The Apathy Party

We truly have an amazing third party in the political realm and today I realized most of my peers are part of it. I am of course speaking of the Apathy Party. The group of people who are so sure their vote won’t count, and that they can’t make a difference, that they just don’t bother. “Best to just go with it and not complain” I was told today. I almost screamed. This is the same mindset that probably got Chris Daughtry tossed off American Idol. “Why vote for him, he’s a shoe in?” Ah, because if you don’t vote, he won’t be kept on the show. In may communities there will local elections soon and 70%-90% of the population will heed the call of the Apathy Party and maybe catch a movie or watch some TV, or work in the yard – anything but participate in Government. I’ve never believed we get the government we deserve, just the one we make. So what does it say that something that so impacts our life we leave to the control of so few. I mean I’ve heard stories of elections were only 90 people voted out of 5,000…the looser lost by one vote…and neither of his two registered kids voted! This drives me more crazy than the fact the government of King George the Second feels it can do anything at all. Anything.
Of course I am against the NSA data mining project and I consider it a violation of my rights but all I can hope for is enough people leave the Apathy party to vote in November and help clean up this mess.

But then again, why bother?

Immigration

I support immigration and I always have, most of my family came from somewhere else. Here is my response to some common myths and my plan for the current situation:

Myth: “Everyone can immigrate legally” - Ah, no there is really no legal immigration from several Central American countries, not to mention Cuba.

Myth: “We should just ship all of them back” - Ah, no first some of the countries won’t accept back people we feel came from there and second we can’t just drop them off inside that countries border without permission from their government which we aren’t getting.

Myth: “We want them all to learn English to destroy their cultural identity” - Ah, no we hope their influences will help expand our shared culture. We don’t want people to forget their heritage which is why curling is a sport in the US and even North Texas has an Irish Festival. Being who you are as a part of the tapestry this nation has weaved is what we are all about.

Myth: “We never asked them to come here in the first place” - Ah, yeah, the Statue of Liberty says it best: “Bring us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” America is more than a country, it’s an ideal and we should welcome others who want to help us lift her up.

My solutions:

Enforcement: First and foremost begin cracking down on employers in the US who are hiring illegals. If the enforcement team takes a page from the “War on Drugs” and starts confiscating property from businesses that employ illegals, this project can almost fund itself.

Incentiveize South of Border Development: If a company is already going to expand overseas we should provide incentives for them to relocate that expansion to Mexico to help our partner south of the border to build their infrastructure. Working with them to help grow their economy will slow the flow of immigrants.

Modify NAFTA: One flaw in the North American Free Trade Agreement is that we didn’t put in provisions for our Mexican partner to meet our standards when shipping goods to our country. Currently trucks roll across the border into the US with dangerously out of repair trucks that aren’t held to any inspection or safety requirement…not to mention the emissions issue. Trucks bringing goods to our market must meet our standards or be turned back at the border.

Path to citizenship: There has to be a mechanism for anyone in this country who is not a citizen to become a citizen. They have to denounce their previous citizenship and follow a process to become a citizen here but there has to be a process anyone can participate in. I support making learning English a requirement on the path but we need to stress that this country doesn’t want people to loose their culture but adapt and blend with ours.

Guest Worker Program: I am currently against a guest worker program because of the problems with exploitation and the negative impact on the long-term economy. But I am open to hear ideas on how it should work and perhaps I can find a program to support in the future.

Taxing Money Transfers: I support some taxation on out of country money transfers but we need to gauge the business impact. This will be a difficult law to make as targeted as needed and not lead to unexpected consequences.

Back in action: Fox News West Wing

Sorry to have been away for so long. I have mostly been keeping up on a personal blog and only using Blogger recently for my curling blog. I'm back!

I haven’t posted a political issue recently so here is a quick one: Tony Snow. No, I still don’t agree with most of Tony’s politics but I can respect a person who, after careful deliberation with his family, chooses to server the President – even when I don’t agree with that President. I have always respected the Office of the President when I disagree with the office holder so I salute King George the second on his choice for Press Secretary. PS is one of the toughest jobs in the west wing and I have always respected and felt sorry for Scott McClellan who fell on the President’s sword when asked. Scott would stand there and lie when everyone in the room knew he was lying and was calling him out on it but he kept the faith and I have little expectation that Tony will be any different. From the members of the press that I respect I have heard that Tony is an honest and just person and I respect him for that reputation. I look forward to hearing his first press conference.

Veteran’s day

Beginning as Armistice Day, this Nov. 11^th is now celebrated as Veteran’s day. A day where we honor and remember all who came before us to provide the liberties we fight so hard for. Days like today I am remembered of The Battleship West Virginia who, after being hit with seven torpedoes at Pearl Harbor, was fished out of the drink, patched up, and went on to take the fight back to the Pacific. It’s that get up, dust yourself off, and punch back attitude that prevails the American mindset and today I honor all the men and women in uniform both past and present who have risen to the challenge that the sun shall not set on the rights of this great nation.

17th CPA Class

Tonight I watched with pride as the 17^th class of the Hurst Citizen’s Police Academy graduated. Once the food had been partaken the members of the very first class were asked to stand. There were about four in attendance and someone pointed out that the room of seventy or so people were the legacy of that first class eight and a half years ago. The speaker tonight was a District Attorney who presents to the county’s grand juries. His speech focused on community involvement and service and I was more a little touched. After the festivities I sought him out and told him how much the speech had meant to me and that as a direct result of the CPA class I felt the call to get involved and was recently appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. It was the very call to civic duty that he mentioned in his speech that I had felt when I heard of the board opening. I can’t say enough about the wonderful people involved in the class and the citizens who have used this unique opportunity to better understand the police department in Hurst. The CPA is a wonderful class and I encourage everyone to try to sign up.

Happy Birthday Jarheads

I believe in listening to experts on certain subjects so on this I will refer you to this letter:

The Commandant of the Marine Corps'
2005 Birthday Message

On November 10th, 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Continental Marines marking the birth of our United States Marine Corps. As Major General Lejeune’s message reminds us, the ensuing generations of Marines would come to signify all that is highest in warfighting excellence and military virtue. Each November as Marines the world over celebrate the birth of our Corps, we pay tribute to that long line of “Soldiers of the Sea” and the illustrious legacy they have handed down to us.

This past year has been one of continuous combat operations overseas and distinguished service here at home—a year of challenges that have brought out the very best in our Corps. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Marine courage and mastery of complex and chaotic environments have truly made a difference in the lives of millions. Marine compassion and flexibility provided humanitarian assistance to thousands in the wake of the South East Asian tsunami, and here at home, Marines with AAVs, helicopters, and sometimes with their bare hands saved hundreds of our own fellow Americans in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Across the full spectrum of operations, you have showcased that Marines create stability in an unstable world, and have reinforced our Corps’ reputation for setting the standard of excellence.

The sense of honor, courage, and patriotism that epitomized those who answered that first call to arms two hundred and thirty years ago is still indelibly imprinted on our ranks today. In commemorating our anniversary, let us strengthen our ties to the past by paying homage to those who have gone before us. As we honor the sacrifices of our wounded and fallen comrades, our commitment to one another remains unshakable. We take special pride in the actions of the Marines now serving in harm’s way, and rededicate ourselves to the service of our Nation and our Corps.

Happy Birthday, Marines. Semper Fidelis, and Keep Attacking!

M. W. Hagee
General, U.S. Marine Corps

God Bless our fighting men and women at home and abroad and happy birthday Marines.

Blissfilly in Jesusland

Now that Texas has Double-Secret-Pinky Swear Banned Gay Marriage I know I will live better. Clearly banning something already banned by banning it again is a good step and not a waste of our civic time. I mean I really feel blessed to live in a state where narrow religious views set the governmental policy and where “Equal protection” is only extended for “them that believe what we do.” Apparently I just don’t understand that God wants us to judge others, and that not only should we judge them we should prevent them from sharing in the same rights we get. I mean we clearly can’t let two men or two women visit each other in the hospital, or inherit from each other, or receive tax benefits for pledging their lives to each other. It’s against God’s law. The “Gays” apparently want to tarnish my marriage in their bid to destroy the world. It’s so tragic all I can do is laugh.

Propositions on the Nov. 8, 2005 Texas Election Ballot

Proposition 1"The constitutional amendment creating the Texas rail relocation and improvement fund and authorizing grants of money and issuance of obligations for financing the relocation, rehabilitation, and expansion of rail facilities."
Proposition 1 would establish a fund through which taxpayers would help pay for relocating freight rail lines from congested urban areas.
My Vote: Yes. I think the city and surrounding area will benefit by moving most of the passing-through rail traffic to by-pass the two centers. Much like an outerbelt on a highway.
Proposition 2"The constitutional amendment providing that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or similar to marriage."
Better known as the gay marriage amendment: Prop 2 makes marriage in Texas only the union of a man and a woman, and the state and its subdivisions could not recognize or create any legal status similar or identical to marriage.
My Vote: No. For me this is both an equal rights issue and a religious issue - It's not my place to say these people don't deserve the legal benefits of marriage regardless of their sex. It's not my place to judge them or their commitment to each other.
Proposition 3"The constitutional amendment clarifying that certain economic development programs do not constitute a debt."
Defines that certain loans and grants do not need the approval of voters when those loans are made to businesses to spur economic development, including sales-tax rebates. When loans/grants are backed by property taxes or financed by bonds backed by property taxes they would still require a vote.
My Vote: No, I support voters involvement in economic matters.
Proposition 4"The constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail to a criminal defendant who violates a condition of the defendant's release pending trial."
SJR 17 would authorize a district judge to deny reinstatement of bail or new bail to a person accused of a felony, if the person's bail had been revoked or forfeited as a result of the person's violation of a condition of release related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community.
My Vote: Yes, while on bail you shouldn't be allowed to commit a new crime.
Proposition 5"The constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to define rates of interest for commercial loans."
Prop 5 would authorize the Legislature to exempt commercial loans from state usury laws that set maximum interest rates. Some say the low interest rate ceiling here hurts lenders because the commercial loans simply originate out of state. Others suggest bankers here may not be able to accurately calculate complex loans and could remove other safeguards.
My Vote: Yes. I think more loans originating in Texas is a benefit to consumers.
Proposition 6"The constitutional amendment to include one additional public member and a constitutional county court judge in the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct."
Prop 6 would increase the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct from 11 to 13 members. The two new positions would be comprised of a private citizen, appointed by the governor, and a county judge, appointed by the Texas Supreme Court. The commission investigates allegations of judicial misconduct and disciplines judges.
My Vote: Yes. Adding oversight from these two branches will be good for the overall work of the commission.
Proposition 7"The constitutional amendment authorizing line-of-credit advances under a reverse mortgage."
Prop 7 would allow borrowers to obtain lines of credit under reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage is a type of home-equity loan restricted to homeowners at least 62 years old and is something that many other states already have. The loan under a reverse mortgage isn't repaid until after the borrowers have died, have ceased to occupy the house for more than 12 months, or have sold or transferred it to another owner. The house is then sold, and proceeds pay off the loan. Any remaining money goes to the borrowers' heirs.
My Vote: Yes. While I am very concerned about con artists and trickery, I support the reverse mortgage when it's in the best interest of the seasoned member of the community.
Proposition 8"The constitutional amendment providing for the clearing of land titles by relinquishing and releasing any state claim to sovereign ownership or title to interest in certain land in Upshur County and in Smith County."
This proposition simply clears up some of the paperwork for two Texas counties.
My Vote: Yes. I have no issue with these two counties getting this cleared up.
Proposition 9"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a six-year term for a board member of a regional mobility authority."
Prop 9 would validate six-year terms for board members of regional mobility authorities to finance, build and maintain toll roads and other transportation projects.
My Vote: No. The current term limits are fine.

Propositions on the Nov. 8, 2005 HURST Election Ballot

PROPOSITION 1 The Issuance of $2,500,000 General Obligation Bonds For Construction Of A New Fire Station #2.
My Vote: Yes, This is an excellent use of funds, the new station will allow for necessary expansion and growth.
PROPOSITION 2 The Issuance of $2,000,000 General Obligation Bonds For Construction Of A New Senior Citizens Activity Center.
My Vote: Yes, the unstable nature of our relationship with Bedford requires decisive action by our city to protect our interests and our senior residents.
PROPOSITION 3 The Issuance of $1,500,000 General Obligation Bonds For Hurst Public Library Improvements.
My Vote: Yes, the activities at the Library are too often over capacity and this is a much needed expansion. The benefit to the community - a community already using this facility is a no brainier.
PROPOSITION 4 The Issuance of $4,000,000 General Obligation Bonds For Street And Drainage Improvements.
My Vote: Yes. Having met several of the residents impacted by this flooding I understand the critical nature of this proposal. We must stop the flooding in this area and bring safer and cleaner conditions to these residents. This project is appropriately funded and I support it.
PROPOSITION 5 The Issuance of $1,700,000 General Obligation Bonds For Hurst Athletic Complex Improvements.
My Vote: Yes. This complex has become a centerpiece for the city and many participants in recent tournaments have praised the city for these facilities. But we were able to build them because they are on a flood plain and the channel has become an eyesore and is tarnishing this asset to the city. This proposal is conservative and delivers sound improvements to the aesthetics and safety issues within the park.
PROPOSITION 6 The Issuance of $100,000 General Obligation Bonds For Construction Of A Pecan Street Pedestrian Bridge.
My vote: No Way! This is a pork project that is opposed by many residents in the area where the bridge is proposed.

The War In Iraq - Kerry's view

How odd that a few short hours after I posted my views on the War, the former Presidential Candidate decided to share his:

"Knowing now the full measure of the Bush administration's duplicity and incompetence, I doubt there are many members of Congress who would give them the authority they abused so badly," Kerry said of his vote to authorize war. "I know I would not."

Same mudslinging...but Kerry's speech at Georgetown was also about his plan which would see a withdraw of US troops by the end of the year. No mention in the excepts I have seen of training the Iraqi forces, and no mention of the vacum of power...just a call for a pull out. This is one of those issues where I have to hang my head and try to explain to my Republician friends how he's not speaking for the whole party...I mean my view on Iraq was posted here before Kerry's speech! I appreaciate Mr. Kerry's views and assessment of the situation but simply pulling out is not the answer.

More and More official - The webpage has changed!

IF the vote by secret ballot in front of me wasn't enough, and the letter from the Mayor wasn't enough, the latest sign that I am officially working on behalf of the City Of Hurst occurred today when they updated the webpage here. Now it's as official as it will be, until I get sworn in which could happen as soon as next week! I guess it was also made more official Tuesday night after the City Council meeting where I was talking to Mike Morgan who asked "Aren't you on one of our boards?" and during my reply that I was a new alternate on the Zoning Board of Adjustment I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Ron Haynes the City's Director of Public Works. Ron added "Yeah, Jeffrey's been very eager to get involved and very excited to be a part of everything and we are expecting great things from him." No...I've not really been much prouder that I was at that moment. I so want to do my very best for this city and I think it is showing.

The War in Iraq

I haven’t been very vocal about the War in Iraq but today, in the lee of the 2000th soldier who died in the cause I fell compelled to speak out on this topic. I wasn’t in support of the War in the beginning; I still feel we rushed into it. But I also think that now that we are there we have a duty to finish this right. Which is where my vision differs from the current Administration. I think we need to manage this fight much like I manage a software project. You need to set out all your goals, allocate time and resources and from that plan you get milestones and a end date. If we say our goal is 1 million trained Iraqi forces then fine, layout a project to get there and make it happen. I cannot understand why this President who is all about testing results and setting goals in Education policy but not when executing our foreign policy. I support the troops, I always have, but I think it’s time for the Administration to be help accountable for not having an exit plan in place.