PUBLIC CRITICISM OF PRESIDENT GROWS

It has been a year since President Barack Obama has taken his oath of office and for over a year, I have sat idly by and waited to see what "change" may come. So let me recap a few of these changes for you;

1. Bailouts: Over the past year, Congress has seen fit (with the approval of the President) to attempt to reinvigorate and re-stimulate the US economy with more than 996.2 billion dollars since January 2009. This includes 118 billion being given to Bank of America, 80 billion to the Credit Unions for deposit guarantees, 1 billion to the US Federal Credit Union and of course more than 787 billion to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These figures exclude the 400 billion handed to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or the 700 billion for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) back in October of 2008. All attempts have failed thus far as both the US economy and the markets have still yet to recover from their recent slide. Unemployment is at an all time low and although some in the mainstream media might want you to believe that the economy is stabilizing, many economists still believe that we have yet to hit rock bottom.

2. Congressional Discourse: We have witnessed something in this generation that only comes around every once in a while, a sitting president the ruling majority of both the US Senate and the US House of Representatives are from the same political party. It is an opportune time for the democrats to utilize the voting power never before witnessed in American history to pass much needed legislation, such as tort reform, tax reform, lobbyist reform and restrictions and other items of noted American interest such as education, infrastructure and natural resources for energy consumption. Unfortunately, Neither the president nor the ruling majority has spent any time on any of these issues, rather they have spent the last year mulling the overhaul of the US Medical Care system. To which they have been engaged by not only opposing Republicans in both the House and the Senate, but by angry members of the own constituencies.

3. The Main Stream Media's Love Affair with the President: Far be it from me to tell a major media outlet what it needs to report or how it needs to be reported, but I do ask that there be a fair and biased communication of the stories that are relevant to their viewers. I am firm believer in the First Amendment and for what it stands for, but it goes without saying that relevant news should be reported without the influx of rhetoric and grand-standing, I am talking about you Rachel Maddow and Keith Olberman, don't get me wrong, the far right has it's issues as well, Sean Hannity. Case in point; ACORN has been under severe scrutiny over practices within several of their offices in the Northeast, but if you were to navigate over to the CNN or MSNBC website to find any information regarding the story, you would find it difficult. In order to find a story about ACORN on either site you have to do a search via the domain's search navigation engine. Hey, even CBS and ABC carried the story on the 5 o'clock news broadcast. Fair and balanced reporting, I think not.

4. The Healthcare Debate: Should every American be granted the right to medical care. Absolutely. Should it be paid for, funded or underwritten by the US Government. Resoundingly, NO. Let's take a look at other Government funded programs that are not quite as complex as health care. The US Postal service has not turned a profit in more than two decades, but privately funded and independently operated companies have not only turned a profit in the postal business, but have done it cheaper than the government could. The US Postal service now ranks as the fourth largest carrier company in the US behind UPS, FedEx and now DHL. DHL Express didn't get into the overnight shipping business until 2002, and in seven years it's express service branch turns a profit larger than the US Postal Service, which has been in existence since the 1800's. Other government controlled programs, such as Social Security, MediCare and MediCaid have all had their share of problems over the last 20-30 years and all are governmental funded programs. Let me end this Health Care Debate in one sentence. Make the insurance companies providing coverage to citizens follow a the same price scale for it's services. If they all agree that the maximum that they can charge for at Tylenol is $1.00, how long do you think it would to take insurance providers to advertise that their plan is better because they only charge $0.50 for that same Tylenol. Insurance companies would have to rely on volume rather than high deductibles to maintain their profit margin, therefore, more individuals can be covered. The reason that these government funded programs have failed is due to the fact that it was controlled by the US Government.

5. Hold Federal Workers to the same standard: If the democrats pass some form of health care reform, then it should do so with this stipulation; every government employee that receives federally maintained health care, free of charge, should be mandated to follow the new health care policy. Why should government workers be the only ones that get free health care anyway? Can anyone explain this to me? A first year senator averages $164,000.00 annually in pay, they pay nothing into social security and federal income tax. So why doesn't that senator pay for his own insurance policy? Some would argue that this is a perk afforded to individuals who have devoted themselves to a life of public service. If that is truly the reason, then I say we tell every veteran who has ever served a four year minimum enlistment in the Armed Forces and was discharged honorably that they to will receive Federal Insurance and no more social security for the sacrifices and service that they have given for this great nation. It's only fair, right?

I could continue this list for days, but it would only solidify my points. For as much the President and his Democratically controlled congress has promised, we have seen zero results. We are still in the midst of one of the worst recessions in the history of the United States, we still have nothing in terms of a palatable health care platform that can be agreed upon by Congress, there is still no end in sight to the recent layoff due to the down turn in the economy, people aren't spending their money on anything other than the necessities and the list goes on. President Obama and Congress are off track, and they need to right the ship if there is any hope of recovery. I lay blame on both parties and their lack of initiative in looking out for what's good for Americans rather than what's good for them. I blame both Republicans and Democrats alike for this down turn, and I am not alone. We should all be upset by these things, but it's our fault for letting it happen.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AMERICAN?

Before I begin this entry I find it important to explain to those reading where I come from, and a bit of my past. As I have stated before I grew up with my mother and step-father, both of whom were hard working and spirited. I grew up understanding the values of hard work, diligence and a sense of duty. Both my mother and my father have been and always will be the most influential people in my life. I spoke with my father recently, at length, about the current political landscape and the incoming presidential elect. It goes without saying that he and I do not see eye to eye when it comes to most of our political ideologies. While we could both agree that this country needs change, we had different beliefs on what change was necessary.

I have stated before that I have become disillusioned by the current political landscape and have actually begun to consider myself an Independent rather than a Republican.

So what change do I believe is necessary for America to succeed for the future?

First, there needs to be a major overhaul in the ideas of what it means to be an American. I pose this question to all of you reading this ... Define America? Many will say things like 'home of the free', 'land of opportunity and hope' and so on. You would all be correct. America is all of these things, but let me ask a different question ... What does it mean to be an American? Many, if not all of you, will struggle to answer this question, as I did. This question is not as easy to answer as it may seem. You cannot define the look of Americans, because we come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. You cannot define the sectarian beliefs of Americans, as many of us do not share the same belief system as to whom we pray to.

Americans are the shaggy dogs of the world. We are loyal to our beliefs and principles, whatever those beliefs may be. We are fierce when provoked by attack, don't believe me ask Japan and Germany. We are protective of those who cannot protect themselves, Kosovo and Bosnia. We are just and fair. These are the things that I think Americans are, and should be. For years we, as Americans, have lost our identities. We have to reclaim who we are as a nation before we can begin to set forth on a new direction for the future.

When we finally reclaim our identities as Americans, we can finally set forth into a new era. When we finally see that the character of a man is more important than the color, ideology or religious beliefs of a man. When we can worship from our own pews without being judged. When we can take care of our own homeless and destitute. When we can finally see that this nation is big enough and strong enough for any view imaginable, without fear of admonishment from others. Then and only then can we hope for true change.

I truly hope that change is on the horizon. I hope that we can change the direction of this country to reclaim who we once were as a nation. I hope that people finally understand that there is no more room at the inn for those who cannot conform to the principles above. This is my plan for 'change'. It will cost you nothing. No new taxes. No economic bailout to rely upon. All that this would cost is time and effort from every American, and in a time where the economy is unstable and the world is fraught with conflict, time and effort are the few things that every American can afford, in the name of 'change'.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES ...

For most of you, November 10th is just another day. For the special few who have worn the uniform of the United States Marine Corps, we remember this day every year, for it is the anniversary of the initial founding of the United States Marines. Every year battalions and regiments the world over will celebrate this day. The festivities are more than just a 'party', it is a time of reflection for the traditions on which the Marine Corps was built. It is a time to share stories and pass down these traditions to the younger generation of Marines so that our legacy will continue.

For 233 years the United States Marines have been the vanguard for this nation. It's missions have carried them all over the world and into battles long since forgotten about. From the Spanish-American War to the Vietnam Conflict, Marines have been the 'tip' of the spear of America's fighting forces. Marines were the first to land at Guadalcanal in World War II and in Pusan, North Korea, claiming victory in some of the bloodiest land battles ever in US history. The Marine Corps will ever be remembered by the raising of the American flag upon Mount Suribachi after the battle of Iwo Jima. Former Secretary of the Navy James Forestall, shortly after seeing a photo of the flag raising said, "The raising of that flag means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years."

More than six decades later the Marine Corps continues to answer the call of this great nation. Currently more than 75,000 Marines find themselves in the trenches of Iraq and Afghanistan, engaged in the War on Terrorism. They continue to fight for the fundamental rights that are guaranteed to every American. They ask for no thanks or congratulations. They serve this nation so that you do not have to. So today, a most special day to every Marine, past, present and future, find the nearest Marine that you know and thank him for his service, even more so, let them know that you understand the importance of this day by wishing him a Happy Birthday.

THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY...

On this morning, there are liberals and far-leftists still dancing in the streets, celebrating the election of Sen. Barack Obama as the next president. I will claim that this is historic in the sense that he is the first black man to win the presidency. I will argue however, that I do not belive that this is what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had in mind when he dreamed of this day. Dr. King proudly proclaimed that we judge the content of a man before we judge the color of a man. Regardless of what people may say, there were a lot of individuals that voted for John McCain because he was the white candidate, and on the other side, many people voted for Barack Obama because he was the black candidate.

This race was not won on pure experience or standings concerning political beliefs, or who was more qualified to run this country. Exit polls conducted by Zogby and the AP in both Ohio and Pennsylvania proved this point. Among those who were polled 60% believed John McCain was the more experienced candidate. 69% believed that John McCain had the better foreign policies and was more qualified as a leader. With that information now on hand, I have to ask the question, did people vote for Obama, or did they vote against the Republican Party? I tend to believe that it was the latter.

I cannot change the outcome of this election. I cast my vote and my voice was heard. With that, what is next for America? I think the following problems need to be addressed. With the economy in an unstable, up and down cycle, Obama and his cabinet need to address relief to middle income families and small business owners throughout the US. That means a definitive tax break, not a tax increase. We need a continued focus on international security. The current situation in the Mid-East needs specific attention. The War on Terror must remain our most immediate focus. If this is placed to the wayside, like it has been during other Democratic presidents in the past, we will continue to see the escalation of nuclear arsenals in Iran, more sectarian violence in Afghanistan and Iraq and continued problems with the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Diplomacy may have its place in places like the UN and European Council, but it has no place on the battleground.

I do hope that there is change. I do not like war. Having been in two separate conflicts in my eight years in the Marine Corps, I can say without a doubt, that it was not an experience that I would like to repeat, but I would if my country called. I do not particularly like higher taxes, especially if those higher taxes pay for what I, and many people like me, consider unnecessary and corrupted programs like welfare and Planned Parenthood. These programs may have good intentions, but they need to be regulated better.

In the next four years Barack Obama has to put into place a lot of campaign promises. Promises that were unrealistic goals. Now he has to stand by them, and begin to take action. Failure to deliver will only reinforce what many have said allready, that Barack Obama was never ready for this position and never will be.

Jordan Fleck

YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ...

Barack Obama's senior advisers have drawn up plans to lower expectations for his presidency if he wins next week's election, amid concerns that many of his euphoric supporters are harboring unrealistic hopes of what he can achieve.

The sudden financial crisis and the prospect of a deep and painful recession have increased the urgency inside the Obama team to bring people down to earth, after a campaign in which his soaring rhetoric and promises of "hope" and "change" are now confronted with the reality of a stricken economy.

This is an unbelievable example of another shady politician finally realizing that he must calm down the storm that he himself has created. For eighteen months he has screamed and spewed the words "change" and "hope", never really outlining anything of substance, getting a free pass from the media ... based on image, and continuing to spend the most money any politician has ever spent on any campaign. Now he wants people to come back down to earth in the realization of economic crisis.

You ferried these people into the stratosphere Mr. Obama! You built up the hopes of so many! You made the promises of "change" on your political platform! Now you want them to come back down to earth so there isn't a large meltdown in the psyche of the individuals who so diligently supported you. What has changed? You knew the economy was in trouble. Let me guess, you're just now starting to figure out that your plans are as stable a two year old child's attention span.

If, and God forbid, you are elected to the most powerful position on planet earth, I hope that you do not waffle this much when addressing hostile nations when you meet with them without preconditions. I hope that you do not take this kind of approach with them. Promise them peace and prosperity with our nation, then turn around and tell them, "but don't be upset if I can't bring you peace and prosperity." I shudder to think of the consequences.

Leadership is not a born trait. It is a learned skill. It is honed in circumstances and tempered with experience. These kind of remarks bring forward the true man in Barack Obama, ALL HYPE NO SUBSTANCE!

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE OBAMANIA INFOMERCIAL

The following was provided by the AP and Factcheck.org. I will be honest and say that I did not watch the commercial last night, so I can not provide my spin on it at all. I'll let the AP guys do it for me. Although I will place my thoughts throughout the article in blue text.

THE SPIN: "That's why my health care plan includes improving information technology, requires coverage for preventive care and pre-existing conditions and lowers health care costs for the typical family by $2,500 a year."

THE FACTS: His plan does not lower premiums by $2,500, or any set amount (Nor does he state as to how he will accomplish the $2,500 decrease.). Obama hopes that by spending $50 billion over five years on electronic medical records and by improving access to proven disease management programs, among other steps, consumers will end up saving money (He hopes, but it's hard to fathom spending $50 billion in the hopes of reaching his $2,500 goal per family ... oh and where do we get that $ 50 billion.). He uses an optimistic analysis to suggest cost reductions in national health care spending could amount to the equivalent of $2,500 for a family of four. Many economists are skeptical those savings can be achieved, but even if they are, it's not a certainty that every dollar would be passed on to consumers in the form of lower premiums. (This proposal is nothing more than a play on words. Obama is banking on what he cannot see and that is in the total overall savings being passed down to consuners. A whole lot of factors governing the profit margins in health care will likely dictate the overall savings per family.)

THE SPIN: "I also believe every American has a right to affordable health care."

THE FACTS: That belief should not be confused with a guarantee of health coverage for all. He makes no such promise. (Again here is another play on words. No one person or government entity can ensure coverage for every person in America, as he has promised. Too many factors dictate the insured's eligibility. The only way that this is possible is to create one federal health care and coverage system. Quite honestly that option is strictly not a feasible on in a free market enterprise system.) Obama hinted as much in the ad when he said about the problem of the uninsured: "I want to start doing something about it." He would mandate coverage for children but not adults. His program is aimed at making insurance more affordable by offering the choice of government-subsidized coverage similar to that in a plan for federal employees (And who would pay for this option? Taxpayers. Like we currently do for every goverment worker.) and other steps, including requiring larger employers to share costs of insuring workers.

THE SPIN: "I've offered spending cuts above and beyond their cost."

THE FACTS: Independent analysts say both Obama and Republican John McCain would deepen the deficit. The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates Obama's policy proposals would add a net $428 billion to the deficit over four years -- and that analysis accepts the savings he claims from spending cuts. The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, whose other findings have been quoted approvingly by the Obama campaign, says: "Both John McCain and Barack Obama have proposed tax plans that would substantially increase the national debt over the next 10 years." The analysis goes on to say: "Neither candidate's plan would significantly increase economic growth unless offset by spending cuts or tax increases that the campaigns have not specified."

THE SPIN: "Here's what I'll do. Cut taxes for every working family making less than $200,000 a year (Wasn't it $250,000.00 just yesterday? ... I know it was when he was ribbing Joe the Plumber, last week.). Give businesses a tax credit for every new employee that they hire right here in the U.S. over the next two years and eliminate tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas. Help homeowners who are making a good faith effort to pay their mortgages, by freezing foreclosures for 90 days. And just like after 9-11, we'll provide low-cost loans to help small businesses pay their workers and keep their doors open. "

THE FACTS: His proposals -- the tax cuts, the low-cost loans, the $15 billion a year he promises for alternative energy, and more -- cost money, and the country could be facing a record $1 trillion deficit next year. Indeed, Obama recently acknowledged -- although not in his commercial -- that: "The next president will have to scale back his agenda and some of his proposals."

The address of his policies and agendas in this format is not a bad idea. It does get his message out. The problem is that, the message is, in every sense of the word, ideological. Every person in the US wants affordable health care. We all want to cut our taxes. We all need and want economic stability to ensure our own futures. Obama has been riding on the grey areas of every proposal that he has layed out on the table, never really getting across how he is actually going to get it all done. We as Americans should be very wary about any politican that says "change, change change", but never assertains how to create change effectively.

Jordan Fleck

THE OVER-EXPOSURE OF A CANDIDATE.

I consider myself to be a man of principals and convictions, and when I see what is going on in the 2008 presidential campaign, I have to laugh at the current situation.

The situation to which I am referring to, is OBAMANIA! (I believe that I am the first to use this phrase.) We have all heard that Sen. Barack Obama has purchased a one-half hour block on seven major networks to do a little self-promotion. The price tag for 4 of those networks is, reportedly, more than 1 million dollars per network.

It has been further reported that Barack Obama will now apply for and receive public campaign funds to help out with the financing of his Presidential campaign. This was something that he swore and promised that he would not do. The reason for refusing the public campaign financing, was so that he would not be restricted by the strict spending limits imposed on publicly funded candidates. In return for receiveing public campaign financing, the candidate must agree not to seek or spend private donations on campaign expenses.

We now know that this system is horrible. To date, it is estimated that Sen. Obama's private campaign fundraising has outgained Sen. McCain's at a rate of almost 3 to 1. He has raised, and spent, more money than any other Presidential candidate in US history, and he has done it with nothing more than private donations. It is a feat that is very admirable. I couldn't raise that kind of money. Could you? What bothers me about the whole situation is that he will now use the public campaign financing to payroll this 30 minute infomercial about himself. This does not seem right. Does it?

He has outspent McCain at a rate of 3 to 1. His commercials run at a rate of 4 to 1 on major news networks allready, and all this has been done with private donations and third party collaborators. Now, he wants to utilize public taxpayer dollars (something that he promised early in his campaign that he would not do) to bankroll this infomercial.

I find this outlandish. First, if you deny public campaign financing, and you raise as much money that Sen. Obama has, privately, then you shouldn't be allowed to untilize it once it has been turned down. Second, who does this guy think he is? He is actually getting the network to push back the start of a World Series baseball game, something that has never been done before, ever. Third, and most important, if you can't hold true to the simple promise of not utilizing public campaign funding, then what about his other promises. What does this say about his basic principals? I could venture a guess in his thinking. It will go without saying that I don't like Sen. Obama, nor his his political cronies, to whom he has aligned himself with, Kennedy, Pelosi and Clinton.

Sen. Barack Obama is an over exposed political pawn that the Democratic Party hyped would be the savior of all things American. In reality, he is just another face in the liberal democrat crowd, that stood for nothing, except for his own political aspirations, and has yet to prove himself worthy of even another term as a US Senator. He has yet to propose a bill of substance and value to the American public and yet we are to believe that he will fix all. Mark my words ladies and gentlemen, once the Democratic Party has control of the White House and both the Senate and the House of Representatives, we will definately see change, and you won't like it.


Jordan Fleck