Posted on 05/27/2010 4:52:25 AM PDT by Kaslin
Hillary Clinton did it and it worked for her when she ran for the Senate in New York, so now Republicans will give it a go. It's the listening tour, except unlike Hillary, who traveled from town to town, Republicans plan to stay in one place and invite you to come to them.
House Republicans announced on Tuesday a new Website (www.americaspeakingout.com). It invites people to submit their ideas in five categories: American prosperity, fiscal accountability, American values, national security and an "open mic" section on which you can recommend anything not covered by the other four.
I do not wish to discourage anyone from asking for good ideas, but isn't this what we elect our representatives to do? If they have run out of good ideas that work and can improve the country, maybe it's time for them to leave office and allow people with good ideas to serve in their place. Given the toxic nature of our politics, what makes anyone think that a good idea from a Democrat would be accepted by a Republican and vice versa? Would it even be labeled "good" if the idea came from the opposition? I doubt it.
Are we the first generation out of the cave? Has nothing been tried before? We know what works and what doesn't. Is there any doubt that we are under a crushing load of debt because we spend too much on "entitlements" that are really just bribes for votes? Aren't individual liberty and economic independence good ideas?
A surgeon wouldn't ask patients in a hospital for suggestions on how to perform an appendectomy. Why, then, are Republicans asking the public to do their job?
But since they asked, here are some recommendations:
Economy: If Republicans regain power, they should promise to immediately declare a national fiscal emergency during which every federal program and agency, including every "entitlement," will be required to justify its continued existence. If it cannot do so, it should be eliminated. People must be told that the gravy train isn't going to stop at their station any longer so they'd better get about the business of taking care of themselves and their families. This will hurt, at first, like quitting nicotine or caffeine cold turkey, but the end result will be independence.
This might also require us to redefine the "American Dream," which ought to be less about accumulating stuff and more about acquiring character. That worked for previous generations.
Education: Money doesn't improve grades. Eliminate the Department of Education and reduce school staff (not good teachers). Allow for school choice. The initial focus will be on disadvantaged children who have proven that they can learn in the right environment and with the proper encouragement and motivation. The cycle of poverty will be broken and African Americans, especially, will thank Republicans by returning to their pre-Roosevelt roots and voting for them out of gratitude for saving their children.
Social issues: With the exception of adultery and physical abuse, divorce should be made more difficult and so should marriage. People should be required to see a counselor before marrying or divorcing. The social cost of divorce has been staggering. It should be discouraged. Abortion should also be discouraged and every woman who thinks she wants one should be required to view a sonogram of that which she is about to terminate. That would save many aborted babies and increase the number of taxpayers.
National defense: National defense begins with going after those who are going after us. Yes, we intend to identify, pursue (and deport from America) those terrorist leaders who use religion as an excuse to murder innocent civilians. Never has "the best defense is a good offense" had greater meaning.
These are some of my ideas, Republicans. I have more (including health care), but do these and the rest won't be necessary. Don't you already know these things? If so, what's the point of the Website?
You’d think they would’ve heard us by now...
They’re just hoping we’ve changed our minds so they can go back to the same old crap.
On the spot remark. The two parties are corrupted by the same system, so really how could they be so different? Granted there might be one or two brave souls willing to put their neck on the line, but most pull rank to protect each other and the system that corrupts them.
It’s like they don’t have a clue what is going on and they are peeking out the window?
Its important that people start looking within their own statehouses as well.
For instance. Here in Michigan it was republicans who led the way on the forced unionization of home care workers. The man who introduced the bill that did it is running for the Stupak seat against Benishek.
Unfortunately people are so sure that it can’t happen in their “red” state that they don’t bother too look and their state legislatures do it without any opposition from the people.
K St priorities are an effective blanket between the voices of We the People and our representatives. More representation (change Congressional apportionment from the current 1:700000 to 1:30000 -which the founders mandated)-would fix that in a New York minute.
Read?? Who in DC actually reads anything??? ;-)
OK GOP here is my idea. Dump Steele RIGHT now and then we will talk.
If they have to ask........
I’ll make it easy for them.
NONE OF THESE!
1. Strong, centralized government.
2. Powerful Executive at the expense of Congress and the Judicial.
3. Government controlled banking, credit and securities exchange.
4. Government control over employment.
5. Unemployment insurance, old age pensions.
6. Universal medical care, food and housing programs.
7. Access to unlimited government borrowing.
8. A managed monetary system.
9. Government control over foreign trade.
10. Government control over natural energy sources, transportation and agricultural production.
11. Government regulation of labor.
12. Youth camps devoted to health discipline, community service and ideological teaching consistent with those of the authorities.
13. Heavy progressive taxation.
Once again controlling the debate.
American prosperity, fiscal accountability, American values, national security...
If they have no idea how to secure and promote the above, they have no business collecting lavish salaries and benefits off the backs of the American taxpayers. They should step down and let others have a go at lining their pockets and pretending to be important!
...and an "open mic" section on which you can recommend anything not covered by the other four.
How about growth hormones to help with the spine and gonad problems within the GOP?
OR...how about an actual meeting of substance whereby all GOP members of CONgre$$ assemble and only allow Senator Jim DeMint and Representative Michele Bachmann to control the stage and the mike? Senators Inhofe, Sessions and maybe Coburn could be called on for brief remarks along with Representatives Steve King, Hensarling, Sam Johnson, Latta, Foxx, Garrett, Royce, Shadegg and Franks. I'm sure these members have all the ideas we need.
Since, apparently, this website doesn't want to incur the cost of using moderators, or seperate the website into conservative, liberal and independent webpages, all they are going to get is leftwing jibberish.
While I applaud their effort...I am a great believer in deliberative groupware...this website is clearly a work-in-progress. I do hope they get it all straightened out soon.
PR stunt BS.
The clear fact is the DC GOP already decided they will continue to be the stupid party. They don’t want regular voters in DC because it hurts their country club.
The author blows it in the end.
Pursuit of Happiness IS pursuit of property.
real property
intangible property
property of ones person
property of family
no property rights, no happiness
know property rights, know happiness
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