Trying to Deceive the Public

There is currently an advertisement running on Global Warming which claims that Category 4-5 Hurricane have doubled in the past 30 years. This is an attempt to influence the public to support the the Global Warming talks scheduled for Copenhagen, Denmark next week.

After my curiosity convinced me to verify this claim I was surprised to learn that this is not necessarily so. But sponsors always hope that their information will be believed even if it is not true. The basis of this claim was an article in Science Magazine in 2005 authored by Dr. Pete Webster of Georgia Tech University and Dr. Greg Holland of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

However, Dr. Bill Gray of Colorado State University disagrees. He is famous for his successful long range predictions and nearly 50 years of research and forecasting. He stated that he does not agree with the claims that global category 4-5 tropical cyclone activity has been increasing accept in the Atlantic over the last 11 years and that can be attributed to conditions other than warming temperatures. He is supported by Dr. Chris Landsea, Science and Operations Officer for the National Hurricane Center and Dr. John Knaff, Hurricane Researcher at NOAA. The study concluded that because of a large disagreement among scientists, an agreement on such a claim was impossible. Even Dr. Webster agreed that a longer study of the global data record would be required and all scientist involved in the dispute agree that further study and reanalysis was required but there is no funding for such an endeavor.

Bottom line is that it is speculation, much as the whole theory of Global Warming. Recent events in that field may conclude that the United Nations, Al Gore and others may have tried to put a scam on the world for their own political ambitions.

The Name and Shame Game

I just finished listening to a report on the Fox News Channel about mortgage rates of as low as 2% for existing mortgages in trouble. I try real hard not to let news of the day get my dander up but this had me jumping out of the chair. So lets see if I can make this as clear and simple as possible.

This program was initiated last spring at the same time as the stimulus program. You remember, the "shovel ready" program that we now realize has really not produced any jobs! In the Stimulus program, the Obama administration set aside $75 Billion dollars to help out those people who were "underwater" with their mortgages and unable to pay. Many were forced with foreclosures. It does not matter why you need this help. You can have a decline in the value of your home, loss or decline of your income, or even if you had a separation or divorce.

The new plan would allow you to extend your credit up to 40 years. Refinance your loan as low as 2% interest rate. Change your adjustable rate loan to a fixed rate loan and waive all late fees and charges. The new twist is that the Treasury Department is releasing a list in December of those Mortgage Companies (known as "servicers") who are lagging behind in processing and helping these mortgages in trouble. As of this date, only 1700 families had

completed the process out of a possible 375,000 applicants.

Here is my problem. Some mortgages truly have run into trouble because of lost jobs and the economy. But there are way too many that fell into that group of mortgages that had no business being financed to begin with. You know the stories about applications that had little or no verification of incomes. The difference between an old payment at 7% on a $150K home at 30 years of $994.00 per month versus the 2% loan at $554.00 per month. Ultimately, this gift comes at the expense of the taxpayer. There is no screening in this loan modification program for weeding out the bad loans. Remember the claims by some that now that Obama is elected as President, " he will help me pay the mortgage?" Well this is about as close to a handout as possible.

Everybody Has Their Price

When I first thought about writing this I was going to title it "The Louisiana Purchase" because I felt the central figure Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) sold her vote. I have followed the news reports carefully and here are the facts. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid knew he needed 60 votes to put the Senate Health Reform bill on the floor for discussion. Senator Landrieu along with Senator Lincoln of Arkansas were the last holdouts. Senator Reid initially placed an addendum to the bill with carefully worded language that allotted $100 million dollars to Louisiana only, for restoration purposes. Sen Landrieu held out for her own reasons until Senator Reid countered back with a higher bid of $300 million dollars. This time, Senator Landrieu could not resist and accordingly announced support. With her vote, it was a done deal for Senator Lincoln to say yes rather than stand alone against her colleagues.

I said that I changed the title because it is important to establish there have been others who would sell their vote or their honor for the right price. In this case there was no law broken and it becomes a moral issue. We can recall not long ago when Congressman Jefferson of Louisiana was caught with $90,000 in his refrigerator. He has just been sentenced to 13 years prison for a felony bribe. A few years ago the country was shocked with "Abscam". The end result was the conviction of a United States Senator, five members of the House of Representative and a State Senator for bribery. One member of the Senate who still serves, Senator John Murtha (D-PA) was not prosecuted because of his "cooperation with the FBI in the investigation". Let me make it very clear. This is not Democratic or Republican. This is political and moral corruption.

Lord Acton is credited with a very famous saying which in this case could never be more applicable. He stated that "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely". I could not agree more but I also believe that our country has lost its moral compass. You only need to read the newspapers and listen to the news to recognize we have become a very sick society. Our country was certainly founded on solid ground by our forefathers. But, it seems to me that our very sacred liberties have also allowed some to exercise their own version in total disrespect of their neighbors, their fellow citizens and the country we love so much. Even more so, if the very people who we elect to represent us cannot

be trusted to honor the Constitution and the citizens who placed them in office than it is time to remove them by voting them out at the ballot box.

Do You Want this Kind of "Change" ?

Our left leaning Congress is about to ram Socialized Medicine down the throats of the people of the United States. This is in spite of numerous polls that show that our citizens are against this by a 60-40 margin. This clearly tells us that our Congress no longer represent us and have their own agenda. It is an arrogance unparalleled in American history. Term Limits is not the answer although a good idea. Many of these politicians have been in office for more than 30 years. Their campaign for reelection begins on the first day of the new term. The bottom line is these progressive liberals (Code for Socialists) will never vote themselves out of office. The only true answer is to vote them out at the Ballot Box. Voters finally saw the light in Virginia and New Jersey and believe me, these progressives do not like the sunshine because it exposes the truth. Why do they hurry legislation thru Congress without a full reading, discussion and weekend voting?

Unless you exercise your right to vote and take them out at the Ballot Box our country will become a second rate socialized nation. Thomas Jefferson said " All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent".

Habits Are Hard to Break

The President Bows Again

There he goes again...bowing to another Head of State. In this case, on Saturday at the initial meeting with Emperor Akihito of Japan. Of course "some" of the media is making a big deal of this gesture while others are saying nothing.

Here is my problem with the incident. First of all I want to make it very clear that I understand the customs of Japan are almost like a religion to the people. It is without question a sincere show of respect in the life of the Japanese people. I exercised that courtesy during many visits myself.

I do have a bone to pick with the White House on this matter. Back in April when Obama met with the King of Saudi Arabia, the media jumped on the issue. Obama may have intentionally took this bow to show respect for the King. But no...immediately the White House spin was in denial and it was not a bow but the President just lowering his upper body enough so that he could have eye to eye contact. Does anyone want to venture that the denial was countering public scrutiny of his actions?

Lets make it very clear that White House Protocol does not have any policy that suggests that the President of the United States should bow to any King, Queen, Emperor or Head of State of a foreign nation. Not in 233 years! I think on this occasion, President Obama was quite clear in his bow to the Emperor. No more spin Mr. President. Out of respect for the Office of the President, I would hope that his gesture was truly out of respect for the customs of Japan and not because he feels that he must continue on some sort of apology tour of the world and start bowing to every head of state.

If he wants to change the protocol and feels sincerely that this is a mutual sign of respect, then tell the nation. Don't beat around the bush any longer (no pun intended). The people know better!

Court Trial or Circus

The Attorney General, Eric Holder announced today the five indicted 9-11 co-conspirators including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, will be tried in New York City. My initial reaction was lets make it short and sweet! Guantanamo Bay has the facilities and the personnel to try everybody. There is no reason to make exceptions. The costs of transportation, security and trial is enough to trump any show by authorities of trial at the "scene of the crime", let alone the heartache for the victims and citizens of New York.

But there is much more to be considered. Only a fool would dismiss the media attention this trial will bring and the reaction of Muslim extremists throughout the world. It is my opinion this could also be a pretense for the Obama administration to put the Bush "war on terror" policies on trial. The defense attorneys will exploit these issues. Keep in mind the former CIA Director George Tenet stated that KSM was not "mirandized" until months after his capture in March 2003 after he had confessed. Therefore, this issue is going to be forefront along with the legalities of water boarding and the actions of the CIA.

The mention of the CIA brings into question Attorney General Holders' quest to prosecute CIA operatives for these very issues. This is the same person who under the Clinton Administration pardoned Marc Rich; succeeded in clemency for 16 Puerto Rican members of a terrorist organization linked by the FBI to more than 130 bombings and six murders, and then earlier this year dropped charges on a Black Panther group who blocked and intimidated voters in a Philadelphia voting precinct.

Remember that the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, another 9-11 conspirator took 4 years to be tried and sentenced. It would not be hard to believe and expect that these trials could stretch just as long through legal maneuvering. The last point that I want to make is that if these trials end up in acquittal because of legal standards of proof, or that a more liberal federal court disallows their pleas due to illegally obtained confessions, I believe the outrage of the Nation will guarantee a one term Presidency.

Dear Mr. President

I understand that you are going to hold a jobs summit in December aimed at coordinating your massive government spending program with a planned job growth in order to break the recession. I wish I was invited but then I understand that you would not want a retired military "right wing extremist". So I hope you will accept this letter with suggestions in the best interest of the nation and the hope that we end the worst unemployment rate in 28 years:

1. Continue the Bush Tax Cuts rather than letting them expire which would be considered a tax increase.

2. Discontinue what is left of the $787 billion dollar stimulus package. It never created the jobs you anticipated and the unemployment rate exceeded 10.2% even though you promised with the stimulus, it would not exceed 8%.

3. Cut the Capital Gains tax by a minimum of 15%. This would be an incentive for new investments.

4. Look at the corporate tax rates. If you take the 35% rate and combine with the average state tax, you have a combined rate of 39%. Most other countries are in the 20% range. Cut the rate by a least 10%.

5. Cut Federal Income Tax rates across the board by a flat 10% for all income brackets.

6. Do away with the penalties proposed under Health Care Reform legislation. The 8% penalty for businesses that do not provide insurance for employees under your plan is just going to be passed on to the consumers figuratively just as another tax. It could drive small businesses out as the try to control overhead costs.

7. And lastly, forget the 2.5% penalty for individuals who do not purchase your plan.

Oh yes, one other thing. I realize that it is not a tax increase or decrease but you might want to consider doing away with threats of jail time for those who do not purchase insurance under your plan. That could turn out to be an economic hardship on families and relatives. You're a family guy...you would not want that rap hanging over you.

A Followup on Fort Hood

Last Saturday I posted a two part blog on the terrible murders of our servicemen at Fort Hood, Texas. We have learned much more since then and now realize that the FBI was investigating Major Hasan for communications he had initiated with "radical muslim websites" in the middle east. Regrettably, the investigation was dropped.

I stated in my blog that "it is my opinion that this never should have happened. It is way past time to call for an end to this "political correctness", and more about protecting our military from radical acts in a troubled world."

Last night Bill O'Reilly said in his Talking Points (The O'Reilly Factor - Fox), that "Political Correctness can get people killed. I believe that's part of the Fort Hood massacre story. Hasan said inappropriate things. He did inappropriate things. Yet he continued to serve as a major in the Army largely because, I believe, he is a Muslim." Later in the show frequent guest and highly respected newsman, Bernard Goldman was asked for his take on the situation. He said that "I have been saying for some time that political correctness is killing journalism...now I believe that political correctness is killing servicemen".

I believe that was exactly my point three days earlier. I am honored to be in such distinguished company but I am still troubled that PC ruled the day and red flags were ignored.

Scamming Our Citizens

It is fair to say that most of us are very angry with the idea of a government takeover of Health Care being forced on us number one, and secondly, we feel abandoned by those organizations that seniors have come to trust as representing their interests. I have found the reasons and it is in a word, scamming our citizens.

The American Medical Association (AMA) was facing a 21 percent cut in physicians' reimbursements under the current law. Obama promised to kill the cut if they backed his bill. In one of the actions most infuriating seniors has been the willingness of the AARP to back his plan. Let me assure you that for them, it will be and always has been about making money.

The AARP receives a financial windfall for its support. It is a main supplier of Medi-gap insurance, a high-cost, privately purchased coverage that picks up where Medicare leaves off. But President Bush-43 passed and established the Medicare Advantage program which offered a much lower subsidized, alternative to Medi-gap. So more than 10 million seniors turned to this program cutting into the AARP revenues. No problem. The President simply promised to eliminate the subsidies for Medicare Advantage, but the AARP, which supposedly represents them will make more money. By the way, the drug industry backed ObamaCare and, in return, got a 10 year limit of $80 billion on cuts in prescription drug costs. They also got government assurances of a continued ban on lower cost Canadian drugs from coming into the United States.

This past Saturday before the House vote on the Health Bill, "Queen Nancy" had one more card up her sleeve. The centerpiece of her pressurized campaign was a Saturday address by President Obama in the Cannon Office Building, where Obama warned and I quote: "Does anybody think that the teabag, anti-government people are going to support them if they bring down health care? All it will do is confuse and dispirit (Democratic voters) and it will encourage the extremists." Here we go again folks...we are just a bunch of extremists!

The Poster Says it All

Is ObamaCare Constitutional?

Conservatives have witnessed an unprecedented action by the House of Representatives as they passed with two votes to spare, their version of ObamaCare on Saturday night at 11:15pm. If the House did this with as little publicity as possible, they were successful. Most discussion had this not going to the floor till next week at the earliest. There as a clue out there. "Queen Nancy" Pelosi had already broken her promise to publish this bill on line for at least 72 hours prior to any vote. Public outrage was already evident so why waste time. Go ahead and force this down against public opinion.

The liberals will gloat but this version will never be passed by the joint Congress. I would like to center my thoughts on something that has had little if any attention by the "Lamestream Media". The real question in my mind is if this legislation of National Health Care is even legal. Does the Constitution of the United States permit Congress to enact such legislation? I have found some legal opinions which I share with you.

Judge Andrew Napolitano is a retired Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court and taught Constitutional Law at Seton Hall School of Law. He is currently the Senior Judicial Analyst at Fox news. He has stated that this plan "is unconstitutional at its core" based on his interpretation of the Commerce Clause. Writing in the Washington Post (8-22-09), Thomas Lifson wrote that in United States v. Lopez (1995) and United States v, Morrison (2000) the Supreme Court rejected the proposition that the Commerce Clause allowed Congress to regulate non economic activities merely because, through a chain of causal effects, they might have economic impact. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and a lawyer stated that "when we start having the federal government dictate to us what we have to purchase or buy without some commercial justifiable reason...we've lost our freedoms, and that means the federal government can do anything it wants to do to us." When Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) was asked where is the constitutional authority, he replied "Why would you say there is not authority? I mean, there's no question there's authority. Nobody questions that." And finally when also asked the same question, "Queen Nancy" said, " Are you serious? Are you Serious?" Yes we are...Quite Serious!! The only remaining question is under our system of checks and balances, will anyone be willing to challenge this to the Supreme Court of the United States?

Do You Really Want This Kind of Health Care?

Outrage at Fort Hood, Part 1

I have been very hesitant to write anything about the tragic murder of our soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas. Not because I did not feel sorrow but because in this "Politically Correct" society we live in, anything said will provoke calls of racism and insensitivity. The "lamestream media"has called for investigations why the Army had allowed the racist remarks and alleged offenses against the perpetrator, Major Hasan to go on so long, that he then struck out with hatred and violence. Witnesses have reported that he allegedly made the comment "Allah Akbar--Arabic for "God is Great"!

I agree that a investigation needs to take place. My difference with the "lamestream media" is that I question why this had to happen at all. Major Hasan swore to defend the Constitution of the United States. He interned at Walter Reed Army Hospital where the training director has stated that he had "difficulties" that required counseling and extra supervision. He came to the attention of federal agents six months ago because of internet postings about suicide bombings and other threats. A retired Army Colonel who worked with him stated that he frequently got into arguments with fellow soldiers about the involvement of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He had hired an attorney and tried to prevent his pending deployment to Iraq. Leaders of the local mosque at Fort Hood have publicly stated that the Army needs to exam the policies that caused the Major to snap.

Outrage at Fort Hood, Part 2

A noted author and convert and reformer of Islam, Dr. Tawfik Hamid has stated that Shariah law teaches disrespect for non-Muslims' life. Why be surprised to hear that those who follow these teachings would commit barbaric acts against non-Muslims? He states "it is virtually impossible to stop people from linking violence to Islam unless violence in the name of Islam stops". The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) released a statement that "condemns in the strongest terms the attack on soldiers at Fort Hood, resulting in the murder of at least a dozen soldiers and the wounding of many others. We express our deepest condolences to the victims and their families".

More than ample evidence points to a behavior by Major Hasan that was at the least troublesome and became our worst nightmare. How many "red flags" needed to go up before authorities realized they had a problem? It is my opinion that this never should have happened. It is way past time to call for an end to this "political correctness", and more about protecting our military from radical acts in a troubled world.

The Cash for Clunkers Program

New information released from the government and private sources may give us a final analysis for a well intended program by the Feds (aren't they all?) that to be kind, had both good and bad results.

The program was initiated in conjunction with the Federal Stimulus program to help a very sagging economy. The government set aside $3 Billion dollars to pay rebates on new vehicles when a old vehicle was used as a trade-in. Very few stipulations were involved other than an improvement in the miles per gallon ranging from 4mpg to 10mpg. The rebate was based on the improvement with $3500 on the low side and $4500 on the high side of the improvement.

To be fair, a dealership in El Monte, California sold 1,433 vehicles during the two months allowed at a business profit of $30 million dollars. But the program was plagued with problems according to Edmunds.com. The nearly 690,000 vehicles sold in July and August were at a cost of $24,000 per car as a direct result of the program. Edmunds stated that only 18% were a direct result and the remaining would have happened anyway. In at least 145 cases the government reported paying out $562,500 in rebates for new cars and trucks that got worse or the same mileage as the trade-ins - in violation of the programs restrictions.

The most popular trades involved new Ford F-150 Trucks and Ford Explorers. Ford was the only automobile company not to take Federal Bailout money and reported this week nearly $1 Billion dollars profit for the 3rd Quarter. Perhaps a big statement about federal non-interference and a nation founded on a free market system.

Big Wins for Conservatives

Let me make it very clear. The Conservatives movement is alive and doing well. Last night in Virginia the Republican Candidate, Bob McDonnell soundly beat the Democratic candidate for the office of Governor. This is huge turnaround for a state which gave the Obama Administration a 6 point margin of victory last November. The Democratic Governors Association and Democratic Committee invested $10 million dollars to hold on to the state for the third time in a row. Obama came to Virginia to campaign for the democratic many times.

In New Jersey perhaps the biggest shock of the evening to the Democrats was the loss of the Governors race to Republican Chris Christie. Again, Obama came in to help out with the campaign many times including the day before the elections. The Corzine campaign received millions of dollars from the national committee to help. Corzine was unapologetic in his support of the Obama Administration. The voters however recognized the statewide corruption and rebelled against some of the most onerous state taxes in the nation.

Now you are going to hear from the spinsters that this was not any repudiation of the Obama Administration but the evidence is quite clear that Obama spent many hours in each state campaigning and tens of millions of dollars were spent. Exit polls showed that beyond the relative state issues, the voters were expressing opposition to the direction they felt the federal government was taking them. Even the most liberal NBC news declared in late night headlines that these victories in Virginia and New Jersey were 'a troubling sign for the president and his party heading into an important midterm election (next) year'."

Sorry Charlie!

While the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is attempting to put forth what some are calling the worst legislation in the history of our nation, I can assure you that she is taking care of business at home and I mean that literally.

Ms. Pelosi's home district includes San Francisco, the home of StarKist Tuna. StarKist is owned by Del Monte Foods and a major contributor to the Speakers campaign fund. But wait...it gets better. The Speakers husband owns $17 million dollars of StarKist stock.

Now let me give you another fact. StarKist is a major employer in the American Samoa and employs 75% of the Samoan work force. In January 2007 when the minimum wage was increased from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour, Pelosi had American Samoa exempted from the increase so Del Monte would not have to pay the higher wage. This would make the products less expensive than that of its competitors.

Oh but it gets even better. This year when the huge bailout bill was passed, Pelosi added an earmark to the final bill adding $33 million dollars for an "economic development credit in American Samoa". While she is attempting to take over one-sixth of the economy and putting our children and grandchildren in debt, she has no problem with conflict of interest. Talk about Corrupt! How do you spell Hypocrisy?

The Next Republican President

Telling the Truth

Yesterday morning the Associated Press published an opinion by Ricardo Zaldivar in which he questioned all the complaints over the House Health Reform bill released by Speaker Pelosi. He stated that the government plan would not shut down private providers.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, only six million would sign up. This represents just 2% of the 282 million under age 65. The "overwhelming majority of the population would remain in private plans sponsored by employers. Others would be covered through an expanded Medicaid program." The CBO also claimed "a less healthy pool of enrollees" would be attracted to the public option, and this would result in higher premiums than most private plans.

This bill has new taxes for the rich, as well as fines and penalties for individuals and businesses that do not participate. Employers will cut costs and opt out of private plans leaving employees no choice but the government plan. This bill also proposes a $426 Billion cut in Medicare which would fall on the backs of senior citizens.

The government option puts in place the machinery that will run the private health insurance companies out of business. You can't expect the plan to jump in with a huge market share. This may scare voters. But they will increase their share by using the bottomless well of taxpayer funds and an endless parade of new government regulations to run the private insurers out of business. That is my opinion.

TO CONGRESS, THE FIVE PLEDGES

This article is from the Glenn Beck Show on Fox and published in September 2009. It is a worth remembering today and forever.

1. I believe in a balanced budget and therefore will vote for a freeze in government spending until that goal is realized.

2. I believe government should not increase the financial burden on its citizenry during difficult economic times therefore I will oppose all tax increases until our economy has rebounded.

3. I believe more than four decades of U.S. dependence on foreign oil is a travesty, therefore I will support an energy plan that calls for immediately increasing usage of all domestic resources including nuclear energy, natural gas, and coal as necessary.

4. I believe in the sovereignty and security of our country and therefore will support measures to close our borders except for designated immigration points so we will know who is entering and why andI will vehemently oppose any measure giving another country, the United Nations, or any other entity, power over U.S. citizens.

5. I believe the United States of America is the greatest country on earth and therefore will not apologize for policies or actions which have served to free more and feed more people around the world than any other nation on the planet.