Author Archives: roybeaird

AMERICA, I AM HEARTBROKE AND THEN SOME…


BLOG POST - America Weeping

My brother and I were discussing politics and the conditions of our nation and world and he said, “I don’t think I have voted FOR a candidate rather than voting AGAINST someone since Ronald Reagan.”  I would have to agree, for the most part.  The senior Bush troubled me for I viewed him, at best, a moderate and often liberal in his political ideology.  I could not avoid his own words and apparent connections to the Bilderberg Group, Agenda 21, and New World Order movements.  I voted for George W. Bush both elections and my vote were a mixed bag of sorts.  I supported him on many fronts and he left me wanting on others, but the Democrat option was an absolute NO so I voted.  In the past two elections, I most assuredly voted against Barack Obama rather than voting for John McCain or Mitt Romney.  I believed and still believe that either of them would have been a far better option for America than what we now have.  I am trying not to be in that same boat in this election but there are some things that give me concern.  Be angry with me for that statement if you please, but if I do not ask questions and attempt to obtain definitive answers that quiet my fears I feel I have failed in my responsibility as an American citizen charged with selecting and electing a leader for my nation.

I am heartbroken over where I see our nation, the divide that has been exacerbated by the current administration and ideological pursuits of the Democrats.  I am heartbroken over the lack of intestinal fortitude, conservative values, or constitutional convictions by the elected Republicans on many fronts.  Our societal attitude seems to be shifting toward an ideology that embraces Socialism to some degree and the Entitlement mentality or participation has surpassed the 50% threshold and at that point, no Democratic Republic can survive.  The attempts to completely rewrite history, strip away the moral fabric, abandon foundational values and allow political correctness to run amok pushes me beyond heartbreak into despair.  I weep over the conditions I see existing in my nation.  We are standing on the precipice where a few more steps and we careen over the edge into oblivion never to be restored.  Some, discount that concern saying, “Well America has always survived and will survive this.”  No, our founders understood that we could lose our Republic as have many through the years.  We, as Ronald Reagan declared, “Are one generation away from losing our liberty.”

BLOG POST - Crooked

We are now on the brink of the 2016 Elections in which an individual who is suspected and, in my view, guilty of criminal activity will likely be the Democrat nominee for President of these United States of America.  The Republican Party is so divided that there are NEVER groups who are adamantly determined to prevent the likely nominee from winning the White House.  I have heard many arguments to support that view and at the end of the day I keep asking, “Can We Afford 4 or 8 Years of Hillary Clinton as President?”  She is on the record of wanting to reduce, restrict or rescind our Constitutional Rights as citizens to “keep and bear arms”.  She is on the record supporting “Amnesty” and allowing millions of Illegals to become citizens and cast ballots to determine the course America takes in the future.  She and her husband’s hands are so dirty via the “influence peddling” that it is mind boggling how any American who wants to preserve our Republic and honor the Constitution could consider voting for her.  The Clinton’s left the White House with a net worth of near ZERO and now are worth over $200 MILLION.  How?  How can that be?  Their foundation, which is largely a fund to support their political aspirations and provide them a lavish lifestyle, has received hundreds of millions of dollars from foreign nations and entities many of whom have or do support terrorism.  She engaged in questionable if not illegal activities as Secretary of State and long before she or He were in national politics they were engaged in questionable activities.

In 2016, many seem to be losing sight of the elections some call secondary, the House, Senate, Governorships, State Houses, and local elections.  I cannot ignore those for even the Republicans win the White House and lose the Senate, the Democrats win and will continue to advance their liberal leftist ideology and agenda.  If the Democrats win the White House, they will likely regain control of the Senate and that would be a disaster on so many fronts, the Republic, in my view, could not survive.  Hillary Clinton will, if elected, raise taxes, damage our economy in the continuation of the leftist war on fossil fuels, destroy or damage or Religious Freedom, launch a full-scale attack on our 2nd Amendment Rights, further damage or military, and allow incredible and dangerous holes in our national security.  She will open our borders and the dangers of that are so disturbing I will hold comments for another time.

BLOG POST - Choices

We have a choice in 2016.  We can either VOTE AGAINST Hillary and the Democrats in a way that will ensure they are not elected and cannot regain or keep power or we can ALLOW their ascension and continuation.  I speak this to those who are not firmly established in their support of the likely nominee and if the nomination becomes a reality, I ask you to prayerfully consider the impact on the nation if HILLARY CLINTON becomes President.  We can ignore the lower races and allow the liberal leftist to make significant inroads eroding our liberties and constitutional government or we can roll up our sleeves and become aware and involved.  Yes, I am Heartbroken and then some regarding my nation.  I know many of you are as well.  My continued commitment is to pray for my nation in intercessory prayer and do all I know to do to defend and fight for Faith, Family, and Freedom!

God bless you and God bless America!

BLOG POST - American Flag

CAN WE AFFORD an OPEN BORDER???


BLOG POST 4 - AFFORD IT

There are numerous ways to address this and each of them beneficial in our examination and investigation of the issue.  We are told by the Democrats and some who identify as Republicans that a dealing with illegal immigration definitively and securing the border is demonstrating a lack of compassion and is not what America is all about.  I disagree and believe that failing to deal with the problem and/or securing the border is a lack of compassion, reason, common sense and that failure is not what America is all about.  Let me attempt to highlight my reasoning.

BLOG POST 4 - Cost of Illegals

ECONOMICALLY, we cannot afford an “open border.”  The cost is astronomical and growing larger each year and will grow exponentially if we continue this influx of people coming here illegally.  For illustrative purposes, I am going to lump immigrants (legal and illegal) together in calling attention to the economic drain and strain in America.  Thanks to an article by Caroline May we learn that The Center for Immigration Studies of the U.S. Census Bureau has produced some interesting data for consideration about the costs.  We learn from that report that Immigrant-headed households use 41% more federal welfare benefits than native-born Americans.  In 2012, the immigrant-headed household received 33% more cash welfare (SSI and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), 57% more food assistance (food stamps, the Women, Infants, and Children’s program, and school lunch), and 44% more Medicaid.  The CIS study also reveals that 51% of immigrant-headed households uses at least one welfare program, compared to 30% of native-born headed households.  I hope that disturbs you.  If we keep having more and more immigrants, refugees, and illegals coming into this country it will continue to escalate the cost of the entitlement programs, grow government, increase taxes, and put an unsustainable burden on education, healthcare, and the economy.  CAN WE AFFORD THAT?  I say NO!

Going a step further we find that, on average, immigrant-headed households receive $6,378 per household.  However, those coming from Mexico and Central America received an average of $8,251 per household which is 85% more than the native-born households.  In the report, we learn that immigrants from Europe and South Asia use less than the native-born households, but the more we allow poorly educated and those lacking beneficial skills as well as illegals to flood into this nation the more those costs will escalate.  WE MUST SECURE THE BORDER and WE MUST DEAL WITH THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEM if for no other reason ECONOMICS.  Economics is a serious part of the equation and with a national debt of over $19 TRILLION, we are on a collision course with bankruptcy and the total collapse of our American economy.  However, economics is only one of the issues that make this a problem of epic proportions and one that is serious enough we cannot afford to continue to kick the can down the road.

BLOG POST 4 - Open Borders

NATIONAL SECURITY, demands that we deal with the problem of ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION and do so immediately and decisively.  Yes, we all want to be compassionate but you cannot allow any to imprison you with faux-guilt at the expense of protecting American citizens and our national sovereignty.  One of the duties of the President is “national defense” and the current president seems to believe that protecting Islamic jihadist and fighting against his perception of Islamophobia is more important than American’s Security and National Defense.  Therefore, the next president cannot be anyone who agrees, even remotely with that philosophy as does Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.  John Kerry is clearly a defender of the Obama Doctrine as is Joe Biden and many of the Democrats in the House and Senate.

An unsecured border opens the door to terrorism on an enormous scale and one that reality no American should be willing to allow.  The Democrats seek to marginalize our concerns and attempt to shame us into submission to the “citizens of the world” mentality that is firmly rooted in the New World Order doctrine and the United Nations Agenda 21 and Sustainable Development Initiative.  If we do not keep America, America securing our borders, dealing with the Illegal Immigrant and out of control spending we will lose this Republic and the “fundamental transformation” of Barack Obama and the Leftist will be complete.  I have one word for that – UNACCEPTABLE!

BLOG POST 4 - Decision

As we consider the upcoming election for President, Representatives, Senators, Governors, Mayors, and all elected offices, State and Local we should consider how those offices and elections impact our National Security, Economy, and Sovereignty as the Free Constitutional Republic our founders gave us.  THE DECISION IS OURS – – What Will We Decide?

 God bless you and God bless America!

WHY THE HATE BECAUSE I ASK QUESTIONS???


BLOG POST 1 - Questions 1

I, like many of you, are troubled by the current state of affairs in America and the political cycle has not alleviated those concerns or answered many of our questions.  It appears, since Ted Cruz and John Kasich have suspended their campaigns that Donald Trump is or will be the Republican nominee for President of the United States of America.  It is also, almost assured that his opponent will be Hillary Rodham Clinton in the General Election.

There are those who are ecstatic about Mr. Trump’s victory and others who are in a state of deep depression.  Some are proclaiming that he will “Make America Great Again” and others singing, “Turn out the Lights the Party’s over.”  There are those who believe Mr. Trump is God’s chosen leader to escort us out of the doom and gloom we have been in for almost eight years or longer and others who see him as the destruction of Conservatism and the Republican Party.  Some of Mr. Trump’s supporters accept whatever he declares as factual and run with it and others see his rhetoric as a dangerous unsubstantiated diatribe.

BLOG POST 1 - Mixed Bag

I confess he has said some things that trouble me and some that excite me.  He is  often a mixed bag and impossible to press into a box and define.  His stance on the Transgender Bathrooms troubles me and when he quoted the National Enquirer as a viable major news source I raised my eyebrows and said, “WHAT?”  A gossip rag magazine a viable major news source?  Hardly, and I am surprised he’d quote them, but I understood that the pattern of repeating what has been tweeted or written and then defend it as, “I just cited what was said.”  But, then when he stands firmly against ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION and wants to secure the border I applaud and get excited that we might finally take definitive action even if his proposals are modified and adapted to some degree.  When he fearlessly identifies the major problem we face as being Islamic Terrorism I cheer.  The political correctness and defense of the world of Islam by this administration endangers America and Americans and Mr. Trump’s stance is somewhat a breath of fresh air.

I like the idea of bringing back jobs to America but question if “tariffs” and “punitive action” rather than proactive action to reduce corporate taxes and lift stifling restrictions and regulations is the right approach.  The intent is desirable the process to get there leaves me with questions as to the spillover effect in various parts of the economy.  I believe that Obamacare is a disaster and I want to see it totally repealed not simply restructured into a Universal Healthcare system and I need much more clarification on Mr. Trump’s proposals so I can contrast it to that of Hillary Clinton which is Universal Government Run Healthcare where we lose all freedom to coordinate with our doctors the type of care we receive or pursue.

I am Pro-Life and believe that the rights of the Unborn are important and must be protected as well as the rights of the mother.  That baby did not choose to be created and if life is deemed over when the heart stops beating why is it not deemed to begin when the heart starts?  Who is speaking for that baby?  Planned Parenthood, in my view, needs to be fully and thoroughly investigated for any criminal and immoral activities they have practiced not funded without limitations and restrictions.  We could fund other organizations and eliminate them completely or deny them federal funds and still provide the supposedly positive services they provide for women’s health.  I do not want to endanger any woman or hinder her from obtaining adequate healthcare but I do want to stop any agency or organization that practices harvesting body parts for profit, thus promoting abortion and even murdering a baby that has been born via a botched abortion.  We need to be able to contrast the Republican and Democrat view on those issues.

BLOG POST 1 - Constitution

I am an Originalist in my view of the Constitution.  I do not see it as a living and evolving document that is molded and changed at the whim of a political party in power but must be preserved and followed, as closely as possible, in the original intent of the authors.  If we do not like what it says we need to offer a Constitutional Amendment and go through the process of having it ratified but we must never allow any court to rewrite it to suit their political or ideological agenda or views.  Our system of government was carefully and prayerfully established and it will enable us to preserve our Republic and ensure our unalienable rights if allowed to stand as written.

I am decidedly a LIMITED GOVERNMENT advocate and I know, beyond doubt, that Hillary Clinton is diametrically opposite of that view.  Therefore, I am troubled when I hear Donald Trump say he does not want to eliminate any of the entitlements but will work deals to get more revenue to pay for them.  That is, in my view, not possible without an increase in taxes and even then it is not a desirable path if we truly want LIMITED GOVERNMENT and REDUCED SPENDING.  I hope for much more clarification from the Trump campaign so we can efficiently contrast his stance and that of Hillary Clinton and the Democrats.  Then, when he speaks of taking care of our veterans, I am ecstatic.

I am strongly a FREE MARKET believer and opposed to crony capitalism which is destroying the free market.  I am appalled when businesses leave our shores transferring their manufacturing operations offshore.  I know Hillary Clinton wants to tax, tax, and tax everything and everybody and while I appreciate Mr. Trump wanting to bring back jobs I have questions about the proposed approach.  I believe that reducing the corporate tax rate significantly and lifting the crippling regulations and restrictions on businesses would provide that solution.  I do not believe that punitive tariffs and subsidies are a viable solution.  My concern is that will translate into higher costs for the consumer, higher costs for businesses, which means less manufacturing and loss of jobs.

BLOG POST 1 - Questions

I HAVE QUESTIONS and if I am to be tarred and feathered for daring to ask questions then go for it, run me out of town and I’ll get in front and we’ll have a parade.  I am TOTALLY OPPOSED TO HILLARY CLINTON and will do everything in my power to see she is defeated.  I want to be a supporting voice for the Republican nominee and to effectively and sincerely do that I have to have some of my questions and concerns answered.  I need some of the unknowns to become knowns.  I know the disaster that Hillary Clinton poses and I cannot, in good conscience, not work to stop her from being President of these United States of America.

God bless you and God bless America!

ALINSKYISM – Democrats Use It, Should Republicans?


BLOG POST - Belief

I had someone ask me recently, “Roy, at what point do I refuse to abandon my convictions to gain an electoral victory?”  My answer that is simple yet complex and something I have never drifted from.  “NEVER, if it is truly a conviction, not just a preference.”  If I ignore my convictions and violate or shelve them my integrity is gone to myself and anyone who knows my convictions.  My words will no longer have any meaning and I negate any positive influence I might have or could have.  If it is truly a CONVICTION you cannot violate or abandon it.

I understand “Conviction” to be a firmly held belief according to Miriam-Webster but I believe that it is much more than that.  My convictions are a result of my values and determine my conduct.  A man will die for his convictions but not for his preferences or opinions.  Often I hear people talk about their convictions when the more they talk the more convinced I am they are referring to preferences or opinions not firmly rooted convictions based on knowledge and values but desires or wishes.  If you are addressing the political with a “conviction” that is truly a “preference” you should be adaptable and compromise is permissible. If you are addressing something that violates the “core values” you hold dear and requires you to compromise your firmly held principles and beliefs then I would never tell you to abandon those convictions.

BLOG POST - Convictions

 

Can or do convictions change?  Of course, as we gain new understanding and see additional sides to the diamond of truth we seek if that alters our beliefs to include or incorporate things we formerly held at bay, we would be changing our convictions.  But, do we abandon our convictions to win an election?  Is it acceptable for Republicans to adopt the Alinsky model of “the end justifies the means” and “all is fair in love, war, and politics?”  Some believe it is, I do not, but that is my opinion and I would even argue my conviction.  As I said, my answer is simple and complex.  One one hand, I must address my core beliefs, how the elections will affect my freedom, and the pros and cons of my decision and how it will affect myself and others now and in the future.

Holding politicians accountable should be a desire and objective of all Americans.  If we who identify a conservatives, constitutionalist, and/or Republicans are offended and demand that Hillary Clinton is held accountable for her words regarding the lives lost in Benghazi, “What difference does it make now?” are we not to hold all politicians to that same standard?  If Hillary Clinton can declare that since the event is history it should be ignored and we should move on, showing utter disregard for the lives of those brave Americans who fought for their lives and to protect those they were charged with protecting we are right to be angry.  If she lies about the cause and the failure for the failure our assets being dispatched to their defense, we are right to want her held accountable.  If she places our nation at risk with a private email server to hide her activities and for her convenience, we have a reason to be angry.  BUT, if we fail to hold Republicans to the same standard we demonstrate Alinskyism as much as the Democrats and I refuse to do that.  That violates my CONVICTIONS.

BLOG POST - Accountability

You have to know, by now, that I believe America cannot survive if we have four or eight more years of the Obama type policy and politics.  So for me to say we cannot afford to win an election by completely ignoring our convictions is almost contradictory in the minds of some.  If I believe a Hillary Clinton presidency means doom for America how can I refuse to ignore my convictions in order to defeat her?  On one hand we might lose the nation and on the other hand, we could lose our self-respect and integrity and all that comes with abandoning one’s convictions.  If I argue that it is not about me, then I can justify placing my convictions on hold and do whatever is necessary to defeat her.  If I argue that gaining the whole world and losing my soul is not an acceptable prize, I cannot.  I am not saying that to vote for the Republican candidate I have to abandon my convictions, I am saying that if that becomes the choice it will be a very difficult and prayerful decision I make.

Some have become angry with me because I question some of the things said or done by candidates on the Republican side.  If I truly hold the conviction that politicians should be held to a high standard of honesty, integrity, and properly dispensing their duties, how can I not question when something is questionable?  I won’t ignore what Donald Trump, Ted Cruz or any other Republican says or does while taking Hillary and the Democrats to the task.  That would be hypocritical on my part, in my view.  That would violate my core principles and beliefs.  Many are on the horns of a dilemma in this election knowing the absolute danger and sure destruction of a Hillary Clinton presidency and troubled by this or that GOP candidate.  Some of it is preference and some of it is their deep-seated conviction.  My purpose is not to judge or try to force anyone to abandon their convictions but to ask that we all earnestly pray because America’s survival may depend on what we do in November.  Another reason I am committed to interceding for my nation and her people.  It is my conviction that America is worth saving!  I am 100% convinced that allowing Hillary Clinton to become President is a disaster for America.  It is my conviction that I am to do all I can to preserve the Republic in my fight for Faith, Family, and Freedom.  Therefore, I weigh all my convictions in this decision and am earnestly seeking God’s guidance and will follow that which I hear in my heart through prayer.  What do we do when convictions about one thing meet in conflict about convictions regarding another?  We TRUST God!

BLOG POST - Pray

I am praying for America, Americans, and the politicians, for integrity, honesty, and the preservation and/or restoration of our Constitutional Republic.  May God bless you and May God bless America and led us forth into His light and right.

Blog Post - Hope 2

IF IT SOUNDS GOOD DOES THAT MAKE IT GOOD???


BLOG POST - Questions

I have asked and been asked that question most of my life regarding virtually everything.  However, today we are talking about politics and proposed policies suggested by various candidates.  It would be impossible for me to successfully separate what I am going to address from particular candidates but I tread lightly because my purpose is not to offend or attack any candidate but to attempt to gain a complete understanding of suggested policies regarding “Trade and Tariffs”. 

I like boldness and often find that aggressiveness is a strong plus in dealing with problems that are being ignored and addressed with timidity fearing opposing sides might be offended.  There is a time to consider the risk of offending less problematic than addressing the problem.  I have found that although I was somewhat offended in a situation, the direct approach forced me to ultimately address the problem and come to a reasonable solution.

Candidates, greatly disagree on the issue of “Trade and Tariffs” and that has caused me dig deeper into this history and effect of “Tariffs” in a nation’s economy.  Again, the idea of applying heavy “tariffs” to goods imported may be an effective tool to bring about a balance in trade but it also may cause some negative consequences.  Punitive action is not always the best remedy to a problem.  Sometimes alleviating that which created the problem is the best approach.  Standing her on this thin ice,  I fear that I have already lost some and they will not hear the “conclusion of the whole matter” as I attempt to discuss this topic.  Let me ask the question, “How Do Tariffs Affect the Economy?”

BLOG POST - Tariffs

I am appalled and angry about the number of companies or corporations that have taken their business or products offshore.  However, I fully realize that their decision is usually was based on economics and profitability and in our current situation with government regulations, corporate taxes, and costs of production some have determined that in order to be profitable they must.  The cheap goods coming in from other countries because of the open market, low cost of goods and labor in those countries along with the taxes, fees, and regulations in America have made relocating to an offshore environment appealing.  We could address that immediately by reducing the corporate tax rate which is one of the highest in the world and address the overregulation.  Now, that will not address labor costs which I hope to address here or later.

How Do Tariffs Affect the Economy?  In a short but incomplete answer, tariffs make foreign-produced goods more expensive for domestic users and in that sense makes the foreign goods more competitive with American produced goods.  If that were the totality of the issue I would, too soon would not be soon enough.  However, that is not the full effect for there are some consequences that cannot be overlooked.

  • Although domestic producers would face less competition than without the tariffs; higher prices would occur on the protected goods and services for the consumer.
  • It is absolutely accurate that with the lower competition from foreign-produced goods domestic producers would employ people and that would naturally increase wages.  However, higher wages would also increase the price of goods and reduce the rate of innovation to produce goods outside the protected sector.
  • It would also affect the ability of foreign producers to purchase American goods and our exports would decrease and with lower demand comes lower production and lower employment rates and wages

BLOG POST - How Much

What happens if Company X decides to move its production facilities to Mexico, China, Vietnam, Japan or some other nation where the cost of goods and labor is much lower than America and the government decides that as a punishment a hefty tariff would be imposed on every item the import to America?  Who pays that tariff?  Company X may write the check to the government but they will pass that cost along to the consumer doing so in each step of the process.  Ultimately, it is you and I that must pay the fine, fee, or tariff imposed and thereof I ask, “Who is really being punished?” 

Historically, tariffs do not affect only the company of a particular product but the residual effect is widespread.  The “Sugar Tariff” that Marco Rubio supports because it impacts some of his constituents in Florida has saved jobs in the sugar production industry but cost jobs in the residual industries such as confectioners, etc.

Is the solution imposing hefty tariffs on products imported to force companies to return to our shores for production?  It sounds good to “make them pay” for their disloyalty to America and Americans but we need to consider who the action hurts the most.  I would suggest that a more long-term solution would be to dramatically and drastically lower the corporate tax rate and resist the temptation to allow the federal government to manipulate the labor rate giving the free-market the opportunity to work.  I am convinced that if we dramatically lowered the tax rate and reduced the crippling regulations we would find more businesses staying in America and some returning.  The result would be a competitive market, a boost in the economy, and while we consumers might see somewhat higher prices we could and many would balance that with the knowledge and pride that we are helping to “grow the American economy” and in the end, the residual effect would mean more jobs, more innovation, more revenue for the federal government and “made in America” would become the norm, not the oddity.  I desire to “Buy American” and will pay a higher price to do so, but while I am an American I am also responsible for my family and must be prudent and responsible toward them.

BLOG POST - Bottom Line

If we simply take the approach of “tariffs” I fear we will see a negative ripple in the economic waters and rather than forcing businesses to stay or return to our shores we will see fewer jobs, higher prices, less availability of goods and services and a continuation of a bad economy.  Short-term, tariffs might be a useful tool but are they truly a long-term solution?  In any industry one can readily see the potential loss of jobs in that industry without tariffs and see the jobs saved by the action.  However, there may be 8 jobs lost in other industries for each job saved in the protected field because of the tariff(s) and those dots are difficult to connect.  Thus, the proponents argue that businesses are saved in the industry because of the tariff and argue that you cannot make a concrete connection to the residual impact on other industries as a result.  They are right and they are wrong.

THE BOTTOM LINE for me, I believe that we would be best served in dramatically lowering the corporate tax rate, lifting and reducing many of the crippling restrictions and regulations that are killing small business and helping drive business into the arms of other nations.  I can see the positive and negative in tariffs and would ask the next president to weigh the matter carefully and seek long-term solutions, not simply punitive actions.  This is one issue of many that, hopefully, the GOP will think and rethink as we seek to find the best and lasting solution to the problem of “lost jobs” to offshore localities. We are not wrong to be angry over the loss but we dare not misdirect our anger and simply blame corporations when the taxes, regulations and restrictions mandated by the federal government is a major player.

I want, long-term solutions, as do you.  So, let’s encourage our elected officials to take positive actions to bring about economic stability and confidence in America.  God bless you and God bless America!

 

AMERICA – Say Hello To The Real Enemy Politically…


BLOG POST 1 - Enemy

Before you completely misunderstand, I am not saying that the American people are the enemy but using this old Pogo cartoon statement to illustrate a point, so bear with me, please.  I have pleaded, argued, talked, written, spoke and prayed that WE THE PEOPLE entrenched in the various camps of political candidates would somehow wake up or realize WHO the real enemy of America is from a political perspective.  I do not think my fellow patriots are the enemy, I simply want to remind each of us WHO THE REAL ENEMY IS…

One political pundit suggested that because of the millions on the Democrat and Republican sides who will likely stay home refusing to vote for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump could possibly result in the lowest turnout for a Presidential Election in a very long time.  I don’t know if that is true or if the polls that reflect how much those two are disliked are even accurate.  I know that Richard Nixon was hated by the Democrats, disliked and even feared by many Republicans and even those who were his friends were ashamed to have that fact known but Nixon won a landslide election. How could that happen?  The polls did not take into account a head to head with the Democrat and when given that option Nixon was the overwhelming choice.  Will that be the case in this election regardless of the Democrat and Republican nominee?  I don’t know but suspect it might well be that one of the candidates will win in a landslide, but that is coming from my rocking chair on the patio drinking coffee watching the sunrise on a beautiful morning.

BLOG POST 1 - Real Enemy

I keep asking myself and others, “Do we really know who the real enemy is politically?”  Or better, “Have we forgotten who the real enemy is politically?”  I understand the nomination process and how the mud flies, the dirt is dug, the skeletons are brought out of the closet, and attacks are made but sometimes I wonder if the anger, bitterness, and hatred that is dividing camps so prolifically have considered the cost of being irreparably divided?

CAN YOU STOMACH A HILLARY CLINTON PRESIDENCY?  I wrote that in caps because I am screaming the question at the top of my lungs.  Have we considered the cost of four or eight years under her administration?  Are we able to accept a person as president that has such a low regard for human life as expressed in her views on abortion and her lies and attitude about the lives lost in Benghazi?  Can we take actions that would virtually guarantee a person so corrupt that she has placed America’s national security at risk for convenience and peddled influence to secure funds and support to achieve her objective of the White House?  Can we forget her complicity in the lies about what caused Benghazi, her failures as Secretary of State, her involvement in White Water, the questionable activities of the Clinton Foundation and its connection to foreign governments many of which are very anti-America?  Can we embrace someone who is an Alinsky disciple, a follower of Marxist ideology and demonstrates such a lack of understanding and support for the Constitution of the United States of America?  Can we forget, the past eight years?  You may disagree but I consider, Hillary Clinton and all the Democrat possibilities for President the enemy of our Constitutional Republic not Donald Trump or Ted Cruz.

BLOG POST 1 - Hillary

Can we pause for a moment and consider what America would experience under a Hillary Clinton presidency?  If Hillary Clinton becomes President of these United States of America…

  • The Supreme Court will be packed with liberal activist jurist transforming it for decades rendering the Constitution null and void and providing the Democrats a clear path to the “total transformation” of America.
  • Taxes will escalate to the point that the economy will be sent spiraling into a collapse that will propel us into a Recession and even Depression that might rival the Great Depression in impact.
  • More and more businesses will take their manufacturing “offshore” forcing more people out of the workforce and onto the welfare rolls of the government increasing the debt and deficit and further destroying our economy.
  • The 1st and 2nd Amendments will be challenged if not completely destroyed by the packed court and her Executive Actions if not Congressional Legislation making Political Correctness a legally mandated reality, assaulting our religious liberties, and launching a direct assault on our 2nd Amendment rights to “keep and bear arms.”
  • Obamacare will be expanded to a single payer universal healthcare system where the government totally controls our care, from whom we receive it, and if we have access to various procedures. The cost individually and collectively as well as the intrusion into our lives will propel us further along the road to total tyranny and despotism.
  • The Government will continue to expand exponentially as all programs of entitlement and agencies of harassment and control are strengthened, enlarged, and empowered.
  • The assault on the fossil fuel industry will be completed forcing us into alternative energy usage at a cost so astronomical few will be able to afford it.
  • Climate Change will take a higher priority than battling Islamic Terrorism and keeping the nation safe from external and internal enemies.
  • The traditional family will be under heavy attack and Hillary’s view that the Community is better able to raise our children than we and the government’s interference and oversight of our parenting will be prevalent.
  • Foreign Policy will continue to be a disaster where our friends are alienated and our enemies facilitated.
  • Illegal Immigrants will become citizens and the voting base and block for the Democrats will effectively destroy any semblance of a Democratic Republic but a Single Party Oligarchy or Tyranny will be realized.

Those are a few of the problems we face with another Clinton as President.  To be fair, she is so far left or her husband I almost feel the need to apologize to him for my statement about a Clinton presidency.

So I as, “Do we recognize the real enemy or are we so focused on our preference we cannot see the forest for the trees?”  If that is the case then Pogo’s assessment does apply to us.  I continue to reject that notion and believe that somehow the American people will wake up and realize that the Enemy to be stopped is the Leftist Liberal Anti-American Ideology of the Democrats in the person of Hillary Clinton.  We must defeat her, keep the Senate and maintain our margin in the House of Representatives.  If we lose sight of that objective America is doomed!

God bless you and God bless America!

$19 TRILLION NATIONAL DEBT IS BAD, A Tip of the Iceberg…


BLOG POST - National Debt

We hear about the National Debt and how it has escalated under Barack Obama and it has, but we seldom ever talk about the UNSECURED LIABILITIES of the Federal Government.  That figure, depending on what source you quote is between $125 and $200 TRILLION.  That is beyond broke and beyond repair.  The Country Music Group, “The Tractors” have a song entitled, “Badly Bent” in which one verse says, “I’d like to ask the Congress; I’d like to ask the president ‘Can you tell me where the money went…”  No, they can’t and we are beyond broke and are more than badly bent financially.  In fact, some economists have suggested that the Federal Government needs at least $200 TRILLION to invest in private sector jobs in order to fund its legal liabilities.  America’s unsecured liabilities is a taboo topic for politicians and most government reporting agencies and glossed over as though it were simply numbers on a page and having no real consequence.  WRONG!

BLOG POST - Reality vs. Fantasy

In my research on this matter, it seems that the Congressional Budget Office operates with TWO SETS OF BOOKS as any Ponzi scheme would require.  There is the Extended Baseline Forecaster (EBF) which is used to report to financial outlets and the second is the Alternative Fiscal Scenario (AFS).  The difference is the AFS is used to project future taxes and spending that includes not just the laws on the books but the activities of Congress and the President’s bending and changing laws without actually passing laws. This is what the CBO actually thinks America faces financially without a dramatic change in direction and policy. The EBF and AFS projections are dramatically different and the AFS is hidden usually hidden in one tab of a spreadsheet called Supplementary Data, which is almost impossible for anyone to find.  Alas, now that page is gone, since some have called attention to it.  I wonder why?

Our gross debt to GDP ratio is at least 105.5%.  The revenue to GDP ratio is 35.8% and spending to GDP ratio is about 37%.  That is not a viable situation and not only must we reduce the debt but the deficit and in order to do that we must drastically cut spending and even eliminate some federal entitlement programs and address waste and fraud with dogged determination.  That will take more courage than the average politician has and more than most Americans seem to have.  Why?  Because it will turn off the flow of “freebies” and force some whose profession is “taking from the government” to have to fend for themselves in the real world.  What a novel idea?  Wait, it was presented in the Bible when Paul said, “Any man that WILL NOT WORK, should not eat.”

We have approximately 151 MILLION in the workforce today which is about 3.5 MILLION fewer than in 2000.  However we have over 93 MILLION, not in the labor force and that has grown almost 15 MILLION since 2000.  The U.S. population is roughly 323 MILLION and at least 161.5 MILLION are receiving benefits from the federal government.  I do believe that is virtually 50%.  When half of the population is receiving benefits from the government we have a situation beyond a crisis and a situation where there are not enough people working to tax even at 100% to support those receiving benefits.  When we consider the 93 MILLION who are not participating in the labor force and dig a little deeper we find that about 49.6 MILLION are retired and another 10.7 MILLION are disabled.  Thus, we have at least 15% who could be working but are not.  But, the disabled number should not be assumed to mean that all 10.7 MILLION are 100% disabled and the question is how many of them could be working or working some?  That would likely send the true unemployment number to a minimum of 20% and probably higher. 

BLOG POST - Spend Til Broke Party

When will the United States Government go bankrupt?  As long as the lenders maintain their willingness to receive interest on the loans, who knows?  However, any rational person should realize that it is not possible to continue on this insane spending path into the future and not see a total collapse.  One Economist said the immediate solution would be to raise all federal taxes by at least 57%, cut all federal spending by a minimum of 37% or some combination of both.  What are the odds of any president and any congress passing and signing such a bill?  You would have a better chance of winning the Lotto multiple times in a row with one ticket per year.  I would suggest that a snowball would have a better chance of not melting in hell.  IT WILL NOT HAPPEN!  Were the Federal Government go bankrupt many, if not most of us, would face financial ruin immediately and the chaos, rioting and looting that would ensue would be catastrophic.  So when you are deciding on who you want to be President, one of the things you should be considering is who wants to truly CUT GOVERNMENT THE MOST?  You cannot leave all the entitlement programs intact.  You cannot increase spending anywhere without dramatic cuts in other places to offset the increases.  TAXATION is not the answer.  America we have a DEBT CRISIS that is epic and if we do not begin to view the UNFUNDED LIABILITIES as well as the Deficit and Reported Debt we make a mistake.

The Democrats want to spend more, some of the Republicans want to leave all the entitlements in place and even expand some of them.  What do you want?   God bless you and God bless America!

 

2020 AMERICA???


Blog Post - Four More Years

I like hearing hope expressed by the supporters of various candidates running for the office of President of the United States of America in 2016.  It is a good thing to be hopeful for without HOPE we would be a miserable lot and despair would overcome and overwhelm to the point that we throw up our hands and surrender.

  • Without HOPE, there is no determined struggle to overcome obstacles.
  • Without HOPE, there is no drive to climb to the pinnacle of accomplishment.
  • Without HOPE, there is sure defeat and I pray that we do not reach that low point in our American history.

I am HOPEFUL because I desperately cling to belief in America and the American spirit.  However, the strength of my HOPE is my confidence and faith in God.  I know that “with God” all things are possible and America can survive.  I also know that “without God” we will not succeed as the Constitutional Republic.  You may agree or vehemently disagree and find my mention of God offensive.  If that is you, I am sorry you feel that way but it is what keeps me going and when I read the writings of the founding fathers and research the history of the 1776 Revolution I cannot view it without seeing the hand of God in the process.  I am not saying that God saw the colonist as superior to or better than the British only that He had a plan for a nation to become and an incredible example of Freedom and a Light Shining to the World of Hope.  That, in my view, was our founding base and most or many of the founders would agree.

Blog Post - 2020 America0

Today, it is almost inevitable that Hillary Clinton will be the Democrat Nominee for President.  Her history, record, failures and leftist views will not deter her nomination, so it seems, and the vast majority of Democrats will vote for the “D” behind the name with no consideration of the person.  Some Republicans will do the same for the Republican candidate and others will, as they did in 2012, withhold their vote because they find the nominee unacceptable.  I personally disagree with that because I consider Hillary Clinton or any of the Democrat possibilities as more dangerous and destructive to the Republic than the eventual Republican nominee whether that is Donald Trump, Ted Cruz or John Kasich.

Blog Post - Constitution

The question in my title, “2020 America?” is, in my view, a valid one.  Can the Republic survive another four years should the Democrats keep the White House and possible reclaim the Senate?

  • If they do, the Supreme Court will be so altered and transformed into a Liberal Leftist Rubber Stamp the Constitution will be rendered meaningless and largely null and void.
  • If they do, Illegals will be not only offered a pathway to citizenship but afforded the rights and privileges of citizenship without the process.
  • If they do, the national debt will escalate even more rapidly than it has in the eight years of Barack Obama, taxes will increase exponentially, business will continue to be lost to offshore sites, the economy will continue to decline, and more people will be dependent on the government for their livelihood. It will be a UNSUSTAINABLE

 Therefore, my question is, “If the Democrats win, will we have an America in 2020?”  My prediction is, “Only theoretically!”  The Republic described and detailed in the Constitution will no longer exist and America will be America only in name, not reality or function.

Supporters of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and John Kasich believe that if their candidate is elected America will be fully restored to her former status and constitutionality.  Some of the proposals of each of those candidates offer hope and some proposals are virtual impossibilities because they would require bipartisan support in Congress which would likely never happen and some would require a Constitutional Amendment that would likely take years to adopt if ever.  Could they use the Obama method of “Executive Orders” to arbitrarily impose their will on America?  Yes, but if you think the Democrats would not quickly challenge that with more intensity than the Republicans have, you are dreaming.

Blog Post - Hope

No, I have not lost HOPE but I am troubled deeply in my heart for my nation.  I believe, that if America or a significant portion of America would once again, “call on God” and turn from the path we are on of self-centeredness, selfishness, and self-exaltation and in humility, with repentance call on Him, He would bring us forth once again.  That is my view, you may or may not share that view but please understand that everything I say and do is based on my Faith in God.  I am a Vietnam Veteran, a Patriot, one who loves America and will every stand and fight for FAITH, FAMILY, and FREEDOM.  

God bless you and God bless America!

HEADS I WIN, TAILS YOU LOSE…


BLOG POST - Heads I win

My title reflects how the Democrats feel as they watch the perpetual infighting in the Republican Primaries and the ever widening divide among camps.  THIS IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO TEAR DOWN ANY CANDIDATE but a PLEA TO REALIZE WHAT WE ARE FACING!  This is how I see what is happening and likely will very possibly in Cleveland at the National Nominating Convention.  This, as was the past election, was a ready-made victory for the Republicans.  However, the varying factions from the Party Elitist to the loyalist of particular candidates have and are becoming so fractured the ominous cloud of defeat has become a real possibility, if not probability.  Just a few months ago I could not envision a scenario in which Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders could win the White House but today, the way the situation is transpiring within the Republican Party I can see a pathway for the Democrats to finish their work of “fundamentally transforming” America and virtually destroying our nation.  That brings great sorrow to my heart and makes my blood boil.

The Chair of the GOP has stated that the nominee would be one of the candidates now in the race if there is a contested convention, which is quite possible.  The national polls, which the varying camps mostly reject, indicate that Trump will be beaten badly by Clinton, Cruz and Clinton are close, and Kasich beats Clinton in the General election.  Are the polls accurate?  Who knows, but with as many as are reporting much the same thing, they are probably fairly accurate today.  Could and will that change before November and could Donald Trump or Ted Cruz pull off a Ronald Reagan who was trailing Jimmy Carter turn this around?  Of course.  Will they?  Who knows?

BLOG POST - Open Convention

There are those convinced this is a worldwide conspiracy to stop this or that candidate.  I readily acknowledge that the Party Elitist and some influential and powerful money people would stop at nothing to prevent either Trump or Cruz from being nominated.  The problem is more than simply the process.  It is in the almost cult-like devotion to candidates in which there is a willingness to hand the keys to the nation to the Democrats rather than rally behind the eventual Republican nominee.  The powers that be are completely capable of changing the rules and should the convention find itself deadlocked after a few votes, reject all three and insert a “fresh face” who would be deemed a compromise candidate who could supposedly unite the Party.  That would result in a total disintegration of the Party and whether delegates walked out of the convention or stayed MILLIONS of voters would reject that nominee.  It would be “Heads Hillary Wins, Tails Republicans Lose.”  The Party Elitist would retain power in a failed, splintered, and broken party and the Constitutional Republic would be flushed down the proverbial toilet.  WE THE PEOPLE would be the real losers and that is breaking my heart and is making me mad.  DEFEATING THE DEMOCRATS MUST BE A TOP PRIORITY IF THE REPUBLIC HAS A CHANCE OF SURVIVING!!!

I am somewhat surprised to hear Donald Trump and those deeply entrenched in his camp complain about “deals” being made in the process.  Mr. Trump is the one who is supposed to be the Ultimate Deal Maker and thus far has been outmaneuvered by others in the process.  Good or bad “deal making” is a part of the political process and Mr. Trump, apparently not sufficiently familiar with the process lagged behind but is showing signs of learning the process and it would appear will be more formidable in the days to come in the behind the scenes efforts of an open or contested convention.  I suspect it will get ugly as deals are made and accusations are hurled from all directions.  Abraham Lincoln’s ground game defeated the frontrunner William Seward and Gerald Ford bested Ronald Reagan because of “deals made” behind the scenes allowed by the process.  I do not necessarily like the process but it is what it is and will likely be one of the major reasons for the possible defeat of the GOP in November.

BLOG POST - Make a Deal

Should, Mr. Trump, and Senator Cruz unite the GOP establishment would be defeated and they would, in all likelihood be a team that could and would defeat the Democrats in November.  That will never happen and I am not arguing for it to happen.  Thus, “heads I win, tails you lose” becomes a much more likely scenario for the leftist.  The suggestion that John Kasich would be the heir-apparent should the deadlock present an impossible impasse and that he should choose Mr. Trump or Senator Cruz as his VP is laughable.  Neither of those men would likely accept such a deal and I doubt that their supporters would either.  A Paul Ryan or Mitt Romney might satisfy the Party Loyalist and Elitist but would alienate such a large portion of the Republican base the election would be lost before it began.

The argument that the excitement in the GOP Primaries is so large it is a virtual guarantee that Mr. Trump or Senator Cruz would easily win has some flaws, in my view.  More people voting in the primaries does not necessarily equate to more people voting in the General Election.  Apathy in the Democrat Primaries does not mean that the Democrats will stay home in November.  Counting the number of people to vote for a particular candidate in the primaries does not, in itself, mean that candidate will have an equal proportion in November.  Alienation of the Republican base by any candidate cannot be viewed as a positive and when that is coupled with energizing the base of the other party it is a disaster.

Mr. Trump and his supporters have vowed they will never endorse Senator Cruz because they have declared him an illegal candidate, a liar, a thief, a cheat, and lacking in moral character and integrity.  Senator Cruz and his supporters find it difficult if not impossible to endorse Mr. Trump because they have classified him as a tyrannical authoritarian, an egotist, a liberal secret Democrat, and a political Camelion, and advanced the “con-man” label ascribed by Marco Rubio.  The hatred, I fear, is so deep that while the candidates might be willing to form a coalition their supporters probably could or would not.  That has been my problem in the vicious personal attacks launched in this campaign, it causes damage that we will be unable to repair.  I disagree with Newt Gingrich that those supporting Trump or Cruz detest the Democrats and Hillary more than they detest the other but I don’t see that and certainly don’t hear it.  When I call attention to this divide I have been attacked by people in various Republican camps and called names.  How can we not see the reality of a house divided against itself being unable to stand?

BLOG POST - Principles

So, UNLESS we have something miraculous transpire before or by Cleveland and see a unification behind a candidate Hillary and the Democrats will crow at us saying, “Heads I win and Tails you lose.”  I am not asking that anyone abandon their candidate but focus on the issues and the real enemy, the Democrat Nominee.  Focus on America and make your case for your policies, agenda and political convictions.  I personally, do not need to hear denigration of the opponents, I need to hear SPECIFICS of WHAT YOU OFFER.  I stand committed to the Republic and cannot sit silently and watch us self-destruct and thereby destroy any hope of preserving the Constitutional Republic.  In my view, The Republic is more important than my personal preferences.  My focus is defeating the Democrats as I stand firm for FAITH, FAMILY, and FREEDOM!

God bless you and God bless America!

HAVE ANOTHER PLATE OF HORSE FERTILIZER AMERICA…


BLOG POST 2 - Horse Droppoings

That would be courtesy of Washington, DC and the powers that be.  We keep being feed or asked to consume daily a very large amount of Horse Fertilizer and Bull Droppings by the Washington Political Crowd it is amazing.  What is as troubling as their continual offering of the garbage is the fact that a significant portion of the public willing consumes it and says, “Wow! Tasty!”  The talking heads, pundits, Party Establishment types, media members, and politicians then wonder what is going on in the country politically regarding candidates and campaigns.  They are clueless because they cannot fathom a public that would see through their superfluous diatribe and incessant offerings that are nonsensical, unhealthy, and detrimental to our Constitutional Republic.  They are stunned that we aren’t buying what they are selling, at least, enough of us to upset their protected applecart.  That are in a panic!

Let me walk through a few of the items on the Horse Fertilizer Menu Washington is offering.

BLOG POST 2 - Real Unemploy

UNEMPLOYMENT and the ECONOMY…

The BLS (which might need to drop the L) has released figures for March that said the total nonfarm payroll rose by 215,000 and the Unemployment Rate was 5.0%.  What they fail to focus on and include in that 5.0% rate is that those who have been out of work for 27 weeks did not change and the “workforce participation rate” is less than 63% and we have over 93 MILLION Americans of job age who are UNEMPLOYED.  How does that equate to 5.0% Unemployment?  Only with creative accounting and number crunching.  I am personally aware of a number of people who are unemployed, have been long term and have little prospects of finding a good job.  I have recently been made aware of a number who were recently or will soon be laid off.  In fact recently in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram here in the DFW area BSNF announced it has furloughing 4,600 workers.  If the economy is as robust as a 5.0% Unemployment rate would suggest that would not be happening.  The downturn in and the war on the Oil and Gas Industry does not just hit the pockets of CEO’s in Big Oil it impacts every aspect of our economy.

If we use the numbers of the BLS and other agencies that the number of working-age Americans (15-64) is approximately 204 MILLION and 93 MILLION are not employed what would that make the Unemployment Rate?  It would be over 45%.  Even if you cut that 93 MILLION in half you would still have over 22% Unemployment and I am convinced that number is far more realistic than the fictitious 5.0% that we are being served as a hot meal of Horse Fertilizer to inspire us and dissuade our fears and concerns about the economy.  We are sitting on a powder keg economically and the bubble is likely to burst very soon, then what?  Blame it on the Republicans?  What will be the spin?  Lies beget lies and perpetuate lies and we have been and are being lied to.

BLOG POST 2 - tERRORISM

CLIMATE CHANGE IS A GREATER THREAT THAN ISLAMIC TERRORISM…

What person in their right mind would seriously believe that?  Apparently MILLIONS, and that speaks to why we are in the condition we are today.  Horse Fertilizer may be good for the soil and plants but it is not a staple for human consumption and that is what the politicians want us to have as the foundational base of our diet, at least politically and ideologically.  If we question the so-called “settled science” which is anything but settled about “Climate Change”, “Global Warming”, or “Climate Disruption” we are called bigots, racist, deniers, flat earth people, and worse.  Whereas if we cite facts and examples of the danger of Islamic Terrorism we are called even worse names and are fed more Horse Fertilizer telling us that if we banned guns, worked on climate change, created a robust world economy, catered to the demands of Islam, and talked nicely without truly addressing the issue there would be a sharp decrease in terrorism.  Give me a double helping of that horse fertilizer please?  THAT IS INSANITY and yet we because we allow Congress to allow this President to continue down the path of destruction we are demonstrating that we are “UNSTABLE” too.

The Democrats are offering us an Extreme Leftist who has zero regards for the Constitution, human life, and a Free America and an avowed Socialist.  I know, he attempts to differentiate his brand from the Communist/Socialist Brand that exists in other places by calling it Democratic Socialism, whatever that is.  At the end of the day it is the same as the other, just a more palatable way of describing it.  Sadly, millions about 50% of the population is dependent on the federal government for their subsistence and when half the people are on the dole and depending on Big Brother for their monthly check it is no wonder millions are flocking to Bernie Sanders and even Hillary Clinton because the promise of the Democrats is MORE FREE STUFF.  Nobody stops to understand that there is NO FREE STUFF, somebody has to pay for it and ultimately that somebody is every working American whether they are on Wall Street or Main Street.  WE ALL PAY. 

BLOG POST 2 - Real Threat

Our enemy and the purpose in the Elections of 2016 should not be creating a War within the Republican Party but Defeating the Democrats.  Sadly, people have become so emotionally attached to a candidate or campaign they are willing to abandon reason and lose the country to have their chosen one named the nominee.  Blast me if you will but I would vote for “Daffy Duck” or “Elmer Fudd” before I’d vote for any of the Democrats.  The only hope for the Republic, in my view, is DEFEATING THE DEMOCRATS IN 2016.  Love me or hate me, your choice but that is how I see it.  Anybody want another serving of Horse Fertilizer???  NOT ME!

God bless you and God bless America!