Friday, February 27, 2009

Uh-Oh

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Let's hope this doesn't spread to medium-sized law firms in the Midwest.

-__-

Obama's Hyperboles

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CALVIN WOODWARD and JIM KUHNHENN seem to have proof that Obama either doesn't know what he is talking about, or just doesn't care.

Either way, we are in trouble.

Give me a break, Obama.

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Tuesday night I listened to most of Obama's speech and found myself wanting to yell at the radio and contradict the President's rhetorical slights at his dissenters. But I was only upsetting my wife, who suggested that I just turn off the radio, and I didn't have evidence to support my distrust of Obama's remarks (after all, I'm still new to this game). However, Karl Rove has produced an article that very simply put facts behind my distaste for Obama's rhetoric.

ht: neo-neocon

Amazing.

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Obviously not a topic of political discussion, but "wow", what a cool fish.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Crisis of Credit

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Bob Krumm offers some insight into the political aspect of the credit crisis.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Refreshing

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Anybody know who this is? Excuse my lack of celebrity knowledge please.

Taxation Without Representation (a solution?)

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Just caught this on WSJ's law blog.

Apparently the Senate has been supportive of the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act, which gives Washington D.C. Representation in the House of Representatives. The Wall Street Journal is quite obviously against the act claiming that this will be a permanent seat and will most definitely be a solid seat for the democrats. They also mention that it may be unconstitutional.

According to the plain language of the Constitution, "The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature." The Constitution further dictates that the Person must be an inhabitant of the State in which he shall be chosen.

For those of you who aren't aware, Washington D.C. is federal jurisdiction. It is not our 51st state. This act ignores the plain language of the Constitution and would provide representation to individuals living in a federal jurisdiction.

However, an argument may be made that refusing to provide citizens a voice through representation in the House of Representatives is against the purpose of the Constitutional provision of a House of Representatives. No one likes the idea of taxation without representation, and an argument can be made that the resident's of Washington D.C. are struggling with this very notion. The House is supposed to be the representation of individual rights, while the Senate is supposed to be the representation of state rights. Why then can't Washington D.C. residents have representation?

I dare say that an argument that this seat is simply a give away to the democrat party is not a reasonable argument and should be disqualified immediately. The question is whether the letter of the law rules or the intention of the law.

I tend to fall on the side of "letter of the law". I tend to view the Constitution as a purposefully simple document that has been distorted and compromised by the actions of the Supreme Court (and FDR). Though I see the importance of the argument made for the "intention of the law", there is no good test for true intentions. It is the belief in intentions that has created the mass of gibberish we call Constitutional Law, full of doctrines, bright line tests, and contradictions. If we want to change the Constitution, the founders provided both the opportunity to rewrite our Constitution and to amend our Constitution.

Only then can we provide representation to the citizens residing in Washington D.C.

*UPDATE* I just thought I might clarify that there may be times when arguments as to intention are necessary due to ambiguous language. Determining the ambiguity of language creates a new problem that is not established in this matter.*UPDATE*

Bad girl, bad girl, whatcha gonna do?

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It will be interesting to see if Donna Hanks gets what she deserves.

And of course ACORN will be paying for her representation.

What a "victim"!

Math = Downfall of Wall Street?

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This:



was the downfall of our economic system, according to Wired.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Better Late Than Never

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The Mark Sanford Amendment:

SEC. 1607. (a) CERTIFICATION BY GOVERNOR — Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act, for funds provided to any State or agency thereof, the Governor of the State shall certify that: 1) the State request and use funds provided by this Act , and; 2) funds be used to create jobs and promote economic growth.

(b) ACCEPTANCE BY STATE LEGISLATURE — If funds provided to any State in any division of this Act are not accepted for use by the Governor, then acceptance by the State legislature, by means of the adoption of a concurrent resolution, shall be sufficient to provide funding to such State.


I appear to be behind the times on this issue, but this is a very important piece of the stimulus bill to our brave governors standing up for state rights. Even if our even headed governors refuse the federal "strings attached" funding, their state legislature may be able to overrule them with a simple resolution.

I definitely need to do some research here, because it doesn't seem constitutional for Congress to dictate what a state legislature can do to overturn a decision by the Governor. Here the federal government is dictating how state governments will work, violating state sovereignty and affecting the balance of power between the State's branches of government.

It would appear that Sanford and any other governor who refuses these federal funds will have Supreme Court Litigation in their future. This Congress is out of control and needs to be reigned in.

Here's to 2010!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Way to Go!

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Louisiana Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal shares that concern about strings attached to stimulus dollars as well as the plan's overall approach to dealing with the economic crisis.

Kudos to Barbour, Jindal, Sanford and Palin! You already realize that Federal money always has strings attached.

Oklahoma Beware! We are the reddest state in the Union. It is time we had a Governor that acted like it.

SHAMWOW!

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ht: Barking Moonbat

Civil Disobedience or Burglary?

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Michelle Malkin provides a very different story about ACORN's Homesteading actions. It appears that the home was orignally purchased for less than $100,000, but in a fit of greed, Donna Hanks refinanced the home for almost $300,000. No wonder she couldn't afford to make payments as a bartender.



ACORN's actions are not just simple civil disobedience. In fact, Mr. Beverly appears to be in a bit of trouble for his actions.

I can only hope the book is thrown at him.

Friday, February 20, 2009

It is called, Federalism.

I'm a FEDERALIST.

I believe strongly that the federal government's activities in domestic issues is drastically limited by the Constitution and that these activities are left to the States by the tenth amendment.

Below you will find a list of the projects provided by the "stimulus" bill in Tulsa, OK. Wouldn't you agree that $944,612,008 for Tulsa is an absolute waste of tax payer money?

1-5. Roadway Improvements-Improve 74 roadway segments thru pavement rehabilitation and lane widening to reduce congestion, and improve public safety, Gilcrease West Arkansas River Bridge - Charles Page Blvd to West 21st Street, Gilcrease West - Phase 1 - 41st West Avenue to Tisdale, Port Road Extension - Yale Avenue to Sheridan Road, Boulder Avenue Bridge- Design & Construction

Unless these are interstate highways, it is up to the state and its municipalities to fix local streets. And if I'm not mistaken, we just passed a new road improvement plan in Tulsa that has already raised my property taxes. So why do I need the Federal Government to do the same thing?

6-10. Arkansas River Corridor - improve or construct three low water dams and associated sedimentation control, Deepening McClellan Kerr Navigation Channel to 12ft. from 9ft. and add additional barge parking and fleet areas to allow for safe and efficient freight and barge traffic movement, Water System Infrastructure-Construct 18 water distribution, supply, and treatment projects throughout the City of Tulsa to improve the delivery of safe drinking water,
Waste water System Improvements-Construct 4 waste water collection system projects to eliminate health and safety concerns associated with sewage overflows, Flood Control Infrastructure Improvements-Construct 8 storm sewer, channel, culvert, and bridge projects to improve public safety and reduce property damage associated with localized flood events.

You can make arguments till you are blue in the face that these are important to the health and safety of Tulsa and need to be done, but you are missing the point as to the Federal Government's role in these matters. Why am I paying taxes in Oklahoma anyway?

11-13. Airport Terminal Building Roadway Reconstruction - The project will repair and upgrade the Terminal Building Roadway at the Tulsa International Airport. Portions of the roadway system that provides access to the Terminal Building are in need of replacement, Extend Taxi lane November-Alpha -Project constructs approximately 940 feet of taxi lane into the North Development Area. It includes earthwork, concrete paving and minor drainage improvements. This project is currently advertising for bids, Rehabilitate Airfield Pavements - Jones Riverside - Project will rehabilitate a variety of taxiways and taxi lanes throughout the airport including Taxiway Zulu that serves Runway 1R/19L; Taxiway Bravo and Taxi lanes JJ, KK, LL, MM, and NN.

I can admit when I have been over inclusive. These projects appear to be important and need to be taken care. And a good argument can be made for federal intervention. However, is a stimulus bill really the best place for this type of action? $5,700,000 in order to create 34 jobs, and short term ones at that. Give me a break.

14. Amtrak Feasibility Study

Amtrak is a sham to begin with. It isn't even fiscally feasible in New England, why even try here?

15-22. Indigent care regional medical center facility expansion and renovation (providing enhanced services to under served and at risk populations), Regional Medical Informatics Network, Data Warehouse and Electronic Health Records , Electronic Health Record Development
North Tulsa Specialty Clinic, Phase II Cancer Center Satellite and Imaging Center, Martin Regional Library Expansion, Federally Qualified Primary Care Clinic, North Tulsa Regional Wellness Center

Unless these are federal hospitals to begin with, which I'm not sure I like the idea of having anyway, the federal government needs to keep their hands off. If the Hospital isn't competing well enough to create electronic records or expand their library, then maybe they should take a closer look at "why" they can't. Once again, most of these are local issues that can be handled best at the local level. Even If local government wants to get involved, I would need to know more information about each project and a balancing test would be called for.

23-25. Compressed natural Gas (CNG) Fleet Fueling Infrastructure Expansion-Expand the City`s CNG infrastructure to fuel the growing CNG fleet and provide for the conversion of 20 light duty vehicles, Energy Efficient Public Housing Infrastructure Improvements, Energy Efficient Facilities Improvements.

Can I just say I am getting sick of saying the same thing? This is a local matter and the Federal Government needs to stay out of it. Leave it to Oklahoma and its municipalities to decide if it is really worth it to spend tax payer money on "Energy Efficiency". Better yet, let the tax payers tell them whether or not they want their taxes spent on such frivolous projects, when our streets can't even be properly maintained.

26-29. Digital Infrastructure Conduit Expansion, Regional Training Center - A regional fire training center to provide fire and homeland security training for Tulsa and surrounding communities, Police Public Safety Facility Improvements, Railroad Crossings - At Grade Safety Improvements - Union Pacific rail line from 1st Street to Peoria Ave.

Local Government, not federal. Though railroad crossing improvements may fall into a necessary intervention by the fed. I would need more information on the Union Pacific rail line.

30. Early Childhood Education Centers - construct ten education centers to serve at risk population.

Using federal funds to construct education centers leads to further federal dictation on how parents must raise and teach their children. The fed has the power to attach mandates to funds received by a state or municipality. This is a slippery slope that has already cause such a detriment to the educational system in America.

31-33. Tulsa Regional Urban Rail Infrastructure, Transit System Improvements - ADA compliant passenger shelters, hybrid lift vans, and hybrid transit coaches for under served areas and population, Sidewalk Infrastructure Improvements-Construct 5 sidewalk projects that improve pedestrian access to transit connections.

LOCAL ISSUES!!! Urban rail in Tulsa is unsustainable to begin with, so why in the world are we building an infrastructure for it?

1984 anyone?

It is time to get in shape. Looks like I might have to start riding my bike in town just so I don't have to pay more taxes and tell the fed where I spend my time.

The system would require all cars and trucks be equipped with global satellite positioning technology, a transponder, a clock and other equipment to record how many miles a vehicle was driven, whether it was driven on highways or secondary roads, and even whether it was driven during peak traffic periods or off-peak hours.

The device would tally how much tax motorists owed depending upon their road use. Motorists would pay the amount owed when it was downloaded, probably at gas stations at first, but an alternative eventually would be needed.

*shakes head disapprovingly*

"You shouldn't have to succeed, though, despite Washington; you should be succeeding with a hand from Washington, and that's what you're going to get now."

-President Obama at his meeting with the Nation's mayors.

This is exactly what we don't need. We as individuals, We as cities, and We as states should be expected to take care of ourselves with limited interference from the federal government. Giving someone everything they need or want creates a dependency, which is the worst type of interference.

I want to succeed DESPITE the federal government, not because of it.

The framers designed a dual sovereignty system for a reason. I refuse to be dependent upon You or your government, Mr. President.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Thoughtful Consideration

It wasn't that long ago that the Supreme Court explained how the Framers' believed that every piece of legislation be carefully considered.

"By providing that no law could take effect without the concurrence of the prescribed majority of the Members of both Houses, the Framers reemphasized their belief, already remarked upon in connection with the Presentment Clause, that legislation should not be enacted unless it has been carefully and fully considered by the Nation's elected officials." Immigration and Naturalization Service v. Chadha. 462 U.S. 919 (1983).

And what is the purpose of the President? He's the one who is supposed to push legislation through Congress, forcing his rule over the citizens of the United States, right?

"The President's role in the lawmaking process also reflects the Framers' careful efforts to check whatever propensity a particular Congress might have to enact oppressive, improvident, or ill-considered measures." Id.

Too bad, Obama doesn't care to consult the Constitution and consider the Framers' intent.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Why?

Why? Why are there American's who even consider wearing a shirt with Che Guevara on it? Who in their right mind idolizes such a psychopath? The same people comparing Bush to Hitler, wear Che Guevara with pride... What is wrong with these people?

The Real Che Guevara

Rape. A tool for recruitment?

This is absolutely sick and twisted.


RAPE is a Tool of Iraqi Insurgents

"Trolling society for likely candidates and then patiently converting the women from troubled souls into deadly attackers."

"The woman said she was part of a plot in which young women were raped and then sent to her for matronly advice. She said she would try to persuade the victims to become suicide bombers as their only escape from the shame and to reclaim their honor."

"The Mother of Believers" - my @$$!

Really? 12?

Like I said, plus some.

Obama appears to believe that more lobbyists in the White House means less lobbyists in Washington. Someone should tell him that the White House is in Washington.

500,000,000 per month?!

OMG- Notify the press!



Oh wait, she just did.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Obama's Administration *UPDATEDx2*

Obama's administration choices are absolutely laughable.

We now have three individuals *Killefer, Geithner, Daschle* who have failed to pay their taxes and *three* individuals who have withdrawn their nomination *Richardson, Killefer, Daschle*.

(I think its actually only 4 people: Nancy Killefer withdrew her name due to her failure to pay taxes *I was right*)

Wow.

Beautifully Stated


An Open Letter to A citizen Of Gaza: I Am the Soldier Who Slept In Your Home

An Open Letter to A citizen Of Gaza:
I Am the Soldier Who Slept In Your Home:
By: Yishai G (reserve soldier)
ygoldflam@gmail.com
[Originally published in Hebrew in Maariv]

Hello,

While the world watches the ruins in Gaza, you return to your home which remains standing. However, I am sure that it is clear to you that someone was in your home while you were away.

I am that someone.

I spent long hours imagining how you would react when you walked into your home. How you would feel when you understood that IDF soldiers had slept on your mattresses and used your blankets to keep warm.

I knew that it would make you angry and sad and that you would feel this violation of the most intimate areas of your life by those defined as your enemies, with stinging humiliation. I am convinced that you hate me with unbridled hatred, and you do not have even the tiniest desire to hear what I have to say. At the same time, it is important for me to say the following
in the hope that there is even the minutest chance that you will hear me.

I spent many days in your home. You and your family's presence was felt in every corner. I saw your family portraits on the wall, and I thought of my family. I saw your wife's perfume bottles on the bureau, and I thought of my wife. I saw your children's toys and their English language schoolbooks. I saw your personal computer and how you set up the modem and wireless phone next to the screen, just as I do.

I wanted you to know that despite the immense disorder you found in your house that was created during a search for explosives and tunnels (which were indeed found in other homes), we did our best to treat your possessions with respect. When I moved the computer table, I disconnected the cables and lay them down neatly on the floor, as I would do with my own computer. I even covered the computer from dust with a piece of cloth. I tried to put
back the clothes that fell when we moved the closet although not the same as you would have done, but at least in such a way that nothing would get lost.

I know that the devastation, the bullet holes in your walls and the destruction of those homes near you place my descriptions in a ridiculous light. Still, I need you to understand me, us, and hope that you will channel your anger and criticism to the right places.

I decided to write you this letter specifically because I stayed in your home.

I can surmise that you are intelligent and educated and there are those in your household that are university students. Your children learn English, and you are connected to the Internet. You are not ignorant; you know what is going on around you.

Therefore, I am sure you know that Qassam rockets were launched from your neighborhood into Israeli towns and cities.

How could you see these weekly launches and not think that one day we would say "enough"?! Did you ever consider that it is perhaps wrong to launch rockets at innocent civilians trying to lead a normal life, much like you? How long did you think we would sit back without reacting?

I can hear you saying "it's not me, it's Hamas". My intuition tells me you are not their most avid supporter. If you look closely at the sad reality in which your people live, and you do not try to deceive yourself or make excuses about "occupation", you must certainly reach the conclusion that the Hamas is your real enemy.

The reality is so simple, even a seven year old can understand: Israel withdrew from the Gaza strip, removing military bases and its citizens from Gush Katif. Nonetheless, we continued to provide you with electricity, water, and goods (and this I know very well as during my reserve duty I guarded the border crossings more than once, and witnessed hundreds of trucks full of goods entering a blockade-free Gaza every day).

Despite all this, for reasons that cannot be understood and with a lack of any rational logic, Hamas launched missiles on Israeli towns. For three years we clenched our teeth and restrained ourselves. In the end, we could not take it anymore and entered the Gaza strip, into your neighborhood, in order to remove those who want to kill us. A reality that is painful but
very easy to explain.

As soon as you agree with me that Hamas is your enemy and because of them, your people are miserable, you will also understand that the change must come from within. I am acutely aware of the fact that what I say is easier to write than to do, but I do not see any other way. You, who are connected to the world and concerned about your children's education, must lead,
together with your friends, a civil uprising against Hamas.

I swear to you, that if the citizens of Gaza were busy paving roads, building schools, opening factories and cultural institutions instead of dwelling in self pity, arms smuggling and nurturing a hatred to your Israeli neighbors, your homes would not be in ruins right now. If your leaders were not corrupt and motivated by hatred, your home would not have been harmed. If someone would have stood up and shouted that there is no point in launching missiles on innocent civilians, I would not have to stand in your kitchen as a soldier.

You don't have money, you tell me? You have more than you can imagine. Even before Hamas took control of Gaza, during the time of Yasser Arafat, millions if not billions of dollars donated by the world community to the Palestinians was used for purchasing arms or taken directly to your leaders bank accounts. Gulf States, the emirates - your brothers, your flesh and blood, are some of the richest nations in the world. If there was even a small feeling of solidarity between Arab nations, if these nations had but the smallest interest in reconstructing the Palestinian people - your situation would be very different.

You must be familiar with Singapore. The land mass there is not much larger than the Gaza strip and it is considered to be the second most populated country in the world. Yet, Singapore is a successful, prospering, and well managed country. Why not the same for you?

My friend, I would like to call you by name, but I will not do so publicly. I want you to know that I am 100% at peace with what my country did, what my army did, and what I did. However, I feel your pain. I am sorry for the destruction you are finding in your neighborhood at this moment. On a personal level, I did what I could to minimize the damage to your home as
much as possible.

In my opinion, we have a lot more in common than you might imagine. I am a civilian, not a soldier, and in my private life I have nothing to do with the military. However, I have an obligation to leave my home, put on a uniform, and protect my family every time we are attacked. I have no desire to be in your home wearing a uniform again and I would be more than happy to sit with you as a guest on your beautiful balcony, drinking sweet tea seasoned with the sage growing in your garden.

The only person who could make that dream a reality is you. Take responsibility for yourself, your family, your people, and start to take control of your destiny. How? I do not know. Maybe there is something to be learned from the Jewish people who rose up from the most destructive human tragedy of the 20th century, and instead of sinking into self-pity, built a flourishing and prospering country. It is possible, and it is in your hands. I am ready to be there to provide a shoulder of support and help to you. But only you can move the wheels of history."

Regards,
Yishai, (Reserve Soldier)


Thanks to: http://northernva.typepad.com/rubicon3/2009/01/i-am-the-soldier-who-slept-in-your-home-must-read.html