Jan Brewer: Highlighting the Ineptitude of the Fed

Jan Brewer, Governor of Arizona, is enjoying the support of her state but taking lots of arrows being lofted from Washington, DC.  Evidently, as she points out in this video, the solution to the problems on the border is to put up signs warning the rest of us of the danger.

What ever happened to sending people down there to take care of the problem?  Why are the citizenry having to alter their lifestyle to cater to the dregs of humanity?  This seems like a battle that we can win, unlike the dwindling odds in Afghanistan.  I say send in our best and brightest to “take care” of the problem.

What do I know?

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Is Obama Giving Up Sovereign Land to Mexico?

I’m not sure what to take of this development, but it seems like we need to send some good ole boys down to the border to take care of business.

Why can’t we take care of this problem?   Is this all the Federal Government can do is put up signs?  And we wonder why Arizona is passing the laws that they are (by overwhelming majorities I might add.)

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Senator Demint: Illegal Immigrants and BP Oil Spill

Amen Senator DeMint.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

Arizona Governor Takes First Shot On Illegal Immigration

The issue of illegal immigration has been around as long as I’ve been alive, and then some.  There have always been those who live in the shadows that have come to the United States for a better life.  I’ve been to Mexico and have seen the squalor that many in the country lives in every day.  If I lived in a third-world country like Mexico, I would probably do what I could to escape that life.  That being said, they are still breaking the law by entering the United States illegally.

Those that simply want this “problem” to go away wish to grant amnesty to all of those 12-20 million illegals who reside in the land of the free and home of the brave.  If my memory serves me right, this idea has been tried before in the 1980’s.  I recall that President Reagan granted amnesty to several million illegals.  Wow, that sure took care of the problem!

MSNBC’s Ed Schultz has his take on what we should do to “fix” the problem.

I have no idea if this new law in Arizona establishing harsher penalties on illegals will do the trick, but it sounds like the residents of the state have had enough (70 percent support the measure.)  Some of the provisions discussed in the media sound a little hard to utilize, but it is a start.

Here is the problem I have with the whole amnesty deal – it doesn’t solve the problem! Anyone can go down the the local Home Depot and hire an illegal immigrant to do some yard work or off the books labor.  The area I live in has several major orchards – I seriously doubt all of those fruit pickers are legal, but that is just mere speculation on my part.  Granting amnesty to millions of illegals (stress on the word ILLEGAL) might bring them out of the shadows but will do nothing about the growing ranks of the unemployed.  I wonder why President Obama is so hacked off.  Hmmm…..

For immigration reform to work it has to be a concerted effort.  The Federal Government has demonstrated they have no interest in pissing off the Latino community (I’m not convinced that that would actually happen, but what do I know) and seems to have little interest in actually fixing the problem.  Hard choices have to be made and no one seems willing to buck up.  That’s called kicking the ball down the field.

I’ll take this opportunity to republish my plan to help curb illegal immigration from my post on March 14, 2009:

If I were President of the United States, here would be my 5-Point plan:

1. Send US troops down to the border to stop the flow of illegals.

2. Make sure the fence is secure with no gaps.  If we do some type of environmental damage, so be it.  The illegals inflict more damage near the border than anyone else.

3. Go after employers that hire illegals and fine them, maybe put the owners in jail.  Start with the big companies and work you way down.  With the threat there, many of the problems will cure themselves.  Plenty of jobs for Americans presently out of work.

4. Deny any social benefits to illegals.  If it’s an emergency situation, treat the injury, and send them packing.  If a child has been born here and is considered a US citizen, let them go packing also.  Parents who come to the US to have a child just so they are US Citizens is a ridiculous idea and should be repealed.

5. Continue to enforce the laws currently on the books and strike the term “Amnesty” from our language.  Amnesty policies only create more illegals.  (Hear that Reagan and W?)

Sounds as good today as when I wrote it last year.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

A Conservatarian Manifesto

The Coherent Ramblings
of a Disillusioned Former Republican

“If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn’t thinking.
General George S. Patton, Jr.

As I reflect on my short life, I often have the chance to ponder on where my belief system began.  It has been an interesting journey from an uninformed teenager to a semi-apathetic college student, to today. I am now an informed adult quickly hurtling toward middle-age, although I refuse to act it.

The Early Journey

Most of my ideas, thoughts, and belief system (political, religious and otherwise), started with my parents. I am a Christian and an Eagle Scout. I feel that these experiences have molded and shaped my work ethic and way of thinking. One of my greatest heroes is my dad, who has had a profound influence on my life.  We often talk of political issues and agree most of the time.  Even though I am a little more radical in my way of thinking, we do agree most of the time.

Going through life I feel I have made the right choices, most of the time, in regards to life and education. I went through my undergraduate work in five years gaining two bachelor’s degrees. I later attended graduate school achieving a master’s degree. It was at this time that I discovered that the “real” education begins outside of the classroom!

I give this basic information only as a background on my life experiences and as a basis for my belief system.

The Political Journey

In 1988 I voted in my first Presidential election, or any election for that matter. My vote went to George H.W. Bush. I don’t remember the reason I voted for him, but it seemed like a better choice than his competitor, Michael Dukakis.  Not much thinking on my part.

Throughout the next four years I concentrated on my collegiate work and having a good time (friends, parties, etc.). I was by no means a lush – I just liked enjoying myself and the college life. I did not follow many domestic or world affairs during these years.

In 1992 I was a little older and hopefully a little wiser. I was working on a second degree at my university and becoming more informed on domestic and world affairs.

It was that summer I started to listen to (and watch) Rush Limbaugh. He said all kinds of things that I agreed with, and I felt like I had found a kindred spirit in the media. He had many of the same thoughts and desires that I had.  At that time he was the lone voice of conservative political issues.  Finally, someone was speaking my language on the national stage! I was by no means some kind of mind-numbed robot that agreed with every word Rush spoke, but he merely expounded on my thoughts and values already in place.

Throughout the 90’s, my life changed drastically. I got married, started my first job, and continued to move up the proverbial corporate ladder. In 1996 I voted for Bob Dole. He was the Republican and was, in my mind, a better choice than another four years of Bill Clinton. I soon realized that he was given this opportunity, not necessarily to win the Presidency, but as political payback for years of service to the GOP.  I knew, (and suspected that many others did too), that he would never have beaten the popular Bill Clinton…so begins my education in the political realm.

The new Millennium ushered the end of the Clinton era and the beginning of the George W. Bush era. I actually loved the idea of the younger Bush carrying the conservative banner. I saw him as a much more conservative candidate than his father and hoped for big things.

“I started to listen to Rush Limbaugh.  He said all
kinds of things that I agreed with, and I felt like
I had found a kindred spirit in the media.”

I truly believe that George W. Bush started off very well after all the election snafus in Florida. He seemed to be settling into office and dealing with a downturn in the economy after the “dot-com bubble” burst. Then 9-11 hit. I couldn’t have imagined Al Gore dealing with this situation with as much poise and honor.

As the 2004 election came around, I was still in the Bush camp and enthusiastically voted for him a second time. As the election ended and reality set in, Mr. Bush started to play the center, and some times left, in his positions. I watched him cave into the left on issues like prescription drugs and illegal immigration. It seemed like he had lost his way and just wanted to secure some type of legacy beyond the Iraq War and 9-11.  I learned what compassionate conservatism really meant: the abandonment of conservative values.

“The Republicans have failed the country by being lukewarm
on important issues, like spending restraint and domestic
security.  The Democrats have failed us due to their
proclivity to push the country to the left, and develop
a more collective (socialistic) society.”

When the election season of 2007-2008 came around, I was totally disillusioned with the whole political process.  I certainly didn’t identify myself with the Republicans and had nothing in common with the Democrats. To put it quite frankly, I was a man without a party. I started to look elsewhere for a candidate that would make a difference. Sadly, the only candidates I really liked didn’t make it out of the primaries.

In the beginning of 2008, shortly after the birth of my second child, I started a little blog site called Rob’s Rant.  This seemed an appropriate title for my writings and I was not concerned if anyone actually read them. They were meant for my own therapy. I started this forum out of my frustration with the caliber of politicians and the Bush administration. I felt that my voice was not being heard. I had a couple of readers that consisted of some friends from high school and college. Of course, they mostly agreed with my positions on issues. I posted when I was interested.

We witnessed the highly contentious election of 2008 between John McCain and Barack Obama. Being from Illinois I knew that Mr. Obama was not the right person for the job. The more I read about John McCain the less I really liked his outlook for America. I didn’t see much difference between the two presidential candidates.  I reluctantly voted for the lesser of two evils, John McCain.  It was the first time in my life I voted for an individual I had no confidence in to turn the country around. I liked the prospect of an Obama presidency even less.

To be honest, Senator McCain only received my vote because I didn’t want Barack Obama in the oval office.  I also liked that he chose Sarah Palin as his running mate.  I cared very little about her political inexperience and problems with the media. Mr. Obama had less experience running anything, and he now calls the White House home. Fortunately for her, she is distancing herself from the GOP and really attempting to chart her own course.  We’ll see where that leads.

“I am tired of the two party system
with their inherent dishonesty
and disingenuousness.”

Before the 2008 election, I was starting to lean Libertarian in my views, but I didn’t really identify with their whole belief structure. I still consider myself a Conservative but with marked Libertarian tendencies. I don’t believe I am alone in my views and think there are many people who fall into this group.

The Realization

After the election of Barack Obama to the highest office in the land, I decided to see what was happening with the local GOP group.  I was looking for some glimmer of hope for the Republicans. I had been invited by an acquaintance to get involved with the local group so I decided to give them a shot.  I attended my first, and only, meeting in December 2008. I soon realized that although they called themselves the “NEW” Republican Party, the same old people were involved in the same old way doing the same old things. It was the longest two hours of my life and I couldn’t wait to leave.  I know I only gave them one meeting but I just couldn’t torture myself like that again.

The Republicans have failed the country by being lukewarm on important issues such as spending restraint and domestic security issues. The Democrats have failed us for their proclivity to push the country to the left and develop a more collective (socialistic) society. I am tired of the two party system with their inherent dishonesty and disingenuousness.  Do I believe that all Republicans and Democrats are evil? Of course not. I do believe there must be a better way to run the country.

“I consider myself an Glenn Beck conservative.
He is a lot like me.  He rants and raves passionately
about issues that interest him.  Sometimes he swerves
off the rails into perceived lunacy.  I’ll admit it, I like that.”

Since the beginning of 2009, we have witnessed seemingly average citizens, like myself, take time out of their lives to attend loosely organized, as well as extremely coordinated events, protesting hot button issues like taxes and health care. We, as citizens, have been misaligned as radicals and out of touch with society. I believe it is just the opposite.  Having attended a couple of these events, I felt very comfortable in the presence of these groups. I think this is the start of a real awakening of common sense conservatives in America.

As of today, I consider myself a Glenn Beck conservative.  He is the current whipping boy of the left-leaning (and some right-leaning) commentators and main stream media types.  I really don’t care. He is a lot like me.  He rants and raves passionately about issues that interest him, is usually correct on the facts, but like a typical human does make mistakes from time to time and sometimes swerves off the rails into perceived lunacy. I’ll admit it, I like that. If that makes me an unhinged loon, then so be it.

The Future

I have no idea how I will vote in the 2012 election.  I will not whore myself out any longer for a party that seemingly has no interest in preserving conservative values. We need a TRUE conservative to right the ship and reduce the massive amounts of people on the public dole. Other tasks should include a plan to distribute the tax burden more evenly among all of the income levels. Stop punishing the ‘”rich” for their success! Also, stop spending like a drunken sailor on shore leave (sorry, Navy guys, I liked the analogy.)

“When we complain about some group receiving
several million dollars, we are told,
‘That’s just a drop in the bucket to the government.’
Well, in my estimation, that is part of the problem.”

Why are these concepts so hard for the average politician to swallow? I think many, not all, of our politicians have lost touch with their constituents and forgotten they are spending the people’s money. When we complain about some group receiving several million dollars, we are told,

“That’s just a drop in the bucket to the government.” Well, in my estimation, that is part of the problem. When you start adding up all those “drops,” you start to fill up the bucket and then overflow this proverbial bucket. True reform starts with that one drop. Real change comes when we fill up the bucket. Revolutionary change comes when we throw out the collected drops and start over.

Do I think it is too late for the Republican Party to rebound and become a truly conservative party? Unfortunately, I do.  I believe that too many wishy-washy Republicans have infiltrated the GOP ranks for true reform to happen. I hope I am wrong. Until then, I will vote my conscience and not a party.

I will continue to rant and complain about issues I am interested in and hope to strike a chord with someone. I’m not always factually correct and tend to fly off the handle on some issues, but I do have an opinion that I can express for all to hear. Until I’m carted away by a goon squad or silenced by the fairness doctrine or some form of localism, I’ll continue to express my heartfelt thoughts.

Download a pdf copy of this article here.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant

 

Conservatarian Values: Common Sense for America

As we are a country of many views and thoughts, not many people fall simply within Republican or Democrat camps.  A small portion of the electorate adhere to a hybrid version that I and others dub as conservatarian.  This is a combination of conservative and libertarian viewpoints.

Abortion – Abortion is the taking of a life.  Human rights should apply to everyone, even the unborn. 

Crime and Justice – Protect citizens through effective law enforcement.  Penalize those individuals who do not follow the rule of law with common sense sentencing and limited parole.

Self-Defense – The ability to defend yourself, your property, and your family.

Environmental Issues – The environment should be protected and preserved but not at the expense of basic human liberties. 

Taxes – Replace the federal income and payroll taxes with a fair tax.  Stop the over taxation of the producers and under taxation of non-producers.

Energy and Resources – The United States should explore its own natural resources free from over reaching environmental agencies and left-wing environmental groups.

Financial Markets – The government should get out of the way of the financial markets and allow them to function properly.  Oversight should be utilized but without a full-on intrusion from the Fed.

Compulsory Retirement System – The forced bankrupt governmental retirement system (Social Security) should be abolished in favor of a voluntary method of individual contributions.

Health Care – Health care should not be run by the government in any realm.   

National Defense – The military should be available to first protect citizens against domestic threats and then against international threats.

Domestic Security – The United States should first protect her citizens and then the rest of the world.  Threats to domestic security should be handled swiftly and with minimal bureaucracy.

Illegal Immigration – Illegal immigrants should be deported out of the United States.  Businesses that employ illegal immigrants should suffer steep and progressive fines.

Legal Immigration – Individuals should have the opportunity to continue to become citizens of the United States without exorbitant red tape and expense.

Discrimination Issues – Discrimination in any form is anti-American.  Everyone should be equally protected regardless of sex, wealth, race, color, creed, age, national origin, or sexual orientation, but no individual group should have more protection than another.

Many of these ideals have come through years of thoughtful study with assistance from various groups and organizations.

Download a pdf file of this post here.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Rob’s Rant