Topping the blog lists!

You made Thinking Out Loud one of the top ten conservative blogs on "Top Political Blog" site (on April 28, 2012) with an international audience. On February 18, 2013, we hit in the top 50 of ALL political blogs. (This changes all the time, so keep reading.) Thank you.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Not ANOTHER year in review article

Everyone has the traditional "year in review" articles. So many cars crashed and buildings burned. So many celebrities got married / divorce. So many of them went to rehab / jail / some third world country. Storms lashed parts of the country, earthquakes struck parts of the world, the moon was see in this or that phase. For every niche paper or magazine or news show or music insert, there is a "year in review."

But NOT here. For my regular readers, you have been keeping up with what the year has held. For those not so regular, the beauty of the internet is that you can go back and look things over.

(Which leads me to the shameless plug for my new book, Thinking out Loud - The Book. If you want to know what went on during the 2008 election cycle and the President's first year in office WITHOUT the spin and the lies and the misconceptions, just buy my new e-book. It is loaded with all kinds of links to references that will show you and tell you what REALLY happened, so you can make an INFORMED decision come November. Not a decision based on what others want to tell you happened. It is on Barnes & Nobel's Nook website.)

There is no need to do a year in review because you all lived through the disaster our government has created. You have dealt with the unemployment, the lack of basic understanding of business concepts by our governing body and the absolute disconnect between what the people want them to do and what the politicians think we want them to do.

So let us look to the future. Let us look to 2012 and decide what we are going to do moving forward. Obama thinks he doesn't need Congress. Since he already doesn't feel he needs the American people, this is not a good thing. He has already shown us that he thinks we are all imbeciles, whom he needs to lecture so that we "understand" what it is he is trying to do.

We KNOW what he is trying to do. And we don't want him to do it. (Some do, but these are either the misguided who can't tell the difference between someone out and giving them a handout - or they are the lazy who don't want to work for even the handouts.) But the American people are so disorganized, between political party rhetoric, losing focus on what the priorities should be and the sheep among us who keep confusing the conversation with the spin, we don't have a firm enough solidarity to stop the politicians from destroying what tenuous grasp we are holding onto now.

So here is what we do. STOP LISTENING TO THE SPIN! Stop listening to the politicians, they just want to keep their jobs - despite not really DOING their jobs. Stop listening to the talking heads because they ARE doing their jobs in order to KEEP their jobs. STOP BEING SHEEP!!

That should be the New Year's Resolution of EVERY American. In 2012, we will STOP BEING SHEEP! I want you to pass this along to every person you know. Have them read this. Or just TELL them to make this resolution. Repeat after me, "I WILL STOP BEING SHEEP!"

All you Occupy types, STOP BEING SHEEP!

All you Obama-nites, who can't see that he CAN do wrong, STOP BEING SHEEP!

All you Conservatives with the capital "C" STOP BEING SHEEP!

All you liberals who don't understand you can be helpful without being irresponsible, STOP BEING SHEEP!

Now you can, as usual, agree or disagree with me. That doesn't bother me either way. What I find most distressing is, after reading what I have to say here, you still listen to those out there who don't have YOUR best interest at heart. And I KNOW they don't because the only one who has YOUR best interest at heart is YOU. So, STOP BEING SHEEP, and I will consider my job done well. Start thinking for yourselves, and I will know I have done what I set out to do. Even one person. Just STOP BEING SHEEP! But, no matter, because this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have yourself a great day. A happy New Year! And be SAFE out there tonight (and every night).

Charles

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - The first ten people who comment on THIS blog post (with legitimate email addresses, will get a 50% off discount coupon for my new book, Thinking Out Loud - The Book!!!!!!!!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas to all

PC be damned. I'm going to say it.

Merry Christmas to all.

Happy Hanukah, too. But no one seems to get offended when you say that.

And I am going to do something that liberals would scream is so not conservative. But that is because they don't know what the heck they are talking about.

If you are in the northeast area of Pennsylvania (NW New Jersey or SW New York), stop by Calling All Angels Thrift Shoppe and donate or volunteer or simply shop for something. The proceeds go toward purchasing food for local food pantries.

Or if there is any place near you that is doing something for someone else, then go help out. And not just because it is Christmas (or Hanukah). Do it because it is the human thing to do, the American thing to do.

Why do I say liberals would scream that this idea is coming from a liberal? Because so many liberals scrunch their noses or snicker a little "ha ha ha" if I do charitable work. Because not only do they think that charity is the purview of the bleeding heart liberals of the world, they have a firm notion in their head that conservatives are heartless.

Truth is, the very foundation of this country and conservative beliefs everywhere is that it is our duty to help those in need. Conservatives, however, differentiate between those in real need and those who are just too lazy to do for themselves. And it is this act of differentiating that makes liberals everywhere decry the conservative as heartless.

Agree, disagree, whatever. Its the holidays and I am just doing my usual, Thinking Out Loud.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, whatever holiday event you are celebrating this time of year. And be safe out there.

Charles

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Carville thinks we are stupid and forget

James Carville thinks we are stupid. He thinks, just like Nancy Pelosi and the other Democrat hypocrites, that we can't rmemeber from one day to the next, or one year to the next.

In an email, he screams outrage that Republicans

But we don't forget. How about the time in August of 2008 when Pelosi shut off the lights and mics and went home, leaving the GOp still talking about gas prices.

In an email, Carville says "The Republicans think they can shut us up. When Democrats demanded a vote on the payroll tax cut yesterday, Republicans cut their microphones, tucked tail and ran right off the House floor. Speaker John Boehner even cut off the TV cameras!"

Yet there was no problem when the Deomcrats did it in 2008. But unlike the Democrats, the GOP did not refuse to balance the budget and go home in 2010, like Pelosi did. Nor did they completely shut down their esteemed colleagues from representing the people that sent to office as Pelosi did when she opened the new Congress in 2009, after Barack Obama won the election. In her esteemed wonderfulness, San Fran Nan Pelosi made it so the new Congress would not let the minority members introduce legislation, amendments nor make any changes to any legislation proposed. Thus denying those who elected them to have their voice in government.

But now, Carville has the audacity to whine and whinny like a baby that the GOP turned out the lights and turned off the microphones. WHo the hell does he think he is kidding? Does he think we can't remember that all those political hacks, and the people like him who spin for them, have no real interest in doing what is right for the people of America? Does he think we are stupid sheep who would listen to spew mouths like him who wold lie to their mother in order to get an advantage for the guy what pays him? Does he think that Americans a re so stupid as to believe a word that comes out of his or any politician's mouth . . .

Oh wait. Yea, I guess he has a point. Americans ARE so stupid as to believe the spin he puts on lies. Americans ARE sheep enough to follow the liars and hypocrites from DC who fight back and forth with each other and don't give a rat's fat fanny what it means to the average citizen. After all, they are going to vote Barack Obama in again in 2012.

The average citizen will cast their ballots next year for Barack "I don't care if I am a one term President" Obama. They will do this, even though they know he lies, even though they know he doesn't understand how government works or business works or the regular folk like you and me have to survive amidst the in-fighting and bickering of politicians who suck up over $170,000 a year - each - of OUR hard earned money. And don't really do anything in return.

Except for Sen. Pat Toomey (PA-R). Or at least the wonderful people who work for Sen. Pat Toomey. They were the only ones to respond to that urgent call for help I sent out over the ethernet.

No response form the President (or the White House), who let this happen to America. (Yes, he was a member of Congress when all this BS went down and he continued the process after assuming office, so I don't want to hear all you Bush bashers and haters start screaming again. OBAMA is president, its about time he - and all of you - started acting like it and stop blaming "the former administration.")

No response form any other member of Congress. No response from the GOP candidates. No response from the lame-stream media.

Just Toomey's office. And their efforts actually got the (third in line - gotta love those derivatives) mortgage company to listen. They took the house off sheriff's sale and are working with that inspirational American woman, who is out in her community saving and impacting lives every day.

But Carville, and all the other Washington, DC blowhards can just go pound sand. I can't get behind any of their anti-American monkey business. They ALL lie, for one reason or another. They ALL suck up to the special interest and money fat cats instead of listening to us Americans.

You can agree or disagree. It doesn't matter to me except that if you disagree, you have fallen victim to the spin and are SHEEP! SO BAAAAAAAHAHHHHHHH! My job is make sure you start thinking for yourselves. It is so frustrating because so many of you LOVE being sheep. BAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! But if I CAN get you to think for yourselves, then I have done my job. If not then BAAAAAHHHH! Either way, this is just me, you know, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day. (Baa)

Charles

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Sad that we NEED an amendment to the Constitution

Okay, so picture this. You're standing at the altar. The officiator (priest, justice, rabbi, whatever) and you are told to repeat the following. "I (fill in your name here) do solemnly vow to love, honor and cherish (or obey in there if you want) - and I swear, under penalty of no sex, not to go into debt, overdraw the family credit card or spend more than we make combined - in sickness or in health, through good times and bad . . ."

You get the picture.

SO this is what it is like to have to vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment.

An amendment to our NATIONAL Constitution is a BIG DEAL! It is not something to go into lightly because, lets face it, the other Amendments have been around a REALLY long time. The first ten alone have been written down for some two hundred and thirty years. I mean, those suckers last. (Unless you count that whole prohibition thing. But, pshaw, you know.)

As far as a Balanced Budget Amendment, it is a travesty that we are considering it. As in the above example, can you imagine how the two people getting married would feel about having it in their vows not to spend more than they make, under penalty of whatever? Kind of takes the shine off of the day, you know.

Having said all that, and as unfortunate as I feel it to be, I support an amendment to our Constitution that says government HAS to be fiscally responsible and NOT spend more than we take in. Because these yahoos who get elected sure don't think this is important.

"Sure they do," you decry. "They try to be responsible. And, heck, government NEEDS to have debt."

All I have to say to all of that is . . . TRILLION!?!?

The politicians in office have been really stupid. Most do not know what to do about finances. They think that running a government HAS to be different from running a household.

So not true. Continually raising the debt ceiling, constantly going from year to year with no idea where the money is going or how you're going to raise more or what kind of spending you are going to do is completely irresponsible. And this "marriage" we have is not one borne out of love. It is of necessity. So putting in our vows that they have to be fiscally responsible is SO NEEDED. These nimrods have got to be taken to task. They have to understand that if they don't understand business and finances they need to go with the experts on this. Paying down debt is a GOOD thing. Not running up NEW debt is a good thing. Spending less than what you take in is a good thing. Being fiscally conservative with OUR money is a GOOD THING!

I don't know about you but I NEED my money. I can't be paying more and more in taxes and watching those who have the purse strings frivolously throwing it around for turtle crossings and bailing out people and businesses that refuse to use it for the purposes stated and bailing out countries that can't keep their houses in order and all the other BS that our government does on a daily basis.

Not to mention,FORCING them to balance the damn thing will make them look at some of the things they spend OUR money on that really can't be in this day and age. Like Congress getting retirement pay ad nausea, along with all the other unfundable mandates they pass off as legislation.

Agree, disagree, it doesn't really matter to me in the long run. I know I can use my right to vote to effect changes. But what I really want is for you to start thinking about these things for yourself. Put two and two together and get to an answer without the powers that be TELLING you what answer to come up with. If I can get you to think for yourself and stop being sheep, than I consider my job done. But hey, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud. (Just like my new book. Yea, shameless plug.)

Have a great day.

Charles

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Barney Frank is to blame

I don't care what Ezra Klein says (Or Brad Plumer, whoever) about this, It IS Barney's fault.

For me, my dislike – no, make that near hatred – of Barney Frank (D-MA) is so very personal.

Because of Barney Frank, personally, my sister is losing her home. Because of Barney Frank, a wonderful human being, a dedicated American who has given so much to her community without asking for anything, is going to be homeless. Not without some place to live. No that will be difficult, but she will make do with whatever she can because that is how she has always lived. No she will be HOMEless. Without her HOME. A HOME she has made over the past 9 years. A place for her daughter to live with her when she was in rough straits. A place for her grandchildren to come visit Nana. A place she shares with her pot bellied pig and her pig's pet kitten. A HOME, from where she has been able to go out and save lives as an EMT, both as a job and as a volunteer for the Milford Fire Department. A HOME from where she studied, at the start of her 5th decade on this earth, to become a paramedic. A HOME from which she has gotten up in the morning and drove miles to another state to take care of an elderly couple in the 80's, and then returned to in order to get what little rest she feels she needs. Of course, this rest is often interrupted with tones going out telling her someone needs her skills at the scene of a motor vehicle accident or a structure fire. She has saved lives of adults, teenagers, fire fighters and even little infants – ask her to tell the story of an infant whom she performed CPR and used her finger to do the compressions and you will hear her voice crack.

And it is all Barney Frank's fault.

Did he lose her previous job and only give her a less salary at the job she got to replace – which she would do again because it is for a non-profit ambulance service – during this difficult economy? No.

Was he the one who callously denied her the chance to make changes to her mortgage arrangement, like so many others have availed themselves of because Congress forced banks to do so? Was he the one who spoke to her with such disrespect and dismissively because she wasn't a protected minority and wouldn't sue if they denied her this chance? Was he the heartless mortgage company and bank who would rather foreclose and sell off the property to a third party so they wouldn't have to DEAL with it, or her? No.

Was he the one who actually came up with the disturbingly pyramid effect of the mortgage derivatives that eventually precipitated the collapse of the housing market in such a way that it took it with it so many other sectors of banking? Mmmmm, no not really. I mean, he didn't come up with it. So, no.

But he is guilty of causing my sister, a wonderful, giving and more than caring individual to lose her home.

It was Barney Frank who refused to let the government continue an investigation into Raines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He did so with the claims of Republicans being racist. He did so with the claims that poor Mr. Raines was being persecuted by heartless conservatives who just didn't like him because he was a successful black man. He blocked his colleagues again when they wanted to investigate more claims of Raines illegal activities, where he was making millions on the backs of others in suspected criminal ways. He did so, one last time, demanding Republicans stop making claims against poor Mr. Raines and Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac, all of whom dream of owning a home, which didn't ALL Americans deserve no matter what, a possibility. (The latter disastrous ideal I lay at the feet of President Carter.)

And so, when the whole derivatives effect collapsed the markets and caused the economic situation we find ourselves in, where a hard working, giving American – an Inspirational American – is treated with such disdain and is forced to watch as her HOME is taken from her.

And I blame Barney Frank for ALL of it. He is either the stupidest person ever to walk the halls of Congress or he is one of the most corrupt SOBs ever to be elected over and over again to public service. I dare him to let us know which it is. I demand that before this sorry excuse for a member of the once august body of government service gets to “retire” and take not only his ill-gotten gains during his years in the House of Representatives but his retirement “benefits” of taking tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year of OUR money each year, they investigate his actions and his role in the collapse of our economy. I demand they get him to come face to face with the Americans, like my sister, whose lives he so irrevocably ruined or destroyed or dismantled without nary a thought in his head.

And yes, this is my opinion, which you can either agree with or disagree with. I don't really care which. If I can get even ONE person to open their eyes and see the truth of those who supposedly “serve” us in government, and stop listening to the spin of PR people, lawyers, politicians and the like – to think for themselves through examination of the FACTS and mulling the logic of it all – that I have done my job. Because this is, as always, just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Saturday, December 10, 2011

"Shameless campaign to bully and American business" over

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has dropped its complaint over Boeing's opening of a plant in South Carolina, at the request of the union that opened the suit in the first place.

NLRB spokesman (and President Obama appointee), Lafe Solomon, stated that the case was "never about the union or the N.L.R.B. telling Boeing where it could put its plants . . . [t]he case was always about the loss of future jobs in the Seattle area. This agreement has resolved that issue. There is job security in the Washington area."

Others thought differently.

The U.S. Chamber of COmmerce felt different. Even though they welcomed the boards decision, Randell K Johnson, Sr. VP of labor, said that more "needs to be done to prevent this outrageous overreach in the future.”

Republican lawmakers and GOP Presidential candidates decried it as a regulatory overreach by the Obama Administration. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called the complaint "frivolous." Rep. Joe Kline (R-MI) called the case a "shameless campaign to bully an American business."

And Boeing, who has maintained all along that the suit was without merit, expressed their gratitude of all the support received from across the country.

I also made comment on this case (as I, until recently, resided in SC and was intimate with the case).

However, I feel compelled to greet this decision with a bit of tempered elation. Tempered, because it only came after Boeing came to an agreement with the unions in Washington state. Both the union and the NLRB can view this decision as a victory. And they would be correct in that assumption. Because they were indeed able to bully an American business through the cooperation of a government agency. The Obama Administration's bedtime relationship with the unions can only be overturned by either a full force determination to block any future nominations by the POTUS to this board, or by his termination as President in November of 2012.

The latter seems a difficult prospect at best, given the current crop of GOP candidates and the fact that they are not really thrilling the rank and file of the Republican base.

I salute the determination of Boeing and our Republican lawmakers to the successful public airing of this issue. But I fear that future union / NLRB joint efforts to destroy American business will have more success. Unless we, as a people, stand up and tell them ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Block Obama nominations to this board. Stop union efforts to undermine business for their own personal, monetary and power grab gains. (Defeating Card check legislation, as one example.) Vote this President, who is intent on destroying this country in the name of social change, OUT of office in November 2012.

These are only a few ways, but by far the best ways, of telling the people in power that WE give them that power and WE CAN TAKE IT AWAY!

Agree or disagree, it doesn't really matter to me. So long as I get you to stop being mindless sheep and start thinking for yourselves, I have done my job. But,a s usual, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Politicians are SO FULL OF IT!!!!

Alright, "San Fran Nan"? Do you want to extend the tax cuts "which contributed to the deficit," like you said not much more than a year ago? Or are you telling Americans they cannot let Congress go home without passing these tax cuts for "for millions of hardworking Americans at a time when they are trying hard to get back on their feet," like you said in your email today and to the press?

I am so fed up with POLITICIANS!!!!!!!! All of them.

We have a current crop of GOP candidates who want to be President next year that I wouldn't let dog sit for me. And the Democrats in office are so full of caca that if you get too close you need toilet paper to wipe off the spittle coming from their frothing mouths.

Obama is delusional. Pelosi is a lunatic who really can't keep straight which lie she is spreading this week or which group she is supposed to be pandering to. Boehner keeps missing the opportunity to let the public know WHY the GOP is opposing the President, and maybe doesn't even really know himself. Reid is too busy trying to shut down houses of ill-repute in Nevada, probably due to his guilt over sex or something.

And 90% of the rest of the elected officials, that is the politicians in government, are too busy either trying to build up re-election coffers for themselves or their compatriots to really pay attention to what the hell is really going on in America.

I think maybe we should just go out there in our Facebook, Twitter and blog would and get the Glenda Sturkies elected to all levels of government. I don't know if it will be better but it will certainly send a message out to all these "Professional" public servants, like Barney Frank, who screw up the country for their own personal gain or that of their friends and then live off our dime after they have made millions and retire. (Where they still live off our dime.)

Let us get a bunch of people who will agree to keep certain key personnel (like the Secretary of Defense - you know, to keep the country safe while we transition from a career politician run government to the government "of the people, for the people, by the people") in place when they assume office, and get them elected.

Crazy idea, I know. Agree or disagree, I don't care. So long as I get you thinking for yourselves and not being zombies of the current crop of losers and their cronies like the unions, I have done my job. Anyway, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Its finally done!!

I am so excited. I finally completed the book. Not just the book, but THE BOOK!!!! Yesssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is the ultimate anti-SPIN book for the 2012 elections. It is the resource book you can go to and see what REALLY was going on. At least from my point of view. And I think I am typical of the average American, don't you?

Anyway. It is here. It is an e-book, so anyone, anywhere can find it and buy it and have it with them to dispute the SPIN the politicians are going to whip out to confuse you during the 2012 election cycle and Obama's first year in office.

Yes. It is HERE.

Yes, that is the link. Or you can look to the right or left of this blog and see the link. Click on it. Buy it. Read it. You can't get most of what is there on the web because the website had my blog on at the time is no longer in existence.

Anyway. After that bit of self promotion, I will be back tomorrow to my usual Thinking Out Loud column.

You all have a great day! I know I will.

Charles

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Usual rhetoric from DC shows ignorance of reality

Dear Readers, Don't forget to read about this inspirational American who is in dire need of voices to help her stay in her home.


Meanwhile, in DC . . . .

A recent email from the Democratic Party reveals more stupidity, or at least more intention to deceive. In the email, it states:

"In case you missed it -- yesterday Congress voted on a bill that gave them two simple choices:

A) Let President Obama's payroll tax cut expire, raising a typical family's taxes by more than $1,000 next year, or

B) Extend and expand the tax cut, helping 160 million people and letting that same family keep $1,500. Click here to find out what it does for you.

The payroll tax cut would be paid for by requiring millionaires and billionaires to pay a little more. But some in Congress think millionaires and billionaires should get to keep paying the already-low rate they get, thanks to the Bush tax cuts.

This one isn't complicated. And for a party whose leaders and candidates have pledged not to support any tax hike ever, taking money out of the pockets of middle-class families should have been unacceptable.

But almost every Republican in the Senate went with option A -- blocking President Obama's proposal, and refusing to make the wealthiest among us contribute their fair share to help struggling families and strengthen the economy."


But this is not how to make the "wealthiest among us contribute their fair share." The way to do that, as many Republicans have pointed out, is to close loopholes. Even Obama fawner Warren Buffet proudly announced he was paying less taxes than his secretary. If those "loopholes" in the tax code were closed in a way that did not hurt charities, then the wealthiest wouldn't be able to claim them. And then they would be paying the tax rate they should be. AND thus, Warren's secretary will be paying LESS taxes than he is.

Also, for those like Obama, who is a millionaire, as are many in government, there is a line on the tax form that says if you want to pay more, you can. But does Obama and Buffet ever use this. NOPE!!!!!!

So their criticism of those stupid bills Obama and the Democrats keep trying to shove down our throats will do nothing in the end. Except keep us from moving forward and out of this economic down cycle.

They truly have no concept of what they are doing. And they keep trying to tell us it is "the other guys' fault", like some sophomoric school kid trying not to get into trouble.

C'mon, Democrats and Mr. President. Stop trying to hoodwink and mislead the American public. There are enough nitwits out there who will always believe your rhetoric because they not only don't know any better, but they are the ones who want something for nothing and are not willing to work. Remember what Thomas Jefferson wrote so long ago.

“The Democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”

AGree, disagree, it doesn't matter. Just as long as you start thinking for yourselves and stop listening the inane pandering rhetoric of these so-called leaders, and I will consider my job done. ANyway, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Why is 18-Year Old HS Student drawing Governor's ire?

Why is an 18-year old high school student drawing the ire of Governor Sam Brownback (R-KS)? Did she lie about anything the Governor did? Lord knows we have had enough scandals in the Governor's mansions in our country. Did she lie about something he said? Plenty of examples of politicians putting their foot in their mouths. DId she hurl a shoe at his head while he was speaking at her school?!?!?

No, what this young woman did, probably not for the most political of reasons and not in any elegant way, was to tweet that she had said a mean comment at him. She said he sucked. And she used the twitter-verse hashtag of #heblowsalot.

Was it true? Did she say it? No. But she wanted to because she was mad at him for saying he was going to cut the entire arts budget for the state.

Who cares, you ask? Who would care what an 18-year old girl tweets, out of the millions of tweets out there? Apparently the Governor's staff cares. They actually contacted the girl's school and demanded a letter of apology from her.

Okay, lets take a moment to raise our collective jaws off the floor.

She has since decided not to write the letter. In a tweet she writes, "I've decided not to write the letter but I hope this opens the door for average citizens to voice their opinion & to be heard! #goingstrong."

And bravo for her for doing so. First, the only thing she MAY have done to warrant anyone being upset is that she was tweeting during a school event. No biggie. Slap on the wrist from the school. Second, no one should tell another person that they have to apologize when they did nothing to warrant an apology.

Third, well third, shame on Brownback, his staff and the school administration.

Shame on the Governor's staff for thinking this young girl's tweet, which meant nothing until they decided to attack - would never have even seen the light of national attention (equating to national attention of the Governor's plans to cut the arts), had they just shook their heads and moved on.

Shame on Governor Brownback for allowing his staff to take this action and to continue allowing them to attack a young woman's freedoms.

Shame on the school for going along with the members of the Governor's staff in demanding the letter of apology. Going so far as to tell her what talking points she should use in it. They should be protecting her rights, not allowing some gung-ho toehead to bully her. And that is just what this is. Bullying. By a government official.

Shame on the lot of them and cheers for Ms Sullivan for standing up for herself.

Agree or disagree, I don't really care. Just as long as I get you to think for yourself on the issue of our freedoms and who is in the right in this case, then I have done my job. Either way, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Urgent call for help

Dear Mr. President, Federal Government, elected officials, bailed out bankers, and all those who shamefully help those who will get you re-elected and fail the rest of the deserving Americans who have fallen through your bail out cracks.

Here is a tale, not so much of woe, but a tale of shame. Shame because you are too interested in giving hand outs to special interest citizens than to offering a hand up to those who fall outside your demographics. It is the story of a woman, not young by most means but not so old as to be in your senior citizen grouping. She is a white woman, so she doesn't measure up to your minority pandering. She works, so she isn't one of the millions on unemployment you so blatantly appeal to.

It is the story of a woman, however, who is an inspirational American. (Click on the previous link to read WHY she is inspirational.) A woman who thoughtlessly gives so much to so many and is hardly willing to beg for help. A woman, who would rather quietly try to work things out than complain loudly to her friends and neighbors and whoever else might listen.

It starts out, not so long ago when she lost one of her three jobs. She found herself unable to make the $800 a month mortgage. So she went to her mortgage lender, DHM, and told them she had lost her job and needed help readjusting her payment.

In a letter, this simple woman wrote to them and explained the situation of her income, the fact she did get another job - making a little less, - and that she not only worked locally but that she was very active in her community.

“I don't wish to move anywhere,” she wrote. “[O]r wish to be homeless, either.” A sentiment most Americans can respect and relate to.

She explained that her grown daughter had been in and out of the hospital, her sister (several hours away) had been fighting cancer and that in her quest to make more money to be able to afford her mortgage she had gone back to school (paid for by local private company) and received her certification as a paramedic. (Her next step of taking her National Registry exam has been hampered by her lack of funds to take the exam and the time to finish her practicals in New Hampshire.) She recounted how she had been taking care of the home – replacing the heater that had caught fire and getting a new well pump installed.

“I know most owners would walk away,” she wrote. “[B]ut this is not just a house its my home.”

Now to this woman, who has dedicated her time to helping so many in need and selflessly does for others without batting so much as the proverbial eyelash, and who gave them suggestions as to how things could be worked out for both parties – retooling the mortgage to a 40-year term at 2-2.5% interest (down from 5.5%) and commenting that within 6 to 12 months she could return to paying a higher rate once back on her feet – the mortgage company said “no.”

When she spoke with their representative, she asked him if he would rather let the house go to foreclosure instead of working out a deal that would mean the lender would continue getting money, he callously said “yes.” When he told her he couldn't lower the interest rate, she told him she knew there were programs out there that were helping people by lowering their mortgage rates, he said he wouldn't do it. When she explained she was not going anywhere, that the lender would get ALL their money if they worked with her. “You mean you are willing to lose all that money by letting my house go to foreclosure?” she asked.

“We'll just lose it,” he said flippantly. And that was that.

Now, even though this true American doesn't spend her money frivolously (no microwave, cable, internet – not even basic television service because its just “too expensive”), who worked hard all her life, never working less than two jobs, and often working more, will lose her home in two weeks. On December 14, this home will go up for sheriff's sale. She will be homeless. In no position to help house her two grandchildren while her daughter goes back into military service. No longer able to able to be in a position to help others as she has always done. Stripped of the dignity she has always lived by, forced to beg for the help that should be available to ALL Americans, not just a chosen few who meet the demographics politicians, who are only interested in help in their next election, have set. Forced by financial institutions that so readily have taken taxpayer dollars yet so insensitively flaunt that money by NOT helping those who deserve it.

Though this woman is extremely deserving of not just the help freely offered to those who are not as responsible and to be treated with more dignity than the likes of DHM and the Bank of NY Mellon have done, her story is not a solitary tale. Far too many people have found themselves on the losing end of looking for help in these tough economic times, times put into play by some disreputable financial institutions and moguls, made possible by politicians who failed to protect the people they should have in order to protect their “friends” who contributed so lucratively to their political careers. It is more than sad that we should even be discussing a situation like this in America. It is a sad commentary on an Administration and political atmosphere whose sole idea of the job at hand is to mire the situation with their intractable ideologies and than blame the other side. It is sad that an average, responsible citizen like her is forced to lose everything while those in power speechify and stump to say how much they are trying to help, but in reality do little more than that.

President Obama, if you really want to show the people you are serious about doing something, start with this woman. Congress, if you want to prove that you are not being partisan, come together and help this woman, and go to work helping all those in similar situations. After all, you DO hold a majority stake in these banking institutions. To all those banks out there that are tired of the Occupy backlash you are getting, fearful of the strong support building to strip you of your power in American finances and losing ground everyday in the area of public relations, then help this woman keep her home. To all the above, I demand you do something for this woman, and all those like her, who do not seek hand outs, bail outs or something for nothing. Give aid to all those seeking help to be able to stand up on their feet and feel the dignity that all Americans have been able to enjoy for hundreds of years.

As for my closing tag line of not caring if you agree or disagree, I will not use it. For even though this is me Thinking Out Loud, it is also me demanding of those in power stop letting people like this woman fall through the cracks. If you are so stonyhearted enough to disagree that those who want to work things out rather than just “walk away” like most owners have been doing (the ever popular use of “jingle mail” of 2010 – where the owners simple walked away and mailed the keys to the mortgage lender), than I say shame on you. For all those bleeding hearts that so willingly plead the case of illegal immigrants and non-tax paying freeloaders but would let people like this woman go homeless, I say double shame on you. I not only want you to think for yourself, but in this case I want you to share in the outrage. I want you to think about 'what if.' What if this were you? What if this were your mother or your sister or your daughter? What if this were the woman who took care of your mother and father when no one else would? What if this were the woman whose volunteer work with the local ambulance and fire service saved the life of your kid in that traffic accident at 2am? Would you really not care? Could you really be that cold and callous?

Please note, this is not a plea by this woman for any donations. It is not some scam or hoax. I know this woman. She is my sister. All she wants is help saving her home. And for all Americans in similar situations to get the help they deserve. This situation has gone on for far too long without a face to put to the story. For too long the problem has been given vague statistics and been argued academically. Well, here is a face. And if you look closely enough to your neighbors, you will see more faces. It is about time to fix this problem in America. And it is something you can do to help, that is as simple as sending an email to your politicians, to the President, to your banks and mortgage lenders.

After reading this, forward it to everyone you know. Tell them to contact the President and all the others, and tell them to do something. Tell them that enough is really enough and they need to stop all the political crap and work for ALL Americans. Put it up on Facebook, tweet it, Digg it, everything we can to get the most people seeing this. Because if you tell two friends, and they tell two friends, and so on and so on . . . maybe we can finally get the powers that be to do something right.

If you do this, have a great day. If you don't, than I hope you reap what you sow in your inaction.

Charles

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Dinner with Barack

In an email from Rufus Gifford, it reads "We just launched our next Dinner with Barack contest, and this time there's a big new twist: Each winner can invite a guest."

Gee, doesn't that sound comfy cozy? Dinner with Barack. Oooooo, gets one all tingly. AND you can bring a guest if you win. Don't that really sound nifty? Ain't it just so nice of the President to get down and close with average Americans?

And all you have to do is donate some money to his re-election campaign.

Wait a minute. Is that really allowed? I mean, give money to his election campaign and you get to dine with the President. At the White House.

Isn't there some misuse of American funds and property here or something. I mean, if someone uses their Congressional staff or the mailroom or the copy and such on their re-election campaign, I know they get into trouble. But if the President uses the White House and the staff and such to cater to people who donate money to his re-election campaign, its okay??

What is up with that?????? Isn't there anyone out there in the media that is questioning this?

Oh, wait. I am.

Silly me. I guess if I am questioning it, then that means the media is all over it and the likes of CNN or ABC News or Fox News don't have to bother.

I know I can have a swelled head about my impact on the web and in such things as politics. But really? Me making this issue a household topic of conversation? Maybe if you all pass along this article to two friends and they tell two friends and so on and so on . . .

All I can say is, even if this passes the test of whatever passes for ethics in DC these days, it is still wrong in my book. If the President wants to hobnob with the average American, then he can do it with whoever wants to put their name in the hat. Not with only those who give him money. I remember when they were complaining about a President who "sold" the privilege of sleeping kin the Lincoln bedroom to people who donated money (Clinton years revisited anyone?). But this is just totally disconnected for Obama to do this. It was a bad idea by whoever in his campaign who suggested it. It was a bad idea for the President to go along with it. It was a bad idea of a White House Chief of Staff who is going along with it. And it is a bad idea for the media to totally ignore it.

Agree with me, disagree with me, think it is a non-issue as many Americans did during the Clinton years. No matter. But I just think YOU ought to have a problem with it, since so many are opposed to special privileges for some and not everyone these days. Either way, as long as I get you to think for yourself and come up with an opinion, then I have doen my job. Because this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

And Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Charles

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Hey Super Committee! I have an idea!

What is the average Congressman's salary? $127,000? $172,000? I don't know. Let me go look it up.

WHAO! $174,000 a year! The Speaker gets $223,500 a year, while the Majority and Minority leaders each get $193,400.

In retirement, according to the Congressional Research Service, out of 455 retired members receiving benefits, 275 were making over $69,000 a year in retirement pay and the other 180 were getting over $40,000. (If that link doesn't open, try this and click "Download report". It doesn't actually download, just opens a PDF.)

Okay. so if we take $15,000 off each Congressman, they will still be set. But that would mean over $8 million dollars in savings each year. And if we cut the retirement pay of those 275 to the same levels as the 180, we'd save another nearly $8 million. For a total of $16 million saved a year.

There is just one idea to cut the budget. And its an easy one. Simple solution, if you look at it. So where else could we cut the budget? Where else can we curb spending so we get rid of this multi trillion dollar disaster?

Why is it so hard, if an outsider, just looking at one small thing, can trim over $16 million. With the size of the Federal government and all the things it spends money on, it cannot be as hard as they say it is to trim the fat. I just did it. And no one lost their jobs. I just reduced the deficit by a big chunk of money just by looking at one group in one part of the US government. And it really won't hurt much. Heck, it won't hurt the average taxpayer anything. Nor will it hurt the average American at all. (I separate these two groups because only 40 some percent of Americans actually pay taxes.)

In his book, The Good Fight, Majority Leader Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) states quite plainly that “[m]ost United States senators have plenty of money and live comfortable lives. So time is the most valuable commodity most of us have” (7-8).

If they live comfortably and have 'plenty of money,' then they can afford to make a little less. The average person makes do on a WHOLE lot less than what the average Congressman makes. And maybe we can cut some of those entitlement things that Congressman have. Maybe make them pay a portion of their healthcare if they want to keep it. Or opt out all together. Now there would be a patriotic gesture. And if they stop getting their overly gracious pay each year in retirement, then maybe we can save a whole lot more than $16 million.

Hey, this is kind of fun. Remember the movie Dave, where the fake President, played by Kevin Kline, brought in his friend the accountant, and they cut the budget? It was kind of like watching the movie. I know I have offered some really big cuts in the past, but this was more fun than usual. Hey, Harry and company, let me at the budget. I bet I get us on a profitable footing in no time.

Now, how much does the President make? The Supreme Court Justices? What about all those staffers that are actually related to the person their working for? You know, the Uncle Bill and Aunt Ginny the elected official's spouse made them hire once they got into office.

I need a paying job, so why not put a bid in for Secretary of Really Big Budget Cuts. And I can commute to DC, no need to actually live there. Heck, this job would be so much fun, I'd be willing to pay for the gas. But you know, some of you out there won't agree with me . . . okay, okay, a lot of you out there won't agree with me. But agree or disagree, you all know we need to trim the fat and waste in government. And you know we can get that multi trillion dollar disaster down a whole lot. But it doesn't matter whether you agree or disagree, whether you think I could do a better job than any dumb old Super Committee or not. It really doesn't matter to me. So long as I get you thinking along some new lines other than the ones the spin doctors of the government are spoon feeding you, then I will have done my job. Because, you know, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Non-internet Source
Reid, Harry, with Warren, Mark. The Good Fight. New York, NY. G B Putnam & Sons. 2008. Print.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The cost of doing business in America

A good friend and I were having a discussion of how people are feeling polarized He was speaking of a simple image of someone NOT placing their hand over their heart during the National Anthem, and how it brought out so many hate filled comments (from both sides), and people made so many assumptions (again from both sides) as to the purpose of posting the photo.

This got us going onto several other subjects, one of which was the "OccupY' movement. And he said something that kind of stuck in my mind. Dan said that high taxes were simply the "cost of doing business in America." He did not agree with the popular concept of take from the rich and giving it to the poor, a redistribution of wealth. But he said that business should realize that paying taxes was just something businesses should expect in order to be IN business in the greatest country on earth.

What struck me was this; on one hand, I agree with my friend that businesses should realize that there is a cost to operated their businesses in the United States of America. On the other hand, I think that businesses should decide how to deal with that cost.

What I mean is this, Bill and Melinda Gates have a foundation. I don't always agree with how they pony out the money from this organization. But Bill understands the TRUE cost of doing business in the United States of America. In order to have the privilege to operate their businesses in the US of A, they need to give back. But taxes are not the way. Bill and Melinda realize that in order for people to fully take advantage of America, they should help people who have not had it as good as they.

But the reason government has to tax the crap out of businesses, is that companies do not do the right things by the communities they serve. They should be like Bill Gates. They should be more altruistic. They made it, they should help others make it, too. But big business does not do this. And why should they, when they are vilified by their President and Congress? Why should they when they have to put up with unions and the entitlement crowd - which seems to be growing everyday?

I would never begrudge a company who does well and has large profits. It is their money, after all. They earned it . . . not me and not you. But they need to realize that the cost of doing business in a free society, where they don't have to worry about the government seizing the business, is not taxes. It is altruism. It is the notion of "pay it forward."

I don't think they are necessarily greedy. But they have not been schooled in the proper ways of business in America. In the centuries past, long before the Milkens of the 80's and the Me generation of capitalists of the 90's, businessmen (and women) knew the need to be OF the community as well as IN the community. Walmart has some sense of this, as do several others. But not enough. Give back to the community. Work with the people of your community, in good times AND bad.

And pay your taxes without trying to find ALL the little loopholes. AND I am talking about those like Warren Buffet who snarkily comment that their secretaries are paying more taxes then they do. I mean, really Warren, if you KNOW this then FIX this. But don't agree with the Obamas of the world who want to redistribute wealth that others did not earn. If YOU want to pay MORE taxes, there is nothing stopping you.

Being a good neighbor is the cost of doing business in the United States. It should never be taxing businesses more. (How can they hire if they have to pay even more?) And it should never be about redistributing money they earned to those who do nothing.

Obama is wrong. Buffet is wrong. The Occupy movement is wrong.

And the sooner they all get this, the sooner America can get back on track. To hell with Italy and Greece and Europe and all the countries out there who embrace socialism and fascism and all the other -isms that are NOT America.

Agree, disagree, but check it out, think about it and learn. Don't let the small minded, do nothing but expect everything crowd tell you how it is. Either way, it doesn't matter to me. So long as I get you thinking on your own. Because, heck, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles
(And don't forget to check out the new eBook on Smashwords.)

Sunday, November 13, 2011

And you think American politicians are off

Okay, so I thought I would give a break to the politicians I usually shine my glaring floodlight on. Here is politician in Romania who embodies a combination of Imelda Marcos,

Elena Udrea, the Minister of Regional Development and Tourism, is one very odd duck. She speaks of empowering woman and ridding her country of corruption. Yet she does such wacky things. Like taking high heels to flood victims. Although it was part of about 20 tons of aid she brought with her, she defended the heels because she said women wanted to have the " chance to be elegant and to not have to wear Wellington boots any more." And her recent decision to pose for the country's fashion magazine tabu in various fashions donned by "powerful women" seems to have not only angered her fellow Romanians but others throughout Europe as well.

Udrea also advocates killing all the stray dogs in Romania. Even though she calls it a "last resort," she obviously thinks that killing these strays is best for the people of Romania for health and safety reasons. “Politicians are always or most of the time hypocritical because part of society understands that no matter what solution we find, in the end we must not have any more stray dogs in the street, endangering people’s lives, and another part of society defends animals all the way without necessarily generating alternative solutions. Politicians oscillate between these two categories of voters and often act hypocritically. I have asked for public debates and finding solutions before this last variant, of euthanasia,” Udrea explained.

But not to leave out my US targets, Harry Reid thinks that closing brothels in Nevada (LEGAL business entities that pay taxes and employee people) will fix the tarnsihed image of his honme state. But doesn't make any suggestions to fixing the real problems with the sex trade, as in the illegal prostitutes, the mob and the drugs related to the unsafe and dangerous trade peddled on Nevada's major city streets. Wonder if Udrea would find Reid's call to close the brothels hypocritical? Or if she would think his efforts are meant to lessen or improve the empowerment of women? Maybe Sen. Harry can pose on Maxim or some other magazine in rubber suits to get his message across.

Maybe not.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this side step of "all things American" to peek into our neighbors' homes overseas. Hey, maybe Mr. President will enjoy my "investment" of time and observances of our foreign friends.

Oh well, as usual, agree or disagree, no skin off my back. Just as long as I got you to think about things for yourself and not just follow blindly the views of others, then I have done my job. Either way, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day. (Vă doresc o zi plăcută!)

Charles

Friday, November 11, 2011

11/11/11 - Not the mystical but the heroic

The date is 11/11/2011. The eleventh day of the eleventh month in the eleventh year of the new century. (Actually it is the 12th year, but lets not tell the mystically inclined.) But today is special for another reason.

It is Veteran's Day. Ninety-three years ago, on November 11, 1918, hostilities ended in a cease fire and armistice for the 'war to end all wars.' A year later, the President (Woodrow Wilson), officially proclaimed it to be Veteran's Day, a day "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

And in 1967, this was the day that the North Vietnamese released prisoner's of war. Unfortunately, they didn't release them all. Still, on the 48th Veteran's Day, it should have been a event cheered by the public. It wasn't. VietNam vets are only recently getting the recognition for serving their country that they should have gotten decades ago.

Let us hope that the vets who serve today will never know the denigration received by those earlier brave patriots.

But no matter how you view this day's, as a observed holiday where no government offices or banks are open, or whether you know its history and significance, try stop for a moment to think of all the things you enjoy because there are those who have served and are willing to serve in the protection of this country and the American way of life.

Thank a veteran today, or write a letter to one, or just think about how much they sacrifice in order for you to stop by the coffee shop on your way to work, cross state lines without having to 'produce papers' or even say negative things about your government without fear of being roused in the middle of the night and made to disappear. All the freedoms you have available to you are secured and kept safe by those who 'stand guard at the wall and on the front line.'

This is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Not from MY wallet you don't!

Occupy this street, give me a piece of that pie, I want my fair share, redistribution of my wallet contents.

Seriously, I am getting so fed up with all this stuff. Obama's lie peddling that the American Dream is somehow taking from one person and giving to another person . . . whether they deserve it or not.

GAWD!!!! I just want to scream at all of these idiots. Even the rich pukes out there (you know who you are, Warren) who peddle this drivel out of their mouths at Obama's request. They make me want to throw up and scream and pound my fist into the sidewalk and ask "Who the hell are you kidding?!?!"

Look, I am not happy with a corporate executive, banking or otherwise, who spends his money on wine, women and fast cars. I think that in an economy like ours today and a country like ours has been for over 250 years, they can find more altruistic ways to spend their money. I know I would were I in their shoes. But the point is, they made the money. They earned what they have and have every right to do with it what they please.

Now there are people like Bill Gates out there who do spend the ridiculous amounts of money they make to help others have better lives. But it is no the business of government to take it away. It is not Buffet's or Obama's or Holdr's or Geithner's job or prerogative to tell people "hey, these are the bad guys, lets go after them." Because they aren't necessarily the 'bad guys' and they are not the ones to go after. If Warren or Barack want to redistribute their own wealth, then I say go for it. But all these loonies, and they are - just look at all the incongruities about them (explained further on) - who are following these lame brained politicians, politicos and political wannabes.

They obviously do not have jobs (they're out there in tents protesting day in and out). So they don't pay taxes. And they don't contribute anything to the society they feels OWES them something. They obviously have some money, they walk around with iPods and iPads and cell phones and BlackBerrys, because they're calling and taking pictures and posting on Facebook and tweeting their sols away. Not to mention that a large portion of these loonies are morally reprehensible. Mothers leaving their little kids in tents all day so they can whine about not being given everything for nothing, women being raped (yes, raped) and being told to be quiet about it, they will handle it themselves. Gawd these jackals who want something for nothing and allow such atrocities are in my book not worthy of even being listened to anymore.

Lesson One - there ain't no such thing as a free lunch ("TANSTAAFL") and you don't get something for nothing. That is something I learned as a kid and understand it all too well today. Even if someone gives you a handout, they want something from you. A good feeling for what they've done or a favor in return . . . like maybe your vote. Think about it. Politicians today only do something because they want to get re-elected. So they will pander to the lowest common denominator with the highest voter turnout.

Lesson Two - I worked hard for what I have. If you can't work hard for anything except to complain that life isn't being fair to you, grow up, grow a pair and get over yourself. If you want what I have, work for it . . . not whine for it. But honestly, what little I have, you ain't getting any of it anyway. And if the President thinks he is going to legislate it away from me . . . . November is coming around next year is all I have to say to him. That and "bye-bye."

Lesson Three - Yes this is America. Yes you have a right to say anything you want - that's what makes this country better (and sometimes more troublesome) than anywhere else in the world. But I also have a freedom. It is a freedom to call you the dumbs***s that you are and stop listening to anymore of your whining. And if that doesn't shut you up, then maybe when your hero of the free handouts to make you more beholden to him and his cronies gets dumped out on the sidewalk of Pennsylvania Avenue next November will.

But as usual, you can agree or disagree with what I have to say. It really doesn't matter to me. What does matter is that I get you to start THINKING (you know the process of combining thoughts in that brain mtter between your ears and critically analysing all the input) for yourselves. If I get you thinking, then I have done my job. Cause heck, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Winter is coming . . . who you voting for?

Can you believe it. Some astounding and unbelievable thin gs are happening.

For one, winter is HERE - not just coming. I am looking at getting about 18" of snow where I am. And it is not even Halloween yet! Sheesh. Amazing. Reporters are saying there is no one alive who can remember the last time a big one hit this bad this early. But you know what I think of the research done by most media people. Anyway, it is still astounding.

And the second thing is that the first Primaries are scant sixty days away - and most Republicans say it is too early to commit to deciding on their chosen candidate.

Good news, I guess, for the candidates. But what it says is that none of the current field are thrilling the voters. Which means that it will really be a crap shoot on who they set up to go against Obama next year.

Not good for us. Means four more years. Of the same lackluster economy and failing of government to listen to the people. because they do not know what they are doing. They need to listen to SOMEONE about the way they are all failing, GOP and Dems alike.

Gotta run. Library computer, you know.

Anyway, agree or disagree, I don't care. Just start thinking for yourselves and stop listening to the morons who are supposedly in charge. If this is a "ship of state," then no one really has the wheel, do they? But hey, what do I know? This is just me, Thinking out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Occupy This, you putzes!!!!

Okay, this "Occupy Wall Street" thing is just stupid. Bizarro and stupid!

Not only is it an idea that has no basis in reality, but it has soared over the waters and is hitting foreign shores. And why? They don't know. Just ask them. They heard America was doing it and thought they would, too.

These twits would blame investors who saw the housing crisis and did what they do best, read the signs and make smart decisions.

And the signs were there. Barney Frank and his cronies selling the public on the lies of "everyone deserves to own a home" no matter the reality of their situations. Barney Frank and his Democratic bleeding hearts ignoring the real world and protecting the people running Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac into the ground. Liberals in their thinking that everyone deserves to get everything without having to work hard for it.

This is not real life people! This is not only a stupid way of looking at life but a dangerous one. Look at all the harm caused by people who think this way. And now look at all the twits who still believe that everyone deserves a handout.

Friends ask me all the time, in their arguing their liberal views over my conservative values "don't you think you deserve free medical since you are on hard times, after all the years of working and paying taxes etc"?

No, I don't 'deserve' a free hand out. I don't deserve to get some help right now because I've fallen on hard times. I am fully capable and still out there looking for work and doing what temp and freelance I can find. And as long as I am not dying, I will not "just go to the emergency room because they HAVE to see" me, and then ignore the bill when it comes. this is the credit card mentality of people living beyond their means. And yes, my health is like everything else in my life. If it is not absolutely necessary to do and I can't afford it, I won't.

It is the mentality of those bleeding heart liberals who feed the line to the public that everyone deserves a hand out instead of just a hand up that has brought America and the American dream to its knees. It is this selfish belief that just by breathing you deserve to be lazy and irresponsible all you want.

Herman Cain is right. Want someone to blame, look to your own actions. For my part, I did not forsee and was nto prepared to meet this particular crisis in my life. Does this mean I can just be lazy about it? No! It means I have to tighhten my belt, make responsible decisions and not be a burden to anyone else.

Agree with me, disagree with me, it doesn't matter. I can't make you stop being lazy, I can't make you be more responsibile, I can't make you think one way or the other. but If I can get you to stop blindly follwoing those who would seel you a bill of goods for their own purposes, if I can get you to start using that grey matter between your ears, than I have done my job. Because hey, this is just me, Thinkiing Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Yaeh, Liberals and Conservatives can work together - but not in DC

Its the air. Its the water. Its the long term exposure to the fumes that encircle the capital on a daily basis. Whatever the reason, it is evident that those in Washington, DC do not know the meaning of working together for the best interest of America.

And I don't mean on some ideological basis. I mean working on getting people back to work, companies back on track and the pride of a nation back to being what it was and always should be.

I am so sick and tired of a president who doesn't know that he doesn't know. I am sick and tired of a Congress who is more intent on weinning the next election than winning the war on unemployment. I am sick and tired of all the sicophants from all political parties who would cut off the noses to spite their big toe. Yes, not only doesn't that make sense but one has ntohing to do with the other. Exactly.

I am not feeling very charitable right now (as I am among the - mostly - unemployed), and I will lambaste ANYONE who gets in the way of my soapbox.

Boehner, Reid, Obama, Romney, Eric Erikson, Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Sean hannity, Obermann, all of y'all can just stick a fistfull of dirt if you are not willing to do your jobs, to do your best, to get America on TRACK. Not a liberal track, not a conservative track, not a track that roams the landscape of the upcoming election or the "winning" of some philosophical issue.

Philosophical issues do not hold fmailies together. Political chest thumping does not put food on the tabel. Nor does it keep gas in the car. And it sure don't make people happy with their lot in life if that lot includes beating the pavement for the fiftieth week in a row without getting so much as a nibble.

Obama. Mr President. Listen close. America is not your personal experimenting ground. Do your experimenting during better times. Or better yet, as you sit in retirement and write your memoirs. This is not the time for you to be whining about how no one is willing to work together out of one side of your mouth while you stump and browbeat and make snippy remarks about your "opponents" in DC and beyond. You should be worrying about how much you don't know about business and economics. You should be looking at all those stupid lousy decisions to squander your opportunities to have been a pretty decent President by getting America and Americans back on track.

Congress. It is really pissing me off how you are so small and self centered that all you care about is "the next election." ~ "We're gonna win the White House!" ~ "We've got to stop their take over attempts!" ~ "The other guys are screwing America!"

Guess what, you petty little tweeps, YOU are screwing America.

How about this. How about we (the American voting population) tell you that we are not going to vote for ANY of you, not matter what your party affiliation, next election?! How about we let you know that you will not have a job after next election cycle?! At least not one paid by us. THEN will you stop bickering and get down to doing the job we put you in there in the first place for? Will you start getting the bills together that make sense? Will you stop STOPPING the next opposite party legislation and clean it up to mkake it workable?

I want to work. I am willing to do most any job. (I really have a problem with shoveling slop for 8 hours a day. Not because "its beneath me," but because i would be throwing up for nine hours a day. You have to know your limitations.) But you are making it so businesses don't know what you're doing next. They can't plan on hiring. They can't plan on expanding. They can't start up those new businesses. Because you are making the next month, let alone the next year or next five (which is the minimum they plan for as a rule), uncertain. They don't know what the hell you guys are going to do next. What bill you are going to put up, shoot down, villify or praise.

Stop it. Stop it now. Tell us if us promising NOT to elect you will get you serious about doing your job.

If a worker in America did the lousy job y'all do, we'd be fired in a heart beat. THINK ABOUT IT!

Agree with me or not, I just don't give a rat's behind. Think for yourselves. Look at all the things this President, this Congress, these media types, those potential candidates . . . look at what they are doing and NOT doing. And THINK FOR YORSELVES! But hey, this is just me, fuming, and Thinking Out Loud.

Anyway, have a great day.

Charles

Friday, October 7, 2011

Harry Reid to destroy US Senate

Harry Reid has decieded, in his almighty status as head of the US Senate, to destroy a deliberative body that has stood for centuries as a means of legal jurisdiction and citizen representation.

In a move to protect his Democrat colleagues, he turned around a Senate rule that allowed for conversation, albeit often fraught with arumentative and fractious debate, into a pass for anyone having to make tough votes that may get them booted their next election cycle.

For this move alone, Reid and all his croney buddies should get the boot. Their should be recalls and citizen outrage.

But what will happen?

Nothing. Because the President, the Congress and so many rich loud mouth politico wannabes will squash any attempt to do so. They will do it with page 23 news of Reid's move, lashing out at anyone who makes an issue of it and burying any news article that attempts to inform the general public that it is being done.

This is what is wrong with this country. Not the TEA party movements, not the talking heads of media circus shows, not the legitimate disagreement between people who have a differing view of things. It will not be done by business, it will not even be done by unions (although they are quite often behind the squashing of real dialogue and all about disinformation). It will be by the power mad leaders of this country who care more about their position, their jobs, their public image than they do about America and Americans.

Just as Nancy Pelosi did in the opening of the Democratic majority House in 2008 by making sure no Republicans could offer bills or amendments, Harry Reid has decided that no Republicans can offer amendments or force a vote that will make his Democratic buddies look bad.

Shame on you harry Reid for abandoning the ideals and principles that made this country and the august body of Congress great! Nail another coffin in the future of America that you have so diligently worked so hard to destroy in your selfish and self absorbed bid to stay in power. Shame on you and anybody who blindly follows you into creating a hell WE all have t live in!

And don't think I don't believe for a second if the shoes were reversed that the entrenched Washington machine of the Republican Party would not chomp at the bit to do the same thing.

All these politicians are just as guilty of destroying this country and losing focus on what it truly means to be American, to work for a better America - one where there is a future as proud as its past.

(Before you naysayers and America bashers start enumerating the foibles of America's past and their faults, I do not overlook them - I just choose to see the big picture that DESPITE the missteps of America's history, it is STILL the greatest nation in comparison to the rest of the world.)

AGree with me or disagree with me, I don't care. Just open your eyes, stop letting others do your thinking and realize the damage being done by those in power who have forgotten their duty. But hey, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

You have yourself a great day.

Charles

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The GOP Field

Chris Christie is not running. Sarah Palin is . . . who knows where she is at these days. Rick Perry shot himself in the foot with a homophobic statement and other "missteps". Ron Paul is sounding better - which is scary in and of itself. Newt Gingrich never really has a chance. Michelle Bachmann doesn't deliver the total unity of the GOP to go against Obama in 2012. Santorum, Johnson, Hunstman are all the second tier stuff that don't make it past Iowa or New Hampshire or South Carolina. Herman Cain is, well, Herman Cain. I really don't know what to make of him. Does anyone? But a serious contender for the 2012 slot against the Big "O" (and I don't mean Oprah - not this time)? Nah, doubt it.

SO where does that leave us? Romney? Please, the guy is so not ready fro prime time players it is not even funny.

There is no one out there to go up against the Democrats candidate. And I sure as heck am not voting for Obama.

So where does that leave anyone who doesn't want Obama to get a second chance to mess things up worse?

Green Party candidates Mesplay or Stein? Or Constitutional party types like Roy Moore or Virgil Goode? R Lee Wrights for the Libertarians? Or Alexander for the Socialists? How about Nader, Ventura or Schriner (this will be the journalist's 4th and last try at the Presidency)? Why not go with Robert Burch, the Naked Cowboy of New York?

(Yes, these are all either candidates or have said they were running - excpet for Nader and Ventura - for President in 2012.)

I think Hillary Clinton would have a good chance of beating her boss for the nomination and the Presidency. But like a good little Democrat, she will not run. Not that I'd vote for her . . . maybe.

But it is very discouraging to see there is little chance of finding someone out there worth voting for.

I won't stay home. But I am having a hard time deciding. Maybe I will run this time. Maybe. Who knows.

Anyway, the usual spiel . . . disagree or not, it doesn't really matter to me. Just as long as I got you thinking for your own selves. because heck, this is just little old me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Monday, October 3, 2011

DADT - Stop bickering already!

I have said this before and will say it again. Don't Ask, Don't Tell should be a strictly military decision. It should be a policy decision based on the impact of having it or doing away with it will have on the military. In days past, it was an issue of security. If someone was ashamed of being gay, a foreign country or interest could use it as leverage. but in today's environment, this is not such an issue. Being gay is more accepted in the public. It does not have the stigma of say the 50's or 60's. Therefore it should be the military that decides if it makes sens to keep or not. And how to implement changes as necessary.

It should not, however, be a political issue. It should not be a political "football." It should not be political in any way. It should never be a political promise one way or the other. It should not be a campaign trail talking point. It should not be something debated by Congress, debated by a President in the press.

What I am talking about is the recent ballyhoo over the booing of an American soldier, who happened to be gay. I mean Rick Perry saying he would re-instate it if elected. I mean all the squabble back and forth by Presidential wannabes and political hacks, from the New York Times editorial room to the halls of the Congressional offices.

And I mean President Obama's recent derision of Republicans, too.

It should not be used by anybody to gain either political favor nor political office. Although I agree with the President's sentiments, I disagree with him making a public display. This is partisan politics at its usual. (I can't say at its worst because it all sucks.) Political bimbos from Pelosi to McConnell are constantly making public statements that are not only none of their business but none of their business of state. It is political posturing. Plain and simple.

For the record, I find it reprehensible that anyone who willing served their country during peace or war should not be accorded more respect than any politician or statesmen or public figure of any kind. The next time you drive from one state to another without having to "produce your papers," think of those who have served and are serving. The next time you fill up your gas tank or shop at WalMart or drink a beer (or soda or whatever) on your back porch, or the next time you publicly disagree with your elected officials and don't fear being arrested in the middle of the night, remember the military. These men and women who selflessly serve to protect the freedoms this country enjoys, either by direct confrontation or by simple presence (otherwise known as detente or a Mexican standoff), deserve our respect and admiration.

It shouldn't matter if they are black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Filipino, nor if they are Catholic, Protestant, Wicca, Jewish or Buddhist. And it should not matter if they are gay or not. They - without forced necessity nor peer pressure - served and protected your freedoms, your liberties, your choice to not serve. And they ask nothing in return. But they deserve so much more than nothing.

That said, it is not my intention to blast any particular party. It is my intention to remind EVERY public official to act like the "representatives of the people" that they are. If they don't stand up for anyone in our military, it is a telling indictment of their character. I will write them a letter or NOT vote for them. But for the President, or any public figure, to single out anyone for this lack of reaction, is wrong. He should have said that ANYONE in public office should be upset by this booing. But he didn't. He made it political. He made it partisan. And for this, I simply sigh, shake my head and chalk up another "poor leadership" moment for President Obama. And in the next election, I will weigh all of these moments (and there are a lot), against the other candidates. And make my choice.

I hope that anyone who agrees or disagrees with me will comment. Because this is something that should concern every American. This is the reason for such partisan bullc**p in Washington. This is the reason we can't get anything done. We need to move forward. We need jobs. We need a stable economy. We need people in public office to act in the best interest of America and Americans, not themselves or lobbyist or special interest. If doing what is right does not win them an election, so be it. President Obama said he didn't care if he was a one term President, so long as he was able to do something to improve America. But he lied. He w3ants to be elected a second term. And he will use partisan politics to do so. Just like all those4 other liars and hacks in Washington DC.

Agree with me or disagree with me, tell me I am full of it or cheer me on for telling it like it is. It doesn't matter to me, so long as I get you to thinking for yourself and not just being a robot of the establishment. Because, hey, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Steve Isreael and Dems Hug Unions and Screw America

"Will you stand with President Obama in creating jobs?"

This is the question in a recent email from Steve Israel, Chairman of the DCCC. In the email was a very disturbing image. (And I don't just mean the image of standing with a President who really has no clue how to "create jobs" in America.)


"Dems 2012 . . . Union-Made in the USA!" Union-made??! Now if that does not confirm all I have been saying about how Democrats and liberals are in the pockets of unions, I don't know what is. This is so very scary a thought. Unions controlling our country.

Not to say that almost all politicians are in the pockets of special interest groups, but just imagine how scary a country controlled by unions would be. Gone wold be your ability to work for whoever you want, wherever you want to work without being beholden to some political, money greedy thugs. (Yes, my opinion of unions is very strong in the negative direction and I have experience to back up my great dislike. Maybe I'll detail it here some day . . . like a whole post dedicated because the tale is scary and bit long.)

Take the NLRB and unions attack of Boeing and South Carolina.

Sout Carolina is a right to work state. You can quit and/or they can fire you, without preamble. But companies are very employee-centric in states like this. Andwith SC's 10.5% unemployment rating, they need to attract business however they can, to get their citizens back to work. Boeing, seeing the huge potential of a dedicated workforce, a state willing to help them and none of the union BS they have to deal with in states like PA or WA. Employees wages can be geared toward the area economic situation and employees don't have to lose a chunk of their money to unions.

AND what unions wil not tell you is that states like this CAN have unions in them. But it is up to employees to both opt in to these unions and opt out if they don't like it. Becasue unions don't want workers to determine what is best for themselves.

And with all the protections under law in place, the usual reasons for unions are non-existent.

Union-made politicians. Man, if that don't give you nightmares, I don't know what will.

Now, onto President Obama creating jobs. He still does not know how to do it. He's never done it. And, by all indications, he never will. He is still blowing hot air about 'shovel-ready' jobs even though he admitted there are no such things. And construction jobs for specific projects in mind are not continuing jobs, they are temporary band-aies to get workers back to work. In this field only. For secretaries, bakers, doctors, and so many other professions that make up almost 80% of the workfroce, these types of jobs are not in the cards.

Mr. President, get outof the way, stop making stupid stump speeches and get with the program. Start talking to the industry leaders who WILL create jobs to find out how it is done. Stop stabbing the job creators in the back with your class warfare rhetoric. If you thought that everyone in America shuold give their fair share than do on of two things, or both, if you're courageous enough. Make EVRYONE pay taxes, not just the 'wealthy'. And / or make taxes simple. Do away with loopholes, make the tax rate a definative thing. 10% for everyone. No ifs, ands or buts. 10%. And everyone pays. Because right now you have 50% of America not paying ANY taxes. Where is your political stump speeches about how THESE citizens are not contributing? It is in the politically correct category of "don't upset the apple cart, don't make enemies of your constituent base, don't make it seem like you hate poor people." Instead just hate rich people, ignoring the fact that has been pointed out to you time and time again. It is the wealthy business owners who create jobs. Not the government, not the poor, not the lower income middle class.

I could go on, but I thnk I made my point. If not, comment and tell me what you think I am wrong about or what you think I missed. I won't mind. I won't get upset. I won't stop answering your questions (unlike some politicians who refuse to speak with media outlets or citizens who ask the tough questions). Because this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles

Friday, September 16, 2011

Exciting News

I have exciting news.

And it has nothing to do with Barack Obama's jobs plan (which I've already spoken out about before the latest news from GOP). It has nothing to do with Huntsman sucking up to the sports minded fans of South Carolina (like going to Clemson and Univeristy of South Carolina games is NOT going to offset each other). Or Hillary announcing there is "less than zero" chance of here going up against Obama in 2012 Primary (don't you love politicians who say such things . . . makes you wanna shout LIAR!).

No, my news is actually about me. I have been walking around with an elated feeling that even politics can't sway from me.

After all the articles, blogs, reviews, short stories I have published over the years, I have finally published BOOK ONE. (I call it that because I have every intention of following this up quickly with non-fiction, fiction and many more books. Let the flood waters spill!)

It is a poetry anthology of poems and pictures about my time as a truck driver. Aptly titled, Behind the Wheel: A Trucker's Poetry Book, I hope to dispel some preconceptions about truckers, life on the road and what these dedicated professionals have to deal with in regards to family, friends, job and life on the road in general. You can check it out (it is an e-book you can download on many platforms) if you'd like. I know I would LOVE it if you checked it out.

Now that I have broken that barrier in my life, I will be publishing more. Including the soon to be completed non-fiction "memoir" of the 2008 political campaign up to Barack's first year in office. Thinking Out Loud: The Book should be done editing next week and I will be getting that one out there.

Anyway, thank you all for your support of this blog. It is to you and the people over at WM Freelancers on LinkedIn that I gained my courage to do this. (I did the dedication to my family for Behind the Wheel, but it will be to you all that I will be dedicating the next one. After all, it was my readers, both casual and dedicated, that have inspired me to keep writing my thoughts on all things in America from a conservative viewpoint.

I will be back to wax politic and philosophical. For now, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud, and beaming from ear to ear.

Have a great day. I am.

Charles

Friday, September 9, 2011

Jobs, yes . . but is that all he should say??

President Barack Obama addressed a joint session of Congress about his jobs plan.

The question whether he should have addressed this to a full Congressional session and have it televised as such to the American public is moot. The ready answer is no. It was political showboating and a manuever to win an election. And even though he spoke of not doing such a thing, this only made his stand weaker. But it is neither here nor there at this point. It is what it is. It happened. Get past it.

The plan he put forward had both conservative and liberal elements. Can we say MIDDLE OF THE ROAD POLITICS? Yes we can! Was this speech intended to boost his declining poll ratings? Yes it was! Does that change that part of what he spoke was true? Hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Obama looked Presidential . . . for most of the speech anyway. Had he steered clear of his union endorsement, his social agenda crap and his small jabs at his opponents, he might have actually impressed me more as a president worth more of a historical sidebar than he was the first black president. But he could not help himself.

To the plan itself, it has some merits and should certainly be examined and tuned by the legislators whose job it is to legislate. But it should not, nor should any legislation aside from a national declaration of emergency or war, be "passed right away." The American people, for whom the President said this was all about, should have a chance to look at it. The legislators, on whose shoulders the responsibility to rectifying small gaps in knowledge and making sure it does not "cost" the people in the long run falls, should take time to look at it. (Not a session or a month or several weeks - it should never take THAT long to look.)

But to "pass it right away," to "pass it immediately," without the due consideration a hefty and ambitious plan such as this is deserves, would be as big an injustice as much of the recent legislation that has passed "so we can know what is in it." The President may have looked mostly Presidential, but that doesn't equate to dictatorship. And we should never allow it. Follow our leadership when it deserves it, question our leadership all the time. It is the only way to keep the powermad illness that can overtake even the most public service person. They are, after all, only human.

I hope the President much success (hey, I've been out of work at a day job since 11/09), as it means success for the American people, the nation and the continued existence of the institution of a free and democratic society. But there are two things that I know.

One appearance of leadership among all the political bickering and silent sideline stances this president has shown in the past two and a half years can not make up for it. I look forward to his one term presidency ending in 2012.

And secondly, his lack of decorum for the obvious political posturing this speech presented despite his condemnation of such actions is tacky to say the least. He should have left all that out. He should have left all the union boosting out. He should have addressed both the beltway political gamesmanship as well as the outside the beltway political gamesmanship. He mentioned the lobbyist for the corporation but failed to scold the union comments by the likes of Jimmy Hoffa (who really should take an extended expedition to join, er find, his father).

His failure to address this and actually include his pro-union ties in his speech took so much credibility away from his claims of clearing away the politics of DC in favor of the job they were sent there to do.

Were I to give this speech a grade (which seems so en vogue these days to giver politicians "report cards"), I would give it a B+ for the ideas and effort. I would give it a C- for credibility. And I would give it an F for avoidance of biased political rhetoric.

Agree with me, disagree with me, it really doesn't matter to me. So long as I can get you to see past the pretty rpose and double meaning hidden in every political speech adn think for yourselves beyond the borders of political parties and ideology, than I have accomplished my goal. Because hey, this is just me, Thinking Out Loud.

Have a great day.

Charles