In what can only be described as "middle finger salute" to the American People, President Obama has decided once again to ignore the Will of America. While the number of Americans opposed to illegal immigration has always remained a super majority, Obama has ordered his Co-Conspirator-in-Chief, Janet Napolitano, head of the so-called Department of Homeland Security to cease deporting illegals in what can only be described as "backdoor amnesty" for the estimated 12 million or more illegal immigrants now living in America (the Justice Department under Eric Holder has slowed its investigating and prosecution of illegals to crawl). No doubt that as word spreads, tens of thousands more will pour over the border in order to get in on the "good" deal.
Obama issued his presidential directive on August 18, just one day after heading off on his vacation fundraising jaunt to Martha's Vineyard. Although he has no legal authority under the Constitution to issue such a directive (all matters of immigration are the preview of Congress), it will takes months if not years for Congress to bring this matter up; draft a deal and vote it (heck, they couldn't even agree on raising the debt ceiling). I'm sure that it was on coincidence that the fiat order was issued while Congress was adjourned for campaigning...err...I mean summer break. The result is a de facto executive amnesty policy, which come over the sustained objections of the overwhelming majority of Americans.
So, why would Obama issued such an order if he knew he had no legal authority to? I think the answer is rather simple. First, with Congress out, who is going to object? The liberal leaning media? You? Please. Second, the Obama Administration has been trying unsuccessfully for the last two years to implement some form of amnesty. With his approval ratings hovering somewhere between dismissal and fat chance, Obama desperately needs the support of Hispanic voters. Hispanics, as everyone knows, is the largest minority in America and increasing (they are currently 16.3% of the population compared with the former largest minority, Black Americans, who are just over 12%). It's only through his magnanimous, though illegal actions, that Obama can hope to win their support. In addition, Hispanics are more likely than not to register as Democrats, which would give the Democratic Party a literal insurmountable lock on national elections (not to mention some states). Another beneficiary is Big Business.
Hispanics, both illegal and legal, are more willing to work for less money and few, if any, benefits. Obviously, it's advantageous for Big Business to increase the low wage workforce. Of course, the big losers are unions and the average working American. Unions lose because Hispanics have historically been less likely to challenge their employers for higher wages and benefits (they have, however, been successful with efforts to improve work conditions) or join unions. As an aside, Hispanics are now competing with and surpassing blacks for many of the same jobs. Federal programs, formerly directed primarily to blacks, are now being redirected to Hispanics is reflection of their new acquired clout.
The average American loses because not only are they competing with lower wage workers in other countries, they would be competing with lower wage workers right in their own backyard. Yes, the average American worker is better educated, skilled, and motivated, employers may need those same competitive advantages, but only fewer of them. In addition, it may still prove to be cheaper to hire two (or three) low wage workers and train them for specific task rather than hire one higher wage American worker. Politics does make strange bed fellows doesn't it?
Suggested Reading:
http://www.fairus.org/site/News2/1913722586?page=NewsArticle&id=24343&security=1601&news_iv_ctrl=1741&utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FAIR%20Enews&utm_content=Enews+Aug+19+2011
http://www.numbersusa.com/content/learn/issues/public-opinion/americans-oppose-rewards-illegal-immigra.html
http://www.endillegalimmigration.com/illegal_immigration_polls_surveys/index.shtml
http://www.theroot.com/views/how-illegal-immigration-hurts-black-america
Bilingual Ballots Anyone?
In related matter, the Obama Administration is expected to order state and local governments to start printing ballots in Spanish and other languages. The argument is that it would make voting easier and more accessible to voters. What it does in actuality is encourage individuals not to learn English and increases the likelihood of voter fraud as well as increase the financial burden of state and local governments who will bear the costs.
Suggested Reading:
http://www.gopusa.com/commentary/2011/08/19/chavez-bilingual-ballots-are-a-bad-idea/?subscriber=1
A Few Final Thoughts
Everyone wants to come to America. Frankly, there aren't any long lines at other embassies. America is a nation of immigrants. Immigration is what made America the greatest nation the world has yet seen. We are a country which demands honesty and fair play, from other nations; from our politicians; and from ourselves. That's why things other countries would shrug off so infuriate us (take President Clinton's trysts for example). Illegal immigration is another example.
Most Americans don't have a biased bone in their body, so let's drop the alleged "racism" once and for all. They don't care where someone is from, as long as they got here above board. America is first and foremost a nation of laws. We expect you to apply and go through the same steps are everyone else. "Cutting in line" is one of those things that sticks in our crawl. The other is not bothering to learn our language (which is English in case you didn't know) or learning our customs and traditions. We view that as a slap at our history; our national sacrifices; and us personally. Not that we care what native language is or the customs of your native country; this not there, so adapt damn it. We came here to be something greater than ourselves. We came here to be Americans. If that's why you're here, great. Welcome home. If not, don't forget to pick up a few post cards on your way out.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Reflections on the Debt Crisis
There is a dark mood over America and its growing. While Congress seems pleased with itself over the passage of the debt ceiling package, those outside the bubble world of Washington's Beltway. aren't so happy. We sat and watched with white knuckles and disbelief at the asinine brinkmanship being played out on our television sets every night. A recent poll revealed much more. Only 10% of Americans are happy with Congress irrespective of political party. Think about that number for just a minute folks. That means that overwhelming majority of us believe that Congress has failed. Revolutions, civil wars, and mass strikes and riots are not uncommon when approval ratings drop below 47%.
There are two points about that number that I find most interesting. The first is that this figure is not a fluke. While the approval rating of the president tends to flux, depending on what he's recently said or done, the approval rating for Congress has remained in the dumpster for some time now. Congress is supposed to the representatives of the people. They are the modern Tribunes. So, what does it say when We the People believe our Tribunes have failed us, and continue to fail us? This leads me to the second point which I am concerned about. Given that "the mob" often take to the streets whenever the approval ratings of their representatives drops below the 50% mark for any length of time, what does that say about and to us? In order to answer both questions, I think the first place to start is to look the poll itself.
The poll was conducted by Fox News between August 9-11, 2011 comprised 904 registered voters. The poll indicated that only 10% thought Congress was doing a good job while 81% disapproved of Congress's job performance. Only one in three said the country was headed in the right direction. 71% said they were not optimistic about the country's economic future. 81% of Republicans, 74% of Independents and 46% of Democrats thought America was in economic trouble.
With respect to the debt agreement, despite the Beltway's backslapping, 52% of us disapproved of the agreement compare to 36% who approved of it. Of that, only 12% felt that the agreement would improve the economy. 50% of those polled said the agreement was "weak" while 28% though it was "terrible" according to the Fox News article. In response to related questions, 74% expressed concern that the federal government will continue to spend more than it takes in. By 3 to 1 margin, the respondents thought Americans were already over taxed. So, taken as a whole. the poll reveals what almost everyone of us already know: The economy is in trouble and we have no leadership.
To avoid the possibility of biased polling data, I decided to check out a recent CNN poll. This poll, which was taken approximately August 4, 2011 revealed that only 14% of the respondents approved of Congress's performance. The article stated that this was only the third since 1974 when CNN began doing polling that the Congressional approval rating fell below 20%. The first was in June 1979, a month before Jimmy Carter gave his infamous "malaise" speech, and the other was in March 1992 during the, again, infamous House banking scandals. The last time CNN conducted a job performance poll of Congress was in January of this year. At that time, Congress had a whooping 22% approval rating. According to Gallup, the recent 10% is the worst in history, with the previous low being 13% in December 2010, however, World Net Daily reported a 9% approval rating in July of 2008, but what's a few percentage points among friends right? The point is that the vast majority of Americans are beyond disgusted with Washington. My question, however, is this: Are Americans sick and tired of being sick and tired with the beltway Crowd, including not just Congress of either political stripe, but also of their corporate paymasters---the lobbyists---the global corporations who pull the strings?
Some 11 years after our invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, we've made little progress. Afghanistan is still crawling with Taliban; the US back government is ripe with corruption and incompetence, amid the changing loyalties of tribal chieftains and government bureaucrats. On the up side, we have severely crippled (but by no means killed) the effectiveness of the Taliban. Al Qaeda has been nearly destroyed, with many of its top tier leaders given a one way ticket to Allah, including bin Laden. Much of its second and third levels have been decapitated as well, but it still remains a dangerous enemy with mutations springing up in far flung places like Kenya and Yemen.
Iraq remains a very unstable nation. The nation is rife with corruption and sporadic violence aimed a destabilizing the country, while Iran waits like a hungry lion to devour its neighbor as soon as we leave, which goes all the more to emphasize our strategic and tactical blunder of invading in the first place. Following the first Gulf War, Hussein was rendered regionally impotent. Yet, he remained strong enough to keep the religious radicals in check. We've seen Moslem citizens rise up against their military backed strongmen with varying results. However, how successful they will be in the long run remains questionable. Meanwhile, the zealots wait in the shadows and pray for weaknesses. The result is an even more volatile Middle East providing the West's oil.
Globally, we've seen not just the increase in radical Islam, but also the spread of Islam through out the world, especially in Europe and the United States. We've seen the delayed reaction of the silent invasion by recent events in Oslo. We've watched a failing global economy, again, most notably in Europe and in America, especially with a credit downgrade and lack of political leadership. Riots are now rampant in London, so known for their passivity because there are no jobs and no money for the government handouts. The Ships of State have no crew, no captain, no rudder and it's out of fuel.
America too is being invaded. This invasion comes in the form of illegal immigrates in search of economic opportunities, not as political or religious refugees. They have no desire to become American Citizens, learn our language or adapt to our values or traditions. As a result, our economic infrastructure has been stretched to the point of collapse. Our Middle Class, once the industrious spine of the American economy, is nearly shattered; its jobs outsourced to our ideological enemies in the sacred name of profit while unions, once the protectors of working class America, are unable or unwilling to do anything more than provide a hollow chorus to their quiet sobs as the American Dream of a home, a decent job, and better times for their children fades from memory. Where have you gone Meany, Chavez and Mary Jones?
When will Americans take matters in their own hands and demand their country back? We are given the illusion of choice each election cycle. The truth is that there is little meaningful differences between the two leading political parties anymore. Both have the same moneyed masters. They are two sides of the same worthless plug nickel. Today, we are caught between three worlds. One bequest to us by our Founding Fathers and the other by those seeking a socialistic enlightenment for the betterment of Mankind. Perhaps the former is too idyllic and distant while the latter is too idealistic, but either are preferable to the third which seeks to enslave us to faceless corporation masters; to create a post-national world of economic serfs. That is the world we increasing live in.
Fox Poll:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/08/12/fox-news-poll-most-voters-not-hopeful-about-direction-country-majority-dislikes/
CNN Poll:
http://www.businessinsider.com/congress-approval-rating-just-sank-to-a-record-breaking-low-2011-8
Gallup Poll History:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/145238/congress-job-approval-rating-worst-gallup-history.aspx
World Net Daily:
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=69088
There are two points about that number that I find most interesting. The first is that this figure is not a fluke. While the approval rating of the president tends to flux, depending on what he's recently said or done, the approval rating for Congress has remained in the dumpster for some time now. Congress is supposed to the representatives of the people. They are the modern Tribunes. So, what does it say when We the People believe our Tribunes have failed us, and continue to fail us? This leads me to the second point which I am concerned about. Given that "the mob" often take to the streets whenever the approval ratings of their representatives drops below the 50% mark for any length of time, what does that say about and to us? In order to answer both questions, I think the first place to start is to look the poll itself.
The poll was conducted by Fox News between August 9-11, 2011 comprised 904 registered voters. The poll indicated that only 10% thought Congress was doing a good job while 81% disapproved of Congress's job performance. Only one in three said the country was headed in the right direction. 71% said they were not optimistic about the country's economic future. 81% of Republicans, 74% of Independents and 46% of Democrats thought America was in economic trouble.
With respect to the debt agreement, despite the Beltway's backslapping, 52% of us disapproved of the agreement compare to 36% who approved of it. Of that, only 12% felt that the agreement would improve the economy. 50% of those polled said the agreement was "weak" while 28% though it was "terrible" according to the Fox News article. In response to related questions, 74% expressed concern that the federal government will continue to spend more than it takes in. By 3 to 1 margin, the respondents thought Americans were already over taxed. So, taken as a whole. the poll reveals what almost everyone of us already know: The economy is in trouble and we have no leadership.
To avoid the possibility of biased polling data, I decided to check out a recent CNN poll. This poll, which was taken approximately August 4, 2011 revealed that only 14% of the respondents approved of Congress's performance. The article stated that this was only the third since 1974 when CNN began doing polling that the Congressional approval rating fell below 20%. The first was in June 1979, a month before Jimmy Carter gave his infamous "malaise" speech, and the other was in March 1992 during the, again, infamous House banking scandals. The last time CNN conducted a job performance poll of Congress was in January of this year. At that time, Congress had a whooping 22% approval rating. According to Gallup, the recent 10% is the worst in history, with the previous low being 13% in December 2010, however, World Net Daily reported a 9% approval rating in July of 2008, but what's a few percentage points among friends right? The point is that the vast majority of Americans are beyond disgusted with Washington. My question, however, is this: Are Americans sick and tired of being sick and tired with the beltway Crowd, including not just Congress of either political stripe, but also of their corporate paymasters---the lobbyists---the global corporations who pull the strings?
Some 11 years after our invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, we've made little progress. Afghanistan is still crawling with Taliban; the US back government is ripe with corruption and incompetence, amid the changing loyalties of tribal chieftains and government bureaucrats. On the up side, we have severely crippled (but by no means killed) the effectiveness of the Taliban. Al Qaeda has been nearly destroyed, with many of its top tier leaders given a one way ticket to Allah, including bin Laden. Much of its second and third levels have been decapitated as well, but it still remains a dangerous enemy with mutations springing up in far flung places like Kenya and Yemen.
Iraq remains a very unstable nation. The nation is rife with corruption and sporadic violence aimed a destabilizing the country, while Iran waits like a hungry lion to devour its neighbor as soon as we leave, which goes all the more to emphasize our strategic and tactical blunder of invading in the first place. Following the first Gulf War, Hussein was rendered regionally impotent. Yet, he remained strong enough to keep the religious radicals in check. We've seen Moslem citizens rise up against their military backed strongmen with varying results. However, how successful they will be in the long run remains questionable. Meanwhile, the zealots wait in the shadows and pray for weaknesses. The result is an even more volatile Middle East providing the West's oil.
Globally, we've seen not just the increase in radical Islam, but also the spread of Islam through out the world, especially in Europe and the United States. We've seen the delayed reaction of the silent invasion by recent events in Oslo. We've watched a failing global economy, again, most notably in Europe and in America, especially with a credit downgrade and lack of political leadership. Riots are now rampant in London, so known for their passivity because there are no jobs and no money for the government handouts. The Ships of State have no crew, no captain, no rudder and it's out of fuel.
America too is being invaded. This invasion comes in the form of illegal immigrates in search of economic opportunities, not as political or religious refugees. They have no desire to become American Citizens, learn our language or adapt to our values or traditions. As a result, our economic infrastructure has been stretched to the point of collapse. Our Middle Class, once the industrious spine of the American economy, is nearly shattered; its jobs outsourced to our ideological enemies in the sacred name of profit while unions, once the protectors of working class America, are unable or unwilling to do anything more than provide a hollow chorus to their quiet sobs as the American Dream of a home, a decent job, and better times for their children fades from memory. Where have you gone Meany, Chavez and Mary Jones?
When will Americans take matters in their own hands and demand their country back? We are given the illusion of choice each election cycle. The truth is that there is little meaningful differences between the two leading political parties anymore. Both have the same moneyed masters. They are two sides of the same worthless plug nickel. Today, we are caught between three worlds. One bequest to us by our Founding Fathers and the other by those seeking a socialistic enlightenment for the betterment of Mankind. Perhaps the former is too idyllic and distant while the latter is too idealistic, but either are preferable to the third which seeks to enslave us to faceless corporation masters; to create a post-national world of economic serfs. That is the world we increasing live in.
Fox Poll:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/08/12/fox-news-poll-most-voters-not-hopeful-about-direction-country-majority-dislikes/
CNN Poll:
http://www.businessinsider.com/congress-approval-rating-just-sank-to-a-record-breaking-low-2011-8
Gallup Poll History:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/145238/congress-job-approval-rating-worst-gallup-history.aspx
World Net Daily:
http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=69088
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