Toyota is having real problems! That is not news, however, imagine trying to solve a problem which is near impossible to replicate. I am not a fan of foreign cars, yet having such a problem is an issue no manufacturer ever wants to face.
The problem is complicated by the accidents which have occurred. The most notable one involved an off duty California State Patrolman who was killed along with his three companions. What made this even worse is that his terror was recorded on 911 tapes. Unfortunately we not can relive his frightening ride while speeding out of control down the freeway.
Whatever the cause of the accident, whether it be the floor mats, the computer or some other glitch, the question is how long has Toyota known they had a problem. Is it a recent development or have they known for months or even years?
If it has been over 6 months, should the executives of the company both here and Japan be held responsible? If so, should they be subject to civil or criminal charges or a combination? What about them knowing for longer or shorter periods of time?
What happens if the problem is not corrected with the current "fix?" Should the cars be mandatorily removed from the road until they can be repaired? What happens to the person whose only car is a recalled Toyota. Does Toyota have to provide them with alternative transportation until the issue has been cleared up?
Let us know your opinion. I am interested.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
A Model For A President
The following was posted on the blog Israel Commentary. I think it is worth revisiting what a President was and how they acted in the days before Presidents became "Kings."
February 02, 2010
Attributes of a real American President
Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.
After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them. When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don’t consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise." As president, he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale. (Sic. Illinois)
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference!
I say dig him up and clone him!!
Author unknown
February 02, 2010
Attributes of a real American President
Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.
The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri. His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.
When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.
After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them. When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."
Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don’t consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise." As president, he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.
Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale. (Sic. Illinois)
Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference!
I say dig him up and clone him!!
Author unknown
Monday, February 1, 2010
Senator Brown's position paper on Israel
Scott Brown position paper while candidate for the United States Senate
Scott Brown - Jan 29, 2010
I have always supported the important relationship between the United States and the State of Israel. Our two countries share a core set of national values including dedication to democracy, life, individual freedoms, religious faith & respect, the spirit of entrepreneurship and a vision of a peaceful future. Israel's accomplishments against the longest of odds are a testament to the power of these shared values.
If elected to the United States Senate by the citizens of Massachusetts I will continue in my unwavering support of the U.S.-Israel relationship and take actions to demonstrate it.
Supporting Israel's Right to Self-Defense
I stand steadfastly behind Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from state and non-state actors alike. I supported passage earlier this year of S. Res. 10 which reiterated Israel's right to defend itself during Operation Cast Lead.
And, with equal resolve, I oppose the rising tide of efforts worldwide aimed at undermining this fundamental right. The United Nations' commissioned Goldstone Report is a blatant manifestation of such an effort. Deeply flawed from the start, the "report" accuses Israel of war crimes with little reference to the fact that Israel held its fire for years while thousands of rockets were fired at innocent civilians. The report also fails to recognize that the Israeli Defense Forces, in the words of British Col. Richard Kemp, "did more to safeguard the rights of [Palestinian] civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare." This, as Hamas launched rockets from apartment buildings and hospitals. By attacking the victim without context, the Goldstone Report effectively weakens the ability of democracies to defend themselves against terror.
Despite these flaws, countries with unspeakable records on human rights are pushing the report forward aggressively at the United Nations. As Senator, I would join with other congressional leaders in calling on the Obama administration to quash the report and "strongly and unequivocally oppose any further consideration of the [Report] and any other measures stemming from this report."
I also firmly support the security barrier erected by Israel which has proven to be enormously successful at defending and protecting Israeli civilians against waves of deadly terrorist attacks. The barrier has also been moved and should continue to be moved when it can be done without compromising Israeli security and while minimizing the hardship it places on Palestinians.
Unabated Military Support for Israel
As the only elected official in the Massachusetts Senate - and the only candidate in this race -with military experience, I understand the importance of a strong defense. I am a proud member of the Massachusetts National Guard, where I have served for nearly three decades and currently hold the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps. I was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in homeland security following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
With a clear sense of our shared threats, I unequivocally support the recently executed ten-year memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Israel which will provide $30 billion in military aid to Israel until 2017. Since the vast majority of that aid is spent on American products, it is good for both American employment and the American economy. This provision, along with allowances to provide Israel with advanced systems required to defend against current threats, will allow Israel to maintain the military superiority required to protect itself while sending a message of support to Israel and the world.
Countering the Iranian Threat
Iran, the brutal theocracy run by a cabal of mullahs and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, represents an existential threat to Israel and a menace to United States interests. With visions of regional domination and international troublemaking, Ahmadinejad has stated with great clarity that the Holocaust did not occur and that Israel should be "wiped off the map."
Iran is now backing up their words and plans with actions. Despite being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has used lies, secrecy, evasion and delay to develop a nuclear weapons program. If left unchecked, Iran will have a nuclear weapon in short order. With training, money and weapons Iran also supports tenacious proxy forces in Gaza (Hamas), Lebanon (Hizbullah). Having already supported deadly terrorism in Argentina, Iran has now found a new hemispheric partner in Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.
We should take these words and actions at face value, respond accordingly and without hesitation. If elected I would co-sponsor the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009 (S. 908) enhancing the President's authority to sanction entities that export refined petroleum products to Iran. I would support the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009 (S. 1065) which would authorize state pension funds to divest from companies that invest in Iran. I also would work to restore funding for the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC) which was recently cut by the Obama administration and support continued intelligence sharing by the Mossad and the CIA.
Locally, I have been a strident supporter the Iran Divestiture Bill currently working its way through the State Legislature. Massachusetts is not yet among the many states - including Florida and California - that have passed such important legislation which is designed to pressure Iran into ceasing its illicit pursuit of nuclear weapons. I look forward to the opportunity to vote on this measure soon.
The Palestinians & Peace
I stand with Israel and the majority of leaders in support a two-state solution as the best hope for peace between the Palestinians and Israel. Israel has made enormous sacrifices in an attempt to secure peace - including unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. However, with the Palestinian leadership now divided by a terrorist entity (Hamas) and the Palestinian Authority, we do not yet have the fundamental requirements in place to begin negotiations.
Hamas' original charter states unambiguously that it is determined to destroy Israel. Believing that we can achieve a peace treaty with Hamas that would include recognition of the Jewish state and a disavowal of terrorism is a mistake. Israel is a willing partner in peace with a history of making peace whenever it has a legitimate partner interested in peace, such as with Egypt or Jordan. Until there is a non-terrorist entity on the other side of the table, negotiations can not start.
Ultimately, however, I support a two-state solution that:
Is premised on security for Israel and is not imposed by outside parties;
Recognizes that a strict return to the 1967 borders is both unrealistic and unsafe;
Requires the Palestinians to abide by agreements signed by past Palestinian leaders; and
Re-affirms Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel.
Also, in accordance to the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995,1 support moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem if available security measures make it safe to do so and Israel supports the move.
Improving Middle East Relationships
Israel's unconditional right to live in peace is equal to that of all other nations of the world. This right begins with encouraging Israel's neighbors to recognize its fundamental right to exist. Will support these rights by:
Encouraging public alliances between Israel and other countries aiming to counter the Iranian threat;
Speaking out against Arab boycotts of Israeli companies, goods and services;
Calling out the demonization of Israel in all forms of communications including in children's educational materials used by neighboring countries who employ such tactics as a means to distraction from their own failings and
Encouraging Israel's neighbors to grant their own citizens the democratic rights and individual freedoms enjoyed by their Arab brethren in the State of Israel.
I have a strong desire to visit Israel in order to gain a more profound understanding of the many complex security and strategic challenges that Israelis face each day. I am also eager to observe first hand how Israeli innovations in the arts, sciences, agriculture and aquaculture, renewable energies, bio and computer technologies can and will directly benefit the lives of the citizens of Massachusetts and the United States.
January 29, 2010
I have always supported the important relationship between the United States and the State of Israel. Our two countries share a core set of national values including dedication to democracy, life, individual freedoms, religious faith & respect, the spirit of entrepreneurship and a vision of a peaceful future. Israel's accomplishments against the longest of odds are a testament to the power of these shared values.
If elected to the United States Senate by the citizens of Massachusetts I will continue in my unwavering support of the U.S.-Israel relationship and take actions to demonstrate it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is your opinion?
Scott Brown - Jan 29, 2010
I have always supported the important relationship between the United States and the State of Israel. Our two countries share a core set of national values including dedication to democracy, life, individual freedoms, religious faith & respect, the spirit of entrepreneurship and a vision of a peaceful future. Israel's accomplishments against the longest of odds are a testament to the power of these shared values.
If elected to the United States Senate by the citizens of Massachusetts I will continue in my unwavering support of the U.S.-Israel relationship and take actions to demonstrate it.
Supporting Israel's Right to Self-Defense
I stand steadfastly behind Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from state and non-state actors alike. I supported passage earlier this year of S. Res. 10 which reiterated Israel's right to defend itself during Operation Cast Lead.
And, with equal resolve, I oppose the rising tide of efforts worldwide aimed at undermining this fundamental right. The United Nations' commissioned Goldstone Report is a blatant manifestation of such an effort. Deeply flawed from the start, the "report" accuses Israel of war crimes with little reference to the fact that Israel held its fire for years while thousands of rockets were fired at innocent civilians. The report also fails to recognize that the Israeli Defense Forces, in the words of British Col. Richard Kemp, "did more to safeguard the rights of [Palestinian] civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare." This, as Hamas launched rockets from apartment buildings and hospitals. By attacking the victim without context, the Goldstone Report effectively weakens the ability of democracies to defend themselves against terror.
Despite these flaws, countries with unspeakable records on human rights are pushing the report forward aggressively at the United Nations. As Senator, I would join with other congressional leaders in calling on the Obama administration to quash the report and "strongly and unequivocally oppose any further consideration of the [Report] and any other measures stemming from this report."
I also firmly support the security barrier erected by Israel which has proven to be enormously successful at defending and protecting Israeli civilians against waves of deadly terrorist attacks. The barrier has also been moved and should continue to be moved when it can be done without compromising Israeli security and while minimizing the hardship it places on Palestinians.
Unabated Military Support for Israel
As the only elected official in the Massachusetts Senate - and the only candidate in this race -with military experience, I understand the importance of a strong defense. I am a proud member of the Massachusetts National Guard, where I have served for nearly three decades and currently hold the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps. I was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in homeland security following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
With a clear sense of our shared threats, I unequivocally support the recently executed ten-year memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Israel which will provide $30 billion in military aid to Israel until 2017. Since the vast majority of that aid is spent on American products, it is good for both American employment and the American economy. This provision, along with allowances to provide Israel with advanced systems required to defend against current threats, will allow Israel to maintain the military superiority required to protect itself while sending a message of support to Israel and the world.
Countering the Iranian Threat
Iran, the brutal theocracy run by a cabal of mullahs and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, represents an existential threat to Israel and a menace to United States interests. With visions of regional domination and international troublemaking, Ahmadinejad has stated with great clarity that the Holocaust did not occur and that Israel should be "wiped off the map."
Iran is now backing up their words and plans with actions. Despite being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has used lies, secrecy, evasion and delay to develop a nuclear weapons program. If left unchecked, Iran will have a nuclear weapon in short order. With training, money and weapons Iran also supports tenacious proxy forces in Gaza (Hamas), Lebanon (Hizbullah). Having already supported deadly terrorism in Argentina, Iran has now found a new hemispheric partner in Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.
We should take these words and actions at face value, respond accordingly and without hesitation. If elected I would co-sponsor the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009 (S. 908) enhancing the President's authority to sanction entities that export refined petroleum products to Iran. I would support the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009 (S. 1065) which would authorize state pension funds to divest from companies that invest in Iran. I also would work to restore funding for the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC) which was recently cut by the Obama administration and support continued intelligence sharing by the Mossad and the CIA.
Locally, I have been a strident supporter the Iran Divestiture Bill currently working its way through the State Legislature. Massachusetts is not yet among the many states - including Florida and California - that have passed such important legislation which is designed to pressure Iran into ceasing its illicit pursuit of nuclear weapons. I look forward to the opportunity to vote on this measure soon.
The Palestinians & Peace
I stand with Israel and the majority of leaders in support a two-state solution as the best hope for peace between the Palestinians and Israel. Israel has made enormous sacrifices in an attempt to secure peace - including unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. However, with the Palestinian leadership now divided by a terrorist entity (Hamas) and the Palestinian Authority, we do not yet have the fundamental requirements in place to begin negotiations.
Hamas' original charter states unambiguously that it is determined to destroy Israel. Believing that we can achieve a peace treaty with Hamas that would include recognition of the Jewish state and a disavowal of terrorism is a mistake. Israel is a willing partner in peace with a history of making peace whenever it has a legitimate partner interested in peace, such as with Egypt or Jordan. Until there is a non-terrorist entity on the other side of the table, negotiations can not start.
Ultimately, however, I support a two-state solution that:
Is premised on security for Israel and is not imposed by outside parties;
Recognizes that a strict return to the 1967 borders is both unrealistic and unsafe;
Requires the Palestinians to abide by agreements signed by past Palestinian leaders; and
Re-affirms Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel.
Also, in accordance to the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995,1 support moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem if available security measures make it safe to do so and Israel supports the move.
Improving Middle East Relationships
Israel's unconditional right to live in peace is equal to that of all other nations of the world. This right begins with encouraging Israel's neighbors to recognize its fundamental right to exist. Will support these rights by:
Encouraging public alliances between Israel and other countries aiming to counter the Iranian threat;
Speaking out against Arab boycotts of Israeli companies, goods and services;
Calling out the demonization of Israel in all forms of communications including in children's educational materials used by neighboring countries who employ such tactics as a means to distraction from their own failings and
Encouraging Israel's neighbors to grant their own citizens the democratic rights and individual freedoms enjoyed by their Arab brethren in the State of Israel.
I have a strong desire to visit Israel in order to gain a more profound understanding of the many complex security and strategic challenges that Israelis face each day. I am also eager to observe first hand how Israeli innovations in the arts, sciences, agriculture and aquaculture, renewable energies, bio and computer technologies can and will directly benefit the lives of the citizens of Massachusetts and the United States.
January 29, 2010
I have always supported the important relationship between the United States and the State of Israel. Our two countries share a core set of national values including dedication to democracy, life, individual freedoms, religious faith & respect, the spirit of entrepreneurship and a vision of a peaceful future. Israel's accomplishments against the longest of odds are a testament to the power of these shared values.
If elected to the United States Senate by the citizens of Massachusetts I will continue in my unwavering support of the U.S.-Israel relationship and take actions to demonstrate it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is your opinion?
how to fix congress
THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!
A friend sent this along to me. I can't think of a reason to disagree.
I am sending this to virtually everybody on my e-mail list and that includes conservatives, liberals, and everybody in between. Even though we disagree on a number of issues, I count all of you as friends. My friend and neighbor wants to promote a "Congressional Reform Act of 2009". It would contain eight provisions, all of which would probably be strongly endorsed by those who drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
I know many of you will say, "this is impossible". Let me remind you, Congress has the lowest approval of any entity in Government, now is the time when Americans will join together to reform Congress - the entity that represents us.
We need to get a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House. These people will become American hero's..
Thanks,
A Fellow American
***********************************
Congressional Reform Act of 2010
1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.
A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
2. No Tenure / No Pension:
A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
6. Congress looses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11 .
The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
What other suggestions do you have? Let's send them to our Representatives and Senators. Post them here first!!
A friend sent this along to me. I can't think of a reason to disagree.
I am sending this to virtually everybody on my e-mail list and that includes conservatives, liberals, and everybody in between. Even though we disagree on a number of issues, I count all of you as friends. My friend and neighbor wants to promote a "Congressional Reform Act of 2009". It would contain eight provisions, all of which would probably be strongly endorsed by those who drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
I know many of you will say, "this is impossible". Let me remind you, Congress has the lowest approval of any entity in Government, now is the time when Americans will join together to reform Congress - the entity that represents us.
We need to get a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House. These people will become American hero's..
Thanks,
A Fellow American
***********************************
Congressional Reform Act of 2010
1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.
A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
2. No Tenure / No Pension:
A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
6. Congress looses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11 .
The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.
What other suggestions do you have? Let's send them to our Representatives and Senators. Post them here first!!
campaign finance reform
In politics today it seems as if we are always voting for the better of the two bad options. We are not pleased with our choices and therefore we pull the lever for the one that we dislike the least. Those seem to be very poor choices.
So what do we do? The answer is—nothing. We commiserate with our friends and complain about the poor choices that our system provides. We wonder where have all the great leaders gone. Where are the Lincolns? The Washingtons? The answer is, they are still here. They are our friends some of whom are business people and some who are not. They are the guy or gal who built a business with nothing but a dream, the mechanic who fixes your car or the plumber who fixes your sink. Yes, these are our leaders, however, they would never imagine they could be elected in today’s world.
By running a business, they have already shown leadership talents and the guts to go it alone in the business world. They know how to take chances and have shown that they are can make decisions. They are proven leaders by running a successful business. So what is lacking?
They lack to valuable assets. The first answer is money. Today, regardless how wealthy he or she might be, a politician has to spend most of their time raising money for the next run. They have to raise millions. However, those dollars do not come without strings attached. The donors expect something for their money. They want access and they want their pet projects to be passed by their representatives, regardless if it is in the best interests of the public at large.
Even if the politician is well healed, which is true for most serving in Washington, they don’t want to spend most of their personal fortune trying to get elected or to stay in office, so they to have to raise money. So we see money bundlers becoming the venture capitalists of the political game. They bundle the money and present it to the politicians. It is much easier to meet with one bundler than several thousand of the “peasants.” Our government is being sold to the highest bidder.
If money was not the biggest hurdle, the amount of time that is required to be on the campaign trail also precludes any one who does not have personal wealth from joining in on the race. Can you imagine a plumber with creative ideas about government trying to run a campaign as well as running his plumbing business? It would be impossible. To be able to take the time away from the business, a candidate has to have deep pockets and a business that does not require his or her daily attention. Most businesses are not that way. Could Lincoln taken two years away from his practice to run for President?
So what is the answer? As much as it pains me to say so, I believe that the only answer is public financing of campaigns and a limited campaign time. I am not a believer in government handouts, however, to level the playing field so that more participants could participate, it must be done.
Public financing would limit the amount of money that could be spent. Each candidate would be given a limited budget to spend the way he or she wanted. If they ran a spartan campaign, it would go farther than one that had all the bells and whistles. Any money left over from a campaign would not be credited to the next campaign. It would be returned to the government. All incumbents would receive 90% of the money as each of their competitors as they have the advantage of incumbency.
The amount of time for a campaign would also be limited. Campaigns for local governments (including state governors, senators and representatives) would be limited to 3 months before election date. U.S. senators and Representatives would be limited to 6 months. Presidential campaigns would be limited to 9 months that would include three months prior to the primary and the 6 months thereafter.
Wow, you say, what a great idea. Unfortunately, today it will not work in Washington. The reason—incumbency. Does anyone really think that an incumbent would vote for such a plan? Well over 90% of all incumbents in Washington get re-elected year after year. They have set up the plan so it works best for them. Why would they want to vote for something that would literally risk their franchise they have on their seat?
So how do we get the Lincolns and Washingtons back Washington? We all must become active in local politics. We need to start the ball rolling with the local school board election or City Council and follow that with other local and statewide elections. Once we get the ball rolling, those Washington insiders will get the message. It will take some time and lots of effort, but it will happen.
To get the “common man or woman” involved in government, we need to remove the current hurdles of time and money, if we do, government will improve and we won’t have to choose between the best of two bad options.
So what do we do? The answer is—nothing. We commiserate with our friends and complain about the poor choices that our system provides. We wonder where have all the great leaders gone. Where are the Lincolns? The Washingtons? The answer is, they are still here. They are our friends some of whom are business people and some who are not. They are the guy or gal who built a business with nothing but a dream, the mechanic who fixes your car or the plumber who fixes your sink. Yes, these are our leaders, however, they would never imagine they could be elected in today’s world.
By running a business, they have already shown leadership talents and the guts to go it alone in the business world. They know how to take chances and have shown that they are can make decisions. They are proven leaders by running a successful business. So what is lacking?
They lack to valuable assets. The first answer is money. Today, regardless how wealthy he or she might be, a politician has to spend most of their time raising money for the next run. They have to raise millions. However, those dollars do not come without strings attached. The donors expect something for their money. They want access and they want their pet projects to be passed by their representatives, regardless if it is in the best interests of the public at large.
Even if the politician is well healed, which is true for most serving in Washington, they don’t want to spend most of their personal fortune trying to get elected or to stay in office, so they to have to raise money. So we see money bundlers becoming the venture capitalists of the political game. They bundle the money and present it to the politicians. It is much easier to meet with one bundler than several thousand of the “peasants.” Our government is being sold to the highest bidder.
If money was not the biggest hurdle, the amount of time that is required to be on the campaign trail also precludes any one who does not have personal wealth from joining in on the race. Can you imagine a plumber with creative ideas about government trying to run a campaign as well as running his plumbing business? It would be impossible. To be able to take the time away from the business, a candidate has to have deep pockets and a business that does not require his or her daily attention. Most businesses are not that way. Could Lincoln taken two years away from his practice to run for President?
So what is the answer? As much as it pains me to say so, I believe that the only answer is public financing of campaigns and a limited campaign time. I am not a believer in government handouts, however, to level the playing field so that more participants could participate, it must be done.
Public financing would limit the amount of money that could be spent. Each candidate would be given a limited budget to spend the way he or she wanted. If they ran a spartan campaign, it would go farther than one that had all the bells and whistles. Any money left over from a campaign would not be credited to the next campaign. It would be returned to the government. All incumbents would receive 90% of the money as each of their competitors as they have the advantage of incumbency.
The amount of time for a campaign would also be limited. Campaigns for local governments (including state governors, senators and representatives) would be limited to 3 months before election date. U.S. senators and Representatives would be limited to 6 months. Presidential campaigns would be limited to 9 months that would include three months prior to the primary and the 6 months thereafter.
Wow, you say, what a great idea. Unfortunately, today it will not work in Washington. The reason—incumbency. Does anyone really think that an incumbent would vote for such a plan? Well over 90% of all incumbents in Washington get re-elected year after year. They have set up the plan so it works best for them. Why would they want to vote for something that would literally risk their franchise they have on their seat?
So how do we get the Lincolns and Washingtons back Washington? We all must become active in local politics. We need to start the ball rolling with the local school board election or City Council and follow that with other local and statewide elections. Once we get the ball rolling, those Washington insiders will get the message. It will take some time and lots of effort, but it will happen.
To get the “common man or woman” involved in government, we need to remove the current hurdles of time and money, if we do, government will improve and we won’t have to choose between the best of two bad options.
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