Rather than focus on one central topic as we usually do, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at three events happening around the world, and where better to start than Iran?
Iran and I Lost: Tehran Gone Wild
With the conclusion of the recent presidential elections in Iran on June 12, ultra conservative religious clerics have assured the Iranian people that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad soundly defeated moderate Mir Hossein Mousavi fairly and squarely. As proof of the convincing reelection results, the Supreme Council of ruling clerics has cut off all outside communication with the world as the military beats and murders its protesting population into submission through rubber bullets, teargas, and other forms of “aggressive crowd modification devices” while allowing only partial recount. However, those pesky protesters who insist only something as trivial as an honest election have been using cell and picture phones, twitter, laptops, and every technological means at their disposal to get the word out that not only did Ahmadinejad lose the election, but that they are sick and tired of the oppressive hard line religious rule.
The question now is what will happen to Iran? Will any of the other nations recognize this electoral farce? Will the current crackdown result in another revolution, hopefully for a more moderate and progressive Iran? Certainly Ahmadinejad and the ruling religious zealots won’t go voluntarily, even when the people peacefully rejected the current administration at the polls. If Ahmadinejad remains in power, he may realize that his time is short. That may force him into a corner and cause him to move forward with developing his nuclear capability. If that should happen, Israel may be forced to remove them since Ahmadinejad has repeatedly called for Israel’s utter annihilation (and America’s afterward). For people like this, international sanctions mean nothing, and I seriously doubt Obama has the backbone to act first.
Midget Amuck
Speaking of oppressive hardliners, the dinky despot of North Korea is at it again. This time, Kim Jong II is testing another long range missile, but this time it’s aimed at Hawaii. The last time, as some of you may remember, Kim launched a missile directed at Japan (The Japanese have had some bad experiences with things nuclear and tend to get a little edgy). So, what is this nutcase with the bad haircut trying to do? My guess is that Kim is using these missile launches and the threat of a nuclear strike as a bullying tool directed at the West. In the past, Kim Jong II has used threats of developing and deploying medium and long range missiles with nuclear capability in order to get the West to “buy him off”. It’s nothing more than the old extortion racket of the Mob except on a global scale.
If he agrees to, let’s say, shut down a reactor, the West gives so many billions of dollars in food and aid to prop up his financially bankrupt nation of another six months or so. Once that’s used up, he does something else to threaten the West with unless we bail him out again. The trouble is that the West has paid his extortion terms in the past, and so now the paranoid pipsqueak thinks the West is responsible for keeping his regime afloat. Instead of a North Korean GNP (Gross National Product), we now have North Korean GNE (Gross National Extortion). Never ever negotiate with or back down from bullies boys and girls. The West needs to find some North Koreans who’ve had enough of seeing their country flushed down the proverbial toilet and who would be willing back a coup against this nutcase before it’s too late. The people of both Koreas deserve better.
Justice? We Don’t Need Any Stinking Justice.
I recently read an article that said Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor is a member of La Raza (which translates to “The Race”), an organization devoted to creating an independent Hispanic country out of the American Southwest. La Raza believes that most of these states were “stolen” from Mexico, and its their duty is to either reclaim them for Mexico or to recreate a mythological nation called Aztlan under what is referred to as “reconquesta” or “reconquest” (for more information, I recommend visiting these two sites: http://www.limitstogrowth.org/WEB-text/aztlan.html and (http://www.mayorno.com/WhoIsMecha.html). To put this in better perspective, it would like a White person belonging to the KKK or a Black individual being a member of the Black Panthers and being nominated for Supreme Court Judge.
Additionally, Ms. Sotomayor was quoted as saying “a Latina, based on her experiences, would reach a better conclusion than a White male judge”. One could assume this would also include a Black or Asian as well. Somehow, I can’t see a White, Asian, or Black nominee getting away with saying the same thing can you? The Rule of Law does not care about race, age, physical disability, religion, gender or sexual orientation. It cares only about equality based upon fact of law. The person, regardless of any other outside factors like their race or gender that is best able to exhibit that ability should be considered for judge. Anything else is political grandstanding.
Book Review
Doug Stanton has written the gripping true story of American Special Forces fighting against and sometimes along side Afghan warlords in their hunt for the Taliban in what can only be described as the Wild West meets High Tech in his bestseller, “Horse Soldiers”. I remember when this story first broke a few years ago. I followed it closely on Fox News and CNN with both pride and fascination as I watched US Special Forces units, along with a host of colorful and often deadly array of individuals battling the Taliban from the air, ground, and on horseback as they transverse some of the most beautiful and inhospitable land on the planet.
Doug Stanton has done a wonderful job of relating their stories. Written from the perspectives of those who participated, “Horse Soldiers” provides outstanding examples of how to merge the high tech of today’s military with the needs of the mission, which in some cases, required US troops to take a backseat to the egos of Afghanistan’s ruling warlords who, without their assistance, we stood no chance of success. What I personally enjoyed the most as former military, was that in writing the book, Stanton doesn’t allow himself to get in the way of those telling the story, namely those who took on and fought the Taliban a some journalist do. Kudos to Stanton!
I can easily see this book becoming required reading at any of our nation’s military academies. As I commented to friend of mine recently, “Horse Soldiers” is like a Tom Clancy novel, only this is real! So, if you’re someone who is interested in the war on terrorism or simply enjoy high adventure, this book is for you.
Poll Results
Our last poll dealt with the issue of allowing multiple languages to be used in taking drivers exams. We had addressed how Kentucky Governor reversed his decision to required English only exams, and instead, to allow up to 22 languages to be used in taking the exam. An overwhelming 67% of you thought it was alright while a valiant 32% thought English only was the way to go. Personally, I believed this not only is it a waste of taxpayer money, which is desperately need for other services, it also says to those who don’t speak English that we will always make exceptions and the American Taxpayer must adapt to their needs at our costs. That to me is wrong on so many levels. It also creates a dangerous situation in that without understanding the language, how does one read the signs posted along the highway like “Left lane must merged in 10 miles” or “Congested area ahead. Reduce Speed”? Of course, I’m sure these with be posted in all 22 languages at taxpayer expense as well. As for speaking with other drivers or the police officer who just pulled them over, well we can only hope that a translator is on call somewhere.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
English Not Required For Kentucky Roads
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear was set to do the right thing. Governor Beshear had approved making the Kentucky driving test in English. Not only would it encourage immigrants of all stripes to learn our nation’s language, but it would have saved desperately need taxpayer money for other projects. However, at the last moment, common sense deserted the governor. On May 28th, Governor Beshear reversed his earlier decision and instructed the Kentucky State Police, which administers the driving tests, to begin offer the tests in multiple languages.
How many languages you ask? According to Captain Tim Lucas, who administers the driver testing program, we’re talking 22 languages. Captain Lucas pointed out in a memo that there are only 70 examiners staffing Kentucky’s 120 counties. At present, there are no state laws requiring the administration of the test in any language but English. Captain Lucas correctly accessed the situation in pointing out “the current budget situation makes it impractical to continue this testing and translation practice” (Kentucky is facing a near 1 billion revenue shortfall). Care to guess who pays for the costs of the translations? Yelp, you and I do as taxpayers.
Not surprising, liberal groups like the ACLU applauded the governor’s decision. Mr. Michael Aldridge, the director of ACLU Kentucky was quoted as saying, “Our government has an obligation to provide adequate language services”. Oh really? Our government has the obligation to provide adequate access to the testing facilities. This does not mean catering to every individual who doesn’t want to learn the language of the road, and this nation. While the applicant may pass the test, will they understand the written road signs? Will they be able to understand the police officer should they be pulled over? I can foresee all sorts of bad outcomes here. If they’re involved in an accident, will they be able to exchange information with the other driver? Of course, this fallacy by the governor removes the incentive of the applicant to even make an attempt at learning English. The next logical step (if there is such a thing in Frankfort), will be install road signs in multiple languages at taxpayer expense. I can hardly wait.
Rev. Pat Delahanty, a member of the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, is quoted in the Courier Journal (May 28, 2009) as saying the change in policy by the governor was a good thing, otherwise it would have forced many immigrants to be driving illegally. As I’ve written on many occasions, we already have a problem with some religious groups believing that they are above the law and don’t need to be concerned with such trivial issues as illegal immigration. Immigrants (and I’m talking about those who are legally) should be required to have a minimum understanding of English to receive a temporary work permit. As for those here illegally, do we need to be giving them easy access to our roads by giving them an opportunity to get a Kentucky drivers license too?
Hopefully these individuals will be picked up by the Kentucky State Police as quickly as possible. I wonder if these individuals requesting that you and I pay for their translators to they can take a drivers test have to provide proof they are here legally. If not, wouldn’t this be a good opportunity for some enterprising Kentucky legislators to introduce legislation to that effect?
I’d like to end with this closing comment on the subject. In the May 30th edition of the Courier Journal, the Editorial Board ran one of their off the wall editorials praising Beshear’s decision. The editorial says that if Kentucky is to be a “welcoming place to immigrants”, it should allow “less-than-proficient” English speakers the opportunity to take a drivers test. Wrong way thinking C/J. We’re not talking about people who have a little trouble with the questions and might need some clarification. We’re talking about people who do not speak the language and now have little reason to learn it. While you may believe this lapse of common sense by Governor Beshear is a act of compassion, in the long run, it will cost Kentuckians not only more taxpayer money, but it could be endangering the lives of other drivers as well.
It’s been awhile since Moderate Man has written an article for us. Well, I have a treat for you! Moderate Man’s article concerns the future of Louisville (which, I might add, under our current mayoral regime, is looking increasingly bleak). I hope you enjoy this latest piece by M/M as much as I did.
What is Louisville’s Future?
By Moderate Man
As a long time resident of this community who has lived in many other large cities, I was wondering about the future of Louisville. I don’t see a bright picture. Our youth have left town after graduation to earn a living elsewhere due to low wages, then may or may not return at retirement if family lives here. Our population has increased about 2 % in 25 years. This creates a stagnant economy. A quarter of a century ago we had 3 Fortune 500 companies. We now have 2. Where are our elected official’s priorities? Bars on 4th St., Central City developers, River Bats Stadium, Waterfront Park, UPS, Bridges over the Ohio River, U of L Arena, etc.
In short, downtown development, along with a Ring of Parks in the county border without development or acquisition funds. Without well paying jobs nothing else is important in this town. No quality of life issues, amenities, wonderful parks, arts, low cost of housing, or a partial taxing district bus transportation and EMS. We have many short changed items compared to the large towns, such as a pro arena, library master plan, light rail, small cities annexation, paid city and county unified fire department, unified taxing district for both urban and non urban service district. Some of these items are the result of the State Legislature keeping its thumb via home rule on us in order to obtain tax money to grease its rural legislator’s budget machine.
How immoral is this? If they didn’t have our donor funds they might be able to find the spine to reduce about a third of the amount of counties in this state and consolidate the population, so state assistance could be better centralized. There should be a price paid for choosing to live in a rural area, such as government services located a far distance away. Yes we have provided some of our meager state and local tax money to large companies, such as Ford and GE, in our town to assist them during these hard times. It seems that these companies solution is to outsource jobs, raise productivity thru cross training or other means, or have technology replace workers. No wonder the unions are mad after giving into concessions at contract time only to find the company wants to layoff workers. And we have given city loans to local start up companies that don’t always survive. Think about E on Main Street. Years ago I heard that you could tell a cities health not with a thermometer, but by counting the number of cranes working at construction sites. How many can you count? Do you remember more years ago?
I see a future for Louisville with less working population, more homeless people, lack of new buildings, decline in the arts and a decaying west end with shifting existing populating moving outward and to the south parts of town. I see a class divide with the wealthier east end and the poorer parts of town in the west and south end. The 2010 census will reveal people moving out of Jefferson County to surrounding counties and Southern Indiana at a good clip. Of course the main tax money Louisville government uses for services, occupational tax and property taxes will decrease in total yearly revenue. Services will suffer by being cut, reduced or eliminated. Citizens won’t to tolerate an increase in taxes to fund services, after the recession of 2008/10 has passed. Watch the 20 year exodus take place.
Book Review
The Islamist by Ed Husain
We’ve all seen their pictures. Mostly blank and white. Usually they’re taken from surveillance cameras or driver’s licenses. They seem ordinary enough. Young to early middle age men. A few are smiling, but most are expressionless. How many of us have sat and stared at those photos and wondered what goes through the mind of mass murderer? What were they thinking when they set the timer of payload of death and then pulled the pin while screaming “Allah Akbar”? Did they look into the eyes of the unsuspecting victims? Did they see mothers with their children off to the grocery or school? Did they see ordinary people going about their lives in peace? Did they give any consideration to their families waiting for them at home before murdering them?
How do they justify the carnage they about to bring on innocent lives? Did God promise them some sort of “get-out-of-Hell-free” card in exchange for murdering a pregnant woman or maiming some school child? How does one turn a religion which historically has been one of the most peaceful and tolerate of religions into a one based on hatred and death? These are but a few of the questions I’ve often pondered, be about the SS Death Squads, Pol Pot, Charles Manson, or more recently, the terror attacks by Muslim extremists. Author Ed Husain was in a unique position to answer some of those questions, and more. He grew up in London’s East Side; the product of a strong, loving, Westernized Muslim family (surprisingly, not uncommon characteristics of many other mass murders).
Through short, sometimes quite innocent steps, he slowly found himself drawn into a web of radicalism which promoted a self-anointed “holier-than-thou” sense of religious superiority, even (and perhaps especially) fellow Muslims, including his family and friends. From there, the steps down the hole of free and rational thought to hatred and murder become shorter and ever more slippery with the blood of the innocent. Husain, however, was fortunate. He found his way back from the insanity of the radicalism before it was too late.
As we are forced to come to grips with the new reality of a post 9/11 world, stories like the one told by Mr. Husain in his book, “The Islamist” should become required reading of anyone trying to come to terms with the mindset of those who seek to murder in the name of God. The book is both well written, and at the same time, chilling in portrayal of an ordinary young man drawn little by little into this dark world.
Poll Results
In our last poll, I asked you to tell us what kind of job President Obama was doing. 38% of you gave him passing marks. Another 38% said he was doing either good or great, while the rest of you gave him failing marks. So, overall, it looks like Obama is doing pretty good. With some economists starting to predict an early end to the recession, it looks like many of his ideas are starting to pay off, albeit with substantial short and long term debt and partial government ownership of businesses.
End Note
A friend of mine sent this to me from You Tube. I urge every American to watch and take heed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA. There’s a lot of truth here folks.
How many languages you ask? According to Captain Tim Lucas, who administers the driver testing program, we’re talking 22 languages. Captain Lucas pointed out in a memo that there are only 70 examiners staffing Kentucky’s 120 counties. At present, there are no state laws requiring the administration of the test in any language but English. Captain Lucas correctly accessed the situation in pointing out “the current budget situation makes it impractical to continue this testing and translation practice” (Kentucky is facing a near 1 billion revenue shortfall). Care to guess who pays for the costs of the translations? Yelp, you and I do as taxpayers.
Not surprising, liberal groups like the ACLU applauded the governor’s decision. Mr. Michael Aldridge, the director of ACLU Kentucky was quoted as saying, “Our government has an obligation to provide adequate language services”. Oh really? Our government has the obligation to provide adequate access to the testing facilities. This does not mean catering to every individual who doesn’t want to learn the language of the road, and this nation. While the applicant may pass the test, will they understand the written road signs? Will they be able to understand the police officer should they be pulled over? I can foresee all sorts of bad outcomes here. If they’re involved in an accident, will they be able to exchange information with the other driver? Of course, this fallacy by the governor removes the incentive of the applicant to even make an attempt at learning English. The next logical step (if there is such a thing in Frankfort), will be install road signs in multiple languages at taxpayer expense. I can hardly wait.
Rev. Pat Delahanty, a member of the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, is quoted in the Courier Journal (May 28, 2009) as saying the change in policy by the governor was a good thing, otherwise it would have forced many immigrants to be driving illegally. As I’ve written on many occasions, we already have a problem with some religious groups believing that they are above the law and don’t need to be concerned with such trivial issues as illegal immigration. Immigrants (and I’m talking about those who are legally) should be required to have a minimum understanding of English to receive a temporary work permit. As for those here illegally, do we need to be giving them easy access to our roads by giving them an opportunity to get a Kentucky drivers license too?
Hopefully these individuals will be picked up by the Kentucky State Police as quickly as possible. I wonder if these individuals requesting that you and I pay for their translators to they can take a drivers test have to provide proof they are here legally. If not, wouldn’t this be a good opportunity for some enterprising Kentucky legislators to introduce legislation to that effect?
I’d like to end with this closing comment on the subject. In the May 30th edition of the Courier Journal, the Editorial Board ran one of their off the wall editorials praising Beshear’s decision. The editorial says that if Kentucky is to be a “welcoming place to immigrants”, it should allow “less-than-proficient” English speakers the opportunity to take a drivers test. Wrong way thinking C/J. We’re not talking about people who have a little trouble with the questions and might need some clarification. We’re talking about people who do not speak the language and now have little reason to learn it. While you may believe this lapse of common sense by Governor Beshear is a act of compassion, in the long run, it will cost Kentuckians not only more taxpayer money, but it could be endangering the lives of other drivers as well.
It’s been awhile since Moderate Man has written an article for us. Well, I have a treat for you! Moderate Man’s article concerns the future of Louisville (which, I might add, under our current mayoral regime, is looking increasingly bleak). I hope you enjoy this latest piece by M/M as much as I did.
What is Louisville’s Future?
By Moderate Man
As a long time resident of this community who has lived in many other large cities, I was wondering about the future of Louisville. I don’t see a bright picture. Our youth have left town after graduation to earn a living elsewhere due to low wages, then may or may not return at retirement if family lives here. Our population has increased about 2 % in 25 years. This creates a stagnant economy. A quarter of a century ago we had 3 Fortune 500 companies. We now have 2. Where are our elected official’s priorities? Bars on 4th St., Central City developers, River Bats Stadium, Waterfront Park, UPS, Bridges over the Ohio River, U of L Arena, etc.
In short, downtown development, along with a Ring of Parks in the county border without development or acquisition funds. Without well paying jobs nothing else is important in this town. No quality of life issues, amenities, wonderful parks, arts, low cost of housing, or a partial taxing district bus transportation and EMS. We have many short changed items compared to the large towns, such as a pro arena, library master plan, light rail, small cities annexation, paid city and county unified fire department, unified taxing district for both urban and non urban service district. Some of these items are the result of the State Legislature keeping its thumb via home rule on us in order to obtain tax money to grease its rural legislator’s budget machine.
How immoral is this? If they didn’t have our donor funds they might be able to find the spine to reduce about a third of the amount of counties in this state and consolidate the population, so state assistance could be better centralized. There should be a price paid for choosing to live in a rural area, such as government services located a far distance away. Yes we have provided some of our meager state and local tax money to large companies, such as Ford and GE, in our town to assist them during these hard times. It seems that these companies solution is to outsource jobs, raise productivity thru cross training or other means, or have technology replace workers. No wonder the unions are mad after giving into concessions at contract time only to find the company wants to layoff workers. And we have given city loans to local start up companies that don’t always survive. Think about E on Main Street. Years ago I heard that you could tell a cities health not with a thermometer, but by counting the number of cranes working at construction sites. How many can you count? Do you remember more years ago?
I see a future for Louisville with less working population, more homeless people, lack of new buildings, decline in the arts and a decaying west end with shifting existing populating moving outward and to the south parts of town. I see a class divide with the wealthier east end and the poorer parts of town in the west and south end. The 2010 census will reveal people moving out of Jefferson County to surrounding counties and Southern Indiana at a good clip. Of course the main tax money Louisville government uses for services, occupational tax and property taxes will decrease in total yearly revenue. Services will suffer by being cut, reduced or eliminated. Citizens won’t to tolerate an increase in taxes to fund services, after the recession of 2008/10 has passed. Watch the 20 year exodus take place.
Book Review
The Islamist by Ed Husain
We’ve all seen their pictures. Mostly blank and white. Usually they’re taken from surveillance cameras or driver’s licenses. They seem ordinary enough. Young to early middle age men. A few are smiling, but most are expressionless. How many of us have sat and stared at those photos and wondered what goes through the mind of mass murderer? What were they thinking when they set the timer of payload of death and then pulled the pin while screaming “Allah Akbar”? Did they look into the eyes of the unsuspecting victims? Did they see mothers with their children off to the grocery or school? Did they see ordinary people going about their lives in peace? Did they give any consideration to their families waiting for them at home before murdering them?
How do they justify the carnage they about to bring on innocent lives? Did God promise them some sort of “get-out-of-Hell-free” card in exchange for murdering a pregnant woman or maiming some school child? How does one turn a religion which historically has been one of the most peaceful and tolerate of religions into a one based on hatred and death? These are but a few of the questions I’ve often pondered, be about the SS Death Squads, Pol Pot, Charles Manson, or more recently, the terror attacks by Muslim extremists. Author Ed Husain was in a unique position to answer some of those questions, and more. He grew up in London’s East Side; the product of a strong, loving, Westernized Muslim family (surprisingly, not uncommon characteristics of many other mass murders).
Through short, sometimes quite innocent steps, he slowly found himself drawn into a web of radicalism which promoted a self-anointed “holier-than-thou” sense of religious superiority, even (and perhaps especially) fellow Muslims, including his family and friends. From there, the steps down the hole of free and rational thought to hatred and murder become shorter and ever more slippery with the blood of the innocent. Husain, however, was fortunate. He found his way back from the insanity of the radicalism before it was too late.
As we are forced to come to grips with the new reality of a post 9/11 world, stories like the one told by Mr. Husain in his book, “The Islamist” should become required reading of anyone trying to come to terms with the mindset of those who seek to murder in the name of God. The book is both well written, and at the same time, chilling in portrayal of an ordinary young man drawn little by little into this dark world.
Poll Results
In our last poll, I asked you to tell us what kind of job President Obama was doing. 38% of you gave him passing marks. Another 38% said he was doing either good or great, while the rest of you gave him failing marks. So, overall, it looks like Obama is doing pretty good. With some economists starting to predict an early end to the recession, it looks like many of his ideas are starting to pay off, albeit with substantial short and long term debt and partial government ownership of businesses.
End Note
A friend of mine sent this to me from You Tube. I urge every American to watch and take heed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA. There’s a lot of truth here folks.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Another Opinion: The 100th Issue
Hello dear reader. Thank you for stopping by to read the 100th edition of Another Opinion. Yelp, you read that right. This is the 100th edition of AO. I can’t believe time has flown by so quickly. There have been so many stories, and so many insightful comments from people like you. But, before proceeding any further, I would like to take a moment to thank some unlikely people for making AO possible. I’d like to thank some of our local “good ole boys” like Rick, Jerry, Danny, Larry, George, and Denver. You were right about me. I was never going to be lead around or do as I was told. I was and remain an independent thinker. You also showed me who I could count on. To the Clingamans and Richardsons out there, I owe you a debt of thanks too. I was amazed at seeing how your pettiness and jealousy outweighed winning elections; it showed me what really counted in the end. Most of all, I would like to thank the editorial board of our “once great newspaper” for inspiring me to start AO in the first place. It was your arrogance and efforts to manipulate elections that moved me from the pages of the Editorial Section to writing articles that are read and acted on nationally. I still believe the media should provided a balanced and impartial look at the candidates and issues. We, the Public, can make up our own minds thank you. I humbly bow in gratitude to the short sightedness of each of you.
We’ve had some great guest writers over the past two years, such as Moderate Man, who writes on local issues; John Buck, an independent oriented former union organizer, as well as numerous authors such as Douglas Schoen, John Harwood, and Gerald Seib. However, it has illegal immigration which has become as featured piece in many of AO articles. So much so in fact, that AO is often cited as a “go to” site for anyone doing research on the subject. I spend hours combing through other sites, news releases, and various studies looking for information I think you, the reader, would find interesting. Illegal immigration has become one of the greatest threats to national security that we have ever faced. I used this opportunity to point out that in no way does AO advocate any type of racial, ethnic, or religious hatred. There are those sites out there who certainly do, but not this one.
I have never had a problem with immigration. Heck, most of us are the sons and daughters of immigrates. But the difference is that once national sovereignty laws were established, they complied with those laws when entering this country. Every nation has the right to establish their border and restrict immigration. The problem we’re having is people immigrating from countries which have a long record of civil unrest, crimes (including governmental corruption) and a socioeconomic structure which has made it all but impossible to fully develop a middle class (this has been historically, in part, due to collusion between the ruling elite and a dominate religion). Poverty is rampant in these countries. So, who can blame them really? However, their own governments essentially encourage their citizens to violate national law through illegal immigration. It makes great sense really by relieving the government of their responsibility to their citizens; by reducing the likelihood of civil unrest; and leaving the status quo intact. But, the result is a tremendous burden on the already financially strapped American Taxpayer.
You and I, as citizens, are forced into paying tens of billions of dollars in housing, healthcare, education, and welfare costs to support these people. This doesn’t include the additional costs to the taxpayer for additional federal, state, and local law enforcement. Nor does this take in consideration the costs incurred in terms of property damage and human lives associated with the increased crime and gang activity. Then there is the language issue. Most of these illegal immigrants do not speak English. Some, in fact, insist that their children, who are attending public school on the taxpayer’s dollar, be taught only in Spanish. That means hiring bilingual tutors. So, how is that it that someone here illegally gets to dictate to the government how and what their children are taught? As an aside, someone recently asked me why Another Opinion isn’t published bilingually? My answer was that is was. AO is published in English and in Southern and that was bilingual enough for me.
There is another cost which is often overlooked when discussing illegal immigrants, and that’s the immigrants themselves. Many pay outrageous sums of money to be smuggled here in the most dangerous of circumstances (under engines or sealed containers for instance) to smugglers called “mules”. While some of these “mules” operate independently, many are associated with criminal gangs. Occasionally these immigrants are simply abandoned and left to die in these same sealed containers. Some cross miles of desert at night and race across highways in the dead of night and are unknowingly hit by oncoming traffic. Once here, they are often victimized by employers looking for cheap (very cheap) labor. They find themselves working long hours in unsafe and unhealthy conditions for virtually nothing. Being here illegally, both the immigrant and employer (who is just as much, if not more so, a criminal here) aren’t going to report them to anyone. They also have to seek shelter with sometimes dozens of other illegal immigrants; sleeping 12 to room on filthy mattresses and one (hopefully working) toilet. The landlord, by the way, if caught, faces criminal charges too for harboring illegal immigrants.
Many of these individuals come here on their own, while others use the services of “mules”, others are smuggled here and protected by various church organizations. These groups believe that because of their religious orientation, they are not bound by international or national laws. They often hide illegal immigrants in their basements and provide them with church sponsored services, which may include basic educational classes, laundry services. In addition, they often use parishioners to help find safe houses, jobs, or healthcare for these illegal immigrants. Is this right? It’s hard to say. There has been a long struggle between Church and State over numerous issues. The right of national sovereignty (and thanks to 9/11, national security) versus the right of the Church to act on what it believes is humanitarian reasons is yet another issues to add to the mix.
What can we do? Indeed, what should we do? I am one who does not like government intervention. I am also a nationalist. I am proud of being an American, but I don’t believe America has all the answers nor what is right of us is necessarily right for someone else. All of us are citizens of this planet. We can no longer live undisturbed in our little worlds. What happens in one part of the world affects those in the opposite side of the world. Those fighting to turn back the hands of time are fighting a lost cause. We must learn to adapt and adjust. Illegal immigration is an example of adapting and adjusting.
We must understand the reason why illegal immigrants are coming into this country. We must secure our borders, if for no other reason that to stem the inflow of criminal gangs. Since it is virtually impossible to completely stop the flow of illegal crossings or catch and deport the approximately 8 to 12 million illegal residents already here, we need to look at the demand. Those who smuggle, hire, or shelter illegal immigrants must be severely and publicly prosecuted. This means arresting everyone from the supervisor all the way up to the human resource manager (or even president of the company if necessary), and it needs to be done with news cameras present just like they did when someone on Wallstreet got busted for insider trading. It also means no longer turning a blind eye on religious groups who believe they are above the law. Once the demand dries up, supply usually follows quickly.
We need to stop allowing illegal immigrants the use of taxpayer based programs (with the exception for emergencies of course). Any program paid for by US tax dollars should be in English only. That’s the language we speak in this country. We should extend additional temporary work permits for critical jobs and offer a “work-to-citizenship” program, especially for some blue collar jobs. Additionally, I would also like to see unions offer training programs in organizing for these individuals as well. Should they go back home, they would be equipped with the tools to organized others and build a strong middle class in their home countries. They would also have ties to Labor here in the States to help them along. Lastly, we need to support democratic groups (even if they’re Left leaning) in these various countries. Only until they resolve their own socio-economic and political issues will the tide of illegal immigration be stopped.
So dear reader, there you have it; a brief overview of what Another Opinion has been about for the past four years. Of course, we do cover other issues such as the environment (including oil spills), global warming, increasing gas and utility prices, elections/politics, crimes and human interest stories. Another feature here at AO is book reviews. As part of my research for articles, I am constantly reading. As such, whenever I come across a book or article I think you would like, I’ll tell you about it. Hopefully you’ll check it out for yourself. It’s been quite a ride since that first article, and I owe it all to you, the reader. I hope you’ve enjoyed the articles so far, and that you’ll continue to come back often (and be sure to tell your friends!).
Speaking of articles, here’s a timely article written by a former Islamist extremist. I don’t know about you, but I’m often interested in reading how our perceived enemies see themselves. Check it out:
Afterword: And What About America?
by Ed Husain,Author of The Islamist: Why I Became an Islamic Fundamentalist, What I Saw Inside, and Why I Left
The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and Respected stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges.
--George Washington, 1783
If they are good workmen, they may be of Asia, Africa, or Europe; they may be Mahometans, Jews or Christians of any sect, or they may be Atheists.
--George Washington, in a letter to Tench Telghman, 1784
It was my first visit to the United States. I was expecting to be stopped at the airport, harassed, interrogated and perhaps detained. Since 9/11, Muslim communities across the globe are filled with horror stories of encounters at American airports. My friend from college days, Majid Nawaz, who had spent four years as a political prisoner in Egypt, was with me. Together we had attended countless anti-American rallies in Britain, and witnessed many US flag-burning rituals. Now, in our thirties, and after a decade in the wilderness, we had changed. But would America understand us? Would we understand America?
Like good Brits, we patiently stood waiting in the long queue at Washington Dulles Airport. Suddenly, Majid's name was called from the loudspeaker, telling him to go to the front of the line. Then mine. Were we in trouble? Majid had visited the US recently, appearing as an expert witness for the Congressional Homeland Security Committee chaired by Senator Joe Lieberman. Majid had been one of Hizb ut-Tahrir's most intelligent, vociferous and articulate leaders, travelling to Pakistan, Denmark and Egypt advocating the group's ideas and setting up secret cells. The Hizb, in essence, was identical to al-Qaeda, differing only in terms of the tactics it chose to achieve the desired result: political power. Majid has been banned in several countries, and is wanted by Pakistan's ISI, their intelligence agency. But he had recently rejected extremism and, after years of study and reflection in prison, become a public advocate for liberal democracy, using scriptural evidence to support peaceful Muslims -- who represent the vast majority -- in their struggle against religious extremism. His rejection of Hizb ut-Tahrir made headlines in the British press, and the British prime minister quoted Majid in parliament. But now we were in America, and during Majid's recent trip, federal escorts had accompanied him everywhere, fearful that he might violate US security regulations and not quite sure what to make of him. Would he, would we, face the same fate again?
An immigration officer at Washington Dulles Airport, accompanied by several colleagues, took us to one side, registered our passport details and asked the desk officer to clear us for entrance. Senior officials at the US Department of Homeland Security were expecting our arrival and wanted minimum kerfuffle. The polite, courteous conduct of the officers touched us both. But my mind was on the thousands of American Muslims who had been subjected to raids and arrests. Can we forget their plight?
Outside the airport, I stood with Majid and was stupefied by the number of US flags I saw everywhere. Flying at full mast at several junctures in the car park, and then above the airport, and on cars and coaches, the stars and stripes were ubiquitous. Unlike Britain, America was proudly patriotic and unreservedly expressive of national pride.
'Their flag is almost sacred to them, isn't it?' I said to Majid.
'And extremists burn it all the time. Why did we do that, Ed? Why?' he asked, trying to come to terms with how we had been sucked into extremism.
'Why didn't anybody stop us?' I asked in response. 'We watched this happen in London, not Baghdad -- what possessed us?'
Majid and I recalled how several of our fellow activists became suicide bombers, were imprisoned, or created entire organisations that linked themselves to al-Qaeda. What started off as mere talk, as rhetoric, found expression in mass murder in several European capitals, including London and Madrid. The murder we had witnessed on our college campus a decade before the attacks on London's subway on July 7, 2005 was an unspeakable testament to the power of words. The talk of jihad, hatred and anger never remains abstract, limited to 'freedom of speech.' It yields results.
More than anything else, what worried Majid and me was the lack of awareness in the wider society of the root causes of extremism, and of the lifestyle that fosters recruitment into extremist movements. Society's demonstrated failure to grasp the urgency of the situation was also troubling, because that comprehension might precipitate policies and actions that could prevent young Muslims from becoming fanatical ideologues committed to creating a world dominated by Islamism, not Islam. To help fill this void, Majid and I started the Quilliam Foundation, the world's first think-tank committed to explaining and countering Islamist thought.
We were in America to speak at Harvard and Princeton, at an array of Washington think tanks, and to meet Muslims on both the East and West coasts. We spoke with leading personnel at several government departments, US ambassadors, academic leaders and students. And everywhere we went, we were asked a similar series of critical questions. Can America create home-grown terrorists? Will American Muslims, like British Muslims, attack their own homeland in the name of a false Islam? Britain is home to over 3,000 extremists: Can America be harbouring enemies without knowing? The 9/11 hijackers hatched their plot in Europe: Are American-born Islamists capable of a similar monstrosity?
My answers to these questions, after meeting quite a few American Muslims and consulting with American experts on these issues, are both yes and no.
The above is an excerpt from the book The Islamist: Why I Became an Islamic Fundamentalist, What I Saw Inside, and Why I Left by Ed Husain. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.
Reprinted by arrangement with Penguin, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., from The Islamist by Ed Husain. Copyright © 2009 by Penguin.
Author Bio
Ed Husain, author of The Islamist: Why I Became an Islamic Fundamentalist, What I Saw Inside, and Why I Left, was an Islamist radical for five years in his late teens and early twenties. Having rejected extremism he travelled widely in the Middle East and worked for the British Council in Syria and Saudi Arabia. Husain received wide and various acclaim for The Islamist, which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for political writing and the PEN/Ackerley Prize for literary autobiography, among others. He is a co-founder of the Quillium Foundation, Britain's first Muslim counter-extremism think tank. He lives in London with his wife and daughter.
Poll Results
I asked you if you thought illegal aliens should be counted in the census. Not surprisingly, 70% of you said no while the rest of you though they should. I find that interesting. So, drop me a note if you would. I’d like to know your reasoning. Meanwhile, the US Census Bureau plans on going ahead with counting illegal residents.
We’ve had some great guest writers over the past two years, such as Moderate Man, who writes on local issues; John Buck, an independent oriented former union organizer, as well as numerous authors such as Douglas Schoen, John Harwood, and Gerald Seib. However, it has illegal immigration which has become as featured piece in many of AO articles. So much so in fact, that AO is often cited as a “go to” site for anyone doing research on the subject. I spend hours combing through other sites, news releases, and various studies looking for information I think you, the reader, would find interesting. Illegal immigration has become one of the greatest threats to national security that we have ever faced. I used this opportunity to point out that in no way does AO advocate any type of racial, ethnic, or religious hatred. There are those sites out there who certainly do, but not this one.
I have never had a problem with immigration. Heck, most of us are the sons and daughters of immigrates. But the difference is that once national sovereignty laws were established, they complied with those laws when entering this country. Every nation has the right to establish their border and restrict immigration. The problem we’re having is people immigrating from countries which have a long record of civil unrest, crimes (including governmental corruption) and a socioeconomic structure which has made it all but impossible to fully develop a middle class (this has been historically, in part, due to collusion between the ruling elite and a dominate religion). Poverty is rampant in these countries. So, who can blame them really? However, their own governments essentially encourage their citizens to violate national law through illegal immigration. It makes great sense really by relieving the government of their responsibility to their citizens; by reducing the likelihood of civil unrest; and leaving the status quo intact. But, the result is a tremendous burden on the already financially strapped American Taxpayer.
You and I, as citizens, are forced into paying tens of billions of dollars in housing, healthcare, education, and welfare costs to support these people. This doesn’t include the additional costs to the taxpayer for additional federal, state, and local law enforcement. Nor does this take in consideration the costs incurred in terms of property damage and human lives associated with the increased crime and gang activity. Then there is the language issue. Most of these illegal immigrants do not speak English. Some, in fact, insist that their children, who are attending public school on the taxpayer’s dollar, be taught only in Spanish. That means hiring bilingual tutors. So, how is that it that someone here illegally gets to dictate to the government how and what their children are taught? As an aside, someone recently asked me why Another Opinion isn’t published bilingually? My answer was that is was. AO is published in English and in Southern and that was bilingual enough for me.
There is another cost which is often overlooked when discussing illegal immigrants, and that’s the immigrants themselves. Many pay outrageous sums of money to be smuggled here in the most dangerous of circumstances (under engines or sealed containers for instance) to smugglers called “mules”. While some of these “mules” operate independently, many are associated with criminal gangs. Occasionally these immigrants are simply abandoned and left to die in these same sealed containers. Some cross miles of desert at night and race across highways in the dead of night and are unknowingly hit by oncoming traffic. Once here, they are often victimized by employers looking for cheap (very cheap) labor. They find themselves working long hours in unsafe and unhealthy conditions for virtually nothing. Being here illegally, both the immigrant and employer (who is just as much, if not more so, a criminal here) aren’t going to report them to anyone. They also have to seek shelter with sometimes dozens of other illegal immigrants; sleeping 12 to room on filthy mattresses and one (hopefully working) toilet. The landlord, by the way, if caught, faces criminal charges too for harboring illegal immigrants.
Many of these individuals come here on their own, while others use the services of “mules”, others are smuggled here and protected by various church organizations. These groups believe that because of their religious orientation, they are not bound by international or national laws. They often hide illegal immigrants in their basements and provide them with church sponsored services, which may include basic educational classes, laundry services. In addition, they often use parishioners to help find safe houses, jobs, or healthcare for these illegal immigrants. Is this right? It’s hard to say. There has been a long struggle between Church and State over numerous issues. The right of national sovereignty (and thanks to 9/11, national security) versus the right of the Church to act on what it believes is humanitarian reasons is yet another issues to add to the mix.
What can we do? Indeed, what should we do? I am one who does not like government intervention. I am also a nationalist. I am proud of being an American, but I don’t believe America has all the answers nor what is right of us is necessarily right for someone else. All of us are citizens of this planet. We can no longer live undisturbed in our little worlds. What happens in one part of the world affects those in the opposite side of the world. Those fighting to turn back the hands of time are fighting a lost cause. We must learn to adapt and adjust. Illegal immigration is an example of adapting and adjusting.
We must understand the reason why illegal immigrants are coming into this country. We must secure our borders, if for no other reason that to stem the inflow of criminal gangs. Since it is virtually impossible to completely stop the flow of illegal crossings or catch and deport the approximately 8 to 12 million illegal residents already here, we need to look at the demand. Those who smuggle, hire, or shelter illegal immigrants must be severely and publicly prosecuted. This means arresting everyone from the supervisor all the way up to the human resource manager (or even president of the company if necessary), and it needs to be done with news cameras present just like they did when someone on Wallstreet got busted for insider trading. It also means no longer turning a blind eye on religious groups who believe they are above the law. Once the demand dries up, supply usually follows quickly.
We need to stop allowing illegal immigrants the use of taxpayer based programs (with the exception for emergencies of course). Any program paid for by US tax dollars should be in English only. That’s the language we speak in this country. We should extend additional temporary work permits for critical jobs and offer a “work-to-citizenship” program, especially for some blue collar jobs. Additionally, I would also like to see unions offer training programs in organizing for these individuals as well. Should they go back home, they would be equipped with the tools to organized others and build a strong middle class in their home countries. They would also have ties to Labor here in the States to help them along. Lastly, we need to support democratic groups (even if they’re Left leaning) in these various countries. Only until they resolve their own socio-economic and political issues will the tide of illegal immigration be stopped.
So dear reader, there you have it; a brief overview of what Another Opinion has been about for the past four years. Of course, we do cover other issues such as the environment (including oil spills), global warming, increasing gas and utility prices, elections/politics, crimes and human interest stories. Another feature here at AO is book reviews. As part of my research for articles, I am constantly reading. As such, whenever I come across a book or article I think you would like, I’ll tell you about it. Hopefully you’ll check it out for yourself. It’s been quite a ride since that first article, and I owe it all to you, the reader. I hope you’ve enjoyed the articles so far, and that you’ll continue to come back often (and be sure to tell your friends!).
Speaking of articles, here’s a timely article written by a former Islamist extremist. I don’t know about you, but I’m often interested in reading how our perceived enemies see themselves. Check it out:
Afterword: And What About America?
by Ed Husain,Author of The Islamist: Why I Became an Islamic Fundamentalist, What I Saw Inside, and Why I Left
The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and Respected stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges.
--George Washington, 1783
If they are good workmen, they may be of Asia, Africa, or Europe; they may be Mahometans, Jews or Christians of any sect, or they may be Atheists.
--George Washington, in a letter to Tench Telghman, 1784
It was my first visit to the United States. I was expecting to be stopped at the airport, harassed, interrogated and perhaps detained. Since 9/11, Muslim communities across the globe are filled with horror stories of encounters at American airports. My friend from college days, Majid Nawaz, who had spent four years as a political prisoner in Egypt, was with me. Together we had attended countless anti-American rallies in Britain, and witnessed many US flag-burning rituals. Now, in our thirties, and after a decade in the wilderness, we had changed. But would America understand us? Would we understand America?
Like good Brits, we patiently stood waiting in the long queue at Washington Dulles Airport. Suddenly, Majid's name was called from the loudspeaker, telling him to go to the front of the line. Then mine. Were we in trouble? Majid had visited the US recently, appearing as an expert witness for the Congressional Homeland Security Committee chaired by Senator Joe Lieberman. Majid had been one of Hizb ut-Tahrir's most intelligent, vociferous and articulate leaders, travelling to Pakistan, Denmark and Egypt advocating the group's ideas and setting up secret cells. The Hizb, in essence, was identical to al-Qaeda, differing only in terms of the tactics it chose to achieve the desired result: political power. Majid has been banned in several countries, and is wanted by Pakistan's ISI, their intelligence agency. But he had recently rejected extremism and, after years of study and reflection in prison, become a public advocate for liberal democracy, using scriptural evidence to support peaceful Muslims -- who represent the vast majority -- in their struggle against religious extremism. His rejection of Hizb ut-Tahrir made headlines in the British press, and the British prime minister quoted Majid in parliament. But now we were in America, and during Majid's recent trip, federal escorts had accompanied him everywhere, fearful that he might violate US security regulations and not quite sure what to make of him. Would he, would we, face the same fate again?
An immigration officer at Washington Dulles Airport, accompanied by several colleagues, took us to one side, registered our passport details and asked the desk officer to clear us for entrance. Senior officials at the US Department of Homeland Security were expecting our arrival and wanted minimum kerfuffle. The polite, courteous conduct of the officers touched us both. But my mind was on the thousands of American Muslims who had been subjected to raids and arrests. Can we forget their plight?
Outside the airport, I stood with Majid and was stupefied by the number of US flags I saw everywhere. Flying at full mast at several junctures in the car park, and then above the airport, and on cars and coaches, the stars and stripes were ubiquitous. Unlike Britain, America was proudly patriotic and unreservedly expressive of national pride.
'Their flag is almost sacred to them, isn't it?' I said to Majid.
'And extremists burn it all the time. Why did we do that, Ed? Why?' he asked, trying to come to terms with how we had been sucked into extremism.
'Why didn't anybody stop us?' I asked in response. 'We watched this happen in London, not Baghdad -- what possessed us?'
Majid and I recalled how several of our fellow activists became suicide bombers, were imprisoned, or created entire organisations that linked themselves to al-Qaeda. What started off as mere talk, as rhetoric, found expression in mass murder in several European capitals, including London and Madrid. The murder we had witnessed on our college campus a decade before the attacks on London's subway on July 7, 2005 was an unspeakable testament to the power of words. The talk of jihad, hatred and anger never remains abstract, limited to 'freedom of speech.' It yields results.
More than anything else, what worried Majid and me was the lack of awareness in the wider society of the root causes of extremism, and of the lifestyle that fosters recruitment into extremist movements. Society's demonstrated failure to grasp the urgency of the situation was also troubling, because that comprehension might precipitate policies and actions that could prevent young Muslims from becoming fanatical ideologues committed to creating a world dominated by Islamism, not Islam. To help fill this void, Majid and I started the Quilliam Foundation, the world's first think-tank committed to explaining and countering Islamist thought.
We were in America to speak at Harvard and Princeton, at an array of Washington think tanks, and to meet Muslims on both the East and West coasts. We spoke with leading personnel at several government departments, US ambassadors, academic leaders and students. And everywhere we went, we were asked a similar series of critical questions. Can America create home-grown terrorists? Will American Muslims, like British Muslims, attack their own homeland in the name of a false Islam? Britain is home to over 3,000 extremists: Can America be harbouring enemies without knowing? The 9/11 hijackers hatched their plot in Europe: Are American-born Islamists capable of a similar monstrosity?
My answers to these questions, after meeting quite a few American Muslims and consulting with American experts on these issues, are both yes and no.
The above is an excerpt from the book The Islamist: Why I Became an Islamic Fundamentalist, What I Saw Inside, and Why I Left by Ed Husain. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.
Reprinted by arrangement with Penguin, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., from The Islamist by Ed Husain. Copyright © 2009 by Penguin.
Author Bio
Ed Husain, author of The Islamist: Why I Became an Islamic Fundamentalist, What I Saw Inside, and Why I Left, was an Islamist radical for five years in his late teens and early twenties. Having rejected extremism he travelled widely in the Middle East and worked for the British Council in Syria and Saudi Arabia. Husain received wide and various acclaim for The Islamist, which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for political writing and the PEN/Ackerley Prize for literary autobiography, among others. He is a co-founder of the Quillium Foundation, Britain's first Muslim counter-extremism think tank. He lives in London with his wife and daughter.
Poll Results
I asked you if you thought illegal aliens should be counted in the census. Not surprisingly, 70% of you said no while the rest of you though they should. I find that interesting. So, drop me a note if you would. I’d like to know your reasoning. Meanwhile, the US Census Bureau plans on going ahead with counting illegal residents.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The 2010 Census and Illegal Immigration
Now, you really wouldn’t think something as mundane as a census would generate much interest outside perhaps some Trivial Pursuit questions for most us. But the 2010 census is expected to be a major political “hot potato” in upcoming months. The reason why is over illegal immigration. Open border advocates are demanding that the US ICE stop raids while the census is taking place. The reason they argue is make sure everyone, legal and illegal, are counted. Those here illegally will seek to avoid census takers and those that do meet up with census takers, may simply lie, and thus you end up with skewed numbers.
The purpose of the census is primarily allocation of representation in Congress, which translates rather quickly into allocation of tax dollars, and in these cash strapped times, that’s a big deal. California, which has one the highest percentages of illegally aliens, has already picked up six seats from the last census (and spends $24 billion dollars annually in Los Angeles County alone, not including medical or education, on it’s illegally population). The Southwest, mainly Arizona and New Mexico, are expected to pick up an additional two seat each while Florida is expected to gain two more seats as well). States in the Midwest and Northeast, like Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania, are expected to drop two to three seats. That means those states will lose valuable tax resources to those states with increasing illegal aliens, not to mention a loss of legislative clout in Washington.
In short, since the census is used in the appropriation of seats to Congress, those states which harbor (and support, however indirectly) their illegally population, are expected to benefit from it by picking up more Congressional Seats and, of course, more US taxpayer money (approximately $300 billion dollars is at stake). Acting director of the US Census Bureau, Thomas Mesenbourg has publicly stated that the Census Bureau will work in cooperation with “trusted community organizations” to make sure everyone is counted regardless of their immigration status. Cardinal Francis George, speaking on behalf of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops at a pro-immigration rally in Chicago on March 23, 2009, stated that immigration raids should immediately cease because “everyone deserves respect” and the government shouldn’t be “separating families”, which served “to diminish what God has joined”. The Catholic Church, along some other similar religious organizations, has a long history of ignoring immigration laws.
My question to you is this, should the US Census Bureau count illegal residents, and then factor those numbers into who gets more seats in Congress and who does not? Should states which support illegal aliens benefit from their actions by redirecting taxpayer based funds away from states which do not? Should relgious organizations feel free to break the law if they feel it's moral wrong? Should they be held accountable under the law, including jail time?
Corporate Communist Dictatorship
By John Buck
Seems to me the far right And the far left have similar end games. On one hand you have corporate fascism on the other eventual communist dictatorship. Ever feel like a mustang being corralled in a pen? The concerted efforts by these seemingly polar opposite ideologies have one important thing in common, the eventual muting of the American voice for the profit of an elite few. Can anyone tell me the difference between the Joseph McCarthy's Red Scare lists and Stalin's enemy of the state purge lists? There is none. Both were enacted to affect the desired result, fear. Through fear a common desire for safety drives the population to conform. Conform to what? Conform to the desires of the elite few. That my friends is not Democracy, it is surrender of the most basic rights our forefathers laid down their lives for, which was done in order to protect the ability of future generations of Americans to raise their voices in PROTEST and Adapt a more equitable outcome. FREEDOM I believe that our governments refusal to secure our border is not an oversight, it is purposeful attack in order to create the necessary fear that through economic insecurity and lack of national identity a more manageable population can be conformed for the whimsy of the elite few. I became an Independent today in the hope at least ten other options are made available to my AMERICAN brethren , whose inherent desire for truth deserves the broadest spectrum of possibilities in political parties to achieve the desired result our founding fathers so intuitively sought.
Poll Results
In our last poll, I wanted to know what you thought about educating the children of illegal immigrants. With the strains on our education system, can we afford to (or not afford)? An overwhelming majority of you (56%) say that we shouldn’t spend taxpayer dollars to educate the children of illegal aliens. 35% of you said we should, but only if their parents were on track to becoming US Citizens. The remainder of you thought we needed to include all children, regardless of their parent’s immigration status.
As everyone knows by now, I’m something of a nationalist. I love this country and I believe we need to take care of America and Americans first. However, uneducated children grow into uneducated young adults who are often influenced by and sometimes induced into joining criminal gangs. This means spending more taxpayer money on security, police, fire, EMS, and prisons, not to mention the unquantitative costs in destroyed lives. I thinking educating the children may be more cost effective approach in the long term. However, I would insist that all the children regardless be educated in English only.
The purpose of the census is primarily allocation of representation in Congress, which translates rather quickly into allocation of tax dollars, and in these cash strapped times, that’s a big deal. California, which has one the highest percentages of illegally aliens, has already picked up six seats from the last census (and spends $24 billion dollars annually in Los Angeles County alone, not including medical or education, on it’s illegally population). The Southwest, mainly Arizona and New Mexico, are expected to pick up an additional two seat each while Florida is expected to gain two more seats as well). States in the Midwest and Northeast, like Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania, are expected to drop two to three seats. That means those states will lose valuable tax resources to those states with increasing illegal aliens, not to mention a loss of legislative clout in Washington.
In short, since the census is used in the appropriation of seats to Congress, those states which harbor (and support, however indirectly) their illegally population, are expected to benefit from it by picking up more Congressional Seats and, of course, more US taxpayer money (approximately $300 billion dollars is at stake). Acting director of the US Census Bureau, Thomas Mesenbourg has publicly stated that the Census Bureau will work in cooperation with “trusted community organizations” to make sure everyone is counted regardless of their immigration status. Cardinal Francis George, speaking on behalf of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops at a pro-immigration rally in Chicago on March 23, 2009, stated that immigration raids should immediately cease because “everyone deserves respect” and the government shouldn’t be “separating families”, which served “to diminish what God has joined”. The Catholic Church, along some other similar religious organizations, has a long history of ignoring immigration laws.
My question to you is this, should the US Census Bureau count illegal residents, and then factor those numbers into who gets more seats in Congress and who does not? Should states which support illegal aliens benefit from their actions by redirecting taxpayer based funds away from states which do not? Should relgious organizations feel free to break the law if they feel it's moral wrong? Should they be held accountable under the law, including jail time?
Corporate Communist Dictatorship
By John Buck
Seems to me the far right And the far left have similar end games. On one hand you have corporate fascism on the other eventual communist dictatorship. Ever feel like a mustang being corralled in a pen? The concerted efforts by these seemingly polar opposite ideologies have one important thing in common, the eventual muting of the American voice for the profit of an elite few. Can anyone tell me the difference between the Joseph McCarthy's Red Scare lists and Stalin's enemy of the state purge lists? There is none. Both were enacted to affect the desired result, fear. Through fear a common desire for safety drives the population to conform. Conform to what? Conform to the desires of the elite few. That my friends is not Democracy, it is surrender of the most basic rights our forefathers laid down their lives for, which was done in order to protect the ability of future generations of Americans to raise their voices in PROTEST and Adapt a more equitable outcome. FREEDOM I believe that our governments refusal to secure our border is not an oversight, it is purposeful attack in order to create the necessary fear that through economic insecurity and lack of national identity a more manageable population can be conformed for the whimsy of the elite few. I became an Independent today in the hope at least ten other options are made available to my AMERICAN brethren , whose inherent desire for truth deserves the broadest spectrum of possibilities in political parties to achieve the desired result our founding fathers so intuitively sought.
Poll Results
In our last poll, I wanted to know what you thought about educating the children of illegal immigrants. With the strains on our education system, can we afford to (or not afford)? An overwhelming majority of you (56%) say that we shouldn’t spend taxpayer dollars to educate the children of illegal aliens. 35% of you said we should, but only if their parents were on track to becoming US Citizens. The remainder of you thought we needed to include all children, regardless of their parent’s immigration status.
As everyone knows by now, I’m something of a nationalist. I love this country and I believe we need to take care of America and Americans first. However, uneducated children grow into uneducated young adults who are often influenced by and sometimes induced into joining criminal gangs. This means spending more taxpayer money on security, police, fire, EMS, and prisons, not to mention the unquantitative costs in destroyed lives. I thinking educating the children may be more cost effective approach in the long term. However, I would insist that all the children regardless be educated in English only.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Educating the Poor and Illegal
Should taxpayers foot the bill to educate the children of illegal aliens? Perhaps to put it another way, should the children bear the crimes of their parents? Most of the individuals here in violation of US immigration policy do indeed work. In fact, they work long hard days with very low pay and no benefits. In the event of employer abuse, they really have no where to go. Most are here for a better life, and no one can fault them for that. However, it’s the fact that they have tried to jump to the head of line, pass those who are following national and international laws regarding immigration that has put their status in this county in question. Most are simply rounded up and deported to their home county (where, by the way, the same offence would get them prison time). But what about the children?
Americans have long recognized that education was the key (not guarantee) to future success. We place great value in education and knowledge. Currently, there are an estimated 1.5 million children of illegal parents in our public school system, costing US taxpayers some $12 billion dollars to educate them. Our schools are already overcrowded, thanks to fewer teachers (who, in my opinion, are paid far less than they deserve). Schools have to deal with gangs, drugs, petty crime, and sometimes the threat of mass violence in addition to the norms of education and adolescence. With illegals added to the mix, our schools have to deal with children who lack the basics and require remedial education to bring them up to speed with their peers. According the Mexican government’s own statistics, on 58% of individuals 15 years or older have some elementary school education (http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/illegal-immigrants-cause-public-school-crisis).
Many of these same children use the school nurses for health care their parents would normally have access to if they were here legally, plus “free” programs, such as taxpayer sponsored meals, books, and laptops. Then we need to address the costs borne by taxpayers for bilingual tutors (and let’s not forget the children of parents who do not want their children taught English. Yelp, there are parents who insist their children be taught in their native language, which means that the school has to provide a full time tutor to follow the student from class to class translating for them…all at taxpayer expense.
Children of illegal immigrants rarely stay in one school system for very long. Many move from district to district, depending on the nature of their parent’s migratory job situation. In doing so, the children failed to develop consistency in their education as well as the as resulting in gaps in their education which may affect their employment status later on. Of course, they usually fail to develop lasting friendships with other students, or a sense of “belonging” with neighborhoods or the community, resulting in a perpetual “outsider” mentality which could lead to affiliation with gangs later on as a substitute family or community, which cost the American taxpayer million if not billions of dollars in terms of police, fire, EMS, healthcare, prison upkeep, and property damage, not to mention destroyed lives. Those children left out of the education system altogether fail to develop even a rudimentary education, and can be expected to become an even greater burden to the American taxpayer later on. So, what is to be done?
America’s education system is broken. It needs a top to bottom overhaul, and that takes money and time. Unfortunately, we have neither. The countries where these illegals have come from have grossly failed their people by not allowing for the development of a strong middle class. This was the result of the rich landowners and businessmen, in conjunction with the religious institutions historically keeping the peasants poor and stupid. It produced a cheap and docile work force. Any attempt at rebellion was quickly extinguished thanks to the power of the State. Their problem became our problem when the American Government, regardless of political party, supported these very same rich oligarchs and rightwing juntas in suppressing the will of the people in free and open elections; the very thing we hold most dear.
We supported repressive governments that would allow US businesses unrestricted access to their markets. The only revolution we would permit was the “Consumer Revolution” which relied on the creation of debt to support itself. Now, we’re dealing with the consequences of those actions as the children and grandchildren of those very same peasants come here in search of the better life they see on TV or read in the pulp magazines and now that debt may be ours to bear.
The DREAM Act Illegal Alien Amnesty:
A Bad Idea at the Worst Possible Time, Says FAIR
(Washington, D.C.) Despite overwhelming opposition by the American public when it was first proposed in 2000, the House and the Senate have reintroduced a sweeping illegal alien amnesty bill known as the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.
The legislation, introduced by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), is a broad amnesty measure disguised as an educational initiative that would allow millions of illegal aliens who meet a very loose definition of “student” to qualify for green cards. In addition, it provides in-state tuition benefits for illegal aliens that will displace legal residents competing for a fixed number of college admission slots and taxpayer subsidies.
The DREAM Act represents yet another attempt to enact an amnesty for illegal aliens, either in one comprehensive bill, or piecemeal. The DREAM Act would also place severe strains on state budgets and harm middle class families who are struggling to get their own kids through college.
Passage of the DREAM Act would:
Reward parents who violated immigration laws through their children, and provide a powerful incentive for more illegal immigration.
Transfer seats and tuition subsidies to illegal aliens at a time when state higher education budgets are being slashed, admissions curtailed, and tuitions increased.
By broadly defining “student” it gives amnesty to large numbers of illegal aliens who may be pursing any sort of education.
Accelerate chain migration and exponential population growth because illegal aliens who are granted green cards will be able to petition the Department of Homeland Security in the future to grant their parents and relatives legal status too.
“Once again, Congress is ignoring the interests and concerns of hard-working, law-abiding Americans in order to reward illegal immigrants and pander to the illegal alien lobby,” said Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). “Even as American families are struggling, and nearly every state is facing a budget crisis, Congress is prepared to mandate huge additional burdens in the form of a massive illegal alien amnesty.”
“The American people have made it very clear that they reject amnesty for illegal aliens whether it’s in one comprehensive bill, or piecemeal,” Stein said. “The DREAM Act would not only allow millions of newly legalized illegal aliens to compete for their jobs, but allow them to compete for their own children’s educational opportunities. With private university tuitions already out of reach for most middle class families, and tuitions at public universities rising three times faster than median family incomes, the DREAM Act would be more than a reward for illegal aliens. It would crush the hopes and dreams of countless American families trying to provide opportunities to their own children.”
About FAIR
Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country’s largest immigration reform group. With over 250,000 members nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.
Contact Ira Mehlman at 206-420-7733 or Bob Dane at 202-328-7004.
Poll Results
I asked you if you thought we were becoming a dual nation by losing our Middle Class. Historically, the Middle Class has been the bond that has held Capitalist nations together. Without it, we either revert to Anarchy or a Feudalistic society. 24% of you thought there was still hope and opportunities for the Middle Class (12% each). What I found amazing was that rest of you, some 76% felt we were losing our Middle Class. I have to wonder if that’s because of the pessimistic climate resulting from our current economics conditions, or there is something fundamentally broken in our society that government hasn’t picked up on yet. While I hope it’s the former, I fear it may be the latter. Thanks for voting!
Americans have long recognized that education was the key (not guarantee) to future success. We place great value in education and knowledge. Currently, there are an estimated 1.5 million children of illegal parents in our public school system, costing US taxpayers some $12 billion dollars to educate them. Our schools are already overcrowded, thanks to fewer teachers (who, in my opinion, are paid far less than they deserve). Schools have to deal with gangs, drugs, petty crime, and sometimes the threat of mass violence in addition to the norms of education and adolescence. With illegals added to the mix, our schools have to deal with children who lack the basics and require remedial education to bring them up to speed with their peers. According the Mexican government’s own statistics, on 58% of individuals 15 years or older have some elementary school education (http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/illegal-immigrants-cause-public-school-crisis).
Many of these same children use the school nurses for health care their parents would normally have access to if they were here legally, plus “free” programs, such as taxpayer sponsored meals, books, and laptops. Then we need to address the costs borne by taxpayers for bilingual tutors (and let’s not forget the children of parents who do not want their children taught English. Yelp, there are parents who insist their children be taught in their native language, which means that the school has to provide a full time tutor to follow the student from class to class translating for them…all at taxpayer expense.
Children of illegal immigrants rarely stay in one school system for very long. Many move from district to district, depending on the nature of their parent’s migratory job situation. In doing so, the children failed to develop consistency in their education as well as the as resulting in gaps in their education which may affect their employment status later on. Of course, they usually fail to develop lasting friendships with other students, or a sense of “belonging” with neighborhoods or the community, resulting in a perpetual “outsider” mentality which could lead to affiliation with gangs later on as a substitute family or community, which cost the American taxpayer million if not billions of dollars in terms of police, fire, EMS, healthcare, prison upkeep, and property damage, not to mention destroyed lives. Those children left out of the education system altogether fail to develop even a rudimentary education, and can be expected to become an even greater burden to the American taxpayer later on. So, what is to be done?
America’s education system is broken. It needs a top to bottom overhaul, and that takes money and time. Unfortunately, we have neither. The countries where these illegals have come from have grossly failed their people by not allowing for the development of a strong middle class. This was the result of the rich landowners and businessmen, in conjunction with the religious institutions historically keeping the peasants poor and stupid. It produced a cheap and docile work force. Any attempt at rebellion was quickly extinguished thanks to the power of the State. Their problem became our problem when the American Government, regardless of political party, supported these very same rich oligarchs and rightwing juntas in suppressing the will of the people in free and open elections; the very thing we hold most dear.
We supported repressive governments that would allow US businesses unrestricted access to their markets. The only revolution we would permit was the “Consumer Revolution” which relied on the creation of debt to support itself. Now, we’re dealing with the consequences of those actions as the children and grandchildren of those very same peasants come here in search of the better life they see on TV or read in the pulp magazines and now that debt may be ours to bear.
The DREAM Act Illegal Alien Amnesty:
A Bad Idea at the Worst Possible Time, Says FAIR
(Washington, D.C.) Despite overwhelming opposition by the American public when it was first proposed in 2000, the House and the Senate have reintroduced a sweeping illegal alien amnesty bill known as the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.
The legislation, introduced by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), is a broad amnesty measure disguised as an educational initiative that would allow millions of illegal aliens who meet a very loose definition of “student” to qualify for green cards. In addition, it provides in-state tuition benefits for illegal aliens that will displace legal residents competing for a fixed number of college admission slots and taxpayer subsidies.
The DREAM Act represents yet another attempt to enact an amnesty for illegal aliens, either in one comprehensive bill, or piecemeal. The DREAM Act would also place severe strains on state budgets and harm middle class families who are struggling to get their own kids through college.
Passage of the DREAM Act would:
Reward parents who violated immigration laws through their children, and provide a powerful incentive for more illegal immigration.
Transfer seats and tuition subsidies to illegal aliens at a time when state higher education budgets are being slashed, admissions curtailed, and tuitions increased.
By broadly defining “student” it gives amnesty to large numbers of illegal aliens who may be pursing any sort of education.
Accelerate chain migration and exponential population growth because illegal aliens who are granted green cards will be able to petition the Department of Homeland Security in the future to grant their parents and relatives legal status too.
“Once again, Congress is ignoring the interests and concerns of hard-working, law-abiding Americans in order to reward illegal immigrants and pander to the illegal alien lobby,” said Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). “Even as American families are struggling, and nearly every state is facing a budget crisis, Congress is prepared to mandate huge additional burdens in the form of a massive illegal alien amnesty.”
“The American people have made it very clear that they reject amnesty for illegal aliens whether it’s in one comprehensive bill, or piecemeal,” Stein said. “The DREAM Act would not only allow millions of newly legalized illegal aliens to compete for their jobs, but allow them to compete for their own children’s educational opportunities. With private university tuitions already out of reach for most middle class families, and tuitions at public universities rising three times faster than median family incomes, the DREAM Act would be more than a reward for illegal aliens. It would crush the hopes and dreams of countless American families trying to provide opportunities to their own children.”
About FAIR
Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country’s largest immigration reform group. With over 250,000 members nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.
Contact Ira Mehlman at 206-420-7733 or Bob Dane at 202-328-7004.
Poll Results
I asked you if you thought we were becoming a dual nation by losing our Middle Class. Historically, the Middle Class has been the bond that has held Capitalist nations together. Without it, we either revert to Anarchy or a Feudalistic society. 24% of you thought there was still hope and opportunities for the Middle Class (12% each). What I found amazing was that rest of you, some 76% felt we were losing our Middle Class. I have to wonder if that’s because of the pessimistic climate resulting from our current economics conditions, or there is something fundamentally broken in our society that government hasn’t picked up on yet. While I hope it’s the former, I fear it may be the latter. Thanks for voting!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
America: A Dual Nation?
Writing a blog like Another Opinion attracts the attention of a lot of people. Not surprisingly, I receive a lot of articles from different organizations and individuals. Some are basically doom and gloom types looking for any opportunity to tell us that we should all be bending over and kissing our collectives butts goodbye. Others are humorous (whether intentional or not is open to debate), and still others are simply compelling. The attached article by Rick Pedraza of Newsmax.com is somewhere between the first and last choices. Read it for yourself and see what you think at http://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/corsi_dual_country/2009/03/11/190793.html?s=sp&promo_code=7C05-1.
Nevertheless, the article got me to thinking (yeah, I know; that’s almost always dangerous). The name and thrust of the article is whether we are becoming a dual nation. I sat back and pondered Mr. Pedraza’s question. My first reaction was “how”? After all, this is America. We taken the worse the world could dish out and we’re still standing right? America has seen tough times before and we’ve always come out better and stronger. So, I thought, why should this be any different? But the more I thought about the question, the more I began to find flaws in my assumptions.
Let’s take a basic look at the economy. Americans having been living on borrowed time (and money) for decades. Our economic philosophy changed somewhere around the 1970’s from a production economy to a service economy. In order to maximize the bottom line (and reduce the clout of unions), employers began outsourcing jobs overseas.. We became a “McJobs” nation. Companies began raiding retirement funds, cutting benefits while focusing “creating” paper wealth.
Capitalism thrives on consumption. That’s why products are always being touted as “new and improved”, fashion changes every year, and products are manufactured with built in obsolescence. When we moved from producing hard wealth to paper wealth, financial instructions started encouraging people to buy on credit; that is; on money they didn’t have yet. But it was this unchecked buying that fed the beast. Our next purchase was only as good as our credit rating. The problem was that the beast was never full, and the more it consumed, the more it wanted. That’s why businesses demanded open markets in Russia, China, and Southeast Asia. It had nothing to do with global cooperation or improving the standard of living. It was all about feeding the beast. As an aside, the fear of Communism was never about its different sociological philosophy, but its rejection of capitalism. That was main reason it had to be defeated at all costs. Sorry if you thought it was more idealistic than that.
Linked to this was speculation on real estate (based on the assumption that real estate values never fall). Sure, the stock market occasionally drops, but it always trends up. As the fictional character Gordon Gecko from the movie “Wallstreet” famously said, “Greed is good”. Well, now we’re finding that our economy was really based on more than speculation and false sense of optimism. It was based on an illusion. Wealth has to be, at its heart, based on hard assets; not paper. The question now is whether Mr. Obama’s economic package works. If so, he could go down as the greatest president ever. If he fails, it will be disastrous for us and the world. There are no third options.
The American middle class, along with the small business person, has historically been the economic engine of this country. There’s not much of it left. The wealthy have always been fairly insulated thanks to their trust funds and foundations, and the poor have come to relay on government services, paid for mainly by the middle class. Obama’s plan thus far has been thus far to throw billions at the same banks and financial institutions who have mismanaged billions for decades. Most economists believe more of the money should have either been directed to the people or to the creation of “brick and mortar” jobs. Should government be in business of bailing out mismanaged companies, especially those where corporate executives are earning hefty six figures incomes while denying overtime, cutting benefits, and laying off people? At the same time, little has done to overhaul our credit driven economy itself. Indeed, many of these same banks chaff at the very thought.
Hopefully Obama will prove to be successful. At the very least, however, he will forfeit the future of our children and their children. The problem isn’t in actually being solved. It’s being pushed into the future, where the beast will again at some point rear its head and demand more sacrifice, but at what cost? Look at how much it’s costing us now, and we don’t know if that’s going to be enough. We have gone from a nation of independent entrepreneurs to economic serfs; from self sufficient citizens to forced consumers.
We have in fact become a dual nation. We are now a defacto country of haves and have nots, where the have nots are quickly becoming a majority. Of course, we haven’t even addressed issues such as illegal immigration, which is draining our very limited resources directed at social services, or the pending retirement of the baby boomers (the largest mass retirement in our nation’s history). The strain on Social Security and elder care could surpass the breaking point. What about our crumbing infrastructure—our bridges, sewers, highways? What about failing education system? Where are the resources for them? Of course, there are other issues such as global terrorism and the nut cases trying to get their hands on nukes, narco-states and violence, our broken borders, and lastly, a government unwilling or perhaps unable to act. We were promised “no more pork” and we’re getting nothing but pork from Congress. To think that our government wasn’t able to do something as simple as that in this economic crisis is sickening.
A lot of Americans have simply stopped watching or listening to the news. We can’t take it any more. We don’t care about Tom Cruise, Brittney Spears, or what some so-called “celebrity” said, wore, went, or ate. We don’t care who did what on “Survivor” or any other reality show. We have our own realities, and in many cases, they’re a lot more chilling than anything we’d see on television. Americans want the truth, and yes, I believe we can handle it. We’re beyond tired of political party’s bickering; shut up and fix it or get out of the way. Americans like fair play, but we’re tired greedy arrogant crooks sitting in front of Congress with their hand out; or on Wallstreet; or in Washington. The time may be coming, sooner rather than later, when Americans take another look at our Constitution and realize that we don’t have to sit back and it any more.
Taxpayer Revolt?
Here’s another interesting article I received. This came from Isaac MacMillians over at NetRight Nation. The name of the article is A Taxpayer Revolution. The article examines what may become an interesting trend in this country as people say “enough is enough” over increased rate hikes (see my article February 28, 2009). Our fellow citizens in the great state of New Hampshire have stepped up and did job that their elected “leaders” failed to do. What do you think folks—think it’s time we give it go? Read it here: http://netrightnation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=482767:a-taxpayer-revolution&catid=1:nrn-blog&Itemid=7
Poll Results
The economy has been on everyone’s mind lately. It’s being talked about everywhere you go. My question to you was when you thought the economy would turn around. The possible answers I gave you were based on responses from several economists. 7% of you thought things were going to improve late this year. 15% of you thought things would be looking rosier by early 2010 while 1% said it would be late 2010. Now this is where things get interesting. 30% of you said it would be 2011 or later and a whooping 38% of you said “never”!
I am an optimist at heart, but I think like a realist. If the stimulus is going to work, it’s going to take time. It’s like taking medicine; it has to get into your system before you see any results. I don’t see any major improvements in early 2009, though by late 2009 we may see a leveling out. 2010 will see improvements and by late 2010 or early 2011, I think we’ll be on the road to recovery. There will be a lot of casualties along the way though. A lot of familiar name brands will be gone. Our choice of products will be greatly diminished, and the quality of what we are able to buy may be poorer. Many Americas no longer be having the standard of living they did before the depression…err…recession. Economically, may be only a second tier country. If Obama fails, we may find ourselves an economic third tier country torn by strikes and riots.
Nevertheless, the article got me to thinking (yeah, I know; that’s almost always dangerous). The name and thrust of the article is whether we are becoming a dual nation. I sat back and pondered Mr. Pedraza’s question. My first reaction was “how”? After all, this is America. We taken the worse the world could dish out and we’re still standing right? America has seen tough times before and we’ve always come out better and stronger. So, I thought, why should this be any different? But the more I thought about the question, the more I began to find flaws in my assumptions.
Let’s take a basic look at the economy. Americans having been living on borrowed time (and money) for decades. Our economic philosophy changed somewhere around the 1970’s from a production economy to a service economy. In order to maximize the bottom line (and reduce the clout of unions), employers began outsourcing jobs overseas.. We became a “McJobs” nation. Companies began raiding retirement funds, cutting benefits while focusing “creating” paper wealth.
Capitalism thrives on consumption. That’s why products are always being touted as “new and improved”, fashion changes every year, and products are manufactured with built in obsolescence. When we moved from producing hard wealth to paper wealth, financial instructions started encouraging people to buy on credit; that is; on money they didn’t have yet. But it was this unchecked buying that fed the beast. Our next purchase was only as good as our credit rating. The problem was that the beast was never full, and the more it consumed, the more it wanted. That’s why businesses demanded open markets in Russia, China, and Southeast Asia. It had nothing to do with global cooperation or improving the standard of living. It was all about feeding the beast. As an aside, the fear of Communism was never about its different sociological philosophy, but its rejection of capitalism. That was main reason it had to be defeated at all costs. Sorry if you thought it was more idealistic than that.
Linked to this was speculation on real estate (based on the assumption that real estate values never fall). Sure, the stock market occasionally drops, but it always trends up. As the fictional character Gordon Gecko from the movie “Wallstreet” famously said, “Greed is good”. Well, now we’re finding that our economy was really based on more than speculation and false sense of optimism. It was based on an illusion. Wealth has to be, at its heart, based on hard assets; not paper. The question now is whether Mr. Obama’s economic package works. If so, he could go down as the greatest president ever. If he fails, it will be disastrous for us and the world. There are no third options.
The American middle class, along with the small business person, has historically been the economic engine of this country. There’s not much of it left. The wealthy have always been fairly insulated thanks to their trust funds and foundations, and the poor have come to relay on government services, paid for mainly by the middle class. Obama’s plan thus far has been thus far to throw billions at the same banks and financial institutions who have mismanaged billions for decades. Most economists believe more of the money should have either been directed to the people or to the creation of “brick and mortar” jobs. Should government be in business of bailing out mismanaged companies, especially those where corporate executives are earning hefty six figures incomes while denying overtime, cutting benefits, and laying off people? At the same time, little has done to overhaul our credit driven economy itself. Indeed, many of these same banks chaff at the very thought.
Hopefully Obama will prove to be successful. At the very least, however, he will forfeit the future of our children and their children. The problem isn’t in actually being solved. It’s being pushed into the future, where the beast will again at some point rear its head and demand more sacrifice, but at what cost? Look at how much it’s costing us now, and we don’t know if that’s going to be enough. We have gone from a nation of independent entrepreneurs to economic serfs; from self sufficient citizens to forced consumers.
We have in fact become a dual nation. We are now a defacto country of haves and have nots, where the have nots are quickly becoming a majority. Of course, we haven’t even addressed issues such as illegal immigration, which is draining our very limited resources directed at social services, or the pending retirement of the baby boomers (the largest mass retirement in our nation’s history). The strain on Social Security and elder care could surpass the breaking point. What about our crumbing infrastructure—our bridges, sewers, highways? What about failing education system? Where are the resources for them? Of course, there are other issues such as global terrorism and the nut cases trying to get their hands on nukes, narco-states and violence, our broken borders, and lastly, a government unwilling or perhaps unable to act. We were promised “no more pork” and we’re getting nothing but pork from Congress. To think that our government wasn’t able to do something as simple as that in this economic crisis is sickening.
A lot of Americans have simply stopped watching or listening to the news. We can’t take it any more. We don’t care about Tom Cruise, Brittney Spears, or what some so-called “celebrity” said, wore, went, or ate. We don’t care who did what on “Survivor” or any other reality show. We have our own realities, and in many cases, they’re a lot more chilling than anything we’d see on television. Americans want the truth, and yes, I believe we can handle it. We’re beyond tired of political party’s bickering; shut up and fix it or get out of the way. Americans like fair play, but we’re tired greedy arrogant crooks sitting in front of Congress with their hand out; or on Wallstreet; or in Washington. The time may be coming, sooner rather than later, when Americans take another look at our Constitution and realize that we don’t have to sit back and it any more.
Taxpayer Revolt?
Here’s another interesting article I received. This came from Isaac MacMillians over at NetRight Nation. The name of the article is A Taxpayer Revolution. The article examines what may become an interesting trend in this country as people say “enough is enough” over increased rate hikes (see my article February 28, 2009). Our fellow citizens in the great state of New Hampshire have stepped up and did job that their elected “leaders” failed to do. What do you think folks—think it’s time we give it go? Read it here: http://netrightnation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=482767:a-taxpayer-revolution&catid=1:nrn-blog&Itemid=7
Poll Results
The economy has been on everyone’s mind lately. It’s being talked about everywhere you go. My question to you was when you thought the economy would turn around. The possible answers I gave you were based on responses from several economists. 7% of you thought things were going to improve late this year. 15% of you thought things would be looking rosier by early 2010 while 1% said it would be late 2010. Now this is where things get interesting. 30% of you said it would be 2011 or later and a whooping 38% of you said “never”!
I am an optimist at heart, but I think like a realist. If the stimulus is going to work, it’s going to take time. It’s like taking medicine; it has to get into your system before you see any results. I don’t see any major improvements in early 2009, though by late 2009 we may see a leveling out. 2010 will see improvements and by late 2010 or early 2011, I think we’ll be on the road to recovery. There will be a lot of casualties along the way though. A lot of familiar name brands will be gone. Our choice of products will be greatly diminished, and the quality of what we are able to buy may be poorer. Many Americas no longer be having the standard of living they did before the depression…err…recession. Economically, may be only a second tier country. If Obama fails, we may find ourselves an economic third tier country torn by strikes and riots.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Stephen Covey: A Matter of Trust
Mr. Stephen M.R. Covey, author of The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal bestseller, The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything will be hosting an exclusive free one hour webinar interview conducted by Todd Langton, president of Linkage. To participate, you will need to register no later than March 16, 2009. The webinar will take place on March 17, 2009 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST. You can register by going to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/386176829
Mr. Covey will also be a keynote speaker at Linkage’s 11th Annual Best of Organizational Development Summit, May 12-14, 2009 at the Chicago Fairmont. For additional information, you can call (781) 402-5555. A brochure can be downloaded at www.linkageinc.com/od.
I urge you sign up and participate in this unique forum. Remember, you have to sign up by March 16th. The free webinar will take place on March 17th between 1:00-2:00 pm EST.
Mr. Covey will also be a keynote speaker at Linkage’s 11th Annual Best of Organizational Development Summit, May 12-14, 2009 at the Chicago Fairmont. For additional information, you can call (781) 402-5555. A brochure can be downloaded at www.linkageinc.com/od.
I urge you sign up and participate in this unique forum. Remember, you have to sign up by March 16th. The free webinar will take place on March 17th between 1:00-2:00 pm EST.
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