A Civil Discussion of Politics: Yes, it is possible!

Republican Contenders Weakest Field Ever!

2011-12-02T12:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am a liberal democrat. However, I have voted for, at least, one republican for President of the United States in my lifetime; I'll be seventy in March 2011. So, Republican Party, present me someone, anyone, to seriously consider!

World Population Reaches 7 Billion In Record Time; Crisis In The Making!

2011-10-31T11:33:00.001-04:00

Life as we know it is threatened by the explosion of the earth's population. We are outstripping the earth's ability to support the 10 billion people projected by 2100. We have, just this month, reached a worldwide population of 7 billion. Click on this link to see the facts:

World Population Reaching 7 Billion in Record Time! Crisis in the Making!

Something has to give! What to do? I'm 69-years old and will not be around when the projected 10 billionth person is born in 2100, but I care about our planet's future and its masses. We, the present inhabitants, seem to be out of control and unable to cooperate in developing solutions to prevent the inevitable extinction of life on our planet. I'm concerned; are you?

Will Someone Please Explain Why We Continue This Insanity?

2011-10-29T10:44:00.002-04:00

Will our government never learn? Stop this insanity, and bring all of our men and women home!

"At least 13 U.S. service members were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Saturday when a suicide bomber struck a vehicle in a NATO military convoy, NATO and U.S. military officials said.

The U.S. official emphasized details are continuing to unfold. A heavily damaged vehicle is believed to be an armored bus that was carrying U.S. troops in the convoy.

The deaths were the largest single-day U.S. loss in Afghanistan since the August crash in Afghanistan's Wardak province that killed 38 people, including 22 Navy SEALs.

Saturday's attack caused a "number" of NATO and local Afghan casualties, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said in a statement

Four Afghans also were reported dead. It was unclear how many people were wounded, said Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Interior Ministry."

City of Huntington Is A Political Subdivision of WV - Citizens Need To Pay Up!

2011-10-28T17:21:00.001-04:00

I'm not listing names; just showing the location of properties with large amounts of Municipal Fees outstanding to the City of Huntington. To be included on the list, a property owner must owe at least $500. There are over 1,900 properties on the list.

A Map Plotting Addresses of Properties Owing Large Amounts Municipal Fees

A city government cannot function if its citizens fail to pay fees when they are due! There is no excuse for just flat-out refusing to pay! Why not make arrangements to pay in installments?

The 99 Percent Rise Up - Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-27T14:07:00.001-04:00

This article appears in the October 31, 2011, edition of The Nation magazine. The analysis gives the straight scoop on this "movement". Check it out:

The 99 Percent Rise Up! An Analysis

Any comments - pro or con?

Growing Attention to Wall Street Protests

2011-10-20T16:58:00.000-04:00

The world is watching!

Growing Attention To Wall Street Protests!

There is something happening world-wide. Whas up?

Citigroup Agrees To $285M Fine To Settle Fraud Charges

2011-10-20T15:26:00.001-04:00

So, You think the "Occupy Wall Street" movement does not have a reason for demonstrating? This incident is merely scratching the surface of the misconduct by large banks. "We The People", bailed them out, and they conduct themselves in this manner? Shame!

USA Today ("Citigroup to pay $285M to settle charges" October 20, 2011) reports, "Citigroup will pay a $285M fine to settle fraud charges that it misled buyers of a mortgage investment as housing was starting to collapse. The Securities and Exchange said the bank bet against the investment in 2007 and made $160 million. Investors lost millions. Citigroup neither admitted nor denied allegations."

2011-10-19T16:14:00.000-04:00

What a “visual” this is!!...

This really puts the whole thing into perspective so everyone can understand the mess we are in.

WARNING: I am sending this assuming no POLITICAL PROPAGANDA is in the content, read at your own risk.

Subject: The Federal Budget

• U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000
• Fed budget: $3,820,000,000,000
• New debt: $ 1,650,000,000,000
• National debt: $14,271,000,000,000
• Recent budget cut: $38,500,000,000

Now, remove 8 zeros and pretend it's a household budget.

• Annual family income: $21,700
• Money the family spent: $38,200
• New debt on the credit card: $16,500
• Outstanding balance on credit card: $142,710
• Total budget cuts: $385

Sorta brings the issue "home" doesn't it.

(Thanks to my friend, Graham Rankin, for sending me this information.)

"This is how you fix Congress."

2011-10-19T09:56:00.000-04:00

Warren Buffett, in a recent interview with CNBC, offers one of the best quotes about the debt ceiling:

"I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election.

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971... before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc. Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

This is one idea that really should be passed around.

*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*

1.     No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no
pay when they are out of office.

2.     Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3.     Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4.     Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5.     Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6.     Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7.     All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work."

Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS

The Politics of the Occupy Wall Street - PBS News Hours Today

2011-10-18T10:52:00.000-04:00

According to PBS News Hour today, "Former President Bill Clinton's pollster, Doug Schoen, takes to Tuesday's op-ed page of the Wall Street Journal to warn Democrats away from embracing the Occupy Wall Street movement too closely."

"On Oct. 10 and 11, Arielle Alter Confino, a senior researcher at my polling firm, interviewed nearly 200 protesters in New York's Zuccotti Park. Our findings probably represent the first systematic random sample of Occupy Wall Street opinion.
"Our research shows clearly that the movement doesn't represent unemployed America and is not ideologically diverse. Rather, it comprises an unrepresentative segment of the electorate that believes in radical redistribution of wealth, civil disobedience and, in some instances, violence. Half (52%) have participated in a political movement before, virtually all (98%) say they would support civil disobedience to achieve their goals, and nearly one-third (31%) would support violence to advance their agenda."

"A new Gallup poll, however, shows an American public that has yet to form an opinion, but more seem to like the messages emanating from Zuccotti Park and elsewhere than disapprove it."

"Less than half of Americans express an opinion about either the Occupy Wall Street movement's goals or the way it has conducted its protests. Those with an opinion are more likely to approve than disapprove."

"All you need to do is watch how Republicans, from House Majority Eric Cantor to the presidential contenders, have backed off their initial criticism of the OWS protests or the carefully calibrated arm's length embrace many Democrats are exhibiting to understand that there's potential political potency here, but nobody has yet figured out how to harness that energy and convert it into a model for electoral politics."

As a long-time supporter of civil rights issues, I can only support NON-VIOLENT protests of any sort! It would be a critical mistake for the protesters to use violence during demonstrations. 'Nuff said!

Public Hearing On Proposed Barge Facility Has Political And Financial Ramifications!

2011-10-17T18:08:00.000-04:00

The U. S. Army Corp of Engineers public hearing is set for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the ball room of the Big Sandy Super Store Arena in Huntington, WV, for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed barge facility on the Ohio River at the Westmoreland neighborhood in west Huntington. If approved, the facility would change the use of the riverfront from Public/Recreation to Privately Leased/Commercial Use.

The proposed barge facility will have a negative affect on the citizens of Huntington, Pea Ridge, Ceredo, Kenova, and other parts of Wayne County. The negative impact on the city of Huntington's combined sanitary/storm water sewer infrastructure is reason enough for the Corp of Engineers to withhold approval of the project. It may damage the mixing pool, and discharge pipes at the Waste Treatment Plant and also at the discharge pipes at the other pump stations in Westmoreland.

This potential damage would have to be paid by the Huntington Sanitary Board (HSB), which does not have the millions of dollars that would be needed to make repairs, or make modifications to accommodate the barge facility's added burden on the infrastructure. The HSB would then have to recoup the costs by increasing the sewer fees we all will have to pay. The citizens affected must make the effort to attend this critical hearing. The City of Huntington is involved in a lawsuit related to a contract entered into with the developers of the proposed barge facility. The negotiation of the contract terms, and all facts related to the contract should be made public.

Are we "going soft" in the United States?

2011-10-15T13:14:00.000-04:00

Fareed Zakaria Tells It Like It Is! Are we going soft in the United States?

If you don't register and vote, you are a part of the problem!

Not Going To Register And Vote? Then, Don't Complain!

2011-10-15T12:54:00.000-04:00

If you don't vote - Don't complain! Register to vote NOW, or you will not be able to participate in the most precious freedom we, as citizens of the United States, have - the right to vote for our representatives in local, state and national government! Again, no vote; no complain!

WE THE PEOPLE!

2011-10-15T11:27:00.001-04:00

I am a supporter of the rights of all Americans to peaceably assemble and present their grievances. I have financially donated to the Occupy Wall Street Huntington movement and have assisted them in removing trash from their "occupy-home". Tensions are mounting in our country, and my fear is that the recession (I know; not technically) we are experiencing, will lead to world-wide (Capital "D") Depression!

The United States Senate and House of Representatives must put aside political wrangling and move quickly to compromise on the POTUS' Jobs Bill! With that done, everyone can exhibit their likes/dislikes of the incumbents in the 2012 elections! The American people are watching!

The ultimate power rests with WE THE PEOPLE! Act now, or suffer the consequences in the coming national elections!

Occupy Wall Street Movement Is Indication that the "Silent Majority" is Waking Up!

2011-10-13T13:55:00.000-04:00

Here is one "take" on the "Occupy Wall Street Movement", which continues growing in scope.

"Occupy" Movement Indicates "Silent Majority" is Waking Up

Any thoughts, or comments? Just click on "Post Comments", and have your say! You can do it anonymously; just click on "Anonymous" when you type your remarks.

Municipal Bankruptcy Becoming A Real Option for Municipalities

2011-10-12T17:30:00.000-04:00

Read this Wall Street Journal Report on a controversial issue in Harrisburg, PA, regarding potential filing of Chapter 9 Bankruptcy:

Wall Street Journal Reports on Harrisburg, PA Municipal Bankruptcy

Is this action something that the City of Huntington Administration and City Council should investigate? Would not be pretty and, yes, it would affect bond ratings, but the future financial well-being of Huntington, WV, will require dramatic and unprecedented action to resolve current budget deficits and unfunded future liabilities.

What are your thoughts, after reading the Wall Street Journal Article? (Click on "Post Comments" and have your say. As always, you can post anonymously by clicking on "Anonymous" when typing your comments.)

Occupy Wall Street Movement Now Has Spokesperson

2011-10-11T15:10:00.000-04:00

Here is the self-claimed spokesman explaining the Occupy Wall Street Movement. Just click on this link:

http://www.politicususa.com/en/alan-grayson-occupy-wall-street

(Want to comment? Just click on "Post Comments", and you can click on "Anonymous", if you don't wish to leave your name. You don't agree with his comments? Tell us why; we want to hear what you have to say!)

End Free Political Advertising On Public Works Projects!

2011-10-11T14:10:00.000-04:00

End Free Political Advertising On Public Works Projects!

A common practice of politicians everywhere is to have public funded facilities named after them. This may be due to the efforts they expended to have public funds support the construction, reuse, determination, protection of resources, etc, exciting constituents to praise them by naming the project in their honor.

Although the naming may be justified, it should not be applied until after the politician is out of public office for two or more years. Otherwise the naming constitutes FREE political advertising as in “see all I have accomplished”. Of course, this could also backfire for a politician, as in the “Rahall Bridge” in the west end of Huntington. This structure is inadequate for inclusion in the Interstate Highway System and, as designed, is a hazard for travelers traversing from one four-lane highway to another with no barrier separating opposing lanes.

(This issue was brought to our attention by Huntington Neighborhood Advocate, Jay Bowen.)

City of Huntington and the Cabell County Day Report Center Cooperating To Fight Litter!

2011-10-11T13:02:00.000-04:00

Today, the Cabell County Day Report Center had their clients cleaning the 10th Street viaduct. The City of Huntington responded promptly to a citizen's request and arranged for the Day Report Center personnel to get the litter cleaned up. After that, the City of Huntington had the viaduct washed-down, and it is nice and clean.

However, their cooperative effort will be for-not, if the people walking and driving through our city's viaducts continue their irresponsible acts of littering!

Do you have solutions as to how we can change the anti-social behavior of the litterers?

(Click on "Post Comments" and have your say!)

“Endless Pressure, Endlessly Applied” to the Marcellus Select Committee

2011-10-11T12:39:00.000-04:00

“Endless Pressure, Endlessly Applied” to the Marcellus Select Committee

A letter we received from Chuck Wyrostok, Sierra Club Outreach Organizer:

"Actually, with your help we won’t have to apply pressure endlessly to get the Marcellus gas bill we need - but we do need to apply it now!

The Select Committee working on the Marcellus bill has made some real progress. They have added several amendments to the bill that came out of the West Virginia Senate in March but didn’t pass the House because of time constraints. The bill is a good start, and the amendments are filling in critical elements.

We need to apply that seemingly “endless pressure” when the committee meets again this week. Why?

Ø We need to thank the committee for the good work they have done so far. Specifically, we need to give them kudos for passing some very important amendments to the bill, amendments that fill in some of the critical protections missing in the bill. The committee members are human, too, and a little positive feedback can only help our cause.

Ø There are still some very important amendments left that the committee needs to pass and add to the bill. We need to “endlessly apply” the pressure by strongly urging them to do that.

Read on for more details:

1. What the amendments we still need are about.

2. The dates when you should take action.

3. Select Committee membership and phone numbers.

4. Suggested “talking points” you can use, if you want, to frame your comment.

1. The amendments we still need.

Pending - Casing and Cement Requirements - Bolstering casing and cementing requirements. Groundwater is at risk when casing and cementing are not adequate or done properly, or when cementing is not allowed to cure properly. This is where we now see most of the risk to groundwater. It should be required to monitor and control annulus pressure, permanently retain complete well cementing records, carefully define protected water supplies and create standardized investigation procedures.

Pending - Surface Owners Agreement - Protecting the landowner in case of damage from drilling operations. Like the rest of the bill,applicability is limited to horizontal wells only. Surface owners have been asking for similar requirements for ALL wells for more than 4 years. And folks really need more time. They only have 20 days to accept or reject the proposed surface use and compensation agreement and after 30 days if there is no agreement the driller can begin operations after posting a surety bond of $25,000. 60 days would be more reasonable.

Pending - Well Location Restrictions - Keeping wells and well pads a safe distance (1000 feet) from water wells, springs, homes, barns, etc.With current technology, operators can drill horizontally 12,000 feet (more than 2 miles), so there’s no reason they need to be closer than 1,000 feet from peoples’ homes.Even that may not be far enough away and the amendment allows the driller to get a variance. A firm 1,000 feet would be more protective. There is concern that DEP will just rubber stamp and go along with any excuse/reason the companies come up with for why they need a variance. If they can be closer there should at least be some other conditions/standards that the driller has to meet. There is language in the proposed amendment that gives that discretion to the DEP, but it would be better to spell out what those conditions should be. For example, there are specific things they could do to mitigate noise from the sites, which is what most complaints are about.

Pending - Protection of Water Supplies – Well operator is responsible for the pollution of a water supply that is within 2,500 feet of a horizontal gas well. The draft of the amendment we saw included a six-month limitation on claims of contamination. This is insufficient, to say the least. When a contaminant plume enters an aquifer it may take years, or decades to pass by an individual well.

2. We are asking everyone to call ANY or ALL members of the Select Committee today,

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11. They will meet at 4PM Wednesday Oct. 12 and 10AM Thursday Oct. 13 in the Capitol in Charleston. Calling on Wednesday before their 4PM meeting will also be good. The committee members will be there, and their staffers, who can answer the phone and take your message.

3. Joint Select Committee on Marcellus Shale - members and their Capitol phone numbers

Senate Members

Senator Doug Facemire - Chair - (304) 357-7845

Senator Karen Facemyer - (304) 357-7855

Senator Orphy Klempa - (304) 357-7918

Senator Corey Palumbo - (304) 357-7880

Senator Herb Snyder - (304) 357-7957

House Members

Delegate Tim Manchin - Chair - (304) 340-3166

Delegate Bill Anderson - (304) 340-3168

Delegate Thomas Campbell - (304) 340-3280

Delegate Barbara Fleischauer - (304) 340-3169

Delegate Woody Ireland - (304) 340-3195

4. Talking Points when you call the senators and delegates on the Select Committee. [names and phone numbers above]

· Be courteous and respectful. Remember you get more with honey than with vinegar.

· Be brief, and stay focused. Make your point, and don’t let the person you’re talking with change the subject. Stick to your intended message.

· Thank the senator or delegate for what the Select Committee has accomplished thus far. The Committee has passed 22 important amendments strengthening the bill. However, thank the Committee, not the individual - that senator or delegate may, or may not, have voted for the good amendments.

· Ask the Committee to “finish its work,” by passing the remaining pending amendments. See above for what those amendments are.

· Call as many Select Committee members as you can, please!

Once the Select Committee has finished its work, we will need to do more, when the bill and amendments have to go to the whole Legislature for its approval. We’ll need to renew the famous “endless pressure” again at that time.

Thank you so much for all you do for the West Virginia environment.

Chuck Wyrostok

Sierra Club Outreach Organizer

Toll free 877 252 0257

E: outreach@marcellus-wv.com

www.marcellus-wv.com

Wish to comment?  Just click "Post Comments" and have your say; you can comment anonymously merely be clicking "Anonymous" as you are writing your comments.

Demands for Congress!

2011-10-10T15:14:00.001-04:00

"Here is a list of some of the demands of the "Occupy Wall Street Movement: DEMANDS FOR CONGRESS (when they engage in direct action at the Capitol complex) ADD YOUR OWN DEMAND BY CLICKING ON "POST COMMENTS" AT THE END OF THIS ENTRY! SPEAK UP!

INVESTIGATE, ARREST AND TRY THE WALL STREET CRIMINALS who clearly broke the law and helped cause the 2008 financial crisis in the following notable cases: (insert list of the most clear cut criminal actions). There is a pretty broad consensus that there is a clear group of people who got away with millions / billions illegally and haven't been brought to justice. Boy would this be long overdue and cathartic for millions of Americans. It would also be a shot across the bow for the financial industry. If you watch the solidly researched and awared winning documentary film "Inside Job" that was narrated by Matt Damon (pretty brave Matt!) and do other research, it wouldn't take long to develop the list.
CONGRESS ENACT LEGISLATION TO PROTECT OUR DEMOCRACY BY REVERSING THE EFFECTS OF THE CITIZENS UNITED SUPREME COURT DECISION which essentially said corporations can spend as much as they want on elections and no disclosure is required about who's giving to who. Corporations should be highly limited in ability to contribute to political campaigns no matter what the election and no matter what the form of media. The Supreme Court decision is really weird. Read it when you have a chance. The justices who argued for unlimited corporate contributions without disclosure thought that wouldn't have an adverse effect on democracy and wouldn't undermine the citizen's view of legitimacy of elections. I'm not sure there's a word for that it's so strange.
ACTION ON GLASS-STEAGALL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass–Steagall_Act --- Wiki entry summary: The repeal of provisions of the Glass–Steagall Act of 1933 by the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act effectively removed the separation that previously existed between investment banking which issued securities and commercial banks which accepted deposits. The deregulation also removed conflict of interest prohibitions between investment bankers serving as officers of commercial banks. Most economists believe this repeal directly contributed to the severity of the Financial crisis of 2007–2011 by allowing Wall Street investment banking firms to gamble with their depositors' money that was held in commercial banks owned or created by the investment firms.
CONGRESS PASS THE BUFFETT RULE ON FAIR TAXATION SO THE RICH AND CORPORATIONS PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE & CLOSE CORPORATE TAX LOOP HOLES INCLUDING PROHIBITION ON HIDING FUNDS OFF SHORE. Pass the Buffet Rule on fair taxation so the rich pay their fair share. (If you really had a good negotiating position and had the place surrounded, you could actually dial up taxes on millionaires, billionaires and corporations even higher. But this would require direct non-violent blockades / action in New York and DC to get the broad public support necessary).
CONGRESS COMPLETELY REVAMP THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND STAFF IT AT HIGHEST AND LOWEST LEVELS WITH PROFESSIONALS WHO GET THE JOB DONE PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF THE MARKET THEREBY PROTECTING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND INVESTORS. Also, this agency needs a large staff and needs to be well-funded.
RE-ESTABLISH THE PUBLIC AIRWAVES IN THE U.S. SO THAT POLITICAL CANDIDATES ARE GIVEN EQUAL TIME FOR FREE AT REASONABLE INTERVALS IN DAILY PROGRAMMING DURING CAMPAIGN SEASON. The same should extend to other media.
CONGRESS ENACT SPECIFIC LAWS THAT EFFECTIVELY BUILD A WALL BETWEEN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY AND THE U.S. MILITARY. If we're going after corruption and also trying to reduce all the unnecessary wars that are costly in so many ways (most importantly costly in terms of human life on both sides), then this is the GRANDDADDY OF ALL REFORMS.

(Now, add your demand, or comment, by clicking on "Post Comments". Get it off your chest!

Why has the "Occupy" movement become necessary?

2011-10-09T22:27:00.000-04:00

This video clearly explains why the American people must consider supporting citizens who are participating in the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. Watch it and comment, if you like. Just click on "Post Comments" at the bottom of this entry. Use your name, or post your comments anonymously; just click on "Anonymous" as you are making your comments. Here's an explanation of the "Occupy" movement:

How our economy was kidnapped!

Crisis is Necessary to Affect Change

2011-10-09T14:03:00.000-04:00

Our country is in an economic crisis. The City of Huntington, West Virginia, is having an economic crisis. In years past, the city made decisions to set up public employee pension plans for the long-term, in order to resolve a short-term issue of not wanting to pay higher wages. That solution did not take into consideration the financial impact on the City of Huntington's operating budget in the years to follow. The time of comeuppance has arrived! The city's short-fall in the 2011-2012 budget is now projected at close to three-million dollars - ($3,000,000,000) - a stated result of not properly calculating the necessary payments to fund the public employee pensions.

A solution to this budget deficit, which is projected to be even larger in the future, is not apparent. Other cities, nationwide, are actually considering Chapter 9 Bankruptcy. It would not be pretty, but it is an action that the City of Huntington Administration and City Council should discuss as a solution to allow for the long-term financial stability of our city? What do you think; should the City of Huntington investigate the legal and financial ramifications related to filing municipal bankruptcy?

This Blog Welcomes ALL political views!

2011-10-08T17:28:00.000-04:00

We will carry on discussions with ALL individuals, regardless of their political views or affiliation. Click on "Post Comments" at the end of this post and let me know what you are thinking, what you stand for, what your concerns are about United States and world politics. I will post your views as a blog of mine so that it is seen by anyone coming to the blog.

You can use your name, or you can post anonymously. Just click on the "Anonymous" button when you are writing your comments, positions, what your "mad as hell" about, etc.

Thanks for participating! Thank goodness for the freedom to express our views!

Occupy Ashland, Kentucky Schedules General Assembly

2011-10-08T17:17:00.002-04:00

"Occupy Ashland, Kentucky" will hold a General Assembly on Monday, October 10, 2011, at 7 PM in Central Park near the gazebo.

The group has a facebook page, "Occupy Ashland Kentucky". For more information, you may contact Jeremy by telephone at 606-326-0951, or, Jennifer at 606-615-1735. The groups email address is OccupyAshlandKY@gmail.com.

We the people!

So, Who Holds The Power? Follow The Money!

2011-10-08T16:22:00.007-04:00

He who has the money has the power! These top six banks control the United States economy. Click this link to discover who they are:

Tops Six Banks Had Assets Equal To 65% Of U.S. GDP in 2010

So, What are the rest of the citizens of our country expected to do to protect ourselves?

1. Implement two-terms limits for all local, state and national political offices. (Ya gotta vote the right people into office to have a chance of this ever happening.)
2. Conduct a federal investigation of all Security Exchange Commission rules and policies that have been modified to allow wholesale gambling by the banks and stock companies. Our economic well-being depends on reasonable rules, regulations and controls of all financial transactions. The idea of "letting the government get out of the way and let the free-enterprize system work" has not proven to be in the best interests of United States citizens.

For a capitalist free market system to function properly, it must operate with integrity! The world economic outlook is bleak, because of the "slipping and sliding" done by dishonest company executives, bankers and stock companies. The time of "Come-Uppance" has arrived!

There are very scary times coming, as our global economy plummets because of the irresponsibility of the "get rich anyway you can, and damn the rules" individuals who have, and continue, to fleece the American people.

What say you?

The "Occupy Movement" Comes To Huntington, West Virginia

2011-10-07T20:19:00.001-04:00

"Occupy Huntington (WV)" has begun! Already, there are fifty (50) people on the street in front of Chase Bank on 5th Avenue! Join them! The big banks and corporations must revert to practices that reflect integrity, concern for our communities and nation, and a commitment to energize our economy by investing in industries and businesses that create jobs, jobs, jobs! We must encourage the repatriation of American companies to from foreign countries. The large banks should lead the effort to advance national legislation aimed at re-industrializing our nation!

Join the "occupiers" in front of the Chase Bank - Now! It is a freedom we are guaranteed - the right to assembly and the right to present our grievances! If not now, when? The participants intend to stay around the clock and have not revealed how long they intend to stay.

What are your views on the "occupy movement", which is spreading across the country?

I'M MAD AS HELL, AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!

2011-10-07T07:09:00.001-04:00

(This is a copy of my initial post; and it's what this blog is all about. Join us in discussing exactly what makes you "Mad as Hell!"

In the movie “Network” a guy leaned out of his window and screamed to the world, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

Well, that is the exact sentiment of many Americans today. Many are angry with their local, state and federal governments for perceived failures to govern with intelligence, integrity and in the best interests of the governed.

I welcome your comments voicing your thoughts and opinions on the performance of your local, state and national governments. Additionally, comments are welcomed about political parties, candidates and policies.

Your ideas for improving government are welcomed. Again, you can remain anonymous. Merely, click the "Anonymous" tab when writing your comments!

Again, comments that are hateful and lacking in civility will not be allowed on the blog.

So, let’s start our discourse: Click on the “Post Comment” tab at the end of each of my blog postings and have your say.

You say you don't know how to be civil, Bucky?

2011-10-06T15:11:00.004-04:00

Here is a newly published book that should be required reading for everyone!

Saving Civility: 52 Ways to Tame Rude, Crude, and Attitude for a Polite Planet

Saving Civility provides positive and practical solutions which each of us can employ in our daily lives. For more information, please visit author Sara Hacala's website: www.savingcivility.com.

The book may be purchased at all major bookstores and on-line at www.amazon.com and other on-line book suppliers. Videos are also posted on YouTube, which can be located by typing "Sara Hacala Saving Civility" in the search box.

Yes, we can have a civil discussion of politics. Pick a subject and post your comments; you can do it anonymously by tapping the "Anonymous" button, when you are ready to post comments! It's acceptable to be angry; so, voice your anger - with civility; Yes, it can be done!

And feel free to comment on any of our other postings and/or respond to prior comments posted by others. We don't have to agree; so, what do you think about these issues?

It's the INFRASTRUCTURE, Stupid!

2011-10-06T11:15:00.000-04:00

High unemployment: lousy economy? What to do? Why not dare to be bold by implementing the recovery policies of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt? His concentration on public works projects (WPA) and conservation efforts brought our country out of the Great Depression. It's the INFRASTRUCTURE, stupid!

If we don't repair, modernize and expand our critical infrastructure now; when? It ain't going to get any cheaper, stupid?

Marcellus Shall Natural Gas - It's ours; Let Them Pay up!

2011-10-06T11:09:00.000-04:00

If the development of the Marcellus shale natural gas field in the state of West Virginia is to become a reality, the yield taken from our state's natural resources must not be given away! Historically, our natural resources have not yielded the appropriate financial benefit to our people, because of the meager amounts charged for extraction and export. The rules for drilling must protect our environment, and we must be adequately paid for our extremely valuable natural gas resource!

We have the resource; so let the developers pay up! What do you think?

Election Turnout in Cabell County (WV) Raises Questions

2011-10-06T10:38:00.000-04:00

Only 23.9% of registered voters in Cabell County (WV) voted in the election to fill the unexpired term of former governor Joe Manchin. Why do citizens of the county fail to participate in elections for political office? Is it because we just don't care; are we disgusted with the mudslinging done by the candidates; are we ill-informed about the current issues affecting our area and state? What excuse does any citizen have for not participating in the political life of our county, state and country?

The fact remains, voter turn out in Cabell County is, historically, very poor! Doesn't our quality of life suffer because of the apparent malaise of our citizens?

We must get money out of politics for the sake of our country!

2011-10-05T23:19:00.001-04:00

I have always supported public funding for candidates for public office! Let's get money out of politics!

High Surf Alert

www.getmoneyout.com

High Surf Alert: Spread the word now to get money out of politics!

Beware the Military Industrial Complex - Part 2

2011-10-05T22:53:00.004-04:00

Here is the rest of President Eisenhower's 1961 farewell address in which he warns of the real danger of an out-of-control military industrial complex:

Eisenhower (part 2) - Farewell Speech 1961

The first half of the speech is the entry just below. The president's prophetic remarks; it appears as though he knew of what he spoke!

We, the people, are the government. We must stay informed and always on guard about the influence of the industrial military complex on our political leaders who are our decision-makers!

What do you think? Tap "Post Comments", and have your say!

Beware the Military Industrial Complex!

2011-10-05T22:27:00.000-04:00

President Dwight David Eisenhower gave this grave warning in his farewell address, after eight years in office. Is it too late to rein in this powerful complex, which has sought ultimate power for decades? Let we who have ears to hear - listen! Click the link to hear the presidents historic remarks about this real danger:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9_fyDV7Mnk&feature=share

War after war, and our economy is "in the tank" while our nation's infrastructure is in decay! What should we, as responsible Americans, do?

"Occupy Wallstreet"? What's going on here?

2011-10-05T17:08:00.002-04:00

What's going on here? Check it out:

http://occupywallst.org/forum/specific-demand-and-action-list-for-washington-dc/

Do you agree with the "demands of the 99%?

“You, who worry about democrats versus republicans -- relax, here is our real problem."

2011-10-05T14:51:00.004-04:00

Forwarded to us from an internet site:

“You, who worry about democrats versus republicans -- relax, here is our real problem."

In a university classroom, the students were discussing the qualifications to be President of the United States. It was pretty simple; the candidate must be a natural born citizen of at least 35 years of age. However, one student in the class immediately started in on how unfair was the requirement to be a natural born citizen. In short, the student’s opinion was that this requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming president. The class was taking it in and letting this scholar rant.

Not many jaws hit the floor when the student wrapped up the argument by stating, "What makes a natural born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section?"

“Like Zombies, they breed, they vote, and they walk among us.”

(They do vote [dear Lord protect us!], and may even sway the results of our elections! Until the citizens of our country become literate in civics and committed to staying informed, regarding the activities of our local, state and federal governments, we, the people, are at risk of suffering the disastrous results of the ineptness currently being exhibited by our government?) So, what do you think?

The Most Corrupt Members of Congress?

2011-10-05T12:31:00.000-04:00

Who are the most corrupt members of Congress? Here's the scoop; just click on this link:

The Most Corrupt Members of Congress!

Unless the news media searches out misconduct, we citizens are at the mercy of the men and women we trusted enough to, in good faith, send to Washington, D.C. to represent us.

As Cicero said, "The people's good is the highest law." Have our members of Congress failed us? Speak up!

Our Country Is In Crisis!

2011-10-04T22:18:00.002-04:00

Our country is in crisis, and much of the problem is the collapse of the moral fiber of our leaders and citizens. We elect people who are self-serving and driven by avarice and greed, and many of our citizens are morally bankrupt and "play" the system for all it is worth! We, who are responsible citizens, must "vet" any person running for political office and, upon their election, must hold their feet to fire by insisting that they do the job for which they were elected. In addition, we must press our representatives to enact term limits! Political office is not a person's life-time career; I propose a two-year term of four years for senators and a two-term "career" of two years for members of the house; the same goes for state legislators - two-term limits for all!

The people we are sending to Washington are totally ignorant of economics! We must totally over-haul our tax code; it is overly complicated and totally unfair to all! We've got to reverse the flow of industrial jobs to other countries - why not give special consideration to any company wishing to be repatriated to the United States. In addition, we must reconfigure our welfare system - anyone receiving economic assistance must work! Before they receive a check, they must participate in community service - cleaning litter from the streets, cutting grass on vacant lots, etc. We are a country of workers! Everyone must work; there is something each and every person can do to make our society better!

In short, the citizens we send to Washington are not capable of making the critical decisions that will be necessary to reposition our economy to ensure its future health and sustainability. Until the politicians become patriots again, we are in a world of hurt. The elections are coming; I propose that we citizens "clean house"! state-wise and nationally! Let's send citizen patriots and limit their time in office to two terms - period.

As Thomas Jefferson suggested, go as a citizen patriot to serve the people while in government service and, then, go home and tend to your personal business; grow corn, raise cattle, invent something, community service,etc! (paraphrasing, of course). What do you think?

This is beyond outrageous! Have they no shame?

2011-10-04T22:17:00.001-04:00

This is beyond outrageous! We, the people, must rise up to eliminate this terrible abuse perpetrated on the American people. This is fraud of the worst kind. The Federal Bureau of Investigation should do a complete investigation and the individual state governments must be made to clean up their houses!

Read this report by USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/state-legislators-pensions/index.html

What should be done to stop this misconduct by our state officeholders?

West Virginian's, If you don't vote, you have no right to complain!

2011-10-04T14:30:00.002-04:00

Attention, West Virginians! Today, you have an opportunity to exercise the greatest right of citizens of these United States; the right to vote for your leaders! If you do not take the time to vote today for a candidate for the unexpired term of Governor Joe Manchin, you have no moral right to complain about the outcome of today's election.

Get up off of your "duff" and do your duty! The polls are open; do you know your precinct number and the location of your polling place? If you are a registered voter, go to this link on the West Virginia Secretary of State's website, list your first and last name and your date of birth, and your precinct's polling place location will appear:

https://apps.sos.wv.gov/elections/voter/index.aspx

Thanks for your effort! Now, go vote! And if you haven't registered yet, do it! The general elections are coming up in 2012! Take part in our democracy!

And, by the way, please tell us why you never vote?

Is the Tea Party good for the Republican Party and our Country?

2011-10-04T12:19:00.006-04:00

The Tea Party element of the Republican Party has caused a bit of consternation within the "Grand Old Party". Is the Tea Party movement good for the Republican Party and our country? Tell us what you think. You can post your comments anonymously; just check "Anonymous" while writing your comments.

So, what are you waiting for?

Welcome to A Civil Discussion of Politics

2011-10-02T21:34:00.006-04:00

In the movie “Network” a guy leaned out of his window and screamed to the world, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore!”

Your ideas for improving government are welcomed. Again, you can remain anonymous. Merely, click the "Anonymous" tab when writing your comments!

Again, comments that are hateful and lacking in civility will not be allowed on the blog.

So, let’s start our discourse: Click on the “Post Comment” tab at the end of each of my blog postings and have your say.