A series of bailouts, bank rescues and other economic lifelines could end up costing the federal government as much as $23 trillion, the U.S. government’s watchdog over the effort says – a staggering amount that is nearly double the nation’s entire economic output for a year.
There is no doubt that Congressman Boswell is a true war hero. His medals speak for themselves even without reading the citations. For those of us old enough to have ridden into LZs with these unbelievably brave men, there has never been any doubt – they were either totally insane or incredibly brave. It was usually a mix of the two. Too have served two tours takes Congressman Boswell’s bravery to a level few exhibit and act on. For this, he has my undying respect.
What I want to know is – what’s changed?
There has been one vote on Cap and Trade and an upcoming vote on healthcare that will have a stunning effect on the US economy, small businesses and individual families. That these bills have either reached, or are about to reach, the floor of the House and Senate indicate their importance. They deserve debate, analysis, reflection and input from the folks back home. Yet, it appears that Congressman Boswell will not come home and chat with us before these votes. He certainly did not before Cap and Trade and a call to his office this morning indicates that, if the vote is presented, he will vote on the healthcare bill, without talking to us. I have read many parts of the House version of the bill. I find them tremendously disturbing. Many do. We deserve his ear. I expect this of my elected representative.
When I put pen to paper, I choose my words carefully. They are meant to accurately describe what I mean –precisely. This particularly applies to individuals such as Congressman Boswell and the execution of his duties as our representative.
Regarding his unwillingness to come home and chat with us about these votes in particular a single word comes to mind that describes Congressman Boswell – cowardice. For all his bravery facing hostile fire throughout two tours in Vietnam, he does not seem to have the courage to visit his district, hold meetings in each county and take feedback about his position while listening to our concerns. This is tremendously disappointing.
This is cowardice. Congressman, do the right thing, delay the vote, talk to us and explain yourself. That is the duty of an elected representative. And that is what I expect of you.
Bill Keller
This has been common knowledge since 2001 and Bush’s first budget proposal to congress. Time for Franks to do a little time!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
By Fred Lucas, Staff Writer
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. (AP Photo)Washington (CNSNews.com) – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were the chief culprits in the housing crisis because they encouraged people who could not afford payments to borrow money, according to a congressional report released Tuesday.
On June 23rd, 2009 a number of concerned citizens gathered in Vinton, Iowa to discuss where our country was headed. We focused our attentions on four primary areas; Healthcare, Small Business, the Economy and National Defense.
Individual discussion sessions lasting 10 minutes each were held for those attending to simply detail their own individual concerns. At the end of the 10 minutes each person moved to another group insuring they had an opportunity to express their thoughts in each of the four groups. The moderator for each group took notes. The following is a summary of each groups thoughts and concerns.
Healthcare
Small Business
The Economy
National Defense
Group 1
#1 worry --- open borders. We are rewarding wrong behavior, and providing welfare to non citizens. Mark Levin points out in his book Liberty and Tyranny that these payment can total $30,000 per year. Cost of providing illegals health care, education, etc. is unsustainable. Many firms or individuals that hire these people pay substandard wages, and do not provide a good working environment. (editorializing) management and others that hire these people knowing they are illegal should be charged with the appropriate crimes. No one is listening to our concerns.
One participant was worried that our Medicare Cards have Social Security numbers instead of a randomly chosen number. Concerned about identity theft. Note, the State of Iowa is able to do this with Drivers Licenses on request.
Another was worried that schools are not teaching accurate history, and culture. Worried also that patriotism is being left out of the mix. i.e. no flag in the class room - no saying the pledge of allegiance.
Group 2
Are we showing strength or weakness in our Foreign Policy. The worry is that we are indeed showing weakness, which will probably embolden our enemies. The U.S. has done much to militarily and financially aid Muslims with no thanks or credit given. President Obama’s so called apology tour did not give any credit to the good things we have done for the World.
North Korea? What’s next. They have nukes. They have missiles. Hawaii and Alaska are or will be in range. And yet we are decreasing Defense spending. We are decreasing research and spending on missile defense. Not good ideas. We have trillions to spend on bailouts and TARF and social programs, but priorities seem to be screwed up. North Korea a terrible threat to South Korea. (editorializing) also Japan. There is a deep seated hatred of Japan because of WWII.
Group 3
Internal security? One participate suggest we use the Armed Forces to protect our Southern border. The birth rate of our core is too low. We will soon be outnumbered by the minorities. This is the best reason to make should these peoples are fully integrated into our culture, values, history, and the proper function of government. Europe is being overrun by Islam. Muslims in these countries seem to show no interest in adapting to the culture of their home country.
Group 4
Immigration - New immigrates are not adapting to our culture, language, history, founding (Republic). If we are to educate these people then we need to do it right.
We should not be a hyphenated population. We should be one people – Americans.
We did not elect a Black President – we elected an American President? At least we hope he is natural born citizen, and in compliance with the terms of the Constitution.
One of the best stimulus is Defense Spending. (Rockwell) Our military equipment is old and weary. Our front line fighters are 30+ yrs old. Our primary bomber (B-52) is forty + years old. (editorializing) The fly away cost of our new air superiority fighter (F-22) is $144,000,000 each. The more that are built the more the per each cost goes down. In order for the F-35 to fulfill its mission effectively the Sky must be secured. This means opposing Air Forces as well as Air Defenses. Third world countries are updating their older missiles (by the Former Soviet Union or the New Russia) with newer technologies. This makes the skies over Afghanistan or anywhere else for that matter to be more dangerous for our airmen. From the end of the first Gulf War to the beginning of the second Our Air Force has been in constant Combat. Saddam’s air defenses constantly illuminated our forces patrolling in the No Fly Zone or on occasion fired at our planes. Numerous times as the beginning of the second Gulf War approached. DOD has authorized the building of 187 F-22. Many highly experience former Air Force people regard this number as “high risk” – meaning too low a number to carry on our many missions..
Group 5
Close the borders. Immigrants can come here legally. Illegals should not be part of the census. No welfare, no schools, or free health care. President Obama should not apologize. Defense will take a money hit for social programs.
We do not have the National Will to keep us safe.
Note: Most of the participants did not have any real knowledge of defense matters, but they feel in their gut that something is not right.
What’s Next???
The June 23rd meeting was proposed by a core group of folks that have formed a reading group focused on these current issues. We meet monthly and will continue to do so. At our next meeting the end of July we will block out our next steps.
In the mean time, we encourage everyone to create and complete a single action item in each of the four areas. These may be any of the following:
Many of us believe our country is headed in a dangerous direction. This is NOT about party but about choices being made by our elected government. Please, jump in and help us reign things in. Review these notes, pick an action item, complete it and attend our July meeting. Check the blog or wait for an email and we will let you know time and date.
Thank you very much for your participation.
Perhaps a cartoon would be understandable to our Congressmen.
What a terrific job!!!
