Yesterday the citizens of Postville, Iowa marched in memory of the largest immigration raid in American history. There were some forty of these vigils held nationwide yesterday.
On the 12 of May, 2008, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided the Agriprocessors plant in Postville and arrested 389 illegal workers. Most of these people were using stolen social security numbers and false documentation. It has come to light recently (although it was always obvious) that Agriprocessors knew these documents were false, but looked the other way in order to maintain a low paid high profit workforce.
Although this raid brought some of America's dirty laundry out into the public eye exposing the ugly side of the free market, and the general greed of the American populous, it was a very positive thing. It could be argued that illegal immigration corrupts the entire market.
We have all heard there are some jobs that Americans won't do. I say that is false. If it pays enough, Americans will do it. If it is cost prohibitive for American businesses to pay the wage required by the worker, you can rest assured business will develop a machine to get it done.
Additionally, we have heard that immigrant workers are vital to keeping costs to the consumer down in the industries which employ the immigrants. False. The costs far outweigh the benefit. Your food might be cheaper, but if you took half a million folks off public health care and public housing, and kept the wages in America, and out of public schools, and and and ... you get the picture.
In this one instance, and this one instance only, I say hats off to the Bush administration. Upholding our laws and maintaining our Sovereignty is paramount to maintaining our national identity and well being. I feel for the families that were torn apart. There were probably some good folks that got hurt here. We HAVE to remember that the situation was self created for these individuals. They made their beds, illegally. The law that landed them under arrest was not unjust.
I find it hard to believe there are folks out there protesting the invasion of our nation. Many of the protesters, I am sure are also mad about the current unemployment rate.
Until next time........Keep your powder dry and your eyes open.
Showing posts with label Constitution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Constitution. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Chipping Away
Listening to Dan Carlin's latest podcast, "Searching for Security", my mind kept wandering beyond what he was talking about. The point of the first half of the show was the erosion of the fourth amendment of our constitution. In case you haven't read it lately, here it is:
"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."
Dan was talking about the warrant less wire taps, illegal searching using "bots" to find people that look at certain types of websites, even seizing of library records and searching of Internet service providers e-mail records for suspicious words and phrases.
The question ended up being whether the fourth may or may not be outdated in today's society. He spoke about Louis Freeh, the FBI Director under president Clinton. He used a quote from Freeh that loosely said "if you ask someone if it is acceptable to tap their phone, they will absolutely say NO. If you ask them if they want a device to help find where their children are, they are all for it."
All the while, I was thinking, "Wow, think about the rest of the constitution and where that has gone too?" The first amendment. Freedom of press, religion, assembly, speech and petition. These words too, have been slowly bastardized to the point of being nearly useless. It too often seems that all laws have to be completely anti religion today. The press is pressured to not be the watchdogs of government. Check out this link: http://www.iptv.org/iowajournal/story.cfm/31 . In order to assemble where we live, there are countless permits and costs. You can't just organize a good ole sit in and not be arrested. Hundreds of thousands of people did manage to make it through the red tape on April 15th only to be played off by the major media outlets as right wing extremists, and as one major unnamed news outlet (name looks like it could mean Communist News Network) said "tea bagging rednecks". Suppose they may have felt a little pressure from the administration or the "party"? Don't even talk about how well you shot at the sporting clays range yesterday while you are in the airport today.
The second amendment. Probably THE most attacked part of the constitution, other than the tenth amendment. I happened across Huckabee's show on Fox News today. He had Charles Grodin on to talk about his new book. Grodin hadn't even been completely introduced yet when he went into a tirade about gun violence. Was the Clinton gun ban an erosion? Is the following proposed bill http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h45/text an erosion of the constitution? I find it ironic the guy proposing it , long time Clinton family friend and Chicago's own Bobby Rush, is a co-founder of the Illinois Black Panthers and went to jail for felony possession of firearms.
The list goes on. There are examples of infringement on every piece of the Contract that our nation was founded upon. At times, the document is used against itself. In today's age of mass transportation and instant information, the necessary and proper clause and the interstate commerce clause are used consistently to destroy the tenth amendment. Read the text of the gun ban proposal at the link above for a classic example. Interstate commerce of firearms is used as the excuse for national licensing. The Second and Tenth are taken away, as they are written, in favor of a part of the body of the text.
This document is the foundation of our nation. Although it is written in far more proper English than we are used to reading in today's lowest common denominator (the bottom number in a fraction for you lefties) age, it is still pretty straight forward and forthright. Why it needs to be "interpreted" has always bothered me. If it outdated, let's not just chip away at it. It's illegal to do so. Let's man up and change it according to the law.
I believe, as Dan said, that the American people would never go for this and the politicians know it. What he left unsaid however, is the fact that politicians are smart. They have figured out that the American public is largely full of people who feel they are too busy to pay close attention. Law is boring and complex so it's extremely easy for them to get around that little stumbling block that holds our Nation together. My fear is now that folks appear to be waking up, it may be too late. The difference between left and right seems to be more like the difference between Valencia and naval oranges rather than apples and oranges.
We have to remember the body of the document had zero chance of passing until a Bill of Rights was included. These ten items secured a small national government free of tyranny in favor of strong local governments of the people. This security is only possible if we the people ensure OUR EMPLOYEES (the Congress and President) live up to the law.
Please check out Dan Carlin's Common Sense and Hardcore History podcasts. He truly is half Ann Coulter and half James Carville. You can find him at http://www.dancarlin.com/ . He never fails to make me think; a lot.
A couple pertinent quotes from Ben Franklin:
"He that lives upon hope will die fasting."
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
There's power in them there words!
"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."
Dan was talking about the warrant less wire taps, illegal searching using "bots" to find people that look at certain types of websites, even seizing of library records and searching of Internet service providers e-mail records for suspicious words and phrases.
The question ended up being whether the fourth may or may not be outdated in today's society. He spoke about Louis Freeh, the FBI Director under president Clinton. He used a quote from Freeh that loosely said "if you ask someone if it is acceptable to tap their phone, they will absolutely say NO. If you ask them if they want a device to help find where their children are, they are all for it."
All the while, I was thinking, "Wow, think about the rest of the constitution and where that has gone too?" The first amendment. Freedom of press, religion, assembly, speech and petition. These words too, have been slowly bastardized to the point of being nearly useless. It too often seems that all laws have to be completely anti religion today. The press is pressured to not be the watchdogs of government. Check out this link: http://www.iptv.org/iowajournal/story.cfm/31 . In order to assemble where we live, there are countless permits and costs. You can't just organize a good ole sit in and not be arrested. Hundreds of thousands of people did manage to make it through the red tape on April 15th only to be played off by the major media outlets as right wing extremists, and as one major unnamed news outlet (name looks like it could mean Communist News Network) said "tea bagging rednecks". Suppose they may have felt a little pressure from the administration or the "party"? Don't even talk about how well you shot at the sporting clays range yesterday while you are in the airport today.
The second amendment. Probably THE most attacked part of the constitution, other than the tenth amendment. I happened across Huckabee's show on Fox News today. He had Charles Grodin on to talk about his new book. Grodin hadn't even been completely introduced yet when he went into a tirade about gun violence. Was the Clinton gun ban an erosion? Is the following proposed bill http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h45/text an erosion of the constitution? I find it ironic the guy proposing it , long time Clinton family friend and Chicago's own Bobby Rush, is a co-founder of the Illinois Black Panthers and went to jail for felony possession of firearms.
The list goes on. There are examples of infringement on every piece of the Contract that our nation was founded upon. At times, the document is used against itself. In today's age of mass transportation and instant information, the necessary and proper clause and the interstate commerce clause are used consistently to destroy the tenth amendment. Read the text of the gun ban proposal at the link above for a classic example. Interstate commerce of firearms is used as the excuse for national licensing. The Second and Tenth are taken away, as they are written, in favor of a part of the body of the text.
This document is the foundation of our nation. Although it is written in far more proper English than we are used to reading in today's lowest common denominator (the bottom number in a fraction for you lefties) age, it is still pretty straight forward and forthright. Why it needs to be "interpreted" has always bothered me. If it outdated, let's not just chip away at it. It's illegal to do so. Let's man up and change it according to the law.
I believe, as Dan said, that the American people would never go for this and the politicians know it. What he left unsaid however, is the fact that politicians are smart. They have figured out that the American public is largely full of people who feel they are too busy to pay close attention. Law is boring and complex so it's extremely easy for them to get around that little stumbling block that holds our Nation together. My fear is now that folks appear to be waking up, it may be too late. The difference between left and right seems to be more like the difference between Valencia and naval oranges rather than apples and oranges.
We have to remember the body of the document had zero chance of passing until a Bill of Rights was included. These ten items secured a small national government free of tyranny in favor of strong local governments of the people. This security is only possible if we the people ensure OUR EMPLOYEES (the Congress and President) live up to the law.
Please check out Dan Carlin's Common Sense and Hardcore History podcasts. He truly is half Ann Coulter and half James Carville. You can find him at http://www.dancarlin.com/ . He never fails to make me think; a lot.
A couple pertinent quotes from Ben Franklin:
"He that lives upon hope will die fasting."
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
There's power in them there words!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Work
Tonight's post really boils down to the following link:
http://www.foundingfathers.info/federalistpapers/
This, my brothers and sisters, is a very important set of documents. This site is a fantastic reference for the understanding of our country. If you have never given them a read, please, please do so. The three folks responsible for these writings were very much in the heart of the struggle at the beginning of our Nation. Please, put in the work. It's worth it.
http://www.foundingfathers.info/federalistpapers/
This, my brothers and sisters, is a very important set of documents. This site is a fantastic reference for the understanding of our country. If you have never given them a read, please, please do so. The three folks responsible for these writings were very much in the heart of the struggle at the beginning of our Nation. Please, put in the work. It's worth it.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
And the Truth Shall Set You Free
90% of the guns in Mexico come from the United States. You have heard that load spewing forth from Madam Pelosi's mouth followed by repetition after repetition on MSNBC, CNN and your nightly network news. What I wonder is why aren't they "reporting" this:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/elections/2009/04/02/myth-percent-guns-mexico-fraction-number-claimed/
Here's a VERY interesting poll. Vote and then view the results. It's only one question.
I know this is an antique and non scientific poll, but its results are interesting just the same.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/quickquestion/2007/november/popup5895.htm
Where are the torches and Pitchforks?!? Fred/Fan get huge bonuses after the AIG outrage, but there is almost no public outcry. Still don't believe the "administration" was behind the AIG craze? These two are Government owned, union pension backed institutions. Don't believe? Prove me wrong. Anyway, here's the article.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idUKN0335729620090403
Ever hear of Transnationalism? This is a word that is popping up all over the news and even in our "administration". Take a look at the link below and let me know where you believe our way of Government fits into this theory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transnationalism
The tin foil hat conspiracy theorists keep bringing up Executive order 10998. They seem to think this little snippet of non-legislation signed by JFK gives the government control of all transportation, minerals, etc.... Really it didn't, and by the way, if you don't believe me you can look here: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/1962.html
But, then there is this: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-645
More ammo for the tin hats or reason to be very afraid? You decide......
Until next time, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/elections/2009/04/02/myth-percent-guns-mexico-fraction-number-claimed/
Here's a VERY interesting poll. Vote and then view the results. It's only one question.
I know this is an antique and non scientific poll, but its results are interesting just the same.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/quickquestion/2007/november/popup5895.htm
Where are the torches and Pitchforks?!? Fred/Fan get huge bonuses after the AIG outrage, but there is almost no public outcry. Still don't believe the "administration" was behind the AIG craze? These two are Government owned, union pension backed institutions. Don't believe? Prove me wrong. Anyway, here's the article.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idUKN0335729620090403
Ever hear of Transnationalism? This is a word that is popping up all over the news and even in our "administration". Take a look at the link below and let me know where you believe our way of Government fits into this theory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transnationalism
The tin foil hat conspiracy theorists keep bringing up Executive order 10998. They seem to think this little snippet of non-legislation signed by JFK gives the government control of all transportation, minerals, etc.... Really it didn't, and by the way, if you don't believe me you can look here: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/1962.html
But, then there is this: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-645
More ammo for the tin hats or reason to be very afraid? You decide......
Until next time, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Poor County Votes Repiblican
An old friend from high school recently made a comment that I couldn't let go of...She spoke about being part of a VERY poor community that kept voting Republican. She just couldn't understand why these people kept voting against their own economic well being. I too live where things are tremendously depressed. According to the 2000 census, 44% of my county's population made less than $25,000 a year. and 62% made less than $35,000. The median wage was just $27,000. I would venture that the median is actually a little deceiving, because there are a few of us that travel for work. By travel, I mean make a minimum of an hour commute every day because we are fortunate enough to have jobs that pay us enough to do so.
I have a theory about why we vote Republican when it wouldn't seem natural to do so. We don't want a hand out. We also know that as long as Kalifornia and USSNY exist, we will never get a proportionate share of our pay in to the Feds. Big cities equal big payouts from the Federal government, and we understand that the Republicans are our only hope (as little as there is) for keeping taxes low.
Our government was established upon a "United States". In other words, each state was its own country. The Constitution was to be a treaty amongst the states in order to provide a common defense and a set of ground rules for us all to get along. This document was ratified with a bill of rights in order to establish a "Union". If we take this as a truth, there are some things that have been corrupted within our current government.
First, federal representatives have far too much status. State members of the house should have far more power than a than a US Senator. Being a state Senator or Governor would be of a status next to the President himself.... Think about that one...
Federal congresspeople today believe it is their duty to "bring it home" to their state. They should actually be fighting to keep it from leaving their state in the first place. FDR saw to it that we never again would be able to fight for that. I just spoke heresy to my liberal readers, but sometimes the truth hurts.
What about projects for the "greater good"? Omnipotent health care, education, someone mentioned US highways. The real question is what about the Individual and the Constitution? I would LOVE to have someone take care of all my social needs. How Awesome? Well, I am not prepared to live in accordance with their belief system in order to have their programs. If I want to have a cigar and a glass of wine after a big steak dinner, I don't want a vegan telling me I can't because it will affect their health care. No cheeseburgers, I don't think so! You have to give up chocolate, because I don't think its good. Before long, we are all living on tofu and water, and running three miles a week. that may be a little far fetched, but really, where does one persons right to pursue happiness end for the greater good? Who decides? If we say society decides, the line will move every election cycle. You can smoke for the next two years. Then you have to stop and eat only fish for protein for two years. Again, far flung, but where is the line?
I say leave it ALL to the states. If you want universal health care, move to Massachusetts. Gay marriage, got to Connecticut. Good schools, the Midwest makes sense. Reverse the state versus fed income tax, and let the states decide. We can take care of defense, highways, and trade alone for far less than is paid now. The folks in a particular state want to forgo taxes at the cost of their schools or highways, it's all good. They will suffer the consequences by having industry leave and their tax base dry up. It really is that easy.
The majority of folks in low population, low income areas don't want a hand out. They want the Federal government out. They are used to operating without a net, and are happy to do so. Far and away more square miles of this country vote conservative than liberal. By four to one. Check it out here:http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/2008_election_county-by-county/
We rednecks simply don't like to be told what to do or how to do it. We also know control of our liberties is exactly what the leftists want. The county by county map may not have any bearing on the election outcome, but it does shed light on why small town folks vote the way they do.
Even if your political views are different than mine, PLEASE check ://www.the912project.com/
Until next time, don't let the financial news get you down. Keep your head high, your powder dry and your eyes open.
I have a theory about why we vote Republican when it wouldn't seem natural to do so. We don't want a hand out. We also know that as long as Kalifornia and USSNY exist, we will never get a proportionate share of our pay in to the Feds. Big cities equal big payouts from the Federal government, and we understand that the Republicans are our only hope (as little as there is) for keeping taxes low.
Our government was established upon a "United States". In other words, each state was its own country. The Constitution was to be a treaty amongst the states in order to provide a common defense and a set of ground rules for us all to get along. This document was ratified with a bill of rights in order to establish a "Union". If we take this as a truth, there are some things that have been corrupted within our current government.
First, federal representatives have far too much status. State members of the house should have far more power than a than a US Senator. Being a state Senator or Governor would be of a status next to the President himself.... Think about that one...
Federal congresspeople today believe it is their duty to "bring it home" to their state. They should actually be fighting to keep it from leaving their state in the first place. FDR saw to it that we never again would be able to fight for that. I just spoke heresy to my liberal readers, but sometimes the truth hurts.
What about projects for the "greater good"? Omnipotent health care, education, someone mentioned US highways. The real question is what about the Individual and the Constitution? I would LOVE to have someone take care of all my social needs. How Awesome? Well, I am not prepared to live in accordance with their belief system in order to have their programs. If I want to have a cigar and a glass of wine after a big steak dinner, I don't want a vegan telling me I can't because it will affect their health care. No cheeseburgers, I don't think so! You have to give up chocolate, because I don't think its good. Before long, we are all living on tofu and water, and running three miles a week. that may be a little far fetched, but really, where does one persons right to pursue happiness end for the greater good? Who decides? If we say society decides, the line will move every election cycle. You can smoke for the next two years. Then you have to stop and eat only fish for protein for two years. Again, far flung, but where is the line?
I say leave it ALL to the states. If you want universal health care, move to Massachusetts. Gay marriage, got to Connecticut. Good schools, the Midwest makes sense. Reverse the state versus fed income tax, and let the states decide. We can take care of defense, highways, and trade alone for far less than is paid now. The folks in a particular state want to forgo taxes at the cost of their schools or highways, it's all good. They will suffer the consequences by having industry leave and their tax base dry up. It really is that easy.
The majority of folks in low population, low income areas don't want a hand out. They want the Federal government out. They are used to operating without a net, and are happy to do so. Far and away more square miles of this country vote conservative than liberal. By four to one. Check it out here:http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/2008_election_county-by-county/
We rednecks simply don't like to be told what to do or how to do it. We also know control of our liberties is exactly what the leftists want. The county by county map may not have any bearing on the election outcome, but it does shed light on why small town folks vote the way they do.
Even if your political views are different than mine, PLEASE check ://www.the912project.com/
Until next time, don't let the financial news get you down. Keep your head high, your powder dry and your eyes open.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Politics: Guns: WTF
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6960824&page=1
The Pres and his AG are promising to make good on another election promise. Reinstatement of the Clinton Gun Ban is on the agenda. This should be a VERY HIGH PRIORITY. We all know that gun crime has absolutely skyrocketed since he took office. You can't hardly leave your house!
There isn't anything else going on in the United States that might warrant any attention. The Dow hasn't lost a quarter of its value in two months or anything silly like that. We aren't fighting two wars and facing a complete hostile financial takeover by the Chinese. There aren't thousands of homes still in rubble from natural disasters, and drought victims to worry about in the south. The Russians aren't helping the Iranians make nukes, and the North Koreans aren't pointing ICBMs at our west coast.
Let's erode the freedoms of the people who follow the law.
I have a HUGE rant,.. I mean post coming on this subject. I have been reading a about it, on both sides of the arguement, and once my opinion is sufficiently formed (as if you can't tell where I stand now) I will get it up.
Until then, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.
The Pres and his AG are promising to make good on another election promise. Reinstatement of the Clinton Gun Ban is on the agenda. This should be a VERY HIGH PRIORITY. We all know that gun crime has absolutely skyrocketed since he took office. You can't hardly leave your house!
There isn't anything else going on in the United States that might warrant any attention. The Dow hasn't lost a quarter of its value in two months or anything silly like that. We aren't fighting two wars and facing a complete hostile financial takeover by the Chinese. There aren't thousands of homes still in rubble from natural disasters, and drought victims to worry about in the south. The Russians aren't helping the Iranians make nukes, and the North Koreans aren't pointing ICBMs at our west coast.
Let's erode the freedoms of the people who follow the law.
I have a HUGE rant,.. I mean post coming on this subject. I have been reading a about it, on both sides of the arguement, and once my opinion is sufficiently formed (as if you can't tell where I stand now) I will get it up.
Until then, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.
Politics: Stealing the Census? How's that possible?
"Section 2 - The House
......The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct......."
This Sentence, taken directly from the Constitution of the United States proves that our political system has NO IDEA what powers (checks and balances) belong to each branch of the Government. It makes me wonder when the last time was that they read the document they are sworn to protect and defend.
I keep hearing these supposed representatives complain that Maobama is attempting to steal the Census, and I can't help but think...... These IDIOTS have the power, but not the cajones! What is everyone afraid of? Why not just stand up and say "Mr. President, I know of a law on the books that says Only Congress can re-appoint the manner and reporting of the Census."
Is this as big of a deal as the right wingers are making it out to be? Who cares if it is?!? Right is Right, and wrong... Well, you get it. Power grabbing is wrong no matter if its former VP Cheney or President Obama.
By the way, kudos to Senator Byrd (never thought I'd say that) for publicly calling out the President on his appointment of Czar's. Here's a link to the story: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/25/ap/congress/main4826828.shtml
Till next time, keep your powder dry, and your eyes open.
......The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct......."
This Sentence, taken directly from the Constitution of the United States proves that our political system has NO IDEA what powers (checks and balances) belong to each branch of the Government. It makes me wonder when the last time was that they read the document they are sworn to protect and defend.
I keep hearing these supposed representatives complain that Maobama is attempting to steal the Census, and I can't help but think...... These IDIOTS have the power, but not the cajones! What is everyone afraid of? Why not just stand up and say "Mr. President, I know of a law on the books that says Only Congress can re-appoint the manner and reporting of the Census."
Is this as big of a deal as the right wingers are making it out to be? Who cares if it is?!? Right is Right, and wrong... Well, you get it. Power grabbing is wrong no matter if its former VP Cheney or President Obama.
By the way, kudos to Senator Byrd (never thought I'd say that) for publicly calling out the President on his appointment of Czar's. Here's a link to the story: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/25/ap/congress/main4826828.shtml
Till next time, keep your powder dry, and your eyes open.
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