The Porkbarrell Times

Don't Spend Us into Bankruptcy--Have a Teabag

Porkbarrell — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:57:47 GMT

I love participating in the discussions here. Reading others' perspectives makes me think about my own positions and sometimes I've had to change them. There has been some interesting discussions in the news on the tea party protests. It's funny. I wasn't even going to write about them, but after the news spots and the comments I've read, I'm going to talk about it.

There's been a lot in the news about the tea party tax protests on all the media outlets. I watched one CNN reporter question a few of the protesters, cutting many of them off before they could complete their thoughts. Commentaries I saw all pointed to these protests being organized by Fox News and Republican strategists. They labeled the protesters as nothing more than Obama protesters, anti-government, right wing extremists, etc. Ya know, some of those people are exactly that, but I personally think that the vast majority are regular folks fed up with a government that spends too much and when elections weren't enough to stop it, they took to the streets.Here's an interesting side note on the CNN story that you won't see on CNN. http://michellemalkin.com/2009/04/16/standing-up-to-a-cnn-clown/.

George Bush and Henry Paulsen started this. The big bailout that didn't do what it was supposed to. I called my reps to complain along with thousands of others back then.

Some say we did nothing at the time. Not true. Many of us voted against the Republican Party, and some voted for Democrats. I honestly hoped that President Obama would put a stop to it, but he came in and increased the stimulus bill. Then he increased federal spending for the new budget by more than $3 trillion dollars.

Should we have had stimulus? Yes for things that will generate jobs. Should spending be increased during a downturn? Yes, but $3 trillion, sorry it's now $3.6 trillion? The Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan entity, said that this amount will lead to $11 trillion in deficits, an amount which is unsustainable. Read the article here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090320/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_budget. Are they right? I don't know but to go from $450 billion to $3.6 trillion in one year is unimaginable.

Economic hardship is difficult for us to bear but unsustainable spending will only make it worse in the end. So 40% of us don't pay taxes. The average person won't have to pay for this, at least that's what we are all told. But the CBO said that to pay for this taxes will have to be raised dramatically. That means higher taxes for everyone whether it comes out of your income or not. We'll all get stuck with higher prices from trickle down taxing. Businesses don't pay for tax increases. They pass it on to you and me.

Democracy and freedom in action are beautiful. Everyone having a voice is beautiful. Peaceful and respectul disagreement is beautiful.

A long time ago, a Democratic friend challenged me to look beyond what the news media said about war protests. I did. That was a difficult thing to be open minded as the wife of an American soldier. But I came to respect the disagreements with the war and it even changed my opinion of our presence in Iraq.

How many will look beyond their personal feelings about conservatives and the rhetoric from news organizations and look at the blogs and Youtube videos? Here's a good one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpeScv6EPgQ. This is what Susan Roesgen didn't show you.

Many are saying these protests were funded and organized by Fox News and Rush Limbaugh. It started with onine bloggers and got picked up by news outlets. The protest on 4-15 was not the first. Is this a grass roots effort? I think so. Will it go any further? Time will tell.

Cut the Budget--Nuff Said

Porkbarrell — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:29:11 GMT

Ok. The economy stinks right now and my family and I are cutting back. We cut the credit cards, cut spending, quit living beyond our means, and it hurts. My husband's pay got cut, my freelance jobs are fewer and far between. I know it's going to take some more time of tightening the belt to find our way through to the other side. Now, if I run out of money, I can't borrow from my credit card to buy stuff.

My point? I'm sure you know. Our government doesn't seem to get the idea that zero means zero. They borrow from China to fund 44% of our budget this year. While China gets rich off our interest payments, the proposed new budget is over $3 trillion.

At what point does the debt become unsustainable? Next week, people around the country are having tea parties. And yes, others will counterprotest. I think it's time for tea. Call your Reps and let them know your thoughts on the budget. If we don't reign them in, there may not be much left at the trough. Oink

Liberal Democrats, Moderate Democrats, and Republicans Oh My

Porkbarrell — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:33:20 GMT

There's been so much interesting dialogue in the news and on this site among different viewpoints. With Democrats in charge of the White House and both houses of Congress, the scramble is on for who is going to get their agenda recognized.

The Republicans are pretty much united on the right with the exception of a few moderates in the Senate.

Liberal Democrats expect other Dems to fall in line behind all of their agendas. They've got President Obama, Sen Reid, and Majority Leader Pelosi at their table. A good chunk of the news media is happy to agree with them.

Moderate Dems say slow down, we're not really sure we like the idea of going too far.

Republicans mostly unite against the Dems on virtually every issue. And bloggers and news media sit in wonder or scorn casting every Repulibcan decision as politically motivated.

Here's a thought for all of them at the table. Hey libs, you don't own the Democratic Party completely. If some of your members swing to the center, that's okay. It makes your party stronger and better.

Hey moderates, keep on trucking. Don't let others make you back down.

Republicans are conservative, do not believe in spending as much as liberals want, and their core beliefs are on the opposite side of the ball court from you. Is is all politically motivated? Sure it is to a point, but they also really do disagree with you on most things because...yes they are Republicans not Democrats.

Oh and just in case I forget you conservative commentators...what did you expect Democratic politicians to do when they got control of Washington? Did you really think they would just roll over and give you everything you want? Come on all, they're Democrats and are on the other side of the ball court from you too.

Now the trick is for all of them to find some kind of common ground.

Why I Don't Want Socialized Style Health Care

Porkbarrell — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:26:32 GMT

While so many have been disgusting over the AIG bonus business, another story has been in the headlines. Actress Natasha Richardson had an accident and passed on suddenly. Embedded in the sadness and accolades was another less talked about truth. She would have been better served had she been transported by helicopter to a hospital. I was surprised to read that Quebec doesn't have a helicopter system.

Time is of the essence in traumas. We often hear the term "golden hour," referring to the fact that people are more likley to survive if they are treated within that first hour after an accident. We have a fine trauma system in the United States that is required to take care of everyone, regardless of ability to pay. So when you hear politicians talk about problems with our healthcare system, we need to remind them to change their word. Our healthcare payment system is what needs changed.

Our insurance costs have risen dramatically, so I don't think that anyone would say we don't need to reform the system. But before we allow politicians, most of whom know little about healthcare, to change our system in ways we don't want, we need to get the best minds from all sides of the debate to engineer the best solutions.

Let's keep the best of our current system like choice of doctors, hospitals, etc. Let's keep the cutting edge procedures and advancements. Let's get rid of fraud, waste, and abuse that plague Medicare and Medicaid. Let's find ways to bring down the costs so it is there for everyone. Let's do this the right way. By coming together, we'll figure out what that is.

We Need Two Parties To Fly

Porkbarrell — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:50:09 GMT

I was just remembering a post I saw here months and months ago. It was originally posted before the election. It gave an analogy that the eagle can't fly without a red and a blue wing. With the Republican Party down in the polls and lacking leadership, I thought it would be a good time to bring this up.

The Democrats are enjoying popularity and trust of the American people right now. After 8 years of George Bush, Republicans are paying the price for his policies and their own mistakes.

If you are a Democrat, you may be happy that the other party doesn't have much of a voice. I believe that opposing parties hashing through legislation brings good compromise to issues resulting in better legislation in the end. I hope the Republicans find their politcal legs and stand up to serve the nation with the benefits of the hard lessons they've struggled through.

Mr. Steele, Who Cares What Rush Thinks?

Porkbarrell — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:04:22 GMT

There's been a lot of media attention paid to the war of words between Republican Leader Michael Steele and Rush Limbaugh. It all just left me wondering why Mr. Steele backed down. I was disappointed to say the least.

Rush is a die-hard conservative and the most outspoken conservative out there, well maybe he ties with Shaun Hannity. Mr. Steele is trying, with much infighting, to bring the party into the 21st Century and reach a new generation with conservative ideas.

Mr. Steele, stand up for what you believe in. Don't apologize to Rush. All you did was tell the truth.

Republicans enjoyed 12 years in Congressional leadership but lost it, I think, because they didn't know how to be the majority party. Democrats held the majority for 50 years and never forgot how to be in the majority. Republicans don't have to apologize for their belief systems, they have to learn to speak above the voices of their critics, not cowtow to them.

Mr. Steele, keep dropping in to the media outlets, but just be prepared for their criticism while holding on to your core beliefs. Most of all, don't back down or ever apologize again to Rush Limbaugh.

Republicans--Come into the 21st Century or Die

Porkbarrell — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:58:18 GMT

I just read Mary Peavler's great blog on Limbaugh leading the Republican Party. He spoke last week at the CPAC meeting. If the Republican Party has no better strategy than to choose radio commentators as the new leadership, then our two party system may truly be at an end.

The old Republican standby platform of lower taxes and smaller government became a joke during the last several years. Republicans happily lapped up taxpayer money at the pork trough and made their Contract with America a bit of a joke.

So how do Republicans survive the results of the last two election cycles? As a conservative myself, I would tell them why I left the party.

First, folks, you need to get the message that it was your fault you lost voters, not just Pres. George W. Bush. You broke your promises, overspent, lied to the people, and some of you broke the law.

Moving on from there, you failed to stand for anything. You only talked about how great the success of the Iraq War was. So great, the surge worked, but how many military families have to suffer before you realize that the war was a mistake in the first place? Then, why don't you just admit it?

Voters care about more than just abortion and religion. I'm not saying you have to give up caring about these issues, but come on, is being against abortion really the best qualification for public office?

You all keep flashing President Reagan's picture around your convention floors and on your programs. Get over it y'all. He left office more than 20 years ago. Isn't it about time you found another hero?

Bring new blood into your party. I believe there are many younger people and minorities that share conservative values such as fiscal responsibility. Emphasize these values and spread your message in a new and interesting way to these people using modern communication methods like the internet.

Choose someone to lead the party who can communicate intelligently. Ranting and raving with worn out language and slang doesn't impress the literate users of the internet. In other words, maybe Sarah Palin wasn't the best choice for Vice President just because she was a woman.

If you are going to make even the slightest attempt to take on this formidable and intelligent new president, then articlate your alternative ideas, not just your opposition.

News Holiday

Porkbarrell — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 02:55:40 GMT

There comes a point in time when we've all heard enough bad news for one day. I think my breaking point came when two of my classmates said they were being laid off after 20 years of service. These two men have houses and families and responsibilities. That was it--no more news.

Today I got up and listened to the rain on my windows. The sun came out and shown on the few shoots of green grass making their way up through the cold soil. It's beautiful after a long winter.

The world will not end if I don't catch the latest political event of the day or hear more bad job reports. Maybe when I turn it on again, there will be a sign of recovery? But at least I will have one quiet day without thoughts of news.

Crisis Started Where?

Porkbarrell — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:20:39 GMT

Frankly, I see a lot of interesting theories and blame games going around the media and blogs blaming the Republicans for the financial mess we are in. As a conservative, I thought the actions of President Bush were folly in response to the bad economic news. Added to that, we now know there was no accountability about the TARP funding. But I am tired of hearing this crisis is all George Bush's fault.

Reality check. This crisis started with disgusting tactics, questionable accounting, and bad business practices in the mortgage sector. The biggest problem players were Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Republicans raised the warning about these two mortgage giants a few years ago, but Democrats in Congress said there was no problem. Rep. Barney Frank and Senator Chris Dodd were among them.

The housing bubble burst and it was inevitable it spread to the rest of the economy. The response by both parties has been less than stellar. Now, President Obama is using his political muscle to shove through a stimulus package. I would agree, as most do, that we need a stimulus. The Congressional Budget Office has said that the current stimulus package will not impact the economy until 2010 or 2011. Then what good is it? In addition, only 5% of the package will support vital infrastructure and job creating components. Push through the job creating items and tax cuts Obama wants now. Let's not jump so fast to spend $1 trillion we do not have that could lead to uncontrolled inflation and high interest rates.

Contact Info for Congress

Porkbarrell — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:36:17 GMT

It's been several days since I had the chance to post. I needed a break from all of the bad news on the economy, probably like most of you would like to do.

I've got to admit something. Most times, after the elections are over, I go back to work and forget about action in politics. Yes, I would gripe when Congress or the President would do something I didn't like, but I didn't do anything about it.

That has changed. No more will I sit on the sidelines and do nothing but gripe. Yes, I voted, but that is not enough.

I've watched some tidbits on the news about how ill informed and apathetic people are about government. It blows me away when I hear that people think the President has the power to declare war.

I watched a Fox News reporter walk the streets of Harlem before the election asking people what they liked about Barack Obama. There was only one problem. They asked them if they liked conservative policies like being against abortion, keeping the troops in Iraq, cutting government spending, etc. Every one of them supported Obama but was unaware that the policies mentioned were not Obama's.

My husband asked people he worked with voting for either candidate why they were voting for that person. One or two knew their stances on issues. Most only voted by party or the message of change from Obama.

We can't trust any media outlet to give us the truth folks. And the government likes to do things behind closed doors. So if we don't act when we support or oppose something, they'll do whatever they want.

The way the government keeps proposing to grab more money from future generations for bailouts and stimulus packages, there won't be anything left if we don't act.

Here is a website with contact info for Congress. Bookmark this page so you can act often. http://www.conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm. Even if you are not a conservative, it gives the phone numbers of all in Congress. It's useful info to have around.

Oink-Treasury Dept Cares about You. Oh Really?

Porkbarrell — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:21:46 GMT

Get this. I just saw footage of Congressman Dennis Kucinich speaking with a representative from the Treasury Department. The congressman asked the gentleman from the treasury if they were concerned about the little guy. He responded, "Of course Sec. Paulson is concerned about the little guy." Congressman Kucinich responded in the same way I feel. Oh really?

If the Treasury Department is so concerned about the little guy, then why did they take all of the bailout money and give it to the banks? The root of the problem is that people can no longer afford their mortgages. It seems to me that common sense would dictate that helping the little guy pay his mortgage by restructuring the terms of that mortgage would be a quick way out of this situation. The government should take the bad paper off the hands of the banks and place it in a company similar to the Resolution Trust Corporation that was used back in the 1980s and 90s to work the country out of the savings and loan crisis. It worked then, why not use it again? It is becoming increasingly obvious that these people in the Treasury Department do not have a lick of common sense.

I don't know about you, but I am on the phone to my senator and congressman. I am really sick and tired of these people running our country into the ground. Will anyone join me? Call your representatives today.

Oink--When do the Bailouts End?

Porkbarrell — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:39:44 GMT

Help, I need money. Why shouldn't I get my piece of pie from Uncle Sam?

It's not enough that we the taxpayers are forced to bailout banks and AIG. Attention has now turned to the auto industry. But get this, now Detroit, Los Angeles, and Atlanta are lining up with their hands out. The credit limit of the federal government is not infinite, America.

Let me clarify something. I do think the feds had to step in with the banks. It's just too bad we don't have anyone in Washington that has a clue on what to do with all that money. Our inept secretary of the treasury changed his mind midstream and decided to invest in bank stock. His timely comments sent the stock market into another plunge. When does all this end?

As we the taxpayers tighten our belts, it is time that companies realize the government does not have an unlimited supply of money. And if we the taxpayers must sacrifice, maybe some of these CEOs should cut their salaries and luxury trips rather than laying people off. Corporate America, we don't owe you anything but hard work if you employ us. And quit holding out your hand for more of our hard earned money!

Two Years without Balance

Porkbarrell — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:43:06 GMT

The election is over and what an amazing process it was. We now have our first African American president. I have never seen a better run or more efficient campaign than the one President Elect Obama ran.

Now that it's over, let me tell you what bothers those who didn't vote for the new president about the next two years. Our founding fathers were pretty smart. They set up the three branches of government with a system of checks and balances so that a dictator could not just run roughshod over the will of the congress or the courts. They established freedom of speech and press so that the people and the press could be watchdogs and keep their freedom.

The democrats worked hard and won an amazing victory with huge majorities in both houses of congress. Democrats now don't need republican votes to enact any legislation they see fit. They have no checks and balances on them.

You might say they still have the media. What media? Fox news reported that most news agencies had positive coverage of 70% of the time with democrats and 70% negative on republicans. The only ones to express any questions or opposition were conservative talk radio and Fox News.

Democrats have already said they will reinstitute the fairness doctrine requiring broadcasters to give equal air time to opinions on both sides. Radio stations will be forced to cancel such programs as Rush Limbaugh and Shaun Hannity because they have to keep ratings high. If you can't stand these people, you may say good riddance. But stop and think about this. It is never good to muzzle the voices of anyone in a free country. We can disagree with one another and still be patriotic citizens. Iran muzzled the news voices throwing them in jail. Now they have no voices of opposition. Hugo Chavez muzzled the voices of his news agencies, and now has only state run media. This is a slippery slope to be on.

I wish our new president success. I wish our new congress success. But I will not stand on the sidelines and stay silent. I will be on the phones like never before if I see something I don't like. I hope everyone will stay active in expressing their voices. Just because we voted does not mean we should let them do business without knowing who really employs them.

Politicians at the Porkbarrell Spending Trough

Porkbarrell — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:26:41 GMT

Once the election is over, it will be back to different news stories. I have a love/hate relationship with politics. I love to watch our great experiment in democracy. I love to watch the arguments between policy makers because these differences make our country stronger. We are well served by having members of all political persuasions take part in the process of American democracy.

I have been annoyed for years about earmarks, or the more common term of porkbarrel spending. I guess Congress thinks that the mating habits of fruit flies are more important than reigning in spending and giving Americans a much needed tax break.

President Clinton balanced the federal budget several times. I hope that our next administration achieves such worthwhile goals. I have my doubts after hearing the comments of some in Congress last week. They seem excited about raising taxes and spending while reducing defense spending.

My mission at the Porkbarrell Times is to deliver my opinion on the way Congress uses our hard earned tax dollars. I hope enough voices will make a difference and end wasteful spending.