The egos residing at Capitol Hill, those same egos voted to hold office and act as representatives of Main Street USA, have proven to be dangerous to America.
The theater and dramatics surrounding the "historic" agreement to lift the debt ceiling have proven once again that for a person to be a part of the House, Senate or White House they must have a huge ego that does not concern itself with what is right for the people.
Their egos dictate to them that they must be right and others must be wrong and damn the consequences.
For a group of supposedly bright people to allow the "debt crisis" to roll to the 11th hour-plus, knowing full well for months that August 2, 2011, would come and go is all the proof needed to brand politicians as egotistical-to-the-extreme.
Witness, there is nothing at all historic about lifting the debt ceiling. That has been done time and again to ensure that future generations of politicians can spend freely, without regard to the damage created for future generations of Americans.
What is needed in Washington DC is not another huge ego, but a leader who leads by example. A person who can cut waste in his/her own sphere (i.e., cut foreign travel by members of Congress, cut their own salary, cut their office expenses dramatically, eliminate taxpayers footing the bill for members of Congress to visit home, etc.)
And during all the "savings" announced under the "historic" deal there has been absolutely no mention of doing away with earmarks. Cutting those pesky pieces of pork would save taxpayers between $300 and $400 billion in a decade and be an immediate expense reduction.
There is no doubt that Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, James Madison and the other Founding Fathers are disgusted at the actions (as well as inactions) by those elected officials who put themselves above the citizens of this great nation.
Capitol Hill has a short memory. Do they not remember that they are servants of the people?
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Showing posts with label James Madison. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Madison. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Does July 4th Still Stand for Freedom
For scores of years July 4th truly meant something and was a definite cause for celebration.
However, over the past several decades the personal freedoms and liberties Main Street USA was used to celebrating have been eroded.
No longer can it be said that is America is a government of the people, by the people, for the people (though that line does come from President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address).
Realistically, today our government is "of, for and by elected representatives" who care far too much about their own enhanced welfare (paid for in full "by the people").
When the states came together, when they became United, the vision of the Founding Fathers was in setting up a governing body unlike any that had been seen on Planet Earth. But as time marched on certain people saw a way to take advantage of, and pervert, the system.
Our Founding Fathers were learned men. They had read and studied about all manner of governments. They knew what made them good and what made them bad. However, the worst fears of these brave men slowly came to be.
As Thomas Jefferson pointed out, Most bad government has grown out of too much government. It cannot be denied, by any sane or rational person, that the United States has way too much government.
Patrick Henry, who led the charge to add the Bill of Rights, stated, The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.
Andrew Jackson added, The people are the government, administering it by their agents; they are the government, the sovereign power.
Perhaps James Madison summed up their worst fear with his insight, Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.
And thus it is that Americans have experienced those very dreaded gradual and silent encroachments by those in power, who have made politics a career where it was only supposed to be a "public service."
The concept of that service, as it had originally been envisioned, was that some citizens would give up a few years of their private sector life and "serve the people" only to return to their actual livelihood.
Never was it meant to be that politics become a career, especially one with lavish benefits at the expense of the taxpayer.
Conservative, moderate, and liberal politicians are all guilty of the erosion Americans have experienced. They have profited greatly at the expense of each and every citizen. They buy their votes filled with empty promises. They spend half their time campaigning for the next election to secure their lofty lifestyle.
There might not be a greater sin than to abuse the power entrusted to one.
Perhaps there are still those who truly believe in the ideals our Founding Fathers laid down without any thought of personal gain, operating without a secret, hidden agenda.
If there are, only then will America be able to rise once again. Not as a "global power" to dictate to other countries, but as a group of collective states who wish true freedom for all who reside within.
The closing line of the Declaration of Independence is, And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
The men who signed that document did so and meant it.
Many gave their lives and lost their fortunes. They kept in tact their honor.
There is not a politician alive today who could match the honor and integrity of those 56 delegates of the Continental Congress of July 4, 1776.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
However, over the past several decades the personal freedoms and liberties Main Street USA was used to celebrating have been eroded.
No longer can it be said that is America is a government of the people, by the people, for the people (though that line does come from President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address).
Realistically, today our government is "of, for and by elected representatives" who care far too much about their own enhanced welfare (paid for in full "by the people").
When the states came together, when they became United, the vision of the Founding Fathers was in setting up a governing body unlike any that had been seen on Planet Earth. But as time marched on certain people saw a way to take advantage of, and pervert, the system.
Our Founding Fathers were learned men. They had read and studied about all manner of governments. They knew what made them good and what made them bad. However, the worst fears of these brave men slowly came to be.
As Thomas Jefferson pointed out, Most bad government has grown out of too much government. It cannot be denied, by any sane or rational person, that the United States has way too much government.
Patrick Henry, who led the charge to add the Bill of Rights, stated, The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.
Andrew Jackson added, The people are the government, administering it by their agents; they are the government, the sovereign power.
Perhaps James Madison summed up their worst fear with his insight, Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.
And thus it is that Americans have experienced those very dreaded gradual and silent encroachments by those in power, who have made politics a career where it was only supposed to be a "public service."
The concept of that service, as it had originally been envisioned, was that some citizens would give up a few years of their private sector life and "serve the people" only to return to their actual livelihood.
Never was it meant to be that politics become a career, especially one with lavish benefits at the expense of the taxpayer.
Conservative, moderate, and liberal politicians are all guilty of the erosion Americans have experienced. They have profited greatly at the expense of each and every citizen. They buy their votes filled with empty promises. They spend half their time campaigning for the next election to secure their lofty lifestyle.
There might not be a greater sin than to abuse the power entrusted to one.
Perhaps there are still those who truly believe in the ideals our Founding Fathers laid down without any thought of personal gain, operating without a secret, hidden agenda.
If there are, only then will America be able to rise once again. Not as a "global power" to dictate to other countries, but as a group of collective states who wish true freedom for all who reside within.
The closing line of the Declaration of Independence is, And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
The men who signed that document did so and meant it.
Many gave their lives and lost their fortunes. They kept in tact their honor.
There is not a politician alive today who could match the honor and integrity of those 56 delegates of the Continental Congress of July 4, 1776.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Canned Responses From Elected Officials
Following is an email exhange I had with Senator Arlen Specter (Dem-PA) regarding health care. Of particular note is the fact that my concern was not addressed in either exchange, as well as the time between my second email and his reply.
Feb 11, 2000 1:11PM
Dear Mr. Welch:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding health reform. On December 24, 2009, I voted in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which the Senate passed by a vote of 60-39. This legislation is an important step in ensuring adequate health care becomes a right in America and not just a privilege.
This legislation extends coverage to 31 million more Americans. It also has important insurance reforms: no longer can an insurance company reject a claim because of a pre-existing condition; no longer can there be a lifetime limit on insurance coverage. It also provides subsidies to those who need assistance and tax credits for small businesses that offer health care to their employees. Notably, it is projected to reduce the deficit by $132 billion in the next ten years and by greater amounts in the following decade. However, the bill lacks provisions that I would have preferred. I would like to see a strong, robust public option. I would like to see more clear-cut language on a woman's right to choose.
I consider the legislation similar to the Civil Rights Act of 1965. It was a very good law, but it took a preliminary legislative enactment in 1957 and another in 1964 - each an incremental step - to set the stage for what was satisfactory and adequate civil rights legislation. This bill is the first step in health reform and I look forward to continuing to improve this legislation in the future.
Again, I appreciate your taking the time to bring your views on this issue to my attention. The concerns of my constituents are of great importance to me, and I rely on you and other Pennsylvanians to inform me of your views. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit my website.
Sincerely,
Arlen Specter
My reply, Feb 11, 2010 7:38PM
Dear Senator Specter,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I am in favor of healthcare reform, however, I must, respectfully, state again that current legislation is not the proper answer for, nor in the best interests of, Main Street USA.
According to information I have found, of the 31 million people you mention below needing health insurance, there are included slightly over 10 million who earn more than three times the stated "poverty level" but have decided, for whatever reasons, not to purchase insurance. If they have elected not to pruchase insurance how is it that we will now, per the language of legislation proposed, force them to do so?
I have also read that somewhere near six million people already on Medicare were undercounted.
Those two groups account for over half of the current healthcare reform number.
And why is it that Tort Reform is not uppermost in the House and Senate Bills? Curtailing outrageous settlements will reduce the cost of insurance as well as healthcare.
I do agree with the pre-exisiting conditions portion of the bill and certain other aspects but the majority of the two bills presented do transfer too much authority and power to government.
That was not the intention of the Founding Fathers.
To wit:
"Most bad government has grown out of too much government." and "Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases." Thomas Jefferson
"Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations." and "I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents." James Madison
Please take another look at what is proposed. I, and virtually everyone I know, do not believe that it is in our best interest to follow the current path of reform.
I trust that my communication is taken in the spirit in which it is offered. That of a Patriot. A proud member of Main Street USA.
Respectfully,
Scott Welch
His canned response (much of which is contained in the first email), just now received, May 26, 2010 1:19PM, approximately 3 1/2 months after his receipt of my email:
Dear Mr. Welch:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding health reform. On December 24, 2009, I voted in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which the Senate passed by a vote of 60-39. The House of Representatives passed this bill on March 21, 2010 and President Obama signed it into law on March 23, 2010. This is an important step in ensuring adequate health care becomes accessible to all Americans.
The Senate and House of Representatives have also passed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, which improves upon the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Together, both pieces of legislation extend coverage to 32 million more Americans, which means that 95% of Americans will have health insurance.
Health reform is also important for those who already have health insurance. In the first year, health insurers will be prohibited from imposing lifetime limits on benefits or rescinding coverage when individuals get sick. Insurers will also be required to cover pre-existing conditions for children and extend coverage to adult children under their parents' insurance until age 26.
By 2014, state-based exchanges will be established to help individuals and small employers purchase health care coverage. Consumers will be able to easily compare plans based on prices and benefits, which will help to increase competition. Insurers offering plans in the exchanges will be required to offer a minimum set of benefits and spend at least 80% of premium dollars on medical coverage. They will also be required to cover pre-existing conditions and prohibited from enacting annual or lifetime caps on benefits.
There are also provisions to help people who may not be able to afford health insurance coverage. Premium and cost-sharing tax credits will be available to assist low- and middle-income families with purchasing health insurance. This will help up to 904,000 Pennsylvanians afford vital health insurance. Tax credits are also available for small businesses that offer health care to their employees. These tax credits will help to alleviate some of the costs of health insurance and make it more affordable for small businesses and their employees. According to the Small Business Majority, approximately 3.6 million small businesses will qualify for the tax credit in 2010. In Pennsylvania, up to 151,000 small businesses will be eligible for these tax credits.
The legislation also makes important improvements to federal health care programs, including closing the Medicare donut hole and providing annual wellness visits and preventive benefits, such as cancer screenings to Medicare beneficiaries without any cost-sharing requirements. There are provisions to better identify and prevent fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid. The Act also increases payments to providers under Medicaid and makes substantial investments in Community Health Centers to expand access to health care in communities where it is needed most.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes important provisions to focus on prevention and health promotion. Funding is provided to promote individual and community health and to prevent chronic disease, along with research in public health services and best prevention practices. It also eliminates cost-sharing for recommended preventive care to encourage individuals to seek out this care and catch diseases and disorders in early stages.
To address the current need for more health workers, the legislation makes vital investments in the future of our health care workforce. It addresses shortages in primary care and other areas of practice, including providing greater investments in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment programs and incentives for providers to practice in underserved areas.
Again, I appreciate your taking the time to bring your views on this issue to my attention. The concerns of my constituents are of great importance to me, and I rely on you and other Pennsylvanians to inform me of your views. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit my website.
Sincerely,
Arlen Specter
Is it any wonder why people are disillusioned with government?
This taxpayer is not naive enough to think the senator reads all correspondence. However, the people who have been tasked with doing so, and responding, should, at the very least, address the concerns of the voters.
Over For Now.
Main Street One.
Feb 11, 2000 1:11PM
Dear Mr. Welch:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding health reform. On December 24, 2009, I voted in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which the Senate passed by a vote of 60-39. This legislation is an important step in ensuring adequate health care becomes a right in America and not just a privilege.
This legislation extends coverage to 31 million more Americans. It also has important insurance reforms: no longer can an insurance company reject a claim because of a pre-existing condition; no longer can there be a lifetime limit on insurance coverage. It also provides subsidies to those who need assistance and tax credits for small businesses that offer health care to their employees. Notably, it is projected to reduce the deficit by $132 billion in the next ten years and by greater amounts in the following decade. However, the bill lacks provisions that I would have preferred. I would like to see a strong, robust public option. I would like to see more clear-cut language on a woman's right to choose.
I consider the legislation similar to the Civil Rights Act of 1965. It was a very good law, but it took a preliminary legislative enactment in 1957 and another in 1964 - each an incremental step - to set the stage for what was satisfactory and adequate civil rights legislation. This bill is the first step in health reform and I look forward to continuing to improve this legislation in the future.
Again, I appreciate your taking the time to bring your views on this issue to my attention. The concerns of my constituents are of great importance to me, and I rely on you and other Pennsylvanians to inform me of your views. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit my website.
Sincerely,
Arlen Specter
My reply, Feb 11, 2010 7:38PM
Dear Senator Specter,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I am in favor of healthcare reform, however, I must, respectfully, state again that current legislation is not the proper answer for, nor in the best interests of, Main Street USA.
According to information I have found, of the 31 million people you mention below needing health insurance, there are included slightly over 10 million who earn more than three times the stated "poverty level" but have decided, for whatever reasons, not to purchase insurance. If they have elected not to pruchase insurance how is it that we will now, per the language of legislation proposed, force them to do so?
I have also read that somewhere near six million people already on Medicare were undercounted.
Those two groups account for over half of the current healthcare reform number.
And why is it that Tort Reform is not uppermost in the House and Senate Bills? Curtailing outrageous settlements will reduce the cost of insurance as well as healthcare.
I do agree with the pre-exisiting conditions portion of the bill and certain other aspects but the majority of the two bills presented do transfer too much authority and power to government.
That was not the intention of the Founding Fathers.
To wit:
"Most bad government has grown out of too much government." and "Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases." Thomas Jefferson
"Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations." and "I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents." James Madison
Please take another look at what is proposed. I, and virtually everyone I know, do not believe that it is in our best interest to follow the current path of reform.
I trust that my communication is taken in the spirit in which it is offered. That of a Patriot. A proud member of Main Street USA.
Respectfully,
Scott Welch
His canned response (much of which is contained in the first email), just now received, May 26, 2010 1:19PM, approximately 3 1/2 months after his receipt of my email:
Dear Mr. Welch:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding health reform. On December 24, 2009, I voted in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which the Senate passed by a vote of 60-39. The House of Representatives passed this bill on March 21, 2010 and President Obama signed it into law on March 23, 2010. This is an important step in ensuring adequate health care becomes accessible to all Americans.
The Senate and House of Representatives have also passed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, which improves upon the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Together, both pieces of legislation extend coverage to 32 million more Americans, which means that 95% of Americans will have health insurance.
Health reform is also important for those who already have health insurance. In the first year, health insurers will be prohibited from imposing lifetime limits on benefits or rescinding coverage when individuals get sick. Insurers will also be required to cover pre-existing conditions for children and extend coverage to adult children under their parents' insurance until age 26.
By 2014, state-based exchanges will be established to help individuals and small employers purchase health care coverage. Consumers will be able to easily compare plans based on prices and benefits, which will help to increase competition. Insurers offering plans in the exchanges will be required to offer a minimum set of benefits and spend at least 80% of premium dollars on medical coverage. They will also be required to cover pre-existing conditions and prohibited from enacting annual or lifetime caps on benefits.
There are also provisions to help people who may not be able to afford health insurance coverage. Premium and cost-sharing tax credits will be available to assist low- and middle-income families with purchasing health insurance. This will help up to 904,000 Pennsylvanians afford vital health insurance. Tax credits are also available for small businesses that offer health care to their employees. These tax credits will help to alleviate some of the costs of health insurance and make it more affordable for small businesses and their employees. According to the Small Business Majority, approximately 3.6 million small businesses will qualify for the tax credit in 2010. In Pennsylvania, up to 151,000 small businesses will be eligible for these tax credits.
The legislation also makes important improvements to federal health care programs, including closing the Medicare donut hole and providing annual wellness visits and preventive benefits, such as cancer screenings to Medicare beneficiaries without any cost-sharing requirements. There are provisions to better identify and prevent fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid. The Act also increases payments to providers under Medicaid and makes substantial investments in Community Health Centers to expand access to health care in communities where it is needed most.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes important provisions to focus on prevention and health promotion. Funding is provided to promote individual and community health and to prevent chronic disease, along with research in public health services and best prevention practices. It also eliminates cost-sharing for recommended preventive care to encourage individuals to seek out this care and catch diseases and disorders in early stages.
To address the current need for more health workers, the legislation makes vital investments in the future of our health care workforce. It addresses shortages in primary care and other areas of practice, including providing greater investments in the National Health Service Corps' scholarship and loan repayment programs and incentives for providers to practice in underserved areas.
Again, I appreciate your taking the time to bring your views on this issue to my attention. The concerns of my constituents are of great importance to me, and I rely on you and other Pennsylvanians to inform me of your views. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit my website.
Sincerely,
Arlen Specter
Is it any wonder why people are disillusioned with government?
This taxpayer is not naive enough to think the senator reads all correspondence. However, the people who have been tasked with doing so, and responding, should, at the very least, address the concerns of the voters.
Over For Now.
Main Street One.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Reminders of Individual Freedom & Excessive Government
Most bad government has grown out of too much government.
Thomas Jefferson
President Reagan on Curbing Government
President Kennedy - Ask Not
Patrick Henry Speech to VA Convention
Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one.
James Madison
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Thomas Jefferson
President Reagan on Curbing Government
President Kennedy - Ask Not
Patrick Henry Speech to VA Convention
Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one.
James Madison
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Time for Our Elected Representatives to Listen
According to a report by the Associated Press, earlier this month there was a New York Times/CBS poll regarding how Main Street USA views the size of government.
Not surprizingly, the poll showed that 56 percent of the Americans surveyed said that they prefer "a smaller government providing fewer services," compared to 34 percent who are in favor of "a bigger government providing more services."
Considering that, as envisioned by our Founding Fathers and framed in our country's most valuable documents, our government is doing a whole lot more than it should be doing.
And, in some cases, doing it very badly.
According to James Madison, and the very laws and spirit underlying all of our guiding principles, "Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one."
If that is the case, why are not our elected officials listening to what Main Street USA has to say?
It has to do with job security.
As newly retiring Sen. Evan Bayh stated in a recent interview, our politicians are in full-time campaign mode, i.e., "permanent campaigning."
And, much of the time, that operating basis by those who "serve" Main Street USA includes giving away the farm in order to buy votes and stay in their comfortable DC offices, with a substantial paycheck, job perks the likes of which we will never experience, a great healthcare and insurance package and a fabulous retirement plan.
All of which we, the US taxpayers (i.e., voters), underwrite.
We have spoken.
We continue to speak.
So, please, listen up, WH Administration and Congress, the people desire a smaller government, not a larger, more-controlling one.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Not surprizingly, the poll showed that 56 percent of the Americans surveyed said that they prefer "a smaller government providing fewer services," compared to 34 percent who are in favor of "a bigger government providing more services."
Considering that, as envisioned by our Founding Fathers and framed in our country's most valuable documents, our government is doing a whole lot more than it should be doing.
And, in some cases, doing it very badly.
According to James Madison, and the very laws and spirit underlying all of our guiding principles, "Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one."
If that is the case, why are not our elected officials listening to what Main Street USA has to say?
It has to do with job security.
As newly retiring Sen. Evan Bayh stated in a recent interview, our politicians are in full-time campaign mode, i.e., "permanent campaigning."
And, much of the time, that operating basis by those who "serve" Main Street USA includes giving away the farm in order to buy votes and stay in their comfortable DC offices, with a substantial paycheck, job perks the likes of which we will never experience, a great healthcare and insurance package and a fabulous retirement plan.
All of which we, the US taxpayers (i.e., voters), underwrite.
We have spoken.
We continue to speak.
So, please, listen up, WH Administration and Congress, the people desire a smaller government, not a larger, more-controlling one.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Short and Sweet from James Madison
"I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents."
"All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree."
"Equal laws protecting equal rights are the best guarantee of loyalty and love of country."
"Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one."
"The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security."
"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."
"It is the reason alone, of the public, that ought to control and regulate the government."
"Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government."
Over For Now.
Main Street One
"All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree."
"Equal laws protecting equal rights are the best guarantee of loyalty and love of country."
"Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one."
"The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security."
"There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."
"It is the reason alone, of the public, that ought to control and regulate the government."
"Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government."
Over For Now.
Main Street One
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