As I See It - 2012
Editorial, December 26, 2011
by Mike Nomad
Here we are, on the brink of a New Year. Unfortunately, we appear to be destined for more of the same old, same old. While we face many problems here at home, the world is facing another chapter in the never ending story of conflict and suffering. While we can and should empathize with the world's problems, the reality is we must first help ourselves in each of our own countries before we are in any kind of a position strong enough to help others.
Observations at the Political Levels
Far too often in the more fortunate countries, we find bleeding heart politicians and their supporters giving away valuable resources to others when they're desperately needed at home. In most cases, these politicians are seeking publicity, recognition and some extreme cases a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize. All very selfish and self centered reasons. Reasons that dictate they should be voted out of office with no possibility of re-election.
Diplomacy at its worst!
Let's look at the hate and abuse meted out against the USA. The USA pours millions upon millions of dollars in foreign aid into countries around the globe including China. We find that China is screwing us over constantly behind the scenes, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq are hot follow-ups. Iran is busy developing nuclear weapons, while at the same time, tearing at the fragile political structure in Iraq and certain of Iraq's leaders are courting Iran's favor. Syria is murdering it own people and Libya has yet to stand on its own two feet after Qaddafi's departure.
Our State Department is in shambles we all know that fact from the Wiki-leaks info. Clinton was pigeon holed there to stop a vote split in the last Presidential Election. Her effectiveness as Secretary of State has been marginal at best. The actual return on our BILLIONS invested in foreign aid has yet to be fully realized and probably never will.
Had the nation's treasure been spent on our own people solving our own internal problems, we'd have no infrastructure failures, no homeless people and certainly no out of control mortgage foreclosures. Had the wasted billions of dollars been kept at home, at work for the Country's taxpayers, we'd be in a much stronger position to help other nations much as we were in the early 1940's. Sadly, this country's leadership and policies leave a great deal to be desired. Thankfully, there's a National Election coming up.
From the very highest of offices in each nation to the local political/judicial systems they must all be scrutinized for the true meaning of their actions and ultimately, their deeds. Are their decisions in the public interests? In the interests of those who supported them? Or, they comfortably using the lame duck excuse they "follow established guidelines" thus avoiding the true responsibility they are entrusted with to protect the constitution and serve the public.
The Highest Office
Barack Hussein Obama President, USA - A CBS report by Mark Knoller called "Obama's 2010: By the Numbers."; in a November 24, 2010 Fox News Report, that said that the Air Force provided an estimate on the operational cost of the Air Force One to a "staggering -- $181,757 per hour."
According to the Fox News Report, the President's 2010 trip to India, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan logged an estimated Air Force One flight time of 48 hours at a cost of close to $8.7 million. The president also visited Lisbon, Portugal, for a NATO conference at a cost of $2.7 million.
Whether or not the number of flights is in excess may be another matter. Knoller also wrote an article in 2009 with a final tabulation of George W. Bush's eight year term in the Oval Office and citing his source as the Presidential Airlift Group the previous Commander in Chief flew Air Force One 1,674 times over a total distance of 1,490,698 miles. That averages out to 209 trips per year for President George W. Bush.
This is from Mark Knoller of CBS. The pilots and crew of Air Force One are flying more hours than a rookie on a beer run. They are tired of it too, and are adding more crew to Air Force-1, - I know this for a fact because I'm one of the instructors that trains the crews. Our company (Atlas Air) has had the Air Force-1 and E-4 contract for over two years and I've been doing it for about 8 months now.
Last year (2010) Obama flew in Air Force One 172 times, almost every other day.
White House officials have been telling reporters in recent days that the Democrat doesn't intend to hang around the White House quite so much in 2011. They explain he wants to get out more around the country because, as everyone knows, that midterm election shellacking on Nov. 2 had nothing to do with his health care bill, over-spending or other policies, and everything to do with Obama's not adequately explaining himself to his countrymen and women.
And with only 673 days remaining in Obama's never ending presidential campaign, the incumbent's travel pace will not likely slacken.
At an Air Force-estimated cost of $181,757 per flight HOUR (not to mention the additional travel costs of Marine One, Secret Service, logistics and local police overtime), that's a lot of frequent flier dollars going into Obama's carbon footprint.
We are privy to some of these numbers thanks to CBS' Mark Knoller, a bearded national treasure trove of presidential stats. According to Knoller's copious notes, during the last year, Obama made 65 domestic trips over 104 days, and six trips to eight countries over 22 days. Not counting six vacation trips over 32 days. He took 196 helicopter trips, signed 203 pieces of legislation and squeezed in 29 rounds of left-handed golf.
Obama last year gave 491 speeches, remarks or statements. That's more talking than goes on in some entire families, at least from fatherly mouths..
In fact, even including the 24 days of 2010 that we never saw Obama in public, his speaking works out to about one official utterance every 11 waking hours. Aides indicate the "Real Good Talker" believes we need more.
(note: Additional text below is not part of the original commentary)
Related: Obama spends nearly half his presidency outside Washington , plans to travel more
Related: Vacationer-in-Chief Spends $1.75 Million to Visit Hawaiian Chums- Obama has spent over $100 million taxpayer dollars flying around in Air Force One, and probably another $100 million on his entourage. Obama is just another tin-pot dictator living lavishly at the expense of his subjects.
Yet, we seniors have had to "tighten our belts" because we didn't get a COLA in the last two years! Obama knows he grabbed the brass ring!! Thus, the big smiles.
One major sore point is Obama's embracing although denying his practice of "reverse" discrimination. Of course, its denied who would ever think such things could or would happen? The record speaks for itself.
The US President can end the misery of everyone in foreclosure or facing foreclosure by issuing an executive order to the FHA, to rewrite the mortgages at affordable rates. Mortgages based on the true values of the homes, not the inflated false values created by the greedy lending corporations. The FHA must take over the tight and equitable supervision of the entire housing sector of the country.
The Mortgage lenders like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Homecomings, GMAC and all the other lenders must come under the direct supervision of the FHA. Those taxpayers under the gun with their mortgages must be relieved of the unfair burden, their mortgages re-written to provide safety against foreclosure and in extreme cases, the mortgages forgiven for the amounts of monies paid in already. Many mortgage holders have well over ten years of exorbitant rates paid that are now in trouble due to the collapsed economy. Homelessness is not an option!
Is the Current Administration of this country capable of such brilliant leadership? At this point in time, with our President on vacation in a rented mansion in Hawaii, (fine example for all the current homeless to see - especially the homeless Military Vets), only time will tell. So far Obama has not proven himself to be a true leader. The examples he's set thus far are rather disappointing. Many feel his re-election is questionable if not impossible.
Congress- For and By the People?
Today's US Congress seems to be populated by a mob of brain dead, social leeches on the taxpayer's dime. Both the incumbent Democrats and Republicans deserve.. no, make that ..must be voted out this year. No ifs, ands or buts about it.. This 112th Congress is ineffective, detrimental and comatose. They've single-handedly driven our country into desperate straits. Vote them out before this ship of fools sinks.
Politicians at ANY Level
Any time a politician and/or a Judge offers the excuse their "hands are tied by established guidelines", they are shirking their responsibility to the public they are supposed to serve. They seem to forget that the guidelines were established by people who were courageous enough to "make waves and cause changes that fit their times". That in a nutshell is how guidelines are created and put in place. Seems we have a Judicial System of Politically Correct WIMPS. Not good.
Today's Judges must take a very hard look at the current economic events, especially in the still collapsing mortgage market and the hundreds of thousands of citizens and taxpayers they've not served properly. Hopefully, they'll then develop a backbone, face the calamity head on and correct it. Force new guidelines to be put in place - keep these people in their homes. Show initiative, take a stand, correct the injustices perp'ed on these people by the greedy lending institution's corporate Whigs. Jailing and fining them helps not one oppressed and distressed mortgage holder!
Truth is by doing so, the local Governments benefit via taxes that continue to be paid, insurance is kept up and of course all sorts of services to those homeowners continue. Thus, perpetuating the cycle of local cash flow that benefits everyone in every City and State. But no, these Robed in Black, narrow minded - wimp Judges take the easy way out and simply sign off on the foreclosures while hiding behind the lame duck excuse they "follow established guidelines".
Vote them OUT when the time comes. If they are appointed, nail the politicians who appointed these goofs and get them removed else the politicians themselves get voted out. It is time the voters/taxpayers took a firm stand. Get out and vote this year. It is critical that you do so.
At the Street Levels
How many of you know your neighbors? Either next door or in the apartments on your floor? You don't! That's a big problem. How can you help yourself and everyone else if you are self isolated? Become aware of your neighborhood, know the people, understand their joys and sorrows as well as you know your own. Then and only then can you make informed decisions at the polls that ultimately affect all of us.
In the last national elections, the democrats wooed the young, first time voters with lofty promises of "change" - change that never happened. The Republicans promised "change" in the recent midterms. We got change alright, Congress went from comatose to totally brain-dead. This time around both the young and the seasoned voters must clean house!
Many voters have already changed their party affiliation to Independent, dumping the traditional Democrat or Republican choices in a show of protest about their lousy job in DC. That's a good step in the right direction.
Looking at the current spate of Presidential hopefuls, we must look for a "Dark Horse" to come from behind to take the lead and ultimately the Oval office. Get out and vote!! If you do not it'll be four more of Obama, Pelosi, Reid and the rest of the zombies in Congress.
Let's look at the remaining Republican hopefuls;
Michele Bachmann, the three term Minnesota Congresswoman. The resignation of deputy campaign manager, David Polyansky, and the redeployment of campaign manager Ed Rollins into a consulting role tell us that all is not well in the Bachmann camp. Not much to leap with joy over this candidate even though Bachmann is a strong believer in the rights of an individual to bear arms. Bachmann certainly is no competition for Obama. Its a given he'd welcome her as a Republican Nominee.
Newton Leroy Gingrich has announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. After a 13-year absence from mainstream politics. Gingrich continues to be saddled with heavy baggage involving his private life, and there is a fear that he will once again emerge as a divisive figure within the party. Gingrich is a firm advocate of a citizen's right to bear arms now but what about after the election?. His grasps on most of the issues affecting the country is second to none, although, there are concerns that his position sometimes appears to shift in concert with prevailing public sentiments. Gingrich's ability to pull the Democratic swing vote and his possibilities to top Obama are doubtful.
Jon Huntsman the 51-year old former Governor of Utah officially announced his much-anticipated entry into the presidential race. A former Mormon missionary. Scion of a billion dollar chemical empire. Fluent in Mandarin. High school dropout (he obtained his G.E.D a few years later). A personal friend of President Barack Obama. Perceived by some as evasive. Huntsman is a contradiction, an enigma, a complex personality; and because of his personal fortune, has never been beholden to anyone. His term as the Governor of Utah saw him maintaining a consistently, ridiculously high approval ratings in excess of 70%. In fact, he won reelection for his second term by capturing an incredible 77.7% of the vote – an almost unheard of figure in modern top-tier politics. The respected Pew Center on the States cited Utah as the best managed state in the country during his tenure About Gun Control Huntsman offers;
"And when people say, 'Where do you stand on the Second Amendment?' I say, 'With a name like Huntsman, do you think I have a choice?" A weak Dark Horse.
Ron Paul the 75-year old Texas Congressman will once again center his campaign on the theme of liberty, human rights and financial market reforms. For so long, Ronald Ernest Paul, the eleven-term Congressman from Texas, has been cast in the role of the misfit, the eccentric and the unelectable; securely kept within the fringes of the Republican Party. He was the supposed cautionary tale used to bring idealistic non-mainstream candidates back into the party line, a warning for those who refuse to toe the established protocols. He was shunned by the mainstream media for his dogmatic libertarian views. Paul opposes any attempts by the government to 'disarm' the citizenry. Ron Paul might very well be another hoped for Dark Horse and win the Nomination. However his age dictates that his running mate be very carefully considered and then selected.
Rick Perry took advantage of the publicity generated by the Ames Straw Poll and announced his entry into the Republican nomination race in Charleston, South Carolina. The former Air Force captain, who once entertained thoughts of becoming a veterinarian, has never hid his preference to remain as Governor of the Lone Star State, claiming it to be
"the best job in the world." However, the sparse field of candidates in the Republican nomination race, as well as pressure from the evangelical segment of the grassroots, has forced Perry to reevaluate the matter. Of course, the question remains whether Perry is capable of reinventing his image to the independents and disgruntled Democrats in time for the election. His hard stance on several explosive issues, such as abortion, firearms, immigration, same-sex marriages and capital punishment, is bound to provoke a reaction outside of the conservative circles. There is also a fear that his perceived similarity with former President Bush would prove to be a millstone around his neck, with anti-Bush sentiments still prevalent among a significant segment of the populace. Perry is an advocate of an individual’s right to bear arms. Perry is an enigma of sorts... a compromise many are not willing to go for.
Mitt Romney John McCain's defeat by Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election signaled the reemergence of the former Massachusetts Governor as a serious contender, and clear favorite, for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. The Harvard man has been comfortably leading almost every poll since then. He was knocked off his perch temporarily for about two months by Texas Governor, Rick Perry, during the summer of 2011 and recently by Gingrich for a few weeks. However, he has since recovered and has once again returned to his seat at the top of the leader board. After throwing his support behind several gun control laws at the early stage of his political career, most notably - the Brady Act, Romney has reevaluated his position and is now opposed to any further gun control legislation. His similar waffling on many issues might very well prove to be his undoing. A potentially strong contender who is his own worst enemy.
Rick Santorum the former two-term senator from Pennsylvania officially announced his entry into the GOP Presidential nomination race on June 6, 2011. His stance on national security, economy, social issues and his rhetoric against gay agenda mirrors those of the Republican conservative grassroots, and being the only recognizable practicing Catholic among the front runners for 2012 GOP race presents him with a unique stranglehold on the religious money. His excellent relationship with Evangelical Protestants offers yet another channel of support among the Christian conservative base. Could also be the hoped for "Dark Horse".
Now then if someone jumps up as as Independent.. That person had better be a very strong candidate that can beat both parties at the polls. If such is not the case, then all that will occur is a vote split and Obama with his sad cortege will get another shot at this country.
Comments and Opinions are welcome.
Keep it respectful.
As I See It - 2012
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