When I decided to start blogging again this summer, I knew I wouldn't have much time to post as often as other sites in the Missouri blogosphere. At the time, and still today, I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing, though.
Many blogs feature quickly-typed posts which haven't been thought through before the author hit the publish button. It seems some authors are in some sort of race with time to post as many articles in one day as they can. On the Something Is Wrong blog, it isn't quite the same. Averaging only three posts a month this summer requires me to choose my topics wisely and select the exact wording which will clearly explain my views to my readers. I choose the topics and my solutions based on a set of core principles and beliefs which are centered around freedom.
Before we decide our opinion of a political issue or candidate for office, we need to form our core beliefs. We must also be able to clearly articulate them in a patient way so our readers can understand our views without any nasty arguments.
Too many times, blogs decide which lawmakers they oppose and then base their views of other issues on how he or she votes. We need to first form our views, and then support or oppose candidates for all levels of government based on our principles. As we move closer to the 2012 presidential election, I am searching for the candidate who shares my basic philosophy.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
An Open Letter To The Turner Report's Randy Turner
Mr. Turner,
I'd like to take this time to respond to your recent article entitled "Glenn Beck: Joplin doesn't need the government's help."
First, I want to be clear I do not agree with Mr. Beck on every issue, nor am I here to defend him as a person. However, I think it should be pointed out that it is not only "spoiled millionaires" who believe government should stay out of relief efforts. Many of the people who believe government should stay out of the way are Constitutional, freedom-loving Americans in all financial classes.
Missing from your article is our answer to Joplin's needs. Sadly, instead, you result to name-calling and quite frankly, an inaccurate look at Glenn Beck's view of this issue.
Our answer is centered upon the core belief that American business isn't evil. Unfortunately because of over-regulation and high taxes, they are hindered from supplying Joplin with more resources. The fact is if churches and charities were in charge of the relief efforts, they would do a better job than the government- at no cost to the American taxpayer. With the savings from cutting government agencies such as FEMA, every citizen and business would have more money to donate to the relief efforts, if they so wish.
Even with the high taxes and costs of living we face today, private businesses and individuals have donated massive amounts of money, supplies, and time to aid their neighbors in this time of need. History shows we live in the most generous nation in the world.
If government would get out of the way, it would allow even more success in the private sector's relief efforts and charity work as a whole. In fact, the key to success when we face many problems today is getting the government out of the way so the private sector can do what it does best. It's really that simple.
Thank you for your time.
I'd like to take this time to respond to your recent article entitled "Glenn Beck: Joplin doesn't need the government's help."
First, I want to be clear I do not agree with Mr. Beck on every issue, nor am I here to defend him as a person. However, I think it should be pointed out that it is not only "spoiled millionaires" who believe government should stay out of relief efforts. Many of the people who believe government should stay out of the way are Constitutional, freedom-loving Americans in all financial classes.
Missing from your article is our answer to Joplin's needs. Sadly, instead, you result to name-calling and quite frankly, an inaccurate look at Glenn Beck's view of this issue.
Our answer is centered upon the core belief that American business isn't evil. Unfortunately because of over-regulation and high taxes, they are hindered from supplying Joplin with more resources. The fact is if churches and charities were in charge of the relief efforts, they would do a better job than the government- at no cost to the American taxpayer. With the savings from cutting government agencies such as FEMA, every citizen and business would have more money to donate to the relief efforts, if they so wish.
Even with the high taxes and costs of living we face today, private businesses and individuals have donated massive amounts of money, supplies, and time to aid their neighbors in this time of need. History shows we live in the most generous nation in the world.
If government would get out of the way, it would allow even more success in the private sector's relief efforts and charity work as a whole. In fact, the key to success when we face many problems today is getting the government out of the way so the private sector can do what it does best. It's really that simple.
Thank you for your time.
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Key To Success: Get Government Out Of The Way
In my last post, I talked briefly about the role government should play in storm recovery and clean up. In case you missed it, you can find it here. I wrote that post before a deadly F5 tornado ripped through the Southwest Missouri town of Joplin, killing 116.
I want to take this time to expand on "We Need To Go Back" as well as explain why I am still sticking to my principles in that previous post. No number of anonymous comments can change my confidence in the free individuals' ability to accomplish any task, however daunting it may seem.
Because of this unwavering confidence, I have found it is my job to once again make the case government should stay out of relief efforts in Joplin and throughout the country, even if it seems to be an unpopular stance to take.
The fact is if churches and charities were in charge of the relief efforts, they would do a better job than the government- at no cost to the American taxpayer. With the savings from cutting government agencies such as FEMA, every citizen and business would have more money to donate to the relief efforts, if they so wish.
Even with the high taxes and costs of living we face today, private businesses and individuals have donated massive amounts of money, supplies, and time to aid their neighbors in this time of need.
If government would get out of the way, it would allow even more success in the private sector to take place in relief efforts and charity work as a whole. In fact, the key to success when we face many problems today is just get the government out of the way so the private sector can fix itself. It's really that simple.
I want to take this time to expand on "We Need To Go Back" as well as explain why I am still sticking to my principles in that previous post. No number of anonymous comments can change my confidence in the free individuals' ability to accomplish any task, however daunting it may seem.
Because of this unwavering confidence, I have found it is my job to once again make the case government should stay out of relief efforts in Joplin and throughout the country, even if it seems to be an unpopular stance to take.
The fact is if churches and charities were in charge of the relief efforts, they would do a better job than the government- at no cost to the American taxpayer. With the savings from cutting government agencies such as FEMA, every citizen and business would have more money to donate to the relief efforts, if they so wish.
Even with the high taxes and costs of living we face today, private businesses and individuals have donated massive amounts of money, supplies, and time to aid their neighbors in this time of need.
If government would get out of the way, it would allow even more success in the private sector to take place in relief efforts and charity work as a whole. In fact, the key to success when we face many problems today is just get the government out of the way so the private sector can fix itself. It's really that simple.
Monday, May 16, 2011
We Need To Go Back
Last Tuesday (May 10), President Obama signed a declaration of emergency, which authorized federal funds to be used in aid to victims of the storms and flooding which have crossed the state this spring. The Office of the Press Secretary sent the following release through the White House website:
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on April 19, 2011, and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Butler, Mississippi, New Madrid, St. Louis, and Taney.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster...
Both U.S. Senators, as well as the Governor from Missouri, requested the funds in a letter to the President. Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill signed a letter, which backed Jay Nixon's request, including this excerpt:
“The severity and magnitude of this disaster, paired with the fact that Missouri has suffered several other natural disasters in the past year, has led the Governor to determine that an effective response to this event is beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local governments."
As a believer in individuality and personal responsibility, I do not believe storm clean up should be a priority for government. As I've said many times, government's role is to protect and preserve freedom. Period.
If the private community was in charge of disaster relief, it would most certainly become more effective in its efforts. There is nothing beyond the capabilities of the free individuals in the most generous nation in history.
We need to go back to the days when neighbors took care of neighbors and churches were in charge of charity work by helping the poor and less-fortunate in the community.
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on April 19, 2011, and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Butler, Mississippi, New Madrid, St. Louis, and Taney.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster...
Both U.S. Senators, as well as the Governor from Missouri, requested the funds in a letter to the President. Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill signed a letter, which backed Jay Nixon's request, including this excerpt:
“The severity and magnitude of this disaster, paired with the fact that Missouri has suffered several other natural disasters in the past year, has led the Governor to determine that an effective response to this event is beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local governments."
As a believer in individuality and personal responsibility, I do not believe storm clean up should be a priority for government. As I've said many times, government's role is to protect and preserve freedom. Period.
If the private community was in charge of disaster relief, it would most certainly become more effective in its efforts. There is nothing beyond the capabilities of the free individuals in the most generous nation in history.
We need to go back to the days when neighbors took care of neighbors and churches were in charge of charity work by helping the poor and less-fortunate in the community.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Redistricting Map: Pleasing Party Leaders And Lobbyists
I need to start this week by finishing up the news from last week in Jefferson City. On May 4, the Missouri legislator voted to override Governor Jay Nixon's veto of the new congressional redistricting map- based on the new census statistics.
The Senate easily reached the required 23 votes with all but one Republican supporting the measure. Meanwhile, the House couldn't spare one vote, and accomplished the goal with the 109 votes needed.
From the STL Beacon: In the state Senate, all but one Republican voted to override, and were joined by three Democrats: Victor Callahan, Jolie Justis and Kiki Curls, all of Kansas City. The Republican defector was Rep. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton.The four House Democrats willing to override Nixon, a fellow Democrat, were: state Reps. Jamilah Nasheed and Penny Hubbard of St. Louis, and Jonas Hughes and Michael Brown of Kansas City.
When I first read the voting record it seemed a little odd. There didn't appear to be any rhyme or reason as to why some Republicans and Democrats crossed the aisle to support or oppose the map. It didn't seem to me like a redistricting map was an important enough issue to result in such bickering between the lawmakers. But now I realize the problem.
The new map will play a key role in future elections. Therefore, party leaders, special interest groups, and United States congressmen and women fought hard for a map which would benefit them and their re-election efforts. Unfortunately, some state politicians are too worried about pleasing those people before doing whats best for the residents of Missouri.
Both Republicans and Democrats should be fighting diligently to improve the current job climate and to fine tune the budget, not to please party leaders and lobbyists.
The Senate easily reached the required 23 votes with all but one Republican supporting the measure. Meanwhile, the House couldn't spare one vote, and accomplished the goal with the 109 votes needed.
From the STL Beacon: In the state Senate, all but one Republican voted to override, and were joined by three Democrats: Victor Callahan, Jolie Justis and Kiki Curls, all of Kansas City. The Republican defector was Rep. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton.The four House Democrats willing to override Nixon, a fellow Democrat, were: state Reps. Jamilah Nasheed and Penny Hubbard of St. Louis, and Jonas Hughes and Michael Brown of Kansas City.
Here's the new map:
The new map will play a key role in future elections. Therefore, party leaders, special interest groups, and United States congressmen and women fought hard for a map which would benefit them and their re-election efforts. Unfortunately, some state politicians are too worried about pleasing those people before doing whats best for the residents of Missouri.
Both Republicans and Democrats should be fighting diligently to improve the current job climate and to fine tune the budget, not to please party leaders and lobbyists.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
'Filibuster Four' Stands Strong Again
A lot of excitement has occurred in Jefferson City in the last week. As with too much other state and local news, it hasn't been discussed with a thoughtful, reputable, Conservative voice. That is my objective here.
First, we must go to the Missouri Senate where we find a near all-night filibuster which took place on Monday night and continued into Tuesday. From KY3 News:
Four Republican state senators are blocking a vote on legislation that would reauthorize Missouri's use of about $467 million of federal stimulus money. The Senate filibuster that began Tuesday is being led by the same four senators who delayed a vote in March and April on renewing Missouri's participation in federally funded benefits for long-term unemployed workers.
The filibustering senators let the unemployment bill pass after Republican Senate leaders pledged to help them identify $250 million of cuts to Missouri's federal stimulus funds. The Senate Appropriations Committee refused to make all those cuts, so the four senators are stalling a vote on the bill.
The filibuster was conducted in shifts by state senators who are now known as the "Filibuster Four." Jim Lembke (St. Louis), Rob Schaaf (St. Joseph), Will Kraus (Lee's Summit), and Brian Nieves (Washington), were the only four senators to insist on cuts in spending of federal stimulus money.
This really exposes some distasteful details about the rest of the Republican-controlled senate. Out of the thirty-four senators (twenty-six of which are Republicans), only four stood up to cut the federal funds. Spending like this is to be expected from Democrats, but in this case Republicans went right along with it. I continue to be disappointed by the Missouri GOP.
We need to elect more lawmakers like the "Filibuster Four" who are unafraid to stand strong on matters of principle; even if that means looking outside the Republican Party.
First, we must go to the Missouri Senate where we find a near all-night filibuster which took place on Monday night and continued into Tuesday. From KY3 News:
Four Republican state senators are blocking a vote on legislation that would reauthorize Missouri's use of about $467 million of federal stimulus money. The Senate filibuster that began Tuesday is being led by the same four senators who delayed a vote in March and April on renewing Missouri's participation in federally funded benefits for long-term unemployed workers.
The filibustering senators let the unemployment bill pass after Republican Senate leaders pledged to help them identify $250 million of cuts to Missouri's federal stimulus funds. The Senate Appropriations Committee refused to make all those cuts, so the four senators are stalling a vote on the bill.
The filibuster was conducted in shifts by state senators who are now known as the "Filibuster Four." Jim Lembke (St. Louis), Rob Schaaf (St. Joseph), Will Kraus (Lee's Summit), and Brian Nieves (Washington), were the only four senators to insist on cuts in spending of federal stimulus money.
This really exposes some distasteful details about the rest of the Republican-controlled senate. Out of the thirty-four senators (twenty-six of which are Republicans), only four stood up to cut the federal funds. Spending like this is to be expected from Democrats, but in this case Republicans went right along with it. I continue to be disappointed by the Missouri GOP.
We need to elect more lawmakers like the "Filibuster Four" who are unafraid to stand strong on matters of principle; even if that means looking outside the Republican Party.
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