Take Me To Post Comment Form Once again, I do not believe anything we are hearing from the House of Representatives concerning the health care bill. I have read 500 pages of the 1900 or so and I can tell you that already either Nancy Pelosi is lying or has not read the bill. I now hear that another version is waiting to be introduced with less than 72 hours before calling a vote for its passage.

I am one of those people that have a problem with what has been happening in Washington for quite some time now.

Things need fixed, and the economy is right at the top of the list. Need does not permit spending. Fiscal responsibility requires funds to be available to spend on issues in need. It does not matter if the earth is getting warmer, or not. We must manage ourselves in such a way that we stop all pollution, stop the wasteful use of natural resources, and to continue to restore what we have taken from the balance of nature. Because we are at war with those who have behaved and continue to behave in unacceptable ways, it is time to stand up and remove those who threaten world peace, without apologies or second thoughts. Because we are a society with concern for all of its citizens we must address poverty, health care, education and discrimination. Many of us, no matter what our political beliefs, will agree to some list of issues that are of importance, like these, need addressed.

We the people have been allowing the elected officials of this Nation to take these good causes and manipulate us into believing that in the solution of these issues we can make some sort of gain for ourselves. If we are poor, then we will be given things. If we are rich, we can live without giving back. If we support one candidate over another, it will result in a gain for us. Our collective hands are out and those in power have learned that putting something, even if it is just a promise, in those out stretched hands they can do anything they want and not be accountable to us for the accomplishment of their elected purpose.
We have been living for years with our Government collecting the social security and Medicare deductions from our checks only for them to spend that same “earmarked” cash on the day to day operations of themselves. Our Government has become so dependant on the collection of these funds that employers of large groups have only hours to send in the money. If all employers were to stop making the payroll tax payments now, I would guess the Government would run out of money in a week or less.

We are allowing both political parties to focus the arguments about the current issues on the entitlements that come with solutions rather than sound, proven methods to get these issues fixed. We, as a nation, have multiple cancers growing in our population and we are in denial. We must acknowledge that the fixes are actually simple but require truth and the setting down of our desires for personal gains.

First, we must balance the budget. If a solution requires borrowing from tomorrow, it must not be considered. Start by fully funding Social Security and Medicare or reduce the benefits. The reality of this statement is enormous and far reaching. It also requires all of the fuzzy accounting in Washington to stop. Only one accounting system should be used and that should be independently audited. That is the requirement the Government has made for corporations and it should apply to them as well. Our public servants should be required to participate in social security and Medicare. No more free passes. Changes in their wages should require a vote from the people in the form of a national referendum.

Second, an energy policy that is self funding should be implemented. Our energy policy should be for self funding and must include a plan for the removal of dependence on foreign energy to run this nation. If we need to drill to produce enough cash to go to nuclear energy, then drill now and stop forever, later. If we need refineries now, then generate the cash through increased production in the short term. If the decision is to stop using coal, then develop the alternative fuel before parking the power shovels. If cleaner burning of the dirty coal is possible, then establish a reasonable timetable to fix that issue and begin, now.

Third, remove at least one third of the government bureaucracy. Reduce, eliminate and rethink the way all government is run. Over the next ten years cut the budgets by three percent each year until the cost of running the United States Government is down by one third. Our independent accounting firm must be used here, as well.

Fourth, define our purpose in each area of international confrontation and explain those positions to our citizens and the other nations of the world. Equip and empower our military to do its job. Hold them accountable, but do NOT require a telephone call to the President of the United Sates to ask permission to kill an identified enemy of this country. Our military can do their job if we let them. Get out of their way and we will be home before the elected officials can screw up another war.

Fifth, address the people who do not have or cannot get health insurance. It can be very simple and affordable to help those who need it without making the 95 percent of the people who already have insurance make changes to accommodate the fix. Remember we are now balancing the budget when addressing this issue as well as subjecting the plan to an independent accounting review. Time to get honest on both sides of the isle. Outright purchasing insurance coverage for those in need should be considrered. Admit the cost and then look for ways to fund it.

Sixth, all citizens who earn wages should pay taxes. It is time to put in the flat tax or fair tax and eliminate the welfare from taxes and the close the IRS. It will make a significant contribution to the one third budget reduction for the federal Government.

Seventh, close the borders to this country and send the illegal aliens home. The cost to this country in lost employment and the use of social programs for those who do not qualify is large and currently ignored. The citizens of the United States are expected to follow the laws, it is only right to have those who crossed the borders in violation of the law, removed.

Eighth, remind those in office that what needs to be done is on their watch. It does not mater what President or political party was in office when something started. They are not in office now. We expect leadership, problem solving and honesty from the President, The Senate and the House of Representatives, not excuses and the passing of blame. It is not acceptable and we need to make that clear. If we are told the substance of a pending law, what we are told better be what is in that law. Doors to legislative and law making sessions had better be open and debate done in public. Votes must not be done at 3:00am. Both political parties are voted in and they are accountable to the voters. This is not a party comment or a current administration bash. As far as I am concerned, that entire bunch in Washington has more loyalty to the lobbyists than to the voters. That is not acceptable and it must end.
coppermine