This entry is my contribution to the new Congress. If they are serious about downsizing an unconstitutional, overgrown federal government, then this plan may provide them with the means to pare back the government in an orderly fashion. I first advanced this idea on my Earl for Ohio Facebook page, but it was a more cryptic version. The GOP has their “Pledge to America.” It’s not very sweeping in nature, and certainly lacks specificity. In addition, many Republicans are poised to implement their “no earmark” policy….an insignificant but highly symbolic gesture. They should have a workable plan that is substantive and effective.
Every committee and sub-committee chair should inventory every department, agency, bureau and directorate for which they have oversight. Then, each committee should identify 100 restrictive, excessive or unconstitutional rules or regulations for every department etc. under their purview. Following the cataloging of the most offensive regulatory burdens, the committee should have roll call votes to repeal each of the offending rules or regulations, and forward those selected for removal to the House or Senate floor for a roll call vote. If some rule or reg is Constitutional and necessary, but has been misinterpreted or unlawfully expanded, the repeal process should go forward, and replacement enabling legislation that is more tightly and clearly written should be introduced.
With all the committees and subcommittees on the Hill, this process would “deep six” literally thousands of onerous bureaucratic freedom-killers. Of course, the Congress must have the courage to follow through and not allow the K-Street interests to sidetrack the reforms. This endeavor would be a real test of their willingness to reduce government, but would allow it to be done in an incremental and systematic manner. All of this activity should be targeted for completion by the end of 2011.
The second year of the Congress (2012) should build on the first. The agency/bureau overview should continue with the repeal and elimination of all duplicative and contradictory regulations, rules, directives and laws. In addition, the various governmental entities should be eliminated if unconstitutional or consolidated if they serve some worthy purpose within the parameters of the Constitution. This task will be an especially daunting one because the politicians will be faced with an election year as they are confronted with a multitude of difficult choices. We will know who is serious about reducing the size and scope of government,…and who is not. Again, each repeal or removal should have a roll call vote in committee and on the floor.
Finally, for those who survive the election process, the Congress can in 2013 set the tone of reduction by eliminating a large number of sub-committees and committees. As long as so many Congresspersons hold the gavels of authority, their natural tendency will be to retain their power, enlarge their mandates and support the bureaucracy. Eliminating earmarks is nice, but severely paring down the number of committees and sub-committees is critical for a true shrinking of government. We will not accept the little token cosmetic diversions any more.
Comments: earl4sos@gmail.com or cnpearl@woh.rr.com
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Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Reading the Tea Leaves
A quickie analysis of the Libertarian Party and Tea Party (C4L, Tea Party, 912, Liberty, Patriot and other like-minded groups) impact in the mid-term election of two weeks ago yields some interesting points. The massive GOP blowout that swept the party of Lincoln into power in the nation’s capitol has been credited to a great degree to “Tea Party” activity. With a few notable Senate exceptions (Angle (NV), Buck CO), perhaps Miller (AK) and O’Donnell (DE), most Tea Party endorsed or supported candidates were electorally successful and led the way to a 60-plus seat pickup in the House and at least a 6 seat gain in the Senate for Republicans.
A cursory glance at results in Ohio would suggest a similar outcome in the Buckeye state. There are some numbers that suggest, however, that the co-opted “Tea Party” activists lost some impact when they strayed beyond traditional GOP RINO candidates. A look back at the May 4th Primary Election reminds us that Sandy O’Brien (Secretary of State) and Seth Morgan (Auditor) were both favorites of the Ohio Tea Party groups. Each of them garnered around 30% of the Republican vote and failed to secure their respective nominations
Throughout the newly formed activist groups, righteous anger and disgust with how the state party apparatus had been used to advance the prospects of Dave Yost for Auditor and John Husted for Secretary of State was notable. An additional galling aspect was that Yost had changed from an Attorney General candidate to Auditor in order to provide an open field for former Senator, Mike DeWine, after some funny business with petitions for Tea Party AG favorite, Steve Christopher. Christopher failed to qualify for the ballot, and DeWine did, indeed, enjoy an open field.
Over the past ten months I’ve had the opportunity to speak to several dozen Tea Party-type groups. Almost without exception they pronounced their loathing of DeWine and his questionable conservative values. They also expressed heated discontent with Yost and Husted along with State Chair, Kevin DeWine. I sensed that grassroots were angry and would not blindly work for a victorious RINO slate. At their various meetings they often stated that it was time to teach the GOP a lesson---that the Republican Party could not take their allegiance for granted.
Robert Owens was the Constitution Party Chairman and its candidate for Ohio Attorney General. A former prosecutor he was an instrumental drafter of the Health Care Freedom Amendment, a statewide measure to repeal the noxious national legislation (Obamacare). So, Owens had credentials, youth and energy, and he offered a viable alternative to DeWine. The Ohio Liberty Council is a statewide alliance of liberty-oriented groups, and their endorsement arm, The Ohio Tea Party PAC, endorsed Owens’ candidacy. He was the ONLY statewide candidate to receive at least 7/8 approval from their 58 affiliates (at least 51 local organizations). Owens was a tireless campaigner, traveling all over the state to many venues and winning adherents.
In 2010 for the first time in 76 years, a minor party had a full slate of statewide candidates. The Libertarian Party of Ohio had candidates for every major office including Marc Allyn Feldman, their Attorney General hopeful. Clearly, Feldman’s candidacy would have some impact on Owens’ Constitution Party candidacy, but the key Ohio Tea Party PAC endorsement and the general Tea Party organizations’ disillusionment with DeWine’s nomination could, nevertheless, yield a significant vote total for Owens. Apparently, Tea Party endorsements did not translate into votes.
Three of the Libertarian candidates for statewide office garnered more than 177 thousand votes each suggesting that a base of around 175 thousand for statewide LPO challengers. In the Attorney General race, however, Feldman’s 104,554 tally lagged considerably behind his party mates. Owens’ presence in the race coupled with Feldman’s inability to wage an aggressive campaign were the two most instrumental factors in Feldman’s final number. So, did the Tea Party activists propel Owens into contention? Did they overcome the 100 thousand plus votes that Feldman siphoned from Owens’ potential? Did the Tea Party faithful soundly reject the re-cycled Mike DeWine? No, no, no.
They did not deliver. They crawled back upon their favored RINO and rode him once again. Same old, same old. Fervor and endorsements did not deliver votes. Owens’ final total was slightly more than 127 thousand votes while DeWine had nearly one million seven hundred eighty-three thousand (1,782,821).
Comments: earl4sos@gmail.com or cnpearl@woh.rr.com
A cursory glance at results in Ohio would suggest a similar outcome in the Buckeye state. There are some numbers that suggest, however, that the co-opted “Tea Party” activists lost some impact when they strayed beyond traditional GOP RINO candidates. A look back at the May 4th Primary Election reminds us that Sandy O’Brien (Secretary of State) and Seth Morgan (Auditor) were both favorites of the Ohio Tea Party groups. Each of them garnered around 30% of the Republican vote and failed to secure their respective nominations
Throughout the newly formed activist groups, righteous anger and disgust with how the state party apparatus had been used to advance the prospects of Dave Yost for Auditor and John Husted for Secretary of State was notable. An additional galling aspect was that Yost had changed from an Attorney General candidate to Auditor in order to provide an open field for former Senator, Mike DeWine, after some funny business with petitions for Tea Party AG favorite, Steve Christopher. Christopher failed to qualify for the ballot, and DeWine did, indeed, enjoy an open field.
Over the past ten months I’ve had the opportunity to speak to several dozen Tea Party-type groups. Almost without exception they pronounced their loathing of DeWine and his questionable conservative values. They also expressed heated discontent with Yost and Husted along with State Chair, Kevin DeWine. I sensed that grassroots were angry and would not blindly work for a victorious RINO slate. At their various meetings they often stated that it was time to teach the GOP a lesson---that the Republican Party could not take their allegiance for granted.
Robert Owens was the Constitution Party Chairman and its candidate for Ohio Attorney General. A former prosecutor he was an instrumental drafter of the Health Care Freedom Amendment, a statewide measure to repeal the noxious national legislation (Obamacare). So, Owens had credentials, youth and energy, and he offered a viable alternative to DeWine. The Ohio Liberty Council is a statewide alliance of liberty-oriented groups, and their endorsement arm, The Ohio Tea Party PAC, endorsed Owens’ candidacy. He was the ONLY statewide candidate to receive at least 7/8 approval from their 58 affiliates (at least 51 local organizations). Owens was a tireless campaigner, traveling all over the state to many venues and winning adherents.
In 2010 for the first time in 76 years, a minor party had a full slate of statewide candidates. The Libertarian Party of Ohio had candidates for every major office including Marc Allyn Feldman, their Attorney General hopeful. Clearly, Feldman’s candidacy would have some impact on Owens’ Constitution Party candidacy, but the key Ohio Tea Party PAC endorsement and the general Tea Party organizations’ disillusionment with DeWine’s nomination could, nevertheless, yield a significant vote total for Owens. Apparently, Tea Party endorsements did not translate into votes.
Three of the Libertarian candidates for statewide office garnered more than 177 thousand votes each suggesting that a base of around 175 thousand for statewide LPO challengers. In the Attorney General race, however, Feldman’s 104,554 tally lagged considerably behind his party mates. Owens’ presence in the race coupled with Feldman’s inability to wage an aggressive campaign were the two most instrumental factors in Feldman’s final number. So, did the Tea Party activists propel Owens into contention? Did they overcome the 100 thousand plus votes that Feldman siphoned from Owens’ potential? Did the Tea Party faithful soundly reject the re-cycled Mike DeWine? No, no, no.
They did not deliver. They crawled back upon their favored RINO and rode him once again. Same old, same old. Fervor and endorsements did not deliver votes. Owens’ final total was slightly more than 127 thousand votes while DeWine had nearly one million seven hundred eighty-three thousand (1,782,821).
Comments: earl4sos@gmail.com or cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Littlestuff Weekender-11-13-2010
Sometimes I believe that I’m becoming schizophrenic. On one hand I see the massive growth of our increasingly oppressive government. I see it’s heartless, mindless and soulless appetite that smothers the will and the initiative of our people. I see its unencumbered march toward total control extinguishing the sparks of liberty that God has placed within each of us, and I want to hunker down, to be alone, to tend my garden and pretend that it’s not happening. On the other hand, my anger, passion and my sense of justice are energized. I want to scream from the rooftops and mountaintops that Liberty is worth fighting for. I want to challenge and impede the monster’s movement every step along the way. I want to fight and resist with every fiber of my being. I do not want to submit, and I shall not.
Many people are drawing benefits and receiving subsidies from Big Government. Their allegiance or their indifference has been purchased. I have reason to believe that the government is going to give me a Rolex for Christmas….excuse me, the Winter Holidays. Isn’t that what it means to be on a watch list?
I’ve figured this out: I’m too late smart, and too soon old.
Fortunately, I have discovered that Grace is not a cashier at Kroger’s.
The Book of Proverbs (22:7, NIV) warns us “the borrower is servant to the lender.” Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Framers warned us against profligate spending and debt. Yet, for the past century we have childishly ignored their cumulative wisdom. We are now at the stage where we borrow to meet our debt payments, and still, the clowns in charge talk about reducing expenditures to 2008 levels. Why not 1908 dollars adjusted for inflation? They provide all kinds of reasons, alibis and excuses for not engaging in a serious and effective fiscal blueprint. Well, my fellow citizens, I have some advice for you in light of government’s irresponsible behavior. Sign up for Rosetta Stone and learn Mandarin Chinese.
It seems likely that many of you share my frustration with the apathetic attitudes of many of our family, friends and neighbors. Now we know how the Old Testament prophets felt. Jerusalem was conquered, and the people were dispersed….one thousand, nine hundred forty years ago. It’s true, if we do not learn from history, we are condemned to repeat it.
I love Christmas. I cherish the message of hope. I love spending time with my family. I enjoy the kitchen smells, the fragrance of pine and the non-stop Christmas music.
For the past year, I have traveled Ohio. I have made some wonderful new friends and re-connected with some old friends. I have been blessed. Thank you, one and all.
My family has provided a phenomenal support system for me. Pat, my wife of 41.67 years (so who’s counting), daughter Kelly, hubby, Kevin and youngin’s Shaun and Erin plus son P.J., spouse, Heather, and little one, Sully have all been so supportive and encouraging. I love them all, and I’m so proud that I get to share their lives.
Dear career politician,
Stop spending MY money. Stop spending Pat’s money. Stop spending my children’s money. Stop spending my grandchildren’s money. Stop spending money. Stop spending. Stop!!!!!
Comments welcome: earl4sos@gmail.com or cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Many people are drawing benefits and receiving subsidies from Big Government. Their allegiance or their indifference has been purchased. I have reason to believe that the government is going to give me a Rolex for Christmas….excuse me, the Winter Holidays. Isn’t that what it means to be on a watch list?
I’ve figured this out: I’m too late smart, and too soon old.
Fortunately, I have discovered that Grace is not a cashier at Kroger’s.
The Book of Proverbs (22:7, NIV) warns us “the borrower is servant to the lender.” Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Framers warned us against profligate spending and debt. Yet, for the past century we have childishly ignored their cumulative wisdom. We are now at the stage where we borrow to meet our debt payments, and still, the clowns in charge talk about reducing expenditures to 2008 levels. Why not 1908 dollars adjusted for inflation? They provide all kinds of reasons, alibis and excuses for not engaging in a serious and effective fiscal blueprint. Well, my fellow citizens, I have some advice for you in light of government’s irresponsible behavior. Sign up for Rosetta Stone and learn Mandarin Chinese.
It seems likely that many of you share my frustration with the apathetic attitudes of many of our family, friends and neighbors. Now we know how the Old Testament prophets felt. Jerusalem was conquered, and the people were dispersed….one thousand, nine hundred forty years ago. It’s true, if we do not learn from history, we are condemned to repeat it.
I love Christmas. I cherish the message of hope. I love spending time with my family. I enjoy the kitchen smells, the fragrance of pine and the non-stop Christmas music.
For the past year, I have traveled Ohio. I have made some wonderful new friends and re-connected with some old friends. I have been blessed. Thank you, one and all.
My family has provided a phenomenal support system for me. Pat, my wife of 41.67 years (so who’s counting), daughter Kelly, hubby, Kevin and youngin’s Shaun and Erin plus son P.J., spouse, Heather, and little one, Sully have all been so supportive and encouraging. I love them all, and I’m so proud that I get to share their lives.
Dear career politician,
Stop spending MY money. Stop spending Pat’s money. Stop spending my children’s money. Stop spending my grandchildren’s money. Stop spending money. Stop spending. Stop!!!!!
Comments welcome: earl4sos@gmail.com or cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Friday, November 12, 2010
Guns and Moses
This is not a retrospective on the life of Axel Rose although he may be nearly as old as Moses. This entry is an exploration of the necessity for an armed citizenry. In the perfect world there would be no need for citizens to bear weapons. Today’s world is not perfect, however, and members of our society should be armed for a number of reasons. Obviously, one of the primary reasons is for personal protection. The United States has become an increasingly dangerous place, and even our smaller communities have not escaped the turmoil. Although crime prevention is a component of police work, most often the law enforcement officers do not become involved until after a crime has been committed. Their efforts are primarily directed toward investigation and apprehension. It seems, therefore, a prudent move for a citizen to have the means for self-defense and self-preservation.
A second justification for a citizen’s possession of firearms is for sporting purposes and varmint control. Target shooting and hunting are noble, healthy pursuits. They are the types of activities that an entire family can enjoy. The varmint control element may not be a huge issue in many neighborhoods—one doesn’t find too many Norwegian rats in Scarsdale, but in my small patch of the country, we do encounter the occasional pest. Woodchucks (we call them groundhogs around here), raccoons (nasty critters when threatened), and the increasingly annoying coyote are all threats to livestock, pets, crops or gardens. These feral critters are often too wily for effective trapping, so a well-placed shotgun blast or rifle shot is usually an effective determent.
Resisting tyrannical government is a serious endeavor. One does not cavalierly initiate armed activity against the power structure of the nation. The Founders and Framers of our country anticipated that at some time in the future, the citizens would feel compelled to rise and resist an overreaching governmental apparatus. As Thomas Jefferson wrote:
Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.
The implication is that if the government becomes too big, too oppressive or too unresponsive, then the people must aggressively wrest the reins of power and self-determination from the entrenched power structure. The huge government entity will resist any attempt to contain it. Laws and regulations will be advanced that limit the ability of the people to assert their control over the leviathan. In June of 1788, George Mason prophetically identified a key element of government’s restrictive control.
“To disarm the people…. was the best and most effectual way to enslave them.”
Mason’s sentiment was further advanced by Patrick Henry:
O sir, we should have fine times, indeed, if, to punish tyrants, it were only sufficient to assemble the people! Your arms, wherewith you could defend yourselves, are gone… Did you ever read of any revolution in a nation… inflicted by those who had no power at all?
The Founders and Framers, when considering additions to the Constitution that would protect individual God-given rights and secure ratification votes from some reluctant colonies, enshrined the individual right of the citizen to bear arms in the Second Amendment. Fortunately, the United States Supreme Court in the 2008 D.C vs. Heller decision upheld the historical understanding that the right to own and possess firearms is an individual one. That’s the good news. The alarming news is that the Court affirmed more than 220 years of common practice by a mere 5 to 4 vote! Our individual Second Amendment right is hanging by a thread even as our government becomes more oppressive and invasive.
So, why is the reference to Moses in the title of this piece? Our Judeo-Christian heritage informs us that if God is with you, then the size of your army or the power of your arsenal is incidental. David needed but a few smooth stones and a slingshot to vanquish the mightiest warrior of the Philistine nation whereupon their army surrendered. Samson slew a thousand of those pesky Philistines using the jawbone of an ass. I suspect that our country may have forfeited God’s blessing if we’ve ever had it. We cannot rely on His divine intervention to help us secure our liberty.
If the time should come that freedom-loving citizens are compelled to battle for their God-given liberties, then the right to bear arms is critical. Slinging stones and swinging jawbones will not achieve the objective. We must protect and defend our individual right to bear arms. Every branch of the federal government has, to some degree, undermined the Constitutional certainty that was understood at the founding. In many speeches I’ve advanced the notion of the “triad of liberty.” When we perceive that Government is exceeding its limits, we use the 1st Amendment to reason, to protest and to persuade. Our next remedy for relief is the 10th Amendment wherein our states resist the encroachment of the federal government that has run amok. Finally, we resist force with force by exercising our 2nd Amendment protections.
Asses’ jawbones do not contain enough firepower. They are readily available, though. You can find a career politician lurking around every corner.
Comments are welcome: earl4sos@gmail.com or cnpearl@woh.rr.com
A second justification for a citizen’s possession of firearms is for sporting purposes and varmint control. Target shooting and hunting are noble, healthy pursuits. They are the types of activities that an entire family can enjoy. The varmint control element may not be a huge issue in many neighborhoods—one doesn’t find too many Norwegian rats in Scarsdale, but in my small patch of the country, we do encounter the occasional pest. Woodchucks (we call them groundhogs around here), raccoons (nasty critters when threatened), and the increasingly annoying coyote are all threats to livestock, pets, crops or gardens. These feral critters are often too wily for effective trapping, so a well-placed shotgun blast or rifle shot is usually an effective determent.
Resisting tyrannical government is a serious endeavor. One does not cavalierly initiate armed activity against the power structure of the nation. The Founders and Framers of our country anticipated that at some time in the future, the citizens would feel compelled to rise and resist an overreaching governmental apparatus. As Thomas Jefferson wrote:
Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.
The implication is that if the government becomes too big, too oppressive or too unresponsive, then the people must aggressively wrest the reins of power and self-determination from the entrenched power structure. The huge government entity will resist any attempt to contain it. Laws and regulations will be advanced that limit the ability of the people to assert their control over the leviathan. In June of 1788, George Mason prophetically identified a key element of government’s restrictive control.
“To disarm the people…. was the best and most effectual way to enslave them.”
Mason’s sentiment was further advanced by Patrick Henry:
O sir, we should have fine times, indeed, if, to punish tyrants, it were only sufficient to assemble the people! Your arms, wherewith you could defend yourselves, are gone… Did you ever read of any revolution in a nation… inflicted by those who had no power at all?
The Founders and Framers, when considering additions to the Constitution that would protect individual God-given rights and secure ratification votes from some reluctant colonies, enshrined the individual right of the citizen to bear arms in the Second Amendment. Fortunately, the United States Supreme Court in the 2008 D.C vs. Heller decision upheld the historical understanding that the right to own and possess firearms is an individual one. That’s the good news. The alarming news is that the Court affirmed more than 220 years of common practice by a mere 5 to 4 vote! Our individual Second Amendment right is hanging by a thread even as our government becomes more oppressive and invasive.
So, why is the reference to Moses in the title of this piece? Our Judeo-Christian heritage informs us that if God is with you, then the size of your army or the power of your arsenal is incidental. David needed but a few smooth stones and a slingshot to vanquish the mightiest warrior of the Philistine nation whereupon their army surrendered. Samson slew a thousand of those pesky Philistines using the jawbone of an ass. I suspect that our country may have forfeited God’s blessing if we’ve ever had it. We cannot rely on His divine intervention to help us secure our liberty.
If the time should come that freedom-loving citizens are compelled to battle for their God-given liberties, then the right to bear arms is critical. Slinging stones and swinging jawbones will not achieve the objective. We must protect and defend our individual right to bear arms. Every branch of the federal government has, to some degree, undermined the Constitutional certainty that was understood at the founding. In many speeches I’ve advanced the notion of the “triad of liberty.” When we perceive that Government is exceeding its limits, we use the 1st Amendment to reason, to protest and to persuade. Our next remedy for relief is the 10th Amendment wherein our states resist the encroachment of the federal government that has run amok. Finally, we resist force with force by exercising our 2nd Amendment protections.
Asses’ jawbones do not contain enough firepower. They are readily available, though. You can find a career politician lurking around every corner.
Comments are welcome: earl4sos@gmail.com or cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
High Speed Fail
Ohio Governor-elect, John Kasich, derailed (for now) the Three C High-speed rail project. Maybe he has determined that an average speed of 41mph doesn’t necessarily meet the criterion for the “high-speed” designation. Perhaps he was swayed by the realization that massive amounts of funds would be necessary to construct the infrastructure for the rail system while Ohio’s ground transportation network is crumbling. It’s possible that he was concerned about the dislocation and eminent domain issues that would precede the building of the rail, though I doubt it. Individual rights and property are generally trampled for “the greater good.”
Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood (RINO-Illinois) notified Mr. Kasich that the $400 million in stimulus funds that were set aside to begin the rail project would be forfeited if not used for the high-speed boondoggle. In case you may have forgotten, that $400 million is: 1) our money; 2) our borrowed money and future debt; and 3) not President Obama’s nor Ray Lahood’s private stash for their pet social engineering projects. Kasich had asked for permission to divert the funds for other uses. Aside from the blatantly irresponsible action of seeking additional borrowed funds for any purpose, Kasich’s stand contains the nucleus of principle. States have the Constitutional right to determine what is best for their citizens. Big Nanny be damned.
Back to the fast train fiasco. The average subsidy for EVERY Amtrak passenger is $32…yes, every time someone purchases a ticket and ascends the steps to the passenger car, the taxpayers’ cash register rings up another thirty-two bucks. So, who in her or his right mind believes that the Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati FORTY-MPH EXPRESS would be more efficient? Even if it were as cost-effective as Amtrak, why should the taxpayers of Ohio be saddled with the bill for a relatively few riders? Why should Youngstown and Toledo residents underwrite ease and convenience for people in other jurisdictions? Why should the good people of St. Henry, Tiffin, Caldwell and Gallipolis bear the burden of propping up a certain loser? Besides, 41 mph does not suggest a “bullet train.” It is more reminiscent of a “stop action” bullet in a “Matrix” film. Hell, there are Kenyan distance runners who could outpace that thing.
OK, in the interest of proving for the public good and welfare, I shall prose some remedies for enhancing the feasibility of High-Speed Rail in Ohio. Because our fearless and clueless leaders are trying to establish the Buckeye as a leader in the alternative energy field, I submit that we should merge the two fiascos to arrive at a singular solution for all of our economic woes in Ohio. Let’s examine ways to propel the train using renewable energy resources.
Each engine on the train could have a windmill attached to its top (sorta like a beanie propeller). The faster the train would travel the more energy that would be generated. If we could reach “warp” speed, we might generate enough power to export to other states that are burdened with huge gas and oil reserves that the EPA will not allow them to tap. Our greatest concern would be that the train could conceivably become airborne if it exceeded the recommended ground speed. A flying train with a couple of dozen subsidized passengers could result in a tragedy of immense proportions.
Perhaps solar panels would provide an efficient energy system for running the train. Nighttime runs might have to be severely curtailed, and air conditioning requirements on the train may have to be ramped up, but the solar option could be very feasible on those 5 or 6 totally sunny days that we enjoy here in the Great Lakes region. In addition, every hail storm would create new jobs as we replace the damaged panels.
My favorite option involves the use of methane. Each train could be equipped with a methane converter. Farmers along the High-Speed corridor could pile their animal waste along the tracks. As the train speeds by, a waste collector would scoop up the excrement, capture the methane and convert it to energy. My greatest concern is that if the farmers were to stack too much material along the tracks, then our High-Speed Wonder train could arrive at its destination … full of crap. So, for now, we’ve avoided the Boo-Hoo Choo-Choo .
Comments welcome: earl4sos@gmail.com cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood (RINO-Illinois) notified Mr. Kasich that the $400 million in stimulus funds that were set aside to begin the rail project would be forfeited if not used for the high-speed boondoggle. In case you may have forgotten, that $400 million is: 1) our money; 2) our borrowed money and future debt; and 3) not President Obama’s nor Ray Lahood’s private stash for their pet social engineering projects. Kasich had asked for permission to divert the funds for other uses. Aside from the blatantly irresponsible action of seeking additional borrowed funds for any purpose, Kasich’s stand contains the nucleus of principle. States have the Constitutional right to determine what is best for their citizens. Big Nanny be damned.
Back to the fast train fiasco. The average subsidy for EVERY Amtrak passenger is $32…yes, every time someone purchases a ticket and ascends the steps to the passenger car, the taxpayers’ cash register rings up another thirty-two bucks. So, who in her or his right mind believes that the Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati FORTY-MPH EXPRESS would be more efficient? Even if it were as cost-effective as Amtrak, why should the taxpayers of Ohio be saddled with the bill for a relatively few riders? Why should Youngstown and Toledo residents underwrite ease and convenience for people in other jurisdictions? Why should the good people of St. Henry, Tiffin, Caldwell and Gallipolis bear the burden of propping up a certain loser? Besides, 41 mph does not suggest a “bullet train.” It is more reminiscent of a “stop action” bullet in a “Matrix” film. Hell, there are Kenyan distance runners who could outpace that thing.
OK, in the interest of proving for the public good and welfare, I shall prose some remedies for enhancing the feasibility of High-Speed Rail in Ohio. Because our fearless and clueless leaders are trying to establish the Buckeye as a leader in the alternative energy field, I submit that we should merge the two fiascos to arrive at a singular solution for all of our economic woes in Ohio. Let’s examine ways to propel the train using renewable energy resources.
Each engine on the train could have a windmill attached to its top (sorta like a beanie propeller). The faster the train would travel the more energy that would be generated. If we could reach “warp” speed, we might generate enough power to export to other states that are burdened with huge gas and oil reserves that the EPA will not allow them to tap. Our greatest concern would be that the train could conceivably become airborne if it exceeded the recommended ground speed. A flying train with a couple of dozen subsidized passengers could result in a tragedy of immense proportions.
Perhaps solar panels would provide an efficient energy system for running the train. Nighttime runs might have to be severely curtailed, and air conditioning requirements on the train may have to be ramped up, but the solar option could be very feasible on those 5 or 6 totally sunny days that we enjoy here in the Great Lakes region. In addition, every hail storm would create new jobs as we replace the damaged panels.
My favorite option involves the use of methane. Each train could be equipped with a methane converter. Farmers along the High-Speed corridor could pile their animal waste along the tracks. As the train speeds by, a waste collector would scoop up the excrement, capture the methane and convert it to energy. My greatest concern is that if the farmers were to stack too much material along the tracks, then our High-Speed Wonder train could arrive at its destination … full of crap. So, for now, we’ve avoided the Boo-Hoo Choo-Choo .
Comments welcome: earl4sos@gmail.com cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Kasich
Heard this fellow (John Kasich running for governor in Ohio) in an interview with Brian Wilson on WSPD a few days ago. Gotta tell you I'm not impressed. No passion for liberty. Listening to him speak, I couldn't help but to notice how distinct the differences between Republicans and Libertarians have become. Kasich seemed to back pedal away from taking a principled stand on any issues he was asked about. He even seemed to indicate that he felt government was not too large but rather it was just not well run enough??? Or something like that??? Sounds like another wanker politician from where I sit, talking a bunch of smack about jobs and the economy like any political hack would do. Surprise, gonna have to go Libertarian in the Governor race.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Liberty Lovers Can Make a Difference
To my Libertarian, Tea Party, 912, We Surround Them, WeByFor and other affiliated and like-minded friends and Patriots:
Let me begin by acknowledging that is has been twenty-eight (28) years since I last ran for public office. I haven’t been totally dormant during that time because I have managed or consulted for a statewide ballot petitioning issue, a Congressional race, three County Commission campaigns, a County Auditor’s contest and various and sundry legislative and local campaigns. In addition, my graduate work was in Political Communication while pursuing my advanced degrees within the Mass Communication discipline. In other words, I have been very involved with the electoral process for the past three decades and longer.
Many of you are engaged in the electoral process in a meaningful way for the very first time. Your energy, your passion and your commitment to good Constitutional government are commendable. There is, however, one area where I believe that your efforts are leading to a significant strategic error and a gross miscalculation. Your primary focus based on your rhetoric and efforts seems to be directed toward the national political scene. Granted, Washington is radically messed up, but I believe that your impact and your effectiveness should be targeted toward the state.
Because I live in Ohio, I will use the Buckeye state as an illustration of why I would re-direct my energies if I were you. In my humble opinion the efforts of liberty loving patriots should be directed towards state legislative races. Why? Twelve (12) active individuals can, through their efforts, make the difference in an Ohio House contest. A dozen committed workers can implement a true “feet on the ground” strategy that can overcome most funding inequities, work EVERY neighborhood and capitalize on every outreach opportunity within the district. It takes 50 House members to control the general Assembly, therefore with roughly six hundred (600) active, engaged and dedicated workers, we/you could exercise true power in the state capitol. Clearly, working with candidates who are welded to a nullification agenda is critical. The candidates MUST be strict Constitutionalists who will not waver. Because they represent smaller districts within the state and because Columbus is reasonably accessible, the people can hold “their feet to the fire.” You might counter by remarking that the legislators do not pay attention to their constituents now, so what would change? Well, the new members would owe their positions to you “new activists.”
Similar numbers would have the same impact in the Ohio Senate races. With 25-30 energized team members, a Senate district would be in play. Seventeen is the controlling number in the upper chamber of the Ohio General Assembly, so roughly 500 freedom warriors could change the course of Ohio’s history. Add the House and Senate districts together, and roughly 1100 dedicated, hard working people could transform Ohio’s and the Nation’s political landscape. The Nation’s? Of course, with an Ohio legislature committed to a Nullification Agenda….and if a few other states follow the same path, then 10 to 11 states who refuse to implement any unconstitutional garbage from the feds would cause federal Nannyism to screech to a halt. What response could we (the states, Ohio) expect from Big Brother? National Guard? Can’t do it because too many of our Guard are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan plus are your friends, neighbors, sons and daughters going to forcibly make you comply with illegal federal law? I don’t think so.
So, what about a statewide campaign (e.g. mine)? Won’t the nullification legislature be hamstrung by statewide officials who do not support their principles? Perhaps, but an effective, winning statewide campaign can be waged with 500-600 active workers, however a statewide nullification supporter can get by with fewer because of the carry-over from the legislative races. You might ask what about those critters who represent our state in Congress? First, I’m inherently suspicious of anyone who lusts to serve there, but they are generally quick to jump in front of a bandwagon when they see it coming. Let’s do the calculus: Twelve to 15 people in 50 house (a dozen or so neighbors, co-workers, churchmembers)districts, plus 25-30 people in 17 senate districts and 500 working for a statewide ticket can transform the political structure in Ohio. Ohio will have 16 Congressional seats for the next election cycle (2012). Fewer than 2,000 extremely active Patriots will be altering Ohio politics and governance for the better. If Ohio were to do a political “180,” isn’t it likely that at least 9 Members of Congress will jump on board. If we concentrate on Congress alone without placing Ohio at the hub of reform, then we will be sending people to that den of corruption with little support. They’ll be hours away by plane and surrounded by the culture that got us into this mess in the first place. Even if we can elect people with 100% Constitutional principles over 3 to 4 election cycles, by the time we have a full contingent of Patriots, the early victors would probably have begun the trail of compromise. Let’s begin the cleansing here.
So, Charlie, you might ask…what about the courts? What if they strike down all of our nullification efforts? My response is “so what?” An apocryphal story attributes this quote to Andrew Jackson referring to the Supreme Court: They have made their decision, now let them enforce it.” The courts have no police or military units. There is precedent in Ohio for ignoring state Supreme Court edicts---remember the school funding fiasco? OK, what about the Rule of Law that is so instrumental for maintaining a civil Republic? In the words of a five year old in the back seat of a car: They did it to me first. The Congress, the Executive, the Judicial branches on the Federal level plus all three branches of the state level have cavalierly ignored the supreme law of the land while stealing our liberty, our labor and our property.
The May 4th Primaries have come and gone. The results for the Champions of Liberty were rather meager. There were some small victories, but generally speaking, our clocks were cleaned. The diffused nature of our activities doomed us to come up short in the electoral lottery for liberty. So what vehicles do we have available now with the General Election a mere 5 months down the road? My suggestion would be to quickly vet the remaining candidates for the General Assembly and statewide office. If a third party candidate who has ballot access meets all the qualifications for Constitutional restoration and nullification, then we should coalesce around those candidates (obviously, I prefer the Libertarian alternatives). NO CANDIDATE WHO REPRESENTS ONE OF THE MAJOR PARTIES SHOULD RECEIVE OUR COORDINATED ACTIVE SUPPORT. Why? Well, if you haven’t learned from the Primary election that Kevin DeWine and those of his careerist ilk are not your friends, then you cannot seriously be considered a reformist. You could be mildly disturbed with the party apparatus, but you would be willing to give them the car keys again to drive you home from the party. I served in office as a Republican legislator in the ‘80’s. I have watched them become “D-lite” politicians who are more interested in their careers than they are with MY state. The only states that they appear to wholeheartedly support is the state of confusion…the state of economic collapse…the state of political misfeasance and malfeasance, and the state of political corruption. If there is no viable third party candidate available in a given district, then a careful thoughtful vetting of the two remaining Old Party partisans should be undertaken with a bias in favor of the candidate who has served the least amount of time in office. Never forget…career politicians lie…often. The existent party apparatus has fought against Liberty candidates, including GOP State Central Committee, in the past—both way back (I remember Goldwater) and as late as this month. They are untrustworthy. All about power and party…not about principle and posterity.
When one has been assaulted, when one’s loved ones have been abused and when one’s treasure has been confiscated by an irresponsible, out-of-control government, then one is duty bound (to God, to one’s family and one’s progeny) to resist with every weapon in the armory. The strategy that I have proposed herein is non-violent, Constitutional and was anticipated by the Founders. Join me as we forge a new vision for Ohio (and all you other states who have the courage to join us) and restore the great documents that were inspired by God and conceived by men—the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. If we are citizens who cherish our country, our state, our honor and our legacy, then we must engage in a plan that will work in the short term and endure until the people become lethargic again and the process will have to be repeated. Let us hope and pray that future generations will look to us as inspiring beacons of liberty just as we look to our Founding.
Please accept my apology for being so tardy with this observation. I understand that the disparate groups among you have varying goals and objectives. My intent is not to dictate how you advance the cause of Freedom, but I love my Lord, my wife, my family, my community, my state ….. and my country. I am now more than six decades old (60+ for those in Rio Linda). I am sorry that I have not fulfilled my duty as a leader of my family and as a citizen. My disdain for the political class (career politicians) outweighed my alarm and willingness to do battle again. I do not want the same thing to happen to all of you. I can image that if victory and Constitutional restoration are not accomplished relatively quickly, then your frustration and despair will mirror mine. That cannot be allowed to happen. That must not occur. Our children and grandchildren shall not live in tyranny.
Thank you.
For comments, contact:
Charlie Earl
Libertarian candidate for Ohio Secretary of State
www.earlforohio.com
earl4sos@gmail.com
Let me begin by acknowledging that is has been twenty-eight (28) years since I last ran for public office. I haven’t been totally dormant during that time because I have managed or consulted for a statewide ballot petitioning issue, a Congressional race, three County Commission campaigns, a County Auditor’s contest and various and sundry legislative and local campaigns. In addition, my graduate work was in Political Communication while pursuing my advanced degrees within the Mass Communication discipline. In other words, I have been very involved with the electoral process for the past three decades and longer.
Many of you are engaged in the electoral process in a meaningful way for the very first time. Your energy, your passion and your commitment to good Constitutional government are commendable. There is, however, one area where I believe that your efforts are leading to a significant strategic error and a gross miscalculation. Your primary focus based on your rhetoric and efforts seems to be directed toward the national political scene. Granted, Washington is radically messed up, but I believe that your impact and your effectiveness should be targeted toward the state.
Because I live in Ohio, I will use the Buckeye state as an illustration of why I would re-direct my energies if I were you. In my humble opinion the efforts of liberty loving patriots should be directed towards state legislative races. Why? Twelve (12) active individuals can, through their efforts, make the difference in an Ohio House contest. A dozen committed workers can implement a true “feet on the ground” strategy that can overcome most funding inequities, work EVERY neighborhood and capitalize on every outreach opportunity within the district. It takes 50 House members to control the general Assembly, therefore with roughly six hundred (600) active, engaged and dedicated workers, we/you could exercise true power in the state capitol. Clearly, working with candidates who are welded to a nullification agenda is critical. The candidates MUST be strict Constitutionalists who will not waver. Because they represent smaller districts within the state and because Columbus is reasonably accessible, the people can hold “their feet to the fire.” You might counter by remarking that the legislators do not pay attention to their constituents now, so what would change? Well, the new members would owe their positions to you “new activists.”
Similar numbers would have the same impact in the Ohio Senate races. With 25-30 energized team members, a Senate district would be in play. Seventeen is the controlling number in the upper chamber of the Ohio General Assembly, so roughly 500 freedom warriors could change the course of Ohio’s history. Add the House and Senate districts together, and roughly 1100 dedicated, hard working people could transform Ohio’s and the Nation’s political landscape. The Nation’s? Of course, with an Ohio legislature committed to a Nullification Agenda….and if a few other states follow the same path, then 10 to 11 states who refuse to implement any unconstitutional garbage from the feds would cause federal Nannyism to screech to a halt. What response could we (the states, Ohio) expect from Big Brother? National Guard? Can’t do it because too many of our Guard are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan plus are your friends, neighbors, sons and daughters going to forcibly make you comply with illegal federal law? I don’t think so.
So, what about a statewide campaign (e.g. mine)? Won’t the nullification legislature be hamstrung by statewide officials who do not support their principles? Perhaps, but an effective, winning statewide campaign can be waged with 500-600 active workers, however a statewide nullification supporter can get by with fewer because of the carry-over from the legislative races. You might ask what about those critters who represent our state in Congress? First, I’m inherently suspicious of anyone who lusts to serve there, but they are generally quick to jump in front of a bandwagon when they see it coming. Let’s do the calculus: Twelve to 15 people in 50 house (a dozen or so neighbors, co-workers, churchmembers)districts, plus 25-30 people in 17 senate districts and 500 working for a statewide ticket can transform the political structure in Ohio. Ohio will have 16 Congressional seats for the next election cycle (2012). Fewer than 2,000 extremely active Patriots will be altering Ohio politics and governance for the better. If Ohio were to do a political “180,” isn’t it likely that at least 9 Members of Congress will jump on board. If we concentrate on Congress alone without placing Ohio at the hub of reform, then we will be sending people to that den of corruption with little support. They’ll be hours away by plane and surrounded by the culture that got us into this mess in the first place. Even if we can elect people with 100% Constitutional principles over 3 to 4 election cycles, by the time we have a full contingent of Patriots, the early victors would probably have begun the trail of compromise. Let’s begin the cleansing here.
So, Charlie, you might ask…what about the courts? What if they strike down all of our nullification efforts? My response is “so what?” An apocryphal story attributes this quote to Andrew Jackson referring to the Supreme Court: They have made their decision, now let them enforce it.” The courts have no police or military units. There is precedent in Ohio for ignoring state Supreme Court edicts---remember the school funding fiasco? OK, what about the Rule of Law that is so instrumental for maintaining a civil Republic? In the words of a five year old in the back seat of a car: They did it to me first. The Congress, the Executive, the Judicial branches on the Federal level plus all three branches of the state level have cavalierly ignored the supreme law of the land while stealing our liberty, our labor and our property.
The May 4th Primaries have come and gone. The results for the Champions of Liberty were rather meager. There were some small victories, but generally speaking, our clocks were cleaned. The diffused nature of our activities doomed us to come up short in the electoral lottery for liberty. So what vehicles do we have available now with the General Election a mere 5 months down the road? My suggestion would be to quickly vet the remaining candidates for the General Assembly and statewide office. If a third party candidate who has ballot access meets all the qualifications for Constitutional restoration and nullification, then we should coalesce around those candidates (obviously, I prefer the Libertarian alternatives). NO CANDIDATE WHO REPRESENTS ONE OF THE MAJOR PARTIES SHOULD RECEIVE OUR COORDINATED ACTIVE SUPPORT. Why? Well, if you haven’t learned from the Primary election that Kevin DeWine and those of his careerist ilk are not your friends, then you cannot seriously be considered a reformist. You could be mildly disturbed with the party apparatus, but you would be willing to give them the car keys again to drive you home from the party. I served in office as a Republican legislator in the ‘80’s. I have watched them become “D-lite” politicians who are more interested in their careers than they are with MY state. The only states that they appear to wholeheartedly support is the state of confusion…the state of economic collapse…the state of political misfeasance and malfeasance, and the state of political corruption. If there is no viable third party candidate available in a given district, then a careful thoughtful vetting of the two remaining Old Party partisans should be undertaken with a bias in favor of the candidate who has served the least amount of time in office. Never forget…career politicians lie…often. The existent party apparatus has fought against Liberty candidates, including GOP State Central Committee, in the past—both way back (I remember Goldwater) and as late as this month. They are untrustworthy. All about power and party…not about principle and posterity.
When one has been assaulted, when one’s loved ones have been abused and when one’s treasure has been confiscated by an irresponsible, out-of-control government, then one is duty bound (to God, to one’s family and one’s progeny) to resist with every weapon in the armory. The strategy that I have proposed herein is non-violent, Constitutional and was anticipated by the Founders. Join me as we forge a new vision for Ohio (and all you other states who have the courage to join us) and restore the great documents that were inspired by God and conceived by men—the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. If we are citizens who cherish our country, our state, our honor and our legacy, then we must engage in a plan that will work in the short term and endure until the people become lethargic again and the process will have to be repeated. Let us hope and pray that future generations will look to us as inspiring beacons of liberty just as we look to our Founding.
Please accept my apology for being so tardy with this observation. I understand that the disparate groups among you have varying goals and objectives. My intent is not to dictate how you advance the cause of Freedom, but I love my Lord, my wife, my family, my community, my state ….. and my country. I am now more than six decades old (60+ for those in Rio Linda). I am sorry that I have not fulfilled my duty as a leader of my family and as a citizen. My disdain for the political class (career politicians) outweighed my alarm and willingness to do battle again. I do not want the same thing to happen to all of you. I can image that if victory and Constitutional restoration are not accomplished relatively quickly, then your frustration and despair will mirror mine. That cannot be allowed to happen. That must not occur. Our children and grandchildren shall not live in tyranny.
Thank you.
For comments, contact:
Charlie Earl
Libertarian candidate for Ohio Secretary of State
www.earlforohio.com
earl4sos@gmail.com
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