We The People Of The Republic

Cedar Crest

2011-01-07T08:37:00.002-06:00

What makes a good governor?

A governor is a politician, a party leader, an administrator.

Governor-elect Sam Brownback has great leadership skills, received high accolades from his peers for decades, and is well respected. He has proven skilled at bringing a good share of federal projects to the Sunflower State.

But...since I heard he had set his sights on Cedar Crest...I thought - the guy feels like he's the ranking Republican in the state, and can just waltz right in, skills be damned.

His political skills should translate well to his position as state Governor. However, he's going to be dealing with dozens of state representatives with an (R) - which will lead to high expectations. Whether he can make those expectations reality...is doubtful. Partisan unity doesn't change tight budgets, education testing results, or national economic numbers.

What I see is a man who won the office because of the letter after his name, rather than his skills for the task ahead of him. (Kinda like another guy I could name, but won't.)

God help Kansas.

Christmas Time and other thoughts

2010-12-22T01:34:00.006-06:00

I am going right to the point here.

Christmas has not and will not be a "Christian" holiday. I am sick and tired of hearing from people that "Jesus is the reason for the season". If you so-called lovers of history knew a thing or two about history you would realize at least two things:

1) Jesus was born sometime in the spring. Thus is why the song/bible/other stories talk about shepards. When was the last time some shepard was out in the pasture in the middle of December (and if you want to be technical, December was created way past the time of Jesus).

2) The reason for the season is for the winter solstice. Yes, as much as you hope and pray that Jesus would be the reason for the season, it's actually a celebration of the year starting to turn towards life, or spring, or the new year, or whatever Pagan ritual you want to place here. Even when the Christians (we will say 400-500 AD for shits and giggles) recognized what was going on. Hell they even got out and partied with the "sinners". Basically turning your beloved holiday that talks about Jesus' birth into a drunken, Mardi Gras type of party.

If you want to go further, I can. Like this rumor about the "war on Christmas". Since when do peace loving people, such as Christians, want to make war out of, or for anything?

How about the Puritans trying to out law Christmas all together in the new world?

The Founding Fathers saw it fit to work through the Christmas Holiday. Congress didn't make Christmas an official Federal Holiday until the 1870's.

Yet you want to say "Christmas is under attack." It is, by you. How you ask. Simple.

This is a country full of people with many different faiths. While some are more correct than others, people still do celebrate this month according to their religion. So if someone says "Happy Holidays" it's not because some big bad evil corporation is out to get the little Christian, it's because that big bad evil corporation realizes if they want to make more money (since that is what this season is REALLY about), they better cater to ALL faiths. Including those you think are wrong.

Since this is the Holiday Season, people start looking over the past year and wonder how their year has gone and what they will change for next year.

I too have done this and came to this conclusion:

Humanity, you suck.

Let me explain. At any given moment in this place we call the United States of America there are millions of people debating if their issue is right or more right than that of their neighbor, boss, friend, co-worker, bus driver, you get the idea. At any given moment that person is pissing off someone else because the other person won't "convert" to their way of thinking.

I am guilty of it, this blog, to an extent, is guilty of it. Every single person in this God-forsaken country is guilty of it. And don't try to argue with me, I am more right than you ever will be on this issue. Live with it.

This was most evident in this past election cycle, where some how, the Republican Party led by one idiot (who we will call Stike Meele) was energized by a bigger idiot, lead GOP hypocrite and tea parting, bikini wanna be model Parah Salin convinced voters that the idiots on the other side of the issues were the reasons the country was going to hell in a hand basket, they caused all the debt and oh yeah they hate America.

The voters, like the lemmings they are, bought it and now the GOP some how has the House majority and just because I think God uses America as his personal court Jester, got the Republicans within 4 Senators of controlling the Senate.

You could NOT be a Democrat at all during this election cycle. If you were, you might as well have said you were related to Hitler and that you had his child.

Seeing my fellow Americans tear each other down really is disheartening. Because of this (and other reasons), I honestly think this entire country can go to hell. And I wouldn't be any more proud than if it didn't. While some might say that "it's politics, we shouldn't take it personal," I contend that those same people DO make it personal and are willing to attack anyone, any aspect of that person's life.

People in this country mainly care about themselves and when the "need" is there will care for their fellow citizen, provided they:

A) Get a tax write off

B) Some how benefits them

C) Get documentation to show what the funds, time, effort, ect will be used for

or D) Creates a "status" symbol if only for a moment.

Want proof on any of this? Go give to a charity of your choice, ask someone to help you, or buy a "live strong" bracelet.

So for my new years resolution I am telling my fellow citizen...

"Go f^&% off, I am too busy to help you or care about you."

This year, upcoming year I will read the news less, watch sports more.

I will read more books and spend less time on the internet.

I will work out more and enjoy whatever food, liquor, candy I want.

I will turn and walk away if someone asks for my help and point and laugh at those in need.

I will no longer care for people, since people have stopped caring for one another.

Quite frankly if this catches on, I hope that next Holiday Season we can all be drunk and merry while tossing beads at women.

Then again, I don't like you now what makes you think I want to be drunk and merry with you.

Voting for Labels

2010-10-01T12:22:00.001-05:00

We are a month from election day. And I am again sickened by the partisanship. We're not debating candidates, we're debating President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader Reid vs President Bush.

I don't see an honest exchange and debate of ideas, as I would hope to see in an ideal election. I see what I would expect...the fight for the 51st %. (Which in this case refers to each candidate's attempt to win their district/state; and the parties' hope to hold/gain control of both houses of Congress)

Power is the means. Majority is the means. Party loyalty is the means. The end...is your worldview.

If you want a less larger government, vote Republican, identify Republican, be Republican. If you want a fairer, kinder government, vote Democrat, identify Democrat, be Democrat.

I guarantee that if Al Gore was the President on 9/11, if he'd seen the same data and made the same decision Bush did to invade Iraq in 2003...the Republicans would've kept on pounding the "exit strategy" war drum. Ms. Sheehan would've camped out in Tennessee. We would've heard "Clinton lied Gore lied."

I guarantee that if a Republican President in '96 had lied under oath about sexual encounters...the Democrats would've been looking for blood, and the Republicans would've raised privacy questions and "it's just sex."

Washington was right. Damn the parties. Damn them to hell.

Elevenscore and three years ago.

2010-09-17T15:10:00.000-05:00

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Article. I.

Section. 1.

All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Section. 2.

The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.

Section. 3.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.

No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.

The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

Section. 4.

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.

Section. 5.

Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.

Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

Section. 6.

The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.

Section. 7.

All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States: If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.

Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.

Section. 8.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Section. 9.

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

Section. 10.

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

Article. II.

Section. 1.

The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows:

Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President.

The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.

The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Section. 2.

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

Section. 3.

He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.

Section. 4.

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Article III.

Section. 1.

The judicial Power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

Section. 2.

The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;-- between a State and Citizens of another State,--between Citizens of different States,--between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.

In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.

The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Section. 3.

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

Article. IV.

Section. 1.

Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

Section. 2.

The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.

A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.

No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due.

Section. 3.

New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.

The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

Section. 4.

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence.

Article. V.

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.

Article. VI.

All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

Article. VII.

The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.

My Weekly Church Post

2010-09-13T00:35:00.000-05:00

I used to do this over at the old place, where I would posting something churchy on a Sunday.

I think I will start that again. If for nothing else a way for me to vent my frustration with Christians, religious groups and religious idiots.

A few years ago (2007 I believe) I went to a function in Downtown Kansas City called The Call/One Thing Conference. At the time I agreed with some of the things said, but just never really thought much more about it. I was getting hungry around 230 and decided to hit a restaurant nearby. As I made my way towards there I saw a homeless guy and decided that I would buy his meal instead. I asked him if he was hungry. He said yes I asked if he wanted me to take him to a place to eat. He said yes. So I took him to the place I was going to eat. It was kinda expensive, but it was the only place open on December 31st. I told him to go find a seat and I will be right with him. The hostess was about to stop him when I got her attention and told her he was with me. I then proceeded to pay for his meal, ahead of time and gave her a tip.

I walked over to where he was sitting, people looking at us all weird and what not. Didn't matter, I felt like he needed the meal more than me. I talked with him for a few minutes.

He then said this; "Why did you do this for me...oh I see your arm band, you are with that group."

I the quick thinker said something along the lines I do this every new years eve for x amount years blah blah blah. A total lie.

I told the man to have a good day and left.

Today it something struck me, he thought the whole reason I bought his meal was because I was "guilted" into buying his meal because the convention was in town. I can't honestly say I was guilted. What I can say it pisses me off that a homeless man in America made the correlatioÑ of the convention, my armband and my buying his meal as something all tied together.

That's the sad reality of being a Christian in America. Kindness is taken for as something we need to do, because our pastor told us to be kind. No pastor told me to find a homeless person and feed them. Never. Yes, there were ministries that I was apart of that would do that, but it goes back to "having" to do it, not wanting to do it.

I wanted to buy this man's meal. And because of his view and maybe prior run ins with Christians he felt I did it because I was "convicted" of not being kind.

I didn't preach the gospel. I didn't try to convert him. I'm sure he has heard that numerous of times. I wanted to be different and because of an armband I was lumped together with all Christians.

Perfect.

The church today has fucked up big time. I'm not saying all churches, your church, ect. But just try one time to find a homeless person, wearing something that is "christianise" and then see how they react.

Oh sure, you will get the "I believe in God", group. I'm not talking about the fake christians that fill your churches on Sunday. I'm talking about the homeless man/woman who thinks they are getting a free meal because you wanted, the sees your cross/im a christian shirt/bible then assumes your pastor told you to do it.

It ought to piss you off as well.

Pale Blue Dot

2010-09-10T00:56:00.003-05:00

Not much to say about this. Watch, learn a thing or two. Enjoy the killer music.

If we blank, the terrorists win.

2010-09-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

December 7. November 22. April 19. April 20. September 11.

We didn't pick these days on the calendar. But we remember them. The pictures seared in our memory, planes, cars, broken buildings, innocence lost.

Pearl Harbor. Dealey Plaza, Dallas. Oklahoma City. Littleton.
New York City / Pentagon / Shanksville PA

We didn't pick these spots. But memorials mark where these tragedies took place. Serene landmarks, memories of those who died.

Sixteen acres in New York. Once upon a time, people bought it, built on it, developed it. A second group of people destroyed it. And now, a third group try to develop a hybrid of the initial intent (business) and reversing the second intent. (turn destruction into remembering the victims)

If we bulldoze the ruins, put up a pretty park, and list the names of those we lost...have the evildoers won?

Holy Fuck Stick!

2010-09-09T16:04:00.002-05:00

I am saying it mainly because I am kinda sadistic.

The bastard Pastor from Florida, you know the Koran asshole. Chickened the fuck out.

What a little bitch.

Anyway, I would like to think my email I sent to him was read before his site was shut down. But I know it wasn't. Ultimately I bet the FBI told him to stop doing what he was wanting to do.

Anyway, no suicide bombing in America today or Saturday.

Back to your boring lives people.

Apology

2010-09-09T00:09:00.002-05:00

I want to apologize to all the readers of this blog. I (and in turn we) have been lack luster in our posting. Sometimes I (and that does mean I) get over whelmed with life and really don't feel like posting.

When we switched this from the Republic of Swain to We the People, I wanted a blog where people could come and read about everyday life happenings in our world, our country and lives. I have failed at that in posting only a total of 43 times since the launch of We the People.

I have failed you, only posting when I am pissed off at the church, government or people. I will try to do better.

In I guess what I am saying is, be ready for more postings, it's time to kick this thing back into overdrive.

Or at least tempt to.

Prophets of Old

2010-09-08T12:45:00.002-05:00

To some, it is treated with the highest reverence. The authors were considered to be divinely inspired. The faithful read the writing. They quote their favorite passages. They spend days arguing about the original meaning. They cry curses over those who would twist its words for their own selfish gain. Many promise loyalty to the words and the community those words describe.

The cathedrals are marble and wood. The names of the 'prophets' spoken with respect. Let no one challenge their wisdom. Let those who have broken faith with the words...be cursed.

Welcome to the holy church of St. James the Wise. They seek reformation. They seek a restoration of the old ways. The many have sinned, but a few try to repent. They remember the inauguration of our cause, a holy drink, a battle against evil.

Most importantly, they know who is on their side, and who is against them. They know who claims to follow the banner, and tramples it. They know who has sworn allegiance to the cause, but is not a 'true believer'.

It is said that there is a wall of separation between church and state. In their world, the holy writings can be found...
on a road named for the most sacred of the writings...
Constitution Ave. NW, between 7th & 9th St.

Open Letter to Dove World Outreach Center

2010-09-08T11:38:00.005-05:00

The following is what I wrote to the Koran Burning Idiots. Yes, they are idiots. No, I don't care what they think of me. Yes, I know double standard.

I am by no means the model Christian (in fact recently I feel I lined up with being a Deist more than anything), however I strongly feel this is an action that Jesus Himself would frown upon.

You claim you are a Christian, then start acting like it. Jesus showed love to his enemies. So did Stephen the martyr. Yet, you are willing to toss Jesus' name under the bus in the name of "God" because you disagree with some people that hate us and want to kill us if we don't convert to their way of life.

Jesus said to turn the other check, to love your neighbor as yourself. Yet with this action you plan on doing on Saturday, I will have no problem saying you do not represent the God that I follow and that your place is in hell right next to the ones who hate us for being us.

I understand this is the land of freedom and whatnot, but that doesn't mean you you can spread a message of hate in the name of Jesus does it?

I live in Kansas, where on a daily basis we hear something about Fred Phelps and his lovely people in Topeka. I am sure you don't agree with them that God hates fags and 9-11 was caused by this nation's support of a homosexual couple. By burning this book, you are no better than Fred Phelps.

I know what I am saying is falling on deaf ears. You have your mind made up in what you are going to do, "claiming" its the voice of God. Honestly, I believe it's your hatred towards a group of people who are not like you that you are hearing. Hate is a very powerful thing when you let it control your life, just ask any serial killer or victim of a hate crime.

All I am asking you to do is read the Bible, that you claim you follow, and see exactly what Jesus would do. IF you can conclude that Jesus would still burn the Koran, then I am afraid you have missed His whole message.

Thank You,

Joe Swain

Straight People are Afraid of Gays

2010-08-06T22:06:00.005-05:00

So this past week a California judge over turned Prop 8, which was heavily funded by that little religious group in Utah.

I'm I going to quote Radio Personality Neal Boortz on this issue, then expand.

"How does gay marriage affect you personally?"

I am not talking about your moral objections, why you think it will destroy families, ect. He (and I) are asking, how does this affect you personally?

A gay couple moves down the street, are you offended? Probably because you think they are "wrong". But does it affect you personally? Your home value won't drop any quicker than the 50's mindset of minorities moving in. In lots of cases it will increase your home value, because they will have a nicer home than you. Do things to increase your property value.

Yet, they affect you how? Can anyone who is against gay marriage find a way it affects them personally?

Again, moral objections don't count. Because those morals are corrupted by a corrupt pastor(s).

They won't rape your kids. Why? Because they aren't paedophiles. They are homosexuals. It won't rub off on your kids any more than being straight will rub off on them. (They choose to be gay, you choose to be straight, right?)

So tell me person of the far right wing, explain to everyone out there how gay marriage will affect you personally.

It doesn't. The excuses you are giving are morally based. It doesn't affect you personally.

So my next question, since we have gotten past the fact it doesn't affect you personally is why won't you let the gays be married?

Ah ah ah, that's a moral objection. Again, morality in this country has been a standard since when?

That's right. Never. Otherwise, strip bars would be closed, divorce rates would be nil and prostitution would cease to exist.

I believe, honestly, the two main reasosn people object to gay marriage is entirely morally based and fear the thought of two men having sex.

But two women having sex, that's every man's dream come true right?

See, doesn't affect you at all does it?

Deist, what do they believe?

2010-04-30T10:24:00.002-05:00

As I continue in search of truth, I came across the following. I have read it a few times and concluded that this is probably what I believe. Though I am still looking for truth and what not. This no doubt lines up with more of what I believe in the terms of God and who He is.

If you have been listening/following what I have been posting on twitter then you know that I have started to question the existence of Jesus. While there is plenty of proof in the Bible, I am starting to learn outside of that particular circle there is no real evidence that He existed, much less did what He did according to the Bible (i.e. why didn't someone record a massive earthquake in the area approximately when Jesus died). This is where I begin to question and thus come to the conclusion that Jesus may or may not exist. Depending on my mood that day. Ultimately I will come to a conclusion, but only after I have done more research.

I do think we all create who we think God is. I do think we try to mold Him into what we want. Which is fine, but God didn't want that. He did want us to know He existed. And while the Bible is a good source to get an understanding of who He is, it isn't enough nor is it something I can be completely convinced on. I do think the Old Testament is pretty accurate for the accounts written in those books. Where it starts to get shady for me is the New Testament. I believe others feel the same way, however are either afraid for whatever reason, blind or to naive to believe in the possibility of something else.

I was afraid, blind and stupid. These past nine months have been awesome for me to learn about who I am and who God is. This is where this journey has taken me. I do not regret it one bit.

Enjoy.

1. Belief in God based on Reason, Experience and Nature (nature of the universe) rather than on the basis of holy texts and divine revelation. Essentially, through the use of Reason, God’s existence is revealed by the observation of the order and complexity found within nature and our personal experiences.

2. Belief that the nature of God is abstract and generally incomprehensible which puts it beyond definition for humanity at this time. Furthermore, human language is limited and inadequate to define God; however, man can use Reason to theorize and speculate on what this possible nature is.

3. Belief that mans relationship with God is transpersonal. However, this does not create a feeling of a distant and cold deity but of one in which God has a profound and unfathomable relationship with all of creation (nature) rather than just one aspect of it.

4. Belief that humanity has the ability to use Reason to develop ethical/moral principles and through the application of Reason these principles can be used to implement moral behavior, which in turn creates a Utilitarian-Humanist morality. Essentially, humans can be guided by their conscience in matters of morality.

5. Belief that humans have the individual capability of experiencing God, which is defined as spirituality. These spiritual experiences are multi-faceted and can include awe, epiphany, fellowship and even the transcendental. Essentially, each human is capable of having a profound experience of God and nature.

6. Belief that God should be honored in a way that the individual believes is best and most appropriate for them. Individuals must determine for themselves how best to honor God and only they can develop how to accomplish this. For many, it is a multi-faceted and an individualized process.

7. Belief in the principle of Natural Law that states that all men and women are created equal to each other with inherent freedom and liberty so that no human has more worth than another. Essentially, each human is equal in terms of the freedoms that they have and in the eyes of the law.

8. Belief that mankind’s purpose is to use our God-given reason to understand what it means to be alive in every sense of the word (to live life to the fullest) and to act in such a way as to secure human happiness and contentment for all involved.

9. Belief that Reason and Respect are God-given traits to mankind and that we are to utilize them in all aspects of our daily lives thus creating a pragmatic approach to life. This includes respecting other alternative views and opinions of God (other religions) as long as they do not produce harm and/or infringe upon others.

Noble Thoughts

2010-01-30T15:56:00.003-06:00

I have some noble thoughts that I believe are legitimate thoughts. I am not expecting a response, I am just expressing some thoughts.

Jesus never spoke of abotions.
Jesus never spoke of homosexuality.
Jesus never spoke of being involved in politics.

Jesus did speak of peace.
Jesus did speak of love.
Jesus did speak of respecting your government.

Then why in the hell do we have the religious right speaking against abortions, being gay and being some of the biggest contributors to the Republican Party, all the while speaking against peace, loving one and another and "over throwing" the current government.

Jesus didn't give a damn about who was in power, why should you?

You self righteousness is a line of bullshit, and everyone aroudn you knows.

Why is it that Ted Haggard admitted to sucking off a tranny, that no Christian ran to his aid and offer some sort of assitance? Why did he have to move to Arizona away from the church he help grow to rediscover God? Where was the Religious Right on this?

Why do gay couples of several years continue to be discrimanited against for benefits? If one dies, the other is screwed. So much for "life long comittments" right Kentucky (leader of divorce in the country)?

If you are gay.....

2009-12-09T10:59:00.002-06:00

And live in Uganda, you will be killed.

That according to a bill working through their government as we speak.

I have a simple question, why in the hell did we forgive this country's debt? I now have a bigger hatred for Clinton because of this. He is the one that forgave the debt, he should be responsible for the bill's passage if it passes. Currently by what is being reported, it will be.

I have a great idea, why don't we take our biggest gay activists and have them have a grad show right there in the heart of their capital city. While they are getting arrested and tried for being "gay", we can have the 30,000 troops make a slight detour and collect on our debt. In full of course. IF the country cannot pay, then we level their government, arrest their leaders and try them for war crimes that I am sure they have committed.

This is ridiculous. While the gays here are struggling to get some of the same rights, in Uganda, they will be killed.

If President Obama wants to impress me with his foreign policy, he needs to do something about this. Not give a speech using some teleprompter, actually do something. Call for an embargo, collect our debt they owe us, refuse any type of aid. Something other than a speech.

And if I were a member of the gay community here in the states, if he refuses to do anything, I would not vote for him in 2012.

Health care Reform Opponents are Slave Masters

2009-12-08T09:20:00.005-06:00

Senator Harry Reid is an idiot but a smart idiot. No, not because he is a Democrat, because he is comparing a horrible act to trying to reform health care. And he is hoping that people are stupid enough to not make the correlation that it was the Democrats trying to keep everyone enslaved so many years ago.

See, a smart idiot.

I have with held posting anything on the health care reform debate for the simple fact that we are all smart enough to know we need some sort of reform. What no one can seem to agree on is how it needs to be reformed.

The constitution states that the Government provides basic welfare for the people of the United States. While in the 1780's when this was penned, people didn't rely on the government to give them food, it still holds to true today. The government should at least provide some sort of basic welfare for the people.

We live in a time when our government has spent more money in the past year than at any other time during our great (brief) history. If we are spending money, we might as well put it to some sort of good use.

However a 2000+ page bill is NOT the way to spend this money and the current leadership across the board has NO idea what the voice (or pulse) of the American people is. In order for reform to begin in health care, you must reform other aspects of the government. Reforming on area, will only cause problems in another area.

What area would I reform? Several actually, but the main area would where this bill is affecting, people's money. We have to right now reform the tax code. For a few years now I have been a big proponent of a flat tax or the fair tax. If they (the current leadership in DC) is expecting the rich to pay for this (which they are) then why not make EVERYONE pay for it? It makes the most sense and it would affect everyone the same.

If you have put in place either one of those tax reforms, everyone would be putting in their fair share of money to fund this health care reform (which in turn you can reform the welfare system, see how easy that it). Then everyone would have their basic health care covered. Yearly check ups, flu shots, basic exams, hell you can even through in 2 yearly cleaning on teeth if you wanted too. Just the real basic stuff covered.

However, this is too much common sense for those in DC to do, they will continue to ignore the people (unless its election time) and do what they feel is necessary to make "us a better place," while ignoring the will of the people.

Thomas Jefferson said that our country would get to this point. He also said that a rebellion is good for the country once in a while. Folks, now is the time to do that rebellion.

For months I have been saying the best form of rebellion in this country is to take those that love power, out. We are 11 months away from the "mid-term" elections and we can all agree that both sides of the aisle have done nothing to better our country.

They are both responsible for the current mess we are in (and I being responsible for getting some of them elected in). They have put our grandchildren in such a place that they will never be able to pay off the debt owed to China, Saudi Arabia and others (and you can bet they won't forgive the debt like we did to Africa). They have placed us in un-winnable situations in Iraq (and Afghanistan). They have taken it upon themselves to make "success" a thing that people don't want because it is "evil". They continue to ignore what people really want in this country and continue to pass their own agenda (sounds like communism).

Yet people in this country are just stupid enough to let it happen. And in the words of Ben Franklin "they deserve it."

Next year I encourage all of you to vote everyone on of these people out of office. While I understand that everyone is next to impossible, we can start somewhere. Change comes from within, why not start that here in the middle part of the country? I also believe the best party to have this change come about is the Libertarian Party. If you are not familiar with them, here is their link. Read about them and seriously consider joining us in reforming our country. Together we can make this country great again.

Open Letter to President Obama

2009-09-29T15:07:00.007-05:00

Dear President Obama:

Over the past year, you have attempted to turn the course of this country for the good. While its too soon to tell if that has happened, one thing can be told that has happened is this; you have gotten way to much stuff on your plate.

I have never been a president of anything, so I cannot begin to tell you what it is like to run a country let alone a country that "represents" all of the free world. But after reading and hearing from multiple news channels/sources, I have been left to ask one question.

Why?

Why is it that you have to campaign for Chicago to get the Olympics in 2016. Why do you have to be in charge of the UN Security Council? Why do you have to have you hand in so many different things? You promised this country and me (a voter) change last election. While I believe change comes in other forms, you convinced the majority of my fellow citizens that you represent change and hope. Where is the change Mr. President? Where is this change that you promised all of last year?

Like I said, I have no idea what it is like to be the president of a club or organization. But I do know a thing about leading and I hope that I can pass that along to you.

Focus. Focus on one task, then move onto the next. You want to change health care, you want to bring troops home, you want to better the education system, you to do this and that. But one thing remains the same, these items are not being changed. They are the same as they were under the prior administration. You call on us to serve and help communities. So have the other Presidents. You call on us to help one another, so have the other Presidents. It's the same message over and over again. The same old song and dance that the other Presidents have promised us.

I do believe one man can change the course of a city/state/country. We have all read about it in our history books. The one thing that those men that have done to change the course of history and you have not is focus. They stayed with the task at hand.

While it's true that in order to change one area, you must change another. But you have yet to begin to change anything. The only that has changed is more spending and more hand outs to those that don't need it.

How is it my fault the automakers are in trouble? How is it my fault that banks failed? It's not my fault, yet I along with my fellow Americans are left with the tab that these troubled companies will never repay.

I do my part, I buy American when I can. I support local business' when possible. I even decide not to own a car because "climate change" is here and we need to do our part. I have done what you and your fellow politicians have asked me to do. The thanks I get? No direction, no focus and a campaign for some sporting event that is 6 years down the road.

Mr. President, you promised us change. I admit, while at first I did support you as President because you "appeared" to be different. I voted for what I believe it real change. Ten months from now is your mid term election. This is a chance to show the country that you have really "changed" and brought about some good. While most will see more of the same, they will still vote for you and your colleagues because people are ultimately afraid of real change.

I challenge you Mr. President to convince me that you are the change that this country needs. Convince me to jump on board with any of your plans or ideas. Convince me Mr. President why I shouldn't continue to vote for third parties. Convince me that you really want my vote and you want me to support you.

I respect you Mr. President, I think most people do in our land. But I also think I am speaking for millions when I say, stop meddling in pointless stuff and get back to the task at hand.

I will leave you with this thought, which I am sure you have heard before:

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

I've changed Mr. President, have you?

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Joe Swain

Church stuff?!

2009-08-14T14:18:00.003-05:00

That's right, I am going to talk about church stuff. Imagine that coming from me eh?

I was eating lunch today, where it should have been peaceful. Except for this little thing that was being said:

"Praise the Lord"

I don't have a problem with Praising the Lord. It should be done everyday. However, after every sentence? When its dealing with a John Deere Tractor? Come people really? I understand that we should always praise Jesus for what He has done for us. I also understand His awesome love and all that jazz. However, its going a little bit too far when you give praise to Jesus for a tractor. That you bought.

I know, I know, this makes me sound like I don't love Jesus. Fine, think what you will. But as I sat there, listening to this conversation (it wasn't a prayer) I wondered how many countries that actually takes place in? I am sure it happens here more frequent than other countries (because of the freedom to whatever you want).

I am a firm believer that we take this whole "freedom of religion" thing way beyond "for granted". In fact, I don't think for granted does it justice for how lax Christians have become in this country. Its rather pathetic really.

We have an organization (ACLU) that does things that try to limit what the Christians in this country can do and we call it persecution. In China, the Christians there only wish they had it that easy. Why am I posting this? To make a point that we take these little things for granted. We say "Praise The Lord" whenever we want, yet in China if you said it, it would cost you your life.

Just something to think about next time you start muttering Praise The Lord about a tractor.

Health Care and a fine

2009-07-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

So I will cut to the chase. I will pay the fine instead of paying into insurance. More later.

He said what?

2009-07-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

I guess when you start the critism, it just won't stop.

Yesterday our Supreme Leader stated that we would have to cut the F-22 from the budget because it was wasteful spending? All the while on Monday he was defending the purchase of Ham (costing millions of dollars).

What? You are cutting a plane that is the next generation fighter because it costs to much money, however a garage door that costs 500,000 dollars can be justified. Glad to see priorities here.

I am not encouraging a total military budget because that is silly, however eliminating a new model is silly and can put us even with the rest of the world when it comes to air power.

Solution? Vote these idiots out. Start fresh. Hold them accountable for their actions. What better way to hold them accountable than electing 3rd parties to represent us.

Recovery.gov is a great place to watch wasteful spending. Hope it makes you upset.

More Healthcare, more jokes

2009-07-16T13:09:00.000-05:00

We have more from this awesome health care plan that is being introduced to us.

Eric Holder our awesome A.G. said “after 2 or 3 children we should sterilize women….it is easier to sterilize women than it is men especially after they give birth…”

This is apparently around page 16-20 on the 1000 page bill. Oh how I love the people we have “elected to represent” us.

I have several issues with this. First off, why hasn’t my IQ test for having children been introduced? I am really disappointed in this. Instead of limiting the amount of children a woman can have, why not limit the amount of children anyone can have? If we passed this law into existence, it would require EVERYONE to pass an IQ test. This way, we have perfectly engineered smart kids that have higher IQ’s than 115.

I am not joking folks; this is exactly where it’s headed. They want to limit how big your family is; by sterilizing women not men, which I will get to in a moment. Why not make sure that we have “smart families” and really limit on who can breed and who can’t. It’s really the only logical choice we have.

So why aren’t we sterilizing men also? There is this guy who lives in Nebraska who has had almost 30 children, 20 some which he has abandoned under the “safe haven” law they have in that state. Now he is having twins. More than likely will get abandoned under the same law. IF we had an IQ test for this guy, he could have been stopped before one came out.

The second issue I have with this, is where does it stop when it comes to limiting people on breeding? What about the elderly, the handicapped, the severally ill among us? Are their organs next? Is it possible we will live in a country that when you are born, your organs will be spoken for? It can’t be that far off if we pass this bill.

What happens if we get to 75? Is the government just going to drop care all together? Will they start putting people down at that age? If you aren’t a productive member of society will they put you down then? We are moving dangerously close to 1984 if this keeps up. That’s the possibility of this bill. And it scary to think we can become that.

This bill is going to be one of the most harmful bills passed in our country’s history. Like I stated yesterday, I am for health care reform and think having a fair tax will be the best way to achieve this and other success’ we have as a country. By limiting people on how many children they can have you are in essence controlling their lives. Wow, a government that controls what people can do and how much they can breed. Sounds like China to me.

The United States of America IS a republic. We need to remain this way if we are going to be a safe haven for the world. I leave you with this poem, engraved on a monument that recently reopened her crown:

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

I made it 7 months, that's good right?

2009-07-15T11:31:00.002-05:00

7 months without criticing the joker in the White House seems good to me. But I can't take it anymore.

Let's start with health care, because this is what really set me off. He wants to do several different things with it. First off the plan calls for anyone who makes over 350,000 a year to pay a little more in taxes (I believe its 5.7% more). Secondly if the employer pays for insurance (or some, most whatever), the plan states that particular benefit won't be offered. Also current plans that do have the company paying for it would be in jeopardy. Awesome really.

There are many problems with this plan. Why on earth would you prevent employers for paying insurance, unless your whole plan is to nationalize EVERYTHING. Yes I agree that we need some type of health care reform. I agree that our health care costs are way out of hand. I can agree with most of the reasons you can point out with the problems of our system. But what this clown wants to do, is not the answer.

Solution? I do think some form of basic care or preventive care is in order. I think we can agree on that (its in the constitution after all). How to pay for it, is a different problem. But one that could be fixed with the flat tax. A certain portion of goods and services that we all use would help pay for this. That way its not a certain percent of the population that pays for it, we all would pay for it. Which means we all would have basic and/or preventive care.

The next thing our supreme leader wants to do is start renting homes. Yes that's right, if you are having mortgage problems and not able to pay for the home you have, just start renting the home from the government, that way you can keep the home you can't afford and have some keep the upkeep of it for you. Awesome! I so look forward to seeing how this will all work, with our trillion dollar deficit (and we aren't even through July).

Solution? Stay out of people's lives. If they bought a home under some trickery, then go after the bank and work a deal out with them, or better yet let them lose their home. Life lesson, don't buy something you can't afford you greedy bastard.

I understand there will be situations in which people will be put in. The banks should be more willing to help those people out than deadbeats. Which in this case, more deadbeats than other.

This is the hope and change you voted for people. I hope its everything you wished for.

I was wrong.

2009-05-12T10:26:00.004-05:00

And let a story from Foxnews get me carried away.

But this still doesn't mean that the Patriot Act is any less dangerous. Its very dangerous and does strip away your constitutional rights.

Again, sorry for the miss on this one. I will try to do better next time.

Lyin' sons of b------?

2009-05-11T12:21:00.002-05:00

In regards to the previously mentioned Lundeby case

Updates from various sources in the past few days.
Wired.com
Lew Rockwell
Pro Libertate
DoJ Press Release

Some people are freakin' idiots.

Oh boy! It starts (with Bush of course)

2009-05-06T16:16:00.003-05:00

I am posting from my blackberry, for fear the government might knock down my roommate's door looking for me because I am posting anti-governmental stuff. At least this way, they can track my movements and get me when she isn't around.

I read a story on the drudgereport about a 16 y/o that was arrested because he was making threats to a school. With that being said, here are the facts so far. He was home-schooled, did have a computer (notice the key word), was a victim of a hacker. He is an American.

In the middle of the night the government (mainly officers of the FBI) came and took this teen from his home. Prior to being arrested there was no notice of a search warrant or miranda rights. None.

It wasn't until after this child, who no less probably pissed himself, was long gone before any warrant was shown to the mother.

All this was done under the patriot act.

I am going to say this now. This does not represent the views of my fellow bloggers this is I, Joseph Swain, acting entirely on my own accord.

This act, what those officers did, is a type of treason. They went into a civilian home, kidnapped a child and sent him to a juvenile jail in Indiana with little contact with his family. Because he is being housed there under the "patriot act". Which means he is being treated like an enemy soilder.

Good job W, so proud that got passed with flying colours. This thing is more powerful than the Constitution. And yet, WE Americans are going to allow this thing take over OUR rights. According to this thing, authority figures are above the law and can do what they want.

I once saw a movie that was like this. It was good entertainment until it has become a reality. And it is reality, now. The men in the black suits with the hoods to take you "away".

Remember the fusion centers that said I was a threat to this country's existance. Well apparently they were right to think that, because if this country existance is based on the Patriot Act, then I am more then willing to do what our founding fathers did so many years ago and overthrow this government.

Any takers?

Summoned by my country

2009-04-30T15:21:00.002-05:00

Today's reading...from my favorite President.

A recap of the first 100 days

2009-04-29T20:37:00.002-05:00

Oath Of Office

Close Gitmo

Daschle bows out from HHS nod

Stimulus

Census

Homeowner Rescue

Making Work Pay

Employee Free Choice Act

Cap And Trade

Auto Bailout

Sebelius named for HHS

"Special Olympics"

AIG Bonuses

Mega-budget

Wagoner Fired

North Korea missile fired

Pirates killed

Tea Parties

Carbon Dioxide and the EPA

Torture Memos

Swine Flu

NYC Flyover

Specter (D, PA)

Props to the Patriot Post for a job well done on the 100th...

blub blub blub

2009-04-29T14:37:00.003-05:00

"The goal of any interrogation is to obtain usable and reliable information, in a lawful manner and in the least amount of time, which meets intelligence requirements of any echelon of command." FM34-52, interrogation guide, US Army

In the last several weeks, the question of legitimate interrogation tactics vs. torture has been brought back into the American consciousness. Top among these questions is a practice called waterboarding.

The key question: WHAT is the most effective method of interrogating difficult suspects, given that the desired result is the truth?

For all you who use the words, "ticking time bomb scenario"...
...
what happens if you get the prisoner to 'crack', but he tells you "stadium", while he silently thinks of the hell his brother-in-arms is moments away from wreaking at the "transportation hub?"

For those of you who say "Khalid Sheikh Mohammed" and "Second Wave"...
...
Do we know if waterboarding worked?
...
I don't think we'll know for half a century, because [REDACTED]

Life isn't even as easy as the movies. (A movie without Jack Bauer with an interrogation scene)

100th

2009-04-29T08:37:00.006-05:00

We here at WTPOTR are proud to celebrate our 100th day on the internet, being read by our loyal readers from coast to coast.

You'll hear "100th day" a lot today, and whenever you do, remember
"we the people of the republic . blogspot . com"

This also marks the 100th day of the Obama administration. Different party in control, different man in the White House, same stupid political games. Agh!

Joe linked to The NY Post and their something for the 100th.

I refer back to my list...

Cap and Trade
So there's no question that we have to regulate carbon pollution in some way; the only question is how we do it. I believe the best way to do it is through legislation that places a market-based cap on these kinds of emissions.

DC vs. Heller
HR 45

Well, first of all, we did discuss this extensively in our meetings. I have not backed off at all from my belief that the gun -- the assault weapons ban made sense. And I continue to believe that we can respect and honor the Second Amendment rights in our Constitution, the rights of sportsmen and hunters and homeowners who want to keep their families safe to lawfully bear arms, while dealing with assault weapons that, as we now know, here in Mexico, are helping to fuel extraordinary violence -- violence in our own country, as well. Now, having said that, I think none of us are under any illusion that reinstating that ban would be easy. And so, what we've focused on is how we can improve our enforcement of existing laws, because even under current law, trafficking illegal firearms, sending them across a border, is illegal. That's something that we can stop. And so our focus is to work with Secretary Napolitano, Attorney General Holder, our entire Homeland Security team, ATF, border security, everybody who is involved in this, to coordinate with our counterparts in Mexico to significantly ramp up our enforcement of existing laws. And in fact, I've asked Eric Holder to do a complete review of how our enforcement operations are currently working and make sure that we're cutting down on the loopholes that are resulting in some of these drug trafficking problems.

Fairness Doctrine
not much in first 100 days

Health Care
With Secretary Sebelius in tow, the random rumbles about a national insurance plan might come together. To be seen.

Phased Withdrawal in Iraq
A quick mention of it, a decision to *gasp* listen to the generals, and a surprise visit.

Guantanamo Detainees Relocation
A quick decision to close Guantanamo, and now just occasional questions (more questions than answers) about where the detainees are going.

Comprehensive Immigration Solution
not much in first 100 days

100 days...yeah, we haven't turned turned communists

2009-04-29T02:10:00.002-05:00

So today is the 100th day of Barak Obama Presidency. Or as I heard someone once said "the party that never stops."

I am not going to be critical of any policy because we just don't know for 100% that it will fail. We can assume that spending an ungodly amount of money can do no good, nonetheless, its something different. Let's just hope it brings real change.

Speaking of which, real change 2009 still has the congress at an all time low, some change eh?

That's what I am going to focus, because hell for the last year that's all we heard about, Hope and Change.

We have not had any change in our government at all. Not one thing. Sure, for the first time in a very long time (30 yearsish) the Senator has a super majority meaning if they wanted to really screw us over they can (and will). The White House is in a daze, it doesn't even know what its own aircraft is doing.

Say what you want about the former administration, this was a huge mistake that caused unnecessary stress to New Yorkers, by the Saviour.

Real change huh? Looks to me there is still some Bush staffers left behind running the show there.

And what the hell is it with these cocktail parties President Obama? The country is in an ecomonic downturn and you are throwing weekly parties? What do you think this is the roaring 20's?! You so far Mister Obama have done nothing to correct our current situation. Instead you want more face time on TV. Even your loyal supporters are getting tired of it. Either do something and fix our country or remove yourself from office and allow someone in who actually does care about hope and change, who actually has a spouse who loves America and who gets it when the working man says this is not going to help.

Mister Obama you first 100 days is going to be nothing more than a footnote in our nation's history. You didn't do anything spectacular, didn't deliver on any short term campaign promises. Instead, you just tried to read from the teleprompter and shake hands with some very nice people that don't like the US of A very well. You did get a translated copy of Hugo Chavez's book right?

I know this seemed sort of out there and kind of just a bunch a thoughts jumping around on a page, but words cannot describe the disgust I have with what is going on. We were promised change, in return we got the same crap, just a different smell. Its still crap at the end of the day.

Bottomline is this. 100 days in and the most important thing that has happened? An aging senator with no hopes of winning the GOP primary switches parties.

I guess there was a little change after all.

Upcoming Celebration

2009-04-24T16:45:00.002-05:00

On April 29, WTPOTR will celebrate its 100th day on the internet.

We here at We The People Of The Republic are cooking up some good things for our 100th!

Stay tuned...this'll be more exciting than watching a guy read off a teleprompter.

So I suck as a co-host

2009-04-23T12:21:00.002-05:00

And hell if it wasn't for Steve, this place would be as dead as a bunch of taliban members......

Oh wait, they aren't dead, apparently are very alive and doing very well. So much so, they are about to take Islamabad in Pakistan. So glad the Bush Administration took care of them while he was in office.

And I don't see this present group of leaders doing anything. But could be wrong.

Over the past three years we have been told if you didn't support the war on terror, you were un-american. Sadly, I did agree with that (until I got wise). Now we are being told if you supported the tea party and want tax reform, you are un-american. I would like to point out that most Americans either don't support the war and want tax reform.

Also last month the State of Missouri released a study from one of its fusion centers (more on that thing later). In it, it stated if you were pro-life, liked Ron Paul, supported a 3rd party, for gun rights, you are a home grown terrorist.

I am proud to say that I am an un-american terrorist.

If reading my update doesn't put some sort of "oh my God what the hell happened to our country" in you, then appararently you are 100% American and will be able to say so when ordered to do so by the government.

If you are mad as hell about it and want to do something about, 2010 is only seven and half months away. Its time to show these elected officials enough is enough. Its time to take back our country with the way our founding fathers wanted, to over throw the government on a moments notice through voting.

That is as long as you aren't afraid of being labeled un-american and a terrorist.

Thoughts

2009-04-22T15:36:00.003-05:00

City council, city of Severance. Oaths of office taken. Topics of the meeting included dogs, street repairs, fire district response times, grant letters, town cleanup, speed bumps, and "Welcome to Severance" signs.

Tea parties across America last week. We here at WTPOTR (or, at least, me) wholeheartedly endorse the official Tea Party shirt. (OK, it's just my brother's adventure at capitalism.)

"I WANT MY MONEY BACK!"

in Medium, Large, Extra Large, and XXL

The folks over at the Miss USA pageant are probably suffering from mixed emotions right now. Finally, someone cares about a beauty contest that's 20 years past its prime...too bad it wasn't until after the event was over...

Although this will sound bad at first...the only thing worse for the Miss USA pageant...would've been if Miss California would've won it. The anger boiling over would've engulfed the whole pageant...

However, the world will now remember Carrie Prejean for 15 minutes. Not sure if they'll remember Kristen Dalton, the lady who actually won this year.

And, while we're discussing 15 minutes of fame.

Susan Boyle. Chesley Sullenberger.

"unsuitable for drinking, even for Americans."

2009-04-17T02:11:00.004-05:00

Tea parties...now what? Next election isn't for a year and a half. So 0.1% of America is really ticked off...now what?

And, all true Republicans need to take a long look in the mirror and ask,
Would McCain be doing anything different? If the GOP won, what would be different?

For the loyal readers...I narrowly won my bid for election to my hometown city council (finishing 5th to three write-in candidates), as did the incumbent mayor (who, after a change of heart, ran write-in, and won by almost a 3-1 margin.)

What are we going to do now? We'll see.

Coulda-woulda-shoulda

2009-04-06T13:00:00.002-05:00

On the LIST...Health-Care.

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has been nominated to the position of Secretary of Health & Human Services.

First off, is a move from governor to cabinet a promotion, or just a career change? (Imagine the head coach of an unranked but bowl-winning college football team accepting a position as wide-receivers coach for the Steelers.)

Second off, she's getting hammered (on the right) concerning her income taxes and her record regarding abortion.

Third off, is she the best person for the job? Not in the President's eyes...Daschle was the first guy asked. (Tax issues). Of course, who would be the best person...and, frankly, HHS is simply the position to push the new health care plan of the Democrats...for what it's worth.

In other news...

"WASHINGTON – Faced with embarrassing revelations about withheld evidence, the Justice Department on Wednesday moved to reverse the conviction of former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, who lost his bid for re-election just days after a jury found that he had lied about gifts and home renovations." - (Link)

Hm...now you've got some people thinking this:

Senator Stevens was convicted of lying about gifts recieved in October '08

Senator Stevens was defeated in his Senate race in November '08

If no conviction, Stevens should've won.

I agree.
I'll say that if there had been no scandal, Stevens probably would've won...Alaska is solidly Republican, and in small states, having senators with seniority is a boon.

Governor Palin is asking for Senator Begich's resignation, triggering a special election.

I'm wondering...
If a Democrat had had a conviction thrown out, after he'd lost to a Republican, would I feel the same way?
If it wasn't so damn close to a 60-vote supermajority, would Senator Begich resign?
Is it the honorable thing to do to resign?
Or, should this simply be put down to "Vince Coleman, Don Denkinger, '85 WS" - two small random events that may have changed the outcome, but you're not going to replay the World Series over a tarp accident or a out/safe call.

I'm thinking...
I hate partisan politics.

Cap and trade

2009-03-10T08:37:00.001-05:00

Apologies to our faithful readers for the long hiatus. Real life has been kicking my ass.

Four months ago, or so, I made a list of several things to look for in an Obama administration.

Looking back now, I would've added "stimulus" and "bust of Churchill" to the list. Guantanamo and Immigration would've fallen off the list (but, President Obama is in office for another 1,400 and some days, so we might see something on that.)

The first item on that list: Cap and Trade.

From the White House's web page (Energy & Environment):

"Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050."

And from President Obama's speech

"But to truly transform our economy, protect our security, and save our planet from the ravages of climate change, we need to ultimately make clean, renewable energy the profitable kind of energy. So I ask this Congress to send me legislation that places a market-based cap on carbon pollution and drives the production of more renewable energy in America."..."None of this will come without cost, nor will it be easy. But this is America. We don’t do what’s easy. We do what is necessary to move this country forward."

Bad idea. To place a price on carbon pollution is to place a price on electricity, gasoline, and the essentials of life. So much for President Obama's plans to help "95% of America."

And, how will what we do affect what happens in Mexico, China, or India?

The Saviour of Baseball....

2009-02-19T23:30:00.003-06:00

...is not A-Rod. No, he blew that when his cousin decided to stick him in the behind, with a needle.

For those that have been living in the dark age for about 2 weeks. Sports Illustrated came out with an article saying that A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez) had tested positive for some type of banned substance. A day or two later A-Rod admitted to the test (for spin control) then named his cousin as the one who helped him, when he was with the Texas Rangers.

A-Rod was suppose to be the guy who was going to take the rightful place on top of the mountain as a "pure player", doing it the right way by not using drugs. His "rightful place" was taken from him when he tested positive. This will relieve some of the pressure off of Barry Bonds for a while, I am sure of it.

With what happened to A-Rod, the steroid era will forever live.

Except for one man. There is one man who is quietly moving his way towards the all time home run record by Barry Bond. That man is Ken Griffey Jr.

Here is why I believe that. You have never heard any bad news about this guy. He is a stand out guy. The fans love this guy. Hell when the Reds showed up in 2007 to play the Mariners, the place was sold out. For those that need a refresher, that's where Griffey started his career.

He is currently #5 with 611 home runs. He is 49 behind Willie Mays, who encouraged him in a phone conversation to do what he believes is right. As it sits right now, he is 144 behind Bonds. To break the record set by Ruth he has to hit 105 home runs. Not a tall order for the man. That would place him #3 on the list. 36 home runs in 4 seasons will do that. Which isn't much considering he is averaging 32 home runs a season.

Now, he is in the American League once again with Mariners (last season he was with the White Sox). Which has the famous DH rule. This will help him considering he is getting up in the years. And the American League Ballparks sometimes have home run friendly ballparks. He could easily get average 32 and possibly 36 for the next 4 seasons to reach Ruth.

But age is a factor, along with contracts. He is now on a one year contract, plus he is 38. Not good considering he has to get to 763 to break Bonds' record.

The real hero in this era will be Griffey. He was injured for a couple of years that have somewhat held up for this race. But I know from his work ethic Griffey can pull this off. The players love this guy because he doesn't "show boat". Sure he has his "move" that when a ball has left the park he takes one or two steps towards first then begins his trot. He doesn't run it in pitchers faces. He just does his thing.

Remember the trip I made of back to Seattle the the "house Griffey Built? He hit two home runs in his last game there with the reds and cried not because he hit the home run, but he could do that in the city he loves.

Who will bring us out of this horrible era? The one man who was around before the era started. The only one who today has never tested positive for anything banned in baseball. Ken Griffey Jr.

As a Royals fan, I know we will play the Mariners at least one here. And while I hope that we win, I will be more than happy to allow one or two home runs up against this guy. It's Ken Griffey Jr. The kid.

If he starts to close in on Willie Mays this season, which I believe he will, its very possible you will start to see pitchers to actually throw at him. Because the fans need to have a hero that hasn't taken a banned substance to show that real talent still exists baseball. Will he hit 49 this season? Possible, but considering the last time he hit 40 was in 2000, the year prior he did hit 48. Before that, 56...twice. So he can do it. The question is, what is left in the tank.

For the sake of America's Past time, let's hope there is.

First in war, first in peace

2009-02-15T08:37:00.002-06:00

First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.

George Washington was our nation's first and greatest president. Beats Lincoln, T & F Roosevelt, and Jefferson.

Where's Mike Brady

2009-01-29T08:37:00.001-06:00

Well, this week hasn't had much public douchebaggery. So I'm going to nominate a category of people. A category of people who really get under my skin. Hearing about them and their sins makes my blood boil.

The fairy tales had 'wicked stepmothers.' But when I grew up, put down the fairy tales, and picked up the newspaper, I found something else. Wicked stepfathers

* Precious Doe / Erica Green. killed by stepfather
* Kelsey Briggs. killed by stepfather
* Lisa Montgomery (the infamous mother-killing-baby-snatcher in Northwest Missouri). allegedly abused by stepfather
* Baby Grace / Riley Sawyer. Allegedly killed by mother & stepfather

The list goes on and on. I'm sick of it.

I'm convinced that if one can't be a dad to a woman's young child(ren), he shouldn't marry her (or shack up with her). And if a single mother has found a man who would make a good husband but not a good father...she should keep looking.

I don't want to read any more of these terrible tragedies. It's preventable.

Just like so many other tragedies that fill the daily paper.

Bring on Mike Brady and Saint Joseph of Nazareth.

To the wicked stepfathers of the world.
To the ones who mistreat their wife's / significant-others' chldren. The ones who don't even care about being fair among their children and their stepchildren, even taking family-specific factors into consideration.

You suck.

You are the douchebag of the week.

May your stepchildren be reminded that it "is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you" - 2 Thess 1:6

Home On The Range

2009-01-28T08:37:00.000-06:00

Happy early birthday to the state of Kansas, admitted to the union January 29, 1861.

Lansing, Kansas. Home of 7,000. Location of Lansing Correctional Facility, fka Kansas State Penitentiary (where my dad worked for 25 years, and my grandfather worked after retiring from the Army)
Leavenworth, Kansas. Home of 35,000. Also hosts USP Leavenworth.
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The intellectual center of the army. Also hosts the US Disciplinary Barracks.

Leavenworth County has a federal penitentiary, a state penitentiary (Lansing, where any state executions would take place), and a military prison.

Fort Leavenworth has often been mentioned as a replacement facility for housing the hundreds of enemy combatants & terrorists currently residing in sunny Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Yeah. I'm sure.

The USDB, although a modern facility for the military's correctional needs, is within 1 mile of the Missouri River, Sherman Air Field, and a railroad. (The same railroad that goes right by my office, but that's a different story.) And, a scant 3.5 miles south of the USDB is Metropolitan Avenue, the primary west-east road on the north edge of Leavenworth.

Senators Roberts and Brownback, Congresswoman Jenkins (KS-2), and both the city and county of Leavenworth have opposed the transfer of the Gitmo prisoners to the USDB.

They have their reasons. A lot of it might be seen as not-in-my-backyard-ism. While admitting my biases as a son of the city of Leavenworth, the Kansans make a strong case for not replacing Gitmo with the USDB.

Where, then? South Carolina? Supermax (ADF Florence) in Colorado? Alcatraz?

Stay tuned.

Parents Just Don't Get It

2009-01-27T23:44:00.005-06:00

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The story.

Last week Britney Spears released a new song. OK I know, first off why am I defending Britney. Its not because I like her, I think her music is horrible, she is a tramp that some how has "seen the light" and kinda wants to be the certain of attention. Ok, fair enough, I know lots of these people, I call them customers.

Enter in the Parent Council of making sure everything is "clean". They have said they will file "indecency complaints" to any station that plays the song.

Here is where my problem lies with these idiots. You cannot protect "kids" from hearing bad things when they are in school, in public or even while at home. Because even though you are trying to govern the rest of us, you fail miserably as parents to your own kids.

Stop worrying about what kids are listening to on the radio. You will buy them tickets when Spears rolls through town, admit it you will. You will hear the song live then, along with all her "dancing". You daughters will mimic and you will think it's cute.

Why is it in this country we have a council of parents telling us what should be on radio and tv and what shouldn't be? It's like they know what's best for us. Who cares what is really being said on the radio or tv? If you don't like what you are hearing, then change the channel.

Holy crap, that was a simple solution. How does this tie into the First Amendment? Simple because radio (public or private) has the right to say whatever they want. Its right there in our constitution. I hope that some station has the balls to go and take on this council of idiots.

Speaking of idiots, Washington is full of them. Right now there is a battle starting to take shape with a little thing called "the fairness doctrine". In short, this lovely piece of legislation will force radio stations throughout the entire country to have "equal time" on opposing views. Which means, Rush (die already), Hannity, all the right wing people on the radio station will be cut in half. Which might not be a bad thing, however you are forcing the stations to put on people who really don't have a real thought themselves.

Again, the First Amendment under attack but only this time might actually be stripped from people who like to "talk" for a living.

Regardless of where you stand politically, having this doctrine in place is another way for the government to control what you say (and possibly do). It has no place in America, as well as Rush and the Parents Council. Our only hope? Is not President Obama (though reports have shown he is against the Fairness Doctrine, we will see), but American Citizens actually doing what we do best, vote the idiots out, replace them with new idiots and complain some more.

Ballot Access

2009-01-27T12:01:00.008-06:00

When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.

Thomas Jefferson, 1804

Today (at noon) is the filing deadline in the state of Kansas for city elections, as it is ten weeks before the April 7 election day.

Nine months ago, my friend - the mayor of the town I call home - appointed me to an empty seat on our town's council. By the time this is posted, I will have decided whether to seek re-election.

As previously noted, I have no interest in running for mayor. To be "active and vigilant in enforcing all laws and ordinances for the government of the city" is something I am not in a position to handle.

However, I've been honored to serve my town as a councilman for the last nine months.

I am a husband, a father, and a busy man. Much went into my decision as to whether to file. (Involving me going to Troy, filing out a short bit of paper work and paying a $5 fee).

And in the end, I decided TO seek reelection this April. There will be at least one name on the ballot for councilman - Steven Wm. Pratt.

Many of our current councilmen will not be seeking re-election. Our town needs 5, and all 5 seats are up for reelection every 2 years. The former mayor (??-07) will be seeking a return to the head of the table. Our current mayor, who has served our town well, will not be seeking reelection, but is ready for new adventures.

In ten weeks, I'll bring my wife and kids to the middle school on that old abandoned highway, fill in a few ovals, and slide the ballot into the reader.

And, the following month, several citizens will swear to "faithfully discharge the duties of (mayor / councilman)"
I hope my children aren't too disappointed in the outcome.
I equally hope my city doesn't end up regretting who will serve our city from May '09 to April '11.

Links

2009-01-26T23:17:00.005-06:00

Don't take a library book back in Iowa, end up in jail
Jump off a bridge, get 76 million
Fair Tax coming to Missouri?
How do you confuse Americans? Tell them no digital TV for a while
The Kennedy that should be dead vs. President Obama on a wind farm....this will be good to watch. Mary Jo Kopechne was not able to comment.

Monday Morning Reading

2009-01-26T11:29:00.001-06:00

This will be a new feature which will sometimes bring out the best of humanity or the worst.

Today its neither. Today I am encouraging everyone to go to twitter and start following a person on there by the name of bynkii. Bynkii is a programmer who is very opininated. In fact, he pretty much hates the conservative side of America. Which is fine by me.

With that being said, go follow him for a few days and look back over the past coule of weeks. He has some great reads that he posts on there as well as his thoughts.

This evening there will be some news/opinions that will linked up here. Until then, enjoy your day.

Human Events

2009-01-25T08:37:00.005-06:00

Out of the night that covers me,
      Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
      I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
       My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
      Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
      Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
      How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
      I am the captain of my soul.

Invictus, William Ernest Henley, 1875

The Invictus question...am I the master of my fate? Am I the captain of my soul?
Damned if I know. One day, I post that
"I'm not smart enough to play the role of Invictus - (t)he master of my fate...(t)he captain of my soul. ".
Another day I post
"I believe in God, but I also believe in Henley...I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."

I guess it comes down to the question of the nature of the world, the nature of the Almighty, and whether/how God answers prayer.

Was it a friend losing her husband to cancer too damn soon? Was it a personal crisis (of insane proportions) gone crazy? Where did I lose my faith?

Here I am, on the edge of the cliff, wondering what happens next. Do I luck out, do I go down swinging, do I call on the Almighty and get rescued, or will my prayers go unanswered?

I sit and hear Job's statement of faith "Though He slay me, yet will I serve him" and the defiance of the men of Daniel 3 "If you throw us in the fire, God will deliver, but if not, know that we will not serve your gods." The teachings of the 80s and 90s and the silence.

And so, I feel I have no choice but to go back to the timeless words of Mr. Mister.

Kyrie Eleison down the road that I must travel
Kyrie Eleison through the darkness of the night
Kyrie Eleison where I go and will you follow
Kyrie Eleison down the highway in the night

Weekend Thoughts

2009-01-23T11:54:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday we had a new President sworn in twice. Which is nice to do sometimes. It was very apparent in the video I saw that Obama just wanted to get up there and start bashing the Former President Bush and Chief Justice Roberts just didn't want to be there.

On Thursday, the honeymoon between the press and President Obama came to a sudden end. Which is twice as nice. Also on Thursday we had some anniversary of a little Supreme Court decision that legalized a woman's right to choose. That's fine.

So when I started to type out this weekend thought I decided, what the hell let's venture down this avenue. Because after all, the left thinks the conservative side of American wants to overturn the decision (which they do). And the conservative side of American thinks it will be overturned (which it won't).

So let's talk about this. Why is this such an important issue today, some 30+ years after the fact. Are we really still discussing this matter even after courts, states and politicians have pretty set what the standard would be for each area of the country?

Because people are stupid. I am just going to come out and say it. People in this country think that they can bash, yell, scream, beat up, whatever to convince people that their side is right.

The left just outright disrespected a President for 8 years. The right likes to blow up abortion clinics, claim that socialism is wrong (though Jesus teachings line up with that form of government) among other things. Bottom line is this, people are stupid.

Case and point. Most people that voted for President Obama couldn't tell you why Gitmo Bay should be closed, but because President Obama said we should, its a great idea. Most of the Conservatives in America thought President Bush couldn't do no wrong and it was a "good idea" to go to Iraq because they housed terrorists (still waiting on that link actually, but there was biological weapons).

What both sides need to realize is that in order for this country to become a better place, we have to get along. That means, the right is going to have to accept the fact that abortion, gay marriage, anything that allows a person to be "more free" is just going to become (or stay) legal in our country. That means for the left, stop with the "closed mindedness" that happens more frequent with that side of American than the right. Be willing to accept that sometimes some morality for most Americans is a good thing.

But back to the issue at had, abortion, just let it go. Really. I am so sick and tired of hearing how "the right" rams into planned parenthood, how they run over people and call them murderers. I mean really, you think this is going to change people over to your side? It's not. It makes you (and me) look stupid.

I have accepted this fact, abortion doesn't affect me one way or another. I will never become pregnant, nor having a kid anytime in the near future so why should I be bothered with this issue. It really shouldn't even be left up to a man to decide what is best for a woman. This is my stance. This is the most "logical" stance to have for a male.

And don't send me a message saying "I don't understand how I can take a stance," "wait until you have your own kid".

Ok, well when I do have my own kid, it will be a medical first, because men can't have kids. But if you saying when the woman I am with has a parasite (yes, a parasite), then I might be able to understand "what it means". Until then, the issue is a mute point with me.

So in closing let me say this. Stop with the stupid crap when it comes to this issue. I really can't say this enough. You conservatives especially. I can't leave the left out of this either because sometimes you are just as bad. Having an abortion I am sure is a tough ordeal. I am sure that woman/family had a terrible time coming to what they "feel" is the best one. For crying out loud, if nothing else show some love to the woman and buy her some flowers or something.

The issue will never be overturned or completely x'ed out of the law books so stop acting like total morons/douches/idiots/f-tards and move on with your lives. Seriously, for the sake of our country.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

2009-01-22T08:37:00.005-06:00

Although we haven't blogged in three weeks, rest assured that we here at We The People Of The Republic haven't stopped observing, nitpicking, and wanting to - in general - bitch about all that's gone wrong in the world.

And, in the intereggnum / sede vacante / blogcation, one event in particular was deserving of that famous award...

On January 9, the AP and coaches polls named 'champions' in the NCAA "Football Bowl Subdivision". Besides Florida (having beaten Oklahoma in the last college bowl), Utah (undefeated, beat 'Bama) and Southern Cal (poor JoePa) had claims to being #1. Heck, Texas is being mentioned as a coulda-woulda-shoulda.

Utah. Undefeated. Beat Alabama.
Southern Cal. Won Pac 10. Beat the hell out of Penn State.
Texas. Beat Oklahoma.

I wouldn't have a problem with using the BCS #s as seeding for a playoff...but the one-game "National Championship" is BCS minus a C.

[for the record, using the December BCS# as seeding would've set these matchups] (OU v Penn State) (Florida v Texas Tech) (Texas v Utah) (Alabama v Southern Cal)
*so the Orange Bowl matchup of V-Tech & Cincy would go to ESPN8...tough*

I am awarding DotW to...Roy Kramer, former Southeastern Conference commissioner, often cited as the architect of the current BCS system.

You Suck!

May the SEC get screwed over in the BCS from now until the end of time. (Or just until we get a PLAYOFF!)

And I swear

2009-01-22T00:00:00.001-06:00

The centerpiece of Tuesday's event...
and it needed a redo.

(I suggest that next time, Chief Justice Roberts brings along an index card with those 35 words on it.)

TUESDAY, 12:00ish Eastern

ROBERTS: I, Barack Hussein Obama...
OBAMA: I, Barack...
ROBERTS: ... do solemnly swear...
OBAMA: I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear...
ROBERTS: ... that I will execute the office of president to the United States faithfully...
OBAMA: ... that I will execute...
ROBERTS: ... faithfully the office of president of the United States...
OBAMA: ... the office of president of the United States faithfully...
ROBERTS: ... and will to the best of my ability...
OBAMA: ... and will to the best of my ability...
ROBERTS: ... preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
OBAMA: ... preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
ROBERTS: So help you God?
OBAMA: So help me God.
ROBERTS: Congratulations, Mr. President.

Constitution
"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Obama (first time)
I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear...that I will faithfully execute...the office of president of the United States *faithfully*...and will to the best of my ability...preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Once upon a time, I took an oath before taking my office. (Yeah, just city council.) But, I too have sworn to support "the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of Kansas", and to do my job.

Would to God that our President made no greater mistake than flubbing an oath.

2009-01-21T10:14:00.002-06:00

Today will be the first full day of President Obama and his "team' that he has assembled. And over the past 24 hours I have participated in some "discussions". Mainly on facebook, however there was one that took place on twitter.

The overall feeling:

happiness.

Well good I am happy for the left and what that accomplished. Good job. But as a person who thought both candidates were complete idiots (I mean in the first debate alone they both agreed 11 times on 16 issues...real change eh?), I felt it was fitting to go ahead and remind the general public what President Obama promised and broke.

When he was asked by a 60 Minute correspondent if he would appoint Republicans to the Cabinet, Obama simply replied "yes".

To date, we have 0. That is right folks the Messiah of Change really didn't bring change, he brought back the 90's. I was a teenager in the 90's and it kinda sucked. Not going to lie about that. He has appointed more Clinton insiders, aids than times President Clinton brought Monica in.

Where is this "change" he has kept talking about for months on end (since 2004 really)? There isn't any. Just another politician willing to say whatever to get elected.

Well congratulations America. You voted for change and got President Clinton II. Who by the way did put us in a pointless war that has lasted 12+ years now. But hey, who is counting that one?

The next two years I fear will be some of the toughest, roughest and longest times that we Americans have ever faced. It's not because of President Obama, no I think he too will be afraid. The fear is going to come from what is taking place in the House.

Where change should have taken place, didn't. Where change should take place, won't. But what will happen is this continue downward spiral that this country has been on for the last 16 or so years.

While this started as calling President Obama on his "broken promise", the real issue here is House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

See while President Obama has the American People believing that his party will create change, Nancy is already doing some "changing" of her own and taking away what little power the minority party did have.

So to start the new blog off right, we have a new award. The Nancy. That's right. WE have douches and now Nancy's. The Nancy will be an award given to someone who infringes on the rights of either a leader or the American People. Oh trust me, with the Democrats in charge and the Republicans still crying about the November loss, The Nancy will be handed out a lot.

So Speak of the House Nancy Pelosi, here is to you and you bringing us one step closer to "real change" in 2010.

Day 1

2009-01-21T08:37:00.005-06:00

The sun still rises in the east, and sets in the west.
Just like that day in 1993, and that day in 2001, there's a new sheriff in town, sporting a shiny new party badge...and life goes on.

Back on RoS, I had a list of things that I would be watching in regards to the Obama Administration.

Viewing guide for 2009-2010 - phrases to watch for in the next two years.

Cap and Trade - Solution to Global Warming?

DC vs. Heller - Define 2nd Amendment

Fairness Doctrine - An hour of Rush will cost ya an hour of Franken

Health Care (*) - Hillary-care or Bush-care (Medicare Part D)

Phased Withdrawal in Iraq - How will 'Bush's War' end?

Guantanamo Detainees Relocation[09] - Dear God, not to Leavenworth!

Comprehensive Immigration Solution - Give me your tired, your poor...

The terms of their successors shall then begin.

2009-01-20T14:00:00.003-06:00

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Article II, US Constitution

The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January...and the terms of their successors shall then begin.

Amendment XX, US Constitution

Here at We The People of the Republic (fka Republic of Swain), we note the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.
His burden has increased, from being simply the inspiration for 69 million Americans; to being the leader of the free world and President of a nation of 305 million Americans.
We at The Republic will support our country. We will support our President. We will weigh (and, if necessary) criticize decisions he makes, and policy he recommends.
Disclaimer: Steven voted for John McCain; Joe voted for Bob Barr

I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.

John Adams, 1800, concerning the White House.

Introductory Remarks

2009-01-20T12:01:00.003-06:00

Once upon a time, we congregated under the name, "Republic of Swain." Joe Swain began his blog, and blogged on most things personal, political and religious. He stepped on a few toes, but he said his peace.

About eight months ago, Joe had a new vision for his blog. And, as summer turned to fall, and fall to winter, four people have been given the privilege to add our 2¢ to Joe's blog.

As we prepared to enter 2009, Joe decided that, as our now-President said, "it's time for change." He decided that The Republic was more than just Republic of Swain. It was about the team that he had rallied around him. The team that I'm proud to be a member of.

And so, through weeks of thought, a new name was born. I reserved it early, changed the layout, and prepared it for its own day.

JANUARY 20, 2009, 11:00 AM (Central)

New President of the United States. New blog for Joe Swain and his team, but the same attitude.

We The People of the Republic
We The People of the Republic - Joe, myself (Steve), et. al. - will continue to do as we have done. We will continue to declare certain people douchebags of the week. We will continue to quote the Constitution and late great Americans. We will continue to wonder why some churches make us say "What the hell is going on?"

We are...The Republic.
We are...We The People of the Republic.

(And, if you are so interested, you can even grade our posts.)

George Washington's Address

2009-01-20T11:00:00.002-06:00

While you are reading this, history is being made in our country. Just over 50 years ago, this country began a great crusade so that all men are created equal. Everyone has the same rights and voice. However this all had to begin somewhere. That somewhere is here, April 30th, 1789. That day our first president was sworn in. He delivered probably the most important speech ever in our country's history. Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to a new chapter in American History. President Barak Hussein Obama is delivering his speech at this very hour. You are either listening or watching it. So afterwards the pundits will talk and try to explain what he said. I want you as an American Citizen to read what our first president had to say, and ask yourself this question:

Is it still possible?

Welcome to the new site, I hope its the "change" that some of us have longed for.

Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives:

AMONG the vicissitudes incident to life no event could have filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was transmitted by your order, and received on the 14th day of the present month. On the one hand, I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years—a retreat which was rendered every day more necessary as well as more dear to me by the addition of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste committed on it by time. On the other hand, the magnitude and difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my country called me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and most experienced of her citizens a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm with despondence one who (inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpracticed in the duties of civil administration) ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies. In this conflict of emotions all I dare aver is that it has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance by which it might be affected. All I dare hope is that if, in executing this task, I have been too much swayed by a grateful remembrance of former instances, or by an affectionate sensibility to this transcendent proof of the confidence of my fellow-citizens, and have thence too little consulted my incapacity as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried cares before me, my error will be palliated by the motives which mislead me, and its consequences be judged by my country with some share of the partiality in which they originated.

Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which most governments have been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence.

By the article establishing the executive department it is made the duty of the President "to recommend to your consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." The circumstances under which I now meet you will acquit me from entering into that subject further than to refer to the great constitutional charter under which you are assembled, and which, in defining your powers, designates the objects to which your attention is to be given. It will be more consistent with those circumstances, and far more congenial with the feelings which actuate me, to substitute, in place of a recommendation of particular measures, the tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt them. In these honorable qualifications I behold the surest pledges that as on one side no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests, so, on another, that the foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world. I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your care, it will remain with your judgment to decide how far an exercise of the occasional power delegated by the fifth article of the Constitution is rendered expedient at the present juncture by the nature of objections which have been urged against the system, or by the degree of inquietude which has given birth to them. Instead of undertaking particular recommendations on this subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived from official opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire confidence in your discernment and pursuit of the public good; for I assure myself that whilst you carefully avoid every alteration which might endanger the benefits of an united and effective government, or which ought to await the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen and a regard for the public harmony will sufficiently influence your deliberations on the question how far the former can be impregnably fortified or the latter be safely and advantageously promoted.

To the foregoing observations I have one to add, which will be most properly addressed to the House of Representatives. It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as possible. When I was first honored with a call into the service of my country, then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its liberties, the light in which I contemplated my duty required that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From this resolution I have in no instance departed; and being still under the impressions which produced it, I must decline as inapplicable to myself any share in the personal emoluments which may be indispensably included in a permanent provision for the executive department, and must accordingly pray that the pecuniary estimates for the station in which I am placed may during my continuance in it be limited to such actual expenditures as the public good may be thought to require.

Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.