Term Limits; Please!!!

The latest scandal for Obama’s state senate seat just adds fuel to the term limits argument. We need to get rid of all of these people on a very determined time schedule. None of the bums currently in politics deserve to be there more than a term or two. We need to reduce the scope of government at all levels and the time individuals spend in it; period…

Why Caroline Kennedy’s Lack of Political Experience Matters…

As you know if you follow this Blog, I don’t believe political experience is a virtue. In most cases it seems exactly the opposite, the more experience the less common sense the politician seems to have. But in the case of Caroline Kennedy and the open NY Senate seat experience does matter and here’s why.

It is an appointment outside of the normal voting process. She believes that she is entitled because her family has been involved in politics for years. They have also been boot legers so I guess she would be a good appointment for Chairman of the ATF committee but I digress.

If she were making her case to the voters rather than the inside NY political machine her experience would be on display for the voters to decide. In that case I would say experience or lack thereof would be for the voters to consider and make their choice. As a matter of fact, I believe whenever there is an open Federal seat there should be an election by the people of that State or district.

Governor appointments are political calculations with a complete disregard for the citizens those appointments impact. Costly yes, but what is the cost of a true representative democracy worth?

So in the case of the NY Senate appointment it is safe to say it will be a democrat that fills the seat. Elections do have consequences after all. But if I were Governor I would offer up a couple of strong democrat and republican candidates and poll the voters of NY as to their preference. It will at least have the appearance of some sense of democracy although very flawed. How about someone that has a background in running the finances of a private for profit business? Agahst the thought of real experience not political hackdom!

The appointment process is an extremely flawed process when it is for seats that are normally filled by elections. The one caveat I would add to the State constitution is the clause; if you obtain a Federal senate or house seat through the appointment process, you are not eligible to run for that seat in the election for that seat for a minimum of two terms. That would keep the real political hacks on the sidelines and we may just end up with some competent people in congress by accident. Just a thought…

Muslim World Explodes Again…

Many here in the US are not paying attention to the recent air strikes conducted by Israel in response to the constant barrage of missiles being launched into southern Israel by Hamas. Hamas is the Muslim terrorist group elected by Palestinians to be their leaders. The goal of Hamas is to wipe Israel off the face of the map. So much for the “religion of peace”.

Why is it, wherever Muslims are dominant terror and war reign supreme? It is simply an observation. War, terror, poverty, hopelessness, ignorance and violence.

We just celebrated the birth of our prince of peace, Jesus. It seems that the people that follow Jesus live in hope, peace, and prosperity. Not perfect but always working to be better.

Israel has no choice but to respond to protect their people. They would be quite happy living in peace if only their neighbors had a bit of civility in their doctrine. But that seems to be the missing component of their neighbor’s religion. Just an observation from afar. Let’s keep it that way; afar…

Merry Christmas!

I hope it is all you need it to be!!!

Buy a Ford; For Now…

I listened to the President this morning, and I was dismayed by his remarks how in normal circumstances he believed chapter 11 bankruptcy was the right course of action, but these times are different. I disagree; in a market based economy all circumstances are normal.

Running a viable business is difficult at best but these car makers were on a path of self destruction long before any financial “crisis” became clear. They are running unsustainable labor and production costs compared to their competitors here in the US. Toyota, Honda, KIA all have factories here in the US. Volks Wagon is building a plant in Chattanooga TN, and these companies have been watching the markets carefully and adjusting accordingly.

For example, Toyota shut down their plants for 7 weeks during the summer to offset overproduction. Employees did not receive 95% of their wages and benefits, they had to make due or take unemployment insurance which is about 30% of their regular wage. And have you noticed any whining coming from the car companies or their employees in the Southern US? That’s why companies are moving there; a productive and grateful labor force.

There is one depressing news conference after another coming out of Washington. These politicians are clearly incompetent to do the right thing so the best course is to reduce their role and get out of the way of the markets. Just say no; like Ford has; for now…

A New Holiday; Constitution Day!

I am not for adding more non productive days to the already non productive Federal calendar BUT, it has become very apparent that no one understands the constitution anymore. That is why we need to create this new holiday; Constitution Day.

The first Wednesday in November (to follow our Election Day) we need a national reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It will be mandatory to carry the reading on all TV and radio networks. No exceptions; no options, no alternatives. We need to read and listen to these wonderful documents to help us understand how far we have wondered from the things that have made us great.

It will generate news and debate about the documents but at least we will know that people have actually been exposed to this unmatched genius. God knows; the current people running our Federal and State government have either not read or forgotten what the United States of America truly stands for. Just a thought…

How ignorant can one man be?

I heard a caller on a talk show yesterday suggest bringing our politicians before a people’s court to grill them on their background, understanding of the economy, and suggested solutions to this bloated government. Just like our politicians do to our business leaders and citizens. I thought that was brilliant since there is no chance that the current cast of characters will do it themselves.

The first on the stand should be Barney Frank. He is a disgrace as congressman, and chair of the financial services committee (or whatever they call his committee). In this interview for an upcoming 60 Minutes show he talks about not propping up companies but propping up people. Leslie Stahl correctly calls that welfare, and Barney says he wants to put us all on welfare. Now that’s funny because if we have no business to send tax dollars to Washington, how will he pay for the welfare?

He is beyond words and is typical of what we have running our government. We must get rid of this bloated government or we have a dimmed future for our children. It is so frustrating listening to the idiocy in DC. Add to that the latest scandal for Obama and you just want to throw your hands up and scream.

Who are we as Americans? Do these people like Barney Frank really represent who we are? When will we take back our power? Yes, this is our government and we can choose to change it. So why not? What have we got to lose?

Indictments before Inauguration?

What have we done? Obama has not even taken office yet and he is already surrounded by scandal. I don’t believe he has a monopoly on really shady relationships, but when will we find a politician that is above all of this? I will tell you when; when we reform and reduce the scope of government.

Government controls too much, and so people that understand this play the political game. And what is the political game? Contribute money to elected officials to gain access to the strings of government that open the door to financial gain. The power to control tests an individual’s character, and we need to insure we elect people that have character. We also have to limit government’s ability to control resources.

This latest scandal with the Illinois Governor is no surprise to anyone including the Obama camp. They need to admit their dealings and stop acting like this is something they were unfamiliar with. They are in deep here, and know exactly what this is all about. It is pathetic, disappointing, and typical.

We are in for a long ride until we get rid of all of the corruption. That can only be done by paying attention to politics, and supporting people that run for office that are like you! Get involved; our future depends on ending our dependency on the crooks in politics. Just a thought…

Building bridges and roads is a 21st century economy?

Back to the future is what Obama is talking about. How many more roads and bridges do we need? What are we doing with the billions of dollars already targeted for roads and transportation infrastructure with our gas tax dollars? Building roads and bridges we are told. So how will “creating” makeshift work take us into the “new economy”?

Obama is old ideas in a new suit. He has no understanding of economics which I argued often before his election. Here is today’s simple economics lesson:

Obama takes $10,000 from each productive family to build new roads and bridges. He claims this creates jobs and puts people back to work. He is building a 21st century economy through this program. Let’s analyze this promise.

First; what makes Obama’s plan the right plan for the $10,000? Obama believes we should build roads and bridges. If we really needed more roads and bridges would we have not built them? If they were needed to improve our economy they would have been built. Look around your region; when the last time you said, “honey, I think we need a bridge right here. Or honey, I wish we had another road right there”?

That 10K in my family might go for a down payment on a needed car, or put into the kids college fund, or a new computer, or maybe a well deserved vacation, a new roof on the house is a possibility. My needs are real needs that I choose to pay for. The money I spend will be spent on things that bring a value to me, and will keep the people providing these services employed. What would you spend 10K on? I bet a road or bridge is not on your top 10 list.

How many jobs will be created building bridges to nowhere? And all of that money that was taken from my family, and yours, to build these bridges to nowhere will not add one iota of value for our families. And the families that would have prospered from our spending of the 10K will not realize that money either because Obama took money out of the market and put it into this government program. Again I ask; why should the government choose the priorities for our families needs?

How is pouring concrete and paving roads 21st century work? I don’t design bridges, most Americans don’t. So while these people pour concrete and government pours money into programs they deem useful, the money I would have spent on real valued products and services gets poured down the drain as far as I’m concerned (and most Americans).

If Obama understood economics he would immediately suspend the capital gains tax for 3 years. Promise to reduce government spending by 25% over the next 3 years. Reduce the regulations to drill for oil in our country, reduce the regulations to build refineries and nuclear power plants for the private sector. That would get the market’s attention. Investors would invest in the things that will bring the most return in the next 3 years, which will create jobs that are needed. And if roads and bridges are needed people will invest but my guess is that the money will go to more valued services like refineries, and oil drilling, computer upgrades, and new cars, and education, and iPods, and G phones, and savings that will get invested.

Government infrastructure investment never worked. It never can replace real investment in real market needs. Just take an economics course and you will see. Obama’s program is so passé and has a history of failure… So why are we doing it again?

With this sense of entitlement…

The American economic system is doomed. We have raised and nurtured a new generation of Americans that have forgotten the first principle of any business ownership; risk & reward. America has become the wealthiest most benevolent society because of our respect for the business owners freedom to market and sell new products and services, the freedom to take risk, reap reward, and fail. In return these entrepreneurs create jobs, hire workers, make investments that encourage and support other business activity, become wealthy, fulfill dreams, under the simple rules of human behavior, needs, and economics.

Today with this attitude of entitlement it is all at risk; our jobs, our wealth, our benevolence, and our freedom. The economic and historical ignorance of too many Americans is appalling. The thought that the workers at Ford, GM, Chrysler, the window factory in Chicago, believe it is their right to have that job shows the depth of the ignorance. Do they have a stake in the future of these companies? You bet, but only to the degree that it will be in their best interest to make the best cars, at the best price so they can stay employed. Unless they want to put their savings into the company to keep it viable, they are at the will of the business investors, and owners; period.

Our politicians are part of the problem as well. They are thriving on the chaos to “save the day”. But the only thing they are saving is their own career at the expense of our nation. The future looks very bleak to me because of this permeation of entitlement from so many in our nation.

I ask every one of you to think about the business you are in and ask yourself; what did I risk to become an employee here? How much hard cash and collateral did you put up to enable your company to invest in itself for the future? Do you believe that the owner of your company deserves the rewards of investing his life savings in the business that created your job? What is stopping you from starting your own business?

Today’s stock held companies are a different model, and their failed leadership and the lack of consequence for that bad leadership has fostered resentment among the workers. A lot of it rightfully so but that is the stock holders responsibility, and they have failed to hold executives to the fire on the issue of compensation for failed leadership. To allow executives to part companies that they have destroyed with “golden parachutes” is a disgrace. A great example is the crop of CEO’s we now have at our car companies, financial companies, and all too many stock held corporations. They are so out of touch (showing up to beg for our tax dollars on corporate jets) are embarrassments to themselves as Americans, and should step down.

Unfortunately I think my words just float in the wind. No one seems to care about the American work ethic, American free markets are being ignored, and a sense that a government intervention is necessary only adds to the demise of the system. The concept seems so simple to me, and I have a hard time grasping the way people are turning to the most inefficient and dangerous solution; the government. What has happened? My God we need you now!

We will still need cars!

I am tired of listening to the doom and gloom of the car companies. The latest is we will go into a depression if GM fails. A little news for GM; no we won’t, we will still buy cars. The company may not be called GM, but someone will buy the former assets, hire workers for a market wage, and start producing the cars we need.

The airline industry has been doing this dance for the past 30 years. They file chapter 11, reorganize, consolidate, merge, whatever, and come out of bankruptsy more efficient. It will actually work better in the car industry because there are less regulatory hurdles to jump over. That is unless they get our money as a bailout.

I have to ask; who have we become? We look like a bunch of whining beggars, typical of a third world country. This is embarrassing. This is not the American ingenuity I grew up being proud of. Who are these people running our car companies?

Our future looks dim with this group of people running our big companies and government. Where are the leaders!!!!

A Founding Debate…

One of the most debated issues at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia was the issue of a standing military force at times of peace. The founders were extremely suspicious of granting power to the Executive office that included access to federal troops.

You have to remember the circumstances in 1787. Thirteen separate colonies tied together by the Articles of Confederation, mostly content with a loose framework to insure there was no return to a dominant authority like Great Britain. Freshly freed from colonization and a bloody battle with British troops, there was little appetite for a centralized authority, controlling the affairs of the states, and in particular a central authority with a military.

In those lively constitutional debates the founders found it very suspicious that the federal government should need standing troops in a time of peace. In today’s world we see how important a military force is for the security and stability of the world. With that said, the military has rarely been used for internal domestic affairs. I share the founder’s suspicion.

I am uncomfortable with the military policing our streets. That’s why we have millions of local police, state troopers, all reporting to civilian law enforcement agencies. I love our military and their ability to keep us free from the enemies of freedom. I love knowing they are there in case of invasion from a foreign enemy. I also know they have a role in stopping terrorist activity.

My concern is the potential for abuse. Not the military per se, but the people in charge, particularly Obama. I don’t trust Obama, Pelosi, Reid, Kennedy, or most politicians with power. They are prone to abuse it. I think there needs to be further debate before deploying 20,000 troops to our local streets under the guise of terrorism. I need more information. The devil is always in the details…

The answer is simple…

The financial crisis, auto industry crisis, and budget crisis are products of businesses and government abandoning simple common sense principles.

In the financial industry too many companies abandoned sound lending principles and gave money to people that were either speculating in the real estate market or simply did not have the means to pay back loans.

The auto industry is paying people to sit around while they get paid 95% of their wage due to poorly negotiated union contracts. The wages are out of balance with the market system. The auto industry executives should be fired for allowing such ridiculous contracts. The big 3 make some great cars, they just cost too much to make.

The federal budget and state budgets are a mess because government is trying to do too much because the American people are asking or expecting it to do too much.

The answers; Lend money to all that have good credit and have shown a history of being able to make an income. Bring back the money down concept that has served us so well for so many years. If it makes sense to renegotiate mortgages then do so, if not, people can go rent an apartment until they can rebuild their finances to buy a home.

The auto industry should file chapter 11 and shed the union contracts that are a noose around the neck of productivity. Fire the top management and move out of Michigan. Michigan with its current Governor is hostile to the idea of free markets. I hear North Carolina and Tennessee are looking for some new car plants.

The American people need to stop asking the government to get involved in everything going on. Our politicians are incompetent misfits that have never managed anything in their lives. They are power hungry nit wits that don’t deserve a speck of respect based on their past performance, and they all need to be thrown out, forcefully if necessary.

Simple yes… Realistic?

Unions are the Government in disguise…

The car industry in America is failing because they are treating their employees like government employees. They are being crushed by contracts that can no longer be sustained, and remain competitive.

All you have to do is look at the pay scale for auto workers and questions arise. The average wage is more than $70 an hour. The real problem is that for every one active worker, GM has 5 retirees they are paying very lucrative benefits to as well. Granted these workers earned them but it is not the tax payer’s responsibility to rescue a failed ponsie scheme. We already have one failed ponsie scheme to support; Social Security. We need them to file chapter 11 and restructure the union contracts.

Union bosses’ average pay for the top 50 officers is $186,000. More than 1000 officers and staff make more than $100,000. I don’t begrudge them their pay; I just don’t want to pay it. If their company can’t afford it, then they can stop paying. Let the two parties work it out. Failure is the only option for these two groups to come to the table.

Let’s all agree - starting today that we need less government in our lives and industry, not more. Let’s get back to good old American ingenuity and stop asking a completely incompetent bunch of politicians to save any industry. They can’t fix anything. Just look at Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, EPA, DOE, FCC, etc. They are just a few of the examples of government incompetency…

The more they ask the more we “get”…

Deeper into chaos is where we are heading with all of this tax payer “bailout” we keep talking about. It is time to stop!!!

If you look closely and analyze what is happening it is clear to see; the more the government gets involved the worse things are getting. We need someone to just say NO!

I am truly concerned for our future. If this continues you should be too…

Failure is not an option?

I had the pleasure last year to meet and introduce Gene Krantz, the man responsible for that memorable phrase. If you don’t know, he managed the Apollo 13 crisis. He is a remarkable man, and his determination to save his astronauts is embodied in his famous phrase; “Failure is not an option”.

But in the context of business, failure has to be an option; it is what inspires success. If there is no chance of failure what you get is government. Inefficient agents knowing anything they do cannot impact their success or failure. You get morass, bureaucracy, mediocrity, lost hope, and a failed system.

GM, Ford, Chrysler, and many financial institutions, are in their predicaments because of poor management, both of the business, and for car companies, the unions. These businesses must be allowed to fail to become more efficient. Lots of pain and suffering brings about a new perspective of the future. You learn what to do and not to do next time. It is what has evolved our economy into the greatest in the world.

Failure is the right option. Failure is the only option that will get us back on track. Failure is the precedent to success. Until we stop trying to “save” everyone, we will be stuck in this period of prolonged waiting. Because believe me, we will fail eventually. The longer we try to prop things up with the government the bigger and harder the failure will be. So let’s let the failure begin.

Honoring a Veteran Honoring Veterans...

I always count my blessings on Veteran's Day and look for the right words to honor those that have served and are serving. I found those words in a note from my good friend and veteran Kirk Weisler. I post his words for you to read on this day of honor:

It’s Veteran’s day, and I won’t cheapen it with a feeble effort and some patriotic platitudes. Rather I will attempt to express something from my own experience and from my own heart.

I would like to share with you a personal story of an opportunity I had while serving a 4 year active duty enlistment with the 3rd Ranger Battalion at Ft. Benning Georgia. I also got to serve a short stint with the 10th Mountain Division while at Benning. Part of my service included being assigned to the dreaded “Funeral Detail” Which I was informed would be a mostly boring assignment to honor recently deceased veterans. The funeral detail was a 30 day duty assignment where I would be in charge of the seven man team who did the 21 gun salute, during the funeral services of any active or retired serviceman who passed away within a 2-3 hour driving radius of our post. Also assigned to our detail was a service man to play Taps, and the crew assigned to carry the deceased veterans casket and attend to the folding of the flag from his casket and passing it to the spouse or next of kin.

I cannot think of any other assignment or duty I performed during my enlistment that was as personally rewarding to me as this one. The absolute depth of humility and gratitude I felt for these men, whom I did not know, was surprising to me then as a young and mostly immature soldier. But my knowing them did not seem to be important…knowing that they had sworn to “uphold and protect”, that they had worn the uniform of a soldier, that they had been willing to put their life in harms way for a cause greater than themselves, seemed to be more than enough. I remember clearly the intense feelings that came to myself and my squad each time the sound of Taps reached through our ears to our hearts, each time the shots rang out, and each time our sacred flag was folded with reverence and respect. It seemed during those moments that the soldier we honored that day was some revered national hero, someone whom had single handedly won the day. As if the soldiers we honored at those services somehow represented every soldier who had every fought in or been to battle… the presence or sense that I felt during those sacred moments was if there were literally thousands of soldiers there at that moment, coming to pay their respects, to give reverence and honor to one of their own. On the sometimes long and mostly quite bus rides back to base as I reflected on the feelings of the day…I could easily imagine the deceased whom we had honored being welcomed from this life into the next by the Warriors and Soldiers of yesterday’s battles into a Army of with perhaps a different uniform, maybe a different commanding officer and weapons…but still fighting for the same cause…. A cause of Justice a cause of Mercy, Be-Cause of Freedom.

The fanciful romantic musings of a young Christian soldier?…Maybe so. One thing is for certain though…Funeral Detail was anything but mostly boring and honoring veterans dead or alive is no singular activity. Honoring one is honoring all, honoring all is honoring the one. Today I will find at least one veteran, I will thank him for what they have done, what they were willing to do, what he/she is doing right now and what they may be asked to do tomorrow. My experience on that funeral detail taught me anything it taught me that honoring one….truly can be honoring all…and in honoring them all we miss not a one.

God Bless America and the Soldiers Who’ve Fought for Freedom Kirk Weisler, Former Sgt, 3rd Ranger Bn. , 10th Mtn Division, 19th Special Forces

Hooah and thank you!

Finally economics we can toast with a beer...

This little story about some beer drinkers explains a lot.
A good lesson for our country.

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten
comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it
would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every
day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the
owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers, he
said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20. Drinks
for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the
first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But
what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they
divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted
that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would
each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested
that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same
amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before And the first four continued
to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to
compare their savings.

'I only got a dollar out of the $20', declared the sixth man.
He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10!'

'Yeah, that's right', exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar,
too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!'
'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back
when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!'

'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get
anything at all. The system exploits the poor!'

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat
down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill,
they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money
between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our
tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most
benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being
wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might
start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics, University of Georgia


For those who understand, no explanation is needed.

For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible. ...

Two stories to ponder…

Since the radical left have this feeling like the rest of the country believes in their tripe, I have a couple of lessons for this mis-informed group of “do-gooders”.

Remedial Economics: Let’s apply a simple economic example for the left although they may be too emotional to get it, the rest of us will. The following is an example of why taxes and big government are not the answer to help our economy.

Mayor Bloomberg of NY (I often wonder how he stays a billionaire) is proposing raising all kinds of taxes, adding bridge tolls where there currently are none, and overall making it even more expensive to live and do business in NYC. He believes that if he adds tolls to the bridges that have no tolls now he will add a billion dollars to his coffers. He gets that figure from counting the current number of cars that cross the bridge. The problem is, once you add the toll less people will use the bridge. The same thing goes for adding taxes to do business in NYC. Raise them and less businesses will start and more will leave; remedial economic principle.

Now just imagine your favorite coffee shop is no longer making a profit. They refuse to reduce staff and become efficient; they simply raise a cup of coffee from $1.50 to $5.00 to increase their business to cover their inefficiencies. You go to your favorite coffee shop and go to buy your morning coffee and the counter person says, “That will be $5.00”. You say that must be a mistake it was $1.50 yesterday. They say well we had to raise our price to cover our inefficiencies. You do what? My guess is you will either stop buying their coffee and find an alternative, or buy coffee less often. So now the coffee shop actually makes less money and goes out of business. Remedial economics.

The difference between the two examples is government does not go out of business, and that is very unfortunate. The one principle that does stay the same though is the higher the price the less people will or can buy the service or product. Taxes are the price of government. Increase the tax and the revenue is reduced, and you can’t pay for the cost of providing the service. It is a vicious cycle unless the entity goes out of business. In the private sector the business goes away, in the government it does not. That needs to change.

Global Citizenship: With the election of Obama there is a move for these same radical left people to push for global solutions because we are “citizens of the world”. First of all, we are not, we are citizens of the US under the governance of the US constitution. We have enough problems running our own government, what makes anyone think we want to get into a mess like the EU? It is just a matter of time before that entire structure falls apart under the weight of inefficiency and quests for power.

The US is the greatest nation in the world because we adhere to US principles that put Americans first. We don’t need other countries trying to control our natural and human resources. Talk about an impetus for revolution.

So as Obama gets ready to take office his first order of business is to reject the radicals on the left. Just a thought…

Honeymoon? Stimulus? Stealing our 401K’s?

What is a honeymoon for a president? The world doesn’t stop, terrorists don’t stop their plans to kill us, the economy continues to tank, and Obama has been campaigning for two years to get this job. His policies will be criticized, analyzed, and praised from the second he proposes them. If the policies are bad we will rebel, if they are good we will support them; period. We can’t afford to allow him any slack to move us to the left.

The only stimulus that will work is the reduction or elimination of the capital gains tax for the next four years. Reduced taxes and a return to sound lending practices is the only path to a renewed housing market. It is a simple concept; less government intrusion, greater economic gains. More government will drive us into a depression.

There is a democratic leftist proposal to take our 401K savings and put them into government run accounts. Can you say Social Security is going bankrupt under government control? If there is any move to do this my money goes off shore. I will bet I am not alone. I will take the penalties associated with liquidation because that will be nothing compared to what they will do with the principal I have been saving for my entire adult life. This proposal should be crushed; now!

Obama has a scary past for those of us that believe in individual liberty and free market capitalism. We must protect what has made us great and organize against any efforts to undermine our core values as Americans. A lot of people got involved in this election that have little understanding of politics. It will be our job to educate them on the policies and values that will bring prosperity to this country.

Expecting a free ride, giving away our tax money to people that did nothing to deserve it, or taking our hard earned retirement savings will only destroy the future of this country. It is not easy to stay optimistic but when I am down I say two words to lift my spirits; Ronald Reagan…

What now?

We always learn from failure. Thomas Edison said it best when asked about his pursuit of inventing the light bulb; “I didn’t fail over 2000 times, I learned 2000 ways how not to invent a light bulb” (or something close to that). The point being, failure has something to teach us if we are open to learning.

If I were a Republican this is what I would have learned:

· When you abandon your core conservative values to try to win over moderates and democrats you lose.
· Conservative principles don’t change they only need to be communicated properly and passionately; then implemented!
· “My Friends” should be eliminated from the lexicon.
· Sarah Palin was not the reason Republicans lost; she was the reason the loss wasn’t bigger.
· When you are voted into power on conservative principles; govern as a conservative.
· Answer every media criticism with confidence, facts, and the simple caveat; I don’t agree with the premise of your question (it works for almost every question the media throws at a conservative).

I left the Republican Party over a year ago but I keep wondering if that is that the best way to impact the process? I am troubled by the process and want to be a part of the solution but I struggle with whether or not to get back in and fight the battle from the inside out. I look at the few votes that third party candidates get, and wonder if it will ever change. So many people just look for the R or D. They don’t get involved beyond that.

Looking for some help in my decision; should I run in 2010 as an unaffiliated candidate or should I return to the Party and get more involved? Who cares?

No more excuses…

Conservatives have always known America is a country that celebrates hard work and ability. Liberals have carried around some unfounded guilt about how racism has kept the minorities and especially black Americans down. It looks like America really isn’t a racist nation as liberals suggest. It is a nation that rewards hard work and ability as conservatives suggest. America elected a black president, and the question to liberals is; can we now agree that anyone that wants to achieve, can achieve?

Obama can now say to all Americans that individual hard work not government programs is what dreams are made of. Will Obama now do what he said he would in the campaign; review and eliminate all of the government programs that have not achieved the mission they were created for, including affirmative action? Time will tell.

It is not the delivery of eloquent words that make a president a great figure but the implementation of sound policies. Will Obama force more government on America or reduce the chains of government that have stolen the hopes and dreams of so many especially in his own community. He made a very inspiring speech last night that offered some glimmer of concession to true American values and not feel good liberal ones - but the jury is out. Will he govern as his past suggests or the rhetoric of his campaign?

Voters last night rejected George Bush and the message of John McCain, both men were not able to articulate or implement the American vision. Americans are pragmatists when it comes to politics but don’t mistake pragmatism for liberal ideology. Americans believe the fruits of individual hard work should be rewarded to the people that do the work. Americans are the most compassionate and giving people because they want to be not because they are forced to be by confiscatory tax policy. We love our military and the mission of protecting freedom around the world but we get tired quickly if those people do not step up and show their own commitment to freedom. We believe in free speech not political correctness. We believe in equal opportunity not equal outcome. We believe that God has blessed us and it is OK to express that on any property. We agree that atheists have rights but not the right to deny us ours. The majority of Americans want to choose life but are extremely suspicious that a government that can’t do anything right should be allowed to legislate the womb. Americans want to trust their government but politicians have made that impossible. Big government and big corporations are very much the same; they have no core values. Americans have lost all faith in a media whose job it is to investigate and report but only do that for candidates with an R next to their name. Americans do want change but a change that reflects the American values that made us great not some change toward the values of Europe or the rest of the world.

America will watch Obama closely and determine whether or not he promotes spreading the wealth of the people that work hard, or spreading the opportunity to work hard and keep our wealth. One will make him a great president; the other will make him a typical liberal. Obama will decide how history will judge him. He seems like a guy that wants to be great so I believe he will choose to change his past leanings for a more pragmatist approach to the future. His decision will help us to decide if he is a one term empty suit or a two term president deserving of a truly historical place in American history…

If you needed evidence for reforming education – here it is…

Obama will pay for my gas and mortgage! OMG talk about ignorance and a lack of understanding how America has become the envy of the world…

Today is the day…

I spent yesterday celebrating my 49th birthday. It didn’t seem much different than my 29th or 39th, and I hope that I feel this way on my 59th (scary thought). I was born on Election Day in 1959, and I blame my absolute obsession with politics on that fact. I spent the day yesterday contemplating next steps if Obama wins this election, and takes this country in the wrong direction.

I came to the conclusion that Americans, who believe in the constitution, small government, individual liberty, and a government of the people, need to start educating others, and especially the young people in this country on the fundamentals of being American. We have left our education system to the left and they have destroyed it. It is a bastion of political correctness, shallow learning, and stewarded by people that have little if any real business or life experience. Don’t get me wrong, there are some good teachers trying to make a difference but nothing replaces real life experience and passion in a classroom.

We need to reform the way we hire teachers. We need people teaching that have spent their careers in the private sector building, managing, and understanding the way our private sectors operate. We need lawyers, doctors, engineers, and nurses becoming teachers after they have spent 20 years in the private sector. We need to hire for real life knowledge and passion in our classrooms. Political correctness and unions be damned.

We need to go on the offensive and focus on the failure of every bureaucracy and government program, offer solutions, then move on to the next bureaucracy. We have to be diligent and persistent in the fight. Then in the next election cycle the only candidates that will rise to the top will be ones worthy of our vote. We have ignored our political and educational institutions for far too long. We know this because we have seen the values that have made this country great disregarded, impugned, and ridiculed in this election cycle.

We have people asking what the government is going to do about our “problems”. I ask what are you doing for yourself? We must stop asking the government to get involved where they have no business. You can tie most problems right back to the government, whether it is inefficiency, over reaching regulation and taxation, creating dependency and stealing the hope of individuals, ruining our education system or financial systems, or being lax in our National and border security. Wherever there is a problem, the government is not far away. It is time to fight this intrusion.

Many of us are anxiously awaiting today’s results, and I know I am not the only one concerned with the radical left being in control of all three branches of government. You know who you are. We need to unite here and start the battle. No matter what the election results are we need to start engaging in the system so we have a much more informed electorate in the next election cycle. Our saving grace is that we know; God always blesses America…

I can only hope…

I can only hope…
That Americans go to the polls understanding that elections have consequences:
· That change is not always for the positive
· That power and a lack of experience is a dangerous combination
· That the constitution has given us our prosperity, freedom, and ability to be uninformed
· That judges are like tyrants if not harnessed by the constitution
· That the constitution is not a living document; it is what rules are to a game, defined and for a purpose
· That speaking is a great skill for a politician but honesty and integrity is not negotiable
· That policies and lack thereof have consequences, just remember September 11th
· That our military deserves our thanks not dismissive condemnation
· That the UN, France, Germany, and the rest of the world can kiss our …
· That God is not a 4 letter word; anywhere
· That guns are the only insurance to a free society; just read our or any history
· That freedom is not free
· That being tortured by the enemy, fighting for this country, is a real qualification to be considered
· That hanging out with terrorists and America haters; is a real consideration
· That America as we know it is not guaranteed for the future
· That this is a government of the people, Messiah’s and Kings need not apply
· That America is a sovereign nation; our future should be determined by us
· That God truly did Bless America; let’s think about that…

If I was invited – I may have read this for my opening in tonight’s debate…

I am Rich Hand and I am running for the Congressional District 5 seat because our political system has been corrupted by the two parties that have controlled it for too many years. We the people have been promised reform every election cycle but what we have been given is always more of the same. Both parties have been entrusted by the people to govern in their best interest. The only interests we see politicians protecting are the lobbyists, special interests, and their own.

We have watched our politicians in both parties ignore the facts that Social Security is going bankrupt, they have ignored the billions of dollars of fraud in Medicare, Medicaid, and every form of government contracting, and they ignored all the signs and warnings of the financial crisis we find ourselves in today. The two parties have failed us miserably, and again are promising us “change”, “reform”, and a host of other empty promises.

It is time to look at the results of the two parties and ask ourselves if they will ever deliver on their promises. I know they won’t so I am running. If you know they won’t, send a message by voting for me. It will send a message louder than any other message you can deliver.
I promise you I will deliver on one thing; I will never sell my soul to the devil of politics; lobbyists, special interests, and self interest. I will never accept a nickel from any group looking for access. What I will do every day in congress is to work for fundamental change in the rules of congress, the way they are elected, and to reduce the time that is spent in Washington. Both in days per year, and the amount of years they can serve.

You can’t reduce the encroachment of government until you reform the way congress conducts itself. Today one congressman can control the debate of the rest of the body. We recently saw Nancy Pelosi close down debate on energy policy, stealing the rights of the 434 other congress men and women representing hundreds of millions of Americans in the process. We watch as single committee chair people decide what bills are given consideration. There are rules to keep order, and there are rules that silence the voice of the people. The rules as of today silence the voices of millions of Americans. I ask you; is that right? Is that good policy? Is that constitutional? That ability to stop debate must change.

Money is the poison of the election process. I will propose to limit donations to allow only individual constituents within a representative’s district to donate to campaigns. I don’t understand why we allow corporations and interest groups to donate to congressional races. They can run all the ads they want on their own. What they are buying with their donation is the ability to control the representative through intimidation, and the threat of cutting off the life blood of the current election process; money. The lifeblood should be the constituents vote not the money funneled in by powerful interests.

I believe in the individual, the free market, limited government regulation, secure borders, and the hope that America represents to the world. I am proud of the military and the way they conduct themselves on our behalf. They make this all possible; God Bless them. I am proud to say I believe in God. I believe we are a Christian nation but it is best that religion is not a test for politicians. Just an indication of one’s beliefs and character.

I believe the federal government should be held accountable for stealing the hopes and dreams of the Black and inner city community. They need to be dismissed from having anything to do with the education of our citizens. All you have to do is look at the current state of education to see it has failed. Education is the fuel of hope and success. It is time to bring that money home to the states. I believe the states need to start reducing their dependence on the federal government, and reduce the hard earned treasure they send to the federal treasury.

I believe we must prepare the American people for the fight we may find ourselves in if the current democrats take control of every branch of government. They are radically opposed to the most fundamental of American values; individual freedom, state’s rights, a strong military, patriotism, free speech, free markets, the right to bear arms, and a supreme court that judges the law, not one that circumvents the constitution and creates law. We must realize that what they stand for resembles nothing that the founders would recognize. We must educate, communicate, and be willing to stand up for the American values that made us great; the constitution.

I am offering my service to fight the fight. All I ask is for your vote. You can have more of the same or you can try a new approach. I hope you choose me so I can bring trust back to the great halls of Congress…

Illustrating Obama’s redistribution of wealth policy… Author unknown; point right on!

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read, Vote Obama, I need the money…. I laughed.

Once in the restaurant my server had on a Obama 08 tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference….just imagine the coincidence.

When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need like the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.

At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient needed money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

The results of liberals controlling our schools is in…

And they are a failing grade for America’s future. That Barrack Obama can even be a candidate is a sad testament of the ability of our nation to think critically. The people that support Obama are either voting on emotion, think that change is needed but can’t define what change, or the scariest scenario is that they believe it can’t get much worse under Obama and the radical leaders of the Democratic Party.

The more I talk to people who are going to vote for Obama the more concerned I get about an education system that has not emphasized our history, constitution, economic system, or the simple task of analytical thinking. They are too cavalier in their response to the question; do you want more government telling what you can do or more importantly what you can say? They don’t get how dangerous Obama and Biden are to our democracy.

Barack wants to disregard our constitution to redistribute wealth, not have to answer to the people, socialize our healthcare and economy, and make everyone equal in outcome. We are not equal in outcome because some of us put more into the system to succeed. If you want to be beholden to the people you see working for the TSA, Post Office, or any other government agency you obviously need to reassess your positions.

We will be tested if Obama is elected. We will be tested to see if we are willing to defend our constitution and basic American principles. Obama does not want what the founding fathers gave us; he wants to ignore our basic rights and impose his own through the Supreme Court. Five of the nine Supreme Court judges are over 70. God forbid it is Obama, Reid, and Pelosi nominating these judges. If we elect Obama God will be forbidden as well…

Who is supporting Obama?

Iran prefers Obama, the French prefer Obama, the UN prefers Obama, and the main stream media prefers Obama. Do you need any other evidence that we as American’s should prefer McCain?

On another note; this is the most racist column (click here to read) I have read in a long time. It suggests that if Obama doesn’t win, the black community will riot. Now I know emotions are high this election but I have to give the black community the respect it deserves. I believe that the black community will react just like the white community; with reasoned response. There is no need to send in the riot police in pre-emptive action. That will only provoke ANY neighborhood they show up in!

Finally, there is a debate being held October 30th, sponsored by the Falcon Republican Club at Sand Creek High School. I was not invited although the other 3 candidates listed on the Secretary of State’s website were. Yes, even as a write-in, you must register with the SOS to be considered. Not to mention I ran in 2006, and the fact I refuse to raise money, making for a different perspective for the voters. I am running against the party system, and I believe we need real rules reform in congress so that all congressional districts get fair representation, not just the ones from the party in power. Well, maybe that’s why they excluded me.

The presidential race is close, and every vote in Colorado will make a difference this year. Make sure you do!

Write-in Rich Hand for Congressional District 5 Colorado…

Attention Wal-Mart shoppers the Vice President is in aisle three…

This may sound strange but Sarah Palin stopped in Wal-Mart needing diapers for her youngest son Trig. She could have sent someone in her place but Wal-Mart is not “beneath” Sarah.

Can you picture Joe Biden buying anything in Wal-Mart, never mind diapers? I don’t believe for a minute that this was a political stunt. I believe this is just who she is. I would love to see this Wal-Mart Shopper in the Oval office. Just a thought…

Spread the Wealth?

Is the redistribution of income good for America? If you ask the people that go to work every day, earn 75K to 250K a year, working like dogs, traveling the globe while their families are home missing them, keeping this economy primed with tax revenue, they will say they are taxed enough. That is not selfish, that is not a lack of sensitivity or understanding that is reality.

How much do you want to take away from productive people before you think it’s enough? Obama has not clarified that for the voters yet, and I would like to know. I know there is an effort to bring back class warfare here but is that what we need now? Aren’t we divided enough?

Anyone that is willing to educate themselves, work the long hours it takes, and take the risks of owning a small business can be successful in America. Why don’t we celebrate them instead of punishing them? What gives the government the right to decide how much wealth we can keep? Why do people in this country buy into this notion of punishing the “rich”? Is it jealousy, envy, or something else? I have never been given a job by a poor person. I love people that are willing to risk it all and create jobs! And I believe they deserve all of the rewards of doing that.

Maybe we need to look in the mirror of America and ask ourselves; what can I do to create jobs? Instead of voting for people that punish the people that deserve our thanks... Just a thought…

This is a war on the American way…

Have no doubt we are under attack from the left, the socialist world, and unfortunately our own government. The ONLY solution right now is the American PEOPLE. We need to stop listening to our politicians and all of the American haters around the world, and start taking control of our own destiny. If you are looking for a solution it lies in your mirror.

We are the greatest engine of democracy, freedom, free markets, and hope for the world. It doesn’t seem that way right now because of the weak leaders we have allowed to take over the reins of our government.

We need to keep working and stop listening to the ignorance coming from the media, political class, and the world. A world that would love to see nothing more than America to implode. They hate our confidence, wealth, prosperity with a passion. And unfortunately so does one of our presidential candidates; Obama.

We need to disconnect from Wall Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the halls of congress, and reconnect with Main Street and our American heritage. We need to:
· Elect people that love America and understand Main Street values.
· Stop caring about what the world thinks about us and know in our hearts who we are.
· Bring back business to America that makes things.
· Get rid of the good old boy network; period.
· Reject a media that hates America and start speaking out against their garbage and lies.
· Get involved with neighbors and start planning our strategy to take back our government on November 4th.

There isn’t an ounce of leadership out there, and the markets are reacting to that. We have leaders; the problem is we have been out here trying to keep this country working. It is time to take action!

I am telling you the answer is not cozying up to world leaders; the answer is cozying up to American Main Street leaders. Me and you.

This is a war on our values and our heritage. This is a war that can only be won by getting involved and fighting for the American citizen. We are not world citizens we are Americans! We need to pay attention. Haven’t we lost enough already? Let’s not lose it all.

I would like to know what Doug Lamborn is doing in this crisis. Is he a leader that we will follow? Or do we need a new leader? You do have a choice…

Politics is serious; very serious…

There are two types of voters, the first is “passionate” and the second is “casual”. The casual voter tends to dislike politics, consider it unimportant, they believe their vote doesn’t matter but vote out of obligation, and are persuaded by media and trends.

The “passionate” voter drowns themselves in political news, talk radio, blogs, would rather die than not vote on Election Day. They argue how important it is to the future of our country that we elect the right people.

The casual voter listens but in all reality, they see little evidence supporting the passionate arguments of the passionate voter. They don’t see the assault on freedom, the intrusiveness of the government, the burdensome regulations, and the disregard for the US Constitution. They occasionally get upset with a tax increase and then figure it into their budget. They are the boiling frog.

The government is out of control and I am afraid of what it will do next to address these “crisis”. There is already talk of the government taking over banks. There is talk about government interference in places our founders would have never envisioned.

The government is on the brink of becoming more dominant and tyrannical than ever before. We are about to see a total disregard for the things that have made this country great; individual freedom, free market capitalism.

You have to wonder if there are discussions going on in the halls of our government institutions about how the government must takeover for now and disregard the constitution. A scene reminiscent of Star Wars where the emperor with a heavy heart accepts the supreme powers; temporarily. You can hear the justification from the elite’s now; it is what is “best” for the people.

I am not a conspiracy theorist by any means but I am a student of human behavior. Our government was designed to protect us from human nature; our obsession for power and control. That is why we have a balance of power and the bulk of power resides in the House of Congress. But do we have the right people in congress?

We have two lousy choices for president so we must make sure we choose our congress wisely. McCain is the lesser of two evils. Obama is not deserving of consideration for the office he seeks. His past is sketchy, his friendships are troublesome, and his values are few.

Please look closer at this election. It may be the last one you see if you choose wrong…

It’s All About Trust…

We don’t trust our representatives, we don’t trust our corporate executives, we don’t trust our neighbors, we don’t trust anyone. When you lack trust, everything is suspect and nothing can be accomplished except destruction.

This economic mess is a result of years of ever increasing intrusion into the free market. To the point it was no longer free. Today we have politicians saying this is the result of deregulation; an outright lie. So as you dig into this mess you realize you are dealing with liars in the government, private sector, and all supported by the liars in the media. They are all covering their behinds because they have been caught in the lie.

What are they doing to “fix” this mess? Continuing the lies that got us here, and undermining the trust we need to build back our economy and society. We can’t continue on if we don’t trust each other to do the right thing. Not enough people are doing the right thing anymore. In Washington it is still a battle between the two parties with the fallout being the American people in the middle.

We need to clean house in Washington and send some people there that are not politicians but representatives of the American people. People that we can trust again. They don’t have to be career politicians. Exactly the opposite. We need to get to the bottom of this and explain to the American people how we need to reduce government influence, not increase it.

As Americans it is our responsibility to take control when our government has failed. It is time to take control as Americans, not as Democrats or Republicans, but truly concerned citizens to rebuild trust. Because without trust we have nothing to build on…

Air Force Fans…

Thank you to the thousands of Air Force fans that politely waved or honked a horn in recognition of our stand out today! Many of you rolled down your windows and asked if I was Rich Hand, then confirmed you would write me in for Congressional District 5. I hope you do.

There were 8 of us holding signs, very professional signs, courtesy of the Christensen’s and Mobley’s, and it was a lot of fun! I have to believe this effort will make a difference. Any time you go up against an incumbent it is an uphill battle, but being “Unaffiliated” (independent of the parties) I sense it will make a difference this year. People are angry about the way the two parties are ignoring the fact they are Americans first, giving away our hard earned money to people that don’t deserve it, and supporting lobbyists rather than their constituents.

With the recent robbery of our tax dollars by both democrats and republicans, I believe people are done with the two parties. We need to clean house in congress. There is a crisis in leadership there and we need to change every one of them. They just don’t get it anymore. There is a huge disconnect from the people.

Special thanks to Terre, Kevin, Katelyn, Britt-Anna, Taylor, Emily, and Hans! You guys made this stand out well worth the time and effort!!

To all of you that so politely waved and smiled, I hope you consider me to be your congressman. Congress is broken. I promise you I will go to Washington and reduce the influence and money they continue to take from us…

They took your tax dollars; let’s take back congress!!

I am so angry and disappointed I may run for office as a write-in! Wait, I am! Folks; I don’t care who voted for and against this bill, they all need to be held accountable for a FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP! Saying you voted against this will not fly. Where was the passion for protecting the American economic system?

This is a takeover of our housing system, and as someone who grew up in the Bronx, 5 blocks from a government run housing project, this bill is a DISASTER! In this bill resides a provision for federal oversight and authority to decide critical matters concerning housing loans and government “owned” properties which will be most people holding a mortgage today. We have injected federal meddling into a sector of our economy that they have been dying to socialize for many years, and now they have accomplished it.

They will decide the terms of loans for “low” income borrowers. They will decide the terms banks can use in the lending process, not just financial terms, but what groups will receive preferred treatment.

Healthcare is next after housing. Then it will be the auto industry, and finally the energy industry. It is time to revolt against the people that voted for this, and were present to allow this to happen. They all deserve a revolt at the ballot box.

Vote them all out; I promise you it will be the best feeling and thing we can do to save this country from this corrupt congress and current political class in Washington…

A Few Thoughts…

It seems like a long time since I posted but it has been less than a week. A lot has transpired. A few thoughts and key observations:

· I am elated that the first “bailout” bill was defeated! The sky didn’t fall and it won’t no matter what the media says.

· The presidential debate was boring and McCain missed a million opportunities to define Obama. Enough with the nice guy stuff this is the future of our country!

· The market’s largest plunge was followed by its largest gain. And why would you believe 700 billion of our money will change the gamblers on Wall Street?

· Bloomberg is attempting to take over NY by changing the term limit law. Memo to Bloomberg: you are not that important and it is time to go!

· I will have another campaign event on Saturday. A bunch of us will stand out at the Air Force Navy game. Honk your horn if you want to get rid of every congressman! HONK!

· The House will decide whether or not to pass the revised “bailout” bill that has grown from 4 pages of useless effort to over 400 pages of pork barrel projects for Indian wooden arrows, wool makers, farmers, shippers, and the airline industry to name a few beneficiaries. Does this not tell you that these people don’t get it? If McCain wants to win this election, Sarah Palin should open the debate highlighting this bill and how she would paint it with lipstick and put a bullet through it!

· Finally, the media is trying to destroy this country by getting an elitist, America hating, empty suit elected as our next president. If you are even considering Obama, you really need to do some more research. He is dangerous. McCain is not perfect but he is definitely not dangerous. Please think about it. Thanks for that…

A coupe without the guns…

We are seeing the attempt by Henry Paulson with the blessing of our president to fundamentally change the economic engine of our democracy. They are using fear tactics to take over our market based system. If you read section 8 of the Paulson proposal he will have absolute power to decide what happens with the 700 billion dollar taxpayer bailout, no oversight, no questions asked, no intervention, financial tyranny of our financial system.

This is a crisis started by congress many years ago in an effort to relax the rules for people to get mortgages. They felt 20% down was a barrier to too many people. So every year it became easier and easier to go into debt while that debt was turned into financial “vehicles” that Wall Street placed bets on. The bet worked for a while but like every ponsy scheme that is based on thin air it was bound to end. This is the end we are seeing today.

Those of us that have lived by the values of the past, don’t spend more than we can afford, are about to be punished for having a value system that used to be the norm in this country. This is not only a financial crisis, it is a values crisis. Debt is the norm. Not just mortgage debt, but credit card debt in this country has escalated while savings have diminished. It is a live for today, the heck with tomorrow culture and it is not sustainable.

We have seen our industry leave because of government regulations, we have an unhealthy addiction on foreign investment, and we have a government that has grown beyond anyone’s ability to understand it, or more importantly change it without a crisis as the impetus.

Here’s what needs to happen;

Barney Frank, Christopher Dodd, Paulson, and countless others in the House and Senate need to be held accountable; voted out or prosecuted for the fraud that has been allowed during their tenure.

President Bush has to stop his push for government intervention.

The market MUST be allowed to correct ITSELF.

Pass a bill to eliminate the capital gains tax for 3 years.

Wall Street needs to know that we will not bail them out and set the course. Every failed institution must be investigated for fraud and illegal activity.

We must remember that not every financial institution is going to go bankrupt, only the ones that have made bad loans.

Keep up the pressure to allow the markets to fix this; do not listen to the people that created the mess. They are covering their backs. Why would we trust anyone in the congress today?

Protect your 401-k by throwing them all out on November 4th.

We are Americans, and we the people are the only ones that can fix this mess created by our representatives.

Remember that the news stations are loving this because it is all a ratings game for them. They are creating an atmosphere of panic. Know better and stay calm.

We must rebuild trust in our government which means starting over with new representation...

The answer is the American people and private markets…

The government needs to get out of the way of the market economy. Government and corporate corruption is responsible for this mess but a taxpayer “bailout” will only prolong the problem. This is a government takeover of our freedom. They need to be stopped now!

The only thing government should do is reduce the capital gains tax to 0, and reduce all tax on investment in our markets for the next year. Well one final thing; arrest every corporate and government official that broke the laws in an effort to create mortgage “opportunities” for everyone that met the criteria of breathing.

Beyond that we need to allow markets to correct themselves and let the people that caused this to go down the drain. Send this message and the markets correct themselves quickly, and then we can get on to the task of ousting our elected officials and arresting the crooks; period!

We are hearing that if we don’t do this the world will end. No it won’t; it will begin again…

Paying taxes equals patriotism?

Actually, if we look at history, and in particular the “Boston Tea Party”, the founding of this country is based on our desire to be free FROM burdensome taxation. We are a nation that believes in entrepreneurship and individual property rights, limited government, and local control. It is a miracle that we ever reached agreement on a Republic. The reason we did was partly because of the Bill of Rights, and the Tenth Amendment.

We have always preferred to keep our own money to do with what we believed important. Taxation has been the source of many a conflict but I have never heard anyone until now say that paying taxes equals patriotism. Joe Biden and Barrack Obama are saying that if you make $250,000 or more you need to suck it up and give others your hard earned money, otherwise you are not patriotic. This group is already paying 95% of the federal tax burden.

You know what isn’t patriotic; asking others to pay for the mess you have made. To subsidize mediocrity, bureaucracy, waste, and fraud! What has Biden, and Obama done for their paycheck lately? They are out on the campaign trail, getting paid, and who is doing the work of the senate while illegals cross our borders, oil resources dry up, and politicians give away the keys to the treasury?

Patriotism is a love for our country that has NOTHING to do with taxes. It is about being proud of what has made us great; the hard work of the American people. We are happy to pay our share for the things the government should provide. What we will not do is gladly pay the bill for the waste, corruption, and socialism being promoted by these two candidates…

If you want our money here’s your option…

The prospect of failure is a great motivator for business investment. It causes investors to consider their investments wisely. You want to put your money in places where it can grow with the least chance of failure. Risk is what you need to take to be successful; the greater the risk; the greater the rewards in a capitalist system.

This current crisis is the result of many years of people and companies taking risks, and reaping the rewards. Many people have accumulated capital through the appreciation in their homes. Some even used this new found wealth to borrow more money to buy more homes and “flip” them for a profit. Each sale increased their wealth if they could sell the property quick enough. Much personal wealth was created through lending practices that disregarded income verification, down payment ability, or credit history. It was a good time to be one of these people.

We also had companies willing to give credit to marginally credit worthy customers, in the billions of dollars, to invest in property that at the time was appreciating at what we all knew were unsustainable rates. These people were borrowing off of their homes equity and buying campers, second homes, and vacations with this new found wealth. These companies knew this, and were even encouraged by congress to continue this extremely risky business practice. God bless capitalism!

So now we are being asked to absorb all of the losses that this risky activity created when the market dried up and these companies, and individuals were left holding the bag. The federal government (we the taxpayer) is now saying that all of these “bad” loans need to wiped off the books as if they had never happened. What about all of the money that was made? We are being told that if these companies go “under” it will ruin the economy. I disagree; if we allow these companies to continue, the future of capitalism as we know it is over. You cannot allow capitalism to win but not lose. You can’t take away risk and allow for reward. You must allow the system to correct itself because the government can’t correct it. It is fundamentally impossible. Someone has to lose here and it shouldn’t be the taxpayer. It needs to be the people and companies that participated in this activity.

We will see a rush of companies getting rid of marginal debt now that they have been given the opportunity to do so. I ask you as a taxpayer; what do you think will happen if we are expected to “buy” the bad debt and pay for it later? Companies will do the same thing again. The stock market’s rise today is because these financial “wizards” on Wall Street know that they can start lending with no risk, and the consumers of that money know they can use it again with no negative consequences.

We need to see a lot of people going to jail here. If we are going to bail out these companies we need to ask first; as an executive of this company you will be stripped of every penny of your personal wealth, do you still want our money? Here are the options for anyone asking for our help: Ask for the taxpayer’s money and you give up every asset you have in your portfolio.

We also need congress to be punished by voting out every one of them. If Congress wants to bail these companies out here is their option; if you give away our money and you received a contribution from a company or individual we are being asked to bail out - you will be prosecuted for bribery. I think that’s fair. What about you?

This is insanity! Too big to fail? Where does it end?

The 10th Amendment needs to be exercised to fix this mess…

Here we go again with the “save the day” political programs that are going to expand our problems not fix them. We have crooks at the top of the corporate ladder, and in the capitol building in Washington DC. We have a failure in leadership in this country. We have a bunch of absolute misfits running our country and economy. And it all comes from a lack of inner constitution, and ignoring the US Constitution. We need our governors to take back control of the state assets and dictate to Washington what we will do with them. The tenth amendment is a large part of the answer here. We need to challenge this entire federal invasion into our lives, economy, and future. They are changing us from a republic to a centralized dictatorship.

Wall Street has turned into a Las Vegas casino, and the government has become a three ring circus! This is serious business, and we need the good citizens of this country to take it back! We don’t need more government meddling, we need to enforce the laws and regulations that are being broken by executives and representatives. The President has the fox watching the hen house at most of our agencies. We need to reduce these agencies and their influence. The government is not stabilizing our economy; they are bringing it to the brink of disaster. Where are our governors? Standing by and watching instead of fighting against this takeover of our rights.

We need to reform congress by instilling term limits in the long term, at the same time voting them out now! We need to be involved here folks. This is OUR country, money, and future. Do not trust it to these people. Send people to Washington that want to send control back to the states on issues like education, energy, and social services. Washington needs to focus on closing our borders, enforcing and protecting American security and commerce around the globe, and managing the federal monetary system; effectively. The feds need to stop worrying about what we eat, drink, recycle, and do in our schools, and get back to the few things they are supposed to do.

Obama will take advantage of this crisis to implement more government programs and power. He will continue to dissolve our republic into a centralized model of some kind. He is totally ignorant of free markets and free thought. McCain has a great story but he has zero economic understanding. But at least he will be less intrusive into the market economy.

The real fight here is in the congress. Vote for people that support prosecuting criminals not cultivating them. Vote for tenth amendment supporters. Vote for representatives that will reduce government intervention not people that want more of this incompetency. Vote for a real citizen legislature not a career politician. Vote these bums out! If this doesn’t persuade you just take a look at your 401K; enough said!

Oprah; Just another pol?

Oprah Winfrey does not want to have Sarah Palin on her show which has a huge demographic of women viewers. This is sad and dangerous for Oprah because part of her appeal is her normally a-political stand over the past decade. Up until Obama, she has stayed away from the political fray which is so much safer in a divided America.

The risk for Oprah here is that both conservative and liberal women watch Oprah, and if she is seen as supporting liberal candidates she may lose many conservative women viewers. Oprah is a skilled interviewer and could clearly navigate one with Sarah Palin. What she is afraid of is that she may really like her. And if Oprah likes her that could have an impact on the voters in her audience. It wouldn’t be an endorsement, but it would be an endorsement.

So if she chooses not to host Palin and the story takes flight, she and her show lose. If she does, she wins but so does Sarah, and only Obama risks the loss of some women votes. The right thing for the self proclaimed woman’s advocate is to have Sarah on the show. No matter how you slice it, Sarah is a history making woman that deserves the opportunity to be seen in the Oprah setting by the rest of the women in America.

I like Oprah as a person, and I hope she does the right thing…

“Sarahcudda” The Arctic Fox!

Just call Washington DC the “hen” house. We have a new sheriff in town, and we now have an advocate for the change “average” Americans want.

Last night Governor Palin, (I feel like I should call her Sarah because I feel like I know her) hit a homerun! I know this because my wife who hates political speeches, she calls them blah, blah, blah, was impressed with her style, humor, family standing, and authenticity. That is a huge testament for me on the impact this new VP candidate will have on the “average” voter. The voter that has felt disconnected now has a reason to reconnect. That connection is Sarah.

Hard core left democrats will hate her but more importantly will fear her. From that fear will come mania. From that mania will come, new voters. Those new voters will be driven to Sarah Palin. Not since Reagan, have I felt so compelled to vote because I want to, not have to.

She is not perfect but that is part of the draw for me. She faces down life with values she believes in. She seems principled and destined to create change just by the simple decisions in her life. She is truly a breath of fresh air! Breathe deep America; it’s OK!

My Hope Tonight…

There will be 22 million viewers to witness the reason we need a strong reformer in the White House that is also a woman. I have written often about my experience working for and with some of the best and brightest women in business. I believe we could use a new perspective in Washington with the experience of Sarah Palin.

She is managing a family, career, and now has to manage the hypocrisy, idiocy, and bias of the liberal media. I still have confidence that Americans make the right decision when faced with facts and information. Tonight Palin has the opportunity to state the facts; she has more experience in every way than Barack Obama. And she will provide the information necessary for people to realize she lives the life we do; juggling life as it comes at us with no nannies, chauffeurs, assistants, and chefs. I can’t wait!

The reason she scares liberals is she represents real women, not some radical feminist that hates men and abandons the things that people admire in a lady. We’ll see a true statesman and lady this evening. It will truly be a hysterical, I mean historical moment for liberal women everywhere (really)…

Palin is real America…

Small point to ponder; Palin has more practical political experience than the democrat’s choice to lead their presidential ticket, Barrack Obama. You knew her story couldn’t be perfect but it really is. The NY Times is about to run multiple stories about the pregnancy of her 17 year old daughter which will only add to the credibility of Palin. She has 5 children and as we all know, children are not perfect. Most Americans can empathize with her situation, and will lash out at any attempts to blame her for her daughter’s actions. The public, especially woman will understand the difficulty she is facing in her private life. She will stand by her daughter with the heart of a mom, and as other mom’s and dad’s know, it is all you can do. Family is so much deeper than government “service” and community “building”.

Palin is a person that lives the American story every day. She has children to care for, a job to go to, a husband that shares the family responsibilities, and as for her experience to be VP? She has been a Council woman, PTA member, Mayor, and Governor of Alaska. Obama’s experience? Community “organizer”? Doesn’t even compare.

The democrats will be seen for what they are; hypocrites. Democrats - the party of woman? Only liberal woman get their support. So the mask is lifted and we find the true motivation of the democratic ticket; destroy the American experience and replace it with a liberal European one. Palin is American through and through. She will attract many people because of her story, and the attempt to destroy her with her daughter’s “story” will only strengthen her and her VP credentials in the eyes of most Americans.

How refreshing will it be to have one of us in the White House? America is ready for a woman in office; an American woman…

Doom and Gloom America?

Watching the Democratic National Convention you get the feeling that America is land of the victim. Every story involves a “Dave and his family in Kansas” are struggling to fill the gas tank, heat their house, and send their kids to college, while falling behind on the mortgage, after a diagnosis of a disease without a cure, while caring for their 90 year old mother that was denied Medicare, etc…

Now I know that some people are struggling but the picture being painted is one of a country that doesn’t care. And that could be no further from the truth. What most clear thinking individuals realize is that government is NOT the answer, it is the problem. Every speech being given at this convention is delivered with the premise that we need more government not less. That is why this election will be a landslide for McCain if he chooses Mitt Romney as his VP.

That would be the ultimate ticket with a definitive contrast between the two party philosophies. Romney will speak confidently on the economy knowing that we have the best system in the world if we can just keep the government from tinkering with it, and will highlight that contrary to public opinion and democratic distortion, grew 3.3% in the 3rd quarter.

Americans hate the pity party going on, the absolute attempt to paint a gloomy picture, and the insinuation that we are not capable of being great without government (and Democrat’s) help.
Our media and democratic pundits like to point to the polls that most Americans believe we are going in the wrong direction. That direction is not just about Bush, it is about a political class that is trying to get their hands into every aspect of our lives. So when the democrats read those polls and are gleeful, they should realize that their direction is not the preferred one. Most Americans are sick of all the politicians “running” this government.

My advice to all politicians is to read the constitution and understand the role of government. That would be a good start. Just a thought…

Breaking New: Obama’s campaigns stomps on free speech with impunity!

Seniority in Congress and representatives like Doug Lamborn…

Inside pundits and party officials believe that you have to have political “experience” to be effective in elected office. They never clarify what that means in detail. Experience is usually described as having held office before, or being connected in the party apparatus. They never talk about the fact for example how Doug Lamborn (or other “career” politicians) have never held a job that has had a budget, employees, paid taxes, or had to work within or around regulations, say, like I have. That is not relevant if they have been a good party soldier.

I am the first to agree that experience is better than a degree any day. But what we have to look at is the results of that experience - not just the length of service. As the Republican and Democratic parties argue how independents are a “risk” for chairmanships and key roles in the government, they never point to results. Here are the results of the “experienced” and “career” politicians I have observed:

• Social Security is going bankrupt and being used to offset the real budget shortfall the federal government is running. No urgency here.
• Energy “policy” has been ignored - so now because of the “experienced” members of congress’ inaction, we now enjoy another crisis created by them, who now say they are the right people to fix it. Really?
• The inner city and minority communities are worse off than ever because of the programs of “career” politicians. It is criminal in my opinion to have spent trillions and the problem is worse. When will a new approach be tried by this group of “experienced” social engineers?
• The public education in this country has been hijacked by unions and special interests with the help of “experienced” politicians. The department of education funds need to be sent back to the states where they belong. I don’t want to cut education, because my experience tells me it is the answer to poverty, I just want the people closest to the community to have the funds they need to provide a quality education. Not a one size fits all approach. But I don’t have the experience to know this I guess.
• The federal “budget” is a disgrace. The economic ignorance is embarrassing because politicians like Doug Lamborn have never had to run a business within a budget. A budget is a foreign concept to most “career” politicians.
• Border Security is being ignored while our “career” politicians allow border agents to be assaulted and thrown in jail for shooting criminals in the arse. The fed sides with corrupt Mexican officials over our own American soldiers. And they act powerless? They are the US Congress in charge of securing our border; make it your issue dangit!
• Our military is the greatest most stabilizing institution in the world allowing for free trade to be conducted between the nations of the world, and yet our democratic “career” politicians continue to despise it and cut its funding whenever they can to divert funds that create jobs to put into failed social programs that suck the hope out of; New Orleans, LA, Detroit, and other inner cities that resemble third world nations. Never mind they are the defenders of all freedom loving nations in the world. Without them we have nothing.

I could go on forever here. So I ask; if this is what the “experienced” and “career” politicians results are, what is the risk in sending some fresh new blood to congress? We need to focus on results not intentions. The road to hell is paved with good intentions as they say so when will it be time to try a new approach?

We also need people in congress that are willing to passionately work to change the way it operates. Lobbyists, fund raising, selection of committee chairs, length of time in office and in DC, and the transfer of power back to the states where it belongs for most issues need to be addressed and changed. If you agree I say:

Give Congress a Hand; Rich Hand!

Give Congress a Hand in 2008; Rich Hand!

This is my attempt to be clever with a slogan for my upcoming 60 day blitz to Election Day November 4th. I know there are so many clever citizens out there that could come up with a better play on words for the campaign.

I would like to challenge all of you to take a shot at it. Also notice the new video on the sidebar created by my wonderful daughter Emily!! She has 2 more videos to come. One on issues, the other on how simple it is to write-in Rich Hand!!

One of my blog posts has been picked up by the website Tenth Amendment Center. I am in the company of Ron Paul and other citizens concerned about the federal governments over reaching policies like unfunded mandates. I hope you check it out.

The League of Woman Voters will be posting my positions in the next few weeks on their site. I am all over the political sites which are driving a lot of traffic to my site. I am confident I can break 100 votes this year!

Doug Lamborn the republican incumbent has agreed to debate me in September; only kidding Mom!! He doesn’t have the guts and many would consider that foolish politics. But it just shows you what you get in the current system; gutless tools. Sorry Doug if you consider that a personal attack, I call it the truth. Two different ways to look at the same thing. I know you see everything from the lobbyist view but I see it from a citizen view.

Keep coming back as I add some audio (radio) commercials and hopefully start getting some speaking gigs. I will be walking School District 38 with Kelly Mobley who is working to maintain the integrity of the schools there by getting support for a mill levy increase that is much needed because the federal government gives back so little of the billions we send to the Department of Education in DC! See my position on getting that money back…

More news to come. Looking forward to some creative slogans!!

It is time to start campaigning…

From now until Election Day I will be starting to focus more on my cause of becoming the next representative in Colorado’s congressional district 5. The primary is done, and as expected incumbent Doug Lamborn cruised to an easy victory in the 3 way race. He could have been beaten by either of the 2 other candidates in my opinion in a 2 way race. Both Jeff Crank and Bentley Rayburn are good men and would have made much better leaders over Doug Lamborn. They split the vote because they are both such strong candidates. My only issue with either was their party status. I believe we need to work from the outside in because the parties have proven they can’t fix it from the inside out.

Doug Lamborn has a voting record that most in this district would support but being a leader in my opinion is bigger than that. He is content waiting in line for his place in a congressional system that favors length of service over skill, has money and lobbyists at its core, and is an assault on every American that lives in a district where they have had the guts to elect new representatives.

We need a leader that is willing to fight to change the rules of congress so they favor all Americans right to fair representation in congress. We need to change the system so good principled Americans want to run for office. And we need a representative that will stop taking their direction from the lobbyists in Washington DC. Mr Lamborn has been running commercials here stating how he has stood up to Nancy Pelosi and is willing to fight against her liberal policies. Well I take exception to that. From what he has done here by avoiding debates in the primary, and basically hiding behind an ad campaign, shows there is no way he is fighting Nancy Pelosi and liberals because he doesn’t even have the guts to stand up in front of his constituents to debate his candidacy with two “friendly” foes. Nancy Pelosi would eat this guy for lunch in a debate.

We need someone that knows that the system is broken and will fight to change the rules in the House. Doug will not even debate in an election cycle, do you believe he will stand up and challenge the Republican leadership to make the changes we need to get fair representation in congress?

I am running unaffiliated which is the largest voting block; and growing in Colorado. I will fight for changing rules that will help clean up congress so we can all feel better about the people we send to congress. The two parties have made this mess, and now they say they have the solutions to fix it?? Well I don’t know about you, but I think they need some help from us.

Please join me by going to my website and recommending it to other constituents in Colorado District 5. Thank you in advance…