tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57791507229106973342024-03-13T17:27:27.956-04:00It's Time To Take A StandBeing a business theatre producer has allowed Brian the opportunity to meet and work with some very fascinating people from a variety of backgrounds which, in turn, has helped shape his knowledge and his opinions. His blog will not always be political, it will be about a lifetime of subjects, and nothing is off limits. “Few people have original thoughts, we are shaped by the people we know and meet” he says.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-72644049559161502522010-11-01T17:13:00.004-04:002010-11-01T17:21:59.879-04:00Vote Nov. 2 or remain silentIt is now time for all to put up or shut up. <br /><br />If you haven't researched the candidates by now, may I suggest that you don't vote tomorrow. If you think that the status quo is OK, I suggest you don't vote tomorrow. If you like high unemployment, don't vote. If you like personal responsibility and think it is your duty, then vote but not unless you have researched the candidates first.<br /><br />But if you think the government is out of control or trying to get more in control of your life, I suggest that you vote for the candidate your research has concluded. <br /><br />Vote, Vote, Vote, that is your duty but not unless you have researched the candidates.<br /><br />Does this sound like a broken record, it is. Research and vote.<br /><br />Vote but not without the research.<br /><br />Vote November 2 like your life depends on it because your life probably does depend on it.<br /><br />See you there! Remember NO NEW TAXES!Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-29953908082937085032010-10-30T08:42:00.006-04:002010-10-30T09:21:38.026-04:00Follow the MoneyIf you believe everything Gary Peters says about Rocky Raczkowski, I have some prime ocean front land for sale at a bargain price in Nebraska!<br /><br />If you watch any crime shows on television, you hear the line all the time, <strong>"Follow the Money!"</strong><br /><br />In politics it is called PAC money, short for Political Action Committees. These committees are set up to circumvent the laws, yes, I know they are perfectly legal, to avoid the appearance on any impropriety.<br /><br />Rocky raised a total of $45,200, according to filings of the latest campaign finance reports with the Federal Election Commission. Special interests is another name for PACs. <br /><br />On the other side of the SPECIAL INTEREST financing is Gary Peters. He has raised $1.13 million from PACs, including PAC called the Leadership PAC, a Nancy Pelosi controlled PAC. He has received over $66,000 from insurance PAC, $65,000 from Industrial Union PACs, and another $56,500 from Building Trades Union. Lawyers and Law Firms are among Gary Peters largest contributors to the tune of $306,473, according to today's Oakland Press article. <strong>Follow the Money.</strong><br /><br />Rocky has raised money from PACs as well. He received $3,500 from Iraq Veterans for Congress PAC, $2,000 from Republican Member Senate Fund PAC. I am sure they have a hidden agenda, much like insurance companies and unions. I could list all of Rocky's little donors but it doesn't amount to a hill of beans.<br /><br /><strong>Follow the money.</strong> All you have to do is <strong>"Follow the Money"</strong> and you will find out who is who's pocket.<br /><br />Vote for Rocky Raczkowski on Tuesday and lets start cleaning up Washington.<br /><br />That is my stand.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-6045566997765236922010-10-29T11:01:00.004-04:002010-10-29T11:18:09.173-04:00Sad Times AheadListening to Mark Brewer today on the Frank Beckman show on WJR with John McCullough filling in for Frank, I have made a decision thanks to Mr. Brewer's continued truth distortions and spreading of lies.<br /><br />I have never voted a straight ticket in my life. I have always split my vote based on my research of each candidate and the position each candidate took on issues which I felt were important.<br /><br />The decision Mr. Brewer helped me make was to vote a straight line Republican ticket.<br /><br />It is a sad state when our voting choices are based on how many lies one party tells but I feel it is important to take a stand. Each party needs to stop this constant barrage of lies and mis-truths. By mis-truths I mean half truths and innuendos that really make false statements but are disguised as true statements. Candidates need to stop "Politics as usual" because many Americans are fed up with this tactic.<br /><br />I feel the Republicans are trying to take the high road most of the time. Yes, I know that some will stoop to levels that only Politicians will descend but generally they try to maintain some civility. Washington needs to know we will no longer take it as does Lansing and our local politicians.<br /><br />Remember to vote on Nov. 2nd because it is very important to America.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-89341793681789872222010-10-26T13:09:00.008-04:002010-10-26T13:49:03.270-04:00Michigan Constitutional ConventionThe last time a state Constitutional Convention was held, it was 1961/62. Things have changed since then. We were the ones who protested the Viet Nam war. We burned our bras (well not me personally). We had long hair, now we are balding. We have mellowed somewhat since the 60s and hopefully gotten wiser. So now our kids should be take the lead because many of us will not be around in 16 years. <br /><br />The current vote "NO" ads about costing $45 million are somewhat misleading. The last Constitution Convention cost about $928,000, adjusted for inflation that would be $6 million in today's dollars. It didn't tie up our legislators for two years as stated. The entire convention took a little over 4 months.<br /><br />So why are they fighting for a "NO" vote? Because that want to keep the status quo. They want to keep the power where they have control of it. They don't want younger or newer or even better ideas to emerge because it is all about the money. They want to keep the ball and let us play when we can't do any harm.They like the size of our government and are afraid that we may force it to be smaller and more responsive to the times.<br /><br />There has never been a better time or more of a need for a Constitutional Convention than there is today. Michigan is hurting and its citizens are hurting with it. The question of can we afford it should be just the opposite. Can we afford Not to?<br /><br />There are pros and cons to any convention. One of the Cons is that it removes all tax caps and places them in jeopardy. One of the Pros is that it remove all the tax caps and places them in jeopardy. <br /><br />Whenever a Constitutional Convention is convened there is always risks but without risks, there are no rewards. We need to take this risk. If we don't do it now, it will be another 16 years before we can attempt it again. <br /><br />People will say the time is not right. The time is never right if you are standing on the sidelines! Get involved.<br /><br />That is my stand.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-20946783398033694802010-10-22T08:35:00.003-04:002010-10-22T09:21:29.933-04:00U.S. Chamber of CommerceThe Obama administration has accused the U.S. Chamber of Commerce of using foreign contributions to fund their campaign for more friendly to business legislation!<br /><br />They claim the Chamber, by not disclosing its donors, is illegally funding campaigns against Democrats. The Chamber is made up of some of the largest U.S. Corporations and many foreign corporations with U.S. subsidiaries. By law, the Chamber, as a non-profit organization, is not required to list its donors or how much they have contributed.<br /><br />So what is wrong with all of this? Nothing, absolutely nothing. The Chamber is supporting a Republican agenda 90% of the time. George Soros' Media Matters supports Democrats 100% of the time and is not required to list any donors either.<br /><br />Remember President Obama started all of this with his raising and spending almost $1 billion to become our 44th President. He claimed most of his donations were for less than $200 and therefore he was not obliged to list his donors.He even bought his own 24/7 cable network.<br /><br />Apparently it is OK for the Democrats to raise ungodly amounts of money and spend it distorting the truth about their opponents but it is not OK for any Republican group. Hypocrisy seems to start with a D. Remember if you tell a lie often enough many will believe it to be true. Shame.<br /><br />There is a fundamental problem with the amount of money in politics that needs to be addressed and removed but that is for another day.<br /><br />Remember this on November 2nd and vote to replace most of the current politicians.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-7145155362964797062010-10-19T06:41:00.005-04:002010-10-19T08:18:38.965-04:00Retire John DingellTalk about a career politician, John Dingell is epitome of the career politician. First elected at age 29 because his father passed away while serving in congress, Dingell has been relatively unchallenged since the mid 60s. Time to retire Dingell.<br /><br />It is time for change, Dingell misrepresents the 15th Michigan Congressional District and has been MIA since 1955. He is so well entrenched in Congress that he is the longest serving (questionable at best) representative in Congress. Time to retire Dingell.<br /><br />He is an old style politician. His advertising shows it and his lack of representation of the people is tragic. He only shows up when there is an election to ask for voters money to support his lifestyle. Time to retire Dingell.<br /><br />One of his claims is that he helped write the "Do not call" legislation, but he exempted political calls and banks. I should probably thank him because political phone calls is why I cancelled my home land line. Take that Ma Bell! Time to retire Dingell.<br /><br />In 1985, Dingell, age 59, reached his 30 year anniversary representing Southeast Michigan in the US House of Representatives. He is currently in his 27th term (54th year) of Congress at age 84. Time to retire Dingell.<br /><br />Dingell has sponsored such notable legislation as Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, the Energy Tax Act of 1978, Trading Sanctions Act of 1984, to name a few. Some good, mostly expensive to tax payers. You can't be in congress for over 50 years without being involved in some good and bad legislation. Time to retire Dingell.<br /><br />As Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce he was responsible for establishing one of the most wasteful agencies in government. He also voted against the Equal Rights Amendment, giving equal pay to women back in 1972. Take that ladies. Time to retire Dingell.<br /><br />Thank you for your service but it is time to retire. It is not like it will hurt his income level. As the longest living member of Congress he will receive 93% plus of his salary for life.<br /><br />The people of Michigan’s 15th District deserve a Representative who has their issues at heart, not the issues of D.C., special interests or the needs of career politicians. I intend to represent the people. This approach scares the D.C. elite, but it is not radical. This is what our founders intended. <br /><br />Dr. Rob Steele is that candidate. Vote for Dr. Rob Steele on November 2, 2010 and give John Dingell some needed rest. <br /><br />That is my stand.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-48001574183622432722010-10-14T06:57:00.015-04:002010-10-14T08:36:28.244-04:00Truth in Advertising*When you listen to all the political commercials on radio or television, you get the true sense of the values and morals each candidate possesses. Or do you!<br /><br />According to many of the commercials, most of the candidates are either morally bankrupt, ethically challenged or just plain crooks.<br /><br />On the local level, according to Democratic Rep. Gary Peters, Rocky Raczkowski is a crook who stole $6 million from his partners. Rocky Raczkowski wants Peters to stand on his voting record as a supporter of the Obama, Pelosi and Reid agenda. He voted for ObamaCare, supports Cap and Trade and more regulation of the American public. Peters ignored the majority he represents and voted the party line.<br /><br />Then according the 27-term (D) Congressman John Dingell,<em><strong> (That was 27-term John Dingell)</strong></em> Dr. Rob Steele <strong><em>(Not a professional politician but a doctor)</em></strong> is selling Social Security up the river to private business. But it was Dingell's Democratic Party that during the 70s voted to take the separate protected money in your Social Security account and put it into the General Fund so they could get their hands on it. It was just too much money to not waste.<br /><br />On the state level, we have Virg Bernero telling people that Rick Snyder did nothing at Gateway except line his own pockets with millions of dollars. Bernero is a career politician who will say anything to get a new job or keep his old job. <br /><br />Then on the national level, President Obama's Democratic Party's latest commercials claim the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is accepting donations from foreign sources and lining Republicans pockets to buy the party. David Axelrod's, Obama's Senior Adviser, only comment on Meet the Press was, "Can you prove they don't?" Really, throw out a damaging statement and then ask them to prove the opposite. Classy, really classy! That is not the American Way. Prove you are innocent. No it is up to the Democratic Party to prove you are guilty. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce should file a class action suit against the Democratic Party for their Chicago-style thuggery.<br /><br />Why don't Republican candidates answer with their own politically distorted commercials? Because they have character. They stand on principle that their opponents can't. They won't lie just to get or keep their job. It is that simple. They want to run on their record and let the voters decide. That is what a Democracy is. Letting the people vote based on their voting record or character, not distorted lies and innuendos.<br /><br />Is there "Truth in Advertising?" Yes, most of the time, well some of the time, *Except in Politics!<br /><br />Vote November 2nd but remember the commercials.<br /><br />So much for giving up blogging.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-63471539304764832202010-09-08T06:27:00.004-04:002010-09-09T22:54:51.269-04:00A Blogger no more!It is time to end my blog with The Oakland Press. I appreciate the audience afforded me by The Oakland Press but lately I lack the passion for blogging three times a week.<br /><br />The requirements to be a blogger featured in the Oakland Press is simply to write three blog pieces a week and no name calling. That is the only direction I have ever received from them. They do not edit any blogs, nor do they attempt to control any content. They give their blogger's free reign as long as you keep within these simple boundaries. <br /><br />However, the time necessary to write a blog is somewhat demanding but when the blog is something for which you have little or no interest or for that matter any direct involvement or particular knowledge, it becomes even more time consuming for me because my heart is not in it. I am not a writer by trade, just a passionate citizen who cares about the direction our country is taking and most of the time have some opinions about it.<br /><br />The left wants more control of the mainstream media and wants to turn this country into another socialist country by continually taking more from its citizens, not allowing them the opportunity to be responsible for themselves. They seem to want to coddle every citizen and make us dependent upon them for more and more. I have always been taught personal responsibility, never depend on anyone for anything except yourself and your family. Stand up for yourself and be responsible.<br /><br />Then you get responses from people like "Anonymous" or "Frog" who exhibit a total lack of courage and are afraid to take a stand under their own name and it gets down right ridiculous to even respond and try to have an open and honest dialogue with them. Their opinions are downright hateful and show their true colors. They seem to have an axe to grind and some hidden distorted agenda so ending my blog should make their day. <br /><br />At least when I state my opinion, I own it, admit it and stand by it with my name and if I am wrong, I will admit it and correct it and take responsibility, not hide behind some fictitiuos name.<br /><br />I enjoy blogging but not three times a week. I may continue to blog but only when I have something to say for which I am passionate. Something that raises my blood pressure and is an issue of importance, at least in my opinion. Something that God has directed me to do and wants me to stand up and talk about it. Not just senseless blogging because it is part of an arrangement.<br /><br />The problem with many bloggers is that some people take what they say as fact and not opinion. A blog is just an opinion, sure some facts are probably contained within the blog but for the most part it is strictly the opinion of the author.<br /><br />I follow many blogs and find them interesting to learn about their opinions. I wish The Oakland Press well as they transition from a traditional newspaper to one of the leaders of electronic media in the Metropolitan Detroit area.<br /><br />One thought, if Obama wants every citizen to prove they have healthcare, why not have to prove you are a citizen? We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power.<br /><br />Have a wonderful day because on Friday, I am pulling the plug!<br /><br />Thank you Oakland Press, keep up the great work!Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-84519319635636621002010-08-27T15:44:00.008-04:002010-08-27T16:09:54.133-04:00Driver's Licence, Michigan StyleHave you ever wondered what it takes to get a driver's licence in Michigan?<br /><br />While recently transferring a car registration at the Secretary of State Office in Wixom on a Wednesday night, they are open until 7:00 pm, I was waiting for my number to be called. One of the employees was attempting to prescreen the people in order to speed up the process and make sure everyone who was waiting had the right paperwork. Listening to this employee speak, I was somewhat surprised to hear what was required to obtain a driver's licence.<br /><br />The conversation went something like this:<br />SOS employee: "What are you here for?"<br />Customer: (in very broken English): "Want driver's licence."<br />SOS: "Do you have two pieces of identification?"<br />Customer: "No, nothing."<br />SOS: "Do you have any bills with your name on them? Maybe a phone bill or a utility bill with your name and address on it? Maybe a gas card invoice with your name on it?"<br />Customer: "No, I don't think so."<br />SOS: "Do you have any at home, where you live?"<br />Customer: "I don't know, how do I find out?"<br />SOS: "Go home and find a bill or even a letter addressed to you at that address. Do you have a bank account with your name and address on it?"<br />Customer: "No, I come with nothing."<br />SOS: "OK, here is what you need to do to get a driver's licence. Maybe open a bank account, you don't have to put much money in it, when they send you a statement, you will have one piece of ID. Or apply for a gas card. You just need two pieces to get a driver's licence. Find someway to get another piece of ID and then come back."<br /><br />I sat there with my mouth open. It is that simple to get a Michigan driver's licence. The guy next to me was just shaking his head in disgust. You can use any name as long as you have two pieces of mail with a name and address on it. She didn't ask for any proper ID or if she was in this country illegally. She just wanted two pieces of very poor ID. If your licence has been revoked, you just pick up anyone's mail from his or her mail box and bring them to the local SOS office and voila, a Michigan driver's licence.<br /><br />It is time we enforce our laws or change them to have a common sense approach to proving who you are. With a driver's licence, you can get a voter's registration card, collect welfare, get a SS card, credit cards (well maybe not credit cards, most people can't get them these days).<br /><br />Where does it stop? We need new requirements for licences. Tat s my stand, what's yours?Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-61041629699146914542010-08-11T11:18:00.008-04:002010-08-11T11:42:40.857-04:00Difference between Canada and U.S.A.During the recent Winter Olympics, I tuned into CKLW radio (Canadian radio station) to catch some of the action when I couldn't watch it on television. While listening to Canadian radio, I realized that our political situation with government ineffectiveness, inefficiency and corruption is more common throughout the world.<br /><br />If you want a different take, listen and watch Canadian radio and television. Our friends north of the border seem to be complaining about Canada's government being bloated while wasting millions of dollars. And that is the difference, while Canadians talk about millions of dollars being wasted, we talk about billions and trillions. When you consider that their total population is only around 35 million and ours is closer to 10 times larger with around 350 million people, take away the estimated 40 million illegals, the problems are pretty much the same.<br /><br />Their politicians don't listen to them either. Their politicians think they know better as well. Their politicians are all experts or at least claim to be and were elected by making promises that they had no intention of keeping. As Rodney Dangerfield used to say, "Their politicians don't get any respect" nor do they deserve it.<br /><br />One of the differences is in what they call themselves. They have the Liberal Party (founded in 1867 as a liberal movement), the Conservative party of Canada (formerly the Progressive Conservatives and relabeled when merged with the Canadian Alliance party in 2003 as conservative) and the New Democratic party (a social democratic party founded in 1961) and the Bloc Québécois party, (founded in 1991 as a social democratic, Quebec nationalist organization).<br /><br />Stephen Harper, is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada, and leader of the Conservative Party. Harper became Prime Minister after his party won a minority government in the 2006 federal election. He is the first Prime Minister from the newly reconstituted Conservative Party, following a merger of the Progressive Conservative and Canadian Alliance parties.<br /><br />The bottom line is that Canada is struggling with the same problems we are facing here in the U.S., just on a smaller scale but real none the less. For a long time, they struggled with the two party system but frustration over government policies lead to the formation of new parties. Canada seems to face many of the same circumstances as we face here when dealing with their respective political parties. <br /><br />Canadians originally didn't think a third party would have a chance for survival but they are and continuing to grow in numbers because Canadians feel they are not being properly represented in government. Sound familiar? Maybe it is time for a major third party in the U.S.<br /><br />Do yourself a favor; listen and watch Canadian television to get a different perspective of the world around us.<br /><br />You might find views that are much more worldly and less just the U.S.<br /><br />That's my stand. Let's hear your opinion but not before listening Canadian radio and television.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-24764278122211718062010-08-09T09:43:00.003-04:002010-08-09T09:51:56.994-04:00Obama Family VacationsI don't know why everyone is so upset with Michele Obama going to Italy and bringing many of her friends with her. She doesn't have another vacation scheduled for another week. You would think that the American people were paying the in-excess of $250,000 (for security) out of their own pockets. To these people, I say, "RELAX".<br /><br />OK, when you add in Air Force II, advance security teams, chase planes, ground transportation and local support costs, the actual cost may be between $1 and $2,000,000.00<br /><br /><em><strong>So RELAX, it is not your money, it is only tax dollars!</strong></em> And nobody in Washington seems to care about tax dollars being spent, just tax dollars being collected.<br /><br />That is my stand! Sad isn't it?Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-31272950475130553732010-08-01T12:55:00.010-04:002010-08-01T13:21:38.777-04:00In God We Trust...I am not considered a very religious man, although I go to service most Sundays. My wife and two daughters are avid church goers and true believers, so I used to go to keep peace in the family by accompanying them but it didn't have much meaning for me. <br /><br />Being raised Catholic in Canada was an experience unlike any because I was always taught that you would go to hell if you missed going to church on the first Friday of every month or on Sunday. When I moved to the U.S., I stopped going to church because the threat no longer existed from my mother.<br /><br />However, I have been watching the U.S. liberalism, the ACLU, the atheist movement among others corrode the effect of God in our daily lives.<br /><br />First, they allowed the removal of the Pledge of Allegiance from schools because it said, "...one nation, under God..." Then they wanted to remove it from the Pledge completely. Life started to change. It seemed people became less respectful of one another. People started calling each other names. Our politicians are the worst offenders of name calling.<br /><br />Politicians continually refer to each by very disgusting descriptions. Both Democrats and Republicans are to blame for this. If I had my way, I would take them out to the wood shed and tan their hides bright red or wash their mouths out with soap.<br /><br />They want to take God off of our money. "In God We Trust", all others pay cash!<br /><br />They have taken prayer out of school, out of football games, out of the locker room, hell, you can't even say, "Bless You." to someone when they sneeze for fear of some wacko being offender.<br /><br />The minority has taken over because they are louder than for the majority. This is totally wrong. It is time that we stand up to liberal ACLU loving atheist wackos and put God back into our lives.<br /><br />In God We Trust...One Nation under God...God Bless You...A Christian Nation.<br /><br />Time to take back America from the liberals and stand up for our real God fearing values. We may have a Muslim raised President but by God he is not going to get away with turning us into a bland socialist country.<br /><br />That is my stand and I am sticking with it. If you don't like it, tough!Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-1755637305881296932010-07-28T09:56:00.005-04:002010-07-28T10:04:56.965-04:00Arizona Immigration LawIf you think the Arizona Immigration Law is encroaching on peoples rights, watch the two videos below. You might have a different opinion about what the Federal Government is failing to do.<br /><br />Channel 2 in Atlanta knows why Arizona passed SB 1070<br /><br />According to the Border Patrol the public is being mislead as to WHO is coming into the US from Mexico. This IS THE TRUTH as reported by WSBTV in Atlanta.<br /><br />Video 1 <a href="http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23438021/index.html">http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23438021/index.html</a> <br /><br />Video 2 <a href="http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23438712/index.html">http://www.wsbtv.com/video/23438712/index.html</a><br /><br />And for the benefit of those who doubt this report, this is not a FOX channel, it is an ABC affiliate, one of the rare mainstream local media who has the courage to tell the truth.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-80353299332365514212010-07-22T19:08:00.008-04:002010-07-22T19:46:18.274-04:00Shirley Sherrod firing!There is not much on which I agree with Mitch Albom but he did hit on something this week that I have not heard from any other radio talk show host. I usually listen to Albom while driving home from a meeting until he and Kenny Brown start trying to talk over each other and then I switch to a music station.<br /><br />However, this week they managed to not yell over each other and Mitch brought forth an excellent point. I know Albom is not a fan of bloggers when they attempt to play journalists. Let me say from the onset, a journalist I am not. My blog is strictly my opinion, whether it is formed by the truth or my misguided idea of the truth, it is strictly my opinion.<br /><br />In the case of Shirley Sherrod being fired because of the video that was placed by Andrew Breitbart on his website as legit journalism, I agree with Albom. The problem is Andrew Breitbart, not Fox News, or MSNBC, or the White House, or even the NCAAP, although I think they all acted irrationally with typical knee jerk reaction. As John Wayne used to say, "You have to shoot first and ask questions later." <br /><br />Well, that might have worked in the Wild West but not in 2010. Everything should be checked for validity, especially if it is picked up from the internet buteven more so with the advent of digital video with every laptop being able to edit it and distort the facts. Anything can be taken out of context and manipulated to represent itself as something totally different.<br /><br />Just ask any politician, they are masters at distorting the truth and using it in their commercials to either paint an opponent falsely or make themselves look like heroes. Ask the news media, they are some of the biggest offenders of only showing portions of a video to make their point because they know that if they showed the entire video, people would know the truth about their agendas. The news media are the originators of editing to fit their agenda.<br /><br />The guy to blame is Andrew Breitbart. Plain and simple. He knew this video would falsely paint Shirley Sherrod as a racist and there would be consequences to it. He is the one who should be under the watchful eyes of the public. His alleged credentials as a journalist blogger should be revoked and he should be fired. Plain and simple.<br /><br />That is my opinion and I take a stand with Mitch Albom on this one. Your comments are always welcomed.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-91734235509040058252010-07-20T16:00:00.013-04:002010-07-20T16:30:32.686-04:00Democratic Heritage (Shhhh)While driving around, I notice and attempt to read most political signs. I enjoy their good and sometimes terrible designs. Some standout and are a good read at a glance at 45 mph. Some are so poorly designed that you would have to be stopped in order to read them, let alone figure out what the mean. And what is with the colors? Does anyone actually look at them before going to print?<br /><br />Signs for judges, State Senators, Congressmen (Oops, Congresspeople - got to be PC - LOL) County Commissioners, etc... The one thing I have noticed most of all is that just about all Republican Candidates state right on their signs that they are Republican. Democrats seemed to have left the fact that they are Democrats off many signs. Why? (I am sure that if you look hard enough, you will find some signs touting Democrat heritage so don't waste your time writing me about it.)<br /><br />It seems to me that if you are proud of what your party has accomplished, you should be screaming it from the rooftops. If I were a Democrat or a Republican, I would be proud of my connection to either party. As an Independent, and I am, I would share that information in hopes to attract voters.<br /><br />Are Democrats ashamed of their heritage or their stand? Are Obama's policies failing them? Is Obama's penchant for Socialism and Marxism giving them heartburn? Did they purposely leave off their Democratic lineage?<br /><br />My guess is <em><strong>YES!</strong></em> <br /><br />They may want to contribute to the confusion of the elections by not identifying themselves as Democrats hoping that they will get votes from a voting public that is not aware of who is with which party. (Yes, I know the ballot will eventually identify their party affiliation but it may be too late by then.)<br /><br />That is my stand and opinion.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-16465662062294110612010-07-06T23:08:00.003-04:002010-07-06T23:46:24.835-04:00Obama's Immigration AgendaShame, shame, shame. I heard today that the Obama Administration, through the inJustice Department, filed a lawsuit against the State of Arizona's sb1070.<br /><br />I find this action to be completely unacceptable of the Federal Government. This is an absolute waste of taxpayers money. If this doesn't bring down this administration, we all deserve what we are in for next because this is just the beginning of the end as we know it. I wouldn't be surprised if they had some liberal federal judge in the wings waiting to rule the law unconstitutional.<br /><br />It is OK for Obama to disregard the constitution when it benefits his agenda but he then claims racial profiling of Arizona's law is unconstitutional. What crap.<br /><br />This is the most outrageous act of bigotry and corruption to date. This has got to stop. The recklessness of this administration should have every citizen in the country upset, unless you are an illegal immigrant. But if you are an illegal, you should be worried because the reason you came here is going away and fast.<br /><br />Arizona Governor Jan Brewer created a legal defense fund to fight the Federal Government. Her office says Brewer already has received about $10,000 in unsolicited donations from more than 40 states.<br /><br />To contribute to the fund, contact her office for instructions. <br />The Honorable Jan Brewer<br />Governor of Arizona<br />1700 West Washington<br />Phoenix, Arizona 85007 <br /><br />Telephone (602) 542-4331<br /><br />The Federal Government, Obama, Holder et all have got to be stopped. Help.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-89266845477634563572010-07-03T16:30:00.003-04:002010-07-03T16:33:07.848-04:00The Declaration of IndependenceAlways a great read and it should be mandatory for all immigrants to be able to read and understand it. Below is the text and signers of the Declaration of Independence.<br /><br />IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776<br />The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America<br />hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.<br /><br />We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.<br /><br />He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.<br /><br />He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.<br /><br />He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.<br /><br />He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.<br /><br />He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.<br /><br />He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.<br /><br />He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.<br /><br />He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.<br /><br />He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.<br /><br />He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.<br /><br />He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.<br /><br />He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.<br /><br />He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:<br /><br />For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:<br /><br />For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:<br /><br />For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:<br /><br />For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:<br /><br />For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:<br /><br />For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:<br /><br />For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies<br /><br />For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:<br /><br />For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.<br /><br />He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.<br /><br />He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.<br /><br />He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.<br /><br />He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.<br /><br />He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.<br /><br />In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.<br /><br />Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.<br /><br />We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.<br /><br />— John Hancock<br /><br />New Hampshire:<br />Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton<br /><br />Massachusetts:<br />John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry<br /><br />Rhode Island:<br />Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery<br /><br />Connecticut:<br />Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott<br /><br />New York:<br />William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris<br /><br />New Jersey:<br />Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark<br /><br />Pennsylvania:<br />Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross<br /><br />Delaware:<br />Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean<br /><br />Maryland:<br />Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton<br /><br />Virginia:<br />George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton<br /><br />North Carolina:<br />William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn<br /><br />South Carolina:<br />Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton<br /><br />Georgia:<br />Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George WaltonBrian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-83152351830119816342010-06-20T08:46:00.008-04:002010-06-20T09:13:43.062-04:00Hypocritic OathWhere will it end? When one gets elected to public office, there must be a secret oath that they pledge to be hypocrites whenever and wherever possible. And I also think the media takes the pledge as well.<br /><br />Head hypocrite Rahm Emanuel, the White House Chief of Staff, leads the way along with most of the Obama administration, including the President and Vice-President.<br /><br />Just because Tony Hayward decides to take a weekend break and try to relieve some stress, the media is all over it almost declaring that work in the gulf has come to a complete stop. It is OK for the President to take a day off and play golf but not OK for anyone else. What hypocrites!<br /><br />Rahm Emanuel is going to be on This Week with whomever is the host this week and declare that Tony Hayward shouldn't be taking a day off. He is probably going to criticise BP and Tony Hayward for taking a day off while his boss, President Obama and Vice-President Biden play golf. It is not like he is personally working in the gulf. What hypocrites! <br /><br />Should the President of ABC take a day off or will the news world come to a screeching halt? What happens when the President of Macy's takes a day off, do all sales stop? What hypocrites!<br /><br />Everyone needs to have some stress relief from their jobs and Tony Hayward is no different and this is just another example of the ugliness, stupidity and hypocrisy of Chicago-Style politics. If I didn't know better, I would say that Al Capone was their mentor.<br /><br />Every lead story on the news is about Tony Hayward boating for the weekend but you don't hear about the President's golf game or his mini vacations that he takes about every 6 to 8 weeks. What hypocrites!<br /><br />I am sure BP is working around the clock trying to stop the leak, not Tony Hayward personally. If anything, it is the government that is putting road blocks in BP's way. <br /><br />The government denied help from the Danish government that would have taken 20,000 barrels of oil out of the gulf a day per ship but the Obama administration, with its false pride, said no thanks, we don't need your help. Many foreign governments have offered assistance only to be rejected because our government is so egotistical that they think they know better than everyone else. They don't want anyone to take credit for stopping the oil leak. They would rather have it gush for another month than stop it and give credit to someone else. What hypocrites!<br /><br />It is time to remember this in November when you go to the polls.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-10272980973545246792010-06-19T07:11:00.012-04:002010-06-19T07:47:01.523-04:00When did common sense leave?One of the things that really attracted me to my wife when we first met, beside the fact that she was pretty, smart with a great sense of humor, was that she had a boat load of common sense. More than most women I had met. Now I am not saying that most women lack common sense but they do dance to a different drum.<br /><br />Common sense is probably one of the most important traits for survival in the world in which we live. Yet, it is probably the most lacking of traits in business, education and government. It is probably the most lacking in government with all the PC crap that they do.<br /><br />Common sense says that when there is a tragedy, you do something. That you act upon your instincts. You don't just sit there and wait for someone else to do something. <br /><br />The gulf oil spill is one of the most recent events that has shown a total departure from common sense. Everyone waited for the government to do something. BP requested permission to act accordingly but was denied any action by the government hell bent on trying to evaluate the situation. "Let's wait and see how bad it will be" before we react is not common sense. Let's turn it into a real disaster before we act on it. A total lack of common sense. BP missed the boat as well trying to be PC. They should have done everything themselves and ask the government for forgiveness later rather than ask for permission. Governor Jindal of Louisiana requested permission to build berms to protect the shoreline but after 6 weeks of studying it on the federal level, the government decided it was too late to build them. It wasn't "too late" when he first asked for help. Where is the common sense?<br /><br />Another example of common sense gone wrong is from Providence, R.I. where a young man, David Morales, age 8, wore a hat to school on "Hat Day" and it had tiny soldiers glued to the hat with tiny guns. It was a salute to our men and women serving our country in the armed services. You would think this young man was a terrorist from the reaction of the school officials. "Weapons are not appropriate in school". HUH! Get real!<br /><br />Another great example of common sense missing is in San Joaquin Valley in California where they have been experiencing a drought because the government, make that environmental wackos, has decided that the extinction of the silver fish is more important than the extinction of farmers and has turned off their water supply.<br /><br />The result has already been devastating for the state's farm economy. In the inland areas affected by the court-ordered water restrictions, the jobless rate has hit 14.3%, with some farming towns like Mendota seeing unemployment numbers near 40%. Statewide, the rate reached 11.6% in July, higher than it has been in 30 years. All because of a complete lack of common sense and a silver fish.<br /><br />Let's bring common sense back to society.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_7mlEVwoKHvpCom7sb_acAZyxWcLWpbBetbRzZp_mWWa6oxB2-S9u2ejNaV09XibWSRrcEtsbNpqTdoS2Fr6Xh4HlSimJ9LP4WSAQCJUUGWiUTL9o3iRj01T3DDrdRurCrWMHxPgz9U/s1600/Hat+Boy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_7mlEVwoKHvpCom7sb_acAZyxWcLWpbBetbRzZp_mWWa6oxB2-S9u2ejNaV09XibWSRrcEtsbNpqTdoS2Fr6Xh4HlSimJ9LP4WSAQCJUUGWiUTL9o3iRj01T3DDrdRurCrWMHxPgz9U/s200/Hat+Boy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484449530837077650" /></a>Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-7640098133282605252010-06-15T21:23:00.009-04:002010-06-15T21:58:05.180-04:00A True Teaching MomentIf you were fortunate enough to watch Tom Izzo this evening telling Michigan State fans and the country that he is staying at MSU for life, you were treated to one of the classiest moments in sports history. No, he didn't win anything and he didn't lose anything either. Well, he might have lost a few million dollars but what he gained is priceless.<br /><br />Tom Izzo was being Tom Izzo. He explained his and his family's last couple of weeks, the ups and downs, his meeting with the Cavaliers owner, a former MSU Alum, the MSU fans and student's appreciation of his efforts.<br /><br />He talked about former players calling him to encourage him to at least listen to the offer. His current players were all there to support him. Wow, MSU sure is fortunate to have Tom Izzo on their staff.<br /><br />Every professor, every college sport fan, every high school coach should sit their teams down and have them watch Tom Izzo's press conference. Every parent of a student athlete should make their kid watch the press conference and then explain how fortunate to be living in the same state as Tom Izzo. I know I felt fortunate to watch it.<br /><br />The last three months has left us with some incredible teaching moments from the sports world that I will remember forever and that should be models of how to act. There was Brian Davis at the Heritage Golf Tournament calling a $400,000 plus penalty on himself without hesitation. Truly inspirational. Then there was Armando Galarraga pitching a perfect game only to lose it to a Jim Joyce error. Even more inspiring was his reaction. Then Jim Leyland jumps in with his two cents and more inspiration. Next General Motors shows how classy they are with a gift to Armando Galarraga.<br /><br />Now you have Tom Izzo, turning down a 100% raise to stay at MSU. Turning down what is arguably the opportunity to coach one of basketball's premier athletes. Turning down an offer to coach in the NBA. <br /><br />Say what you want about Michigan but God is looking down on us and he is liking what he is seeing. Thank you, Tom.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-37107833598255472302010-06-05T11:32:00.011-04:002010-06-05T11:57:25.280-04:00Blame Israel, Again...Lately the main stream media and many nations have been spewing their hatred for Israel because Israel has the audacity to defend herself from possible terrorists attacks.<br /><br />I will be the first to admit that I don't completely understand Middle East politics but I do know that Israel is a peace desiring nation with a democratically elected government. Israelis don't want to be at war. They don't want to be on high alert all the time. They don't want to harm anyone. They just want to live in peace with the freedom to do as they wish.<br /><br />They boarded a rogue ship last week in an effort to defend herself, plain an simple. They boarded 5 other ships to verify the humanitarian supplies without incident but the sixth ship resisted and refused to allow them to board. Their blockade is not something new. It has been in effect for quite some time without incident.<br /><br />But don't take my word for it. Check out the link to PJTV and listen to more knowledgeable people discuss how the Middle East and nut cases like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Wack-mo-deen-a-job) and his fellow Iranian radical Islamists will effect your future if something is not done about it soon. Copy the below link and paste it in your address to learn more. <br />http://www.pjtv.com/?cmd=mpg&mpid=121&load=3505<br /><br />And don't count on Obama to do anything substantive. It is not is his best personal interest and he doesn't do anything unless he gains personally.<br /><br />That is my opinion and stand. Let the hatred roll.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-38957955328252209562010-05-26T09:57:00.010-04:002010-05-26T10:22:52.088-04:00Rodriquez must be a Democrat!After 20 years of coaching football on the college level, Rich Rodriguez still doesn't know what compliance means or how to achieve it. Are you kidding me?<br /><br />Listening to the news conference yesterday was painful. Here was a Division I university Athletic Director, not just any university, the University of Michigan, the university with the most wins in college football, the university with one of the most ethical records, claiming they made mistakes. Not taking any responsibility for the actions of his staff.<br /><br />Yes, I know he wasn't the Athletic Director when it all happened but he is now and his first action is to slap the hand of his head football coach for making some mistakes.<br /><br />Rodriguez claimed that the Compliance Dept. didn't notify him of his non-compliance. Excuse me,as head football coach, he should have been on top of this, all the time. <br /><br />Rodriguez must be a Democrat because they never take responsibility for anything. Maybe he should look for a job in the Obama Administration where no one is to blame. I know, It's Bush's fault.<br /><br />In the couple of years Rodriguez has been at the University of Michigan he has only embarrassed the university with his conduct. The stealth meeting in Toledo to hire him, his lawsuit, his player rebellion and departures, his losing record are all reasons to replace him.<br /><br />I have been a staunch supporter of the U of M for over forty years but not anymore. Go Green - Go White!Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-48796138827548121862010-05-24T21:25:00.006-04:002010-05-24T23:08:57.877-04:00Congress over reacting again, still, yet!According to reports, Congress is getting ready to quadruple—to 32 cents a barrel—a tax on oil used to help finance cleanups. The increase would raise nearly $11 billion over the next decade.<br /><br />The tax is levied on oil produced in the U.S. or imported from foreign countries. In other words, <strong>all oil</strong>. The revenue will allegedly go to a fund managed by the Coast Guard to help pay to clean up spills in waterways, such as the Gulf of Mexico.<br /><br />The House could vote on the bill as early as Tuesday. Senate leaders hope to complete work on it before Congress goes on a week long break next week.<br /><br />Lawmakers want to increase the current 8-cent-a-barrel tax on oil to make sure there is enough money available to respond to oil spills. At least 6 million gallons of crude have spewed into the Gulf of Mexico since a drilling rig exploded April 20 off the Louisiana coast.<br /><br />Whenever there is a crisis, Congress never fails to seize the opportunity to raise taxes. I am sure the spin will be that they are just taxing Big Oil and not the people who pay Big Oil. That they are just making BP pay for the cleanup but didn't BP already state that they will pay for the cleanup. So why is Congress once again over reacting? <br /><br />As White House Chief of Staff Rohm Emanuel once said, "Never let a serious crisis go to waste…it’s an opportunity to do things you couldn’t do before." Like raise taxes again!<br /><br />Any fund that Congress sets up with the Coast Guard will turn into another mismanaged slush fund for politicians to play their power games.<br /><br />As bad as this tragedy is, it probably cannot be avoided in the future. We need to find out what happened and try to improve safety but their is never a guarantee it will never happen again. It is like a plane crash. We study it and try to improve safety but when you get on an airplane, there is never a guarantee that it will not crash. Congress is like an alcoholic needing a drink, one is too many and 20 is not enough. They can't help themselves when it comes to raising taxes.<br /><br />Congress never needs a reason to raise taxes but they really like it when they can pretend they are doing it for the good of the country.<br /><br />Vote out all incumbents in November. Let's start over.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-43454060513815880282010-05-21T06:56:00.013-04:002010-05-21T08:07:16.981-04:00Is Mexican President Calderon being hypocritical?Listening to Mexican President Calderon speak to congress yesterday and wondering why not one single Senator or Congressman walked out on him has me wondering "What the hell are they thinking?" Having a third world country leader claim the Arizona law is wrong is none of his business. He said he supports President Obama in claiming the law is wrong. Obama has had three weeks to read the bill and he still hasn't read it. And then most of the Democrats and a few RINOs gave him a standing ovation. The last person to stand up was Eric Holder(maybe he finally read the law). I wonder if Calderon has read the bill yet or if he is just going on what he has heard about the bill from the Obama Administration and hearsay.<br /><br />It is only 17 pages including the title page. Read the damn bill, I have. I admit it is a tough read with all the legal double speak and cross references to other bills but I have read it, twice to try to understand it. It does not support racial profiling, nor does it even allude to it but President Calderon and Mexico support racial profiling by his own admission. He condemns Arizona for taking a stand against "unauthorized aliens" who are draining the Arizona economy, yet he clearly stated that Mexico views illegal immigration as unlawful and strongly enforces their laws. <br /><br />On the talk shows where Calderon appeared the other day, he stated that Mexico has tough immigration laws and a first offense usually results in two years in prison. He said it is against the law to illegally enter Mexico and that Mexico uses racial profiling to stop illegal immigrants from entering Mexico, and that <strong>immigrants must have "papers" with them at all times</strong> to validate their status or be subject to imprisonment. And Mexican jails are no picnic.<br /><br />I support the Arizona Law and applaud Governor Brewer for signing it but I think they didn't go far enough and should include whatever means possible as a way to identify and control illegal immigration because the Federal Government has failed in its job to protect our borders.<br /><br />The answer to the question is a resounding, <em><strong>"YES, he is being hypocritical!"</strong></em> but that is SOP for most politicians.<br /><br />That is my stand, what's yours?Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5779150722910697334.post-23115125442777924992010-05-15T06:55:00.007-04:002010-05-15T07:39:42.130-04:00It is still Bush's fault!It is all George Bush's fault. If he hadn't taken action after 9-11, none of this would be happening. He tried to protect our country, as a matter of fact, he did protect our country. He ran up debt in a war that the American public first supported and when he told them that it would be a long war, the American public, as fickle as ever, had a conveniently short memory.<br /><br />The administration of George Bush ran the government. They tried to warn Congress and us of the impending collapse of the housing market, 23 different times they attempted to slowdown Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, but the Democrats wouldn't let it even get to the floor for a vote. So the housing crisis is George Bush's fault.<br /><br />George Bush, through Obama, promised to put all bills on the White House website 5 days before voting on them. Never happened.<br /><br />George Bush, through Obama, promised to have a bipartisan discussion about a Health Care bill and have it broadcast on C-Span before ramming it down our throat. Never happened.<br /><br />George Bush, through Obama, promised to end earmarks. What a joke that is. Never happened.<br /><br />George Bush, through Obama, promised to end the hiring of former lobbyists to high level White House jobs. Never happened. Count the number of CZARS in the current administration.<br /><br />George Bush, through Obama, promised to find a church and attend on a regular basis. Never happened. Probably because he is really more Muslim than Christian. <br /><br />George Bush, through Obama, apologized to the world for American behavior because Bush set such a bad example of leadership. This happened.<br /><br />The government had a plan in place for accidents like the BP Oil Spill but George Bush, through Obama, would not let them put it in place on day one because of Obama's inability to make real decisions. Now it is too late.<br /><br />As Chuck Green, Denver Post columnist asked, "Will the failed administration of George Bush ever end and the time for hope and change ever arrive?"<br /><br />The definition of a narcissist is the inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; vanity. Enter Obama! <br /><br />It is no longer George Bush's fault. Remember this in November.Brian J Perkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01638589876456054783noreply@blogger.com2