I sent the following to the Speaker of the House and my representatives as a possible government shutdown looms on April 8. They need to grow up and look the interests of the country, not themselves.
It's Common Sense!
Dear Speaker
April 8 is approaching and there is no word if the US Congress is close to passing a budget for fiscal year 2011.
As a Federal employee I have become disgusted over the years with Congress's inability to have a budget passed when it is due - October 1 of every year. Instead, there are continuing resolutions as Congressman and Senators add on their favorite projects. One year my agency’s budget was held up because abortion legislation had been tacked on. Another year several special interest projects were tacked on, one being the study of trout fishing in West Virginia.
Why does Congress allow the Federal Budget to be used by special interests? The budget needs to be independent, so our Federal Government can function timely and competently.
Instead, here we are six months after the budget due date and fighting is still going on. There is talk of a government shut down if things are not resolved by this Friday.
Why do Federal employees and the American public have to suffer because of Congress's in competency? Will you or any of your staff not be paid if the government shuts down? Will any of your mortgage payments, school tuition payments, health care, and basic needs be put in jeopardy? Probably not, Congress has a way of protecting itself and leaving the rest of us to our own means.
Please explain to me what shutting down the government proves? To other countries it shows our leadership as two little kids fighting over a ball and neither is giving in until they get what they want. I have seen commentaries on how the US Congress is looking more Third World all of the time. Negative posturing with no practical or positive solutions does not project the image of “the Leader of the Free World“.
I hear Representatives and Senators saying all the time they know what the American people want. Who did they ask? Do they really think the majority of Americans want to see big business get more tax breaks, while funding is denied to childrens programming on public TV? Do you really think the American people want to hear that the financial institutions that lead us into a financial melt down can pay higher bonuses than ever to their employees and not pay a penalty tax for using our tax dollars for a bail out?
Maybe Congress is big business friendly but the middle class is tired of picking up the bills while corporations get all kinds of write offs. GE had one of their best years ever but paid little to no Federal tax. Why?
Be responsible. Get the budget passed. Compromise and act like adults, not spoiled children.
As a Federal employee I'm willing to do my part. I took a pay freeze; I saw my health care premiums increase and my out of pocket increase. I pay more for gas and food because of the current world situation. I will do my part. You need to make sure everyone does their part. That government cuts are across the board, that nobody is protected. The oil companies do not need subsides, they seem to be making out just fine on their own, as do the power companies and every major financial institution. Everybody needs to pay and suffer equally and that includes Congress.
Forget that you are a Republican or Democrat, forget that you will need to be elected again, become a caring, concerned US citizen and do what is right for the country, not your personal agenda.
Thank you!
Michael Wolfe
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Congress and the 2011 Budget
I have been away from the blog for awhile but the goings on in DC finally got to me and I need to speak out. I sent the following missive to the Speaker of the House, my senators and my Congressman. Accountability is what Congress needs to look at. Forget all the petty squabbling - look out for all Americans, not just their buddies.
Please feel free to use any part of the letter when contacting your representives.
Accountability - its Common Sense!!
Dear
I like most Americans have been listening to the debate on the Federal Budget and one word that seems to be ignored is ACCOUNTABILITY.
Congress needs to be accountable to all Americans when they make budget cuts, not just their constituents. The military said it does not need anymore C17 transport planes, but Congress keeps them in the budget because of their constituents. If the military says no, then no.
Government contractors appear to be leeches on tax payer money. All you hear about are over costs. When I hire a contractor to do work on my house, he looks at the job and tells me how much. That's what I pay him. If he made a bad estimate, it's on him not me. When are government contractors held accountable? They gave the bid to get the job; they need to live with their bid.
I agree that there is a lot of waste in Federal agencies. I am a Federal employee and see it everyday. The problem is that when we complain, we are ignored. I believe a serious study needs to be made of overtime practices if every government agencies. I know some departments that have "perpetual" overtime, yet the employees are not held accountable to production and accuracy standards. Maybe a little more Congressional oversight rather than whining would be more productive.
Big business breaks. I, like most Americans, was scandalized when the banks that caused the financial crisis were able to pay big bonuses to their employees less than a year later. Where was my bonus? My tax dollars bailed them out but I did not get anything. In truth I am being asked to sacrifice as a federal employee but they are asked to have fun spending their bonus. When won't Congress tax the rich a little more? Why are the rich protected and the middle class and poor left to pick up the bills?
With our current economic problems no business should be getting subsidies, not oil, not agro business, not anyone. These people are making billions and yet Congress wants to help them. Congress wants to cut back on EPA standards that protect the environment to assist their big business friends, but want to do away with Planned Parenthood, because uneducated girls and boys can take care of themselves.
Finally, Foreign Aide. Its time we wake up to the fact that we are not the policeman of the world. Our days of empire are coming to an end. The billions sent out in foreign aide need to stay home and take care of Americans. How many billions went to Egypt are sitting in Mubarak's Swiss account? The people of Egypt went looking for their independence on their own and have inspired the Middle East. The billions wasted in Iraq will never pay for our service men and women who died there. Afghanistan drags on and no one has seen bin Laden, which is why we went in the first place.
Bring the foreign aide money home. Put it in our schools so we can compete with the rest of the world. Put in our small businesses, so we can stop outsourcing and build things in America. Bring it home so we can give our citizens affordable health care they all deserve.
Accountability - Congress needs to be accountable to everyone. Government shut downs shows the world American leaders are school kids fighting in the playground trying to be tough regardless of the outcome. If you feel America is the world leader other countries need to look to, then start setting the example and lead. Make hard choices across the board for everyone. If all pay, it's fair, if you let the rich and "powerful" off, then its politics as normal in this country.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Please feel free to use any part of the letter when contacting your representives.
Accountability - its Common Sense!!
Dear
I like most Americans have been listening to the debate on the Federal Budget and one word that seems to be ignored is ACCOUNTABILITY.
Congress needs to be accountable to all Americans when they make budget cuts, not just their constituents. The military said it does not need anymore C17 transport planes, but Congress keeps them in the budget because of their constituents. If the military says no, then no.
Government contractors appear to be leeches on tax payer money. All you hear about are over costs. When I hire a contractor to do work on my house, he looks at the job and tells me how much. That's what I pay him. If he made a bad estimate, it's on him not me. When are government contractors held accountable? They gave the bid to get the job; they need to live with their bid.
I agree that there is a lot of waste in Federal agencies. I am a Federal employee and see it everyday. The problem is that when we complain, we are ignored. I believe a serious study needs to be made of overtime practices if every government agencies. I know some departments that have "perpetual" overtime, yet the employees are not held accountable to production and accuracy standards. Maybe a little more Congressional oversight rather than whining would be more productive.
Big business breaks. I, like most Americans, was scandalized when the banks that caused the financial crisis were able to pay big bonuses to their employees less than a year later. Where was my bonus? My tax dollars bailed them out but I did not get anything. In truth I am being asked to sacrifice as a federal employee but they are asked to have fun spending their bonus. When won't Congress tax the rich a little more? Why are the rich protected and the middle class and poor left to pick up the bills?
With our current economic problems no business should be getting subsidies, not oil, not agro business, not anyone. These people are making billions and yet Congress wants to help them. Congress wants to cut back on EPA standards that protect the environment to assist their big business friends, but want to do away with Planned Parenthood, because uneducated girls and boys can take care of themselves.
Finally, Foreign Aide. Its time we wake up to the fact that we are not the policeman of the world. Our days of empire are coming to an end. The billions sent out in foreign aide need to stay home and take care of Americans. How many billions went to Egypt are sitting in Mubarak's Swiss account? The people of Egypt went looking for their independence on their own and have inspired the Middle East. The billions wasted in Iraq will never pay for our service men and women who died there. Afghanistan drags on and no one has seen bin Laden, which is why we went in the first place.
Bring the foreign aide money home. Put it in our schools so we can compete with the rest of the world. Put in our small businesses, so we can stop outsourcing and build things in America. Bring it home so we can give our citizens affordable health care they all deserve.
Accountability - Congress needs to be accountable to everyone. Government shut downs shows the world American leaders are school kids fighting in the playground trying to be tough regardless of the outcome. If you feel America is the world leader other countries need to look to, then start setting the example and lead. Make hard choices across the board for everyone. If all pay, it's fair, if you let the rich and "powerful" off, then its politics as normal in this country.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Washington DC - Stop Spending Now!!
I am sure the following letter I sent to my Senators is going to cause some anger, especially from the unemployed. I know they are hurting, have bills etc, but how much debt must the government go into? Seems to me the government should be pushing job creation by forcing banks to offer low interest loans to new businesses, especially those hiring from the ranks of the unemployed.
Secondly, let's clear out the illegals and force those employers to hire out of work Americans at legal salaries with benefits. Congress can make the changes, if they just get off their lazy butts.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Senator
I have been watching the news about extending unemployment benefits for the unemployed. Although I sympathize with their plight I have to ask, when does the national borrowing stop? Just how large a deficit can this country sustain? What happens when our creditors call in their notes?
This country is trillions of dollars in debt. If I ran my household in the same manner I would be on the street with nothing.
The time has come to stop borrowing. The government needs to learn how to survive with what it has, not what it wishes it had.
Fight unemployment by offering incentives to those creating new jobs. Help those starting businesses to get low interest loans from the banks - we the people bailed them out, it's about time the banks showed some appreciation by helping reverse the crisis they created.
Our current debt will not be paid in the life time of my great grand children. That is an unfair burden to put on any generation - much less the next five generations in this country.
As the government, you have to start spending responsibly, within the limits put on you by the revenue collected through our taxes. When the money is gone, then it's gone.
Our government's current practice of throwing money everywhere is turning our nation into a welfare state. People are becoming accustomed to the government taking care of them without them giving anything back.
The current budget deficits in the majority of our states shows that the people can no longer be dependent on the state to support them, they have to support the state.
Please stop the spending, fight for a balanced budget and do not allow our nation to continue in a downward spiral.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Secondly, let's clear out the illegals and force those employers to hire out of work Americans at legal salaries with benefits. Congress can make the changes, if they just get off their lazy butts.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Senator
I have been watching the news about extending unemployment benefits for the unemployed. Although I sympathize with their plight I have to ask, when does the national borrowing stop? Just how large a deficit can this country sustain? What happens when our creditors call in their notes?
This country is trillions of dollars in debt. If I ran my household in the same manner I would be on the street with nothing.
The time has come to stop borrowing. The government needs to learn how to survive with what it has, not what it wishes it had.
Fight unemployment by offering incentives to those creating new jobs. Help those starting businesses to get low interest loans from the banks - we the people bailed them out, it's about time the banks showed some appreciation by helping reverse the crisis they created.
Our current debt will not be paid in the life time of my great grand children. That is an unfair burden to put on any generation - much less the next five generations in this country.
As the government, you have to start spending responsibly, within the limits put on you by the revenue collected through our taxes. When the money is gone, then it's gone.
Our government's current practice of throwing money everywhere is turning our nation into a welfare state. People are becoming accustomed to the government taking care of them without them giving anything back.
The current budget deficits in the majority of our states shows that the people can no longer be dependent on the state to support them, they have to support the state.
Please stop the spending, fight for a balanced budget and do not allow our nation to continue in a downward spiral.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Gulf Spill Telethon?
Last night on the news I saw families in Louisiana receiving food boxes from Feed the Children. That really hit home. Normally, when I think of relief agencies I picture them outside our shores, in places like Haiti or Thailand or Indonesia. But the sight of those boxes brought home a cold reality to me. The destruction along the Gulf Coast is going to be more devastating than the earthquake in Haiti or the tsunami in the Indian Ocean.
Both of those were natural disasters and man comes back from natural disasters. We morn and bury our dead, rebuild our towns and get on with our lives.
But in the Gulf rebuilding may never be possible. If the oil continues unabated the Gulf wetlands will be destroyed forever. There will be no more shrimp, crabs, fish or birds. A way of life will be over for thousands of people. And that's only one side of it. The illnesses and destruction that the oil contamination is causing cannot be measured. How many people will be ill for the rest of their lives due to the oil and all it brings with it?
This Gulf oil spill is the worst man made disaster this country has ever faced. Valdez was bad and its effects are still felt along the coastline of Alaska, but the Gulf Spill is so much worse it cannot be measured at this time.
Which leads me to a question one of my coworkers asked this morning - where is the relief telethon for the Gulf Coast?
After Katerina the TV networks and celebrities came out for New Orleans. After the earthquake in Haiti "We are the World" got a second life. But what about this man made disaster on the Gulf Coast that may never end? What are the networks and celebrities doing to draw attention to the plight of those Americans in danger of losing so much and never recovering?
I learned today that CNN and Larry King sponsored a telethon Monday night. Not knowing anything about it, I did not watch. Why didn't the other networks at least share the word, even if they didn't want to broadcast it?
BP does not believe the relief wells will be on line until August. What will happen during the month of July? How many tropical storms and hurricanes can hit the Gulf and knock BP totally off schedule?
The Gulf Spill is worse than any natural disaster we have seen in our life times, and it is time for we the people to force the government to take a strong line, insist that BP put out thousands of skimmer boats, get the governors of the states involved the money they need to save their wetlands and beaches.
Thus far the Federal Government has been slow to act and has actually hindered the plans of many of the local governments. We need to get the Obama Administration and the gang on the Hill involved NOW!!
As you know from my two previous postings I have been writing to the folks in DC. One voice isn't enough, all of us need to get involved.
If we don't get the government to act forcibly with this man made disaster, God knows what will happen with the next. (And mark my words, there will be a next.)
Write and be heard.
Its Common Sense!!
Both of those were natural disasters and man comes back from natural disasters. We morn and bury our dead, rebuild our towns and get on with our lives.
But in the Gulf rebuilding may never be possible. If the oil continues unabated the Gulf wetlands will be destroyed forever. There will be no more shrimp, crabs, fish or birds. A way of life will be over for thousands of people. And that's only one side of it. The illnesses and destruction that the oil contamination is causing cannot be measured. How many people will be ill for the rest of their lives due to the oil and all it brings with it?
This Gulf oil spill is the worst man made disaster this country has ever faced. Valdez was bad and its effects are still felt along the coastline of Alaska, but the Gulf Spill is so much worse it cannot be measured at this time.
Which leads me to a question one of my coworkers asked this morning - where is the relief telethon for the Gulf Coast?
After Katerina the TV networks and celebrities came out for New Orleans. After the earthquake in Haiti "We are the World" got a second life. But what about this man made disaster on the Gulf Coast that may never end? What are the networks and celebrities doing to draw attention to the plight of those Americans in danger of losing so much and never recovering?
I learned today that CNN and Larry King sponsored a telethon Monday night. Not knowing anything about it, I did not watch. Why didn't the other networks at least share the word, even if they didn't want to broadcast it?
BP does not believe the relief wells will be on line until August. What will happen during the month of July? How many tropical storms and hurricanes can hit the Gulf and knock BP totally off schedule?
The Gulf Spill is worse than any natural disaster we have seen in our life times, and it is time for we the people to force the government to take a strong line, insist that BP put out thousands of skimmer boats, get the governors of the states involved the money they need to save their wetlands and beaches.
Thus far the Federal Government has been slow to act and has actually hindered the plans of many of the local governments. We need to get the Obama Administration and the gang on the Hill involved NOW!!
As you know from my two previous postings I have been writing to the folks in DC. One voice isn't enough, all of us need to get involved.
If we don't get the government to act forcibly with this man made disaster, God knows what will happen with the next. (And mark my words, there will be a next.)
Write and be heard.
Its Common Sense!!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Who's in charge in the Gulf?
After watching the news this evening and an commercial by BP that indicates it was their idea to pay out the $20 billion in relief, I felt I needed to get verbal and sent the following missive to the President. I doubt if it will do any good or if I will get a response but at least it allowed me to vent, and they haven't taken that right away yet.
The letter follows.
Dear President Obama,
When are you going to take charge in the Gulf? BP is looking out for BP they have no interest in the fate of thousands of Americans or the precious natural resources their greed is destroying. Watching the news tonight raises the questions - where are the skimmer boats, there should be thousands but the few seemingly available are spread out.
How effective are the booms? Why did it take so long for Louisiana to receive permission to send out the barges to protect the outer islands? What is being done to block the oil invasion of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida not to mention Louisiana? Please do not say everything is being done because if that is the case all is lost.
Your administration has to prevent our nation's Gulf States from losing their livelihoods, their history and their uniqueness, not to mention their natural resources and ecosystems. Lack of leadership will only lead to the USA becoming dependent on others for all matters of seafood, the destruction of an entire unique ecosystem, and once again showing the American people that the folks in D.C. are big on talk but slow on action. Its time to take the initiative away from BP and take control.
What immediate steps is your administration going to do to protect the Gulf? Thus far you have held back on the initiatives and plans of the governors and mayors of the area, what do you have to offer that they haven't?
I would greatly appreciate a response.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
The letter follows.
Dear President Obama,
When are you going to take charge in the Gulf? BP is looking out for BP they have no interest in the fate of thousands of Americans or the precious natural resources their greed is destroying. Watching the news tonight raises the questions - where are the skimmer boats, there should be thousands but the few seemingly available are spread out.
How effective are the booms? Why did it take so long for Louisiana to receive permission to send out the barges to protect the outer islands? What is being done to block the oil invasion of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida not to mention Louisiana? Please do not say everything is being done because if that is the case all is lost.
Your administration has to prevent our nation's Gulf States from losing their livelihoods, their history and their uniqueness, not to mention their natural resources and ecosystems. Lack of leadership will only lead to the USA becoming dependent on others for all matters of seafood, the destruction of an entire unique ecosystem, and once again showing the American people that the folks in D.C. are big on talk but slow on action. Its time to take the initiative away from BP and take control.
What immediate steps is your administration going to do to protect the Gulf? Thus far you have held back on the initiatives and plans of the governors and mayors of the area, what do you have to offer that they haven't?
I would greatly appreciate a response.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Protect USA from Off Shore Drilling
As the situation worsens in the Gulf and one judge - who just happens to have oil stocks and investments - said the government's six month ban on off shore drilling is unconstitutional, I thought it was time to write to the President and my Senators to make sure they were doing everything possible to insure that no further disasters of this kind occur.
My letter to the Senators follows. As always feel free to use all or part when contacting your representatives.
If we the people keep silent, the Washington gang will continue to do whatever the hell they want.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Senator
As the tragedy of the Gulf continues to worsen and with the possibility of hurricanes making this tragedy a probable epic catastrophe, I want to know what you and your colleagues in the Senate are doing to insure that nothing like this occurs in the future.
Specifically, even though there is currently a six month halt to off shore drilling, the reality is that between the influence of the oil companies, their lobbyist and people in power - be they judges, in Congress etc - the drilling will continue. Is Congress going to make it a mandatory law that all primary drilling platforms have two functioning relief platforms ready to take over in case of an emergency, such as the one the nation has been watching for the past several months? Is Congress taking the necessary steps to insure that our coastlines will never again be placed in the jeopardy facing the coastlines of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and possibly Texas?
Please provide the specific measures Congress is enacting to protect our country from greedy oil companies, who care only for profit, not people or environment. The actions and statements of the BP leadership have clearly shown that what is taking place is the Gulf is clearly an embarrassment and financial drain to them, but I have yet to get a sense that they really care about all of the damage - short term and long term - they caused. They just want it over so it can be business as usual.
Is Congress going to protect the citizens of the United States from that greedy/profit mentality? Or, does Congress plan on simply offering words of consolation while doing nothing concrete?
What is being done? How will the measures be enforced? Will the Department of the Interior and the Department of Justice be given the teeth to attack these corporate terrorists who are destroying our country? Look at the damage to the Gulf - this is an act of terrorism because the lack of responsibility on the part of BP is clearly an attack on our country, making it a terrorist act - going to be allowed to continue?
Looking forward to your response.
Michael Wolfe
My letter to the Senators follows. As always feel free to use all or part when contacting your representatives.
If we the people keep silent, the Washington gang will continue to do whatever the hell they want.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Senator
As the tragedy of the Gulf continues to worsen and with the possibility of hurricanes making this tragedy a probable epic catastrophe, I want to know what you and your colleagues in the Senate are doing to insure that nothing like this occurs in the future.
Specifically, even though there is currently a six month halt to off shore drilling, the reality is that between the influence of the oil companies, their lobbyist and people in power - be they judges, in Congress etc - the drilling will continue. Is Congress going to make it a mandatory law that all primary drilling platforms have two functioning relief platforms ready to take over in case of an emergency, such as the one the nation has been watching for the past several months? Is Congress taking the necessary steps to insure that our coastlines will never again be placed in the jeopardy facing the coastlines of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and possibly Texas?
Please provide the specific measures Congress is enacting to protect our country from greedy oil companies, who care only for profit, not people or environment. The actions and statements of the BP leadership have clearly shown that what is taking place is the Gulf is clearly an embarrassment and financial drain to them, but I have yet to get a sense that they really care about all of the damage - short term and long term - they caused. They just want it over so it can be business as usual.
Is Congress going to protect the citizens of the United States from that greedy/profit mentality? Or, does Congress plan on simply offering words of consolation while doing nothing concrete?
What is being done? How will the measures be enforced? Will the Department of the Interior and the Department of Justice be given the teeth to attack these corporate terrorists who are destroying our country? Look at the damage to the Gulf - this is an act of terrorism because the lack of responsibility on the part of BP is clearly an attack on our country, making it a terrorist act - going to be allowed to continue?
Looking forward to your response.
Michael Wolfe
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Senator Mikulski on Immigration Reform
Senator Mikulski responded to my letter on Immigration and illegal aliens. See if her response makes you feel like me that we will never see any real reform.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about immigration and the current debate about immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.
I absolutely agree with you that our nation's immigration system is broken and must be repaired. I believe that comprehensive immigration reform must protect our borders, protect American jobs and not penalize those who have played by the rules. It is important that we adopt a sensible approach to dealing with the illegal immigrants who are currently in the country.
As Congress continues to work on immigration reform, I will continue to work on finding sensible, bipartisan solutions to fix the immigration system. I appreciate hearing your views on immigration reform and want you to know that they will be useful to me as the Senate continues to debate this issue.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about immigration and the current debate about immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.
I absolutely agree with you that our nation's immigration system is broken and must be repaired. I believe that comprehensive immigration reform must protect our borders, protect American jobs and not penalize those who have played by the rules. It is important that we adopt a sensible approach to dealing with the illegal immigrants who are currently in the country.
As Congress continues to work on immigration reform, I will continue to work on finding sensible, bipartisan solutions to fix the immigration system. I appreciate hearing your views on immigration reform and want you to know that they will be useful to me as the Senate continues to debate this issue.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Immigration Reform/Illegal Aliens
With all of the debate regarding Arizona's "immigration" law and the president of Mexico voicing his objections - I understand he prefers his poor here and not there - I wrote the following suggestion to President Obama and my senators.
I am certain not everyone will be pleased with my proposal but I think it could help improve the situation.
Here's the letter, let me know what you think.
Dear President Obama
I read an article that you criticized Arizona's immigration law during a visit from Mexico's president. Imagine controversy over the Arizona law, which would make it a state crime to be in the country illegally.
My question is why isn't it the national policy that being in the country illegally is a crime?
The citizens of Arizona are seeing their state overrun by illegal workers and drug smugglers, they are seeing entire families being slaughtered along the border and the United States government has done nothing but talk. To listen to the folks in D.C. it is the illegals who are being mistreated, not American citizens.
The people of Arizona said "Enough" and took action. Maybe this is the wake up call the folks on Capital Hill need to take action.
I have the following suggestions for immigration reform.
1. Prosecute the employers of illegal aliens. I do not mean with a slap on the wrist or a petty fine. What I propose is that an employer of an illegal alien does a year of jail time for every illegal employed, as well as paying all back taxes- Federal, State, Local and Social Security/Medicare - that was stolen from the American public, as well as a ten thousand dollar fine per illegal. (If that was the law the CEO of Amour Meats would be facing life imprisonment rather than the little fine for having hundreds of illegals working in his meat packing plants.)
If there are no jobs for the illegals, then they will have no incentive to come here.
2. Amnesty. I am in favor of amnesty, if the following conditions are met. All illegals who register need to provide the name of their employer. Going on the assumption that the illegal has worked twenty years "under the table", unless proven otherwise, he needs to pay back taxes, Federal, State and Local, Social Security/Medicare, based on the salary he should have received at his profession, not on what his employer paid for "under the table". The employer needs to be penalized as explained above in number 1.
3. Work visas can be issued along our borders. Those applying for the visas, like anyone else caring a visa to come to the USA, can apply, be investigated and if they have no criminal record and have needed job skills, be allowed into the county for work purposes. Work visas should be distributed evenly to all nationalities using a quota system to insure that the USA does not show favoritism to any one nationality.
Make employers liable with stiff penalties and the illegals have no reason to come because they will not have work. If the illegal workers stop coming then our border patrol and law enforcement officials can concentrate on drug dealers and terrorists.
Congress needs to make our citizens accountable for their actions. Sadly, it is greedy employers who are responsible for the flood of illegal aliens into our country. Their greed is destroying our school systems, our health system and the status of life for legal Americans during a crisis when thousands are willing to work accepting whatever work is available.
Punish the guilty, let the Americans and legal aliens work, and allow the USA to return to its former strength when we welcomed legal immigrants who wanted to better themselves and their new county,.
I am certain not everyone will be pleased with my proposal but I think it could help improve the situation.
Here's the letter, let me know what you think.
Dear President Obama
I read an article that you criticized Arizona's immigration law during a visit from Mexico's president. Imagine controversy over the Arizona law, which would make it a state crime to be in the country illegally.
My question is why isn't it the national policy that being in the country illegally is a crime?
The citizens of Arizona are seeing their state overrun by illegal workers and drug smugglers, they are seeing entire families being slaughtered along the border and the United States government has done nothing but talk. To listen to the folks in D.C. it is the illegals who are being mistreated, not American citizens.
The people of Arizona said "Enough" and took action. Maybe this is the wake up call the folks on Capital Hill need to take action.
I have the following suggestions for immigration reform.
1. Prosecute the employers of illegal aliens. I do not mean with a slap on the wrist or a petty fine. What I propose is that an employer of an illegal alien does a year of jail time for every illegal employed, as well as paying all back taxes- Federal, State, Local and Social Security/Medicare - that was stolen from the American public, as well as a ten thousand dollar fine per illegal. (If that was the law the CEO of Amour Meats would be facing life imprisonment rather than the little fine for having hundreds of illegals working in his meat packing plants.)
If there are no jobs for the illegals, then they will have no incentive to come here.
2. Amnesty. I am in favor of amnesty, if the following conditions are met. All illegals who register need to provide the name of their employer. Going on the assumption that the illegal has worked twenty years "under the table", unless proven otherwise, he needs to pay back taxes, Federal, State and Local, Social Security/Medicare, based on the salary he should have received at his profession, not on what his employer paid for "under the table". The employer needs to be penalized as explained above in number 1.
3. Work visas can be issued along our borders. Those applying for the visas, like anyone else caring a visa to come to the USA, can apply, be investigated and if they have no criminal record and have needed job skills, be allowed into the county for work purposes. Work visas should be distributed evenly to all nationalities using a quota system to insure that the USA does not show favoritism to any one nationality.
Make employers liable with stiff penalties and the illegals have no reason to come because they will not have work. If the illegal workers stop coming then our border patrol and law enforcement officials can concentrate on drug dealers and terrorists.
Congress needs to make our citizens accountable for their actions. Sadly, it is greedy employers who are responsible for the flood of illegal aliens into our country. Their greed is destroying our school systems, our health system and the status of life for legal Americans during a crisis when thousands are willing to work accepting whatever work is available.
Punish the guilty, let the Americans and legal aliens work, and allow the USA to return to its former strength when we welcomed legal immigrants who wanted to better themselves and their new county,.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Education, Jobs, Debt?
A few days ago the news came out about how many states are cutting back (firing) teachers because the states do not have the funds for education. Classroom size in many states will escalate from 25 kids to anywhere between 40-50 kids.
To listen to representatives in Congress, regardless of which party, they are still pushing the concept that the United States is the leader of the 'Free" World. However, the sad truth of the matter is that as education standards in this country continue to fall, we will be below the majority of so called Third World countries in the area of education, not to mention manufacturing, farming etc. Our country is on a down hill slide, and our current leadership is only making it worse.
Look at education. Most of the people I know from foreign countries can not understand how a school system passes forward children who can not read or write. In their countries, if you do not meet the standard, you fail and are held back. It used to be that way here, but somehow some do gooders sold the concept that it hurt the child's self image if they failed. Don't they think it hurts their self image if they can not read and write like the kids around them?
Education in this country needs to go back to the good old days when giving the child a quality education was the goal, not worrying about their feelings.
How to do it? That is the real question, especially in this time of tight to non-existent budgets. What can government do?
The way I see it there are three options.
1. Take the money used for the bank and car bailouts that has been repaid and re-infest that money in education.
2. The government can take that same money, re-invest it in job creation and then once the work force is re-established, use their tax dollars to fund education.
3. Finally since the bail out money was borrowed from China, we pay back the loan, cut down the national debt, let a few years pass until the economy is back on a positive track and then start dealing with crisis's like education and jobs.
Sadly, there are no easy answers. Its a matter of priorities. Let your representatives know what your priorities are and push your agenda. After all, our future is tied up in all of this.
Its Common Sense!!
To listen to representatives in Congress, regardless of which party, they are still pushing the concept that the United States is the leader of the 'Free" World. However, the sad truth of the matter is that as education standards in this country continue to fall, we will be below the majority of so called Third World countries in the area of education, not to mention manufacturing, farming etc. Our country is on a down hill slide, and our current leadership is only making it worse.
Look at education. Most of the people I know from foreign countries can not understand how a school system passes forward children who can not read or write. In their countries, if you do not meet the standard, you fail and are held back. It used to be that way here, but somehow some do gooders sold the concept that it hurt the child's self image if they failed. Don't they think it hurts their self image if they can not read and write like the kids around them?
Education in this country needs to go back to the good old days when giving the child a quality education was the goal, not worrying about their feelings.
How to do it? That is the real question, especially in this time of tight to non-existent budgets. What can government do?
The way I see it there are three options.
1. Take the money used for the bank and car bailouts that has been repaid and re-infest that money in education.
2. The government can take that same money, re-invest it in job creation and then once the work force is re-established, use their tax dollars to fund education.
3. Finally since the bail out money was borrowed from China, we pay back the loan, cut down the national debt, let a few years pass until the economy is back on a positive track and then start dealing with crisis's like education and jobs.
Sadly, there are no easy answers. Its a matter of priorities. Let your representatives know what your priorities are and push your agenda. After all, our future is tied up in all of this.
Its Common Sense!!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Senator Barbara Mikulski - What Health Care Reform Means to You!
I just received the following new blurb from Senator Mikulski. I guess I write enough to be on her mailing list.
Read through and see if you agree that this is what Health Care Reform Means to you.
What Health Care Reform Means for You
Passage of health care reform is a very big deal. It's the first time in history that we have committed to ending the abuses of the insurance industry and covering every single American.
I voted for health care reform because I listened to Marylanders as they told me their stories. People told me about the situation of their lives at roundtables and hearings, at diners and grocery stores. Thousands more wrote to me and called. They shared with me their fear of one big health care incident leading them into bankruptcy.
I heard from people like Karen from Kensington, whose father had to quit his job because he suffered from Crohn's Disease. When he was two pennies short on his insurance payment, he lost his coverage. During the six months it took to reinstate his insurance, his health deteriorated. He died a year after his insurance was cancelled. He was just 59 years old when he passed away.
I thought of people like Karen and her father when I was fighting to pass this bill.
This legislation provides long-term health security for all Americans. It saves and strengthens Medicare, extending its life by nearly a decade. It also helps seniors afford their prescription drugs. It establishes a small business health care tax credit to help small businesses cover their workers. It allows young people to stay on their parents' policies until age 26. And it cuts the hassle factor, allowing doctors to spend time with patients instead of paperwork.
This bill also ends the punitive practices of insurance companies by making sure that no American will ever be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
This is a very big deal for women. I am particularly proud of the role that I have played in changing the way that insurance companies treat women. For far too long, they have treated simply being a woman as a pre-existing condition. They used every trick in the book to deny women coverage. In seven states and the District of Columbia, being a victim of domestic violence was considered a pre-existing condition. Women were denied coverage because a medically-mandated c-section was considered a pre-existing condition.
That's why when they tried to take our mammograms away, I said, "No!" I introduced an amendment that guarantees women who enroll in new health care plans coverage of preventive care such as mammograms, pap tests and heart disease screenings with no co-pays or deductibles.
These changes are a monumental step in improving the lives and health of people across the state of Maryland and across the United States. This bill is a leap into the future, and it is a leap we can take with confidence. My job as a U.S. Senator is to provide opportunity for the American people, and health care is one of the greatest opportunities we can provide.
Useful Links
Video of Senator Mikulski on Passage of Health Reform
Timeline of Reform
Health Care Reform and Maryland
Summary of Health Care Reform Bill
How Will Reform Help You? Take the Quiz
Information from the White House
Information on Implimentation from HHS
Fast Facts
How does reform help people now?
* Gives seniors who hit the donut hole a $250 rebate
* Provides health insurance for people with pre-existing conditions who used to have insurance
* Stops insurers from denying coverage to children because they have a pre-existing condition
* Stops insurers from dropping coverage when you get sick
* Prohibits lifetime caps on coverage in new insurance plans
* Allows young people to stay on their parents' insurance until age 26
* Gives small businesses tax credits to help them cover employees
How does reform help Marylanders?
* Reform could save Maryland $1 Billion over the next 10 years
* Preventive services with no co-pays for 740,000 Maryland seniors
* Help for 132,000 Maryland seniors when they hit drug coverage gap
* New consumer protections will benefit 5.6 million Marylanders
* New tax credits to help 56,000 small businesses cover their employees
* New help to make health care insurance affordable for 465,000 Marylanders
Read through and see if you agree that this is what Health Care Reform Means to you.
What Health Care Reform Means for You
Passage of health care reform is a very big deal. It's the first time in history that we have committed to ending the abuses of the insurance industry and covering every single American.
I voted for health care reform because I listened to Marylanders as they told me their stories. People told me about the situation of their lives at roundtables and hearings, at diners and grocery stores. Thousands more wrote to me and called. They shared with me their fear of one big health care incident leading them into bankruptcy.
I heard from people like Karen from Kensington, whose father had to quit his job because he suffered from Crohn's Disease. When he was two pennies short on his insurance payment, he lost his coverage. During the six months it took to reinstate his insurance, his health deteriorated. He died a year after his insurance was cancelled. He was just 59 years old when he passed away.
I thought of people like Karen and her father when I was fighting to pass this bill.
This legislation provides long-term health security for all Americans. It saves and strengthens Medicare, extending its life by nearly a decade. It also helps seniors afford their prescription drugs. It establishes a small business health care tax credit to help small businesses cover their workers. It allows young people to stay on their parents' policies until age 26. And it cuts the hassle factor, allowing doctors to spend time with patients instead of paperwork.
This bill also ends the punitive practices of insurance companies by making sure that no American will ever be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
This is a very big deal for women. I am particularly proud of the role that I have played in changing the way that insurance companies treat women. For far too long, they have treated simply being a woman as a pre-existing condition. They used every trick in the book to deny women coverage. In seven states and the District of Columbia, being a victim of domestic violence was considered a pre-existing condition. Women were denied coverage because a medically-mandated c-section was considered a pre-existing condition.
That's why when they tried to take our mammograms away, I said, "No!" I introduced an amendment that guarantees women who enroll in new health care plans coverage of preventive care such as mammograms, pap tests and heart disease screenings with no co-pays or deductibles.
These changes are a monumental step in improving the lives and health of people across the state of Maryland and across the United States. This bill is a leap into the future, and it is a leap we can take with confidence. My job as a U.S. Senator is to provide opportunity for the American people, and health care is one of the greatest opportunities we can provide.
Useful Links
Video of Senator Mikulski on Passage of Health Reform
Timeline of Reform
Health Care Reform and Maryland
Summary of Health Care Reform Bill
How Will Reform Help You? Take the Quiz
Information from the White House
Information on Implimentation from HHS
Fast Facts
How does reform help people now?
* Gives seniors who hit the donut hole a $250 rebate
* Provides health insurance for people with pre-existing conditions who used to have insurance
* Stops insurers from denying coverage to children because they have a pre-existing condition
* Stops insurers from dropping coverage when you get sick
* Prohibits lifetime caps on coverage in new insurance plans
* Allows young people to stay on their parents' insurance until age 26
* Gives small businesses tax credits to help them cover employees
How does reform help Marylanders?
* Reform could save Maryland $1 Billion over the next 10 years
* Preventive services with no co-pays for 740,000 Maryland seniors
* Help for 132,000 Maryland seniors when they hit drug coverage gap
* New consumer protections will benefit 5.6 million Marylanders
* New tax credits to help 56,000 small businesses cover their employees
* New help to make health care insurance affordable for 465,000 Marylanders
Monday, April 5, 2010
Afghanistan Drama
Things keep happening in Afghanistan to keep the confusion/chaos alive. Obama sneaks in to visit with the troops and then tell Karzai he's got to get his act together and show some progress if he wants to continue to receive aide. Of course, since Obama has increased the USA's military commitment, the USA isn't getting out anytime soon, which means the aide will continue.
Evidently Karzai's feelings got hurt and the rumor is he has threatened to go over the the Taliban if the outsiders don't stop pressuring him. How long do you think he would last if he went over to the Taliban?
Both presidents need to stop trying to out stage the other and get to the serious business of bringing a workable peace to Afghanistan making all of the compromises necessary to end the killing. Too many lives have been wasted. Now is the time for true leadership, not stagemanship.
Its Common Sense!
Evidently Karzai's feelings got hurt and the rumor is he has threatened to go over the the Taliban if the outsiders don't stop pressuring him. How long do you think he would last if he went over to the Taliban?
Both presidents need to stop trying to out stage the other and get to the serious business of bringing a workable peace to Afghanistan making all of the compromises necessary to end the killing. Too many lives have been wasted. Now is the time for true leadership, not stagemanship.
Its Common Sense!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Health Care - What Next?
Well much to my surprise, Congress passed the Health Care Bill, twice. First with the Senate Democrat behind closed door deals and the second time, hopefully, with less of the backroom deals.
Now President Obama is out selling the legislation - something he should have been doing right from the start. Maybe if he and the Democrats had been clear and precise during the town hall meetings about the context of the bill there would be a lot less tension.
Of course the Republicans want to repeal/reform the bill. Why they did not work on the reform while the bill was in committee is beyond me. Well maybe not. After all, elections are on the horizon and its better to be a stronger opponent of the other party, rather than seen as a compromiser working for the good of the people.
Today Sarah Palin and the Tea Party descend on Searchlight Nevada to harass the home community of Senator Harry Reid. These people did nothing wrong and should not be punished by an invasion.
Now we can sit back and watch as the campaign rhetoric increases and the TV pundits tell us who is right and wrong.
We will also see how the immediate action parts of the Health Care Bill take effect and if they are everything that is promised.
As I have said in the past - they are all wrong. We need term limits and we definitely need to get rid of the incumbents and start at square one.
Pay careful attention to what is doing on and get ready to vote in November.
Its Common Sense!!
Now President Obama is out selling the legislation - something he should have been doing right from the start. Maybe if he and the Democrats had been clear and precise during the town hall meetings about the context of the bill there would be a lot less tension.
Of course the Republicans want to repeal/reform the bill. Why they did not work on the reform while the bill was in committee is beyond me. Well maybe not. After all, elections are on the horizon and its better to be a stronger opponent of the other party, rather than seen as a compromiser working for the good of the people.
Today Sarah Palin and the Tea Party descend on Searchlight Nevada to harass the home community of Senator Harry Reid. These people did nothing wrong and should not be punished by an invasion.
Now we can sit back and watch as the campaign rhetoric increases and the TV pundits tell us who is right and wrong.
We will also see how the immediate action parts of the Health Care Bill take effect and if they are everything that is promised.
As I have said in the past - they are all wrong. We need term limits and we definitely need to get rid of the incumbents and start at square one.
Pay careful attention to what is doing on and get ready to vote in November.
Its Common Sense!!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Congressional Accountability and Responsibility
Watching the news during the past week I have to wonder if the following three words can be used together positively in a sentence - Congress, Accountability and Responsibility.
The other day we learned that for the first time Social Security brought in less than was needed to pay monthly benefit checks. Which means the government is going to have to borrow money, because Congress left a bunch of IOUs and raided the Social Security Trust Fund. Where is the responsibility and accountability in that action? Through their greed and stupidity Congress, rather than leaving the Fund alone to gain interest, blew the money on whatever half assed thing got their attention and now they will increase an already out of control debt even higher.
Health Care Reform. People need health care and there has to be a way to do it that will please the majority. Does Congress sit down and try and do what is best for the American people? Of course not. Better split based on party lines and say the hell with the people. My way right or wrong. Compromise is not an option.
Watching some of these pompous baboons on TV infuriates me and makes me marvel that some of these clowns just keep coming back.
Since it is obvious that our government does not want to be accountable or responsible, I think its time we the people take over. God knows we can't do any worse.
During the next weeks I intend to make a proposal to my senators for a bill to limit campaign funding so that not only the rich will be able to run for office in this country. Its time that those of us in the trenches had a chance on Capital Hill to bring back a sense of reality.
Obama made a lot of promises about changing the system and having an open government, but as he pointed out to John McCain during the Health Care Fiasco, that was a campaign promise and no one is campaigning anymore. How's that for a taste of reality?
Anyway, we all need to start thinking of ways to get the common man to DC. Best way to start - vote the incumbents out.
Its Common Sense!
The other day we learned that for the first time Social Security brought in less than was needed to pay monthly benefit checks. Which means the government is going to have to borrow money, because Congress left a bunch of IOUs and raided the Social Security Trust Fund. Where is the responsibility and accountability in that action? Through their greed and stupidity Congress, rather than leaving the Fund alone to gain interest, blew the money on whatever half assed thing got their attention and now they will increase an already out of control debt even higher.
Health Care Reform. People need health care and there has to be a way to do it that will please the majority. Does Congress sit down and try and do what is best for the American people? Of course not. Better split based on party lines and say the hell with the people. My way right or wrong. Compromise is not an option.
Watching some of these pompous baboons on TV infuriates me and makes me marvel that some of these clowns just keep coming back.
Since it is obvious that our government does not want to be accountable or responsible, I think its time we the people take over. God knows we can't do any worse.
During the next weeks I intend to make a proposal to my senators for a bill to limit campaign funding so that not only the rich will be able to run for office in this country. Its time that those of us in the trenches had a chance on Capital Hill to bring back a sense of reality.
Obama made a lot of promises about changing the system and having an open government, but as he pointed out to John McCain during the Health Care Fiasco, that was a campaign promise and no one is campaigning anymore. How's that for a taste of reality?
Anyway, we all need to start thinking of ways to get the common man to DC. Best way to start - vote the incumbents out.
Its Common Sense!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Senator Mikulski on the 28th Amendment
Senator Mikulski's staff must want some time away from health care reform because they already responded to my my question regarding a proposed 28th amendment.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about amending the United States Constitution. It's good to hear from you.
I agree with you that Congress is here to represent the people. I believe Members of Congress have a sacred duty to represent those who have elected them with honor and integrity. We should be held to a high standard, and we must be accountable for our actions. The laws that we make apply to everyone in this country, and Members of Congress are expected to follow them or face consequences just like the public we serve.
Again, thank you for getting in touch. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about amending the United States Constitution. It's good to hear from you.
I agree with you that Congress is here to represent the people. I believe Members of Congress have a sacred duty to represent those who have elected them with honor and integrity. We should be held to a high standard, and we must be accountable for our actions. The laws that we make apply to everyone in this country, and Members of Congress are expected to follow them or face consequences just like the public we serve.
Again, thank you for getting in touch. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Saturday, February 27, 2010
28th Amendment
Someone sent me a copy of a proposed 28th amendment to the Constitution. I liked it, so I sent the following letter to my Senators asking their opinion. If you like the proposed amendment, send it to your representatives and get their opinion.
Dear Senator
Please provide your opinion on the following proposed amendment to the Constitution.
Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States ".
Thank you in advance for your response.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
Please provide your opinion on the following proposed amendment to the Constitution.
Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States ".
Thank you in advance for your response.
Michael Wolfe
Friday, February 26, 2010
Health Care Summit
Like many others I watched some of yesterday's health care summit and I came away saddened and disgusted with our so called representatives in Washington. What a bunch of egocentric bores. Rather than try and start compromising on concrete issues like pre-existing conditions, lower premium rates, tort reform etc, most of the time was spent sniping at one another.
Obama made it clear that he was in charge, but he did not come across as a leader. The majority of the Republicans came across as whiners wanting things their way.
I knew the summit would fail, but there was a part of me that prayed and hoped that maybe this was the time these politicians would put their selfish interests aside and actually try and do something for the good of the country. Of course, since they're politicians it was wishful thinking on my part to think they would attempt to do the actual job they were elected to perform.
From what I saw yesterday it appears that Health Care Reform is a dead issue. The Republicans made it clear they were not going to compromise. Pelosi for the Democrats has never wanted to compromise, so while the DC gang sits on their high horses pontificating why they're right and the other side is wrong, the American people suffer.
In truth, I do not understand what is so difficult. Both sides say the system needs fixing. Then sit down and write down all of the things that are wrong with the system. Next, on an issue by issue basis,list ways that solve that particular issue. Now comes the time for compromise, with a list of solutions there should be some middle ground all can agree on. It does not have to be my way or the highway.
Yesterday's summit only reinforces my belief that term limits need to be mandatory. The people in Congress really think they are far more important than they are. They were elected to be public SERVANTS not little kings and queens. The smirks on their faces, the sarcasm of many of the comments just made me sick.
In November, let's vote as many of them out as possible and start with some fresh blood interested in the well being of America and not themselves.
Its Common Sense!
Obama made it clear that he was in charge, but he did not come across as a leader. The majority of the Republicans came across as whiners wanting things their way.
I knew the summit would fail, but there was a part of me that prayed and hoped that maybe this was the time these politicians would put their selfish interests aside and actually try and do something for the good of the country. Of course, since they're politicians it was wishful thinking on my part to think they would attempt to do the actual job they were elected to perform.
From what I saw yesterday it appears that Health Care Reform is a dead issue. The Republicans made it clear they were not going to compromise. Pelosi for the Democrats has never wanted to compromise, so while the DC gang sits on their high horses pontificating why they're right and the other side is wrong, the American people suffer.
In truth, I do not understand what is so difficult. Both sides say the system needs fixing. Then sit down and write down all of the things that are wrong with the system. Next, on an issue by issue basis,list ways that solve that particular issue. Now comes the time for compromise, with a list of solutions there should be some middle ground all can agree on. It does not have to be my way or the highway.
Yesterday's summit only reinforces my belief that term limits need to be mandatory. The people in Congress really think they are far more important than they are. They were elected to be public SERVANTS not little kings and queens. The smirks on their faces, the sarcasm of many of the comments just made me sick.
In November, let's vote as many of them out as possible and start with some fresh blood interested in the well being of America and not themselves.
Its Common Sense!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Senator Mikulski on Afghanistan & Pakistan
I just received a response from Senator Mikulski on the wars in Afghanistan & Pakistan. What's frightening is we appear to agree on several points.
See how you feel about her responses.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about our involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is one of the most important issues facing our nation and I appreciate hearing your views.
On March 27, 2009 President Obama announced a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. At its core was a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle and eventually defeat al Qaeda and to prevent their return to either Afghanistan or Pakistan. On December 1, 2009 President Obama announced an increase of 30,000 new troops to Afghanistan.
I have no reservations about our troops -- their courage or competence. They will accomplish whatever mission we give them with honor. But I do have grave reservations about sending additional troops to Afghanistan. Our troops are worn out and we are out of money.
There are no simple answers, and no silver bullets for Afghanistan. President Obama rightfully went through a deliberative and thoughtful process to arrive at this strategy. Now Congress needs to ask hard questions to better understand this plan and hold the Administration accountable for progress.
My three key principles going forward are: First, the U.S. commitment cannot be open ended. Second, Afghanistan needs a functional and sustainable government. Third, the Afghans must take the lead in this war.
I continue to have serious concerns about the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan and question whether their leaders share the commitment of U.S. forces to combat extremism. I am concerned that Afghanistan seems threatened not only by the Taliban, but by a government that's riddled with cronyism and corruption. The corruption is aiding the booming narcotics trade in Afghanistan and lining the Taliban's pockets. I fear Afghanistan is on its way to becoming a narco-state.
I am also concerned about the safety, treatment, and security of Afghanistan's women. That's why I joined my Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution calling on Afghanistan's leaders to repudiate a law they passed that includes provisions legalizing marital rape and imposing Taliban-era restrictions on Shiite women in Afghanistan. The Shiite Personal Status Law violates the basic human rights of women. American soldiers fight every day to help Afghans create a stable and free nation that can protect and provide for its people. This law is an affront to the sacrifices they make every day. The United States should do everything it can to encourage Afghanistan to respect the basic rights and welfare of women and children.
I also supported the Fiscal Year 2009 Supplemental funding bill because it provides the necessary funding to meet the needs of our troops on the ground and to continue our assistance programs in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I fully support our troops and will not abandon them while they are on the battlefield or when they come home needing healthcare.
Again, thanks for contacting me. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me again.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
See how you feel about her responses.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about our involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is one of the most important issues facing our nation and I appreciate hearing your views.
On March 27, 2009 President Obama announced a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. At its core was a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle and eventually defeat al Qaeda and to prevent their return to either Afghanistan or Pakistan. On December 1, 2009 President Obama announced an increase of 30,000 new troops to Afghanistan.
I have no reservations about our troops -- their courage or competence. They will accomplish whatever mission we give them with honor. But I do have grave reservations about sending additional troops to Afghanistan. Our troops are worn out and we are out of money.
There are no simple answers, and no silver bullets for Afghanistan. President Obama rightfully went through a deliberative and thoughtful process to arrive at this strategy. Now Congress needs to ask hard questions to better understand this plan and hold the Administration accountable for progress.
My three key principles going forward are: First, the U.S. commitment cannot be open ended. Second, Afghanistan needs a functional and sustainable government. Third, the Afghans must take the lead in this war.
I continue to have serious concerns about the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan and question whether their leaders share the commitment of U.S. forces to combat extremism. I am concerned that Afghanistan seems threatened not only by the Taliban, but by a government that's riddled with cronyism and corruption. The corruption is aiding the booming narcotics trade in Afghanistan and lining the Taliban's pockets. I fear Afghanistan is on its way to becoming a narco-state.
I am also concerned about the safety, treatment, and security of Afghanistan's women. That's why I joined my Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution calling on Afghanistan's leaders to repudiate a law they passed that includes provisions legalizing marital rape and imposing Taliban-era restrictions on Shiite women in Afghanistan. The Shiite Personal Status Law violates the basic human rights of women. American soldiers fight every day to help Afghans create a stable and free nation that can protect and provide for its people. This law is an affront to the sacrifices they make every day. The United States should do everything it can to encourage Afghanistan to respect the basic rights and welfare of women and children.
I also supported the Fiscal Year 2009 Supplemental funding bill because it provides the necessary funding to meet the needs of our troops on the ground and to continue our assistance programs in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I fully support our troops and will not abandon them while they are on the battlefield or when they come home needing healthcare.
Again, thanks for contacting me. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me again.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Monday, February 22, 2010
Partisan Politics
The past days I have watched the politicians in Washington DC state that they know what the American people want. If you are a Democrat you state the people want Health Care Reform. If you are a Republican you state that the people want a gradual change.
Who are the American people they are talking to? I know no one has asked my opinion.
Frankly I am tired of the gridlock and the blame game. When will these folks get around to compromising. They all seem to have sticks shoved so far up their butts that they are incapable of bending.
This coming Thursday the President has invited both parties to a televised sit down to discuss Health Care Reform. In truth I expect nothing to come out of it, but it will be interesting to see what tactics are taken so that none of them look bad or insensitive. Health Care Reform is long way away, but lying, whining politicians will always be with us.
I see that the Senate did pass a bill to help jobs but that a majority of Republicans complained that the bill did not cut enough taxes. I don't like paying taxes anymore than the next person, but just how are we going to pay off the national debt, balance the budget and leave a future for our kids if we all don't pitch in? The money to run the country has to come from somewhere and red money from China needs to end.
Once again I want to reiterate a chant I make from time to time - Vote all Incumbents OUT!!!
Its Common Sense!
Who are the American people they are talking to? I know no one has asked my opinion.
Frankly I am tired of the gridlock and the blame game. When will these folks get around to compromising. They all seem to have sticks shoved so far up their butts that they are incapable of bending.
This coming Thursday the President has invited both parties to a televised sit down to discuss Health Care Reform. In truth I expect nothing to come out of it, but it will be interesting to see what tactics are taken so that none of them look bad or insensitive. Health Care Reform is long way away, but lying, whining politicians will always be with us.
I see that the Senate did pass a bill to help jobs but that a majority of Republicans complained that the bill did not cut enough taxes. I don't like paying taxes anymore than the next person, but just how are we going to pay off the national debt, balance the budget and leave a future for our kids if we all don't pitch in? The money to run the country has to come from somewhere and red money from China needs to end.
Once again I want to reiterate a chant I make from time to time - Vote all Incumbents OUT!!!
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Senator Mikulski on Medicare & Health Care Reform
I just received the following reply from Senator Barbara Mikulski on Medicare and Health Care Reform.
After you read her response, let me know if this is really long term thinking or are the politicians just trying to postpone the inevitable?
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about Medicare and health care reform. It's great to hear from you.
I want Medicare to remain strong for seniors - now and in the future. If we do nothing, the Medicare Hospital Trust fund will go broke in 2017. The Senate bill extends the life of Medicare by an additional 9 years by enacting rational reforms to modernize and improve the program. Changes also will preserve choice and quality of care, lower costs, and add new benefits. Changes in the Senate bill include:
-providing financial incentives to health providers to reduce preventable hospital readmissions
-providing no-cost preventive benefits so that seniors stay healthy through easy access to preventive services
-reducing overpayments to private Medicare insurers and replacing them with payment bonuses tied to quality and care coordination
I believe we can ensure the solvency of Medicare without creating a financial burden for seniors or providers. Know that I will continue to fight so that our seniors can have access to quality, affordable health care.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a step forward in achieving my four principles of health care reform:
-saving and strengthening Medicare
-ending punitive insurance company practices that deny coverage based on pre-existing health conditions, age and gender
-providing universal access to health care
-emphasizing quality, prevention and integrative health to save lives and save money
Our bill makes also makes it easier for retired workers between 55 and 65 years of age who are not yet eligible for Medicare. It creates a temporary reinsurance program to provide reimbursement to employers who provide health benefits to retirees and their dependents. By enacting insurance reforms that prohibit discrimination based on age or pre-existing health conditions, the bill also makes it easier for early retirees to purchase affordable care. I am committed to making sure the health care needs of retirees are protected.
Thanks once again for writing. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
After you read her response, let me know if this is really long term thinking or are the politicians just trying to postpone the inevitable?
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about Medicare and health care reform. It's great to hear from you.
I want Medicare to remain strong for seniors - now and in the future. If we do nothing, the Medicare Hospital Trust fund will go broke in 2017. The Senate bill extends the life of Medicare by an additional 9 years by enacting rational reforms to modernize and improve the program. Changes also will preserve choice and quality of care, lower costs, and add new benefits. Changes in the Senate bill include:
-providing financial incentives to health providers to reduce preventable hospital readmissions
-providing no-cost preventive benefits so that seniors stay healthy through easy access to preventive services
-reducing overpayments to private Medicare insurers and replacing them with payment bonuses tied to quality and care coordination
I believe we can ensure the solvency of Medicare without creating a financial burden for seniors or providers. Know that I will continue to fight so that our seniors can have access to quality, affordable health care.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a step forward in achieving my four principles of health care reform:
-saving and strengthening Medicare
-ending punitive insurance company practices that deny coverage based on pre-existing health conditions, age and gender
-providing universal access to health care
-emphasizing quality, prevention and integrative health to save lives and save money
Our bill makes also makes it easier for retired workers between 55 and 65 years of age who are not yet eligible for Medicare. It creates a temporary reinsurance program to provide reimbursement to employers who provide health benefits to retirees and their dependents. By enacting insurance reforms that prohibit discrimination based on age or pre-existing health conditions, the bill also makes it easier for early retirees to purchase affordable care. I am committed to making sure the health care needs of retirees are protected.
Thanks once again for writing. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Olympics, Religion, World Peace
Like many people I started watching the coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics this past Friday. I thought it interesting that the only reason Iran participated in the march of nations was because Ireland separated them from Israel.
This got me to thinking. The whole concept of the Olympics is to bring the nations of the world together for friendly sport competition, with the hope of avoiding actual physical confrontations on battlefields.
The same is true of the major religions of the world. All of them preach the importance of peace and harmony. Yet most of the wars that have been fought have called upon a god to lead them to victory against an enemy who is usually either a pagan or infidel.
It is a sad commentary that over the thousands of years of recorded history, of the years technological advances, that man has still not evolved beyond the greedy little child he has always been who wants things his way now.
If the spirit of the Olympics could last more than two weeks maybe there could be hope. However, this morning there is a report that NATO troops in southern Afghanistan killed 12 civilians in a rocket attack that went wrong. Hard to call for peace and harmony when innocent people are killed by accident.
Too bad the world couldn't solve its differences on the playing fields of the Olympics.
Finally, just a reminder to offer a silent prayer for Nodar Kumaritashvili of the Republic of Georgia and his family, in addition to those who lost their lives in world wide fighting this past week.
Maybe if we can use our prayers to God for the common good rather than our selfish designs, the world could truly become a better place.
Its Common Sense!
This got me to thinking. The whole concept of the Olympics is to bring the nations of the world together for friendly sport competition, with the hope of avoiding actual physical confrontations on battlefields.
The same is true of the major religions of the world. All of them preach the importance of peace and harmony. Yet most of the wars that have been fought have called upon a god to lead them to victory against an enemy who is usually either a pagan or infidel.
It is a sad commentary that over the thousands of years of recorded history, of the years technological advances, that man has still not evolved beyond the greedy little child he has always been who wants things his way now.
If the spirit of the Olympics could last more than two weeks maybe there could be hope. However, this morning there is a report that NATO troops in southern Afghanistan killed 12 civilians in a rocket attack that went wrong. Hard to call for peace and harmony when innocent people are killed by accident.
Too bad the world couldn't solve its differences on the playing fields of the Olympics.
Finally, just a reminder to offer a silent prayer for Nodar Kumaritashvili of the Republic of Georgia and his family, in addition to those who lost their lives in world wide fighting this past week.
Maybe if we can use our prayers to God for the common good rather than our selfish designs, the world could truly become a better place.
Its Common Sense!
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