April 01, 2008

Certainly appears that someone is planning for a long war

The last few trips between San Marcos and Houston, I noticed a new(?) facility on the side of I-10. Parked by the freeway was a military transport vehicle perched impressively on a mound of earth. As I scanned the facility set off the road, I was shocked to see hundreds of military vehicles in desert camo and olive green. The sign read: BAE Systems.

A little research later and I discovered that BAE Systems is the world's third largest defense contractor and as it is based in Europe, it is the largest in that region. The sight of all those military vehicles stationed in Central Texas was a little daunting. The idea of a British defense contractor having such a presence on our soil is downright scary.

Am I saying that this is a sign of the coming martial law espoused by conspiracy theorists? No. Am I saying that our national sovereignty has been sold out to the global elitists? No.

What I am saying is that just as the abolition of Posse Comitatus scared the heck out of me, the stockpiling of military vehicles in Central Texas scares me as well. Whether the goal is to ship them all overseas to extend our involvement there, or to quell a public rebelling against their elected officials, they make me uneasy. At the very least, a British defense contractor taking American jobs and profits has to be a little upsetting.

What are your thoughts? Does this feel right to you?

Posted by CDogg at 09:17 PM | Comments (8)

March 04, 2008

Good day for an election

Texans - have you done your civic duty today? (If voting in a primary can be considered civic duty.) The folks at Texas State University in San Marcos certainly are in the mood. Newstreamz.com is reporting that in Hays County the "early voting" numbers are more than TWICE the total votes cast in 2004 & 2006 combined. Yowza - thats some serious increase. Visits by Senator Ted Kennedy, Chelsea Clinton, and Barack Obama certainly play into increased voter activity. EDIT: Former President, Bill Clinton just came through town too.

Meanwhile, the Ron Paulers continue their fight...

Of the candidates running, I still tend to identify most with the Ron Paul camp as he is the only one with a good balance of experience in government while not being part of "the system."

Posted by CDogg at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)

March 02, 2008

Disgusting, evil, fear-mongerer

I have just seen the most disgusting political ad since the Lyndon Johnson "Daisy Girl" ad.

I have never liked Hillary Clinton, but as she as "approved this message," I find her to be an evil little troll. Shame on you Hillary.

Transcript of the ad

“It’s 3am and your children are safe and asleep.
But there’ s a phone in the White House and it is ringing.
something is happening in the world
your vote will decide who answers that call.
whether it is someone who already knows the world’s leaders,
knows the military
someone tested and ready to lead in a dangerous world.
its 3am and your children are safe and asleep.
Who do you want answering that phone?”

I fear the "something happening in the world" much less than I fear having the same old career politicians "answering the phone in the White House."

Posted by CDogg at 09:29 PM | Comments (4)

February 05, 2008

Still believe we have two parties?

What do Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, and FOX News all have in common? They're all hard-line right-wingers? Yeah... but more importantly, they have all come out in support of Hillary Clinton.

That's right - the target of a multitude of their barbs a few years back is now "their gal."

Wake up people! There is no Democrat vs. Republican. Both "sides" are bought and paid for by big business. The bottom line is that Hillary is next in line to be the figurehead and it is the media's job to sell her to us.

Chances are, if information is getting to you via mainstream media is is a lie. I know it takes a little effort, but come on - try to think for yourself. This thing is getting out of control.

Posted by CDogg at 05:28 PM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2008

Or you could keep your head in the sand

From the time voting machines first entered the election process, there have been numerous controversies. The New Hampshire primary is the latest debacle surrounding these easily rigged elections. Several candidate on both sides of the (same) aisle have called for recounts.

1 - one company provided 81% of all the voting machines in New Hampshire. That company is operated by a convicted drug trafficker AND has been convicted of election fraud.

2 - in the townships using hand counted ballots, Barrack Obama won handily, in the townships using these Diebold voting machines, Hillary won handily.

Clinton (voting machine) 91,717 52.95%
Obama (voting machine) 81,495 47.05%

Clinton (Hand-counted) 20,889 47.05%
Obama (Hand-counted) 23,509 52.95%

3 - Ron Paul received 0 votes in dozens of townships with these machines. So far, with two townships checked, voters have been found that voted for him but were never counted. In townships with hand counted ballots, Paul averaged over 15% of the vote.

4 - dozens of townships had large numbers of votes recorded simply as OTHER.

It is clear that these voting machines are easily hacked and in fact, just like the 2000 and 2004 presidential election, HAVE been hacked.

I say OUTLAW VOTING MACHINES and return to hand counting ballots. Sure, there are still ways to game the system, but it is much harder.

The other step that should change is that it should be illegal for media to declare winners of any election until such time as ballots have been counted and certified.

image from no-respect.blogspot.com

Posted by CDogg at 11:31 AM | Comments (3)

January 02, 2008

FOX News censors Ron Paul

Despite the fact that Dr. Ron Paul has raised more money than ANY CANDIDATE IN HISTORY, and that Paul has won both previous debates according to polls, FOX News has decided that he is 'not a serious candidate.' If ever there was a call-to-arms, this is it!

I don't care whether you like Dr. Paul or not... a person's politics should have nothing to do with this issue. This is about FOX News using the power of the media to shut out free speech and thumb their nose at democracy. We get the government we deserve, and if we do nothing about this injustice... we deserve to continue to elect the most corrupt among us.

Write to your FOX affiliate and complain, boycott FOX, blog about how despicable an act this is, picket your local FOX affiliate. Do something - even if it is just to complain to a coworker. This is a disgusting perversion of our already sickening election system.

Posted by CDogg at 11:39 PM | Comments (0)

November 29, 2007

Rep'in the right - The YouTube debate

Alright its time for my second Republican debate report card. As you know, the righties took questions from YouTubers and one or two slid in by Anderson Cooper. As per my last report card on this group, the criteria for grading is purely based on my opinion.

Everytime a candidate says the right thing (i.e. something I agree with) he gets a check in the "Right" column. Everytime something wrong is said, a check in the "Wrong" column. Also, everytime there is an attempt to spin or dodge the question, there was a check in the "Dodge" column.

Combined, the candidates answered the majority of the questions right by a pretty good margin - a dramatic improvement over the first debate I reviewed when they scored only 40.2% right. The thing to remember here is that majority is 50.1% - that is still a failing grade.
45.0% Right
33.7% Wrong
21.3% Spin

So does this mean that the Republicans are coming around to my way of thinking? It seems that on a few issues, they may indeed be listening to the public. Spin, on the other hand, is up from 19.1% earlier in the year to 21.3% now.

You know I love to point out the Spin Masters - these are the guys that most often changed the subject or avoided the question.
30.6% Mitt Romney
28.6% John McCain
26.9% Rudy Giuliani

It seems that pretty-boy Mitt Romney has upped his spin percentage
slightly over his previous score but McCain and Giuliani are close on his heels. One third of the time, when these three men are talking - they are avoiding the issue. Not sure I saw that trait in any of the how-to-be-a-leader books.

Who was the furthest off target? Who was the candidate with the most wrong answers?
45.0% Fred Thompson
44.4% Mitt Romney
42.3% Rudy Giuliani

Newcomer Fred Thompson must have had the wrong script as he was the most often dead wrong across all issues. Mitt Romney came in at #2 while the previous leader in wrongness, Giuliani, slid to three. Not only did he fall to #3, but he percentage wrong dropped significantly from his 52.6% on his first report card. Mike Huckabee's 29.4% is the biggest turnaround as last time around he was 51.9% wrong. Way to not suck so much, Mike.

Once again the winner in the most right answers category was Dr. Ron Paul. The first go-round this was a big surprise to me, now it seems painfully obvious that his is the only candidacy that isn't bought and paid for by special interests.
94.7% Ron Paul
66.7% Tom Tancredo
50.0% Duncan Hunter

Ron Paul has amazingly added a double-digit increase over his surprising first report card. Also in a repeat performance, Tom Tancredo came in 2nd and increased over his grade in the first debate. Knocking John McCain out of 3rd is Duncan Hunter. McCain dropped dearly 10 points under his previous score.

The big news here is that unlike last time when of the three most-correct candidates, only John McCain had a snowball's chance in Hell of winning, Ron Paul not only increased his lead as the best candidate, but has shattered fundraising efforts and now is seen as a viable candidate for the job. In fact, recent polls have shown that when each of these Republicans is pitted against Hillary Clinton - ONLY RON PAUL WINS that matchup.

Again, a reminder that all of the grades are based on the candidate giving the answer that I most agree with - but also, just like last time, CNN readers seems to agree that it was another clear win for Ron Paul.

Posted by CDogg at 01:42 PM | Comments (0)

November 21, 2007

Same old spin - new target

What do you do when an upstart politician makes major headway in the debates and online? Well, if you're the established oligarchy you crush him of course. Just ask Ross Perot or Howard Dean.

The spin machine is working overtime to stop the Dr. Ron Paul movement and today's action is the most offensive yet. After a Zogby blind poll asking people who they would vote for based on his/her answers to a series of questions, most Americans voted overwhelmingly for Republican candidate Dr. Ron Paul. Almost across the board, no matter what the issue, Paul's answers most fit with respondent's answers. It was only among ultra right-wing conservatives given the names of the candidates did another candidate win - Rudolph Giuliani .

So how does Zogby report the poll results? "Giuliani Leads Among Republicans in Latest Blind Bio Survey." When you compare the actual results to the headline reported, it is insane. Ron Pauls blows everyone away across 90% of the survey and they report the one tiny area that Giuliani wins. They know that Americans only read headlines and believe whatever they read.

From the very first Republican debate when he shocked everyone by winning, Dr. Ron Paul has intrigued me - I am going to have to do some more research - there are a couple things I don't like about his platform, but as he is the ONLY one who wants to protect our individual freedoms and the Constitition, he may be the only intelligent choice.

Posted by CDogg at 06:46 PM | Comments (0)

October 09, 2007

Vote for your country - vote for the least funded!

Here's my theory. Whichever candidate raises the MOST money will do the most to repay the fundraisers (i.e. will be a crooked bastard.) The candidates that raise the LEAST money will be the least beholden to special interests. This chart represents campaign funds raised to date.

It looks like Mike Gravel and Ron Paul are the best candidates of the two parties. Find flaw in the logic - I dare you!

Posted by CDogg at 10:49 AM | Comments (3)

July 24, 2007

CNN/YouTube Debate

First off, let me say that I was at a dinner meeting and unable to watch the debates live last night, so preface this post with the fact that it is just a first impression. I will break down each question and answer later tonight or tomorrow (when I have time) and once again produce my debate report card ala the last Republican and Democratic debates.

Wow! I just love the format of the debate. Real people asking real questions and if the opening comment by Chris in Portland, Oregon is any indication about the tone of the debate, it should be good. Can you imagine a debate in which the candidates answer the actual questions and don't try to spin? I know, its probably too much to ask.

The other cool thing about this debate is that it is ALL available online! Geez, a so-called Democratic society actually giving full access to the people... what's next? Actual separation of church and state? (I know... baby steps, right?)

Oh, and there's still time to get your video questions in for the Republican debate!

Posted by CDogg at 08:48 AM | Comments (0)

June 25, 2007

Bong Hits 4 Free Speech?

The Supreme Court ruled against the Alaskan high school kid that held up a sign "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" as the Olympic torch passed near Juneau in 2002. The school district suspended him and thus began the court battle.

While your first impulse might be to lambast the court for yet another infringement on our rights, namely freedom of speech, not so fast. Many reporters fail to leave out a very important fact in this case... the student was taking part in an officially school-sanctioned event. In addition, the kid's sign was advocating an illegal activity.

This is not a case of a school district being able to limit what students do in their free time. This does not mean that schools can sack a student for having a controversial MySpace or Facebook page. It just means that while taking part in a school activity, you have to obey the guidelines of conduct set forth by the school.

I'd be the first one to defend the prankster if the facts were different. This never was a free speech case... it was simply a case of not wanting to take your punishment when you break the rules.

Posted by CDogg at 01:59 PM | Comments (2)

Geez... you guys corner the market on suck

Okay, the right wing is full of evildoers that want nothing more than to sell you on every product possible, steal your liberties, and treat you like mindless masses to be controlled and coerced through fear-mongering. So I guess the answer is the left wing? Uh... not so fast. Even when lefties have valid points like "Hey, I'd like to breath cleaner air" or "it sure would be nice if the insurance companies didn't rape us," they do it in such a whiny way that the message is lost.

I recently filled my podcast listening list with a whole bunch of left wing political shows and I cannot get through even one episode of each before unsubscribing. These guys (and gals) are such namby-pamby complainers that it is unlistenable. Why can't they stick to the facts... the facts certainly bear out a lot of bad things being done by the right wing. Instead they spend their time either screaming that George Bush is evil, or laughing at his intelligence after each flubbed sound bite. Both may be true but how is that a useful podcast? Everyone knows he is not the most eloquent speaker to ever hold the office. Does making fun of him advance any liberal cause? No.

Listen up liberals... if you want to bring our soldiers home, tell us why. If you want to clean up polluting industries, tell us why. If you want to bring our health care system from the worst among industrialized nations to the best, tell us how. If you want to fix the campaign finance system, tell us how. Give us the facts... not hyperbole and scare mongering. We get enough of that from the right wing.

To me, it is all just more proof that both "sides" are in cahoots. Neither offers substance, both offer emotion. What's the answer? Think for yourself. Don't believe the spew - left or right.

Posted by CDogg at 09:51 AM | Comments (4)

June 06, 2007

Rep'in the right

Ooh boy - more fun political stuff. I watched last nights debate with rapt attention - tally sheet in hand. As with the Democratic debate of a few days ago, everytime a candidate says the right thing (i.e. something I agree with) he gets a check in the "Right" column. Everytime something wrong is said, a check in the "Wrong" column. Also, everytime there is an attempt to spin or dodge the question, there was a check in the "Dodge" column. In addition to totals for the entire debate, the answers were broken down by subject matter as well.

The subject headings used were: War, Immigration, Environment, Healthcare, Domestic Issues, Foreign Affairs, and Economy. The percentages are a bit misleading because some candidates may not have mentioned a topic at all while others may have harped on the same subject over and over. (I.e. you could get five check marks on Economy good, bad, or dodge, but never mention Environment at all.) All of the stats are available here, but here are some interesting results.

Combined, the candidates answered the majority of the questions wrong by a narrow margin and spin versus the dems was slightly higher.
40.2% Right
40.6% Wrong
19.1% Spin

The top three spin-masters: Although overall spin was higher with the Republicans, nobody did more spinning than Hillary Clinton's 38.5%.
33.3% Sam Brownbeck
27.8% Mitt Romney
23.7% Rudy Guliani

Unlike the Democrats where the spinners also gave the most wrong answers, only Rudy Guliani was in both the spin and wrong lists.
52.6% Rudy Guliani
51.9% Mike Huckabee
50.0% Duncan Hunter

The big surprise again was who most often chose the right answers:
83.3% Ron Paul
57.9% Tom Tancredo
51.4% John McCain

Out of a whopping 256 total comments by all candidates only 5 times was the economy mentioned. Just as the dems seemed to ignore the environment, this is an area avoided by Republicans.

Further proof that immigration is the big non-issue distraction, Republicans got it right only 48.1% of the time. (It should be noted that this is far better than the Democratic consensus.)

Again, this report card is NOT who I think would be the best candidate from the bunch... it is a grade based on how they handled the issues brought up. I was shocked to see Ron Paul so clearly win this debate and apparently CNN readers agreed.

Posted by CDogg at 08:00 AM | Comments (4)

June 04, 2007

Dems the breaks

Okay, its time to do a review of the Democratic Debate on CNN Sunday. Here is how the scores are determined. Everytime a candidate says the right thing (i.e. something I agree with) he gets a check in the "Right" column. Everytime something wrong is said, a check in the "Wrong" column. Also, everytime there is an attempt to spin or dodge the question, there was a check in the "Dodge" column. In addition to totals for the entire debate, the answers were broken down by subject matter as well.

The subject headings used were: War, Immigration, Environment, Healthcare,Domestic Issues, Foreign Affairs, and Economy. The percentages are a bit misleading because some candidates may not have mentioned a topic at all while others may have harped on the same subject over and over. (I.e. you could get five check marks on Economy good, bad, or dodge, but never mention Environment at all.) All of the stats are available here, but here are some interesting results.

All candidates combined answered the majority of the questions right.
65.4% Right
21.2% Wrong
13.4% Spin

The top three spin-masters:
38.5% Hillary Clinton
20.0% Barrack Obama
13.3% Chris Dodd

It follows that the spinners were also most often wrong:
30.8% Hillary Clinton
30.0% Barrack Obama
26.7% Chris Dodd

The big surprise was who most often chose the right answers:
95.5% Dennis Kucinich
87.5% Mike Gravel
76.0% John Edwards

The biggest shock for me was how out of 179 total comments by all candidates only 4 times was the environment mentioned. Maybe everyone assumed it is a foregone conclusion that environmental issues are important and felt there was not much to differentiate themselves from the others.

Immigration was another disappointing area as nobody said the right thing more than Bill Richardson and he was only right 50% of the time. As a whole, the candidates got immigration right only 21.4% of the time. Lots of talk about silly fences and no real meat about the issue.

This report card is NOT who I think would be the best candidate from the bunch... it is a grade based on how they handled the issues brought up.

EDIT: Of the candidates witha chance to win, John Edwards was the clear winner.

Posted by CDogg at 12:32 PM | Comments (0)

May 12, 2007

Hate Crime Law - another attack on the Constitution

A lot has been said recently about the bill HR 1592 that passed the House of Representatives last week. Some are calling it a beacon of light in the darkness of hate speech... others are calling it another nail in the coffin of the Constitution. Unfortunately, even more have no idea was it is. Let's clear that part up at least... it is a law intended to make penalties for "hate crimes" stiffer than those for the same crime without "hatred." Are you kidding me?

The first problem is defining a "hate crime." It is defined as the commission of a crime because of the victim’s race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Seriously, if you murder someone without thinking bad thoughts about them, the penalty would be less that if you "hated" them first. Think about that... we are talking about "thinking." The proponents of the bill have admitted that "hate speech" could be criminalized after this bill passes.

The bill threatens not only the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech, but also the Tenth Amendment. Don't remember that one? It's the most abused and ignored of the original Bill of Rights. It's the one that states the ONLY three crimes under the pervue of the federal government are piracy, treason, and counterfeiting. That's it! The remainder of lawmaking duties and decisions are reserved for individual states.

This is dumb legislation that does nothing other than spend $300 million and chip away at the Bill of Rights.

I was thinking how much I hated weeds yesterday when I was killing some growing by my tomatoes - uh oh!

Posted by CDogg at 09:08 PM | Comments (0)

May 09, 2007

This could get him fired it he HAD a job

Al Sharpton's recent comments about Presidential candidate Mitt Romney are further proof that he is the king of hypocrisy.

"..as for the one Mormon running for office, those that really believe in God will defeat him anyway."

He lambasts Don Imus for casting aspersions on his show (the format of which is all about such comments) and then goes off on Romney and basically dismisses the entire LDS religion. This from the "Reverend" Al Sharpton.. a supposed "man of god." Way to turn the other cheek, Sharpy.

This from the same guy who, in 1994 said, "White folks was in caves while we was building empires ... We taught philosophy and astrology and mathematics before Socrates and them Greek homos ever got around to it."

Posted by CDogg at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)

May 01, 2007

Still no debate online?

I looked everywhere to find a full video of the recent Democratic Presidential Debate. What is the deal? Can someone tell me why this isn't available online? Of all the crap on the Internet, shouldn't something as basic as the discourse over our next President be easier to find? Is there some grand conspiracy... does MSNBC hold the pay-per-view rights or plan on releasing it as a DVD later? I have news for you - you won't make any money off the thing.

The other possible answer is that I just haven't found it. If you TiVo'ed it or know where I can find it online, shoot me an email. I really wanna hear what kind of nonsense they are tossing around.

Posted by CDogg at 09:17 PM | Comments (0)

April 15, 2007

Junk science, operant conditioning, or do we just hate each other?

With the whole Imus brewhaha still making mountains out of molehills, Dateline NBC revisited a study they reported on a couple years back. In the study, subjects were shown a series of words (positive and negative) and told to click on one of two keys corresponding with GOOD or BAD. Next, they were show a series of faces (black and white) and told to click on one of two keys corresponding with African American or European American. The test continued by placing BAD on the same side and African Americans and GOOD alongside the European American. Now, the words and pictures flashed and the subjects were to click right or left as they came up. The final step was to combine BAD with the European American and GOOD with the African Americans. The test creators claimed that the number of mistakes you make at this point suggests varying degrees of preference for one race over another.

Hmmm... the first three rounds train you to do one thing and then when they change the rules suddenly your mistakes are supposed to be a window to your REAL feelings about other races. It is my contention, that although I took the test and scored right in the middle (ie. NO automatic preference for Black or White people,) I would have made the same number of mistakes when the tables were turned had the BAD and GOOD been replaced with RED and GREEN. It was the conditioning that was crosswired, not some deep-seated feelings that African Americans are more RED or European Americans are more GREEN.

The researchers (from Harvard) claim that the test passes scientific scrutiny, but one of my major courses of study in college was psychology, and I have to think that it is not so clear.

Want to discover your inner racist? Take the test online.

Posted by CDogg at 10:42 PM | Comments (1)

March 01, 2007

Please don't support this madness

What is up with St. Patrick's Day COSTUMES? Since when did it become the norm to wear a green wig, a leprechaun suit, and various other garb? Since Wal-Mart told you it was cool.

I was walking through Wal-Mart today and saw the wigs, the costumes, and even a St. Patrick's Day spa gift basket... HUH? What the heck is that about? This was originally a day set aside to honor Saint Patrick. What does that have to do with green bubble bath... or drinking yourself stupid for that matter? It is all rather odd.

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that a religious holiday is celebrated by drinking and (now) leprechaun costumes. After all, the birth of Christ is celebrated by purchasing Tickle Me Elmo and trying to outdo your neighbor's lighting display... heck, the Ascension is celebrated not by some sort of reverent honoring of the event, but by a giant rabbit that drops colored chicken eggs and chocolates... it makes perfect sense to me. haha

I truly believe that if Wal-Mart put up a St. Paddy's display showing that we should wear rubber poo on our shoulder, people would do it.

Posted by CDogg at 03:19 PM | Comments (1)

January 23, 2007

My response to the State of the Union Address

Okay, as I have done in the past, I am going to print the President's entire State of the Union speech with my comments (in red) throughout. The last time I did this was in his 2003 State of the Union speech. You are warned... this is a loooooong post.

---------------
Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:

This rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour — when decisions are hard and courage is tested. We enter the year 2007 with large endeavors under way, and others that are ours to begin.

In all of this, much is asked of us. We must have the will to face difficult challenges and determined enemies — and the wisdom to face them together.

Some in this Chamber are new to the House and Senate — and I congratulate the Democratic majority. Congress has changed, but our responsibilities have not. Each of us is guided by our own convictions — and to these we must stay faithful. Yet we are all held to the same standards, and called to serve the same good purposes:

To extend this Nation's prosperity … to spend the people's money wisely (it was good to hear a politician refer to it as our money) … to solve problems, not leave them to future generations … to guard America against all evil, and to keep faith with those we have sent forth to defend us.

We are not the first to come here with government divided and uncertainty in the air. Like many before us, we can work through our differences, and achieve big things for the American people. Our citizens don't much care which side of the aisle we sit on — as long as we are willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done. Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans, and help them to build a future of hope and opportunity — and this is the business before us tonight. okay, the rah-rah politicking ends here

A future of hope and opportunity begins with a growing economy — and that is what we have. We are now in the 41st month of uninterrupted job growth — in a recovery that has created 7.2 million new jobs (standard number massaging... new jobs does NOT count jobs lost... only those added lose 10 jobs and 7 find work is creating 7 NEW jobs) … so far. Unemployment is low, inflation is low, and wages are rising. (have your wages rose? compensation for CEOs is growing like mad... but not the average person's salary... it has shrunk) This economy is on the move — and our job is to keep it that way, not with more government (first sleight-of-hand... remember he says NOT with more government - remember that) but with more enterprise.

Next week, I will deliver a full report on the state of our economy. Tonight, I want to discuss three economic reforms that deserve to be priorities for this Congress.

First, we must balance the federal budget. We can do so without raising taxes. What we need to do is impose spending discipline in Washington, D.C. We set a goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009 — and met that goal three years ahead of schedule. Okay, LEARN the difference between debt and deficit... the deficit was cut... all that means is that the DEBT is not growing as fast as it was... it is still growing at a rate higher than at any time since the Reagan era) Now let us take the next step. In the coming weeks, I will submit a budget that eliminates the federal deficit within the next five years. I ask you to make the same commitment. Together, we can restrain the spending appetite of the federal government, and balance the federal budget.

Next, there is the matter of earmarks. These special interest items are often slipped into bills at the last hour — when not even C-SPAN is watching. In 2005 alone, the number of earmarks grew to over 13,000 and totaled nearly $18 billion. Even worse, over 90 percent of earmarks never make it to the floor of the House and Senate — they are dropped into Committee reports that are not even part of the bill that arrives on my desk. You did not vote them into law. I did not sign them into law. good move, but he is just jumping on the bandwagon of legislation already in progress via the Democratic congress)

Yet they are treated as if they have the force of law. The time has come to end this practice. So let us work together to reform the budget process … expose every earmark to the light of day and to a vote in Congress … and cut the number and cost of earmarks at least in half by the end of this session. Wanna be bold - do the RIGHT thing... eliminate them! Don't play semantics by reducing them in half

Finally, to keep this economy strong we must take on the challenge of entitlements. Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid are commitments of conscience — and so it is our duty to keep them permanently sound. Yet we are failing in that duty — and this failure will one day leave our children with three bad options: huge tax increases, huge deficits, or huge and immediate cuts in benefits. Everyone in this Chamber knows this to be true — yet somehow we have not found it in ourselves to act. So let us work together and do it now. With enough good sense and good will, you and I can fix Medicare and Medicaid — and save Social Security. There is NO evidence that those programs are failing... this a political Chewbacca aimed at privatizing the ONLY working social program in the US... bad news

Spreading opportunity and hope in America also requires public schools that give children the knowledge and character they need in life. Five years ago, we rose above partisan differences to pass the No Child Left Behind Act — preserving local control, raising standards in public schools, and holding those schools accountable for results. And because we acted, students are performing better in reading and math, and minority students are closing the achievement gap. Because the Department of Education is a bloated bureaucracy, I do believe that privitization through a voucher system or similar program is the right move. For it to be successful for all Americans and not just another way for the rich to get ahead... these private schools must NOT be able to refuse entry to ANYONE.

Now the task is to build on this success, without watering down standards … without taking control from local communities … and without backsliding and calling it reform. We can lift student achievement even higher by giving local leaders flexibility to turn around failing schools … and by giving families with children stuck in failing schools the right to choose something better.

We must increase funds for students who struggle — and make sure these children get the special help they need. And we can make sure our children are prepared for the jobs of the future, and our country is more competitive, by strengthening math and science skills. The No Child Left Behind Act has worked for America's children — and I ask Congress to reauthorize this good law. Increasing funding for bloated and worthless programs is NOT the answer... see previous post

A future of hope and opportunity requires that all our citizens have affordable and available health care. When it comes to health care, government has an obligation to care for the elderly, the disabled, and poor children. We will meet those responsibilities. For all other Americans, private health insurance is the best way to meet their needs. But many Americans cannot afford a health insurance policy.

Tonight, I propose two new initiatives to help more Americans afford their own insurance. First, I propose a standard tax deduction for health insurance that will be like the standard tax deduction for dependents. Families with health insurance will pay no income or payroll taxes on $15,000 of their income. Single Americans with health insurance will pay no income or payroll taxes on $7,500 of their income. With this reform, more than 100 million men, women, and children who are now covered by employer-provided insurance will benefit from lower tax bills. Its a start, but a comprehensive healthcare program like those in the UK and Canada seem to work fine and should be strongly considered.

At the same time, this reform will level the playing field for those who do not get health insurance through their job. For Americans who now purchase health insurance on their own, my proposal would mean a substantial tax savings — $4,500 for a family of four making $60,000 a year. And for the millions of other Americans who have no health insurance at all, this deduction would help put a basic private health insurance plan within their reach. Changing the tax code is a vital and necessary step to making health care affordable for more Americans. Solving social issues through the tax code is really moronic - instead ditch the tax system in favor of a national sales tax. Don't tax healthcare, food, or housing. Housing tax exemptions should be for primary residences ONLY and should have a limit tied to the amount of the average house to ensure that multi-million dollar mansions are not exempt

My second proposal is to help the states that are coming up with innovative ways to cover the uninsured. States that make basic private health insurance available to all their citizens should receive federal funds to help them provide this coverage to the poor and the sick. I have asked the secretary of Health and Human Services to work with Congress to take existing federal funds and use them to create "affordable choices" grants. These grants would give our Nation's governors more money and more flexibility to get private health insurance to those most in need. I am in favor of anything that returns power from the national government to the states... but I have to look into this.

There are many other ways that Congress can help. We need to expand Health Savings Accounts … help small businesses through Association Health Plans … reduce costs and medical errors with better information technology … encourage price transparency … and protect good doctors from junk lawsuits by passing medical liability reform. And in all we do, we must remember that the best health care decisions are made not by government and insurance companies, but by patients and their doctors. Typical right-wing approach to healthcare... reform medical liability. This is WAAAY wrong. When one of these huge corporations screws over the little guy, their liability is the ONLY recourse. This is standard big business legislation painted as help for the little guy

Extending hope and opportunity in our country requires an immigration system worthy of America — with laws that are fair and borders that are secure. When laws and borders are routinely violated, this harms the interests of our country. To secure our border, we are doubling the size of the Border Patrol Remember that comment earlier about smaller government? Doesn't sound like it to me — and funding new infrastructure and technology. Anytime immigration is brought up... think RED HERRING... it is put in to distract you from the real issues

Yet even with all these steps, we cannot fully secure the border unless we take pressure off the border, and that requires a temporary worker program. We should establish a legal and orderly path for foreign workers to enter our country to work on a temporary basis. As a result, they won't have to try to sneak in — and that will leave border agents free to chase down drug smugglers, and criminals, and terrorists. We will enforce our immigration laws at the work site, and give employers the tools to verify the legal status of their workers — so there is no excuse left for violating the law. We need to uphold the great tradition of the melting pot that welcomes and assimilates new arrivals. And we need to resolve the status of the illegal immigrants who are already in our country, without animosity and without amnesty.

Convictions run deep in this Capitol when it comes to immigration. Let us have a serious, civil and conclusive debate — so that you can pass, and I can sign, comprehensive immigration reform into law.

Extending hope and opportunity depends on a stable supply of energy that keeps America's economy running and America's environment clean. For too long our nation has been dependent on foreign oil. And this dependence leaves us more vulnerable to hostile regimes, and to terrorists — who could cause huge disruptions of oil shipments … raise the price of oil … and do great harm to our economy.

It is in our vital interest to diversify America's energy supply — and the way forward is through technology. Standard operating procedure for Bush when it comes to energy and the environment is to sell us on NEW technology... as long as it is based on future developments, they don't have to live up to it. We can do things NOW! We must continue changing the way America generates electric power — by even greater use of clean coal technology (this is one of the worst environment moves EVER... clean coal is not clean because you call it clean. Just as a friendly kick in the groin is not friendly... it is a scam and backward thinking …solar and wind energy … and clean, safe nuclear power (nice to hear him mention the words solar and wind... but the focus is still on BAD, old technologies like "safe" nuclear - another "friendly" kick) . We need to press on with battery research for plug-in and hybrid vehicles, (the batteries exist... stop selling it as a future technology) and expand the use of clean diesel vehicles and biodiesel fuel. We must continue investing in new methods of producing ethanol … using everything from wood chips, to grasses, to agricultural wastes.

We have made a lot of progress, thanks to good policies in Washington and the strong response of the market. Now even more dramatic advances are within reach. Tonight, I ask Congress to join me in pursuing a great goal. Let us build on the work we have done and reduce gasoline usage in the United States by 20 percent in the next ten years — thereby cutting our total imports by the equivalent of three-quarters of all the oil we now import from the Middle East. (that is far from a lofty goal... it took us less time to go to the moon... 2017 is another one of these FUTURE things designed to keep the natives from getting restless. DEMAND that we do it NOW!!! Do not be deceived ALL of this technology is NOW available)

To reach this goal, we must increase the supply of alternative fuels, by setting a mandatory fuels standard to require 35 billion gallons of renewable and alternative fuels in 2017 — this is nearly five times the current target. (2017... more future talk... the standards can be improved twice as much, twice as fast without new technologies or losses to car manufacturers) At the same time, we need to reform and modernize fuel economy standards for cars the way we did for light trucks — and conserve up to eight and a half billion more gallons of gasoline by 2017. (easy for him to say... he won't be driving in 2017...)

Achieving these ambitious goals will dramatically reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but will not eliminate it. So as we continue to diversify our fuel supply, we must also step up domestic oil production in environmentally sensitive ways. (Here comes the attack on the environment. We don't need to further rape our natural resources, we need to use solar, wind, and other CLEAN technologies that are currently available) And to further protect America against severe disruptions to our oil supply, I ask Congress to double the current capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

America is on the verge of technological breakthroughs that will enable us to live our lives less dependent on oil. (more smoke and mirrors... we are NOT on the verge... we have the technologies, but there is actual legislation in place that is slowing introduction or blocking it altogether. Stop lying to the public and do the right thing!) These technologies will help us become better stewards of the environment — and they will help us to confront the serious challenge of global climate change. (I am pleased to hear him say the words... although he has said nothing that indicates he will pay more than lip service to the issue )

A future of hope and opportunity requires a fair, impartial system of justice. The lives of citizens across our nation are affected by the outcome of cases pending in our federal courts. And we have a shared obligation to ensure that the federal courts have enough judges to hear those cases and deliver timely rulings. As president, I have a duty to nominate qualified men and women to vacancies on the federal bench. And the United States Senate has a duty as well — to give those nominees a fair hearing, and a prompt up-or-down vote on the Senate floor.

begin patriotic theme music for the don't dare disagree with this section part of the speech

For all of us in this room, there is no higher responsibility than to protect the people of this country from danger. Five years have come and gone since we saw the scenes and felt the sorrow that terrorists can cause. We have had time to take stock of our situation. We have added many critical protections to guard the homeland. We know with certainty that the horrors of that September morning were just a glimpse of what the terrorists intend for us — unless we stop them.

With the distance of time, we find ourselves debating the causes of conflict and the course we have followed. Such debates are essential when a great democracy faces great questions. Yet one question has surely been settled that to win the war on terror we must take the fight to the enemy.

From the start, America and our allies have protected our people by staying on the offense. The enemy knows that the days of comfortable sanctuary, easy movement, steady financing, and free flowing communications are long over. For the terrorists, life since Nine-Eleven has never been the same.

Our success in this war is often measured by the things that did not happen. We cannot know the full extent of the attacks that we and our allies have prevented — but here is some of what we do know: We stopped an al Qaeda plot to fly a hijacked airplane into the tallest building on the West Coast. We broke up a Southeast Asian terrorist cell grooming operatives for attacks inside the United States. We uncovered an al Qaeda cell developing anthrax to be used in attacks against America. And just last August, British authorities uncovered a plot to blow up passenger planes bound for America over the Atlantic Ocean. For each life saved, we owe a debt of gratitude to the brave public servants who devote their lives to finding the terrorists and stopping them.

Every success against the terrorists is a reminder of the shoreless ambitions of this enemy. The evil that inspired and rejoiced in Nine-Eleven is still at work in the world. And so long as that is the case, America is still a nation at war.

In the minds of the terrorists, this war began well before September 11, and will not end until their radical vision is fulfilled. And these past five years have given us a much clearer view of the nature of this enemy. Al Qaeda and its followers are Sunni extremists, possessed by hatred and commanded by a harsh and narrow ideology. Take almost any principle of civilization, and their goal is the opposite. They preach with threats … instruct with bullets and bombs … and promise paradise for the murder of the innocent.

Our enemies are quite explicit about their intentions. They want to overthrow moderate governments, and establish safe havens from which to plan and carry out new attacks on our country. By killing and terrorizing Americans, they want to force our country to retreat from the world and abandon the cause of liberty. They would then be free to impose their will and spread their totalitarian ideology. Listen to this warning from the late terrorist Zarqawi: "We will sacrifice our blood and bodies to put an end to your dreams, and what is coming is even worse." And Osama bin Laden declared: "Death is better than living on this Earth with the unbelievers among us."

These men are not given to idle words, and they are just one camp in the Islamist radical movement. In recent times, it has also become clear that we face an escalating danger from Shia extremists who are just as hostile to America, and are also determined to dominate the Middle East. Many are known to take direction from the regime in Iran, which is funding and arming terrorists like Hezbollah — a group second only to al Qaeda in the American lives it has taken.

The Shia and Sunni extremists are different faces of the same totalitarian threat. But whatever slogans they chant, when they slaughter the innocent, they have the same wicked purposes. They want to kill Americans … kill democracy in the Middle East … and gain the weapons to kill on an even more horrific scale.

In the sixth year since our nation was attacked, I wish I could report to you that the dangers have ended. They have not. And so it remains the policy of this government to use every lawful and proper tool of intelligence, diplomacy, law enforcement, and military action to do our duty, to find these enemies, and to protect the American people.

This war is more than a clash of arms — it is a decisive ideological struggle, and the security of our nation is in the balance. To prevail, we must remove the conditions that inspire blind hatred, and drove 19 men to get onto airplanes and come to kill us. What every terrorist fears most is human freedom — societies where men and women make their own choices, answer to their own conscience, and live by their hopes instead of their resentments. Free people are not drawn to violent and malignant ideologies — and most will choose a better way when they are given a chance. So we advance our own security interests by helping moderates, reformers, and brave voices for democracy. The great question of our day is whether America will help men and women in the Middle East to build free societies and share in the rights of all humanity. And I say, for the sake of our own security … we must.

In the last two years, we have seen the desire for liberty in the broader Middle East — and we have been sobered by the enemy's fierce reaction. In 2005, the world watched as the citizens of Lebanon raised the banner of the Cedar Revolution … drove out the Syrian occupiers … and chose new leaders in free elections. In 2005, the people of Afghanistan defied the terrorists and elected a democratic legislature. And in 2005, the Iraqi people held three national elections — choosing a transitional government …adopting the most progressive, democratic constitution in the Arab world & and then electing a government under that constitution. Despite endless threats from the killers in their midst, nearly 12 million Iraqi citizens came out to vote in a show of hope and solidarity we should never forget.

A thinking enemy watched all of these scenes, adjusted their tactics, and in 2006 they struck back. In Lebanon, assassins took the life of Pierre Gemayel, a prominent participant in the Cedar Revolution. And Hezbollah terrorists, with support from Syria and Iran, sowed conflict in the region and are seeking to undermine Lebanon's legitimately elected government. In Afghanistan, Taliban and al Qaeda fighters tried to regain power by regrouping and engaging Afghan and NATO forces. In Iraq, al Qaeda and other Sunni extremists blew up one of the most sacred places in Shia Islam — the Golden Mosque of Samarra. This atrocity, directed at a Muslim house of prayer, was designed to provoke retaliation from Iraqi Shia  and it succeeded. Radical Shia elements, some of whom receive support from Iran, formed death squads. The result was a tragic escalation of sectarian rage and reprisal that continues to this day.

This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it is the fight we are in. Every one of us wishes that this war were over and won. Yet it would not be like us to leave our promises unkept, our friends abandoned, and our own security at risk. Ladies and gentlemen: On this day, at this hour, it is still within our power to shape the outcome of this battle. So let us find our resolve, and turn events toward victory.

We are carrying out a new strategy in Iraq — a plan that demands more from Iraq's elected government, and gives our forces in Iraq the reinforcements they need to complete their mission. Our goal is a democratic Iraq that upholds the rule of law, respects the rights of its people, provides them security, and is an ally in the war on terror.

In order to make progress toward this goal, the Iraqi government must stop the sectarian violence in its capital. But the Iraqis are not yet ready to do this on their own. So we are deploying reinforcements of more than 20,000 additional soldiers and Marines to Iraq. The vast majority will go to Baghdad, where they will help Iraqi forces to clear and secure neighborhoods, and serve as advisers embedded in Iraqi Army units. With Iraqis in the lead, our forces will help secure the city by chasing down terrorists, insurgents, and roaming death squads. And in Anbar province — where al Qaeda terrorists have gathered and local forces have begun showing a willingness to fight them — we are sending an additional 4,000 United States Marines, with orders to find the terrorists and clear them out. We did not drive al Qaeda out of their safe haven in Afghanistan only to let them set up a new safe haven in a free Iraq.

The people of Iraq want to live in peace, and now is the time for their government to act. Iraq's leaders know that our commitment is not open ended. They have promised to deploy more of their own troops to secure Baghdad — and they must do so. They have pledged that they will confront violent radicals of any faction or political party. They need to follow through, and lift needless restrictions on Iraqi and Coalition forces, so these troops can achieve their mission of bringing security to all of the people of Baghdad. Iraq's leaders have committed themselves to a series of benchmarks to achieve reconciliation — to share oil revenues among all of Iraq's citizens … to put the wealth of Iraq into the rebuilding of Iraq … to allow more Iraqis to re-enter their nation's civic life … to hold local elections … and to take responsibility for security in every Iraqi province. But for all of this to happen, Baghdad must be secured. And our plan will help the Iraqi government take back its capital and make good on its commitments.

My fellow citizens, our military commanders and I have carefully weighed the options. We discussed every possible approach. In the end, I chose this course of action because it provides the best chance of success. Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching.

If American forces step back before Baghdad is secure, the Iraqi government would be overrun by extremists on all sides. We could expect an epic battle between Shia extremists backed by Iran, and Sunni extremists aided by al Qaeda and supporters of the old regime. A contagion of violence could spill out across the country — and in time the entire region could be drawn into the conflict.

For America, this is a nightmare scenario. For the enemy, this is the objective. Chaos is their greatest ally in this struggle. And out of chaos in Iraq, would emerge an emboldened enemy with new safe havens … new recruits … new resources … and an even greater determination to harm America. To allow this to happen would be to ignore the lessons of September 11 and invite tragedy. And ladies and gentlemen, nothing is more important at this moment in our history than for America to succeed in the Middle East … to succeed in Iraq … and to spare the American people from this danger.

This is where matters stand tonight, in the here and now. I have spoken with many of you in person. I respect you and the arguments you have made. We went into this largely united — in our assumptions, and in our convictions. And whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure. Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq — and I ask you to give it a chance to work. And I ask you to support our troops in the field — and those on their way.

The war on terror we fight today is a generational struggle that will continue long after you and I have turned our duties over to others. That is why it is important to work together so our nation can see this great effort through. Both parties and both branches should work in close consultation. And this is why I propose to establish a special advisory council on the war on terror, made up of leaders in Congress from both political parties. We will share ideas for how to position America to meet every challenge that confronts us. And we will show our enemies abroad that we are united in the goal of victory.

One of the first steps we can take together is to add to the ranks of our military — so that the American Armed Forces are ready for all the challenges ahead. Tonight I ask the Congress to authorize an increase in the size of our active Army and Marine Corps by 92,000 in the next five years. (another increase in our goverment... ooops, I forgot I can't speak during this section) A second task we can take on together is to design and establish a volunteer Civilian Reserve Corps. Such a corps would function much like our military reserve. It would ease the burden on the Armed Forces by allowing us to hire civilians with critical skills to serve on missions abroad when America needs them. And it would give people across America who do not wear the uniform a chance to serve in the defining struggle of our time.

Americans can have confidence in the outcome of this struggle — because we are not in this struggle alone. We have a diplomatic strategy that is rallying the world to join in the fight against extremism. In Iraq, multinational forces are operating under a mandate from the United Nations  and we are working with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Gulf States to increase support for Iraq's government. The United Nations has imposed sanctions on Iran, and made it clear that the world will not allow the regime in Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons. With the other members of the Quartet — the UN, the European Union, and Russia — we are pursuing diplomacy to help bring peace to the Holy Land, and pursuing the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security.

In Afghanistan, NATO has taken the lead in turning back the Taliban and al Qaeda offensive  the first time the Alliance has deployed forces outside the North Atlantic area. Together with our partners in China, Japan, Russia, and South Korea, we are pursuing intensive diplomacy to achieve a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons. And we will continue to speak out for the cause of freedom in places like Cuba, Belarus, and Burma — and continue to awaken the conscience of the world to save the people of Darfur.

(huh... what... its over... okay... where were we?)

American foreign policy is more than a matter of war and diplomacy. Our work in the world is also based on a timeless truth: To whom much is given, much is required. We hear the call to take on the challenges of hunger, poverty, and disease — and that is precisely what America is doing. We must continue to fight HIV/AIDS, especially on the continent of Africa — and because you funded our Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the number of people receiving life-saving drugs has grown from 50,000 to more than 800,000 in three short years. I ask you to continue funding our efforts to fight HIV/AIDS.

I ask you to provide $1.2 billion over five years so we can combat malaria in 15 African countries. I ask that you fund the Millennium Challenge Account, so that American aid reaches the people who need it, in nations where democracy is on the rise and corruption is in retreat. And let us continue to support the expanded trade and debt relief that are the best hope for lifting lives and eliminating poverty. (hey, I have nothing against helping these people... but remember your citizens... remember those who are paying ALL of these bills... remember that 40% of us do not have healthcare? Just reminding you)

When America serves others in this way, we show the strength and generosity of our country. These deeds reflect the character of our people. The greatest strength we have is the heroic kindness, courage, and self sacrifice of the American people. You see this spirit often if you know where to look — and tonight we need only look above to the gallery.

(better end on a positive note... why not point out some heartwarming stories about things you had nothing to do with)

Dikembe Mutombo grew up in Africa, amid great poverty and disease. He came to Georgetown University on a scholarship to study medicine  but Coach John Thompson got a look at Dikembe and had a different idea. Dikembe became a star in the NBA, and a citizen of the United States. But he never forgot the land of his birth or the duty to share his blessings with others. He has built a brand new hospital in his hometown. A friend has said of this good hearted man: "Mutombo believes that God has given him this opportunity to do great things." And we are proud to call this son of the Congo our fellow American.

After her daughter was born, Julie Aigner-Clark searched for ways to share her love of music and art with her child. So she borrowed some equipment, and began filming children's videos in her basement. The Baby Einstein Company was born and in just five years her business grew to more than $20 million in sales. In November 2001, Julie sold Baby Einstein to the Walt Disney Company, and with her help Baby Einstein has grown into a $200 million business. Julie represents the great enterprising spirit of America. And she is using her success to help others producing child safety videos with John Walsh of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Julie says of her new project: "I believe it's the most important thing that I've ever done. I believe that children have the right to live in a world that is safe." We are pleased to welcome this talented business entrepreneur and generous social entrepreneur Julie Aigner-Clark.

Three weeks ago, Wesley Autrey was waiting at a Harlem subway station with his two little girls, when he saw a man fall into the path of a train. With seconds to act, Wesley jumped onto the tracks … pulled the man into a space between the rails … and held him as the train passed right above their heads. He insists he's not a hero. Wesley says: "We got guys and girls overseas dying for us to have our freedoms. We got to show each other some love." There is something wonderful about a country that produces a brave and humble man like Wesley Autrey.

Tommy Rieman was a teenager pumping gas in Independence, Kentucky, when he enlisted in the United States Army. In December 2003, he was on a reconnaissance mission in Iraq when his team came under heavy enemy fire. From his Humvee, Sergeant Rieman returned fire  and used his body as a shield to protect his gunner. He was shot in the chest and arm, and received shrapnel wounds to his legs — yet he refused medical attention, and stayed in the fight. He helped to repel a second attack, firing grenades at the enemy's position. For his exceptional courage, Sergeant Rieman was awarded the Silver Star. And like so many other Americans who have volunteered to defend us, he has earned the respect and gratitude of our whole country.

In such courage and compassion, ladies and gentlemen, we see the spirit and character of America — and these qualities are not in short supply. This is a decent and honorable country — and resilient, too. We have been through a lot together. We have met challenges and faced dangers, and we know that more lie ahead. Yet we can go forward with confidence — because the State of our Union is strong … our cause in the world is right … and tonight that cause goes on.

(If you read this far... congratulate yourself for being an informed American and for caring enough about your country to listen to all points of view)

Posted by CDogg at 09:22 PM | Comments (0)

January 22, 2007

Presidential Candidates - so far

Here are the candidates that have officially stated they will be running for President in 2008. There are several others that will for sure be in the running, but just haven't filed their papers yet.

Democrats
* Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut
* Former Senator John Edwards of North Carolina
* Former Senator Mike Gravel of Alaska
* Representative Dennis Kucinich of Ohio
* Former Governor Tom Vilsack of Iowa
* Senator Barack Obama of Illinois
* Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York

Republicans
* Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas
* John H. Cox of Illinois
* Michael Charles Smith of Oregon

Libertarian
* Steve Kubby of California
* George Phillies of Massachusetts
* Christine Smith of Colorado

So what do I think of the lineup? Hmmm... I only see one I would vote for right now... and for the first time in my life, it is a Democrat. Nope not Ms. Coattails, Hillary... John Edwards. Not only does he "get it" when it comes to podcasts (he has been podcasting for over a year now) but he seems to understand that old world politics as usual will no longer work. Am I deluded enough to think that any of these candidates will be GREAT for America? Nope.

Although John McCain hasn't officially filed, chances are he will be in the running for the Republicans. In the past, he would have been the clear choice, but he lost a lot of credibility over the past eight years by going with the flow and leaving his ideals on the campaign trail. To my eyes, he became a lapdog for the Bush administration.

I will most likely continue my streak of the past 16 years and vote for an Independent (assuming someone decent steps up and runs.)

Posted by CDogg at 07:37 AM | Comments (0)

January 10, 2007

Not convinced

So the new plan is to have 21,000 new troops, a BOATLOAD of new money, and a grid system of dividing up Baghdad... THAT's the solution to the Iraq War? I'm just not seeing it.

I am assuming that the bad guys are smart enough to move their operations a couple miles down the road. Then do we add another 20,000 troops for the next town? Seriously, nobody can think this is going to work.

If you want to win a war militarily, you need to wipe out the enemy. Kill the opposition and put your guys in power. War itself is one of the stupidest things ever created by man. The whole idea of fighting a civilized war is retarded. Not only is it the mother of all oxymorons, but it is an affront to decency.

Kill your enemy and get it over with or get the heck out of dodge. Anything in between is a waste of money, a waste of human lives, and like I said... retarded.

Posted by CDogg at 08:37 PM | Comments (2)

December 06, 2006

Iraq Study Group? Huh?

Does anyone else find this whole thing just a bit weird? Maybe it is the conspiracy theorist in me, but I don't remember voting ANY of the Iraq Study Group into office, so why should they be directing public and international policy? In a time when our freedoms and the constitution are increasingly being challenged, it seems a scary precedent to me.

I am not naive enough to think that there is no precedent for "think tanks." I know all about the Brookings Institute, the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, the Cato Institute, and the dozens of others. What is odd is the degree to which this group has been given a public platform. Have you ever seen a report from the Cato Institute preempt television and given live coverage?

I am not sure yet what the implications of this who's who of former policy and lawmakers really are... I just know that it doesn't jibe with history nor my understanding of a representative republic.

Posted by CDogg at 10:41 AM | Comments (0)

November 08, 2006

Another one bites the dust - Rumsfeld Resigns

What do you do when the country sends a clear message through the polls that they are tired of the direction you are taking the country? What do you do when they take away your majority in Congress and even take back a half dozen governerships?

You toss your warbird on the altar and give him up as a sign that you are going to move more toward the will of the people.

I was a bit disappointed in Bush's speech about Rumsfeld's departure. He said the voting was a result of his opponents running "a disciplined campaign and getting out the vote." Hey George, what about the people wanting our government to PAY ATTENTION to what WE think is important and to stop feeding at the public trough at the expense of our pocketbooks and our children's lives overseas? What about congratulating the people for doing the right thing... not your political opponents for a "good match."

Even if your elected officials won't recognize what the American citizens have accomplished, I will...

THANK YOU FOR VOTING AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY AND THE WORLD.

Posted by CDogg at 11:47 AM | Comments (0)

November 07, 2006

We get the government we deserve

TODAY


IS THE DAY!!!

Posted by CDogg at 06:59 AM | Comments (1)

October 30, 2006

Dirt Dobbers

That is the name we used for a family of wasps common throughout Texas - the Mud Dauber. They are so named because they construct their nests from mud. I am not referring to these non-aggressive wasps, but instead to the battle for Tom Delay's vacated 22nd congressional district in Texas. The Dobbers in question are Shelley Sekula-Gibbs and Nick Lampson.

Nick is the lesser of the mud slingers as he has only pointed out things such as Sekula-Gibbs accepting a pay raise while on Houston's City Council. That isn't a big deal until you put it in light of the fact that she voted against a police pay raise and the majority of her council counterparts refused their raises.

The real dirt is being tossed about by Sekula-Gibbs who asserts that Nick Lampson's values include "violence and sexually explicit games to children" and "is for abortion."

Neither seems to stand for anything themselves, as both are focused on why the other sucks so bad. It makes you proud to be an American.

Posted by CDogg at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)

October 23, 2006

CIVIC DUTY TIME AGAIN!

Early voting begins today. It is the only true way to exercise your rights, so please go vote.

Here it is - you already have all the grades, but here is the final tally with the scores weighted*.

* according to what I think is most important

One final thought - a surefire way to improve the body of our elected officials:

It doesn't matter if you agree with anything I have written. All that matters is you exercise your right and vote!

Posted by CDogg at 08:37 AM | Comments (1)

October 19, 2006

Down and dirty Senate race

Tonight was the debate between U.S. Senate candidates, Republican Kay Baily-Hutchison, Democrat Barbara Ann Radnofsky and Libertarian Scott Jameson. Geez, talk about a kiss the pig contest... nobody wins, not even the pig.

I will however, stand by my motto:

In this case, it means vote for anyone except Kay Bailey-Hutchison. Why? Try this one for size... how about the fact that not only do Senators and Congressmen get retirement for life after only one term, but they have the best health care in the world - ALL PAID FOR BY YOU!!!

If you don't think its right for them to have free healthcare for life when you have to scrimp to pay the premiums on insurance that never seems to cover your symptoms... then you must VOTE 'EM OUT!!!

Posted by CDogg at 09:53 PM | Comments (0)

Moyers in Net Neutrality

Finally, someone has laid it out in plain English. The issue of Net Neutrality was spelled out beautifully by Bill Moyers on PBS last night. If you get a chance to bit torrent, rip, cajole, or steal this show* - WATCH IT! Not only does it explain what the folks at Save the Internet have been on about, it also gives an overview of the problems with media consolidation.

In my opinion, this issue is second only to cleaning up our environment in importance. The Internet is the ONLY place where free speech is flourishing. If the cable and phone companies are allowed to create their multi-tiered system, it is not a stretch to assume that they will squelch opinions that disagree with their own, and more importantly, the people whose campaigns they supported to get the legislation passed. Do not be mistaken - this is a NOT a Republican versus Democrat thing... it was Clinton that signed into law two of the most aggregious pieces of legislation weakening the fair playing field created way back in the 30s.

In fact, both the Christian Coalition AND MoveOn.org agree that we need to reinstate Net Neutrality laws!! EVERY thinking American should agree and let their elected officials know their thoughts.

* - you can click on the Bill Moyers link to watch it online if you are not into all that chacanery

Posted by CDogg at 04:16 PM | Comments (0)

October 17, 2006

Governor Candidates - Your Voting Report Card

It is time for the fourth installment of your candidate report cards.

Immigration - see previous post (value 1)
Education - see previous post (value 3)
Taxes - see previous post (value 4)
Healthcare - see previous post (value 2)
Environment - the mother of all issues. A healthier environment will help education and healthcare and without it, nothing else matters. (value 5)

Its time for Environment...

Read on for an explanation of the grades

Perry on the Environment - Perry is by far the weakest on the environment. His ties to coal and oil are obvious in initiatives created to assist those industries. His focus on renewable energy sources is also the least aggressive.

Bell on the Environment - he is fairly aggresive on renewable energy legislation. Bell proposes legislation requiring 15% renewable by 2015.

Friedman on the Environment - he is a big fan of alternative fuels and he is the only candidate that will publicly say that global warming exists. Friedman proposes legislation requiring 20% renewable by 2020.

Strayhorn on the Environment - no real plan at all.

Werner on the Environment - overall, he is actually worse than Perry in that he wants the health of our environment handed over to private companies. Not only does he trust them to "do the right thing" despite a long history of corporate rape of the environment, Werner would like our state parks handed over to private companies as well.

Posted by CDogg at 06:36 PM | Comments (0)

October 15, 2006

Governor Candidates - Your Voting Report Card

It is time for the fourth installment of your candidate report cards.

Immigration - see previous post (value 1)
Education - see previous post (value 3)
Taxes - see previous post (value 4)
Healthcare - we have more non-insured people than almost every other state. The fact that without insurance our choices are often poverty or death is a major problem. (value 2)
Environment - the mother of all issues. A healthier environment will help education and healthcare and without it, nothing else matters. (value 5)

Its time for Healthcare...

Read on for an explanation of the grades

Perry on Healthcare - like everyone else, he wants to expand the programs that are not in contention CHIP and Medicaid. The bulk of his other healthcare initiatives when you strip out all the "we need to be leaders" rhetoric comes down to getting our kids to exercise more by spending money in the school.

Bell on Healthcare - he is very long on pointing out problems, but his solutions do not address the root causes. Bell wants to expand all the feel-good programs such as CHIP and Medicaid, but has no solutions for the average Texan who is not a child or senior.

Friedman on Healthcare - the fact that the best grade in healthcare belongs to the candidate with no plan at all is scary. Once again Friedman is full of criticism, but proposes no alternative.

Strayhorn on Healthcare - she is also a supporter of expanding CHIP and Medicaid but not much else. She suggests that small business "should" pool together to get insurance. Geez, Grandma, thanks for the help.

Werner on Healthcare - no real plans for dealing with healthcare. His only statements seem to favor putting healthcare only in the hands of private enterprise.

Posted by CDogg at 06:28 PM | Comments (0)

October 13, 2006

Governor Candidates - Your Voting Report Card

It is time for the third installment of your candidate report cards.

Immigration - see previous post (value 1)
Education - see previous post (value 3)
Taxes - all the corruption is our government has been paid for on the backs of homeowners and small businesses. (value 4)
Healthcare - we have more non-insured people than almost every other state. The fact that without insurance our choices are often poverty or death is a major problem. (value 2)
Environment - the mother of all issues. A healthier environment will help education and healthcare and without it, nothing else matters. (value 5)

Its time for Taxes...

Read on for an explanation of the grades

Perry on Taxes - one of his worst grades. He touts the $2,000 real estate tax cut that nobody ever got, calling it the largest tax cut in state history. The problem is that it was a TAX SWAP. Not only was the cut almost non-existant to everyone except for the very wealthy, he created the largest tax INCREASE in state history on the backs of small business and smokers.

Bell on Taxes - he gets a C because like many other issues, he simply does not address it. For Bell to ignore such a big issue makes me think he doesn't intend to offer any tax relief.

Friedman on Taxes - he is our winner on the tax issue. Not only does he propose a repeal of the new Perry business taxes, but a cap on state spending and a cap on property tax increases at 3%, which is far below the current 10%.

Strayhorn on Taxes - she does want to repeal the business tax which is a positive, but other than that Strayhorn does not go into much detail about changes.

Werner on Taxes - the bravest of all positions on the issue, Werner proposes no property taxes and instead replace them with a state sales tax. While I really like the idea of this tax system, his notions of privatizing many of the state departments is a bit scary.

Posted by CDogg at 06:17 PM | Comments (1)

October 11, 2006

Governor Candidates - Your Voting Report Card

It is time for the second installment of your candidate report cards.

Immigration - see previous post (value 1)
Education - this is a much more important issue as Texas lags behind most states. The current system is definitely broken. (value 3)
Taxes - all the corruption is our government has been paid for on the backs of homeowners and small businesses. (value 4)
Healthcare - we have more non-insured people than almost every other state. The fact that without insurance our choices are often poverty or death is a major problem. (value 2)
Environment - the mother of all issues. A healthier environment will help education and healthcare and without it, nothing else matters. (value 5)

Let's move on to Education...

Read on for an explanation of the grades

Perry on Education - more spending is his solution. Welcome to the new face of Republican politics, intent on outspending the Democrats.

Bell on Education - he is high on complaints about the current system, but low on solutions. Where's the beef?

Friedman on Education - although he criticizes the TAKS system, he doesn't really have an agenda when it comes to education. No plans, just criticisms.

Strayhorn on Eduction - she wants to solve everything with increased spending. Oh, and she would like the TAKS testing to be done at the beginning of the year instead of the end.

Werner on Education - chalk one up for the Libertarian. Werner's voicher system will give Texans freedom to send their children to the school of their choice. He does not address things like the TAKS testing.

Posted by CDogg at 06:06 PM | Comments (0)

October 10, 2006

144 - YouTube, MySpace and Abortions

#144 - YouTube: how it ends. The ending of the Abortion Con. The end of politics for a bit.

(Time: 17:59)

Linkies
The Jeep Song - Lee Coulter
Mr. Lovely - Beth Thornley
MySpace
YouTube
Google

Call in and leave a voicemail for the show! 206-202-3644

Posted by CDogg at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)

October 09, 2006

Governor Candidates - Your Voting Report Card

Well, its that time. Its time to start rating the candidates according to their past deeds and future plans for the great state of Texas. As I mentioned earlier, I will be grading them on the following issues.

Immigration - this is the least important issue. It is really a smoke screen to keep us busy arguing and overlooking the important issues. (value 1)
Education - this is a much more important issue as Texas lags behind most states. The current system is definitely broken. (value 3)
Taxes - all the corruption is our government has been paid for on the backs of homeowners and small businesses. (value 4)
Healthcare - we have more non-insured people than almost every other state. The fact that without insurance our choices are often poverty or death is a major problem. (value 2)
Environment - the mother of all issues. A healthier environment will help education and healthcare and without it, nothing else matters. (value 5)

Let's start with Immigration...

Read on for an explanation of the grades

Perry on Immigration - He actually has a pretty decent plan... afterall, since it is so much of a non-issue, it is hard to get a bad grade in this. Perry wants to spend more money to lock down the border, install cameras etc... he just doesn't go after the root cause.

Bell on Immigration - He attacks the root cause and proposes stiff penalties to companies for hiring illegals. Duh! Why is it that nobody else seems to understand this one? He also is not in favor an across-the-board immunity which is the case with many Democrats.

Friedman on Immigration - He seems to take the best of both Perry and Bell, increase border security and fine the corporations heavily. In addition, he proposes a licensing of guest workers that pass criminal background checks.

Strayhorn on Immigration - She seems only to insist that it needs to be fixed, but doesn't propose any ideas or plans.

Werner on Immigration - He proposes what to me is probably the worst solution. Throw open the borders allowing for the free movement of people back and forth. His plan rests on the assumption that as millions of illegals stream across the border, they will create a need for more jobs thus increasing the economy. Scary

Posted by CDogg at 05:41 PM | Comments (0)

October 02, 2006

When in the course of human events...

Our founding fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to this country and the freedoms it represented.

Do you know ANY of your currently elected officials that would pledge their lives, their fortunes or their (yeah right) sacred honor to this country?

"...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"

---Declaration of Independence

Posted by CDogg at 11:10 PM | Comments (0)

September 30, 2006

Who should be Texas' next Governor?

Longtime readers of this blog will know that prior to a major election, I break down the candidates, their positions on key issues and give them a report card. I do it not only to spread information about the candidates free of political and media bias, but to help make my own decision on how to vote. Unlike 90% of the voters, I go into every election without a preconceived favored party or candidate.

To refresh, during the presidential campaign in '04, I would take each subject as a blog entry (environment, war on terror, economy, etc.) and rate the candidates. Then when all was done, I gave a final report card.

The candidates that I will be grading are:

Republican Party
Rick Perry - incumbant

Democratic Party
Chris Bell - Former Congressman, Former Houston City Councilman & Attorney.

Independant
Richard "Kinky" Friedman - Country Music Singer, Mystery Author, and Jewish Cowboy.
Carole Keeton Strayhorn - Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, former Railroad Commissioner, former City of Austin Mayor, and former Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees President.

Libertarian
James Werner - Sales Consultant

The issues:

Education
Immigration
Taxes
Environment
Healthcare
Transportation

Posted by CDogg at 04:36 PM | Comments (2)

September 26, 2006

Boy, I wish I had time to podcast right now

Wow! I think I just heard the stupidest thing ever from a radio station. Okay, well maybe not the stupidest, but man it was sure up there. The Troubleshooter, Tom Martino is on KTRH right now. He does a great show where he goes after crooked businesses that rip people off... fun stuff - but boy did he stray.

As I was shaving to head out of town and see my mother, I heard him blaming the violence in our society on movies like Jackass. Because we watch people getting hurt and laugh, we are more prone to acts of violence. Because we laugh when a midget (his words) comes on screen, we are more prone to acts of violence. Tom, Tom, Tom... please stick to consumer advocacy.

What about the tens of thousands of people dying overseas? What about a news report every other day about a dozen here and two dozen there killed? Are you kidding me? Jackass is the reason for a our violence? What about the despair felt by our citizens who are told one day "be afraid, terrorists could kill you at any second," and the next day told "okay, you can carry liquids on planes again, but still be very afraid?" How about every newscast covering only the bad things going on locally, nationally, and internationally? How about having to work your ass off to pay your bills and then in the richest country in the HISTORY OF THE WORLD... not being able to afford health care. What about the fear that your next illness will be the one that bankrupts you?

Johnny Knoxville is the root of all evil? Come on, Martino... quit being a moron and go fight Joe's Tires on their return policy. Stick to something you understand.

UPDATE: Minutes after sending a link to this post to the Tom Martino show, I received this response:

Thanks for the feedback. I read your blog! Of course, I disagree ... but that's America.

Tom

Thank you, Tom for responding and in retrospect, moron was too strong... you are a very intelligent person. I was just shocked when I heard you giving a stupid movie so much credit for screwing up our society.

Posted by CDogg at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)

September 25, 2006

The first time I have liked him

I have never been a big fan of President Bill Clinton... well, that was until Sunday. Clinton appeared with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday and was asked. "Why didn't you do more to put bin Laden and Al Qaeda out of business when you were president?"

He was miffed at the accusation and returned the inquiry with passion and yes, indeed, some actual facts about why more was not done to stop Bin Laden. Namely, that there was not enough solid information to warrant attacking Bin Laden.

This wasn't the slimy, conniving Clinton. This wasn't the womanizing, sleazeball Clinton. This wasn't even the hair-dying politician, fibbing Clinton. It was a real. It was Clinton as a real person. Maybe because he isn't running for office anymore, he feels he can speak freely... who knows. Regardless of the reason, it is the first time I have liked him.

Got 10 minutes? Watch it

Posted by CDogg at 08:08 AM | Comments (0)

August 15, 2006

Want politicians to start listening to the people?

Posted by CDogg at 10:49 PM | Comments (1)

August 10, 2006

Alright - scurry to your holes

"MASS MURDER ON AN UNIMAGINEABLE SCALE!!" That is what was splashed all over the television screens around the world today. Give me a break! This is more scaremongering to "keep us in our place." Apparently, we have been complaining too much about things like the price of gas and various other annoyances. It was about to time to remind us all of the dreaded "Terror Alert Scale."

Just like the HUGE plot foiled involving Canadian terrorists... this is much ado about nothing. These guys in London did NOT have the bomb ingredients. They have been under surveillance for months and months. They only recently began looking into flight schedules. Sure, it was time to bust the ring... but they were NEVER a threat.

Oh yeah and now we can't carry a Dr. Pepper or toothpaste with us on flights. This from the same morons that limited us to two books of matches. Am I the only one that finds this all somewhere between laughable and enough to bring you to tears?

There is ONLY ONE SOLUTION to all of this garbage. VOTE in the midterms, but more importantly, vote out every single incumbant. We need to start cleaning house, and returning the power to the citizens. I for one, am tired of being the victim of their gross incompetence, gross dishonesty, gross abuse of power, and gross distortion of the truth.

PS. This is not an anti-Republican rant... BOTH sides of the political spectrum are guilty of not giving a damn about the citizens. They ALL must go!

Posted by CDogg at 11:08 PM | Comments (0)

June 28, 2006

Finally a little common sense

Well the Senate failed to pass a constitutional admentment that would ban desecration of the flag. Good! Come on... if we cannot protest by burning a flag, then we have truly lost our freedom of speech. I would much rather have some flag-hating whacko burn up the stars and stripes than get on a rooftop and start shooting. Sometimes, to maintain freedome for all, we have to give a little freedom to a nut job.

Its a small price to pay, as watching someone burn Old Glory doesn't hurt America, heck, it doesn't even hurt my feelings. I can't see why anyone would spend money on a flag just to make a statement burning it anyway. I mean come on... isn't that what blogs are for? If stopping Flag-burnin' Frannie from doing her thing means that eventually I might have to watch what I say in my blog... that would be too big a price.

Plus, a constitutional amendment to ban flag desecration would also render some other bits of Americana illegal.


Technically, these are all desecrations of the flag and it would certainly make for a boring 4th of July celebration without the festive paper plates and cups.

Posted by CDogg at 09:16 AM | Comments (0)

June 24, 2006

More Chuck Norris

On an IMDB message board about the Turkish film Kurtlar vadisi - Irak, someone tried to lighten the mood with this...

PS....Drop Chuck Norris in the middle east and he will find and eliminate Bin laden in less than 2 weeks.

Are you kidding me... drop Chuck Norris' sweat in the middle east and IT will vaporize Bin-laden INSTANTLY!!!

Posted by CDogg at 01:39 PM | Comments (0)

June 21, 2006

See the silly monkey?

WAKE UP!!!!

Do you guys really think the biggest problem facing our country is illegal immigrant laborers that have been a part of our society for over a hundred years?

Please wake up and see who is selling this hyperbole and ask yourself what they are trying to make you forget.

Come on.. there are dozens of problems more pressing than securing our borders from hard workers. It is a classic case of "sleight of hand." Remember the fact that our health care and prescription drug systems are both the most expensive in the world and are NOT the envy of ANY industrialized nation? Remember the fact that we are now happy with gas selling for over $3.00 a gallon? Remember the fact that we are forced to carry insurance for everything under the sun, but NOT allowed to make any claims? Remember the fact that our water is polluted, our air is unbreathable, and cancers are at an all time high? Oh yeah, and then there is this little thing of a war that has been going on for four years now... Come on people... you really think sending Juan the landscaper home is what everyone should be talking about? Shame on them for selling it to us and shame on us for even giving it a second thought.

Posted by CDogg at 06:11 PM | Comments (4)

June 03, 2006

Save the Internet

Posted by CDogg at 09:13 PM | Comments (0)

May 31, 2006

Screw Dallas!

Less than a year after the city of Houston opened their hearts and homes to Katrina refugees from New Orleans, East Texas, and Mississippi, Dallas has stated that they will be unable to fulfill the housing needs suggested by the recent state evacuation plan.

The plan would call for the Dallas area to house as many as 40,000 "special needs" evacuees from Harris County (Houston) in the event of disaster here. Dallas' City Manager said that they would not be able to fulfill the request.

Citizens of Houston are up in arms about the perceived snubbing by Dallas and the citizens of Dallas are up in arms about the perceived unreasonable request in the state emergency evacuation plan.

I say screw Dallas. If they cannot agree to assist the elderly and infirmed, then they are scum to me. We housed waaaay more than that number of able-bodied evacuees without even batting an eye.

I spent a great deal of time in Dallas a few years back when I had an office there. My impression then was that they were just a hick city that wanted to pretend they were cosmopolitan. They were plastic people, with plastic faces and fake bodies. They were 100% appearance over substance... they were shallow. I know that there are good people there, but this has done nothing to help that image.

Despite my disgust with the city of Dallas, we will still assist them if a disaster strikes their city... because we are good, hard-working, honest people that care about our fellow man. Shame on you, Dallas.

Posted by CDogg at 10:44 AM | Comments (2)

May 13, 2006

Cisneros misses the boat...

First off, the illegal immigrants are here. The reason they are here is because there is opportunity here. The opportunity, although small in our eyes, is huge to the people of Mexico. The promise of America is great even when you are just picking from the table scraps.

Henry Cisneros was on a panel for the PBS show NOW. He was trying his hardest to make this a racial issue. He went so far as to say that the reason the American public does not want these illegal aliens is because they "look different." His solution was to "get over it." Mr. Cisneros, who was indicted on 18 counts of conspiracy, giving false statements and obstruction of Justice... is hardly a good representative for what those immigrants which I have come to see as a hard-working, and honest people... nor is he a good representative for any honest people. His attempt to create a race issue that doesn't exist is just wrong.

I don't pretend to have the answer to this issue... what I do know is that Mr. Cisneros' approach is entirely wrong.

Posted by CDogg at 09:42 AM | Comments (1)

May 01, 2006

While we are not paying attention...

The Texas legislature is about to pass the single largest tax increase in Texas history! The worst part is that nobody is talking about it, nobody even knows about it. TODAY, your elected representatives will vote on HB3, the Perry/Dewhurst Business Tax. This tax will CRIPPLE small business in the state.

The few people that are talking about it are selling it as a way to reduce real estate property taxes... that is a total whitewash. The average homeowner will save only $15 a year in property tax... but the average small business will be crushed. Texas will become the ONLY state in the nation with such a tax on businesses and because it unfairly targets small business, (which employs more people than any other sector) it will have a devastating effect on ALL Texans.

The vote is TODAY! Write your elected representatives and call their switchboards now... tell them to vote NO to the Perry/Dewhurst Business Tax.

Don't know your Senator? Click HERE and put your zip code in the form at the bottom of the page.

Posted by CDogg at 11:29 AM | Comments (0)

April 10, 2006

Immigrant Protest

So what is my take on the immigrant protests? I am 100% for those that are marching. The hispanic community is in many ways the backbone of our society. Because of the dirty little secret that is illegal immigrant labor, our society runs. They do the jobs that most Americans won't. They work in the restaurants, they work on the highways, they work in construction, they work in landscaping... they work in every single walk of life. They work hard to improve their station in life and work toward legalization. All they want is to take part in the American Dream.

You see second generation hispanic Americans that are becoming the doctors, lawyers, etc. in our society. They are productive and respectable citizens. They are hard workers and good neighbors. They are doing what our ancestors did without the benefit of citizenship.

The proposed immigration law is not a good law. It criminalizes the wrong things and encourages the wrong things. It is one part feel-good "look, we're doing something about the border" legislation and one part big business putting the squeeze on small business. It is a BAD BILL!!!

Here is how to fix the law...

1 - deport all the senators and congressmen
2 - legalize all the hispanic illegals

Problem solved.

Oh yeah - and while you're at it... no tax deductions or exemptions for companies with over 100 employees. There, now all the problems are solved.

Posted by CDogg at 03:58 PM | Comments (4)

January 22, 2006

60 Minutes Gets Kinky - Why the Hell Not?

Most Texans have now heard that Kinky Friedman is running for Governor. Those who didn't know, certainly will after this week's episode of 60 Minutes.

Due to some very quirky voting laws (designed to keep out independant candidates) there are some specific steps you need to take in order to vote for Kinky. His website lists three steps:

Easy as 1-2-3
Getting on the ballot as an independent in Texas isn't easy for candidates, and the rules can be confusing for voters as well. That's why we've boiled it down into three easy steps. If you want to see Kinky in the governor's mansion, the three steps are what you have to do.

What are you waiting for?
1. Register (click to head to his registration form.)

Please note: you must be registered to vote in order to sign Kinky's petition. The form on this page ONLY registers you with the Kinky campaign as a person interested in signing Kinky's petition. You must also register to vote in Texas.

Register with the State of Texas:
Make sure you're registered to vote. You can get a printable form from the Secretary of State's office by clicking here. This is the easiest way to make sure you're registered.

2. Don't vote in the primaries
We know it's an odd request, but Texas law says that you can't sign Kinky's petition if you vote in the primaries of either party, so stay away from the polls on March 7th.

3. Sign Kinky's petition
You can only sign one petition, so make sure it's the Kinkster's! We can't start gathering signatures until AFTER the primary (another quirk of state law). But on March 8th, we'll start in earnest. Keep coming back to the web site to find out more about how you can sign the petition. Meanwhile, why not get involved working for Kinky in your community?

Hey, he has rescued over 1,500 abandoned dogs - how can you not like him?

Posted by CDogg at 07:39 PM | Comments (0)

October 20, 2005

Freedom Through Education - IV

"It is to secure our rights that we resort to government at all."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Posted by CDogg at 02:30 PM | Comments (0)

October 17, 2005

Freedom Through Education - III

"The people of every country are the only safe guardians of their own rights."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Posted by CDogg at 12:31 AM | Comments (0)

October 15, 2005

Freedom Through Education - II

"The greatest good we can do our country is to heal its party divisions and make them one people."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Posted by CDogg at 08:25 AM | Comments (0)

October 13, 2005

Freedom through Education - I

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Posted by CDogg at 04:37 PM | Comments (0)

September 05, 2005

FOR PRICE GOUGING!!!

Exxon Mobil (Fortune's 2005 Most PROFITABLE company in the WORLD!!)
Chevron-Texaco
BP-Amoco

Why is it illegal for a gas-station owner to raise his price on gas, but perfectly fine for these bloodsucking, evil, behemoths to do the exact same thing?

Posted by CDogg at 12:22 AM | Comments (0)

Trying to use less gasoline

I am going to make a conscious effort to reduce my consumption of fossil fuel - gasoline. I will be tracking how many unneeded miles I drive each week. Miles driven for work will not be counted and miles for things like food will not be counted "if" I am out of food. (I can't remember ever having nothing to eat in the house... sure, I have had nothing that I felt like eating or preparing, but I have always had something.) Miles driven for entertainment, shopping, etc. will count. The goal is to hit zero or close to it each week.

I will also track miles replaced by public transportation, carpooling, bicycling etc. (Any miles that are covered without jumping in my vehicle.)

Total miles this week: 0
Miles replaced: 0

Posted by CDogg at 12:10 AM | Comments (0)

August 30, 2005

Destruction in New Orleans is the beginning.

It may seem callous to start pointing fingers but then again, maybe it should have been done a long time ago. Even right-wingers now agree that global warming is happening and it is a proven fact that warmer waters make for more intense hurricanes. The Gulf of Mexico is a full two degrees warmer than at any time in human history - we have our outrageous consumption of fossil fuels and destruction of habitats to thank for that.

Sure, the consumers are partly to blame as we are the ones driving the cars, but really - we will buy whatever they put on the market. Vehicles have consistently gotten larger, heavier, and less efficient. Car makers now brag about their 30mpg vehicles when there were a half dozen getting over 50mpg in the early 80s.

And don't buy that line about safety - other than additions like airbags - vehicles are no safer than they were back then. Sure, the heavier cars and SUVs test better when striking a brick wall at 30mph, but most of our collisions are with other vehicles - other vehicles which have also gotten heavier.

We still have a very long hurricane season remaining this year as well as years and years of these high powered storms. New Orleans could be hit again within weeks - long before they have begun to recover from Katrina. If not New Orleans, other cities. The next decade will not be a very good time to live along the Atlantic or Gulf coasts.

Posted by CDogg at 03:59 PM | Comments (0)

August 11, 2005

Getting just about fed up

I find it amazing that the new energy bill passed and nobody is pitching a fit. Come on people! You simply have to wake up and start making your elected leaders responsible to YOU! This energy bill is a classic case of "see the silly monkey." While we are all revelling in the fact that there is a tax credit for hybrid vehicles (more on that later,) nobody seems to care that there are HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS in rebates to oil companies! Hello! They toss $300 at you for buying a Prius and suddenly its okay to that the fat cat oil companies continue to rape us... this is OUR MONEY they are getting. They are getting this money while making RECORD PROFITS!!! Tell me why it is okay to give these companies money?

Okay, back to the subject of these fuel efficient vehicles and the tax credits - more bait and switch. The tax credits are ONLY on new vehicles and ONLY a certain number per manufacturer will be allowed. Hmmm.... why would that be? Well, for starters, even though you can convert your used vehicle completely to electric and become MUCH more fuel efficient, there is no money going to oil companies or car companies if you do that... once again, big business stands in the way of real progress - real change - real environmental solutions. Also, the number of credits per company is designed to give those big businesses late to the party, an equal share of the new sales. Heavy campaign contributors like GM and Ford are not able to compete with Toyota and Honda right now so this little stipulation was slid into the bill - again, big business stands in the way of any real reform.

Also, these new hybrids are crap! They are not fuel-efficient vehicles. They are 'more' fuel efficient than other vehicles currently on the market, but the Dodge Colt I bought in 1983 got 53 miles per gallon!!! These new hybrids can't touch that! A recent study showed that manufacturers could simply make cars lighter and double their gas mileage without affecting comfort or safety. Call it a consipiracy theory, but if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and craps all over us in form of any energy bill like a duck, then it's a friggin' duck!

It is time that the average American gets his head out of the sand and starts to pitch a fit!

Posted by CDogg at 08:37 AM | Comments (0)

August 02, 2005

Palmeiro caught with hand in the "juice" jar

"I told the truth, and today I am telling the truth again that I did not do this intentionally or knowingly," he said in a conference call.

Oh, I guess he "accidentally" took steriods! This is actually funny in a sad, twisted way. This is the guy that told Congress emphatically that he had NEVER used steriods PERIOD. Way to go Rafi.

PS... as per the photo - he used to be normal sized once too. Yet another juiced jerk that owes Canseco an apology.

Posted by CDogg at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)

June 22, 2005

They got what they deserve - but lobbyists deserve more

Many of you have heard of the Abramoff scandal - Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon, lobbyists and HUGE supporters ($45 million of which is under investigation) of the Bush-Cheney 04 campaign, received funds from American Indian groups aimed at promoting their interests in Congress. The reason is came to light is that not only did they circumvent campaign finance rules (which are a frickin' joke,) but they even defrauded their supposed client - the Indians.

Do I feel bad for these Indian tribes? Uh, hell no! They were attempting to use their millions in casino money (what I consider to be ill-gotten gains) to influence Congress. Am I the only one that sees a problem with this? Lobbying should be outlawed - political action groups should be outlawed - ALL contributions over $1,000 (individual, group, company, OR political group) should be illegal and punishable by a 5,000 year sentence. It is our political/monetary system that has given control of our government to an elite few.

Do campaigns need billions of dollars to get elected? Sure, under this current system. But, do WE need our political candidates to spend these billions? Uh, hell no! Most of that money goes to backhanded, side deals and the millions spend on advertisements is useless to the average citizen. Put up a website that lists a statement in the candidates own words - lists their platform and lists their goals and intentions in office. We are smart enough to look at that and decide for ourselves.

Should these Indian tribes get their money back - hell no! Should Abramoff and Scanlon be put in prison - hell yes! Should candidates be liable for fund raising that benefits their campaigns - hell yes!

Posted by CDogg at 05:53 AM | Comments (0)

June 09, 2005

Horse Slaughter Ban Passed

WASHINGTON (June 8, 2005) – The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for its vote of 269 to 158 halting the taxpayer support of the slaughter of nearly 90,000 companion horses, thoroughbreds, show horses, family ponies, and other horses each year for foreign consumption.

While the slaughter of these horses will likely continue... our tax dollars will no longer support the practice.

Posted by CDogg at 11:15 AM | Comments (0)

June 08, 2005

Foxes in the hen house

How many of you realize that when Wall Street analysts talk - they are simply selling their inventory to you? You see the 'top' analysts paraded out on CNN, MSNBC, FOX etc. and they give their picks. You see the Solomon Smith Barney's and the Merrill Lynches with their "BUY" and "STRONG BUY" ratings and think... "These guys are just analysts, they have an unbiased opinion." WRONG!

They are the bird dogs for investment banks and have a HUGE vested interest getting their slant out to investors. They are paid by the investment banks to push these stocks on the public. Most people's eyes glaze over after the words "analyst," "investment bank," and "brokers" are thrown about... but let me boil it down.

When someone gets on television/radio/etc. and says that a stock is a good buy... do NOT believe it. They are selling stocks that will profit THEM! This basic flaw in our stock market system... ALL of it is controlled by the investment banks. THESE are the guys that not only caused the stock market bubble, but raped it for all the cash and then allowed it to burst.

Oh yeah, and these are also the guys that just pushed through legislation making personal bankruptcies much more difficult on the average person. Grandma was right when she said to keep your money in the mattress... if they can't touch our money, they can't keep using it to rape us.

KNOW YOUR ENEMY!!!

Top Ten Investment Banks

1. Morgan Stanley
2. Goldman Sachs & Co.
3. Credit Suisse First Boston
4. Robertson Stephens
5. Merrill Lynch
6. Broadview
7. J.P. Morgan & Co.
8. Lehman Brothers
9. Salomon Smith Barney
10. Paine Webber

PS - Another little move by these guys that nobody noticed - Alan Greenspan pushed Congress to repeal a law from the 30's which prohibited banks from selling securities. He opened the door for investment banks to do up to 25% of their business in securities. The 1929 market crash was the onus for the law in the first place and removing it opened the door for the next big crash. It allowed the foxes right back into the hen house.

The Fed (Greenspan) went even further. They gave the newly formed Citigroup a 2-year exemption on any securities trading restriction during the Clinton administration with the understanding that if the original 1930's law was repealed in that time, they would be free to do what they wanted. Sure enough, in 1999 the original law was repealed by Congress giving the foxes not only full access to the hen house, but allowing them to steal the barbeque sauce from the average American.

And I bet the majority of you reading this have never heard of ANY of these laws... still think the media reports what we need to hear? Don't forget these banks own the media too.

The sad thing is that probably only 1 out of 1,000 people will bother to read this far down and educate themselves about this or any of the things that affect their lives one hell of a lot more than "Friends" reruns or "That 70's Show."

Posted by CDogg at 08:01 AM | Comments (1)

June 04, 2005

Get ready for the big blow!

Has anyone else noticed the increase in 'hurricane awareness' messages in the Texas media? Is this a coincidence or does someone know something we don't? I am betting that we will have a VERY big hurricane season this year along the Texas Gulf Coast. Of course, I am a conspiracy theorist too.

So what are you saying, Chris? Are you implying that someone is in control of our weather or that they are aware of the affects of global warming and trying to warn us ahead of time? Uh... yeah... sort of...

What I am saying is that indeed there has been concerted efforts by our government and others to control weather as is evident from this quote:

"Others are engaging even in an eco-type of terrorism whereby they can alter the climate, set off earthquakes, volcanoes remotely through the use of electromagnetic waves. So there are plenty of ingenious minds out there that are at work finding ways in which they can wreak terror upon other nations.It's real, and that's the reason why we have to intensify our efforts, and that's why this is so important."

[Secretary of Defense William Cohen at an April 1997 counterterrorism conference sponsored by former Senator Sam Nunn. Quoted from DoD News Briefing, Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen, Q&A at the Conference on Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and U.S. Strategy, University of Georgia , Athens , Apr. 28, 1997].

In fact, the former Soviet Union created a tectonic gun that has been rumored to have played a role in the Armenian earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands. It is also widely reported with the dissolution of the Union, the United States purchased that same tectonic gun shortly before the war in Afghanistan began. Am I the only one that remembers the large earthquake that occurred right at the beginning of that conflict in the region controlled by Al Qaeda?

Think this is all sci-fi conspiracy nutcase stuff? Why would the 107th Congress of the United States put forth future controls on space and 'exotic' weapons in HR 2977? The term 'exotic' is defined as:

(i) electronic, psychotronic, or information weapons;

(ii) chemtrails;

(iii) high altitude ultra low frequency weapons systems;

(iv) plasma, electromagnetic, sonic, or ultrasonic weapons;

(v) laser weapons systems;

(vi) strategic, theater, tactical, or extraterrestrial weapons; and

(vii) chemical, biological, environmental, climate, or tectonic weapons.

These are terms defined by OUR congress. It is all verifiable.

Posted by CDogg at 05:03 PM | Comments (1)

May 26, 2005

Its all gone now...

A little noticed political move was made a couple weeks ago... the Bush administration repealed the Roadless Area Conservation Rule - an act passed to restrict road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting in roadless areas of national forests. What does this mean? It means that national wildlife areas are fair game for industry. Think I am spouting hyperbole and fear?

Take the case of the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge. It was a hot-button issue during the election and its oil reserves were touted as needed for our national security. Yeah, they recently opened it to the oil companies... but did you know how they made it possible? On December 23 of 2004, while the public was concentrating on Christmas, President Bush temporarily suspended the Roadless Conservation Rule in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. You all know what followed - the opening of the forest to oil interests.

What do you think the result of repealing the RCR entirely will be? The result will be the continued rape of our wilderness areas by big business. I guess they have to get their money back from the campaign contributions.

This administration has already done more to rape the wilderness than any previous group and will continue to do so until the "checks and balances" are returned to our political system. When one party or ideology controls all three branches of government, it is bad for Democracy, bad for America, and bad for the people. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely!

Don't read me wrong - I am not a Bush-bashing liberal. I am an independent progressive thinker that believes we need some of each in our goverment. When we have all conservatism in power, a little whacky liberalism is needed to bring us back to center.

Posted by CDogg at 12:41 AM | Comments (1)

May 23, 2005

Please tell me you don't believe this stuff...

I am continually appalled by the "nicewashing" that is going on in corporate ads. You see them all the time - a huge conglomerate puts and ad out that seemingly isn't selling anything, but instead points out what a great company they are.

The largest recent offender is the largest destroyer of middle-America: Wal-Mart. They have run a series

of print and television ads pointing out how they are "working for Americans" and "providing senior citizens with jobs" while extolling the virtues of their "commitment to communities." The sad part is that many people will actually believe this... their only commitment is to profits - regardless of how many small businesses go under in their wake, regardless of how many jobs are replaced by low paying gigs, and regardless of how many millions they spend to convince the public otherwise.

A new one I saw today was from Budweiser.. in a more down-to-earth family approach to their "real men of genius" and "real American heroes" campaigns, they now say..."who do we brew Budweiser for? Americans" and then go on to point out that the majority of their stock is owned by Americans. They brew beer for profits, not to help the American worker... does anyone really believe this kind of puffery?

Daimler Chrysler is another... Jeep advertises that their Liberty Renegade will give customers "the power to conquer nature or to protect it." The Jeep Liberty Renegade gets an extremely low 16 miles per gallon. These vehicles pollute the air, land and water. Advertising the Jeep as a tool to protecting nature is not only misleading to the public, but an outright lie... protect nature with a Jeep? Who believes this stuff?

These guys are the enemy... not the generous and proud Americans they pretend to be.

"Lou Dobbs Tonight" started tracking corporate crime after Enron filed for bankruptcy more than two years ago. In that time, over 100 executives in corporate America have been criminally charged -- more than 20 of them from Enron. The number of charged as well as those incarcerated continues to grow each day. Check this scorecard for the latest figures.

Total executives charged* -- 130
Enron executives charged -- 23
Executives sent to jail -- 13
Date Enron filed for bankruptcy -- December 2, 2001
* Includes Enron executives

These are just the ones that have been charged.

Posted by CDogg at 09:49 PM | Comments (2)

May 20, 2005

Think environmentalists are whacko? Try living without it!

A friend sent me a link to a website that showed increased snowfall in the arctic. His contention was that the "eco nuts can't get it right." The ice caps are melting, but the snow is increasing... in the end... everything stays the same right? It is implied that because of this - environmentalists do not know what they are talking about and hence, their arguments must be wrong.

HOW INSANE IS THAT? The worst part is

that he didn't even read the whole article he sent or he wouldn't have come to that conclusion. The increased snowfall is a predicted part of global warming due to the increased moisture in the air from the melting icecaps.

Just because snowfall is increasing doesn't change the fact that global warming IS happening and that the ice caps ARE melting. The earth attempts to remain in homeostasis and will continue to evolve in ways that nobody can predict as a result of global warming.

There is NO debate over the fact that our air pollution has increased.
There is NO debate over the fact that our water pollution has increased.
There is NO debate over the fact that our environment is becoming unhealthy for humans...

Throwing out the facts because the earth reacts to global warming in unpredictible ways is ridiculous. That does not make people interested in the health of the environment eco nuts... that just means that nobody can predict how we are changing our environment. This does NOT make them wrong to be concerned about our air and water.

To use increased snowfall as justification for continuing to pollute our globe is the epitome of inane (and insane) thinking.

Humans are polluting the planet and it is killing the plants, animals, and HUMANS! Anyone who does not believe that is either a retarted automaton of their party line or just plain retarded.

Posted by CDogg at 05:23 PM | Comments (2)

April 27, 2005

Wayback - October 29, 1988

Its been awhile since I wrote last. Its 11:13 PM - I'm sitting in the apartment listening to Billy Joel on my tape player.

I went to the football game today. Prior to todays game, the SFA Lumberjacks (our team) were ranked #9 in the nation (the best in their history) and we played the team ranked #1 - the University of North Texas. (DIV-II) We beat them! It was great. We should be ranked in the top 5 by tomorrow.

I've become really good friends with a girl named Margie. She's everything you could ask for in a girl. She's smart - shes funny - she is just a joy to be around. Her qualities are too numerous to mention.

Well, my lofty goal of a 3.5 GPA this semester is shot to heck. I'll probably end up somewhere around the 2.0 range. I constantly procrastinate about studying.

Bush is ahead of Dukakis in the polls by 10-15%. The election is a few days away.

Larry Centers who went on to NFL fame was our running back and Todd Hammel who went on to be one of the top QBs in Arena Football was our quarterback... it was a fun team to watch. We won't go into any detail about Margie - haha... obviously she wasn't so darn perfect. (Hmm... or it just may have been me - haha)

Following is an excerpt from a letter I received around the same time from Tony Vasquez shortly after a visit up to see me at SFA:

What's happening crazy one? Right now I'm watching the Dodgers demolish the Mets . It is 6-0 right now Dodgers winning. Boy this is great a possibility that the Dodgers will be playing the A's in the World Series.

I have spent most of my fun time with Annie (you know my special friend from Cody's) that I have not seen or heard from Mike or Donald lately....

I can't just wait to say hi to all the fine and gorgeous babes that are up there like Lisa, Denise, and all the babes. I ain't getting myself caught up with just one.

So you think you're ready for me now in basketball? Well, thats enough for now because my mind keeps flowing on Annie so I will keep you in 20/20 touch.

Your Minority Friend,
Tone the Bone

Posted by CDogg at 10:12 PM | Comments (0)

April 26, 2005

Wayback - October 2, 1988

The Jennifer thing was over before it got started - same reasoning! I'm working as a flag-football official. I've been doing mostly girls games but its a lot of fun. I met Anne this way. She also cycles so we plan on riding together. In the six months that I've owned my newest bike I'm averaging over 150 miles a month. I plan on getting that up to at least 100 miles a week. My savings ran out just as the financial aid came in so things are okay financially. I've been communicating with Bryan and he plans on being back in the Spring semester.

Oh, I guess I'll give a little historical background. George Bush is the Republican candidate for President and Mike Dukakis is the Democrat. I tend to agree more with the Republican platform - as per the last two elections I'm voting Republican. November 8th is election. Last week the space shuttle went back into space after the delay caused by the Discovery explosion. The Summer Olympics are finishing up and America did well overall.

I am really starting to like a girl named Margie - a girl I met here last year. She has been dating a guy for over 3 years so I'm not holding my breath, haha, but I'm going to give it the old college try. I'm about 5'10 and I weigh 165-170 pounds. I have sandy brown hair with blue eyes. Forgive the jumpy appearance of this journal - I write things as I think of them. My favorite singer is Billy Joel - he has been called the Mozart of the 20th Century.

I've changed my major again... first, I was a computer science major, I then changed to coaching, now I am a non-teaching Kinesiology major with a Psychology minor. I hope to get into corporate fitness.

My birthday is coming up next month - November 13th. I'll be 24. I was born in 1964 - hey, it's not THAT long ago.

I think that two sources of maybe my greatest joy nowadays are my two nephews Brian and Blake (Scooter.) Brian is in the 1st grade and Scooter is 3 years old. Brian gave me the nickname "Uncle Bud" when he was about Scoot's age and now Scoot uses it. I really love those two! I only wish I could see them more - being away at college and all.

Well, its 2am in the morning - I guess I'll end it here for now

Wow... that was a HUGE entry. It also had to be the most schizophrenic - but very informational. I don't know what is more shocking as I look back - the fact that I only weighed 165 pounds or that I actually showed some emotion in a post.

Posted by CDogg at 08:03 AM | Comments (3)

April 25, 2005

Bankruptcy Law Needs to be Overturned

Why is it that when a hot-button political issue hits the news, it is immediately forgotten once there has been a resolution? Just because the bankruptcy bill was passed into law doesn't automatically make it a good thing. This law is BAD! Bad laws need to be overturned.

Why is the law bad? It removes the reset button when a catastrophic event forces you into poverty. Most bankruptcies are a result of something catastrophic... illness, job loss, or business failure. Supporters of this bill claim that it was passed to close the loophole of rich people bankrupting businesses as a financial move, while protecting their assets... this law does NOT do that.

The wealthy can still protect their assets in a bankruptcy, while the poor and middle class cannot even protect their homes in most states. The real loopholes still exist and the middle class is left with no recourse when predatory credit card companies raise interest rates.

What is in your credit card interest rate? Many will be surprised to find out that included "already" in the rate is 1) the cost of money as currently set by the Fed 2) a profit for the credit card company AND 3) a built-in rate to cover unpaid bills such as bankrupt customers. The credit card companies are NOT losing money when you declare bankruptcy - they have safeguards already calculated into the rate! This new bankruptcy law allows them to 'double-dip.' Not only are they protected from bankruptcies by their interest rates, they are now guaranteed that the middle class will have to fork over to pay a debt that has already been paid many times over in interest.

When King George III of England excessively taxed tea without giving colonists a voice in governance, a cry of "No taxation without representation" arose and the people of Boston revolted with the Boston Tea Party. When King George Bush II signed into a law a bill that forces the middle class to pay a debt twice, a cry needs to arise... "No predatory credit card rates without bankruptcy protection!!!" It doesn't sound as catchy, but the situation is every bit as threatening to the American way of life.

Write ALL your elected officials and tell them that you will never vote for another incumbant until this bankruptcy law is repealed!!!

Posted by CDogg at 08:43 AM | Comments (1)

April 18, 2005

Take Back Your Time

Does your schedule feel like a race? Hmmm... maybe there is a reason it is called the rat race. Do your kids/pets/significant other see less of you than your coworkers? Hmmm... there is something definitely wrong about that.

The industrial age was supposed to be the start of copious amounts of free time. In the 50s Americans were sure that they were well on the path to the 20hr work week. The information age was supposed to do the same thing... remember? Computers were going to make our lives easier - take care of our mundane functions - give us more time for relaxation and family. What happened?

We are putting in longer work weeks now than workers in the 50s. We work a full nine weeks longer than Eastern European citizens. The average American gets two weeks vacation - the average European gets SIX WEEKS! But, we are the superpower... we are the biggest economy... we are the most productive workforce... what gives?

True, we have created great strides in productivity... the problem is not that we NEED to work harder... the problem is that we WANT to work harder. Think that sounds crazy? ...hear me out. Maybe we don't actually want to work harder, but we do want what harder work buys us. We are trading our increases in productivity for STUFF! Plain and simple.

We put in our 60-80 hour weeks not so that we can put more money away - but simply to buy that next shiny purchase. We are being sold a bill of goods by the television... the bills says that "things" are the answer to happiness. When is the last time you saw a commercial that said... "hey, take some time off - spend it with your kids - walk the dog" Never, unless they were selling a kids play-place or a dog walking service.

Speaking of dog walking - did you know that in major metropolitan areas of the US, that is the fastest growing business? That is crazy. We have pets so we can spend time with them and then don't even have the time to take them for a walk. Medieval peasants put in less work hours than we do... they had time to sit out back with Rover.

What can you do? Well, it is unrealistic to think that you are going to just walk out of your job and start taking life slower... but there are little things you can do to take back your time.

1 - set aside some "you" time. This can be as little as 15 minutes to start... and it doesn't mean watching TV - that is not "you" time, that is "them" time. Go to the park and feed the ducks. Play catch with your dog. Play a silly game with your kid. Call a friend. Read a book. Listen to music (just listen.)

2 - cut back your dependence on "things." As your desire for stuff goes, so will your inclination to put up with crap for the sake of a check.

3 - never buy on credit. Even if you don't look at the added cost of credit... look at the time costs. You are trading your future hours of leisure so that you can have something now... that sounds a lot like indentured servitude to me. Grandma was right when she said, "If you can't pay cash for it, you can't afford it."

The next time the hustle of your schedule starts to get you down.. think about it... would you trade that DVD you've never watched twice for an hour of peace? Now remember that the next time WalMart has a sale on the directors cut of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.

Posted by CDogg at 10:06 PM | Comments (1)

March 11, 2005

A good reason for hatemail...

There is a reason it is called "Master"card... because the credit card companies are the masters and the following Senators that voted to pass the bankruptcy reform bill are the slaves. If they get their way - we will become a population of indentured servants to the already-too-powerful credit card industry. This is a bad bill and it will leave citizens with no recourse when a life crisis renders them unable to pay.

People will stop taking chances on starting a business. Single mothers will be strapped with the debt of deadbeat dads. Laid-off workers will be forced into slavery by these mega-corporations. These are the Senators that are in bed with the credit industry - let them know what a terrible move it was voting for this bill. This is NOT a Democrat or Republican issue - it is an issue of fat cat politicians feeding at the MasterCard and VISA trough.

SHAME ON EACH OF YOU!
Alexander (R-TN)
Allard (R-CO)
Allen (R-VA)
Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Bennett (R-UT)
Biden (D-DE)
Bingaman (D-NM)
Bond (R-MO)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burns (R-MT)
Burr (R-NC)
Byrd (D-WV)
Carper (D-DE)
Chafee (R-RI)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Coleman (R-MN)
Collins (R-ME)
Conrad (D-ND)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Craig (R-ID)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
DeWine (R-OH)
Dole (R-NC)
Domenici (R-NM)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Frist (R-TN)
Graham (R-SC)
Grassley (R-IA)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hagel (R-NE)
Hatch (R-UT)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Inouye (D-HI)
Isakson (R-GA)
Jeffords (I-VT)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kohl (D-WI)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Lott (R-MS)
Lugar (R-IN)
Martinez (R-FL)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Nelson (D-FL)
Nelson (D-NE)
Pryor (D-AR)
Reid (D-NV)
Roberts (R-KS)
Salazar (D-CO)
Santorum (R-PA)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Smith (R-OR)
Snowe (R-ME)
Specter (R-PA)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Stevens (R-AK)
Sununu (R-NH)
Talent (R-MO)
Thomas (R-WY)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Voinovich (R-OH)
Warner (R-VA)

Posted by CDogg at 06:27 PM | Comments (0)

March 09, 2005

The "Real" Iraq... from an eyewitness.

Posted by CDogg at 06:29 PM | Comments (3)

February 24, 2005

McCain For President

Just as in my review of President Clinton's book, do NOT assume this is a book of politics. This book has even less to do with politics. It is, as the title states, about courage. It is a positive view on what courage is and why it is important in our lives.

McCain explains that courage is not just that which we see evident in the story of Roy P. Benevidez who though critically wounded in Vietnam, continued to do what was necessary to save his comrades. It is much more than that. It is standing up to a bully. It is doing what is right, even when you know you won't get caught. It is suffering with dignity when there seems to be no hope. It is standing up for your beliefs without resorting to violence. It is being able to look in the mirror and be proud of the person staring back.

Posted by CDogg at 12:16 AM | Comments (0)

February 05, 2005

Homeland is Secure in Downtown Houston

I was downtown the other day when I spotted a little hidden-away park I had never seen. Being the opportunist, I circled the block - found an open parking meter - grabbed my camera - and headed to take some shots.

While waiting for the light to change so I could cross the street to the park, I decided to check the settings on my camera. I did this by taking a shot of a nearby building and then adjusting the settings. Well, I had just snapped my second picture and was changing the settings when a non-descript black SUV cut across three lanes of traffic and pulled in front of me. The tinted window slid down smoothly to reveal a man holding a badge in my direction asking, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" Well, with a pretty high pucker factor, I said, "Sure."

The man asked, "What are you taking pictures of?"

"Nothing yet... I am going across the street to that park to take some shots."

"We get a little nervous when we see someone taking pictures of buildings," he stated and asked for my ID.

I handed him my license and he quizzed me as to its contents... "Are you from Texas?"

"Uh, yeah.... Houston," I responded wondering if this really ever catches bad guys in a lie.

Posted by CDogg at 08:01 PM | Comments (0)

January 30, 2005

Reagan: In His Own Voice

Posted by CDogg at 08:40 AM | Comments (0)

January 28, 2005

All states are purple!

There are no RED states and BLUE states and all you morons out there that keep pushing your latest maps and stats to the contrary are just... well... morons.

Separating us by how the states voted serves no purpose. Okay, those calling themselves REDS can use it to gloat about how much bigger "their gang" is... and those calling themselves BLUES can use it to build on the "they're the underdog outsider gang" mentality. It is about as juvenile as bloods and cryps...

Why not just get tshirts that just "reds rule, blues drool" or vice-versa. It's all quite childish.

Seriously, if you spent half the time working to fix problems in your local jurisdictions as you do spewing the company line from your favorite red or blue source, this country would be a much better place.

STOP SPEWING, START DOING!

Posted by CDogg at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)

November 17, 2004

I got my yellow ribbon sticker, I did my part.

You see them everywhere - first there were the yellow ribbon stickers saying "Support Our Troops," then they showed up in red, white and blue colors. Now, they are out for everything imaginable - P.O.W.s, breast cancer, etc. etc.

I think the whole idea is ridiculous. It is soccer-mom mentality gone mad. People buy these things not to support troops, but to let other people know that they support the troops - how vain and how stupid. You are not supporting or assisting those brave men and women fighting and dieing in Iraq and Afghanistan... you are supporting some quick-thinking entrepreneurs and your own egos.

You want to really support the troops...

The Defense Department is not accepting anonymous packages for the troops overseas, but has offered suggestions on how to help or show support:

Operation USO Care Package accepts individual donations of $25 that go toward a package of personal items and snacks for a soldier. Those wishing to participate can go to the Web site or call 1-866-USO-GIVE.

Operation Uplink allows people to donate calling cards so servicemembers can stay in touch with family and friends.

Operation Dear Abby offers the option of e-mailing greetings to troops.

Defend America allows people to sign a virtual thank-you card to soldiers.

The Army and Air Force Exchange allows people to give money for gift certificates which troops can redeem for merchandise. Visit the Web site or call 1-877-770-GIFT (4438).

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides higher education financial assistance to the sons and daughters of Marines and former Marines.

Operation Independence organizes and sends care packages to deployed troops.

I want to again take a second to thank the men and women serving in our military. I won't get all right-wing bandwagony and start going on about the price of freedom and I will continue to question the leadership of our country. (People seem to think that if you support the troops, you are a blind follower of the Republican party) I will not allow the effort of our "citizen soldiers" to be cheapened like that.

Thank you to everyone serving in our country's military at home and abroad. Keep your head down and stay safe - a grateful nation wishes you a speedy return.

Posted by CDogg at 10:21 AM | Comments (0)

November 02, 2004

It's Civic Duty Time!

Get out there! It is time to rock the vote!

I did my part early this morning as the crowds are much smaller than later in the day. Then the worker bees are going on lunch breaks, after work, or if they are lucky - convince their bosses to give them time off to vote.

Here I am heading off to participate in our representative republic...

Zip, Zap, Zow - in and out in no time at all!

Now get moving, and go cancel out my vote!!

Posted by CDogg at 10:48 PM | Comments (0)

Doelle calls it for Bush early.

The official CNN electoral vote tally right now is 197-188 with the two key swing states still undecided. Based on county-by-county information available at CNN.com, I am officially calling BOTH Florida and Ohio for Bush - and thus the presidency.

Posted by CDogg at 07:57 PM | Comments (0)

October 13, 2004

Ross was right...

Ross Perot was lambasted as a whacko, a nutcase, a strange little man... but whether or not you believe these reports (from both the left wing and right wing media,) you cannot argue that he was right. He was right when he said that NAFTA (the first big free trade agreement our country signed) has caused a "giant sucking sound as jobs head out of the country." Now the liberals and conservatives use it as political currency as they exchange jabs about the "outsourcing of America" as it is now called. Since 2001, there have been in excess of 3 MILLION manufacturing jobs lost to the US and sent to foreign subsidiaries of our mega companies.

Before you jump on the Kerry/Edwards bandwagon - remember, it was Clinton that signed NAFTA and Clinton that expanded the scope of NAFTA to include other countries and other jobs. John Kerry vowed to give American workers a "fair playing field" if he were elected president. Kerry said President Bush is "selling their jobs out to large corporations" and vowed to close tax loopholes that reward companies for moving offshore. He should know -- he voted for NAFTA. He may also have had his wife's company in mind; she's the heiress to the H.J. Heinz fortune, a huge multinational company that gets most of its earnings from its overseas operations. But tax loopholes have little to do with the job exodus. It's cheap labor.

But wait, don't wave your Bush/Cheney bumper sticker and say "I told you so." Bush has done nothing to stem the tide of these jobs which are still flowing out of our borders. He has instead touted the growth of the "service sector" jobs. True, we have had a small growth in service sector jobs, but that sector is made up primarily of restaurant jobs - jobs which on the average earn less than 50% of manufacturing positions. Where else is it legal to pay someone $2.01 an hour? Ask a waitress. Republicans weren't always "free traders." Protectionism was a big part of the Republican platform when the party was founded in the 1850s. Beginning with President Lincoln, Republicans continued as big protectionists throughout the latter part of the 19th century. Republicans joined the slop-trough once big business was allowed to purchase candidates and now they gorge themselves side-by-side on the money stream with their Democratic "enemies."

So what is the point? The point is that the independents are the outsiders in national politics. They are the only ones who do not have a vested interest in the status quo. They are not funded by big business - heck, they are barely funded at all. They are maligned by the media as crazy because big business owns the media.

STOP listening to the media. STOP listening to your party line. STOP believing things just because Bush or Kerry told you so. START looking up the facts. START taking responsibility for changing the corrupt system that has taken over the greatest country on earth. START asking questions - especially of those who ask you to follow them.

Posted by CDogg at 11:03 PM | Comments (0)

October 05, 2004

Veep Debate

Wow... this one wasn't nearly as funny as the first Presidential debate. It was just party politics as usual. Cheney defended the President's policies in Iraq, Edwards ripped those policies. Cheney touted their lame prescription drug benefit - Edwards said they would do more. Cheney had well-thought-out responses to questions - Edwards did one of three things to questions 1) state what was wrong with the current administration 2) say they would do more or 3) change the subject to something he wanted to talk about.

Cheney clearly won the debate, but lost a lot of credit with me as he continually turned the discussion to fearmongering. His constant comments about terrorists coming into our cities were designed only to frighten the voting public into voting for Bush. Edwards had some very strong comments about closing corporate loopholes, making lawyers accountable for frivilous lawsuits and giving Americans the same health care coverage as members of Congress, but his (& Kerry's) record does NOT back it up. It is another example of Clinton politics... make promises based on what is really needed and desired by the public and then never deliver.

If Kerry/Edwards gave us any reason to believe that they would follow through on their domestic policy, it might be worth taking a gamble on them... unfortunately, they flip and flop constantly and this is another example. They will later be able to say "we were for ...." until the tide changes and they are able to claim, "we didn't vote for ..."

This debate makes me realize even more that both parties are representatives of what I call the Big Business Party and this is just a charade to make us thing we have a choice.

Posted by CDogg at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)

October 02, 2004

So you like living in a Democracy?

Polyarchy - a system in which power resides in the hands of the wealth of the nation, the rest of the population is fragmented and distracted, but allowed to participate in the selection of their elected representatives.

Who do we get to choose from? We have our choice of two Business Party candidates. That is not to say that there is no difference among Democrats and Republicans - it is just to say that they are factions within the same party. They do have differences, they have different views on how to keep the Business Party in power. Some want to do it through government handout programs, some want to do it through tax cuts... the bottom line is that they both intend to keep big business in control.

So is this a great conspiracy? Not at all - it is the way the system was set up originally. The United States was never set up as a Democracy. Scholars will be quick to say we are designed to be a 'representative republic," but polyarchy comes closer in definition. James Madison in the Constitutional Convention made it clear that "the primary goal of government is to protect the minority of the opulent against the majority."

So what do you do? Well, short of getting yourself into the opulent minority... I guess you decide which faction of the Business Party aligns mostly with your beliefs, vote for a third party, or don't vote. What you do NOT do however, is to pretend we are in a free democratic society.

I will be voting independent - not because I think Ralph Nader's platform is more closely aligned with my beliefs, but because I know that the ONLY thing that moves the Business Party toward my beliefs is public opinion. It is public opinion that gives them their reins and lets them know how far they can go in feeding off the fruits of our labor. Every vote for an independant candidate is a percentage point of public opinion telling the Business Party to rape us, our environment, our resources, our country and our future a little bit less. At the end of the day it is the ONLY thing that affects their decisions. (And while they aren't looking, I will be sneaking into the opulent class.)

Posted by CDogg at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)

September 30, 2004

First Presidential Debate

America witnessed the first debate of this presidential election. Well, calling it a debate is a bit of a stretch. It was really just an extended campaign speech cut into really small segments. It should have included Ralph Nader. His inclusion would have brought real issues to the forefront and forced real answers - not the prerehearsed, canned responses that both candidates spewed.

So who won? Despite the clearly liberal slant to pundits on network television, George W. Bush won the debate. Even with his trademark long pauses, mumbling and often-confused looks, his answers destroyed those of Kerry.

John Kerry attempted to dispel the flip-flop issue, but only succeeded in proving it is justified. He said that the President did not give enough equipment to our troops, but was zinged by Bush when it was pointed out that Kerry voted "against" that very funding.

Kerry was for and against a preemptive attack policy. He stated that "as long as we remain a country that will conduct a preemptive war, we're inviting people to do the very thing that we don't want them to do." But a few minutes later when asked directly if he would support preemptive action, he stated "The President always has the right, and always has had the right for preemptive strike.” And then as if to save face, he committed his largest flub when he said that he would only support a preemptive action that passed a "global test." What the hell does that mean?

How can you trust a guy that can't even wait until the end of his own answer to flip-flop?

The media will tell you that Kerry won the debate and will use almost all their air time to pump up Kerry or denegrate Bush... don't believe it? Get a stopwatch and time it.

Does this debate clear anything up? No. We all knew Kerry was a flip-flopper before the debate. We all knew that Bush stumbles over his words and occasionally appears to have brain lock while speaking. We all knew that Kerry would say whatever he thought would get him elected. We all knew he would attack George Bush. We all knew that Bush would pounce on the flip-flop issue. We all knew he would defend what our troops are doing in Iraq. We all knew Kerry would lament what our troops are doing in Iraq. So what was the reason for the debate? It wasn't to reveal any new information to the public.

What is the difference between these candidates? On foreign policy, the difference is that Bush will continue to push aggressively to defeat terrorism. Sure, Bush will slide HUGE big business pork through the back door while beating a drum and waving a flag out the front - but Kerry will slide HUGE big business pork through the back door while weakening the US position in the world... and that is just too dangerous a difference.

In addition, there will be several Supreme Court justices appointed during the next term and their effect will last for a generation. That is a scary thought...

Posted by CDogg at 06:06 PM | Comments (0)

September 09, 2004

Presidential Campaign

So here is the final tally with the weighted scores. (To see how these grades were derived, read through the blog as each of the candidates was scored according to each of these issues)

As you can see, Nader wins in both the raw score and the weighted score - with Bush a close second and Kerry a distant third. So what do you do now? Rush out and vote for Nader? Let's take a look at the implications and arguements for such action.

The pundits in both major parties tell you "You are throwing away your vote" or "Your vote only gets my opponent elected," when you vote for a third party candidate. Is that the case?

Well, living in Texas, I can tell you that by that rationale, ANY vote in this state is throwing away your vote. If you support Kerry, and vote as such, Bush still wins - wasted vote. If you support Bush, and vote as such, Bush still wins - wasted vote. BUT, if you vote Nader, and vote as such, Bush still wins - but growing support for a third party candidate sends a clear message to both parties that the citizens are getting wise to the scam they are running. It sends a message that the voting populace is not just a bunch of mindless joe-six-packs that believe and do whatever MSNBC or FOX tell them. It tells them to start reforming their corrupt systems or the public will do it for them.

What about those of you in other states - those so-called 'battleground' states? Well, here is where you can have the most impact and where you need to be the most cautious.

Look, Nader is NOT going to be elected this year. Nader is in the mix as a mouthpiece to a growing population that is becoming wise to the political lies, trickery and corruption of the two party system.

Of the two candidates with a chance to win - there is a CLEAR choice. Bush will knock the tar out of these fundamentalist radicals and keep them off US soil - Kerry may not... that is a pretty big gamble to take. If you are in a battleground state, a vote for Bush is the safe bet - sure, Kerry will step to the plate and kick some ass AFTER we are attacked again, but Bush will keep pushing now.

Bottom line, if you are in a state that is clearly Kerry or clearly Bush - a vote for Nader does more for this country than anything else. If you are in a battleground state, Bush is probably a safer bet, although a victory will be seen as a mandate by the Republicans to pile on the corporate greed and corruption. A victory for Kerry puts our country at higher risk and will be seen by the Democrats as a mandate for free spending and more liberal giveaway programs - while still piling on corporate greed and corruption.

Posted by CDogg at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)

September 06, 2004

Pre-election Report Card PART V

Issue number five is a collection of things rolled into... Social Issues

Social issues are a collections of things such as the death penalty, abortion, war on drugs, gun control, education reform, and litmus tests for the Supreme Court. It is amazing how each of the candidate can be FOR death penalty and AGAINST abortion or vice-versa... aren't they both killing? Overall, there are FAR bigger issues to deal with and this category is mainly put out there to keep the focus off the important things.

Bush/Cheney
Bush benefits greatly by being the conservative representative here as conservatism tends to make more sense on these issues. Bush opposes abortion and is for the death penalty. His idea of gun control is to eliminate lawsuits against gun companies (further action in favor of big business.) He has a plan to reduce illegal drug use by 10%... gee thanks Uncle George... but that doesn't really mean anything. No Child Left Behind makes sense in theory, but implementation could be another issue and it could lead to teaching to the test.

Kerry/Edwards
Kerry falls victim to the liberal mindset here. He is in favor of abortion rights for women. He is against the death penalty. He wants stiffer penalties for drug traffickers (but not the pharmaceuticals) and wants to spend more money on treatment programs. He wants to require child safety locks on guns. Kerry too supports NCLB and wants to ban voucher programs. He is in favor of appointing only justices that pass liberal litmus tests.

Ralph Nader
Nader is pro abortion rights and against the death penalty like Kerry. He suggest the legalization of some drugs will end the war on drugs and that drug abuse should be covered as part of his nationalized healthcare system rather than as a criminal issue. He is in favor of gun locks. Nader is also in favor of banning vouchers as well as standardized tests for education.

Current report card. Remember, you should NOT agree with your candidate on EVERY issue. If you do, you are mindless automaton and you deserve the government you get. The only thing you can do is to do as I am doing and decide which issues are important to you and vote according to which side has a preponderance of their record in alignment with your beliefs.

Here are the unweighted scores...

Nader 40
Bush 28
Kerry 23

Nader is still in the lead, but WAIT... it is time to add weight to each of the subjects...

Here are the issues again adjusted for importance.

War on Terror 44%
Environment 21%
Economy 8%
Healthcare 22%
Social Issues 5%

Unweighted they would be worth 20% each, but gun locks is not nearly as important (at least to me) as healthcare and national security.

Here are the weighted results...

Nader 31.6
Bush 30.0
Kerry 23.5

The amazing thing to me is that Nader is still in the lead even after weighting the issues... It begs the question - what is the most important thing for THIS election? Will winning the War on Terror be enough for this go-round or will fixing Healthcare and the Environment solve more? There is no candidate who will take care of all of them.

Even if you chose Healthcare and the Environment as the most important for this election... with Nader being the only candidate committed to these issue... can he win? Certainly voting for anyone but Bush in Texas is pretty much nothing more than a gesture.

As of this writing, I am leaning toward voting Nader right now... the problem with that is that Nader is not yet on the ballot in Texas. His campaign has filed a lawsuit in July which should result in getting him included... but if he doesn't then what?

Bottom line is Kerry is NOT an option... I will keep you informed on the other decision.

Posted by CDogg at 09:45 PM | Comments (0)

September 05, 2004

Pre-election Report Card PART IV

Issue number four is... Healthcare

We are up against the third issue in a row which is in the midst of a corporate stranglehold. Healthcare is also another of the lightning rod issue. The entrenched two-party system must answer to the corporate health care giants, but will anyone step forward and give this country the 'real' medicine it needs?

The function of doctors used to be to treat acute problems... broken bones, cuts, traumas etc. Since then the pharmaceutical companies have taken control of the Congress, their function has changed to pushing lifestyle and feel-good medications. Lost in all this is prevention. Nine preventable diseases are responsible for more than half of the deaths in the United States, yet less than 3% of health care spending is directed toward prevention. The system is not interested in our health - only our money.

Bush/Cheney
There is nothing good in the Bush/Cheney healthcare plan. The prescription drug benefit really only benefits the drug companies. Bush wants to privatize Medicare - another fiscal land-grab. Possibly the largest bit of wizardry is convincing the public that limiting patient lawsuits against HMOs is a good thing. These lawsuits are the only way the little man can strike back when being sold up the river by an HMO. There is NOTHING in the Republican plan that is good for the citizens of the US.

Kerry/Edwards
Kerry barely leads Bush in the category because at least on paper he endorses sueing the HMOs when appropriate. He is still beholden to the drug companies and wants to fund healthcare shortcoming by raising taxes... or as he puts it 'repealing tax cuts.' I guess it sounds less painful that way. Either way, it means money out of our own pockets.

Ralph Nader
Nader is really leading the pack on this issue. The United States is the ONLY industrialized nation without nationalize healthcare. The Republicans call is 'socialized medicine' to throw the old red-scare at you, but it makes sense. We are the wealthiest nation in the world and what has all that prosperity gotten the average citizen? SUVs, nice houses? NO - we paid for those things. Healthcare should be a constitutional guarantee. Now, of course I am not talking about elective surgery - but knowing that if you have a heart attack or broken arm, you will be treated as well as the person with the best coverage should be demanded.

Current report card. Remember, you should NOT agree with your candidate on EVERY issue. If you do, you are mindless automaton and you deserve the government you get. The only thing you can do is to do as I am doing and decide which issues are important to you and vote according to which side has a preponderance of their record in alignment with your beliefs.

Breaking these scores into numeric totals, after two issues, here are the standings...

Nader 35
Bush 22
Kerry 19

At this point Nader is leading... It is interesting because I went into this thinking that I would ultimately choose Bush. I am surprised by 1) how close Kerry actually is to Bush and 2) that Nader not only is ahead, but by a large margin. It will be interesting when I get to the final standings as then I will be adjusting them for importance. This weighted rating is sure to radically change up the ranking as to my thinking the War on Terror is MUCH more important than the economy (which I think is strong enough to take care of itself.)

Posted by CDogg at 09:44 PM | Comments (0)

September 04, 2004

Pre-election Report Card PART III

I am changing the third category from Others to Nader as the more I research, the more I see that Nader is quite different from the Greens. The Greens have turned too radical to even bother including.

Subject number three is... The Economy

The economic issues fall under the same problem as environment... in a capitalist society, big business runs the show and the primary interest of big business is profit. Economic prosperity for the average American or even the country itself is secondary to their own profits. Again, the political machinery makes it tough for anyone to reach office challenging the status quo. Believe it or not, capitalism with controls on big business is not socialism - it is needed. The fear mongers on either side would have you believe that you can have one or the other. The truth here as in most cases is that a balance is what is required.

Bush/Cheney
George W. Bush wants to invest Social Security in the stock market... that is a bad idea. SS is a lightning rod issue and is not the problem it is reported to be. Social Security was designed as a 'supplement' to retirement... not a retirement guarantee. As long as it is used in this manner, there is no problem funding it. Bush's tax cuts have been largely symbolic and criticized as purchasing votes. I don't know about you, but getting $300 of MY MONEY returned to me did not change my spending habits. The fact is that this tax cut like most everything he proposes is much more beneficial to the extremely wealthy than anyone else. His plan to reduce spending by keeping budget growth at only 4% is more fiscal sleight-of-hand. Cutting the growth of spending is NOT cutting spending. Zero based budgeting is the ONLY proper solution.

Kerry/Edwards
On the economy Kerry just simply cannot be trusted. He advocates whackiness and sensibility at the same time. It is more of his famous flip-flopping. He opposes privatizing Social Security - that is good. But he has voted and spoken on both sides of the issue. As it stands, he claims he wants to repeal tax cuts for the wealthy, but that is too extreme. Class warfare is wrong even if it is the little guys declaring war. He suggests closing tax loopholes by corporations, but wants his buddies to get their loops. If he would stick to what he is saying this second, he would get a B+, but his history has proven you cannot trust him.

Ralph Nader
Another strong point for the indys... Nader realizes that the retirement fund is not in danger and wants it removed from the conversation. He wants to increase corporate taxes and favors taxing the sale of stocks and bonds. (If ever there was something that needed taxing, it is stocks and bonds. The government is quick to tax the things all of use - gasoline etc. but strangely all the stuff that big business and the ultra rich do is tax free.) Nader also looks to change NAFTA, which make a lot of sense as well.

Current report card. Remember, you should NOT agree with your candidate on EVERY issue. If you do, you are mindless automaton and you deserve the government you get. The only thing you can do is to do as I am doing and decide which issues are important to you and vote according to which side has a preponderance of their record in alignment with your beliefs.

Breaking these scores into numeric totals, after two issues, here are the standings...

Nader 23
Bush 21
Kerry 15

Posted by CDogg at 09:43 PM | Comments (0)

Lincoln could not be elected if he ran today.

Abraham Lincoln - one of the greatest president of all times simply could not get elected if he ran today. His ideas at the time were radical and would be squashed by today's two-party machine. He is not a 'pretty boy' by any means so he would be ridiculed by the media on both sides. He was single when he first won office (and for several reelections after) and that seems to scare the right wing.

After 20 years in the Wig Party, Lincoln joined a then-radical third party - the Republican Party! He changed the country and the world as an independant.

What is the point? Our system is a stiffling one that crushes any chance of getting a truly great leader in office. The stranglehold on public office held by the Democrats and Republicans goes against the very grain of what our founding fathers intended.

Thomas Jefferson feared greatly the prospect of career politicians and would be aghast and outraged at the way our system takes true visionaries and convinces the public that they are idealistic whack-jobs.

In a letter, he wrote:

"I never submitted the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last degradation of a free and moral agent."

For those of you who cannot navigate the prose, let me paraphrase. What he is saying is that it is WRONG for you to just pick sides on any matter and just go along with the beat of your political group. He insists that one should always think for themselves and remain a free agent - or in the parlance of today - an independant.

Stop listening to the media (left and right wing) and read for yourself. Read the voting record of those fighting for office and read the writings of those attempting to gain office. If all you know about a candidate is what you heard on CNN, MSNBC or FOX - YOU ARE BEING DUPED!! Get off your ass and do your own homework... don't let these people tell you how to think!

Posted by CDogg at 09:37 PM | Comments (0)

September 03, 2004

Pre-election Report Card continued...

Subject number two is... The Environment

The problem with the established parties on the subject of the environment is that there is so much money tied to the status quo (big oil,) that it is hard to reach the presidential stage of politics and still have the freedom to do the right thing. The right thing is to transition from fossil fuels to clean burning renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydrogen etc. Electric car technology is advanced enough to currently replace 86% of all miles driven today by fossil fuels. Those advances have all been made by shade-tree mechanics and tinkerers. If this country would have invested in an electric vehicle initiative years ago that figure could be nearly 100% by now.

Bush/Cheney
The Bush administration has really given nothing more than lip service to the environment. In their quest for more natural resources to plunder, they have proposed new drilling and mining in reserved public lands at every turn. The problem is NOT that there is not enough energy. The problem is the current energy broker's stranglehold on what forms of energy are available. The only thing keeping this grade from an F is the fact that they have proposed funding for hydrogen fuel-cell research. (This too is lip service and I can guarantee there will not be a wholehearted effort in the area of any new fuel forms.) His support of a 'market based" solution to air quality issues is crazy.

Kerry/Edwards
John Kerry is against drilling in the Arctic and while it is a pie-in-the-sky-feel-good policy with no real way to reach the goals, he is proposing a series of goals to lower our dependence on fossil fuels. He fails however by his constant pandering to the ethanol lobby. He pushes this inefficient solution because of the financial backing to his campaign. Ethanol is NOT the solutuion - clean, renewable energy sources are REAL and need to be the focus.

Other
This is the strongest area for Ralph Nader and the Greens. Nader supports initiatives to research renewable energy sources. In addition, he is for the removal of subsidies for companies involved in the production of fossil fuels and instead give incentives to the renewable energy entrepreneurs. While the other candidates push for tokens like Bush's proposed 1.5 mpg increase for SUVs, Nader proposes a serious push for more efficient automobiles in terms of the energy sources used. The Greens on the other hand are much more radical in their proposals. Their whackos have made unrealistic proposals that would result in the upheaval of our economy and lifestyle for them to happen. A clear case of head-in-the-sand, unrealistic radical thinking.

Current report card. Remember, you should NOT agree with your candidate on EVERY issue. If you do, you are mindless automaton and you deserve the government you get. The only thing you can do is to do as I am doing and decide which issues are important to you and vote according to which side has a preponderance of their record in alignment with your beliefs.

Breaking these scores into numeric totals, after two issues, here are the standings...

Bush 14
Others 12
Kerry 11

Posted by CDogg at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)

September 02, 2004

Report Card time...

Between now and the election, I hope to be able to take each of the subjects of concern and grade the Bush/Cheney and Kerry/Edwards campaigns on their record. I will cover one subject in each post and keep an updated report card at the bottom of that post.

First subject is... The War on Terror.

This is listed first because to my thinking, it is the most important.

Bush/Cheney
The current administration has done a great job of executing the initial war on terror. The rapid response in Afghanistan has all but stopped terrorism in the United States. Early coalition building efforts were effective in getting our true allies to assist in this war. The foray into Iraq was a good move, but a public relations nightmare. Bush rushed to war without fostering enough public and international support and has felt the pressure because of this short-sightedness.

Kerry/Edwards
John Kerry's record on the war is spotted at best. It is now public knowledge that he has voted both for and campaigned against the war. In addition, he voted for funding the war and voted against funding the war. In addition, Kerry has voted against EVERY military expenditure in the last 20 years (although he will be quick to note that he also voted for some of them.) This is a classic tactic perfected by Clinton - if you vote on both sides, you can always just focus on whichever side is the most popular at the moment. Clearly, national security is not important to him. With Kerry in office, the US will be much more vulnerable to these type of savage attack.

Other
Ralph Nader is an independent candidate for President. He has broke from the Green Party over some issues within the party platform. I have strongly associated myself with independent candidates in the past, but this year, there is nothing out there but radicals and flakes. The Greens have put up David Keith Cobb as their whacko-du-jour. While I do personally agree with a large number of the Green ideas, they are being taken over by an even more radical left-wing influence than the Democratic Party. Their plank of total non-violence is just naive and immature. While they are taking hits off their legalized pot, the US will be taking hits by terrorists. Love does NOT conquer all - sometimes you need a big boot to the head.

Current report card. Remember, you should NOT agree with your candidate on EVERY issue. If you do, you are mindless automaton and you deserve the government you get. The only thing you can do is to do as I am doing and decide which issues are important to you and vote according to which side has a preponderance of their record in alignment with your beliefs.

Posted by CDogg at 10:03 PM | Comments (0)

August 30, 2004

Kerry... is so very...

Posted by CDogg at 06:54 PM | Comments (0)

January 21, 2004

Are you kidding me?

I am sitting here working on some video input and just getting madder and madder. The U.S. House of Representatives (I am watching C-SPAN) has spent the last hour honoring Paul Simon - the dead Senator, not the singer. These bloated money grubbers are wasting no time in honoring one of their fellow troughmates. Sure, Simon did some good things for Illinois (pork) but come on - these are OUR DOLLARS being spent with these inane resolutions. Why is that in less than a month after Simon's death, they can blather on about how great he was, while sliding in their own shameless self-promotion and they ignore real issues?

There is not an honest one in the bunch so when they all go on about how great one their kind was it peeves me... and when you and I pay for them to do it, then it really pisses me off. I recommend that everyone watch C-SPAN and C-SPAN2 for about an hour and before your eyes glaze - try to pay attention to what they are actually doing and saying. They are largely wasting our dollars and entering into their own plugs into the tome that is the Congressional Record.

You want another rant... well, you're getting one anyway. haha Prior to the Simon idiocy, they spent an hour putting themselves on record as being for the space program. Now we are not talking about discussing legislation or passing bills - we are talking about simply adding to the record their feelings on the space program. Who cares about your feelings? You are hired by the populace to vote THEIR feelings. One idiot went on and on about how unless we take the lead in space, we will lose the "high ground" in the battle between good and evil. He suggested that the terrorists were going to take over space and control the world. Everything these days is because of the terrorists, but that excuse is wearing thin.... the terrorist cells live and caves and shit in shell craters - they are NOT going to build mind control rays on the moon. (Dave points out that Afghanistan may LOOK like the moon now - but that is as close as they are getting) Oh yeah - and YOU AND I paid a boatload so that this fat cat could get himself on record with this retarded premise. (Apologies to mentally handicapped for the comparison)

Posted by CDogg at 05:18 PM | Comments (0)

January 20, 2004

State of the Union - my response

Here is the State of the Union address... my comments are in red.

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: America this evening is a nation called to great responsibilities. And we are rising to meet them.

As we gather tonight, hundreds of thousands of American servicemen and women are deployed across the world in the war on terror. By bringing hope to the oppressed, and delivering justice to the violent, they are making America more secure. (Applause.)

Each day, law enforcement personnel and intelligence officers are tracking terrorist threats; analysts are examining airline passenger lists; the men and women of our new Homeland Security Department are patrolling our coasts and borders. And their vigilance is protecting America. (Applause.)

Americans are proving once again to be the hardest working people in the world. The American economy is growing stronger. The tax relief you passed is working. (Applause.)

Tonight, members of Congress can take pride in the great works of compassion and reform that skeptics had thought impossible. You're raising the standards for our public schools, and you are giving our senior citizens prescription drug coverage under Medicare. (Applause.)

We have faced serious challenges together, and now we face a choice: We can go forward with confidence and resolve, or we can turn back to the dangerous illusion that terrorists are not plotting and outlaw regimes are no threat to us. We can press on with economic growth, and reforms in education and Medicare, or we can turn back to old policies and old divisions.

We've not come all this way -- through tragedy, and trial and war -- only to falter and leave our work unfinished. Americans are rising to the tasks of history, and they expect the same from us. In their efforts, their enterprise, and their character, the American people are showing that the state of our union is confident and strong. (Applause.)

Our greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people. Twenty-eight months have passed since September 11th, 2001 -- over two years without an attack on American soil. And it is tempting to believe that the danger is behind us. That hope is understandable, comforting -- and false. The killing has continued in Bali, Jakarta, Casablanca, Riyadh, Mombasa, Jerusalem, Istanbul, and Baghdad. The terrorists continue to plot against America and the civilized world. And by our will and courage, this danger will be defeated. (Applause.)

Inside the United States, where the war began, we must continue to give our homeland security and law enforcement personnel every tool they need to defend us. And one of those essential tools is the Patriot Act, which allows federal law enforcement to better share information, to track terrorists, to disrupt their cells, and to seize their assets. For years, we have used similar provisions to catch embezzlers and drug traffickers. If these methods are good for hunting criminals, they are even more important for hunting terrorists. (Applause.)

Key provisions of the Patriot Act are set to expire next year. (Applause.) The terrorist threat will not expire on that schedule. (Applause.) Our law enforcement needs this vital legislation to protect our citizens. You need to renew the Patriot Act. (Applause.) I thought is was very appropriate that applause started when he said it was expiring. I think the Patriot Act goes too far and takes away too many rights. A large portion of it is good, but as is usual when you hand over power - they took a little too much.

America is on the offensive against the terrorists who started this war. Last March, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, a mastermind of September the 11th, awoke to find himself in the custody of U.S. and Pakistani authorities. Last August the 11th brought the capture of the terrorist Hambali, who was a key player in the attack in Indonesia that killed over 200 people. We're tracking al Qaeda around the world, and nearly two-thirds of their known leaders have now been captured or killed. Thousands of very skilled and determined military personnel are on the manhunt, going after the remaining killers who hide in cities and caves, and one by one, we will bring these terrorists to justice. (Applause.)

As part of the offensive against terror, we are also confronting the regimes that harbor and support terrorists, and could supply them with nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. The United States and our allies are determined: We refuse to live in the shadow of this ultimate danger. (Applause.)

The first to see our determination were the Taliban, who made Afghanistan the primary training base of al Qaeda killers. As of this month, that country has a new constitution, guaranteeing free elections and full participation by women. Businesses are opening, health care centers are being established, and the boys and girls of Afghanistan are back in school. With the help from the new Afghan army, our coalition is leading aggressive raids against the surviving members of the Taliban and al Qaeda. The men and women of Afghanistan are building a nation that is free and proud and fighting terror -- and America is honored to be their friend. (Applause.)

Since we last met in this chamber, combat forces of the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Poland and other countries enforced the demands of the United Nations, ended the rule of Saddam Hussein, and the people of Iraq are free. (Applause.)

Having broken the Baathist regime, we face a remnant of violent Saddam supporters. Men who ran away from our troops in battle are now dispersed and attack from the shadows. These killers, joined by foreign terrorists, are a serious, continuing danger. Yet we're making progress against them. The once all-powerful ruler of Iraq was found in a hole, and now sits in a prison cell. (Applause.) Of the top 55 officials of the former regime, we have captured or killed 45. Our forces are on the offensive, leading over 1,600 patrols a day and conducting an average of 180 raids a week. We are dealing with these thugs in Iraq, just as surely as we dealt with Saddam Hussein's evil regime. (Applause.)

The work of building a new Iraq is hard, and it is right. And America has always been willing to do what it takes for what is right. Last January, Iraq's only law was the whim of one brutal man. Today our coalition is working with the Iraqi Governing Council to draft a basic law, with a bill of rights. We're working with Iraqis and the United Nations to prepare for a transition to full Iraqi sovereignty by the end of June.

As democracy takes hold in Iraq, the enemies of freedom will do all in their power to spread violence and fear. They are trying to shake the will of our country and our friends, but the United States of America will never be intimidated by thugs and assassins. (Applause.) The killers will fail, and the Iraqi people will live in freedom. (Applause.)

Month by month, Iraqis are assuming more responsibility for their own security and their own future. And tonight we are honored to welcome one of Iraq's most respected leaders: the current President of the Iraqi Governing Council, Adnan Pachachi. Puppet - but he is our puppet. :)

Sir, America stands with you and the Iraqi people as you build a free and peaceful nation. (Applause.)

Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for the better. Last month, the leader of Libya voluntarily pledged to disclose and dismantle all of his regime's weapons of mass destruction programs, including a uranium enrichment project for nuclear weapons. Colonel Qadhafi correctly judged that his country would be better off and far more secure without weapons of mass murder. (Applause.)

Nine months of intense negotiations involving the United States and Great Britain succeeded with Libya, while 12 years of diplomacy with Iraq did not. And one reason is clear: For diplomacy to be effective, words must be credible, and no one can now doubt the word of America. (Applause.) Funny how these guys go from enemy to friend so quickly. Everyone seems to have forgotten how we gave Saddam all his money and power, ignoring the genocide while he served our purpose. Qhadaffi (sp) is the same story - we prop him up - he is our lapdog, we look the other way while he destroys his country - he gets a little big for his britches, we slap him down. It serves the purpose of our country because we have used this tactic over and over to destroy the economy and culture of countries so that we can remain in power. I like my air conditioning, SUVs and frappacinos - at least the option of having them - but I think we should be honest and admit what we are doing to those countries

Different threats require different strategies. Along with nations in the region, we're insisting that North Korea eliminate its nuclear program. America and the international community are demanding that Iran meet its commitments and not develop nuclear weapons. America is committed to keeping the world's most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous regimes. (Applause.)

When I came to this rostrum on September the 20th, 2001, I brought the police shield of a fallen officer, my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end. I gave to you and to all Americans my complete commitment to securing our country and defeating our enemies. And this pledge, given by one, has been kept by many.

You in the Congress have provided the resources for our defense, and cast the difficult votes of war and peace. Our closest allies have been unwavering. America's intelligence personnel and diplomats have been skilled and tireless. And the men and women of the American military -- they have taken the hardest duty. We've seen their skill and their courage in armored charges and midnight raids, and lonely hours on faithful watch. We have seen the joy when they return, and felt the sorrow when one is lost. I've had the honor of meeting our servicemen and women at many posts, from the deck of a carrier in the Pacific to a mess hall in Baghdad.

Many of our troops are listening tonight. And I want you and your families to know: America is proud of you. And my administration, and this Congress, will give you the resources you need to fight and win the war on terror. (Applause.) I totally agree with this - just wish they could just do it without all the pork.

I know that some people question if America is really in a war at all. They view terrorism more as a crime, a problem to be solved mainly with law enforcement and indictments. After the World Trade Center was first attacked in 1993, some of the guilty were indicted and tried and convicted, and sent to prison. But the matter was not settled. The terrorists were still training and plotting in other nations, and drawing up more ambitious plans. After the chaos and carnage of September the 11th, it is not enough to serve our enemies with legal papers. The terrorists and their supporters declared war on the United States, and war is what they got. (Applause.)

Some in this chamber, and in our country, did not support the liberation of Iraq. Objections to war often come from principled motives. But let us be candid about the consequences of leaving Saddam Hussein in power. We're seeking all the facts. Already, the Kay Report identified dozens of weapons of mass destruction-related program activities and significant amounts of equipment that Iraq concealed from the United Nations. Had we failed to act, the dictatator's weapons of mass destruction programs would continue to this day. Had we failed to act, Security Council resolutions on Iraq would have been revealed as empty threats, weakening the United Nations and encouraging defiance by dictators around the world. Iraq's torture chambers would still be filled with victims, terrified and innocent. The killing fields of Iraq -- where hundreds of thousands of men and women and children vanished into the sands -- would still be known only to the killers. For all who love freedom and peace, the world without Saddam Hussein's regime is a better and safer place. (Applause.) Again, fix the problem by all means - just admit that it was us who created the monster.

Some critics have said our duties in Iraq must be internationalized. This particular criticism is hard to explain to our partners in Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, the Netherlands -- (applause) -- Norway, El Salvador, and the 17 other countries that have committed troops to Iraq. (Applause.) As we debate at home, we must never ignore the vital contributions of our international partners, or dismiss their sacrifices.

From the beginning, America has sought international support for our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have gained much support. There is a difference, however, between leading a coalition of many nations, and submitting to the objections of a few. America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country. (Applause.)

We also hear doubts that democracy is a realistic goal for the greater Middle East, where freedom is rare. Yet it is mistaken, and condescending, to assume that whole cultures and great religions are incompatible with liberty and self-government. I believe that God has planted in every human heart the desire to live in freedom. And even when that desire is crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again. (Applause.) Even those who don't believe in your God? Just a little ironic.

As long as the Middle East remains a place of tyranny and despair and anger, it will continue to produce men and movements that threaten the safety of America and our friends. So America is pursuing a forward strategy of freedom in the greater Middle East. We will challenge the enemies of reform, confront the allies of terror, and expect a higher standard from our friend. To cut through the barriers of hateful propaganda, the Voice of America and other broadcast services are expanding their programming in Arabic and Persian -- and soon, a new television service will begin providing reliable news and information across the region. I will send you a proposal to double the budget of the National Endowment for Democracy, and to focus its new work on the development of free elections, and free markets, free press, and free labor unions in the Middle East. And above all, we will finish the historic work of democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq, so those nations can light the way for others, and help transform a troubled part of the world. (Applause.)

America is a nation with a mission, and that mission comes from our most basic beliefs. We have no desire to dominate, no ambitions of empire. Our aim is a democratic peace -- a peace founded upon the dignity and rights of every man and woman. America acts in this cause with friends and allies at our side, yet we understand our special calling: This great republic will lead the cause of freedom. (Applause.) This is the most bald-faced lie of the night. While America may not have an ambition of empire - it's corporations certainly do and they are the ones directing public policy.

In the last three years, adversity has also revealed the fundamental strengths of the American economy. We have come through recession, and terrorist attack, and corporate scandals, and the uncertainties of war. And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong, and growing stronger. (Applause.)

You have doubled the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000, reduced the marriage penalty, begun to phase out the death tax, reduced taxes on capital gains and stock dividends, cut taxes on small businesses, and you have lowered taxes for every American who pays income taxes. All they have done is more tax gymnastics - get rid of the income tax and adopt a national sales tax with NO CORPORATE EXEMPTIONS!!"

Americans took those dollars and put them to work, driving this economy forward. The pace of economic growth in the third quarter of 2003 was the fastest in nearly 20 years; new home construction, the highest in almost 20 years; home ownership rates, the highest ever. Manufacturing activity is increasing. Inflation is low. Interest rates are low. Exports are growing. Productivity is high, and jobs are on the rise. (Applause.)

These numbers confirm that the American people are using their money far better than government would have -- and you were right to return it. (Applause.)

America's growing economy is also a changing economy. As technology transforms the way almost every job is done, America becomes more productive, and workers need new skills. Much of our job growth will be found in high-skilled fields like health care and biotechnology. So we must respond by helping more Americans gain the skills to find good jobs in our new economy.

All skills begin with the basics of reading and math, which are supposed to be learned in the early grades of our schools. Yet for too long, for too many children, those skills were never mastered. By passing the No Child Left Behind Act, you have made the expectation of literacy the law of our country. We're providing more funding for our schools -- a 36-percent increase since 2001. We're requiring higher standards. We are regularly testing every child on the fundamentals. We are reporting results to parents, and making sure they have better options when schools are not performing. We are making progress toward excellence for every child in America. (Applause.)

But the status quo always has defenders. Some want to undermine the No Child Left Behind Act by weakening standards and accountability. Yet the results we require are really a matter of common sense: We expect third graders to read and do math at the third grade level -- and that's not asking too much. Testing is the only way to identify and help students who are falling behind. This nation will not go back to the days of simply shuffling children along from grade to grade without them learning the basics. I refuse to give up on any child -- and the No Child Left Behind Act is opening the door of opportunity to all of America's children. (Applause.)

At the same time, we must ensure that older students and adults can gain the skills they need to find work now. Many of the fastest growing occupations require strong math and science preparation, and training beyond the high school level. So tonight, I propose a series of measures called Jobs for the 21st Century. This program will provide extra help to middle and high school students who fall behind in reading and math, expand advanced placement programs in low-income schools, invite math and science professionals from the private sector to teach part-time in our high schools. I propose larger Pell grants for students who prepare for college with demanding courses in high school. (Applause.) I propose increasing our support for America's fine community colleges, so they can -- (applause.) I do so, so they can train workers for industries that are creating the most new jobs. By all these actions, we'll help more and more Americans to join in the growing prosperity of our country. Job training is important, and so is job creation.

We must continue to pursue an aggressive, pro-growth economic agenda. (Applause.) Congress has some unfinished business on the issue of taxes. The tax reductions you passed are set to expire. Unless you act -- (applause) -- unless you act -- unless you act, the unfair tax on marriage will go back up. Unless you act, millions of families will be charged $300 more in federal taxes for every child. Unless you act, small businesses will pay higher taxes. Unless you act, the death tax will eventually come back to life. Unless you act, Americans face a tax increase. What Congress has given, the Congress should not take away. For the sake of job growth, the tax cuts you passed should be permanent. (Applause.) I wholehearted agree with tax cuts - just quit pretending it is for the little guy.

Our agenda for jobs and growth must help small business owners and employees with relief from needless federal regulation, and protect them from junk and frivolous lawsuits. (Applause.)

Consumers and businesses need reliable supplies of energy to make our economy run -- so I urge you to pass legislation to modernize our electricity system, promote conservation, and make America less dependent on foreign sources of energy. (Applause.)

My administration is promoting free and fair trade to open up new markets for America's entrepreneurs and manufacturers and farmers -- to create jobs for American workers. Younger workers should have the opportunity to build a nest egg by saving part of their Social Security taxes in a personal retirement account. (Applause.) We should make the Social Security system a source of ownership for the American people. (Applause.) And we should limit the burden of government on this economy by acting as good stewards of taxpayers' dollars. (Applause.)

In two weeks, I will send you a budget that funds the war, protects the homeland, and meets important domestic needs, while limiting the growth in discretionary spending to less than 4 percent. (Applause.) This will require that Congress focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending, and be wise with the people's money. By doing so, we can cut the deficit in half over the next five years. (Applause.)

Tonight, I also ask you to reform our immigration laws so they reflect our values and benefit our economy. I propose a new temporary worker program to match willing foreign workers with willing employers when no Americans can be found to fill the job. This reform will be good for our economy because employers will find needed workers in an honest and orderly system. A temporary worker program will help protect our homeland, allowing Border Patrol and law enforcement to focus on true threats to our national security. This is the biggest crock of dookie I have ever heard. It creates cheap labor for big business and creates a slave class of citizen. I know we need to be more competitive worldwide when it comes to wages or we will continue to export labor - but this is pure big business legislation. Under the law, you can stay in the country and pay taxes as long as you work for the sponsor company. The term is seven years - they become indentured servants to big business and the companies get sub-minimum wage labor. Why not just scrap the damn minimum wage and kick the illegals out of the country? Let the free market decide what to pay people.

I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration, and unfairly reward those who break our laws. My temporary worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life. (Applause.)

Our nation's health care system, like our economy, is also in a time of change. Amazing medical technologies are improving and saving lives. This dramatic progress has brought its own challenge, in the rising costs of medical care and health insurance. Members of Congress, we must work together to help control those costs and extend the benefits of modern medicine throughout our country. (Applause.) Get big business out of health - there is too much incentive to do what makes money instead of what is right. I am very anti-socialist, but I have yet to see a country with socialized medicine have poor health care. I got better care when I was in a wreck in Mexico for FREE than I get at a hospital in the richest country in the world. We pay taxes for what? Goverment services. The Republicans has conned America into believing that there is something communist about using OUR money for OUR most important need. It is the most OUTRAGEOUS LIE ever perpetrated on the public. Canada has cheap drugs because their goverment negotiates with drug companies directly and uses its buying power to lower prices. The Presidents new health plan EXPRESSLY FORBIDS the US Government from negotiating with drug companies for a lower price. Don't believe me - look it up and WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN.

Meeting these goals requires bipartisan effort, and two months ago, you showed the way. By strengthening Medicare and adding a prescription drug benefit, you kept a basic commitment to our seniors: You are giving them the modern medicine they deserve. (Applause.)

Starting this year, under the law you passed, seniors can choose to receive a drug discount card, saving them 10 to 25 percent off the retail price of most prescription drugs -- and millions of low-income seniors can get an additional $600 to buy medicine. Beginning next year, seniors will have new coverage for preventive screenings against diabetes and heart disease, and seniors just entering Medicare can receive wellness exams. This is all bait and switch politics. The 'business' of health care is killing citizens at a far more rapid pace than any terrorist threat.

In January of 2006, seniors can get prescription drug coverage under Medicare. For a monthly premium of about $35, most seniors who do not have that coverage today can expect to see their drug bills cut roughly in half. Under this reform, senior citizens will be able to keep their Medicare just as it is, or they can choose a Medicare plan that fits them best -- just as you, as members of Congress, can choose an insurance plan that meets your needs. And starting this year, millions of Americans will be able to save money tax-free for their medical expenses in a health savings account. (Applause.) blah blah blah... again, they try to buy us off with a freaking drug card...

I signed this measure proudly, and any attempt to limit the choices of our seniors, or to take away their prescription drug coverage under Medicare, will meet my veto. (Applause.)

On the critical issue of health care, our goal is to ensure that Americans can choose and afford private health care coverage that best fits their individual needs. To make insurance more affordable, Congress must act to address rapidly rising health care costs. Small businesses should be able to band together and negotiate for lower insurance rates, so they can cover more workers with health insurance. I urge you to pass association health plans. (Applause.) I ask you to give lower-income Americans a refundable tax credit that would allow millions to buy their own basic health insurance. (Applause.)

By computerizing health records, we can avoid dangerous medical mistakes, reduce costs, and improve care. To protect the doctor-patient relationship, and keep good doctors doing good work, we must eliminate wasteful and frivolous medical lawsuits. (Applause.) And tonight I propose that individuals who buy catastrophic health care coverage, as part of our new health savings accounts, be allowed to deduct 100 percent of the premiums from their taxes. (Applause.) Bull - by computerizing health records the insurance companies can decide who to kick out of the coverage (unprofitable sick people) and deducting the health savings accounts is ONLY if you BUY one from the insurance company... ask if if you put it away in a personal savings account will it be deductible - hell no, there's no profit in you keeping your own money.

A government-run health care system is the wrong prescription. (Applause.) By keeping costs under control, expanding access, and helping more Americans afford coverage, we will preserve the system of private medicine that makes America's health care the best in the world. (Applause.) It is the joke of the world. It is the greediest in the world. It pushes the most drugs in the world because they make the most money. Noone wants you healthy - they only get paid when you are sick or being medicated. STOP THE HEALTHCARE TERRORISTS!!! They are killing millions each year!

We are living in a time of great change -- in our world, in our economy, in science and medicine. Yet some things endure -- courage and compassion, reverence and integrity, respect for differences of faith and race. The values we try to live by never change. And they are instilled in us by fundamental institutions, such as families and schools and religious congregations. These institutions, these unseen pillars of civilization, must remain strong in America, and we will defend them. We must stand with our families to help them raise healthy, responsible children. When it comes to helping children make right choices, there is work for all of us to do.

One of the worst decisions our children can make is to gamble their lives and futures on drugs. Our government is helping parents confront this problem with aggressive education, treatment, and law enforcement. Drug use in high school has declined by 11 percent over the last two years. Four hundred thousand fewer young people are using illegal drugs than in the year 2001. (Applause.) In my budget, I proposed new funding to continue our aggressive, community-based strategy to reduce demand for illegal drugs. Drug testing in our schools has proven to be an effective part of this effort. So tonight I proposed an additional $23 million for schools that want to use drug testing as a tool to save children's lives. The aim here is not to punish children, but to send them this message: We love you, and we don't want to lose you. (Applause.) Drug testing in schools? You are kidding me - who is behind it? Insurance companies. If you tested positive for speed in school, you cannot get coverage - oh yeah... I forgot, everyone gets coverage - you just have to pay 4 times as much as the average. Look, I am against drugs - but testing does nothing to stop them. Education and the family unit stops them - not goverment. What happened to the Republicans being the party of small government? Small health care, yes - small busines - no way...

To help children make right choices, they need good examples. Athletics play such an important role in our society, but, unfortunately, some in professional sports are not setting much of an example. The use of performance-enhancing drugs like steroids in baseball, football, and other sports is dangerous, and it sends the wrong message -- that there are shortcuts to accomplishment, and that performance is more important than character. So tonight I call on team owners, union representatives, coaches, and players to take the lead, to send the right signal, to get tough, and to get rid of steroids now. (Applause.) Good sentiment there. The sports league should curtail these practices, but they won't because they are driven by the same things that drive other corporations - profit. If doctors would stop pushing drugs it would do one hell of a lot more to stop drug abuse though. Remember Skippy, Mark McGwire is bad for taking steriods... hand Mommy my Prilosec, Darvoset, Percodan and don't forget to take your Ritalin.

To encourage right choices, we must be willing to confront the dangers young people face -- even when they're difficult to talk about. Each year, about 3 million teenagers contract sexually-transmitted diseases that can harm them, or kill them, or prevent them from ever becoming parents. In my budget, I propose a grassroots campaign to help inform families about these medical risks. We will double federal funding for abstinence programs, so schools can teach this fact of life: Abstinence for young people is the only certain way to avoid sexually-transmitted diseases. (Applause.)

Decisions children now make can affect their health and character for the rest of their lives. All of us -- parents and schools and government -- must work together to counter the negative influence of the culture, and to send the right messages to our children.

A strong America must also value the institution of marriage. I believe we should respect individuals as we take a principled stand for one of the most fundamental, enduring institutions of our civilization. Congress has already taken a stand on this issue by passing the Defense of Marriage Act, signed in 1996 by President Clinton. That statute protects marriage under federal law as a union of a man and a woman, and declares that one state may not redefine marriage for other states.

Activist judges, however, have begun redefining marriage by court order, without regard for the will of the people and their elected representatives. On an issue of such great consequence, the people's voice must be heard. If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process. Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage. (Applause.) A constitutional amendment to define marriage? We have bigger problems in our country if we need to legislate what a marriage consists of.

The outcome of this debate is important -- and so is the way we conduct it. The same moral tradition that defines marriage also teaches that each individual has dignity and value in God's sight. (Applause.) What about separation of..... aw nevermind.... this just keeps getting crazier.

It's also important to strengthen our communities by unleashing the compassion of America's religious institutions. Religious charities of every creed are doing some of the most vital work in our country -- mentoring children, feeding the hungry, taking the hand of the lonely. Yet government has often denied social service grants and contracts to these groups, just because they have a cross or a Star of David or a crescent on the wall. By executive order, I have opened billions of dollars in grant money to competition that includes faith-based charities. Tonight I ask you to codify this into law, so people of faith can know that the law will never discriminate against them again. (Applause.) I love the phrase "unleashing the compassion" I think the last big 'unleashing of compassion' was called the Inquisition. It was for their own good after all. Get religion OUT of government completely. Don't go all crazy and argue over a child's right to pray in school - that is just grandstanding. We have freedom of religion - leave it at that and remove it from the discussion.

In the past, we've worked together to bring mentors to children of prisoners, and provide treatment for the addicted, and help for the homeless. Tonight I ask you to consider another group of Americans in need of help. This year, some 600,000 inmates will be released from prison back into society. We know from long experience that if they can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit crime and return to prison. So tonight, I propose a four-year, $300 million prisoner re-entry initiative to expand job training and placement services, to provide transitional housing, and to help newly released prisoners get mentoring, including from faith-based groups. (Applause.) America is the land of second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life. (Applause.)

For all Americans, the last three years have brought tests we did not ask for, and achievements shared by all. By our actions, we have shown what kind of nation we are. In grief, we have found the grace to go on. In challenge, we rediscovered the courage and daring of a free people. In victory, we have shown the noble aims and good heart of America. And having come this far, we sense that we live in a time set apart.

I've been witness to the character of the people of America, who have shown calm in times of danger, compassion for one another, and toughness for the long haul. All of us have been partners in a great enterprise. And even some of the youngest understand that we are living in historic times. Last month a girl in Lincoln, Rhode Island, sent me a letter. It began, "Dear George W. Bush. If there's anything you know, I, Ashley Pearson, age 10, can do to help anyone, please send me a letter and tell me what I can do to save our country." She added this P.S.: "If you can send a letter to the troops, please put, 'Ashley Pearson believes in you.'" (Applause.)

Tonight, Ashley, your message to our troops has just been conveyed. And, yes, you have some duties yourself. Study hard in school, listen to your mom or dad, help someone in need, and when you and your friends see a man or woman in uniform, say, "thank you." (Applause.) And, Ashley, while you do your part, all of us here in this great chamber will do our best to keep you and the rest of America safe and free. (Applause.)

My fellow citizens, we now move forward, with confidence and faith. Our nation is strong and steadfast. The cause we serve is right, because it is the cause of all mankind. The momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakable -- and it is not carried forward by our power alone. We can trust in that greater power who guides the unfolding of the years. And in all that is to come, we can know that His purposes are just and true.

May God continue to bless America. (Applause.) END 10:05 P.M. EST

Posted by CDogg at 10:15 PM | Comments (0)

December 10, 2003

There is now a doctor in the house

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed the media has stopped referring to Howard Dean as, “Dean” or “Howard Dean” and now started calling him “Dr. Dean?” Does that mean he has been accepted as the Democrat front runner and now it is time to stop bashing and start spinning America on a Dr. Dean presidency? Maybe it is an attempt to combat (pun intended) the rank of General by Gen. Wesley Clark. I just find it interesting when things like this happen – I expect to see more positive pieces on him in the news now.

And while we are on the subject of politics – lets talk about war. War in Iraq. War in Afghanistan. War in Kosovo. War in Timbuktu. It doesn’t really matter which war. War not only polarizes the combatants, but people on the same team often take drastically different stands on the same war. The party in power rallies supports for its wars and the minority party condemns their countries actions. It is universal. It is not just Democrats and Republicans in America. Why has the politics of war dominated the actual conduct of war? I think the answer lies in the political systems of the world and their inherent corruption.

Take the war in Yugoslavia with Slobodan Milosevic and the ‘ethnic cleansing.’ The UN under now-presidential candidate Gen. Wesley Clark as then-commander of the UN forces, started off applying pressure to Milosevic’s regime by bombing military targets. As the cleansing continued, the bombing spread from military targets to quasi-military targets and the use of cluster bombs. (If you do not have a knowledge of these bombs and their use in urban areas – you need to research them. This is a deplorable weapon in an age when we can hit any target we want within a few feet. The only purpose of these people-killers is terror and mass destruction.) Soon large amounts of innocents were people killed by the US-led UN Troops. All to “put pressure” on this leader.

Is that crazy or what? You know why we kill innocent people to “put pressure” on someone? Because the UN is just as political as your local political party. The UN has a rule that states that heads of state and politicians are officially deemed “non-combatants” and as such CANNOT be the target of military attacks. They could have taken him out at any time and ended the whole mess, but because politicians want to protect politicians tens of thousands of people just trying to live their lives have to die.

Why then was Saddam a target? Because we went around the UN. It is really that simple. The UN is a largely worthless organization – it adds just one more layer of greedy politicos. It remains so that heads of state can take action unpopular in their country and shift the blame to someone else, saying “it was a decision by the leaders of the world.”

This post started as a ramble on politics, but it has sort of morphed into a “get the US out of the UN” post. I think the UN has great potential, but because – no matter how many big shots you put in a room, they are all still small, selfish people - at the end of the day, it is a useless layer of bureaucracy.

Posted by CDogg at 12:30 AM | Comments (0)