By John Gibson
We need CHANGE in Olympia, are you with me?
As a former state legislator, I find it hard to stay away from the fray. It is hard when you look around and watch those given the public trust, squander opportunities to do what is the best interest of a community or a state. It frustrates me to watch our elected leaders avoid the obvious solutions to the fiscal woes for political gain with varies public interest groups and if we do not change the way government does business, we face a bleak future.
As a Washington State resident since 2007, I saw firsthand how an out of control legislature worked with a Governor who never hold employment outside the public sector, take a record state budget surplus and turn it into an $6.4 Billion deficit and raised taxes across the board to pay for these excesses (34% increase in state spending since 2006).
The private sector in Washington State has taken the brunt of these tax hikes and results has been predictable; 27 months of an unemployment rate of 9% plus. Washington State has a so-called "living" minimum wage law that is tied with the Consumer Price Index rate and youth unemployment is nearing 50%.
Washington State has one of the highest tax rates on gasoline and other fossil fuels. Billions collected and still the greater Seattle area has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country. Nearly a $1 Billion was spent on 12 miles of light rail that nobody uses while The Washington State Department of Transportation currently has no available resources to tackle highway and road congestion head on but they have an idea to raise more revenue; build toll booths.
Now, the legislature is considering legalizing marijuana and selling it out of state run liquor stores to raise revenues to continue the out of control state spending by a one party dominated state government. They say it will be a net positive for the state. What are they smoking?
We deserve better from our elected officials. We struggle each month to pay the bills and we make the tough choices. Should we expect our elected officials to prioritize state spending based upon realistic revenue estimates? Should we expect our elected officials to make tough choices on spending priorities based upon need, not pie in the sky thinking? The answer is obvious.
Higher taxes and legalizing marijuana is not the answer to long term fiscal solvency. It is time for Olympia to be a steward for job growth by standing on the side of small businesses across Washington State. We can show America how it is done by getting our house in order. We can do this but we need to bring change to Olympia. Are you with me?
John Gibson is a former N.H. State Rep who now lives and works in Washington state.
2.09.2011
2.07.2011
Protecting Muslims
By Dave Buhlman
US PROTECTING MUSLIM MURDERERS
It is so obvious that Islamic terrorists are slipping over our Southern border that even Janet, "Big Sis", Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, is aware of it. And it takes a lot to get her attention, unless of course you're an American gun owner who believes in the Bible. Big Sis does not like that group. Not at all. So she made a list, has checked it twice, and sent a copy to US Attorney General Eric, "Let 'Em Go", Holder to confirm that being a good American is not nice.
The dangerous impacts of allowing illegal immigration to continue are best displayed by the signs installed in Arizona by the federal government that warn Americans to avoid certain areas of Arizona because of illegal activities perpetrated by foreigners. Thus has the federal government handed control over a section of the United States to foreigners. If Americans cannot go into this area, under the protection of the laws of the United States, this area is no longer ours, as allowed by the Obama Administration and its elitist supporters. It has, in essence, been ceded to Mexico.
This is just the way the elite want it, and all signs point to their intent to make things worse for American citizens, both in the de facto surrender of US territory, and in their encouragement of illegal entry into the United States. This is obvious.
The United States has the most powerful military force in the world today. Given this, it would be relatively easy to thwart illegal immigration of all kinds, but especially the Muslim terrorist variety, by deploying at least a Division of Marines on the border to bolster the brave Border Patrol agents. Why fool around when our country is under attack? This Division would secure our Southern border and then, to make things quite clear, conduct an incursion ten miles into Mexico to temporarily establish a new border to the south of the Rio Grande River. One of their missions would be to kill as many members of murderous drug cartels as possible. These slugs are good at murdering unarmed civilians. Let's see how they do when they face the United States Marines. Or run like hell from them, which is more likely. The United States has to do this to protect out country because it's ever so clear that the Mexican government is powerless to do much of anything. We cannot allow their ineptitude to put the territory and people of the United States in harm's way any longer.
Border Patrol agents, law enforcement officers, and other American citizens have been murdered by foreigners on American soil. That's an act of war, and one that is quietly sanctioned by both the Mexican government and elitists in this country.
If we do not send this clear signal to the world, we will be seen as so weak that we will not even defend our own land. That is not America. Not by a long shot.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative.
US PROTECTING MUSLIM MURDERERS
It is so obvious that Islamic terrorists are slipping over our Southern border that even Janet, "Big Sis", Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, is aware of it. And it takes a lot to get her attention, unless of course you're an American gun owner who believes in the Bible. Big Sis does not like that group. Not at all. So she made a list, has checked it twice, and sent a copy to US Attorney General Eric, "Let 'Em Go", Holder to confirm that being a good American is not nice.
The dangerous impacts of allowing illegal immigration to continue are best displayed by the signs installed in Arizona by the federal government that warn Americans to avoid certain areas of Arizona because of illegal activities perpetrated by foreigners. Thus has the federal government handed control over a section of the United States to foreigners. If Americans cannot go into this area, under the protection of the laws of the United States, this area is no longer ours, as allowed by the Obama Administration and its elitist supporters. It has, in essence, been ceded to Mexico.
This is just the way the elite want it, and all signs point to their intent to make things worse for American citizens, both in the de facto surrender of US territory, and in their encouragement of illegal entry into the United States. This is obvious.
The United States has the most powerful military force in the world today. Given this, it would be relatively easy to thwart illegal immigration of all kinds, but especially the Muslim terrorist variety, by deploying at least a Division of Marines on the border to bolster the brave Border Patrol agents. Why fool around when our country is under attack? This Division would secure our Southern border and then, to make things quite clear, conduct an incursion ten miles into Mexico to temporarily establish a new border to the south of the Rio Grande River. One of their missions would be to kill as many members of murderous drug cartels as possible. These slugs are good at murdering unarmed civilians. Let's see how they do when they face the United States Marines. Or run like hell from them, which is more likely. The United States has to do this to protect out country because it's ever so clear that the Mexican government is powerless to do much of anything. We cannot allow their ineptitude to put the territory and people of the United States in harm's way any longer.
Border Patrol agents, law enforcement officers, and other American citizens have been murdered by foreigners on American soil. That's an act of war, and one that is quietly sanctioned by both the Mexican government and elitists in this country.
If we do not send this clear signal to the world, we will be seen as so weak that we will not even defend our own land. That is not America. Not by a long shot.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative.
2.06.2011
Me and Ronald Reagan
By Ron Dupuis
Picture it. The year is 1966. A young battle tested (yet still boyishly good looking) recently discharged Marine is attempting to adjust to civilian life by matriculating college. The change is difficult. There are fraternities to pledge, social events to attend, and a whole array of organizations to join. The SBBS or “Students for Better Beer Society” is one that shows a lot of promise. To keep it all in perspective there are also courses to register for and classes to attend.
Every story needs a love interest. For this one it’s a California beauty named Sandy Nardella. Blonde, blue eyed, thin, and so tall her perfectly shaped leg’s seemed to go on forever. If not the inspiration of the Beach Boys 1965 hit song California Girls, she certainly could have been.
One day the California beauty invites a Political Science class to help out at a local campaign office. The young, yet still boyishly good looking, still adjusting student jumps at the opportunity without even asking who the candidate was or what the issues were. At the time he would have turned Democrat in order to impress the California beauty.
Stuffing envelopes for a gubernatorial candidate is a somewhat menial task. Especially for our young friend who had but a minimal interest in politics. If, however, accomplishing such a boring task would lead to a closer relationship with classmate “California girl”, the attitude was “so be it.”
It is amazing how quickly things can change. Suddenly the door opened and the candidate himself entered the room. He was a tall man in his mid fifties, wearing a dark business type suit buttoned in the middle. His shirt was white and crisply starched, and his stripped tie was in a Windsor knot. His rugged face was well tanned. Not the type of tan you see around Orange County, but instead the kind someone receives from spending a great amount of time outdoors. He moved about the room with not only an air of confidence, but also a touch of humility. He offered praise, but more importantly was not afraid to asked the lowest of minions what they thought of the literature they were working on and the campaign in general. He was sincerely interested.
Our young student friend did not get to speak to the candidate, or even shake his hand. He was introduced from across the room as “Sandy’s friend over there stuffing envelopes” and did receive a high wave, accompanied by a nod of the head that could only mean “thank you”. That was enough. This is not to say that our young friend experienced and epiphany that day. Dating Miss California long legs was still important. Enjoying collage life and all the social amenities that went along with it was still important. He did however realize for that one brief moment in time he was not only in the presence of greatness, but also received a sincere signal of approval from a man who was likely go on to do great things for not only the State of California, but also our country and the entire world. End of story.
I’m sure being President of the United States and gearing up for what most people belive to be a difficult re-election bid at best,would put a strain on the best of us. In order to capture the prize you have to do and say things in public that you would rather not do even in the most private of moments. Shameless pandering is the name of the game. Recently President Obama received rebuke for invoking the name of President Ronald Reagan. As well he should. Reagan was a staunch conservative in every sense of the word who felt that negotiating with our enemies should be done from a position of strength. Obama is exactly the opposite.
Mr. Obama, I’ve followed Ronald Wilson Reagan’s career, from his election as Governor in the sixties until his death in 2004, and I can truly say “Sir, you’re no Ronald Reagan”.
Picture it. The year is 1966. A young battle tested (yet still boyishly good looking) recently discharged Marine is attempting to adjust to civilian life by matriculating college. The change is difficult. There are fraternities to pledge, social events to attend, and a whole array of organizations to join. The SBBS or “Students for Better Beer Society” is one that shows a lot of promise. To keep it all in perspective there are also courses to register for and classes to attend.
Every story needs a love interest. For this one it’s a California beauty named Sandy Nardella. Blonde, blue eyed, thin, and so tall her perfectly shaped leg’s seemed to go on forever. If not the inspiration of the Beach Boys 1965 hit song California Girls, she certainly could have been.
One day the California beauty invites a Political Science class to help out at a local campaign office. The young, yet still boyishly good looking, still adjusting student jumps at the opportunity without even asking who the candidate was or what the issues were. At the time he would have turned Democrat in order to impress the California beauty.
Stuffing envelopes for a gubernatorial candidate is a somewhat menial task. Especially for our young friend who had but a minimal interest in politics. If, however, accomplishing such a boring task would lead to a closer relationship with classmate “California girl”, the attitude was “so be it.”
It is amazing how quickly things can change. Suddenly the door opened and the candidate himself entered the room. He was a tall man in his mid fifties, wearing a dark business type suit buttoned in the middle. His shirt was white and crisply starched, and his stripped tie was in a Windsor knot. His rugged face was well tanned. Not the type of tan you see around Orange County, but instead the kind someone receives from spending a great amount of time outdoors. He moved about the room with not only an air of confidence, but also a touch of humility. He offered praise, but more importantly was not afraid to asked the lowest of minions what they thought of the literature they were working on and the campaign in general. He was sincerely interested.
Our young student friend did not get to speak to the candidate, or even shake his hand. He was introduced from across the room as “Sandy’s friend over there stuffing envelopes” and did receive a high wave, accompanied by a nod of the head that could only mean “thank you”. That was enough. This is not to say that our young friend experienced and epiphany that day. Dating Miss California long legs was still important. Enjoying collage life and all the social amenities that went along with it was still important. He did however realize for that one brief moment in time he was not only in the presence of greatness, but also received a sincere signal of approval from a man who was likely go on to do great things for not only the State of California, but also our country and the entire world. End of story.
I’m sure being President of the United States and gearing up for what most people belive to be a difficult re-election bid at best,would put a strain on the best of us. In order to capture the prize you have to do and say things in public that you would rather not do even in the most private of moments. Shameless pandering is the name of the game. Recently President Obama received rebuke for invoking the name of President Ronald Reagan. As well he should. Reagan was a staunch conservative in every sense of the word who felt that negotiating with our enemies should be done from a position of strength. Obama is exactly the opposite.
Mr. Obama, I’ve followed Ronald Wilson Reagan’s career, from his election as Governor in the sixties until his death in 2004, and I can truly say “Sir, you’re no Ronald Reagan”.
1.13.2011
DC: The New Baghdad
--- by Micheal
The recent shootings in Arizona have revealed how much Washington DC is like Baghdad. The sectarianism in DC is so strong and so rampant, that any negative event to "Our Side" is met with shouting and calls for jihad against "Them."
The Democratic leadership were quick -- quicker than a knee jerk -- to blame the other tribes (the Republicans and/or Tea Party). Angry talk-show hosts, Sarah Palin, etc. etc., were to blame. Why? Because one of their tribe had been shot. It simply MUST have been a sectarian attack by Them.
Enter yesterday's Fox News story that the gunman was not political. His friend from school said he was generally disaffected, upset over personal issues and was more than likely lashing out at the world. Gifford was just a high-profile target. Her party was not.
The Democratic pulpit pounding is laced with self-contradiction. Angrily, they denounce anger.
Thus is sectarian violence escalated.
The recent shootings in Arizona have revealed how much Washington DC is like Baghdad. The sectarianism in DC is so strong and so rampant, that any negative event to "Our Side" is met with shouting and calls for jihad against "Them."
The Democratic leadership were quick -- quicker than a knee jerk -- to blame the other tribes (the Republicans and/or Tea Party). Angry talk-show hosts, Sarah Palin, etc. etc., were to blame. Why? Because one of their tribe had been shot. It simply MUST have been a sectarian attack by Them.
Enter yesterday's Fox News story that the gunman was not political. His friend from school said he was generally disaffected, upset over personal issues and was more than likely lashing out at the world. Gifford was just a high-profile target. Her party was not.
The Democratic pulpit pounding is laced with self-contradiction. Angrily, they denounce anger.
Thus is sectarian violence escalated.
---
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