June 02, 2007
Response from Representative Jim Jordan, OH on Immigration email
I also sent the previously discussed email to Representative Jim Jordan, of my district, and got the following response:
June 1, 2007Dear Mr. Souder:
Thank you for contacting me regarding illegal immigration and the recent immigration reform proposal. I appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns with me.
Studies indicate that there are at least 10 million illegal aliens now living in the United States. Illegal immigration presents us with challenges on a number of fronts, from American culture, to our economy, to homeland security and law enforcement.
During the last Congress, significant gains were made in areas like curbing cross-border tunnels, thwarting drug smuggling and establishing increased border surveillance and blockades. We have also made recent progress in policing the border, as I witnessed this firsthand in a recent tour of border and fence building operations in Yuma, Arizona.
Despite this progress, the problem of illegal immigration remains as serious as ever. I believe it will require serious and immediate attention to tougher border security for us to get a handle on this issue.
I am strongly opposed to the immigration reform proposal you mentioned, currently being considered in the U.S. Senate. While the bill contains some needed reforms, the "amnesty" provisions make the entire effort unacceptable. Blanket amnesty rewards illegal behavior and does nothing to solve the problem of illegal immigration. We live in a nation of laws and we must first enforce those laws. Our solution to this issue must begin with dramatically increasing our border security.
Over the generations, our nation has prospered and grown through welcoming legal immigrants to our land. We should welcome those who desire to learn our language and join our society. Rewarding those who enter our country illegally cheapens the sacrifices others have made in coming here. I appreciate you expressing your concerns with this proposal. I will keep them in mind as the immigration debate in Congress continues and I will not support amnesty for illegal immigrants.
I hope you will find this information helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any other concerns or questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at (202) 225-2676, or by e-mail through our website at http://jordan.house.gov.
Sincerely,
Jim Jordan
Member of Congress
Posted by Ravennacht at 12:24 PM
May 24, 2007
Response from Senator Brown to My Email on Immigration
I seriously doubt this is nothing more than a form letter. Lets wait and see what Voinovich has to say from the same email.
Dear Mr. Souder:Thank you for contacting me about my views on the current immigration proposals being considered by Congress.
I have supported legislation to curb illegal immigration by increasing criminal penalties for alien smuggling and document fraud, eliminating the use of government documents that are easily forged, and doubling the number of border patrol guards. Better enforcement and tougher penalties for both undocumented immigrants and their lawbreaking employers are the way to fight unauthorized employment, and employment opportunities are what drive illegal immigration.
Unless we fix the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and enforce our own labor laws, we will continue to debate how high the fence should be and how many agents should guard our border – with no real solution in sight. In 1994, the U.S. signed NAFTA, which promised, among other things, to help create a thriving middle class in Mexico. At that time there were 3 million undocumented workers in the U.S.; today there are more than 11 million. In Mexico, 9 million more live in poverty than when NAFTA was enacted. NAFTA has failed the U.S. and Mexico. By creating an atmosphere where Mexican citizens feel they have no chance of a successful life in Mexico, these ill-conceived trade agreements increase the number of illegal immigrants coming into our country.
In addition to addressing the forces that are compelling illegal immigration, we must take action to bring illegal immigrants out of the shadows. While I do not support amnesty and have serious concerns about guest worker programs, I do believe our nation should consider establishing a process by which illegal immigrants can eventually earn citizenship.
The solution to our immigration problem will not be a simple one, as many things in our country need to be fixed to stop illegal immigration. It is time to take a common sense approach to immigration reform. Thank you again for contacting me.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
Posted by Ravennacht at 06:26 PM
War Funding
My response to my Representative Jim Jordan on his question of the week.
Question of the WeekWhich of the following best describes what you believe Congress should do about the Iraq war?
- Halt funding for the war effort and bring American troops home immediately.
- Set a timeline for phased America troop withdrawal over the course of the next several months.
- Give more time to allow the current “surge” of American troops to work.Set a timeline for phased America troop withdrawal over the course of the next several months. My patience has worn out on allowing this insanity to continue any further. I can no longer stomach listening to the administration talk on and on about a war against a movement... not even a nation. Either the administration and the Iraqi government start meeting some standards or the troops should be phased out. No longer can I watch the number of daily dead rise. No longer can I bear seeing the wounded toll rise. No longer do I want to hear one more politician speak about a war on terror when it is our brothers, sons, daughters, sisters, fathers and mothers that are paying the price now. Stop sitting on the fence and represent EVERYONE in your district, including members of the armed forces and their families. End this charade, end the suffering, end it all.
Posted by Ravennacht at 06:21 PM
May 23, 2007
Immigration Modifications ... I think not
I've had it. I have OFFICIALLY had it. The letter writing has begun. Next is phone calls.
Senator Brown and Senator Voinovich:I am writing this email to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the current proposed bill to modify Immigration. I feel that on the face of the document it is filled with confusing and illogical proposals as well ideas that are counter to the interests of citizens of the country.
Giving amnesty to a group of people that have defied our nation's laws to gain entrance to our nation is beyond ludicrous. Our nation is built upon law, to say that one group of people is beyond it on this occassion undermines the foundation of our whole system. You can do it this time, but not next time. It applies to person A but not to person B. Yes it is inconvenient, fiscally depressing, and not wholly logical to deport everyone that may have entered illegally... however, excusing and rewarding illegal entrance into our country with this status detracts from our very essence as a nation of laws. How will you explain it to a citizen?
How is it okay to propose that people that qualify under the new immigration modifications will not have to pay back taxes for the whole time they have been in the country? Every citizen is supposed to pay taxes and is punished with penalties if they do not. What message does it send to say that illegal immigrants are excused from having to pay if they are granted legal status. They qualify for various State and local benefits, yet they aren't supposed to help pay for them like every other citizen of the country?
How can you get background checks and fingerprint analysis of applicants within a 24 hour period without falling into the automatic granting status? There isn't even a current system in place to force reporting and cross checking between Social Security/IRS to identify false records now. How can the system be expected to absorb and responsibly background check each applicant to the fullest when there is such a small amount of time to accomplish the task responsibly.
Being a graduate of college, I have encountered hurdle after hurdle in attempting to gain eligibility to grants and loans for higher education. I resent any inclusion in this bill of allowing illegal aliens under this act to have access to lowered/subsidized tuition rates at college. When you cannot even have a citizen from one state allowed to have access to the lower tuition in college in another state, I fail to understand how an illegal immigrant will immediately qualify. Until subsidized tuition is equal for everyone, then there is no logical reason to permit a noncitizen access to this privilege.
Overall I am disgusted that the modifications to Immigration is occurring at the end result of the problem. Indeed, the whole issue is being approached from the symptom side rather than addressing the problem directly. Why is there no serious funding and revamping of securing the borders and the ports. Why would we permit amnesty when there has not been enough time to put more border patrol out to stop the next wave attempting to get in for the next amnesty. I would not oppose amnesty so staunchly, at least under some logical terms, if there was, at the very least, an attempt made to seriously stop the problem from occurring.
I also resent the racial undertones and inequity of how illegal immigrants are treated. If someone sneaks across the border from Mexico, they are largely ignored... however a Haitian or Dominical trying to get into the country by boat are returned with no questions asked. Until the inequity of immigration is addressed you cannot fully address the problem.
Striking again at the root of the problem, why does the government not use the laws currently at its disposal to punish the employers that violate the laws by employing illegal immigrants to begin with. To listen to the President spew illogical comments concerning Jobs that Americans don't want to do as an explaination for allowing illegal immigrants in as workers is infuriating. It is an absolute fact that since these employers can undercut minimum wage laws, employment protection laws, safety, work hours, and other policies by using illegal immigrant workers that do not permit a citizen to compete for the same job to begin with. Employers are required to take employee information and maintain them on record. I refuse to believe that some system could not be implemented to verify legal status of the worker through the government. I am tired of listening to corporations and businesses whine about the cost of such record keeping, especially when it is in their interest to maintain a lower skilled, lower educated work force under their thumb and also allow them to undercut competitors that do not use the same tactics. I do not blame illegal immigrants from coming here to find work. They are still acquiring better wages here then they would back home... however, the employers have no excuse for violating the law.
Lastly, how can you have a "temporary" work visa that is basically permenantly renewable?
Why is it so beyond logic to ask the government to apply the laws to everyone in the nation, and no piecemeal it as they see it convenient. Furthermore, the government expects us to trust that any changes that are made to the system will be carried out; directly flying in the face of the fact that the government fails to apply current law.
Posted by Ravennacht at 06:51 PM
Immigration Modifications ... I think not
I've had it. I have OFFICIALLY had it. The letter writing has begun. Next is phone calls.
Senator Brown and Senator Voinovich:I am writing this email to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the current proposed bill to modify Immigration. I feel that on the face of the document it is filled with confusing and illogical proposals as well ideas that are counter to the interests of citizens of the country.
Giving amnesty to a group of people that have defied our nation's laws to gain entrance to our nation is beyond ludicrous. Our nation is built upon law, to say that one group of people is beyond it on this occassion undermines the foundation of our whole system. You can do it this time, but not next time. It applies to person A but not to person B. Yes it is inconvenient, fiscally depressing, and not wholly logical to deport everyone that may have entered illegally... however, excusing and rewarding illegal entrance into our country with this status detracts from our very essence as a nation of laws. How will you explain it to a citizen?
How is it okay to propose that people that qualify under the new immigration modifications will not have to pay back taxes for the whole time they have been in the country? Every citizen is supposed to pay taxes and is punished with penalties if they do not. What message does it send to say that illegal immigrants are excused from having to pay if they are granted legal status. They qualify for various State and local benefits, yet they aren't supposed to help pay for them like every other citizen of the country?
How can you get background checks and fingerprint analysis of applicants within a 24 hour period without falling into the automatic granting status? There isn't even a current system in place to force reporting and cross checking between Social Security/IRS to identify false records now. How can the system be expected to absorb and responsibly background check each applicant to the fullest when there is such a small amount of time to accomplish the task responsibly.
Being a graduate of college, I have encountered hurdle after hurdle in attempting to gain eligibility to grants and loans for higher education. I resent any inclusion in this bill of allowing illegal aliens under this act to have access to lowered/subsidized tuition rates at college. When you cannot even have a citizen from one state allowed to have access to the lower tuition in college in another state, I fail to understand how an illegal immigrant will immediately qualify. Until subsidized tuition is equal for everyone, then there is no logical reason to permit a noncitizen access to this privilege.
Overall I am disgusted that the modifications to Immigration is occurring at the end result of the problem. Indeed, the whole issue is being approached from the symptom side rather than addressing the problem directly. Why is there no serious funding and revamping of securing the borders and the ports. Why would we permit amnesty when there has not been enough time to put more border patrol out to stop the next wave attempting to get in for the next amnesty. I would not oppose amnesty so staunchly, at least under some logical terms, if there was, at the very least, an attempt made to seriously stop the problem from occurring.
I also resent the racial undertones and inequity of how illegal immigrants are treated. If someone sneaks across the border from Mexico, they are largely ignored... however a Haitian or Dominical trying to get into the country by boat are returned with no questions asked. Until the inequity of immigration is addressed you cannot fully address the problem.
Striking again at the root of the problem, why does the government not use the laws currently at its disposal to punish the employers that violate the laws by employing illegal immigrants to begin with. To listen to the President spew illogical comments concerning Jobs that Americans don't want to do as an explaination for allowing illegal immigrants in as workers is infuriating. It is an absolute fact that since these employers can undercut minimum wage laws, employment protection laws, safety, work hours, and other policies by using illegal immigrant workers that do not permit a citizen to compete for the same job to begin with. Employers are required to take employee information and maintain them on record. I refuse to believe that some system could not be implemented to verify legal status of the worker through the government. I am tired of listening to corporations and businesses whine about the cost of such record keeping, especially when it is in their interest to maintain a lower skilled, lower educated work force under their thumb and also allow them to undercut competitors that do not use the same tactics. I do not blame illegal immigrants from coming here to find work. They are still acquiring better wages here then they would back home... however, the employers have no excuse for violating the law.
Lastly, how can you have a "temporary" work visa that is basically permenantly renewable?
Why is it so beyond logic to ask the government to apply the laws to everyone in the nation, and no piecemeal it as they see it convenient. Furthermore, the government expects us to trust that any changes that are made to the system will be carried out; directly flying in the face of the fact that the government fails to apply current law.
Posted by Ravennacht at 06:51 PM
May 08, 2007
I have some distinct problems with the President's and democratic party's desire for Amnesty.
- Why reward negative behavior. You have groups of people that have come into the country through the backdoor, skirting the legal method. How is it okay to give them blanket protection, citizenship right off the hip when there are plenty of people that have gone the legal naturalization route and are waiting. It doesn't make sense to reward those that have skirted the system while punishing those that respected it (by making them continue to wait and jump the hurdles that come with the process.) Its not just nor fair.
- How can you grant amnesty when the issues that created the problem with undocumented people within the nation still exist. There is little control of the borders. There is little control of the employers that benefit from employing workers that will work for less than citizens. There is no link between SSN or IRS in reporting those that are not citizens to DHS... the money is more important. Grant amnesty now with the source problems in place and you will merely have a new rush for the border with more people demanding the same courtesy granted to those that already snuck in. It just makes no sense.
- If you are going to entertain thoughts on amnesty for one group, it should encompass all groups. Why is there a disparity in policy when it comes to Haitians or Dominicans trying to come into the country by boat... they get sent back. Doesn't seem to match the tone that is considered when you are talking about someone who walked across the desert from Mexico when it comes to Amnesty discussions.
- Stop listening to the churches that are screaming for Amnesty like its God's will. There is a reason for the separation of Church and State. Start threatening their tax status and they will clamp up. They have been given way too much free reign on this issue, and the restrictions on their lobbying are clear... start issuing punishment on their tax exempt asses already.
Posted by Ravennacht at 10:18 PM
April 28, 2007
Nary a Compromise to be Seen
The formation of this country was on the foundation of dissent. It is not unpatriotic to disagree with those in command of the nation, it is rooted within its very bones/framework. We are bound to one another and strengthened by our differences, the voice of the minority should never be silenced, but always heard as the voice of moderation of majority overreaching. When we find ourselves in control we become deaf ... whether in retribution for what was done whilst our faction was in less control... or just through the normal mechanation of moving stuff 'quickly' through the system. We really need to take the time to stop and listen... speak with one another... form more compromises that serve the whole.
I resent this President and continue to for his audacity in believing that his way is the only way. I disagree with the democrats on many points as well. My patience wears thin... I am tired of the jockying for airtime blurbs and poll stat flinging. They all act like they don't have any common sense about what the common person, or the soldier in the field is going through owing to their decisions. Enough is enough.
Posted by Ravennacht at 09:13 PM
November 17, 2006
The Ever Changing Verbage
"Hunger" shall be referred to as "Food Insecurity"
"War" shall be referred to as "Military Conflict"
Soon to be followed by:
"Illegal Immigrant" being changed to "Undocumented Non Resident"
"Outsourcing" being changed to "Value Menu Work Orders"
"Trade Deficit" and "Free Trade" being changed to "Faith Based Credit Returns"
"Oversight" being changed to "Congressional Stalking"
Posted by Ravennacht at 11:58 AM
November 08, 2006
Discussion of Ohio Results
The results are by-and-large mostly in and as I had hoped, the current administration at State level has been clean swept from office. If you have listened to the national news, you only hear them discuss the atmosphere of politics in relation to the President and the war... but I really think this is misleading. I have heard some journalists pontificate about how Ohio switched based upon decisions in the war and a mandate upon the President and other national issues. I think they have missed the boat completely on that assumption. This election here was COMPLETELY about ridding the state of corruption, mishandling, abuse, and looking-the-other-way.
What the networks have ignored is:
- Our current governor (Taft) has been found guilty of financial contribution issues.
- The whole Tom Noe Coingate scandal in which millions of state funds were lost. (see previous coingate posts)
- The fact that the current administration had strong ties to Tom Noe, or failed to handle it in a manner the public wanted.
- The loss of countless businesses from the State under this administration
- The diminishing of education funding in the State.
Why did everyone in office lose? Noe is the answer. You can't lose millions of State funds and survive the election, its simple as that. No one talks about it on the national side, but thats what we here have been talking about nonstop. What better proof of that than the fact that all the republicans in office lost. Wrath of the voters over all these issues. Clear and simple.
Why did Dewine lose the Senate race? Ads have been running here for weeks concerning money connections from Noe. That name is poison. Dewine's opponent also hit upon support for stem-cell research. Wake up Republicans... Stem-Cell research is the new flame topic.
Why did Blackwell lose the governorship? Because he is the current Secretary of State in this administration. Because he was in office during the last election when countless issues arised... machines not available, voters turned away, etc.
Open positions (Secretary of State election) suffered from party backlash. The republicans held a state majority in administratrion. The price is high.
I am relieved by the current administration's loss. Yes on a national level I am pleased... however on a down-home local level, this really is a turnaround my home-state so desperately needed. The cobwebs have been knocked loose. This was no referendum on Bush... this was completely a referendum on Taft and Noe.
Source: Ohio Secretary of StatePrecincts Reporting: 98.49%
Governor/Lieutenant Governor
Strickland, Ted / Fisher, Lee Democratic 2,256,872 60.25%
Blackwell, J. Kenneth / Raga, Thomas A. Republican 1,384,023 36.95%U.S. Senate
Brown, Sherrod Democratic 2,089,130 55.84%
DeWine, Mike Republican 1,650,306 44.11%Attorney General
Dann, Marc Democratic 1,883,984 52.36%
Montgomery, Betty Republican 1,713,881 47.64%Auditor of State
Taylor, Mary Republican 1,820,876 51.04%
Sykes, Barbara Democratic 1,746,537 48.96%Secretary of State
Brunner, Jennifer L. Democratic 1,948,237 54.74%
Hartmann, Greg Republican 1,450,819 40.77%Treasurer of State
Cordray, Richard Democratic 2,058,170 57.54%
O'Brien, Sandra Republican 1,518,645 42.46%
Posted by Ravennacht at 10:40 AM
November 06, 2006
Vote Vote Vote!
Regardless of your political affiliations,
VOTE
TOMORROW!
Posted by Ravennacht at 10:09 PM
November 04, 2006
Representative Reform
I believe in term limits for all politicians. The days of gilding the party lilly with life-time politicians should end. For too long we have suffered from lifers in office that have become so acclimated to the atmosphere in Washington and the state capitols that they lose their connection to their constituency... saying what the people want to hear only when election time rolls around. It is phenomenal just how many answers these people have for life's problems while election time is in full swing, yet when they return to office, they cannot get anything meaningful accomplished.
Need another reason? How about the propensity of Congress to grant itself pay raises (see my previous post concerning minimum wage) while a goodly amount of their constituency suffer at a sub-par federal minimum pay wage. There is something inherently illogical with having a branch of government that can willy-nilly grant itself a pay raise whenever it wishes. Set a term limit, set a salary and be done with it. No more games.
I am a vociferous opponent of party replacement laws (happens a lot on county levels), wherein a candidate is elected to office, must leave early for some reason and the party of whom he is a part automatically selects his replacement. When we vote for a candidate... we vote for the individual (ideally that is) not the party. Should this person leave office, die, or whatever before office, there should be a replacement vote for candidates from his constituency. This isn't to be confused with an accepted chain of command situation which exists at the federal level, where we at least select the individual and the running mate on the ballot for the office with the understanding that #2 could become #1... or even that members of his Cabinet may become the President at some point.
Commit a crime in office? Automatic out of office. Do not pass go, do not collect pension. Do not collect perks. Do I feel this is overboard. Not at all. How much more graft, misrepresentation and shady dealings can we have lurking in the dark corridors of power. It continues because they all protect each other FROM US. There are repercussions for the every-day citizen that breaks a law. Should a representative do so knowingly and willingly... this person who is of such great moral standing and trust to the public to be selected from millions to represent the one and many... is beyond excuse and calls for immediate and resounding punishment.
I believe in severely restricting politicians from getting jobs with lobbying firms immediately following the end of their terms. I believe there should be a number of years... at least 5... where these people are blocked from such work (I believe the time limit may currently be 2). Is there a connection between lobbying and politicians seeking to secure future wealth for favors now... undoubtedly. Stamp down on it better, I say, it just feeds into the continuing issue where we are ill represented by these people.
I believe in disallowing one politician from stumping for another that is running for (re)election. How many times have we watched a President, Governor, Senator (from another state even), etc... stumping about for some party lap dog that they want in office just to make their life easier? This isn't representation, this is party politics. If a person running for office cannot stand on their own merit... if they must rely upon the coat-tails of some power-symbol in office currently... then they really don't belong in office to begin with. Do you hear their message... or do you see only the glamour and bells and whistles of the show dog paraded about for stray peanuts. I only think to myself, each time I watch some fool already in office campaigning for some other fool running for office, just HOW MUCH are you representing your own people... just HOW MUCH time are you spending on YOUR constituency projects... just HOW MUCH time are you spending on YOUR job when you are busy working for your party trying to get numbers in the House. I understand the whys of it. I will never agree to it. Do your own work already.
Posted by Ravennacht at 12:26 AM
October 08, 2006
Vote "None of the Above"
From Brewster's Millions (1985):Monty Brewster: What are you gonna vote?
Crowd: None of the above!
How many times have you been faced with a ballot and you just wished that "NONE OF THE ABOVE" was an option. Not only to indicate your dissatisfaction with the candidates listed, but also to make it possible for them to NOT receive a majority of votes and hence not gain election.
I can't count how many times I have even met the dreaded "Vote for only one" and there is ONLY one candidate to begin with, ensuring victory to this unchallenged soul. That always makes me shudder internally... and I oft leave it blank if I dislike the candidate.
I can live with a run-off election with different candidates. We waste plenty of public money on more trivial drivel than this. I would be willing to pay for the opportunity to run out lifer, corrupt politicians and mud-slinging, PAC pandering, sharks. I would pay happily for the opportunity to vote for a real, genuine option.
Posted by Ravennacht at 01:07 AM
October 04, 2006
Congressional Pay Raises and Minimum Wage
From Congressional Research Service Report through Library of Congress (4/18/2006):Congress is required by Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution to determine its own pay. Prior to 1969, Congress did so by enacting stand-alone legislation. From 1789 through 1968, Congress raised its pay 22 times using this procedure. Congressional salaries initially were $1,500. By 1968, they had risen to $30,000. Stand-alone legislation may still be used to raise Member pay, as it was most recently in 1982, 1983, 1989, and 1991, but two other methods are now also available, an automatic annual adjustment procedure and a commission process.
In January 2006, Members received a 1.9% increase under the annual adjustment procedure, increasing their salary to $165,200. They are scheduled to receive a 2.0% increase under the procedure in January 2007, to $168,500.
Granted... individual members of the Congress may refuse a salary pay increase, and some do.
Compared to the minimum wage facts for those states not with a higher minimum wage standard than the fed:
From Think Progress:$5.15: Federal minimum wage
26%: How much the inflation-adjusted value of the minimum wage has eroded since 1979
0: Number of times minimum wage has increased since 1997
7: Number of times Congress has increased its own pay since 1997
$0: How much more a year people earning minimum wage earn today compared to 1997
$28,500: How much more a year members of Congress make today compared to 1997
$10,700: Amount a person making minimum wage will earn in a year
$5,000: Amount below the poverty level working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year at minimum wage will leave a family of three
Who is serving whom?
How about a few years of allowing congressional raises to be voted on by the general public in contrast to self raise voting and annual automatic increases (which occur unless they are specifically voted against). Naturally this won't be looked favorably upon. Or return to the days where they were paid for actually working, rather than salary... let them feel the bite of merit income over an easy paycheck that they set the terms of payment not counting their other benefits (public and private).
Isn't it just a bit hard to swallow to have a public servant... capable of setting their own salary... ignoring the income malady of the poor and lower middle class?
Then again, business as usual.
Posted by Ravennacht at 02:05 PM
October 02, 2006
Incumbent Stumping for Candidates
How refreshing it would be to actually have a politician spend the time in which they are in office ACTUALLY working and not using that time running for re-election or, especially, buffing the coffers of his party or extending his coat-tails to make appearances at underling events.
How many times have we watched the President or even a governor going to closed party events with paid plate dinners for the benefit of the party. Or speaking at some representative/senatorial candidate conference to amp the voters into thinking that such and such person is the ONE and only option to come to work with him.
I want people that work. I reward and vote for people on the merits of the work they do as MY representative, not the party's and not the President's/Governor's.
These people are elected to serve US while they are in office... not the party mechanations. They seem to lose sight of the fact that WE vote in everyone... not for the benefit of making their job easier, to get their policies passed more easily, to make redistricting pass smoothly, etc... we elect these people to serve.
Stop spending your time trying to brainwash us into thinking that as a leader you know what is right for us by leading us to the candidate that will make your life easier. Get back to work already. I don't respect this crap. In fact, how about you pay back the government (state or fed, whichever be the case) for the time you wasted by working for your party's benefit and not the public's like you are elected to do.
Better yet... how about we bill the party and/or the candidate for your time each time you pull one of these stunts.
Posted by Ravennacht at 12:00 AM
May 09, 2006
Again with the DMA Terrorism Declaration
Wrap your logic around this one in regards to the new Declaration of Material Assistance from Homeland Security.
www.webster.comMain Entry: ter·ror·ism
Pronunciation: 'ter-&r-"i-z&m
Function: noun
: the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion
www.dictionary.comter·ror·ism
The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.
If you read the Terrorist Exclusion List (which lists all of the groups for which the DMA is pertaining to) you will come to two glaring ommissions. Two groups which have a vocal and visual presence in Ohio, and have for some time. Two groups that fit the definitions of terrorism as included above... and in the mind of any that hear their name. Who do I speak of? None other than the Klan and the Nazi Skinheads.
We are so profoundly hysterical over outside groups that we ignore the dangers on our doorsteps. The churchburners... the gay beaters... the marching race haters with their nonstop rhetoric and threats of violence. What does it take for them to be considered a threat? Hmmm... collection of armed weaponry... training of youth as a force to unite on some day against race-haters and others.
Seems like they fit the formula to me. Do we need another Oklahoma City to remind us? I think not. Homeland Security needs to get its head out of the ground and research things before they do them.
Posted by Ravennacht at 09:12 AM
April 28, 2006
Freeing Licensure from Terrorists
I am uncertain if the latest Homeland Security Form has hit other states yet, but this one is circulating through Ohio Homeland Security to public entities now... so if you work for the government or are entertaining thoughts of educating yourself in a job with State licensure (paramedics, firemen, first responders, emt-b's, etc see the full list) you may be seeing it soon.
In summary, DECLARATION REGARDING MATERIAL ASSISTANCE/NONASSISTANCE TO A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION is an attempt to delve into an applicant's possible contributions and membership in terrorist groups (of which are listed on a separate form).
In atypical government pattern, it is to an applicants detriment to fail to answer a question or refuse to answer as the following clauses points out:
Any answer of “yes” to any question, or the failure to answer “no” to any question on this declaration shall serve as a disclosure that material assistance to an organization identified on the U.S. Department of State Terrorist Exclusion List has been provided. Failure to disclose the provision of material assistance to such an organization or knowingly making false statements regarding material assistance to such an organization is a felony of the fifth degree.
and later in the document:
I understand that if this declaration is not completed in its entirety, it will not be processed and I will be automatically disqualified.
In other words... you are guilty until you prove yourself innocent if you fail to answer or do not answer "no". And have any qualms about filling out the form and forget about getting your licensure.
The premise of the form is ludicrous. Is it to weed out contributors or terrorists themselves? If it is to merely identify contributors (even though it asks questions about membership), what do they do to those applicants that indicate positively that they have contributed to a group in the past? Deny licensure.
One can almost see it now. If a terrorist spends a year and a half training to be a paramedic... lies on the form and then turns about and commits some suicide attack on the nation, heaven help them if they live through it for fear of being caught for deceiving the government on this form.
Welcome to the return of the age of McCarthyism... where everyone is presumed a terrorist danger, unless they indicate otherwise on a form.
Can we possibly deter any more people from trying to be public servants? We are already in a realm of crisis for volunteers in emergent situations.
Posted by Ravennacht at 07:53 PM
April 27, 2006
Skirting Congressional Oversight
The boundless lack of logic within the Bush Administration continues to spread exponentially with his latest ploy to undermine Congressional oversight to get himself passage of an Indian Nuclear Deal. When in doubt of a favorable outcome, convince your potential roadblock to stand aside and let you willy nilly do as you please. You are the President after all, and you should always get what you want. Why have congressional oversight at all, it just messes with our bottom monetary line, and Georgy doesn't like to be told "no". Do we smell a potential Executive Order or the long-standing "necessary" speech to fight terrorism. Blah Blah Blah already.
It never ceases to amaze me the lack of sense that comes from these decisions... whine at Russia over selling to Iran then turn about and sell to India ourselves. Not that they have any longstanding grudge against Pakistan over smidgeons of land or anything... not that we need yet another country on the block with a U.S. enriched nuclear chip on their shoulder. Not that Pakistan is also an "ally" to us in certain activities or anything. No favortism at all involved in the decision, not one bit. Twits.
Vote these jokers out already.
Posted by Ravennacht at 01:19 AM
January 26, 2006
Read the Sign --> Solomente Ingles!
Talks in the Ohio House of Representatives have begun with the intent to present a bill which, if signed into law, would make English the official language of the State of Ohio. Upon its face, the bill seems largely harmless, however, at its core, the institution of English as the official language of the State, or any State for the matter, purposefully and maliciously seeks to set apart and discriminate against those citizens, legal working aliens, and migrant workers currently in the state that may not speak English as a primary language.
As sponsoring Representative Courtney Combs stated as a reason to support the upcoming bill, in a television interview on CNN, on October 31, 2005:"In my district, which is located between Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, we have had an influx of about 500 percent increase in the last 15 years of Latinos. And the communication problem between law enforcement and government and human services and those types of things has elevated into a real problem."
Instituting English as the official language of the State of Ohio, reducing alternative language services from state offices and publications, and failing to require or encourage public service workers (such as police, fire, doctors, nurses, etc.) to acquire additional language skills neither eliminates nor addresses the communication barrier between English speakers and the Hispanic community, as implied by Representative Combs, but further increases the potential for problems and misunderstandings if instituted.
Local cities have seen an increase in the Hispanic community across Ohio. Rather than embracing the diversity brought to our state by this growing population, this law would seek to further alienate and force English language assimilation upon them and the loss of a part of their cultural identity. Passage of an English as the Official Language law is a waste of taxpayer money and time, and fails to address the issue in a light best suited to all involved, not just English speaking citizens.
Would it not be far more logical to make Spanish-to-English classes available to more of the Hispanic community to bridge the communication barrier; increase the number of Spanish classes in our schools to encourage bilingualism and multilingualism in our children; and continue the practice of providing state services in more than one language?
Resentment toward the Hispanic community appears to be growing more visible across the State; this proposed bill appears to be nothing more than knee-jerk reaction to this aura of discontent, this age of finger-pointing and mistrust of anyone not cookie-cutter similar to the rest of the WASPs.
Then again, perhaps it is just a passive ploy in defeating any headway in President George Bush's amnesty program, ensuring that any non-English speaker would be incapable of receiving State benefit or licensure for lack of being able to read the application or have it translated to them.
It screams of becoming another Quebec to me... French Only!
Hell, why not just start everyone over from scratch and make Pig Latin the official language.
Posted by Ravennacht at 12:15 PM
January 25, 2006
Mexican "Military" Incursions Across the Border
I grow more and more irritated with the current administration's attitude of turning a blind eye to events happening here in the States in relation to overseas matters.
Take for example the recent taping of an incursion by a party from the Mexican side of the border into the U.S. in several SUVs and a hummer, said vehicle getting caught in the Rio Grande River, with the hummer trying to tow them out. Supposedly these people were wearing uniforms and are heavily armed, giving the impression that they are military... a possibility, but not definite proof. Anyway, the SUV gets abandoned, the drug traffickers move their 'bundles' to the other vehicle and torch the SUV while they make their escape.
CNN.com reports today:"Recent reports that Mexican army and police have crossed into the United States on an average of about 20 times a year have irked U.S. border states."
Given, that it is not proven that this was the Mexican military, but at the VERY least it is an organized, and well armed and funded group that is able to secure their shipments across the border with relatively little concern of interference from the less armed U.S. Border Patrol and police.
I believe this demands severe attention, not peripheral statements of limited attention offered by the administration that it really isn't such a big deal. Is it any wonder that there is talks of erecting a fence/wall across the area of the border? (a solution which I personally find ridiculous)
Consider the possibilities in any event... if this is Mexican government supported activities... or even if it is just a well funded drug cartel... this is a major transgression against our national security, the integrity of our nation's borders and further feeding the trafficking of drugs freely. For some reason I fail to see reason in the administration's lack of concern. Their witch-hunt for terrorists has distracted them from a severe, visible threat. Deal with it already!
Posted by Ravennacht at 11:14 PM
September 12, 2005
Minimum Wage Suspension
Lets ponder who this action serves the most:
The Washington Post (9/9/05)President Bush yesterday suspended application of the federal law governing workers' pay on federal contracts in the Hurricane Katrina-damaged areas of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The action infuriated labor leaders and their Democratic supporters in Congress, who said it will lower wages and make it harder for union contractors to win bids.
The Davis-Bacon Act, passed in 1931 during the Great Depression, sets a minimum pay scale for workers on federal contracts by requiring contractors to pay the prevailing or average pay in the region. Suspension of the act will allow contractors to pay lower wages. Many Republicans have opposed Davis-Bacon, charging that it amounts to a taxpayer subsidy to unions.
Want a bigger picture... lets do a little hypothetical math. Companies (and Haliburton is already there kiddies) going into the area to assist in rebuilding the hurricane ravaged land will have the benefit of:
* No-Cap spending on contracts.
* Ensured Profit contracts
* No-Bid contracting
* Removal of the minimum wage standards for workers.
Hmmm... seems to me this just bankrolls corporate machinery (administration) more than anyone... corporate can charge the government anything they want, and curb their worker cost by paying under minumum wage. Great job in financing there G Dub. Not only do you screw the victims of the hurricane, but also the american worker AND the taxpayers. Way to go.
Posted by Ravennacht at 10:09 PM
September 09, 2005
No Roll-Back for a Buckeye
This from the Governor convicted recently for taking/not reporting exceeding gifts from a campaign contributor who ALSO happens to be the person responsible for the Coingate misappropriation of state funds.
Dayton Daily News (9/8/05):Taft said he has a problem with cutting Ohio's taxes of 28 cents a gallon, which pays for state road and bridge work.
"If you were to take off the gas tax or reduce it, you'd lose the revenues for your highways on the one hand, and you couldn't necessarily be certain that these companies would lower their prices by that amount," Taft said. State House and Senate leaders agreed.
The debate is coming up nationwide. Georgia already suspended its gas tax, and the governors of Pennsylvania and Tennessee are considering similar actions. Lawmakers in Wisconsin and Maine are urging colleagues to return from summer break early to act on the gas tax, but lawmakers in Massachusetts say they won't support a tax holiday.
So let me get this straight. Georgia, which happens to be quite a bit larger than Ohio, with vastly more roadways and bridge networks can afford to make a short term roll-back on state gasoline tax, but Ohio cannot seem to grasp it. Meanwhile Taft continues to run about in his state vehicles having his fees paid by the taxpayers and campaign contributors, while the farmers and other citizens have to make due.
Disgruntled. *mutters*
Posted by Ravennacht at 12:27 PM
September 05, 2005
Rollback the State/Fed Gas Tax
On Saturday, September 3, 2005, Governor Sonny Perdue of Georgia announced a roll-back of the state's excise and sales tax on gasoline in response to the escalating gas prices and response to gasoline shortages needed for Katrina response:
The Brunswick News:The governor's order that took effect at midnight suspends Georgia's 7.5 cents-a-gallon excise tax and 4 percent sales tax on gasoline. It needs legislative approval to remain in effect, but with legislative leaders standing by him at an announcement Friday, that is almost guaranteed.
"It seems like a quick fix," Raines said. "I guess it's something until they straighten this out. But I do think it's a step in the right direction."
A novel and logical step in helping to stabilize some of the pressure from the latest set of catastrophes affecting the gas availability. Now if only the Fed would finally deign to release some of the reserve supply, especially in the South for relief.
Posted by Ravennacht at 07:08 PM
August 19, 2005
Governor Taft Guilty (Ohio)
Governor Bob Taft of Ohio was found guilty on Thursday of failing to report 52 gifts worth nearly $6,000 that he received over four years. The conviction made Taft the first Ohio governor to be convicted of a crime.
Taft was found guilty on four misdemeanor charges, fined $4,000 plus $76 in court costs. Judge Froehlich also ordered the Governor to issue an email to Ohio newspapers and state employees apologizing for his behavior:
From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River, I want them to know that you are sorry for what you have done.
Taft paid the fine and is preparing his statements to the employees and newspapers. He has vowed not to resign concerning this issue (nor the ongoing Coingate scandal) ironically and irrespective of the fact that he has forced many administrative people to resign in the last weeks for the same charge he has just faced.
The Prosecutor of the case stated that the gift included two golf outings worth $100 each paid by Tom Noe.
For those who have not been following the Coingate investigations, Tom Noe is reported as being responsible for investing millions in state funds into rare coin funds which were subsequently lost. Governor Taft has continued to plead ignorance to knowledge that the investments were at risk, until earlier this year, even though he plays golf with the man that made the investments quite frequently.
I always love it when a politician does a slim shady comment like this:
As governor I have made it clear that I expect all state workers to comply and follow both the spirit and the letter of Ohio's ethics laws, and I have demanded no less of myself.
This is why he pleads "No Contest" and refuses to resign after two issues in state now. What an ethical leader.
(Facts from "Taft vows he won't resign", Andrew Welsh-Huggins, The Lima News, August 19, 2005.)
Posted by Ravennacht at 06:12 PM
August 04, 2005
Coingate and the Woes of the Black Marker (Ohio)
Poor Governor Taft (Ohio) is besieged by the return of the Coingate scandal yet again. What did he know? When did he know it? That's what his opponents and constituents are rallying to know.
All this from a series of bad investments made by the administration in the State of Ohio concerning the Bureau of Worker's Compensation and other agencies. It seems that 'someone' allowed the transfer of funds to unsecure investments in coinage and other issues which were then lost.
The Governor now is claiming "Executive Privilege" in relation to documentation from that time as State Senators scramble to obtain memos and other records from staff to nail down what was going on. A lot of action for the good old black marker as it censors out all the nice tidbits in all the revealed documentation.
My thought on this? You don't have the right to claim executive privelege to protect YOURSELF in a scandal which harmed the financial security of thousands of Ohioans. The Governor needs to own up to whatever his responsibility is (it seems he may be friends with this person that misappropriated the funds), what he knew when, etc. If he is responsible, he needs to step down immediately. If he is not, he needs to go on a man hunt and fix it, and stop protecting these white collar embezzlers in government.
Posted by Ravennacht at 11:05 PM
June 23, 2005
Corporate Support - Emminent Domain
The Supreme Court decided (5-4) to extend the rights of eminent domain for local government in order to obtain land for private economic use. (as opposed to its current use for public good)
I cannot say as I concur with this choice. I find it somewhat card blanche to let a village/city decide that it wants an industrial park somewhere to get IBM or someone to come in and declare eminent domain to boot everyone out. Granted, it is a job of a village/city government to provide job opportunities and growth for its citizens, but this seems too far into the realm of catering to the whim of a corporation over a private homeowner for my own comfort. I disagree with uprooting families for the sake of a corporation that can build anywhere in a city, but wants THAT prime location.
This isn't a situation of a bridge, public works, dam, or some other structure that benefits the whole public. I think this will be a big mess.
Posted by Ravennacht at 11:00 AM