Occupy Wall Street Can Go Occupy The Corner

Now you sit there and think about the mess you made in New York.

In the last few weeks, we have started to notice the “occupation” of many “disenfranchised” people protesting in New York City and other cities. But when asked what they were protesting, it was like asking group of children what was their favorite food. A plethora of different goals and objectives were directed at anyone that was holding a camera when they were asked that question.

I do support people who wish to express their opinion. This is why America is great, you can protest anything you want and you can still be listened to. What makes these protesters different from legitimate “revolutionaries” like those who protested in the Civil Rights movement and other independence revolts is two major differences.

The first is that no one participating in occupy Wall Street is in danger of being bagged and taken to some lockup in the middle of nowhere. They do not have to fear danger when they go home, they do not have to fear that someone or some group will try to kill them for speaking their mind. So it is really unfair (and insulting) to compare these bozos to civil rights protesters or to the Arab spring protesters. They were protesting for freedom and purpose, these kids on the street are protesting because they can’t get a job with their art and film degree.

Secondly, there is no single objective of these protesters. They do not have clear or direct leadership and now it appears that multiple groups are sprouting but there is no meaningful objective and they are also demanding multiple unattainable goals. If their purpose was to stop large money grabbing groups from influencing people’s lives, then why do they allow unions to join their cause? If this is a grassroots effort why are superstars (Michael Moore and Susan Sarandon) joining in?

Here is the economic reality, recessions come and go and sadly this recession is sticking around longer than what we want. The blame shouldn’t be put on corporations or business people (after all they are the ones who are handing out the jobs) the blame should really be put on an overbearing government for becoming too involved in the free market process.

Look, if you folk want to camp out in a public park and hold up your home made sign that you made with items purchased at Office Depot, that’s fine. What is not fine is thinking that your movement has any significant meaning. If you want to make true change in the world, then get a haircut, take a shower, put on a shirt and tie and incorporate yourselves and become a lobbying group.

Because I got to tell you, at first it was cute to see all of you out there with your little signs and drums. But now the party has got to end, you guys spent 3 weeks bitching about how bad wall street is when you could have spent those 3 weeks looking for suitable employment.

Time For A Tea Party In College Sports

Let's take it back boys!

My beloved college team, The Miami Hurricanes, are now part of a scandal that includes 72 members of The “U” and has given a black eye to the University of Miami. Ponzi  schemes? Pay offs? Money being used for drugs and hookers? This is starting to sound more and more like something coming out of Washington than coming out of the sidelines. Many Americans tune in to sports to get away from the current problems of the world. We’re still in a major deficit and our credit rating has decreased, but hey Football season is back on!

In the early days of the republic, people put a lot of faith in the politicians they supported. Many who ran for office were not the elite, career politicians that we have seen in the course of the last one hundred years. They were regular people, who had business and were truly genuinely concerned with improving the nation. But somewhere along the way, it turned into a mass political machine with increased scandals, influenced by special interests and dominated by a desire for power rather than the call of the citizenry. To add further insult to injury, both sides became more polarized leaving the ordinary American in the middle.

In 2009, after years of irresponsibility by both Democrats and Republicans, people got angry and they started a movement that is now making waves and calling for changes. Replacing the old guard and the old mentality shared by career politicians with a new wave of citizens who are calling for real change.

I feel that with the increased scandals in college sports and the indifference of the NCAA that it is time for a tea party movement in college sports. We all have our teams and we are devoted to those teams, watching and rooting for our favorite college team is an American tradition that matches fireworks on the Fourth of July.

However, the NCAA and the universities with lucrative athletic programs in all conferences  have to be reminded that sporting events are games. A good student has to work diligently to try to be the best in their class and pay a substantial amount of money to the university for a chance to work in a well paying job in the workforce. When a less than mediocre student is recruited simply by their athletic ability and treated like a superstar is very disheartening to the kid who is giving up more than just four years of his/her life.

I understand that many of these players are talented, and they deserve to be recognized for their achievements. But when universities and the governing body that makes the rules ignore the flagrant abuse of that privilege, it is time for the fans to stand up and demand changes. Fans of the team should use their power of the wallet to start a movement that would hurt the universities and the NCAA the most, in their pocket. I do not wish nor want teams to suffer a financial loss, and I do enjoy watching the Canes play. But enough is enough, and these entities need to be reminded that it is the fan that makes the support of the team.

Our government is already filled with politicians who are only interested in their own well being at the hands of special interest groups. There is no need to bring that kind of mentality into college sports.

The Massachusetts Candidate

You Want That Guy To Win? LAWL

Wow, it’s been a long time since I posted here. That’s entirely my fault, I get on those waves where I keep postponing things, but I digress.

Folks, 2012 is coming up and so  far most of the Republican candidates are not viable to beat Barack Obama in 2012. Let’s face it, what are the real thoughts of us Republicans.

Gary Johnson: former Governor of New Mexico and hardly anyone in the Republican party knows about him. Divorced and currently single, the “family values” crowd would not accept him.

Newt Gingrich: awesome as Speaker of the House but his credibility was thrown out the window when we discovered about his mistress. Newt VS Obama… really? The contract with America expired is time for something different. Quit living in the 90s Newt!

Ron Paul: I like Ron Paul, he calls it like he sees it and is not afraid to speak his mind. I supported him in 2008, but now if he is the candidate he will not stand a chance. He will win the tea party crowd but that will not be enough.

Herman Cain: A real African-American running for President as a Republican? Sounds like a dream come true. Experienced in both the private and public sector, well spoken, sounds fantastic. The problem is that Mr. Cain also lacks name recognition and the left-wing media would have a field day focusing on Mr. Cain’s race rather than his accomplishments. Sadly, this may overshadow the real issues of the debate.

Tim Pawlenty: Has name recognition, experienced as a Governor, but in a time when the economy is in crapper, Governor Pawlenty’s experience is mostly in government. He has great ideas, but ideas alone aren’t going to save us from this economic mess.

That’s why Republicans and conservatives should embrace the candidate that has the highest probability of beating Barack Obama in 2012.  Mitt Romney, and yes I know what some of you will say, “He laid the foundation for Obamacare.” Of course, I know that he did but let’s also look at where he was governing. Massafreakingchussetts! It’s a miracle that he even got elected in liberal Kennedyland.

Let’s be realistic fellow conservatives, we can’t always win based on our convictions and values in locations that pander to the mostly liberal crowd. Look at Representative Gabrielle Giffords, she’s a Democrat is a highly conservative state. She’s got to appeal to voters to win not to make nice with the people will obviously vote for her.

Mitt Romney may not be your traditional conservative, but the traditional Republican mentality will not help us win in a national election. Romney is experienced as a governor and businessman, he’s well spoken, attractive, has a wonderful family and is conservative enough that even the hardest of conservatives would prefer for him to be president for one term rather than a second Obama term.

So, let’s focus our attention on getting Romney elected. A one-term Romney Presidency sounds better than a second Obama term anyway.

Next Time You Have A Thought, Let It Go.

In the past few weeks, I have been on Blog Talk Radio hosting a show at 4:30 AM called “Insomniac Time”. I doubt I will get back on there at such an hour but it did bring out some interesting characters. I only hosted two shows, but I had the chance to talk to a few people who I thought are the ones that give conservatives a bad name. The first show discussed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and I wanted to know people’s opinion with the policy and how Senator Harry Reid was pushing a combination of agendas on the National Defense Appropriations Bill. The very first caller went on a rant about how gays and other minorities should leave the country. I shouldn’t be surprised to hear such bigotry, especially since anybody with a phone and an internet connection can host a show on Blog Talk Radio. I am also going to guess that this person did not even know that I also happen to be a minority, so I let him talk and he called himself a Christian but he clearly didn’t express the values of Christianity. The second show had a woman call in and admit that she hated muslims. While I understand her frustration with extreme islam, I don’t think that hating anyone is solves anything. I’m not saying we should not counter extremists and terrorists, but I’m an equal opportunity terrorist basher. Anyone or any group that violently threatens the lives of Americans is by my definition a filthy terrorist. She didn’t bother to explain her hatred, she just hated them without getting into details as to why.

Ron White, popular redneck comedian had a saying “Next time you have a though, let it go.” And I feel that in this time of heightened sensitivity, hard lined conservatives must understand that they are a minority within the conservative movement. The rhetoric spewed by these “conservative” extremists have the same idiotic basis as ultra left-wing commies, senseless rhetoric and narrow thinking will only hurt the real liberty supporting classic conservatism that made this country great. Some people will not change, but I believe that the folks who call our President a “muslim” and whish for all people of color to “go back where they came from” have a right to say what they wish. But I also have a right to express my point of view that their way of thinking will not improve our nation. Yes, everyone who lives here needs to speak English and assimilate to an American culture. Yes, we must be wary of extremists who wish to harm us and of course we need to keep an eye on our government before they get completely out of control. But it is those comments, those opinions that harm the greater cause of limited government conservatives.

Buying Back the Backyard- Free Market Will Save Latin America

The Founding Fathers of Pan-American Relations

Today I read an article from the online version of The Economist, the title of the article was No One’s Backyard . The statement is from the common quote in the United States about Latin America being “Our backyard”. The Economist has written this article to show the readers that Latin American businesses are now becoming a powerful force in our hemisphere. While our own American government is pumping out “stimulus” money and putting us on the fast track to a double dip recession, Latin American nations are not only celebrating bicentennials but also beginning to see the fruits of a free market push to become economic powerhouses.

The pictures of the two gentlemen you see are of the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe. The second is one of Simon Bolivar, the “George Washington of Latin America”.  Had they been alive today they would probably be glowing with pride that Latin America is quickly becoming a better partner of the United States rather than a dependent.

It’s comforting to know that after so much violence in Mexico, oppressive dictators like Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro and years of guerrilla warfare in Central America. Latin America’s star in economic competitiveness is quickly rising and poverty slowly but steadily decreasing.

This is a perfect example on how the free market allows nations to become more independent and flourish. Brazil, Chile, Peru and Colombia are all changing their economic standards from left to right so that they are able to provide more jobs and have foreign investment firms offer developments in their infrastructure.

For too long Latin America has had to depend on charity from organizations like the IMF and the generosity of family members living in the United States and in Europe. Corrupt leftist governments dominated those nations and brought nothing but misery and forced their brightest citizens to head North.  Now, the peasant has found their niche and is quickly becoming successful and moving towards wealth.  Even the communist country of Cuba has now realized their failure of a planned economy and are now beginning to test private enterprise.

Latinos have always been known for their great work ethic, hard working individuals that take pride in their work. China and India are quickly becoming too problematic to continue business relations, so the US and Europe are now looking for a new partner.

Americans and Latin Americans will now be able to extend the hand of friendship and business, and make the western hemisphere the example of 21^st century globalization. Let’s get to work!

Go Ask, Go Tell!

Why aren't you reading the bill?

On my previous blog, I have written on how Lady Gaga is becoming an influential force in politics. I have started to see her fans (on YouTube) call their Senators regarding the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. However, there is one problem. They are under the impression (and I’m sure Lady Gaga herself doesn’t even know it) that if the vote is passed on Tuesday that all of a sudden Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will be automatically repealed. As much as I and others from the Conservative side would like to see this ineffective and costly policy be buried with segregation, it will take months and perhaps maybe even another year before a real comprehensive Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy would be implemented.

Why?

The Senate Bill which is the 2011 Defense Authorization Bill is NOT… repeat… NOT an independent bill that will repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) included an amendment in the bill that would begin the process of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Let’s make that clear, begin the process which would mean even if they got the 60 necessary votes in this bill it would have to go through the House of Representatives to be reviewed and then returned back to the Senate for confirmation and eventually sent to the President. President Obama has also stated that while he does support repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell he would veto the Defense Authorization Bill if it included funding for an alternative engine for a  F-35 Joint Striker which is a stealth supported aircraft.  Guess what? The House passed a Defense Authorization Bill WITH language that funds the engine.

So?

That would mean that the Senate Bill (which includes Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal) will have to be sent to the House to be approved. But because both of the chambers do not agree on the same bill, the House may not approve the Defense Authorization Bill with the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell language in the bill.

What’s your point?

The point is that Harry Reid and other Democrats are panicking because they are in a tough election this November. I am convinced that Harry Reid panders to the gay community only for votes and not because he really cares about changing the law. If he did, Harry Reid or other Democrats who controlled the Senate and the House since 2006 would have made this attempt or even sponsor a new independent bill instead of sneaking it into a Defense Authorization Bill (which funds all of the Armed Services)

Are my efforts useless?

If you think that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will be repealed next week you’re living in a fantasy world. But you’re efforts are not useless. Calling your Senators and members of congress is good, it gets you involved with your government and they answer to you. But if you are not informed about legislation that is dear to you, you need to be informed. Passion is good, passion is needed but passion without substance will not get you far. Continue to call, write and email your Senators and Representatives to write a bill, and independent bill to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The military at this moment is conducting surveys with all of their service members and considering current trends I think that the Department of Defense will realize that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell should be repealed.

Remember, there is more to the 2011 Defense Authorization Bill  than Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. There is also an amendment that would allow abortions to be performed in military hospitals. This is clearly a political ploy done by Democrats during an election year. Shame! Shame on you Harry Reid for politicizing the funding of troops, not allowing the Pentagon to finish their review and not committing to sponsoring a real and comprehensive bill that would repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

Sources
Wall Street Journal, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704285104575492171061638714.html

Going Gaga In Politics

Ann Coulter's Doppleganger

In recent month, a very popular figure has started to become more involved in contemporary politics. Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, you probably know this woman by her stage name “Lady Gaga”.  Entertainer, Musician, pop icon and most recently political activist can be added to her list of gigs. Lady Gaga is an interesting character, not because of her wild music or her eccentric outfits but because she has been able to easily organize her fans into what will eventually be a political force.  According to musicmetric.com, the majority of Lady Gaga fans are over the age of 18. And those that are under the age of 18 will eventually be old enough to vote in 2012. One of Lady Gaga’s most influential moments came at a concert in Manchester, England in June of 2010. Many of her fans showed up in costume, emulating their icon who they lovingly call “Mother Monster”. One of the most popular (and probably the least expensive way to look like Gaga) was to use soda cans like hair rollers similar to the “Telephone” music video.  However, security at the MEN center refused entry to any ticket holder who happen to have soda cans rolled in their hair. Within minutes, a furious Lady Gaga tweeted her concerns and her intended action to all five million of her Twitter followers.  It was not long before the venue’s managers had security reprimanded and all of her ticket holding fans were allowed entry in the way they were dressed. To most people, this is nothing more than an artist appealing to her fans since they spent money to see her. However, further looking into this it can be argued that Lady Gaga’s influence run deep in the hearts of her faithful followers.

2010 is what I call the “Year of the Gaga”, The most memorable being nominated for 13 awards for MTV (it’s a big deal for Generation Yers) but there are subtle hints of this woman’s influence. One that is not so well known is Rush Limbaugh’s infamous dance to “Poker Face” You can see it here : http://www.examiner.com/social-media-in-national/rush-limbaugh-dances-to-lady-gaga-poker-face-at-miss-america-2010-video

Rush could have been a poor sport and not bother, Rush also knows how liberal Lady Gaga really is. But she’s so talented even the hardest of conservatives (Yours truly included) can’t help but to dance to her music.

Another influential event came in May 2010, a video that was made by members of the U.S. Army’s 82^nd Airborne, parodied “Telephone” and it went viral (thanks to Drudge Report) (as of today, Lady Gaga nor any of her publicists have yet to comment on the video)

In August 2010, during her concert in Phoenix, Gaga joined the bandwagon to oppose SB-1070. Instead of boycotting, she stated “I will not cancel my show. I will hold you, and we will hold each other, and we will protest this state.” (Cancelling would have meant thousands of dollars in lost revenue, violation of a contract and hundreds of pissed off fans)

Now in September, Lady Gaga has Tweeted members of the US Senate and also posted a video on YouTube to the US Senate to repeal the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy. (She’s a great musician, but a lousy speaker, sorry girl) She has also expressed thanks to Harry Reid who probably appreciates any help he can get in his election campaign. She was also critical of Senator McCain’s filibuster attempt, Tweeting to her followers about the possibility of a filibuster. In minutes, her followers began to Tweet to Senator McCain with less than flattering comments.

Lady Gaga has now reached a status that few celebrities have achieved, she now has the ability to sell records and become politically involved to a point that she’s taken seriously. We’re talking about over three million people who are eligible to vote and respond to the wishes of “Mother Monster”.

When Camille Paglia wrote a negative piece about Lady Gaga and basically called her a “manufactured product” her legions of fans responded, HARD. To a point where a lot of her followers began to make death threats over Twitter and slandering her Wikipedia page.

What’s the point I’m trying to make? Here’s the point, Liberal politicians now have a powerful ally who can greatly influence voter turnout and voter action. Conservative critics of Lady Gaga must not combat her, but take the Nixon approach and come to a compromise on this issue.

Lady Gaga is a social Liberal, but her success in music could have only been done by the spirit of the free market and her spirit of contention against unfairness in government is the rallying cry of the Tea Party. It’s a shame that Lady Gaga is a registered Democrat, because I think she would have made a great Republican. (there’s always time to change it Gaga)

To Lady Gaga and any fans who may read this, she’s a talented musician but she’s letting her passion dominate her actions. I sure hope that she realizes that Democrats are guilty for not bringing this up during their time of dominance between 2006 and 2010 when they controlled the Congress. This last minute attempt is purely political (I’ll save this for another blog)

Fellow Conservatives, lest we not forget other celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Al Franken, Sonny Bono and of course Ronald Reagan who were celebrities and became holders of high a high political office. I would much rather have Lady Gaga, than Senator Germanotta.