The Third And Final Presidential Debate - Foreign Policy

How many American voters will tune in tonight to hear our two candidates debate about foreign policy?  Assuredly, 50, 60 or 70 million Americans will be listening tonight but my guess is that they will be watching the debate much like the NFL games of Sunday.  Cheering for their team (candidate) and hoping for a sack, fumble, interception, and of course, the game-winning touchdown.  Foreign policy for most Americans is about as exciting as watching two last-place teams face-off in Week 16 of the NFL season. 

How many Americans are worried about Israel’s security?  How many are concerned whether Iran develops nuclear capability?  Is Syria an important issue for the American voter?  How many want clarification on what happened in Libya?  How many even know that our Ambassador and three colleagues were killed serving their country?  How many Americans actually know how many soldiers are in theatre in Afghanistan? 

My best guess is that far fewer Americans than one would expect are worried about our relationships with other nations.  No, I think they are more worried about their job, health care, the economy and the price of gas.  We’re all grateful for the service and security our military provides.  We will gladly donate dollars for all types of support to our military families but do we really pay attention to what they are doing in Afghanistan?  Sure, there are some of us who do pay attention and recognize that the world is much smaller than it just was a decade or so ago. 

Some recognize the importance of our role in the world and why we need to be engaged.  Military families are well aware of why we are in Afghanistan, why we were in Iraq.  It is very personal for them as they have loved ones serving our nation.  The occasional terrorist attack heightens our interest and involvement as a people but quickly recedes once it has fallen down the ranks of reported stories on the news.  Our nation and our leadership no longer ask us to sacrifice in times of conflict and war.  Afghanistan might as well be the Moon for as involved as we Americans are in following the action of our troops.

Tonight’s debate will hopefully answer some of the questions that must be considered when selecting our next President.  We know President Obama’s course of leadership and style when it comes to foreign policy.  We need a better understanding of what he hopes to accomplish in this area over the course of the next four years.  For Mitt Romney, we need to know that he will be able to handle the rigors of foreign policy.  Candidates love to make promises and talk tough when it comes to foreign policy.  Just like Romney is doing right now with China regarding trade and currency manipulation. 

It is easy to talk tough and make promises.  It is significantly more difficult once you occupy the White House and recognize that even a small gesture has huge implications.  Some of us will be tuning in to hear some serious talk about our role in the world.  Others will be rooting for their candidate hoping for an end zone celebration.           

"I AM THE PRESIDENT!"

theawl.com

Tuesday Night at Hofstra University in the State of New York, the President of the United States showed up and made it abundantly clear that he isn’t giving up his championship belt without a fight.  It was a thing of beauty.  Battered and bloodied from Round One, all eyes were on the President wondering if he would be on the receiving-end of the knock-out blow by Mitt Romney, the challenger.  All were gathered at ringside looking for the Number One Contender to deliver the fatal blow.

The two fighters walked to center ring, touched gloves, referee Crowley welcomed one and all and then the fight was on.  Obama landed a big first punch minutes into the contest and never looked back.  From the opening bell, the President owned the night.  He started strong taking the fight to his opponent and never once let up.  Obama kept moving in closer and closer with body blows throughout the fight countering everything that his opponent threw at him.  The Number One Contender fought a valiant fight but as the final bell was approaching, Obama seized the opening provided by his opponent and moved in with a flurry of uncontested punches leaving his opponent helpless and unable to respond.

npr.org

“I am the President” was the resounding theme throughout the debate as President Barack Obama separated himself from his opponent.  It was remarkable how you could tell which candidate was the President of the United States and who was fighting to become President of the United States.  Mitt Romney had a good night.  It was just that the President had a better night.  Well-prepared, Obama won on substance, style and strength and reminded everyone why he currently sits in the Oval Office.

The President came with energy and enthusiasm and it showed.  He engaged the undecided voters in the room and was well at-ease gaining strength as each minute passed within the debate.  Neither man chose to follow the rules of the forum in strict fashion but Romney made it more of an issue than Obama did and he looked more like a child protesting to a parent, Candy Crowley, that he wasn’t receiving his fair due.  Not an attractive quality in someone wanting to be President of the United States. 

Although candidates in the debate process hardly ever provide simple answers to questions, President Obama did a better job of this offering some specifics.  Romney continues to fail at the specifics.  Case in point was the total non-response to a woman asking about mortgage deductions and the child earned income credit.  Romney loses credibility every time he walks away from answering these types of questions. 



csmonitor.com



The president prevailed or held his own on nearly every issue and question raised.  President Obama won handily on the issue of immigration and women’s rights, two significant voter-sensitive issues.  The last word of the night belonged to the President and he took full advantage by holding Romney accountable for his 47 percent comments.  It was a slam-dunk finish. This debate was far and away the most interesting, combative and memorable debate I can recall.  The President’s performance will be remembered and reviewed by every future candidate for the office of the Presidency.

Can’t wait for Round Three!     

Are You Ready To Rumble?

Every day I receive an email from President Barack Obama or one of his key advisors within the campaign.  The emails make a point to let me know what’s going on within the campaign and how much they need my financial support to make the difference.  This has been the case every day for the last three months.  The emails are informative and they all drive home the same message that they need my support to be successful.  Many times it is only a request for a $5 contribution, more if I am able. 

Tuesday Night’s debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York promises to be a significant turning point in this competition for the highest office of our land.  Both candidates will do their best to sharpen the differences between themselves in hopes of reaching the voter.  Mitt Romney will be looking for a knock-out punch to the President after his woeful performance in the first debate.  President Barack Obama will be looking to regain lost ground by delivering a knock-out performance of his own.     

Romney will hammer away at high unemployment, no jobs, no economic growth, a failed foreign policy, growing debt, a health care plan that bears the President’s name and on and on.  The President will counter these arguments by going on the offense pointing to slow but continual growth in jobs, a sluggish but growing economy, a plan to reduce the debt and a health care plan that will help all Americans in need. 

This debate is a town hall format allowing members of the audience to ask all the questions.  On the surface, this format does not necessarily favor either candidate.  It does however create an environment for some interesting and potentially surprising questions.  One that will come as no surprise to Mitt Romney will be someone asking him about his forty-seven percent comments.  Count on Romney to have his canned answer prepared.  Count on President Obama to pounce if the question is asked. 

Obama supporters are counting on the President to show up and get aggressive on this very question.  This one question best frames the difference between the Obama Administration and a potential Romney Administration.  This one question opens the door for the President to speak of the differences between the two men and how they will govern.  It is a winning argument for President Obama but only if he can make the case. 

The second question the President has to be hoping for is the hanging curveball question of Medicare.  This question will also allow the President to differentiate his position from that of Romney’s.  Romney will focus on the billions of dollars being cut from Medicare by the President’s Affordable Health Care Act.  Once again, the President’s supporters hope that he has a clearer explanation and answer to this charge to debunk Romney’s claim.

Tuesday Night’s debate will most likely become an instant classic.  This election is at an important crossroads.  Both candidates must feel a win Tuesday Night could indeed propel them to victory.  A bounce for either candidate coming out of this debate will be meaningful as voting has already commenced across the country.  Both candidates have worked very hard preparing for this moment.  More than likely it will be a draw with some winning and losing moments for each candidate.

There will be those watching hoping for a rumble.  More than likely, they will be disappointed.  No matter what, it will set the stage for the final few weeks of the campaign and the final debate between the two men. Do well Mr. President and I will send you that $5.00 you have asked for, maybe more.             

VOTE OUR WAY OR LOSE YOUR JOB - A CASE OF POLITICAL HARRASSMENT!

bet.com

Is tomorrow the day you receive the email, letter or phone call from your boss, Chief Executive Officer or owner directing you how to vote in the upcoming presidential election?  It just may be!  Sadly, it appears to be happening across the nation as Chief Executives and owners are sending emails to their employee groups warning them of a vote for President Obama. 

Warnings include higher gas prices, unprecedented regulation, runaway inflation, Obamacare and a host of other terrible, terrible things.  The most significant warning is that you could lose your job if the President is reelected.  I have read three of these emails sent to employee groups.  Each of the emails has been carefully crafted to create a sense of anxiety and fear within their respective employee base.  One has to wonder if the entire corporate marketing team was pulled off other marketing efforts to brainstorm the best approach to creating anxiety in their workforce.  Who knows?  Maybe it was an intern from the local university.

asg.com

Each email makes a point or disclaimer might be the better description to point out that every employee should vote for the candidate who best represents their views.  Somehow, that seems to soften the directive received from the guy who signs his name to your check every two weeks.  Obviously, it is not enough to show up every day, show up on time and put forth the work you are employed to do. 

The word is fear.  It works!  Create a level of fear, a feeling of anxiety and all of a sudden, people will fall in line so that they do not suffer the consequences.  If you vote this way, bad things will happen.  If you vote that way, you get to keep your job.  Arthur Allen, Chief Executive Officer of ASG Software Solutions, wrote to his employees, “If we fail as a nation to make the right choice on November 6^th, and we lose our independence as a company, I don’t want to hear any complaints regarding the fallout that will most likely come.” Ooooohhhhh.  The Boogie Man!

I am reminded when I read such statements of a man I worked for who owned his own business.  All he would do was talk about how tough it was for him.  It was always “woe is me.”  He worked hard, no question.  He’s the one who took the risk to be in business.  He’s the one who built the business.  However, he did not do it alone.  Everyone including the folks who worked for this man had their own burdens and responsibilities.  The only thing is, they hardly ever took the line, “woe is me.”  More often than not, they accepted their challenges with glad faces, saved their money and provided for their families.         

These types of tactics almost remind me of the ‘casting couch’.  How can you call it anything else?  Sleep with the boss or get fired.  Sleep with the boss or don’t get promoted.  Political harassment is alive and well just as voter suppression seems to be the order of the day with all the new voting identification restrictions across the nation. 

David Siegel, Chief Executive Officer of Westgate Resorts, sent an email to his employee group warning of layoffs if President Obama is reelected.  “It’s quite simple.  If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, as our current President plans, I will have no choice but to reduce the size of this company.  Rather than grow this company I will be forced to cut back.  This means fewer jobs, less benefits and certainly less opportunity for everyone.” 

How can you argue with that?  The boss has spoken.  Climb aboard or see you.  First it was Citizens United and the opening of the floodgates to unlimited political financial contributions by corporations.  Now, let’s make sure we tell our employees how to vote.  America – land of liberty and freedom – you think?

"BUNCH OF STUFF"

rollingstone.com

My favorite line of the entire Vice-Presidential Debate was when Joe Biden uttered “that’s a bunch of stuff.”  Give Martha Raddatz credit for trying her best to follow-up with Mean Joe.  She must have been hoping that the Vice-President was going to say what he really meant when he said, “that’s a bunch of stuff.”  Martha didn’t get lucky but it did give Joe Biden the opportunity to zero in on the inconsistencies being put forth by Mitt Romney’s surrogate, Paul Ryan. 

It was a good debate and Martha Raddatz did a credible job moderating it.  She let them spar when appropriate.  Both candidates did their best to put forth their respective views pointing out their marked differences.  All in all, it was a positive for both parties and their candidates.  However, it was clear on Friday that all the post-debate talk was about Joe Biden.  Everyone was talking about his smiling, laughing and his overall body language throughout the debate.  They were also commenting on his stepping on Paul Ryan’s lines and interjecting his voice on top of both Ryan and Raddatz.

Joe Biden did what President Obama needed him to do.  He was Joe Biden, the seasoned veteran of  the Senate who minces few words and finds it difficult to sit still for any of the nonsense around him.  Everyone agreed that Joe Biden stopped the bleeding for the President.  For me, I believe Joe took it even one step further.  I believe he set the stage for the remainder of the campaign pointing succinctly to what it is that President Obama, the Vice-President and his most potent weapon, President Bill Clinton will be communicating to the voters of the undecided battleground states.    

Tax cuts, Medicare, Social Security and the 47 percent will dominate the discussion for the Democrats as they push toward Election Day.  If Obama can make a credible argument over the next three weeks about the difference between him and Romney on tax cuts, the election will be his.  I believe it is that simple.  He needs to stay on message and focus entirely on the middle class argument he has been making.  It is this argument that is effective and compelling and ultimately can win the election for him. 

Framing the tax cut issue with Paul Ryan’s Medicare proposals and the continuing conversation of privatizing Social Security are all winners for the President.  Throw in the 47 percent comments made by Mitt Romney and the small number of uncommitted middle class voters will fall the President’s way.  My guess is that President Obama will find a way to tie Romney back to the 47 percent comments.  I believe Romney said exactly what he meant to say and Obama needs to convince the American voter if Romney is elected, his administration will not consider the 47 percent.

I am still convinced that this election is President Obama’s to lose.  Polls always tighten as the election nears and it seems unlikely that one less than sterling debate performance could alter the outcome.  Nevertheless, I suspect we will see an engaged and committed President of the United States in this coming week’s debate.     

MY SILENCE IS OVER

politico.com

The last sixty or so days, I have been incredibly silent about our nation’s politics.  I have written no words to express my attitudes and feelings about this presidential election.  There has been plenty to write about but I was unable to engage and put my mind to work.  Thankfully, I awoke from my slumber just in time to communicate what little influence I might add to this conversation. 

I have missed plenty of opportunity to write of my concerns regarding these two candidates.  I have missed ample openings to dissect and evaluate the failings of each candidate and their campaigns.  Even today, I am tempted to dredge up many of these stories over the last two months and put my own spin to them.  Just thinking about it now makes me laugh to think of what golden opportunities there have been to punch holes in both of these men.

No, I am confident that each day going forward to that fateful day in November will be filled with opportunity for me to cast aspersions on Mitt Romney and accolades toward Barack Obama.  For now, I will resist going backward and choose to move forward with the conversation.  I will occasionally refer to the debate performance of our two candidates but will refrain from recapping a story that has been told and retold over and over again.  I will say however that I can’t and won’t leave Mitt Romney’s forty-seven percent comment alone like President Obama during the first debate.

Truth is - the forty-seven percent comment will pepper nearly everything I write for the next 26 days.  If the President’s team has any sense at all, they will continue to focus all of their attention on the forty-seven percent comment.  To me, it is what the election is all about.  This one comment by Mitt Romney tells the tale of this election.  It is fairly that simple to me. 

Tonight’s Vice-Presidential debate will be fun to watch.  Everyone is expecting Joe Biden to be the bulldog and to hammer away at Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney.  No question that Biden won’t hold his tongue like the President did.  No question that Biden will step in it somewhere during the debate performance.   Certainly, the Republicans hope for this but many of us who support the Vice-President and his counterpart hope for the same.  We want Joe Biden to be Joe Biden.  We want the guy who said to the President, “this is a big (expletive) deal.”

Joe Biden is the heart of the middle class.  He is a champion of the people.  He is one of us.  President Barack Obama needs Joe to be Joe tonight reminding all of us that he is a real genuine American middle-class man.  A fighter and a survivor-just the kind of man we would want in the trenches with us.  A guy who understands what life is like for those of us working nine to five, raising a family and trying to make sense of it all.  That’s Joe.  He gets it.  Frankly, Joe is probably the only one of the four candidates who truly knows what it’s like for the rest of us. 

Count on Joe not to dismiss the forty-seven percent comment.  Count on Joe to drive it home all night long.  He’s one of the forty-seven percent that Mitt Romney spoke of and Joe Biden is proud to be.  Joe’s success tonight may or may not capture the pundit’s attention or praise.  One sure bet is he will speak to the hearts and minds of the Democratic Party faithful.  Joe’s success will come on Friday and throughout the weekend when our Democratic checkbooks are opened and checks written, credit card numbers punched in.  The base will get the message and the dollars will roll in. 

My oldest son commented to me last night that he would give up a World Series win by the Cincinnati Reds, a National Championship by The Ohio State Buckeyes for a Barack Obama victory in November.  Here’s hoping he doesn’t have to give either.  The silence is over.  I’m back and ready to rumble.      

"I Hope You Still Believe In Me."

swampland.time.com

"I believe in you.  I hope you still believe in me" , said President Barack Obama to the crowd gathered at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel for a fundraising reception Tuesday Night. 

I am able to answer that question with an emphatic "Yes, Mr. President, I still believe in you."  This is a tough week for you.  I know you have had a bunch of them over the last three years.  This week though has to be one of the most difficult given the decisions coming forth from the Supreme Court.  Although the Arizona immigration ruling wasn't a complete victory, it was still an important and solid victory for you.  I am hopeful that Thursday's ruling will be a favorable one too. 

These last few hours I have reflected on what you must be thinking this week prior to the Court's ruling on the healthcare bill.  Landmark legislation that will forever be linked to your presidency.  I know you have prayed that the Justices will uphold the law.  I also know that you are less concerned about your legacy with the legislation as you are wanting the American people to have health insurance.  Please remember that every President who has occupied the White House since FDR has wanted to pass a healthcare program.  They failed where you succeeded. 

tnr.com

I know that there are millions of Americans who are uncertain about the healthcare act.  The opponents of the legislation have been successful in distorting much of what the law provides and doesn't provide.  The national conversation has been interpreted in such a fashion as to confuse most Americans.  Millions of dollars have been spent trying to sway people and their opinion of the law. 

dailymail.co.uk

Whatever decision the Court makes on Thursday, I for one, believe in you and your leadership.  These difficult times have required enormous leadership and you have delivered time and time again.  I haven't agreed with all your policies or programs but I have believed in your leadership for our nation.  Times have been difficult for me during your tenure in the White House but your voice and belief in me and my fellow Americans has been uplifting.  You have worked the problems of our nation with very little cooperative effort from Congress.

You have tried to be bi-partisan and I believe most reasonable people acknowledge that.  You have accomplished a great deal during your years and I am confident that more achievements and success for our nation is sure to come when you are reelected in November.  You will be reelected.  Not everybody agrees with your handling of issues but you have led our nation effectively.   

I stand by you and with you no matter what the Justices rule on Thursday.  As you do, I am hopeful that the Court will take a step forward, not backward with their ruling.  Everyone knows that the law is not a perfect one but it is a good beginning.  The same goes for our economy.  It is happening very slowly but it is happening.  The economy is growing and jobs are returning.  Not nearly as fast as anyone would like but forward progress is being made.  You need to stay the course and continue to fine-tune the details and lead the debate.

I am glad that you still believe in me.  That's important to me.  It makes a difference for me.  Just know that I believe in you.  So do a bunch of your fellow citizens.  I'll be watching for the ruling.  I'm feeling pretty good about it right now.  I hope you are too. 

Romney and The Evil Barack Obama

shakesville.com

Reading yesterday's comments, spin and review of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Arizona immigration law, I was reminded by Mitt Romney how everything wrong in my life and yours can be attributed to President Barack Obama.  I had taken the day off  yesterday and was spending a good portion of the day catching up on my reading.  Time, Newsweek, USA Today and of course, my local newspaper, The Sun News.  Every page I turned found a new article with Mitt Romney weighing in on how the Evil Barack Obama has screwed that up too. 

It was quite a relief to finally figure out who I should blame for my shortcomings as well as anything else that goes wrong in my life.  It is like this huge burden has been lifted from my shoulders.  All of a sudden, my being single and divorced makes all the sense in the world.  It was the Evil Barack Obama.  All this time I thought it was I who had the affair 16 years ago. 

opinion.latimes.com

I had wrongfully assumed that personal responsibility was the mantle of the Republican Party.  I have since learned that I can just blame it on the Evil Barack Obama.  This morning as I contemplate responding to several guests regarding the deficiencies in their rooms, I'm thinking that maybe I can pull out the Evil Barack Obama card.  How sweet that will be.  "Yes, Mr. Miller.  I'm so sorry that you have no hot water but I can assure you that this was the work of the Evil Barack Obama." 

Underemployed.  Blame Barack.  Not employed.  Has to be Barack's doing.  Unhappy.  Look no farther than to our President of the United States.  This is fun!  I actually feel much better already knowing that I have someone else to point the finger at.  It takes some of the pressure off. 

fitsnews.com

I acknowledge that I am being silly with my concept of the Evil Barack Obama.  However, it's not all that far-fetched.  People do blame the President for their lot in life.  Always have and always will.  I have an employee that continually finds reasons, excuses for something not being done appropriately or on-time.  She loves to blame it or point the finger at someone else for her own failings.  Americans have long blamed the President for anything and everything.  No matter whether it is a Republican or Democrat.  Presidents take the hit. 

My real issue with Mitt Romney on this is that he criticizes the President all the time for anything he does.  You ask Mitt Romney a question and his response always points the finger or places the blame on failed policies of Barack Obama.  Hardly ever does he really respond to the question.  He just immediately spins it toward something the President hasn't done or did that affects whatever the issue at hand is.  Seldom does he answer the question with what policy or plan he would put in place to deal with whatever the issue is. 

politic365.com

His blame game will not work in the end.  At some point, he will find himself having to respond with meaningful answers and not just more of the same.  Let's start hearing about your plans Mitt rather than what the President has done that you don't agree with.  We know you don't agree with President Barack Obama on anything.  That's fine.  How about telling us about you and what you stand for.  Just like that staff member I have.  It is far easier to find fault and place blame on someone else than stepping up and getting it done. 

Supreme Court Will Uphold Affordable Healthcare Act - Maybe!

potusnews.net

Monday's ruling on Arizona's immigration law may just tell the tale of what the Supreme Court has decided regarding the Affordable Healthcare Act, Obamacare.  Maybe!

The Supreme Court ruled with the federal government in the Arizona immigration law indicating that the State of Arizona went too far with their law.  The Court's opinion made it clear that the states have some say but ultimately, federal authority rules the day with immigration laws.  Federal authority is also a central issue in the Affordable Healthcare Act.  Both Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Anthony Kennedy voted to strike down much of the Arizona law. 

nytimes.com

Is it possible that both Roberts and Kennedy will vote to uphold the Affordable Healthcare Act?  It looks like more of a possibility given their vote on the immigration law.  Then you have the Court's continuing majority believing that each branch of government should be respected even when state laws have been enacted. 

The predominant similarity between the immigration law of Arizona and the Affordable Healthcare bill is federal authority.  The argument is slightly different of course but nevertheless, the overriding issue is the federal government's role.  Although the healthcare act now bears President Obama's name, one must remember that this law was hammered out and passed by Congress.  Ruling against Congress is not something the Supreme Court does frequently

It now seems unlikely that the Supreme Court will toss out the bill entirely.  The federally mandated everyone must buy insurance is the tricky piece and the one most suspect by those who believe the bill is unconstitutional.  The fact that both Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Kennedy both voted with the federal government on immigration gives those in favor of the law being sustained some hope. 

One must believe the justices who voted on the right and the left will maintain their stance with this healthcare act.  The moderate and more liberal justices only need one additional vote to uphold the law.  Although it is impossible to predict the Court's decision, this recent action must be promising for the Obama Administration and Democrats who favor the act.  It seems pretty clear that the vote will be a 5-4 vote.  Will it be Chief Justice Roberts or Justice Kennedy who tips the decision.

Either way, it is high drama for both political parties.  What if Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Anthony Kennedy both side with upholding the law?  A 6-3 vote would be considered a slam dunk shocking members of both political parties.  Both Republicans, Democrats, their leadership and the Administration already have their news releases and statements to the news media prepped and ready to go.  Most certainly, key members on both sides stand ready to speak and put their spin on the Court's decision. 

You can count on President Obama having his speeches ready to go.  Mitt Romney too.  It will  come down to which folder to pull out the right speech.  It is unlikely that public opinion swayed the Court's decision.  The majority of Americans are against the bill.  Most of the law's provisions haven't even kicked in yet which hurts it's stature in public awareness and understanding. 

The Court's decision will be unveiled on Thursday.  For most political junkies, Thursday's arrival can't come soon enough.     

Immigration Heats Up - Obama Takes Offensive!

inthesetimes.com

Many have accused President Obama of making immigration a hot issue for the Presidential election in November by choosing to enact a presidential order providing some protection for young illegal immigrants for at least the next two years.  Some Republicans criticized him for usurping congressional authority by using executive action.  Other Republicans criticize him for playing politics with such an important issue as immigration.  Some have gone as far as to say that the President is pandering to the Latino vote.



news.feetintwoworlds.org

There is no doubt that President Obama needs the Latino vote to be successful in his bid to be reelected.  The President has chosen to go on the offensive with immigration as he knows it is a winning issue for him.  President Obama’s order provides some level of protection for young people who arrived in the United States through no fault of their own.  Not of their own choosing even.  These young people arrived with their parents or family at an early age with no understanding of their legal status.  For most of these young people, the United States is the only home they know. 

They attend school, go to church, have jobs, pay taxes and like every other American, try and live a productive life.  The provisions contained within the executive order are very similar to what has been proposed in the Dream Act. Congress has had the Dream Act in front of them for years and has continually pushed it to the side.  Their failure to act has led to great uncertainty and anxiety for these young people who live under the threat of deportation each and every day. 

Many of these children grow up thinking they are Americans as their parents have chosen not to tell them of their illegal status.  Who can blame the parents for not wanting to burden their children with such anxiety and fear.  Sure, someone broke the law at some point in coming to this nation without authority or staying beyond their allowance.  However, to punish  and abandon these young people who contribute so much to our nation is wrong.

I applaud the President’s action and only hope that it leads to greater debate and ultimately new legislation that acknowledges and embraces these young people as our fellow Americans.  Mitt Romney has repeatedly said that he would veto any type of Dream Act legislation.  Romney has of yet to indicate whether he would overturn President Obama’s executive order.  He will have to respond to that very question as it will be continually asked until he informs the Latino community what his plans are. 

Will The Supreme Court Decide Another Election?



elcivics.com

The voting public remembers well the Bush-Gore election of 2000.    Especially the Democratic Party.  The Supreme Court happened to get involved in that election and for some, decided who won the Presidency.  All sins are forgiven of course and we enjoyed eight years of President George W. Bush.  As we approach November and the Presidential election between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, one wonders if the Supreme Court will once again influence the outcome of the election.

Sometime in the next two weeks, the Supreme Court of the United States will rule on the Affordable Healthcare Act.  Most pundits and legislative leaders believe that the Supreme Court will rule the legislation unconstitutional.  They may choose just to overturn the mandated coverage but they may also rule to overturn the entire piece of legislation.  Many constitutional scholars believe the court will rule in favor of the legislation.  Everyone on both sides of the issue await the Supreme Court decision with great anxiety. 

zimbio.com

For the Republican Party, a favorable ruling by the Supreme Court will be seen as a huge victory over the President and likely a positive election result in November.  For the Democratic Party, an overturn of the Affordable Healthcare Act holds an entirely different meaning.  There is no question that an unfavorable ruling for the Democrats by the Supreme Court would be seen as a significant loss.  However, it would provide an impetus that the Democrats need for November.

An overturned Affordable Healthcare Act would embolden the Democratic Party, specifically the base.  There has not been a piece of legislation as important as health care to the Democrats for a very long time.  Losing it because the Supreme Court overturns it will be a call to action for the Democratic Party.  Failure on such a grand scale, similar to the election of 2000, provides greater impetus than any other action that could take place. 

The Supreme Court is largely divided as the nation and our legislative bodies.  Presidents appoint the justices and not having President Obama in office provides the opportunity for additional conservative justices to be appointed.  Nothing scares the Democratic base more than that thought alone.  If and when the Supreme Court overturns the Affordable Healthcare Act, look for the Democratic Party to get energized in a big way.

The Supreme Court may be thinking they are just ruling on the constitutionality of a piece of legislation.  They may indeed be helping decide another Presidential election.  The time draws near for a decision.      



Obama's Preemptive Choice On Immigration-So Be It!

fairimmigration.org

Republicans have slammed President Obama for his recent policy change regarding the deportation of young illegal immigrants.  Mitt Romney has made it clear that he believes the President’s move is for political purposes only.  So be it.  Immigration reform is long overdue and if it took the President to preemptively change policy usurping Congressional authority, so be it.  Romney and his Republican Party complain that the President’s timing is all about gaining the Latino vote come November.  Romney continues to put forth that the President has had over three years to deal with immigration reform and has chosen to make this policy shift prior to November’s election.

One gets Romney and the Republican Party being upset about the policy shift.  The Latino voting bloc across the nation is critical and carrying the Latino vote by a significant margin may be the difference come Election Day.  President Obama has made the Dream Act a priority from day one of his presidency.  He gave Congress over three years to deal with the legislation and they have failed to act and craft long-term immigration reform.  So he changed the Administration’s priority and made it clear that he will no longer deport young illegal immigrants.  Will it help his reelection?  You betcha. 



salon.com



The new policy states that people younger than 30 who came to the United States before the age of 16, pose no criminal or security threat to the United States, and were successful students or served in the military can get a two-year deferral  deportation.  This language is nearly identical to much of what is contained in the Dream Act.  It’s a good plan and deals with illegal immigrants in a fair and compassionate fashion while protecting the security interests of our nation.  The policy change also allows those meeting the requirements to apply for work permits.  Participants must be in the United States now and be able to prove that they have been living in the country continuously for at least five years. 

President Obama’s administration deported nearly 400,000 illegal immigrants during the calendar year of 2011.  This is a significantly higher number of deportations than we have seen in years. The policy change implemented by the President will affect nearly one million people.  The change will allow the Administration to change focus slightly to target resources at those illegals posing a greater threat such as criminals and those trying to enter the country now. 

Congress has refused to work with President Obama in nearly every fashion regarding the issues of our day.  Not all the blame falls on Congress but given the track record of legislative accomplishment, it is crystal clear that the President has been more willing to find compromise with the Republicans than they with him.  The attitude of wanting the President to fail has been the Republican mantra.  President Obama made it very clear over a year ago that he would do what he could independently of Congress should they fail to work with him through negotiation and compromise.  So be it. 

Two-thirds of the people in the nation support this policy change on immigration.  Romney has not said he will overturn this Executive Order should he win the Presidency.  He has long said that he would pretty much overturn everything that President Obama has put in place.  Romney knows that the policy is a good short-term fix and is just disappointed that the President put in place prior to the election shoring up his support within the Latino community.  

Can The Justice Department Convict Anyone?



people.com



Today’s news that Roger Clemons was exonerated on all six counts levied against him by the United States, I have to wonder if the Justice Department can ever convict a high-profile case.  Just a week ago, John Edwards was found not guilty of the charges against him.  Thomas Drake of the National Security Agency and Ted Stevens, the Alaskan Senator both walked away without accountability. 

I believe as all Americans believe that every accused citizen of a crime is entitled to their day in court.  This is the American way and such rights are guaranteed under our constitution.  I would not have it any other way nor do I feel that there are exceptions to the rule.  The frustration with the Justice Department is their failure to properly prosecute each of these cases.   Laws were clearly violated.

I am happy that the law affords every opportunity for an individual to plead their case and that the substance of proof is always with the prosecution.  However, it seems that our Justice Department’s batting average is failing when it comes to these high profile cases.  There does seem to be a correlation between those who can afford to hire the best representation in the court room.  We really don’t seem to see this same occurrence with non-high profile cases.  The average American who commits a crime generally goes to jail. 



manolith.com



Remember the Dream Team that represented OJ Simpson.  That seems to be the beginning of where the defendant armed with the best legal representation started to be successful in beating the government.  All of these high profile cases involved lots of money and the best legal representation that money could buy.  Having money seems to help imbalance one’s chances in the court room. 

Even less egregious crimes such as driving under the influence and other similar non-violent crimes seem to be all about money.  Those of us who can afford an attorney and pay some fines can watch such charges disappear.  No question the court is over-burdened with these types of cases but still, having money and being able to use it to your advantage always affords you a favorable outcome. 

The government has spent millions of dollars to prosecute these high-profile cases.  An unfavorable outcome is always a waste of our nation’s resources.  My writing does not suggest we forego pursuing those who perpetrate crimes but rather that our Justice Department do a much better job of securing guilty verdicts.  Watching the likes of John Edwards, Roger Clemons and Ted Stevens walk away free from accountability leaves a bitter taste in one’s mouth.  Fortunately, I am not sure any of these men will be able to live out their lives in the fashion that they could have had they not fallen prey to their transgressions. 

Justice does come in all types of fashion and form.