I read an article this morning in the Arizona Republic about how Mexico is bracing for an influx of deportees from Arizona, back to their home country (Mexico); and how burdensome it will be for Mexico to process all of them. Waaa Waaa Waaa.
Well, we have been processing them over here for years. Mexican citizens are not allowed to receive social service benefits, so they come here and have their children, thus making them American citizens eligible for welfare, medical, and other social service benefits. Mexico obviously doesn't care about the cost to the US for its citizens being here ILLEGALLY! But they sure care about the MILLIONS of dollars they send back to their families left behind in Mexico. Now we are supposed to worry about the inconvenience Mexico will experience? I don't think so.
Moreover, I read that we are flying Mexican citizens from Tucson, AZ to Mexico City. How STUPID is that? The Mexican border is approximately 50 miles from Tucson, AZ. Why fly them to Mexico City (at our expense) when we can bus them to the border of their home country and turn them over to Mexican officials?
In my humble opinion, we are wasting tax payer dollars flying them back instead of busing them back just to appease the Mexican government. Bull Hockey I say!
And That's What Average Joe Thinks.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
IS IT TIME FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION?
Is it time for a constitutional convention? Here is a partial text of the Declaration of Independence. See what you think.
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.
As we can see, our forefathers gave long deliberation and much thought before declaring independence. I see many similarities between our current leadership and the leadership of King George. Our president and congress have become so focused on getting elected and retaining office that they do not do what is best for the country, as a whole.
We are over (and unfairly taxed) while big corporations and the elite have enormous tax breaks. I, for one, feel that a flat tax is the honest way to go, which, in the end, will net more revenue.
I feel the federal government has usurped the rights of the states and withholds our tax dollars, to punish states that disagree with the federal government.
Our constitution allows us to call for a constitutional convention when 2/3 of the states agree to call for one. it then takes 3/4 of the states agreeing to pass an amendment to the constitution. It isn't easy to modify our constitution, nor should it be. However, WE THE PEOPLE, must assert our authority over our government if we want true self determination. Our government has become the hand maiden of the almighty dollar and he who controls it.
We should start a 2 million person march on Washington and have every person present when we get to the Mall in Washington, place a tea bag int the pond.
Yes, we need a constitutional convention and we need it now.
And That's What Average Joe Thinks.
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.
As we can see, our forefathers gave long deliberation and much thought before declaring independence. I see many similarities between our current leadership and the leadership of King George. Our president and congress have become so focused on getting elected and retaining office that they do not do what is best for the country, as a whole.
We are over (and unfairly taxed) while big corporations and the elite have enormous tax breaks. I, for one, feel that a flat tax is the honest way to go, which, in the end, will net more revenue.
I feel the federal government has usurped the rights of the states and withholds our tax dollars, to punish states that disagree with the federal government.
Our constitution allows us to call for a constitutional convention when 2/3 of the states agree to call for one. it then takes 3/4 of the states agreeing to pass an amendment to the constitution. It isn't easy to modify our constitution, nor should it be. However, WE THE PEOPLE, must assert our authority over our government if we want true self determination. Our government has become the hand maiden of the almighty dollar and he who controls it.
We should start a 2 million person march on Washington and have every person present when we get to the Mall in Washington, place a tea bag int the pond.
Yes, we need a constitutional convention and we need it now.
And That's What Average Joe Thinks.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
GREATEST THREAT TO US SECURITY
Which country represents the greatest threat to the national security of the United States
Afghanistan, China, Iraq, North Korea, Mexico, or Russia?
I submit Mexico represents the most imminent threat to the national security of the US, because we share a common border with it.
Just because we don't hear much about the Colombian drug cartels, doesn't mean they have folded up their tents and given up the fight. They are just smarter now. They run the drugs through South and then Central America, until they get to North America through Mexico and then into the US.
There is a major war going on between the drug lords and the Mexican government and both the Mexican people and government officials admit the government is losing. Soon, the drug lords will control the government and the US has a major threat right here next door to us. Once the drug lords take control of the government, they will also control Mexico's oil and they are our third largest source of imported oil. That, my friends is a national threat.
We need to strengthen our border security forces and realize our border is, in fact, a war zone. Bring our troops home from Afghanistan and Iraq, and secure our own borders right now before it is too late.
And That's What Average Joe Thinks.
Afghanistan, China, Iraq, North Korea, Mexico, or Russia?
I submit Mexico represents the most imminent threat to the national security of the US, because we share a common border with it.
Just because we don't hear much about the Colombian drug cartels, doesn't mean they have folded up their tents and given up the fight. They are just smarter now. They run the drugs through South and then Central America, until they get to North America through Mexico and then into the US.
There is a major war going on between the drug lords and the Mexican government and both the Mexican people and government officials admit the government is losing. Soon, the drug lords will control the government and the US has a major threat right here next door to us. Once the drug lords take control of the government, they will also control Mexico's oil and they are our third largest source of imported oil. That, my friends is a national threat.
We need to strengthen our border security forces and realize our border is, in fact, a war zone. Bring our troops home from Afghanistan and Iraq, and secure our own borders right now before it is too late.
And That's What Average Joe Thinks.
Friday, July 2, 2010
AN UNTAPPED WINDFALL
OK, let me start off by saying I do NOT use drugs and do not advocate for drug use. I DO however recognize that the "War on Drugs", which our government is supposed to have been fighting for 40 years, is a failure. Billions and Billions of dollars have been wasted on stopping the flow of drugs into the US while the drug lords and cartels get richer and richer and the violence gets worse.
Having said that, I propose a partial solution to the problem. First, the federal government should pass national legislation providing FREE medical marijuana nationwide for any person who's doctor prescribes it. The government should set up THREE "Processing Centers". One for the East Coast, one for the Mid-West, and one for the West Coast. Then, all marijuana confiscated by ANY law enforcement agency is sent to these processing centers where it is graded with the highest quality marijuana going to special co- ops licensed to dispense medical marijuana. The co-ops are paid a fee by the government to run the programs. The money for the programs would come from the remaining confiscated marijuana.
The marijuana not graded high enough for medical purposes would be sold to the general population. A person would have to purchase a national permit to possess small a small amount of "personal use marijuana" and pay a yearly licensing fee of $100.00. This money would go to the state in which the license is sold. The marijuana sold would be taxable at approximately 15%, with the tax going into the general fund, and the balance of the money being shared by the state in which it is sold and the federal government. The money from the SALE of marijuana would then go towards interdicting more powerful drugs and DRUG EDUCATION AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS.
Education programs would begin in Head Start and Pre-School and continue through 8TH grade. Additional monies would be used to fund general education programs for each state. The amount of money would be based upon how well the state is doing in educating its students compared to national standards.
The only way to reduce the power of the cartels and drug lords is to make it too expensive to continue shipping drugs to the US.
All Opium and Opium based drugs should be confiscated, sent to the processing centers and made into USEFUL medical drugs and provided to hospitals at no cost and provide to patients at no cost. Of course, the pharmaceutical companies would raise hell over this as it would cut into their ungodly profits, but the government must stand up and provide for the people, not big business. And yes, I am a Conservative Republican saying this.
And That's What Average Joe Thinks.
Having said that, I propose a partial solution to the problem. First, the federal government should pass national legislation providing FREE medical marijuana nationwide for any person who's doctor prescribes it. The government should set up THREE "Processing Centers". One for the East Coast, one for the Mid-West, and one for the West Coast. Then, all marijuana confiscated by ANY law enforcement agency is sent to these processing centers where it is graded with the highest quality marijuana going to special co- ops licensed to dispense medical marijuana. The co-ops are paid a fee by the government to run the programs. The money for the programs would come from the remaining confiscated marijuana.
The marijuana not graded high enough for medical purposes would be sold to the general population. A person would have to purchase a national permit to possess small a small amount of "personal use marijuana" and pay a yearly licensing fee of $100.00. This money would go to the state in which the license is sold. The marijuana sold would be taxable at approximately 15%, with the tax going into the general fund, and the balance of the money being shared by the state in which it is sold and the federal government. The money from the SALE of marijuana would then go towards interdicting more powerful drugs and DRUG EDUCATION AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS.
Education programs would begin in Head Start and Pre-School and continue through 8TH grade. Additional monies would be used to fund general education programs for each state. The amount of money would be based upon how well the state is doing in educating its students compared to national standards.
The only way to reduce the power of the cartels and drug lords is to make it too expensive to continue shipping drugs to the US.
All Opium and Opium based drugs should be confiscated, sent to the processing centers and made into USEFUL medical drugs and provided to hospitals at no cost and provide to patients at no cost. Of course, the pharmaceutical companies would raise hell over this as it would cut into their ungodly profits, but the government must stand up and provide for the people, not big business. And yes, I am a Conservative Republican saying this.
And That's What Average Joe Thinks.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sports and Politics
Have you ever noticed the similarities between sports and politics? If you take a close look at some of the more powerful collegiate athletic programs and political figures and campaigns, you will see many parallels; some of which are: The misuse of power, feeling as though there is a right or entitlement and shady financing.
Just look of the number of major college football and basketball programs who had suffered NCAA sanctions; the most recent being USC. The NCAA recently imposed the following sanctions on USC:
Just look of the number of major college football and basketball programs who had suffered NCAA sanctions; the most recent being USC. The NCAA recently imposed the following sanctions on USC:
• A postseason ban in football following the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
• A loss of 30 total football scholarships over the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons.
• A vacation of all football victories starting in December 2004 and running through the 2005 season. This includes the national championship win over Oklahoma on Jan. 4, 2005.
• All statistics vacated for Bush, Mayo and women’s tennis athlete Gabriela Niculescu in the games which the NCAA deemed them ineligible due to rules violations.
• Bush and Mayo must be disassociated from USC athletics.
• An acceptance of USC’s self-imposed penalties on its basketball program, which included a forfeiture of all wins in 2007-2008 and a one-year postseason ban.
• All titles won during ineligible games must be vacated and trophies and banners must be removed.
• A vacation of wins in the women’s tennis program from May 2006 to May 2009, for long-distance telephone violations committed by a student-athlete.
• A reduction of recruiting days for the men’s basketball program in 2010-2011.
• Four years of probation.
Here are the core issues: Abuse of power by the head coaches of the football and basketball programs. They were both aware of what was going on and covered it up in the name of "Win at all cost". The coaches had the power to put Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo on the bench or drop them from the program. They wouldn't have won so many games, but they would have had an honest program.
The athletes were greedy, the people who provided money and gifts in the hopes of signing lucrative deals with the athletes were greedy; and the coaches were greedy for wins and future financial gains. Boosters clubs routinely abuse and get around the rules when providing money to programs.
The same can be said of greedy politicians who accept funds from lobbyists who are hoping for future favors. Politicians seem to have the same attitude of being above or immune to our laws; all in the name of getting elected or re-elected. They misuse their power when writing or amending bills which favor those who have financially supported them.
So, what then is the answer? In the sporting arena, we as fans, can determine which programs are successful and which are not by exercising the right to not buy tickets to games, not watch that team's games on T.V, and most importantly, not purchasing any team related merchandise; or the products which are advertised during the T.V or radio broadcasts.
We, as voters, can clean up congress by pushing for term limits for the House and Senate. We have access to a plethora of information and need to exercise our power to not vote for those who are not representing out best interest. We control how much money we donate to campaigns. We can speak out when our Union is supporting someone who is not representing our interest, we can boycott any company giving money to influence congress.
You know, there is a REASON the language "WE THE PEOPLE" is written into our constitution. Then "We The People" have had enough, and stand up for our rights and for what is best for our country, politicians will fall in line and represent us the way we deserve to be represented.
When We the Consumers start exercising control of our dollars and viewing habits, we can clean up sports too. Remember, all is dependent on our votes and dollars, and WE still control how we use them.
And that's what Average Joe thinks.
Monday, June 7, 2010
TIME FOR CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS
Are you sick and tired of the lack of leadership and responsibility from our congressional representatives? I know I am. It seems as though the major reason things are not getting done in Washington, is the constant need to campaign for office. By the time a congressman's first year is completed, he/she is already running for office again and too afraid to make tough decisions about what is best for the country, because it may affect his/her re-election chances.
The same can be said for senators. By the time they are into the third year of their term, they are raising money and campaigning for re-election. This goes on and on and on. I say it is high time to put these poor creatures out of their misery by instituting term limits for ALL elected and appointed officials.
My recommendation is to limit congressional terms to THREE TWO YEAR TERMS. I would also recommend limiting Senatorial terms TWO SIX YEAR TERMS. After all, our president may serve no more than two four year terms, so why should folks in congress be able to build fiefdoms?
Furthermore, I would prohibit the use of "franking privileges" for candidates in an election year. This clearly gives an incumbent a significant advantage in an election.
Lobbying is another area of concern so I would prohibit ANYONE who has served in ANY capacity in congress (including aides) and anyone who has worked for any branch of government from being able to lobby or in any way attempt to influence officials in any branch of government for a period of three years after leaving his/her position.
We can achieve this through one of two ways. First, elect only candidates who pledge to enact term limits within their FIRST term in office. If they have made no effort to do so, vote them out of office immediately. The second would be through a constitutional amendment through the several states. Yes, we, the citizens of the United States must force our state representatives to vote for a constitutional amendment or face the prospect of a constitutional convention, which our government fears more than terrorists.
And that's what Average Joe thinks.
The same can be said for senators. By the time they are into the third year of their term, they are raising money and campaigning for re-election. This goes on and on and on. I say it is high time to put these poor creatures out of their misery by instituting term limits for ALL elected and appointed officials.
My recommendation is to limit congressional terms to THREE TWO YEAR TERMS. I would also recommend limiting Senatorial terms TWO SIX YEAR TERMS. After all, our president may serve no more than two four year terms, so why should folks in congress be able to build fiefdoms?
Furthermore, I would prohibit the use of "franking privileges" for candidates in an election year. This clearly gives an incumbent a significant advantage in an election.
Lobbying is another area of concern so I would prohibit ANYONE who has served in ANY capacity in congress (including aides) and anyone who has worked for any branch of government from being able to lobby or in any way attempt to influence officials in any branch of government for a period of three years after leaving his/her position.
We can achieve this through one of two ways. First, elect only candidates who pledge to enact term limits within their FIRST term in office. If they have made no effort to do so, vote them out of office immediately. The second would be through a constitutional amendment through the several states. Yes, we, the citizens of the United States must force our state representatives to vote for a constitutional amendment or face the prospect of a constitutional convention, which our government fears more than terrorists.
And that's what Average Joe thinks.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Why The Uproar?
Immigration reform and illegal immigration are indeed hot topics since Arizona enacted SB1070, which requires all state law enforcement officials who have "reasonable cause" to ask for identification or a legal right to be in the United States.
This has caused an uproar with other states boycotting Arizona and misrepresenting the law as "Racial Profiling". This is Bull Hockey. In support of this statement lets us examine just a few requirements from other countries.
Mexican law REQUIRES all federal, state, and municipal law enforcement personnel to request identification and proof of a legal right to be in Mexico, including a passport.
The European Union border officials require a passport in order to allow entry into the EU. Border officials may also as for: A letter of invitation, proof of lodging, and a return or round trip ticket.
It seems to me that just because the United States government has not properly enforced our own immigration or travel requirements, does not mean they do not exist. With the inflow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the US via Mexico, it is only reasonable that border states have a greater threat of violence than other states. Moreover, with the border as unprotected as ours is with Mexico, the threat of terrorists entering via Mexico is a very real threat.
Instead of whining and complaining, those affected by this law (the illegal immigrants) should exit the country and make an effort to enter legally on a work visa. We do still have those you know.
This is not about Mexicans, Mexican Americans, or others who may be from Central or South America. being "Racially Profiled". It is about NATIONAL SECURITY and our federal government had abdicated it's responsibility and the states have the right to fill any void left by the federal government.
I am a white male over 50 years of age. If I am stopped by a law enforcement official I must provide identification. If I do not speak fluent English, I feel it is then reasonable for an officer to ask my country of origin and a legal right to be in the US. After all, the rest of the world does it, except Somalia. Maybe they should immigrate there; I'm sure there are jobs available as pirates.
If those who are protesting this law would only take a moment to think about the tons of illegal drugs entering our country from our Southern border and the potential for weapons of mass destruction to enter via the same route, and the explosion of Mexican gang related violence, which is spilling over into Arizona and Texas, perhaps they would stop the whining and act like Americans who recognize a true threat to our national security. Instead of just wanting their 15 minutes of fame.
Let's face it, most of the most vocal critics have admitted hey had not read the bill before condemning it. Now isn't that an intelligent way to form an opinion.
This has caused an uproar with other states boycotting Arizona and misrepresenting the law as "Racial Profiling". This is Bull Hockey. In support of this statement lets us examine just a few requirements from other countries.
Mexican law REQUIRES all federal, state, and municipal law enforcement personnel to request identification and proof of a legal right to be in Mexico, including a passport.
The European Union border officials require a passport in order to allow entry into the EU. Border officials may also as for: A letter of invitation, proof of lodging, and a return or round trip ticket.
It seems to me that just because the United States government has not properly enforced our own immigration or travel requirements, does not mean they do not exist. With the inflow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the US via Mexico, it is only reasonable that border states have a greater threat of violence than other states. Moreover, with the border as unprotected as ours is with Mexico, the threat of terrorists entering via Mexico is a very real threat.
Instead of whining and complaining, those affected by this law (the illegal immigrants) should exit the country and make an effort to enter legally on a work visa. We do still have those you know.
This is not about Mexicans, Mexican Americans, or others who may be from Central or South America. being "Racially Profiled". It is about NATIONAL SECURITY and our federal government had abdicated it's responsibility and the states have the right to fill any void left by the federal government.
I am a white male over 50 years of age. If I am stopped by a law enforcement official I must provide identification. If I do not speak fluent English, I feel it is then reasonable for an officer to ask my country of origin and a legal right to be in the US. After all, the rest of the world does it, except Somalia. Maybe they should immigrate there; I'm sure there are jobs available as pirates.
If those who are protesting this law would only take a moment to think about the tons of illegal drugs entering our country from our Southern border and the potential for weapons of mass destruction to enter via the same route, and the explosion of Mexican gang related violence, which is spilling over into Arizona and Texas, perhaps they would stop the whining and act like Americans who recognize a true threat to our national security. Instead of just wanting their 15 minutes of fame.
Let's face it, most of the most vocal critics have admitted hey had not read the bill before condemning it. Now isn't that an intelligent way to form an opinion.
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