Monthly Archives: December 2011
Twelve Days of Christmas –Government Style
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By Stephanie Ann Kinzel
On the first day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
A 3,000 page health mandate I cannot read…
On the second day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
12 “Super Committee members which could not agree…
On the third day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
An I.O.U from a failed solar company…
On the fourth day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
An ulcer over the debt ceiling…
On the fifth day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
A credit downgrade from S&P…
On the sixth day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
A broken economy…
On the seventh day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
An unsecured border, risking my safety…
On the eighth day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
A pack of lies and Tyranny…
On the ninth day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
A bankrupt Social Security…
On the tenth day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
Inept leadership to my country…
On the eleventh day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
Class Warfare and a divided society…
On the twelfth day of Christmas my Government gave to me,
A plethora of regulations which prevent businesses from hiring…
Impeach Eric Holder!
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Impeachment sound a little harsh? Then you are a coddler! Coddling those who display egregious behavior only reinforces said behavior. If we continue to put up with inappropriate behavior from government officials, such as Eric Holder’s, then that is precisely what we will get. Since 2009, the Department of Justice has used tax dollars to fund a “Dumb and Ridiculous” gun-running operation known as “Fast and Furious”, which has put dangerous weapons in the hands of drug cartels. And, now that thousands of guns are MIA and one Border agent is dead, Holder’s resignation is being demanded by many Republicans.
First and foremost, Eric Holder is not stupid by any sense of the word; diabolical yes, amoral yes –stupid, no. One excuse Holder gives for not turning over important documents to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is; an investigation is in progress that forbids him to do so. Well, Holder initiated said investigation (as he stated many times) quickly after the operation’s blunder hit the media. It is believed Holder knew initiating such an investigation would keep certain incriminating evidence from Congress, therefore delaying the process. Sound like the strategy of an inept ignorant man, or a cunning, slick shyster? Holder did not reach his position in the DOJ because of a life-time of inept performance; therefore, claiming ignorance cannot be an option.
Secondly, Eric Holder claims he doesn’t remember exactly when he was made aware of “Fast and Furious”. Sure bet he didn’t eat any of those $16 dollar muffins either (sarcasm). Let’s remind him: Mr. Holder, remember the Mexico press conference in 2009 where you more or less bragged about DOJ’s Operation “Fast and Furious”? Furthermore, do you think “We the People” believe for one second you knew absolutely nothing of the operations within the Department of Justice sir? Since you obviously cannot handle said job sir –you must go; willingly or not! Americans deserve better from their employees, and you sir are criminal in the eyes of this American!
What is more outrageous is, Eric Holder could not even grasp a little common decency and call the family of slain Border Agent Brian Terry. No “I’m sorry for your loss” or nothing –guess Holder’s “give a damn is busted”. Could it be the guilt? Or, is it his arrogance?
“Under “Fast and Furious” ATF agents recorded and tracked straw purchases of weapons and allowed the guns to “walk” across the U.S. border into Mexico in an effort to locate major weapons traffickers, rather than catching the low-level buyers. The operation took a tragic toll when two weapons where Border Patrol agent Brian Terry was murdered were linked to the ATF program” (Kinzel, 2011).
There is no doubt the DOJ has the blood of Brian Terry on its hands; however, it isn’t likely any one will step up and accept responsibility for the inapt operation that caused the DOJ’s fall from Grace. Holder has recently said more firearms from Operation “Fast and Furious” will certainly show up at future crime scenes in both Mexico and America.
Holder admitted, “Although the department has taken steps to ensure that such tactics are never used again, it is an unfortunate reality that we will continue to feel the effects of this flawed operation for years to come”…“Guns lost during this operation will continue to show up at crime scenes on both sides of the border.”
The one thing Holder won’t admit, as the Attorney General he is ultimately responsible for the operations of the DOJ; good, bad, or indifferent, the buck stops with Holder. That said it is time for Eric Holder to take responsibility and resign –or be impeached. America no longer has faith in the ability of the Department of Justice or its leadership, and this will not change until Holder and a few high-ranking officials are fired. What happened to “Justice for all”? Where is the justice for the family of Agent Brian Terry? The firing and/or impeachment of Eric Holder, Lanny Breuer, and any entity who knowingly participated in “Fast and Furious” would be a start. This American votes Impeachment!
References
Kinzel, S. (2011, September 17). ATF’s “Fast and Furious” turns
“Dumb and Ridiculous”
http://cowgirlkitty.com/2011/09/17/atfs-fast-and-furious-turns-dumb-and-ridiculous/
Diggin’ Up Bones in Gingrich Backyard
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Since left-wing media ran Herman Cain out-of-town, Newt Gingrich has soared to the top of the Republican food chain, now the wolves are stalking their prey. Recent polls have Newt at a double-digit lead over Mitt Romney as Gingrich continues to gain favor. The rise in poll numbers has left-wing media, shovels in hand, digging up the fossils of Newts past. A long list of controversial topics, flip-flops, and improprieties make Newt the perfect target for the only shovel ready project the left has produced. Criticized for everything from selling books and movies while campaigning too past stands on issues, Gingrich defends himself with conviction claiming he has sought redemption for his transgressions and is a “grandfather” now –which has changed him considerably. However, do people believe him? It seems they do according to poll numbers, what’s more, tactics of Republican rivals and the left prove Newt to be a creditable threat.
In a December 9th article published by The Huffington Post, issue is taken with Gingrich promoting and selling books and movies while campaigning for the Presidency. The article continuously slams Newt and his wife for signing, promoting, and selling books while on the campaign trail –depicting Gingrich as a self-promoting name dropper. Criticizing the Presidential candidate for relentlessly focusing on financial security for himself and his family is a weak argument at best. Who in their right mind would stop securing a certain life for prospects of an uncertain one? It’s not like Newt has secured his place in the Oval Office.
The Washington Post also engaged in the fossil-find via a December 10th article, which outlines Newt’s flip-flop on health care mandates. The article highlights contrasts between earlier positions and recent quotes made by Gingrich during the 2012 Presidential campaign. The WP article, “the first in a series of five”, quotes Gingrich’s most recent comments denouncing healthcare mandates in which he calls it “unconstitutional” and an open door for more government mandates. However, this left-wing read quickly breaks ground, digging up old news of Newt’s past position when fighting against “Hillary Care”. According to the article, in 1993 Gingrich insinuates he is for mandatory health insurance by comparing health care mandates to auto insurance mandates, suggesting all Americans should have insurance.
Whether it is affairs, passing Bills with Pelosi, calling the Palestinians “terrorists” and “invented”, health care mandates, or Donald Trump’s upcoming debate, Gingrich can’t catch a break –even Conservative pundits are throwing mud in Newt’s eye. Regardless, Newt Gingrich is standing firm on his convictions of ‘lessons learned’, and refuses to go “negative” in the run for the White House. Will Newt keep his word? Probably not, because politics are NOT a nice guy’s sport! However, as Joe Biden says, “don’t compare him to the Almighty, but by the competition”. Newt may not be Presidential material to most, but he is better than the alternative –Obama for another grueling four years!
(This article is not in support of Newt Gingrich -I’m just saying!)
Sources
Gingrich Describes Palestinian People as ‘Invented’
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/12/10/gingrich-describes-palestinian-people-as-in…
Iowa Poll: Gingrich Best Prepared for President
http://www.newsmax.com/PrintTemplate.aspx?nodeid=420299
NBC Poll: Gingrich Has Big Leads in SC, Fla.
http://www.newsmax.com/PrintTemplate.aspx?nodeid=420565
Newt Gingrich And Nancy Pelosi Co-Sponsored A Lot Of Bills, And This Is Meaningful Somehow
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/07/newt-gingrich-nancy-pelosi_n_1134025.html…
Newt Gingrich’s changing stance on health-care mandates (Fact Checker biography)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/newt-ginggrichs-changing-stance…
Newt Gingrich condemned for calling Palestinians ‘terrorists’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/11/newt-gingrich-palestinian-comments-critic…
Newt Gingrich Sells Books And Films While Campaigning For President
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/09/newt-gingrich-books-campaign-2012_n_113…
Trump Debate Good Test to Beat Obama, Gingrich Says
http://www.newsmax.com/PrintTemplate.aspx?nodeid=420482
“Partisan 12” Puts Nation at Risk
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The failure of the “Super Committee” has the Department of Veterans Affairs scrambling to figure out how to pay for and support soldiers with PTSD and brain injuries. Already strapped for cash, the VA is facing deep cuts when a mandatory $600 billion is slashed from the Department of Defense budget. The budget cuts were automatically triggered when the “Partisan 12” failed to set aside Party agenda for national security. Between the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, PTSD and associated depression sends nearly 10,000 new cases to VA Hospitals each quarter, with an estimated total of 800,000 patients expected as soldiers return home from the war.
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a psychological disorder that causes nightmares, anti-social behavior, flashbacks, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, anxiety, and an array of other debilitating symptoms. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, diagnosis of PTSD criteria includes, but is not limited to:
“A. The person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which both of the following were present:
(1) The person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others
(2) The person’s response involved intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
Note: In children, this may be expressed instead by disorganized or agitated behavior
B. The traumatic event is persistently re-experienced in one (or more) of the following ways:
(1) Recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the event, including images, thoughts, or perceptions. Note: In young children, repetitive play may occur in which themes or aspects of the trauma are expressed.
(2) Recurrent distressing dreams of the event. Note: In children, there may be frightening dreams without recognizable content.
(3) Acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring (includes a sense of reliving the experience, illusions, hallucinations, and dissociative flashback episodes, including those that occur on awakening or when intoxicated). Note: In young children, trauma-specific reenactment may occur.
(4) Intense psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event
(5) Physiological reactivity on exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event
C. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness (not present before the trauma), as indicated by three (or more) of the following:
(1) Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the trauma
(2) Efforts to avoid activities, places, or people that arouse recollections of the trauma
(3) Inability to recall an important aspect of the trauma
(4) Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities
(5) Feeling of detachment or estrangement from others
(6) Restricted range of affect (e.g., unable to have loving feelings)
(7) Sense of a foreshortened future (e.g., does not expect to have a career, marriage, children, or a normal life span)
D. Persistent symptoms of increased arousal (not present before the trauma), as indicated by two (or more) of the following:
(1) Difficulty falling or staying asleep
(2) Irritability or outbursts of anger
(3) Difficulty concentrating
(4) Hypervigilance
(5) Exaggerated startle response
E. Duration of the disturbance (symptoms in Criteria B, C, and D) is more than 1 month.
F. The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.”
(Read more at http://ptsd-symptoms.org/ )
The problem with the VA’s diagnosis process however, is a great number of soldiers wait an average of 14 days or more to receive treatment, as a result, many soldiers forgo seeking treatment at all; what’s more, with definite budget cuts on the way this wait may very well become indefinite. Additionally, the military’s overall health care and retirement benefits will be affected; leaving American heroes and their families to struggle in a nation they unselfishly sacrificed and fought for. Is this the thank you American soldiers and Vets deserve? Is this how America welcomes home our heroes? If it is, it is a pitiful attempt at “Thank You”, and we all should be ashamed!
A more staggering fact is, the $600 billion cuts to the Department of Defense will put many American soldiers at a higher risk for PTSD and death by halting training activities that properly prepare them for battle, and discontinuing the purchase and production of life-saving equipment needed to keep soldiers and America safe from foes.
“Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned…cuts in spending estimated at $600 billion from fiscal 2012 to 2021 would be “completely unacceptable”… [Suggesting], “If that happens, it could trigger a round of dangerous across-the-board defense cuts that would do real damage to our security, our troops and their families, and our ability to protect the nation” (David Alexander and Jim Wolf, 2011).
9/11 should have taught America a valuable lesson that WE are not untouchable, and our safety is not secured; however, cuts to defense say we have learned nothing! Military officials continue to fight the sequestration triggered by the “partisan 12”; however, President Obama said he would veto any attempt to repeal. What does this mean for the Department of Defense? According to George Little, it means “the smallest Army and Marine Corps in decades, the smallest tactical Air Force since [that branch of the service] was established, and the smallest Navy in nearly 100 years” (Cheryl Pellerin, 2011). Feel safe yet?
Well, if that little tidbit of knowledge is unsettling, the following information will not comfort either. According to a Web Memo published in February 2011 by the Heritage Foundation,
“…the army is “unable to buy four new CH-47 Chinook helicopters for the Army’s 13th Combat Aviation Brigade… army leaders have said there “would be no money to refurbish Humvee utility vehicles, and officials could be forced to shut down production lines at the Red River Army depot in Texas and the Letterkenny Army depot in Pennsylvania… The air force is considering the possibility of “grounding some of its F-15E fleet” due to funding shortfalls… A delay in the purchase of Active Electronically Scanned Array radar for F-15Es “will increase the risk that we might have to ground a portion of our F-15E fleet because the existing radar system is dependent on parts that are obsolete and not available. … Without kicking off that modernization program this year, as originally scheduled, we are significantly increasing the risk that parts on those radar will fail and be irreplaceable. That has significant operational effect” (Eaglen, 2011).
What’s next, the military laying our heroes to rest in a landfill somewhere because they either won’t or can’t pay for a proper burial service? Oh, that’s right –they are already doing that! Officials argue this practice was the standard of disposal at the time, but no one expects their loved one to be dumped in a trash pile by the very people they died for! It is bad enough when soldiers get injured and are refused funding for treatment, but it is egregious to be so ungrateful that the fallen (who will no longer “strain” military funds) can’t even get a respectful funeral service! Bin Laden received a more proper burial than these 274 + American soldiers. What the Hell kind of gratitude is that?
In conclusion, if the current administration would have given $535 Billion to the Department of Defense instead of Solyndra, America’s security might not be at risk; what’s more, PTSD and brain injury patients would receive proper treatment in an acceptable time period. Additionally, taxpayers would have been more secure in their investment. America MUST take care of the heroes that fight, die, and come home injured; furthermore, their benefits should be the last to suffer budget cuts –period! Finally, World War 3 is lingering in the minds of America’s foes; do we really want to be unprepared for battle?
(To All My Heroes: I don’t know you, but I OWE you –Thank you for your sacrifice!)
References
Alexander, D., Wolf, Jim. (2011, August 3). Panetta warns against sweeping
defense budget cuts. Reuters.com.
http://www.reuters.com/assets/print?aid=USTRE7725GY20110803
Eaglen, M. (2011, February 14). Defense cuts in FY 2011 would hurt troops.
The Heritage Foundation. No. 3153.
http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2011/02/defense-cuts-in-fy-2011-would-hurt-troops
Pellerin, C. (2011, September 15). Additional budget cuts would devastate
military, spokesman says. American Forces Press Service.
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=653554
