What will tomorrow bring

According to reports, Occupy Wall Street protesters plan an event tomorrow to shut down the city.  According to the video in this article:

In a rant that appears to have been captured after Tuesday’s Zuccotti park eviction in New York City, a man in the middle of the angry protesters reveals his idea of what’s next for the movement: “we’re going to burn this shi* to the motherfu**ing ground on the 17th!”

If it weren't enough that the protesters are planning this, SEIU is also planning to help out.  According to this article:

The SEIU is planning a “Bridge Action Day” for Obama.The overpaid government union goons will shut down traffic on US bridges and harass US workers going to work on Thursday morning.

According to this article:

One of the boldest labor thugs in America today is Stephen Lerner, a crafty economic terrorist who manages to sound like a folksy self-improvement seminar leader while he explicitly calls for the overthrow of capitalism.

An SEIU board member, Lerner is one of the architects of a subversive plan that aims to destroy the nation’s financial system through intimidation, mass protests, and the mob violence that accompanies it. As part of it, Lerner targeted JPMorgan Chase for attack earlier this year because the bank would be “a really good company to hate.”

What can we expect?  Maybe it will be a non-violent event.  I hope so.  With the history of the violence that has already occurred in many places with this "movement" and with the support of SEIU, I have my doubts it will be peaceful.  We will have to wait and see.

Did you know?

Which is better, big government or smaller government?  That is a question many have asked.  I have stated before that the bigger the government is, the harder it is for us to know what is going on with our government and our money.  As citizens, the bigger the government is, the more they can pass through with new laws or spending projects. I admit that I am a small government person.  Here is why.  Did you know:

HUD has given $730,000 to ACORN

President Obama has given ACORN $729,849 so far this year and billions more in federal cash may be in the pipeline.
The president’s new economic stimulus package, the so-called “jobs bill,” contains as much as $15 billion for radical left-wing groups such as ACORN (his former employer). Obama has been using his presidential bully pulpit to demand that Republicans in Congress “pass this bill,” even though there is no bill yet. Despite all the rhetoric, the proposed “American Jobs Act of 2011” apparently hasn’t even been introduced in Congress.

$443 Million for a smallpox drug

Over the last year, the Obama administration has aggressively pushed a $433-million plan to buy an experimental smallpox drug, despite uncertainty over whether it is needed or will work.

$750,000 to virtually deserted airport

The St. Cloud Regional Airport is banking on a recently announced $750,000 federal grant to land an airline at the airport that’s been virtually deserted since Delta terminated service in and out of St. Cloud in late 2009. Despite a $5 million makeover of the terminal two years ago, St. Cloud’s airport has mostly sat idle as the city desperately seeks new commercial airline partners. St. Cloud received $750,000 in federal stimulus funding to assist with a portion of the renovation, but the project has thus far amounted to a passenger boarding bridge to nowhere.

$7 Million paid to foreign workers

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A federal investigation found that at least $7 million in federal stimulus money intended to provide jobs for unemployed Oregonians instead paid wages to 254 foreign workers.

These are just a few.  I know what I would do if that money was in my pocket.  Talk about stimulating the economy.

Political Corruption

Usually I don't watch 60 Minutes, but, last night I did.  It was no real surprise to me that it showed how corrupt many of our politicians are.  I don't even find it shocking that our politicians don't have to play by the same rules as everyone else.  It's no wonder people want to be a politician.  Talk about Greedy.  This is a prime reason why we need to be more aware and active in the political process.  I get tired of hearing the argument that "we can't do anything about it."  That just is not true.

According to this article, based on the show last night:

Washington, D.C. is a town that runs on inside information - but should our elected officials be able to use that information to pad their own pockets? As Steve Kroft reports, members of Congress and their aides have regular access to powerful political intelligence, and many have made well-timed stock market trades in the very industries they regulate. For now, the practice is perfectly legal, but some say it's time for the law to change.

According to this article, it list the 50 richest members of Congress.  I have to wonder about the Senators as well.

Now what can be done about this?  Some Lawmakers are really trying to stop this from happening and have been since 2006.  According to this article:

Two House Democrats are pushing legislation that would prohibit lawmakers and federal employees from profiting from non-public information they obtain in their jobs official positions while requiring greater oversight. 

You can read the entire bill here.

Now for the question, What can I do?  It is real simple.  Contact you members of Congress here, and your Senators here.  Let them know how you feel about passing this bill and let them know that you will be watching.  Let your voice be heard by informing your Politician that you are watching and you will vote them out and get someone who will listen to the people.  We still have a voice in this country and we should be heard.  If we want our country back we must be heard and do not give up or give in.

Christianity vs Islam

I read this story and thought about how strange it is that we hear Islam is a loving religion, but, yet they are attacking Christianity.  They say that Islam is a tolerant religion.  Really?  They even have their own organization in which the Muslims can report anything that goes against them.  I do believe that there are good Muslims and there are bad Muslims, just like any religion including Christianity.

C.A.I.R is the Council on American-Islamic Relations.  According to their website:

Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through media relations, government relations, education and advocacy, CAIR puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism.

CAIR's Governmental Affairs Department conducts and organizes lobbying efforts on issues related to Islam and Muslims. The department is active in monitoring legislation and government activities and then, responding on behalf of the American Muslim community. CAIR representatives have testified before Congress and have sponsored a number of activities designed to bring Muslim concerns to Capitol Hill.

Let's take a look at tolerance.  According to Dictionary.com: tolerance is:

a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.

 

According to this article:

The Tennessee church that gave a platform earlier this year to the Dutch politician who was barred from the U.K. for his view of Islam found itself in crosshairs once again when a conference billing itself as America's first on countering the rise of Shariah was forced to find a new venue after threats of violence from Muslims caused its host hotel to cancel.

And this article:

The Michigan chapter of a Muslim-rights organization is concerned that an upcoming Christian prayer event, TheCall in Detroit, might result in some Christians going to local mosques to “harass or provoke” Muslim worshipers. As a precaution, the director of the group has advised Muslim houses of worship to beef up their security.

Now let's take a look at what is happening in here:

SUNRISE—

Disturbed by the prospect of lambs and goats being slaughtered in her city, Sunrise Commissioner Sheila Alu single-handedly blocked a Muslim religious ceremony set to take place on Sunday.

The meat is sacrificed according to state and Islamic law," Hamze said. "There is no bloodbath. It's very humane. It's a slit on the throat real quick. And they bleed out in a couple seconds. The animals do not suffer."

I have mentioned this before in this post.  As in our history, it is not unusual for us to be questioning the intentions of people and religions we are not familiar with.  It happened to the Germans, Vietnamese, Japanese, and other cultures that have come to our country.  As we have understood more about them, the more we have became more comfortable.

We can ALL learn from being tolerant, including those that ask for it.  There must be an understanding that as with them, we are also sceptical of the intentions of their religion, just as they are with Christianity or any other religion. 

Protecting our children

I wanted to write this blog ever since the story broke on the accusation of abuse at the hands of  Jerry Sandusky.  While doing my research for this, I got more and more disturbed by what I found.  I ran across an article, written by Wayne Allyn Root I hope you will take the time to read. "What the Joe  Paterno scandal and the Penn State riots say about America"

It is very sad when you read the Grand Jury's findings, that many people knew of the abuse of these young children and nothing was done to stop it.  They were CHILDREN for goodness sakes.  It makes me wonder if we are doing enough to teach our children that it is NOT alright to be touched inappropriately.  It is NOT ok to feel uncomfortable around someone and not tell someone immediately.  Today with so many children having cell phones, children should be encouraged to call someone if they are uncomfortable and want to leave.  What happened to these Children is not their fault, it is the fault of those who did nothing.

What is happening here?  For years we have seen and heard reports of parents getting violent at sports games when they feel as though their child is being treated unfairly by the coach or the call of a referee.  Why do we allow sports to become that important in our lives.  So much so, that in this case, nothing was done because of the 800 games won by the coach, who, also makes, according to this article,  in 2009:

Penn State coach Joe Paterno is a millionaire. Records released Friday by the university show the 82-year-old Hall of Famer is Penn State's highest-paid employee, making more than $1.03 million last year.

Could it be that, according to this article:

According to a report by Forbes the Nittany Lions generated $70.2 million in revenue this past season and posted a profit of $50.4 million, more than any Big Ten school in both categories. Only Alabama and Georgia had higher totals in football revenue and profit than Penn State when comparing the Big Ten and SEC to each other.

Are sports so important that, according to this article:

 Penn State assistant coach Mike McQueary will miss Saturday's game against Nebraska after the school said he received "multiple threats."

McQueary testified in a grand jury investigation that eventually led to child sex-abuse charges being filed against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. The ensuing scandal brought down longtime coach Joe Paterno, who was fired by the university on Wednesday amid growing criticism that he should have done more to stop the alleged abuse.

I know that I may anger some, but, this story and the affects on the lives of these, now, young men angers me.  These young men will have to live with this for the rest of their lives.  It is unfair to them, they did nothing wrong. I hope that reading the Grand Jury findings I posted earlier will help in teaching ourselves and our children that what happened here is not ok.  We need to protect our children and make sure that if something isn't right, report it.  Don't be afraid.  You may just save the torment that a child will go through by stepping up and making sure that situations like this does not occur and if it does, you have the power to stop it.

 

I have great respect for Mike McQueary.  He stepped up and spoke out.  He possibly stopped many more children from being abused by Jerry Sandusky.  I applaud him for standing up for what is right.  He should not be the one receiving death threats.  No one should.  At least he had the courage to do what was right.

My hope and prayer is that these young men realize that they will survive this.  They can make a difference.  It will be a long road for them, but, I hope they know that many people stand with them and support them, even if we don't know them.

Unions right or wrong for the U.S.

I have written about the unions before.  I will say once again, that I am sure there are some things good about belonging to a union.  I have also stated that I believe the union leaders are out to put more money in their pockets than in the pockets of the union members.

Here, I will put some articles to understand better who the unions really look out for.  In this article:

All it took to give nearly two dozen labor leaders from Chicago a windfall worth millions was a few tweaks to a handful of sentences in the state's lengthy pension code.

Twenty years later, 23 retired union officials from Chicago stand to collect about $56 million from two ailing city pension funds thanks to the changes, a Tribune/WGN-TV investigation found.

Because the law bases the city pensions on the labor leaders' union salaries, they are reaping retirement benefits that far outstrip the modest salaries they made as city employees. On average, their pensions are nearly three times higher than what the typical retired city worker receives.

Remember the Boeing Plant being attacked by the National Labor Relations Board?  According to Wikipedia:

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is an independent agency of the United States government charged with conducting elections for labor union representation and with investigating and remedying unfair labor practices. Unfair labor practices may involve union-related situations or instances of protected concerted activity. The NLRB is governed by a five-person board and a General Counsel, all of whom are appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate.

Now reports have come out about the NLRB and their decision to fight the Boeing plant. According to this article,  on April 22, 2011:

Acting NLRB General Counsel Lafe Solomon sent an email to Wilma Liebman, outgoing Chairwoman of the NLRB, “The article gave me a new idea. You go to geneva [Switzerland] and I get a job with airbus [French company]. We screwed up the us economy and now we can tackle europe.”

Last year, President Obama bypassed the U.S. Senate and recess-appointed Craig Becker to head the NLRB’s five-member board. The Becker appointment was made after the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate refused to move forward on his confirmation. An ally of ACORN, Becker had previously worked for the SEIU and the AFL-CIO, major financial backers of Obama and the Democratic Party. Controversially, Becker has refused to recuse himself from certain NLRB decisions affecting his former union clients.

According to this article:

The new Obama DOL Union Officer and Employee Conflicts-of-Interest Disclosure Reports will no longer require disclosure of:

• Salary payments by employers to union officials who do absolutely no work for the employer except grease the skids in “grievance adjustments”;
• Bonuses and raises paid by employers to union officials who do absolutely no work for the employer;
• Promotions by employers to union officials who do absolutely no work for the employer;
• Director stipends of $20,000 or more to union officials for attending annual or quarterly labor-management conferences often held at a lush resorts;
• Labor union presidents’ spouses who receive payments of $250,000 a year from a HERE union pension trust will no longer be required to disclose it because Obama’s DOL believes that congress was uninterested in these types of conflicts.

Have you ever heard of the National Mediation Board?  Well, according to this article:

This board is specifically focused on labor relations between the railroad and airline industries. And just like the NLRB, the NMB is aggressively pushing Big Labor’s agenda. Last July, the NMB overturned nearly a century of precedent and issued a new pro-union rule regarding union elections. Instead of requiring the traditional democratic practice of a simple majority of members to unionize, now the rules only require a majority of votes cast for unionization.

So, what is next?  Do we want the Unions taking control of all the jobs in this country?  Do we want to be forced into joining a union in order to get a job?  Do we want to be like this family who is forced to pay Union Dues to take care of their disabled children?  Here is the story.

One lies, one tells the truth

I find it amazing that a Politician finally tells the truth and people don't want to listen.  It is one of the biggest complaints we have.  Politicians don't tell the truth, now we have one.  My hat is off to Joe Walsh for standing up and telling the truth.

According to this article, video included:

"I don't want government meddling in the marketplace," Walsh said. "Yeah, they move from Goldman Sachs to the White House, I understand all of that. But you gotta’ be consistent. And it’s not the private marketplace that created this mess. What created mess was your government, which has demanded for years that everybody be in a home. And we’ve made it easy as possible for people to be in homes."

To back up his claim that the government is the problem not the solution to our problems is this article:

Fannie Mae, the biggest source of money for U.S. home loans, on Tuesday said it needed a further $7.8 billion in federal aid to stay afloat as a shaky housing market widened its third-quarter loss to $5.1 billion.

Given the crucial role the two play in U.S. housing finance, owning or guaranteeing about half of all mortgages, the government has pledged unlimited funds to keep the firms afloat through the end of 2012. Combined, they have cost taxpayers around $169 billion.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were created by Congress to encourage homeownership. They buy mortgages from lenders and repackage them as securities for investors, with a guarantee, to ensure a steady source of home loan funds.

Now to Eric Holder.  It is just my opinion, based on all that I have seen and read, this man is either incompetent or is lying.  According to this article,

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Tuesday claimed that he never received any of the memos about Operation "Fast and Furious," that were sent to him dating back to July 2010

Under grilling from Sen. John Cornyn during his Senate Judiciary committee testimony, Holder claimed that though the memos had his name on them, he never received them because his staff made the determination that they did not warrent his attention

I would think that with that many guns going to Mexico and that big of an operation he should have known about it. How could he not know?

To add insult to injury, Holder stated:

"It's not fair to suggest" the Fast and Furious program "led to the death of Agent Terry."

In this article,

In addition to refusing to come clean on exactly when he first knew of Fast and Furious (and what he knew), Holder also had the gall to tell the Senate Judiciary Committee that the real issue they needed to focus on was “the battle to stop the flow of illegal guns to Mexico.” In other words, what we should be focusing on here is the need for gun control in order to keep the Southern border safe. To that end, Holder said the ATF should receive increased powers via the increased “resources and statutory tools it needs to be effective.”

I disagree with Holder on the need for more gun control.  I believe that everyone who lives on the border should be allowed to own a gun, if they wish, in order to protect themselves, their families and their property.  Our Federal government refuses to see the problem, so it is up to the citizens to do what the government won't do if they choose to.  Instead of fighting the states that are trying to do what the government refuses to do, our government should enforce the laws they put in place.