After her snitty performance with Brigadier General Walsh, I can think of lots of titles for this "Senator," but few of them are suitable for public viewing. Let's give this "Senator" her due. "Senator" she wants, "Senator" she gets. Now lets put this in perspective.
On the titular heirarchy in America, the highest titular rank is undoubtably the President of the United States. By the US Constitution, the President is chosen by the electors who are chosen by the various states. What's second? Is it "Senator?" Nope. While she might be number two in a different context, the second highest rank is Vice President for the same Constitutional reason. What about third? Nope. She might have a rhyming title, but the third highest rank is the key to the entire structure in America.
Now let's go to Generals. Military people defer to higher rank by using the title of rank or the shorter, easier terms "Sir" or "Ma'am." Who outranks generals? Military people can tell you in a second: higher ranking generals and regular ordinary civilians when they are functioning as regular ordinary civilians. Yes, you and I--if you are an American civilian--outrank generals. Hence, we are the third highest rank in America. What about a Senator Boxer? She's a lowly public servant--a handmaiden--operating at the behest of her constituency.
By addressing her as "Ma'am," General Walsh was giving her the benefit of the doubt. I'm glad she was humble enough to ask him not to use such an exhalted term.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Swine Flu: A Hidden Agenda?
I guess with all the fantasy-think happening in Washington, the fact that a non-widespread disease that causes only mild symptoms among Americans is being sold as a massive pandemic doesn't seem to find anybody shaking their heads in disbelief. They might have well dubbed the disease "Captain Trips" from Steven King's novel, The Stand."
So why the panic? Why does Joe Biden tell us not to ride in planes, buses, or automobiles? Why is this the lead story in all the news shows--even though there are only a few hundred cases and no American has died of the disease? (the one fataility was a visiting Mexican national) One could make the argument that hangnail is a more dangerous scourge.
I see two possible reasons--and maybe it's a bit of both:
1. It's the ancient distraction ploy. It will keep the folly of the now unpopular Washington bailouts off the front pages for a while.
2. It's another attempt to sell universal healthcare. Joe Biden and his boss know this will go away by itself. So, by being "proactive," they will give the government credit for preventing a repeat of the 1918 disaster that wiped out more of the human race than anything else since the middle ages. The government will be promoted as the only thing between you and the Grim Reaper.
So why the panic? Why does Joe Biden tell us not to ride in planes, buses, or automobiles? Why is this the lead story in all the news shows--even though there are only a few hundred cases and no American has died of the disease? (the one fataility was a visiting Mexican national) One could make the argument that hangnail is a more dangerous scourge.
I see two possible reasons--and maybe it's a bit of both:
1. It's the ancient distraction ploy. It will keep the folly of the now unpopular Washington bailouts off the front pages for a while.
2. It's another attempt to sell universal healthcare. Joe Biden and his boss know this will go away by itself. So, by being "proactive," they will give the government credit for preventing a repeat of the 1918 disaster that wiped out more of the human race than anything else since the middle ages. The government will be promoted as the only thing between you and the Grim Reaper.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
DB Platform Item #6 - Global Warming
I'm not a denialist: Global Warming is a real phenomenon. Carbon Dioxide is a known greenhouse gas and we humans spew it. That mentioned, it's no big deal with no real urgency. In case you haven't noticed, those screaming the matter the loudest are of a political persuasion which advocates the transfer of wealth from the "haves" to the "have-nots" and their "solutions" to global warming involve some form of realizing their advocacy.
- Al Gore says that he's "carbon neutral," even though his home, which is fed by an old-fashioned fossil fuel power plant, consumes the energy of twenty average homes and he flies from venue to venue in his friends' private jets. His claim to neutrality? He pays money. In order to be mathematically "Carbon neutral," you need to remove as much Carbon Dioxide from the air as you put in.
- President Barack Obama favors a particular form of "cap and trade" legislation which also subsidises lower income people for higher fuel costs. In order to achieve the theoretical benefits of cap and trade, the entire process needs to be revenue neutral. Fat chance.
The seas will rise and fall as the ice recedes and advances. This has been going on for millions of years and will continue doing it. There's enough ice to raise the oceans another 60 meters or so, but they've already risen about 400 feet since the last major ice advance--and we humans have been around for the show. Believe it or not, humans are smart enough to migrate away from rising waters--especially when they are rising as slowly as they have been.
- Al Gore says that he's "carbon neutral," even though his home, which is fed by an old-fashioned fossil fuel power plant, consumes the energy of twenty average homes and he flies from venue to venue in his friends' private jets. His claim to neutrality? He pays money. In order to be mathematically "Carbon neutral," you need to remove as much Carbon Dioxide from the air as you put in.
- President Barack Obama favors a particular form of "cap and trade" legislation which also subsidises lower income people for higher fuel costs. In order to achieve the theoretical benefits of cap and trade, the entire process needs to be revenue neutral. Fat chance.
The seas will rise and fall as the ice recedes and advances. This has been going on for millions of years and will continue doing it. There's enough ice to raise the oceans another 60 meters or so, but they've already risen about 400 feet since the last major ice advance--and we humans have been around for the show. Believe it or not, humans are smart enough to migrate away from rising waters--especially when they are rising as slowly as they have been.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
DB Platform Item #5 - The Second Amendment
The Second Amendment is sacrosanct.
The First Amendment and the Second Amendment are worded differently. While the meaning of the First Amendment has been altered after many Supreme Court decisions, I believe the difference as originally drafted gives rise to the reason the Second Amendment is worded the way it was.
The First Amendment prohibits Congress from establishing a religion or restricting the free practice thereof. Barring subsequent Supreme Court decisions, the Constitution does not prohibit the States from doing that. When it comes to matters of religion, speech, and free thought, the Federal government is expressly forbidden to interfere in the matters of the several states. This is an amendment which was written to limit the power of the central government.
The Second amendment simply states that the right of the citizens to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. It also adds reasoning, such as mentioning the need for a well-regulated militia. This is a prohibition which applies to the States and Cities--as well as the Federal government. The reasoning coherently points to national survival. This is an amendment in which the central government has power over the states. As such, the wording of the amendment made it clear why the Federal government needs to wield the power.
As a closing thought, imagine what the gun control people could have done if the Second Amendment was worded like the First Amendment.
The First Amendment and the Second Amendment are worded differently. While the meaning of the First Amendment has been altered after many Supreme Court decisions, I believe the difference as originally drafted gives rise to the reason the Second Amendment is worded the way it was.
The First Amendment prohibits Congress from establishing a religion or restricting the free practice thereof. Barring subsequent Supreme Court decisions, the Constitution does not prohibit the States from doing that. When it comes to matters of religion, speech, and free thought, the Federal government is expressly forbidden to interfere in the matters of the several states. This is an amendment which was written to limit the power of the central government.
The Second amendment simply states that the right of the citizens to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. It also adds reasoning, such as mentioning the need for a well-regulated militia. This is a prohibition which applies to the States and Cities--as well as the Federal government. The reasoning coherently points to national survival. This is an amendment in which the central government has power over the states. As such, the wording of the amendment made it clear why the Federal government needs to wield the power.
As a closing thought, imagine what the gun control people could have done if the Second Amendment was worded like the First Amendment.
Monday, April 13, 2009
DB Platform Item #4 - National Sales Tax
A national sales tax on all goods and services of twenty percent should be sufficient to supplant the need for an income tax. However, I do not trust the United States Congress to eliminate the Income Tax if a Sales Tax were instituted. Hence, my support is lukewarm at best unless it supersedes the 16th Amendment.
DB Platform Item #3 - Income Tax
The US Constitution authorizes Congress to levy and collect taxes and the 16th Amendment allows the government to tax income. Barring a serious movement toward a national sales tax, I do not intend to challenge or alter that arrangement. However, the United States central government is usurping the power of the states to regulate their own affairs.
It is my intent to support and push for legislation which grants, on a permanent basis, tax credits instead of deductions for state income taxes paid. These credits would be applicable whether itemizing or not. Naturally, there would be a limit on the credit and the limit would have to slide over time. Such a move will allow the states to enact meaningful income taxes on their own without facing the wrath of the taxpayers.
It is my intent to support and push for legislation which grants, on a permanent basis, tax credits instead of deductions for state income taxes paid. These credits would be applicable whether itemizing or not. Naturally, there would be a limit on the credit and the limit would have to slide over time. Such a move will allow the states to enact meaningful income taxes on their own without facing the wrath of the taxpayers.
DB Platform Item #2: Constitutional Amendments
It is my position, as much as I admire the Constitution as it is, that Congress has created rules which circumvent the intent of the Constitution. Two Amendments are needed to fix that:
Proposed Amendment 1: Members of Congress, as representatives of the various states, are employees of those states. All matters concerning salary, staff size, and tenure limitations are the purview and responsibility of the states and not the Federal government. Congress will retain the power to determine the maximum staff size permitted to occupy the Capitol Building itself.
Proposed Amendment 2: The Speaker of the House shall be elected by the citizens of all of the United States. The winner shall be chosen by simple plurality of votes.
Proposed Amendment 1: Members of Congress, as representatives of the various states, are employees of those states. All matters concerning salary, staff size, and tenure limitations are the purview and responsibility of the states and not the Federal government. Congress will retain the power to determine the maximum staff size permitted to occupy the Capitol Building itself.
Proposed Amendment 2: The Speaker of the House shall be elected by the citizens of all of the United States. The winner shall be chosen by simple plurality of votes.
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