A Point of View

Occupy (Your Mind with Reality) Wall Street

2011-10-24T08:22:00.001-07:00

I agree with you stance against "Crony Capitalism" but you odd stance against those of us in the 1% and that somehow we control where we go and what we do. Also we give up many rights just so you can have yours and ask for nothing in return but you guys ask for everything to include what I’ve worked for just so you don’t have to work or whatever it is you’re really after. It’s also odd that the President would somehow side with you while continuing to fight multiple wars. Perhaps that’s because sometimes in life you have to fight and that’s the point you’ve missed. I agree that these wars haven’t been prosecuted with perfection and without mistake but neither has your ridiculous protest.

The reality of all of this is that I work for what I have and don’t want to steal or receive a handout in order to achieve what I can’t with hard work, drive and determination. I also don’t want to see some family however rich they may be regardless of how many generations have added to their family’s wealth being asked/told to pay more and more just because the government can’t say no to those who are unwilling to get up and do something with their life just because they need a vote. That goes for all the special interest and disenfranchised groups. Politicians using tax payer’s dollars just too essentially and “legally” buy votes whatever party you’re in and whichever side of the issue you stand on.

I also know that by working day in and day out that I’ll never be rich and the percentage that actually strike it rich in life are a small percentage. Fractions of a percent even, but I know I won’t have to ask or tell my neighbor to keep giving me money every time I need something and if I can’t afford something then I’ll have to find a way to purchase it or settle for a cheaper brand etc. However I’m not going to go and essentially steal from someone else who has worked so hard for what they have in the search for their American dream just so I can have mine and that’s what redistribution of wealth is. I don’t know where this idea of somehow that becoming wealthy or being a successful person is in some way criminal. It’s also odd to see the many people who back these types of protest are themselves the very thing that’s being protested.

Bottom line is I can agree with being outraged at those who have failed in business being made whole by the rest of us who pay taxes. I can see being outraged at crony capitalism and those politicians that say one thing but hedge their bets by doing something else just to play both sides. Besides for them it’s all about power and retaining it at all cost many even would give their very soul. They love the title as if it somehow makes them more then they’re when in fact the title they covet so much means even less given the way they achieved their office. Mind you not all office holders are this way, however a great many of them are due to the fact if they wish to continue to win election then they must at some point sell out in some way just to stay on the winning side. If not then money may not buy happiness but it certainly can buy an elective office.

Just A Point of View

Occupy where!?

2011-10-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

I agree there is such a thing as "Crony Capitalism", however the demands of the so called "Occupy (insert town) group" are far from well thought out. Many people are seizing the moment to bolster their own issues by showing up at these rallies so it seems that more people are there for one particular issue. Many people have organized a number of these marches without laying out any guide lines or demands, saying “we’ll figure out what we’re protesting once we arrive”. The reality at the end of the day from most of these protesters is that they want most of us to work harder so we can pay more in taxes that will ultimately go to support them and their way of life.

Leaving the rest of us who play by the rules and work for what we have to work until we die in order to allow these types to have a very nice standard of living better than our without working for it. Just because they believe somewhere along the way by someone else working to make it in this world and just by luck, chance or hard work made it that those people somehow owe them. It’s funny when you see the very same people who believed the very same things in the 1960s’ that protested along the same lines that are now rich given a pass it makes you scratch your head.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/10/occupy-atlanta-protesters-use-assembly-rules-to-prevent-rep-lewis-from-speaking/

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cronycapitalism.asp#axzz1aOtYzZ70

Just A Point of View

We C.A.N. but you Can't!

2011-02-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=723907672&ref=ts#!/notes/we-can-change-america-now-community-page/pay-up/189447234419035
--------Here's What is Says in the Event You Can't Read it!------------
"Many in Congress seem to be confused about what The People Want. It is time for those who caused the enourmous financial crisis to be held accountable. The middle and low income Americans did not create this mess and CAN NOT be the ones to further suffer the consequences. Let the wealthy, big business and Wall Street tycoons resolve their irresponsible actions! PAY UP!!! NO budget cuts that will further harm ANY middle or lower income individuals or families!!!"
--------------------------Here's What I Say----------------------------------
I posted this to show how stupid some people/groups are, no thought our problems could have anything to do with them. Let’s see entitlement programs that blocs of voters just will not do without, but their mentality isn’t to bare any of the burden. Blame Congress for forcing them into their situation where they just can’t live without subsistence, also bloated government pensions. Labor Union strangulation and massive earmark or pork barrel projects on-top of out of control government budgets. Let’s see once the government adds a new program whether it be a social program or nobody overseas the massive Executive Branch Bureaucracy to include independent agencies.

Just A Point of View

Don't Expect to Much

2010-07-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

"I've found that people will never let you down if you expect the worst from them."(My own quote)

It's sad that the more you do for people the more they want from you. Then comes the one time you can't help them and that's all they all of a sudden remember not all the times you went out of your way to provide extra help. So the reality is why go above and beyond for someone if they're never going to remember it? Why help anyone if they're going to throw it in your face the one out of a hundred times you just can't assist them? Why don't they go and ask their so called friends? People are users for the most part which is why I say expect the worst and if you get something better then you'll never be let down again. Not a sermon just a thought. haha

Just A Point of View

Eric Cantor's Ambition

2010-07-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

Let's be real serious about Cantor and his "ambition", I think it's great! So as long as people on the outside only see the party as a whole and of course the House Republicans getting along then a little ambition can go a long way. Let's face it the Republican Party, the Democratic Party and our nation as a whole for that matter needs fresh ideas in order to truly move forward and be viable long term. The House Republicans may take back the House with Boehner’s "steady as she goes" attitude but that's not going to work once they capture the House by whatever margin, I bet however it will be rather narrow. However if they truly have ideas that most Americans love or at least buy off on in great numbers and give the Republican party a mandate then the legislative branch’s part of the “ship of state” (which is the engine room in my opinion) will begin to start working again.

Right now it seems that “Scotty” (imagine Nancy Pelosi as Scotty) is down in the engine room saying “I’m giving her all she’s got Captain” but right now for America all the House “has got” isn’t good enough. Funny, as I’m typing this I’m using a Scottish accent! Anyway, let’s be real the House is in a stalemate and will be until November. If the Democrats retain control of the House then we’ll see one of two things happen. One: They will have fewer seats; if this happens then they will likely feel the need to take a page from Leader Boehner’s playbook and play it safe until 2012 which will be a death blow for Americans who are struggling. Two: If they by some miracle gain seats which is unlikely to happen we may see the playing it safe strategy or they will send countless bills to the floor. This strategy could also be bad news for struggling Americans or Americans who are managing to stay afloat or it may be quite the opposite.

Whichever scenario plays itself out it will perhaps play into the Republicans favor in 2012. If the first scenario happens then Republicans can say they told us so but they better have some ideas of their own (enter Eric Cantor) or 2012 will be a coin toss. If the second scenario plays out then the John Boehner “steady as she goes approach” hasn’t and will not work. But what will more than likely happen is the Republicans will regain the House pure and simple. It will not be a land slide majority or anything like that and they’ll need to work with centrist and conservative Democrats to pass almost everything especially anything controversial. John Boehner will become Speaker and Cantor Majority Leader. This will allow Cantor to lead a renaissance among House Republicans which will up his stock for higher office and the stock of the party going into 2012. Boehner will be perhaps placed in the annals of Republican Speakers with the likes of Newt Gingrich and others. Not that he's in the same league as Newt but if Cantor's ideas work out then Boehner will enjoy much of that success since he'll be Speaker. So it’s a win-win for Cantor, Boehner and Republicans if his ideas are adopted. So I say keep thinking and keep that fire and “ambition” going as the House needs new ideas along with the Republican Party and of course our beloved country.

Just A Point of View

Blaming Backwards

2010-07-01T00:59:00.001-07:00

This is the oddest thing, when in fact it's the Obama administration that is and has been "aiming `backwards`" or shall I say blaming backwards. Almost every day since his inauguration we would hear a sound bite or read a report where Obama is once again blaming Bush for something else. Bush this Cheney that yadayadaya! Albeit in recent months those sound bites and reports aren't quite as frequent but ever prevalent. I’m not saying that some or many of the things he’s had to deal with isn’t Bush’s fault but pointing fingers so as to take any burden of correcting the problem off of himself is ridiculous.

He ran for the job on a platform to “Change” and fix Washington, the Government and the mistakes of Bush. But since being elected he’s done a lot of the “Changing” but none of the fixing because as we’re coming to find out he doesn’t know how and after all that’s o.k. because it’s Bush and Cheney’s fault. I guess it’s easier to point fingers as to why you can’t or will not do something by blaming someone else! By doing this he perhaps thinks that people will forgive him for not attempting to do something because after all it’s not his fault. He again perhaps feels that if he attempts and fails that that is somehow worse than not trying at all. It would show America that he’s in fact not perfect. So what we’re left with is the blame game. Blaming Bush for pushing “Humpty” off the wall won’t put him back together again.

Just A Point of View

General McCHrystal Not Quite Patton or MacArthur but Right

2010-06-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

I'm currently serving in Iraq and this may very well get me into trouble that is if anyone actually read it but nonetheless I support the General. Hey "Mr. President" a title that may not be ever taken away from you but at least the job will soon. Hey America we only have until January 20th 2013 then he'll be hitting the bricks. It's time we get rid of the lot of you that think holding office is about how you look or what you want people to think. It's about actually doing something and taking care of business. You, Nancy (I need more Botox and another facelift) Pelosi and Harry (I'm too old to know the reality of things) Reid are about to be shown the door along with your power hungry Secretary of State Hillary (I only stayed with Bill to ride his coattails) Clinton.

Just A Point of View

Iran and our Aproach to Regime Change (Just One Thought)

2010-06-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Mind you this is just one thought that comes to mind but isn’t necessarily my true and final position on the issue.

I think the people of Iran know exactly what's going on and they're not fooled by rhetoric or any sort of cult of personality etc. In the West especially in the U.S. we know that the leadership of Iran to put it simply is up to no good. However I feel we need to tread lightly so as not to upset the "Apple Cart" and should engage Iran when necessary but getting too involved with internal body politics isn’t something we should do. Even though we will continue to be involved clandestinely working on regime change which is precisely what we probably don’t want to be involved in unless it becomes necessary then we should do it properly or overtly not covertly.

I know we (U.S.) have done this countless times over the many years of our existence especially utilizing the CIA etc. However I think that when we do conduct operations that result in regime change the nations people see through the thin veil that hides the Wizard on the other side. “Pay no attention to the Man behind the curtain” comes to mind! But the people living within these borders know they had no voice of who governs them which is why they despise the wizard.

Placing ourselves in other countries matters is something we must do but with diplomacy as our tool first and foremost. We should approach foreign policy utilizing “smart power” which is a combination of soft and hard powers. Again regime change clandestinely is a tricky venture but the funny thing the use of armed conflict is less so for example ousting Manuel Noriega in Panama, Saddam Hussein in Iraq in our most recent war, Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler in Italy and Germany during WWII. Those were acceptable regime changes but we must allow for the people to truly choose their leaders once the old regimes are gone.

The reason is simple; when the U.S. props up a Government that suits our needs and is favorable to us due to the fact their position is owed to the U.S. the people of these nations lose interest in them quickly. It’s not so much that they hate the U.S. or the idea of America and freedom etc. it’s the fact they hate our or anyone else’s meddling in there affairs. Nobody likes the big boy on the block persona that comes with being number 1, regardless if we mean well or not. Hey I understand all too well the need to protect our national interest and project power does this very thing. The simple fact is we should be careful when it comes to internal strife in other countries. So as not to create a position that can/will be construed as the U.S. bullying its way around.

I know we wouldn’t like it if other nations such as Russia, Iran or North Korea etc. decided they wanted to come to the U.S. and take out a large media buy during Presidential elections or run commercials that undermine our elected officials. The simple answer is to allow the Iranian people and the citizens of other nations to sort out their own problems to control their own destiny. In Iran right now we see a volatile situation that could explode at anytime not just from the Iranian people but from their government. If we were to involve ourselves we need to ensure we’re welcome by the parties involved that wish us well. Bottom line we need to maintain a hard line against the current regime(s) that wish us ill and assist the innocent people when possible and let the people do the rest.

Just A Point of View

Commerce Can Perhaps Bring Unity and Peace

2010-06-17T00:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/66225/richard-rosecrance/bigger-is-better?src=fb

Commerce and Economic success throughout the world is the only way to ensure peace. Some might say! A country in danger of losing out on prosperity and lots of gained treasure is a country that will perhaps approach world affairs with caution and is apt perhaps to be more open especially when there’s money to be made. However we need to be ready for countries like Greece that aren't up front with their bookkeeping. Also we shouldn't be afraid of countries like China that are up and coming besides they have no other way to go but up. Remember America was in a similar set of circumstances as China now is when it came to our rise, riding in the slip-stream of the safety and security of the British Navy as China now rides in ours. Britain once viewed the U.S. with similar skepticism as we now view China. Albeit our ideology and Britain’s is much closer than that of the U.S. and China.

That aside we should view China with captious optimism and welcome them as a partner of course hedging our bets they don't want to partner with us after they have finally risen. Remember China's elite are studying the U.S. with tenacity, if they model their future after the U.S. then business dealings with them may perhaps be much smoother. Also it has the potential to allow for more freedoms for all Chinese not just a few elite(s) and if that happens then who knows what the future may hold. Perhaps a Democratic Government or something like it, perhaps a Chinese middle class!? If that were too happen then the War that’s on the horizon with them may never come to be. However, as we all know China truly wants to replace the U.S. (at least that's the logical conclusion) on the world stage and the only way to do this will be for China to become as or more successful than the U.S. However the reality of why China's elite is studying the U.S. is perhaps the fact they want to know how to beat us at our own game.

Just A Point of View

Al Gore is a True Friend of the Earth

2010-05-17T11:49:00.001-07:00

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/05/12/a-9-million-villa-for-al-gore-sky-high-energy-costs-for-the-rest-of-us/#comments

I'm from Tennessee (TN) and it says a lot about our former Senator/Vice President Al Gore that he couldn't even win his own state in 2000. Say what you will about Florida but if he TRULY was a viable option he would've won TN and the sunshine state wouldn't have been an issue. Regardless of that old drawn out nonsense, he is obviously out of touch with reality and isn't even a blip on anyone who's serious radar. Albeit he is a loud voice when it comes to climate change etc., but hey my Dad had a loud voice and my Brother and I rarely listened to him. Bottom line, it's time to finally tune him out as my Brother and I would do to our Father, that is until the belt came out. But relax Al Gore isn't going to come and spank you but he may bore you to death. Zzzzzz!

Just A Point of View

Way to Go Arizona

2010-04-24T04:08:00.000-07:00

Before I pull my hair out "over here" the people in this country need to wake up. How is it that people think this is a bad thing!? It's like saying that enforcing drinking and driving laws should be UN-Constitutional or arresting someone for murder is wrong and now a crime. We can ill affotd to wait around and do nothing about this problem. I know it feels good to want to look out for everyone around the world and just give more and more away. Liberals we all get how nice it is to give, but when it's our country and hard working Americans tax dollars, jobs and most of all safety is at stake I say it's time we did something to enforce our laws. In fact we need an overhaul of immigration laws but that doesn't mean we shouldn't ensure we enforce the ones we have now.

These are the same people (Liberals) that don't blame people for murder or other crimes but instead point the fingers at everyone else.

Just A Point of View

Government Giveaways

2010-04-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security programs are among America's walking dead. We can't pay for any of these programs along with many others the only thing we can do however is prolong their inevitable demise. It's funny how a few Liberal Elites feel they can continue to stay in power by pacifying the public with giveaways and handouts that do nothing more than buy votes. Yes, it's true a small number of people will vote for those who claim to have the "peoples" best interest in mind by always promising what amounts to buying votes or some sort of sick charity. However, you only create or in our nations case continue a viscous cycle where the many people who receive benefits and play the entitlement system almost always blame that very system for keeping them down. When more centrist politicians talk about moving people off of Government programs and into the work force the creatures of the system pipe up and claim that the system has kept them down for so long there's noway they could ever do without them.

Ridiculous I know but that's the argument some take when it comes to keeping outdated entitlement programs around. The real story of it all is American Liberalism has created a society dependant on bigger and BIGGER government. The growing number of bureaucracies that manage these programs syphons off hundreds of millions of tax dollars alone just for their bloated operating budgets. Then we get to the billions of debt these programs are actually in and it makes one wonder why they have such high operating budgets in the first place? The next question it raises why not get rid of them? I agree we need a safety net for our nation's seniors and handicapped but not for the countless millions who play the system. Not to go down that rabbit hole but we need real reform in this country not giving away more tax dollars to those who don't need it like the recently passed healtchare bill does.

We need to keep the good parts and throw away the bad not only in the recent bill but throughout our government. Our nation can no longer allow Liberal Elites to throw away hard working Americans money so they can continue to have an office and title in their sick modern day royalty world they live. Mind you these liberals aren't giving away their money which they have plenty of, they're throwing away yours. Bottom line true "Change" in Washington and across America is needed before it's to late. We're Trillions of dollars in debt and soon we'll finally reach bottom then where will this nation be!? We've rushed to the aid of so many other but let's remember nobody will rush to ours! Repeal and Replace of the new healcare bill isn't the only thing we should be focused on scrapping. The real work needs to begin today right through November.

Just A Point of View

More Bureacracy

2010-03-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

Basically this means more taxes and more bureaucrats which will in-turn cost more tax dollars down the road to pay their salaries and run their bloated agency budgets. In a decade from now we'll be saying why does this agency exist and why doesn’t it work? The answer will not matter because the new bureaucracy will be ...a part of the new American welfare state. The few dwindling freedoms we have left will cease to exist as big brother government will be there to tell you what to do as your rights will be a thing of the past. Enjoy what little of your paychecks and freedoms you have left after all that’s the “CHANGE”(ed) America people voted for. Democracy is wonderful don’t vote it out!

Just A Point of View

The Individual Mandate

2010-03-27T01:54:00.000-07:00

It's funny that when the crazed liberals were shopping the "individual mandate" idea around they truly thought Americans would buy it blindly. The fact is they haven't as they did using the ridiculous "Hope & Change" add campaign which sounded good on the surface. Substance however is a far different thing! I for one am someone who never goes for add campaigns or jingles. However there are many who do which is why the William Morris add agency and many like it make so much money.

Regardless of those facts people need to wake up and not allow the government to do as they please. If this happens not only will they strip away our rights one by one but they will set up a power base where everyday citizens will not be able to get rid of them. Far fetched some people may say but so is the "Individual Mandate". Remember folks this isn't the same as car insurance, car insurance is only for those who wish to drive on a public road and then only liability insurance is needed. Also driving is a privilege not a right living is a right not a privilege. Bottom line forced purchasing is wrong but we do need some healthcare reform but not Obamacare or Hillarycare for that matter but a good ole American common sense solution.

Just A Point of View

Peace With and In Iran?

2010-03-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Stories from Iran aren’t getting any better and probably will not unless the change winds blow from within or without. The many human rights abuses that we in the U.S. hear about are horrifying and to think there are more stories we never hear about. The rights of the people are almost nonexistent which is demonstrated by the government’s crackdown every time the people try and stand up for themselves. Take for example the sham election held there last year where the outcome was known by everyone well before the first ballot was cast. Once the results were read it outraged countless individuals who claimed the results were rigged and rightly so.

These people who initially assembled peacefully were quickly outmatched by troops loyal to the “re-elected” President Ahmadinejad. Add in countless other human rights issues and abuses plus the fact the Iranian government wants to wipe a close ally of the U.S. in Israel off the map and it becomes plain to see we can’t play around with Iran.

In Addition to the few facts above, Iran wants to use their nuclear capability to assert regional dominance and threaten the U.S. This hasn’t gone unnoticed but why has it taken the Obama administrations so long to react? A recent International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) (a United Nations (U.N.) agency by the way) reports it has “Extensive” and “Credible” information that Iran is closer than previously thought to perfecting the “development of a nuclear payload for a missile.” As of March 2010 the Obama administration was still extending its open hand to Iran which has continually been slapped away by every nation it’s been extended to.

However earlier this month Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said a new U.N. resolution regarding Iran is being drafted. Hmm, we all know how these resolutions typically go! The U.S. will be the only ones who’ll enforce any of the violations of said resolution. Then right on cue the U.S. would face more ridicule among the many nations who drafted the document in the first place. Ridicule aside it’s great to see Russia has joined the cause against Iran which is obviously in their interest. However China is still on the fence when it comes to sanctions. This according to President Obamas’ own National Security Advisor retired Marine Commandant General Jim Jones.

Regardless of where we’re when it comes to sanctions another option that is now being widely discussed in open forum is striking Iranian nuclear facilities. This isn’t anything new as Israel did this very thing back in 1981 to Iraq and will likely do it to Iran if they don’t adhere to international urgings. This of course would behoove Israel as it would help assure their survival as a strike would set any nuclear program back years which may be just what the U.S., Israel and others need. Especially the U.S. as it wraps up wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Once the U.S. pulls out of Iraq it will free up assets that would allow the U.S. to focus less on containment of Iran and more on action if it comes to that.

Whatever the U.S. decided to do with fewer troops, equipment and other national security assets engaged in Iraq alone would deter any sanction violations by Iran. It could also reduce the blatant disregard for sanctions and see the U.S. less as an adversary of words but one of action. Not to say the U.S. has ever been short on action but for now we have less power to back up an initial strike. Time is the cure for the lack of follow-on forces after an initial strike, time also alleviates any additional strain on the military while helping to ensure we don’t shatter an already cracked piggy bank.

However there are many options that can and possibly should be exhausted before exploring the use of force. It’s obvious from the countless stories that make it out of Iran and given the open displays of disgust for the current regime the Iranian people have had enough. This is why the use of force may be a step backwards. Force could further excite Western-Islamic issues and seen as a war against Islam if the U.S. attacks another Muslim nation. Regardless of that fact force should never be off the table however that arrow should stay in its quiver a bit longer and used only as a last resort.

Aside from using force to effect change in Iran there are other things we can do to spur regime change. The U.N. should promise economic assistance if Iran abandoned their suicidal ways in addition to political normalcy with the rest of the world. The U.N. should also sign on to ensure the safety of the Iranian people during the long transition from a Totalitarian society to a true Democracy. Additionally the promise of improved human rights on top of everything else would help drive change from within. Bottom line more needs to be done to not only contain Iran but ensure a true peaceful transition of power if at all possible. If not then action should be taken with a true plan for rebuilding once the regime falls. Bottom line Tehran should be warned regime change is coming but how soon is the question.

Just A Point of View

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6225HN20100304

http://www.hulu.com/watch/128003/fox-news-sunday-sun-feb-14-2010#s-p1-so-i0

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/88093-bayh-force-should-be-considered-against-iran

http://www.economist.com/world/middle-east/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15213442

Evan Bayh The Presidency '12 or '16

2010-03-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Considering the state the Democratic party will likely be in come November and again in 2012 Senator Bayh may be well served by pulling away as he is. At least he'll have 2 years to gain public trust as a public office/administration outsider and critic of both. This will score points with the middle right which is where the country will likely still be come 2012 and 2016. Perhaps 2012 may be a bit soon to challenge an incumbent President for his parties nomination not to mention it would be suicide for Bayh to boot.

Even if Bayh were to secure the Democratic nomination I feel America will still vote Republican as many times it's more about the party in power than the candidate themselves. However in the world of Presidential elections 2016 isn't far off. By being on the outside for an extended period it will likely give him more room to maneuver and fund raise without the hot lights of Washington on him. He can play sort of a Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee or Sarah Palin outsider/insider role. This will allow him to go on all the news shows talking about current policies without having his name tied to it while also making the rounds on the speaking circuit making money. As for 2012 for now I would say it's a wait and see game.

Just A Point of View

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/88093-bayh-force-should-be-considered-against-iran

"Parts of the Healthcare Bill Poll Well"

2010-03-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

It's funny to me when I see the any number of Pundits who support this monstrous healthcare bill in addition to the Obama/Democratic cronies making the rounds on all the news shows talking about how "parts of the health care bill poll well". The funny part is they NEVER say the bill as a whole "polls well". I'm like most Americans who personally don't support this bill in the least especially in its current form but can/will admit there are some good parts to it. I don't understand how the President and Speaker Pelosi can't grasp the fact that most Americans don't want this monstrosity of a bill passed, especially in its current form. So why then doesn't the President and Congress(Republicans & Democrats) alike sit down and figure out what's good about the proposed legislation and scrap the rest. This would make perfect sense and would have some good come out of this ridiculous drawn out process instead of a whole load of bad. Several loads of bad to be honest to the tune of Trillions of Dollars worth of it.

I think Americans have made their voice's heard loud and clear but Congress(Democrats) and the White House have done nothing to listen. I don't think Americans have been so adamant about any one particular piece of legislation since the 1960s Civil Rights movement. Congress listened that time after much bloodshed. I'm just thankful we've not come to that point over healthcare, yet. But who knows what may happen if its passed! I do know a number of Democrats that will be looking for new jobs come November if it's passed especially using such underhanded schemes as "reconciliation" or the recently talked about "slaughter rule" etc. Either way the damage is done for many Democrats and now all they can do is wait for November. For others it may not be to late to find a way to switch sides and salvage an election cycle or at least lose respectably. Bottom line whatever Democrats do individually this bill as it stand is bad for America. Until someone with common sense and not just Republicans steps in and leads the charge against it America is doomed to suffer its wrath.

Just A Point of View

"Transparency, Hope & Change" blah, blah, blah...

2010-03-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

What happened to "Transparency"? I'm not sure about the whole "Transparency" but I do know what Obama was talking about when he kept saying "Change" and "Hope". The "Change" part was the U.S. changing from a somewhat fair society where people had at least some say in how the government is run and a lot of say in their own life to having neither. The "Hope" nonsense was the fact people will hope that Obama will not be successful with the "Change" nonsense.

Just A Point of View

A Few Things America Needs to Know about Iran

2010-03-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

First off Iran isn’t going to be pacified and the regime isn’t going to be changed at least not anytime soon unless it happens from within or America and its allies namely the United Nations (UN) take a true hard line. We all know that this will never happen as the last time the UN took a true hard line was more than 60 years ago in a little place called Korea and by the way American forces are still there. Where’s the UN? The UN may pass flimsy resolutions and sanctions that are never adhered to or enforced except by the U.S. even then it takes some time. When the U.S. finally enforces the sanction violations it causes uproar with the UN member nations that passed them in the first place which makes people wonder why pass them in the first place!? It’s funny that when the U.S. does step in and enforce UN violations we seem to be ridiculed for it. Why ask why folks after all its politics!

All of the sanctions aside Americans need to realize that there’s more to politics than whatever Washington or the White House is working on and trying to see resolution on in any given week, month or Congressional session. There are also more than just the weekly/monthly talking point topics on the daily/weekly news shows to include the same old issues that are discussed every election cycle. This includes the last minute issues that seem to pop up during any particular election year. However the one area of politics that truly affects all other political areas is National Security.

National Security should be first on any candidates list and at the top of the list for anyone holding office, especially now in a mounting time of uncertainty. That’s why politics grows more and more confusing everyday when we see our elected officials especially the current administration and pundits focus on so many trivial matters and neglect National Security. A prime example of this was when we saw President Obama take so long to make a decision on Afghanistan while taking time to travel abroad. Additionally the major topics of conversation on news shows have been anything but focused on National Security issues to include Iran.

It baffles me and many others how Iran and other nations who support terrorism and threaten peace and stability in the world are given what amounts to a pass. Iran is allowed to ignore UN resolutions and then applauded in the same body for speaking out against the U.S. Why pass any sanctions against them as it seems they’re not going to have to adhere to them anyway? Additionally Iran has pushed America to the point where we’ve become a laughing stock among allied nations. This lack of support is ever present when the U.S. tries to build a coalition to enforce the many violations Iran incurs almost habitually. When it comes to Iran from the U.S. perspective coalition building shouldn’t be our major goal especially when it comes to our own safety. The issue should be why Americans haven’t taken more notice of Iran and asked why we aren’t doing more about them. O’ sure we hear a few news stories from time to time about what Iran did today or this week but nobody seems to be outraged America isn’t doing more. The fact we’ve not done more isn’t even the scary part.

The scary part is National Security is so important and Americans seems to turn a blind eye to it until it’s too late. If the fact National Security is so important doesn’t sway you to take a second look at what matters to you perhaps a little persuading is in order. In no particular order here’s a few things about Iran Americans needs to know.

Iran supports terrorism according to the U.S. State Department and many other nations and has been on the State Departments list of terrorist supporting nations since January 19, 1984. To this day they continue to provide arms, financial support, training and other forms of support to a varied seedy clientele. These clients include Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and other smaller organizations. Most recently they’ve assisted by providing training and supplies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Supplies that include explosive materials, guns, ammunition, rockets and various other lethal weapons that have killed hundreds and wounded thousand of U.S. and coalition personnel and destroyed equipment costing in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Think about it Iran is probably responsible for killing or wounding someone you know!

The Iran military apparatus has a substantial ballistic missile force from short to medium range missiles that even with conventional warheads poses threats to anyone unfortunate enough to be found on the receiving end. Now imagine them topped with nuclear warheads which I’ll touch on in a bit. These missiles can be used to attack not only their old enemies in Iraq but other U.S. allies and interest in that region. Countries that would possibly be targets are Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait not to mention Iran’s biggest enemy Israel. An attack of just a few missiles on any of our nation’s interest in either of these countries would demand an immediate and tough response. A response greater than the Clinton era “Lewinski” missile strikes we’re used to seeing from Democrats. It would require a true crippling blow to Iran even before we think of escalating to further military action which would possibly have to follow. The Iranian capability to reach out and hit one of its regional foes is startling enough however Iran’s overall goal is to reach the U.S. with an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).

This is where nuclear warheads come into play which would be delivered by these ICBMs. This leads all parties that could be possible targets skeptical of Iran’s nuclear intentions. Iran at the present moment has enough enriched uranium to build two or possibly more nuclear weapons this according to the UNs very own International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is working towards a working warhead to place atop its missiles. This could be accomplished according to many experts in as little as a few months to a couple of years depending on their speed and commitment to accomplishing this task.

Additionally Iranian leadership especially under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is far and away anti Israel. Israel by the way just recently slapped America in the face during a visit by Vice President Joe Biden when they announced their intentions of expanding settlements in Jerusalem which didn’t help their standing with the U.S. or the Muslim world to include Iran. That slap in the face aside we’re still Israel’s best ally and probably their best hope for survival which has been true since Israel’s modern inception. Ahmadinejad the nut that he is has claimed the Holocaust is a lie and that Israel should be wiped off the earth. If he or another Iranian leader like him obtains nuclear weapons those words just may come true. Iran has no intentions of stopping its support of terrorism and will continue to support those entities such as Hamas and Hezbollah that have attacked Israel on a regular basis and will continue to unless something is done.

Many Americans have heard the “urgent need” call before from the need to “stop the spread of Communism” to “fighting terrorism on their soil” before they can fight on ours. Those “urgent calls” don’t seem to be answered as much as they used to, now there’s a busy signal. Many people today just don’t see how it affects them until they wake up to another Pearl Harbor or 9/11 type attack. Then they seem very concerned and wonder how this type of thing happened when the real question is why didn’t you answer your phone? However concern for many Americans wears off quickly in our cocoon like attention deficit disorder world we live.

The few points I’ve made are just a mere scratch on the surface of the issues and problems we as a nation face when it comes to Iran and others like it. I just hope this has opened a few folk’s eyes to the things that could come in the future if we are not prepared and of course willing to take action.

Just A Point of View

http://www.state.gov/s/ct/c14151.htm

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123867962

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/International/2010/02/18/IAEA-Iran-may-be-making-nuclear-warhead/UPI-77701266526577/

http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2009/iransyriareport280809.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8559238.stm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1257887/U-S-fury-Hillary-Clinton-accuses-Israel-insulting-Joe-Biden-visit.html

Recess Appointments

2010-03-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

Is the President truly going to appoint those who can't get confirmed?

If a persons nomination is stalled it's probably for a good reason, meaning the person probably isn't right for the job. I don't think something like the recess appointment should be used for these types of people, the President should go and find better candidates. In the case where a key position such as at USAID given the sittuations in Afghanistan, Iraq etc and where the job has been open for a long time then yes if a truly qualified candidate has been stalled for sheer politics.

The use of the recess appointment should only be used as a last resort and even then when it's almost certain the person being appointed has a better than fair chance at being confirmed. However this shouldn't be done for positions that have been open for a short period unless the position is a truly key one. Of course all jobs requiring Senate confirmation are key jobs but that doesn't mean there isn't a hierarchy.

Just A Point of View

Biden, No Friend of Israel

2010-03-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

Joe Biden and the Obama administration are NO friend of Israel no more than the Clinton administration was. Clinton at least could use his powers of persuasion to convince the people of Israel he was on their side and that their government is to blame for strained relations. This worked to his advantage as Israelis voted Netanyahu out of office in '99 in favor of a more leftist government. Biden talks the talk as Clinton did but his voting record in the Senate is anything but PRO Israel.

Just A Point of View

Is The President Open to Suggestions?

2010-03-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

First off saying you're open to someone else’s suggestions doesn't mean you're going to listen to them. The President is like many other Americans when it comes to making up his mind. Once a decision is made only the closest of friends/advisors can perhaps persuade us to change our minds and even then in a small way. The President knew full well what he wanted to do before he even started campaigning for the office he now holds. He knew that during the campaign he would have to come off mild and closer to the middle than many of us thought he was. This was of course a tactic to win votes and it worked as a Democrat was going to win anyway, it was of course their year. Besides I still think he’s better than Hillary would’ve been.

That aside the President is no more going to change his mind on what he wants in the healthcare bill than John McCain becoming President in 2012. Neither is going to happen so let’s move past that. The main question or point is not what should be in the bill but how do we as America defeat the bill outright? This is perhaps a question that will be answered by the campaign season. The bill in its current form doesn’t make sense and with Democratic “open mindedness” controlling both houses of Congress and the White House it never will. With all the control the Democrats have its clear the President doesn’t need any suggestions from Republicans. He’ll of course want to seem more centrist by giving them a listen as after all it’s an election year. Hey when isn’t it an election year!?

The President knows that he perhaps only has a few weeks left before all House members jump ship and start swimming back to the shore on the right. Most will need to swim harder than others as some House seats are safe being on the far left like Nancy Pelosi’s seat in San Francisco. All of the swimming aside if the President can’t get any resolution by the end of this month or early April he probably will not get it at all. Reason being during the upcoming campaigns and given the White House’s current track record in recent elections nobody will want to know the President. After the November elections we may see a push before January 2011 when the new Congress is seated to pass some sort of bill. After all it seems that many of the current Democrats will not be invited back for the 112th Congress.

As for the President being open to suggestions from Republicans after January he may have no choice. For now it seems that’s just another in a line of laughing matters for Democrats.

Just A Point of View

“Democratic Iraq”

2010-03-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

Speaking of a “Democratic Iraq” in the past two weeks I've been to somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 plus polling sites for the upcoming March 7th elections w/ my team. I'm not saying that the elections are going to be perfect but at least they're a step in the right direction. I know that people here are already claiming the elections are rigged and I tend to believe that no matter who's declared the winner(s) the other side will cry foul. This isn't something new in places like Iraq or our own country for that matter and I'm not just talking about 1960 or 2000. The general consensus regarding the elections aside from those who feel they're “rigged” is they're a step and a leap in the right direction, something they've been craving for a long time.

However let's not try and compare their style of Democracy with our own, we've been working on ours and trying to perfect it for almost 234 years and we're still not perfect. Perfection aside I think that their fledgling Democracy or if you prefer “Iraqcracy” deserves a chance to work. America can play a big part not only by giving advice but also by continuing to count Iraq as best we can a regional ally. This requires us to ensure that Iran and others aren't allowed to meddle in Iraqi affairs anymore than tolerable. However the overall best thing we can do is leave Iraq with dignity, honor and pride of a job well done. While knowing full well that for all the hard work and sacrifice some good has come out of it. Additionally we need to ensure that we never forget those who've sacrificed so much while many paid the ultimate sacrifice to give Iraq some semblance of freedom(s).

The next thing we can do is allow Iraq to run their own affairs as they see fit however imperfect it's going to be. Cause as we know perfection takes time and we've been trying to get there as I've said for almost 234 years. Bottom line America should take its hat off to the Military and our Diplomatic Corp who've done so much to ensure some level of reliable government will exist once we pull out. And to think many thought this would be another Vietnam but they were wrong just as I feel they're about Afghanistan. I think after these two wars America will once again be able to stomach the long road when it comes to its wars. We live in a world where a few cruise missile strikes isn't good enough, it takes boots on the ground if we want to truly solve the hard tough problems.

Just A Point of View

Government Run Healthcare

2010-02-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to write a long drawn out policy piece here but I'll make a few extra long comments. Healthcare in this country could be better albeit the care itself (i.e. the collective knowledge and available care) is probably the best in the world. However the cost itself is out of control and coverage is hard and becoming harder to come by as a result. Even certain employers that in the past many sought jobs with for the simple reason they offered healthcare and other benefits just isn’t the case anymore since employers are cutting overhead for various reasons. These benefits would normally cost a big chunk of one’s salary if a person had to purchase said health coverage on their own but that’s “a bridge to far” nowadays.

Benefits on the whole aren’t being offered for a variety of reasons such as the crippling economy and outsourcing which makes the bottom line even for the smallest of companies much bigger. After all that's what a business is supposed to do make money for their investors etc. and outsourcing increases profits and decreases overhead. So saving a few bucks on healthcare or the fact you can pay five people what usually you would pay one by outsourcing it’s easy to see why benefits are harder to come by. Now that I seem to be straying off the path a bit I should try and find my way back. The Government doesn’t need to stick its nose to deep in the business of the people however when healthcare prices and the level of coverage is lacking and out of control they should.

However the role of Government in healthcare shouldn’t be to offer up coverage for a portion of Americans since they can’t afford it or they’re un- or underemployed. They also shouldn’t offer an alternative based on the lack of availability for certain people or the fact they lack money to purchase coverage. This does nothing but place the burden on other Americans creating more problems than the ones they solve. Also they shouldn’t tax those who can afford great health plans simply because the people that have these plans are wealthy or lucky. The Government should ensure to institute some sort of reasonable price controls while ensuring the coverage that’s offered is of quality and that insurances live up to their end of the bargain. There should be a minimum standard that all Doctors, Hospitals and Insurance providers should have to adhere to sort of an OSHA for the healthcare system.

If you fail the test or inspections etc. then you’re practice or company large or small is fined. However I see I’m going off into another policy rant here and I’ll steer clear for now. Bottom line Government should ensure Americans can afford healthcare and that it’s of quality and that the citizens aren’t being taken to the cleaners. Other than that the Government doesn’t need to offer up outrageous plans for anyone other than the healthcare plans offered to Government employees. Sure offer up some ideas on how to make the healthcare system better but when it comes to running healthcare or any industry Government should stay out as they already have a hard time running themselves.

Just A Point of View

NATO and Europe’s take on their role in Afghanistan

2010-02-22T10:30:00.001-08:00

NATO and Europe’s take on their role in Afghanistan

What role should NATO and the European Union play in Afghanistan and Pakistan etc.? Should they ante up and do their part just like the United States (U.S.) or should they be allowed to sit idle on the sidelines while the U.S. does the hard work?

Many European countries don’t believe as the U.S. does in that securing their borders from terrorism and protecting their citizens begins in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan. Albeit the set of circumstances European countries face are far different than that of the U.S. Meaning they are smaller countries with open borders where wars have ravaged their landscape for centuries. Additionally for Europe the old Cold War nemeses Russia is rebuilding and are beginning to flex their newfound might in areas such as energy production and cyber warfare as we saw just before they invaded Georgia a couple of years back.

European countries are pressured by the U.S. to provide assistance in the form of NATO for ongoing wars in Afghanistan, Pakistan and to a smaller extent Iraq. They continue to provide assistance in these wars due to the fact their own security depends in large part on the U.S. Meaning the U.S. with its presents in Europe primarily militarily but also diplomatically help stave off Russia from having a free hand in not only Eastern Europe but the Continent itself. Therefore NATO countries will for the mean time comply with Washington however not always willingly when assistance in Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries is requested/demanded. This compliance ensures that the U.S. is more of a willing partner in Europe especially when it comes to keeping Russia at bay. Additionally with a continued U.S. presents and partnership we share with Europe the gamut of our National Security apparatus which in turn increases security on both continents. Security not only from Russia but other threats that include terrorist, which as the U.S. knows is done by taking the fight to their many safe havens. However this knowledge isn’t shared with many European leaders.

President Obama said after much deliberation last year that he would support a surge in Afghanistan of only thirty thousand troops at the urging of General Stanley McChrystal far less than the General asked for. However Obama said that these troops and others would begin withdrawing by July 2011. This caught many in the U.S. and in Europe as well as in Afghanistan off guard. This statement of course like many others had to be walked back and clarified by many close advisors and supporters. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs along with Defense Secretary Robert Gates essentially said the President meant if conditions on the ground warranted or allowed for such a timeline then a withdraw could take place. This has been dubbed a “conditions based withdrawal” policy. This type of policy or strategy has never worked in any form of warfare at least in recorded history. However it’s worth noting that Secretary Gates went further than White House officials and basically said the U.S. is in it for the long haul and “we’re in it to win it”. Time will tale if the administration shares his views and truly shows they have what it takes down the stretch.

Statements like these from the White House have many NATO leaders scrambling to cover their own exits. European leaders for decades have complained that the U.S. doesn’t consult them before making decisions which leads to further frustration and unwillingness to support future operations. The withdrawal timeline is just another such U.S. decision that many European leaders are forced to comply with as their troops in the form of NATO are in harm’s way. NATO has somewhere in the neighborhood of sixty eight thousand troops on the ground in Afghanistan that make up the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). This force is also commanded by General McChrystal which makes it easy to see that European leaders at present have no other course than to go along. For if they pull their support early it stands to jeopardize future U.S. support in Europe and will further strain already weak relations.

However this doesn’t sway our European allies to the thought of winning a war in far off lands helps secure their own homelands. This is a point that could be debated for years but only history will tell if the efforts in such places will prevail and provide the needed security. However the big question on the minds of these European allies is Russia and how can they deal with them? The answer is almost entirely dependent on the U.S. and its level of involvement which goes back to NATO supporting the U.S. in its engagement. European leaders recognize they can’t go it alone when it comes to Russia like the U.S. has on many of its endeavors. They need a much “bigger dog on the block” to back their every move or vice versa in the case of the U.S. and Europe.

However capable as many of the European nations may be individually they pale in comparison to Russia even after the fall of the Soviet Empire. Collectively they have a fighting chance if it came to that but the scale would still be tipped in Russia’s favor. So without the U.S. pushing down with its might balancing the powers in Europe and holding Russia at bay Europe could find themselves in dire straits if push came to shove. Push may very well come to shove at least with Vladimir Putin still hanging around the throne in Moscow as Prime Minister. Nobody is fooled by his new title everyone knows he’s still the “shot caller” in Russia. Also it’s no secret his feelings on the West and his views of a resurgent Russian if not new Soviet type of Empire.

In order to keep that scale from tipping into Russia’s favor European nations will need to continue to support the U.S. led action(s) in Afghanistan and Pakistan via NATO. However to what extent do they continue to support these wars and what ends do they get once Military action ceases in that region? The question(s) are possibly a little hard to answer however the one answer that is clear is continued U.S. support in their homeland(s) is needed. This makes it all too important for Europe and NATO to support the U.S. even if it’s on a small scale. Immediately following 9/11 many Americans as well as Europeans felt that action against terrorist such as al-Qaeda and Taliban strongholds were a must. Europeans saw how easy America was attacked with such precision and they realized they were a much easier target. They were asking the question; how can we protect ourselves? The answer was to support the U.S. in their efforts and by doing so ensured the U.S. continues to support/help them with their problem(s), namely Russia.

Even with all the questions that can’t be answered for certain at least definitively in our own lifetime the questions still need to be responded to. The tough question on the minds of Americans is how to defend against future terrorist attacks not only in the U.S. but subsequently abroad? While most Europeans are hoping we have the right answer to that question, they additionally want to know how to defend against a resurgent Russia. Their answer at least for the foreseeable future is the U.S. However in order to get help with their issues NATO knows it must be a reliable partner.

However Europe must realize that Russia for the moment isn’t the U.S.’s main objective. Although America has continued to some degree its commitment of building a missiles shield. The missile shield will not only protect Europe but the U.S. and its other allies around the world in a world that’s increasingly becoming more and more uncertain. How does Europe play its part in all of this? The answer is continued support and as we get closer to the finish line un-waiver able support in the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan and then wherever it may go from there. The U.S. since the days of WWI hasn’t turned its back when Europe needed it and expects Europe to remember that. Although it seems in modern time’s memories sometimes seem to get a bit clouded.

However with the changing of the guard in Washington in 2009 the memory of the U.S. is somehow in question as well. Washington seems to be forgetting what made America a great nation and is somehow pretending it doesn’t have obligations that go with being number one. President Obama came into office essentially wanting America to play less of a role and somehow stop being number one. This makes sense as the President Obama seems to not want to offend others when it comes to making the hard tough decisions. This is why his decision on whether or not to support the surge plan took so long to make. Regardless of the reasons for his apologetic ways the clear answer is that by 2011 Afghan forces will not be ready for U.S. or NATO troops to leave. However with clear guidance from all involved governments and support from the same we could find that by mid to late 2011 the troops in Afghanistan could perhaps be underemployed just as they’re presently in Iraq.

The President also said that the Afghan government will need to get serious or risk losing support. If that were to happen the question that would then need to be raised is where do we go from here? But we’re not there yet however that day is fast approaching so those in power in that region should take head. If the U.S. and NATO pull up stakes the next question would be will it be considered a failure? If the U.S. and NATO did pull its support in Afghanistan it would certainly make it easier for terrorist to resume normal operations of training and equipping in that part of the world unless of course Afghan forces can hold their own. My bet they wouldn’t want to bother as making a deal with them would ensure peace between the government and the terrorist organizations for a short while at least. Regardless of that the new found safe haven would be just what they need after years of being hunted and chased around the world. However this would perhaps be the thing we need, terrorist organizations consolidated in one area making themselves easier targets. I don’t think it’s going to come to that but 2011 isn’t going to be enough time to eradicate all terrorist. But it could be just enough time for Afghan fighters and their government to get started down the right path.

The idea of the U.S. and NATO leaving has been unsettling to those in power in Afghanistan namely Hamid Karzai. He’s obviously waiting to see which side he needs to be on after all is said and done. The simple fact is the U.S. with its olive branch stretched out is his best bet for survival and continued power. But let’s not be fooled he knows how to play both sides as he’s demonstrated countless times in the past. This of course brings us back to the central questions of NATO and how long will they allow the U.S. to try and build a reliable Afghan government and military force that can stand on its own? The next question in the same breath from the U.S. standpoint is can we truly trust NATO to be a continued reliable partner when it comes down to the wire or are they only good for the first half of action?

The issue the U.S. has isn’t with every member of NATO but as an institution the issues are many. Additionally many of the issues the U.S. has aren’t with the NATO members and their countries leadership it’s with the citizens of these countries. Many of these citizens view the U.S. as power hungry warmongers who wants to build our own empire. These citizens are the tough sale that European leaders have to try and make not for the sake of the U.S. and our mission but for their own sake when it comes to Russia and others as well. However it doesn’t change the fact the U.S. is still bound to NATO and its member nations but is the member nations still committed to us? The commitment doesn’t start and end in Europe it also stretches to our Northern neighbor Canada. However you look at the questions whichever angle you take the answers need to come soon. The U.S. needs a true strategic partner and NATO might not be it for long.

Just A Point of View

Sarah is UN-qualified

2010-02-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Before the attacks begin on my reply let me say this, I'm a Right of Center to fairly Conservative individual. Now as for Sarah Palin there's so many reasons she's UN-qualified to hold high office. In no particular order she resigned the Governors post in Alaska of all places. She doesn't have the slightest idea of the issues going on in this country much less around the world unless someone coaches her on what to say. She seems folksy and down to earth and that's fine for your 8th grade teacher but for someone who intends on being President in a few years that will not cut it. Let's face it she was chosen by John McCain for a specific reason and that was to counter another female that many thought Obama would choose as his running mate in the name of Hillary.

However the plan didn't work as Obama didn't choose Clinton as his running mate and Palin was way out in left field when it came to the topics being discussed during the campaign. She knew very little about the simplest of world topics that a President or Vice President would need to know day one. So now all of a sudden she thinks she has what it takes to be President!? Give me a break 2012 will be a time for real serious and knowledgeable people and she just isn't one of them.

http://apointofview-toddmac78.blogspot.com/2010/01/more-palin-blah-blah-blah.html

http://apointofview-toddmac78.blogspot.com/2010/02/tea-parties-over-sarah-thanks.html

http://apointofview-toddmac78.blogspot.com/2010/02/sarah-is-at-tea-party.html

Just A Point of View

Advice to Obama

2010-02-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

Obama seems want to be everything to everybody and that is simply impossible. Mind you I'm not a fan and never will be but if I may give a bit of advice that he'll never read and if he did never adhere to. With that being said he needs to be his own man and do things the way he said he would during the campaigns. I know that many of the things he said was "pie in the sky" and now that he's in the hot seat he can see the reality of many of the nonsense things he promised. However he should at least try and stick to his beliefs which will give him the best chance at accomplishing any real "Change" and then being re-elected.

Just A Point of View

Sarah is at the Tea Party

2010-02-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_palin_s_people

Again like I've said before see link below and in many other places:

http://apointofview-toddmac78.blogspot.com/2010/02/tea-parties-over-sarah-thanks.html

Sarah Palin doesn't have any ideas or substance but she sure can go after others. I don't foresee her gathering any substance in the future as 2012 draws near. Not trying to "hate" or attack her out of spite or because I dislike her. It's just the fact that if left up to her own merit she wouldn't be known anywhere outside Alaska. Thanks Senator McCain, you had a good idea to bring a respectable female Governor on board in 2008 to counter-act then Senator Obama and the idea he might bring then Senator Clinton on board as his running mate. We all got that but the simple fact is the plan didn't work out.

Sure for a couple of weeks it brought the race a little closer but as we all saw she didn't have any real knowledge of the subjects or issues that someone running for the Vice Presidency should have. I'm not truly saying she needs to go away once and for all but the simple fact is when it comes time to get serious for 2012 she should sit idle on the side lines and support the others that have the credibility and knowledge to hold such high office. Please by all means make some speeches and some money with your book like I've also said before but please realize high office isn't in the cards. If by some miracle you attain high office again then something is truly wrong with American society and we should all have our heads examined. Electing President Obama was a mistake we all don't want to repeat at least not back to back.

2012 will be a time for serious people as our nation needs more than Sarah Palin and Obama are bringing to the table. Rhetoric, attacking and blaming others will not be enough the next go around. Thanks but no thanks!

Just A Point of View

The Tea Parties Over Sarah Thanks!

2010-02-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

http://fns.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/02/05/national-tea-party-convention/?action=late-new

Here we go again Sarh Palin blah, blah, blah! When will she just go away? Now all of a sudden she's a member of the Tea Party, I guess since she's recognized she doesn't have any real chance in the Republican primaries in 2012 she'll jump ship and run on a 3rd party ticket. The Tea Party would be a great way for America to finally get a realistic 3rd party. However, if Sarah Palin sticks her nose into all of it the Tea Party will no longer be taken seriously. She will be the end of the Tea Party before it has a real chance at making politics interesting to watch and participate in.

Now as it stands if the Republicans don't win then the Democrats will and vice verse. This is just what American politics needs a realistic 3rd party that can compete, an alternative to the current system. Then there's a but and that but is Sarah Palin who has to muck it all up for the rest of us. Doesn't she get it she's not cut out for high office and the fact she resigned in Alaska of all places shows us what type of leader she is. Hey Sarah you had a good run and your book will sell millions of copies but that doesn't translate into votes. Thanks but no thanks! America doesn't need your nonsense anymore so please make your way to the exit.

Just A Point of View

Ford and Other Carpet Baggers

2010-01-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/77911-ford-ill-be-like-hillary

First off New York takes almost anyone who has name recognition from Bobby Kennedy to Hillary Clinton and now this guy. These types of people who run for the Senate in New York are not out to help the people from there and they don't even know the issues of the state. The only thing they know is New York has a lot of people and money and that translates well to them as they use the state as a stepping stone to higher office. Nobody can argue otherwise as the two mentioned above used the state to propel themselves toward a bid for the White House. Both I'm glad didn't attain their goals, sadly one had to die but the fact remains they ran in New York for themselves and not others.

I'm from Tennessee and we didn't elect Ford to the Senate in 2006 and after serving 10 years in a Chicago style Memphis Congressional District where his father was the previous Congressman for 11 terms. What has he done except go to Law School and run for office on weekends then expect the people of Tennessee to hand him the Senate seat as if it was his right. He's a straight up Charlatan and has no interest in serving others but I guess he'll fit right in with many of the others serving in Washington. Many run for office just for name recognition and title, a sort of modern day American Royalty. Harold Ford is without a doubt doing it for that very reason and the shot at the White House. It's sad that running for office takes less and less knowledge and skill these day. The only thing you need is to keep your face and name in the headlines enough then people will be tricked into thinking you know what you're talking about, see previous statement on Charlatan.

I feel sorry for the people of New York that they have to put up with such ignorance and nonsense. I guess if your the toast of New York City Society then the rest of the state doesn't matter much. I hope Ford does run however and then falls flat on his face. Where will he turn to then, it certainly better not be Tennessee as we don't need or want him.

Just A Point of View

The re-Awakening of American Conservatism

2010-01-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Something is happening in America and those who can’t see it are the ones who have forced the reawakening of Americans. America is awake and the recent Senate contest in Massachusetts where Republican Scott Brown defeated Democrat Martha Coakley is a testament. Liberal Democrats have pushed their brand of government on us in many ways telling all of us what is acceptable and what isn’t. They tell us what to eat and how to dress and how they should be allowed to spend our money. These same individuals will tell you that having money or seeking to better yourself is bad if you’re a Republican or in any way Conservative. Meanwhile if you look at how they’re living it makes you wonder where they get off pointing the finger at others.

It’s easy for these folks to tell you how to live while not having to adhere to the same standards. It’s the Chris Dodd’s of the world getting sweetheart deals and saying “he had no idea he got any special treatment.” Senator Dodd by choosing to retire can say he chose not to run which will save him the embarrassment of losing in November. America is awake because President Obama tells America one thing today and then changes his story the next on everything from healthcare to climate change. He gives our hard earned tax dollars away with no regard of how it should be used and then when the banks and major corporations use it to finance some luxury-get-away he finally speaks up.

Regardless if the Liberal media is ready to admit it they can’t go on hiding it or not reporting on it for long. True “Change” is coming to Washington and I hope that this time American Conservatism can get it right. Liberalism on a small scale is good but the ridiculous nonsense we’ve seen in Washington building over the past few years and finally coming to a head in the first year of the Presidency of Barrack Obama is outrageous. This resurgence of true American Conservatism is back and we all must ensure to get it right. The comeback is fueled by outrage and disgust for what the current Congress and President is trying to do to our nation.

Americans were duped when they elected Barrack Obama President and I think it’s time to give them a refund and that’s just what they’re going to get. True “Change we can all believe in” is going to be their refund in 2012. Obama is the most leftist of all other Presidents who’ve come before him and that’s saying a lot. He doesn’t hold the good of the people at heart when he makes a decision, instead he holds a set of his own beliefs much closer and that’s what drives him. He has an ideal of what America should be and that’s the only thing he trust, not the wishes of the people who elected him.

Obama promised transparency and yet we’ve not seen any of it. His rhetoric during the campaign all sounded good if he actually intended on delivering. However the back room deals and underhanded politics have been the norm of his entire administration. America is tired of the lies and games that have been played in Washington and I truly believe America has realized it. Americans have been awakened by proposed trillions in a ridiculous healthcare bill and billions in bailouts and tax hikes to pay for it all. They’ve been awakened due to the fact terrorist who’ve killed thousands of Americans will be tried on American soil and be given Constitutional Rights that many Men and Women have fought to preserve and protect. This is a slap in the faces of their children and parents along with a spit on their grave.

Americans have been awakened by the fact Obama has yet to stand up and take any responsibility for anything instead he’s intent on pointing the finger at President Bush more than a year later. Can you imagine if President Bush had tried something like that!? Also the awakening has been brought on by the countless number of Czars that aren’t Senate confirmed and hold unlimited power and are not answerable to the American public. If these few points don’t wake you up perhaps you’re dead or in a coma but please America wake up it’s time for serious people solving serious problems and we need real “Change” that we can all believe in not this Obama brand of “Change”.

Just A Point of View

1 Down 3 to Go

2010-01-13T02:12:00.000-08:00

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/01/obama-prepares-to-mark-one-year-in-office----so-do-republicans/1

Without a doubt we're going to hear a bunch of nonsense from the White House per usual. Let's not expect anything less than a bunch of back patting to go on the entire week. From Sunday the 17th through to the next weekends Sunday shows. However the 4-12 Redskins are only playing a game what the President is doing is real life. Peoples lives, hard working Americans and their lives and livelihoods are at stake. Bottom line it's time to get serious and it's not time to point out the fact you won 4 games it's time to figure out how not to lose 12 games the next year.

Just A Point of View

More Palin, blah, blah, blah

2010-01-13T01:53:00.000-08:00

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/01/palin-mccain-aides-gossipy-and-told-lies-about-her/1

Let's be honest here FORMER Governor these are things you've done or said. You were ignorant about many of the issues and what was or has been taking place around the world. Hey, that doesn't mean you don't speak to a part (large or small) of the Republican party. Many people around our country don't know what's going on in their own towns so don't try and cover up; don't try and make everyone think you were or are ready to be Vice President or President. The simple fact is you're not and will not be in 2012 or anytime in the foreseeable future. I'm sure you're a wonderful and nice person but you're just not fit to hold high office. I knew many people who worked for the McCain-Palin campaign and very close to you I might add. These fine Americans all say behind closed doors that what people are saying in public is true. So why would they lie to me and others privately!? They wouldn't, so do the right thing here and finally come clean. Bottom line raise some money for the party and talk about some of the issues you want to bring to light but when it comes time to get serious in 2012 bow out just like you did in Alaska.

Just A Point of View

"Created or Saved" I say neither.

2010-01-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/01/12/morning-bell-787-billion-in-stimulus-zero-jobs-created-or-saved/#more-23280

It seems to me that Obama's ideal this sort of modern day "New Deal" has fallen on its face and nobody is bothering to ask why. Is it dead, drunk or just passed out!? My guess is that nobody is bothering to ask those questions which would find out the root cause quick. Instead they (the Obama Admin.) were intent on at first pretending that the stimulus was working. Now they're fine with stepping away from it silently and saying they don't know how it didn't. A fact they will not share with any of the public. Regardless this will be another instance that the President will simply and conveniently disassociate with the failure. Of course once pushed on it after a few months when the press has moved on to bigger things he may own up to it. This admintance would of course be burried in the middle of a lenghty statement on another topic. Bottom line we as Americans should demand that "transparency" we were promised but that's another convenient disassociation in itself.

Just A Point of View

Amnesty, again! You're kidding!

2010-01-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/01/12/another-plug-for-amnesty-misses-the-costs/#more-23300

Albeit border enforcement is a big key to stemming the tide of illegal immigrants that will only do so much. It will take government local, state and federal alike to pass and enforce employment laws that will make it UN-attractive for companies both large and small to employ such workers. Many people say that illegal immigrants are "doing jobs that Americans don't want to do" these same people think that Americans wouldn't do the many jobs these individuals do. That as many studies have shown just isn't true they however only displace many low skilled American job seekers forcing them to fend for themselves elsewhere which usually leads to being more reliant on government assistance.

Once we as a nation allow illegal immigrants amnesty we will in fact open the flood gates for more people to come here. The job situation in this country is already in dire straits as it is. So imagine the problems they're having elsewhere especially in underdeveloped or corrupt nations such as Mexico and others. This isn't something we should take lightly as more and more Americans are being forced out of higher skilled jobs either due to lack of job creation or the shear fact these jobs are being sent to other countries. Either way these companies can hire more workers for less money elsewhere. That fact aside the higher skilled workers when employed contribute more than just to our GDP they also pay taxes that support many of our nations under or unemployed. The taxes they in fact pay are already not enough so how is it that the little welfare that is available will suddenly be stretched to cover more and more people if an amnesty is ordered.

There's to much of a Johny DoGooder mentality here when the thought is that these illegals will in fact overnight be contributing members of society other than "doing jobs that Americans don't want to do". Perhaps in generations to come this will be true which is why we need an honest legal work and contribute system instead of a broad stroke amnesty law. I guess many (Liberals) feel that they should play Mother and Father to countless Millions to make themselves feel better, besides it's not their money they're playing with it's the hard working tax payers money. Perhaps others feel that there's just noway to do anything about the situation so amnesty is the only option.

The simple answer is or isn't so clear depending on which perspective you're taking however everyone should know that amnesty isn't the right answer. We need to take care of our own first before we can start to worry about those who break our laws and then give them a reward for doing so. I think the Bottom Line is clear here!

Just A Point of View

Terrorist and Icebergs

2010-01-11T05:35:00.000-08:00

http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/the-administration/74825-since-when-does-the-flow-of-icebergs-take-precedence-over-counterterrorism-

This is precisely the things that are going on within this administration. However it's sad that our government allows such people into our country in the first place. We need tougher standards for screening and deciding who may enter legally and work here. A tougher policy on the whole as it relates to who gets citizenship as our nation is being run into the ground as it is. However speaking of terrorist cells the fact they're operating within our borders is outrageous however local law enforcement aren't equipped to handle such a situation.

They are good at uncovering, detecting and catching everyday bad guys but "suspected" terrorist cells require constant surveillance which leaves local law enforcement agencies playing catch up. These aren't the local gang that knocks over the 7-11 every couple of weeks these are very bad people bent on causing major damage and destruction. Bottom line we need to stop them before they get anywhere near entering our country then worrying about local law enforcement acting or not will not be an issue. However moving funds around in order to divert attention away from our nations lack of National Security policy is ridiculous. When will this administration get it right my guess will be noon on January 20th 2013.

Just A Point of View

Finally, Presidential!

2010-01-11T05:13:00.000-08:00

http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/homeland-security/74941-obama-now-owns-another-war

It's funny to me that it took President Obama almost a year to finally admit he was the CINC. It was odd however that he didn't blame former President Bush outright for the latest security breech. Perhaps the the Presidents New Years resolution was to finally act Presidential. Now let's see if he does more than just act and makes decisions that are in fact Presidential.

Just A Point of View

Let us not become a footnote in history

2010-01-03T06:11:00.000-08:00

"The world and we have passed the midway point of a century of continuing challenge." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)

As for us today we've barely made it a decade in another century and we've already faced more challenges than Eisenhower could have fathomed. How will we as Americans continue to face these challenges or will we shrink from our duties and our rightful place in the world? I think it's up to each and everyone of us to realize the significance of the times we live and stand firm, for if we don't history will judge us. History will say there was once a great nation called America that had an idea of freedom and democracy but failed in their experiment. There was once a great nation called America but they failed because their people lost hope, interest and determination. Let this footnote not be laid at our doorstep in our time but let us carry our share of the burden to the next generation. Let us teach them the way so they may someday shoulder their part of the burden. In this task we can not and must not fail or fall short of. Let us not become the footnote that says "there was once a great nation called America" instead let us forever be that great nation called America.

Just A Point of View

Civil Society

2010-01-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/01/01/a-new-years-resolution-that-can-strengthen-civil-society/

For those of you who believe a person should be responsible for their own actions. For those of you who feel that our nation is fast becoming an UN-productive society who rely more on entitlements instead of ones own hard work. For those of you who feel many in our nation rest on the Laurels of those who've came before us to make our country great and want to try and help keep our nation great. This can't wait as Robert Kennedy put it: "If not us, who. If not now, when?" I think those words hold truths now just as much as they did then. If we don't reverse our course now then our history and fate has already been written.

Just A Point of View

Christmas Day Bomber

2010-01-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/01/01/smarter-security-not-more-cash-key-for-travel-safety/

Yes, this should in fact be not just A but THE top priority of this administration. It seems however the priorities sway and shift from day to day like clothes hanging out to dry or a flag from a flag pole. However with everything else President Obama is bent on shifting blame and conveniently disassociating from fault. Democrats and Liberals seem to have no problem blaming Bush for 9/11 even though more of the actual blame could be laid at Clinton's feet. However Bush didn't sit around and blame Clinton he took everything in stride and was Presidential instead of playing the blame game. So why is it that this President has no problem blaming Bush for the latest airline debacle!?

The answer is simple and yet complex but the bottom line is Obama can't seem to man up to his mistakes or shortcomings. During the campaign we found that anytime there was a person he was associated with that was brought into question he conveniently disassociated with them. From William Ayers to Reverend Wright and the list goes on. He can't stand up and say yes this is who I am or these are the mistakes and decisions I've made. When he in fact makes a decision!

This is why he doesn't stand up and take responsibility for the government which he's the head of. This is why unlike Bush (love him or hate him) he isn't Presidential in his actions and words. He as I've pointed out before doesn't know what's on or for that matter needs to be on his legislative agenda. For crying out loud he took how long to make a decision on Afghanistan!? That's very telling as to where his priorities are on securing our nation.

Just A Point of View

Healthcare Reform (1 of many) I'm sure!

2009-12-28T03:08:00.000-08:00

Let's all hope the House will not in fact "Rubber Stamp" the Senate bill. I for one hope that the bill will somehow die all together. As Fmr. Speaker Gingrich pointed out that this bill amounts to corruption. How many behind the scenes closed door deals were done here to get the requisite 60 in the Senate!? Nobody knows for sure but the fact is many were made. We need to ensure that Americas voice is heard not just the voice of a few liberals wishing to give away hard working Americans money. This is all this is and it will not buy any votes in the long run as many are counting on. I truly believe the health care industry in this country could be better but this bill pretends to make it so. The fact is it does nothing but drive our nation deeper into debt and reduce the overall quality of health care. Many of the ideas in both bills are good by themselves but when you stack the thousands of pages of nonsense on top of that it doesn't make it worth it.

Just A Point of View

2010 Presidential Legislative Agenda

2009-12-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure exactly what will be at the top of the President's legislative agenda or what will even be on it. I'm as much in the dark as President Obama himself and what his plans will be in 2010. He's been all over the map thus far in 2009 from health care to pushing climate change and liberals judges with an agenda to the Supreme Court. I know that the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan definitely haven't even been so much as a blip on his radar screen. O'sure we had those few weeks where he wanted to think all of the recommendations his top commanders gave him for the way ahead in Afghanistan. However making a decision in a timely manner was a little to much as going to Asia was more important as he needed to bow to an Emperor and apologize for all of us Americans a few times. He talked a lot about a variety of things during his campaign which were all in themselves good but he never gave any substance. This is showing that there in fact was none as he seems to be winging the whole Chief Executive thing. It's as if he has a "one day at a time" attitude to his Presidency.

Just A Point of View

Holiday Cards

2009-12-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/12/24/holiday-greetings-from-the-obamas-the-palins-and-the-rnc.html

I've received many White House cards in the past and I think one or two RNC cards but the Palin card is one I'm glad I'll not have the pleasure. Not sure what she's thinking just lingering around after resigning her post as Governor of Alaska. For crying out loud she was picked by Senator McCain more or less as a stunt to combat Hillary which almost worked except for Obama chose Biden. Probably would've worked if the Republicans hadn't been so hated from the two Bush terms and of course Obama needed to choose Hillary. Let's face it wartime President's are seldom loved in this country and throw in a few other questionable things and well...love him or hate him history will be his judge.

But perhaps Palin is fine with doing her job distracting the Democrats so they can't go after/attack any of the Republicans serious contenders in 2012. Perhaps this is the role she knows she must play in order for her party to once again gain prominence in 2012. Hey the Democrats are helping this along all by themselves but maybe she thinks she has a shot or perhaps a backroom deal was made to have her be the whipping girl for the next 4 years. Hey not a bad deal either as the Democrats have more than her to worry about, meaning the American public. Besides that she gets to make a few million as well, more money than she would have made being a former Alaska Governor. Also more money than she would have made being Vice President. Let's face it McCain would have probably been a 1 term President anyway due to many factors, age of course being one of them. Throw in the fact Americans can hardly stand any one party being in power that long.

The last time a party held the White House that long was the great Reagan-Bush era then the Bush-Quayle thing. Albeit 41 was only a one termer he certainly deserved another but hey again history is talking here. However loved Clinton was or is (in his own mind) Gore gave it a shot but was denied by the American people. Let's face it 8 years is a long time when your talking about the White House regardless if your party is right (Republicans) most of the time. Anyway going off on a tangent but Palin keep up the good work whatever it may be but please keep your hat out of the ring in 2012. Come primary season it will be a time for serious people. Face it primary season isn't Elk hunting season in Alaska and you thought last time was tough, get ready. But hey please by all means talk about a few issues your concerned about and raise a few dollars for the party but seriously, seriously.

Just A Point of View

To take action or not? That is the Irananian question

2009-12-24T22:49:00.000-08:00

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/73599-as-deadline-looms-iran-nuclear-program-poses-challenge

Let's be honest here, with a quick show of hands how many people think this President has the hmmm, fortitude to take action!? By the show of hands nobody does. This guy might actually win another Nobel Prize for Peace if he does in fact take action that's the funny part. Seriously, if Iran attains nuclear status this will spell disaster not only for that region of the world and our allies but our nation as well. I'm not saying they'll be able to launch an all out assault on New York or Chicago or anything at least not for sometime but that's besides the point. However it will tip the balance of power that will have neighboring countries scrambling for their own nuclear program.

To think after we leave Iraq in the shape it's going to be in and Iran chomping at the bit to move in and claim land and exact revenge for the Iraq/Iran War etc. even with conventional forces is a nightmare scenario now imagine if they were to have nuclear weapons. This isn't just a threat to Israel anymore the world is getting to small for that it's time to think and look at the bigger picture. Even if Iran or any other rogue/(il)legitimate nation wouldn't use these weapons out right they would obviously benefit from having terrorist do it for them which means nations like Iran and North Korea and the list goes on would in fact supply these groups.

The scary part is Iran is one of the few nations I would think that might actually use nuclear weapons without fear of reprisal. Let's face it what country is going to stand up and do it anyway, certainly not any U.N. country which only leaves us and of course Israel. Think about this once we pull out of Iraq we're still going to have a force in that region for many years to come. What's going to stop Iran from launching a nuclear assault on our forces there in conjunction with an attack against Iraq and Israel at the same time. Provided they have the capability to reach that far and enough nuclear warheads to go around. That will be the least of the issues they'll be dealing with believe me.

This would give Iran the leverage they need to do pretty much what they want in that part of the world for sometime unless we do something soon. By something I'm talking force and not just a few cruise missile strikes. I'm talking an all out destructive assault by Naval and Air Forces before we even think about sending land troops into the Frey. We could manage to do this without setting foot inside Iran for another prolonged nation building experiment. This would drastically reduce the number of U.S. casualties while giving our nation and the world what it needs. And that's a nuclear free Iran. When it comes to a question of us or them I say it's better to not take a chance. I know that Iran has many good people that want a democracy but hey this isn't a time for us to wait and see. It's a time for action, action under the current Democratic regimes in the House, Senate and the White House we truly will not get. This of course may very well cause our nation to suffer and perhaps dearly for it.

Like I've been saying for a long time now. We as Americans need to look at the bigger picture and what's at stake in 2010/2012. Read and remember this when you go and vote next November and again in 2012.

Just A Point of View

Right move moving to the Right

2009-12-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/22/rep-parker-griffith-switch-parties-republican/

I was wondering when the "Blue Dogs" would step up and switch parties. The Democratic party has left them and their beliefs so why not do the same to them!? This is a step in the right direction for this nation and will allow many other fence sitters to follow. The first step is often the hardest one to take good thing Congressman Griffith was willing to step up and take it. America will be better served with him doing the right thing and hopefully many others will follow. It's not a matter of Republican vs Democrats or Right vs Left it's a matter of Right and Wrong. This is the Right move to move to not only the party on the Right but the party of Right.

Just A Point of View

False Start

2009-12-19T05:32:00.000-08:00

http://blog.heritage.org/2009/12/17/41-senators-to-obama-no-start-without-nuclear-modernization/#more-22037

Let's face it Nuclear weapons are our countries "Big Stick" in "Big Stick Diplomacy" coupled with our economy even while our economy is on the ropes it's still the World Champion. We need nuclear weapons as a clear deterrent against legitimate nations and (il)legitimate ones as well. Nations such as Iran, N. Korea, China and even Pakistan provided it falls into the wrong hands. However clearer heads are finally prevailing at least for the moment with the nation distracted with matters of the economy, health care and climate change etc.

The likelihood the U.S. would get attacked by a legitimate nuclear power is small, but don't rule out Russia either formerly or informally passing nuclear material to (il)legitimate or rogue nations or possibly terrorist organizations etc. However the more probable scenario would be a terrorist organization acquiring a nuclear weapon or material and using it in the form of a suitcase nuke on one of our cities. Some people would say a dirty bomb scenario is the worst but a dirty bomb would cause more destruction in the initial explosion than any radiological damage would cause. However it does strike fear and would cause panic which is the aim of any terrorist.

That scenario aside it's true our nuclear arsenal doesn't strike much fear in the hearts of terrorist as terrorist don't hold any place on the world stage. Unlike terrorist who hold no true loyalty or have no national identity our nuclear weapons are a useful tool by holding legitimate and (il)legitimate countries at bay. They've done so since their inception and will continue to do so as established nations whether they have "the bomb" or not don't wish to see their nation hazarded by war. However it's the (il)legitimate nations we need to worry about and the very ones we should truly keep our missiles pointed at.

Just A Point of View

Obama's Cut and Run "Timetable"

2009-12-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

Before coming up with an Afghanistan exit strategy perhaps the first thing the President should do is decide on a strategy for the way ahead. The President while then a candidate promised to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s since changed his position perhaps not in so many words but in so many actions. This says a lot to me as the old adage goes “actions speak louder than words”. It seems that the administration is more concerned with staying on that message at least publicly. But the reality of the situation(s) behind the scene is a far different picture than the one being painted publicly. I understand that the President must play politics with many of his answers at times especially when it comes to certain matters. However, when it comes to people’s lives and the safety and welfare of our nation the answers he gives need to be clear and concise.

Americans need to know that although they aren’t going to be given all the answers due to the obvious national security concerns that someone (namely the President) has the answers. Americans need to know that the President has competent advisors that will at times tell him no and that he’s wrong when he is. I have the utmost confidence, trust and respect in the Generals on the ground in Afghanistan and our senior leadership at the Pentagon but does the President. I have no evidence to say’s otherwise but that doesn’t mean he’ll take their advice or will not politicize it.

When running a war or wars (as it is) politics should for the most part be kept out of the equation unless politics can be used as a weapon. Last Tuesday the President spoke at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point New York. During this speech he laid out a general plan as to what he intends or doesn’t intend to do in Afghanistan. He did say he would send 30,000 more troops which will be used in an effort to destroy the Taliban. This however falls short of the total number of personnel requested by General McChrystal but apparently a number the Pentagon is prepared to live with. A decision reached mind you weeks after the initial request was put before the President.

The timeliness or lack of it, tells me that he is out of touch or at best lacks the knowledge to make these tough decisions. But moving past the slowness of his rendering a decision it’s good to see that he finally at least made a partial one. The President on Tuesday however didn’t lay out much more of his strategy than what I previously said. Except for his timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops, a strategy he already had to defend. Nobody knows for sure where he stands the only thing we’ve seen from the White House briefing room is speculation as to what he meant. Whatever he meant a hard date for withdraw isn’t something he should be ready to throw around except for behind closed doors.

This strategy has the U.S. drawing down our major efforts there just in time for the President to run for re-election. This draw down timetable seems to be more of a political/re-election war plan than an actual war plan. I guess the thought is if he can keep his numbers up by throwing out a date for leaving then Americans will trust that he knows exactly what he’s doing. That couldn’t be farther from the truth but I’ll leave that for another argument.

The truth is on Tuesday the President’s remarks were so contradictory from beginning to end. He described a great crisis one in which he essentially describe the fate of the world hangs in the balance reminiscent of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) and one of his many “fire side chats” when he spoke out against Japan after the attacks on Pearl Harbor and had stormed across the Pacific seizing everything in their way. President Obama did say “what is at stake is not simply a test of NATO’s credibility, what are at stake is the security of our allies and the common security of the world.” Those words are strong enough to make the most hardened man cringe and tremble with fright. Which makes what he later said not make one bit of sense and the most casual observer of world affairs could figure out is ridiculous to even suggest when he says he’ll send “an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan.” O.K. that makes sense thus far but what doesn’t make sense is the complete 180 he does when he says “After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home.”

So how does he go from it being vital to the survival of our nation and the security of the world that we take up this mantle to; by the way we’re only going to do it for a year and a half!? I know our Military is strong and well trained and disciplined and could if unleashed wreak havoc on the Taliban. If the Military was unleashed many innocent civilians would die as a result which is why the U.S. has rules and we follow laws to guard against such atrocities. However as the President pointed out in the mean time the U.S. is to train the Afghan Army and Police forces and make them ready to take up the fight that we’ve yet to finish, mind you due to the restraints (rules) we wear in combat. So how does the President think that a bunch of rag-tags like the Afghan Defense forces will be ready in 18 months to take on such a task of essentially saving the world!? FDR is spinning in his grave! For crying out loud he’s already said when speaking about sending the additional troops that “If I did not think that the security of the United States and the safety of the American people were at stake…etc, etc”

So after 18 months the safety and security of the U.S. and the world as Obama put it will essentially be in their hands. I feel better already, hey I’ve got a good idea why don’t we all go play in traffic!? Hey, at least in rush hour on the Beltway I would have a higher chance at surviving than I will with the Afghan Government deciding my fate.

The President even agrees with me as he said “… I have determined that it is in our vital national interest …etc., etc.” So if that’s in fact true why is he planning to go about this surge so haphazardly!? We need to unshackle the Military and allow the Generals within reason mind you to take care of business the way they know how. America has had many issues in the past where political decisions win out against Military ones. In recent major conflicts such as Korea and Vietnam for example where Military members are exploited for political purposes people die and by the thousands/millions. But before going down that road I’ll stop.

However, speaking of Korea and Vietnam the thought of the day was that the very existence of the U.S. and safety and security of the free world did lie in the balance. The foe then was Communism and stopping the spread of it along with the Russian takeover of the world. At least that was the mindset the times. Today we can draw many correlations to those times to now but instead of Communism its Terrorism and instead of Communist it’s Terrorist.

Those notes aside in Korea we had a coalition of United Nations (U.N.) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops mostly American that assisted in the fight. The U.S. alone had more than 5 million people who would serve there. We continue to serve there to this day due to indecisiveness on the part of politicians in Washington. A big part of the blame can be pinned on President Truman and his firing of General MacArthur. Fast forward to Vietnam during its height in 1969 the U.S. had more than half a million serving there. The Presidents during these times albeit allowed politics to play into their decisions but at least they knew the consequences or at least the perceived ones.

Fast forward to Obama’s answer to send a mere 30,000 troops and only for 18 months. But to hear him describe it is like hearing the very same President’s that came before him describe the situations in Korea and Vietnam. At least they sent sufficient numbers to those areas although the decisions the Commander in Chief made once the troops were there is a different discussion altogether. So how is it that the President isn’t willing to truly win there when so much is at stake? In Korea and Vietnam we knew what was at stake or at least perceived to be at stake and as for Korea we’re still there due to bad decisions coming from the Oval Office. So how will this decision be any different!?

Bottom line it’s time for the Afghan government to stand up and take responsibility or they will be overrun just like South Vietnam was in 1975 when we left. The corruptness of the Nguyen Van Thieu just like the Hamid Karzai government of Afghanistan will be their undoing. In Afghanistan however were not fighting a recognized government like in Korea and Vietnam. In Korea we signed an Armistice agreement which has stalemated the conflict since where we can’t do that in Afghanistan.

Additionally in Vietnam the thought was that Communism like Terrorism today would spread and oppress others and it has on some scale. Terrorism especially where the terrorist aren’t fighting to liberate one piece of ground to have for themselves they are instead fighting a war of warped ideas. These types of people can’t be bargained or reasoned with that’s why just leaving and allowing them to overtake Afghanistan will not work.

The Majority of America agrees it’s time for answers and results in Afghanistan this must include Karzai and his cronies doing their part. Placing a flimsy timetable for U.S. forces to withdraw isn’t going to produce neither answers nor results. The bottom line is clear Politicians need to stand firm and support the troops for the benefit of the nations in the long run not just their re-election. This is why I fear Obama is playing his hand as he is, with the hope he’ll come out “Aces” and win another term regardless of the long term devastation his indecisions may cause. Idealists like President Obama only want and need two things to pass their agenda and his brand of “Change” and that’s power and an audience. He (Obama) happens to have both at the moment!

We can’t afford to allow politics to be the deciding factor in either Afghanistan or Iraq.

Just A Point of View

No losers except those who die!

2009-12-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/01/obamas-afghan-strategy-makes-nod-war-hawks-political-advisers/

"...there were no losers in the review process" (The White House) Except for troops in harms way while Obama drug his feet. Once you start playing politics with peoples lives, people die in great numbers just like in Vietnam. The President is also advocating a pull out in 2011, I guess he's gearing up for the 2012 elec...tions and feels that's the push he'll need for re-election. Bottom line Americans serving in harms way shouldn't be used like chess pieces in some sick political game.

Just A Point of View

Have our back?

2009-12-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/11/30/kt-mcfarland-afghanistan-obama-speech-al-qaeda/#discussion-form

All of the questions raised are valid and need/must be answered before continuing. Plus one more and that is, will the President have our backs? Meaning can/will he lay politics aside even if it means only one term to do the right thing.

Just A Point of View

FYI: I'm currently serving in Iraq and will gladly go to Afghanistan as well to serve our great nation. I think it's important however to know that the CINC has our backs. I can say from personal conversations I've had with countless people here that the majority feel he doesn't. Most of us feel he'll hang not only us but the entire country "out to dry" in order to secure another term once it comes time. I think America needs to wake up and realize exactly what's taking place not only here but at home as well. America can ill afford to allow politicians to play games with peoples lives. We're not Pawns in their little political game.

GOP Premature, Perception!

2009-11-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Is-the-GOP-prematurely-picking-favorites-in-the-Arkansas-senate-race-72846672.html

Not being from Arkansas or for that matter registered to vote in the state I'll say this. The NRSC should let any and all candidates fight it out before getting involved. It’s fine if an individual Senator wishes to endorse a primary candidate but when an entire committee gets involved or seemingly involved it's bad business for the entire party across the board. Republicans in general not to mention the base tend to get turned off when it seems that candidates for any seat are being picked from far away Washington. Republicans want to know they have a say in who will run in a general election not a few folks sitting in a smoke filled room somewhere. I’m not saying that’s what’s going on here but perception is in many people’s eyes reality. Meaning many people don’t focus on or try and find those stubborn facts before making a judgment they see a headline and that’s all they need. Bottom line if the Republican party is to make a comeback as I think we will they need to be very careful and mindful of things like this.

Just A Point of View

Obama Bowing again!

2009-11-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/11/16/bradley-blakeman-obama-bow-japan/#discussion-form

Brad,

I know I've been on many of the same trips you've been on overseas w/ either A President or Vice President and I've never seen or heard anyone tell them to bow. For example I've been to Saudi Arabia w/ former Vice President Cheney on 5 or 6 occasions and he's never once had a back spasm that would give anyone the idea that he had bowed. So how is it that Obama and this ridiculous White House thinks it can pull the proverbial "wool over our eyes" every time this happens!? Obama is fine with America slipping into mediocrity and I guess he feels that Americans have been sticking it to the world for so long that it's up to him to say we're sorry. Not the case! America is a place of ideas, principals and freedoms that most nations in the world can only dream of. We as you pointed out have "nothing to apologize for." You also were on point when you stated "We are the most generous, compassionate nation on the planet" etc, etc, etc. We are for the most part a humble people that work hard and want nothing that doesn't belong to us. We stick up for the little guy and spill our blood and share or risk our nation's treasures on a daily basis for countries where the little people in those countries truly appreciate it. So again why is this guy running around bowing and apologizing for U.S. I don't think he was elected with that as a mandate.

Just A Point of View

The Terrorist are Coming, the Terrorist are Coming...to a court near you! (pt. 3)

2009-11-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

Well it seems that the terrorist are finally on their way. This without a doubt places America and her citizens at risk. The Constitutional rights these terrorist will be afforded isn't just a slap but a punch in the face to the countless millions of Men and Women who've supported and defended that sacred document. Additionally they will have access to information in order to support their defense that will jeopardize the way America conducts intelligence gathering and military operations.

Obama seems to come off clean either way these cases turn out. Meaning if the terrorist are convicted he can say see our justice system works and point the finger at those who doubted him. On the other hand if these terrorist aren't convicted he can point his finger at Eric Holder and the Justice Department proving once again that Obama can conveniently disassociate with anything/anyone that may make him look less than he's billed as being. Also he'll somehow weave in Bush blaming him for not trying these terrorist sooner.

Then there's Afghanistan, good idea to Wait until you return from your little jaunt to Asia to make a decision. He's basically said he thinks it's a good idea to wait to make a decision on sending troops into harms way and that a decision like that shouldn't be made hastily. Hey Mr. President bottom line America already has troops in harms way there!... Read More

Just A Point of View

Obama's Wall

2009-11-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

http://blog.heritage.org/2009/11/09/this-wall-cannot-withstand-faith-truth-freedom/#more-19477

And somehow in this country today it seems that the left with Obama as their leader are building wall to divide us all. This wall will not stand as the Berlin wall didn't stand. True believers in freedom and democracy where a person has the right to think, speak, worship and espouse their own beliefs as they wish will see that this wall doesn't stand. So I say this to all of America to stand up for your rights now before it's to late. Let's tell Obama to "tear down this wall" that is going to break our great nation apart. Tear down the wall that is going to divide not East and West but the left and right.

We're a nation founded on the principle that all though we may not always agree, we can disagree respectfully. We can do so without trying to control the media or what another person is saying but instead listen to their point and take from it what is good and build on it to make the country as a whole better. Instead of building a wall between all of us which will break down the very belief system America has stood for since the beginning. This wall will be the undoing of a strong and powerful nation. We must not allow ourselves to be ruled by one ideology and belief system. This is flawed and fraught with pitfalls that every nation that has tried it in the past has failed and at the cost of millions of lives.

We can not allow Obama and the left or anyone to build a wall that will divide us instead we should all come together to ensure that noone can place a wall between us and if so we must ensure that it's not allowed to stand. When President Reagan called for Gorbachev to "tear down this wall" I believe he was speaking of more than the stone and mortar structure that was placed between East and West Berlin he was speaking of the divide it created on basic unalienable rights. Rights that men and women have fought and died for in this country. Rights that make us a unique and great nation, a wall will only see that this is no more.

Just A Point of View

Letter to the Editor regarding images of Jesus etc.

2009-11-07T02:21:00.000-08:00

It seems judging by the number of responses i.e. comments left on your website in regards to this story that more and more people everyday are losing there faith. That is provided they had any faith in the first place. The opening of your article states "he's not particularly religious and is clueless about why an image resembling Jesus Christ keeps appearing on his pickup."

Perhaps someone such as Jesus or a higher being is trying to tell this guy something. I look at him and he's obviously not a spring chicken and doesn't appear to be in that good of shape either. Perhaps now is the time that he needs to find religion before it's to late, if he choices. As any good Christian knows God gave us "freewill." I'm the type that sees many of these things in the tabloid and I think there's a scientific explanation for all of this. Then I think who or what created science.

Some people take these types of stories and images to the extreme. I feel it's not my place to judge them as the Bible says. When I see a story like this it seems many people are either pro or con about them. I think what's really going on here!? Is there a higher power trying to send us a message then I reevaluate my own life and think "am I living right or not" instead of finding fault with other who do believe or find comfort in such things.

It's sad that so many people come out of the woodwork to speak out against these "signs" and the people who believe in them. "Judge not lest ye be judged," besides who does it hurt if the true believer are wrong at least they lived a good and true life and made this mad world a little better. Perhaps this is what Satan wants if you believe in that.

Bottom line it's not my place to say yes or no to either side but it's also not my place to speak out against whoever believes because again at least they're living right.

Just A Point of View

The Terrorist are Coming, the Terrorist are Coming...to a court near you! (pt. 2)

2009-10-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

President Obama and Attorney General Holder are still up to NO good when it comes to bringing terrorist to our shores. They contend that our nations civilian federal prisons are safe and secure enough to hold terrorist. They say that our “supermaxes are up to the task of confining the most lethal terrorists." Obviously they are able to confine the terrorist but not their message which has already been demonstrated. The point is these prisons shouldn't have to hold them and in fact a trial shouldn't even take place on our soil. These terrorist want nothing more than to kill Americans young and old alike. So why should we give them every opportunity to do so!?

The Liberals that say otherwise are fooling themselves and trying to fool the rest of U.S. These terrorist have no problem with killing hundreds of their own people and then chalking it up to a days work. So what's going to stop them from killing thousand of U.S.!? Kindness! Obama and his leftist cronies are pretending that our justice system will convict all of the terrorist currently being detained at Guantanamo (Gitmo) and they will serve life or be given a death sentence. They do this publicly to please the majority of America but secretly they want to send some message to these terrorist and the rest of the world that America feels your pain. We Americans aren't as bad as you once thought we've "Changed" and in this new Obama America we can all be friends. These Liberals feel if we leave the terrorist alone they'll leave U.S. alone but we all know that's just not the case.

Convicting these terrorist isn't something that's just going to happen given our civilian courts and our laws especially with our current legislative body who makes the laws. Many of these men will be freed as they've been held to long without a trial and for many other reasons that will not make sense. Speaking of release, where will they be released? America or their own countries? How many will be deported? Most wherever they're released will go back to their old ways. Without any doubt!

This is a harsh reality we now face freeing terrorist to walk among us coupled with countless terrorist sleeper cells that already do. This does nothing but add fuel to the fire. Obama and his Attorney General think these people can simply be placed on probation and that will suffice. Doing this would send a clear message about American resolve at least Obama's America and that's we as a nation under Obama no longer have resolve. Hunting season will be open in America and the terrorist will play the part of hunter and U.S. the prey.

The Liberals think that these terrorist should be paroled and allowed to return home to their families or be given quarter in our very own backyard. This will likely happen under our new kinder justice system. The very same justice system where its newest Supreme Court member shares the views of so few Americans, speaking of course about Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She and many like minded judges from the Clinton era and now the Obama age will be making many of these decisions.

Let's face it Obama and his new Justice Department have so many newly appointed Liberal lawyers who spent much of the Bush administration defending these terrorist. This doesn't have to happen, Congress could and should enact legislation outlining how these NOW detained (soon to be free) terrorist should be tried. This will not happen and that's a hard fact of life we all must face and soon. Obama wants to please the majority of America by pretending to look tough on terrorism and pushing the dirty work to the justice system.

By allowing the courts to take the fall and be the scape goat Obama will get what he wants two fold.

1.) He'll get his message out to these terrorist and countries that wish us ill.

2.) He'll be able to finger point at the justice system as having let the American public down not him. But of course he'll come out smelling like roses for trying, thanks to all the liberal lip service he'll be given.

Obama says: “We are not going to release anyone if it would endanger our national security, nor will we release detainees within the United States who endanger the American people.”

So how is it that of the last 38 detainees whose cases have been heard in federal court 30 have been let free!? Of the 30 cases where the terrorist were let free the Obama administration has appealed only one of them. Get ready America the Terrorist are coming, the terrorist are coming........

Just A Point of View

Pat Buchanan and "the-fruits-of-intervention"

2009-10-30T03:35:00.000-07:00

http://buchanan.org/blog/the-fruits-of-intervention-2768

I can't say I always agree with Pat but he does have a good sense about him. I'll let you decide for yourselves and decide in which direction we should go next. For those of you who are "aloof" like India then perhaps a bit more reading is just what's needed.

Just A Point of View

What's in store for America, are we out from under the black clouds yet!?

2009-10-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

Well for the good of America I hope we can come out from under these many dark clouds and see brighter days. However on the other hand and also for the good of America I hope the people of this country see that Obama isn't the answer and "Change" we need. America as a whole are and will be taxed out of existence from Companies being asked, I mean told to pony up big bucks for Cap & Trade, Health Care and a slew of other things.

These business's can no longer compete in America with inflation and the fact they can and will find cheaper labor elsewhere. The American labor unions with their hard line bargaining will also help force business's elsewhere which all together will drive up the unemployment rate. I've heard it said that America isn't in any danger of going broke or out of business but I say that's what's happening to U.S. now.

We talk about companies to big to fail but what about an entire country!? We can no longer sit idly by and think that good old Uncle Sam will save U.S. The hard fact is they will not and in the process of making things even and fair across the board by taxing the haves and giving to the have nots that this will somehow make a difference. This will help end what's left of the working middle class all together and see untold millions placed out of work and forced below the poverty line.

In a fairy tale world or fantasy land where many of these crazed bleeding heart Liberals will somehow work itself out. In fact it will not, not without a lot of hard work, heavy lifting and lots of compromise on the part of U.S. all. We're in for darker days and rougher seas ahead if the far left isn't brought under control by some good ole fashioned common sense. The sad part is I don't think there's such a thing anymore. Prove me wrong America!

We need to stand up against radical "change" and enact true American values before it's to late. It sounds as if I'm an alarmist but the hard fact is things are getting worse and you don't have to believe me just go and ask your neighbor. We as a nation don't have an ally in this and must watch out for ourselves and put #1 first. We're in trouble here and the only way to get out ahead of it is true change not this idea of "change."

Just A Point of View

The Terrorist are Coming, the Terrorist are Coming...to a court near you! (pt. 1)

2009-10-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

Obama is Liberal with a capital L to the core and we'll all pay for it. I know that some may say I'm an alarmist and that those captured terrorist who have done us harm already deserve a fair trial. I agree they do deserve a fair trial in the right venue, not our civilian courts. Those very same people say that the people being detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba were captured in an illegal war by Bush aggressors. These same people feel that the Military are all brutish warmongers who follow blindly and wish to dominate the world. They also feel that there isn't a need for a Military and that their freedoms are guaranteed by laws and courts and nothing else. Say nothing of the fact about the true cost of freedom and their "rights." But that's a whole nother debate all together.

The fact(s) are clear Obama wishes to try terrorist in civilian courts among them are Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who was the architect of the September 11th terrorist attacks that killed more than 3,000 Americans. Hey Liberals where were the laws and courts to stop these people!? There are many reasons that our civilian courts aren't prepared to handle these types of trials. In no particular order I can think of several reasons off the top of my head and these reasons are staggering.

1.) The courthouses in which these trials would take place would make a powerful target for terrorist. Those foreign terrorist wishing to make a statement and domestic terrorist alike wishing to take vengeance anyway they can.

2.) The Judge(s) and Juries not to mention their families would become a target from both sides as well. Either way this would not benefit anyone when it comes to a fair trial. O' sure you can make the judge and jury selection secret but in cases like this there's really no-way that it would stay secret for long.

3.) The shear cost at keeping the above safe would be staggering and the cost at providing the terrorist themselves with a defense would be astronomical.

Just these three alone would break an already overburdened justice system. This would cause delays and backups of cases already to be heard for months if not years causing these cases to be dropped or the defendants to be released due to the fact their trials weren't speedy. This would give merit to thousand of other such cases that would be backlogged.

The Presidents answer is yet again "smoke and mirrors" as if he thought nobody would notice.

4.) The fact that a Federal "super-max" (blog forthcoming) facility can hold these terrorist isn't the question, of course they can. The issue is these terrorist will be given a venue in which to sway support or proselytize.

This of course isn't without merit take for example the case of Michael Finton who was converted to Islam while being proselytized to in prison. The fact he converted to Islam isn't an issue, I say anyone who finds God in whatever religion or form is a good thing. The issue is he was swayed to the slanted views of terrorist and was later arrested after his release while plotting to blow up a building in Springfield, Ill. This case is just one in a string in recent memory.

5.) The rules and laws governing criminal proceedings are meant for domestic criminals not war criminals such as these.

In these domestic cases defendants are granted access to evidence that will be used against them which is a good thing except in these cases where having said information in an open trial would endanger hundreds of people directly involved and countless millions. This evidence can provide them and their conspirators and fellow terrorist with valuable information of how the U.S. intelligence a defense industry conducts operations and daily business. In such civilian court cases the names of co-conspirators also have to be named regardless if they're indicted or not. This can give a terrorist who thought they were acting or operating "under the radar" the knowledge that the U.S. is in fact aware of them thwarting our plans to kill or capture them. Osama Bin Laden is one example of this.

6.) Also bringing terrorist who may have links to previous terrorist attacks where someone has already been tried and convicted for these acts can prove troubling.

This may cause those already imprisoned to be freed or retried regardless it would cause the possibility for both cases to be thrown out and the defendants to go free.

7.) The Speedy Trial Act mentioned earlier may be an issue here as well.

This act requires that those who are charged with a crime be tried in a relatively short time after being charged or captured. This could play into any terrorists hands if they're to be tried in our civilian courts. Meaning these terrorist could be freed based solely on this fact alone since they've been imprisoned for such a long time thus far. If this happens then where are we the American citizen?

8.) The death penalty!

In a case against Ahmed Ghailani who was named as a defendant but never tried in the 1998 bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. He wasn't tried in this case since he was tried and convicted for attempted murder during a botched escape attempt that left a guard permanently blinded and reduced his ability to speak since the make shift knife or "shiv" entered his brain. Even though the death penalty was sought in the case against four other men but not reached due to one juror lying about his ability to render said verdict. In the case of the embassy bombings where 200+ people were killed and a death penalty verdict can't be reached is unfathomable.

This reduces the ability of any prosecutor to seek the very same penalty in future cases where the death penalty is often sought. This is due to the fact that most people don't go around killing 200 or more people. If a person that slaughters hundreds of people and plans to do the same to countless more reduces the effectiveness of our judicial system and the ability of the death penalty to deter offenders. Albeit it can be argued that the death penalty doesn't deter anyone at all. However that's besides the point and can be debated elsewhere. Additionally it would be a grounds to overturn those already sentenced to death and be grounds for appeal or allow many to go free where they've already served numerous years in prison.

If these terrorist are allowed to be tried in a civilian court it will reduce the safety and effectiveness of are nations military, intelligence and law enforcement entities meant to protect us. It will do nothing but make our nation weaker and more unsafe than it already is. All in the name of Liberal Conscious. These cases need to be tried where they belong in closed Military tribunals that are well suited to handle such trials. Guantanamo is one such place set up to hold these terrorist and their trials but if it's closed it would waist untold millions and place our nation at risk. Again in the name of Liberal Conscious!

Since the war on terror began these bleeding hearts have attacked Guantanamo for a variety of things such as being inhumane etc. This has been dispelled by countless reports and in fact it's been shown these terrorist live better than any prisoner held within the U.S. but where's the liberal rhetoric on that!?

Bottom line: America has tried terrorist in civilian courts before in the cases of the embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania etc. and what did we get? The answer 9/11 where almost 3,000 Americans were killed plus those thousands of service members who've been killed in our much needed war on terror. In fact Obama said Afghanistan is "a war of necessity" and now he wants to way options before committing more troops to that war. But critics wanted to blame Bush for all of it. Ridiculous but that's for another blog.

Just A Point of View

Decision time in Afghanistan and America

2009-10-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

I'm currently serving in Iraq and think it's highly irresponsible and gross negligent on the part of Obama. For the record I will not call him President or Mr. President as he has not earned the title in his actions. He is without a doubt against this country and doesn't care if we isolate ourselves from the rest of the world and fall from our responsible inherited hegemony place in the world. We are a responsible super power that has maintained some order for many years in a world gone mad. He sees America as being bullies and arrogant all based on ridiculous stereo types. I've traveled many places in the world and I can say from countless conversations with locals in those areas they would all love to come to America and find a better life for themselves. People like Obama think that these very same people that we protect because their own countries will not do it want us to leave, just not the case.

We're a country that's far from perfect but Obama's answer isn't to make it better for us Americans and countless others around the world. His answer is to apologize for Americans being who we are and bowing to other countries and giving them what they want. I know that there are many nations that could step up to the big boys table and start acting like adults and do their part in the world. However these same nations are hell bent on grabbing power and there will be plenty of it to go around once our "Messiah" abdicates our thrown we as a nation sit on.

The sad thing is that these countries that will fill the many voids left by the U.S.'s departure from the world stage on a grand scale will use their new found power for evil. These countries and many more will not be so kind as to return the many favors we've bestowed on them. They will cut our throats and turn their backs on us once we've exited stage left. No curtain call no cheers and adulation just a deafening silence that will leave all of us in this great country wondering what's next. The truth is nothing after our Grand Ayatollah surrenders to the many forces around the globe that wish us harm. Also the few allies we have left in this world being torn at the seems will turn their backs on us as they will have no choice for their own good.

Just A Point of View

Compromise IS an "Art"!? (Some have it, some don't)

2009-10-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

Ken Duberstein who was White House Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan said Reagan used to tell his subordinates that he would "compromise with the other side of the aisle in order to achieve most of his objectives."

Someone (Obama) should learn that lesson and learn it well because in Washington even with your own party in power you can't play a "my way or the highway" game. Those members in Congress also have elections they must stand for and if they go against their constituencies then they may very well be the ones shown that "highway."

America has been well served by compromise from time to time. I say compromise is good so as long as it helps the most people. It doesn't mean that you no longer care about the cause you were fighting for when you compromise. Many times especially in Washington it means that a greater cause may be on the horizon for you. When that cause presents itself you'll need help. Help in the form of someone compromising for you. It's as simple as that, most of the time! Other times when it's a question of your principals, values and morals compromising may be out and that should be the only time. Also except in Washington it seems never get caught in a compromising position.

Obama has many Irons in the fire that is our American politicol process and he's not willing to make room for anyone else looking to brand their own ideas. He's seems as if he's that stubborn kid who just will not listen to his coach when he's told to keep the bat off his shoulders when he has two strikes against him. He's hell bent on doing things his way and not giving an inch for compromise for the better.

Let's face it our country could stand for some real true change but not his brand of "Change." We are the greatest country for a reason and among those many reasons is at times a little compromise.

Just A Point of View

When Coat Tails Shrink Change Their Names

2009-10-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

http://blog.heritage.org/2009/10/22/morning-bell-a-whole-new-health-care-ball-game/

Perhaps the Senate isn't as stupid as we once thought, well that's probably not it. I believe there's a mid-term coming up and those coat tails the President is sporting aren't quite as long as they once were on Jan. 20. Shrinking by the day and everyone that jumped on for a ride are jumping off.

http://blog.heritage.org/2009/10/21/changing-its-name-won%E2%80%99t-fix-obamacare/

The standard repackaging game that we've all seen time and time again.

Just A Point of View

TARPing U.S. all

2009-10-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well TARP of course has turned into a political tool for Obama and his slew of cronies in the "Dumbocrat" congress. He thinks by shifting untold (B)illions to everyday folks he can carry favor meaning votes when the time is right or perhaps he just wants people to like him. Not likely he needs to be loved by all and attacks anyone who says otherwise from Joe the Plumber to Fox news etc.

He thinks he can TARP us all and we want be able to see what's truly taking place but in this he's sadly mistaken. I just hope there's enough fine Americans out there that still care and are willing to stand up and NOT give him the votes he's BANKING on with our money mind you.

It's funny he takes your money with his right hand and gives it back to you in some other form with his left, (haha) remember folks he's left handed. I can think of many better ways to spend $700billion, (1)pay down the debt or (2)cut every American a check and allow us to make our own decisions etc, etc, etc. The list is endless but bottom line this vote buying nonsense has got to stop.

"Change" 2010/2012 wake up America

Just A Point of View

Taxing U.S. to death (#1)

2009-10-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well of course another tax after another. These “Dumbocrats” will ruin this country once and for all. America wake up for “Change” in 2010/2012 or it will be to late. America we’re all in for many years of up hill battles that Americans for generations will never win if we don’t get out back in front now or have we all lost our will.

Just A Point of View

Obamacare will pass, sorry to say.

2009-10-20T10:01:00.001-07:00

Obamacare will pass in some form and his leftist cronies in government and in the media will praise him. The left will point their fingers at those of us on the RIGHT side and say we're to blame for all the bad things in this country. See they tried to stop health, I mean Obamacare but they failed and they're the reason America is in the position it's in. About this time it will be mid term time and they'll trot out the same old standard line we've heard from his White House time and time again and that is "we inherited this mess and we're trying to fix it." They will think this tactic can work yet again for them and the mid term will go their way. They think Americans aren't smart enough or at best they think we don't pay enough attention to current events and we've forgot about all the issues and problems he and his Dumbocrat cronies have cause and will leave his many successor(s) to clean up. These problems and many more to come will plague all of us for generations to come. Obama and all of his socialist pals aren't concerned with the wealfare of this nation and I think we all know this. They are concerned with grabbing as much power while they can and hopefully control congress and the White House for years to come then who knows after that.

Just A Point of View

Obama Care etc.

2009-10-20T03:50:00.000-07:00

Americans will have to suck up yet another tax after another tax and so on. How are we ever going to pay for any of this, healthcare, bailouts, two wars, foreign aide, education reform and so on. We are more than 11+ Trillion in debt and that's just for starters. The military is stretched so thin thanks to another Dumbocrat Bill Clinton and Obama's answer is smoke and mirrors. Look at his right hand while he rips you off with his left. By the way he's left handed so any bill he signs will be with his left hand. (haha) Anyway, the old adage "our children will be paying for it" is out the window. Now it's our children's great grand children's children will still be paying for all of this nonsense. Wake America if we don't start doing something now and "Change" in 2010/2012 it will be to late.

Just A Point of View

(Minor offenders) in age only

2009-10-20T03:48:00.000-07:00

In response to: http://blog.heritage.org/2009/10/19/adult-time-for-adult-crimes-gang-member-andres-contreras/#comments

I think that in crimes such as these that (JLWOP) should be enforced more often. The kid was 16 and in many cultures to include our own not that long ago you were considered an adult at that age. I feel that when it comes to crimes especially violent ones that age shouldn’t be a factor within some reason. When a kid knows between right and wrong and commits the crime anyway becasue they feel they are a minor it would truly deter such acts. The next question would be to ask at what age do we try violent offenders as adults? This would be the debate the issue not the fact you put someone in prison for life at any age.

Just A Point of View

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

2009-10-20T03:45:00.000-07:00

It seems that the White House should focus first on vetting the right people before nominating them. She could show up wearing a bathing suit for all I care so as long as she’s qualified to sit on the bench. Let’s face it she’s not qualified especially when you look at her beliefs and many of her decisions and “private” remarks. They go against the very ideals and moral fabric that this nation was founded and thrived upon since the beginning. I’m not saying that we don’t have room for all types of views in this country. I am saying we don’t have room for radical ones that represent such a small percentage of people in this nation sitting on the Supreme Court or any other courtroom bench for that matter. If we held elections for such positions and she was elected then I could accept it, not to say I would like it.

Just A Point of View

Obama and America shouldn't forget just yet.

2009-10-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.heritage.org/Research/HomelandSecurity/wm2634.cfm

Just A Point of View

Afghanistan is Winnable

2009-10-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.heritage.org/Press/FactSheet/fs0041.cfm

Just A Point of View

Democratic-Socialist Party

2009-05-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

http://pundits.thehill.com/2009/05/19/name-changing-resolutions-wont-change-the-game-for-the-gop/#more-6083

"Sticks & Stones" yadi yadi ya! A new name may not hurt the Dems. that's true at least not in the short term. However I think if Repubs. all get on board together and rebrand them at every chance then yes words can hurt. However it's going to take the Dems. to live up to the new title by continuing to go down the "Socialist" path. America is without a doubt in trouble and most of the blame is easily laid at the Dems. door from Carter-Clinton and now Obama. Those three have been among the worst Presidents in our countries history. We're now without a doubt hurting and of course socialism isn't the answer. Perhaps the Repubs. don't have an answer either but that's far and away better than the new Democratic-Socialist Party and theirs. Bottom line Repubs. should spend their time meeting focusing on policy instead of a rebranding effort but Dems. should spend their time not living up to the new brand.

Comment by Todd — May 20, 2009 @ 8:30 am

America in Trouble

2009-05-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since my last post but it doesn't mean I've not been replying to other bloggers and posting elsewhere. America is in trouble let's face it financially and fundamentally but this seems to play into the Democrats hands. Lets face it the more pies they can get their finger into the better for them. They want to prey on Americans and their fears and play up what's actually happening. Control is the ultimate key for the Democrats and not just in having a majority in the House, Senate and White House. The Democrats want to change America into a Socialist country and of course with that comes more power for them. Power to end elections!? Power to create or turn America into not only a Socialist society but also perhaps a semi-Dictatorship in which the power is held only within the Democratic Party. For crying out loud the Nazi party started as a political party. I know that all of this seems outlandish but a year ago to think Obama would be President was almost outlandish and also the Government owning a controlling interest in car companies and banks etc. Bottom line folks think before you act and think before you vote before it's to late.

Just A Point of View

President Elect?

2008-12-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

What has America done, electing a guy with no record and what little one he has is so flimsy. It was obvious when he ran for the U.S. Senate his intentions and plans were to run for the Presidency. Regardless of that fact he's conveniently disassociated with anyone in his past that had a hint of controversy. Additionally he never explained his policy agenda, even now he's still delivering rhetoric and nonsense. I can't say that America can ill afford to elect him that mistake has already been made. We can only hope that he'll fade away and that the next four years go by fast. This is unbelievable, outlandish and appalling that America has turned its back on their basic values and sense of right and wrong. What can we do now is brace for impact and hope we can withstand.....the change.

Just A Point of View

Obama?

2008-11-10T22:41:00.000-08:00

America seems to have done it again and this time it's going to hurt. Electing Obama just to punish the Republican party and President Bush, what!? I guess the fact Obama is going to hurt our country didn't factor into the thought process. President elect Obama can be equated in many ways to President Carter or any other Democrat since Kennedy. Americans every couple of election cycles tend to elect a Democrat thinking they have the answer. When finding out the Democrats don't they run back to the Republican party. Besides the Republican party is more in line with the majority of the American way of thinking. I guess many times Republicans tend to do it to themselves or ourselves. Regardless Obama!? Really!?

Just A Point of View

Obama Conveniently Disassociates "Shady Characters"

2008-10-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

How odd this election is becoming and how sad. It seems that countless Americans are either fooled by Obama or just don't care. I mean the countless amount of people Obama has trusted over the years that are to say the least "Shady Characters". Just to name a few of those "Shady Characters" that Obama has trusted then after questioned about their character he Conveniently Disassociates. John McCain has been attacked on some of his contacts from his past and since then he's admitted any wrong doing and corrected his mistakes well before running for the Presidency. Obama on the other hand associates with these people until called out, at which point he says he had no idea these were "Shady Characters" then right on cue Conveniently Disassociates. If John McCain tried doing this he would be slammed and branded a liar.

Just to name a few of the "Shady Characters" are Revered Jeremiah Wright Jr., William Ayers, Jesse Jackson, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Acorn organization and the list goes on. I challenge anyone to look up and pass the message along before Obama becomes our nations next President. Obama will turn this great nation into a socialist society and give any and everything us hard working Americans have worked for away. He hates middle America and will run this nation into the ground. Working Americans and the middle class will truly cease to exist. He and his associates try and brand anyone speaking out against him as being racist or close minded. I say I don't mind if a minority becomes President or a woman. I just can't see Obama becoming President, I know that I'll be called a racist since I stand against Obama. However I'll say in closing give me Michael Steele or Bobby Jindal any day over this guy.

Just A Point of View

How High was the Bounce?

2008-09-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

It seems that after a couple of weeks we're seeing that the bounce McCain and Palin received from the convention seems to have hit its peek. Perhaps the bounce they received will be what they need come November. I think many Americans are finally seeing Obama for what he is. He's nothing more than a loud mouth who stands in front of a bunch of disenfranchised Americans promising them sweeping change. Change that he can't deliver but if he does what's the cost? What will the cost be to average everyday hard working Americans that are struggling. He told Bill O'Reilly essentially that its o.k. for Americans who make a little more to pick up the slack for those who can't afford his tax rates. According to Obama I'm a rich man and I'm one of those Americans who can afford to help pick up the slack. Obama said "it's being neighborly" I thought I was an American and if I don't wish or want to be "neighborly" I don't have to. However I am a true red, white and blue American and don't mind helping people but on my own accord not someone like Obama or anyone else in Washington. Besides many of those in Washington mainly Democrat but also Republican will never have to pay their part.

Just A Point of View

The Bounce Has Arrived

2008-09-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

Well, well it seems that the bounce for McCain and Palin has finally arrived. Well not so much that McCain and Palin are rising so fast but that Obama and Biden have stalled. It seems that Obama has another "Rock Star" to compete with. Governor Palin it seems has captivated many voters including some former Clinton supporters. Biden has all but conceded that Clinton would've been a better choice obviously to appease voters. I think that could have been a mistake, why vote for him when Palin seems more appealing. He doesn't seem to be a true go getter that Palin is the guy is just gloomy. Biden is the cookie cutter politician who tries to seem that he understands the working public but in fact he's never been one. Palin on the other hand is without a doubt someone who has worked and is not unlike most Americans. Bottom line with 54 days left until election day I think that the Republican ticket is on the right track. I think they can continue to gain ground so as long as Palin can continue to captivate the public and she fairs well during the debates. McCain will obviously show up at the debates but its just a matter of keeping his cool and answering the tough questions as we all know Obama can't.

Just A Point of View

2010 Tennessee Gubernatorial Race

2008-09-11T00:18:00.000-07:00

It seems that my old home state the Great State of Tennessee is about to be a state to watch. After the 2008 Presidential elections that is! It seems that a variety of players are starting to tip their hands as to their intentions. My thoughts are that former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist if he decides to run will be Tennessee's next Governor. According to a Rasmussen poll dated November 12th, 2007 he has a 60% approval rating among likely voters while only 36% said they wouldn't vote for him. I'm sure that former Congressman Harold Ford of Memphis will try and give him a run but given that Senator Bob Corker beat him soundly in the 2006 Senate race I'm sure his fate is sealed.

Just A Point of View

RNC Bounce ?

2008-09-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

I know that Obama received a bit of a bounce after the Dems. convention. My question is where is the Republicans bounce? I think it could be because most of the networks and commentators are more left leaning. Many times I feel that middle America doesn't understand that instead of getting news they receive opinions most of the time. The only network that leans right seems to be FOX, even they give opinions. However I don't think many people understand that, so what's being said or implied is what they believe. This very well could be one of the reasons we haven't seen a spike in the polls. Albeit most Republicans don't tend to participate in polls historically speaking which could also be another cause or perhaps McCain chose wrong. I don't think he chose wrong but he did choose an unknown which could bite him. However again, Palin without a doubt has more experience than the community organizer. I think that once America gets the chance to watch the debates they'll be able to form a better opinion. I truly hope they do!

Just A Point of View

In My Life time

2008-09-01T01:08:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things I thought I would never see in my lifetime or at least not while still a young man. It seems come next January that I'll see one of these things come true. The first thing not to sound racist is a black man as President. The second thing not to sound sexist is a female as President or Vice President. Growing up in the South I always just thought white men ran for President and until somewhat recently this was the truth. Both of these possibilities say a lot about America and how far we've come since the civil rights and women's suffrage movements. The thing is at least for this election cycle that I don't see a black man as President unless it's Michael Steele or another Republican running. I can't say that McCain's VP candidate isn't necessarily the most experienced woman he could have picked but she certainly has enough. It's also funny that the only person to ever be elected to the Presidency from the Senate was John F. Kennedy. Now it seems this year either way the election goes that it will be a 2fer historically speaking.

Just A Point of View

RNC Right Decision?

2008-08-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

I think the RNC made the right call by cancelling many of the first days events of the convention. Politically what will this do to McCain and the message he wanted to get out? Sharing the news with a storm and giving everyone the proper impression could help even more than any speech he may have planned. Additionally I think McCain made the right decision not to go into the threatened areas before the storm hits since it would take the focus off of preparation to protecting him etc. This isn't the time for any sort of campaign rally but I'm sure Obama may very well go so he can have a few more minutes on the news. "Change" the focus of the 1st responders and others and shift it on him, he's funny that way. I thought he said it wasn't about him but he sure does love the spotlight.

Just A Point of View

Gustav

2008-08-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

Louisiana seems to be getting it right this time, Gov. Jindal is a top notch governor that has a future and perhaps that future has him living in the White House. Talk about "Change" Louisiana has changed in fact America is changing as a whole. We seem to be pulling off the old blindfolds and blinders many of our countrymen and women have worn for so long. I think that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's dream is finally being realized more and more each day. We truly need to look at people in a different way and judge them solely based on the "content of their character" instead of the "color of their skin" and so on.

Just A Point of View

Storm over the RNC

2008-08-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

With the looming hurricane and I don't mean the media storm, it seems that McCain may be able to separate himself from Bush at least through the convention. I hate to see that it has to be due to another hurricane and in fact it's sad that the Senator has to separate himself at all. I wish things were different but the fact is that the Bush/Cheney administration is so hated. Now McCain needs to show that he is without a doubt in charge of the future of the RNC and hopefully the nation. If Bush doesn't attend the RNC which it seems he will not this will be just what McCain needs without showing a split within the core of the party and the old RNC faithfuls. It will also be a perfect chance to show that the party isn't split and President Bush is still on the job whatever that means to people. So after the convention let's all hope that McCain gets a jump in the polls which will mean that the storm blew in the right direction.

Just A Point of View

Bottom line I don't want anyone to get hurt during the upcoming hurricane and God willing only a few trees will be among the casualties..

Experience

2008-08-30T01:05:00.000-07:00

Senator Obama has said that McCain's VP pick has no experience. Hmm that's funny to me given that any talk of experience about the #2 pick and experience will obviously lead back to the #1. I'm sure this isn't what Obama or Biden wants, given anyone can talk about experience but that doesn't mean you have it.

Just A Point of View

VP choice

2008-08-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

It seems that Senator McCain dominated the headlines today given his obvious Unlikely choice for VP. Which is just what the RNC needed after the close of the DNC. However it may just be what the ticket needed and at the right time. It's funny that Obama with all the (lack of) experience he has that he can say Gov. Palin has none. I don't think the jr. Illinois Senator has enough time on the floor of the Senate to make such a decision. I think that's "above his pay grade" or if this was a vote would he just vote present!? Albeit Senator Biden is a good choice for his party it's safe to say his executive experience is truly lacking in comparison to the new Republican pick. I just hope this doesn't turn out to be a stunt that turns bad for the RNC. Some people think that it's demeaning to women and that McCain is pandering for the women vote. Well obviously it's all a "political decision" which is the name of the game, bottom line I hope that this works well for McCain which if it does it works well for the country.

Just A Point of View