Beware Charismatic Men Who Preach 'Change'

It should be noted, the following is also in an email that is being circulated. I have personally verified that it was indeed a letter to the editor in the Richmond Va Times Dispatch. Also have done the obligatory Snopes check.

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30 I celebrate my independence day and on July 4 I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.

On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.

I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.

When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said "Praise the Lord." And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"

But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.

Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?

Would we?

Manuel Alvarez Jr. Sandy Hook.

Ipse Loquitor.

Hitting the HIVE ..dead on.

Cross posted from Michigan taxes

Everyone had their favorites, many like myself felt Mitt would be a solid choice for McCain's pick, but the more I follow the reports and commentary from both the right and left side of the room, the more I can truly appreciate the choice made. The RIGHT side is happy, ..no ECSTATIC about the pick of a solid family, pro hunting, outdoors, pro life candidate who doesn't take any crap from those IN or OUT of the Republican party. Someone who brings a level of trust to politics. The LEFT side is caught off guard, but has already established particular talking points, including level of experience and predictably the fact she should be taking care of her baby.


THIS IS CLASSIC. I hardly have to expand on the upside to the conservatives. Pro second amendment, Pro life, pro family, and has reportedly done well enough to save Alaska $5 Billion in her short time as governor. Most, but not all Conservative pro environmental groups have appreciation for her pragmatic approaches to the environment and the needs of her constituents in Alaska. The Liberals however, have found themselves in a bit of a quandary. How best to attack the VP choice with the labels they have already issued as talking points (echoed by a willing MSM) of "inexperienced" and "unqualified in foreign affairs," without first having to look back at their candidate, who instead of being merely a heartbeat away from the presidency, would BE THE PRESIDENT. The hypocrisy is already flowing. Nothing says BULLSEYE! like following the two trolls who regularly grace the pages at RIGHTMICHIGAN.COM going apes**t. Nice guys both..

This great state could easily go for McCain this time around. Michigan Voters can readily understand and appreciate the difference between a succesful and popular governor, and the failure we have been blessed with for 6 years, and must suffer another 2. The fact that a young female governor can actually handle a state's executive office and be more than just a pretty face on the ugliness of politics is now clear, and perhaps using alaska's success as an example, Michigan goes red this voting cycle. Some might say "wishful thinking." However, the poor performance and inability to understand how to best promote the resources at hand should shine a light on the generally poor performance of Democrat policies which have been in place.

I am mildly surprised at how psyched I am about this team. I will be active in this cause.

MCain / Palin '08 For Michigan, For the Country.

Pelosi looking a little uncomfortable?

Going to throw this out there.. Immigration solution

Cross posted from a Platform site I also run. YES it is arbitrary in times and conditions, but it could perhaps solve a problem though not in the spotlight, will not go away.

I support a more open immigration policy. We are a great nation of immigrants. The United States of America holds the greatest promise for any peoples in the world looking to better their standard of living. The USA is the greatest country on the face of the planet. I believe that any man woman or child who is willing to assimilate to our culture, and out way of life deserves the opportunity to be a part of this great land.

This is also a nation of laws however, and it must remain so. A proper path to legal citizenship for those born outside of the US boundaries needs to be made clear and followed, or we will suffer chaos, and become what many are trying so desperately to escape. Laws are in existence, which are sufficient to control the flow of illegal immigrants, but are seldom enforced.

I recommend the following as a solution to our current crisis, and a preventive measure designed to keep at bay further crisis.

1. Assign English as the national language. This forces new citizens to acclimate, share a common language, and makes cultural assimilation much easier. It also allows government to save money by eliminating multilingual periodicals, and expenses related to printed materials for speakers of other tongues. It does not FORCE anyone to use English in their homes, but ensures they have the appropriate tools to communicate and succeed in public activities.

2. Give a 30-day period for open enrollment for citizenship for those in the country already. No fine, but there should be a fee for processing and proficiency testing, and a community service commitment

3. The prospective new immigrant should meet the following criteria:
a. Enter a one-year probationary period. Extendable based on some conditions. Not to exceed three years by extensions
b. Pay an application fee for processing. This fee should fully cover the expenses for evaluations by officials or others assigned to determine applicant’s eligibility.
c. Contribute 200 hours of community service as an investment within the probationary period.
d. Demonstrate a proficiency of English within the probationary period.
e. Cannot have a felony on record.
f. Should not be found guilty of a misdemeanor within the probationary period. Being charged with a misdemeanor crime extends the probationary period until the matter has been adjudicated.
g. Receives a social security number and begins paying taxes on wages immediately upon entering the probationary period.
h. Children born to prospective citizens within the probationary period are not automatically granted citizenship.
i. Be of good health, and demonstrate ability to work, or attend school.
j. Pledge allegiance to our flag, and our country and principles of the constitution in English.

4. Deport ALL persons who do not comply, and restrict future immigration for 5 years.

Most people will recognize that welfare is a strong argument for solving the crisis we have, but I feel if these steps are taken, we will reduce the impact on a system which will likely never completely rid itself of those entitlements.

Cant help myself part II

This just out.. Obama Sued on eve of Convention

Somehow not at all surprising. Hillary just cannot sit this one out.

Cant help myself...

Fact Checking the Fact checking on Pelosi scandal

Fact checking a little further, the freedomist continues the investigation of Pelosi and her investments with CLNE. “fact check” apparently trying to Debunk the real story, but with it’s own “myths.” Follow the link above to learn more.

Dear Gang of ten,

The letter sent to the "Gang of 10" to encourage them to think twice.

August 19, 2008
Dear “Gang of 10”:

On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing hundreds of thousands of
taxpayers, small businesses, shareholders, consumers and senior citizens, we strongly urge...

READ MORE....

58 Reasons for Drilling NOW.

Gasoline for cars	Bowls	Fishing line
Diesel for cars, and ships	Fertilizer	Tennis rackets
Heating fuel	Explosives	Roller blades
Aviation fuel for planes	Car tires	Eye glasses
Credit cards	Artificial turf	Lunch boxes
Plastic bags	Boots Shoes	Flower pots
Hair brushes	Lipstick	Toys
Anti-freeze	Weed killer	Car seats
Motorcycle Helmets	Parachutes	Insulation
Carpets	Umbrellas	Nail polish
Telephones	Food wrappers	Hair spray
Brake fluid	Shower curtains	Medicines
Boats	Waterproof coats	Insect repellant
Glue	Prosthetic limbs	Golf balls
Toilet Seats	Roads	Road Signs
Shampoo	Bubble wrap	Drinking Glasses
Paint for houses and art	Drinks bottles	Computers
Detergent	Toothbrushes	Televisions
Bowls	Life jackets	Cameras

And Last but not least Michigan. Michigan, which has suffered not only from the incompetence of the executive branch but because there are folks who would scare voters into supporting "Green" technology to the exclusion of a product which we have used, and MUST use.. forever.

Dont go Movement Site attacked

Cyber attacks and attempted hijacking of the #DontGo movement's website resulted in a few hours downtime today, and new security measures were put into place.

Eric Odom says "the usual far left smear machines are on the attack, which I actually see as a good thing. I mean, if these guys are trying everything possible to discredit us, then we must be doing something right."

#dontgo is the movement which continues to fight for drilling, and is in support of the congressmen who stayed during this recess to try and get a vote. Many issues are at hand affecting this, and it is surmised the hot buttons are being hit.

Stay tuned.

Watching the Olympics..

I was particularly interested in the flight views.. Did anyone else notice there are not any "houses" or single family dwellings in any of the shots of China?

Just wondering..

Support #dontgo and let Pelosi know

The #dontgo movement is very real and very important movement. It has been the beacon of those who stayed behind to shame the current congress into acting on energy policy.

I would like to take an opportunity to lay out one little thing I think is not being emphasized enough.

Nancy is invested in CLNE. She did so in May of 2007 when the stock became available, and possibly at lower than IPO pricing per SEC documents that we have found.. Windfarms however, are not likely the big thing here. Wind farms merely are what Pickens wishes to use to divest the electrical generators of their fuel so it can be used for his promoted prop in California . The IMPORTANT Thing, is that the proposition essentially builds an entirely new infrastructure based on Natural Gas for vehicles and fleets which is CLNE's primary business model. Because they are unique, and would be likely be the sole providers for this new infrastructure, it suggests an incredible profit for investors such as Pelosi with even the slightest investment.

Think along the lines of Microsoft, or Google, or Ebay. A unique opportunity that comes to those who are incredibly smart, lucky, persevere, have friends, or are corrupt. Many have argued that Pelosi's investment is small, and that her true net worth demonstrates she wouldn't plot the course I contend for a measly $50-100K investment. Consider what Martha Stewart was accused of initially, and her Net worth FAR exceeds that of the Speaker's.

Nancy Pelosi has fought even coming to a vote for pursuing drilling options, and even now is only "teasing" a vote. She does NOT want oil to come down any further, and does not want gas to be cheap. If gas is cheap, Californians would then have little incentive to vote for a proposal which essentially relies on the currently high cost of gas.

So whatever happened to SKAGGS, DAVID E., et al v. CARLE, ROBIN H.

Did this ever get resolved?

Facts and Citizen Journalism

This is cross posted at rightMichigan.com and Michigan taxes too much

There has been quite a bit of buzz regarding Nancy Pelosi's investment in CLNE, but on a couple of blogs the numbers seemed to jump to where I was getting lost . It is important that much of this is vetted properly so that the rest of the nation can find out what we seemingly already know.

The original Financial disclosure for 2007, and the SEC filing, and the Law that Californians are going to enact speak for themselves.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist (though I know there are plenty in CA) to connect the dots. But I am also aware that where there is Smoke, there very likely is fire, and this has turned up some other interesting points outside of my original find. There will be more.. count on it.

The dontgomovement.com guys have taken point on this issue, as our courageous congressmen have taken THEIR vacations and put them off to help the country recover from a doubling of gas prices in Pelosi's short tenure as speaker. The main stream media I believe is still deciding if they want to take on the speaker, or perhaps it is getting too hard for REAL citizen issues to be looked at, but this clear conflict of interest will be top story soon enough.

There are people already struggling to stop the movement, and to stop this story in particular. One commenter's words:

"But #dontgo's dog won't hunt -

"It has come to our attention via #dontgo that Madam Speaker's stunt on Aug. 1 was not only for her book and to squelch the free press and fellow House Members properly informing the public but also to pad her bank account."

"Her book?" The house historically adjourns this month... check previous congressional calendars on Thomas. "Squelch the free press and fellow ...? Seems the press reported the GOP stunt, didn't they?

So where did all this originate? It seems as if someone in Michigan checked Pelosi's financial disclosure statement a little, but not enough. Her investment in CLNE is chump change in a nice hefty portfolio. As the 9th wealthiest member of the house, Pelosi and Hubby have as estimated net worth of $25 -$100 mil. The investment in CLNE (what $50 - 100 thousand???) is the kind on money that falls under their sofa cushions.

Do the math and then check the symbol on any finance site. If her investment triples, it would be less than 1% of her assets. Hardly a "bombshell" and nothing congress will do anytime soon will have much impact on that stock.

#dontgo, Michigan taxes and Michell Malkin are feeding spurious "scandals" to naive folks who refuse to do homework.

McCain in '08 because we deserve him. "

Well, lets back it up, line by line...

1. McCain in 08 because we deserve him.. ok comment says pretty much all you are going to say. All we need to do is go that far.

2. Feeding is sometime how word gets out when something seems amiss. Homework friend, is what was done. Do yours.

3. The math as you say?OK, yeah pocket change, or SOFA change as you put it, but remember this is a NEW infrastructure to be built on the back of Taxpayers, and you know that is ALWAYS big money. And the financial speaks for itself. You ever hear of Google? Microsoft? These were not BORN as $100 billion dollar companies, but the uniqueness they brought in along with government contracts paved the way for the risk takers at the helm.

4. Ah yes they ALWAYS Adjourn this time of the year... However, historically the members have an opportunity to give a 5 minute speech prior to adjournment. There were other technicalities that were ignored as well, but I suppose that really doesn't matter, as their speech you could care less about anyhow?

This whole issue will NOT go away. I hope everyone with a little curiosity will look at the documents and maybe help us put the pieces together a little more completely. Citizen Journalism's time has come!

Cant miss - Please pass it along

I picked this up from #dontgo movement originally..

Reminding us AGAIN why to drill.

Recent events in Georgia with Russia's aggression, and BP deciding to halt oil remind us that we NEED to be independent of ALL other countries with regard to our energy policies. The price per bbl has been declining steadily until this particular crisis. Pelosi needs to reconvene congress and get the process rolling NOW.

Its The STUPID in the Economy again..

cross posted from michigantaxes.com

An interesting read at Right Michigan. Prompts me to write..


Our politicians need to learn a little of cause and effect. Aside from the language in the constitution protecting the royalties from natural gas and oil from Michigan owned lands, the nature of legislation such as Schauer's, is as a "money grab," and nothing less. In some twisted logic, the state senator is trying to convince us, and perhaps himself that raising the royalties on the companies who extract the oil and natural gas will encourage them to do more?

Again, we must go back Economics 101 again for the financially retarded liberal thinkers in our state government. Ok Folks.. LISTEN UP! I'll say this in big words so you cannot miss it:

WHEN YOU TAX SOMETHING MORE, YOU CAUSE IT TO BE PRODUCED LESS.

I even made it a pretty color for those of you who are in Stryker's camp.

Something to note as well, is that we live in MICHIGAN, and it GETS COLD, and if they need to pull the natural gas from the ground ELSEWHERE, we are in DEEP DOO DOO. (that was not INTENDED to be a Stryker comment but eh.. what the heck) Home heating costs are already a concern in this state, and increasing the cost of the producers on ANY level will bring those costs even higher to the end user.

Seriously, it is only in government where a complete failure of common sense, can the creator a low IQ solution like this be rewarded with a good salary, lifetime benefits, and a nice pension. Anyone in business who proposes measures in this manner wouldn't make it long enough to draw unemployment, much less those perks enjoyed by our policy makers.

More gas

This is cross posted from Michigantaxes.com

In a prior post, I told you about a possible profit motive by Nancy Pelosi. I thought it might be educational to post the actual proposal: California Clean Alternative Fuel Initiatve. And though the proposal is for California to spend $5,000,000,000.00, we must remember that it also calls for seeking matching Federal funding as well. Part of what I find obvious may elude some reading that post, so I have broken it down a little, and added a little info for clarification.

1. $5 Billion dollar investment in "clean fuel" (read Natural gas) means that a company which has postured itself for servicing such demand will have a pretty nice start up contract should the state of California adopt the measure.

2. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Clean Energy) is a provider of natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets in the United States and Canada. It is also Owned by T. Boone Pickens, and other stockholders.

3. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has funded the initiative to the tune of about $3.7 Million.

4. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. Has no record of public stock availability prior to May 25, 2007, suggesting that date is when it became public.

5. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has assets of approx $137 Million

6. Nancy Pelosi Purchased between $50,000-$100,000 in CLNE stock on May 25, 2007 apparently on it's initial public offering.

7. If OIL prices fall as they would with increased supply, Gas prices would be cheaper, and people making a decision on such a proposal might not see it as much of a benefit.

8. Nancy Pelosi is doing her best to STOP a vote which would allow the US to develop better SORT, and long term oil supplies.

While one might argue this as a coincidence, and that $50,000-$100,000 investment is a drop in the bucket to a rich woman like Pelosi, let me put a little perspective on the map. Think Microsoft, Think Google, Think Dell.. Very SMALL as start up corporations, which which have very large customers, and have grown to be incredibly profitable for initial investors. Because I do not have the economics knowledge to be able to calculate the actual financial result of such a proposal passing for Clean Energy Fuels Corp., I would suggest we think on the order of at least a double digit multiplier over a few short years.

Value Added Cost of Green

Originally posted on my Michigan Taxes Too Much site, I figured this would be a good inaugural article for Toxic Taxation.

House Speaker Pelosi: “This call for drilling in areas that are protected is a hoax, it’s an absolute hoax on the part of the Republicans and this administration” Continuing, “It’s a decoy to punt your attention away from the fact that their policies have produced $4-a-gallon gasoline.”

Hello $5 spike in the price of Oil shortly after she says she will stop the vote unlike her Senate counterpart Reid.

Small Coincidence? Not likely. The longer hold outs like Pelosi strangle our ability to reach richer and more valuable reserves, the more futures watchers will gauge the long term availability as being reduced. And, as any well tuned measuring device will predict higher prices at the pump and will try to lock in the oil at the lowest they can get for several months out.

It is how it works.. It is SO EASY to fall for the nonsense that "speculators cause" the high oil prices. Of course look at where it comes from. I would like to take a second to give an economics lesson, if only from my"limited" perspective.

I Buy stuff. I Buy it to sell it. Not only that, I buy it to sell it AT A PROFIT. That is what makes it worth my investment.

Now, assume I predict there will be a shortage of a particular product that is very popular. I make my analysis based on factors I am aware of, and pay attention to. Because of the popularity of that product, I will purchase as much for stock as I can, and in some cases lock in my order for the other items that are not even made to get ahead of the other guy who is my competitor. Of course MY competitor also sees the same signals, and tells the manufacturer that he needs them more and offers a "premium" for the ability to buy them first. This can lead to bidding wars, and here in a nutshell you have a lesson in how the market works.

So, when the SIGNAL SENT by congress is that it will restrict our ability to replenish our supplies, the buyers who NEED the resource will offer a premium to make sure THEIR SUPPLY is not interrupted. They pay MORE to guarantee the delivery of an amount they need. Nancy essentially said "hunker down you are in for a long hard cold winter with limited driving, flying, cause I ain't gonna let you drill where drilling is good."

I wonder if we were to assign a value for each politician on their effect on the price of a gallon of gas, if we could predict the next day's tank price? Pelosi just cost us $0.20 per gallon on this issue alone, in ONE DAY. What about Granholm? What if her assigning power of policy to the Center for climate strategies? Their "green" policies would stifle a number of our freedoms leading to higher fuel costs through formulation, bans, limits and wasted resource. What will they add to a gallon of gas in Michigan? Will it prevent us from Nuclear expansion?

Sadly, I am tired because of working a couple extra hours just so I can put fuel in my tank. I would like to leave you with something else to think about:

If the high profile liberals who are EXPECTED to restrain growth and prosperity cause higher prices (Pelosi $0.20 today, maybe $0.40 more overall, Obama $0.30-0.60, Granholm $0.20-0.30 - all made up numbers to illustrate a point) then what happens when high profile so called conservatives like Robertson, Gingrich, and McCain indicate their support for the green policies which brought us these problems in those "WE" ads? Using the made up math, my estimate is $1.00, $1.00 and $1.00 each. Because without the support of these crossovers the fringe would be seen as what it is.. the fringe. But sadly they have lent their credibility, and added to the bottom line in fuel cost by the watchers who will need the product at whatever the cost.