On Thursday the IMF (International Monetary Fund) urged President Obama to take step towards controlling the massive budget deficit without putting the “modest” economic recovery at risk.  They say that while modest the recovery has shown to be more resilient than expected.   They go on praise the Obama administration for taking steps in the right direction through healthcare reform and vowing to cut the budget deficit in half by 2013.  (see article)

Wait a minute! What economic recovery are they referring to?  Home sales hit record lows last month, unemployment levels have remained around 10% since last June, and the budget deficit skirted by 13 trillion dollars earlier this year.   Let’s not forget how much Obamacare will help the deficit either. Actually, according to the CBO, Obamacare will not only do little to lower American’s cost of healthcare but will also be an ever expanding burden on the national deficit. 

Now, that we have proven the bias of the IMF does it not speak volumes that even a liberal, socialist organization is warning the democrats to quit spending.  The IMF is, in their own words, “an organization of 186 countries (as of June 29, 2009) working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty”. 

Even the IMF now recognizes that if the liberals continue spending the way they have been we will no longer be contributing disproportionate amounts of money to the rest of the world but will likely become a major drain on the global economy.  Wake up Democrats and Congress, stop spending money we don’t have and mortgaging my future as well as my children’s.

And now for some shocking news…..

The Depart of Justice announced Tuesday it was suing Arizona over SB 1070 (see article).   I know we all saw it coming but I find truly surprising, granted I’m no lawyer (thankfully), is the nature of the lawsuit.  After all the liberal whining and crying about racial profiling the lawsuit hardly even mentions it (lawsuit text).  I find it hard to say this without a dismissive laugh, but the government is questioning the constitutionality of the law.

Attorney General Eric Holder says, “Setting immigration policy and enforcing immigration laws is a national responsibility.”

The first two points of the lawsuit read:

I find it utterly stunning and infuriating that the only time in which this administration is concerned about CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS is when they abuse it in order to become more powerful (showing total disregard for the nature of the document itself).  Yes, the federal government is responsible for immigration policy and enforcement, but has been proven to be completely inept at this responsibility.  This is evidenced by the simple fact the over 400,000 illegals currently occupy Arizona.  Not to mention that the Arizona law is the same, nearly, verbatim as federal law in regards to immigration.  President Obama should be giving Arizona, Governor Jan Brewer, and the 60% of the citizens who approve of this measure a big pat on the back for doing his job.   Instead, he is trying to win over the Hispanic vote at the cost of the average American citizen while making yet another massive power grab.

I ask you Mr. President where was your concern for THE CONSTITUTION when it came to the federal bailouts as it clearly states:

“No money shall be drawn from the  treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law”

In other words, Congress may pass a law regarding a tax but no President, Bush or Obama, has constitutional power to legislate federal bailouts as was the case with TARP and many others.

I ask you Mr. President, where was your concern for THE CONSTITUTION when you mandated that I buy private insurance?  (I have covered why this is unconstitutional in numerous posts and won’t be doing so again tonight)

I ask you Mr. President, where was your concern for THE CONSTITUTION when you went on search for a Supreme Court justice with your main concern being that the judge was empathetic?  The oath for a Justice of the Supreme Court reads:

“I, [NAME], do solemnly swear that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as [TITLE] under the Constitution and laws of the United States.  So help me God.”

I’m sorry I missed where upholding THE CONSTITUTION and empathy became synonymous.  There are numerous more examples, such as the federal governments intrusion on private property or the taking over of Fannie and Freddie, the auto industry and numerous banks.  The bottom line is this administration, starting at the top, has no concern for THE CONSTITUTION but for the powers it allots them.  Do not be fooled, this is but another political ploy to get votes.  If anything is true, this administration hates the limitations placed on their authority by THE CONSTITUTION. Do not sit idly and watch it be shredded.

We spend so much time debating whether a particular bill is good or bad for the country that we lose our grasp on the big picture.  We need to refocus our attention on what made this country the great country it has become.  We should be viewing governmental action, be it by the executive, legislative or judicial branch through constitution colored glasses.

When a nominee for the Supreme Court says this there is a major problem within our country:

Wrong!  There is a problem with banning books or pamphlets.  It is unconstitutional, and if a woman who is likely to serve as a Justice on our Supreme Court feels like, “oh it isn’t a big deal because it has never been enforced,” it really makes you wonder just how far we have fallen.

We are the richest and most fortunate nation on earth indebted forever to the founding fathers we had.  Such wisdom when founding a country had never been seen before.  Wisdom buried neck-deep in foresight evident in the plain and simple composition of the Constitution, followed by the Bill of Rights.  They had seen the dangerous of a powerful and ever more power-hungry government and had hence fled from it.  They previously fought a war vastly under prepared against the mighty British army and emerged victorious fueled largely by the love of liberty and equally by the hatred of tyranny.

Often I find myself wondering, at what point is liberty lost?  When has the United States of America become a socialist nation?  Or when exactly is the government no longer protecting our liberty but enforcing their tyranny?  I have come to the conclusion that we are already there.  The point has come and gone.  Certainly, I’m not comparing our government to those of China, Venezuela  or Russia.   However, if a small faction of China revolted and won a portion of the land and started their country on the same principles that America held to on September 17, 1787 would you not be more likely to contrast it with America of Present day than to compare it?

The Constitution is not irrelevant yet, but the popular notion that it is a living document to be interpreted with the time is a farce.  It is like saying “yes, I understand about the freedom of speech but I didn’t know that people would be saying that, so it needs to be done away with.”  I assure you that even as Reagan spoke of that shinning city on a hill, liberties flame had been diminishing for many years.  Now all that remains is a but a glimmer of what this country once was.  All is not lost but the time to wake up and restore the integrity of the Constitution and rebuild the freedom that fueled the patriots is here.

Republican Governor Chris Christie of NJ in response to a liberal reporter’s question.  Refreshingly honest.

and one from the other side

Attorney General Eric Holder is just like the other liberals including our President.  Video shows he hasn’t even read the immigration bill he plans on filing a law suit against.

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Polls can be viewed @ http://www.rasmussenreports.com

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From MSNBC:

On any other day at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, Daniel Galli and his four friends would not even be noticed for wearing T-shirts with the American flag. But Cinco de Mayo is not any typical day especially on a campus with a large Mexican American student population.

Galli says he and his friends were sitting at a table during brunch break when the vice principal asked two of the boys to remove American flag bandannas that they wearing on their heads and for the others to turn their American flag T-shirts inside out. When they refused, the boys were ordered to go to the principal’s office.

“They said we could wear it on any other day,” Daniel Galli said, “but today is sensitive to Mexican-Americans because it’s supposed to be their holiday so we were not allowed to wear it today.”

…

“I think it’s absolutely ridiculous,” Julie Fagerstrom, Maciel’s mom, said. “All they were doing was displaying their patriotic nature. They’re expressing their individuality.”

But to many Mexican-American students at Live Oak, this was a big deal. They say they were offended by the five boys and others for wearing American colors on a Mexican holiday.

“I think they should apologize cause it is a Mexican Heritage Day,” Annicia Nunez, a Live Oak High student, said. “We don’t deserve to be get disrespected like that. We wouldn’t do that on Fourth of July.”

As for an apology, the boys and their families say, “fat chance.”

“I’m not going to apologize. I did nothing wrong,” Galli said. “I went along with my normal day. I might have worn an American flag, but I’m an American and I’m proud to be an American.”

This whole story is unbelievable to me.  Not allowed to wear an American flag to an American school because of a Mexican Holiday?  I know some Irish guys, I wonder if they are going to start beating up American flag wearers on St. Patty’s day.  I mean seriously, how PC can we get in this country.  I have a better idea for the Mexican-American female student in the article who demanded an apology.  Why don’t we celebrate American holidays in America and Mexican holidays in Mexico?  Does Mexico celebrate the Fourth of July? 

Cinco de Mayo used to be an excuse to have a Corona with some friends.  Now we all have to be Mexican on Cinco de Mayo, what happened?  I for one am an American everyday!

Full Story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36981179/ns/local_news-san_francisco_bay_area_ca/

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I read an article tonight by Ron Gettelfinger from The Detroit News.  The article, Health Care Critics Missing the Point, is worth addressing for two simple reasons.  One, His arguments are those frequently used by liberals and 2) it is so infuriatingly ignorant that I can’t ignore it.

Ron Gettelfinger

Ron argues:

“With enactment of this historic initiative, which presidents since Theodore Roosevelt only dreamed of, our country finally joins the rest of the developed world in guaranteeing health care coverage for their citizens.”

I am so tired of this ridiculous argument.  Let’s keep in mind American roots.  We are the greatest nation in the history of mankind not because of what we have in common with the rest of the world but because of what we do differently.  We have a free society and an economy based on competition.   We may not have the cheapest healthcare in the world, but we have the best.  I ask Ron, “if socialized medicine is so great why are Canadian leaders coming here for heart procedures.” (Article)  I would like to remind Ron that healthcare is a privilege not a right.  If the best argument you have for Obamacare is, “well everyone is doing it,” you can’t possibly win that debate.

He continues:

“The health care reform law finally ends some of the worst abuses by highly profitable insurance companies.”

The first and most glaring omission from his statement is he never names exactly what abuses these would be.  If you do a little research online you will find that most insurance companies profit margins are in the 5% range.  This list has a rank of industries by profit margins and lists the insurance industry at #86.  While I don’t agree with the bottom line of this article it has some good numbers in it and notes that health insurance profits are a “miniscule” portion of the total amount spent on health care by Americans.

He notes:

“…the law takes a number of steps to control rising health care costs.”

but also says:

“It will close the infamous gap in coverage known as the “doughnut hole” in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, and provide free preventative care for seniors.”

And:

“…law will ban denial of coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, and allow people under age 26 to remain on their parents’ health insurance policies. It also will ensure that individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase affordable health care coverage through insurance exchanges instead of having to rely on expensive emergency room services for primary care.”

The obvious question here is how on earth will making any of these changes save money.  The only quasi specific answer he gives to that question is:

“At the same time, the law takes a number of steps to control rising health care costs.  It will reform provider payment and delivery mechanisms to encourage physicians and hospitals to deliver quality care more efficiently.”

Well that sure is a vague concept.  What does that mean?  The only conclusion I can form from those two sentences is rationing health care.  The government will decide, instead of your doctor, what tests you need and what treatment you are worthy of receiving.   I’m not sure how else they could make health care more efficient or what mechanism government would put in place to cheapen health care services.  When has government involvement made anything more efficient Ron?

Also, Ron needs to keep up on his research. A study released in April by The Health and Human Resources Department notes that health care costs will increase at a faster rate than if Congress had done nothing at all.  It notes that Medicare cuts will likely drive 15% of hospitals into the red forcing their closures.  More details of the study can be found here.

His arguments are circular and he has no clear solutions to the new problems caused by the bill (aside from ignoring them).  If Ron wants every person, illegal immigrants included, to get health insurance I don’t have a solution.  However, in his article, he argues that reform was needed to prevent the economic Armageddon we were headed towards prior to reform being passed.  The solution to that problem is so much simpler than he wants to admit.  Tort, Medicaid and Medicare reform.  He is 100% backwards.  If you want cheaper, more efficient healthcare we need less government involvement not more.  Ron, stop arguing with your heart and political motivations and start considering simple facts.

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I worked hard to get where I am.  I’m no millionaire, but my wife and I have a nice house for a couple in our mid twenties.  Nothing obscenely large, but at least enough house for the two of us and our dog.  With the warm weather and rain I’ve been mowing the grass twice a week at least.  We have a little over half an acre and behind us is an open field, it’s pretty private and we love it. 

If someone who doesn’t live on my street starts wandering onto my lawn, growing some marijuana, stealing my money, or hoarding some of his buddies there while they try to find a safer place to stay we are going to have a problem.  Just them being there would be enough for me to call the police, but my patience would be cut short if they started committing crimes on my property. 

I’d try the police a few times and if they failed to act, guess who would.  Me.  I’d drive my new lawn tractor around the edge of my lawn with a weapon and make absolutely certain that I knew everyone coming onto my land was allowed to be there.  At night I’d sit out around my fire pit and wait.  Wouldn’t you?   If the authorities fail to act it is our responsibility to take care of our property.

A Few Thoughts and Details on SB1070 (click to read)

People are demonizing Arizona for protecting their borders.  They say their law creates a police state.  Some say it is similar to Nazi’ policies.  After reading numerous articles I find nothing that seems unreasonable.  Opponents of the SB1070 make claims like, “The new law makes police stop anyone who looks Mexican and demand ID and proof of citizenship.” Thats a lie.

 Arizona as a whole is called racist for desiring a secure border and the exile of illegal immigrants.  However, section 2 of the bill notes that a law enforcement official may not solely consider race, color or national origin when checking immigration status or making a stop. 

 SB1070 notes that persons will only be checked during “lawful contact” and under “reasonable suspicion”.  While both these terms seem vague they are commonly used in the legislative process and have been upheld by the supreme court on numerous occasions (article).  This means if you don’t commit any crimes and stay away from trouble you won’t have anything to worry about.  This is what I have been telling Ben Rothlisberger for a while now.  This principle obviously applies to everyone not just aliens. 

The law requires immigrants to carry their (citizenship) papers with them.  In the same sense don’t you have to know your phone number, social security number and address to do anything these days.  This does not seem unreasonable to me despite claims that it is unconstitutional.  That is not the case.  It has been a law since 1940 that all migrants carry their documentation with them. 

The new law isn’t ideal.  The ideal situation would be for the Federal Government to come protect our borders with troops and/or a fence.  The ineptitude of the federal government combined with the immigration crisis reaching previously unseen heights forced the hand of the Arizona legislature into crafting a bill.  A bill which I predict will be successful.  A bill that is fair and decent.

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They are disliked by liberals and progressives for their conservative principles and close ties to the Tea Party movement.  In response to recent verbal attacks against the Tea Party they posted this video on YouTube.  The video shows voicemail and email messages they have received and it begs the question, Who is inciting violence?  Which party is the party of hate?

Just as a warning this video contains very vulgar language.  I was hesitant to post it to my blog, but I decided it is an important part of the debate.  If the leftist, elite parts of society had footage of Tea Partiers this type of anger and hate they wouldn’t hesitate to show it.  So with that said here is a glimpse into the angry ugly world of liberal hate. 

**UPDATE**

For those of you who didn’t hear about the Geico Spokesman referred to in this voicemail he left an insulting message in which he referred to FreedomWorks staff members and Tea Partiers as “retards.”  After it became public who made the comments and what was said he was fired by Geico. 

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