First off, we wouldn’t be in the mess of tax-withholding and all the filing complexities if it wasn’t for the Current Tax Payment Act of 1943.  This little gem has successfully hidden the real tax burden from the average American by getting us to look at our paychecks as “gross and net.” income.  Gross being that which we’ve earned and net equals what we get to keep after the federal, state and local governments legally plunder what it wants via payroll deduction.

Ok,  the point of this article.  I’ve begun hearing over and over again how necessary it is to buy TurboTax or some other software to make sure you get the biggest refund you deserve.  WHAT!  Biggest refund you deserve!?  You gotta be kidding me.

Frog In The Kettle to all readers…when you get a “refund” from the federal or state government, that means you paid in more to them than you should have; essentially, you’ve given the legal plunderers an INTEREST FREE LOAN!!  Is this REALLY what you want to do?

Let’s say you get a refund of $1,000 from the federal government.  Instead of earning $50.00 in interest had you invested that same $1,000 at 5%, no, you gave it to the federal government to use as they see fit with no interest paid by them.  Or, even if you decided not to invest it, it was still in your pocket to do with as you want.

Folks, in 2010, please do a better job tax planning…don’t give our legal plunderers FREE money…if they need more, they’ll borrow, legally plunder, or print more.  You’ve worked hard for your property…keep every penny you can.

Misc, Real Change, The Economy

 

Over at the American Thinker this morning, I ran across an article by Kyle-Anne Shriver titled Tea Parties: Misunderstood and Vastly Underrated.  This is one of the first articles written about the burgeoning movement that generally does a good job of explaining some of its evolving themes.

The Movement is beginning to take shape as more and more average citizens get involved and begin to translate their sign waving and hand clapping into what that really want.  For what it’s worth, as a Tea Party Organizer myself, here are the general themes I see emerging from this group:

First, it’s not about a political party.  Sure, sure, the groups are undeniably largely populated by disenfranchised republicans, conservatives and libertarians…this is unarguable.  But there are democrats and moderates who are uneasy about where the country is heading and are attending these meetings as well.  With that stated, very few that I speak with, and I speak to hundreds of people, are looking to a political party to solve the problems were in.  In fact, the phrase I hear over and over and over again is this; “I’m a republican but I’m thinking of leaving the party and changing to independent.”  When I ask why, it’s clear the average citizen sees both parties as essentially one in the same and both will lead to further infringement on liberty.

Second, most in the Tea Party Movement see their fundamental liberties under assault by an ever expanding BIG GOVERNMENT.  They may not be able to quote the legislative act that encumbered a particular freedom, but something visceral, way down in their gut tells them that something is very wrong.  This translates into action for them as they fear for their children and grand-children’s future.

Third, they’re willing, unlike the average politician, to take responsibility for the mess we’re in.  While the average politician is always looking to the next election and how to capture a particular demographic, they rarely look back at how they contributed to the mess (click here if you want the pants scared off you).  On the other hand, the average citizen attending a Tea Party is perfectly willing to accept the fact that they were asleep at the wheel, didn’t pay attention, voted based on party loyalty and generally only cared if something was happening in DC that affected them directly.  Now that they’re no longer asleep (a posture by the way that politicians love the average citizen to be in), they’re beginning to study (typically Madison, Jefferson), read their pocket Constitution, and get acquainted with the Declaration of Independence.  Somehow, these charter documents feel like a safe harbor, a place where a free people were born and they long for a reappearance of Thomas Jefferson to guide them out of the mess we’re in just as he did when British tyranny existed.

Fourth, now that they’re willing to accept their responsibility for the mess we’re in, members of the Tea Party Movement are willing to get to work AND sacrifice to fix it.  As I’ve personally told the group I’m involved in, we’re at a “pick you pain” moment in history and most people in the audience noddingly approve the statement.  We all “get it” that any solution at this point will involve pain and we largely ignore the political class that tries to tell us that “everything will be ok.”  We know they’re not telling us the truth.

We’re all coming around to the idea that it’s really not Obama we’re angry with; people are beginning to see that BIG GOVERNMENT is the play-ground of BOTH parties.  Thus, you’re seeing fewer and fewer anti-Obama signs and more and more Declaration of Independence and Constitution signs at rallies…this should tell us something about the views of the Movement.  Recently, as a talk-show host on 930 WFMD, I went to the rally in DC regarding healthcare reform.  Sure there we’re many anti-Obama folks there, but the majority of the folks that I interviewed from across the country were troubled by the extra-Constitutional healthcare legislation…that’s right, EXTRA-Constitutional.  Not a person I spoke to, and I spoke to dozens and interviewed many, were there because they were republicans, rather they felt the Constitution was somehow under attack.  Admittedly, only one person could clearly articulate which provision in the Constitution they believed was being violated, but that misses the point of this movement’s evolution; these folks, just average citizens, were able to clearly identify that Congress was about to way overstep its authority with this vote and they wanted to make sure their voices were heard.

Fifth, and perhaps most importantly, the real antagonist in this drama is slowly being revealed and coming into focus…BIG GOVERNMENT.  People, hard working average citizens who carry the burden of paying for Washington are plain ole’ fed up with it and know that the only real solution is to somehow radically reduce its influence.  Most are content to look to the State’s Rights movement and the 10th Amendment for their solutions right now and are hopeful that personalities like Judge Napolitano and websites like the Tenth Amendment Center can provide direction.  But the people I spoke with aren’t content with simply writing letters or making phone calls or even just attending rally’s.  They’re willing to hold their powder dry for now, but they’re beginning to see that the solutions to America’s problems lays in their hands; not the elite political class only thinking through the myopic lens of the next election and how to get their turn at the helm of BIG GOVERNMENT (see the recurring theme in the article?). 

Finally, for now, the Tea Party Movement is organic and independent; which is a really good thing.  It has not allowed itself to be co-opted by a political party, at least at this point, and resists any attempt to promote a particular candidate.  In fact, recently, the tea partiers in Florida took the step of actually forming a new party in their state as a way to ensure the parties, especially the republican party doesn’t co-opt it.  I have no idea whether or not a majority of the tea party members in Florida support this or not.  But clearly, this demonstrates the independent nature of this movement; it want’s to be heard and not identified with the very system that has created the mess.

Will it succeed?  Will the Tea Party movement see its promised land of flourishing freedom, keeping one’s own property and hard earned income, the ability to wildly succeed or just as spectacularly fail in a venture, the freedom to chose who to give charity to rather than being forced to though BIG GOVERNMENT mandated entitlement programs?  I’m not sure.  One thing I am sure of though, I’m hearing more and more clarion calls from history in the people I talk to and it goes something like this:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. —Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain [George III] is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”

Immediatly followed by:

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

The real question is, will another Thomas Jefferson emerge and make the government “fear the people again?”

Must Read, Political Parties, Real Change, Restore America

 

Is retaking the GOP the real goal of the Tea Party Movement?

November 9, 2009

By Mark Kreslins

 

I read an October 28, 2009 article by JB Williams over at Canada Free Press titled “Tangible Tea Party Tactics” in which Williams argues that a primary tactic should be to take over the GOP.  Williams frames these tactics as tangible and at first glance, he would seem to be correct and perhaps even plausible.  But, is that really the point of the Tea Party Movement?  Is it really a movement that seeks to simply replace the current crop of liberal democrats in the Congress with a conservative group of republicans?

 

While I laud the idea and the passion behind it, I’m afraid this will fall well short of the wholesale change that is really needed in Washington DC and by change, I mean real change.   

 

In President Clinton’s first campaign, James Carville coined a famous phrase that defined the Clinton Campaign…it’s the economy stupid!  For the Tea Party Movement, our opposition to republican or democrat candidates should be summed up in another simple phrase…it’s the big federal government and two party system stupid!  In my view, the battle between Dede Scozzafava and newcomer Doug Hoffman in NY-23 was really a proxy war between the conservative/Tea Party movement and status quo big federal government two party system.  With Scozzafava knocked out the NRCC desperately tried to associate itself with Hoffman only to kick him to the curb when he lost…now that’s the kind of principle I can rally around. 

 

The two-party system has failed miserably as sadly, both parties support the status quo…BIG GOVERNMENT and therein lies the problem. 

 

The fundamental question is whether this is what the Founders desired?

 

If we believe the Founders wanted a HUGE bloated ever-encroaching federal bureaucracy, the current two-party system fits the bill.  However, there’s one problem with this scenario, we have to assume the Founders failed to realize that one-half of the country would perpetually be angry at the other.  They must have also failed to realize that this anger would at times be expressed in rather violent terms such as the one I heard yesterday as I attended the “Republican Rally” in Washington DC.  One fella, standing about 15 feet away from me wasn’t content with the “kill the bill” chant.  No, he had to modify it to “kill the traitors” chant of his own.  Fortunately, not many people around him joined in the chant, but I wonder about his friends back home.

 

So, is the problem really that the GOP isn’t populated with enough “conservative republicans” (whatever that means) and that the republicans aren’t in control?  My experience tells me that’s not the problem.

 

Think of it this way; let your mind wander to a time where the federal government isn’t allowed, by a binding constitution, to grow to its current size.  What would life be like if the federal government was forced to reduce its spending (and thus our taxes) back to pre-New Deal days of say around 5% of GDP?  That would take the current budget from $3.8 TRILLION down to a more manageable $700 Billion.

 

Now, with only $700 Billion to spend, perhaps the job of Congressman wouldn’t be as coveted as it is now.  Perhaps the special interests wouldn’t be so tempted to gerrymander elections with less than noble intentions and the Congress would be left largely to focus on their Constitutional responsibilities listed in Article 1. Section 8. of the Constitution.

 

Hmmm, whatever would they do with their time!

 

Sadly, this can only be seen if we let our minds wander; for the reality is, the two-party system will never allow this dream to become a reality unless We the People make them.  They love their ruling seats in the Congress.  How do I know this?  I saw it first hand as a Legislative Assistant back in the 1980’s.  Lord Acton was indeed correct, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. 

 

So, the average Congressperson has no problem whispering into the constituent’s ear, “pssst, don’t worry, I’ll take care of you” all the while reaching behind you, taking out your wallet and slipping out a few more dollars along with our liberties and we reply, “ahhh, they really care for us.”

 

Nonsense!  Until We the People conclude that the problem is the two-party system and its marriage to a HUGE bloated federal government, Congress will continue its drunken sailor spending even though I suspect most of us emphatically don’t want a $3.8 Trillion dollar government or a $105 Trillion dollar debt created by a VERY unpopular Congress.  Do we really think the republicans will reduce this…really?

 

It’s been said that a parent will fight to the death to stop a threat their children.  It’s my belief that most Tea Party Movement members feel their children are being threatened by the HUGE bloated centralized federal government.  The question is, are they really ready to fight?

 

Most recently, the symbol of an all powerful all knowing federal government has taken the form of healthcare reform.  Specifically, one party (democrats) ignores the recent pollingwhile another (republican) ignores the extra-constitutional realities of healthcare reform on Capitol Hill paying mere lip service to its unconstitutionality.  Nancy Pelosi was quoted as saying “are you serious” when asked for the specific Constitutional Authority to pass healthcare legislation.  The tenor of her response was clearly, “how dare you ask me that question; don’t you know who I am?  I’m Nancy Pelosi and I’m the Speaker of the House and the Congress can do anything it wants and there’s not a darn thing you paean’s can do to stop us.”

 

Oh Yeah!

 

So, what should the Tea Party Movement really commit to and what should we do to obtain these goals?

 

The Tea Party Movement Should:

 

First, stop focusing on the two-party system.  Simply taking over the GOP, as if that could ever really happen, is an extremely time-consuming proposition at best.  And even if the Tea Party Movement was successful, when will this “New GOP” start addressing the real problem…BIG GOVERNMENT?  We don’t have a lot of times folks, the clock is running.

 

Second, perhaps we should spend our time coalescing around a few “real change” ideas listed below and strategize on how we get the country back to the Founders original intent.  This would necessitate really hard decisions and really hard work, but aren’t our children and grandchildren worth it.  Or are we content shifting the chairs around on the Titanic with the current two-party system. 

 

Thus, I present the following list of Really Tough Decisions (RTD’S)!

 

RTD #1 – Agree that the federal government must be shrunk in accordance with the original meaning of the United States Constitution.  To do this, we must demand that some congressperson, any congressperson, introduce legislation to dismantle all entitlement, corporate welfare, and subsidy programs by 2020.  This includes, but is not limited to: Social Security, Medicare, SCHIP, Medicaid, Farm Subsidies, and the Earned Income Tax Credit.  I suspect we’re all aware that that this will be an incredibly difficult and painful task.  But, as we all know, these programs are unsustainable and will eventually engulf the entire federal budget and take more and more from the working public.  We’re in a pick your pain moment, I’d prefer to pick the pain that will give us back our liberty.

 

RTD #2 - Repeal the Tax Payment Act of 1943 and end employer withholding of taxes.  This simple act will raise the level of awareness and accountability as each taxpayer is required to pay their taxes on an annual basis via a tax return.  When people actually have to write a check to the newly formed Tax Collection Agency (see RTD #3), there will be a much greater interest in how the federal government spends our money.  Never forget, the money they spend is ours, not theirs.

 

RTD #3 - Introduce legislation to change the name of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to the Tax Collection Agency (TCA).

 

RTD #4 - Introduce a Constitutional Amendment to repeal the 16^th Amendment which gives the power of the federal government to tax property (income).

 

RTD #5 - Introduce a Constitutional Amendment to repeal the 17^th Amendment and return to the original design for the State legislatures to appoint Federal Senators, thus giving the States the intended check on Federal legislation.

 

RTD #6 - Introduce Constitutional Amendments to define the so-called General Welfare, Commerce and Necessary and Proper Clauses in Article 1. Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution in accordance with the original meaning of the words as debated during the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

 

RTD #7 - Introduce a Constitutional Amendment requiring Congress to not exceed the Enumerated Powers in Article 1 Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.  This Amendment will prevent future Congresses from ever putting the country in jeopardy again as they have now with promises totaling $105 TRILLION dollars…a debt we can never pay.

 

RTD #8 - Introduce a Constitutional Amendment to require a balanced federal budget with the following exceptions: (a) A properly declared war by the Congress in accordance with the Constitution at which time the increased spending can only occur during the period of the war and shall end within 2 years of the cessation of military activities; (b) Incidences of national security events to which the budget increase may only be appropriated to military expenditures to protect the nation; (c) The balanced budget must be no larger than 5% of GDP.

 

RTD #9 -Introduce legislation to modify SEC. 5. (b) of the War Powers Act to read: Within sixty calendar days after a report is submitted or is required to be submitted pursuant to section 4(a)(1), whichever is earlier, the President shall terminate any use of United States Armed Forces with respect to which such report was submitted (or required to be submitted), unless the Congress (1) has declared war or has enacted a specific authorization for such use of United States Armed Forces, (2) has extended by law such sixty-day period, or (2) is physically unable to meet as a result of an armed attack upon the United States. Such sixty-day period shall be extended for not more than an additional thirty days if the President determines and certifies to the Congress in writing that unavoidable military necessity respecting the safety of United States Armed Forces requires the continued use of such armed forces in the course of bringing about a prompt removal of such forces within the additional thirty day period.

 

RTD #10- Support 10th Amendment legislation at the State level ensuring that the people of a particular state have at its disposal the greatest tool of liberty…self determination.

 

What should the Tea Party be willing to do achieve these goals?

 

1.       Only vote for politicians that will embrace these goals.

2.       Encourage and support candidates willing to restore a vision of limited government to our country.

3.       Participate in acts of civil disobedience to raise awareness of the tyrannical behavior of the federal government.

4.       Urge state legislatures to compel the federal government to stay within the Enumerated Powers of Article 1 Section 8 in compliance with the original meaning of the Founding Fathers using 10^th Amendment legislation and other Constitutional Amendment means.

5.       Educate, educate, educate on the Founders vision of a very limited federal government.

 

It’s my belief that the media and two-party system entirely miss the point of the Tea Party Movement.  As the Movement coalesces, both should be aware that average Tea Party members:

 

-          Are not content writing letters to our Congressman only to be ignored by them.

-          Are not content writing letters to the Editor only to debate the same issue over and over and over again.

-          Are not content simply meeting and complaining. 

-          Will no longer accept political double speak.

-          Will no longer allow the federal government to force us to pay for programs that are beyond the Enumerated Powers in Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution.

-          Will not allow the irresponsible federal government to bankrupt our children’s future.

-          Will only be satisfied when the federal government is radically shrunk and its influence over the average American and American business has been severely contained in keeping with the Founding Fathers principle of limited government. 

 

In the end, I believe that if the Really Tough Decisions listed above are adopted by the Tea Party Movement, only then will liberty, true liberty, be restored.  And should we reach this point of unity it will be with great enthusiasm that the Tea Party Movement will put the the federal government notice; they must prepare for the Sovereign States and We the People to assert our Constitutional rights.  This will likely come come in the form of nullification legislation from the states against federal legislation that is not in keeping with their states priorities via the 10^th Amendment or proposed Constitutional Amendments. 

 

Failing to understand this misses the entire point of the Tea Party Movement…at everyone’s peril.

 

 

(Mark is the co-host of The Forgotten Men radio show Saturdays at 12noon on 930 WFMD and the co-founder of We Surround Them Frederick)

 

Health Care, Must Read, Real Change

 

Well, it looks like the 535 kings on Capitol Hill will try to ram health care reform down our throats soon, especially after Obama’s speech tonight.  They will capitalize on his charisma and lie to the public; the rhetoric will be over the top the next few days.  There will be a full-court by the statist media and unless we, the average citizen, push back with equal force, our liberties will be in great peril.

What liberties are at risk?

1. The natural RIGHT you have to choose who, when and where you decide to obtain health insurance.  Max Bacus is purported to have a $3,800 fine for not obtaining health insurance.  Can you believe it, the federal government fining you for not having health insurance.  So, chalk up one liberty lost…choose our way or you’re going to pay.  Where’s that in Article 1 Section 8???
2. Don’t think for a moment that this will not lead to a single payer system; this is their overall goal.  If they can control health care, they can control you.  You will soon lose your right to choose a doctor, choose the treatment you want, or choose a lifestyle of your choosing.  You will be mocked and ridiculed by the federal government for stopping at McDonald’s, not exercising, or for the beer you might want to have.  You will loose your ability to choose.
3. You will loose your right to your property, in this case, the money you earn.  You will be required to participate in a government approved program and you will be required to pay for it whether or not you want to (see Social Security and Medicare) or not.  You will not have a choice, the federal government will take it from you.
4. You will lose your ability to decide your future, the federal government will promulgate rules for you to live by and you won’t be able to change it.  YOU LOSE - THEY WIN.

 

Understand readers, we’re in a fight and it’s liberty verse the soft tyranny of an out-of-control government.  They want to restrict the liberties granted to us not by the rulers in Washington DC, but by our Creator.  They’ve declared war on the liberties that were fought for by patriots beginning in 1776…will we dishonor their sacrifice by sitting on our hands?  Will we call Washington DC what is really is, a reservoir of little kings that are usurping our rights just as King George did?

Folks, a 21st Century O.K. Corral is coming; the 1st step is the March on DC 9/12/09…you MUST be there!  You must keep up the pressure in your local communities.  Join groups, attend tea parties, organize take back America rallies…CONNECT CONNECT CONNECT!!  This is a critical juncture in out nations history, lines are being drawn, sides are being formed. 

Liberty is in peril, will you come to it’s aid?

Health Care, Must Read, Real Change, Restore America

 

Well, the petal is coming off the rose.  The federal government is delivering the sweet kiss of death to freedom as this column is written.  Fortunately, there are thousands around the country who are trying to force the government to wipe off the lipstick.  This number will only grow.

Tea party’s, from across the country were held in State Capitals, Senate Offices and Washington DC in an effort to demonstrate to the Congress and the White House that people are sick and tired of being pushed around.  They are weary of playing by the rules and being asked to do more for those who don’t.  People are angry and the passion is palpable.

Demonstrating the bipartisan nature of the fight, one speaker at the Washington DC party who could only be identified as a republican operative received the least amount of support when she attempted to point peoples passion towards electing republicans in 2010.  Clearly, she had missed the point of the protest.

In fact, most in attendance refused to make the protest a republican/democrat fight, instead, they opted for a liberal/conservative tussle, freedom/oppression.  There were shared views that the republicans had offered the same rose to the voters as the democrats and most we’re tired of the only pick being to “pick your pain.”

What was a critical component of the demonstration was a deep desire to get back to the Constitution for all seemed to understand there was safety in that document.  The government as evidenced by President Obama’s budget including a nice 1.75 TRILLION deficit for our children and grand children to pay off is out of control.  Where is the honor in that.

Folks, as evidenced by Glenn Becks “We Surround Them” kick-off event last Friday, along with the tea parties, people aren’t just going to sit back this go around.  FDR played class warfare in the 1930’s and got away with it and the government has been a malignancy on freedom ever since.  This time, we have a voice and can organize and assemble under our First Amendment rights and push back.  We got rolled by the “progressives” in the 30’s, it won’t happen this time.

Get connected!  Go to meetup.org and join a Glenn Beck or We Surround Them meeting in your area.

Real Change, Restore America

 

Just finished reading the Bloomberg.com report on “hidden” provisions regarding nationalized health care in this pile of pork.  It should alarm each and everyone of you and perhaps “stimulate” you to do something.

Listen folks, were getting closer to a Constitutional Crisis as the federal government takes more and more of our rights granted to us by our Creator.  Notice that the liberals rarely, almost never, refer back to the founders nor the Constitution when crafting legislation.  We should be asking why this is so and the obvious answer is…they don’t care about the Constitution and haven’t since FDR and his big government policies in the 30’s.  We’ve been on this trajectory ever since.

Pay very close attention to the workings on the Hill the next few weeks and to other like-minded conservatives.  You will here action plans that are being developed as you are reading this.

Real Change, The Economy

 

An interesting development appears to be picking up some steam…on the state level.  This could be important news and definitely worth watching.

As referenced on FreeRepublic.com, there are a number of states with bills in the hopper to start enforcing the 10th Amendment to the Constitution.  This is a great development and at least a step towards reinstating a constitutional form of government.  We have strayed so far, so often, that it is amazing we’ve made it this far.  But, with President Obama in charge now, things could change very quickly.

If you’re in a state where these movements are afoot, contact the sponsors of the legislation and give them your support (time and money).  They are the contemporary Paul Revere’s sounding alarms that the “feds are coming, he feds are coming.”  Fortunately, the Founders gave us tools to combat the spread of the malignant federal government and now it appears as though there are people finally willing to use them.

Is it too late?  Time will tell.

Patriots, Real Change, Restore America

 

chiv·al·ry   (sh·v’·l-ry)  
n.   pl. chiv·al·ries

1. The medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood.
2. The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.
3. A manifestation of any of these qualities.
4. A group of knights or gallant gentlemen.

 

I’m coining a new phrase today; Economic Chivalry.  Combining economic and chivalry, I come up with this:

ec·o·nom·ic chiv·al·ry  - pertaining to the production, distribution, and use of income, wealth, and commodities in a manner that idealizes knighthood qualities such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry.

Going…going..GONE.  Honestly, is there anything brave, courteous, honorable, or gallant about what is going to be done to our children and grandchildren in the next few months.  And in case you’re not paying attention, we’re about to saddle them with TRILLIONS and TRILLIONS and TRILLIONSof dollars of debt so that we can have a pretend recovery.

I used to call my parents generation the “worst generation”, after all, they were the one’s who swallowed hook, line and sinker the promises of FDR’s “New Deal” and LBJ’s “Great Society” programs.  Throughout the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, they bought into the ponzi scheme called social security and medicare and demanded more more more.  They never gave a thought that the more, more, more was going to come out of their children’s, children’s, children’s pockets.  Well, I think my generation, the proverbial “baby boom” generation is, shall we say,…the worser generation.  Why?  Because we’re about to do whatever we need to do to avoid paying the piper.  The bill has come due, and we expect our children to pay for it by borrowing now and making them pay later.  After all, borrowing is the American way isn’t it.

Have we no shame, no conscience or are our heads really buried that far into the sand.  Sadly, the latter may be more accurate than the former if you interview any typical Obama supporter.  When I hear our big-government leaders use terms like “invest”, or “enhance”, or my favorite “put a down-payment on the future”, I cringe. 

So, what are we to do?

The Election Turn-Over Solution.  Many believe this is just the typical back and forth between election cycles, the demshave it for a while and then the republicans have it back for a while.  People who believe this say things like “you just wait til 2010 when we get the Congress back”  or “they’re gonna over-reach and then…fill in the blank.”  Little history folks; guess who ran the House from 1954-1995 (a short 41 YEARS!).  Hint, the democrats.  During the same period, 1954-1995, the democrats held the Senate 80.95% of the time, often with very and I mean VERY wide margins.  So, for republicans who think it’s just a given to “get the Congress back” when the democrats crank up the treasury printing presses, you’d better think again.  The republican party may be back in the wilderness for decades, quite honestly, they deserve it.  Personally, I don’t think they’re going to get the House back anytime soon and the Senate looks just a daunting.  Why?  Let’s just say there is a little less than inspiring leadership at the helm right now.

The Shift the Chairs on the Titanic solution.  This is one of my favorites.  Let’s just see if we can slow down the growth of spending by offering republican solutions.  Maybe, we can blunt the effects of the Obama revolution.  Of course, this is predicated on the belief that democrats play fair.  Another hint…they don’t.  Having worked on the Hill during Reagan’s term and being quite familiar with the sausage making legislation process under the eminently fair minded Jim Wright and Tom Foley, let me assure you, democrats have no stomach for fairness.  None.  Just look at what Speaker Pelosi did withthe House rules last week.  Essentially, republicans have just been sent packing and will have little if any influence on any legislation going forward.  The best they can hope for is to align with some “blue dog” democrats to alter the newest “New Deal” being proposed.  I know what it’s like in the wilderness…it ain’t fun.

The See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil Solution.  This is the scariest and one that I believe has really taken hold.  You hear it in phrases like “we have to hope Obama succeeds” or “give him a break, we don’t even know what he’s going to do yet.”  WHAT!!!  This one amazes me and really shows how much the concept of “tolerance” has deadened us.  Hope he succeeds!?  What the heck does “succeed” mean, total government control, nationalized health care, nationalized industry?  Look folks, we’re in a cultural and ideological war right now, let me emphasize the term war as in both sides are supposed to fight.  Trouble is, it appears as though the conservatives have no stomach for it and instead see no evil, hear no evil nor speak no evil.  And so, the Frog in the Kettle parable is in full affect right now.  The liberals have incrementally been turning up the heat on free markets, liberty, morality and transcendent truth for decades and the right, expressing itself though the republican party is no longer welcome there.  The water is very very hot now and conservatism is teetering, especially if we’re all going to hold hands and chant “Obama succeed, Obama succeed.”

The Constitutional States Rights Solution.  While most are sitting around the campfire chanting “Obama succeed, Obama succeed”, there are some rumblings of a States Rights solution, after all, the Constitution grants far and wide authority to the States and little and enumerated rights to the federal government.  Some are beginning to wonder aloud whether the States should reign in federal power or break their compact with it.  Lest you think I jest, just last February, as we awaited the Heller decision from the Supreme Court, the Secretary of State of Montana warned that they might secede if the Court took away an individual right to bear arms.  Others are testing with waters with ideas like “so do states have the right to seceede anymore.”  I doubt very much if this talk will decline any, in fact, it’s very likely to increase as more and more heavy-handed policy flows from Washington DC.  There are many who are weary of Washington DC dictating how people should live and robbing them of their earnings.

My Solution.  Some national stature leader will rise and state the obvious, America is broken and quite likely broken beyond repair.  What started out as a grand experiment has devolved into gaining and holding power.  The Constitution is no longer sacred and the 5th, 9th and 10th Amendments have little real bearing on federal policy.  American idealism, the now ancient idea of inalienable rights, hard work, trust, and honesty are all but gone in our march towards a HUGE centralized government where we look to DC to meet our every need.  In my view, the ideological divide is too big to repair and the citizenry and states must exercise their Constitutional prerogative and force a Constitutional Convention limited to a review of Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.   We must recognize the obvious, we are not a united country any longer and we have two completely separate interpretations of this section.  There are two distinct sides now and we don’t want to get to a point where we’re itching for a fight…believe me, we don’t.  And do we really want to be at a point where whomever holds power (whether democrat or republican) in Washington DC gets to force their will upon those who don’t want to receive it?  I don’t.

So, while economic chivarly is all but gone, it’s not too late to fix the problem.  I personally don’t want to force my children and grandchildren to pay a debt that my generation wracked up on them.  Do you?

Real Change, Restore America, The Economy, Unbelievable

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)

 

Many of the most radical conservative brethren interpret this to mean “time to lock and load”.  How far this is from what is really needed.  Good men with good intentions are what’s needed, not an armed militia ready to take back power.

 

Will you join the leagues of Patrick Henry; “Give me liberty or give me death”.  Or will you cower under the weight of clever terms and phrases like “fairness” or “spread the wealth”?  Will you still try to hold onto the facade of the comfortable living with 2 new cars, a 5,000 square foot home, European vacations, and a second home at the beach?  Or are you willing to wrest liberty from the clutches of the government with as much fervor and sacrifice as our Founders pledged?

 

America is most definitely at the precipice of a major re-alignment, not one led by Obama and his acolytes, but by the American People themselves.  It seems as though we really do want a nanny state, after all, 63 million people marched to the polls and shouted with their loudest ballot box voice…YES WE CAN!

 

The sad reality is that FDR using the tidal wave of depression filled emotion, transformed a once great, noble and ruggedly individualistic nation into a “we” nation (YES WE CAN!).  Translation; what’s yours is mine or more subtlety, “ours” as in the plural of “we”.  And we conservatives are guilty of sitting by and watching. 

 

Even as I listen to Laura Ingraham this morning, there is much hand wringing about the need to reorient the GOP back to its roots and obviously, she’s correct.  Time to purge the ranks they say, get rid of the country club republicans and replace them with a new, younger breed of republican.  I’d be all for that, but I’m not sure we’re really serious about this venture, why?  Because people really haven’t been faced with the real choices that will get us back to the “me” type liberty ole’ Patrick was speaking about.  And quite honestly, I haven’t heard the leader who’s really saying what needs to be said in order to get the GOP back to its roots.  Thus, my continued separation from the party I once worked for.

 

Today, most republican’s are not cut from the same clothe as Patrick Henry…a true patriot.  No, we’re quite content with a modified Patrick Henry quip:

 

“Give me liberty…and a farm bill laden with subsidies, and perhaps a nice layer of tax breaks for my business and while you’re at it, lather on some good ole’ mortgage relief.  Oh, and let the other chumps have death, I’ve got a timeshare to buy”.

 

We beat our chests and claim to be like the patriots of old, but are we really? Aren’t we really big-government conservatives?  Want to test your patriot commitment to see if you’re really up to what would it take to limit government and its power?

 

HUD - How many republicans do you see standing up and shouting it’s time to throw off the tyranny of the Housing and Urban Development Agency?  You know, the agency that keeps people relegated to poverty status for generations thanks to LBJ’s vaunted War on Poverty and Great Society programs.  And let’s say we did end HUD resulting in less government spending and lower taxes; how many of us want to get our hands dirty with our own money and time to help trashed out parts of our cities clean-up.  How about engaging the downtrodden with practical lessons on parenting and budgeting, envisioning them to see a better, individualistic way of life?  And for those who don’t choose this path, how many of us are willing to let them suffer the consequences of their decisions that may lead to isolation, imprisonment and even death?

 

Public Education- How many of us rail against the status of public education and their insistence on inculcating our children with liberal ideology but when pressed state; “yeah, I know it’s bad, but my child’s school is ok.”  Sounds eerily similar to “yeah, I know Congress is corrupt, but my Congressman, he’s ok”.  How many of you are willing to force the dismantling of our public education system and replace it with a competitive free choice model based on performance and the evil “bottom line” of business?  How many are willing to cough up some dough to provide scholarships to the less fortunate to ensure they have access to a good education?  After all, a rising tide lifts all ships.

 

Social Security - How many of you would be willing to relieve the federal government of your individual right to a Social Security benefit if you’re under 55?  How many of you would be willing to promise a parent that you, yes you, will be sure to take care of them with your own money?

 

Civil Disobedience - How about protesting?  How many are willing to plan so that a threat can be leveled at the Federal Government of a peaceable work stoppage, not for more federal handouts, but to choke off the life blood of all politics…money?  To force them to see that while yes, they have the power to take from us, they do not have the power to make us provide them with the lubrication of all malignant government growth, commerce?  How many are willing to mimic our African American brethren and forgo a vacation to march on Washington to demand its shrinkage?  How about taking a water hosing from federal agents who want to put down a protest?  We have MUCH to learn about courage, passion and commitment from Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement of the 60’s.

 

The list could go on and on with all the government provides that we’ve grown comfortable with.  It’s a travesty, but conservatives are just as guilty by our inaction as the liberal utopianites are by their actions.  They meant to grow government, we conservatives sat by a watched.

 

I personally believe the outcome is all but certain; we’re headed towards European style socialism, not as flagrant as Marxism, but socialism nonetheless.  Why? Because I don’t believe most of us want to “pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”  I think we’re glad the Founders pledged that, but I’m not so sure we have that same mettle, passion or stomach for it…especially the fortune part.  We’re pretty comfortable right now, but like the proverbial Frog in the Kettle fable, the heat is getting turned up.

 

Patriots Needed – do you really have the intestinal fortitude?  I doubt it and shame on us because we don’t; we deserve the government we refuse to fight for.  Talk is cheap.

Real Change