Behind closed doors leaders of the Senate and House have been debating the establishment of a Politician Hall of Fame. As always funding for such a self-serving project is not an issue in the minds of our elected officials. 

Apparently at issue are far greater matters they ar unwilling to disclose.  Inside sources disclosed that the obstacles may in fact be insurmountable.  The eligibility for nomination is at an absolute  standstill, as difficult as that may be to believe in Washington.  The split is not along party lines but rather ideology. 

One faction believes eligibility should be based merely upon being elected either to more than one political office or to any single office more than once. While the opposing faction believes candidates must be able to show that their work, while in office, has benefited their constituents.  Unfortunately the latter faction appears to be in a minority. 

Then there is the issue of actually electing a candidate once proposed for membership in the Hall.  One group is adamant the selection should not be made by the American general population voter.  We were told confidentially that the Senate and House fear that if Americans were allowed to vote, no politician would be elected to the Hall and thus the building would serve as yet another monument to government ineptitude.

Again we were told that funding is not at issue because this is considered a truly shovel ready project.

Is it a place so small with room for only one language, or is it a nation that prides itself on speaking more languages than any other nation in the world?

Is it nation willing to divide itself by race, ethnicity, religious belief, or political ideology and fail, or is it made stronger at the foundry of its melting pot?

Is it a nation that values entertainment over education, sound-bites over knowledge, image over wisdom, winning over playing by the rules, success over integrity, pornography over decency?

Is it a people who turn away when they see crime in progress but want tougher anti-crime laws?  A place that wants criminals locked-up but will not pay to build prisons?

Is America a place of boring sameness where everyone tries to look like everyone else, or can we take pride in each other’s differences?

Is it a fearful place which does not stand up for the weak, or a place where friends and strangers alike strong and weak stand up and stand together?

Is it a nation of laws and law-abiding citizens, or one where citizens only follow laws they find convenient?

Is it at its end of history or still at the beginning?

Is America a place where you live out your vision of the nation you claim to love or merely read about it?

Do we attempt to resurrect the dream destroyed or should we dare to dream anew?

Do muddied visions need disappear or do we allow reality to bring us clarity so we may refocus?

Do we merely allow hope to dissolve or let it reform and arise strengthened by our journey?

Yes.

It appears the President Obama’s proposed  health-care reform plan is not setting well with most Americans.  Due to it’s ambiguous and controversial end-of-life language some say Obama’s plan gives new meaning to the term “taxed to death”.

While it has often been said that there are only two things certain in life – death and taxes, most Americans failed to realize that by paying the latter the federal government would perform the former via health care rationing.

BREAKING NEWS ——-

It now appears the President Obama and congress have determined that Americans are paying too much for auto insurance and that many Americans are under insured and thus they plan to nationalize auto insurance.  It seems they are also looking into the fact that most Americans do not buy extended warranties on computers, appliances, and other home electronics.  While this insurance is deemed optional, they may look at forcing a government option for the appliance uninsured.

Today President Obama made the following announcement.

“It is with tremendous pride, and everyone knows I have more than anyone, that I announce an appointment which will not surprise most of America.  Effective July 4, 2009, in addition to continuing to amaze America with my performance as your President, I will assume the title of Drugs Czar.  Yes, there are  those who continue to remain stuck in the past and hang onto their antiquated vision of our nation, yet, I  take this bold step unfettered by precedent in order to change America.  Let’s remember I did promise change.  The times are changing and America must change to meet my vision. 

Let me be honest, the “War on Drugs” has failed and you know that it is not my fault.  The reason the war on  drugs failed is because of the lack of vision of all my predecessors.  I, as you may have noticed, have begun changing many things, and some of you may even have the perception that the changes are for the better.   For example by my mere Executive Order we no longer have “terrorists activities” they are now “man-made disasters”.  We are no longer fighting a “War on Terror’ instead we have “overseas contingency operations”.  Thus, we as a nation will no longer face terrorism. 

Learning from this, my vast experience as your President, I am now changing the name from the “War on Drugs’ to the “War of Drugs”, and will personally lead the effort.   Now, this may not seem to make much sense to anyone but me, so I will explain it to all of you.  With the “War of Drugs” I intend to win the mind, heart, spirit, and soul of you, my subjects be you a former illegal drug user or a new government approved user of DRUGS.   Simply stated D.R.U.G.S. represents: D .- dependence on government programs by all, R.- regressive policies used in the past that failed, but allowed people to believe we were doing much for them, U. – uni-party Democratic control which you the electorate have wisely granted us, G.S. government spending without apology or end in sight.  While, for reasons I do not comprehend, others denied you drugs, I will provide D.R.U.G.S.to all of America.

Naturally I expect the Senate confirmation process to move quickly, and without question, to cofirm me as my nominee.

In closing, America, I must say; You’re Welcome.”

Congressional leaders are reconsidering their much publicized decision to form a  “Truth Commission”.  The house Democratic leadership has sought to investigate the administration of former President George W. Bush and its use of enhanced interrogation techniques on terrorists. 

According to insiders it appears to be all but impossible to gather the requisite number of truthful members of congress to form the commission.

In a related story it appears congress will be able to appoint dozens of congressmen to a “Corruption Commission.”

With the ever-increasing red ink being generated by the current administration it appears that Americans are being forced to submit to governmental control in how they think and act, what they purchase, and even how much they pay for things.  

While it appears that the pouring of red ink down the throats and noses of American citizens is akin to waterboarding, the administration denies any such similarity. 

A well placed Obama official points out, “… that by definition, water-boarding is by rule limited to 40 second intervals and is used only upon suspected “information rich” captives.  Whereas as the red-inking of Americans may last generations and is practiced on all citizens.”  He later added, “…that waterboarding in aimed at merely preserving life and property, while red-inking is aimed at building more government monuments and institutions and  the impact on the lives of those effected is irrelevant.”

When did the U.S. Declaration of Independence change to the Declaration of Dependence?  Where were you when it happened?  Can you remember what you were doing when it happened?  When did we decide  that Washington, D.C.  should operate auto manufacturers and financial institutions?  When did we decide that the American free market should be eliminated? 

When did we decide that honesty and integrity were no longer required of every person we elected to public office?  When exactly did we decide that character does not matter?   Was it during Clinton’s presidency?  When did we decide that the illegal acts of politicians should be reviewed only by the rest of the gang in the form of “ethics violations”?   Perhaps Al Capone would have reformed if he knew he would be threated with censure from his gang…

Most Americans support the idea of political term limits, yet continue to re-elect the politicians we complain about election after election .  Then for some inexplicable reason, we act upset that they will not impose term limits on themselves.

America, change – no matter who promises it, does not begin with any glib well-spoken photogenic politicians, it begins with us.  Change begins when we hold our elected officials accountable - not just on election day.  That is not enough!  It has gotten us to the point we are currently at as a nation. 

Would you allow someone who works for you to go without direction and supervision for two, four, even six years?   Then why do we do this with politicians?  Particuarly in light of the fact that politicians can have a greater impact upon us, our children, and grandchildren than a mere misguided employee. 

Change begins when we  consistently focus like lasers on the activities of our elected representatives then take action.  Call, email, visit their office, and talk to other people you know about the issues.  Some folks believe it unwise to discuss politics with friends, family, and co-workers, a belief started by politicians  to get re-elected and held unaccountable.  Do you not think that during the American Revolution our forefathers did not talk to everyone about every thing political?  They refused to surrender to the status quo, will you?

In a startling revelation it was learned today that Speaker of The House, Nancy Pelosi (D – CA), may be contemplating switching party affiliation from democrat to republican.  While party switching by politicians who have lost their way is not uncommon; this would be the first occasion by the highest ranking member of either the U.S. house or representatives or senate. 

As might be imagined, this is seen as a tremendous threat – not by the Democrats but by the Republicans.  One high ranking member of the Republican party stated, “This is the very last thing we need as we attempt to rebuild our party.  We are working diligently to convince Speaker Pelosi to remain a Democrat.  Unfortunately the Democrats are working just as hard at encouraging her to become a Republican.”

In a related story, we were told that for the first time in his life radio talkshow host Rush Limbaugh was left speechless.

Last week it was reported that Biden had inadvertently disclosed the highly secret location of the secure vice presidential bunker.  Now that the bunker is neither secret nor secure, and thus unusable for its intended purpose,  it may be turned into a new home for the captured terrorists.

The bunker would protect the detainees from any attack and should they think about escaping, they will be faced with the threat of meeting Joe face-to-face upstairs and having to listen to him talk about himself.

A government that requires retailers to post warning labels on cups of coffee but not guns.

An electorate that votes for a candidate based upon style and appearance over substance.  Abe Lincoln could not get elected in the U.S. today.

A congress that taxes us for social security but spends the monies on other things.  Perhaps this program should be renamed political security taxes.

A federal freeway system that measures the distance to the next exit in 1/4 mile increments for vehicles with odometers that have always measured distance in 1/10 mile increments.

The federal deficit and national debt of the “richest nation on earth.”

A congress and president hell-bent on punishing banks and other financial institutions which had operated legally under the laws, rules, and guidelines of the very same congress.

The current administration that is running the country with 30, and still counting, lobbyists on the federal payroll.

An administration which seems to marching, nay, goose-stepping toward nationalized rationed health care.

A proposed fairness doctrine, again floating around the capitol for the media which in essence will tell them what they need to say and how to say it, and how much they have to say it.

Tax rebates which politicians have convinced the electorate is manna from heaven.

TARP funds which financial institutions must repay to the government, but apparently the feds will then spend again rather that repaying the taxpayers.

In the age of gender equality, a selective service program that requires only males to register.

Unfunded federal mandates.

 A constitution which protects the rights of its citizens to pursue life…, except to children in the womb.

A constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech that apparently allows campaigning politicians to lie to the electorate.

An electorate that believes merely watching political stump speeches, staged debates with previously negotiated rules, and deceptive political commercials will allow them to vote for the right candidate.

Will Americans ever again practice true freedom?

Situation 1 – A person has planted a weapon of mass destruction which will kill thousands instantly, he has his finger on the detonator and vows to push the button in three seconds.  Our negotiators been unable to make progress and it appears the only choice is to shoot and kill him or allow him to push the button.

Situation 2 – A person has participated in planting a weapon of mass destruction which will kill thousands instantly.  You have this person in custody and normal interrogation techniques have been exhausted and have proved fruitless.

The question is, do you shoot number one, but not waterboard number two?

In a seemingly brilliant and yet untried political strategy it appears that President Obama is moving to have the U.S.Constitution declared unconstitutional. 

Under his guidance, along with the efforts of Eric Holder, George Soros, the ACLU, and Supreme Court Justices to be named later, the American founding fathers are to be replaced by the new founding confounding fathers.

According to well placed insiders Obama et al, find the current constitution outdated and too limiting.   According to these officials the president will not allow his agenda to be derailed by mere formalities and an “old piece of parchment paper.” 

Along these lines and in an effort to help reform our economy it was said, “Elections are time consuming, the results uncertain, and expensive.  In order to ease the financial burden on taxpayer’s such an outdated and merely historical tradition must be eliminated.”

Nancy Pelosi (D), today announced, as a part of the neverending denial regarding her knowledge of the use of water-boarding,  her desire to create a congressional “Truth Commission”. 

While few details of the Truth Commission are currently known, it is fully expected that Speaker Pelosi will exempt Washington, D.C. from the commissions’ findings.  Several unnamed Pelosi staffers are referring to Washington, D.C. as a “truth free” zone, while others claim it will be classified as a “truth optional” zone.  One high ranking member of Pelosi’s staff quoted the Speaker as saying, “Truth is so limiting.”

While our investigation is ongoing, it is doubtful that we will be able to get to the truth of the matter.

When elected officials claiming to act in public interest under the umbrella of the constitution immorally enrich themselves we see the line between constitution and prositution disappear.

Given such elected officials oft-repeated claims that they have done nothing illegal and are acting within the framework of the constitution, it appears they are claiming prostitution is legal.

I guess this officially makes the White House  our national Whore House…

When did Americans become so dependent?  When did President John F. Kennedy state, ” Ask not what your country can do for you, but [not] what you can do for your country?  When did we change President Reagan’s vision of America as a shining city of a hill, a beacon to be looked up to by other nations, to a nation where President Obama has taken over the hill and looks down upon its citizens?  A president who is apparently compelled to fault America, Americans, our history, and our ideals.  A president who believes that government can be neither too large, control too much, nor tax and spend too much

When will America awaken from the stupor of political pleasantries, government entitlement programs, and unsustainable spending?  What will it take to reawaken the true American spirit?  What will it take to reawaken your American spirit?    Will you remain a spectator or become a participant in restoring the American way?

Lest we forget, this is the same Treasury Department that recently loaned billions to Chrysler, which this week stated that there is very little chance that it will be able to repay the loans – ever.  Yes, and this is the very same Treasury Department which has refused to accept repayment of TARP funds from banks which are able and willing to return the funds ahead of schedule. 

The change the Obama adminstration has brought to Washington is to take a government of Tax and Spend to one of Spend and Tax.  While President Obama has stated that consumer debt  must be cut while creating a national debt of unfathomable proportion. 

Now President Obama is in the auto manufacturing business and is determined to produce smaller vehicles.  Cars for “the people.”  Are we doomed to repeat history?  Was the “people’s car” (aka volks wagen) not already tried by Hitler and was it not an abysmal failure until after the war?

Seems the real stress test is one that is testing America and American ideals.  How much more will be tolerated?

While President Obama stated there is no cause for alarm; unlike him I have little confidence in the Department of Homeland Security to stop the spread of swine flu.  This is the same DHS that it is unable to prevent illegal immigration, yet now they will be able to stop the flu pouring into our country which may be carried by illegal immigrants.  Are they now going to screen illegal immigrants and allow only healthy ones to enter our nation illegally?

Seems like swill to me.  Like I said, I think I’m going to be sicker than a pig.

Only in America, after the ever continuing growth in the physical size of homes, do we see a thriving business in self-storage facilities.  The wizards on Madison Ave. have convinced us to buy more than will fit into our homes.  There must be subliminal  messages in television ads or maybe it’s in the mice type at the bottom of the screen that reads,  If you have to have it, but it won’t fit into your home, you still deserve it, no problem, buy it and store it.   

Realizing this ploy was working, advertising execs decided to insure that America would not be denied their materialistic rights.  The challenge, how could they create an avenue to sell more merchandise?  The answer rested with the consumer mantra itself.  Crap expands to meet the amount of space allowed for it.  Americans simply needed more television channels, thus was born cable and satellite.  This advance not only offered more avenues for advertising, it offered it twenty four hours a day – previously unheard of.  But, alas, this was not enough. 

We needed the infomercial.  If you have never watched an infomercial, let me explain.  An infomercial is a 30 minute advertisement for products which no one in their right mind would buy if they were only offered in a 30 second commercial.   But as we all know, infomercials were not enough.  No, we needed shopping networks.  Commercials not interrupted by any semblance of worthwhile programing.  

All of this is American and thus good up to a point.  But it is now becomming evident that our ever-increasing rights as American to watch the work of advertising professionals is at risk.   Yes, it’s true. 

With the seemingly infinite avenues of advertising available to them, political campaigns are now running longer and the number of political ads being churned out was unimaginable a mere decade ago.  Remember, crap expands to meet the amount of space allowed for it.  Where will Americans draw the line?

If you are unaware,  the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced today that they may not have enough funds to last through the year.  

Now it seems to me that if the USPS receives a bail-out, we would in essence be providing taxpayer dollars to a federally operated monopoly.  That’s right, we would be “loaning” money to a business that can not make it in the marketplace even though it has no competition!   Sound like an investment that is just to tough to pass up? 

Congress has insisted that U.S. automakers make dramatic changes in their business models in order to receive federal funding.  Yet, why has a failing  entity the federal government runs, which has no competition domestic or foreign, been allowed to continue to operate an antiquated business model?

What am I missing?  The Obama administration wants to expand the authority of the Treasury to take over institutions about which they know little, yet can not run the ones (Freddie-Mac, Fannie-Mae, USPS, Procurement) they currently have.   Rather than increasing their authority, perhaps Americans would be better served if the administration focused on increasing their efficiency and effectiveness with those things we have currently entrusted to them.