SOMETHING ABOUT THE ECONOMY. . . or WHAT I LEARNED IN HIGH SCHOOL MUST NOT BE TAUGHT ANYMORE!!

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Sorry I have been MIA lately technical difficulties have prevented me from posting. I do believe those have been resolved.
**NOTE** I have corrected/clarified a few sentences nothing changed, just syntax. (no pun intended)

I was reading some articles and heard on the news something interesting, yes this may be old to most of you, but I didn't get a chance for my 2cents! This news really says a lot about this administration & some of the problems they still face & why. It is a problem we see with a lot of Democrats & outspoken liberal in politics. . . the lack of real world experience. I should qualify that by saying real world "working" experience. That is to say running a business; either as an owner or as a Supervisor/Manager, even a Plant Manager/Super. One who not only is responsible for operations, but also hiring/firing personnel & evals etc. . .?
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Not all dem/libs just most in politics, why is that? You big dummy, politics is their career. (Oh, [expletive deleted] (slaps head) that wasn't offered at my school... or anyone else's I know of.) In fact our founding fathers never meant for serving in govt to be a career; at most a couple of terms then back to a real job. Back then MOST were regular people with regular jobs. Not anymore. Most are lawyers. (explains a lot huh!)
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The news item was that 92% of this administration has NO experience in any business. Amazing. Which means a group of my friends AND I have more experience & ACTUAL experience and KNOWLEDGE of real world jobs than they do. John, Michael, Chaz, Gary, my Dad, Shirley(dem), several others get ready for 2010 or '12. Time to run for office! Got a great ticket. . . John Q. Citizen/Joe E. Public. The common sense ticket!

***It could happen!***

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Okay to the point of the day. This explains WHY big O & his boys keep missing the mark.

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NO COUNTRY HAS EVER SPENT THEIR WAY TO PROSPERITY!!!
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...THAT my friend is a fact! When Japan was having economic problems in early 90's, President Clinton's advice to Japanese govt? CUT TAXES & CUT SPENDING!! At the same time out of the liberal side of his mouth he gives us the highest tax increase in HISTORY with algore casting deciding vote. Thank goodness for the wake-up call in 1994. We recovered with solid conservative ideas & leadership which Pres. Clinton listened to. resulting in prosperity. Thanks to John Kasich (R) OH, & Dick Army(R) who balanced the budget. I digress.
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Why not remember those days, those ideas? We NEED desperately to CUT spending right now! A spending freeze! While also giving across the board tax cuts. ESPECIALLY to business, small business' in particular. Which was ignored in the lastest so-called jobs conference. SIDE note, UNION bosses WERE included. (SEIU(unions)=good -- US CHAMBER of Commerce(sm business)=BAD). Cutting spending right now is the ONE thing we should aggree on. Tax hikes are Bad for the people, TERRIBLE for the economy, hell even the security of the United States.  We cannot keep printing money like it is going out of style or the DOLLAR will be worth less than 3rd world monopoly money! ANY one with a basic understanding of economics knows this.
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I learned these things in HIGH SCHOOL for goodness sakes!!!!  What does this say about education??  Thank-you Mr. Flarherty, Bonner & Yates.  The men currently in office & in charge went to colle. . .  never-mind! They didn't learn a thing obviously.  Only thing the did listen to was the socialism part of class.  Evidence is clear.  They ignore all other ideas.  I along with my group of friends, all of which are REGULAR people of all walks (R's-D's-I's, Cons & Libs) agree (insert old quote) It's the ECONOMY Obam STUPID!  Get the economy going and MANY of our problems will fade.
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This is so true any moron can see it, EXCEPT those morons we elected to represent us.  What does that say about us that we put up with them.  Most no longer listen to us, they cannot be bothered to read any bill longer than a sound bite.  I think a lot of congressional aids should consider running for office.  HELL they are the ones reading these monstrous bills and advising their bosses, our representatives.  We need their names published, add them to the pool of furture reps.  Don't forget me and my friends, we've been solving the countries problems when I was plain old. . . . . . .

I'll have more later.


John Q. Citizen
The Regular Guy

VETERAN'S DAY -- NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Veteran's Day - November 11, 2009


The official ending of the World War I came on
June 28, 1919.
Later that year, President Wilson designated November 11th as Armistice Day.
In 1958, President Eisenhower officially changed it to Veterans Day, to celebrate all members of the armed forces, alive and dead, who have served our country.

The United States Military is perhaps the finest in all the lands. For all the hatred America get over her armed forces by the rest of the world, they sure are not afraid to call on the good ol' U.S. of A. when they need assistance in some conflict. Or the vaunted United Nations needs help in a so-called "peace-keeping" mission. Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters? HELL NO! You call the United States of America & her military that's who.

The men & women that make up our military are themselves PROUD to represent their country, our country; and we should be proud of them! This day of all others we have set aside especially for them, both living and dead to HONOR & REMEMBER them the best we can. The sacrifice made just to serve is worth remembering, but many have served in times of conflict & war sacrificing even more. . . many with their lives.

You cannot politicize that... though many try. Since the birth of our nation many have given so very much for us to become a free nation AND even to remain free. These people are special. We should remember them for doing what others can't or won't. When the rest of the world was near defeat the United States stepped in and turned defeat into victory. A steep price was paid in both world wars by the USA in our efforts to "help" our allies, just as in other wars & conflicts to come, but the cause of FREEDOM has always been a just cause for America when she is called to action. To bad our allies don't feel the same. (editorializing)

When you look back and see so many of our own buried in foreign lands, or coming home with the injuries of war you must remember them and their sacrifices today and everyday!! Active duty or retired, thank them for their service! They deserve it.
There's a quote, Don't recall who said it but describes these men & women of the US military perfectly: "Blessed are those who bring peace: they shall be called the sons of God."

As we remember our fallen heroes, take a moment to also remember those lives lost in the battles of our past. They have strengthened the foundation of our freedoms which are the envy of the world. We enjoy a freedom that is unique on this Earth, cherish it, the blood of our ancestors made it possible and those that serve our nation help to preserve it.

In closing I think General George S. Patton said it best. . . .

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."

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Those words from one of our greatest Generals, who led so many in combat, are words that sum up both Memorial Day AND Veteran's Day.

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If you serve in the Military now or in the past... if you have lost family or friends in service to our great country, may God bless you and keep you safe. And remember death is but the messenger, sent by our Lord, to lead us from this imperfect into the all-perfect, glorious and celestial world above, where God presides in the Kingdom of Heaven.

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The Regular Guy

John Q. Citizen

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ELECTION DAY CANDIDATES & ISSUES

Ballot issues

Candidates:

Mayor of Cincinnati. . . . BRAD WENSTRUP (R)
Time to give Republicans a chance to run city & council. Democrats & Charterites have had plenty of time and have failed us time and again. Why do we keep thinking any different? People voted in more Democrats into county and see what has happened? They have worked their magic there too, county now in more trouble. Dems do NOT believe in power of people just government.
Time to elect leadership that believes in the people, not party or special interests. Brad Wenstrup is THE man for the job! He is a PROVEN leader of men as in his own business AND in the Military. Has new fresh ideas & perspective on Cincinnati’s growing troubles that current mayor has forgotten about.
Council members Leslie Ghiz, Charlie Winburn, Chris Monzel, Amy Murray, and George Zamary, would help complete a winning team to revitalize the city.

Issue 6 – Museum Center
Just talking about this with friends. Their opinion? Remember when parking was free? The whole idea for pay to park was to raise money for bills. Now we are told it didn’t work need more money to pay for bills/operating. We are going to pay more. I love the museum center, been there many, many times since I was a kid and as an adult. I am on the fence about this one as are my friends. We cannot whole heartedly approve/endorse this issue.

Issue 7 – public Library
My friends & I all agree on the benefits of the public library. I used it in school, my friends in college and I used it in business quite a bit too.
My friends and I endorse this one.

Issue 8 water district
This takes control AWAY from the city, Anything else is BS. Already have to get approval for rate hikes. This is not good for the city in my view.

Issue 9 Gives voters a say in the whole streetcar rail debate.

Issue 52 - School tax levy (AGAIN)
My friends & I discussed this alot. What happened to that big levy we passed to biuld & run schools a few yrs back. Maybe we should cut off CPS until they get their house in order, and just quit feeding the beast and being always asked for more more more. The group is split on this one... but all of us are tired. Vote NO. No emergency here, make them be as creative as they are with their facts on man made global warming & history.

____________________ STATE ISSUES ______________

State Issue 1 - Veterans' bonuses
Not sure on this one. I thought our Vets got a bonus from FEDERAL Govt for death. Paid for by selling bonds. Now this was done for previous vets via the bonds. Make your own minds up.

STATE ISSUE 2 - Livestock Care Standards Board
When ever PETA is involved I usually take the opposite side.
This is one that is written poorly. Need to see ballot language.
With out seeing ballot language am against; don’t know if that means yes or no on ballot.
VOTE NO ON THIS ISSUE leave things alone.

State issue 3 – Casinos
This issue would allow casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo
This would HELP Ohio & these cities & counties. Opponents of this issue are now bringing the devil into the discussion. Actually saying they will stifle improvements & economic growth. Ask Lawrenceburg if it hurt development. They’ll say No it did not. Vote yes & welcome more money into these cities & help them recover.

Be sure you vote it is the only way we can be heard.
Vote early it really confuses news organizations & pollsters. Boycott pollsters. They cost too many candidates the elections. See next blog entry on poll results.

John Q. Citizen
The Regular Guy

CRISIS OF DECEPTION IN THE QUEEN CITY

What is the real crime when cities claim they are broke? The total
mismanagement of our tax dollars? Blind spending? Or outright misleading comments i.e. lies?!

Let me explain… What is the first thing Cincinnati said about our budget? “Well we are going to HAVE to cut the fire dept by shutting down several fire houses.” (paraphrase) Then, “well we’ll postpone any promotions.” Then, “Well looks like we’ll also have to cut some police positions too.”

Whoa there councilmen & Mayor. Hold on one damn minute. Why is it when cuts need to be made it ALWAYS starts with Police & Fire Depts.?? Why? We as citizens all know there is much more waste in the civilian branches. What about the admin staffs? Those could be cut down. Our council people are not full time they ALL have jobs do they not?

The citizens are also as much to blame, as they shout, “Don’t cut our Police or Fire!” But cry just as much when wasteful admin jobs are cut. “We’ll sue!”, “Call the union boss! Time for those democrats to earn their pay; tell those charterites same applies to them. Those republicans if they want re-elected they’ll play ball.”

Also always a critical levy on ballot too. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!!!! How about CUTTING EVERY department 1%? With NO increases in ANY dept. These small cuts may hurt a bit but if EVERYBODY has them it is totally fair. Some people will just have to decide if they want to be fired, or work a few less hrs each week. All departments off on Wednesdays except Police/Fire & essential services. (rotate that extra day off) I'm generalizing here just throwing out ideas to make a point.

That leaves questions about extra revenue. Time to pass issue 3- the casinos. That sure would help the city. The opponents want you to believe it will actually stifle growth. Seriously! They say it with a straight face. Have you been to Lawrenceburg? Shows them to be misguided a bit. (see previous post)

I am like other residents of the city, just tired of bullshit rhetoric coming from City Hall & the Mayor. We need leadership in Cincinnati. We have a new fresh face in Brad Wenstrup. The man is a Doctor and served our country in the military, yet the Enquirer endorses a leadership challenged Mayor like Mallory.

Their main reason… he’s not asshole enough to win. What??? That’s right. In essence too nice. The debate the other night Mayor Mallory & Challenger Brad Wenstrup actually were civil. Some veiled jabs and a few not so much, but they didn’t stand up there and do the people a disservice and call each other names. They spoke on the issues confronting the Queen City, and their ideas to move the city forward. The Enquirer would have you believe Dr. Wenstrup can’t handle the pressure. A Doctor… Served in Iraq… Can’t handle pressure? Really? Ridiculous assumption by them.

Cincinnati is poised on the brink at a time where new fresh leadership will revitalize the city. These next few years may be critical ones for Ohio. A new Governor, a NEW Mayor & council… A fresh start with new ideas could turn this state and city around. Cincinnati, the Queen City, could be made the crown jewel it once was in Ohio.

John Q. Citizen
The Regular Guy
Proud to call Cincinnati home.


*************** Leave comments below click on “comment” below ***************

ISSUE 3 Casinio Gambling in OHIO

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This issue is coming up in Ohio this November. This has been tried several times in the past and failed. This time it has a very good chance of passing despite the Catholic Church protestations. As well it should. The church has no leg to stand on by demonizing gambling while promoting this vice at ALL their festivals. Why? God says it is a sin UNLESS sanctioned by the church for a festival, just come to confession afterward. What if you are not catholic? Sorry, you’re going to hell. Yes I am being a bit sarcastic.

What about the issue that not all jobs are going to Ohioans? Hmmm? FACT! Most of the people that get jobs WILL: live in Ohio. Sure I’ll bet some people will be brought in because they have the experience to do the table & games, but just like the riverboats in Indiana, the will be trained and eventually become good at their jobs.
BUT still work in OHIO and pay our state taxes. The bottom line Ohio will reap the benefits tax wise. So will the local municipalities. An injection of money they would not have otherwise.

The total amount of new jobs created will be debated; right now it is APPROXIMATELY 34,000. Now this number is an estimate, but according to most objective reports, close. Regardless the number, the final tally will help a starving Ohio economy.

REALLY? Sure it will.

Ok, let’s look at Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The difference that boat made for that area is significant. Just a few things, new city bldg, more cops, increased revenue for the city. More benefits and improvements. We all know this is true, why? Because many, many, Ohioans travel over there to take advantage of the casinos & entertainment, why shouldn’t Ohio benefit? They are only asking for 4 casinos, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, & Toledo. Our 4 biggest cities. Which, by-the-way, are four areas in desperate need of jobs and development. Time to ignore the hypocrites of the “church”. They need not worry; people will still visit the festivals because they know they are fundraisers. So don’t tell us gambling is evil and out of the other side of your mouth: except in the name of the church. We are on to you.

This is not some giant boondoggle; the benefits far outweigh the exaggerated negative effects. We have seen for ourselves the positive effects in local areas within driving distance. Argosy & Belterra are just 2 examples.

We have allowed the opponents to mislead the public long enough. Time for a change. Hmmm where have I heard that? This is actual change we can COUNT. As in money, money, money for the state and local cities, not to mention the small businesses that pop up to service the overflow. More restaurants gas stations and other businesses.

A YES vote will help Ohio step forward and grow a little. Something we desperately need. Something our current Gov has promised but can’t & hasn’t delivered. Let’s take a step forward, a step that is being driven by Ohio Citizens. A step that will be as positive as John Kasich for Gov. Let’s make it happen this November. VOTE YES on ISSUE 3. A yes vote that will help Ohio, you can bet on it.

John Q. Citizen
A Regular Guy

PROJECT 2996: REMEMBERS - CHARLES WILSON MAGEE

Project 2996 Remembering the victims of 9/11/01

Charles Wilson Magee 1950 – 2001

Charlie Wilson woke on Tuesday- September 11, 2001 like he had on previous days, going to a job he enjoyed. Chief engineer for the World Trade Center complex. Mr. Magee knew how things worked. He oversaw the hundreds of miles of ventilation ducts, pipes and electric wires of the complex — the arteries of what amounted to a small city.

Working with many people he liked, young and old. Training those that needed it, something he also enjoyed. He was a tie wearing supervisor who often rolled up his sleeves and worked with those he supervised. His blue collar background was a part of who he was, and proud of it. A loyal member of his union he was well liked by all of those he worked with. That fateful morning he had been talking to his friend Mike, whose son was starting a job as a helper a few days later.

Working at the twin towers was a proud accomplishment. His niece even remembers him taking her to the top even before the safety fences were put into place to enjoy the view of the city. A great view to be sure. New York, Gotham, by what ever name you call it, one of the great cities of the United States. Like our country a melting pot filled with people from all over the world, and Charlie Magee worked at one of it’s most visible landmarks, one of the many men & women that took care of those buildings. A building with a twin right next to it.

The twin towers of New York housed a very diverse work force. Filled with many businesses that called them home. He knew a great many of them and the people that worked in the many offices. They in turn knew him, and would often stop and talk to him. Busy or not Charlie would take a few minutes to chat and return back to work.

While he did enjoy his work he also enjoyed life. He was a pilot and loved to fly, and jump out of those planes too. Yes he was a skydiver too. Just another example of his nervy disposition. Like during a flight to the Grand Canyon, his wife of 13 yrs, Janet Wexler-Magee, relates that the radio died and gauges went out. Charlie did not panic… quickly diagnosing the problem as a power loss, and was able to set down at a local airfield. “He was like that,” she said.

He also loved motorcycles. He loved to ride. On many occasions taking his niece Carolyn along. Something she remembers very fondly. “He always helped me with my schoolwork,” she recalled, “Took me for rides on his motorcycle. He always took me to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parades in New York.” Like the rest of his family she will miss him greatly.

These words are often repeated when people talk about him. Words like Generous, friendly, helpful, kind and also selfless. An everyman, a regular guy that anyone would be proud to call friend.

Now I must admit that I did not know Mr. Charles Wilson Magee. Before Project 2996 I had no idea who this man was. Like many of us he and the many others killed that day were faceless victims of a horrendous national tragedy. When I agreed to participate I didn’t know what to write about this man. I had very little to go on, but what I did read made me feel I knew him. He was someone I think I would’ve liked and even been friends with.

I have no doubt his family still misses him. My goal is to let you know he was not just some faceless, nameless victim. He lived his life like we all want to live. With gusto! Enjoying our job, AND our family & friends.

After this fateful day the theme from President Bush was “Never Forget”. While some may have forgotten WE were attacked by terrorists that day, I have not. I have joined Project 2996. Our goal is to make sure people “NEVER FORGET”!. Never forget the PEOPLE that were killed. They were someone’s Dad, Mother, Brother, Sister. Their Grandma or Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle or cousin. They were SOMEBODY!! And we should not forget them, neither should you.

Charles Wilson Magee was a good man who by a stroke of fate became what the press considers "collateral damage". Project 2996 wants to change that. Remember this man and the many others who died this day 8 years ago. This man who gave of his time freely to those he could help. Let’s help Charlie and his family and the families of the others by keeping them alive in our memories by passing along this memorial.

There is an old Cherokee saying: When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced... Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.

Charlie Magee did that, he lived his life as a good man, a good person. Those are not just my words, but the memories of his wife, niece, and countless friends. The people who knew him best!

“To a beautiful garden our Friend has gone to the land of perfect rest.
His work is done and the setting sun has sealed his life long quest.
He has left this earthly garden for a home beyond the sea.
But though he is gone, he still lives on in the garden of our memory."

I’ll close by saying it was truly my honor to memorialize Charlie Magee. I have come away feeling this man deserves to be remembered. I hope his family finds peace and the spirit of Mr. Magee finds rest. My sincerest wish is this does him justice and helps you remember this remarkable individual. Join all of us at Project 2996 as we,

NEVER FORGET THE VICTIMS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.
May God bless them and keep them safe in the cradle of his loving arms.


Michael Ark Retherford
Cincinnati, Ohio
&
John Q. Citizen- The Regular Guy Blog

Click Here for more 9/11 Tributes at Project 2996

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Health Care Thoughts from Regular People written by THE REGULAR GUY

Sorry gang, like congress I took a break to recharge my batteries. Congress is due back next week, and it’s a shame they don’t stay out the rest of the year.

This health care debate has gotten way out of hand. Some people have totally stirred up the right with a bit of hyperbole and those on the left have poured gasoline on the fire by name calling those citizens that are against this monetary behemoth and wordy bill. Ignoring the FACT it is filled with legalese non-sense that even those that WROTE the damn thing admit they can’t understand. Was it Charlie Wrangle that said, (paraphrase) “Read it? I would need a team of lawyers and a few weeks.” Even noted attorney & talk show pundit Greta Van Sustern said that the bill should have been written in plainer English and that it very well could have been. The pompous nature of those we elected to congress is to blame, AND the fact it was done on purpose because they knew that ambiguity would send it to the courts where the Democrat writers new they had a better chance of having interpreted their way. Several congressmen admitted as much on Greta. (the ambiguity. Court comment mine.)

Let’s dive right in shall we? I am not going to tell you I have read all of this monstrosity, I haven’t. I’ve read maybe half, and other parts that have been brought up. I noted them and read them. I would say damn near 90% of what has been brought up by people in the town hall meetings is true. Of the 10% about 5% of that sure sounds like it leans to the hyperbolic statements. These poor democrat congressmen that have these town hall meetings are so unarmed, mainly because they have NOT read the bill, and the President’s absolutely abysmal defense and non existent knowledge of what is ACTUALLY in it.

The mainstream cheerleaders (press) calling people tea-baggers, really pisses me off. This is a totally derogatory term. Meaning: to drag ones scrotum over the face of someone else male or female. People need to know this. Started by Hollywood types (who obviously are familiar with this move.) in their comments to defend BHO & health Care (HC). For the mainstream media to continue to allow this term to be used is actually criminal and editorial laziness. Like Sarah Palin the media just can’t understand those outside the DC beltway and inside the parentheses (America inside the coasts), commonly called by them, “fly-over country” mainly because they never set foot there unless covering those poor bastards affected by hurricanes or tornados.

Now HC we all agree needs some tweaking, and prices need to come down these are facts. But government controlled HC? I think not. Insurance companies are not infallible. They refused to allow me to go to an in house therapy program when I had a stroke. Even after 2 doctors and a neurologist suggested it as the best option for my recovery. So reform is necessary. But govt run? Nope.

Govt run ANYTHING is filled w/corruption and fraud, that is a FACT. A veteran friend complained and they told him it cost too much to fight/correct. Riiiight. Like let me take a shit and then wipe my ass. (sorry) Talking with some friends right/left we feel we can come up with a few suggestions that make sense BEFORE we jump off onto the prohibitively expensive public option. Oh, first let me mention that our Pres. BHO said “We are broke.” And yet wants to spend ANOTHER trillion or two dollars on entitlement program. We know govt estimates are ALWAYS OFF, ALWAYS WAY TOO LOW!!! ALWAYS!!
So why are we suppose to believe him now?? What has changed? Oh I know, we are CUTTING 5billion dollars from MEDICARE to save money. I thought medicare was to save seniors? Obamacare to sacrifice seniors for uninsured well to do healthy youngsters, and ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!! That is not hyperbole but FACT!

Now let’s continue… portability and pre-existing conditions is an easy fix… check! Wait! Portability if job lost is not cheap problem is COBRA, by the time you get the notice you are 3mo behind & that’s just to get current. If you don’t have a job that’s a big cost. Give you that bill a week or 2 after layoff & its more affordable.

Insurance costs… Biggest obstacle is of course crossing state lines. Why? For one thing it would obviously cause prices to drop, just from the competition factor alone. My friends and I agree, and we are working men & women. Hmmm, I think I’ve just hit on something congress people haven’t got a clue about. REAL WORK. Those of us in the workforce know the actual economics of the workplace. People in congress have EVERYTHING GIVEN to them FREE of charge. There’s no co-pay for HC or scripts. They get a GREAT BIG FAT pension after ONLY 1 TERM. (these should stop ASAP! retroactively) They forget how things work and have a very skewed sense of the way things work. BHO has NEVER ran a business is clueless in that world, as are most of his advisors. Being consultants and high priced attorneys don’t mean shit to people like you & I. Regular people. We understand the whole concept of competition.

So far we have taken care of a few of the major concerns and painlessly to boot. Now here is where the govt comes in. CRACK DOWN on fraud in the system. Medicare & Veterans programs. Start prosecuting! Cut down on fraud and that alone could lower costs even more. Waste… such as govt bureaucracy. Red tape. Don’t need 5-10 offices to do what a fully staffed main office could do. Use 1/3 the staff or less.

Illegal immigrants are NOT citizens, NOT entitled to welfare, to vote, or ANY other govt assist programs. They should be deported in all honesty. We still need to take care of those less fortunate and we do. But illegal’s need to be dealt with, no matter what Geraldo says. (future article) Another BIG answer and solution… - the economy. Get people back to work and a lot of this will plainly solve itself. Tax, tax, tax, tax, tax, tax, that is all I hear & have heard. So far hasn’t worked. Let’s try cutting taxes and getting people BACK to work. Incentivise those with the capital to spend to hire more create more. Puts us back on a path to REAL recovery. Less people unemployed, more people insured & working, fueling the what? Tax base & economy. Increments! Slowly, then we can solve problems that crop up TOGETHER in a real BIPARTISAN way. Something this guy promised but has not delivered, not even close. Then we can concentrate on this godforsaken deficit.

My view from the cheap seats.
John Q. Citizen
The Regular Guy

What say you?

THE BATTLE FOR THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. . . . GRASS ROOTS vs TALL WEEDS

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Watching the news & listening to the radio and even reading some blog & news sites... one thing is obviously clear - - there's a BATTLE for control in the Republican party. A battle that really couldn't come at a worse time. We have a President that does NOT like his country and is killing it to boot or trying his best to. Democrat congressmen are in disagreement with him over his disastrous health care plan. Meanwhile Republican members are actually mulling over their own nat'l HC plan, or rumors to that effect. Why when we absolutely cannot afford this type of plan and it has FAILED everywhere it has been implemented, resulting in extreme waiting lists for normal care and rationing of care also; we need a new tack.

Problem is Republicans have NO leader. Michael Steele has, unfortunately, proven himself not up to the task. A man once touted as the next conservative leader has caved to the so called moderates of the party. Like so many republicans that want desperately to be liked by the press rather than those that actually do the voting he has all but ignored the conservative wing. This brings me to the meat of this article. Decision time for the Republicans.

Where do we want to go? The tall weeds? With the likes of Peggy Noonan, Kathleen Parker, Lindsay Graham et...al. Or stick with the Conservative grass roots with people like me, Randy (NC), RS (TX) real grass roots along with Rush, Sean, Laura, The Great One & the likes of Sarah Palin. Also includes many others. That is the choice. Conservatism or not. Do we take the advice of Real Conservatives and embrace those values and ideas, or do we go the way of the elites, the rockefellers, Powells etc that tell us we need to be like liberal Dems? (even tho 2 get elected they go conserv- whoops! Ignore that!)

Which way? Even leader of rep party, Mike Steele seems to lean to the elites. Why? He used to be conservative. Too worried about being liked. Something republicans have to get OVER. Press is NEVER going to like you unless you bash conservatives. Take Jonathin Martin his hit piece on Sarah Palin on Politico.com. He could not find anyone who liked the Gov for his article. Also there is the Hill.com's Roxane Tiron, who like others (matthew daley) who wrote/reported on Sarah Palin this weekend failed to mention that none of the ethics complaints have resulted in anything. A FACT conveniently left out of ALL those stories. This is typical. The outrageousness of these people. Do we take their awful advice or be who we are? Conservatives.

The people that gather around Sarah Palin, that gathered around her during the campaign. Those crowds that were bigger than McCain's! They came to see & hear HER. What did she have he did not? A conservative message. That is what we need to fire up the base and get new voters out. Just because we stand for Man/woman marriage doesn't mean we don't welcome gays in the republican Party. Megan McCain says she has gay friends who are Rep. We can't let libs convince Hispanic voters we hate them just because we demand LEGAL immigration. One of my friend's mom came from Cuba & is totally against illegals and amnesty. She says come LEGALLY learn the language then become citizens. She worked hard & thinks others should too. Being against illegal immigrants is NOT RACIST! We even have people that are. . . pro-choice! Can you f-ing believe it? Try being pro-life in the dem party... you'll get nowhere AND called names. (and yet they claim to be inclusive) Which president named more minorities to High Ranking office & cabinet positions. . . I'll wait. . . PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH!!! AND they call him a racist.

The time has come for us to pick the grass root movement. Time for us Conservative Republicans to speak out! Quit letting the liberal media define who we are. WE ARE NOT RACIST, NOT BIGOTS, NOT HOMOPHOBES. . . the Republican Party IS inclusive, and it is time WE take our party BACK!!! Take it back from the Noonan's & Parkers et al... Bring in and embrace the Kasichs, Gingrichs, McCotters, Boehners, Hatchs and Palins, Jindhal and DO IT NOW! While we have a chance to prepare for 2010. Embrace and walk through the short growing grass roots. Cut down and throw out the tall weeds where rinos roam.
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I'm John Q. Citizen
Just a Regular Guy
fueling up the lawn-mower, now get ready to plant the new seeds of hope & revolution!
The grass roots movement of constitutionalism & freedom!
Let's take our country back!

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ONE SMALL STEP. . . . .

**** (This article was published in local paper. used w/author's permission.) **** (c) 1999 MAR

The time of this writing is July 20, 1999.

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July 20 1969. . . Truly a date that will live in history as one of the most thrilling events of the first millenium. I can still remember watching the news coverage and these live pictures from the Moon. My whole family was watching. We were at the Lagoon Motel in Clearwater, Florida, on vacation. We had gotten there a day after the launch. We were in a motel just south of Atlanta for the launch.
What an exciting time for a seven-year-old boy whose imagination went wild with what they might find…hoped they would find. My parents could forget for just a little while the chaos and tragedy of Vietnam, and the civil unrest that gripped our country. Nothing else was of concern, for this one moment our country and even the world came together for a brief shining moment.
When the Ohio native, Neil Armstrong, stepped on the moon from the Eagle, he did not say this was a giant step for America, but one “… for ALL Mankind.” This was the attitude.
He and Buzz Aldrin were HEROES! Not just for a small boy in a Florida motel room, but for old and young all over the planet!
When we got back home a few weeks later, it was all my friends and I talked about. We no longer wanted to be Firemen, or Policemen… we wanted to be ASTRONAUTS! WE wanted to go to the Moon or even…Mars! Maybe even Saturn. I think from that time forward looking at the stars was not the same. Mercury and Gemini missions were exciting, but they were just in orbit. The Apollo Project shrunk the universe just enough to expand the imagination ten fold.
The one side effect it had on me was I now was forever excited by science fiction. Star Trek was on in syndication and I watched it all the time. 2001 a Space Odyssey, Silent Running, Forbidden Plant, This Island Earth, these types of movies kept the spark alive.
I was just as excited for all the moon shots, watching the coverage of each with my Mom and Dad. Even my Grandparents thought it was amazing. When the moon missions came to an end I was saddened by the lack of enthusiasm for the space program. Mostly I blame the media. They decided it was not as worthy of the attention, because we done it already. What a lack of foresight. The old liberal newshounds went right back to their mundane lives, while many of us still longed for more.
Skylab, and the Apollo-Soyuz docking kept our interest, but it would be a long while before we got back. (the topic of a future rant?) We won’t go there now.
So those of us that were fortunate enough to remember this great event firsthand will forever know the excitement of our journey to another world. We can only hope we find that excitement again, something to pull us all together. God knows we need it.

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These are my friend's words. . . BUT

I was there. . .

John Q. Citizen

"The Regular Guy"

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That's the way it was July 20th, 1969- 10:57pm edt

R.I.P. Walter Cronkite

Where were you? How did it affect your life if any? Tell me…

A REGULAR GUY'S OPINION ON GOV. SARAH PALIN

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. Well I guess it's my turn to throw two cents worth of wisdom into the ring on Sarah Palin. For the record, I am a big fan of this woman. She is charismatic, knows more than she is given credit for, and no matter what the media says has a bright future. This woman has been attacked from every imaginable quarter. democrats hate her for numerous reasons, the main one being that she scares the hell out of them.

. Why? They won't admit that. Mainly because she is so damn likable. She knows more about energy than ANYONE in the current administration. She actually has been to ANWR and knows the BS dems & others say bout it is pure BULLSH?T!! Knows that drilling there will HELP AMERICA lessen dependence on foreign oil. Another reason they can't stand her.

. As for her resignation... I believe in the long run it can help her. My friends and I were discussing this since her announcement, and agree if she takes a short break and begins helping Conservative candidates in their re-election & elections, she can draw much needed attention to important issues. She is still much liked by Conservatives. She always out drew McCain when she spoke. Her message resonated with the base! If we had a candidate that was able to speak and support her... we would have had a different outcome.

. The attacks on her have been relentless. I think this added to her decision especially the unprecedented attacks on her children. Dems would have been apoplectic had this happened to a dem/lib, or a man. People like columnist like Peg Noonan, Kathleen Parker & other so called conser pundits just can't understand her appeal. Mainly because the are not really Conservatives.

. McCain's advisers couldn't wait to attack her, but didn't have the courage or guts to put their names on their attacks. Knowing full well they were full of lies & half truths; knowing full well that in some cases were responsible for improperly preparing her. They should have turned her loose early on. She really is a much better speaker than she is given credit for. Actually she can speak much better "off the cuff" than Obama can. He really is terrible speaker w/o his teleprompter.

. The ethics charges have been total bull-shit, and designed to distract and defame her at every step. Unlike DC politicians she is not rich. She is much closer to the people she represents than ANY of the elites. That also scares them. They see her at the grocery store for goodness sakes. They say "Hello" and she speaks back to them... actually has conversations with them... (GASP!) while buying diapers & tampons and FOOD! (the horror!) When was the last time O or M'chelle ever went shopping for themselves? Or even John Mc?

. All I'm saying is that, these things add up. Reasons why people love her. Her positive attitude, friendliness and her charming personality, along with her staight forward sensibility attract people to her. (More reasons dems/libs/others HATE her) They have to attack her try to pull her down, get people to see her as white trash & unworthy of their vote.

. Others have said it, where are the women's groups? They should add the word "liberal" to their names, to be honest.

A future?? Hell yes! Take a break Mrs. Palin you deserve it. Wait a while then get back on the horse and ride into the sunset. In the end I believe you will have the last laugh.

That's my opinion. . .
John Q. Citizen
"The Regular Guy"

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