Tag: politics

Show Me Your Papers

publius911Leave a comment

12/27/25

I’m loving the hypocrisy of the lefties who seem to hold our attention with outlandish claims. With an estimated 20,000,000 people let into our country during the Biden years, and with all the profoundly negative impacts of that, many are upset with any effort to apply the laws governing being in the USA. The latest slur is how draconian it is to have to show proof of citizenship.

If asked, I don’t carry any documentation that I’m an US citizen. I could carry my passport or get and carry a copy of my birth certificate. If I thought I was going to be subject to such an inquiry, I likely would resort to such actions. That is, if I looked like the one of the millions that crossed the border illegally and am living in an area dominated by immigrants, I would think it prudent to be prepared. “How unAmerican”, you say?

Before you go off on me, did you scoff at the idea of having to show your covid vaccination proof? I bet you don’t protest when you try to enter an airport’s secured area.  How about buying liquor at a grocery store, despite looking well beyond the legal age for purchasing alcohol. Just some of the areas where you must “show your papers”.

Now that we’re looking for legal permission of to be in the USA, the long arm of the law is at hand. The drastic illegal actions of the last administration demands that we take corrective actions. Due process relies on confirmation of legal status. Prove to me you were born here, have a green card or H1b, have papers showing your future asylum hearing or else, we’re going to hold you until you can prove it or send you packing when you can’t.

The bald face effort by Democrats to change the electorate in their favor requires that every legal action be taken to assure we have free and fair elections. Obstinance to requiring proof of citizenship is a telltale sign of the underlying intentions of the left. Subvert the electoral process to achieve full and lasting control of government and the people. Starting with asking status of citizenship on the census and flowing all the way through to identification at the time of voting, Democrats resist the simplest actions to assure only citizens are voting and receiving a myriad of other taxpayer provided benefits.

Blue states hide behind “states’ rights” on elections. The invasion of our country that took place demands that issues affecting federal elections be addressed federally. California will fight any effort to establish how many actual citizens live there because their congressional power rests with the number of people, not citizens. Automatic voter registration while applying for a drivers’ license (aka “Motor Voter” laws now in 24 states and DC) now demand that even asking for some kind of identification at the time of voting is inadequate. As unlikely as it is to happen, in states where that occurs, it is imperative that proof eligibility to vote be required.

Litigation to see if the federal government can hold sway over efforts to assure only those eligible to vote is now pending. The positive outcome of efforts to assure free and fair elections may rest on the government being able to ask us to “show our papers”. This is what the Democrats have wrought on us.

Occupation: Political Grifter

publius9112 Comments

12/10/25

The latest to seek permanent employment as a “candidate” is Jocelyn Crockett. She joins Stacy Adams, Beto O’Rourke and Curtis Sliwa among others, who have found a way to milk the campaign finance laws to make a very comfortable living. The advent of “influencing” as an occupation only adds to the number of people who have turned some level of exposure into full time “get me in front of a camera/microphone” folks.

Crockett has to know she has no chance of winning a statewide election. Indeed, her kickoff had little to do with addressing what she would do as a Texas Senator. Rather she saw her bread get buttered by bashing Trump. The constant stream of anger sells her brand and she will ride that horse as long as the trough is full of money from those only to glad to have another loud voice in the wilderness of anger politics.

She won’t be the last and they exist on both sides of the aisle. Look for Marjorie Taylor-Green to join the ranks of people who turn a short stint of perceived gravitas into something well beyond their talents. Kamala Harris is doing her best to keep the money flowing. Obama can’t shut up and he needs to pay for the “library”.

The revolving door of political employment to traditional lobbying has found competition from government “advising”/ambassadorship, media, academia and now podcasting/influencing. It only entices more to seek office in hopes of not only enriching themselves while in office but the trappings that await them post “public service”. This further degrades the quality of those who are supposed to put country over their own desires.

Beware when candidates are short on what they will do for you and long on what they will do for themselves.

The Government is Shut Down?

publius9111 Comment

10/18/25

If you are adversely affected by the current state of the federal government, you are too dependent on something that can not be controlled. A dwindling majority of Americans are unaffected by the shutdown. These are the people who pay for those sorely requiring federal largesse. Unfortunately, the number “pulling the wagon” is closer to those in the wagon. As has been the case since the first “benefit”, once ensconced, it only gets bigger and bigger.

Indeed, this version of the shutdown is over a “temporary” subsidy that is laid on to an already highly supported health care boondoggle. The absurdly named “Affordable Care Act”, aka Obamacare (ACA) was never affordable. It always required the federal government to pay handsomely for insurers to administer the program. This mighty first step to single payer healthcare is now the thorn in the current administration’s effort to re-open the government.

Like every other program of the governments across the country, once started they never end. The current subsidy for ACA was intended to help people who were locked out of their jobs by the federal government shutdown of the economy during the covid pandemic. Got that? They kept you from working so they had to compensate you in any number of ways. SNAP grew exponentially, unemployment payments soared, the PPI program doled out billions to firms, much of it incorrectly, and even though you are back to work, well, why not just keep paying!

The Founders said in the Constitution the federal government is to provide national security and promote domestic and foreign commerce. We now have over 3,000,000 federal employees as of 9/2024 about only half of which are devoted to the military or security. (https://usafacts.org/articles/how-many-people-work-for-the-federal-government/)

As more people get hooked on the federal “drug” of reliance for basic necessities, it is clear that any attempt to reduce those now entitlements is met with fierce resistance. Add Trump deranged syndrome and you have the makings of a political tempest being taken advantage of by the very persons who wrought the kerfuffle.

Will it take an Atlas Shrugged complete meltdown for a realignment? Is it possible to break through to those seeking a socialist state with the errors of their ways? Both seem out of reality right now but certainly; we’re on a very tenuous path that will end badly without course correction.

When is Your Boss not Your Boss

publius911Leave a comment

9/25/25

There is much angst over President Trump’s ability to manage the executive branch. With every thrust of placing people aligned with his policies in position, there is a parry by the entrenched bureaucrats holding on. Democrats are aligned in their outrage over removal of their cronies that have held to their leftist views and policies, many times in opposition of new laws contravening those policies. Attempts to remove these bureaucrats rest on unclear laws written by legislators who continue to hide behind vague wording that allows them to use both sides of the argument to suit their current power. She can stay but he must go depends on the blowing winds of power.

From slow walking senate approvals of hundreds of positions, supporting litigation for those who are being sent packing, and insisting on continued funding of “make work” roles, Democrats insist on keeping their stranglehold on the federal bureaucracy. Their power resides in their ability to impose their rule despite any new regime and its policies. In addition, the massive federal bureaucracy is a voting and funding pool they can count on. So what good is hiring a new “CEO” when he can’t run the company?

No manager can keep an employee who disregards their instructions. Indeed, no company can survive if its employees are saboteurs. What makes Americans think that our federal government is any different? If we elect people for what they purport to accomplish and then find they are unable to act on their promises, who is in control? Certainly not the voter or the people for whom they voted.

While we don’t want to “clean house” willy-nilly, determining who will follow the politicians lead should be paramount to their continued employment. We do want some institutional knowledge to pass on but only in terms of process and not policy. Ethical leaders who have issues with incoming regime policies should resign. Those who remain have an obligation to the voters to carry out the prerogatives of the new administration.

There is a new boss and he’s going in a different direction. Get on board or get out.

Wanted

publius9112 Comments

8/27/25

Looking for a new gig? One that brings out the inner warrior in you? A chance to travel the country and let your freedom flag fly is here. We have several positions available right now. Numerous organizations are offering good pay and perquisites for people to be professional agitators. See if you qualify!

Chanter: This position requires a strong voice and the ability to hold signage for extended periods of time. The successful candidate will be assigned to various public events where they will gain notoriety with media based on their vitriol. No previous experience is necessary, but a natural internal anger is a prerequisite.

Parody Singer: The Parody Singer role is ideal for those who idolize “Al Yankovic”. The Parody Singer is tasked with writing new lyrics to old songs, teaching them to others and then leading the group in rousing renditions for media. You’re a “hitmaker” with all the accolades that go with it. No musical talent is necessary but appropriate clothing (ex. Tie-dyed t-shirts, muumuus) may be required.

Attendee: This position requires the ability to sit for long periods of time looking interested. Successful candidates will pan for media while attending Congressional hearings, trials, Civic boards and other public gatherings. This position often supplies uniform clothing. Ability to show disdain and anger is required.

Spokesperson: This high level position is the pinnacle role. Ability to use extensive progressive language is imperative. Providing nothing of substance while occupying airwaves is the foundation of success. The successful candidate will likely have some distinguishing physical attribute (race, disability, tattoos) that enhance their ability to commandeer the media and fill their need for content.

Come join the resistance! You’re probably not working anyway so hop on the Soros bus and get yourself to that next rally where you can join others in a singalong that is sure to enhance your standing with the others there. Hint: Leave the Tesla at home.

Worse than Watergate

publius9111 Comment

8/27/25

Senator Grassley recently said that the machinations of the years since Trump came down the escalator are “worse than Watergate”. This is the understatement of the century (so far). Recall that Watergate was a cover-up of an attempt to find dirt on a political opponent. Men went to jail and a President was removed from office as a result.

What we have today pales in comparison. It starts with a conspiracy of government officials using fictitious information to subvert a candidate first and a duly elected President second. Reflecting this back to Watergate is laughable yet here we are, wondering if we will ever see anyone, let alone those who are now found to have lied to Congress, will see the inside of a jail cell.

Having jailed hundreds of Trump’s supporters for “crimes” like entering the Capital without permission or having a phone call with a foreign representative, there is a collective “so what” when the cabal’s obfuscation and outright lies are mentioned. The clear intention of subverting an election mirrors their fictitious allegations of foreign collusion that nearly brought down a presidency. Millions of dollars and two plus years of investigations were brought to bear, causing not only domestic upheaval but international chaos.

To those that continue to say, there is nothing here, understand the enormity of what took place. Government officials. At the highest level, used their power to keep a person from being elected by using false information. Once elected, they continued to use that false information to subvert the will of the people with terrible consequences still reverberating here and around the world. (This says nothing about the “deep state” activities that undercut the first Trump administration at every turn.) Given their skulduggery, is it out of the question that the 2020 election was tainted?

The actions of those involved in this conspiracy may weasel out of any physical accountability but make no mistake, history will show them as the criminals they are. Shame on them for the damage they did to our country.

Really? No, Really?

publius911Leave a comment

8/11/25

Like learning that there is no real Santa Claus, many are shocked that Democrats are actually touting their effort to confer citizenship on illegal aliens so they can vote. (See the recently exhumed Beto O’Rourke for confirmation.) Did you think they were being altruistic by opening our borders to any and all? Many screamed that this was an invasion but did not see through the haze of “human tragedy” spewed by the Marxist Democrats. The ultimate goal was always there. Flood the country with people, any people. Create “sanctuary” cities and states that have co-opted federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, SNAP and others, as incentives to entice residency. It increased the numbers in those cities and states resulting in more Marxist Democrat Congressional seats which provides power while simultaneously, reducing the influence of non-Marxists.

This also explains the concerted effort to thwart the removal of the tens of millions that were not just let in, but also encouraged and abetted. I’m not sure why the legacy media was all in on this plan. Some may be re-thinking it as the places where they live continue to degrade. The personal protections they enjoy may not be enough as blue cities and states devolve into war zones and fiscal ruin because of their efforts. Car jackers don’t ask if you are “someone” before they pull open the door.

Will the “clean up” of Washington DC do anything on this issue?

My optimistic take is that the large embedded swampers are probably secretly hoping he succeeds in making DC safe again. When you can get shot, stabbed and or car jacked anywhere you live, work and are entertained, I have to think that survival instincts kick in. Will some of the never Trumpers finally come to see his worth? Well, as I said, I’m an optimist. It just may be the catalyst for gaining support for policies that put Americans first, including who can vote.

Rigging the Game

publius9111 Comment

8/6/25

The headlines are all about how congressional districts are drawn. Gerrymandering is named after a Massachusetts politician who was the first to use district drawing to favor his political party. Gerry (hard “G” by the way), was combined with “salamander” for the shape of a district that was drawn. Cue the current Illinois Congressional district map.

The battle for supremacy in US politics is in the state houses. This is where the power to affect outcomes is most pronounced. That is, without Congressional districts that can be won and controlled, there can be no federal power. The partisan drawn districts determine who controls Congress.

It’s been over a century since Gerry’s first 1812 “gerrymandering” and it has only led to more of it. The result is the current morass separating Americans. The political divide is most evident in the way we assemble Congress. With districts that do not reflect a mix of political views, each party has “locked” in safe seats throughout the country. Representatives no longer have to run campaigns building large war chests  that further their insulation from competition. They can ignore constituents who do not hold their party’s orthodoxy and worse, they reflect the loudest of those within their district even if not that of the majority.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 poured gas on the issue of Congressional districts. It requires there to be carved out “minority” districts. As is/was the case with affirmative action, combating discrimination with more discrimination doesn’t work. It is high time for any and all references to anyone other than an individual to be purged as has been done with college entrants. It is long overdue for congressional districts to be drawn not on the color of the residents but on those attributes that are germane to governance. The criteria should be, the number of citizens, those who are eligible to vote, and smallest physical size and geometrically sound shape. There is sufficient data and mapping software available to achieve a much more logical outcome.

The registered party of the citizen is immaterial in this scheme. Removing party labels is critically important to begin the process of knitting back the fabric of our society. Representatives should no longer be able to hide out in the shadow of one or the other party. They will more likely have to move to positions that have appeal to the majority of their constituents who now reflect a more diverse mindset. That is, the center with minority extremes no longer holding sway over the majority. My suggestion.

Step 1 – Repeal the Voting Rights Act of requiring minority districts

Step 2 – Collect data on the number of citizens and where they reside (Census upgrade)

Step 3 – Create and apply universal mapping software that utilizes citizens data with geo mapping to create compact physical areas for representation.

How Much is the Federal Government Worth to You

publius911Leave a comment

2/27/25

We consumers are making decisions on what to buy every day. Do I get the premium brand ice cream of the store labeled one? Do I drive 4 more blocks to save a penny per gallon on gas? Can I afford that vacation or should I save the money for my retirement? These are real decisions that are made every day across America and by folks in every socioeconomic stratum. The lack of information available has thwarted our ability to make the same decisions when it comes to our federal government? DOGE has changed that.

Any discussion of value must begin with the service/product being provided. Just what is being offered for “consumption”? In the case of the federal government, it is supposed to be spelled out in the Constitution. Clearly outlined in the preamble are the two things; personal safety including defense of our territory, and coordination of economic activity. While the particulars of these two delineated functions are left to the interpreter, it is clear that over the course of our nearly 250 years as a country, the definitions have been severely expanded.

Most Americans understand the need for money to be spent on our “defense”. Does that include sex change operations for servicemen and women? What about funding of United Nations  “peacekeeping” forces stationed in remote African countries? CIA activities in Panama? Is healthcare a “right” that the government is bound to provide? Is personal economic success (ex. universal income) part of the promotion of general welfare? We voters only get to answer these questions through our elected Representatives who may, or more likely, do not have any clue on whether these are proper expenditures. They are relying on bureaucrats who are “experts” on the situations. Many of whom are employed because we are spending the money so as to be heavily biased.

Through DOGE, we are seeing more clearly how far afield of the Constitutional dictates we have veered. A return to basics where we question every dollar can help voters gauge which candidates are being better stewards of their money. With the findings being presented through DOGE, voters must ask the question, “Do you support this expenditure and if so, why?” Through the revealing of each check being signed by our government, we better understand the worth of that purchase against our value proposition. We can then apply it to the representative’s/candidates’ answer.

Instead of choosing who to represent you by which color lawn sign they use, the light of knowing where your tax dollars are being spent will provide more substantial reasons on which to make your selection. How much is that worth to you?

Turning the Light Back On

publius911Leave a comment

12.11.24

The best way of securing lasting change is through persuasion. To draw someone to your position, It is far better to convey something they desire than to impose it. Human beings naturally seek comfort and the freedom to pursue that which they desire. Nowhere in the history of the world has that been easier to achieve than in the United States of America. Indeed, it is those attributes that has born the USA moniker, “the shining beacon on the hill”. It is time for the US to turn that light back on.

Rather that foist our way of life on others, we should extol and exhibit our long referenced but rarely articulated, American values. For me, those values are, we derive all our freedom from God; the inalienable right to life, to speak freely, to pursue those things that satisfy one’s desires and the personal responsibility to consider others in that pursuit. These values manifest themselves in a governance system that intrudes lightly and only exists to defend its people and inalienable rights. It bends to the will of the people who are the source of its authority.

Previous attempts to “spread democracy” have failed in most cases because it was forced. Other cultures do not hold the same foundation of inalienable rights contained in our Declaration of Independence that is the basis of our Constitutional Republic. Rather, we should succeed domestically beyond expectations and create the proverbial light to which the moth is attracted. People around the world should see our success in economics and personal freedoms as so attractive that they insist they too realize those same things in their countries.

By showing the world once again of the might of our system through economic prowess and a highly satisfied citizenry, other leaders would be foolish to ignore seeking ways to emulate the USA. The “experiment” started 250 years ago proved to be the most powerful force moving people from bondage and poverty to freedom and prosperity. It is high time to show the world, and not force it, that the capitalistic economic system, girded by strong underlying values, is the brightest path to realizing the dreams of human being everywhere.

Turning the lights back on will require a return to a more responsible governance system. Many ox will need to be gored to shift  the power center from the state back to the people. Growth of the state has undercut both individual and commercial responsibility. Both have become overly dependent on the state for their well-being, if not their very survival, in contravention of our underlying values. We need to instill in our young that they must be responsible for their own well-being. That they have a responsibility to be productive and contribute to the whole of society through their independence. Companies must understand that they too have an obligation to conduct their activities knowing that failure rests on them and no calvary is coming to bail them out if they fail.

The state must see that in the creep in the size and scope of  its reach has exceed well beyond its documented role. Putting the genie back in the bottle will yield a great example of what unleashing the power of people can do for prosperity and happiness. Doing less will actually yield much more and turn the light on brighter than ever.