True knowledge of American history is necessary to insure the future of the America we love… This is an important time in our country's history. We must be wise and measured as we choose our leaders going forward.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Family Time...
We had a great weekend in Vail! Nothing like spending quality time with the family in the beautiful surroundings of the great state of Colorado!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! We have been blessed to be Americans...
Hug and hold your children and enjoy your family on this day of thanks. Thank you God for my family's health and happiness!
Hug and hold your children and enjoy your family on this day of thanks. Thank you God for my family's health and happiness!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Constitution’s True “Wall of Separation”…
Thomas Jefferson’s “wall of separation” reference, often cited by atheists to drive the moral foundation of this country right out of the public square, is a phrase that really should be attached to our Tenth Amendment. This country was founded on religious freedom and the ability to worship God as we please. Atheists have tried to argue that we can’t recognize religion in the public square, and that, as most Americans know, is complete garbage.
The Bible was the main book used to educate early Americans because it was often the only book anyone owned or had access to. The lessons in the Bible have stood the test of time because Christians believe it is the word of God. Without the moral foundation of our Christian principles this nation could not have survived. Our founders argued this in many a debate about the divine providence of this great nation. They believed America could only survive as long as our faith in God did.
The true “wall of separation” debated at the constitutional convention and during the ratification process was the Tenth Amendment. It was inserted into the constitution to insure the central government could never become the dominant power over the states and individuals. The citizens of early America would have never thought one day Americans would even consider removing Christianity from the public square. The first amendment forbidding the government from “establishing” a religion or “prohibiting the free exercise thereof” was penned to insure government could not force people to worship a specific Christian denomination. The furthest thing from their minds would have been taking religion out of public life. Religion and Christianity was their life.
The real debate about a “wall of separation” was the concern that a central government would interfere in the internal workings of the state governments and individual liberties. That is something that was a real threat to the Americans of the day (and as we see today; it was a legitimate concern and threat). The constitution would never have been ratified without the Bill of Rights and specifically the Tenth Amendment. The distrust of a large central authority was real, and needed to be checked with a definitive and detailed reference in the constitution; hence the Tenth Amendment.
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectfully, or to the people”
This is the “wall of separation” that allowed this great nation to be born. What this amendment truly says is “no need to worry because there is little that the federal government is responsible for and if they try to expand we can nullify the laws because all other power lies in the states and people. States and individuals are the true power base, and the central government has very little responsibility beyond national security and foreign and regular trade among the several states.” It was the state’s insurance that they had a way to control central authority.
So to the Americans at our founding the “Ace in the hole” was the Tenth Amendment. And now, to millions of Americans, we have reached the time we need to play the ace in the hole. It was important at our founding, and because of the foresight of our founders, we have it to insure our survival.
The time has come to play the ace our founders gave us in the constitution; the Tenth Amendment…
The Bible was the main book used to educate early Americans because it was often the only book anyone owned or had access to. The lessons in the Bible have stood the test of time because Christians believe it is the word of God. Without the moral foundation of our Christian principles this nation could not have survived. Our founders argued this in many a debate about the divine providence of this great nation. They believed America could only survive as long as our faith in God did.
The true “wall of separation” debated at the constitutional convention and during the ratification process was the Tenth Amendment. It was inserted into the constitution to insure the central government could never become the dominant power over the states and individuals. The citizens of early America would have never thought one day Americans would even consider removing Christianity from the public square. The first amendment forbidding the government from “establishing” a religion or “prohibiting the free exercise thereof” was penned to insure government could not force people to worship a specific Christian denomination. The furthest thing from their minds would have been taking religion out of public life. Religion and Christianity was their life.
The real debate about a “wall of separation” was the concern that a central government would interfere in the internal workings of the state governments and individual liberties. That is something that was a real threat to the Americans of the day (and as we see today; it was a legitimate concern and threat). The constitution would never have been ratified without the Bill of Rights and specifically the Tenth Amendment. The distrust of a large central authority was real, and needed to be checked with a definitive and detailed reference in the constitution; hence the Tenth Amendment.
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectfully, or to the people”
This is the “wall of separation” that allowed this great nation to be born. What this amendment truly says is “no need to worry because there is little that the federal government is responsible for and if they try to expand we can nullify the laws because all other power lies in the states and people. States and individuals are the true power base, and the central government has very little responsibility beyond national security and foreign and regular trade among the several states.” It was the state’s insurance that they had a way to control central authority.
So to the Americans at our founding the “Ace in the hole” was the Tenth Amendment. And now, to millions of Americans, we have reached the time we need to play the ace in the hole. It was important at our founding, and because of the foresight of our founders, we have it to insure our survival.
The time has come to play the ace our founders gave us in the constitution; the Tenth Amendment…
No Party; Period…
I was listening to one of my favorite talk show hosts Mark Levin last night and he was discussing third parties, and the way they have failed in the past. And his points were correct but he missed the true point; the party system is broken. He was arguing that the people like me who are done with the Republicans want a third party; that couldn’t be further from what I and millions of Americans want.
What average Americans want is political leaders that put country first, and are committed to the founding principles of this nation. We want all parties to start acting like Americans first.
Hugh Hewitt, another talk show host I respect often maligns his audience members that question the Republican Party’s commitment to conservative principles. He is right when he argues that there is a difference between R’s and D’s, but he does not realize how deeply angered we are from the past actions of both parties. There are principles that cannot be ignored by the republicans and expect the support of conservative Americans (which is most of us). George Bush, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Olympia Snow, and so many others continually ignore the fundamental law of the land; our constitution.
When is the last time you heard a Republican talk about the U.S. Constitution? They don’t because every one of them believes in big federal government. It is only a matter of degrees between D’s and R’s. Both are ignoring our founding principles and have no plan to reduce the scope of federal government.
We need radical and bold changes that return us to the greatest vision of self government that was ever created. That is what most of us mean when we suggest there is no difference in the parties. We know it is better for our troops and taxes to have Republicans in charge. But republicans are the lesser of the two evils.
When we elect representatives to go to Washington, every one of them should have an equal say in directing policy but because of the rules the parties have implemented, that is not how it works. The parties can change the rules to make them better for America but they will not because they believe in power over patriotism. That is a fact; the facts are abundant supporting my argument.
We are done with parties. We don’t want a third party, we want principled leaders that put their self interest aside and do what is right for America. We are in this predicament because the rules have made the power of the democrats greater than it should be. The rules must change and the power returned to the states and individuals where it belongs.
When our representatives gather under the rotunda they should be representing America not their party. And that is what has happened no matter what anyone says…
What average Americans want is political leaders that put country first, and are committed to the founding principles of this nation. We want all parties to start acting like Americans first.
Hugh Hewitt, another talk show host I respect often maligns his audience members that question the Republican Party’s commitment to conservative principles. He is right when he argues that there is a difference between R’s and D’s, but he does not realize how deeply angered we are from the past actions of both parties. There are principles that cannot be ignored by the republicans and expect the support of conservative Americans (which is most of us). George Bush, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Olympia Snow, and so many others continually ignore the fundamental law of the land; our constitution.
When is the last time you heard a Republican talk about the U.S. Constitution? They don’t because every one of them believes in big federal government. It is only a matter of degrees between D’s and R’s. Both are ignoring our founding principles and have no plan to reduce the scope of federal government.
We need radical and bold changes that return us to the greatest vision of self government that was ever created. That is what most of us mean when we suggest there is no difference in the parties. We know it is better for our troops and taxes to have Republicans in charge. But republicans are the lesser of the two evils.
When we elect representatives to go to Washington, every one of them should have an equal say in directing policy but because of the rules the parties have implemented, that is not how it works. The parties can change the rules to make them better for America but they will not because they believe in power over patriotism. That is a fact; the facts are abundant supporting my argument.
We are done with parties. We don’t want a third party, we want principled leaders that put their self interest aside and do what is right for America. We are in this predicament because the rules have made the power of the democrats greater than it should be. The rules must change and the power returned to the states and individuals where it belongs.
When our representatives gather under the rotunda they should be representing America not their party. And that is what has happened no matter what anyone says…
Sunday, November 22, 2009
A Constitutional Revolution…
We need a constitutional convention not to change the constitution but to learn what it means. I am tired of listening to federal representatives invoking the constitution when convenient and ignoring it when proposing programs. These people are constitutionally ignorant and need an education.
We need a national conference on the meaning of our constitutional government. It is not just free speech and the right to bear arms, it is so much more. We have treated the constitution as sound bites used to make arguments but we fail to understand the comprehensive nature of the documents true value. It needs to be argued in the context it was created and why it was created.
• It was created to insure a common defense against foreign enemies.
• It was created to insure regular trade among the states and foreign nations.
• It was created to insure the debts of our national security and enumerated powers could be paid by the federal government without being beholden to state politics.
• It was created to develop a framework that would allow individuals and states to thrive economically in an environment of freedom.
• It was created to insure against tyranny and abuse of power.
We too often confuse government responsibility and charity. The government was never intended to be a charity. It was never intended to be a welfare state. It was never intended to be a troth of power and money that could be leveraged by the powerful and wealthy.
We need a constitutional revolution. One that will change the way we view our constitution. It is not just sound bites and slogans. It is the law of our land and we need to become law abiding again…
We need a national conference on the meaning of our constitutional government. It is not just free speech and the right to bear arms, it is so much more. We have treated the constitution as sound bites used to make arguments but we fail to understand the comprehensive nature of the documents true value. It needs to be argued in the context it was created and why it was created.
• It was created to insure a common defense against foreign enemies.
• It was created to insure regular trade among the states and foreign nations.
• It was created to insure the debts of our national security and enumerated powers could be paid by the federal government without being beholden to state politics.
• It was created to develop a framework that would allow individuals and states to thrive economically in an environment of freedom.
• It was created to insure against tyranny and abuse of power.
We too often confuse government responsibility and charity. The government was never intended to be a charity. It was never intended to be a welfare state. It was never intended to be a troth of power and money that could be leveraged by the powerful and wealthy.
We need a constitutional revolution. One that will change the way we view our constitution. It is not just sound bites and slogans. It is the law of our land and we need to become law abiding again…
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Constitution and Healthcare…
The constitution protects the liberties of Americans as individuals by limiting the power of the central government. The constitution is specific in describing the powers delegated to the federal government to insure the protection of our liberty. The current healthcare debate in itself is unconstitutional because the government has no authority to take over healthcare. But specifically we need to look at three major infringements of our rights.
The first is the punitive damages in the healthcare bill that will fine and imprison citizens for not purchasing health insurance. Think about this carefully; the government that works for you are going to put you in jail if you decide to forgo health insurance even if you can pay your doctor directly for his/her services. Which is the second problem; contracts between doctors and patients.
It is our constitutional rights to contract for services between individuals. The healthcare bill is about to infringe on our right to enter into a contract with our doctors and hospitals. The federal government is going to take away your right to contract healthcare directly with insurance companies and doctors. Think again very carefully; if they can steal your right to contract with your doctor or insurance company, can they take away your right to contract for buying your house and property?
The final point here is taking away our right to end of life care and basically deciding whether or not your life is worth spending medical resources on, even if you can pay for them. What happened to our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness? Think about being looked at not as an individual but an investment of the government. If you have enough years as a taxpayer left, you will be considered a good investment for healthcare services. If you are on Social Security, Medicare, no longer work, you are no longer a “benefit” to society, you are now a “drain” on society. Your ability to acquire the medical services necessary to live will be determined by a panel of federal bureaucrats. Our founders would be appalled as we should be. Stopping this healthcare bill is a matter of life and death; literally.
Is this the constitutional government our ancestors died for? Is this limited government? Or is this insanity?
The first is the punitive damages in the healthcare bill that will fine and imprison citizens for not purchasing health insurance. Think about this carefully; the government that works for you are going to put you in jail if you decide to forgo health insurance even if you can pay your doctor directly for his/her services. Which is the second problem; contracts between doctors and patients.
It is our constitutional rights to contract for services between individuals. The healthcare bill is about to infringe on our right to enter into a contract with our doctors and hospitals. The federal government is going to take away your right to contract healthcare directly with insurance companies and doctors. Think again very carefully; if they can steal your right to contract with your doctor or insurance company, can they take away your right to contract for buying your house and property?
The final point here is taking away our right to end of life care and basically deciding whether or not your life is worth spending medical resources on, even if you can pay for them. What happened to our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness? Think about being looked at not as an individual but an investment of the government. If you have enough years as a taxpayer left, you will be considered a good investment for healthcare services. If you are on Social Security, Medicare, no longer work, you are no longer a “benefit” to society, you are now a “drain” on society. Your ability to acquire the medical services necessary to live will be determined by a panel of federal bureaucrats. Our founders would be appalled as we should be. Stopping this healthcare bill is a matter of life and death; literally.
Is this the constitutional government our ancestors died for? Is this limited government? Or is this insanity?
Remedial Economics and Government …
The government is funded by taking money from productive taxpayers. The more money productive people make the more money the government has to operate. If the people that create tax law knew anything about economics they would use the same model business people use to create revenue for their businesses.
Instead we have politicians that are economically ignorant and continue to target “rich” people and small business owners to fund their largesse. It is a formula that is unsustainable. There comes a point and we are there right now, that people that are productive choose to stop making more money. They reduce productivity because the tax policies make it uninviting to increase revenue.
Here is a simple example. If my taxes are currently 36% of income, and I make $150,000, and if I choose to work harder, and the government decides at $200,000 I am “rich”, and they are going to tax me 60%, why would I work harder for less money? What I do is stop at $199,999 and go on vacation. This is just a simple example to make a point but the reality is the federal government is creating an environment that is encouraging business to stop producing wealth.
If politicians really wanted to increase tax receipts to the government coffers they would only have to follow a few basic principles, and they would achieve not only additional tax revenue but actually mend the economy. By simply reducing tax rates to encourage business to make more money they will improve revenue and the economy. By simply implementing a flat tax as a percentage of income they would improve tax revenue and the economy. Reducing the federal debt by simply putting a freeze on government spending, would increase confidence in the markets and improve the economy.
But this will never happen because it is not about improving anyone’s lives in this government except their own. The people in government today are the greediest, most selfish individuals the world has ever known. They are power hungry and dangerous. They are the greatest enemy to the poor even though they claim to be trying to help them. They are a disgrace to this country and themselves. There isn’t an ounce of good in any of them. Seems harsh but if there was any good in them they would be arguing for adherence to our constitution.
Redistribution of wealth only ends wealth. It does not help anyone, it hurts the most vulnerable. Socialism is immoral because it steals the labor and property from one and gives it to others. More importantly it destroys the reason for people to be productive. Socialism goes against the basic tenants of human nature. And this is what the current administration and politicians are pursuing while breaking the laws of our constitution.
Our economy will only improve when we remember the simple principle our founders penned in our founding documents; limited government, liberty, and a moral foundation. Right now we have a overreaching out of control central government, we are losing our freedom with every bill that is passed by these power hungry politicians, and we have allowed for an assault on our founding faith while we tolerate and celebrate a religion that is trying to dominate the world and take us back to the Stone Age.
Everything is out of control because they have drifted from our guiding principles. They are digging a deeper hole, they are putting good money after bad, and they are destroying this nation while we wonder; what we can do about it? What can you do? Get involved, get worked up, get active and think about what our founders did. Did they sit by and allow their colonies to be destroyed by an out of control central government? The lessons of history are clear. It is time to get back to our roots.
The recipe is simple, get informed and take back your government. We have ignored it for too long. They work for us; we need to fire them…
Instead we have politicians that are economically ignorant and continue to target “rich” people and small business owners to fund their largesse. It is a formula that is unsustainable. There comes a point and we are there right now, that people that are productive choose to stop making more money. They reduce productivity because the tax policies make it uninviting to increase revenue.
Here is a simple example. If my taxes are currently 36% of income, and I make $150,000, and if I choose to work harder, and the government decides at $200,000 I am “rich”, and they are going to tax me 60%, why would I work harder for less money? What I do is stop at $199,999 and go on vacation. This is just a simple example to make a point but the reality is the federal government is creating an environment that is encouraging business to stop producing wealth.
If politicians really wanted to increase tax receipts to the government coffers they would only have to follow a few basic principles, and they would achieve not only additional tax revenue but actually mend the economy. By simply reducing tax rates to encourage business to make more money they will improve revenue and the economy. By simply implementing a flat tax as a percentage of income they would improve tax revenue and the economy. Reducing the federal debt by simply putting a freeze on government spending, would increase confidence in the markets and improve the economy.
But this will never happen because it is not about improving anyone’s lives in this government except their own. The people in government today are the greediest, most selfish individuals the world has ever known. They are power hungry and dangerous. They are the greatest enemy to the poor even though they claim to be trying to help them. They are a disgrace to this country and themselves. There isn’t an ounce of good in any of them. Seems harsh but if there was any good in them they would be arguing for adherence to our constitution.
Redistribution of wealth only ends wealth. It does not help anyone, it hurts the most vulnerable. Socialism is immoral because it steals the labor and property from one and gives it to others. More importantly it destroys the reason for people to be productive. Socialism goes against the basic tenants of human nature. And this is what the current administration and politicians are pursuing while breaking the laws of our constitution.
Our economy will only improve when we remember the simple principle our founders penned in our founding documents; limited government, liberty, and a moral foundation. Right now we have a overreaching out of control central government, we are losing our freedom with every bill that is passed by these power hungry politicians, and we have allowed for an assault on our founding faith while we tolerate and celebrate a religion that is trying to dominate the world and take us back to the Stone Age.
Everything is out of control because they have drifted from our guiding principles. They are digging a deeper hole, they are putting good money after bad, and they are destroying this nation while we wonder; what we can do about it? What can you do? Get involved, get worked up, get active and think about what our founders did. Did they sit by and allow their colonies to be destroyed by an out of control central government? The lessons of history are clear. It is time to get back to our roots.
The recipe is simple, get informed and take back your government. We have ignored it for too long. They work for us; we need to fire them…
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Tenth Amendment’s Power…
Our U.S. Constitution would never have come to fruition without the “Bill of Rights” (the first ten amendments) because the founders and other influential individuals would have never supported ratification without these amendments written specifically into the Constitution. The country had just rejected tyranny, and wanted explicit guarantees that this new government would not become the same government they had just shed their blood and treasures to defeat. They knew the propensity for government to steal the freedom of individual citizens, and they wanted to insure tyranny could never happen again.
The tenth and final amendment was seen as their “guarantee.” A way to contain the federal government from over stepping its bounds. If not for the tenth amendment, we may have never become the country we ended up being because it convinced the people of the time that because of the tenth it was safe to ratify.
How times have changed. But the tenth amendment still remains the most important tool today to take back the rights that the federal government has usurped throughout the years. It is simple in concept and clear in its language, and will again play a critical role in our history. I believe and am campaigning on the fact that the only way to stop the federal takeover of our lives is through the state government apparatus utilizing the tenth amendment. It is the law of the land and we must enforce the law.
It doesn’t matter that the amendment has been ignored to get us to where we are today, it is still clear in its purpose; to maintain political power close to the people and with the individual. It is now the responsibility of the states and the Governors to re-establish our fundamental law of the land. It is time for boldness, it is time for courage, and it is time to risk our lives and fortunes.
We are not to the point of armed revolution but we are clearly at the point of decisive and bold action to prevent this current expansion of federal power which is crushing our individual and state rights. It is a revolution but it is a revolution to reaffirm our constitutional government.
Our current crisis has been caused by our drifting from these founding principles. We must return and it is not too late. It is actually the beginning. People are waking up to the fact that we need to return to the constitution and its principles. We have seen the expansion of federal power and it is not a future we support. We have the opportunity to reinvigorate our constitutional form of government because we have the people’s attention.
We must not let this opportunity pass. We must support people committed to the constitution. We must forget about parties and find candidates that have committed their lives to the constitution. Give them your attention and we can re-institute our bill of rights by utilizing the tenth amendment.
We will win this battle if we commit our lives the way the founders did. If that scares you it should. We are at the point of losing our way of life. We are at the point that we must decide. We are in good company and we have the perfect foundation; the tenth amendment of our United States Constitution…
The tenth and final amendment was seen as their “guarantee.” A way to contain the federal government from over stepping its bounds. If not for the tenth amendment, we may have never become the country we ended up being because it convinced the people of the time that because of the tenth it was safe to ratify.
How times have changed. But the tenth amendment still remains the most important tool today to take back the rights that the federal government has usurped throughout the years. It is simple in concept and clear in its language, and will again play a critical role in our history. I believe and am campaigning on the fact that the only way to stop the federal takeover of our lives is through the state government apparatus utilizing the tenth amendment. It is the law of the land and we must enforce the law.
It doesn’t matter that the amendment has been ignored to get us to where we are today, it is still clear in its purpose; to maintain political power close to the people and with the individual. It is now the responsibility of the states and the Governors to re-establish our fundamental law of the land. It is time for boldness, it is time for courage, and it is time to risk our lives and fortunes.
We are not to the point of armed revolution but we are clearly at the point of decisive and bold action to prevent this current expansion of federal power which is crushing our individual and state rights. It is a revolution but it is a revolution to reaffirm our constitutional government.
Our current crisis has been caused by our drifting from these founding principles. We must return and it is not too late. It is actually the beginning. People are waking up to the fact that we need to return to the constitution and its principles. We have seen the expansion of federal power and it is not a future we support. We have the opportunity to reinvigorate our constitutional form of government because we have the people’s attention.
We must not let this opportunity pass. We must support people committed to the constitution. We must forget about parties and find candidates that have committed their lives to the constitution. Give them your attention and we can re-institute our bill of rights by utilizing the tenth amendment.
We will win this battle if we commit our lives the way the founders did. If that scares you it should. We are at the point of losing our way of life. We are at the point that we must decide. We are in good company and we have the perfect foundation; the tenth amendment of our United States Constitution…
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The State 401K…
It seems time that those working for the taxpayer should have benefits that are aligned with the people paying for them. Why do the benefits given to state workers seem so much more lucrative? It stems from a time when working for government meant taking a pay cut, and benefits were a way to attract people. Those days are long gone.
When the private sector is not hurting like it is today, these differences are ignored by most, but when times are tough people notice things they should have always noticed. The state pay system must be changed to be in line with the private sector.
As governor I will propose a 401K style program for state workers that will be fair and competitive. By doing that the state will reduce its unfunded pension liabilities, and start paying their workers similar to their bosses; the tax payers. The state will match up to 3 – 6% of the amount of money an employee chooses to save. The state employee will need to participate in their retirement just like we do.
Vacation time will be limited to 4 weeks per year maximum, and MUST be used in that year. No more saving up time to retire early. The retirement age will be at 62 like the rest of us unless they want to start early on their own dime. Medical plans will reflect the average employee contribution of the private business market in Colorado.
It is not about punishing anyone; it is about putting our house back in order. We need to continue the efforts to streamline government through technology advances and reducing the scope of government in our lives.
The state can’t afford the union contracts and more importantly the system has to change so it is self regulating and not dependent on economic times otherwise we will end up with out of balance benefits because of politics.
It will be a challenge to change the mindset of the state employee unions and employees but it is the right and fair thing to do to run a responsible state government…
When the private sector is not hurting like it is today, these differences are ignored by most, but when times are tough people notice things they should have always noticed. The state pay system must be changed to be in line with the private sector.
As governor I will propose a 401K style program for state workers that will be fair and competitive. By doing that the state will reduce its unfunded pension liabilities, and start paying their workers similar to their bosses; the tax payers. The state will match up to 3 – 6% of the amount of money an employee chooses to save. The state employee will need to participate in their retirement just like we do.
Vacation time will be limited to 4 weeks per year maximum, and MUST be used in that year. No more saving up time to retire early. The retirement age will be at 62 like the rest of us unless they want to start early on their own dime. Medical plans will reflect the average employee contribution of the private business market in Colorado.
It is not about punishing anyone; it is about putting our house back in order. We need to continue the efforts to streamline government through technology advances and reducing the scope of government in our lives.
The state can’t afford the union contracts and more importantly the system has to change so it is self regulating and not dependent on economic times otherwise we will end up with out of balance benefits because of politics.
It will be a challenge to change the mindset of the state employee unions and employees but it is the right and fair thing to do to run a responsible state government…
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
As Governor I Will:
Eliminate the corporate tax on manufacturers. The federal government has been targeting manufacturing in this country as an industry that needs to be eliminated. Whether it is environmental, safety, or employment regulations, they have made doing business in this country unaffordable. That will end in Colorado.
I will eliminate all state taxes on manufacturer's corporate income and through a constitutional challenge of the XVI Amendment Colorado citizens will have the opportunity to vote to cap federal income taxes at 18%. I will encourage all businesses to reside here in Colorado but especially manufacturers and small business. We need to make things again in this country and the only way to do that is to make the business climate friendly to the people that create business.
It is time to turn the tables on over reaching government. It is time for government to sacrifice and give business the support they need to grow. Business growth will not bankrupt us but it is a guarantee that government growth will.
Which growth would you support? Business or Government? I thought so…
I will eliminate all state taxes on manufacturer's corporate income and through a constitutional challenge of the XVI Amendment Colorado citizens will have the opportunity to vote to cap federal income taxes at 18%. I will encourage all businesses to reside here in Colorado but especially manufacturers and small business. We need to make things again in this country and the only way to do that is to make the business climate friendly to the people that create business.
It is time to turn the tables on over reaching government. It is time for government to sacrifice and give business the support they need to grow. Business growth will not bankrupt us but it is a guarantee that government growth will.
Which growth would you support? Business or Government? I thought so…
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Greed of Government…
Politicians often lecture us about the greed of business and how they can’t be trusted to do the right thing. But if we think about it, how can a “greedy” corporation be greedy? If you think making money and profits is inherently greedy; maybe you can think that, but private business can’t take your money unless you choose to buy their product or service.
Government is the only “organization” that can legally forcefully take your money for what they believe is best for that money. Businesses can’t take your money to give it to the people they think should get it. Business can’t force you to buy their brand. Business can’t just raise their prices and expect you to pay the increase even if you don’t use their service.
You see, government is the greediest entity ever created. They take your money even when you are making less because they need to create more programs. Government takes your money to give to people around the world even when Americans are suffering. Government takes the money you earn from your family to save “greedy” corporations like GM, to give to the unions and management that have run the company into bankruptcy.
Government can never take a pay cut, benefit cut, even at the expense of hurting the people that pay their salaries (we the taxpayers). Government employees continue to receive out of balance pension and health benefits even while we in the private sector have to pay more for ourselves for the same benefits. And to top it off, when we who pay the bills have the gall to question the pay and benefits of the people that work for us; we are branded greedy and heartless.
So I ask you; who is the greedy one?
Government is the only “organization” that can legally forcefully take your money for what they believe is best for that money. Businesses can’t take your money to give it to the people they think should get it. Business can’t force you to buy their brand. Business can’t just raise their prices and expect you to pay the increase even if you don’t use their service.
You see, government is the greediest entity ever created. They take your money even when you are making less because they need to create more programs. Government takes your money to give to people around the world even when Americans are suffering. Government takes the money you earn from your family to save “greedy” corporations like GM, to give to the unions and management that have run the company into bankruptcy.
Government can never take a pay cut, benefit cut, even at the expense of hurting the people that pay their salaries (we the taxpayers). Government employees continue to receive out of balance pension and health benefits even while we in the private sector have to pay more for ourselves for the same benefits. And to top it off, when we who pay the bills have the gall to question the pay and benefits of the people that work for us; we are branded greedy and heartless.
So I ask you; who is the greedy one?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Federal Job Summit?
President Obama has just announced a “Job Summit” this December to address the continued bleeding of private sector jobs. Don’t get me wrong, talking about the job losses is fine, but we have been shedding millions of jobs since we passed the federal “stimulus” bill, that promised to “save” or create three million new jobs. Who is buying this garbage? We can talk until we are blue in the face but the answer sits right in front of us.
If the federal government wants to help the private sector to create jobs all they need to do is stop stealing the capital needed to grow business. Every dollar in taxes that is taken from both individuals and businesses is one less dollar to invest in the private sector. Not to get complicated but when a private individual invests a dollar back into the economy, a dollars worth of capital is created in industries that people are freely willing to invest in. When the federal government takes our tax dollars and says it’s going to “invest” in industries they think should be propped up (usually politically connected businesses) they destroy the value of that dollar by paying unneeded bureaucrats and throwing money down the drain of businesses that the private sector has already punished for being inefficient. That is why they are begging for the bailouts.
Small business people need confidence, capital, free market competition, and reasonable rules to get back on track. The healthcare bill, cap and trade, and a number of the bills being discussed will continue to reduce free market capitalism, therefore reducing or limiting job growth. The federal “job summit” should be focused on one theme; reducing government “help”. Because as our great president Ronald Reagan told us; “nine of the scariest words in the English language are: I’m with the government and I’m here to help.” He also added; “The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would hire them away.” The point being, government is not about business, government should be focused on learning the constitution and applying it. That would be nice.
So if you are waiting for a job to result from this summit; please don’t. Support campaigns like mine that will focus on reducing government “help” and focusing on the constitution and applying it in government. Let’s come together and have business do what it does best and the only way they can do that is to apply the government limitations that are found in the U.S. Constitution…
If the federal government wants to help the private sector to create jobs all they need to do is stop stealing the capital needed to grow business. Every dollar in taxes that is taken from both individuals and businesses is one less dollar to invest in the private sector. Not to get complicated but when a private individual invests a dollar back into the economy, a dollars worth of capital is created in industries that people are freely willing to invest in. When the federal government takes our tax dollars and says it’s going to “invest” in industries they think should be propped up (usually politically connected businesses) they destroy the value of that dollar by paying unneeded bureaucrats and throwing money down the drain of businesses that the private sector has already punished for being inefficient. That is why they are begging for the bailouts.
Small business people need confidence, capital, free market competition, and reasonable rules to get back on track. The healthcare bill, cap and trade, and a number of the bills being discussed will continue to reduce free market capitalism, therefore reducing or limiting job growth. The federal “job summit” should be focused on one theme; reducing government “help”. Because as our great president Ronald Reagan told us; “nine of the scariest words in the English language are: I’m with the government and I’m here to help.” He also added; “The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would hire them away.” The point being, government is not about business, government should be focused on learning the constitution and applying it. That would be nice.
So if you are waiting for a job to result from this summit; please don’t. Support campaigns like mine that will focus on reducing government “help” and focusing on the constitution and applying it in government. Let’s come together and have business do what it does best and the only way they can do that is to apply the government limitations that are found in the U.S. Constitution…
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
God Bless our Veterans…
Words are never enough to express the gratitude our veterans deserve for their part in securing the freedom of America and the world. This world would be unrecognizable if not for their dedication and sacrifice.
Today, I hope you take a moment and say a prayer for all of our active military, and never forget the past patriots who have sacrificed their lives and fortunes to leave us in a country blessed with freedom. Freedom has never been free; these men and women have paid the price on our behalf.
For that, we owe them our heartfelt thanks. God Bless our Military, their families, and our country…
Today, I hope you take a moment and say a prayer for all of our active military, and never forget the past patriots who have sacrificed their lives and fortunes to leave us in a country blessed with freedom. Freedom has never been free; these men and women have paid the price on our behalf.
For that, we owe them our heartfelt thanks. God Bless our Military, their families, and our country…
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Josh Penry Drops Out…
Josh Penry dropped out of the Colorado governor’s race, and his letter to his supporters was very revealing. Josh seems like a good guy trying to do what he feels is right for the citizens of Colorado, but because of party politics he has chosen to bow out. I don’t pretend to know his motives but if he really believed he was the right man for the job he should have given the voters a chance to choose.
Party politics continues to weed out candidates before the voters get a chance to decide who is best. A very limited group of party activists control the destiny of this country in too many states. This is not a criticism of the people; it is a criticism about the process. No longer are parties interested about what is best for the people, it is about what is best about the party. Us and them, them and us, and never about we the people.
The parties keep us divided so they have an enemy they can use to raise money. They keep us divided so they can hide the real goal of party politics; power. Power to do what? Power to control you.
I say to Josh Penry; show your kids through example that standing up for your personal principles is bigger than a party winning a seat. Look your kids in the eyes and ask yourself if you are the right guy for the job? Are you the best candidate for their future?
I look my kids in the eye and with complete confidence know I am the right guy for the job. I am sure you feel the same way. Let’s come together not as party candidates but the right candidates, doing what is right for the next generation.
Josh; get back in the race and run this one for the kids. They deserve a better government with better candidates that have their interest in mind; not the party’s best interest…
Party politics continues to weed out candidates before the voters get a chance to decide who is best. A very limited group of party activists control the destiny of this country in too many states. This is not a criticism of the people; it is a criticism about the process. No longer are parties interested about what is best for the people, it is about what is best about the party. Us and them, them and us, and never about we the people.
The parties keep us divided so they have an enemy they can use to raise money. They keep us divided so they can hide the real goal of party politics; power. Power to do what? Power to control you.
I say to Josh Penry; show your kids through example that standing up for your personal principles is bigger than a party winning a seat. Look your kids in the eyes and ask yourself if you are the right guy for the job? Are you the best candidate for their future?
I look my kids in the eye and with complete confidence know I am the right guy for the job. I am sure you feel the same way. Let’s come together not as party candidates but the right candidates, doing what is right for the next generation.
Josh; get back in the race and run this one for the kids. They deserve a better government with better candidates that have their interest in mind; not the party’s best interest…
Monday, November 9, 2009
When Will We Learn?
The information about the Fort Hood murders is now flowing, and the information is disturbing to say the least. I believe with my entire heart we have allowed 13 murders to happen due to political correctness in our handling of Muslims. Even with evidence that Major Hasan was in contact with terrorist sympathizers, and al Qaeda, Army leaders were intimidated, whether self imposed or institutional, which lead to the deaths of these American patriots.
Radical Muslims are telling us they hate us and want to kill us, and we continue to behave as if this is just some kind of irrelevant chatter. When will we learn? This is not about targeting a religious group, it is about protecting ourselves from a group of people that fundamentally hate us. It is about facts and behavior. The fact is that the religion of Islam is the foundation for the terrorism that is happening around the world. The behavior tells us we must be prepared to defend ourselves against people that have engaged in the philosophy of radical Islam.
We need to face the facts. When a Muslim in this country is vocal about their motives, we need to take them seriously. Otherwise; our soldiers and citizens die.
The military has become politicized to the point of disaster. That must change if we are to survive…
Radical Muslims are telling us they hate us and want to kill us, and we continue to behave as if this is just some kind of irrelevant chatter. When will we learn? This is not about targeting a religious group, it is about protecting ourselves from a group of people that fundamentally hate us. It is about facts and behavior. The fact is that the religion of Islam is the foundation for the terrorism that is happening around the world. The behavior tells us we must be prepared to defend ourselves against people that have engaged in the philosophy of radical Islam.
We need to face the facts. When a Muslim in this country is vocal about their motives, we need to take them seriously. Otherwise; our soldiers and citizens die.
The military has become politicized to the point of disaster. That must change if we are to survive…
Friday, November 6, 2009
God Bless our Troops...
Yesterday's massacre of individuals at Fort Hood is a sad moment, and we pray for the families of the victims.
As days go on we will learn about the shooter and his background. What we are hearing is disturbing and we will follow this carefully even if the media wants to minimize the influence of this man's affiliations...
As days go on we will learn about the shooter and his background. What we are hearing is disturbing and we will follow this carefully even if the media wants to minimize the influence of this man's affiliations...
The Tenth Amendment and the Supreme Court…
As the Tenth Amendment becomes the platform to stop an over reaching federal government, do we trust the Supreme Court to be a fair arbiter?
The Supreme Court, according to many constitutionalists, has been delinquent in its responsibility to protect the intention of the U.S. Constitution. Many past Supreme Court decisions have become bad precedent, and that bad precedent continues to be the bases for big government advocates to site as a justification for a continued trampling of state, and individual rights.
People that believe the constitution is a “living document” historically have utilized the commerce clause to feed their insatiable quest to trample individual and state’s rights. The constitutional clause under section 8 of the powers delegated to Congress simply states; “To regulate commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes.” The intention was not to be a conduit to suppress the rights and freedoms of the fifty states and their citizens. But that is exactly how the federal government gets its tentacles into places it has no right to be. If there was an intention to regulate internal state activity the word “among” would have been “within” the several states. The constitution is a document that protects individual rights by limiting the government’s role in our lives. It is not a document that was intended to grant unlimited rights which is what has happened through these poor precedents set by past Supreme Courts.
The commerce clause was intended to insure the fairness of trade and the ease of trade; period. If the states were left to their own, it would have been thirteen different policies on trade relations with foreign nations and chaos among the thirteen original colonies which could have resulted in many disputes, including civil war.
The commerce clause became the “Holy Grail” to big government advocates and has been twisted and molded into many forms. Much of this bad precedent can be traced to the administration of FDR, another big government advocate. FDR threatened the Supreme Court to successfully get his programs passed but the more important point is; if he could threaten the Supreme Court to change their opinion, can other administrations? That is why I ask; can we ever trust a Supreme Court to side with the people and the constitution? If not; what can be done?
Governors of the fifty states need to start challenging the federal government at every turn, and the way we must do it is through the Constitution’s Tenth Amendment. But can we trust the Supreme Court to interpret the original intent or will they fall back on faulty precedent? Can the Supreme Court be unbiased in the argument to reduce the scope of the federal government they are a part of?
I am afraid that too many people don’t realize how important the Supreme Court is to our future. We could end up with two new justices which could be a blessing or disaster for our constitutional republic. We must continue to support our constitution by electing people that respect and understand how important abiding by the U.S. Constitution’s original intent is to a hopeful future. Governors need to start challenging the federal mandates but will the Supreme Court be able to judge these challenges fairly? The answer will only come as we continue our efforts to apply the constitution…
The Supreme Court, according to many constitutionalists, has been delinquent in its responsibility to protect the intention of the U.S. Constitution. Many past Supreme Court decisions have become bad precedent, and that bad precedent continues to be the bases for big government advocates to site as a justification for a continued trampling of state, and individual rights.
People that believe the constitution is a “living document” historically have utilized the commerce clause to feed their insatiable quest to trample individual and state’s rights. The constitutional clause under section 8 of the powers delegated to Congress simply states; “To regulate commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes.” The intention was not to be a conduit to suppress the rights and freedoms of the fifty states and their citizens. But that is exactly how the federal government gets its tentacles into places it has no right to be. If there was an intention to regulate internal state activity the word “among” would have been “within” the several states. The constitution is a document that protects individual rights by limiting the government’s role in our lives. It is not a document that was intended to grant unlimited rights which is what has happened through these poor precedents set by past Supreme Courts.
The commerce clause was intended to insure the fairness of trade and the ease of trade; period. If the states were left to their own, it would have been thirteen different policies on trade relations with foreign nations and chaos among the thirteen original colonies which could have resulted in many disputes, including civil war.
The commerce clause became the “Holy Grail” to big government advocates and has been twisted and molded into many forms. Much of this bad precedent can be traced to the administration of FDR, another big government advocate. FDR threatened the Supreme Court to successfully get his programs passed but the more important point is; if he could threaten the Supreme Court to change their opinion, can other administrations? That is why I ask; can we ever trust a Supreme Court to side with the people and the constitution? If not; what can be done?
Governors of the fifty states need to start challenging the federal government at every turn, and the way we must do it is through the Constitution’s Tenth Amendment. But can we trust the Supreme Court to interpret the original intent or will they fall back on faulty precedent? Can the Supreme Court be unbiased in the argument to reduce the scope of the federal government they are a part of?
I am afraid that too many people don’t realize how important the Supreme Court is to our future. We could end up with two new justices which could be a blessing or disaster for our constitutional republic. We must continue to support our constitution by electing people that respect and understand how important abiding by the U.S. Constitution’s original intent is to a hopeful future. Governors need to start challenging the federal mandates but will the Supreme Court be able to judge these challenges fairly? The answer will only come as we continue our efforts to apply the constitution…
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Campaign Begins…
The tenth amendment is about to be thrust in front of the citizens of Colorado as the platform to a renewed prosperity and return to the great frontier spirit that created the great state of Colorado. As part of my campaign Colorado will again become; “The New Frontier for Free Markets and a Free People.”
The Federal Government has been put on notice. We are taking back responsibility for self government. Join my campaign and if you can donate a buck or two to get the word out. Thanks to all and especially my daughter Emily that produced this video!
Rich Hand
Candidate for Governor of Colorado
The Federal Government has been put on notice. We are taking back responsibility for self government. Join my campaign and if you can donate a buck or two to get the word out. Thanks to all and especially my daughter Emily that produced this video!
Rich Hand
Candidate for Governor of Colorado
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
A Wonderful 50th…
I was walking to drop off my ballot at the local election office on a beautiful Colorado day (bright sunshine 65 degrees) and started thinking about the “big” 50th. I can say that when you can count your blessings like family, friends, and health, it doesn’t matter what B-day you are celebrating!
I said a quick prayer of thanks and these were my first thoughts; Thank you for my children’s health, Justine and my health, and the love we have together. That is what really matters in life.
The icing on the cake for me was working on my announcement video with my daughter Emily this morning which I hope to share late today. Having the ability to share my latest book with the world and knowing that it is at the printer and near completion. A planned dinner this evening with my family. And having the opportunity to vote on my birthday (I love democracy!)
I have truly been blessed and I know we sometimes overlook the small things. But the small things like having your health should never be overlooked or undervalued. I wish everyone health and happiness.
Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes! They mean a lot…
I said a quick prayer of thanks and these were my first thoughts; Thank you for my children’s health, Justine and my health, and the love we have together. That is what really matters in life.
The icing on the cake for me was working on my announcement video with my daughter Emily this morning which I hope to share late today. Having the ability to share my latest book with the world and knowing that it is at the printer and near completion. A planned dinner this evening with my family. And having the opportunity to vote on my birthday (I love democracy!)
I have truly been blessed and I know we sometimes overlook the small things. But the small things like having your health should never be overlooked or undervalued. I wish everyone health and happiness.
Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes! They mean a lot…
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