"Green Eggs and Ham" On the Senate Floor!

Senator Ted Cruz has stood on the Senate floor for more than 19 hours to delay a vote on health care reform.  His actions are seen by many as an attempt to only delay the inevitable.  The vote will most likely take place later this afternoon as Senator Cruz's filibuster is not a full-proof strategy. 

Senator Cruz at one point last night read a bed time story to his daughter's from the Senate floor.  He choose the classic Dr. Seuss book "Green Eggs and Ham".  It is no surprise that this was the talking point on every major news organization in the nation.  You can't turn on a single news program today without at least a mention of "Green Eggs and Ham". 

Regardless of the outcome of this vote, Senator Cruz has certainly made a name for himself.  He has raised concerns over the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).  These concerns are shared by many Americans across the country who are nervous about what the plan will mean for healthcare costs and jobs. 
 
Follow me on twitter @koolguyj for updates on this issue and others. 

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN!!! De Ja Vu All Over Again!

With the threat of a government shutdown just a little more than a week away, both parties in Congress don’t seem to be making any progress.  Each side blaming the other and stuck in the middle are the American people.  This is not a new story by any means.  In fact, this same story seems to play out every few months like a stuck record. 

The contention this time, just like the last time, is the debt ceiling.  Democrats want Republicans to approve an increase in the nation’s debt ceiling.  Republicans are using the opportunity to try to de-fund the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) and are threatening not to approve the debt ceiling hike without cutting Obama Care. 

Some argue that the debt ceiling is simply approving the government to pay bills already racked up by Congress; others argue that government spending is out of control and if Congress approves the debt ceiling hike it will only encourage more senseless spending. 

So why are we having this debate again and again?  The reason is because Congress can’t work together to cut a long-term deal on this issue.  Each side is too interested in playing politics.  So they scare the public with “The Sky is falling” speeches and gain attention on every 5 o’clock news organization.  These politicians will soak up attention every chance they get.  They will take this situation to the deadline again before passing another continuing resolution (CR).  This CR will give each side another platform in a few more months for another showdown and another chance to take the big stage to pump up their bases.   

Regardless of what happens a little more than a week from now, the country will not fail due to this debate.  Both sides will give a little and we will get to see this play out again in a few more months. 

What do you think will happen with this current debt ceiling debate?  What will be the solution?  Who will win?

Putin Calls Obama's Bluff

President Obama was outplayed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.  President Obama has made many missteps in his presidency.  Mostly it has been Obama’s words that have caused the biggest headaches for his administration. 

Putin, a former KGB agent, is a master at highlighting and taking advantage of his adversaries’ weaknesses.  There is no doubt that Putin was licking his lips when Obama made the famous “Red Line” comment about Syria on August 20, 2012. 

Putin knew that Obama would not act on his treats of military action because it would be political suicide in a nation that is skeptical of war.  Obama was relying on the threat of military action to deter Syria, but it failed last month when Syria finally used chemical weapons against its own people.   Obama never had a plan of military action and Putin knew this.  Putin’s has made Obama seem like a bully who only wants to fight and ignore peaceful options.  Obama needs to learn not to give ultimatums if he is not ready and willing to act on them.  But this is not the first time Obama’s words have come back to bite him.

On July 22, 2009 shortly after taking office, Obama criticized a Cambridge police officer (James Crowley) for arresting his friend (Professor Henry Louis Gates).  Obama should have learned that as the President of the United State his words are powerful and influential.  His words and speeches need to be crafted in a way that considers possible outcomes and consequences.  Being the leader of the free world is not easy.  Being a good leader of the free world is even harder. 

Putin has used Obama’s missteps as an opportunity to propel his image and Russia’s image as a better alternative to the US strategy on international politics.  This is a win for Putin and Russia. 

Putin and Russia managed to come out of this situation smelling like a rose while Obama came out smelling like something entirely different!  Obama may be in his second term as President of the United States but he still has a lot to learn about politics!

What do you think?  Did Obama make a big mistake?

President Obama Addresses the Nation

Tonight President Obama pleaded with the nation to authorize him to use military force against Syria.  Obama is desperately seeking approval for his military plans.  This President seems to have a big hill to climb on this issue.  The American people are tired of war. 

Regardless of whether or not Congress approves his plan, he may not act on it after all.  Earlier today Syrian President Assad announced that he would be willing to turn over all his chemical weapons to the international community.  This is at the very least delaying any potential strike from the US.

Now, this latest development with Assad reportedly willing to turn over his chemical weapon has many asking what punishment will Assad face for using them in the first place? 

What is your opinion on this issue?  What should the US do?  Can a meaningful conclusion be reached? 

Please comment below!

Syria Standoff

After another day of Congressional meetings, America is still divided over whether to take military action against Syria.  It seemed to have raised more questions rather than providing clarity over the Obama's administration's call to military action.

Secretary of the State John Kerry fielded mostly soft-ball questions for over 3 hours from Senators on the Foreign Affairs Committee over the administrations case for military action.  Kerry was unwilling to provide new details of evidence that the Assad regime carried out the chemical attacks in question.  Kerry repeatedly answered tough questions by responding that they would be answered in a closed-door classified meeting.  The American public is weary of taking military action based simply on the word of the administration. 

At one point Secretary Kerry responded to a question referring to the timeframe of a possible strike.  When Kerry was asked if the strikes would be effective after so much time has passed, Kerry said that by waiting, it has become more beneficial to the US military.  This seems to contradict conventional thinking.  If a military opponent has more time to prepare for an attack, they should be able to take measures to limit their damage to military targets. 

Americans are concerned that this limited military action will not be effective at this time.  Also, this action could escalate into a larger military response without a clear exit plan.  Mostly, Americans are concerned over who would come into power if Assad is removed from power.  Would this person be friendly to the US?

Americans want real answers.  We don't want our leaders to start World War 3.

 

LETTER to CONGRESS on SYRIA ACTION

Letter to Congress

From the American People,

Dear Congress,

We the American people are shocked and outraged over the chemical attack on innocent civilians in Syria.  We understand that America is a world superpower.  We know that the might of the United States military is a powerful tool which can be very helpful to protect the world from ruthless dictators.

What we the American people want is for a strategy to prevent this type of criminal activity.  We DO NOT want to put the lives of our young people in harms way to fight someone else’s civil war.  We understand that the initial call to action is for a “limited” military response.  We are not blind to the risks of a “limited” military action.  We the American people know that if we strike a foreign country using scud missiles and long range bombs, things could go wrong.  A US plane could be shot down killing our pilots or setting them up for capture.  A missile could miss its target killing many more innocent people outraging countries who sympathize with the Syrian government.    The surrounding nations will be upset over the US taking military action in a Muslim country.

We have seen the news reports that the Arab League wants action against Syria.  We believe that if this league of Arab Nations wants to take action, they should do so.  After all, this is their neighbor and they have a greater interest of a peaceful outcome to this situation.  We the American people DO NOT understand why the Arab League does not take military action themselves.  Yet, they do nothing while asking us to do their dirty work for them.  If it is the lack of military equipment that is stopping them from taking action, then we should supply a limited number of missiles and equipment to Saudi Arabia (our closest ally of Arab League Nations) so they can take action on their own.  But we the people of America are smart enough to see what Congress and the President doesn’t see.  These nations only want to make us look bad while keeping a safe distance from controversy.

We the American people are feed-up with the world looking to the US as their “Big Brother.”  We don’t want to fight their battles for them anymore.  They need to learn to fight their own battles.  We cannot risk our country’s safety and our country’s relations with other key countries around the world. 

 

We the American people want Congress to vote NO to a military response to Syria.  Force other nations to act from our inaction.  We need to send a message to the world that they can no longer use us to fight their battles!  We would be more than happy to help people who are willing to help themselves, but not those who use us than despise use later.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

The American People who put you in office!

Please share this letter with friends and family and of course your elected officials!

The Syrian Conflict

Almost 2 weeks after the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its own citizens, the United States is considering military action.  President Obama announced yesterday that he will seek approval from congress for what he calls limited military action. 

 

There are many concerns about taking military action.  First, the American public is feed-up with ongoing military actions in the Middle East.  Second, Americans fear retaliation from extremist for further involvement in foreign wars.  Then, there is the concern over the outcome.  What are the objectives of the strike?  President Obama said that the strikes will not target Bashar al-Assad.  If Assad will remain in power, then what will the strikes accomplish?  Americans fear that the strikes will do little to help the innocent civilians but will only increase tension between the United States and Russia/China. 

Americans are outraged over the use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians.  It was heartbreaking seeing images of young children struggling to survive from their injuries after the attack.  The US is called upon to come to the aid of other countries over and over again.  Americans are starting to get feed-up with its leaders getting involved in conflicts without consulting the American people.  This is why President Obama decided to get the approval of Congress before acting. 

President Obama is taking a big risk by consulting Congress.  If Congress votes down military action and President Obama takes action anyway, it will be political suicide for him and the Democratic Party.  President Obama has gotten himself into this situation by claiming that chemical weapons are a “Red Line” that will bring about US involvement.  If the US does not act, then no future threat of action will be taken serious. 

The biggest risk of all is that Congress votes to take military action but nothing changes…or things get worse.  What if a more ruthless group takes power of Syria because the US eliminated the current governments’ stronghold?  These are unknown answers.  One thing for sure is that the US has a tuff dilemma ahead. 

 
Regardless of what the US decides, I am hopeful that the innocent people of Syria will someday be able to live in peace.

MINIMUM WAGE PROTEST

Last week many fast food workers took to the picket lines to demand a living wage.  They contest that the wages they earn are not enough to provide for their families.  The protesters want the federal minimum wage to rise by more than double.  This will change the minimum wage from its current $7.25 per hour to $15 per hour. 

Most people will agree that $7.25 an hour is far too low to provide for a family.  Working at a fast food restaurant was never intended to be a career path for the masses.  These jobs are low paying for the fact that they offer young people an opportunity to gain work experience.  These workers have little or no previous experience in the workforce.  Fast food institutions are a major employer of young people with little or no current work experience. 

 These protesters should think of these jobs more like paid internships rather than careers.  There are many benefits for young workers who get their starts at these institutions… a big payday is not one of those benefits.  They are taught valuable skills which can later be used in future endeavors.  I know this first hand.  I got my start at McDonald’s when I was 16 years old.  I still use the skills I learned more than 20 years ago.

Work experience and job skills are valuable commodities for anyone seeking employment.  Experience will help workers develop skills necessary to grow their careers. 

The minimum wage is low at $7.25 but raising it to $15 would certainly cause inflation to skyrocket.  How would these workers feel if they got their $15 an hour raise and now the cost of everything they need to buy doubles?  A gradual increase should be considered as a more realistic and economical approach for all.  Keep in mind these workers applied for these jobs.  They later accepted these jobs on their own free will. 

To sum up this issue, the federal minimum wage should rise slowly.  Workers should have a plan to gain more experience and advance their careers.  Ultimately, workers should control their own destiny.

 

What are your thoughts about this issue?  I want to hear your opinion.  Thanks for reading!