State of the Union

Last night television was monopolized by the yearly State of the Union Address. What was to be expected was delivered. A crafted speech, excellently and powerfully delivered to standing ovations of about 58% of the audience. Lofty notions and vague promises, broken campaign pledges and scathing rebukes. Private (yet caught on camera) dissent from the peanut gallery (S.C. Justice Alito), and cheers from the left of the aisle. My opinion is the State of the Union is just another campaign stump. Maybe 10% of what was promised will be actualized. Here are some of my thoughts:

Bank Fees: He has proposed a fee on banks who make over $50 billion, to recoup the TARP bail out money. However, the fee applies to all banks, whether or not they have paid back the loans with interest, and even those who didn't get any bail out. This is ridiculous. How is this going to benefit the tax payer? Possibly pay off some of the massive taxes we will be facing with the federal governments excessive spending? I doubt it! They will do as governments in the past and funnel the money made there into other spending programs.

Stimulus: He did credit where credit was due, the COBRA extension and assistance. I believe that out of the entire stimulus package this was the best well spent money. I personally know individuals who were laid off (some expecting a baby) and didn't go in the financial crapper because of this benefit.

Jobs: Unemployment is still around 10%, and he claimed to have saved/created 2 million jobs through the stimulus plan. Yet, in adding up all of the monthly job losses from February 2009 to December 2009, it climbs very close to 2 million. And is he using his trusty Recovery.org numbers, which had non-existent congressional districts and fabricated numbers according to many representatives. What is the point of 'transparency' if it is fabricated?

Clean Jobs: Apparently, Washington has been telling the US to wait on creating clean jobs. It hasn't been heard in Oklahoma, who has been rated one of the "recession proof states" because it's economy is thriving on clean energy production. Without federal government assistance! Mr. President, look at the products and companies who are already making advances without the governments help! Instead of the claim for "clean coal"!

Health Care Reform: "I take my share of the blame for not explaining it more clearly to the American people." No Mr. President, you don't need to use smaller words or more diagrams or simplified equations (i.e. no reform = R.I.P) to get the American people on board. We don't want it. "But if anyone from either party has a better approach...let me know." You mean when the Republican's wanted to be apart of the House and Senate negotiations, they should have just knocked on your door and you would have granted them access to the private, closed-door negotiations that were supposed to be broadcast on C-SPAN? We are not that stupid.

Spending Freeze: "Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze government spending for three years." Give us a year to spend ourselves drunk, then we'll cut back. And honestly Mr. President, the spending freeze would have come after the 2010 mid-term elections with or without your help, because more fiscal conservatives will be voted into office, replacing spending junkies like Sen. Reid. And the concept of "spending freeze" sounds vaguely familiar, possibly from Sen. McCain's campaign promises that you unapologetically shot down? Anyway, "the anticipated savings from this proposal would amount to less than 1 percent of the deficit".

Lobbyists: "We've excluded lobbyists from policy making jobs, or seats on federal boards and commissions." Not true. The Obama administration has made seven "waivers", such as U.S. Trade Representative Kirk, who was a lobbyist for Merrill Lynch.

Supreme Court: "With all due deference to separation of powers, last week the Supreme Court reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests..." With the disclaimer regarding separation of powers, I will still slam the Supreme Court for their recent decision. If it was appropriate for him to make that comment, then it was absolutely appropriate for S.C. Justice Alito to shake his head, saying "that's not true".

Earmarks/Bi-Partisan Support: If you really want to send a message, promise to veto any bill that has excessive earmarks (i.e. health care bill) and veto any bill that has support drawn down party lines. The reason Republican's did not give any support for cap-and-tax and the health care bills is because they were kept out of any of the negotiations. If you claim to want our support, include our input!

Blame Game: Throughout the speech, he credits people's doubts to those on Wall Street, bank's CEOs, lobbyists, selfish TV pundits, and even continues to blame the 'previous administration'. Mr. President, the American people voted you in on change. They voted for transparency. They voted for a new type of politics. Yet, business was not just conducted as usual, it was done behind locked doors, promising hand-picked states (crucial votes) millions-billions of aid, spending trillions of dollars while in a deep recession, while slandering those who disagree. The American people are smarter than you give us credit for, and although appreciate your grand rhetoric, are waiting for your actions to match your speeches.

Scott Brown Won!

Although I am greatful the Senate does not have the 60 seat filibuster proof majority, was the only good Republican candidate in Massachusetts have to have posed for a Cosmo in a 1982 nudey centerfold for a "sexiest man" contest? Do you think I'm kidding!?!? I couldn't make this stuff up! Well, hooray for a slightly tipped balance of power.

Honkie Talk

By now, most of you have heard the headlines that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid referred to the then Presidential candidate Barack Obama as the "light skinned" African-American "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." These quotes come from a newly released book, "Game Change", which gives behind the scenes accounts of the 2008 Presidetial campaign. In typical political fashion the democrats rush to his side, defending him as a non-racist. DNC chairman, Tim Kaine explains away the racial undertones saying, "It definitely was in the context of recognizing in Senator Obama a great candidate and future president." So then, it is excusable. Lesson to learn: if you are being complimentary of someone of a different race, it is ok to use racial slurs.

The republican's quickly point the finger, some calling for his resignation. The RNC chairman, Michael Steele remarks, "If [Senate Republican Leader] Mitch McConnell had said those very words, then this chairman and this president would be calling for his head and they would be labeling every Republican in the country a racist for saying exactly what this chairman's just said. There is this standard where the Democrats feel that they can say these things and they can apologize when it comes from the mouths of their own. But if it comes from anyone else, it's racism." Reportedly, Senator Reid has already phoned President Obama to apologize. And as expected, President Obama accepted the apology.

My Take: There is a HUGE double standard. When a liberal misspeaks, which I do believe Harry Reid did misspeak, his liberal colleagues ask for understanding. He wasn't revealing his actual racist beliefs, he just made a 'misstatement'. Yet, when a conservative makes any comparable comment, even if it doesn't use the same racial slurs (i.e. "You lie!", or Sen. Trent Lott's comments honoring Strom Thurmond) the obvious intent is to degrade the minority, showing their true colors as card carrying racists.

For example, Senator Feinstein defended Reid saying, "Clearly, the leader misspoke. He has also apologized." And standing by her standard regarding the Sen. Lott scandal, she says "I saw no Democrats jumping out there and condemning Senator Lott." Yet, she was one of those pointing the same finger in 2002 when she said of Lott, "This statement casts a dark shadow over Sen. Lott's ability to be a credible party leader". Senator Landrieu also said at the time, "I can tell you if a Democratic leader said such a thing, they would not be allowed to keep their position". One observation I have made, which I believe only magnifies the double standard is how many questioned the conservative Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney's racial beliefs just for belonging to a Church who did not grant black members the same priesthood authority 30 years prior, although he had not made any derrogatory statements regarding anyone of another race. Yet, Harry Reid, a liberal member of the same church, is not a racist while uttering racial slurs.

My conclusion is to give them the benefit of the doubt, both sides. I do find Harry Reids more derrogatory than some of the other's in recent history, however, I do not believe he is racist. Just like I don't believe Senator Lott, Senator Wilson, Vice President Joe Biden, are not racists. That is my standard. But I have not set the standard that both sides hold on the other party, they do not give the benefit of the doubt, unless it is their guy. But this is my honkie talk, which I don't think it is much different it is from 'negro dialect'.

Top 10

Top 10 Indicators You Are Enrolled in the Proposed Government's Health Care Plan

10. Your anual breast exam is done at Hooters.
9. Directions to your doctor's office include, "Take a left when you enter the trailer park".
8. The tongue depressors taste faintly of a Fudgesicle.
7. The only proctologist in the plan is Gus from Roto-Rooter.
6. The only item listed under Preventative Care Coverage is "an apple a day..."
5. Your primary care physician is wearing the pants you donated to Goodwill last month.
4. "The patient is responsible for 200% of out-of-network charges" is not a typographical error.
3. The only expense covered 100% is embalming.
2. Your Prozac comes in a variety of colors, with little "M's" on them.
1. You ask for Viagra and they give you a popsicle stick and duct tape.

Merry Christmas to all....

Gather-round children, Grandpa Burris is going to read a modern rendition of a Christmas classic. Afterwards, we will go carolling, and sing updated versions of several traditional Christmas carols.

Away in a Manger

Away in the Senate,
No room for dissent,
With the little Senate leader
Rules of decorum he bent.

The cash for bill cloture
The back-door deals are made,
Senators selling their souls,
While bankrupting Medicaid.

Oh, Come, All ye Senators

Oh, Come, All Ye Senators
Sell your souls for health care.
Oh, come ye, oh come ye to Harry Reid's door.
Come and betray us,
Those who put you in office.
Oh, come get cash for cloture,
Oh, come get cash for cloture,
Oh, come get cash for cloture,
All for Health Care 'reform'.

Congratulations Harry Reid. You did it. You bought yourself health care reform. I guess the "new era of politics" is that the ends do justify the means, even though the "ends" is further in debt, cutting Medicare and Medicaid coverage, more taxes on individuals and businesses during a major recession, and establishing more inefficient government bureaucracies. Merry Christmas to all, and to all GOOD LUCK!

Dr. Dean: New Republican Leader?

"Hee-Yah!!!!"

Do the Republicans finally have a straight-talking, maverick, leader who will cut through the political game played in DC? Only if former Governor Howard Dean plans on switching teams! In an interview on Good Morning America with George Stephanopolus (btw, I miss Diane Sawyer!) Howard Dean made some fabulous arguments against the current Senate's health care reform bill. Here were the highlights:

• The Washington game has become "passing any bill is a victory"
• “Decisions are being made for the long term future of this country for short term political reasons”
• In response to the reforms the White House claims are in this bill, “creating new bureaucracies and not changing health care”
• "My job is not to convince Senators, my job is to say what I think is right!"

Amen! Now I am not so deluded to think that Howard Dean and I espouse the same beliefs regarding health care reform. I know he is a progressive. I know he wants a public option. HOWEVER, he calls BS when he see's it, and I respect that. The current law-makers are making promises to everyone and anyone just so they can have any kind of "health care reform" bill passed to use as a victory to exploit in their 2010 campaign promos. It is refreshing to see someone with completely different political ideology call itlike he sees it. Would he step out on his party like this if he was still in the Washington rat race, and not in the private sector? I doubt it, but it is still appreciated! Nice work, Dr. Dean!

Here is the link to watch the interview.

The Season Bringing People Together!

For some reason, Senator Orrin Hatch from Utah wrote and/or produced a Channukah song.



After all these years that is all they can come up with about Mormons? That Donny and Marie are Mormons and we don't drink? Too funny! Tis the Season....which ever you celebrate!