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So how is the President doing so far? He has some quiet time to think about that as he finishes his ten day vacation. Some have complained that while millions of Americans are unemployed or underemployed Barack Obama should not be playing golf and taking vacation.

The President opposes SB1070 in Arizona and signs legislation to spend $600 million on border security while his Justice Dept sues Arizona over a state law that others are considering for their own states.

Porkulus spending and bailouts have done nothing to improve the economy. Mostly they have provided payoffs for unions representing teachers and other public sector employees. Conflict inside the White House has Obama’s economic team in turmoil. Romer, the leader of Obama’s economic council is leaving.

As if the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan and controversy over Gitmo and civilian trials for terrorists were not enough trouble on the left for Obama he weighs in on the ground zero mosque and further splits his party.

Obamacare is not the winner Democrats portrayed. Since passage of the bill in late night sessions during Christmas last year the White House has spent much time defending the legislation. Something you would not have to do if the idea had any merit.

Just about everything is going wrong for the liberals who control the White House and Congress. As the midterms approach this November and every indication suggests a sweeping defeat for Democrats President Obama returns to the only strategy he knows. Blame someone else for your failures.

Once again President Obama is blaming George W Bush and the GOP for our current economic problems. Is the GOP responsible for our current economic and fiscal problems? Or is the economy now President Obama’s problem?

The GOP shares the blame for where we are. But that does not let the Democrats off the hook. If you seek the office of POTUS as Barack Obama did you have to know what you’re getting into. If you claim it’s the other guy’s fault and you’re the one to fix it you just signed on to do just that. If you fail it is a lame excuse to continue blaming others.

Here’s a flashback provided by The Hill on Barack Obama taking ownership of the US economy in 2009.

During a July 14, 2009, address in Warren, Mich., Obama said, “Now, my administration has a job to do, as well, and that job is to get this economy back on its feet. That’s my job. And it’s a job I gladly accept. I love these folks who helped get us in this mess and then suddenly say, ‘Well, this is Obama’s economy.’ That’s fine. Give it to me. My job is to solve problems, not to stand on the sidelines and carp and gripe.”

Notice the phrase, ‘these folks who helped get us in this mess’. A stark contrast to other statements by the President that shift all the blame on others. And it would be correct. Both Democrats and Republicans share responsibility for what goes on in Washington, D.C. and the topic of governance.

What the President does not say is something all liberals avoid. Entitlements are the single largest drain on financial matters in the US. It is the bulk of the budget year in and year out. Those problems belong to Democrats. FDR, LBJ and other Democrats ushered in budget busting programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. In the current mess Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, The Community Reinvestment Act and corruptocrats like Chris Dodd and Barney Frank have directed the banking industry to lend to those who cannot repay the loans.

Mr President, as you blame the GOP for all our ills you should check your own party’s backyard and what they have done to bring us to this point. Adding Obamacare to the other failing programs mentioned above is not our way out of this.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

In an August 1994 Washington Post-ABC News poll, 49 percent of respondents said they would vote for the Democrat while 42 percent said they would back the Republican. Last month, 47 percent said they would support the Republican while 46 percent chose the Democrat.

Overconfidence may be what turns winners into losers. And while nearly every forecast or prediction currently held indicates a dramatic loss for Democrats this November now is not the time to claim victory. It ain’t over till the fat lady sings. And it is more than two months until the midterm elections.

One problem with overconfidence approaching elections is the typical dismal turnout percentage tends to fall. That would likely benefit the majority party as midterms generally favor the minority party when bad times persist.

Democrats have wasted what some have called a rare opportunity to become the permanent majority in Congress. Likewise the GOP failed in that effort on their last attempt. And the Tea Party mood that defines widespread voter outrage at both political parties represents an extremely rare opportunity for citizens to regain control of government.

Perhaps a once in a lifetime chance allowing citizens to match the power of politics as usual at the national, state and local level is upon us. Divide and conquer may be the strategy of career politicians but the usually disorganized American public has reached the tipping point. Voters of all political stripes are adopting the anti-incumbent sentiment. The one voter strategy that can change American politics.

It is a simple strategy. Do the right thing or you are gone in one term. And it’s fair. So let’s do it at every election. If a politician has not performed to expectations in their current term, throw the bums out.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

[Trent] Lott is the captain of the K Street team. He told a reporter last month his thoughts on the Tea Partiers: “We don’t need a lot of Jim DeMint disciples. As soon as they get here, we need to co-opt them.”

The story source for the quote above points to a problem that has long been a problem in American politics. We talk about it. We complain about it. But we do nothing to change it. And some ‘voters’ beyond those representing the corrupt power of most special interest cast their votes on ‘wallet’ issues at the heart of this problem.

It is hoped that the Washington Examiner will not be upset by this blog’s use of more than the usual ‘fair use’ of their content. But the following two paragraphs are critical points from the piece that needs to addressed. And of course you are encouraged to the follow the link above for the whole story and make the Examiner your regular read if it is not already.

The current GOP fault line is not exactly conservatives vs. moderates or new guard vs. old guard. For 2010, the rivalry is the Tea Party wing against the K Street wing. To tell which kind of Republican a candidate is, see how the Democrats attack him: If he’s branded a shill for Wall Street, he’s from the K Street wing. If he’s labeled an extremist outside the mainstream, he’s a Tea Partier.

More tellingly, study their campaign contributions. K Street Republicans’ coffers are filled by the political action committees of defense contractors, drug companies, lobbying firms, and Wall Street banks. A Tea Party Republican is funded by the Club for Growth or the Senate Conservatives Fund, which is run by the Republican leadership’s least-favorite colleague, Jim DeMint.

Two things needing emphasis. There is a growing opinion that Senator Jim DeMint is one of the few real conservatives in the US Senate. He needs the support of everyone who believes in the founding of our nation and preserving this republic.

Lobbyists, the money and power brokers have made the two party system what it is…. corrupt. If it wasn’t obvious to you by now, this is the single most important reason to support the Tea Party phenomenon and the current outrage expressed by a majority of Americans. Elections this year can begin the renewal of principles that founded our nation. Citizens can take back our country from the corruptocrats in Washington and elsewhere.

Throw the bums out. Repeat as necessary.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

One of the leaders of the Tea Party movement warned Sunday that Republicans could face as big of an electoral backlash as Democrats if they don’t “get some courage.”

Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas), now the chairman of Freedomworks, a major backer of the Tea Party movement, said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the modern Republican Party’s lack of courage is a “big reason” for widespread frustration with both Democrats and Republicans.

You can argue whether or not the Tea Party is a movement. You can argue whether or not Dick Armey is a leader of it. But it is tough to argue against the suggestion the GOP needs some stones.

Just like the football wisdom that suggests on any given Sunday either side can win the same applies to elections. Granted, there are those pundits who regularly predict the outcomes correctly in either event. But when they don’t the word ‘upset’ enters the discussion.

The story linked above provides another reference to Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan’s Roadmap for America. It also indicates Armey’s support for the economic strategy. And his discontent with the failure of the GOP to support it other than 13 members of Congress currently on record with Ryan.

Give former House Majority Leader Dick Armey his due as one with some political street ‘cred’ and a voice for conservative values that extends beyond his time in the US Congress. Another quote from Mr Armey puts relevant perspective on what the Tea Party mood in our nation really means and why it is so important.

“We’re saying to the Republican Party, get some courage to stand up for the things that are right for this country. Don’t stand there and hide from the issue because you’re afraid of the politics,” Armey said. “The issue of public policy that governs the future of my children is more important than your politics, and if you can’t see that, we’ll replace you.”

That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Democrat or Republican if they’re bums throw them out this November. When the next election comes around, do the same. Eventually the slow learners will get it.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

A review of the roll call vote confirming Elena Kagan as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court is in order. Then the larger problem can be presented.

Not along party lines were the votes of six Senators. Could it be the reason the lone dissent by a Democrat named Ben Nelson demonstrates the political effects of Cornhusker Cash? But since confirmation only required 1/2 to vote in favor the outcome was not in jeopardy. The same question can be asked about the five GOP Senators who voted to confirm Kagan.

Susan Collins, Lindsay Graham and Olympia Snowe were no surprise. They’re RINOs. Lugar presented something of a puzzle but is not a surprise. Gregg isn’t long for the Senate so what risk does he face except the next job interview?

Point is the fall from grace of the GOP before being reduced to the minority in the 2006 midterms HAD and HAS consequences. Whatever gains they thought achievable while in the majority and risks they took proved dramatic in the losses that followed. That includes not having the foresight to understand what costs were involved beyond the immediate.

So the question now is did they know? If they knew they were risking a midterm loss of majority and did not consider implications for life long appointments someone needs a trip to the wood shed. Political failure has long term consequences and not just for the POLS.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Ruth Marcus wrote a piece last week entitled, ‘Why Congress should let the Bush tax cuts expire.’ There is very little right and too much wrong in her column. Who is Ruth Marcus?

Ruth Marcus is an editorial writer for The Post, specializing in American politics, campaign finance, the federal budget and taxes, and other domestic issues. She writes a weekly column that appears on Wednesdays.

The best thing about the column is the use of one of Bush 43’s best quotes.

“The people of America have been overcharged, and, on their behalf, I’m here asking for a refund,” Bush told Congress in February 2001.

Marcus claims ‘the social security surplus was spent.’ If Marcus specializes in the federal budget and taxes you might expect her to know what the CBO knows about social security and other government trust funds. They are ‘accounting mechanisms.’ Meaning there is no little piggy bank where everyone’s SSI benefits are waiting for their retirement.

Marcus uses references from the OECD, the OMB and Alan Greenspan to make her points. A breakdown of who pays taxes in the US may have been a more efficient choice. From the IRS via the National Taxpayers Union one fact is clear.

Those whose incomes are in the top 50% nationwide pay more than 95% of US income tax. Those in the bottom 50% pay less than five percent.

The part where Marcus almost gets it is demonstrated in the excerpt below.

I expressed frustration a few weeks back with the denialism among some liberal Democrats about the need to curb entitlement spending and the conviction that simply socking it to the rich would solve the fiscal problem. But the Republican position seems even more intransigently divorced from reality. Perhaps there is some magical point at which Republicans might accept the reality that the government needs more revenue than it is currently set to take in — but I haven’t heard it yet.

Yes, liberals do not want to reduce or eliminate entitlements.
Yes, liberals want to redistribute wealth.
No, the government DOES NOT need more revenue.

Entitlements account for the majority of the federal budget. Government spending will always exceed the ability to pay for it. That is one reason why goverment must be limited. And it is why the government does not need more revenue. It needs to end the spending spree.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

It would be comforting if politicians would tell you what they are going to do and then deliver as promised. And party affiliation would not matter. That is because all POLS tell you their intentions are good and they govern for your benefit.

Republicans long on optimism, short on specifics
By: Susan Ferrechio
Chief Congressional Correspondent
July 19, 2010

Top Republicans are forecasting big wins in November and could even take over the majority in the House, but still struggle to say how they would run the government.

In the brief article from the Washington Examiner some words of top Republicans and the Vice President on the Sunday talk shows demonstrate it’s an election year. Democrats will continue with their agenda if left in the majority after November. Republicans will tip toe forward until after the elections fearful that major blunders right now will keep them in the minority.

If you are the minority party in Washington your options are limited. If you are a weak majority in Washington your options are limited. Both major political parties in America are pursuing the brass ring of politics. Having an overwhelming majority that allows either to do as they please.

Which brings us back to their intentions, governing and delivering as promised. None of that is necessary if you own a powerful majority. Protecting your political career, pandering to lobbyists and legislating favors to some constituents keeps you in office. And that’s the problem.

It’s okay if the GOP is short on specifics this election year. Specifics from previous campaigns and delivering as promised rarely pans out. And if you think the current administration is any different, think again. What they promised is not what they delivered.

If you pay attention long enough that will become clear. But they’re hoping you won’t. Thousands of pages of legislation and timelines that stretch out for decades do not produce good results. But it does hide the truth.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

For President Obama the honeymoon has long since past. The first 100 days analysis of each new American president is more common these days since ‘honeymoon’ characterizations may have faded with frequent two term administrations like Reagan, Clinton and Bush 43. The question in either case was how long will it take for the promises of a campaign to be discarded after election.

Hope and change was as pathetic a slogan as one might hear from a snake oil salesman. But the distinction between the ambitions of a community organizer and a seller of dubious liniments can no longer be defended.

With the midterm elections approaching Democrats prove the pundit forecast predicting the probability of the GOP retaking the congressional majority. Rather than a carnival atmosphere liberals appear as cannibals feeding on their own to redirect blame for their failure to govern properly.

Democrats are having a jolly good time beating up the White House.

You can see why. President Obama has caused the party to squander a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reclaim permanent majority status.

An example of how bad things are for Dems in the report above has this little tidbit:

Out in Iowa, the Democratic Governors’ Association spent money on mailers trashing Republican gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad for being too much like Obama on health care.

Who’s selling the snake oil now? But it gets better.

WASHINGTON — Republicans are outraising Democrats in nearly a dozen open Senate races, increasing their hopes of significantly narrowing the Democrats’ majority in November.

Money as the root of all evil is not a phrase lost on politics. The idea that he who has the most money wins may be a subject for debate given the strength of the tea party and new conservative candidates. But outdoing your opponents on fundraising suggests more people support you than your opponent.

What else does the money game offer POLS?

WASHINGTON — A Republican lawmaker says documents show more senators and staff members than previously known received sweetheart mortgages from the former Countrywide Financial Corp., based on their perceived ability to help the company.

It wasn’t just Chris Dodd or Kent Conrad who took perks from Countrywide. This is no different than money from lobbyists or other special interest powerbrokers. Then there’s vote selling (bribes) like Cornhusker Cash (Sen Ben Nelson), the Louisiana Purchase (Sen Mary Landrieu) and the following:

GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine and Scott Brown of Massachusetts voted for the bill after Democrats agreed to drop a provision to raise $19 billion by imposing fees on banks.

It’s not quite that innocent. Collins, Snowe and Brown received perks for their states as the price paid for their vote to pass the bill. How is that different from Dodd or others taking perks from Countrywide in exchange for political favors?

That’s right. Throw the bums out. Repeat as necessary.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

California voters are giving U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer some of the lowest approval ratings of her career, as the three-term Democrat is in a statistical dead heat against first-time GOP office-seeker Carly Fiorina, according to a new Field Poll released today.

Not unlike the no choice situation in the California governor’s race the contest for US Senator between Boxer and Fiorina allows voters to lose either way. For governor the state of California will elect either Moonbeam Jerry Brown or Shamnesty Limousine Liberal Meg Whitman. For one of California’s US Senate seats the no choice is incumbent Boxer with a tanking approval rating or RINO Fiorina who is no different than Specter, Collins, Snowe or McCain for conservatives.

One of Boxer’s more vexing problems, analysts say, is that opposition to her is not just about her. She has become an avatar for broader voter frustrations about the struggling economy, President Obama and the growth of the federal government.

The article also expresses Boxer’s ‘close relationship with the White House’ as a problem and that Fiorina won the nomination running as a conservative and gave up independent votes to Boxer.

Anyone who believes Fiorina is a conservative would hold the same opinion of the other RINOs mentioned. But liberals in California have kept Boxer for three terms and NOW have a problem with her? The land of fruits, nuts and flakes deserves what it gets.

Welcome to the People’s Republic of California: no money, no borders, no brains.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

The controversial head of the RNC, Michael Steele, was reported to express he would like this video to go viral. This blog will do what it can to help out.

If you like this video you will like one from an earlier post here entitled ‘What’s Wrong with the Liberal Majority?’ from June 11th.

Here are three related links to go with the video in this post:

Obama Out of Touch

“Little Moonbeam” Spaced Out During Run

President Obama Still Playing Catch-Up in the Gulf

Enjoy!

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

This is a story that demonstrates why voters distrust politicians, especially career politicians. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s explanation for not campaigning against Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is suspect. To characterize it as a polite gesture or an effort to ‘return some of the decorum’ to politics doesn’t pass the smell test.

That is supported by the notion that other POLS were ‘rankled’ by Frist’s 2004 campaigning against then Minority Leader Tom Daschle. In a year when voter anger toward incumbents has reached a fever pitch, tea party influence has elevated party outsiders and both major parties are worried about re-election deals between Dems and the GOP smell of the joke called ‘bipartisanship’.

That term exclusively defines the only time both major parties work together. When they are equally vulnerable and broker deals to retain their collective power in politics. That is to say, they will work together to defend their stranglehold on business as usual in Washington and elsewhere.

McConnell will not campaign against Reid, according to GOP sources, despite the fact that the Majority Leader is among the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents on the ballot this year.

McConnell’s decision, which follows Reid’s move to avoid directly attacking the Minority Leader during his somewhat competitive 2008 re-election bid, is an unspoken deal between the two Senators to return some of the decorum lost in the chamber in 2004. That year, then-

Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) traveled to South Dakota to campaign against then-Minority Leader Tom Daschle, a deviation from tradition that rankled even many Republicans who were otherwise happy to see Daschle ousted.

“McConnell’s view is that we can have the most aggressive opposition possible. But at the end of the day, the Senate has to run,” the Republican source said. “To do that, the two leaders need to have a relationship.”

That ‘relationship’ is part of the problem in pursuing good governance. Let the sentiment be expressed yet again. Take a stand. Stand on principle. If you cannot do that you do not belong in public office. Making deals and compromising principle is responsible for what is wrong in American politics. Expose the corruptocrats and send them packing.

Throw the bums out and repeat as necessary.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

You probably did not notice some changes in this blog’s sidebar. For some months now the sidebar has been used to feature and promote conservative prinicples. For instance, when Sarah Palin’s book ‘Going Rogue’ was read by this blogger it was featured in a few posts and a link to Amazon as well as an image of the book were placed in the sidebar. About the same time other authors released books which made the NYT best seller’s list and began something of a trend. Along with that this blog’s first choice in the 2008 presidential election was featured in the sidebar as well.

But for now, both Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin have been removed. The initial reason for the removal was their unyielding support for RINO and shamnesty politician John McCain. To claim you adhere to conservative principles while backing an establishment GOP incumbent with a track record comparable to most liberals is dishonest.

To vote for McCain in the 2008 presidential election with the only other viable option being Barack Obama is one thing. And yes, this blogger held his nose and voted for McCain then. But to continue to support such a candidate when conservative options are available is simply wrong.

At a time when voices like Palin and Romney could support lesser known and certainly less well-funded candidates with conservative principles guiding their decisions they choose to support questionable GOP establishment candidates that improve nothing.

Here’s a recent story about Sarah Pain to emphasize the point.

Sunday, 13 Jun 2010 04:33 PM

To critics who said Fiorina was a Republican in name only, Palin countered: “Most importantly, Carly is the only conservative in the race who can beat Barbara Boxer. That’s no RINO. That’s a winner.”

For some conservatives, that’s also a problem.

Shelby Blakely, executive director of the Tea Party Patriots’ online publication, New Patriot Journal, said Palin’s endorsement has become “so undependable, it’s marginalized itself.”

While she once thought highly of Palin, Blakely said that over the past two years the “Going Rogue” author has gone more establishment, and Palin’s failure to criticize her own party is bothersome. “There’s room for criticism (all around),” Blakely said. “If you’re not willing to call it where you see it, that’s useless.”

And Romney’s situation does not appear any different. Just like the Reno, NV mayor who refuses to support Sharron Angle against Harry Reid. He said she is too far to the right for his liking. And he said he will campaign for Reid. That’s no conservative. But it is becoming clear that this is not uncommon in the GOP. Take our establishment pick or take a walk.

The GOP spent like liberals last time out. Maybe they are taking more from the liberal playbook for November 2010. Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory was previously a liberal phenomenon. But if they continue to support those who are not conservative to protect their power in Washington and elsewhere they are no better than liberals.

Voting for conservative principles may see some losses. But you will see losses in politics anyway. Unless you stand on principle nothing will ever improve. Take a stand. Stand on principle. Over time that strategy will win over and over again.

Supporting RINOs and other nonsense only perpetuates the long sad story of politics as usual. It allows both Democrat and Republican career POLS to continue business as usual in public office. It’s time for them to go.

Throw the bums out until principle wins.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Republicans are banking that anti-health reform ballot initiatives will give them a significant edge in the November midterm elections.

The debate on the measures, which will be voted on in a half-dozen states, comes as Democrats are increasing their efforts to bolster support for their signature domestic achievement during the 111th Congress.

South Carolina and Missouri have health reform questions on their primary ballot, while three states — Arizona, Florida and Oklahoma — will give voters a chance in November to amend their state constitutions to say residents of those states can’t be forced to pay a penalty if they don’t buy health insurance. The amendment seeks to nullify the individual mandate, which consistently polls as one of the law’s most unpopular provisions.

Amending state constitutions for an opt out is good, pardon the pun, ‘insurance’ if liberals maintain a majority after November 2010. But let’s not forget about repealing Obamacare. It’s a good idea if for no other reason than President Obama does not like the term obamacare. He doesn’t like having his name associated with legislation most people oppose. You would think he would be proud of it if he genuinely thinks the legislation is worthy.

Guess what? He doesn’t and neither should you. But if you are about 2 out of 3 voters no one has to tell you that. You already know.

Tell a friend.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Brewer Backs McCain for Senate

“It’s interesting. Sen. McCain, of course, has represented the state of Arizona for a long time. And J.D. Hayworth has served in Congress for eight years,” the governor said.

“I believe philosophically, they’re different breeds of politicians. And people will just have to make that decision. I’ve known Sen. McCain for a long time, and I think he’s served Arizona well.”

McCain along with Bush, Kennedy and others tried to pass shamnesty in 2007 yet Jan Brewer as well as some others support McCain. It is situations like this that make it hard to believe people are serious about opposing illegal immigration and shamnesty. In this case, perhaps Brewer does it because McCain is establishment GOP and she will need them to survive politically. She gets to do the dirty work on illegal immigration and in return for allowing the GOP to side step the issue gets their support for her career.

Obama says he made a mistake on immigration when he took Napolitano for Homeland Security. It opened the door for then Secretary of State Jan Brewer to become governor of Arizona. Napolitano had opposed any legislation like SB 1070 and Brewer signed it into law.

Brewer first threw her support to McCain in February. SB 1070 was passed and signed in April.

As suspected, the Obama/Brewer sit down appears to have accomplished little. They may whithhold significant details but there is nothing to suggest either person blinked or that anything substantial is in the works.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com