Delaware House Minority Leader Greg Lavelle (R) and House Minority Whip Gerald Hocker (R) have submitted a letter to Governor Jack Markell asking him to "fundamentally reassess" DelDOT.
The Delaware Department of Transportation has been in the cross hairs due to questionable land deals and poor fiscal management.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Fed. Judge ObamaCare UNCONSTITUTIONAL and UNSEVERABLE
In what may be a fatal blow to Obama Care, a federal judge has ruled that the health care reform act is "unconstitutional' and "unseverable". The latter means that the law must be rejected in whole, and not in parts. The ruling was part of a twenty state lawsuit to repeal the severely flawed health care reform bill.
Federal Judge Roger Vinson in a 78-page ruling gave what amounts to a complete rejection of the bill based on the Commerce Clause:
Federal Judge Roger Vinson in a 78-page ruling gave what amounts to a complete rejection of the bill based on the Commerce Clause:
The existing problems in our national health care system are recognized by everyone in this case. There is widespread sentiment for positive improvements that will reduce costs, improve the quality of care, and expand availability in a way that the nation can afford. This is obviously a very difficult task. Regardless of how laudable its attempts may have been to accomplish these goals in passing the Act, Congress must operate within the bounds established by the Constitution. Again, this case is not about whether the Act is wise or unwise legislation. It is about the Constitutional role of the federal government.The consortium of twenty-six states have secured a crucial victory in their favor. For them, it is refreshing that the Constitution is still valid, and that the 10th Amendment still prevails. The consortium includes: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. What is more troubling is why the remaining 24 states are not on-board, Delaware included.
For the reasons stated, I must reluctantly conclude that Congress exceeded the bounds of its authority in passing the Act with the individual mandate. That is not to say, of course, that Congress is without power to address the problems and inequities in our health care system. The health care market is more than one sixth
of the national economy, and without doubt Congress has the power to reform and regulate this market. That has not been disputed in this case. The principal dispute has been about how Congress chose to exercise that power here.
Because the individual mandate is unconstitutional and not severable, the entire Act must be declared void.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
1979 Deja Vu
1979: America was experiencing high unemployment and a stagnant economy
2011: America is experiencing high unemployment and a stagnant economy
1979: Oil and gas prices are rising
2011: Oil and gas prices are rising
1979: A Middle East country, Iran, was in the middle of a revolution spurned by its citizens
2011: A Middle East country, Egypt, is in the middle of a revolution spurned by its citizens
1979: President Carter was aloof in how to deal with the Iran cris
2011: President Obama is clueless in how to deal with Egypt
Who would have thought that in 2011, a White House would not have learned how to deal with a nation undergoing an internal revolution. The Obama White House, with President Obama on the sidelines and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton more interested in Haiti look more clueless than President Carter did thirty two years ago.
The parallels between Carter and Obama are startling. Like Carter, if you were nation that was pro-American, Obama disliked you (or the leader). In 1979, Iran was pro-American, just as much as Egypt is today. In Egypt's case, the enemy is Hosni Mubarak who is both an ally of the United States and Israel. And that could very well be the crux of the issue why Egypt is now in flames.
While Obama quietly ignores this crisis of an American ally, just like Carter did to Iran, American citizens must pray that if Mubarak must go - an ally replaces him. But with opposition leader Mohammed El Baradei asking Mubarak to step down quietly, that may not be the case. El Baradei, the former Director General of the UN'S International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). While at this position, El Baradei was criticized by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and former Israeli Prime Minister and current Israeli President Simon Peres for being soft on Iran's developing nuclear programs.
Allowing El Baradei to assume control over Egypt could put the Middle East into chaos, as he has already proven to be soft on Iran. Such as move could also be disastrous to Israel who has enjoyed a peaceful relationship with the Mubarak regime. But as Obama announced today, the White House no longer backs Mubarak and asked for "an orderly transition to a government that is responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people."
The line in the sand has been drawn, and Obama turned his back on an ally. Only time will tell what lies ahead for Egypt or the Middle East.
2011: America is experiencing high unemployment and a stagnant economy
1979: Oil and gas prices are rising
2011: Oil and gas prices are rising
1979: A Middle East country, Iran, was in the middle of a revolution spurned by its citizens
2011: A Middle East country, Egypt, is in the middle of a revolution spurned by its citizens
1979: President Carter was aloof in how to deal with the Iran cris
2011: President Obama is clueless in how to deal with Egypt
Who would have thought that in 2011, a White House would not have learned how to deal with a nation undergoing an internal revolution. The Obama White House, with President Obama on the sidelines and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton more interested in Haiti look more clueless than President Carter did thirty two years ago.
The parallels between Carter and Obama are startling. Like Carter, if you were nation that was pro-American, Obama disliked you (or the leader). In 1979, Iran was pro-American, just as much as Egypt is today. In Egypt's case, the enemy is Hosni Mubarak who is both an ally of the United States and Israel. And that could very well be the crux of the issue why Egypt is now in flames.
While Obama quietly ignores this crisis of an American ally, just like Carter did to Iran, American citizens must pray that if Mubarak must go - an ally replaces him. But with opposition leader Mohammed El Baradei asking Mubarak to step down quietly, that may not be the case. El Baradei, the former Director General of the UN'S International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). While at this position, El Baradei was criticized by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and former Israeli Prime Minister and current Israeli President Simon Peres for being soft on Iran's developing nuclear programs.
Allowing El Baradei to assume control over Egypt could put the Middle East into chaos, as he has already proven to be soft on Iran. Such as move could also be disastrous to Israel who has enjoyed a peaceful relationship with the Mubarak regime. But as Obama announced today, the White House no longer backs Mubarak and asked for "an orderly transition to a government that is responsive to the aspirations of the Egyptian people."
The line in the sand has been drawn, and Obama turned his back on an ally. Only time will tell what lies ahead for Egypt or the Middle East.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Chief Medicare Actuary Debunks Presidential Premise for Obamacare
At a House Budget Committee hearing earlier today, Medicare's Chief Actuary Rick Foster provided a concise, damaging verdict on two key promises of the health care law's proponents.
McCLINTOCK: "True or false: The two principle promises that were made in support of Obamacare were one, that it would hold costs down. True or false?"
FOSTER: "I would say false, more so than true."
McCLINTOCK: "The other promise... was the promise that if you like your plan, you can keep it. True or false?"
FOSTER: "Not true in all cases."
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Has Delaware Gone to Pot?
The Delaware General Assembly is reviewing a bi-partisan bill to allow for medicinal marijuana for medical patients. Delaware Senate Bill 17 is sponsored by Sen. Margaret Rose Henry (D) and Rep. Helene Keely (D). It also has co-sponsorship by Senators Robert Marshall (D), Karen Peterson (D), Liane Sorenson (R); Representatives Michael Barbieri (D); Melanie George (D), John Kowalko (D), Nick Manalakos (R) Teresa Schooley (D), Michael Mulrooney (D), Bryan Short (D) John Viola (D).
The text of the bill:
Delaware also needs to be cognizant that most violent crime is attributed to drugs. Will there be a rise in violent crime as a result? Or more drug trafficking offenses by those who lawfully received a subscription to marijuana who need money due to the bad economy?
Please call your State Representative and State Senator and have them reject this bill.
The text of the bill:
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE CREATING THE DELAWARE MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT.Is this really in the best interest of Delaware? Should we not look at doctors who abuse their right to practice who will subscribe medical marijuana to patients on a whim?
Synopsis: This legislation is based on the Marijuana Policy Project’s model medical marijuana legislation. The Bill creates an exception to a state’s criminal laws to permit the doctor-recommended medical use of marijuana by patients with serious medical conditions. A patient would only be protected from arrest of controlled substance laws if his or her physician certifies, in writing, that the patient has a specified debilitating medical condition and that the patient would receive therapeutic benefit from medical marijuana. The patient would send a copy of the written certification to the state Department of Health and Social Services and the Department would issue an ID card after verifying the information. Police officers could verify an ID card’s validity with the Department. As long as the patient is in compliance with the law, there would be no arrest.
Patients would be allowed to possess up to 6 ounces for their medical use. Six ounces is less than the federal government has determined is a one-month supply for patients in the Compassionate Investigational New Drug Program.
The legislation allows them to designate a caregiver who would also receive an ID card. Each caregiver may assist no more than five qualifying patients.
The legislation would allow for the state-regulated, non-profit distribution of medical marijuana. The Department of Health and Social Services would issue registration certificates to qualified applicants, who would have to abide by the rules on security, recordkeeping, and oversight provided for by the model medical marijuana legislation, in addition to any additional rules that the Department may develop. All dispensaries would be subject to random inspection and all of their staff would have to register with the Department of health. It is important that the law provide for both caregivers and dispensaries, since patients in rural areas are unlikely to have access to dispensaries, and because many low-income patients will not be able to afford medical marijuana at dispensaries. In addition, very ill patients would need a caregiver to pick up their medicine for them.
The Bill maintains commonsense restrictions on the medical use of marijuana, including prohibitions on public use of marijuana and driving under the influence of marijuana. Employers are not required to allow patients to be impaired at work or to allow the possession of marijuana at a workplace. Insurance providers would not have to cover medical marijuana.
Delaware also needs to be cognizant that most violent crime is attributed to drugs. Will there be a rise in violent crime as a result? Or more drug trafficking offenses by those who lawfully received a subscription to marijuana who need money due to the bad economy?
Please call your State Representative and State Senator and have them reject this bill.
Analysis of the State of the Union Speech
Tonight's Status of the Union speech by President Obama signaled his move to the center. Clearly, he has has to do this given the political losses suffered by the Democrats in the November mid-term elections. The full text of the State of the Union Speech is here.
Three main themes come out of the speech - focus on business job creation, education and infrastructure spending.
President Obama's business job creation proposal signal a clear move to the center, if not to the right. He proposal reviewing all government regulations to ensure they are not impairing job creation. He proposed reducing the corporate tax rate, provided it was deficit neutral.
President Obama focused on job creation via new green technology sector. He said that job growth will come from innovation in clean, renewable green technology. He set a goal to have one million electric cars on the road by 2015, and by 2035 80% of America's electricity will come from clean energy sources.
As an aside, electric vehicles through private innovation by Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Chevrolet are already being produced in the private sector without government subsidy. President Obama's push for electric vehicles will hinge on public demand, and should not be hinged on government spending. Our nation cannot afford that spending, and should let the free capitalist market dictate whether consumers want electric vehicles. It is also surprising that diesel cars and clean bio fuels are not being pursued.
President Obama's next major focus was on education. While he was correct that America's innovation hinges on education in science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM), he failed to encourage American students to enter these courses of study and careers in his speech. He did encourage Americans to heed the call of duty and enter the education field and become teachers.
Obama pushed the Race to the Top program, which really is their re- of No Child Left Behind. Like No Child Left Behind, Obama's re-branded program Race to to Top pins federal funding on school performance. This is not new.
What was new on education was the emphasis of education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics as this is key to innovation. On this, Obama is correct. He was also correct that we need more education in these core areas, if we are to reverse America's lagging performance in innovation. He cited China as being the home to the largest private solar research facility and the home of the fastest computer. Clearly, America must do better in innovation and focus on innovation to be a global leader in science, engineering and business development as a result of our innovation.
The next major focus of Obama's speech was infrastructure spending. He cited that America's infrastructure is falling behind other global nations, which is true. He stated our roads need repair, and we need to focus on high speed rail and high speed wireless Internet as our next major infrastructure push.
The need for high speed rail should be regional and centered around states with high population density, like in the Northeast. He set a goal that with 25 years, 80% of Americans will have access to high speed rail. While this may be a lofty goal and in same states and metropolitan areas needed, this may set up an eminent domain fight. And state infrastructure planning, not federal must be involved.
Obama's goal on high speed wireless Internet of having 98% of Americans having access to high-speed wireless Internet access within five years is not in the best interest of American taxpayer funding. High speed Internet and high-speed wireless coverage is already the focus on major telecommunation giants such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel and Clear Wireless. The American taxpayer should not fund taxpayer dollars to something that is driven by consumer demand. All of these private wireless provers depend on having a dependable wireless infrastructure and have being using corporate profits to reinvest in the wireless infrastructure. It needs to remain that way.
President Obama also focused on two smaller themes in speech. He set the stage for the perhaps the political battle of 201 1, which is illegal immigration reform. Health care reform was the battle of 2010, and illegal immigration reform will be the battle of 2011. He stated students from abroad are being educated in our schools and universities and then the moving back to their native lands to compete against us. Another blog post on this subject alone is in the works.
Obama finally got the message that America has a spending problem. He warned Congress that it needs reduce the deficit. Surprisingly, he asked for a review of all government agencies for overlap in function and will look to reduce duplication of duties. He asked Congress to also look at streamlining the individual tax code.
Republicans responded with two separate rebuttals to Obama's speech. The official response came from Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), House Budget Chairman:
Tea Party ally and Minnesota Representative Michelle Bachmann gave the Tea Party response:
Three main themes come out of the speech - focus on business job creation, education and infrastructure spending.
President Obama's business job creation proposal signal a clear move to the center, if not to the right. He proposal reviewing all government regulations to ensure they are not impairing job creation. He proposed reducing the corporate tax rate, provided it was deficit neutral.
President Obama focused on job creation via new green technology sector. He said that job growth will come from innovation in clean, renewable green technology. He set a goal to have one million electric cars on the road by 2015, and by 2035 80% of America's electricity will come from clean energy sources.
As an aside, electric vehicles through private innovation by Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Chevrolet are already being produced in the private sector without government subsidy. President Obama's push for electric vehicles will hinge on public demand, and should not be hinged on government spending. Our nation cannot afford that spending, and should let the free capitalist market dictate whether consumers want electric vehicles. It is also surprising that diesel cars and clean bio fuels are not being pursued.
President Obama's next major focus was on education. While he was correct that America's innovation hinges on education in science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM), he failed to encourage American students to enter these courses of study and careers in his speech. He did encourage Americans to heed the call of duty and enter the education field and become teachers.
Obama pushed the Race to the Top program, which really is their re- of No Child Left Behind. Like No Child Left Behind, Obama's re-branded program Race to to Top pins federal funding on school performance. This is not new.
What was new on education was the emphasis of education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics as this is key to innovation. On this, Obama is correct. He was also correct that we need more education in these core areas, if we are to reverse America's lagging performance in innovation. He cited China as being the home to the largest private solar research facility and the home of the fastest computer. Clearly, America must do better in innovation and focus on innovation to be a global leader in science, engineering and business development as a result of our innovation.
The next major focus of Obama's speech was infrastructure spending. He cited that America's infrastructure is falling behind other global nations, which is true. He stated our roads need repair, and we need to focus on high speed rail and high speed wireless Internet as our next major infrastructure push.
The need for high speed rail should be regional and centered around states with high population density, like in the Northeast. He set a goal that with 25 years, 80% of Americans will have access to high speed rail. While this may be a lofty goal and in same states and metropolitan areas needed, this may set up an eminent domain fight. And state infrastructure planning, not federal must be involved.
Obama's goal on high speed wireless Internet of having 98% of Americans having access to high-speed wireless Internet access within five years is not in the best interest of American taxpayer funding. High speed Internet and high-speed wireless coverage is already the focus on major telecommunation giants such as Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint Nextel and Clear Wireless. The American taxpayer should not fund taxpayer dollars to something that is driven by consumer demand. All of these private wireless provers depend on having a dependable wireless infrastructure and have being using corporate profits to reinvest in the wireless infrastructure. It needs to remain that way.
President Obama also focused on two smaller themes in speech. He set the stage for the perhaps the political battle of 201 1, which is illegal immigration reform. Health care reform was the battle of 2010, and illegal immigration reform will be the battle of 2011. He stated students from abroad are being educated in our schools and universities and then the moving back to their native lands to compete against us. Another blog post on this subject alone is in the works.
Obama finally got the message that America has a spending problem. He warned Congress that it needs reduce the deficit. Surprisingly, he asked for a review of all government agencies for overlap in function and will look to reduce duplication of duties. He asked Congress to also look at streamlining the individual tax code.
Republicans responded with two separate rebuttals to Obama's speech. The official response came from Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), House Budget Chairman:
Tea Party ally and Minnesota Representative Michelle Bachmann gave the Tea Party response:
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Repeal and Replace
Last week, the U.S. House voted 245-189 to repeal the American Patient Protection and Affordability Act (aka Obamacare). While that is a significant milestone to reversing big government takeover of the health care industry, it leaves a void of health care reform. Contrary to the leftist propaganda, conservatives do want health care reform, but it must deal with cost constraint and not the delivery of health care to Americans.
During the crafting of Obamacare, the Democrats hijacked the argument and failed to focus on the end game - controlling the cost of health care. Health care expenditures represent 1/6th of the U.S. economy, and are going higher. Fortunately, Americans are smarter than the Democrats in Congress and voted against them in the mid-term elections. But repealing Obamacare will only repeal the bill, and is not a substitute to not crafting legislation of meaningful health care reform that addresses cost constraint and lack of competition in the health care insurance industry.
While the U.S. Senate deals with the House Bill 2 that repealed the American Patient Protection and Affordability Act, now is the time to replace that bill with real reform. Here are a few suggestions by BlueHenConservative:
During the crafting of Obamacare, the Democrats hijacked the argument and failed to focus on the end game - controlling the cost of health care. Health care expenditures represent 1/6th of the U.S. economy, and are going higher. Fortunately, Americans are smarter than the Democrats in Congress and voted against them in the mid-term elections. But repealing Obamacare will only repeal the bill, and is not a substitute to not crafting legislation of meaningful health care reform that addresses cost constraint and lack of competition in the health care insurance industry.
While the U.S. Senate deals with the House Bill 2 that repealed the American Patient Protection and Affordability Act, now is the time to replace that bill with real reform. Here are a few suggestions by BlueHenConservative:
- Health Care Inter-State Competition Act, which would compel states to mandate intra-state commerce of health insurance policies. The bill would also compel state Insurance Commissioners to regulate the health insurance firms, much as they do property, life and auto insurance firms which compete freely in all fifty states.
- Health Care Tort Reform Act, which would compel states to establish limits on awards from health care court cases, based on historical and actuarial calculations by industry states.
- American Health Insurance Affordability Act, which is part two of the Health Care Intra-State Competition Act would compel states to establish insurance pools based on population on basic, intermediate and high-need health needs. States would be encouraged to market the plans to its residents to reduce the number of insured in each state.
- Health Care Technology Act, which would compel states to regulate health providers to leverage technology versus paper records, and also to share records with other providers to reduce overlap of unnecessary procedures and drug prescriptions.
- Health Care Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit health insurers from denying coverage to patients who have existing conditions. The act would also prohibit discriminatory pricing as a result of existing conditions.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A Day In History, We Should Not Celebrate
Today marks the 38th anniversary of the historic Roe v. Wade (1973) decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that paved the way for millions of unborn children to be murdered. The genocide against the unborn is stain on this nation's remarkable and storied history. Because of this heinous decision by the U.S Supreme Court, abortion has become a landmark business, and one that should not be promoted.
Some startling facts and unfortunate milestones since the Roe v Wade decision, according to the National Right to Life Commission:
Pro-Life Legislation Under Way
The 112th Congress, newly sworn-in and changed hands from the Democrats to the Republicans have made a commitment to defending the rights of the unborn. They have already been hard and work and some key legislation is underway right now:
Some startling facts and unfortunate milestones since the Roe v Wade decision, according to the National Right to Life Commission:
- There have been over 50 million abortions since 1973.
- The annual number of abortions went from 744,600 in the first year of legalization, to a high of over 1.6 million in 1990. In 2003, there were 1,287,000.
- There were over 3,500 abortions per day in 2003, 146 per hour, about one every 25 seconds.
- For every 1,000 live births, there were 312 abortions in 2003.
- There were more that 148,000 second and third trimester abortions in 2003.
- In 2003, more children died from abortion than Americans died in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars combined.
- A 2004 survey of women seeking abortions indicated that only about 7% of women cited typical “hard cases” (rape, incest, or some health concern with either the baby or the mother) as the primary reason they were seeking abortion.
- An April 2004 Zogby Poll found that 56% of respondents support legal abortion in only three or fewer circumstances: when the pregnancy results from rape or incest, or when it threatens the life of the mother.
- At an average cost of $372, the abortion business is a $400 million a year industry.
- Nearly half of all abortions are obtained by women who have already had at least one abortion.
Pro-Life Legislation Under Way
The 112th Congress, newly sworn-in and changed hands from the Democrats to the Republicans have made a commitment to defending the rights of the unborn. They have already been hard and work and some key legislation is underway right now:
- No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 3), which would make those policies part of permanent federal law rather than requiring them to be inserted into funding legislation every year.
- The Protect Life Act (H.R. 358), which would apply long-standing federal policies on funding and conscience rights related to abortion to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
- Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 361), which would ban governmental discrimination against obstetrics/gynecology residency programs that do not provide abortion training and allow health care providers to sue a discriminating entity.
- Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 6570), which would protect the rights of insurance issuers, providers and purchasers to negotiate a health plan under the new reform law that would exclude items that are against their moral and/or religious convictions, even in the face of the new federal "mandated benefits" provisions.
Blood Money
Blood Money is a documentary that highlights the evil around the abortion business. Make fun at if you will, but Planned Parenthood and other abortion clinics nationwide have created a lucrative business model out of killing the unborn children. Despite the benevolent sounding name of Planned Parenthood, it is not about helping pregnant women to bring their unborn child to life and the aspects of rearing a family. It's sole intent is to manipulate women into terminating the pregnancy, at a financial windfall for Planned Parenthood.
Locally, the Delaware Right to Life organization arranged for a viewing of this film at Theatre N in Wilmington. Attendees were also given an added bonus with a special guest appearance by film writer, director and producer David Kyle.
The film is available for sale online at www.bloodmoneyfilm.com or maybe show at near you. A shorter version of the film will air on EWTN tonight at 6pm.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Delaware State Unemployment Edges up to 8.5%
Liberal policies that stifle economic growth and continue to permeate throughout Delaware. The infection has taken the job market and put it in the ICU here in Delaware. Of note:
More here from the News Journal.
- In all of 2010, Delaware only added 500 jobs, excluding agriculture.
- 1,700 jobs were lost in December 2010
- 35,900 Delawareans who want work remain jobless
More here from the News Journal.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Catholic Doctrine on Gun Control Violates Natural Law
A January 20th weekly edition of the Wilmington (Delaware) edition of The Dialog had an interesting but unconvincing article on gun control. The author of the article tried in every vain to state that gun control should be limited to individuals to advance peace. While peace is the end result, preventing individuals from firearm ownership is inherently wrong and violates natural law on self-defense and for hunting.
Catholic Canon law vastly differs from natural law, of which natural cannot be granted nor taken away by any sovereign government. Natural law is inherently given to us by our Creator, and bestowed upon us for our very existence. There are two facets of natural law that refute this Catholic doctrine -the natural law of self-defense and the natural law of survival (e.g. food to live).
With regards to self-defense, humans have inherent natural right to defend themselves. In doing so, we are bestowed with the right to leverage what ever tool including guns may to protect us from the harm of others. The argument that in order to have peace we need to remove guns from the streets. That is false as it is not the gun that kills, it is the person. It is like stating in order to cure obesity, you must ban spoons. Spoons do not people fat, overeating does.
Humans also have an inherent natural right to live, and part of that includes eating. Hunting is one method for providing food for an individual, a family or a village. Hunting with a gun is an method to reach those means of providing that food.
So while the Catholic Church is noble in trying to advance peace, it is fundamentally wrong biblically as God has bestowed natural law in all of us. The natural law of life, and the preservation of life against attacks and for nourishment override the reactive stance to ban individual gun ownership. The author of the article and the Catholic Church also fail to realize that when the Founding Fathers leveraged natural law in the crafting of the Second Amendment to individuals, it also meant oppression or attacks from government.
Catholic Canon law vastly differs from natural law, of which natural cannot be granted nor taken away by any sovereign government. Natural law is inherently given to us by our Creator, and bestowed upon us for our very existence. There are two facets of natural law that refute this Catholic doctrine -the natural law of self-defense and the natural law of survival (e.g. food to live).
With regards to self-defense, humans have inherent natural right to defend themselves. In doing so, we are bestowed with the right to leverage what ever tool including guns may to protect us from the harm of others. The argument that in order to have peace we need to remove guns from the streets. That is false as it is not the gun that kills, it is the person. It is like stating in order to cure obesity, you must ban spoons. Spoons do not people fat, overeating does.
Humans also have an inherent natural right to live, and part of that includes eating. Hunting is one method for providing food for an individual, a family or a village. Hunting with a gun is an method to reach those means of providing that food.
So while the Catholic Church is noble in trying to advance peace, it is fundamentally wrong biblically as God has bestowed natural law in all of us. The natural law of life, and the preservation of life against attacks and for nourishment override the reactive stance to ban individual gun ownership. The author of the article and the Catholic Church also fail to realize that when the Founding Fathers leveraged natural law in the crafting of the Second Amendment to individuals, it also meant oppression or attacks from government.
Analysis of Gov. Markell's 2011 State of the State Address
Today's Delaware State of the State Address highlights very fundamental confusion by the Markell Administration on how to fix Delaware's ailing economy, schools and transportation departments. Let's address these one-by-one:
Markell Proposes Job Creation Infrastructure Investment Fund
The entire premise behind this concept hinges on offering tax credits. Rather than utilizing more taxpayer funds for this fund, why not just lower the corporate tax rate? Delaware's corporate tax rate as of 2010 stands at 8.7 percent. Regional competitors such as Virginia offer a corporate tax rate of 6.0%, which is more business friendly.
Another recommendation is to reduce and eliminate the gross receipt tax. This tax punishes businesses, as it taxes them on goods produced or services rendered in the state. Punishing businesses on what they must do to thrive is a deterrent to stay in business and create jobs.
Announcement of Joint Effort with Delaware Manufacturing Association
Only after General Motors, Chrysler and Valero shut down operations and shed thousands of manufacturing jobs does the light bulb go off with the Markell Administration. Talk about being a day late and a dollar short.
While this is a step in the right direction, this is a reactive measure by an administration that was elevated to office by union labor that was employed at at least GM and Chrysler. Where was this administration when they were losing their jobs?
Education Proposals on Language Requirement and Science/Technology/Engineering/Math Focus
Governor Markell should be commended for realizing that educating Delaware's children is a driving factor to having a workforce that businesses want to hire. The language requirement is essential to have a workforce competent of global perspective and conversant with another non-English nation. While Delaware may be home to several non-US businesses (e.g. Astra Zeneca) it does have businesses that conduct business globally. This is step in the right direction.
Markell's second proposal to create Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics was sorely need and refreshing to read and hear. This focus has been long overdue and there is no reason why Delaware cannot be a STEM hub to complement what the chemical giants have done to make Delaware home.
State Employees Health Care and Pension Cost Obligations
With the revealing that taxpayers have been bearing the burden of the explosive health care and pension cost obligations, Delaware leaders can now focus on reducing this burden. It was very startling to hear that the health care burden by taxpayers explode by 594% and the pension costs exploded by 257%. This clearly is unacceptable.
Delaware needs to address health care costs by increasing competition by allowing more health insurers to compete in Delaware, implementing tort reform and asking state employees to share the health care cost burden just like it done in the public sector. It is not fair for private citizens to fund their own health care for themselves and also that of the state employees. For this, the state must act like a business and ask employees to share more of the cost after they improve competition and availability of more choices for health care coverage via the private sector.
Markell must make a stand and reject Obamacare. Join the other twenty-six states and demand that we inject state reforms on health care to diffuse the unconstitutional federal government mandate. This issue commands leadership, and now is the time. Compel Attorney General Beau Biden to do his constitutional job and invoke nullification of Obamacare, for this legislation is violation of the U.S. Constitution on the mandate requirement.
The explosive pension cost burden borne by taxpayers is no different. It is not fair that private citizens must finance their own retirement and that of state employees. Delaware must do a multitude of things to address this problem. The first is to switch from a defined benefit pension plan to a defined contribution plan where state employees contribute to their retirement. This is the same decision many private sectors firms faced, and government employees should be no different.
Markell must renegotiate all union employee contracts to reign in employee costs. Consult with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on tactics on how to negotiate with the DSEA and other unions. It won't be easy, but it must be done.
Conclusion
Delaware's fiscal picture is bleak due to state health care, Medicare and pension cost obligations. Delaware'[s schools need reforming. While recognition of these areas is a first step to recovery, the road to sanity is a long one. The time for tough and unpleasant decisions is now. The time of the public's financing of fiscal recklessness and failed leadership is over.
Markell Proposes Job Creation Infrastructure Investment Fund
The entire premise behind this concept hinges on offering tax credits. Rather than utilizing more taxpayer funds for this fund, why not just lower the corporate tax rate? Delaware's corporate tax rate as of 2010 stands at 8.7 percent. Regional competitors such as Virginia offer a corporate tax rate of 6.0%, which is more business friendly.
Another recommendation is to reduce and eliminate the gross receipt tax. This tax punishes businesses, as it taxes them on goods produced or services rendered in the state. Punishing businesses on what they must do to thrive is a deterrent to stay in business and create jobs.
Announcement of Joint Effort with Delaware Manufacturing Association
Only after General Motors, Chrysler and Valero shut down operations and shed thousands of manufacturing jobs does the light bulb go off with the Markell Administration. Talk about being a day late and a dollar short.
While this is a step in the right direction, this is a reactive measure by an administration that was elevated to office by union labor that was employed at at least GM and Chrysler. Where was this administration when they were losing their jobs?
Education Proposals on Language Requirement and Science/Technology/Engineering/Math Focus
Governor Markell should be commended for realizing that educating Delaware's children is a driving factor to having a workforce that businesses want to hire. The language requirement is essential to have a workforce competent of global perspective and conversant with another non-English nation. While Delaware may be home to several non-US businesses (e.g. Astra Zeneca) it does have businesses that conduct business globally. This is step in the right direction.
Markell's second proposal to create Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics was sorely need and refreshing to read and hear. This focus has been long overdue and there is no reason why Delaware cannot be a STEM hub to complement what the chemical giants have done to make Delaware home.
State Employees Health Care and Pension Cost Obligations
With the revealing that taxpayers have been bearing the burden of the explosive health care and pension cost obligations, Delaware leaders can now focus on reducing this burden. It was very startling to hear that the health care burden by taxpayers explode by 594% and the pension costs exploded by 257%. This clearly is unacceptable.
Delaware needs to address health care costs by increasing competition by allowing more health insurers to compete in Delaware, implementing tort reform and asking state employees to share the health care cost burden just like it done in the public sector. It is not fair for private citizens to fund their own health care for themselves and also that of the state employees. For this, the state must act like a business and ask employees to share more of the cost after they improve competition and availability of more choices for health care coverage via the private sector.
Markell must make a stand and reject Obamacare. Join the other twenty-six states and demand that we inject state reforms on health care to diffuse the unconstitutional federal government mandate. This issue commands leadership, and now is the time. Compel Attorney General Beau Biden to do his constitutional job and invoke nullification of Obamacare, for this legislation is violation of the U.S. Constitution on the mandate requirement.
The explosive pension cost burden borne by taxpayers is no different. It is not fair that private citizens must finance their own retirement and that of state employees. Delaware must do a multitude of things to address this problem. The first is to switch from a defined benefit pension plan to a defined contribution plan where state employees contribute to their retirement. This is the same decision many private sectors firms faced, and government employees should be no different.
Markell must renegotiate all union employee contracts to reign in employee costs. Consult with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on tactics on how to negotiate with the DSEA and other unions. It won't be easy, but it must be done.
Conclusion
Delaware's fiscal picture is bleak due to state health care, Medicare and pension cost obligations. Delaware'[s schools need reforming. While recognition of these areas is a first step to recovery, the road to sanity is a long one. The time for tough and unpleasant decisions is now. The time of the public's financing of fiscal recklessness and failed leadership is over.
HSBC Layoff Announcement Highlights Delaware's Failing Business Climate
Today's announcement by HSBC to shed 500 jobs at its New Castle, Del. site highlights Delaware's failing business climate. What drove HSBC to discontinue credit card and collections at this site, may only be a partial truth. What was not report in the News Journal article, was whether HSBC is shifting those functions to another state or country.
Since HSBC did not outright state it was divesting the entire credit card operation, the likeliness of shifting these jobs to another state or country are pretty high. And that is a bad story for Delaware and for New Castle County. The next follow-up to this story should be why did New Castle County and Delaware governments fail HSBC to make such as decision.
The questions that need to be answered are:
Delaware may have the top bill in legal ranking nationwide that supports our business community, but this alone is not enough. Delaware needs businesses and jobs for every Delawarean that wants a job. The Tax Foundation's 2010 state rankings on business friendliness may have Delaware ranked 8th nationally but state and county budget shortfalls will lead to higher taxes in 2011 and beyond. Delaware's education ranking by the American Legislative Education Council as 19th best in the nation is a call for dire improvement to create an educated workforce.
Another facet to Delaware's ailing business climate could be that marketing (or lack thereof) of what Delaware has to offer businesses. A September 2010 report by Development Counsellors International, and independent firm that analyzes business friendliness for governments submitted a report to Delaware's Department of Economic Development. The report highlights Delaware's weaknesses and challenges. Some highlights includes Delaware's weaknesses on infrastructure, small labor pool, high cost to establish business and lack of incentive to conduct business in Delaware. The challenges include addressing the same weaknesses, as well as overcoming more competitive incentives from other states and having more business zones with established commercial sites.
Delaware and New County Government leaders facing a daunting task, and we can only hope they have the knowledge and fortitude to get us out of this conundrum. Delaware's workforce is reeling from bad political decisions and state and county coffers are suffering as a result. Until Delaware focuses on jobs and job retention, this picture will not improve. Delaware and New Castle County needs leadership and leadership now.
Since HSBC did not outright state it was divesting the entire credit card operation, the likeliness of shifting these jobs to another state or country are pretty high. And that is a bad story for Delaware and for New Castle County. The next follow-up to this story should be why did New Castle County and Delaware governments fail HSBC to make such as decision.
The questions that need to be answered are:
- What did Delaware or New Castle County not do, that others states or countries do to prevent another recurrence?
- What did the Delaware Department of Economic Development not do to retain those jobs?
- What factors did HSBC utilize to evaluate why to shed those jobs?
Delaware may have the top bill in legal ranking nationwide that supports our business community, but this alone is not enough. Delaware needs businesses and jobs for every Delawarean that wants a job. The Tax Foundation's 2010 state rankings on business friendliness may have Delaware ranked 8th nationally but state and county budget shortfalls will lead to higher taxes in 2011 and beyond. Delaware's education ranking by the American Legislative Education Council as 19th best in the nation is a call for dire improvement to create an educated workforce.
Another facet to Delaware's ailing business climate could be that marketing (or lack thereof) of what Delaware has to offer businesses. A September 2010 report by Development Counsellors International, and independent firm that analyzes business friendliness for governments submitted a report to Delaware's Department of Economic Development. The report highlights Delaware's weaknesses and challenges. Some highlights includes Delaware's weaknesses on infrastructure, small labor pool, high cost to establish business and lack of incentive to conduct business in Delaware. The challenges include addressing the same weaknesses, as well as overcoming more competitive incentives from other states and having more business zones with established commercial sites.
Delaware and New County Government leaders facing a daunting task, and we can only hope they have the knowledge and fortitude to get us out of this conundrum. Delaware's workforce is reeling from bad political decisions and state and county coffers are suffering as a result. Until Delaware focuses on jobs and job retention, this picture will not improve. Delaware and New Castle County needs leadership and leadership now.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
U.S. House Votes to Repeal Obamacare
The Republican-controlled U.S. House voted 245-189 to repeal Obamacare. The bill moves to the U.S. Senate where it must pass that chamber, before it heads to President Obama for approval. Since the U.S. Senate is controlled by the Democratic Party, it is highly doubtful that the may pass. And President Obama is not expected to sign this bill repealing the health care reform bill he hinged his Presidency on.
Clearly this is a huge win for House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) who professed to repeal Obamacare. He delivered.
As did the scores of new Republicans sworn in the U.S. House who campaigned on repealing Obamacare. Just two weeks after being sworn in - they delivered.
The path to full repeal is unknown, but the Republicans have won a major victory in reversing the tide of this over-reaching health care reform legislation. It is now time for the true leaders of the U.S. Senate to understand the will of the American people who want this bill repealed. Every major poll done since the passage of this bill has Americans clearly wanting this bill repealed.
If repealed, Republicans must deliver on true health reform that focuses on cost-reduction for American health care consumers and cost-constraint measures such as tort reform and electronic records management.
Clearly this is a huge win for House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) who professed to repeal Obamacare. He delivered.
As did the scores of new Republicans sworn in the U.S. House who campaigned on repealing Obamacare. Just two weeks after being sworn in - they delivered.
The path to full repeal is unknown, but the Republicans have won a major victory in reversing the tide of this over-reaching health care reform legislation. It is now time for the true leaders of the U.S. Senate to understand the will of the American people who want this bill repealed. Every major poll done since the passage of this bill has Americans clearly wanting this bill repealed.
If repealed, Republicans must deliver on true health reform that focuses on cost-reduction for American health care consumers and cost-constraint measures such as tort reform and electronic records management.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Kovach Win No Barometer Delaware GOP Ready for 2012
Seven percent turnout is not a referendum to to govern by. This extremely low turnout is pathetic.
One win does mean the structural problems of the Delaware Republican Party have been fixed over night. One win does not address the Delaware Republican Party fails to have a viable minority outreach plan, nor a technlogy plan to reach voters in this 21st Century.
This one win seals the fate that Tom Ross will continue to remain the head of the Delaware Republican Party. In doing so, no significant changes will made to remodel the GOP to be relevant for 2012.
Just wait until 2012, when we have a Presidential race that will drive out all of the factions that cost the DEGOP to lose over the last twenty years.
While Tom Kovach was victorious last night, the rank and file Republicans will resort to losses in 2012. This is synonymous to the Philadelphia Eagles who win enough games to get to the playoffs, but lose once they get there. Like the Eagles, the DEGOP can win special elections but does not the have the infrastructure to win general elections.
Until you replace the leadership team of the DEGOP from the top-down, this will never get addressed.
One win does mean the structural problems of the Delaware Republican Party have been fixed over night. One win does not address the Delaware Republican Party fails to have a viable minority outreach plan, nor a technlogy plan to reach voters in this 21st Century.
This one win seals the fate that Tom Ross will continue to remain the head of the Delaware Republican Party. In doing so, no significant changes will made to remodel the GOP to be relevant for 2012.
Just wait until 2012, when we have a Presidential race that will drive out all of the factions that cost the DEGOP to lose over the last twenty years.
While Tom Kovach was victorious last night, the rank and file Republicans will resort to losses in 2012. This is synonymous to the Philadelphia Eagles who win enough games to get to the playoffs, but lose once they get there. Like the Eagles, the DEGOP can win special elections but does not the have the infrastructure to win general elections.
Until you replace the leadership team of the DEGOP from the top-down, this will never get addressed.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Russia: Obama Signed Away Missile Defenses
Earlier today, Newsmax broke a story (albeit under-reported) that Russia states that Obama signed away the U.S.' right to missile defense. According to the author, Russia's parliament states that the ratification of the START treaty prevents the U.S. from developing future missile defense systems. Of course, Washington disagrees.
The exact wording of the treaty includes “interrelationship between strategic offensive arms and strategic defensive arms”. This word and direct connection to strategic offensive and strategic defensive arms should raise concerns that the ratification by the U.S. Senate, violates the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution calls for the U.S. government to 'provide for the common defence' (spelling correct for writing of U.S. Constitution).
The allegations made by Russian leaders (see Newsmax article) should bring pause to the U.S. judicial branch, who has authority to review the ratification of the treaty (pursuant to Article III, Section II of the U.S. Constitution). Thorough review of the treaty and its components must be done to ensure that the U.S. continues to have the liberty to ensure we can defend its citizens, property and interests around the world.
What President Obama and the Democrats in the U.S. Senate fail to realize that that agreeing to such a treaty is not about securing a political victory. Agreeing to such a treaty must always center around whether it will allow for the protection of the U.S. and its citizens. National security must always trump image.
NOTE: As this article was being written, Russia has said NO to this treaty. While this may be a thumb of the nose against Obama and the Democrats in the U.S. Senate, it is a victory for all Americans. Let the warnings signs of this article be a reminder that national security must be a priority.
Oh and Delaware, Chris Coons and Tom Carper approved the ratification of the START Treaty. Remember that the next time you have an opportunity to vote.
The exact wording of the treaty includes “interrelationship between strategic offensive arms and strategic defensive arms”. This word and direct connection to strategic offensive and strategic defensive arms should raise concerns that the ratification by the U.S. Senate, violates the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution calls for the U.S. government to 'provide for the common defence' (spelling correct for writing of U.S. Constitution).
The allegations made by Russian leaders (see Newsmax article) should bring pause to the U.S. judicial branch, who has authority to review the ratification of the treaty (pursuant to Article III, Section II of the U.S. Constitution). Thorough review of the treaty and its components must be done to ensure that the U.S. continues to have the liberty to ensure we can defend its citizens, property and interests around the world.
What President Obama and the Democrats in the U.S. Senate fail to realize that that agreeing to such a treaty is not about securing a political victory. Agreeing to such a treaty must always center around whether it will allow for the protection of the U.S. and its citizens. National security must always trump image.
NOTE: As this article was being written, Russia has said NO to this treaty. While this may be a thumb of the nose against Obama and the Democrats in the U.S. Senate, it is a victory for all Americans. Let the warnings signs of this article be a reminder that national security must be a priority.
Oh and Delaware, Chris Coons and Tom Carper approved the ratification of the START Treaty. Remember that the next time you have an opportunity to vote.
BREAKING NEWS: CREW Director Melanie Sloan used Father to Raise FEC Complaint
This just in from the Freedomist.
CREW Director Melanie Sloan used her own father to raise a FEC complaint against Christine O'Donnell. Leonard Togman is a long-time donor to VP Joe Biden and Delaware U.S. Senator Tom Carper.
Is it a coincidence that Togman's donations to Biden during the last decade make up 67% of his donations? And the remaining third to Carper?
CREW Director Melanie Sloan used her own father to raise a FEC complaint against Christine O'Donnell. Leonard Togman is a long-time donor to VP Joe Biden and Delaware U.S. Senator Tom Carper.
Is it a coincidence that Togman's donations to Biden during the last decade make up 67% of his donations? And the remaining third to Carper?
Delaware Liberals Cause Budget Shortfalls at DelDOT and NCCo Government
Tax and spend liberals have lived up to that moniker through Delaware. Today, reports about budget shortfalls at DelDOT and the New Castle County were made public.
Blue Hen Conservative broke the story on the fiscal wrecklessness of New Castle County back in October 2010, during the heated U.S. Senate campaign. While mainstream media (News Journal) ignored this blog post and warnings of Republican U.S. candidate Christine O'Donnell, New Castle County taxpayers may have to pick up the slack.
DelDOT fiscal mess is the fault of its leadership, and the failure to bring about cost reform to the agency. Delaware drivers will most likely pay the price at the pump and through higher tolls to close this budget gap.
When will Delaware voters realize that elections matter? It does not have to be this way.
Blue Hen Conservative broke the story on the fiscal wrecklessness of New Castle County back in October 2010, during the heated U.S. Senate campaign. While mainstream media (News Journal) ignored this blog post and warnings of Republican U.S. candidate Christine O'Donnell, New Castle County taxpayers may have to pick up the slack.
DelDOT fiscal mess is the fault of its leadership, and the failure to bring about cost reform to the agency. Delaware drivers will most likely pay the price at the pump and through higher tolls to close this budget gap.
When will Delaware voters realize that elections matter? It does not have to be this way.
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