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Bob Cratchit
Bob Cratchit
My Christmas week column
Without much thought most of us can recite the plot of Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” and the various scenes of ghostly Jacob Marley torturing the soul of Ebenezer Scrooge. Dicken’s indictment of 19th century capitalism is just as accurate 167 years after publication. Although in denial, most Americans have more in common with the hurting Bob Cratchit and family than the wealthy, out of touch Ebenezer Scrooge this Christmas.
I challenge you to consider how your Christmas four years ago compares to this year and what concerns are facing you, your family, friends, and our country. Christmas 2006 we had never heard of candidate Barak Obama, the national debt was 8.5 trillion versus 14 trillion today, 258 U.S. soldiers had died in Afghanistan versus 1437 total through today, and unemployment was 4.6% compared to the current 9.8% with over 8 million jobs lost in just the last two years. Personally, Christmas 2006 was incredible as my house was “worth” far more than I had paid, and I was a believer in the infinitely upward movement of American economic growth. Two years of unemployment wiped out my entire career’s worth of wealth building. Regardless of your opinion of the financial crisis, our political parties, or presidential administrations this Christmas is different.
Last week at Wal-Mart my wife spoke to a cashier who had her heat fail and was using space heaters to warm her home. With their 3-year old sharing a bed to stay warm she said the house dropped to the same temperature as outdoors, 15oF. I assert most of us are like Bob Cratchit, just surviving to stay warm and struggling to feed our families. The debt crazed, home equity financed Christmas is now the Ghost of Christmas Past. This year the Ghost of Christ Present has brought prudence, fear, and common sense upon America. State employees, teachers, and educated engineers and managers wonder if tomorrow will bring a pink slip or another week of toiling hours just to keep a job, unappreciated by the likes of Scrooge. Bankers however will bask with overgrown golden turkeys, excesses of food and thermostats set at 74 oF unlike 60 oF for the common folk. And what about the third specter? The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come will more than likely deliver further pain and woe to already hurting families. “When people lose everything and they have nothing to lose, they lose it.” – Gerald Celente
Free Speech
Free Speech
I argue the most important freedom we have under the Constitution is the right to Freedom of Speech. It is interpreted as the right to speak freely without censorship or limitation. As defined in our own First Amendment to the Constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Sadly though, something happened over the last century, accelerating rapidly over the last two decades. I previously wrote freedom of speech must remain free of tests, and the most important speech is one making us uncomfortable, but yet allowed. It is free speech protecting news media, web sites, and our access to information. We take for granted the freedom of the Internet and our assumed rights to read, review, and see any content. Of course, we are aware countries like China and North Korea censor their citizens’ access to web sites and news, especially political discourse contradicting their governments. We assume this will not happen in America, but quite the opposite is true.
Last week Senator Lieberman proudly announced his success pressuring Amazon.com to remove Wikileaks from its servers. Bill O’Reilly called for the execution of Wikileaks’ Julian Assange on his television show and Sarah Palin similarly did the same. The narrow-mindedness of these pundits is more concerning than the actions of Assange. Our willingness to have “hate speech” protections in America caused a young man in Kentucky to find himself sentenced to prison for three years last week after writing a poem titled, “The Sniper,” a concerning poem narrating the assassination of President Obama, but one that should be protected by the First Amendment nonetheless.
Many would argue some speech is bad, but I assert you must accept all speech to truly enjoy freedom of speech. The writings of Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson granted our liberties and released us from tyranny. Using today’s standards their writings are treasonous and require “balance” and an investigation by Homeland Security would ensue with both men finding themselves on Domestic Terrorist watch lists; there would be no American Revolution. No matter how uncomfortable, the right to criticize and question our government leaders gave us our freedoms and we must continue to monitor and fight to keep this right to free speech. “Censorship reflects society’s lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime,” Potter Stewart
wikisuccess……
wikisuccess……
I have been stunned by the number of times I have asked friends and family about Wikileaks and their opinion last week and they knew nothing. Although Wikileaks was splashed all over the headlines, sadly it appears Cybermonday is far more important to most Americans. Last week the talk show personalities and government officials were quick to offer their condemnations, calling the actions of Wikileaks treasonous and criminal. Anytime the media, government, and the entire political spectrum agree it is worth considering the contrarian position. Personally, I have a strong contradictory opinion in support of Wikileaks and want to make a case for my opinion.
I have watched Wikileaks evolve over the last several years as a safe haven for whistleblower journalism. Julian Assange is an Australian born hacker who ran a software company and is the public persona of Wikileaks. The catalyst for the web site was capturing internet traffic in China, observations and secret emails by the Chinese government several years ago shared by dissidents who required extreme protection for fear of ultimate retaliation by the Chinese. With the protections of Swedish law regarding anonymity to sources of the Press, secure servers around the world, and safe drop boxes for information Wikileaks became the ultimate whistleblower web site. Not only has the site shared government secrets, but individuals have posted corporate details leading to arrests.
In April 2010, after funding and server problems, Assange splashed Wikileaks across the front pages of the news worldwide with the release of secret documents describing U.S. killings of civilians in Iraq in 2007. In July 2010 Wikileaks released the “Afghan War Diaries” and Assange was instantly condemned by both the press and government for recklessly putting troops in harm’s way through the document release. However, the Afghanistan documents brought to light government cover-ups regarding friendly fire and civilian casualties. At the time, I researched this release wondering about the legality and learned of a similar, earth shattering release of government information made by Daniel Ellsberg in 1971, “The Pentagon Papers.” Ellsberg was vindicated by the Supreme Court ruling the Constitution guarantees anonymity, at least in the area of political discourse.
With the release of last week’s documents, now labeled “cablegate”, Assange has become a permanent thorn to the U.S. government. Both sides of the aisle have called his acts treasonous and are seeking his arrest. He is reviled by many and wanted by Interpol, for consensual sex without a condom in Sweden. I argue the headlines are made to discredit Assange and tarnish his public reputation. Sarah Palin has blasted Assange, Clinton accused him of an ‘attack’ on the world, and Senator Lieberman successfully shutdown servers and related Wikileaks documents in the United States.
The documents show embarrassing corruption in the Afghanistan war, orders to spy on delegates to the United Nations by Secretary Clinton, and accusations of mafia like activities by the Russian government. I believe the documents show the true nature of our government, and governments worldwide, an elitist class of buffoons in charge of public policy using their positions of power to promote personal self interests. We all learn in high school we should live our lives as if our actions are to make front page headlines on the New York Times. In this case, with the release of documents dating back 40 years the true opinions and ineptness of our government officials is now public.
Those against the release of Wikileaks argue the documents will result in the loss of life to secretly placed operatives and erode progress of political negotiations, but no one has died as a result of Wikileaks. Cablegate has shed light on African governments stealing billions for personal gain, negotiations by the U.S. with terrorist nations, and acknowledgment of civilian loss of life in our wars. I am shocked the media is not more supportive of Wikileaks and can only assume the embarrassment of being “scooped” by one outside their ranks, similar to Matt Drudge during the Clinton years, has alienated support.
I argue government must be held to the highest standard, one that operates with ultimate transparency. Without the spotlight of transparency the citizens are subject to corruption, theft of public funds in the treasury, disregard of the law, and in some cases death. Assange promises the next release will reveal details of a large bank institution’s handling of the financial crisis. I believe public opinion and the media anchors will offer applause when Wikileaks offers the same insights inside a private corporation and comments similar to those made by our government leaders inside a board room would make the late night talk show monologues rife with jokes, not condemnation. I want my government held accountable and operating with the highest integrity and moral fortitude, I applaud Assange and his courageousness. History will reflect his actions as critical to the safety of citizens worldwide and changing the way government operates.
As I write this column, Saturday December 4th, 2010, the Wikileaks.org web site I visited multiple times earlier in the week is no longer accessible. Internet purists are working on new technologies to bypass government interventions and maintain ultimate freedom of information on the web. I do not live in China, I do not want censorship, and I do not want the tyranny of a government hiding from its own illegal acts.
Ants and Grasshoppers
Ants and Grasshoppers
I dictated this column ten days ago when the TSA backlash was first starting. Since 9/11 I have been questioning the policies of George Bush and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. In October 2002 I had a letter published in the News-Journal predicting new airport security measures were similar to Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Removing shoes came next, I tried to resist but after being placed on the “TSA Watch List” and threatened by TSA I ultimately acquiesced and felt alone trying to stop this intrusion. TSA demonstrated its stupidity with its policy on liquids, watching me drink a bottle of Dasani water, clear and pure; requiring its disposal because it will explode.
Several weeks ago I saw a Tampa television station dutifully reporting about a multi-jurisdictional task force at the Greyhound bus station where FHP, TSA, and Border police were checking papers and searching passengers. The week before an Atlanta television station likewise reported about a comparable task force stopping trucks inbound on I-20 to pass through full size X-ray machines, check papers, and be searched. Sadly, Americans willfully reported they were glad to experience the inconvenience and felt safer, and no one seemed to question the right of the government or the warrantless search performed in direct contradiction to the Constitution, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
This issue has moved beyond the requirement for airline security. Bush’s moves after 9/11, in the name of fighting terrorism, stole freedoms from Americans, undoing over 225 years of liberty: the Patriot Act created unprecedented warrantless spying, Homeland Security employees over 200,000 with a budget of $52 billion, and the relatively unknown support of the Courts to establish “Constitution Free Zones”. While you watch your elderly mother, wife, or teenage daughter undergo an intrusive, pat-down search, ask yourself by what authority has the government asserted this right.
The current fight is about the Ant and the Grasshopper, and the general failure of Americans to understand their Constitutional rights. We, the ants, are trying to resist the government grasshopper. If we succeed, we undo years of authoritarian success by the grasshopper.
The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone
My buddy Noel and I were talking this week about the rising cost of fuel, unemployment, President Obama’s actions in Asia, rising gold prices, crashing housing prices, and “Dancing with the Stars”. I said it felt like we were in the “The Twilight Zone”. You see, Noel and I are the same age as each other, born in 1967. I commented that we grew up with Gene Cernan hitting golf balls on the moon and promises of us living there someday. We were influenced by TV re-runs like “The Brady Bunch”, “Leave it to Beaver”, and “Andy Griffith”. The 1970’s had the gas crunch, Nixon going to China, the Bicentennial, Jimmy Carter, and the Iranian Hostage crisis. As we entered high school Reagan protected us from the Soviets, and the Big 3 auto companies saved themselves from the Japanese. In college Bush 1 continued the legacy of Reagan and we graduated to a healthy job market. Clinton first scared us with Hillarycare and reinvented himself to ultimately steer a healthy economy where everyone talked dotcoms, and knew Peter Lynch’s name; investment returns less than 15% were despised. Even as we partied like it was 1999, life remained good, our careers flourished, and although terrorism was new to our shores, we all jumped on the real estate rocket ship.
Today I feel like a character in the Twilight Zone: I lost my job, like Donald Trump sold real estate at a loss, shed assets like “The Biggest Loser”, have watched two elections with dismay wondering how some get reelected and others lost, and been puzzled by the bank mess and healthcare. On television gay characters perpetuate, obesity delights, and sitcom dialogue offends. I used to love air travel, but George Bush created a Gestapo security force requiring me to show papers, remove my shoes, and in the latest round choose radiation or molestation to board a plane. My president claims Islam was the light of the world, but yet the followers of this political radicalism have killed over 3,100 Americans in the last decade, many on our own soil. America manufactures nothing, we regurgitate services, and our economy is fueled by debt and consumption; there are no jobs and it will take 20 years to recover the 8 million lost over the last three years. Last week the central bank announced it will print money until our economy is fixed, another crazy scheme parallel to the Fed’s efforts of the Great Depression. My only explanation is we are waiting for Rod Serling to step from behind a tree saying, “That’s the signpost up ahead – your next stop, The Twilight Zone!”
What Happened Last Week
Last week there was a lot more happening in America than reported. Of course everyone is aware of the change of power in the House of Representatives, and most people know Reid, Frank, Boxer, and Pelosi were re-elected. The political sage purported their own theories as to what happened, but last week was easy to explain: while the masses slept the informed went to the polls and voted. Throughout the constant barrage of political analyses there was one shift in the majority reported rarely; 19 state legislatures changed from Democrat to Republican majorities. The impact at the state level is the passage of conservative agendas, aligned with the will of the people: state influenced immigration controls, no gay marriage, gun rights will stop eroding, and we can expect more fiscal control of budgets.
In addition to the electorate changes, the twelve members of the Fed Open Market Committee, private banking individuals not elected by the people, forever changed our future. Although called “Federal Reserve” the “Fed” is as federal as “Federal Express”. The group of private bankers promised to purchase $600 billion of government bonds because our debt, traditionally the stalwart of confidence to the world, has no other buyers. America will look like the 1970s, interest rates will drop further, past the already historically low rates making home and car purchases cheaper, if you can qualify for a loan or have a job, but increased prices are inevitable. By monetizing our debt, our currency was devalued and therefore it will take more dollars to buy exports. Although it sounds complicated, in the coming months the cost of everything made in China will rise, our foreign food supply will rise in cost, and OPEC will want more dollars for a barrel of crude. Gasoline should easily reach $3.40/gallon by April as OPEC is demanding a minimum $100/barrel.
What happened last week was historical, America moved politically in a direction not seen since Reconstruction (1865), recognizing the failed policies of an out of control majority. Similarly, Europe has done the same, moving Right to fight Unions, pensions for life, and nanny-state mentality. What happened last week when the Fed announced quantitative easing will also change our lives. We the People will pay today and well into the future for printing money. As we were taught in school, the Fed needs inflation to grow the economy, but inflation is really a hidden tax on us, the people.
Due to Deadlines
Due to deadlines, I write this column on Saturday mornings prior to publication date and therefore it is difficult to deliver a timely column, tied directly to headlines. For instance, I wrote this five days ago, but with confidence I predicted there was a significant shift in Congress yesterday. I did not predict numbers, but predicted the headlines and commentary from the media; today you are hearing the American people “did not understand” President Obama’s vision, or they were “angry” over the economy. I argue yesterday was much simpler and there is no need to overanalyze what happened.
Yesterday’s outcome was about values and politicians selling out their integrity. The methods used during the health care debate showed a majority party willing to use thuggery to win an agenda. Intimidation by the Speaker, failing to hold town hall meetings and closed-door debates demonstrated Chicago-style politics used nationwide, contradictory to promises of transparency. Sadly, an examination of our local Representative Kosmas’ record shows a pass given on the first vote and then a “yes” vote in round two, against the will of her constituents; a good woman sent to Washington and if she had maintained her integrity against the machine she would be returning.
With two years of legislation, failed economic policies, teleprompter speeches, extravagant travel, and excessive golf yesterday became a mandate for real “change and hope”. What voters moved on was spending, an out of control congress, and failed fiscal policies. Since the last election unemployment increased, the Federal deficit increased, social security spent deficit funds, total debt increased trillions, the social agenda moved decidedly left while most Americans remain center-right, and personal freedoms were reduced.
Nearly two years ago Hillary Clinton presented Russian President Putin with a button, “Reset”. Yesterday voters yesterday sent the same message to Washington and the new Republican Congress has an opportunity to echo the successes of 1994; saving America and possibly saving a President. Without the Democrat puppeteer as Speaker, Congress will find themselves free of the shackles of desperate politics and instead controlling their destiny. Congress can move quickly to save America: maintain the 2001 Bush Tax cuts, repeal healthcare, legislate spending limits as a percent of GDP, require a balanced budget, and stop the tomfoolery of passing new legislation so prevalent during the last two years. If nothing else, regardless of your political alignment, at lease the negative ads have stopped!
ELECTION SEASON – Part V
Most American voters are stupid, but you are different because you are reading this column, this page, and this paper. Unfortunately, everyone else seems to wait for someone to tell them what to do and how to vote, whether it’s by the constant barrage of political attack ads or the non-stop voices of Hannity, Limbaugh, Olbermann, and Maddow. With next Tuesday’s election rapidly approaching I assert the average person walking into the polling place knows nothing more about the candidates or the issues than they have seen on television.
My bold statement about stupidity comes from a personal reminder about the “real world” over the Biketoberfest weekend. Many find it surprising, but I do not have televisions; specifically I do not subscribe to cable or have an antenna to receive local stations. Curious about next week’s ballot I have sought out the proposed amendments and read through the legalese and worked to understand the issues. Regarding candidates I have diligently researched with disregard to party lines, and especially worked to understand judges, commissioners, and other non-affiliated nominees. Over the last four weeks I have worked to educate you regarding labels, parties, and local politics.
I believe the last election had one of the highest voter turnouts ever among young people minorities; captivated by a polished, elegant, intellectual man from Illinois. These same people then checked other boxes on their ballots, radically changing the political landscape. A friend of mine said, “you should not be allowed to vote unless you have skin in the game.” Although somewhat arrogant, the point drives home the fact that our free country allows freedom at the ballot box, even when the voter has no knowledge of the candidates or the issues.
In the final days leading to the election survey results will be reported as truth regarding how your friends and neighbors are thinking. Attack ads, and misleading advertising campaigns will be delivered at a furious pace. No matter what your party alignment and general feelings, I challenge you to find a sample ballot, study the names and prepare yourself to vote. You must take time to read the complicated proposed amendments as they will directly impact you for years to come. Remember two things: our government does not belong to Republicans and Democrats, but “We the People,” and millions of Americans have died for your right to vote next week, don’t waste it.
Election Season – Part IV
Over the last three weeks I have tried to address basic political issues regarding the platforms of the two major parties and the labels applied to describe agendas. With a major election less than two weeks away it is important to understand how the political system works. I feel the 2008 election is an excellent example of our constitutional right to vote where the casual voters caused a “mandate by the American people,” now about to be overturned in another mandate this fall after watching vote selling, favoritism, and power abuse by the majority.
Unfortunately, media attention typically centers on national politics, many people unable to name the President, fewer able to name the Vice President, Speaker of the House, or Senate Majority Leader. These people drive the national agenda and play a significant role in our lives. For instance, national healthcare has been passed and Congress has eliminated incandescent light bulbs; decisions driven on the national level. I argue our state, county, and city elections take as much priority as the national elections though, but too many people scoff at these politics.
Unnoticed, the School Board influences local property tax values and potentially sales tax rates. With our school district, county, and cities in financial dire straits it is critical we understand our local candidates and their fiscal policies because two approaches exist to balancing budgets: cutting expenses or increasing tax revenues. At all local levels of government the millage rate can increase; an easier decision than cutting services, salaries, and pensions. Our local politicians can increase taxes with a vote of four out of seven members, thus just one person can create thousands of dollars in increased annual expenses for your family.
Even Volusia County’s Elections Supervisor found herself at the center of national attention during the Gore-Bush Presidential election of 2000 when voting recounts became critical, certifying election results under the scrutiny of the national media. Few of us realize the members of the Canvassing Board came from our locally elected judges, ultimately deciding the Presidential Election. Proposed amendments are more important as they will ultimately impact policy, tax rates, and budgets for years to come. Proposals like Amendment 4, Hometown Democracy, have the potential to destroy the normal legislative process, relying instead on the populace to make ill-informed decisions argued at the ballot. I urge you to study and learn about your ballot before November 2nd.
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