View Full Version : CHANGE FOR US!!
BMT (RIP)
08-31-2009, 17:18
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CHANGE
Not long ago I read a joke... It said all the politicians running for president are promising change to the American people. We send them billions and billions of tax dollars and they send us the change.
Funny? Not really; there is too much truth in it to be funny.
But that got me to thinking... They all promise change.
A restoration that would take us back in time to a place where things ran better, smoother and life was more enjoyable.
Change? That, in truth, is what they have been giving us all along.
We used to have a strong dollar... Politicians changed that.
Marriage used to be sacred... Politicians have changed that.
We used to be respected around the world... Politicians changed that.
We used to have a strong manufacturing economy... Politicians changed that.
We used to have lower tax structures... Politicians changed that.
We used to enjoy more freedoms... Politicians changed that.
We used to be a large exporter of American-made goods... Politicians changed that.
We used to teach patriotism in schools... Politicians changed that.
We used to educate children in schools... Politicians changed that.
We used to enforce LEGAL citizenship... Politicians changed that.
We used to have affordable food & gas prices... Politicians changed that, too... and one could go on and on with this list.
What hasn't been changed, politicians are promising to change that as well, if you will elect them.
When, oh when, is America going to sit back with open eyes and look at what we once were and where we have come and say "enough is enough"?
The trouble is, America 's youthful voters today don't know of the great America that existed forty and fifty years ago. They see the world as if it has always existed as it is now.
When will we wake up? Tomorrow may be too late.
When will America realize... Politicians are what is wrong with America?
This goes for BOTH parties... Republicans and Democrats, there is no difference anymore... they all do only what they can to be re-elected, not what is best for the citizens!
What is needed is for the Constitution to be amended to limit all Senators and Representatives to TWO terms in office like the President.
Oh, by the way, no big pension either, social security just like the rest of us. How do they rate bigger and better entitlements than the people THEY WORK FOR? WHICH IS US!!
Being a politician shouldn't be a person's life work but rather a call to public service then back to being an honest hard-working citizen.
Politicians are no more than housekeepers and janitors... unfortunately they act like they own the building.
PASS THIS ONE AROUND... FOR A CHANGE...
BMT
When, oh when, is America going to sit back with open eyes and look at what we once were and where we have come and say "enough is enough"?
Perhaps when we, the American people, shift our focus to policy at all levels - federal, state, and local - and away from entertainments. Perhaps when we shift our objectives from the shortest of short terms to a longer term.
Our politicians offer us short-term solutions that depend on the avarice and ignorance of a critical mass of voters. So to get change, we must transform ourselves.
In my opinion, that's a tough problem.
Fallacious misleading tripe. :(
And so it goes on and on and on and on and on - on the WWW - and one wonders why there are those who consider establishing some form of control over the Internet. ;)
Richard's $.02 :munchin
Team Sergeant
08-31-2009, 19:58
Fallacious misleading tripe. :(
And so it goes on and on and on and on and on - on the WWW - and one wonders why there are those who consider establishing some form of control over the Internet. ;)
Richard's $.02 :munchin
What part?
Richard you a democrat?
Fallacious misleading tripe. :(
And so it goes on and on and on and on and on - on the WWW - and one wonders why there are those who consider establishing some form of control over the Internet. ;)
Richard's $.02 :munchin
Wow. Honestly there is a lot of misleading tripe out there...media, internet etc. on both sides of the fence. That said, as you know it's all protected under the First Amendment. I'm sure you'd agree that no one has the right to even consider establishing control over the internet in our free society. You know what would come next should that occur.
Perhaps when we, the American people, shift our focus to policy at all levels - federal, state, and local - and away from entertainments. Perhaps when we shift our objectives from the shortest of short terms to a longer term.
Our politicians offer us short-term solutions that depend on the avarice and ignorance of a critical mass of voters. So to get change, we must transform ourselves.
The realist in me thinks that's not going to happen until it's too late. I do believe it is the blind leading the blind. Their (the politicians') inculpable negligence is leading us all off the edge of a cliff. Some might have come prepared with sufficient rope, but do they have enough to rescue everyone? I think we all know the unfortunate answer.
What part?
All the disinformation parts declaring an idealized America which neither existed as such nor was destroyed as such by evil politicians.
Richard you a democrat?
Yes - Jeffersonian - the ideas that:
The core political value of America is representative democracy; citizens have a civic duty to aid the state and resist corruption, especially monarchism and aristocracy.
The yeoman farmer best exemplifies civic virtue.
Americans have a duty to spread what Jefferson called the "Empire of Liberty" to the world, but should avoid "entangling alliances."
The national government is a dangerous necessity to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation or community; it should be watched closely and circumscribed in its powers.
The wall of separation between church and state is the best method to keep religion free from intervention by the federal government, government free of religious disputes, and religion free from corruption by government.
The federal government must not violate the rights of individuals. The Bill of Rights is a central theme.
Freedom of speech and the press is the best method to prevent the tyranny of the people by their own government.
The United States Constitution was written in order to ensure the freedom of the people. A strict view of how the constitution was written is kept. However, "no society can make a perpetual constitution or even a perpetual law. The earth belongs always to the living generation." (Jefferson letter to James Madison, September 6, 1789)
And so it goes...
Richrd's $.02 :munchin
Team Sergeant
09-01-2009, 09:01
All the disinformation parts declaring an idealized America which neither existed as such nor was destroyed as such by evil politicians.
And so it goes...
Richrd's $.02 :munchin
You state disinformation and you quote wiki? ;)
You forget most of the "big" cities are run by democrats?
I'm an American and believe I simple things, like working for my money and not taking hand outs. I believe the rule of law should apply to everyone. I don't believe 20 million illegal aliens deserve a free ride, free education or free medical services. I don't believe in wealth redistribution. I believe in a flat tax that would solve this country's current crisis.
I believe in term limits. I believe if you drown a girl you should not be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Simple things.
I'm sure glad you're against political corruption.;)
TS
Jeffersonian democracy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale in 1800.Jeffersonian democracy is the set of political goals that were named after Thomas Jefferson. It dominated American politics in the years 1800-1820s. It is contrasted with Jacksonian democracy, which dominated the next political era. The most prominent spokesmen included Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Albert Gallatin, John Randolph of Roanoke, and Nathaniel Macon.
In its core ideals it is characterized by the following elements, which the Jeffersonians expressed in their speeches and legislation:
The core political value of America is representative democracy; citizens have a civic duty to aid the state and resist corruption, especially monarchism and aristocracy.[1]
The yeoman farmer best exemplifies civic virtue and independence from corrupting city influences; government policy should be for his benefit. Financiers, bankers and industrialists make cities the cesspools of corruption, and should be avoided.[2]
Americans had a duty to spread what Jefferson called the "Empire of Liberty" to the world, but should avoid "entangling alliances."[3]
The national government is a dangerous necessity to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation or community; it should be watched closely and circumscribed in its powers. Most Anti-Federalists from 1787-88 joined the Jeffersonians.[4]
The wall of separation between church and state is the best method to keep religion free from intervention by the federal government, government free of religious disputes, and religion free from corruption by government.[5]
The federal government must not violate the rights of individuals. The Bill of Rights is a central theme.[6]
The federal government must not violate the rights of the states. The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798 (written secretly by Jefferson and Madison) proclaim these principles.[7]
Freedom of speech and the press is the best method to prevent the tyranny of the people by their own government. The Federalists' violation of this idea through the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 became a major issue.[8]
A standing army and navy are dangerous to liberty and should be avoided; much better was to use economic coercion such as the embargo.[9]
The United States Constitution was written in order to ensure the freedom of the people. A strict view of how the constitution was written is kept. However, "no society can make a perpetual constitution or even a perpetual law. The earth belongs always to the living generation."[10]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffersonian_democracy
You state disinformation and you quote wiki?
Touche' - however, like the original piece of satire which started this thread - it isn't all disinformation - but a reader has to be able to pick through the proverbial wheat and chaff (as with any source) to locate the wheat in order to produce a valid conclusion or offer a valid opinion - something many seem either unable or unwilling to attempt. ;)
I'm an American and believe I simple things, like working for my money and not taking hand outs. I believe the rule of law should apply to everyone. I don't believe 20 million illegal aliens deserve a free ride, free education or free medical services. I don't believe in wealth redistribution. I believe in a flat tax that would solve this country's current crisis. I believe in term limits. I believe if you drown a girl you should not be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Simple things.
I am, too, and agree with what you've stated - except with the idea of the necessity for more legislated term limits other than those already in place [e.g., POTUS/VP, various state executive (36)/legislative (15) bodies] because I would argue that term limits for Congress do - in fact - exist...every time the voting public exercises their right to use them whenever they vote. ;)
Richard's $.02
Surgicalcric
09-01-2009, 10:25
...Yes - Jeffersonian...
Not too many Jeffersonian Dems left, certainly not any at the Federal Govt level, who can say so honestly...
Crip
armymom1228
09-01-2009, 10:25
I'm an American and believe I simple things, like working for my money and not taking hand outs. I believe the rule of law should apply to everyone. I don't believe 20 million illegal aliens deserve a free ride, free education or free medical services. I don't believe in wealth redistribution. I believe in a flat tax that would solve this country's current crisis.
I believe in term limits. I believe if you drown a girl you should not be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Simple things.
TS
TS, you sure sound a lot like a Libertarian. For the record, I concur with the above.
At least "he" is not buried around those who gave thier lives so that he could be free. He is buried between his own ilk.
We used to have a strong dollar: There does appear to be a decline in value over time. Calculator HERE (http://www.dollartimes.com/calculators/inflation.htm)
Marriage used to be sacred: Marriage appears to have transitioned from a religious sacrament to more of a contractual relationship, if we consider the period and areas covered by the Catholic church. Outside that area and time-frame would require research. An interesting book excerpt is available HERE (http://books.google.com/books?id=2nNr3T38tw0C&pg=PA81&lpg=PA81&dq=marriage+sacrament+contract&source=bl&ots=BODjFHnv1g&sig=9UgjkaOap2j8gIqNDOa20DOsCM0&hl=en&ei=d1OdSv3NHdyc8Qb7xdSvAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=marriage%20sacrament%20contract&f=false)
We used to be respected around the world: I don't have sufficient data to respond.
We used to have a strong manufacturing economy: Seems true.
The share of workers in manufacturing to total employment in our model was 24.7% in 1986; by 2001, this share had decline to 17.2%. So if there had been no technological change, no change in taxes, and no change in international economic conditions owing to movement in real interest rates, then the number of manufacturing workers in 2001 should have been roughly 25.4 = 103 × 0.247 millions. In fact, there were about 17.7 millions.
LINK (http://www.calpoly.edu/~efisher/fr20050327.pdf)
We used to have lower tax structures: Depends. Marginal rates are well down from the peak; however, for the average wage earner, they have tended up due to inflation. The marginal rates since 1913 are HERE (http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/151.html)
We used to enjoy more freedoms: Each year, there are more laws at the federal, state, and local level. In addition, there are more regulations having the force of law. Laws either prohibit some behavior or require some behavior. Therefore, this seems true.
We used to be a large exporter of American-made goods: We appear to have a large and growing balance of payments problem. LINK (http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/historical/gands.pdf) (Not adjusted to constant dollar basis)
We used to teach patriotism in schools: I don't have sufficient data to respond.
We used to educate children in schools: This is part of an ongoing and vigorous debate. Still, in the short term (since 1995), one government report seems to refute the assertion. LINK (http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009001.pdf). On the other hand, we are behind a number of other countries, per an article based on the previously mentioned report - LINK (http://www.examiner.com/x-1393-Education-Improvement-Examiner~y2009m2d25-US-students-rank-11th-in-Science-9th-in-Math-should-we-go-back-to-basics)
We used to enforce LEGAL citizenship: A report out of DHS seems to support the notion that we have more illegal aliens in the U.S. now as compared to previous years. LINK (http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/ill_pe_2006.pdf)
We used to have affordable food & gas prices. Gas prices are due to geologic reality, as production in the U.S. peaked in 1973. Food prices are still cheap, in large part due to the green revolution, circa 1945. In my opinion, those prices will escalate in the future to the point where I can say "Told ya so!" to many. As for today, the assertion seems weak.
All things considered, in my opinion, the items suggest that we as a nation are going through some substantial changes which are adverse for quite a number of people. If we insist too strongly on well-defined scales, careful phrasing, and a scientific approach, we may ignore important data. Instead, use of the qualitative tradition which examines the reactions of people may be worthwhile. In this instance, the material - along with reactions to it - may offer two bits of information.
The first is that there is a sense of dissatisfaction - of disappointment, and, perhaps, a feeling that things aren't going to get better. The second is that the concerns aren't necessarily clearly definable. There is real ambiguity in several places.
I would conclude that these point to a leadership problem. I think we do not have a shared vision of who and what we are, nor a consensus on where we want to go. We don't even know how we want to get there. Good leadership might unite us, and inspire us to work in unison.
So, MOO, YMMV, the real value of the item is to point to a need for quality, highly effective national leadership.
Well - this might give one pause to wonder about it all!
http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/
And so it goes...;)
Richard's $.02 :munchin
Here's an interesting new piece of information to add to the immigration argument.
Richard's $.02 :munchin
'Jobs that Americans won't do'
CSM, 1 Sep 2009
With millions of native-born people desperate for income, those jobs presumed to be too menial are now acceptable – a point to remember in the immigration debate.
With fewer jobs for Americans these days, are there fewer jobs that Americans won't do?
The answer will influence whether Congress decides to grant amnesty to some 11 million illegal immigrants in the US, perhaps by next year.
Most illegal workers in the US are Mexicans who mow lawns, clean motel sheets, butcher hogs, pick strawberries, and otherwise toil away at tasks that, as George W. Bush once said, "Americans won't do." And they often are paid less than the minimum wage.
A widely held assumption in Washington's debate about immigration is that native-born Americans avoid menial and dirty work. Laid-off autoworkers wouldn't really wash dishes at a Denny's or milk cows on a dairy farm, would they? Such a notion has long helped justify a flow of foreign workers into the US – or possibly an amnesty for those hiding from the law.
Recent recessions have been short enough that jobless Americans who rely on government benefits waited for a "good job" to return. But this "Great Recession" has been long and deep. The unemployment rate has doubled from 4.7 to 9.4 percent, and it may keep rising into next year. Many layoffs appear permanent as whole industries have collapsed and new fields, such as clean energy, are slow to emerge. The percentage of Americans "mal-employed" – working below their skill or education – is higher than in recent recessions.
With people desperate for income, downward mobility may be on the way up. News reports show long lines of applicants for a janitor's job or for work at a factory after a federal raid clears out the illegal workers.
Maybe it's a myth that Americans won't take certain jobs. In fact, a study by the Center for Immigration Studies used 2005-07 data to look at 465 occupations. Only four had a majority of immigrants in them: plasterers and stucco masons, agricultural graders and sorters, personal appliance workers, and tailors and dressmakers.
In every other occupation, such as janitors, maids, and groundskeepers, a large majority were filled by native-born Americans. The report's conclusion: "The often-made argument that immigrants only take jobs Americans don't want is simply wrong."
The US job market is too dynamic to be easily segmented. Americans move too often for new jobs – more than a third live outside the state in which they were born. This recession can help bust the myth that native-born workers are too snooty to get their boots dirty in farm fields and back shops.
Maybe then a key plank for an amnesty will be removed.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0901/p08s01-comv.html
Surgicalcric
09-01-2009, 16:19
'Jobs that Americans won't do'
There are/were jobs in America that Americans wont/wouldnt do because we pay people to sit at home on their fat happy asses and draw welfare.
Get more strict (or strict to begin with truthfully) on who qualifies for welfare and for how long and there would be people doing those jobs who are Americans. People claim they are too proud to do those menial jobs, but not too proud to draw welfare, unemployment, food stamps, etc etc...
Oh to have politicians who do whats right for the people, instead of their careers as politicians...
Crip
What is needed is for the Constitution to be amended to limit all Senators and Representatives to TWO terms in office like the President.
This alone would solve most problems concerning corruption in the White Dome Building. Politicians check in but never check out. It's the Roach Motel of Politics. With so many perks and benefits I would hold onto that job also.
If you decided to increase all Military pay to lets say $1000,000 per year. You wouldn't get people joining the Military to serve and be Soldiers. They would be joining for selfish reasons. Thats what has happened to people serving as Senators and Congressman.
What is needed is for the Constitution to be amended to limit all Senators and Representatives to TWO terms in office like the President.
This alone would solve most problems concerning corruption in the White Dome Building.
Yep - two terms and then on the board of directors of some lobbyist group or PAC or law firm or corporation - that would certainly change things. :rolleyes:
MOO - I think it's a lot more complicated than that - but I'm not sure what to do with it, and - because I believe there are many who are still trying to do the most good for the benefit of us all - I'm not willing to anarchistically break it in an attempt to then try and fix it, either.
But that's just MOO - YMMV - and so it goes...;)
Richard's $.02 :munchin