There’s nothing like bad weather to bring neighbors together. The elements have a way of reminding us that we’re all in this, so we smile as we break out the winter gear and join forces to push vehicles out of the ditch, shovel out the drives and pool resources to pay for a plow. When bad weather strikes, neighbors band together to come up with practical solutions that work for everyone.
Given the economic and security storms we’re weathering as a nation, our government officials could take a few pointers from the nieghborhood:
1. Be prepared. You can’t wait for the storm to hit before you even start thinking about how you’re going to handle it. That includes having a “rainy day” fund – not a deficit – so you can handle the unexpected expenses.
2. Don’t make your neighbors your enemies. I know, the president said pretty much the same thing last week when he met with congressional Republicans. But that’s not the advice he gave his fellow Democrats later in the week.
3. Work together – not at cross purposes. In other words, don’t pile your snow in your neighbor’s cleared drive. The sign of a true leader isn’t always being right – it’s being able to recognize and choose the right course when it’s presented. It’s also being able to change courses and admit you’re wrong when you see that what you’ve been doing is only making matters worse.
4. Experience helps, but everyone has something to offer – even the freshman members of the minority party. At least let them introduce their bills; they may have some ideas worth considering. I know our young neighbor kid is an asset to his family and the neighborhood. If it weren’t for his hard work and energy, our car would still be encased hood high in snow.
5. Sound bites don’t get the job done. And speaking of sound bites, the president got a lot of airplay when he told Republicans they need to be concerned about Americans’ jobs rather than their own jobs. My response? If ALL the people on Capitol Hill and the White House were doing their jobs instead of spending our money, the rest of us Americans wouldn’t have to worry about our jobs.
I’m Joey. I’m a dog. And I’m running for Congress.
Showing posts with label Republicans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Republicans. Show all posts
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Joey's Take: Rebuttal
I know, I know. By now you are probably sick and tired of all things having to do with the State of the Union speech, but I have a few points that have, for the most part, eluded the pundits and critics.
1. No speech -- regardless of how "magical" it is -- can create jobs, cut the deficit, put money in our pocket, expand health care coverage, halt climate change, increase national security, punish the bad guys and establish world peace. Anyone who thinks it can needs a hefty dose of reality. All of that takes action -- not slick-sounding words.
2. President Obama once again resorted to the blame game. In trying to justify his unprecedented deficit spending, the president pointed to a $1 trillion deficit he said President Bush created in 2008.
Fact Check: For much of Bush's term before 2007, Congress was so evenly split between the Democrats and Republicans that nothing could get passed without some Democrat support. And since the 2006 election -- yes, the one that sent Obama to the Senate -- both the House and the Senate have been controlled by the Democrats. Thus, any deficit created in 2007 and 2008 was blessed by, endorsed by, passed by and often created by the Democratic Congress.
Inconvenient Truth: Obama did not "inherit" the deficit. He helped create it.
3. The president tried to set the stage for a Democratic victory later this fall by casting Republicans as the obstacle to all things good, as the party of no and as political do-nothings devoid of solutions. Since the Democrats control the bully pulpit and the script going out to the mainstream media, Republicans need to go on the offensive (without being offensive) to get the word out about their legislative proposals.
My Suggestion: Republicans should set up websites -- one for the House and one for the Senate -- with links to all the legislation they have proposed this session. For each link -- grouped into categories for healthcare, taxes, deficit, economy, etc. -- there should be a brief summary of each bill along with its history. When was it introduced? What committee was it sent to? What happened to it in that committee? Who chairs that committee? The websites should include bipartisan legislation Republicans have co-sponsored and list the Democrats who have signed onto it.
Once the websites are up, the Republicans need to get out there and market them, using Twitter, Facebook, email lists, their individual congressional websites and local and national media. Then, no one -- not even the president -- will be able to get by with labeling Republicans as the party of no.
I'm Joey. I'm running for Congress. And I approved this message.
P.S. If you missed my State of the Union address, you'll find it more accurately represents the mood of the people than what you heard last night.
1. No speech -- regardless of how "magical" it is -- can create jobs, cut the deficit, put money in our pocket, expand health care coverage, halt climate change, increase national security, punish the bad guys and establish world peace. Anyone who thinks it can needs a hefty dose of reality. All of that takes action -- not slick-sounding words.
2. President Obama once again resorted to the blame game. In trying to justify his unprecedented deficit spending, the president pointed to a $1 trillion deficit he said President Bush created in 2008.
Fact Check: For much of Bush's term before 2007, Congress was so evenly split between the Democrats and Republicans that nothing could get passed without some Democrat support. And since the 2006 election -- yes, the one that sent Obama to the Senate -- both the House and the Senate have been controlled by the Democrats. Thus, any deficit created in 2007 and 2008 was blessed by, endorsed by, passed by and often created by the Democratic Congress.
Inconvenient Truth: Obama did not "inherit" the deficit. He helped create it.
3. The president tried to set the stage for a Democratic victory later this fall by casting Republicans as the obstacle to all things good, as the party of no and as political do-nothings devoid of solutions. Since the Democrats control the bully pulpit and the script going out to the mainstream media, Republicans need to go on the offensive (without being offensive) to get the word out about their legislative proposals.
My Suggestion: Republicans should set up websites -- one for the House and one for the Senate -- with links to all the legislation they have proposed this session. For each link -- grouped into categories for healthcare, taxes, deficit, economy, etc. -- there should be a brief summary of each bill along with its history. When was it introduced? What committee was it sent to? What happened to it in that committee? Who chairs that committee? The websites should include bipartisan legislation Republicans have co-sponsored and list the Democrats who have signed onto it.
Once the websites are up, the Republicans need to get out there and market them, using Twitter, Facebook, email lists, their individual congressional websites and local and national media. Then, no one -- not even the president -- will be able to get by with labeling Republicans as the party of no.
I'm Joey. I'm running for Congress. And I approved this message.
P.S. If you missed my State of the Union address, you'll find it more accurately represents the mood of the people than what you heard last night.
Monday, June 15, 2009
A Return to Honor
I was born and raised, for the most part, in central Illinois in a family still closely tied to its Southern roots. Drummed into us from birth was the Southern code of honor, which was bound to God, family and community -- in that order. An integral part of that honor was manners.
By manners, I don't mean merely knowing which fork to use first at a formal dinner or refraining from burping in public. For my parents and grandparents, manners were a daily extension of the Golden Rule: You respect others if you want them to respect you. Manners were the rules of society that helped us disagree without being disagreeable, as my father, the "country parson," is fond of saying. By exercising manners, we learned accountability -- to ourselves and to others.
Somewhere along the line, we have forgotten our manners. Young people refuse to offer their seats to the elderly. Children tear through stores, knocking into people with no apology -- and no parent scolding them. Students swear at their teachers. Service workers have no clue what "service" means.
What is even sadder is the demise of public discourse. Gone are the great orators who honored their word. Today's public forum is filled, instead, with noisy political hackers who joke about the statutory rape of Gov. Palin's daughter. Or who think it's OK to call Michelle Obama's ancestors gorillas -- so long as it's done in jest. Such lack of self-restraint demeans the person who says such things as well as the community that encourages it.
Today when there are so many serious problems facing our nation, we need people who can intelligently address the issues -- courteously, respectfully and maturely. And, given that Republicans are the minority party, we're going to have to work twice as hard to demonstrate that we have the ideas, and the temperament, necessary to lead our country away from the edge of the abyss.
By manners, I don't mean merely knowing which fork to use first at a formal dinner or refraining from burping in public. For my parents and grandparents, manners were a daily extension of the Golden Rule: You respect others if you want them to respect you. Manners were the rules of society that helped us disagree without being disagreeable, as my father, the "country parson," is fond of saying. By exercising manners, we learned accountability -- to ourselves and to others.
Somewhere along the line, we have forgotten our manners. Young people refuse to offer their seats to the elderly. Children tear through stores, knocking into people with no apology -- and no parent scolding them. Students swear at their teachers. Service workers have no clue what "service" means.
What is even sadder is the demise of public discourse. Gone are the great orators who honored their word. Today's public forum is filled, instead, with noisy political hackers who joke about the statutory rape of Gov. Palin's daughter. Or who think it's OK to call Michelle Obama's ancestors gorillas -- so long as it's done in jest. Such lack of self-restraint demeans the person who says such things as well as the community that encourages it.
Today when there are so many serious problems facing our nation, we need people who can intelligently address the issues -- courteously, respectfully and maturely. And, given that Republicans are the minority party, we're going to have to work twice as hard to demonstrate that we have the ideas, and the temperament, necessary to lead our country away from the edge of the abyss.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Healthcare at a Crossroads – The Problem
The growing cost of healthcare was a national problem back in 1992 when Hillary Clinton failed to come up with a workable solution. It’s an even bigger problem today, costing us 18 percent of the national GDP – a figure that’s expected to nearly double over the next 30 years, according to a report released this week by the president’s Council of Economic Advisers. That means more and more of our paycheck – and a greater share of our tax dollar – will go for healthcare.
President Obama made healthcare reform a centerpiece of his campaign. And he’s told Congress it has to get it done this year or else. Although the president is spotlighting any vague promise of future savings as proof that his campaign speeches were more than rhetoric, a lot of Beltway insiders are admitting that the likelihood we’ll see any true reform is getting slimmer and slimmer.
The president can’t blame this one on the Republicans not playing nicely with the Democrats. The truth is that the Democrats aren’t playing nicely with each other. Some congressional Democrats are holding out for all or nothing – meaning they will settle for nothing but a universal, socialized coverage plan. Others insist on a more moderate approach.
Meanwhile, the president and his economic advisers are touting as real progress a broad promise extracted at a closed “summit” last month from a coalition of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical and medical device industry groups. After the afternoon summit, the president proudly announced, without giving any details, that the coalition had promised to slow the growth of healthcare costs by 1.5 percentage points a year over the next decade for a total savings of $2 trillion.
If that savings were to occur, the typical family of four would have $2,600 more in its pocket in 2020, according to the council’s report.
But since that summit, the members of the coalition have had a chance to crunch some numbers. They released a joint letter this week listing some general steps they could take to slow the growth of healthcare costs. (Note that we aren’t talking about actually cutting costs.) And in that letter, they say they might be able to save as little as half of the $2 trillion Obama is counting on.
Yes, we need healthcare reform. But if we want true reform, we’re going to have to come up with the solution ourselves – and then sell it to Congress and the various stakeholders.
I’ll start the ball rolling tomorrow night with some ideas that could realistically – and almost painlessly – change healthcare as we know it.
President Obama made healthcare reform a centerpiece of his campaign. And he’s told Congress it has to get it done this year or else. Although the president is spotlighting any vague promise of future savings as proof that his campaign speeches were more than rhetoric, a lot of Beltway insiders are admitting that the likelihood we’ll see any true reform is getting slimmer and slimmer.
The president can’t blame this one on the Republicans not playing nicely with the Democrats. The truth is that the Democrats aren’t playing nicely with each other. Some congressional Democrats are holding out for all or nothing – meaning they will settle for nothing but a universal, socialized coverage plan. Others insist on a more moderate approach.
Meanwhile, the president and his economic advisers are touting as real progress a broad promise extracted at a closed “summit” last month from a coalition of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical and medical device industry groups. After the afternoon summit, the president proudly announced, without giving any details, that the coalition had promised to slow the growth of healthcare costs by 1.5 percentage points a year over the next decade for a total savings of $2 trillion.
If that savings were to occur, the typical family of four would have $2,600 more in its pocket in 2020, according to the council’s report.
But since that summit, the members of the coalition have had a chance to crunch some numbers. They released a joint letter this week listing some general steps they could take to slow the growth of healthcare costs. (Note that we aren’t talking about actually cutting costs.) And in that letter, they say they might be able to save as little as half of the $2 trillion Obama is counting on.
Yes, we need healthcare reform. But if we want true reform, we’re going to have to come up with the solution ourselves – and then sell it to Congress and the various stakeholders.
I’ll start the ball rolling tomorrow night with some ideas that could realistically – and almost painlessly – change healthcare as we know it.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Stick to the Real Issues
Even though Democrats have controlled Congress for nearly three years and the mortgage crisis can be traced back to policies started under the Clinton administration, 62 percent of Americans blame the current economic mess on Republicans, according to Rasmussen Reports.
The reason? We have allowed the Democrats to define the issues, shape the message and control the dialogue. If we want to reclaim any congressional seats next year, or even take a stab at the presidency in 2012, we must do a better job of telling our side of the story.
We are not going to do it by complaining about the president taking his wife to a Broadway play in New York. Every president is entitled to time off -- and away -- from the Beltway. And, yes, wherever they go, whatever they do, we have to pay for the security detail. It goes with the office.
On the other hand, we should be taking aim at a radio-phone-email campaign the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched against six House Republicans for their votes against President Obama's $787 billion stimulus package. This campaign, which started today, targets Rep. Brian Bilbray of California's 50th congressional district; Rep. Charlie Dent, Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district; Rep. Peter King, New York's 3rd congressional district; Rep. Thad McCotter, Michigan's 11th congressional district; Rep. Tom Rooney, Florida's 16th congressional district, and Alaska's Rep. Don Young. (Hey, haven't the Dems done enough damage to Alaska?)
The campaign is based on half-truths. For instance, the phone script being used in Michigan says, "Congressman McCotter even voted against the economic recovery plan, which is at work now to create or save over 109,000 Michigan jobs."
Yes, it is true that McCotter voted against the stimulus bill, which was passed in early February. But it is not true that the stimulus is doing anything for Michigan -- even though it was supposed to create jobs immediately. According to Michigan labor statistics, the state lost 38,000 jobs in April alone. If I lived in Michigan, I'd be asking the Democrats for my money back!
These are the facts we need to get out there -- along with real-world solutions. Only then will we be able to get our nation back on track.
The reason? We have allowed the Democrats to define the issues, shape the message and control the dialogue. If we want to reclaim any congressional seats next year, or even take a stab at the presidency in 2012, we must do a better job of telling our side of the story.
We are not going to do it by complaining about the president taking his wife to a Broadway play in New York. Every president is entitled to time off -- and away -- from the Beltway. And, yes, wherever they go, whatever they do, we have to pay for the security detail. It goes with the office.
On the other hand, we should be taking aim at a radio-phone-email campaign the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched against six House Republicans for their votes against President Obama's $787 billion stimulus package. This campaign, which started today, targets Rep. Brian Bilbray of California's 50th congressional district; Rep. Charlie Dent, Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district; Rep. Peter King, New York's 3rd congressional district; Rep. Thad McCotter, Michigan's 11th congressional district; Rep. Tom Rooney, Florida's 16th congressional district, and Alaska's Rep. Don Young. (Hey, haven't the Dems done enough damage to Alaska?)
The campaign is based on half-truths. For instance, the phone script being used in Michigan says, "Congressman McCotter even voted against the economic recovery plan, which is at work now to create or save over 109,000 Michigan jobs."
Yes, it is true that McCotter voted against the stimulus bill, which was passed in early February. But it is not true that the stimulus is doing anything for Michigan -- even though it was supposed to create jobs immediately. According to Michigan labor statistics, the state lost 38,000 jobs in April alone. If I lived in Michigan, I'd be asking the Democrats for my money back!
These are the facts we need to get out there -- along with real-world solutions. Only then will we be able to get our nation back on track.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Joey's Take -- Obedience School
You know, I haven't seen Bo since the first week he moved into the White House. I'm figuring the president told him he had to get his book written this year or else ...
Or maybe the president sent Bo to obedience school. We can't have anyone running around out of control in the Beltway!
Speaking of which, I bet the president wishes he could get a muzzle for Joe Biden. Also on his wish list would be a shock collar -- wait, would that be considered torture? -- or at least obedience classes for some of the political animals in Congress. They just aren't doing what he wants them to do when he wants them to do it. They really need to be White House-broken.
It's bad enough that the Republicans aren't playing nice, but the Democrats should know better. According to pack behavior, they're supposed to follow the top dog.
Ah, but there's the rub. Just who IS the top dog?
While a number drink the president's water, I'm sure some of those congressional Democrats would wag their tails and point to Pelosi. Others might lick up to Reid or the show dogs from kennels backed by rich special interests. And in the Republican pack, a few are still sniffing around McCain while others are going in circles around Limbaugh, Romney, Gingrich or anyone else who tries to smell like a leader.
What all the political animals in D.C. need to remember -- President Obama included -- is that they are on a leash controlled by the American people. And that leash can be yanked, or shortened, at any time.
If you want to join my fan club, you can e-mail me at JoeyPortie@gmail.com or become a Facebook friend -- just look for Joey Serebrov.
Or maybe the president sent Bo to obedience school. We can't have anyone running around out of control in the Beltway!
Speaking of which, I bet the president wishes he could get a muzzle for Joe Biden. Also on his wish list would be a shock collar -- wait, would that be considered torture? -- or at least obedience classes for some of the political animals in Congress. They just aren't doing what he wants them to do when he wants them to do it. They really need to be White House-broken.
It's bad enough that the Republicans aren't playing nice, but the Democrats should know better. According to pack behavior, they're supposed to follow the top dog.
Ah, but there's the rub. Just who IS the top dog?
While a number drink the president's water, I'm sure some of those congressional Democrats would wag their tails and point to Pelosi. Others might lick up to Reid or the show dogs from kennels backed by rich special interests. And in the Republican pack, a few are still sniffing around McCain while others are going in circles around Limbaugh, Romney, Gingrich or anyone else who tries to smell like a leader.
What all the political animals in D.C. need to remember -- President Obama included -- is that they are on a leash controlled by the American people. And that leash can be yanked, or shortened, at any time.
If you want to join my fan club, you can e-mail me at JoeyPortie@gmail.com or become a Facebook friend -- just look for Joey Serebrov.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Looking for a Contender
Despite all the doomsday predictions foretelling the death of the Republican Party, the GOP actually has a good shot at reclaiming several important congressional seats next year. That is if it recruits credible contenders rather than embracing whomever shows up or letting weak Democrats go unchallenged.
Take the Nevada U.S. Senate seat, for instance. Harry Reid, Senate majority leader and, thus, titular head of all Senate Democrats, is asking to be taken out as he is no longer seen as the champion of Nevada. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports his favorable rating in the state is at 32 percent and his unfavorable rating at 51 percent. According to the newspaper's poll, Reid has fewer fans in Nevada than President Bush and even Rush Limbaugh!
But despite this news, no Republican has stepped forward yet to challenge Reid's Senate seat. Why? The most likely candidates have their eyes on the governor's mansion. And no one is eager to battle Reid who is infamous for his no-holds-barred campaign tactics.
Even though Reid is in no shape for a well-fought campaign, the most prominent Nevadan Republicans have jaws of glass. A few of them have actually contributed to Reid. Some of the problems they face? Criminal charges of recruiting and hiring undocumented workers. Accusations of pocketing money intended for nonprofit projects. Conflicts of interest, including a state senator whose day job is as a paid lobbyist to the Legislature.
But Nevada is not without its contenders. Tim Cushman, the third generation of a family that helped punch Nevada out of the dessert, is pro-business, understands the challenges facing Nevada and has kept his nose out of politics. He could be formidable in the ring if he could be persuaded to don the Repulican mantle.
Or there's state Sen. Barbara Cegavske, a small business owner who entered the political arena on the school board level when she became concerned about the education her sons weren't getting. Her family is grown now, and Barbara, from all reports, has proved she can go toe-to-toe with the meanest without becoming a closet bone collector.
If the Republicans are to regain seats in Nevada or elsewhere, the local and national committees have to do some scouting, start recruiting the brightest and best, and then dig into their pockets to give these candidates a fighting chance. Only then will they hush the naysayers and start building the excitement they will need to retake the White House in 2012.
Take the Nevada U.S. Senate seat, for instance. Harry Reid, Senate majority leader and, thus, titular head of all Senate Democrats, is asking to be taken out as he is no longer seen as the champion of Nevada. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports his favorable rating in the state is at 32 percent and his unfavorable rating at 51 percent. According to the newspaper's poll, Reid has fewer fans in Nevada than President Bush and even Rush Limbaugh!
But despite this news, no Republican has stepped forward yet to challenge Reid's Senate seat. Why? The most likely candidates have their eyes on the governor's mansion. And no one is eager to battle Reid who is infamous for his no-holds-barred campaign tactics.
Even though Reid is in no shape for a well-fought campaign, the most prominent Nevadan Republicans have jaws of glass. A few of them have actually contributed to Reid. Some of the problems they face? Criminal charges of recruiting and hiring undocumented workers. Accusations of pocketing money intended for nonprofit projects. Conflicts of interest, including a state senator whose day job is as a paid lobbyist to the Legislature.
But Nevada is not without its contenders. Tim Cushman, the third generation of a family that helped punch Nevada out of the dessert, is pro-business, understands the challenges facing Nevada and has kept his nose out of politics. He could be formidable in the ring if he could be persuaded to don the Repulican mantle.
Or there's state Sen. Barbara Cegavske, a small business owner who entered the political arena on the school board level when she became concerned about the education her sons weren't getting. Her family is grown now, and Barbara, from all reports, has proved she can go toe-to-toe with the meanest without becoming a closet bone collector.
If the Republicans are to regain seats in Nevada or elsewhere, the local and national committees have to do some scouting, start recruiting the brightest and best, and then dig into their pockets to give these candidates a fighting chance. Only then will they hush the naysayers and start building the excitement they will need to retake the White House in 2012.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A Message to Republicans
As Republican leaders are gathering to discuss strategy and the future of the party, I've got a few pointers to share with them and the rank and file.
1. The past. Get over it. Yes, we lost the election -- but not by the landslide the Democrats would have you believe.
2. President Bush. Stop hiding from him. Yes, our country is in a mess. But many of our problems took root under President Clinton, maturing under Bush AND a Democrat-controlled Congress. Anytime someone starts blaming Bush for everything, politely remind them that Pelosi-Reid were tag-teaming in the House and Senate.
3. The agenda. Don't let the Dems define us, anoint "our" spokespeople or set our agenda. We should speak for ourselves by presenting well thought-out solutions to the problems facing the nation.
4. Name calling. It's so middle school. Do you really think we're going to advance the cause by spending valuable time arguing about whether we should "rename" the Democrat Party the "National Socialist Democrat Party"? Come on, we've got more important issues to tend to.
5. The basics. Get back to them. The Republican Party was once the party of practical solutions, a party dedicated to basic human freedom. That means expanding the tent and constructively adapting to demographic changes in our country.
6. The future. Recruit, recruit, recruit -- reaching out to minorities, women and people of all ages. We've got opportunities to take back congressional seats in 2010, including Harry Reid's Senate seat, but so far we have done little to recruit serious, credible candidates to challenge the incumbents. And when we do, we have to put our money where our mouth is to help our candidates win. While we're at it, we need to keep our eyes open for a fresh, strong lineup of presidential contenders who can bring new energy and excitement to the process and successfully challenge the Obama-Biden team in 2012.
1. The past. Get over it. Yes, we lost the election -- but not by the landslide the Democrats would have you believe.
2. President Bush. Stop hiding from him. Yes, our country is in a mess. But many of our problems took root under President Clinton, maturing under Bush AND a Democrat-controlled Congress. Anytime someone starts blaming Bush for everything, politely remind them that Pelosi-Reid were tag-teaming in the House and Senate.
3. The agenda. Don't let the Dems define us, anoint "our" spokespeople or set our agenda. We should speak for ourselves by presenting well thought-out solutions to the problems facing the nation.
4. Name calling. It's so middle school. Do you really think we're going to advance the cause by spending valuable time arguing about whether we should "rename" the Democrat Party the "National Socialist Democrat Party"? Come on, we've got more important issues to tend to.
5. The basics. Get back to them. The Republican Party was once the party of practical solutions, a party dedicated to basic human freedom. That means expanding the tent and constructively adapting to demographic changes in our country.
6. The future. Recruit, recruit, recruit -- reaching out to minorities, women and people of all ages. We've got opportunities to take back congressional seats in 2010, including Harry Reid's Senate seat, but so far we have done little to recruit serious, credible candidates to challenge the incumbents. And when we do, we have to put our money where our mouth is to help our candidates win. While we're at it, we need to keep our eyes open for a fresh, strong lineup of presidential contenders who can bring new energy and excitement to the process and successfully challenge the Obama-Biden team in 2012.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What's Really Needed
Speaking at a town hall meeting in New Mexico today, President Obama said public pressure will force congressional Republicans to "compromise" with his administration on issues such as healthcare reform.
"I think that we'll see more and more agreement over time as the Republican Party starts to realize that the American people want results right now," Obama said. "They don't want bickering. And when they realize that, they'll have an open, outstretched hand from me." (Source: CNN)
Once again, Obama provides a lopsided view of compromise. For him, "compromise" means the Republicans have to come around to his way of thinking. True to his Democratic roots, he's all about take and no give.
The president is right about one thing. We're all tired of the bickering.
But we're also tired of the self-righteous grandstanding, the hypocritical scapegoating, Pelosi's dancing around the facts, Leahy's vindictive finger-pointing, and the excessive spending on earmarks and bloated government agencies.
But rather than embrace a Democratic agenda, which Congress has been forcing upon us for the past 2-1/2 years, Republicans must stop bickering among themselves and start promoting a practical, doable, unified agenda of their own. We need solutions -- not arguments or compromise.
"I think that we'll see more and more agreement over time as the Republican Party starts to realize that the American people want results right now," Obama said. "They don't want bickering. And when they realize that, they'll have an open, outstretched hand from me." (Source: CNN)
Once again, Obama provides a lopsided view of compromise. For him, "compromise" means the Republicans have to come around to his way of thinking. True to his Democratic roots, he's all about take and no give.
The president is right about one thing. We're all tired of the bickering.
But we're also tired of the self-righteous grandstanding, the hypocritical scapegoating, Pelosi's dancing around the facts, Leahy's vindictive finger-pointing, and the excessive spending on earmarks and bloated government agencies.
But rather than embrace a Democratic agenda, which Congress has been forcing upon us for the past 2-1/2 years, Republicans must stop bickering among themselves and start promoting a practical, doable, unified agenda of their own. We need solutions -- not arguments or compromise.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Joey's Take on the GOP Dog Show
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are mine and mine alone. Mom and Dad taught me to think for myself; it's a lesson they think I've learned too well -- especially when it comes to trying to chase the Metro down I-66 or bark at metal deer sculptures.)
Since Bo has been lying low at the White House this past week, I thought I'd do some sniffing around at what's shaping up to be the GOP Dog Show. Hey, I may be a pound puppy, but my bloodlines are show quality all the way, so I think I'm at least as qualified as Meghan McCain to dish about the potential contestants.
First, with the big competition still more than three years off, it's a bit early to give the Best of Show trophy to anyone. Secondly, all the wanna-bes need to stop rubbing up against the legs of the media pitbulls. They're not the judges who count. The winner of this dog show will be the one who wins the People's Choice award.
A third thing to keep in mind is that just because someone was best of show or a runnerup last time out doesn't mean squat. It's a quick trip from best of show to the doghouse.
As for the possible contestants -- we've got the usual mix of frou frous, yappers, old American standards and a few exotic breeds. There are those who compete in whichever class is the most popular -- or the most convenient -- at the time. We've got the ones who are so excited about getting to the show that they haven't thought about what they would do if they win. And there are those who know they don't have a shot at the big trophy, but they want to get some experience in the ring.
Me, I'd like to see the judges get behind a working dog who can outsniff the bloodhounds, has better vision than the sighthounds and can outdistance the greyhounds.
(If you have any ideas you'd like to have me chew on in a future blog -- or if you just want to tell me I'm adorable and brilliant, you can write to me at JoeyPortie@gmail.com.)
Since Bo has been lying low at the White House this past week, I thought I'd do some sniffing around at what's shaping up to be the GOP Dog Show. Hey, I may be a pound puppy, but my bloodlines are show quality all the way, so I think I'm at least as qualified as Meghan McCain to dish about the potential contestants.
First, with the big competition still more than three years off, it's a bit early to give the Best of Show trophy to anyone. Secondly, all the wanna-bes need to stop rubbing up against the legs of the media pitbulls. They're not the judges who count. The winner of this dog show will be the one who wins the People's Choice award.
A third thing to keep in mind is that just because someone was best of show or a runnerup last time out doesn't mean squat. It's a quick trip from best of show to the doghouse.
As for the possible contestants -- we've got the usual mix of frou frous, yappers, old American standards and a few exotic breeds. There are those who compete in whichever class is the most popular -- or the most convenient -- at the time. We've got the ones who are so excited about getting to the show that they haven't thought about what they would do if they win. And there are those who know they don't have a shot at the big trophy, but they want to get some experience in the ring.
Me, I'd like to see the judges get behind a working dog who can outsniff the bloodhounds, has better vision than the sighthounds and can outdistance the greyhounds.
(If you have any ideas you'd like to have me chew on in a future blog -- or if you just want to tell me I'm adorable and brilliant, you can write to me at JoeyPortie@gmail.com.)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Forget the Obituary
A lot of media, driven by liberal wishful thinkers, have been busy writing an obituary for the Republican Party. They would have you believe that the party has boxed itself into a corner of the Deep South and today only appeals to a handful of intolerant, vindictive, religious, anti-immigrant, anti-intellectual, women-hating, gun-toting elderly nuts.
But to paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of the party's death have been greatly exaggerated -- as has the death mask the Democrats have tried to plaster on Republicans.
We were at a rally this weekend in which a Republican announced his candidacy for governor of Virginia. What was amazing was who was at the Saturday morning rally. Yes, there were white guys -- and women -- and plenty of retired military. There also were Hispanics, African Americans, Vietnamese, Chinese, South Koreans and Philippinos. There were little kids, teenagers, college students, yuppies, families, "middlers" and retirees. There were people whose roots went back to the founding of the country and those who had recently arrived here. There were blue-collar workers, housewives, homeschoolers, lawyers, small business owners, scientists and other professionals.
The talk that morning wasn't hateful or spiteful. Instead, it was full of hope, of bringing back fiscal responsibility, of restoring faith in the future for all Virginians, of honoring life, of recognizing personal responsibility. The energy and promise in that room was testimony that conservatism is very much alive and well in America.
But to paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of the party's death have been greatly exaggerated -- as has the death mask the Democrats have tried to plaster on Republicans.
We were at a rally this weekend in which a Republican announced his candidacy for governor of Virginia. What was amazing was who was at the Saturday morning rally. Yes, there were white guys -- and women -- and plenty of retired military. There also were Hispanics, African Americans, Vietnamese, Chinese, South Koreans and Philippinos. There were little kids, teenagers, college students, yuppies, families, "middlers" and retirees. There were people whose roots went back to the founding of the country and those who had recently arrived here. There were blue-collar workers, housewives, homeschoolers, lawyers, small business owners, scientists and other professionals.
The talk that morning wasn't hateful or spiteful. Instead, it was full of hope, of bringing back fiscal responsibility, of restoring faith in the future for all Virginians, of honoring life, of recognizing personal responsibility. The energy and promise in that room was testimony that conservatism is very much alive and well in America.
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