Sunday, August 31, 2008

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.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

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.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

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.

Friday, August 22, 2008

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.