"
Help!
Released in August 1965 by Parlophone/Capitol/EMI.
Produced by George Martin.
Recorded at Abbey Raod.
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Ticket to Ride" "Help!" and "Yesterday"
Rubber Soul
Released in December 1965 by Parlophone/Capitol/EMI
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Nowhere Man"
Revolver
Released in August 1966 by Parlophone/Capitol/EMI
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road
Tracks: 14
Singles:
"Yellow Submarine/Eleanor Rigby"
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Released in June 1967 by Parlophone/Capitol.
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road
Tracks: 13
Magical Mystery Tour
Released in November 1967 by Parlophone/Capitol.
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road and Olympic Sound Studio, London
Tracks: 22
Singles:
"Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever" "All You Need Is Love/Baby You're a Rich Man" and "Hello Goodbye/I Am the Walrus"
The Beatles (White Album)
Released in November 1968 by Apple/Parlophone/EMI
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road and Trident Studios in London
Tracks: 30
Singles:
"Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da/Julia"
Yellow Submarine
Released in January 1969 by Apple
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road
Tracks: 13
Abbey Road
Released in September 1969 by Apple/Parlophone
Produced by George Martin
Recorded at Abbey Road, Olympic Studio and Trident Studio
Tracks: 17
Singles:
"Something/Come Together"
Let It Be
Released in May 1970 by Apple.
Produced by Phil Spector
Recorded at Abbey Road and Apple Studios
Tracks: 12
Singles:
"Get Back" "Let It Be" and "The Long and Winding Road"
Poll of the Week
So I finally came up with an idea for a new poll of the week.
This week's poll asks the question. Who do you think killed JFK?
As always if your choice ends up being other, please comment on this post so I can give your choice the proper credit in the final results.
Thanks and happy polling!
This week's poll asks the question. Who do you think killed JFK?
As always if your choice ends up being other, please comment on this post so I can give your choice the proper credit in the final results.
Thanks and happy polling!
Picking the Favorites: The Beatles
To make this list a little easier I will only be listing album that were released in the United States by this band.
Introducing the Beatles
"I Saw Her Standing There"
Meet the Beatles
"All My Loving"
The Beatles 2nd Album
"She Loves You"
Hard Days Night
"And I Love Her"
- - 2nd place goes to "Can't Buy Me Love"
Something New
"I'm Happy Just to Dance With You"
Beatles '65
"Baby's in Black"
- - 2nd place goes to "No Reply" - - this one so far has been the hardest to pick a favorite on
The Early Beatles
"A Taste of Honey"
Beatles VI
"I Don't Want to Spoil the Party"
Help!
"You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"
Rubber Soul
"I've Just Seen a Face"
Yesterday and Today
"We Can Work It Out"
- - 2nd place goes to "If I Needed Someone"
Revolver
"Eleanor Rigby"
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
"Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
- - this album strangely enough was never one of my favorite's of theirs
Magical Mystery Tour
"All You Need is Love"
- - If you ever get a chance you should hear the Cheap Trick version of the title track. It is one of the very few decent cover versions of a Beatles song I have heard in my life.
The Beatles (The White Album)
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
- - 2nd place goes to "Dear Prudence"
Yellow Submarine
"All Together Now"
Abbey Road
"Here Comes the Sun"
Hey Jude
"Paperback Writer"
- - 2nd place goes to "Hey Jude"
Let It Be
"Let It Be"
- - 2nd place goes to "The Long and Winding Road"
Introducing the Beatles
"I Saw Her Standing There"
Meet the Beatles
"All My Loving"
The Beatles 2nd Album
"She Loves You"
Hard Days Night
"And I Love Her"
- - 2nd place goes to "Can't Buy Me Love"
Something New
"I'm Happy Just to Dance With You"
Beatles '65
"Baby's in Black"
- - 2nd place goes to "No Reply" - - this one so far has been the hardest to pick a favorite on
The Early Beatles
"A Taste of Honey"
Beatles VI
"I Don't Want to Spoil the Party"
Help!
"You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"
Rubber Soul
"I've Just Seen a Face"
Yesterday and Today
"We Can Work It Out"
- - 2nd place goes to "If I Needed Someone"
Revolver
"Eleanor Rigby"
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
"Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
- - this album strangely enough was never one of my favorite's of theirs
Magical Mystery Tour
"All You Need is Love"
- - If you ever get a chance you should hear the Cheap Trick version of the title track. It is one of the very few decent cover versions of a Beatles song I have heard in my life.
The Beatles (The White Album)
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
- - 2nd place goes to "Dear Prudence"
Yellow Submarine
"All Together Now"
Abbey Road
"Here Comes the Sun"
Hey Jude
"Paperback Writer"
- - 2nd place goes to "Hey Jude"
Let It Be
"Let It Be"
- - 2nd place goes to "The Long and Winding Road"
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday Night Shuffle
Are you ready for some shuffle?!?!? Sorry, I couldn't resist.
- Hope - Descendents (from 1982s Milo Goes to College)
- Suffer - Bad Religion (from 1988s Suffer)
- I Don't Believe in Love - Queensryche (1988s Operation Mindcrime)
- Not My Own - Living Sacrifice (2000s The Hammering Process)
- Hateful Notebook - Descendents (1996s Everything Sucks)
- My Girlfriend - Relient K (2000s Relient K)
- Breaking My Own Heart - Haste the Day (2004s Burning Bridges)
- The Weakest - Emery (2005s The Question)
- Queen in Love - Yngwie J Malmsteen (1986s Trilogy)
- Hold Me - Weezer (2005s Make Believe)
- Good As My Word - ALL (1998s Mass Nerder)
- Adelaide - Anberlin (2007s Cities)
- Need You Around - Smoking Popes (1994s Born to Quit)
- Heartland - U2 (1988s Rattle and Hum)
Quote of the Day
I was watching the movie Thirteen Days the other night. This is a movie about the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The movie itself is not the subject of this post but at the end of the movie, it played a snippet of a quote from a speech that President John F Kennedy delivered in June 1963.
I have always like the quote. So I decided to post it here tonight.
This speech was given by President Kennedy on June 10, 1963 at the American University Commencement ceremony.
I have always thought that it was really sad that President Kennedy died so early in his life, not being able to complete his presidential term and not being able to run for a 2nd term. This was a man that I think had incredible potential that was never fully developed and was taken away from our country way too far before his time.
In my opinion, President Kennedy was a man that truly desired peace at all costs.
Say what you want about the man and his presidency but I really admire the man.
You can view the speech in its entirety here.
I have always like the quote. So I decided to post it here tonight.
"...the most important topic on earth: peace. What kind of peace do I mean and what kind of a peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, and the kind that enables men and nations to grow, and to hope, and build a better life for their children. Not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women, not merely in peace in our time but peace in all time......
...So let us not be blind to our differences but let us also direct attention to our common interests and the means by which those differences can be resolved. And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's futures. And we are all mortal.....
...While we proceed to safeguard our national interests, let us also safeguard human interests. And the elimination of war and arms is clearly in the interest of both.............The United States, as the world knows, will never start a war. We do not want a war. We do not now expect a war. This generation of Americans has already had enough - - more than enough - - of war and hate and oppression.
We shall be prepared if others wish it. We shall be alert to try to stop it. But we shall also do our part to build a world of peace where the weak are safe and the strong are just. We are not helpless before that task or hopeless of its success. Confident and unafraid, we must labor on - - not towards a strategy of annihilation but towards a strategy of peace."
This speech was given by President Kennedy on June 10, 1963 at the American University Commencement ceremony.
I have always thought that it was really sad that President Kennedy died so early in his life, not being able to complete his presidential term and not being able to run for a 2nd term. This was a man that I think had incredible potential that was never fully developed and was taken away from our country way too far before his time.
In my opinion, President Kennedy was a man that truly desired peace at all costs.
Say what you want about the man and his presidency but I really admire the man.
You can view the speech in its entirety here.
Here is another great quote from this speech:
"Too many of us think [that peace] is impossible. Too many think it is unreal. But that is a dangerous, defeatist belief. It leads to the conclusion that war is inevitable, that mankind is doomed.....We need not accept that view. Our problems are man made; therefore, they can be solved by man...No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings."
What the Heck is The Patients' Choice Act?
I was reading an article over at Steve Fair's blog titled We Can Ill Afford Government Health Care.
And you know me, I'm a sucker for a good health care reform article.
Anyway, as I was reading the article he mentioned something that has been introduced in Congress called the Patient's Choice Act. He did really say much about it but it seemed to focus more on the prevention of chronic disease due to the fact that 75% of our country's health care dollars are spent treating people with chronic diseases.
So I decided to look up some information about this and see what I could find out about it.
For starters, it is a bill that was introduced in Congress by Senators Tom Coburn (R-OK), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Congressmen Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Devin Nunes (R-CA) in May 2009.
It emphasizes choice and competition over rationing and encourages the prevention of chronic diseases by requiring the CDC to promote healthier lifestyles.
It also places more emphasis on letting the States come up with solutions for its citizens.
Its goal, not unlike the Democrat's plan, is to provide from universal coverage to all Americans by reforming the tax code to give every American the ability and the resources to purchase their own health insurance.
Here is a quote from Senator Tom Coburn from Oklahoma (who by the way is one of only 2 practicing physicians in Congress):
This bill does not undermine employer-based health care. It allows the individual American to make the decision of where to spend their health care dollars. It allows for tax breaks to individuals in order to give them control over where they spend their money when it comes to health care for themselves and their families.
Here are some more quotes about the bill from Tom Coburn's website:
Good ideas Tom but do they? Do Americans really know that government-run solutions are not the best solutions? I would truly hope so but sadly I think more and more Americans these days are beginning to depend more on the federal government to fix all of our problems and to take care of them. Sad. But true.
So I do like the idea of giving the States' more power in health care matters. Actually I am all in favor of giving the State's more power in a lot of matters but that is probably a better subject for another post.
I would not necessarily say that this is the BEST plan that anybody in Washington DC has come up with but it is certainly fathoms better than what the Obamamites and the Pelosinians have come up with.
I strongly recommend that if you have not already that you look into this plan and if you think it is better than anything the Democrats have come up and think that this is better reform than Obamacare, please write your elected officials and let them know what you think.
Here are some websites where you can find out more information about this bill:
The Patients' Choice Act @ Tom Coburn's website
Congressman Paul Ryan on the Patients' Choice Act @ his website
An Alternative to Obamacare @ Real Clear Politics
And you know me, I'm a sucker for a good health care reform article.
Anyway, as I was reading the article he mentioned something that has been introduced in Congress called the Patient's Choice Act. He did really say much about it but it seemed to focus more on the prevention of chronic disease due to the fact that 75% of our country's health care dollars are spent treating people with chronic diseases.
So I decided to look up some information about this and see what I could find out about it.
For starters, it is a bill that was introduced in Congress by Senators Tom Coburn (R-OK), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Congressmen Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Devin Nunes (R-CA) in May 2009.
It emphasizes choice and competition over rationing and encourages the prevention of chronic diseases by requiring the CDC to promote healthier lifestyles.
It also places more emphasis on letting the States come up with solutions for its citizens.
Its goal, not unlike the Democrat's plan, is to provide from universal coverage to all Americans by reforming the tax code to give every American the ability and the resources to purchase their own health insurance.
Here is a quote from Senator Tom Coburn from Oklahoma (who by the way is one of only 2 practicing physicians in Congress):
...I have seen first-hand how giving government more control over health care has failed to make health care more affordable and accessible. The American people deserve health care reform that will work, not another round of so-called reform that repeats the same failed policies of the past.....The Patients' Choice Act will provide every American with access to affordable health care without a tax increase, more debt and waiting lines."
This bill does not undermine employer-based health care. It allows the individual American to make the decision of where to spend their health care dollars. It allows for tax breaks to individuals in order to give them control over where they spend their money when it comes to health care for themselves and their families.
Here are some more quotes about the bill from Tom Coburn's website:
"[The United States] has the best doctors in the world...the best hospitals in the world.......Now America needs the best health care system in the world. The Patients' Choice Act would remove the barriers that separate Americans from high-value health care by enhancing individual purchasing power and creating rational government rules....The Patients' Choice Act would give every American the opportunity to choose the health plan that best meets their individual needs. It would utilize state-driven exchanges to facilitate real competition between private plans and give Americans..a choice of health care plans......It will truly achieve portability so that workers can take benefits with them when they change jobs......the Patients' Choice Act puts patients in control....This is the kind of change America's health care system needs..........Americans already know that government-run programs are not the solution."
Good ideas Tom but do they? Do Americans really know that government-run solutions are not the best solutions? I would truly hope so but sadly I think more and more Americans these days are beginning to depend more on the federal government to fix all of our problems and to take care of them. Sad. But true.
So I do like the idea of giving the States' more power in health care matters. Actually I am all in favor of giving the State's more power in a lot of matters but that is probably a better subject for another post.
I would not necessarily say that this is the BEST plan that anybody in Washington DC has come up with but it is certainly fathoms better than what the Obamamites and the Pelosinians have come up with.
I strongly recommend that if you have not already that you look into this plan and if you think it is better than anything the Democrats have come up and think that this is better reform than Obamacare, please write your elected officials and let them know what you think.
Here are some websites where you can find out more information about this bill:
The Patients' Choice Act @ Tom Coburn's website
Congressman Paul Ryan on the Patients' Choice Act @ his website
An Alternative to Obamacare @ Real Clear Politics
Saturday, July 11, 2009
A GREAT IDEA!
So I have this really great idea. It is just pure genius.
Check this out.
I am really broke and I can usually just barely scrap up enough to pay all of our bills so this is the plan I came up with.
I am going to go out and spend MORE money (that I don't have) to buy a bunch of crap that I don't really need and that will make me more prosperous. Yes, spending more of what I don't have will make all of my financial problems go away.
Right. Sounds stupid doesn't it?
Well...isn't this the same thing that the Obama administration is doing to fix our country's economy? Sounds like it to me.
That is what I like to call DOO DOO ECONOMICS.
Check this out.
I am really broke and I can usually just barely scrap up enough to pay all of our bills so this is the plan I came up with.
I am going to go out and spend MORE money (that I don't have) to buy a bunch of crap that I don't really need and that will make me more prosperous. Yes, spending more of what I don't have will make all of my financial problems go away.
Right. Sounds stupid doesn't it?
Well...isn't this the same thing that the Obama administration is doing to fix our country's economy? Sounds like it to me.
That is what I like to call DOO DOO ECONOMICS.
Who is Pat Buchanan...Really?
I have heard a lot of bad things about Pat Buchanan. I don't think I have ever read a blog, newspaper article or listened to any type of broadcast that casts him in a positive light.
I never really bothered to ask why. I just figured from what I heard from others that this is the type of guy that Rush Limbaugh would call a right-wing nut job...so that must be pretty bad. LOL!
However, lately I have been wondering...honestly, what about him is so bad? So I decided to finally take a look for myself and see what I could find out about the man.
Here is some background about him first:
Born in 1938 in Washington DC to a nurse and an accountant. His great-grandfather fought in the Civil War for the South.
He is a Roman Catholic. He attended Catholic schools and was educated at Georgetown University.
While at Georgetown he served in the ROTC. At the outbreak of the Vietnam was he was rejected for military service due to mild arthritis. He earned a master's degree in journalism from Columbia in 1962.
At 23 he began writing for the St Louis Globe-Democrat. In 1964 he was promoted to assistant editorial page editor.
He was hired as an advisor to Richard Nixon's presidential campaign in 1966 as a researcher. After Nixon took office he was hired as a speechwriter and White House advisor. When Nixon resigned he continued to work as an advisor to President Ford.
After this stint he became a political commentator, appearing on the radio show Buchanan-Brade (Tom Braden, liberal columnist) and beginning his TV career on The McLaughlin Group and CNNs Crossfire.
He went back to work for the White House in 1985 as Communications Director. After Reagan left the White House he returned to being a political commentator.
He challenged incumbent President George H.W. Bush's 2nd bid for the presidency and actually won 38% of the New Hampshire primary but overall only received 3 million total votes so he threw his support behind Bush.
In 1995 he ran for President again along with Senator Robert Dole who eventually won the Republican nomination (although he had defeated Dole in the New Hampshire primary by 3000 votes).
He left the Republican Party in 1999 and in 2000 won the Presidential nomination for the Reform Party. At this time he called for the U.S. withdrawal from the United Nations and the abolition of the I.R.S., the Dept of Education, Dept of Energy, and HUD. In the 2000 election he finished 4th with 0.4% of the popular vote.
In 2002 he started a conservative magazine title The American Conservative. Its 1st issue was released October 7, 2002.
So enough background, here are some of this thoughts on politics (along with a little commentary from myself about these viewpoints):
He considers himself a traditional conservative as opposed to a neoconservative (see What the heck is a neoconservative).
He supports the abolition of several government agencies such as the Dept of Education.
I am okay with that. I think the less bureaucracy, the better off we will eventually be.
He opposes military interventionism, frequently quoting George Washington and Thomas Jefferson about avoiding "entangling alliances."
I am okay with that too.
He believes that life begins at conception and fervently opposes abortion. He has been quoted as saying:
Okay, so I can see where those on the "left" (geez i hate using that word) would consider this to be an extreme point of view but personally I think he is right on the money.
He feels that a culture war is going on in America and that issues such as abortion, gay rights, feminism, flag-burning, and women in combat are dividing this country needlessly.
So far so good. I agree with him 100% so far.
He supports a constitutional amendment allowing state-sanctioned prayer in public schools.
Okay, I have a problem with that one. I don't want schools trying to teach my kids religion and I really don't think the "state" should be sanctioning anything. Voluntary school prayer is okay though.
He openly ridicules those who oppose the display of the Confederate flag stating that the U.S. Civil War was fought over states rights and "the right of a people to break free of a government to which they could no longer give allegiance."
Okay, this one is probably going to get me blasted pretty hard. I actually agree with him in regards to the Civil War. I personally don't think the Union had any right telling the Southern states that were not allowed to secede and actually fought a bloody, senseless war in order to force them back into it. And this particular war set a very long, ugly precedent in regards to states rights. Okay, bring it on, I'm ready for the tongue lashing.
He opposes the War in Iraq stating that it is being fought not over bringing democracy to a foreign nation but to preserve and protect American oil rights in the Middle East.
Yeah, I think everyone knows my opinion on all this. I totally agree with him on this too. See! A conservative that opposes the war. This is a good clear distinction between neoconservatives and traditional conservatives.
He fully supports the war on drugs and opposes the legalization of marijuana, except in medical cases.
Okay, another one I disagree with him on.
So far I really don't see anything that is all that extreme or kooky or anything that makes him a nut job.
I had heard at some point in time that his views on immigration reform are really what people go after him about.
So here is his "platform" regarding immigration:
He calls for a 10 year suspension on illegal immigration.
Uhm, wait why only 10 years? After 10 years we can have illegal immigrants again? This one I don't understand. Maybe I am interpreting this idea wrong.
He calls for a 2000 mile double line security fence between the U.S. and Mexico. Nothing really weird there. Bush signed a law to put a fence up.
He calls for an end to all social welfare benefits for illegal aliens, except for emergency medical services.
I agree. Sure they have can emergency medical treatment but once they are treated, let's ship em back where they came from!
He calls for punishing businesses that hire illegal aliens.
No problems with that.
He calls for a mass deportation of all aliens convicted of felonies and every gang member that is not a citizen of the United States.
Are there people out there that are actually opposed to this?
Okay, maybe the Christian feeling on this should be that we should be taking care of foreigners and what not and maybe that is the way I should feel but as a Christian I also know that the Bible tells us to follow the law and if you are an illegal immigrant you are breaking the law. So I will help you if you are hurt or poor (that is if I had any money to give you) but I will not condone your further breaking the law by remaining in a country of which you are not a citizen and certainly not the further taking in of benefits that should be illegal to be giving you in the first place. Sorry. If this is an extreme point of view then I guess my thoughts are a little extrem too.
So for the most part, in everything I have read about Pat I don't really find anything that weird or out of the ordinary. I decided to reserve a couple of his books from the local library to give them a read and see if I find anything goofy about his thoughts in those. I will let you know once I get them and finish reading them what I think about them.
Anybody else have any thoughts or read anything else about him that would clear up this whole why do so many people think Buchanan is a freak thing?
I never really bothered to ask why. I just figured from what I heard from others that this is the type of guy that Rush Limbaugh would call a right-wing nut job...so that must be pretty bad. LOL!
However, lately I have been wondering...honestly, what about him is so bad? So I decided to finally take a look for myself and see what I could find out about the man.
Here is some background about him first:
Born in 1938 in Washington DC to a nurse and an accountant. His great-grandfather fought in the Civil War for the South.
He is a Roman Catholic. He attended Catholic schools and was educated at Georgetown University.
While at Georgetown he served in the ROTC. At the outbreak of the Vietnam was he was rejected for military service due to mild arthritis. He earned a master's degree in journalism from Columbia in 1962.
At 23 he began writing for the St Louis Globe-Democrat. In 1964 he was promoted to assistant editorial page editor.
He was hired as an advisor to Richard Nixon's presidential campaign in 1966 as a researcher. After Nixon took office he was hired as a speechwriter and White House advisor. When Nixon resigned he continued to work as an advisor to President Ford.
After this stint he became a political commentator, appearing on the radio show Buchanan-Brade (Tom Braden, liberal columnist) and beginning his TV career on The McLaughlin Group and CNNs Crossfire.
He went back to work for the White House in 1985 as Communications Director. After Reagan left the White House he returned to being a political commentator.
He challenged incumbent President George H.W. Bush's 2nd bid for the presidency and actually won 38% of the New Hampshire primary but overall only received 3 million total votes so he threw his support behind Bush.
In 1995 he ran for President again along with Senator Robert Dole who eventually won the Republican nomination (although he had defeated Dole in the New Hampshire primary by 3000 votes).
He left the Republican Party in 1999 and in 2000 won the Presidential nomination for the Reform Party. At this time he called for the U.S. withdrawal from the United Nations and the abolition of the I.R.S., the Dept of Education, Dept of Energy, and HUD. In the 2000 election he finished 4th with 0.4% of the popular vote.
In 2002 he started a conservative magazine title The American Conservative. Its 1st issue was released October 7, 2002.
So enough background, here are some of this thoughts on politics (along with a little commentary from myself about these viewpoints):
He considers himself a traditional conservative as opposed to a neoconservative (see What the heck is a neoconservative).
He supports the abolition of several government agencies such as the Dept of Education.
I am okay with that. I think the less bureaucracy, the better off we will eventually be.
He opposes military interventionism, frequently quoting George Washington and Thomas Jefferson about avoiding "entangling alliances."
I am okay with that too.
He believes that life begins at conception and fervently opposes abortion. He has been quoted as saying:
"I don't care about the circumstances of a child's conception...execute the rapist and let the unborn child live."
Okay, so I can see where those on the "left" (geez i hate using that word) would consider this to be an extreme point of view but personally I think he is right on the money.
He feels that a culture war is going on in America and that issues such as abortion, gay rights, feminism, flag-burning, and women in combat are dividing this country needlessly.
So far so good. I agree with him 100% so far.
He supports a constitutional amendment allowing state-sanctioned prayer in public schools.
Okay, I have a problem with that one. I don't want schools trying to teach my kids religion and I really don't think the "state" should be sanctioning anything. Voluntary school prayer is okay though.
He openly ridicules those who oppose the display of the Confederate flag stating that the U.S. Civil War was fought over states rights and "the right of a people to break free of a government to which they could no longer give allegiance."
Okay, this one is probably going to get me blasted pretty hard. I actually agree with him in regards to the Civil War. I personally don't think the Union had any right telling the Southern states that were not allowed to secede and actually fought a bloody, senseless war in order to force them back into it. And this particular war set a very long, ugly precedent in regards to states rights. Okay, bring it on, I'm ready for the tongue lashing.
He opposes the War in Iraq stating that it is being fought not over bringing democracy to a foreign nation but to preserve and protect American oil rights in the Middle East.
Yeah, I think everyone knows my opinion on all this. I totally agree with him on this too. See! A conservative that opposes the war. This is a good clear distinction between neoconservatives and traditional conservatives.
He fully supports the war on drugs and opposes the legalization of marijuana, except in medical cases.
Okay, another one I disagree with him on.
So far I really don't see anything that is all that extreme or kooky or anything that makes him a nut job.
I had heard at some point in time that his views on immigration reform are really what people go after him about.
So here is his "platform" regarding immigration:
He calls for a 10 year suspension on illegal immigration.
Uhm, wait why only 10 years? After 10 years we can have illegal immigrants again? This one I don't understand. Maybe I am interpreting this idea wrong.
He calls for a 2000 mile double line security fence between the U.S. and Mexico. Nothing really weird there. Bush signed a law to put a fence up.
He calls for an end to all social welfare benefits for illegal aliens, except for emergency medical services.
I agree. Sure they have can emergency medical treatment but once they are treated, let's ship em back where they came from!
He calls for punishing businesses that hire illegal aliens.
No problems with that.
He calls for a mass deportation of all aliens convicted of felonies and every gang member that is not a citizen of the United States.
Are there people out there that are actually opposed to this?
Okay, maybe the Christian feeling on this should be that we should be taking care of foreigners and what not and maybe that is the way I should feel but as a Christian I also know that the Bible tells us to follow the law and if you are an illegal immigrant you are breaking the law. So I will help you if you are hurt or poor (that is if I had any money to give you) but I will not condone your further breaking the law by remaining in a country of which you are not a citizen and certainly not the further taking in of benefits that should be illegal to be giving you in the first place. Sorry. If this is an extreme point of view then I guess my thoughts are a little extrem too.
So for the most part, in everything I have read about Pat I don't really find anything that weird or out of the ordinary. I decided to reserve a couple of his books from the local library to give them a read and see if I find anything goofy about his thoughts in those. I will let you know once I get them and finish reading them what I think about them.
Anybody else have any thoughts or read anything else about him that would clear up this whole why do so many people think Buchanan is a freak thing?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Picking the Favorites: Screeching Weasel
I will only be doing this for their studio LPs, not any singles or EPs.
Screeching Weasel
"I Hate Led Zeppelin"
Boogadaboogadaboogada
"Dingbat"
- - followed closely by "Hey Suburbia"
My Brain Hurts
"My Brain Hurts"
- - 2nd place goes to "Veronica Hates Me"
Wiggle
"Automatic Rejection"
Anthem for a New Tomorrow
"A New Tomorrow"
- - This one was a hard choice. I really like this album a lot. In fact, now that I think about it, this CD was actually the very first LP I ever heard from the band (the 1st recording I heard of them was the Radioblast 7")
How To Make Enemies and Irritate People
I can't really come up with a favorite because for some reason I really just don't like this album at all.
Bark Like a Dog
"Your Name is Tattooed on My Heart"
- - This one was even harder to decide on then Anthem. This album might even be a better album in my opinion than that one.
Television City Dream
"Speed of Mutation"
Emo
"Sidewalk Warrior"
Teen Punks in Heat
Can't really come up with one for this album either. I have listened through it a couple of times and really just don't like it all that much.
Screeching Weasel
"I Hate Led Zeppelin"
Boogadaboogadaboogada
"Dingbat"
- - followed closely by "Hey Suburbia"
My Brain Hurts
"My Brain Hurts"
- - 2nd place goes to "Veronica Hates Me"
Wiggle
"Automatic Rejection"
Anthem for a New Tomorrow
"A New Tomorrow"
- - This one was a hard choice. I really like this album a lot. In fact, now that I think about it, this CD was actually the very first LP I ever heard from the band (the 1st recording I heard of them was the Radioblast 7")
How To Make Enemies and Irritate People
I can't really come up with a favorite because for some reason I really just don't like this album at all.
Bark Like a Dog
"Your Name is Tattooed on My Heart"
- - This one was even harder to decide on then Anthem. This album might even be a better album in my opinion than that one.
Television City Dream
"Speed of Mutation"
Emo
"Sidewalk Warrior"
Teen Punks in Heat
Can't really come up with one for this album either. I have listened through it a couple of times and really just don't like it all that much.
The Screeching Weasel DOTM
I did a DOTM for SW back in January 2007 but looking back at it, the post was really lame so I felt it deserved a "do-over."
Screeching Weasel
Released in 1987 by Underdog Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Band lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals; John Jughead - guitar; Vinnie Bovine - bass; Steve Cheese - drums.
Tracks: 39
Boogadaboogadaboogada!
Released in 1988 by Roadkill Records.
Produced by Ben Weasel and Jughead.
Lineup changes:
Vinnie Bovine was replaced by Fish.
Tracks: 26
Punkhouse
Released in 1989 by Limited Potential.
Produced by Mike Potential.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals/guitar; Jughead - guitar; Sewercap - bass; Brian Vermin - drums.
Tracks: 6
Pervo Devo
Released in 1991 by Shred of Dignity.
Produced by Andy Ernst and Larry Livermore.
Lineup changes:
Ben Weasel stopped playing guitar and Danny Vapid was added as a 2nd guitarist; Dave Naked replaced by Sewercap on bass; Danny Panic replaced Vermin on drums.
My Brain Hurts
Released in 1991 by Lookout! Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Lineup changes:
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 14
Ramones
Released in 1992 by Selfless Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals; Jughead - guitar; Danny Vapid - bass; Dan Panic - drums.
Tracks: 14
This album covers the 1st Ramones album in its entirety.
Happy Horny Gay and Sassy
Released in 1992 by Selfless Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel
Lineup changes:
Danny Vapid switched to 2nd guitar and Gub took over on bass.
Tracks: 8
Wiggle
Released in 1993 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini
Lineup changes:
Johnny Personality took over bass.
Tracks: 18
Radioblast
Released in 1993 by Underdog Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 2
Anthem For a New Tomorrow
Released in 1993 by Lookout!
Produced by Ben Weasel.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals/guitar; Danny Vapid - bass; Jughead - guitar; Dan Panic - drums.
Tracks: 18
You Broke My **** Heart
Released in 1993 by Lookout!
Produced by Mark Schwarz and Ben Weasel.
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 4
How To Make Enemies and Irritate People
Released in 1994 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel.
Lineup changes:
Bass guitar was supplied by Mike Dirnt.
Tracks: 13
Suzanne is Getting Married
Released in 1994 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini
Lineup changes:
Bass was performed by Mike Dirnt on one track and Mass Giorgini played on the other.
Tracks: 2
Kill the Musicians
Compilation album released in 1995 by Lookout!
Various produced.
Various lineups.
Tracks: 31
Contains demos, b-sides, vinyl-only EPs and other various odds and ends.
Bark Like a Dog
Released in 1996 by Fat Wreck Chords.
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals/guitar; Danny Vapid - bass; Jughead - guitar; Dan Panic - drums.
Tracks: 12
Forumla 27
Released in 1997 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel.
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 4
Television City Dream
Released in 1998 by Fat Wreck Chords.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals; Jughead - guitar; Zac Damon - guitar; Mass Giorgini - bass; Dan Lumley - drums
Tracks: 15
Beat Is On the Brat
Released in 1998 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel
This album was recorded by the pre-Television City Dream lineup.
Tracks: 18
Major Label Debut
Released in 1998 by Panic Button Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
This album was recorded by the Television City Dream lineup.
Tracks: 6
Emo
Released in May 1999 by Panic Button.
Produced by Brendan Burke.
Lineup changes:
Zac Damon left the band and Ben Weasel started playing guitar again.
Tracks: 12
Jesus Hates You
Released in 1999 by Panic Button.
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel.
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 3
Thank You Very Little
Compilation album released in February 2000 by Lookout!
Various producers.
Varioius lineups.
Tracks: 51 (2 CDs)
Teen Punks in Heat
Released in 2000 by Panic Button.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Lineup changes:
Ben stopped playing guitar again and 2nd guitar duties were taken over by Phillip Aaron Presley.
Tracks: 20
Weaselmania
Compilation album released in 2005 by Fat Wreck Chords.
Various producers.
Various lineups.
Tracks: 34
Screeching Weasel
Released in 1987 by Underdog Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Band lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals; John Jughead - guitar; Vinnie Bovine - bass; Steve Cheese - drums.
Tracks: 39
Boogadaboogadaboogada!
Released in 1988 by Roadkill Records.
Produced by Ben Weasel and Jughead.
Lineup changes:
Vinnie Bovine was replaced by Fish.
Tracks: 26
Punkhouse
Released in 1989 by Limited Potential.
Produced by Mike Potential.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals/guitar; Jughead - guitar; Sewercap - bass; Brian Vermin - drums.
Tracks: 6
Pervo Devo
Released in 1991 by Shred of Dignity.
Produced by Andy Ernst and Larry Livermore.
Lineup changes:
Ben Weasel stopped playing guitar and Danny Vapid was added as a 2nd guitarist; Dave Naked replaced by Sewercap on bass; Danny Panic replaced Vermin on drums.
My Brain Hurts
Released in 1991 by Lookout! Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Lineup changes:
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 14
Ramones
Released in 1992 by Selfless Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals; Jughead - guitar; Danny Vapid - bass; Dan Panic - drums.
Tracks: 14
This album covers the 1st Ramones album in its entirety.
Happy Horny Gay and Sassy
Released in 1992 by Selfless Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel
Lineup changes:
Danny Vapid switched to 2nd guitar and Gub took over on bass.
Tracks: 8
Wiggle
Released in 1993 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini
Lineup changes:
Johnny Personality took over bass.
Tracks: 18
Radioblast
Released in 1993 by Underdog Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 2
Anthem For a New Tomorrow
Released in 1993 by Lookout!
Produced by Ben Weasel.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals/guitar; Danny Vapid - bass; Jughead - guitar; Dan Panic - drums.
Tracks: 18
You Broke My **** Heart
Released in 1993 by Lookout!
Produced by Mark Schwarz and Ben Weasel.
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 4
How To Make Enemies and Irritate People
Released in 1994 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel.
Lineup changes:
Bass guitar was supplied by Mike Dirnt.
Tracks: 13
Suzanne is Getting Married
Released in 1994 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini
Lineup changes:
Bass was performed by Mike Dirnt on one track and Mass Giorgini played on the other.
Tracks: 2
Kill the Musicians
Compilation album released in 1995 by Lookout!
Various produced.
Various lineups.
Tracks: 31
Contains demos, b-sides, vinyl-only EPs and other various odds and ends.
Bark Like a Dog
Released in 1996 by Fat Wreck Chords.
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals/guitar; Danny Vapid - bass; Jughead - guitar; Dan Panic - drums.
Tracks: 12
Forumla 27
Released in 1997 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel.
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 4
Television City Dream
Released in 1998 by Fat Wreck Chords.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Lineup:
Ben Weasel - vocals; Jughead - guitar; Zac Damon - guitar; Mass Giorgini - bass; Dan Lumley - drums
Tracks: 15
Beat Is On the Brat
Released in 1998 by Lookout!
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel
This album was recorded by the pre-Television City Dream lineup.
Tracks: 18
Major Label Debut
Released in 1998 by Panic Button Records.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
This album was recorded by the Television City Dream lineup.
Tracks: 6
Emo
Released in May 1999 by Panic Button.
Produced by Brendan Burke.
Lineup changes:
Zac Damon left the band and Ben Weasel started playing guitar again.
Tracks: 12
Jesus Hates You
Released in 1999 by Panic Button.
Produced by Mass Giorgini and Ben Weasel.
No lineup changes.
Tracks: 3
Thank You Very Little
Compilation album released in February 2000 by Lookout!
Various producers.
Varioius lineups.
Tracks: 51 (2 CDs)
Teen Punks in Heat
Released in 2000 by Panic Button.
Produced by Screeching Weasel.
Lineup changes:
Ben stopped playing guitar again and 2nd guitar duties were taken over by Phillip Aaron Presley.
Tracks: 20
Weaselmania
Compilation album released in 2005 by Fat Wreck Chords.
Various producers.
Various lineups.
Tracks: 34
What the heck is a Neo-Conservative?
I keep hearing about this term on the blogosphere and in other reading material and I have never really understood what is meant by this term.
So in the great tradition of other "What The Heck is..." installments, here is one for those of us dummies that don't know what a neo-conservative is.
Neo-conservatives support the idea of using America's military might to bring democracy to other countries.
They also support the idea of a government that is completely responsible for the welfare of its citizens.
Some of the main characteristics of neoconservatism include:
little emphasis on diplomacy
more emphasis on the use of military force
little emphasis on the use of international organizations
more emphasis on controlling the Middle East
Neo-conservatives believe that the United States should spread its own ideas of democracy globally, mostly through military force.
According to a Time magazine article from February 2009, neo-conservatives are more interested in confronting their enemies than they are in making friends.
The term itself was used in the early 1920s in opposition to right-leaning liberals. The modern usage of the word (neoconservative) increased with the focus on neoconservatism as part of the George W. Bush administration.
However, neo-conservatives were opposed to Bush's policies early in his first term. However, after 9/11, his tactics changed quite dramatically and his State of the Union speech in January 2002 was actually written by a neoconservative.
So in a nutshell, neo-conservatives are the conservatives that one could relate the term "war-monger" toward.
With all of this in mind, I could definitely not consider myself a neo-conservative by any means.
While I was reading about neo-conservatives I ran across another term, paleoconservatism, so I thought I would read a bit about that one too.
This is a term used anti-communists and anti-imperialists in the United States that emphasize anti-federalism and the religious, national and Western identity of the country.
Paleo-conservatives are opposed to the funding of foreign wars or a term they use to refer to neo-conservatives, "polite totalitarianism."
One of the key aspects of their philosophy is their anti-federalist views. They believe that almost all government tasks should be performed at the local or state level and support the decentraliziation of our government and place more emphasis on local rule, private property and minimal bureaucracy.
I actually kind of like this idea and barring further reading about this political philosophy I can just about identify with this sort of conservatism in a lot of ways.
So in the great tradition of other "What The Heck is..." installments, here is one for those of us dummies that don't know what a neo-conservative is.
Neo-conservatives support the idea of using America's military might to bring democracy to other countries.
They also support the idea of a government that is completely responsible for the welfare of its citizens.
Some of the main characteristics of neoconservatism include:
little emphasis on diplomacy
more emphasis on the use of military force
little emphasis on the use of international organizations
more emphasis on controlling the Middle East
Neo-conservatives believe that the United States should spread its own ideas of democracy globally, mostly through military force.
According to a Time magazine article from February 2009, neo-conservatives are more interested in confronting their enemies than they are in making friends.
The term itself was used in the early 1920s in opposition to right-leaning liberals. The modern usage of the word (neoconservative) increased with the focus on neoconservatism as part of the George W. Bush administration.
However, neo-conservatives were opposed to Bush's policies early in his first term. However, after 9/11, his tactics changed quite dramatically and his State of the Union speech in January 2002 was actually written by a neoconservative.
So in a nutshell, neo-conservatives are the conservatives that one could relate the term "war-monger" toward.
With all of this in mind, I could definitely not consider myself a neo-conservative by any means.
While I was reading about neo-conservatives I ran across another term, paleoconservatism, so I thought I would read a bit about that one too.
This is a term used anti-communists and anti-imperialists in the United States that emphasize anti-federalism and the religious, national and Western identity of the country.
Paleo-conservatives are opposed to the funding of foreign wars or a term they use to refer to neo-conservatives, "polite totalitarianism."
One of the key aspects of their philosophy is their anti-federalist views. They believe that almost all government tasks should be performed at the local or state level and support the decentraliziation of our government and place more emphasis on local rule, private property and minimal bureaucracy.
I actually kind of like this idea and barring further reading about this political philosophy I can just about identify with this sort of conservatism in a lot of ways.
Picking the Favorites: Dropkick Murphys
Dave already did his list for this band so I figured I would do mine.
Dave is a bigger fan of this band than I am but they are a really good band and definitely worthy of a favorites list.
Boys on the Dock
"Never Alone"
Do or Die
"Cadence to Arms"
The Gang's All Here
"Amazing Grace"
-- I want this version of the song played at my funeral. It is amazing.
Mob Mentality
"The Kids Are Alright"
-- One of the best cover versions of this song that I have heard
Sing Loud Sing Proud
"The Gauntlet"
Blackout
"Walk Away"
Tessie
"Tessie"
The Warrior's Code
"I'm Shipping Up to Boston"
The Meanest of Times
Unfortunately I have never heard this album so I don't have a favorite.
Dave is a bigger fan of this band than I am but they are a really good band and definitely worthy of a favorites list.
Boys on the Dock
"Never Alone"
Do or Die
"Cadence to Arms"
The Gang's All Here
"Amazing Grace"
-- I want this version of the song played at my funeral. It is amazing.
Mob Mentality
"The Kids Are Alright"
-- One of the best cover versions of this song that I have heard
Sing Loud Sing Proud
"The Gauntlet"
Blackout
"Walk Away"
Tessie
"Tessie"
The Warrior's Code
"I'm Shipping Up to Boston"
The Meanest of Times
Unfortunately I have never heard this album so I don't have a favorite.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Favorite Songs on each Ramones album
Okay kids, here is the next installment of the "Favorite Songs" series.
Ramones
"Havana Affair"
Leave Home
"Now I Wanna Be a Good Boy"
Rocket to Russia
"Sheena Is a Punk Rocker"
Road to Ruin
"I Wanna Be Sedated"
End of the Century
"Do You Remember Rock n Roll Radio?"
Pleasant Dreams
"The KKK Took My Baby Away"
Subterranean Jungle
"Psycho Therapy"
Too Tough to Die
"Durango 95"
Animal Boy
"Somebody Put Something in My Drink"
Halfway to Sanity
"I Wanna Live"
Brain Drain
"Palisades Park"
- - it was really hard to choose between this song and "Pet Sematary"
Mondo Bizarro
"Heidi Is a Headcase"
Acid Eaters
"Have You Ever Seen the Rain?"
Adios Amigos
No clue. I actually have never heard any of the songs from this album.
Ramones
"Havana Affair"
Leave Home
"Now I Wanna Be a Good Boy"
Rocket to Russia
"Sheena Is a Punk Rocker"
Road to Ruin
"I Wanna Be Sedated"
End of the Century
"Do You Remember Rock n Roll Radio?"
Pleasant Dreams
"The KKK Took My Baby Away"
Subterranean Jungle
"Psycho Therapy"
Too Tough to Die
"Durango 95"
Animal Boy
"Somebody Put Something in My Drink"
Halfway to Sanity
"I Wanna Live"
Brain Drain
"Palisades Park"
- - it was really hard to choose between this song and "Pet Sematary"
Mondo Bizarro
"Heidi Is a Headcase"
Acid Eaters
"Have You Ever Seen the Rain?"
Adios Amigos
No clue. I actually have never heard any of the songs from this album.
To Strike or Not to Strike....Better Figure it Out Soon IAM!
I came across this article by the NW Republican about the local Machinist Union and how there is a possibility that a lot of its workers will lose their jobs at Boeing here in Washington due to the company buying a plant in South Carolina.
Why are they buying a plant in South Carolina? Because the IAM (Machinists Union) will not agree to a no-strike clause in their next contract.
Here is the article
It seems logical to me that if the Machinist union wants their members to still have jobs 2-3 years from now, they will agree to the no-strike clause.
While at heart, I am still fairly pro-union (as if you did not already know that - this stance of course being another thing that keeps me out of the cool Republicans club - lol).
Why are they buying a plant in South Carolina? Because the IAM (Machinists Union) will not agree to a no-strike clause in their next contract.
Here is the article
It seems logical to me that if the Machinist union wants their members to still have jobs 2-3 years from now, they will agree to the no-strike clause.
While at heart, I am still fairly pro-union (as if you did not already know that - this stance of course being another thing that keeps me out of the cool Republicans club - lol).
However, that being said, I think that going on strike is the wrong way to go about doing things. It only serves to stop production, weaken the economy and eventually just piss off the company you are working for to a point where you won't have a job at all anymore.
There are other ways in this day and age of negotiating things.
Honestly, the IAM needs to step back for a moment and realize that in reality, the machinist work for Boeing, not IAM. When Boeing decides to pack up and move to South Carolina, are the workers still going to have a job? Is the IAM going to do everything they can to go out and find their people new jobs? I seriously doubt it.
Wake up IAM. Your time is coming near.
There are other ways in this day and age of negotiating things.
Honestly, the IAM needs to step back for a moment and realize that in reality, the machinist work for Boeing, not IAM. When Boeing decides to pack up and move to South Carolina, are the workers still going to have a job? Is the IAM going to do everything they can to go out and find their people new jobs? I seriously doubt it.
Wake up IAM. Your time is coming near.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Looking Back at Bush
Last night, I was watching a movie about George W Bush titled "W" directed by Oliver Stone. I am not sure how much of it was based on fact but it was entertaining to say the least.
One particular scene in it got me thinking though. Other than the War on Terrorism, particularly the invasion and occupation of Iraq, what will end up being Bush's legacy in our nation's history?
So I decided to do a little bit of reading and looking into what legislation was implemented while he was in office, which ones he supported and what not. Here is what I found:
2001
The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act
This legislation was simple a law that enacted some huge tax cuts. Probably the biggest in our nation's history. This legislation was signed and implemented almost immediately after Bush took office.
I think this was a good piece of legislation and in general if it is looked at by itself it had an overall positive impact on the country in my opinion.
PATRIOT Act
This controversial act in a nutshell allowed law enforcement agencies to monitor private telephone calls, emails and other records in an effort to prevent and intercept terrorists in our country. It also made it easier for intelligence agencies to gather information inside the United States.
While I agree with the legislation in theory, I think in practice it went overboard. I think it gave too much power to those law enforcement agencies. That's just my opinion though.
2002
No Child Left Behind Act
This legislation reauthorized several federal programs in an effort to improve the performance of primary and secondary schools by increasing standards. It also provided more flexibility for parents in choosing their children's schools.
Another piece of legislation that I approve of in theory however I think education is an issue better left to the states. I also do not think it provided enough flexibility in choosing schools.
Campaign Reform Act
The major changes in this legislation were reforming campaign finance reform.
Nothing special here. I approve of the bill. Probably could have gone further but it was a good start.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
This business reform law set standards for the regulation public company boards, management and accounting firms.
I am actually a little bit surprised that Bush approved of this. I really honestly thought he was pro-big business all the way. Shows how much I know about him. In any case, I did not dig very deep into this bill because it was terribly confusing to me so I don’t have any real logical comments about it.
Homeland Security Act
This Act created the department known as the Department of Homeland Security.
Not a big fan myself. Not a big fan of the government creating new departments with new bureaucracy. I think an existing agency could have done the same job this one does.
2003
PROTECT Act
This was a law designed specifically for reform in the laws toward sexual offenses on minors. Its biggest provision was that it allowed for mandatory life sentences for child molesters.
I’m all for that. Put them all in jail!
Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act
As the title suggests, this law prohibits late term abortions. This act by the way was upheld by the Supreme Court in a decision on the Gonzalez v Carhart case.
In my own mind, this piece of legislation is going to be one of President Bush’s lasting legacies. I think it took great courage to sign this bill into law.
Medicare Improvement and Modernization Act
This legislation overhauled Medicare by adding provisions for prescription drug benefits.
I’m okay with this. From what I have read about it the economic impact was minimal.
2004
Unborn Victims of Violence Act
Another one that I think will be a legacy in my mind for Bush. This recognized a fetus as a legal victim for numerous crimes. The only problem I have with it is that for whatever reason it did not define abortion as a crime against a fetus.
2005
Real ID Act
It set federal standards for drivers licenses and state identification cards.
I have no problem with this bill. Overall I think it was a good thing.
Bankruptcy Reform Act
This enacted many changes in federal bankruptcy laws, making it more difficult to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7. It affected both consumers and businesses.
This was not a bad law. Over time it seems like a lot of people starting using bankruptcy as a crutch to stop having to pay their bills. Bankruptcy in my opinion lessens the amount of personal responsibility in people.
Energy Policy Act
The legislation provided for tax incentives to businesses that research and manufacture alternate energy sources.
Good act here. Incentives to businesses (rather than penalties) is a good way to get things going in that direction. Heck of a lot better than some sort of cap and trade law.
2006
Adam Walsh Child Protection and Security Act
Further reformed sex offender laws. This organized sex offenders into 3 different tiers based on their threat to society. It also required all of them to register their whereabouts at specific times. Tier 3 sex offenders have to report their whereabouts for the rest of their life.
I support this law as well. There is a very small part of me that says it violates their right to privacy but I get over that really quick when I think about the little kids or women they have violated.
Secure Fence Act
This allowed for 700 miles of fence to be built along the Mexican border in an attempt to curb illegal immigration.
This was a good law too.
So overall, I think the few bad things that Bush did during his presidency (invading Iraq in the 1st place based on questionable intelligence; his abuses of presidential power) unfortunately are going to always overshadow the good things that he did during his presidency in most people’s eyes.
While I think that in most cases (most cases) everything he did, he honestly thought was for the good of the American people, I think in a lot of those cases where the wrong decisions were made he was probably misguided and relied too much on the advise of dishonorable people.
One particular scene in it got me thinking though. Other than the War on Terrorism, particularly the invasion and occupation of Iraq, what will end up being Bush's legacy in our nation's history?
So I decided to do a little bit of reading and looking into what legislation was implemented while he was in office, which ones he supported and what not. Here is what I found:
2001
The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act
This legislation was simple a law that enacted some huge tax cuts. Probably the biggest in our nation's history. This legislation was signed and implemented almost immediately after Bush took office.
I think this was a good piece of legislation and in general if it is looked at by itself it had an overall positive impact on the country in my opinion.
PATRIOT Act
This controversial act in a nutshell allowed law enforcement agencies to monitor private telephone calls, emails and other records in an effort to prevent and intercept terrorists in our country. It also made it easier for intelligence agencies to gather information inside the United States.
While I agree with the legislation in theory, I think in practice it went overboard. I think it gave too much power to those law enforcement agencies. That's just my opinion though.
2002
No Child Left Behind Act
This legislation reauthorized several federal programs in an effort to improve the performance of primary and secondary schools by increasing standards. It also provided more flexibility for parents in choosing their children's schools.
Another piece of legislation that I approve of in theory however I think education is an issue better left to the states. I also do not think it provided enough flexibility in choosing schools.
Campaign Reform Act
The major changes in this legislation were reforming campaign finance reform.
Nothing special here. I approve of the bill. Probably could have gone further but it was a good start.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
This business reform law set standards for the regulation public company boards, management and accounting firms.
I am actually a little bit surprised that Bush approved of this. I really honestly thought he was pro-big business all the way. Shows how much I know about him. In any case, I did not dig very deep into this bill because it was terribly confusing to me so I don’t have any real logical comments about it.
Homeland Security Act
This Act created the department known as the Department of Homeland Security.
Not a big fan myself. Not a big fan of the government creating new departments with new bureaucracy. I think an existing agency could have done the same job this one does.
2003
PROTECT Act
This was a law designed specifically for reform in the laws toward sexual offenses on minors. Its biggest provision was that it allowed for mandatory life sentences for child molesters.
I’m all for that. Put them all in jail!
Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act
As the title suggests, this law prohibits late term abortions. This act by the way was upheld by the Supreme Court in a decision on the Gonzalez v Carhart case.
In my own mind, this piece of legislation is going to be one of President Bush’s lasting legacies. I think it took great courage to sign this bill into law.
Medicare Improvement and Modernization Act
This legislation overhauled Medicare by adding provisions for prescription drug benefits.
I’m okay with this. From what I have read about it the economic impact was minimal.
2004
Unborn Victims of Violence Act
Another one that I think will be a legacy in my mind for Bush. This recognized a fetus as a legal victim for numerous crimes. The only problem I have with it is that for whatever reason it did not define abortion as a crime against a fetus.
2005
Real ID Act
It set federal standards for drivers licenses and state identification cards.
I have no problem with this bill. Overall I think it was a good thing.
Bankruptcy Reform Act
This enacted many changes in federal bankruptcy laws, making it more difficult to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7. It affected both consumers and businesses.
This was not a bad law. Over time it seems like a lot of people starting using bankruptcy as a crutch to stop having to pay their bills. Bankruptcy in my opinion lessens the amount of personal responsibility in people.
Energy Policy Act
The legislation provided for tax incentives to businesses that research and manufacture alternate energy sources.
Good act here. Incentives to businesses (rather than penalties) is a good way to get things going in that direction. Heck of a lot better than some sort of cap and trade law.
2006
Adam Walsh Child Protection and Security Act
Further reformed sex offender laws. This organized sex offenders into 3 different tiers based on their threat to society. It also required all of them to register their whereabouts at specific times. Tier 3 sex offenders have to report their whereabouts for the rest of their life.
I support this law as well. There is a very small part of me that says it violates their right to privacy but I get over that really quick when I think about the little kids or women they have violated.
Secure Fence Act
This allowed for 700 miles of fence to be built along the Mexican border in an attempt to curb illegal immigration.
This was a good law too.
So overall, I think the few bad things that Bush did during his presidency (invading Iraq in the 1st place based on questionable intelligence; his abuses of presidential power) unfortunately are going to always overshadow the good things that he did during his presidency in most people’s eyes.
While I think that in most cases (most cases) everything he did, he honestly thought was for the good of the American people, I think in a lot of those cases where the wrong decisions were made he was probably misguided and relied too much on the advise of dishonorable people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)