A STEP TOO FAR

A STEP TOO FAR

It is said that power corrupts, but actually it's more true that power attracts the corruptible. The sane are usually attracted by other things than power.
David Brin

If there is one dynamic that sets this country apart from many of the others it is this: our government was created by the people to serve the people (not the other way around). The original leaders and framers of the constitution put in a series of safe guards, as well as certain checks and balances to insure that the government infrastructure would always be attendant to the will of the people.

Remember that most of the early settlers came here to escape religious and political repression. The last thing they wanted was an overly powerful central government. With this in mind the early patriots entrusted certain powers to the individual states, and only allowed the central government limited powers that were spelled out in detail. Under this system, all other powers were reverted to the state or individual.

Today we are witnessing unprecedented power being assumed by the Federal government and the executive branch. In my mind the government is leveraging the current economic and political unrest and fear to accumulate powers that it was never entitled to have. Greedy and power hungry politicians are passing legislation designed to increase their constituent’s dependency on them, thus perpetuating their power and positions. When all three branches of government are controlled by one party or interest group the danger of unchecked control is at its highest level.

I’ll tell you up front, that I have never been a political activist, but now its time to speak up or suffer the consequences. I for one do not like the direction that the country is heading, and I want my voice to be heard. The time for apathy is over, we need to speak out before we become slaves to our own government. Our inaction and apathy have caused us to relinquish our ideals.

I believe our country was built on the principles of freedom, personal choice, ownership of private property, and the individuals right to acquire wealth and dispose of it as he or she sees fit. Taxes and tariffs by the government are acceptable to pay for infrastructure and basic services, beyond that I don’t agree with using taxes as a means to redistribute wealth. Government does not create wealth, it only spends and redistributes wealth.

Why would we want to look to elected officials for our basic needs? In a word the government has been a terrible steward of existing national programs such as social security, Amtrak, Medicare, Farm subsidies, and others. I shudder to think of them with a controlling interest in Car makers, insurance companies, health care, and banks. I don’t want government putting salary caps on private citizens. Our dependence on the central government would rise to an all time high and their ability to control the citizens would be unprecedented.

Can you imagine a day where:

Government controlled Auto makers will only offer small, fuel efficient cars, that meet the standards of some government bureaucrat and not be driven by market demand or customer choice. By controlling production levels the boys in Washington could literally hinder your ability to travel.

Universal health care as administered by Uncle Sam, that would surely reduce the quality of our health care system to the level now “enjoyed” by England and Canada. Doctors and hospitals would be reduced to little more than government contract employees and some non health care professional would arbitrarily decide which operations and medicines we were entitled to and when. I can see a time where legislation (or punitive use taxes) could dictate the private citizen’s ability to smoke, drink, eat fattening food (or engage in other activities that the government deemed inappropriate). After all, an unhealthy lifestyle could place an unwelcome and cumbersome burden on the national free health care system. Once the single payer system is in place, we would almost have to leave the country to get elective health care. (Where are we to go…Canada ?)

Banks: Rather than let banks fail the government had stepped in and injected billions in bail out money, but with strings attached. The banks sucked up the bailout and Tarp money and just forgot to let it trickle down to millions of end users who were loosing their homes.

Social Security: The government has been fixing social security for 20 years now, and yet it is widely known that the entire program is in trouble and it is questionable if it will be sustainable for much longer, As far as I concerned they can keep my money and just stop collecting it from here on it. Another clear case of government ineptitude and meddling in people’s personal finances. It also highlights the central government’s inability to keep their hand out of the cookie jar. (or lock box..as Mr.Gore might say)

I guess, if I had to sum up my feelings on the matter, I want less government, not more. I want the freedom to succeed or fail on my own. I want to work hard and be able to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I don’t mind helping others, but I don’t want to be made to, by redistributing wealth. My goal would be to help the needy without dragging down, or presenting a disincentive for the self sufficient. The hair on the back of my neck stands up as legislation is being rushed thru in the middle of the night, often without review by the majority of our elected officials (not to mention the people)

We are now entering an era of unprecedented borrowing to pay for new programs, the burden of which will fall on the businesses and productive people in this country. At some point the debt will have to be re-paid. It’s easy to take stimulus checks and free programs but at what cost? As taxes are raised to an all time high, these people and business will loose the incentive to produce and melt back into the system, or move to another country to escape the financial oppression. I feel a difference of opinion is healthy, but that the country is now too divided.

Government and elected officials have their place, but left unchecked they tend to accumulate too much power. They adopt a mindset that they alone know what is good for the electorate, and set about to control the very lives of those that empowered them. History offers many examples of a government or leaders that were allowed to go unchecked. (in many cases they were granted, or assumed these extra powers to deal with a war or national emergency) Our freedoms and liberty took many years and many sacrifices to achieve, but they can be lost very quickly. I feel we are heading down that path right now, and must make a change before it goes…”A Step Too Far”.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
Abraham Lincoln

Please feel free to contact me at : pooritalianboy@gmail.com

P.I.B.

ENEMY OF THE STATE

ENEMY OF THE STATE

I’m laying here face down on the tile, in a pool of my own blood. I’m breathing very heavily through my mouth, because my nose is certainly broken and I’m slipping in and out of consciousness. My wrists are contorted uncomfortably behind me, and aching from a case of overzealous application of handcuffs. Out of the corner of my eye I can see two guys from the N.P.F. or National Police Force, hi-fiving each other. They are dressed completely in their black uniforms and jump boots, with the NPF gold badge and logo emblazoned on their jackets.

To tell you the truth, I’ve always been a law abiding citizen, and I never figured I’d have a few guys like this kicking my own door down. I’m really not sure why it’s come to this but I guess, I should start back at the beginning

At some point back in the early years of 2000 or 2001, half the people of the United States seemed to increasingly distance themselves politically from the other half. Soon it seemed as if the two sides had little that they could agree on. These differences made themselves all the more apparent each time a national election was decided. Power swung wildly from the left to the right and back after each election.

The parties that eventually came to power tried to overcompensate and alienate the voters that did not want them in power. Eventually dissenters became thought of as dissidents and political trouble makers, and became the subject of increasing government attention. The most vocal and high profile of these dissenters became the targets of endless investigations and harassment by law enforcement and government agencies.

Another dynamic in place at that point in time was heightened concern over national security. We were engaged in several wars overseas with terrorist organizations and they had vowed to bring the war back to American soil. Our people were rightfully frightened and they demanded a new, and even higher level of national security and they were willing to forgo a few civil liberties to achieve it.

New and previously reserved powers were given to enforcement agencies such as the FBI, NSC, Border patrol and the BATF, however these agencies tended to operate independently and with little cohesion. Agents for these organizations all reported to different bosses, had separate budgets, and were careful not to intrude on each others “turf” or domain.

The climate was ripe and the people were trusting, and a few new agencies were born in the shadows, one of which being the N.P.F.

This department was set up in the early months of a very popular presidency. It was originally designed and promoted as a country wide adjunct to the local police agencies, but soon took on the look and firepower of a para-military organization, with broad ranging search, arrest, and pursuit powers.

The N.P.F. was originally conceived as sort of a loaner SWAT team to aide and assist local police departments. The teams were comprised of the best candidates from the military and law enforcement agencies. It was clear from the beginning that these guys were to be the “best of the best”, an elite band of brothers. The problem was they reported directly to the director of the National Police Force who was in turn was selected by, funded by, and reported directly to the president of the United States. This in effect made them the Presidents personal security force, to be used and directed as he alone had seen fit. Even their budget and funding was not subject to review or oversight by congress or the Justice department, making them a very independent entity unto themselves.

In normal times I’m not sure a department like the N.P.F. could ever be formed. The strange thing is that no one actually votes for a thing like this, it just sort of happens. However at the time, every one was very concerned with National Security and most of us were willing to trade off a few civil liberties to feel more secure. Because of their direct chain of command to the commander and chief, the organization grew quickly and was very well funded.

In the beginning the NPF troopers were highly respected and even sought after by local law enforcement agencies, however, as they began to flex their muscle in local jurisdictions, that love affair was quickly ended. It seemed that these national guys had an agenda all their own, and weren’t about to let any lowly street cops or FBI agents stand in their way.

After a few high profile arrests that went bad, and increased media attention, people began questioning the tactics and motives of these “men in black”. However critics were quickly silenced or seemed to disappear. Major media organizations also seemed to quickly abandon their coverage of the NPF and their activities, as watchdogs from the FCC (also strongly influenced by presidential appointments) censored and made their life’s more difficult.

As an independent writer and reporter I felt increasingly compelled to investigate and report on what I perceived as the injustices and excesses that I uncovered by these special police. I guess I have ambitions of following in my fathers footsteps. He was a controversial and award winning journalist in his day. So, I crisscrossed the country at my own expense, gathering data and investigating their tactics and actions. I’d then file my stories anomalously or under fictitious names to keep from drawing undue attention to myself and to the media outlets that bought my work.

Well I guess it didn’t take long for an organization with the power and connections that the NPF has to determine the source of what they considered to be, these embarrassing and disruptive articles and reports. Initially I did not feel threatened by them and felt that I was doing a public service and that my work was clearly protected by my 1st amendment rights. In addition to that, my work only appeared in small community newspapers and oddball radio shows. The big media was afraid to run any of my work due to the possible reprisals by the government.

Evidently my work and writings were being read and closely scrutinized by the powers to be and they felt threatened by the information I was disseminating. Evidently my recent article entitled “Ruthless tactics and accompany illegal search and seizure” pushed the wrong buttons in Washington and made me an undeclared “enemy of the state”.

Even though many of my friends and colleagues cautioned me to temper my exposés, I felt compelled to continue and make the truth know. After all, this is America and I should have no fear of free speech. That’s why I am laying here in a state of disbelief.

As the NPF officers pushed me unwillingly out to the street and into their vehicle, I reminded them quite vocally that I have my rights and that I enjoy protection under the constitution and Bill of Rights. No court in the land would find me guilty of simply exposing the truth. There is Freedom of Speech.

As the officers were locking the cage door behind me one of them took off his dark sunglasses and winked at me “Oh..Don’t be silly…we are not arresting you for your writing or speaking out. You’re getting busted for several felonies….listening to “Conservative Talk Radio” and smoking a cigarette within the city limits.”

Please feel free to contact me at pooritalianboy@gmail.com

P.I.B.

HOW TO REBUILD AMERICA

HOW TO REBUILD AMERICA
“One Brick at a Time”

If you read my previous article: “The Demise of America”, you realize that I believe our country has taken a wrong turn. In many cases, America is in a state of decline, both economically, politically, and morally. I feel that to begin our recovery, we need to first acknowledge our mistakes and misdeeds.

I love this country and I know we can reverse the damage we have done, however, we must begin the process in earnest and we must begin now. It’s important that we do not underestimate the size and complexity of the job we have before us, nor the amount of commitment and effort that will be required. This rebuilding initiative will be a monumental task, accomplished “one brick at a time”.

This task is too important to leave solely to our elected officials. To propel our country to new heights of greatness will require a grass roots effort by all Americans. The job is simply too big for the congress or even the president to tackle alone. I think president Obama, would welcome the help and support of all Americans. In addition, we need to make our elected officials painfully aware that nothing, short of their full attention and cooperation on this effort will be acceptable

As I mentioned, there is a lot of work to be done on many fronts, but here is my

Top Ten “starter” list:
(in no particular order)

Partisan politics: This country was founded on Political debate and tolerance for different points of view. My concern is that the constituents are so divided on most issues that it’s hard to get a consensus. The two party system seems to have drifted to the far left and far right, leaving the centrist to choose between the best of two evils. Sometimes, after an election, I get the feeling that the names have changed, and the balance of power has shifted, but that we are in for more of the same. We may need a solid Third party to offer some balance (maybe the “freedom party”)

Welfare state: Government is not our surrogate mother. I believe in helping people in need, not creating a needy class of people. Our government can not, and should not, be responsible for cradle to grave care for otherwise self sufficient people.

Immigration: America, is truly the great melting pot, Immigration has made us strong. But, today we have people who are entering the country for the wrong reasons or illegally. These un- documented immigrants are undermining our economy and our security, as well as bringing in once controlled or eradicated diseases. Although many of these individuals just want to work and share in our wealth, others are penetrating our borders to do us harm. In short, we need to control our borders.

Economic foundation/Jobs: We have to fix our ailing economy before we can work on some of the other needs. America’s free trade economy is the engine that drives our country forward. When our economy is healthy it creates jobs, strengthens the dollar, and helps provide increased tax money to run the government. The vast majority of Americans are motivated, hard working individuals. They don’t want a handout, they want honest work. We need to reward American and foreign companies for creating jobs that can be filled with American workers.

Bail outs/ no more: What ever side of this bailout business you land on, the banks, car manufacturers, brokerage firms, and insurance agencies, need to know, after this “you are on your own”. Business must succeed or fail on the merits of their own efforts, and with their own capital. The American people will not be there to offer you a soft landing again.

War/ division: If and when America goes to war we need to be 100% sure it’s the only alternative and then we must stand united, behind our troops. There are real fundamental differences and threats in the world for us to be concerned about, any one of which could threaten our national interest and cause us to go to war or be attacked. Iran/Middle east/Israel, Korea, and others, all represent a real and present danger, we can’t ignore these realities or close our eyes to them.
As far as I’m concerned..It’s “ All in or All Out”. War is not the issue for politicians to play political poker with (and we better not let them). Let me repeat, war is a terrible, but sometimes necessary option. We should only exercise that option after all other options have been exhausted and then only to protect ourselves and our vital interests. However, if we do need to go to war, we need to do so to win it and get out.

Put America First: It’s important to be a good world citizen and it’s nice to help others, but let’s get our own house in order first. I’m not advocating that we turn our back on our friends, but put our needs first. We have a responsibility to our own citizens that surpasses that of our neighbors.

Energy Independence: We need to drill & reward alternates energy development: Drilling may have some sort term environmental downside, but so will a nuclear attack on us. The cost to our economy and national security out weigh other concerns. As a side note here, we also need to reduce our foreign debt dependence, much like reliance on foreign energy; it also makes us indebted and subservient to other nations

Build a bridge: It’s a small world, and we are only one player. We no longer wield the same economic and political clout we once had. Let’s drop the arrogance and begin building better relations with other countries (both economic and political)

Home land security: In short: “Beef it Up” ..Our citizens need to understand that we can’t stop every threat from getting thru. We must stop some before they start, and that can only be done with better intel, at home and abroad. As president Bush has repeatedly said: “we have to be right every time, and they only have to be right once” Forget the other items on this list if we can’t control this one. Because without homeland security its, none of the above may be possible, its game over.

It’s been said that freedom was never free, there is a cost. Other generations have paid the price to make America safe, to make America strong, and now it’s our turn. The election may be over but the hard work has just begun. Let’s bring back American pride and unity, like right after 9/11. Let’s begin to rebuild America “Brick by Brick”. We can make her stronger and better than ever.
P.I.B.
Feel free to contact me at pooritalianboy@gmail.com

WHO REALLY WON ?

WHO REALLY WON ?

DATELINE: NOVEMBER 5TH 2008
“A house divided against itself, cannot not stand” … Abraham Lincoln

Finally the long awaited election is over. After 24 months and countless millions spent, we have a new president elect. To be honest, I try to stay away from politically charged articles on my blog because they tend to polarize people. But in this case I think the damage is already done. So, at the risk of being politically incorrect and insensitive, and possibly pissing off half of my readers..Here I go.
I’m not sure if the recent election served to help unite us, or just to further highlight the vast and deepening division that exists between American values and ideals. To be honest, I wasn’t that enthused with either candidate. Were these two guys really the best, and brightest, America had to offer ?
I can’t help but wonder what percentage of the voters, truly expressed their heartfelt endorsement of the candidate, and what percent cast their vote, only as a protest and to show distance to the last president’s policies. Even worse, how many voted for one candidate because they just didn’t want the other guy as president. (a default endorsement)
Personally, I think it’s important for America not to be driven too far to the left or the right. I also don’t find it healthy for one party to have an over whelming majority in the top offices. (President, congress, senate..it tends to drown out descent and opposing views) For my part, If a politician with an opposing view from mine gets in office, I have learned to grin and bear it. The truth is, as much as I may doubt the experience or capabilities of a candidate, I have rarely questioned their patriotism.
I’ve heard a lot about the word “Change” during this election. It seems, everyone is anxious for some change. I will be interested to see if this is little more than a campaign slogan, that will soon be left by the wayside, or an attempt at meaningful and positive change. Remember, all change is not good change. For the most part it’s easy to talk about change and promise change, but when the full weight, responsibility, and reality of the decision is at hand, sometimes change gets put on hold or is compromised.
Especially in regards to Iraq, I will be interested to see just what changes are actually made. Nobody wants to lose another single man over there, but to pack up and walk out immediately, would be strategic and logistical military blunder. Again, the reality of the situation might require a much more measured approach and timeline. The merits of the war can be argued, but the retreat from it must be a prudent and well planned military decision, not the result of keeping a rash campaign promise. War is not the answer to every world problem, but unfortunately when it is the answer, sometimes it’s the only answer. We need the wisdom and the courage to know when it is politically expedient and when it is unavoidable. I also feel that sometimes it must be pro-active. Hope is not a defense.
I also think we may have to re-think the whole 2 party political system and election process in this country, it’s too divisive. I think the majority of Americans are sick of this. Sick of the name calling, sick of the sound bites, and pre-programmed talking points, sick of daily reports by pollsters’ telling us who is in the lead, and tired of the “anything to win attitude”. I’m not sure we can stand another reversal of election results due to hanging chads or another popular vs. electoral college nightmare. My feeling is that the best possible candidates that the United States has to offer, are avoiding the job, they just don’t want to go thru the mud slinging and personal attacks. They can make much more money in the private sector and don’t have to endure making their lives, and those of their families, an open book.
We need a more inclusive system, and a much shorter election process, where we don’t end up with 50% of the population as being winners and 50% being losers. We need a change of mindset for those who always vote right down party lines from president to dog catcher. It’s been years since the country has stood strongly together behind a major politician or decision. We are too divided as a nation. It should not take a major catastrophe for us to come together as Americans. I want politicians to put America first, “all of America”, not their respective parties.

America is a great country, but we cannot rest on past accomplishments. Each generation faces its own challenges, and we are facing ours. I believe our best days are still ahead of us, but the path will not be an easy one, and there are many trials and tribulations in store for us. For the first time, in a long time, we have our hands full both at home and overseas. I’m confident the economic crisis will work its way thru the cycle after some more painful adjustments, but we are less in control of what other countries might do.
Let’s face it, there are people and countries out there that despise our way of life and mean us harm. To believe otherwise is unrealistic and naïve. Yes we can talk to them, yes we can negotiate, but it should be from a position of strength. I for one, do not want anyone mistaking our political bickering, partisan politics and infighting, for weakness or lack of unity. We should not let anyone doubt the resolve or cohesion of the American people, and to be honest, right now we are throwing off mixed signals.
At the end of the day, I’m kind glad that this only happens once every 4 years. I want to see the election decided by the people, not by the judges, lawyers, courts, media, or the best fund raisers. Our system may not be perfect, and it certainly needs some changes, but when it works right, it’s the citizens “who really win”.
P.I.B.