Obviously Matt Denn is too busy working for his law firm or pet projects to be a voice of Delawareans.
Since he has no time for us, we must find someone who WILL represent Delawareans. We must elect Sher Valenzuela who will be our advocate and our voice in Dover. Let's give Matt Denn all the time he wants to pursue his legal pet projects, since his obligation of being the current Lt. Governor is getting in the way.
Watch this video.
Delaware deserves better. Delaware deserves a leader. Delaware needs Sher.
Also check out the rest of her videos here.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Matt Denn Dishonest About Volunteer Work
Shell Games Continue: Denn was paid thousands through Skadden Arps, one of world’s largest law firms, to do “free” work
On the heels of last week’s revelation that Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn has shortchanged citizens by taking on a second job despite taking office in one of Delaware’s worst economic downturns, new information has emerged regarding claims Denn has made about “charity” legal work.
Denn has bragged for years about his work as a young attorney providing “free” law work to people in a church basement legal clinic run by the Delaware Volunteer Legal Services.
The story is a prominent part of Denn’s stump speech on the campaign trail. He’s often repeated it this year at candidate forums.
But Denn always leaves out an important part of the story.
Denn was actually on loan to the “volunteer” program from a multinational law firm. He drew a regular paycheck for doing this “free” “volunteer” work.
Denn was paid through the Skadden Arps Fellowship (information available by googling “Matt Denn Skadden Arps”). People participating in the program today receive a salary well above Delaware’s average per capita income, plus benefits. Participants in 1991, when Denn was a fellowship recipient, were similarly compensated.
Bragging about “charity work” is bad enough. But making your job look like charity work when you were actually paid thousands of dollars to do it is even worse.
“Denn’s shell games like these must stop. Delawareans deserve a Lieutenant Governor who will give them full effort and attention, not someone who moonlights at a second job for personal benefit,” Valenzuela said.
“I’m focused on serving the people, not “gaming the system” for personal gain. For instance, i’ve pledged to forgo any state pension I would accrue in office. As Lieutenant Governor, I will focus on building our economy, strengthening our schools and making our streets safer. And I won’t be distracted from it by taking on a second job,” Valenzuela said.
Here’s language from denn’s website regarding his legal work (http://www.mattdenn.com/about-matt):
“Matt returned to delaware and sought out delaware volunteer legal services for his first job, providing free legal advice and representation to people who couldn’t afford it otherwise.
Meeting with clients in church basements, he worked on cases involving unfair apartment evictions, workplace discrimination and domestic violence. “he deals with them all thoroughly from a to z and, thank god, it’s all free,” bishop thomas weeks of greater bethel a.m.e church told the news journal when it wrote about Matt’s service to the churches.”
Sher Valenzuela for Lieutenant Governor of Delaware
http://sher2012.nationbuilder.com/
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Is Senator Carper Fit to Serve?
At the US Senatorial debate sponsored by the Black Chamber of Commerce in Dover on the September 19th, all three attending candidates stated that they had no known health issues that could prevent them from serving all 6 years if they were to be elected. These affirmative, clearly stated declarations resulted from a question by an attendee, who wanted assurance that his vote wasn’t going to be disrespected by a backroom political deal that would find Markell or another political crony in the Senate finishing the term of a newly elected Senator Carper, who retires due to medical problems.
For Senator Carper, who did not attend this debate, the question remains: does Senator Carper have any known medical condition(s) that could prevent him from completing all six years in the Senate, if he were to be reelected? Every person attending the debate agreed that this is an appropriate question for the Senator to address.
Senator Carper can put this issue to rest with a statement identical to the ones his opponents made, above. Alternatively, he can describe any potentially disruptive medical condition(s) and trust the voters to make an informed decision. His third alternative is to stonewall this reasonable concern, which will give the issue more energy and destructive potential for his campaign and political legacy. Hopefully he will attend other debates where he will be asked this question – guaranteed.
The question is can and will Senator Carper serve a full six-year term? If there is even a shadow of doubt, then a vote for Senator Tom Carper is a wasted vote.
Monday, October 8, 2012
A letter to Michael Smerconish
I am a former longtime listener to Michael Smerconish's program on WPHT 1210 in Philadelphia, and as such, have remained on his mailing list even though (for reasons that will soon become apparent), I no longer listen to his program.
One of his recent emails described his "disgust" at the polarization of US politics, and, perversely in my view, placed much of the blame on political commentators (would you place the blame for a blatant fumble or foul on the ref who called it?)
In response, I sent the letter below.
........................
Michael,
Have you considered the idea that the answer may not be for the two "extremes" to meet in the middle, but that one of those extremes may be very extreme indeed while the other one represents what was at one time considered quite middle of the road?
If one mathematician asserts that 2+2=4, and another asserts that 2+2=98, is it "extreme" for the first mathematician to stick to his original assertion? Is it "moderate" or "reasonable" for an observer to try to convince both parties (and everyone else) that 2+2=47, since that would be "meeting in the middle" ?
What happens a year or two later, when the second mathematician asserts that 2+2=200? Well, even the position that 2+2=47 would then be considered "extreme", correct?
Rather than apologizing for those in your field who are challenging the real extremists, and suggesting they exercise self-censorship (or that they should be censored), how about using your own position to expose more of the real extremism, rather than just telling everyone they should play nice together? Would you tell your child to "play nice" with a bully who continually beat him up, as though he, as the victim, were 50% at fault?
Back in the days when you were writing books like "Muzzled", and actually digging up the dirt on people who needed a spotlight shown on them, I was an avid listener to your program. Unfortunately, in recent years, from what I have seen and heard, you have become a spokesman for "play nice, no matter what", without regard who to is actually behaving dishonestly or abusively.
That is one manifestation of the idea that "they're each as bad as the other", a notion that is harmful to civil discourse and civic institutions, since it gives no credit to the good while never calling out the bad. It is a philosophy that gives the advantage to the worst actors, every time.
Shame on you for promoting it.
Sincerely,
Michael Vitsek
Have you considered the idea that the answer may not be for the two "extremes" to meet in the middle, but that one of those extremes may be very extreme indeed while the other one represents what was at one time considered quite middle of the road?
If one mathematician asserts that 2+2=4, and another asserts that 2+2=98, is it "extreme" for the first mathematician to stick to his original assertion? Is it "moderate" or "reasonable" for an observer to try to convince both parties (and everyone else) that 2+2=47, since that would be "meeting in the middle" ?
What happens a year or two later, when the second mathematician asserts that 2+2=200? Well, even the position that 2+2=47 would then be considered "extreme", correct?
Rather than apologizing for those in your field who are challenging the real extremists, and suggesting they exercise self-censorship (or that they should be censored), how about using your own position to expose more of the real extremism, rather than just telling everyone they should play nice together? Would you tell your child to "play nice" with a bully who continually beat him up, as though he, as the victim, were 50% at fault?
Back in the days when you were writing books like "Muzzled", and actually digging up the dirt on people who needed a spotlight shown on them, I was an avid listener to your program. Unfortunately, in recent years, from what I have seen and heard, you have become a spokesman for "play nice, no matter what", without regard who to is actually behaving dishonestly or abusively.
That is one manifestation of the idea that "they're each as bad as the other", a notion that is harmful to civil discourse and civic institutions, since it gives no credit to the good while never calling out the bad. It is a philosophy that gives the advantage to the worst actors, every time.
Shame on you for promoting it.
Sincerely,
Michael Vitsek
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Delaware Continues to Lose Business Friendly Competitive Advantage
In its annual report that ranks each state on how well it does to conduct and grow business, CNBC once again gave poor marks to Delaware. In fact, Delaware has fallen into the bottom quartile, and with a dramatic turn-around the future does not look good for Delaware's economy. For 2012, Delaware ranked a an anemic 43rd out of 50 (last year it ranked 36th.
The mere fact that in 2011 Delaware ranked 36th and in 2012 it now ranks 43rd, shows that policies by elected officials are simply not working. Only two categories showed improvement - economy and access to capital. This is a red herring since the labor force continues to shrink in Delaware and around the nation, but also because the unemployment rates drops due to lapsing of benefits paid to the unemployed. Access to capital have have improved but this is a fraction of the what it was in 2007. Delaware also cannot compete with larger states for venture capital due to its small size and lower profile.
Delaware also failed to be in the top five in any of the categories above. In 2011, Delaware was in the top five in business friendliness (ranked #1 in the nation).
In the categories that will lead to job creation and business development, Delaware ranked worse in 2012 than it did in 2011.
Here are the definitions affiliated with the categories above and you will see why Delaware is not making the grade:
The mere fact that in 2011 Delaware ranked 36th and in 2012 it now ranks 43rd, shows that policies by elected officials are simply not working. Only two categories showed improvement - economy and access to capital. This is a red herring since the labor force continues to shrink in Delaware and around the nation, but also because the unemployment rates drops due to lapsing of benefits paid to the unemployed. Access to capital have have improved but this is a fraction of the what it was in 2007. Delaware also cannot compete with larger states for venture capital due to its small size and lower profile.
Delaware also failed to be in the top five in any of the categories above. In 2011, Delaware was in the top five in business friendliness (ranked #1 in the nation).
In the categories that will lead to job creation and business development, Delaware ranked worse in 2012 than it did in 2011.
Here are the definitions affiliated with the categories above and you will see why Delaware is not making the grade:
- Cost of doing business - Cost is a major consideration when a company chooses a state. We looked at the tax burden, including individual income and property taxes, as well as business taxes, particularly as they apply to new investments. Utility costs can add up to a huge expense for business, and they vary widely by state. We also looked at the cost of wages, as well as rental costs for office and industrial space
- Workforce - Many states point with great pride to the quality and availability of their workers, as well as government-sponsored programs to train them. We rated states based on the education level of their workforce, as well as the numbers of available workers. We also considered union membership. While organized labor contends that a union workforce is a quality workforce, that argument, more often than not, doesn’t resonate with business. We also looked at the relative success of each state’s worker training programs in placing their participants in jobs.
- Quality of Life - The best places to do business are also the best places to live. We scored the states on several factors, including local attractions, the crime rate, health care, as well as air and water quality.
- Economy - A solid economy is good for business. So is a diverse economy, with access to the biggest players in a variety of industries. We looked at basic indicators of economic health and growth.
- Infrastructure and Transportation - Access to transportation in all its modes is key to getting your products to market and your people on the move. We measured the vitality of each state’s transportation system by the value of goods shipped by air, land and water. We looked at the availability of air travel in each state, and the quality of the roads.
- Technology and Innovation - Succeeding in the new economy—or any economy—takes innovation. The top states for business prize innovation, nurture new ideas, and have the infrastructure to support them. We evaluated the states on their support for innovation, the number of patents issued to their residents, and the deployment of broadband services. We also considered federal health and science research grants to the states.
- Education - Education and business go hand in hand. Not only do companies want to draw from an educated pool of workers, they want to offer their employees a great place to raise a family. Higher education institutions offer companies a source to recruit new talent, as well as a partner in research and development. We looked at traditional measures of K-12 education including test scores, class size and spending. We also considered the number of higher education institutions in each state.
- Business Friendliness - Regulation and litigation are the bane of business. Sure, some of each is inevitable. But we graded the states on the perceived “friendliness” of their legal and regulatory frameworks to business.
- Access to Capital - Companies go where the money is, and venture capital flows to some states more than others.
- Cost of Living - The cost of living helps drive the cost of doing business. From housing to food and energy, wages go further when the cost of living is low.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Obama's Assault on the First Amendment
Congress shall make no
law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of
the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress
of grievances.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is undoubtedly
the most significant of the Bill of Rights.
It is undoubtedly the most significant.
It is the bedrock or foundation of this great nation and speaks to the
who we are as a nation and what rights (or freedoms) we hold true. The right to free speech; the right to choose
and practice religion; the right to press;
the right to peacefully assemble; and the right to petition our government
for grievances symbolize a nation that promotes individual liberty over
government tyranny.
However, as of late, one of those freedoms is under
attack. Despite being mentioned twice in
the First Amendment – Congress shall
make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof – the Obama Administration did not get the memo. Our Founding Fathers intentionally framed
religious liberty twice – the establishment of one religion over another and
the practice of one’s religion – intentionally.
They did so because of the significance religion plays in a moral and
just nation, but religion liberty also played a major role in why we became a
nation in the first place.
Many of the early settlers to Colonial America - in the
early 1600s - did so because of religious persecution in their native
homelands. If you look back at 16th
Century England for instance, King Henry VIII martyred un-loyal dissidents who
refused to recognize him as Supreme Head of the Church of England. Despite the Act of Supremacy of 1534, many
faithful felt the royal crown went too far.
Not too long after, Charles I of England created a schism between
Protestants and Roman Catholics, of which many British Catholics fled to
Colonial America.
Many of the framers of the Constitution remember what
brought them or their ancestors to America – religious persecution and they
wanted religious freedom to be protected.
And they did so with the First Amendment – the first protection of five
key freedoms not witnessed by any other nation.
Fast forward to present day America and look no further to
the Obama Administration for a present King Henry VIII or Charles I. From the on-set of his inauguration Obama and
his cabinet have embarked on a mission to divide the American religious
faithful. Despite those powerful and
eloquent sixteen words of the First
Amendment, the Obama has ignored the rule of law and imposed his will on Americans
who want to practice religion freely and dutifully.
The first salvo against the faithful was in February 2009
when the Obama Administration reversed the Mexico City policy which originally
prohibited federal taxpayer dollars from funding abortions around the
globe. Obama, well known for his
abortion rights, in this action willfully uses taxpayer dollars earned by
American faithful to fund abortions – or infanticide- against their
conscience. This action also cements
America’s legacy in state-sponsored infanticide world-wide. Not a legacy a moral nation would endure.
The 2011 full repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy,
instituted by the Clinton Administration advanced Obama’s agenda for sexual
liberty. That sexual liberty,
reminiscent of the 1960’s sexual revolution endangers the moral conscience of
the faithful in the military who must now cohabitate with who are not of the
sexual persuasion. This action
compromises the faithful whose religious and moral teaching prohibit anything
other than traditional marriage – between one man and one woman. This policy also compels the military
chaplains to compromise their faith by not condoning non-traditional
relationships as immoral which is contradictory to their faith.
The precipice of Obama Administration divide of the faithful
was cemented in the embattled Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Passed in March 2010 along party lines, the
behemoth of a bill is the hallmark of religious intolerance and government
tyranny rolled into one. The tenants of
the bill which are an affront to religious liberty center on the mandatory
funding of abortion and the conscience violation of contraception funding
mandated by the new federally-compliant health care plans. Despite empty rhetoric and promises from the
Obama Administration, a citizens free exercise of their religion is compromised
with the implementation of this legislation.
Whether the faithful knows this or not, the faithful’s
conscience is compromised by de facto funding of abortion services, abortion
drugs and contraception under the new health care plans. The actions by Obama, his cabinet and the
Democrats in Congress is so egregious to the integrity of the First Amendment
that many organizations with the Catholic Church had no choice but to take the
Obama Administration to federal court.
But let’s not forget that despite the deception by the Obama camp
towards the Catholics on this issue, this is an assault on all faithful whose
religious teachings put life over death.
An assault on one is an assault on all.
The fate of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is
up for judicial review by the U.S. Supreme Court with a ruling in late June
2012. Despite the ruling, the legacy of
the Obama Administration is one that does not value the tenets of the U.S.
Constitution and clearly not the Bill the Rights long cherished this republic
for over 230 years.. Rather the Obama
camp is more determined to govern via despotic rule.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Happy Mother's Day
A baby asked God, “They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?”
“Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.”The child further inquired, “But tell me, here in heaven I don’t have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.”
God said, “Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel’s love and be very happy.”
Again the child asked, “And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don’t know the language?”
God said, “Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and
sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your
angel will teach you how to speak.”
“And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?”
God said, “Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.”
“Who will protect me?”
God said, “Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it’s life.”
“But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.”
God said, “Your angel will always talk to you about Me and
will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be
next to you.”
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices
from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, “God, if I am
to leave now, please tell me my angel’s name.”
“You will simply call her, ‘Mom.’”
- Unknown
Monday, May 7, 2012
Obamanomics: 88 Million U.S. Adults Not Working
Eighty-eight million mostly able-bodied Americans are not working.
Today, Rush Limbaugh exposed one of the lies being spread by the Obama Administration. That lie is that reason why the unemployment rate is dropping is because more and more Baby Boomers are retiring. Well, the cat is out of the bag, and that "fact" is simply not true.
The truth is that only 2/3 of able-bodied Americans are working which equates to 88 million unemployed.
Read the transcript from today's show here.
Today, Rush Limbaugh exposed one of the lies being spread by the Obama Administration. That lie is that reason why the unemployment rate is dropping is because more and more Baby Boomers are retiring. Well, the cat is out of the bag, and that "fact" is simply not true.
The truth is that only 2/3 of able-bodied Americans are working which equates to 88 million unemployed.
Read the transcript from today's show here.
CASE STUDY: Indiana Booming With Jobs. Why Not Delaware?
Ever since Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed the bill to change how Indiana does business, there phone has been ringing off the hook with companies looking to set up business. The law changed Indiana to a right-to-work state. While it may currently lag Texas and Florida, Indiana is in the drivers seat on job creation and that will be a much welcome change for the rust belt state.
Right before the law became effective in March, Governor Daniels was quote as saying:
Why Not Delaware?
The reason why Delaware has not embraced the right-to-work idea is a lack of political courage. Currently, Delaware is a forced union state and with Democrats controlling the Governor's mansion and both chambers of the Delaware General Assembly, there is no political will to put Delawareans back to work. The reason for that is right-to-work endangers the Delaware Way and the power currently held by Delaware Democrats.
Delaware unions come out en mass on election day here in Delaware to support the one party that butters their bread. And for it, Democrats don't have the political courage to do what is right for the rest of the citizens who are not in a union. But what did this blind loyalty get unions and Delaware Democrats - two closed auto plants (General Motors and Chrysler) and one failed promise from Fisker Automotive.
Not since 1981 when Governor Pete du Pont signed the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 has Delaware seen a boon in job creation. The passage of the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 has brought major financial powerhouses to Delaware including JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Discover and their predecessors. Today, tens of thousands are employed by
Imagine if the economic boom created by the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 was replicated today? It could, if elected Delaware politicians embrace right to work. Just look at all of the states that have it and how do they compare to Delaware.
While Delaware's current unemployment rate is mid-line, Delaware's numbers may be skewed due to population demographics and citizens leaving the work force entirely. Regardless, an unemployment rate of 6.9% is unacceptable. The citizens of Delaware deserve better, and a political sea change is the only way to get there. This is why elections matter.
Right before the law became effective in March, Governor Daniels was quote as saying:
"We've already signed new agreements with three companies, one announced and two to come soon," Daniels said Monday. "There are 31 companies as of Friday night now on our negotiation rolls who've identified right-to-work as a major, if not the major, factor in their interest in Indiana."
Why Not Delaware?
The reason why Delaware has not embraced the right-to-work idea is a lack of political courage. Currently, Delaware is a forced union state and with Democrats controlling the Governor's mansion and both chambers of the Delaware General Assembly, there is no political will to put Delawareans back to work. The reason for that is right-to-work endangers the Delaware Way and the power currently held by Delaware Democrats.
Delaware unions come out en mass on election day here in Delaware to support the one party that butters their bread. And for it, Democrats don't have the political courage to do what is right for the rest of the citizens who are not in a union. But what did this blind loyalty get unions and Delaware Democrats - two closed auto plants (General Motors and Chrysler) and one failed promise from Fisker Automotive.
Not since 1981 when Governor Pete du Pont signed the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 has Delaware seen a boon in job creation. The passage of the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 has brought major financial powerhouses to Delaware including JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Discover and their predecessors. Today, tens of thousands are employed by
Imagine if the economic boom created by the Financial Center Development Act of 1981 was replicated today? It could, if elected Delaware politicians embrace right to work. Just look at all of the states that have it and how do they compare to Delaware.
While Delaware's current unemployment rate is mid-line, Delaware's numbers may be skewed due to population demographics and citizens leaving the work force entirely. Regardless, an unemployment rate of 6.9% is unacceptable. The citizens of Delaware deserve better, and a political sea change is the only way to get there. This is why elections matter.
Monday, April 30, 2012
How Barack Obama Lost the Youth Vote
In 2008, Barack Obama won the Presidency partly due to his "celebrity" status with the 18-25 age block. His speeches, his use of new technology, and his "hope and change" message won over the hearts and minds of this pivotal age group. My how things have change four years later.
In a new study, the economic future for American college graduates is bleak and could spell electoral trouble for President Obama. With these results, he could be a one-term President:
With regards to the 2008 platform of "Hope and Change", young adults are not sold on the performance. Young adults saddled by less job and income opportunities realized it was just smoke and mirrors and if these numbers hold through election day, it could spell trouble for President Obama. Here is why:
In a new study, the economic future for American college graduates is bleak and could spell electoral trouble for President Obama. With these results, he could be a one-term President:
- 53.6% percent of recent college graduates are unemployed or underemployed,
- 85% percent of college graduates expect to move back home.
- Decline in starting salary for high school graduates is down for both men and women. Men realized a $2,040 salary loss in 2011 versus 2007. Women realized a $640 loss for the same period.
- Decline in starting salary for college graduates is down for both men and women. Men realized a $2,400 salary loss in 2011 versus 2007. Women realized a $1,740 loss for the same period.
With regards to the 2008 platform of "Hope and Change", young adults are not sold on the performance. Young adults saddled by less job and income opportunities realized it was just smoke and mirrors and if these numbers hold through election day, it could spell trouble for President Obama. Here is why:
- 82 percent think it's harder to find a job
- 75 percent think it's harder to save for the future
- 71 percent think it's harder to pay for college
- 69 percent think it's harder to buy a home
Kevin Wade Hits Home Run at GOP Convention
Kevin Wade (R-DE), U.S. Senate candidate hit a home run at the Delaware Republican Party state convention held over the weekend. The convention held to nominate the slate of state-wide candidates marks the beginning of the 2012 election season here in Delaware. Please take moment to look at the following You Tube clips.
Full video of nominating and seconding speeches for Kevin Wade, and the acceptance speech by Kevin Wade on his nomination by acclimation:
The nominating speech by Wilmington Councilman Mike Brown (R-DE) is fantastic! So worth the time.
Full video of nominating and seconding speeches for Kevin Wade, and the acceptance speech by Kevin Wade on his nomination by acclimation:
The nominating speech by Wilmington Councilman Mike Brown (R-DE) is fantastic! So worth the time.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
A Citizens Rant
While visiting my parents at the beach, I came across perhaps one of the best letters of the editor I have seen to date:
Reader offers opinion on Obama presidency
Editor:
For those who support Obama, you may reconsider after reading the following. Mr. Hope & Change wants to create a nation humbled, humiliated, casting-aside capitalism and individual freedoms for one where we the people are government-controlled. This would be a system that genuflects mediocrity, steals personal aspirations and opportunities, and punishes those who strive to be successful. Should you doubt this, read on.
A gallon of regular gasoline the day BHO was inaugurated was $1.79 on an average. Today, that price has risen to $3.59, a 100.6 percent increase! The number of food stamps recipients has risen since BHO took office, from 31,983,716 to 43,200,878, a 35.1 percent jump. Long-term unemployment has soared 146.2 percent during the same 34-month period, from 2.6 million to 6.4 million.
This is hope and change?
American citizens living in poverty has risen 9.5 percent and the number unemployed has risen almost 25 percent. The number of unemployed blacks has risen from 12.6 percent at the end of George Bush’s terms to 15.8 percent today. Our national debt has been increased from $10.627 trillion to over $15 trillion under BHO. Remember, these figures can be documented, as we recount the number of firsts for this sitting president:
• First president to refuse to show valid birth certificate.
• First president to apply for college aid as a foreign student, then deny he was a foreigner.
• First president to have a Social Security number from a state he has never lived in.
• First president to preside over a cut to the credit rating of the USA.
• First president to violate the War Powers Act.
• First president to be held in contempt of court for illegally obstructing oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
• First president to defy a federal judge’s court order to cease implementing the health care reform law.
• First president to require all Americans to purchase a product from a third party.
• First president to spend a trillion dollars on shovel-ready jobs and later admit there was no such thing.
• First president to abrogate bankruptcy law to turn over control of companies to his union supporters.
• First president to bypass Congress and implement the Dream Act through executive order.
• First president to order a secret amnesty program that stopped the deportation of illegal immigrants across the USA, including those with criminal convictions.
• First president to demand a company hand over $20 billion to one of his political appointees.
• First president to terminate America’s ability to put a man into space.
• First president to encourage racial discrimination and intimidation at polling stations.
• First president to have a law signed by an auto-pen without being present.
• First president to arbitrarily declare an existing law unconstitutional and refuse to enforce it.
• First president to threaten insurance companies if they publicly speak out on the reasons for their rate increases.
• First president to tell a major manufacturing company in which state they are allowed to locate a factory.
• First president to file lawsuits against states he swore an oath to protect, i.e. Arizona, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana.
• First president to withdraw an existing coal permit that had been properly issued years ago.
• First president to fire an Inspector General of Americorps for catching one of his friends in a corruption case.
• First president to appoint 45-plus czars to replace elected officials in his office.
• First president to golf 73 separate times in his first two and a half years in office.
• First president to hide his medical, educational and travel records.
• First president to win a Nobel Peace Prize for doing absolutely nothing to earn it – amazing!
• First president to coddle American enemies while alienating American allies.
• First president to go on multiple global apology trips and tours.
• First president to go on 17 lavish vacations, including date nights and Wednesday evening White House parties for his friends, paid for by us tax payers.
• First president to early on in his presidency refuse to wear the U.S. flag pin. Now that he is on the campaign trail, he is never without it!
• First president to have 22 personal staff members at taxpayers’ expense work for his wife.
• First president to keep a dog trainer on retainer for $102,000 per year, again at our expense.
• First president to repeat what the Holy Qur’an tells us and openly admit the early morning call of Azan, the Islamic call to worship, is the most beautiful sound on earth.
How can we possibly afford another term under BHO? I suspect we have a fraud, a Muslim sympathizer and narcissist in the highest office in our land. We knew little or nothing about this person a few years ago. Today, we still lack knowledge about who BHO actually is. We do know he is a danger to our constitution, freedoms and way of life as our forefathers intended. Vote him out come November or suffer the consequences.
Jack Rine
Ocean View
From Coastal Point, April 27, 2012
Reader offers opinion on Obama presidency
For those who support Obama, you may reconsider after reading the following. Mr. Hope & Change wants to create a nation humbled, humiliated, casting-aside capitalism and individual freedoms for one where we the people are government-controlled. This would be a system that genuflects mediocrity, steals personal aspirations and opportunities, and punishes those who strive to be successful. Should you doubt this, read on.
A gallon of regular gasoline the day BHO was inaugurated was $1.79 on an average. Today, that price has risen to $3.59, a 100.6 percent increase! The number of food stamps recipients has risen since BHO took office, from 31,983,716 to 43,200,878, a 35.1 percent jump. Long-term unemployment has soared 146.2 percent during the same 34-month period, from 2.6 million to 6.4 million.
This is hope and change?
American citizens living in poverty has risen 9.5 percent and the number unemployed has risen almost 25 percent. The number of unemployed blacks has risen from 12.6 percent at the end of George Bush’s terms to 15.8 percent today. Our national debt has been increased from $10.627 trillion to over $15 trillion under BHO. Remember, these figures can be documented, as we recount the number of firsts for this sitting president:
• First president to refuse to show valid birth certificate.
• First president to apply for college aid as a foreign student, then deny he was a foreigner.
• First president to have a Social Security number from a state he has never lived in.
• First president to preside over a cut to the credit rating of the USA.
• First president to violate the War Powers Act.
• First president to be held in contempt of court for illegally obstructing oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
• First president to defy a federal judge’s court order to cease implementing the health care reform law.
• First president to require all Americans to purchase a product from a third party.
• First president to spend a trillion dollars on shovel-ready jobs and later admit there was no such thing.
• First president to abrogate bankruptcy law to turn over control of companies to his union supporters.
• First president to bypass Congress and implement the Dream Act through executive order.
• First president to order a secret amnesty program that stopped the deportation of illegal immigrants across the USA, including those with criminal convictions.
• First president to demand a company hand over $20 billion to one of his political appointees.
• First president to terminate America’s ability to put a man into space.
• First president to encourage racial discrimination and intimidation at polling stations.
• First president to have a law signed by an auto-pen without being present.
• First president to arbitrarily declare an existing law unconstitutional and refuse to enforce it.
• First president to threaten insurance companies if they publicly speak out on the reasons for their rate increases.
• First president to tell a major manufacturing company in which state they are allowed to locate a factory.
• First president to file lawsuits against states he swore an oath to protect, i.e. Arizona, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana.
• First president to withdraw an existing coal permit that had been properly issued years ago.
• First president to fire an Inspector General of Americorps for catching one of his friends in a corruption case.
• First president to appoint 45-plus czars to replace elected officials in his office.
• First president to golf 73 separate times in his first two and a half years in office.
• First president to hide his medical, educational and travel records.
• First president to win a Nobel Peace Prize for doing absolutely nothing to earn it – amazing!
• First president to coddle American enemies while alienating American allies.
• First president to go on multiple global apology trips and tours.
• First president to go on 17 lavish vacations, including date nights and Wednesday evening White House parties for his friends, paid for by us tax payers.
• First president to early on in his presidency refuse to wear the U.S. flag pin. Now that he is on the campaign trail, he is never without it!
• First president to have 22 personal staff members at taxpayers’ expense work for his wife.
• First president to keep a dog trainer on retainer for $102,000 per year, again at our expense.
• First president to repeat what the Holy Qur’an tells us and openly admit the early morning call of Azan, the Islamic call to worship, is the most beautiful sound on earth.
How can we possibly afford another term under BHO? I suspect we have a fraud, a Muslim sympathizer and narcissist in the highest office in our land. We knew little or nothing about this person a few years ago. Today, we still lack knowledge about who BHO actually is. We do know he is a danger to our constitution, freedoms and way of life as our forefathers intended. Vote him out come November or suffer the consequences.
Jack Rine
Ocean View
From Coastal Point, April 27, 2012
Radell: Charlie Copeland for RNC Committeman
The Delaware Republican Party elected new leadership last year and turned to a new beginning with messaging tied to traditions of Delaware’s interest, job creation. The party has made progress in that effort and its members and leaders are making sacrifices every day to build our party around a core set of values and issues that will make Delaware stronger. However, even more is needed and that will take fresh ideas and new energies that will help us turn the page on our past; and move forward with the people of Delaware in building and securing a better life for Delaware families.
To accomplish this, our legislatures will need a Committeeman who understands their needs; and we need someone who understands the needs of our members as we continue to build on last year’s progress. We also need a leader who knows how to raise funds in the highly competitive political arena, can build coalitions, and put to rest the conflicts of the past. There is one man who has served in our state senate, worked with our grassroots workers, and has shown leadership in addressing the tough issues--Charlie Copeland. So we call on Charlie to run for National Committeeman for the Republican Party. His loyalties and fund raising will be exclusively for our party and his focus will be on getting Republican candidates elected.
We ask you all to join with us in bringing the resources our party needs to develop a fresh approach to very old problems. Charlie Copeland is that resource and we give him our full support and trust.
John Radell
To accomplish this, our legislatures will need a Committeeman who understands their needs; and we need someone who understands the needs of our members as we continue to build on last year’s progress. We also need a leader who knows how to raise funds in the highly competitive political arena, can build coalitions, and put to rest the conflicts of the past. There is one man who has served in our state senate, worked with our grassroots workers, and has shown leadership in addressing the tough issues--Charlie Copeland. So we call on Charlie to run for National Committeeman for the Republican Party. His loyalties and fund raising will be exclusively for our party and his focus will be on getting Republican candidates elected.
We ask you all to join with us in bringing the resources our party needs to develop a fresh approach to very old problems. Charlie Copeland is that resource and we give him our full support and trust.
John Radell
Continuing on the Path to Delaware GOP's Renewal
Since the historic 2010 primary win over liberal Congressman Mike
Castle in the U.S. Senate GOP primary, the Delaware Republican Party is
in the midst of a re-birth. From last year's leadership change at the
top with John Sigler as Party Chairman, the party is finding its voice
again. The following letter by John Radell is part of continuing sea change within the
party for a new beginning:
-- John Radell
The Delaware Republican Party elected new leadership last year and turned to a new beginning with messaging tied to traditions of Delaware’s interest, job creation. The party has made progress in that effort and its members and leaders are making sacrifices every day to build our party around a core set of values and issues that will make Delaware stronger. However, even more is needed and that will take fresh ideas and new energies that will help us turn the page on our past; and move forward with the people of Delaware in building and securing a better life for Delaware families.
To accomplish this, our legislatures will need a Committeeman who understands their needs; and we need someone who understands the needs of our members as we continue to build on last year’s progress. We also need a leader who knows how to raise funds in the highly competitive political arena, can build coalitions, and put to rest the conflicts of the past. There is one man who has served in our state senate, worked with our grassroots workers, and has shown leadership in addressing the tough issues--Charlie Copeland. So we call on Charlie to run for National Committeeman for the Republican Party. His loyalties and fund raising will be exclusively for our party and his focus will be on getting Republican candidates elected.
We ask you all to join with us in bringing the resources our party needs to develop a fresh approach to very old problems. Charlie Copeland is that resource and we give him our full support and trust.
-- John Radell
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Photo Gallery: Prayers for America Event
Delaware Faith & Freedom President John Radell introducing Speaker Newt Gingrich
Speaker Newt Gingrich meets Pastor C.L. Bryant
Delaware Faith & Freedom leadership team with Prayers for America guest speakers
Sunday, April 22, 2012
A Line In The Sand
Yesterday, something remarkable happened.
Over five hundred faithful attended a unique event to Delaware culture that could also create a sea change within Delaware politics. The culmination of months and test of faith turned out to be very encouraging for those who every election cycle sees the glimmer of hope fade away.
The Delaware political scene has seen tea party groups and Occupy Wall Street, but the event held yesterday at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware was unique. In its inaugural event and first event to the mass public the Delaware Faith & Freedom Coalition held a Prayers for America event. The event pulled pastors and priests from all walks of life and from all across the state and the nation to pray for our nation.
From the moment the shofar was blown calling the faithful to prayer to the conclusion, attendees were drawn to their feet in praise and grounded in their seats in prayer for a nation torn by the secular movement attempting to dismantle a society through a rabid progressive agenda. But these faithful would not hear any of that.
Through the uniqueness of the faith leader's words a line in the sand was drawn:
No longer are we going to stand for secularization from every facet of society, from our schools to our government to our media. No longer are we as a society going to stand for elected leaders who allow for the genocide of the unborn. No longer are we as a society going to stand for the rampant destruction of the basic economic unit - the family. No longer are we as a society going to stand for election and re-election of political leaders who want to label and divide our communities, and instill a progressive, secular agenda that punishes prosperity and success and promotes dependency on the government to live. No longer will we be silent, and today and everyday forthcoming we will fight until our last breath to stand up for preservation of a moral and just society.
While it is truly magical that our republic still endures over 236 years after its independence and 225 after the ratifying our nation's Constitution, our nation has see an erosion in moral and political discourse that must be reversed if the republic is to survive. As each pastor spoke on various topics relevant to our society, it became more relevant that every vote that is cast matters and every election matters. It became visibly clear that if united, a sea change could emerge in our communities, our cities, our counties, our state and our nation. A sea change that could restore the order of every layer of government to the moral foundation created by our Founding Fathers.
But no longer will we be silent.
With the upcoming election in the fall from President to every other office down to city or county council, the faithful must vote their conscience and not through the prism of a corrupt media whose sole intention is to distort the truth. For the truth is the path forward to restore order in this chaotic world. This sea change cannot be done without you and the hard work and dedication of the grass roots groups that want a sea change.
Surely, Faith & Freedom and its Delaware chapter will be part of this sea change, but it cannot be alone. In the prism of faith, it would remiss that without the wisdom and education done by the Delaware Family Policy Council that the knowledge instilled by this group, the sea change would be difficult. What the Delaware Family Policy Council does through education, policy and legislative work; the Delaware Faith & Freedom team will do through grassroots political engagement and activism to mobilize the faithful to elect leaders who have a Biblical world view and value life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The resources of these two powerful organizations should make the secular left very nervous.
United on faith and with knowledge and perseverance, the Delaware Way will soon be a thing of the past. God willing a restored and renewed Delaware and nation will emerge based on the Judea-Christian values our Founding Fathers envisioned for this great nation.
Are you ready for this call for action?
Over five hundred faithful attended a unique event to Delaware culture that could also create a sea change within Delaware politics. The culmination of months and test of faith turned out to be very encouraging for those who every election cycle sees the glimmer of hope fade away.
The Delaware political scene has seen tea party groups and Occupy Wall Street, but the event held yesterday at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware was unique. In its inaugural event and first event to the mass public the Delaware Faith & Freedom Coalition held a Prayers for America event. The event pulled pastors and priests from all walks of life and from all across the state and the nation to pray for our nation.
From the moment the shofar was blown calling the faithful to prayer to the conclusion, attendees were drawn to their feet in praise and grounded in their seats in prayer for a nation torn by the secular movement attempting to dismantle a society through a rabid progressive agenda. But these faithful would not hear any of that.
Through the uniqueness of the faith leader's words a line in the sand was drawn:
No longer are we going to stand for secularization from every facet of society, from our schools to our government to our media. No longer are we as a society going to stand for elected leaders who allow for the genocide of the unborn. No longer are we as a society going to stand for the rampant destruction of the basic economic unit - the family. No longer are we as a society going to stand for election and re-election of political leaders who want to label and divide our communities, and instill a progressive, secular agenda that punishes prosperity and success and promotes dependency on the government to live. No longer will we be silent, and today and everyday forthcoming we will fight until our last breath to stand up for preservation of a moral and just society.
While it is truly magical that our republic still endures over 236 years after its independence and 225 after the ratifying our nation's Constitution, our nation has see an erosion in moral and political discourse that must be reversed if the republic is to survive. As each pastor spoke on various topics relevant to our society, it became more relevant that every vote that is cast matters and every election matters. It became visibly clear that if united, a sea change could emerge in our communities, our cities, our counties, our state and our nation. A sea change that could restore the order of every layer of government to the moral foundation created by our Founding Fathers.
But no longer will we be silent.
With the upcoming election in the fall from President to every other office down to city or county council, the faithful must vote their conscience and not through the prism of a corrupt media whose sole intention is to distort the truth. For the truth is the path forward to restore order in this chaotic world. This sea change cannot be done without you and the hard work and dedication of the grass roots groups that want a sea change.
Surely, Faith & Freedom and its Delaware chapter will be part of this sea change, but it cannot be alone. In the prism of faith, it would remiss that without the wisdom and education done by the Delaware Family Policy Council that the knowledge instilled by this group, the sea change would be difficult. What the Delaware Family Policy Council does through education, policy and legislative work; the Delaware Faith & Freedom team will do through grassroots political engagement and activism to mobilize the faithful to elect leaders who have a Biblical world view and value life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The resources of these two powerful organizations should make the secular left very nervous.
United on faith and with knowledge and perseverance, the Delaware Way will soon be a thing of the past. God willing a restored and renewed Delaware and nation will emerge based on the Judea-Christian values our Founding Fathers envisioned for this great nation.
Are you ready for this call for action?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Communism's 45 Goals
On Jan. 10, 1963, Congressman Albert S. Herlong Jr. of Florida read a
list of 45 Communist goals into the Congressional Record. The list was
derived from researcher Cleon Skousen’s book “The Naked Communist.”
1. U.S. should accept coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.
2. U.S. should be willing to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.
3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament by the U.S. would be a demonstration of "moral strength."
4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.
5. Extend long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.
6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.
7. Grant recognition of Red China and admission of Red China to the U.N.
8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the Germany question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.
9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the U.S. has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.
10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.
11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces.
12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.
13. Do away with loyalty oaths.
14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.
15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the U.S.
16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions, by claiming their activities violate civil rights.
17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for Socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers associations. Put the party line in textbooks.
18. Gain control of all student newspapers.
19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations that are under Communist attack.
20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions.
21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV & motion pictures.
22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all form of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings," substituting shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms.
23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."
24.Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.
25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio and TV.
26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural and healthy."
27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch."
28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the grounds that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state"
29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
30. Discredit the American founding fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."
31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of "the big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.
32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture – education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.
33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.
34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.
36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.
37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.
38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand or treat.
39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose communist goals.
40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.
41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.
42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special interest groups should rise up and make a "united force" to solve economic, political or social problems.
43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.
44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.
45. Repeal the Connally Reservation so the U.S. cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
1. U.S. should accept coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.
2. U.S. should be willing to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.
3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament by the U.S. would be a demonstration of "moral strength."
4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.
5. Extend long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.
6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.
7. Grant recognition of Red China and admission of Red China to the U.N.
8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the Germany question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.
9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the U.S. has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.
10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.
11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces.
12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.
13. Do away with loyalty oaths.
14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.
15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the U.S.
16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions, by claiming their activities violate civil rights.
17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for Socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers associations. Put the party line in textbooks.
18. Gain control of all student newspapers.
19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations that are under Communist attack.
20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions.
21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV & motion pictures.
22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all form of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings," substituting shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms.
23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."
24.Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.
25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio and TV.
26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural and healthy."
27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity, which does not need a "religious crutch."
28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the grounds that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state"
29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.
30. Discredit the American founding fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."
31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of "the big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.
32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture – education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.
33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.
34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.
36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.
37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.
38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand or treat.
39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose communist goals.
40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.
41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.
42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special interest groups should rise up and make a "united force" to solve economic, political or social problems.
43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.
44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.
45. Repeal the Connally Reservation so the U.S. cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Is Delaware’s Lampstand About to Be Extinguished?
No matter which Main Street you walk or drive down in any
town in Delaware, reminders of this fragile, global economy show lifelessness
and despair. Empty storefronts have
become the new symbol of the Obama and Markell economy. Broken American dreams are all that remain.
Thirty years ago, Delaware was the economic engine of this
nation. Corporate powerhouses such as DuPont, Wilmington Trust, MBNA were once symbols
of Delaware’s former prominence on the global economic stage. Today, DuPont is
a shell of what it once was in Delaware due to a shift in global demand of
chemicals to developing nations.
Wilmington Trust and MBNA have been bought by other banks and are no
longer. Delaware was once the proud home
to two automotive plants run by General Motors and Chrysler. Today, they are gone. Delaware’s economic stature is dimming.
What has changed?
Thirty years ago, Ronald Reagan was in the White House and Governor Pete
du Pont was in the Governor’s mansion.
Today, it is President Obama in Washington and Jack Markell in Dover as
Delaware’s Governor. In a generation,
Delaware has lost its footing and unless things change, it does not look like
we will gain it back.
Today, Delaware’s economic performance and outlook are bleak
with no signs of hope on the horizon.
While Delaware is in the top ten states to make a living, the state’s
budget and tax policy hinder economic growth.
As of late, due to Democratic control of both chambers of the Delaware
General Assembly and the Governor’s mansions, Delaware has been in a continual
tax and spend marathon.
Since 2009, Delaware has ranked 49th out of 50 in
legislative tax changes1 with over $9.38 out of every $1000 being
levied a new tax. Since then the top
marginal personal income tax rate increased to 8.2 percent and the top marginal
corporate tax rate climbed to 9.98 percent.
These legislated tax increases are the result to address an 11.4 budget
gap in the FY2011 budget gap.
For us conservatives, we know Delaware has a spending
problem. If you don’t think so, then why
are taxes soaring to make up for the spending spree? Perhaps if Delaware wasn’t spending $6,800
per person2 it is annual budget, then these tax increases would not
be necessary. Perhaps if that
expenditure wasn’t two and half times that of Nevada (which is 44 times the
size of Delaware), then Delaware families and businesses would not be the
state’s ATM.
Thirty years ago when conservative principles governed
Delaware, its economy functioned on all cylinders. With each passing election since, liberals
replaced conservatives. Spending boomed,
taxes soared, companies left for more business-friendly states. The result of what we are faced with now, is
a state riddled in big government, bureaucracy, and an ideology that government
is the solution.
2012 brings enormous opportunity and responsibility for the
Delaware voter. This very well could be
the last meaningful election to make a difference. Do we allow Delaware to be driven off the
cliff pedal to the metal, or do we elect constitutional, fiscal conservatives
to Legislative Hall who are going to take a machete rather than a scalpel to
the state budget? If we remember one
thing from the 2010 election, remember the wise words of State Senator Colin
Bonini (R-Dover) who echoed time and again “It’s OUR money.”
Perhaps with proper representation and leadership in Dover,
Delaware would not have a spending problem that forces individuals and
businesses to carry the weight forced upon us by those elected to serve. Delaware Democrats has been on spending
binge, but when you have a trifecta of government control (Governor, State
House and State Senate) with no opportunity to have proper checks and balances
or adults in the room, the taxpayer credit card will be maxed out.
Perhaps if our elected leaders were good stewards of our
finite resources and If we treated elections with the same care as we did for
our loved ones and not like a popularity contest, Delaware’s lamsptand would
shine a bit brighter.
1 Source: America Legislative Exchange
Council. Rich States, Poor States 4th
Edition. http://www.alec.org/docs/RSPS_4th_Edition.pdf
2 Source: The Six States Where Taxes are Soaring
via 24/7 Wall Street http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/03/21/6-states-where-taxes-are-soaring/
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Obama's Corporate Tax Rate Highest in the World
In case you missed it, the U.S. corporate rate is now the highest in the world. The current corporate tax rate stands at 39.2 percent. The United States was second behind Japan, until dropped it tax rate to 38.01 percent following economic struggles after last year's earthquake. Today, the average corporate tax rate is 25 percent.
At a time when Germany cut its corporate tax rate by 22 points and Canada by 13 points, the U.S. refused to re-evaluate its corporate tax rate. Even Russia at 20 percent and China at 25 percent, have lower tax rates than the U.S. does. With U.S. unemployment above nine percent and U.S. forms moving operations off-shore, you would think the U.S. would re-evaluate its corporate tax rate.
What Obama fails to understand is the U.S. Treasury loses out on having the highest corporate tax rate in the world. No longer does the U.S. have a competitive advantage amongst cheaper nations to do business in and the treasury loses out on both corporate taxes and lost personal income taxes paid to those that would be employed stateside. For Democrats to fawn over tax revenues, they cannot connect the dots between more jobs stateside to higher tax revenues in the federal coffers.
President Obama should take heed that the Heritage Foundation, albeit a conservative think-tank, has highlighted that after-tax personal income would rise by $2,500, and over 580,000 jobs would be created per year for the next year. Higher personal income and the repatriation of jobs would give the U.S. economy a welcome boost. But political ideology seems to prevail over common sense and it is wise to not hold one's breath that Obama would listen.
At a time when Germany cut its corporate tax rate by 22 points and Canada by 13 points, the U.S. refused to re-evaluate its corporate tax rate. Even Russia at 20 percent and China at 25 percent, have lower tax rates than the U.S. does. With U.S. unemployment above nine percent and U.S. forms moving operations off-shore, you would think the U.S. would re-evaluate its corporate tax rate.
What Obama fails to understand is the U.S. Treasury loses out on having the highest corporate tax rate in the world. No longer does the U.S. have a competitive advantage amongst cheaper nations to do business in and the treasury loses out on both corporate taxes and lost personal income taxes paid to those that would be employed stateside. For Democrats to fawn over tax revenues, they cannot connect the dots between more jobs stateside to higher tax revenues in the federal coffers.
President Obama should take heed that the Heritage Foundation, albeit a conservative think-tank, has highlighted that after-tax personal income would rise by $2,500, and over 580,000 jobs would be created per year for the next year. Higher personal income and the repatriation of jobs would give the U.S. economy a welcome boost. But political ideology seems to prevail over common sense and it is wise to not hold one's breath that Obama would listen.
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