Texas considers dropping Medicaid

Texas Gov. Rick Perry agrees it's a good idea

However, this is little more than political game-playing and passing the buck

by Peter Stern

Texas is one of several states considering to drop Medicaid. If the state drops Medicaid will Medicare be far behind? And then, will the state consider dropping public education so it can save money? Each such consideration is "penny-wise and pound foolish" as the saying goes. This is just political posturing, or at least I hope it is --- or it is a death wish.

Illegal Immigration Issue

With all due respect, It is hypocritical for legislators to feign distress about the illegal immigration issue but permit employers to hire the illegals as cheap labor.

If these employers were prosecuted under the current immigration laws, illegals would not be hired so easily, could not send money home and they would return to their place of origin or elsewhere to look for work.

Prognosis for the Future

Some last words from me...

by Peter Stern

We have come to the point where there is little hope for the populace. It is going to be a long, bitter cold Winter for many people.

For too many decades Americans have been too complacent. They have permitted their leaders to manipulate the system for the benefit of wealthy special interests. It is now too late to do anything, as neither party learns from its own history and the beat goes on.

All we have is an ongoing political ping pong match, which sees power shifting from one party to another, but nothing tangible occurs so that all Americans may take part in our nation's glory and successes which are now provided only to the wealthy chosen few.

I have been writing almost daily for the past decade on various issues and I plan to stop. It has been a long, frustrating series of events that have culminated in my acknowledgment that there is little we can do to change things. Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was correct in his warning of the pending doom of Democracy by the arrogant and greedy Industrial/Military Complex, which has shifted to the Corporate/Military Complex.

Without a strong and prospering Middle Class our representative democracy is lost and we will never get it back short of another massive rebellion by the people. The people do not have the means to win in such an attempt because the Corporate/Military Complex is too strong.

So, it will be the survival of the fittest again for most Americans who have become second-rate citizens in their own nation. Thirty years ago few would have considered that our proud nation would have evolved to this point. It is a damn shame we have permitted this to happen. I just want to wish all of you well in the difficult years to come.

 
 
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GOP Domination for the Immediate Future

It's going to be a long, lonesome toll road for most Americans


by Peter Stern

So, where are we going?

I read an article from FOX News that a lot of credit is being thrown at Sarah Palin for the huge Republican win. The train of thought is that most of the GOP candidates that Palin supported won. Personally, I think President Obama and Congress deserve more credit than Sarah Palin for the massive Republican wins.

2010 Elections: a few post election notes

by Peter Stern

Republicans rule Texas!!!

Perry and all his current top henchmen won --- that was expected

Not one Republican incumbent was removed from office.

Approx. 23 incumbent Democrats lost their House Seats in the state, while approx. 5 Federal House Reps lost their DC seats.

Most Texans voted Republican.

In elections with no incumbent running, ALL the candidates who won are Republicans.

Incumbent District 45 Rep. Patrick Rose who acquired the largest contributions of any House candidate, more than 1 million dollars, LOST to newbie non-politician Jason Isaac.

Finally, Republican Texas is in a great position for the 2012 Presidential Election having added seats at the state and DC levels. Perry is sure to try his hand at a DC position in 2012. For Texans, the next 4 years will be financially difficult, with Perry and his band of merry legislators doing pretty much whatever they want.

xxx

Campaign Contributions Continue to Contort and Destroy America's Representative Democracy

Supreme Court Tenders Its Verdict FOR the Wealthy Corporate Sector

by Peter Stern

This year, thanks to the radical [NOT conservative] Supreme Court ruling, that corporations and unions have a 1st Amendment right [free-speech] to make unlimited contributions to influence elections. The ruling permits and encourages wealthy corporate and private donors to provide significant contribution to any groups or individuals active in battleground races.

There's a Stake Driven Deep in the Heart of Texas

a tiny glimpse of Texican reality

by Peter Stern

Governor Rick Perry will win again simply because Texans bought into a vision that isn't really there. Say what you will about Perry, but the man knows how Texans think. Look at the documented history during Perry's 3 terms as Governor and you will see the reality that is hidden from public view: the special interest driven Perry who is adept at using smoke screens and mirrors to perform his magic.

Is that America I smell burning?

by Peter Stern

There is no light at the end of this depressive economy. Not since the Great Depression have so many Americans been in such financial turmoil.

State government is not working for the people it is supposed to serve

Both major parties get failing grades

by Peter Stern

As much as 4 more years of Texas Governor Rick Perry is scary, many people are scared more by Bill White. Some issues are that he is a liberal Democrat, that he will push for the same or similar failed Obama programs and that White is looking to relinquish state control to the federal government. People are being told all sorts of stories, but the truth is that there are few good alternative candidates to choose from.

Let's all thank Governor Rick Perry

Do Texans really want to reelect this guy?

by Peter Stern

Texans should send Perry packing.

More Economic Stuff: Congress just screwed the pooch again

No COLAs for Social Security recipients

No jobs for Americans who need them

by Peter Stern

For the 2nd time in 2 years prices used to measure the annual Social Security Benefits COLA dropped. We are told that in 2008 the COLA provided to social security recipients rose 5.8 percent, well above the usual annual COLA increase of 3.8 percent. Supposedly, the next COLA increase will occur in 2012 when the prices most likely will increase to the previous 2008 levels.

Texas Voters should NOT get suckered into voting for a Statewide Property Tax

The next Pandora's Box and General "Slush" Fund in the Glorious State of Texas

by Peter Stern

The Texas House and Senate are salivating over a statewide property tax. It is the same legislators year after year and the same business people who are appointed to education commissions who still direct the focus on how to finance public education. They have been unable to resolve the problem for the past decade, why should the public believe them now?

Is Islam a real threat and will it takeover the World within 50 years?

Is there real substantiation that Islam is a real threat and will it takeover the World within 50 years?

by Peter Stern

Is Islam a real threat to global dominance in the next 50 years or is the concern propaganda developed to strike fear into the hearts of the western world?

THE U.S. ECONOMY: Don’t worry; it’s only a mild recession…

It’s only a temporary problem…


The economy is improving slowly…

by Peter Stern

Lies, all lies. We are in a deep depression. Only the stupid or greedy believe otherwise.

Illegal Immigration and the Monster in the Closet

by Peter Stern

Many people complain about how illegals are being treated, especially now that Arizona has developed new state laws that enable enforcement of immigration laws.  Texas is the largest state that is implementing a fingerprint recognition system to verify whether a person is illegal.  The program approved is to check the fingerprints of all prisoners when incarcerated to check for any illegals who are criminals. I imagine that rather than have taxpayers provide the money to house illegals in our jails they will be deported.  Many cry-out "foul" to that system and believe it to infringe on the rights of illegals.

The Frustration Inherent in Elections

Does what we have to say count for anything?

by Peter Stern

Elections are just frustrating as heck!

Who do you vote for? Who is the best new candidate? Which incumbent has done the least for the community? Then after all that and more, the winner is NOT the one you voted for.

Texas Public Education --- again!

Governor Rick Perry Continues the Humiliation and Failure of Public Education


Funding is Available, but the Political Games Take Precedence and Always Have

by Peter Stern

There is state and federal financing available for public education, but Governor Rick Perry and Texas legislators divert the state dollars to other special interests and they refuse to accept millions from Washington as a campaign technique to gather votes by fighting Democrats in D.C. and here in Texas. Perry says that Washington will never take over control of Texas public education. This is nothing more than placebo politicking. Washington does NOT want to control public education in Texas.

Perry's Bogus Promises

Texans Need a REAL Governor

by Peter Stern

After 10 years in office, Texas Gov. Rick Perry has done little to help hard-working Texans. In fact, he has done a lot to hurt them.

Now That We Destroyed Iraq, Let's Leave It

But Let's Continue to Throw Millions More of Our Tax Dollars Into Rebuilding It

by Peter Stern

After all, we did the same thing with Germany and Japan after World War II via our destruction of those nations with our bombings. After we dropped the A-Bomb on Hiroshima, destroyed the city and caused deaths and radiation mutilation to millions of Japanese, we then (almost guilt-ridden) soaked our tax dollars into rebuilding Japan, a task that lasted for decades. It took decades also to rebuild Hamburg and other German cities with American tax dollars. History repeats itself, as does the ongoing "war machine."

Texas Governor Rick Perry is a Scoundrel, Liar and Coward

This November will Texans Finally Get Smart?

by Peter Stern

While many politicos may see NOT debating as a clever ruse and good move politically, those who opt not to debate are nothing more than COWARDS and un-American. They are going against American tradition of the Lincoln/Douglas debates and honor. If you are meant to win, you should win based on your merit. These days there are few GOOD politicians in the mix. Texans would do well to revamp the system and get rid of lackluster special interest incumbents. Will it happen? Probably not. This sort of politics has been a mainstay in Texas.

Texas Governor Rick Perry Needs to Pack It Up and Move-on Down that Long Lonesome Toll Road

big campaign bucks show Perry's true allegiances are NOT with the people

by Peter Stern

It is NOT the People of Texas who want Perry reelected. Perry won the last election with only 39 percent of the total votes.

The millions in Gov. Rick Perry's reelection campaign "trust fund" were contributed by a handful of select investors. It is the same small crowd that has provided Perry consistently with support and funds for years. The millions must speak volumes to Texas voters!

Texas Governor has TOO MUCH power

Time to revamp the office and responsibilities

by Peter Stern

Yes, Texas gubernatorial candidate Bill White is correct. Limit the terms of the Governor. If you can't do the job in 2 terms you shouldn't remain Governor.

Texas Governor Rick Perry and his Insurance "Axis of Evil"

Approximately four years ago lax insurance legislation coupled with Gov. Rick Perry, then TDI Commissioner Jose Montemayor and elected officials looking the other way, the insurance industry overnight doubled home insurance premiums to over-compensate for previous years of a soft market.

Hays County, TX is in Count-Down Mode

The Problems are Mounting Every Day

by Peter Stern

Hays County is in big trouble. From daily living costs to water preservation and consumption, to developing roadways and commercial developments, to permitting the over-building of housing and residential developments. We are in big trouble and the problems are not going away.

Time for Improved Regulations and Oversight of Credit Bureaus

by Peter Stern

These days Americans are being forced to deal with a number of economic plagues. Perhaps the foremost is the largest unemployment in the history of our nation. It is estimated that 14 million Americans currently remain unemployed, which may be a large underestimation. Tied closely to the economic crisis and a second major issue involves out-of-control and rampant credit bureau power over our lives, which has a devastating impact on many of us.

The American Dilemma

A pending economic and social catastrophe of epic proportions

by Peter Stern

The U.S. economy is riddled with wounds and blisters. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have plummeted in the market and it shows that housing still is in a world of hurt. It is difficult to comprehend why Obama and Congress permit the ongoing unemployment travesty, except it is clear that it is a maneuvering for the next several elections. Our economy cannot recover if millions of Americans are out of work. It’s just common sense that seems to be vacant among the thoughts of our leaders.

Economic Decay

Waiting for the legislative cavalry...

The U.S. economy is riddled with wounds and blisters. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have plummeted in the market and it shows that housing still is in a world of hurt. It is difficult to comprehend why Obama and Congress permit the ongoing unemployment travesty, except it is clear that it is a maneuvering for the next several elections. Our economy cannot recover if millions of Americans are out of work. It’s just common sense that seems to be vacant among the thoughts of our leaders.

They seem willing to play their political games rather than fix what is broken, at the expense of U.S. citizens.

Misinformed Views of Americans and Mid-Eastern People by Americans and Mid-Eastern People

Our perceptions are controlled and clouded by various obstructionist media and other forces

by Peter Stern

I truly believe that we Americans and Mid-Eastern citizens have more in common than we have differences. As humans, we have the same basic needs and desires.

I have been speaking on several ME blogs with citizens of several Mid-Eastern nations and it interests me in many ways how they view the U.S. and its citizens.

Ford's New Elite Manufacturing Plant in Rural Brazil

What does the new plant in rural Brazil signify re: future Ford products, costs to consumers, the U.S. job market, other auto manufacturers. Does this signal the end of auto manufacturing in the U.S.?

U.S. is Friendless in the Middle East

We throw our money, goods and services at Mid-East and World Nations and still we are hated

by Peter Stern

In November Texans should vote for Bill White to replace incumbent Governor Rick Perry

big campaign bucks and special interest motivations show Perry's true allegiances

by Peter Stern

It is NOT the People of Texas who want Perry reelected. Only 39% of Texans voted for Perry in the last election, which may be viewed that 61% of voters did NOT want Perry. In addition, the millions in Gov. Rick Perry's reelection campaign "war chest" were contributed by a handful of select investors. It is the same small elite crowd that has provided Perry consistently with support and funds for almost one decade. The millions in hand should speak volumes to Texas voters!

And now for something a little different... Advice on living with a loud snorer

how to find relief...

by Peter Stern

Loud snoring may become a very difficult issue for the individual snorer and for the person sleeping with a snorer. There seem to be many different reasons for the the loud snoring, e.g., it may be an indicator of a physiological problem that should be reviewed and resolved as soon as possible. Interestingly, snoring seems to occur significantly with men and women who are overweight due to a bulky throat situation. Snoring may also occur for children, especially those with large tonsils. Snoring often increases with age and many people (45 percent of adults) only experience occasional snoring.

TEXAS POLITICS: Toll Roads Planned for MoPac (LOOP 1)

some things never change

by Peter Stern

Mismanagement, special interest pandering, corruption, hidden agendas, misuse of tax dollars and abuse of power continue to run rampant in Texas. It is politics as usual.

The Case for U.S. Non-Interventionism: History Demands It

When as a nation we are aggressively wrong so many times throughout history, how hard can it be to recognize it and to change?

By Peter Stern

The U.S. is a nation of enormous military power, with a huge void in intelligent and honorable leadership, a long-time intent of profiteering imperialistically, consistently maintaining a myopic vision of goals and hell-bent on its mission of world conquest. After years of such policies, we need to look into the mirror and recognize ourselves. Then we need to do something about it.

The long journey to nowhere: The U.S. has become the bully on the world block

by Peter Stern

21-Jun-2010

Faintly in my memories I recall an America that was beautiful in many ways. We were a righteous national community, in a good way, respectful and hard-working. During my lifetime, I have watched with much helplessness as we reached middle age the beauty started to fade, and our actions became centered on greed and self-fulfilling daily lives with eyes that could only envision a myopic short-term span. More or less we evolved into an “if it feels good, do it” and “whoever has the most toys wins” mentality that forced a massive change in our general climate, as a nation and a people.

Why America may be one step away from becoming an abomination

the long journey to nowhere brings us back to ourselves

by Peter Stern

Faintly in my memories I recall an America that was beautiful in many ways. We were a righteous national community, in a good way, respectful and hard-working. During my lifetime, I have watched with much helplessness as we reached middle age the beauty started to fade, and our actions became centered on greed and self-fulfilling daily lives with eyes that could only envision a myopic short-term span. More or less we evolved into an “if it feels good, do it” and “whoever has the most toys wins” mentality that forced a massive change in our general climate, as a nation and a people.

Why Governor Rick Perry is NOT the choice of most Texas voters

big campaign bucks show Perry's true allegiances

by Peter Stern

It is NOT the People of Texas who want Perry reelected.

The millions in Gov. Rick Perry's reelection campaign "trust fund" were contributed by a handful of select investors. It is the same small crowd that has provided Perry consistently with support and funds for years. The millions must speak volumes to Texas voters!

Did Israel have a right to declare Palestine as its statehood for all Jewish people

an Issue of World Negligence

by Peter Stern

Perhaps the real question is whether Israel had ownership rights to the Palestine land it currently occupies. Zionism had been created as a nationalistic organization and/or political movement that aggressively proposed a home state for all Jewish people and it focused on the Middle East lands of Palestine. Zionists persuaded various Western nations to support its efforts towards that end.

What is Behind Israel's Illegal Persecution of Palestinians

Israel Must Stop Its Aggression

by Peter Stern

The primary reasons for the Palestinian War are that via Great Britain's Balfour Declaration of 1917 favored and supported Palestine as the new home of the Jewish people. The problem with this declaration and imperative is that Great Britain did NOT have a legal right to make that determination. Palestine was already settled by the indigenous Semite population who had been there for 1200 years. Naturally, the Jewish people could not settle in Palestine without illegally removing the people already living in those villages and on their properties.

Helen Thomas proves wisdom does NOT come with age

Thomas tells Jews to take a hike, back to Europe

by Peter Stern

You "gotta" love senility and if not senility, then stupidity. This is a woman who has had a huge career as a news and political reporter and is currently employed as a columnist with Hearst news service.

Civil Disobedience and Inalienable Rights:

Obama has become the articulate Bush

The only change in the new administration is the voice and the color

by Peter Stern

The politics and the policies of the previous and current administrations are identical. “The King is dead. Long live the King.”

What did Americans do to deserve this? King Barack “The Great Hope” Obama had such potential, or so many of us thought. It turns out that he is just a little more grammatically and politically correct than was his predecessor, the stumbling and bumbling King George Walker Bush who accomplished more than any previous President. Bush was able to bring the U.S. down to its knees --- and for that he will always be remembered.

Texas Governor Rick Perry: Flimflam Artist Extraordinaire

The BS flows like Texas beer...

by Peter Stern

The question is "How long will Texans permit Perry to get away with it?" Hopefully, Texans had enough and in 2010 will vote in some other candidate. It is long overdue to replace Perry.

There are No Good Reasons for Israel's Vicious Attack on Flotilla

Attacking and Boarding Ships in International Waters is Piracy

by Peter Stern

Despite what Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states publicly there is no honorable or just cause for the violent attack on the convoy of six ships that was bringing 10,000 tons of humanitarian goods to the people of Gaza. The numbers provided show that at least 10 flotilla all civilian participants were killed and 60 were injured, while 2 Israeli commandos were injured.

DISASTER 2010: Gulf of Mexico Explosion and Oil Spill

a Case of Criminal Negligence and Homicide

by Peter Stern

Seems like no one wants to point fingers at those responsible for the catastrophe that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, where 11 human lives were killed due to faulty, inadequate drilling equipment and unsatisfactory safety precautions. No one is stepping-up to tell the truth about the unknown quantity of crude oil spewing into the gulf waters. No one is discussing the very real possibility that there is another leak 5 miles from the publicized leak. The majority of the truth is being kept hidden as British Petroleum Corp. (BP) is trying to maneuver itself into a position to take "less of a hit" from pending lawsuits and astronomical costs that are sure to come.

More Teacher Layoffs?

Or a Simpler and More Practical Solution

by Peter Stern

So, here we go again. Tax dollars for school budgets have nose-dived and apparently the only option is to fire more than 100,000 teachers? Whose political power-play is this?

I have a simpler solution. It will save a ton of tax dollars and achieve better learning outcomes.

Wanted: New Texas Governor

Questioning Perry’s Truthfulness

by Peter Stern

Once a liar, always a liar?

Five years ago Texas Gov. Rick Perry put on his ten-gallon Stetson, saddled-up his taxpayer-paid plane and galloped all over the state lobbying to eliminate what he and his special interest health care industry called “frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits.”

Texans were promised that if they voted for this proposal, they soon would see a reduction in the costs of health care and medical related services.

Well, just as in the previous proposed amendment election where only 8 percent of all registered voters approved ALL 16 amendments, back in 2005 Perry and his "good ol’ boys" got what they wanted. Proposition 12 was approved and Texans were duped. Unfortunately, like him or not, Perry usually gets what he and his special interests want.

Why Americans can no longer ignore illegal immigration

by Peter Stern

It is finally time the U.S. must deal expediently with illegal immigration and the many issues surrounding it. Some of the issues have become physically chaotic and financially detrimental to our way of life. The main issue with illegal immigrants is that “illegal” means illegal. It is against the law that immigrants arrive, work and live in the U.S. without first observing the laws governing immigration. Those who do not follow the laws and rules, who live and work here, are doing so illegally and it is the responsibility of our Federal Government and the various state governments to work together in resolving the various problems.

BP’s inadequate safety measures and response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill

What is the future of offshore drilling?

by Peter Stern

British Petroleum’s response [physically and verbally] to the Gulf oil spill has been inadequate and ineffective. The causes of the tragic gas explosion and oil spill on British Petroleum’s (BP's) leased Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico have not yet been fully determined, but various pieces of fail-safe equipment did not function as designed. Furthermore, 11 rig personnel were killed by the blast and so far the spillage has not been contained although BP has tried several options to do so. Despite BP's response, the company’s actions in the face of the explosion and spill are facing unprecedented scrutiny, thanks to a long history of legal and ethical violations that strongly suggests that the London-based company places profits above the safety of its personnel and the environment.

Give Texas Gov. Rick Perry credit for high tuition costs

Time to get rid of Perry

by Peter Stern

During his 3 terms as Texas Governor Rick Perry has done many things to hurt the wallets of hard-working Texans. Texas children and their parents can thank special interest driven Gov. Rick Perry for unaffordable tuition costs.

President Barack Obama, the change artist: Had enough yet?

Broken Promises Fall All Around Us
By Peter Stern

It is hard to imagine that most Americans thought this was “the great change President.” Obama promised all of us a new nation we could be proud of. Remember the promise of saving “Main Street” from being exploited? Recall the promise of helping middle class Americans? Well, where is this changed America?

In 6 months President Obama has broken and/or forgotten most of his promises to the American people, who had the audacity to believe him. If you want to know where to find Obama, it’s easy --- just follow the trail of his broken promises.

Say Thank You to the Troops

Say Thanks to Our Soldiers


For this Memorial Day and also anytime during the year Xerox sponsors a site that sends thank you postcards to our young soldiers. Please take one minute to send one. It's fast and easy.

Our young soldiers go where they are sent and whether or not you believe in our presence and policies overseas, we still can support our young men and women wherever they may be.

Go to: http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

Peter Stern
Disabled Vietnam Veteran

Texas School Board of Education plays politics with our children's lives

To the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE):

Historical documentation must and should be factual and NOT political perspectives. While politics plays a role in history, historical evidence and factual data must take precedence over contemporary political agendas. By letting your political constituents dictate how you develop history curriculum and textbooks is detrimental to educating our children and it is just damn wrong! Furthermore, your political agendas are an embarrassment to the state of Texas.

I request, nay, I demand that the SBOE reconsider its political adventure into the lives and mis-education of our children and vote to present the historical facts instead of pushing political fissure into our education system and into the brains of our children.

What you are doing is NOT educating our children. You are spreading propaganda and brainwashing our children.

Too many American heroes have fought and died for the right of real and proper education. In my mind, you are traitors to the United States and its citizenry.

As a 100 percent Disabled Vietnam Veteran, I believe you are working against the U.S. Constitution and you deserve to serve time in prison as traitors to American education and the rights of students and teachers to learn and present true history.

Change the history curriculum and textbooks to teach history, NOT politics.

Peter Stern

Vote against War by voting FOR 'The War Is Making You Poor Act'

There is a small movement to stop the war in Afghanistan and use the money here in the U.S.  One of the ways to use it is to lower thousands of dollars in taxes for average Americans.  This message is circulating via Internet and you can sign a petition online.

Next week, there is going to be a "debate" in Congress on yet another war funding bill. The bill is supposed to pass without debate, so no one will notice.

President, Congress turn their back on jobless

by Peter Stern

How hard is it to provide jobs to those who need and want them?

Unemployment in the United States is at its highest rate in many decades but apparently is a mystery that only a Sherlock Holmes can solve. Despite his promises, President Obama has not fought significantly to bring jobs to hardly-working Americans.