September 3, 2010
An Open Letter to the Tea Party

Dear Tea Party,

This letter is not meant to be argumentative just a simple critique of how you could better defend the constitution and lower taxes and government spending. I will simply list your core beliefs and identify constitutional issues with them.

*Illegal Aliens Are Here illegally. Well, yes they are. That is why they are so deemed illegal aliens. However, as far as your pro-Arizona immigration law stance goes, it is indeed unconstitutional as provided for in Article I Section 8 which states that Congress shall set forth a uniform Rule of Naturalization. Simply put, it is up to the Federal Government not the States to decided who gets to come into this country and how to naturalize them. Sorry, I understand its a big deal, but you can’t go vigilante, lest the Congress call up the national militia and squash your rebellion, which is also provided for in Article I Section 8.

*Pro-Domestic Employment Is Indispensable. This would certainly help much, and I will always support Buy American. However, it is up to Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations (again, Article I Section 8) and this seems to be in conflict with your free market/free trade stance. You really can’t have it both ways.

*Stronger Military Is Essential. Than the one we have already? The Federal government already spends a full third of our GDP on the military. How about we don’t spend more and cut contracts with companies like Xe (previously Blackwater until it came out that they were murdering Iraqi civilians) and not lose 9 billion dollars in defense spending in Iraq. We need to streamline not expand.

 *Special Interests Eliminated. I agree with this statement completely. No lobbying is the best lobbying.

*Gun Ownership Is Sacred. Sacred? Hardly. It is not a God given right, it is an amendment given right. This also doesn’t mean that there can not be restrictions. The Second Amendment states that the right may not be infringed, however there is a difference between armor piercing bullets in an automatic (or semi-automatic) machine gun and a handgun. Lets be rational.

*Government Must Be Downsized. Yes, it should be. I’d love to hear your suggestions on where, I say the military. You obviously disagree. Now there are many loops and red tape and pencil pushers that the government could do with out, so lets start. (but p.s. you’ll be laying off thousands of people)

*National Budget Must Be Balanced. Indeed, however go back in the last 50 years, the only time we ever had a balanced budget was under a democrat. ouch, that has to hurt.

*Deficit Spending Will End. Probably not, especially not during what could be a double dip recession. You need programs like unemployment and medicare and medicade at times like this. They are expensive. Also, right now 63% of the GDP is taken up by the military and the Bush Tax Cuts, that’s quite a bit and doesn’t leave a whole lot of room to work with to ‘Provide for the Common Welfare’

*Bail-out And Stimulus Plans Are Illegal. No, not so much. It is no where in the constitution nor is there a law on the books which says it is. I mean you can go around screaming its illegal until you’re blue in the face, but it doesn’t make it so. It would be like a child screaming that being made to eat broccoli was illegal.

*Reduce Personal Income Taxes A Must. So these tax cuts cost a whole lot of money, like whoa. How about we reduce payroll tax? Now you won’t see it on your paycheck, but you will feel it in your pocket and they get much more bang for your federal buck. For some one who wants to reduce spending, this is the way to go not income tax.

*Reduce Business Income Taxes Is Mandatory. Oh you mean like Exxon who makes an ungodly amount of money in this country and does not pay a dime in taxes? How about we fix loop holes like these then we can cut taxes on businesses. Horse before the cart.

*Political Offices Available To Average Citizens. They aren’t already? What about your home girl Palin? Isn’t she just a hockey mom? Next argument…

*Intrusive Government Stopped. Intrusive how? You mean like squashing first amendment rights? Like poor derided Dr. Laura but not those towel heads who want to build a community center in Lower Manhattan. The first amendment applies to all citizens no matter their color or religion. (btw advertisers who pull their money from a program who’s host decides to go on a racial tirade are exercising their 1st amendment right)

*English As Core Language Is Required. Tell that to a Native American.

*Traditional Family Values Are Encouraged. Traditional to who? If you take a look, the Republican held Southern States not only have the highest divorce rate but also the highest rate of children born out of wedlock. The lowest in both categories? Those damn elitist liberal New Englanders. Or the gay issue? What has a gay man or woman ever done to you? Tell me one Bible verse where Jesus says anything about homosexuality, just one. There is one in Leviticus, but do your research and you will find that this book is meant as a code for the holiest of holies in the Jewish Temple and if you take that at its word you better send your women out to a shed at the edge of the property every time they have a period. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a story about acceptance and Paul says that no one should get married and we should all be celibate. So I really don’t see the religious argument for anti-gay values. But this is a talk for a different time.

So, as defenders of the Constitution you really should read it. Once you do you will see that ‘Obamacare’ is well provided for with in the constitution (article I section 8 smokes you again!) that it is a fundamental right for them to build the ‘Terror Mosque’ and that if Congress wants to it can fund any arts or science project it feels is ‘helpful’.

Best Regards,

Whositsandthewhatnots

p.s. you really were calling yourself the tea baggers? get with it!

3:29pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z6TgGy-AmOe
(Notes: 1)
  
August 24, 2010
680 billion dollars? that’s a steal!

I would like to take this time to make a case for the expiration of the so-called ‘Bush Tax Cuts’ or the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 if you’re nasty.

The argument for the tax cuts at the time was the EGTRRA(2001) was made in a time of budget surplus (yeah, we once had one of those, crazy I know!) and was said to be affordable, and the JGTRRA(2003) was enacted to ‘stimulate job growth’. But, as far as anyone could tell the EGTRRA was not in the slightest bit affordable and other than a small spark to the economy the JGTRRA did not start a massive economic boom. However, what they did do is provide nominal tax cuts for the bottom 99% and very large tax cuts for the top 1%. Trickle Down Economics what’s up! It is reported that Warren Buffet’s secretary pays a higher percentage of taxes than he does. I’ll let you mull that one over. And the cost of this antiquated economic view? something to the tune of 1.65 TRILLION in lost profit. Once more with feeling, 1.65 TRILLLLLLLION!! yikes. Oh, did I mention that this deal accounts for about 25% of the deficit? Sounds really super successful guys.

Good news though! Both of these acts expire January 1, 2011! Hooray! I’m sure there will be no opposition to let such a lousy fiscal policy wiggle its way out of our lives, right? WRONG! But why? Talking heads say that it would kill, (not just maim or hurt, but kill) small business owners with taxes. Not so much, most and by most I mean 98% of small business owners fall below Obama’s $250,000/year cut off for raising taxes. Not so valid of an argument. Ok, so what next? Extending them would stimulate the economy. False. The Tax Cuts earn about 10-40 cents on the dollar (Congressional Budget Office). Lets see if we can follow this…it costs more to have them which means a raise in the deficit, which means higher interest rates, which means a higher price of new investments, which means cuts in lending, which means no small business loans and negative growth of the economy. In fact if we make them permanent as some would say we should, even if we return to full employment by 2014 (which lets be honest, won’t happen) and continue on the same fiscal path we’re on, the deficit would be 90% of our GDP by 2020! Then we will be Greece!! If one really was concerned about the growing deficit they would see that this would be a great help. It is estimated that if kept the tax cuts would cost $680 BILLION dollars, and only really helps those who make over $500,000/year. Furthermore, it has been logically and statistically argued that if the tax cuts expire the deficit would drop by 30% within the next 2 years. That’s huge! Finally, its really not much of a tax hike, it would return everyone back to Clinton era taxes which were lower than the Demi-God Ronald Reagan’s and waaay lower than my guy Ike’s. But, its not like the 1950’s were a time of growth or anything…but really they were.

Seattle this weekend! Have an awesome day :)

1:42pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z6TgGyxt9KB
(Notes: 1)
  
August 17, 2010
People Got Alot of Nerve

It seems as though the whole of the country is in a tizzy over the building of an Islamic Community Center close to the WTC site and as if you weren’t sick of the rhetoric by now, here is my humble opinion on the matter.

I get it, I do. The 9/11 conspirators were Muslim, and they did declare a jihad against not just the USA but all of the West. It is really a bit uncoothe to build a center so close to the site where the first blow of war was made. Let us sum up this argument, it is an insensitive move to erect an Islamic Cultural Center close to Ground Zero because brings up awfully painful memories. That’s it, end of story.

On the flip side, the Imam and his congregation are completely within their First Amendement right to build the thing. They went through the proper steps to ensure the zoning and building requirements were met, they raised the Lord only knows how much money to buy the property in Lower Manhattan and now want to use the building they own for the purpose that was alotted by the municipal govt. of New York City.

Aside from following all the local laws, this stands as a test to our commitment to the Constitution. The Bill of Rights was written and attached to leave no question as to what authority the government has over your life. If we start to chip away at this it is a very slippery slope. We have already given up quite abit of our civil liberties due to the Patriot Act, to let the First Amendment start to fall to the wayside to would be a victory for those who attacked us that day almost 9 years ago. We have to protect their right even if they do look like those who declared a jihad. If we don’t then we can not speak a word about Iran or Saudi Arabia or Hamas because we will have made ourselves just like them, a theocracy who gives little rights to those who are deemed unworthy by no merit of their character but simply because of their faith. This is not a Christian nation nor is it a democracy for that matter. The United States of America is a Representative Republic who respects the rights of every religion.   

What’s more, to lump all Muslims into the group generically named ‘terrorist’ is xenophobic and crazy. It is the world’s second largest religion and is comprised of many many many different views of the world and of God (Allah). Yes there is a fringe element, but every religion has that. To say all Muslims want to kill Americans would be to say that all Christians bomb abortion clinics and believe in white power and marry mulitiple child brides because that what the fringe elements of the religion do. Furthermore, if they all really were against us, this war would be alot bigger and alot bloodier, there are alot more Muslims than there are Americans (not to mention the Muslim Americans, you know the scary ones like Muhammad Ali).

Job searching today and then maybe a dip in the pool. Have a wonderful afternoon :) 

1:08pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z6TgGyvglyG
(Notes: 1)
  
August 1, 2010
think global, act local

so I live in Columbus, OH. Its a great place to live, its a big city (the biggest in OH infact) but it feels like a smaller town. It is subtly progressive and has a myriad of wonderful local businesses.

This said, one of my favorite things about living in Ohio are the political scandals. While other states have runaway governors, airport lovers and hooker frequenters, we have what maybe the most boring scandals ever. Take the current Lehman-gate. John Kasich is running for governor, he was previously a U.S. representative who also had his own show on FOX (although short-termed) and is a fill in for when Bill O’Reilly can not fullfill his duties. I will at least at this time let this alone and focus on what the Democrats of the state are focusing on…his involvement with Lehman Bros. While he was just a managing director in Columbus, his name being tied with the investment bank alone is causing huge damage to his campaign. How scandalous! Yes, it is true that I don’t agree with alot of his proposals for the state, I do however feel that we should be able to hear his credentials without being reminded that he once worked for a now tarnished firm.

While Lehman-gate is ridiculous enough, may I present to you…Coin-gate. Coin-gate? Yes, Ohio had a political scandal about coins. Rare and expensive coins to be sure, but still coins. Also there wasn’t even a scandal (which was centered in the misappropriation of funds from the Bureau of Workers Compensation to the Ohio Republican Party, including then Gov. Bob Taft) until they lost the coins. So what do Ohio Politicians get into trouble for? Being bankers who lose coins. So, let New Jersey have their racketeering rabbis, we Ohioians will be yawning our way through yellow journalism. And honestly, I think I prefer it this way, I mean because at least in our scandals the politicans find a way to screw the entire state and economy, not just an Argentine male escort who they met in a bathroom in Idaho or on rentaboy.com or where ever. 

Work tonight, then sleep for the next twenty odd days, or maybe I’ll just sleep in tomorrow. Have a good afternoon :)  

2:17pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z6TgGyr0vHz
(Notes: 1)
  
July 23, 2010
I can't believe people want her in any sort of power...click here

This is a clip from an interview with Katie Couric from the election. I had some how forgotten about this gem, probably due to the fact that she couldn’t name a single newspaper. This one is much much much more terrifying. I mean, she really could have just gone the route of the Dred Scott Decision. That simple. That’s third grade social studies material. Also on a side note: the Federalists are the big government guys not state rights (see Federal Government). Oh my goodness, she is an idiot to the Nth degree.

2:46am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z6TgGyob4Jk
July 19, 2010
Should probably update more…

so it appears as though I have been on somewhat of a blogging hiatus. it happens. i feel the need to apologize, but won’t, because well its my blog and i will do as i please with it, also i don’t think too many people read it with frequency to have even noticed the break. but i digress.

with the senate confirmation hearings looming for Elena Kagan, I thought it might be an appropriate time to expound upon what I think is a ridiculous notion…Strict Constitutionalism. This idea is upheld by more right of center justices and judges. The central tennant is that when ruling on a case one should adhere ’strictly’ to the language of the constitution and the founder’s ‘original intent’. this sounds well and good, but really (at least in my opinion) this idea is nonsense.

How shall I attack it first? let me start with this interesting tidbit of information. the process of judicial review (where the supreme court rules whether or not a certain law or executive order or really anything of this nature abides by the rules set out in the constitution or said amendments)  is not provided for in the constitution. say what? its true. the practice was set forth by Chief Justice Marshall in Marbury v.  Madison (1803). now the case can be made that it is a logical deduction through the combination of the arising under clause and of the supremacy clause of Article III (sections 1 and 2). however, this practice was not stated implicitly in the constitution hitherto, any justice who rules on a case by using ‘strict constitutionalism’ and expects the case to set precident is in fact using ‘living constitutionalism’. boom, roasted. 

On to the next; founders original intent. the founders were very fractioned when writing the constitution. There was a fierce divide between the federalists and the anti-federalists. (for more information on this subject may i suggest reading the ‘Federalist Papers’ available online and at most bookstores) what does this mean? the language of the constitution is very very very vague. it was written as a cover all and written with the intent that amendments would be added and that the constitution could be adapted to the times. What? No, it can’t be. Oh, but it is. How else could the Court possibly rule on search and seizure practices when applied to a car? last time I checked, they weren’t exactly rolling on 20” in the colonial days. but I am no expert here, I could be wrong. Also, if not written to be adapted, how do you explain the 9th and 10th amendments? (the 9th says we have more rights than those listed in the constitution, and the 10th says any power not given the federal govt. is a states right) with cloudy language like this how can you not throw in liberalism, how do you ‘strictly adhere’ to such vagueness? the answer is you can’t.

Finally in practicality; do you think the founding fathers really would have been ok with AK-47’s and armor piercing bullets? really? c’mon, really? times have changed greatly, and there is a huge difference between a musket that took 5 minutes to load one shot in and an semi-automatic rifle that can shoot more than 20 rounds in like a minute. what about the Internet? what about intellectual property? what about pet rights? ok, that last one is a little bit loony, but you get the point. To hold the country hostage by what a bunch of wealthy white slave owners thought over 200 hundred years ago is absurd. lets be honest.

here I will not mention the hypocrisy that lays abundant in Bush v. Gore (2000) and Citizen United v. Federal Election Committee (2010) and many other cases where those who adhere to ‘strict constitutionalism’ too great liberties with said document. but again, i digress.

cleaning and packing today, gross. hope your day is going swimmingly :)

3:02pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z6TgGynfdj4
June 25, 2010
out of line. out of order.

So Gen. McChrystal was disceremoniously removed from his position as top commander in Afghanistan earlier this week, basically because he was an idiot and bad mouthed the president to his aides who then went to Rolling Stone. Really? Rolling Stone? Because nobody reads that and those who do would certainly share said views on Obama. Matt Taibbi writes for them for holy sake! Idiot.

Other than the shear lack of sense on this one, this situation is upsetting for much greater reasons. If I may expound…Afghanistan is a tough fight and will continue to be a tough one. The discovery of rare minerals recently is only going to make it worse. The Afghani force that we are supposed to be training to take over next summer (may I just insert here that this pull out date is a dream and a dumb one at that, if a non-taliban lead country is what we are looking for.) are by most accounts not only illiterate, and addicted to a varietyof opiates. but more often than not turncoats or deserters as well. Great. What more is there hasn’t even really been a clear vision of what victory will look like so we know when to turn it over to this illustrious fighting force. Is it a complete overhaul of their system in which Karazi gains some assemblance of sanity and actually governs outside of Kabul, or is it just the dissolution of the Taliban as a major force? What about Al Qaeda? and oh by the way, anything that happens in Afghanistan will probably spill over into our ‘Ally’ Pakistan. Did I mention that they have nuclear capabilities? No? Oh well, they do.

So you take this quagmire (now, this is not to say that I do not support the war in Afghanistan. I do. I think we need to stay there as long as needed and then probably a little longer to make sure it stays that way) and add the discharge of the top command of the forces there because he doesn’t like his boss and blabs it to the national media. How ridiculous and quite frankly unpatriotic. I don’t care if he personally doesn’t care for the president or his policies, as a soldier you lose your right to talk about it to the public, well and keep your job. The president sits atop of the pyramid and you are a supporting role. There is no room for egotism in the armed forces, especially at that level. McCrystal has taken an already a bad deal and made it worse, if that was at all possible! Although, if he can make this kind of gaff perhaps it is for the best. I am also very happy that Pres. Obama made the move to replace him quickly and that most (including John McCain) are supportive of the choice.

That was a little long, but its over now. Comfest tonight :) have an awesome day!

4:04pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z6TgGyhs85o
(Notes: 2)
  
June 18, 2010
When you’re downtown

So, Obama was in town today and gave a speech on how the american recovery act is helping Ohio, especially Columbus (whether or not Columbus is the city in Ohio that needs the help the most is neither here nor there). The speech was a little rambling and a bit short, but it is still nice to have him in town. Enter Republican TalkBoxes, in this case Mary Taylor (candidate for Lt. Gov.). She gets on her stump and gives a diatribe about how the act has not created as many jobs as the public thinks and needs to be scaled down. I have a few issues with this. First, it is creating jobs, well paying ones at that. Construction is crucial to the country because it provides a blue collar workforce which this country has lost in globalization. It is one field that can never be outsourced. Not everyone can nor should go to univesity and this is a crucial way for them to have a career, not just a job. Next, action needed to be taken. Is the recovery from the Great Recession complete? Of course not. However, doing something was better than sitting on our hands and doing nothing. Was it the best course of action? No one can say for sure, but it’s the one that was taken and it works. Perhaps not as much as wanted, but it is working. If we take a hit now in debt and create more jobs, we will have a wider base to collect taxes from and not pay out unemployment to. This is how you spend your way out of a recession and it is working. Our markets have shown growth over the last year and unemployment rates have dropped and Holy Cow we are creating jobs. Public sector yes, but history shows that public sector will show growth before private. Yes private sector jobs are the real sign of a true recovery, but we are getting there. Finally, give the man a break. He took over in worldwide recession and inheirted 2 wars. In a year and a half, he has managed to pass health care reform, create jobs and pull the economy out of recession. Pretty substantial.

Rant over, off to bathe in the sun. Have an awesome day :)

12:57pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z6TgGygR_e7
(Notes: 2)
  
June 17, 2010
Hello

This is not my first venture into blogging and I’m sure it will not be my last. Come along for the journey, until I get bored. Who knows, maybe I’ll actually keep this one going. Eitherway, this will more or less be my platform for political and social rants with some personal deets thrown in for flavor and just a dash of random tweets to taste. I hope you, whoever you maybe, enjoy!

10:11am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z6TgGygD3ya
Liked posts on Tumblr: More liked posts »