I am back!

I have spent the last few months replacing the roof on my house. Such a fun job in Phoenix. I did manage to get most of it done before it got to 105, but I did have a problem with a freak rain storm. It is pretty much done now, so I now have some time and energy to devote to this blog.

Today, I am going to answer a "survey" (request for moola) sent to me by the Republican National Committee entitled "2009 Obama Agenda Survey". These are not complete answers, but it is enough to get the conversation going.

1. Do you agree with Barack Obama's budget plan that will lead to a $23.1 trillion deficit over the next ten years?
Not a chance! Just like Czar Bush, Comrade Obama does not care what the citizens want. He is only concerned with filling the pockets of his cronies, and pushing this country toward a socialistic one world government bereft of any personal freedoms.

2. Do you believe the federal government has gone too far in bailing out failing banks, insurance companies and the auto industry?
YES! What have I personally gained from these bailouts?

3. Do you support amnesty for illegal immigrants?
If they have no criminal record, paid taxes during the time they have been here, and their children (if applicable) have good grades in school, then absolutely. Fast track them and their children. If they have a criminal record, they can show they have straightened themselves up, and their children (if applicable) have good grades in school, then probably. For children who have good grades (A or B) in school (K-12 and college) for more than 4 years, then immediately fast track them with citizenship. This would be an on-going requirement in order to catch those who are currently here, but do not have 5 years in school. However, there should be a sunset clause that would cause this program to be terminated in 5 years, with a new vote by the public required to re-instate it.

4. Should English be the official language of the United States?
Well, Duh! Talk about a question with only one possible reason to be on a survey; create language-based (ethnic) warfare!

5. Are you in favor of granting retroactive Social Security eligibility to illegal immigrants who gain U.S. Citizenship through an amnesty program?
See answer on on amnesty for requirements, but there are more questions to be answered before getting Social Security eligibility: How can you give them retroactive eligibility if they did not have a SS#? Did they have a federal ID number and pay taxes while illegal? If so, then sure, but not if they paid no taxes during the time they have been here.

6.Are you in favor of the expanded welfare benefits and unlimited eligibility (no time, education or work requirements) that Democrats in Congress are pushing to pass?
Of course not! Welfare should be a stop gap measure while getting back on your feet, not a lifestyle! However, stupid rules like not being able to save money should be eliminated, and recipients should be made to sign a contract saying that they will get into and successfully complete a program for obtaining gainful employment. Maybe it should be suggested that they join the military in exchange for this training, just like is done for nuclear navy jobs?

7. Do you believe that Barack Obama's nominees for federal courts should be immediately and unquestionably approved for their lifetime appointments by the U.S. Senate?
Oh sure, I trust all politicians, don't you?

8. Do you believe that the best way to increase the quality and effectiveness of public education in the U.S. is to rapidly expand federal funding while eliminating performance standards and accountability?
What is really needed is getting rid of the "help John feel good about himself baloney", and make John really be accountable for his own failure to do the required work. If the student does not study and do the homework assigned as practice, then how can they expect to learn the material? If the student does not put in the effort to learn, then "making teachers accountable" is destined to fail! There should be an immediate requirement that homework (at-home practice) is required of all classes.

9. Do you support the creation of a national health insurance plan that would be administered by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.?
Absolutely, they have done such a bang up job following the money of the bailouts, why not give them some more money to lose.

10. Do you believe that the quality and availability of health care will increase if the federal government dictates pricing to doctors and hospitals?
So what happened to "Free Market" economics? Most of the cost of health care is due to inept government "oversight".

11. Are you confident that new medicines and medical treatments will continue to be developed if the federal government controls prescription drug prices and sets profit margins for research and pharmaceutical companies?
Not a chance!

12. Are you in favor of creating a government-funded “Citizen Volunteer Corps” that would pay young people to do work now done by churches and charities earning Corps Members the same pay and benefits given to military veterans?
How can you even think that ditch digging and food bank work should even be considered as equivalent to what our military people do? If someone wants those kinds of benefits and pay, then join the military and earn them! WPA anyone? Expand welfare pool anyone? How can it be a “Volunteer Corps” if they are getting pay and benefits just like any other job?

13. Are you in favor of re-instituting the military draft, as Democrats in Congress have proposed?
Maybe.

14. Do you believe that the federal government should allow the unionization of Department of Homeland Security employees who serve in positions critical to the safety and security of our nation?
Isn't that what air traffic controllers did? Look how successful that was when a president decided to fire them all. Yeah, I would feel much safer knowing that the person at the security checkpoint just reached their magic service point that says they cannot be fired for laziness or incompetence!

15. Do you support Democrats' drive to eliminate workers' right to a private ballot when considering unionization of their place of employment?
Not a chance! That could only lead to 3rd world government style politics where intimidation is the main factor instead of whether it is a good thing or not.