Washington DC Should Telecommute

I've looked at the ridiculousness in Washington DC for a long time and wondered how you could get our elected leaders to act like leaders.  I think I've come up with a solution.

Looking back at the Founders of our nation, none of them wanted to spend the majority of their time in DC.  They had lives outside the Beltway and other than the President spent most their time at home.  They had founding principles that they fiercely protected and their constituents had access to them - not just staffers and email.  Their constituents made sure they remembered who they represent.

Fast forward to today . . . we have the ability now to have secure communications from anywhere in the world.  Votes and debates could be done from state offices.  Travel to DC could be minimized to special meetings involving National Security, State of the Union, and a few other functions that would be advantageous to handle in person.  Best of all, the members of the State they represent would have real access to their elected officials.

Costs to our Representatives and Senators would be greatly reduced.  Instead of having a second residence in one of the most expensive cities in the world, we could have a Really Nice hotel they stay in when in town.  Maybe it could be set up like a Residence Inn so they could just buy groceries and eat in. 

The lobbyists wouldn't like this much.  They would either have to teleconference with elected officials or travel a lot because our Representatives and Senators would be in their states rather than one cut off city.  Security would be easier because the officials would not be all in one place.

Keeping our elected officials connected to real people instead of a bunch of self serving politicians would help keep corruption down because they would truly be accountable to the people who vote for them all year - not just at election time.

Just a thought.

Helter Skelter - the 2015 Version

It's interesting that this summer we are seeing so much upheaval that many want to compare our times to the 60's.  We have programs like Aquarius that look at the time of Charlie Manson, we have protests against the police, we have legalization of Marijuana in some states but the truth is we are not in the 60's.

Looking back at the racial tensions of the 60's and the Viet Nam protests, today's protesters appear to me to be nothing more than spoiled brats.  The movement against racism in the 60's was against segregation, poll taxes, and other practices designed to preserve the status quo.  There were peaceful movements like MLK's group but there were also more militant groups like the Weathermen and Black Panthers that used violence to get their point across.  History has embraced MLK and in truth peaceful disobedience changed more than all the bombs and riots caused in those days.  The Viet Nam protest give me mixed feelings.  First I will fight for their right to peacefully protest but I am embarrassed by my generation spitting on the soldiers.  They were following orders from the government.  They did not volunteer - they were drafted.  The veterans from that "police action" - really a war, should have been treated with honor.  It was truly reprehensible how we treated these young men when they came home.

Many have tried to compare Iraq to Viet Nam but for me it's insulting.  First off, the number of casualties we have suffered during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined is equal to the loses we suffered in mere days during Viet Nam.  Today mission creep is starting in Iraq and it could be compared to the beginning days of Viet Nam but we didn't have a President that was afraid to engage the enemy at that time.  In addition, the complaint about leaving forces behind in Iraq was just stupid.  We still have troops in Korea to keep the North out.  It seems to me that if we were going to remove troops that should be the first place since those troops have been there the longest, however stupid that would be.

The Manson Murders were supposedly to start a race war which Manson called Helter Skelter.  Manson believed he could start a race war and he and his "family" could survive the onslaught and become the golden few that were left.  I have to think that Manson might be enjoying all the ridiculousness and thinking I told you so if he gets to watch the news.  Get this straight, I think that Manson is a pathological psychopath that deserves to rot in prison.  His goal was really self glorification; however, seeing Ferguson and the "Pool Party" in Texas, the rioting in Baltimore has to make him think his vision is coming true.  I can't see what benefit these protests are trying to get - and I really don't get when protesters riot and loot in their own neighborhoods  It's incomprehensible to me.

The mainstream media has vilified our law enforcement to the point where it can no longer do it's job.  Our elected officials are playing into that at their own peril.  The President should be ashamed getting involved in local issues - especially without all the facts.  Meanwhile discipline in any form appears to be abuse.  No one should have to pay the consequences for their behavior - especially if they're African-American.  I find this highly offensive.  The message shouts, "it's okay, you can't help it!  You have no education, self-discipline, hope.  We will take care of you and you can act like an abhorrent two year-old.  It's not your fault that you have these temper tantrums.  It's not your fault you can't follow the law or treat others with respect."  HOW DISGUSTING!

Parents are now getting letters about the school lunches they send with their children and yet school lunches have gotten so disgusting the crap we were served as kids actually looks good now.  If parents dare to question curriculum they are called uneducated, zealots, racist, or all three.  Home schoolers  are looked at as zealots because they want their children in an environment that champions learning not memorization of ridiculous principles that have no historical basis of success.  Socialism/Communism has failed in every country that has tried it.  Corrupt government officials get rich and fat off the labors of a few while the rest starve.  Income equality in socialism only exists on paper - it has NEVER worked in the past.  Think of it - Stalin, the Castros, "Little Kim" and Putin all live in palaces while the rest live in servitude.

Now we have two classes of people those who believe in our laws and Constitution and those who think they are above the law.  The second group seems to think it need not listen to those in authority, looting and violence is acceptable, that anyone that disagrees with them can be vilified into silence.  We are seeing shades of the holocaust with beheadings of anyone that does not agree with the current despot.  Christians, moderate Muslims, and  Jews all seem to be at the top of that list.  Women regardless of color are at a dangerous, bloody turning point where disobedience is punished by death in any number of horrific ways.  We are allowing butchers to dress themselves in the cloak of leadership when they are nothing less than all that is evil in the world.  We have politicians, as well as President Obama, that find it expedient to pit American against American so that their own shortcomings as leaders are overlooked.

In the 60's the drug culture embraced LSD.  Tune in, turn on and drop out was all about dropping acid and checking out of the culture.  Marijuana was like smoking a cigarette back then.  Sex, love and rock 'n roll were anthems of the 1960's.  There was an innocence mixed with an undercurrent of cynicism that ran through the culture with a message that few actually followed.  Groups like the PLO and Black Panthers terrorized communities.  It's interesting that in the last Presidential elections the Black Panthers were there to make sure everyone voted (translated:  the right people voted.).   We have ignored our progress and are reverting back to the early days of the 60's - even though those days are long gone.

Yes the world is imploding.   Yes stupidity seems to have the upper hand right now.  Yes we can ignore what history taught us and drop out much more effectively than in the 60's if we want to.  Yest evil can win yet again . . .Yes there is hope if we as individuals stand up and say enough is enough.  Yes there is hope if we as individuals demand real solutions, honesty, and adherence to the principles that made us great. However, for now it appears that we need to sink much deeper before we as a people have the courage to stand up and say, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!" Then we may finally take control of our lives and move forward to become great once again.

I Am American - Not Racist

I am sharing a link to an article that shows how Europe behaves toward anti-Semites.  It is shameful:

What Happened Before Broadcast

This is the face of racism.  I am tired of Americans being called racist.  I know that if I saw this happening to ANYONE I would step forward with my cell phone and say I'm calling the police and they would scatter like the cockroaches they are.  In Paris apparently the racists don't even fear the authorities so what help is there?

I know that some racism exists in the US but it is not the rule.  We welcome all faiths and nationalities here.  We are a nation of immigrants and if you're like me you have so many nationalities you cannot use a hyphen to describe yourself cuz you'd still be waiting for me to get to the point.  In other words, I'm what my family lovingly describes as Heinz 57 - a little bit of everything.

I will tell you something that happened when we lived outside Tacoma one Christmas.  We had taken my 4 year old daughter to get her picture taken with Santa at the Mall.  She knew we were going to see Santa so she was EXCITED.  When we got there, we didn't realize that the Santa was African-American but he had the right suit so who cares?  The photographer said the "White" would be on duty in 2 hours if we wanted to come back.  We told him no, our daughter knew this was Santa and we were going to get the picture now.  When my husband's mother and step-father saw the photo they started talking CRAP about how Elizabeth should be taken away from us.  We talked it over on what to do and told his family - if we EVER heard anything remotely like that again that would be the last time they ever saw our daughter.

We raised our daughter to look at the person not the race.  We celebrated the fact that my sister is Catholic, my mother - Methodist, my cousins- Mormon, and her parents - vagabonds with a profound faith in God.  My husband's family actually traces their lineage back to Russian Jew.  My sister married an African-American Jehovah Witness.  My Husband's father was afraid of religion because of the beatings he took from his puritanical mother - who I am happy to say I NEVER met.  The man was traumatized his whole life from a stupid, small-minded zealot.  

We have know wonderful people of all colors and faiths.  We find that character is in such short supply that where you find it you should treasure it.  My husband went to a Mexican restaurant run by Asians in West Seattle with an African-American friend.  They could not get seated so we NEVER ate in that restaurant again and my husband made sure he told the owner why he was offended (they only had one table of customers so they were not busy) and we spread the word to all our friends and family as well.  The restaurant doesn't exist anymore.

I am a white American.  I am not Racist because I'm white.  I guess I could say that I am European-American - but wait - my mom suspects we may have some Native American blood as well due to some history of ancestors that were French trappers for the Hudson Bay Co.  We never owned slaves but we did have some relative that were indentured servants (worked through their lives as basically a slave) to pay the debt owed so their children could live free in America.  I will continue to say I am American.  I don't need a hyphen.  I am proud of what this Country stands for - all of it.

Enough is Enough - Who wants a 12 cent increase in Federal Gas Tax?

Here we go again.  We finally get some relief - not from our Government - but from the world oil prices diving.  Thank God!  Now our GOP leaders are talking about increasing the Federal Gas Tax by 12 cents per gallon.  No more support for ANYONE that thinks that once we finally start to turn the corner and allow goods and services to decrease in price is time to increase ANY TAX.  Good grief!  The average American has actually seen a decrease in wages and these idiots in Washington DC seem to think they can get blood from a turnip.  NO MORE.

If Idaho's Representation votes against this type of increase I will support them, but if they support it I'm shopping for a good strong alternative.  Someone that's strong on the following:

1. Decrease spending and decrease taxes - especially Corporate Income Tax to a competitive rate with the rest of the world.
2. Get rid of any organization that regulates without direct oversight from the voters.  Examples - a good start would be the EPA.
3. Return control of education to the States and get rid of the Department of Education.
4. Promote and support small business and job creation.
5. Uphold our Constitution and existing laws - no picking an choosing.
6. STRONG defense.  Support and respect all our armed forces.
7. STRONG immigration reform which understands that illegal immigration is just a euphemism for slavery since illegals have no way to protect themselves against mistreatment of any kind.
8. Support private efforts to provide services to their communities - they do a better job in most cases.
9. Return choice in our lives.  This includes lifestyle and medical.  Governments are at best amoral and at worst immoral so they need to stop with telling us what is moral - they don't know.
10. EVERYONE in Washington gets the same deal as the citizens of the United States in medical, pension, and law enforcement.  If it's illegal for the citizens, it's illegal for all our representatives from the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches.    

Our Constitution says WE THE PEOPLE, not some of the people, not those with money, not those with power, but EVERYONE lives under the same set of laws.  It's time we let the Emperor know he has no clothes.  It's time we let our elected officials as ALL LEVELS know we're done.  They work for us and we're ready to let them know their job performance sucks.

Why I'll Vote for Ken Andrus

I met Ken when he first ran for the legislature and have since gotten to know Colleen and him well.  I've seen that Ken has convictions and lives by them.  He has a wicked sense of humor that more than once has caught me off guard.  The main reason I'll vote for him though is that he is thoughtful and does what he says he will.  I've found that's rare with today's political leaders so I don't think of Ken Andrus as a politician but as someone doing the best he can for the people of Bannock and now Power County.

Education

The first campaign Ken ran talked about the fact that our teachers were paid too poorly.  He realized we lost many good teachers to neighboring states and our children suffered for it.  With experience as a School Board member, he took the issues he knew about and became a voice for our education community, parents, and children.  Today he still works for better pay for our teachers, more local control of funds apportioned to the School Districts by the State, and the best education we can give our children. 

Ken has a large family who has gone through the Idaho educational system.  He sees where improvement is needed to help our families thrive.  An issue he is devoted to is removing the State strings that hamstring Districts into using funds in specific ways.  Ken believes that each District has unique needs that they should be allowed to address locally.  He supports merit pay but believes that an amount should be given to each District and apportioned by the District not by testing standards.  He knows many of our best teachers get the hardest students.  They're these students hope for the future and shouldn't be penalized for helping the most disadvantaged succeed.

Agriculture

Ken is a rancher.  Going out to the ranch I learned how he improved his land to maintain clean water and fertile ground.  He has worked both sheep and cattle concurrently.  He's a true horseman.  I've seen him working at sheering time handling both sheep and huge bales of wool.  It's truly a fascinating process.  Meanwhile Colleen is canning some of the best jams or fruits I have tasted.  They shared their ranch for a time with tourists that wanted to get the feel of a working ranch.  With all this experience Ken understands the importance of our State Agriculture.  Ag is the top export of our State.  It accounts for $1.4 billion coming into our State according to 2009 records.  That total has only gone up.  We not only produce potatoes - trout, barley, hops, winter wheat, peas . . . are just a few of the ag items Idaho produces. 

The importance of keeping agriculture strong is no secret to Ken.  He understands intimately the issues of water our State faces and the burdens of Federal regulation.  His commitment to help Idaho voice it's opposition to the current EPA proposed water regulations makes him a needed voice in our legislature.  Most Idahoans don't realize the EPA is trying to control our water from the smallest mud puddle to the oceans.  The EPA wants to control our water instead of our State Officials that are accountable to us.  This cannot happen.  This is just one example of the over-reach of the Federal Government that Ken has first hand knowledge of.

Economy

Ken knows a diverse economy is the best way to assure a stable future for Idaho.  As a businessman himself, he has seen the difficulties facing all industries today.  He knows that increased taxation and regulation have made it difficult for businesses to thrive, create new jobs, and advancements that cement our place in the new economy while helping our existing economy grow stronger.  An example of the merging is the use of drones to monitor the crops on farms and help the farmers decide where changes need to be made to use their resources more effectively. 

Ken also knows geothermal and nuclear energy constitute strong building blocks for Idaho.  The abundance of geothermal here in Idaho provides unique opportunities we should utilize.  Meanwhile, nuclear is mostly a Federal issue right now but our Legislature has to work with our Congressional delegation to help move our industry at INL forward.  Recent experiments showing promise in the use of fusion would alleviate the issue of waste.  Idaho should position itself to take advantage of this technology as it develops.

 Infrastructure

Idaho's economy will need improvements to our infrastructure.  Improvements to our highways, energy grid, and resources all need to continue if Idaho wants to attract new, advanced businesses to our communities.  Ken realizes that without good roads transportation cannot support industry.  Our advanced manufacturing and agriculture must have good quality roads to support our industries.   

Federal Control

I could go on for another page about Medicaid, Federal Lands, and Obamacare but it's really about Federal Control.  Ken told me that some states have expanded their Medicaid rolls in their communities, paid the bills, submitted the bills to the Federal Government only to be told that they were not in compliance and would not get reimbursed.  Idaho cannot afford to have the Feds deny payment on these types of bills and Ken also reminded me that these funds can be taken away with a change in policy at the Federal level.  It comes back to self reliance since we cannot count on Federal Funds always being available. 

After President Clinton left office a total of 60% of Idaho was tied up in Federal Lands.  Many have said that we would not be able to take care of these lands ourselves but if we had self-determination on these lands selective cutting and grazing could decrease the danger of severe fires.  Revenues from these lands would support our Idaho budget and the ability to fight fires.  Many do not realize that the Federal Government has all but eliminated the budget for fire prevention moving that money to fire fighting.  The problem with this approach is that in the West the number of huge fires has gotten so large that the Feds have run out of money for these services.  The planes that drop the fire retardant and water on these fires are old and need replacement - the Federal Government has done nothing to help with this.  They've shut down grazing and selective cutting to a large degree making our forests home to kindling that any bolt of lightening can ignite.  State control could greatly reduce or risks of catastrophic fires.

Ken stood his ground on the question of Insurance Exchanges for the State of Idaho.  He was part of the minority that saw another way the Federal Government was trying to control our lives and voted against it.  Even after a call from the Governor, Ken said no - that takes courage.

Closing Thoughts

So after my long winded reasoning on why Ken Andrus should be re-elected I hope I have convinced all of you to support him.  I hope you will vote for him and talk to friends and family about doing the same.  He is a representative that has courage and wisdom.  He has the life experience to see things that a lot of us miss.  He is part of the majority party in Idaho and has the respect of the leadership because he is a man of his word.  For those looking for someone they can trust - vote for Ken Andrus, he'll help us realize the potential Idaho has for us and our children.

If you want to see more about Ken Andrus visit his site at www.KenAndrus.com to see ratings by other organizations, his comments on issues, links to interviews and forums.

Erosion of Our Freedom

Today two reports outlined incredibly frightening proposed actions by President Obama that would bypass the Constitutional Provisions of Congressional Approval.  This is nothing short of acting like a dictator rather than a President.  Liberal groups are now attacking the First Amendment guaranteeing the Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech.  Now the Federal Government is monitoring Twitter Accounts in the “interest of seeing what the Public is interested in.” violating the First and Fourth Amendments.   All of this has to stop if we wish to remain free.

The first report from BreitBart.com outlined an order for work visas with a beginning order of 4 million cards and followed with an additional 9 million for 2016.  This amount of work visas would basically open the borders while giving amnesty to the illegal immigrants already here – all without a single vote from Congress.  The President says this move is due to the inaction by Congress; however, all the President needs to do is order Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to allow the stacks of legislation on his desk to come to the floor of the Senate for debate and votes.  In other words, look no further than the Democrat party for the cause of this constipation.  As we look at Ebola, we have started to understand what control of our borders means to the American people.  The sad thing in this is that other diseases directly related to illegal immigration have been ignored.  It was generally accepted that TB and Whooping Cough have been eradicated in the United States have re-emerged – largely from exposure to illegal aliens who have not been vetted for infectious diseases.  TB in particular has had a chilling effect since the strain is now antibiotic resistant.   Our porous southern border makes the risk of infectious disease outbreaks more than likely – in fact, we’ve already had some, just not Ebola.

The second report from the New York Times outlines a possible accord with Iran that wouldn’t ban nuclear weapons, just forestall their development.  In return, the sanctions against Iran would be lifted.  Although negotiations are continuing at this point, the White House has stated its intent to bypass Congress on this agreement.  The Executive Branch says it would be a short-term agreement and any agreement that would span a matter of years would, of course, involve Congress.  The fact is that the Constitution gives Congress the responsibility of ratifying Treaties and Accords.  Congress is supposed to review these agreements BEFORE they are in affect.  

Finally, as many of us already know, the Federal Government has basically been spying and at times persecuting us.  Reporters are threatened with jail if they don’t give their sources that have leaked information.   Clergy are now being issued subpoenas demanding private information shared with them by parishioners and forced to preform services counter to their religious beliefs.  Judge Napolitano stated that these types of actions have a chilling effect on Freedom of Speech.  Our Republic is based on the ability to speak freely, discuss ideas, and practice our religious beliefs without the fear of persecution.  We have traveled far from our rights as outlined in the Bill of Rights and it’s time to get back to our freedom. 

The President needs to stop acting like a dictator.  Congress needs to stop turning its back on the Constitution.  Americans need to demand that their Freedoms remain intact.  If we don’t we may cease to be the one of the greatest nations in the world.

Spineless Leadership is Costing America

The recent Ebola scare has made me realize I can't believe anything the Executive Branch of our Government says anymore.  I actually believe it's impossible for them to tell the truth to save their lives.  After recent events I don't know how anyone could have faith - especially in President Obama.

My concerns really start before his first term; however, in the interest in keeping this short I'll just stick with the last couple of years. 

Benghazi:  The President and Former Sec. of State Clinton both tried to tell the American people that the attack was caused by a video on You Tube instead of terrorists.  Leon Panetta's new book says that he informed the President that a terrorist attack was occurring at the Consulate - a fact he confirmed with Bill O'Reilly on the O'Reilly Factor on October 7, 2014. 

Yemen:  The President claimed victory in Yemen and two weeks later we had to abandon our Embassy there.   Non-essential personnel were airlifted out because of the danger.

Iraq:  Former Sec. of Defense Panetta informed the President that not leaving a presence of American military in Iraq would destabilize the region.  The President felt it was more important to withdraw troops so ignored Panetta's warning.

Syria:  President Obama tells Syria that if they use chemical weapons that would be crossing a "red line" and repercussions would follow.  Syria did use chemical weapons and there were no repercussions.   Now the Syrian Free Army is being overrun by ISIS and Assad. 

Air Campaign Against ISIS:  President Obama tells the American People that he has authorized an air campaign but will not put any "boots on the ground."  Yesterday the United States dropped 5 bombs in Syria - a normal air campaign would drop around 1,000 bombs in one day.  The Joint Chiefs informed the President on October 8 that the air campaign is not working.  They requested more airstrikes and "boots on the ground."  President Obama refuses and tells them to "stay the course."

Attorney General Eric Holder:  Has picked and chose what laws he would enforce.  In addition, the AG has taken states to court to prevent them enforcing the law since the Federal Government wouldn't.  Holder has made non-race related events into events that he claims involved racism - dividing the country.  Further, Holder has stymied investigations into Benghazi and the IRS by refusing to provide documentation.

Ebola:  President Obama tells the American Public that the Chances of having an Ebola outbreak in the United States was so low it was nothing to worry about.  Two weeks later the first patient with Ebola was turned away with meds - hospital employees thought he had a respiratory infection.   A few days later the patient had to be transported back to the hospital in Texas with full-blown symptoms of Ebola.  He is now dead and 50-100 people are in quarantine until we know they did not get the disease.

The list could go on from here but again, I want to save some space.  The point is how can we believe our Government on anything at this point?  I'm being told that Ebola is contained here in the US but with just the items listed above I wonder if I'm just being shined on.  In addition, the US has lost all credibility Internationally as well.  When POTUS walked back from his stance on Syria, he signaled to  groups like ISIS that he had no desire to engage them.  As a result ISIS has taken several cities is Syria and Iraq.  The Kurds, which have been the only force really fighting ISIS have been abandoned by the United States.  We have sent some aid and have done some bombing but it's not enough.  When ISIS defeats the Kurds there will be a genocide of the Kurdish people, Christians, and anyone that doesn't agree with ISIS.  What will the President say then?  Will he say that the Defense Department underestimated the strength of ISIS?  Will he take any responsibility for his decisions?  I doubt it.

Midterm elections are almost here.  I hope there is a turnover in the Senate.  I hope that if there is a turnover the GOP starts acting like statesmen and start rebuilding the faith I had in my Government.  Right now that the only hope I see - for all of us.

Instead of Workplace Violence Let's Call It Murder

Within the past week we've seen two cases of lone terrorists in Oklahoma.  The first actually was successful in beheading a co-worker and attempting to behead another.  The second has been arrested on terrorist activities after threatening a co-worker with beheading because she was Christian.  She told authorities that he stated he was a Muslim and follower of ISIS and that they kill Christians.  Both these instances show an insulting lack of trust in the American people, our service men and women, and those that have been attacked or killed by these individuals.

The press, our government, and law enforcement agencies evidently think the American people are too stupid to realize when terrorism occurs if they gloss over it with other words like workplace violence.  The attack at Fort Hood they called "workplace violence,"  even though it was clearly terrorism.  When the perpetrator screams radical Islamic statements and admits that he killed these people for the actions that killed Muslims in the Middle East it's not Workplace violence it's MURDER committed in the name of terrorism.  Stop trying to lie to us!  We're actually much more intelligent than that.

Calling acts of terrorism by any other name is an insult to all our service members that have put their lives on hold - risking those very lives to eliminate a threat overseas before it comes to our homeland.  Our military has put everything on the line for us and we need to show the respect to them by acknowledging that we have been pulled into a war - possibly a world war - and we have to be serious about it.  If we continue to fight in half measures, we have learned nothing from Viet Nam where so many of our precious service men lost their lives in a war they couldn't fight to win.  We should only enter wars when we are willing to do what it takes to win.  If from the outset we make it impossible to remove the threat we should stay home. 

Finally, calling these events anything other than murder insults the memory of all who have died at the hands of these butchers.  We disrespect their families and sacrifice when we call it by any other name.  Violence can include killing but it also can be a slap on the face or throwing something.  The word violence down plays the act.  It minimizes the horror of murder.  It discounts the value of the life lost.

We must stop this political correctness and call things what they are.  The butchers of ISIS, ISIL, IS or whatever are not honorable.  They are nothing more than thugs and murderers.  They gain power through the abuse of those around them, keeping anyone that would disagree in terror - thus the name terrorism.  So stop calling things by different names.  Call war what it is war.  Call murder what it is murder.  Call terrorism what it is and stop elevating it to a level of acceptability - it's not.

War on Women - Give Me a Break!

It's gotten ridiculous all these "wars!"  Does anyone else find it ironic that the Democrats can claim war on races, women, poverty, etc. and yet can't call what we're doing in Iraq and Syria a war on ISIS, ISIL, IS, Terrorism, Extremism, or whatever you want to call it?  In addition, using the measure of wages or professional positions to determine if women are treated fairly is crazy as well.  We have the right to equal opportunity.  The more we put labels on individuals or populations the less likely we are to ever achieve fairness. 

The Women's Movement (WM) has failed - not because they haven't achieved great things in the past but because they continue to characterize any woman that doesn't enter the workforce as a slave.  WM has no interest in celebrating the strength and diversity of women.  They emasculate men while forcing a philosophy of women not needing men.  In reality, humanity is a "pack animal;" otherwise we would not live in cities, towns, and communities.  We seek company with others that make us feel safe and valued.

The WM has become a tool for those that want to tear our society apart.  Declaring a war on women is one step in that.  Women feel guilty if they leave the workforce to raise their children.  When our society was rural children had access to both parents.  We worked in partnerships with neighbors and family.  The thought of working for a common goal today has almost disappeared.  Government has insidiously made itself the caretaker of everyone.  The same rhetoric that claims business owners are evil also strives to erase any differences within society.  Face it - they want clones.

I worked within the financial markets for about 20 years before going into business with my husband.  Arguably an old boys network, I never had issues of discrimination.  I grew up in a logging town where you were expected to take care of yourself and your own safety.  I was raised not to be a victim.  I think the reason why I never experienced some of the discrimination that many women complain of was I never presented myself as a victim.  I was well liked and many came to me directly for issues with accounts due to my dependability and work ethic.  When I chose to leave the firm for another smaller one, the national firm actually worked to meet the offer I was accepting.  I had proven my value.  I was the only one other than the Operations Manager that could fill any position in operations if needed.  I followed the first rule of having value - make yourself indispensable.  I never had the attitude that I was entitled to anything - I believed and still do that hard work opens doors.

We need to work in partnerships.  America is about choices.  We need to celebrate differences and find those that excel in areas we don't to fill in gaps.  We should celebrate family instead of tearing it apart.  We should stop creating wars where none exist and fight to win that ones that do.  Enough of the ridiculous finger pointing.  Enough of trying to make everyone fit into a nice little pigeon hole. Enough victim culture - we're strong and need to exert that strength in all its forms.  It's time for people to excel and find their true path.  It's time to celebrate excellence instead of mediocrity.  It's time to embrace the United States of America for what she was formed to be.  I thank God every day that I was born an American.  God Bless America and her citizens.

Why Republicans Lose Elections

As a registered Republican I am done.  The Idaho Republican Party is the least inclusive party in the country and I am angry.  I'm tired of giving chances.  I'm tired of making excuses and I'm tired of being loyal. I should temper my anger slightly by saying that the Bannock County Republicans really get the prize for whining and complaining.  I've actually heard members say when they lose an election, "welcome to the 49% club."  Give me a break.  Instead of acting like spoiled brats, maybe they should get out and find out WHY they lost. 

I've watched members and candidates alienate well connected party workers.  I've seen them make comments that ANYONE would be offended at.  The superior attitude of the current party makes it ripe for failure. I've seen new people actually ignored by those that should be welcoming them.  I've seen ideas shot down by established party members with superior attitudes.  They basically make those who would dare to suggest a new idea feel stupid.  If it's not their idea it's a bad idea.  Why would anyone stay loyal to the party?

I asked to be added to the list to be informed of meetings and gave my card to the Party Secretary.  I have not been notified of any.  I've been loyal to the party since I lived in Seattle.  I have NEVER seen such a closed group.  I have been involved in letter writing campaigns, walking for candidates, and poll watching.  I have stuffed envelopes.  I have made phone calls.  Not anymore.  I'm done. 
Like a dog that has been kicked one too many times - count me out.  If you can't count on my vote, I would say you can't count on anyone's.  I have voted time and again for Republicans and they've treated me like dirt.  On the other side, even though I disagree with the Democrat positions, they have always been respectful and welcoming to me.  As human beings I must say the Democrats seem to be better people. 

Currently my contacts are telling me that they have no idea who is running for office.  They feel the Republican Party is so busy fighting with each other - they don't care about the people they're supposed to serve.  That is called failure and if the GOP doesn't start getting out there, they will have a spectacular loss.

I have a daughter in the Navy who is probably going to end up on the front lines of the conflicts we're involved in Internationally so I will vote Republican for Federal offices since I want her to be supported to the fullest.  I still believe our country is the best in the world.  I want us to return to the vision that we are strong and honorable.  It will take a long time to repair our image but it's time to start now.

So here are my picks - the people I WILL vote for.  They are the ONLY candidates I have strong feelings for.  Call me disgruntled.  

At the State level I am more particular.  I have to say the ONLY two I am sure I will vote for is Lawrence Wasden.  As Attorney General he has done a tremendous job especially in the area of internet crime and protecting our children.  He is getting my vote.  Ken Andrus has always been forthright and has done his best for the people of our state so I'm voting for him also.  The rest - I'm shopping.

At the County level my picks are as follows:

Commissioner District 1:  Karl E Anderson - this commission has actually stood up to make sure the County is running correctly and I respect them for that.  Comm. Anderson has my vote.

County Clerk:  Dave Bowen - Mr. Bowen has always been an someone who listens to what others think.  I believe he will do what's best for the citizens of Bannock County.

County Assessor:  David Packer - his knowledge of how TIF and property taxes work is paramount to the success of our County. 

Well, that's it.  I will cast votes for 5 Republicans for State and Local offices.  I guess that means I'm no longer a Republican.  It's sad because if the GOP has lost my vote I have to think there are many that will no longer vote for the GOP either.

We Should All Be Concerned With Water

Recently the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) redefined the definition of water.  It extends from the ocean to the puddle in your back yard.  The EPA would have preeminent jurisdiction over wells, water rights, rivers . . . If you have water rights it would actually nullify them (if the EPA decides to). 

Of course many think this is alarmist and that the EPA needs to protect our water but what has it really done?  First the EPA is not a public entity - no one is voted in.  It is a quasi-governmental agency.  Next, the EPA tends to fine but not necessarily clean up any pollution.  Many corporations find it easier to pay the fine than clean the mess.  Additionally the EPA has prevented many companies from even getting permitted making it impossible for them to form and create jobs - which we supposedly want.  Finally, the EPA has made our energy crisis worse by preventing drilling for fossil fuels and not permitting a single nuclear plant, even though the technology today uses almost 100% of the radioactive material.  In short the EPA has become dominant in who gets to develop energy in our country. 

Now back to water . . .  With that back drop the EPA now wants to control all water.  State management would become subservient to the Federal Government.  We could see our State supply actually cost more for each of us or even get a minimum amount with the rest flowing to Washington and Oregon.  They could force us to breach dams which would decimate our electricity and again drive up costs.  Those who believe this couldn't happen need look no further than President Clinton when he claimed massive amounts of land in Idaho has public land.  The resulting loss of local control has reeked havoc on our land management - including more fires.

With control of all water comes absolute control of us as a people.  Think about who will decide what we have to water fields and actually drink.  The thought makes me think of the Herbert book, Dune.  The absolute control of water meant that everyone had to serve a terrible tyrant to survive.  The scarcity caused by callous policies made water the most precious commodity on the planet.  We're not far from that now.  Think about if the EPA could block access to wells on your property.  Think about being forced to drain the American Falls Reservoir.  Will it happen tomorrow?  No, but that means nothing in the future.  As specious regulations develop with little or no input from the citizens of this country, we make ourselves prone to sabotage from outside enemies and slaves to the Government.  The new religion of Environmentalism will cause us all to bow down to get a taste of water.

We need to fight for our local control now.  We have spent 30 years gaining enough information to make decisions on water rights and how to accommodate all users within our State.  Why would we want to forfeit our self determination to a Government that shows little concern for Idaho or what's best for the American People?  The time is now to say NO to the domination of the EPA and start the process of taking back our rights - as a State and a people.

From My Heart

I been having interesting conversations with several people in the last couple of weeks but today talking to my mom I came to a conclusion I want to share.

We have become a Nation that does things to feel good about ourselves.  We make it look like we're making decisions based on reason but as we educate ourselves, I find we're making totally emotion based decisions.  Here's a few areas I think prove my point . . .

1. Climate Change:  Of course our climate changes.  The earth has gone through tropical and ice ages several times.  We emotionally believe we're the cause of this but reason tells us that we're not that powerful.  Should we be conservators of our environment?  Absolutely.  Can we prevent the weather from changing?  You must be joking.  The fact is weather patterns change and our earth is still evolving.  Keeping our environment clean keeps humans, animals and plants healthy but it doesn't mean that the earth will not warm and cool.  Archeology has taught us that.
2. Guns Cause Gun Violence:  Sounds logical until you look at the Harvard International Study on Gun Violence and look at the last weekend.  Areas that are "gun free" have more gun violence.  The fact is, if you're planning on committing a crime with a gun you're not going to use legitimate dealers - you don't want to be traced.  On the other hand, if you can cause trouble at an armed campus or an unarmed one which would you choose?  I would choose the unarmed one because I think that I would want to cause as much carnage as possible before I was stopped.  Just saying . . .
3. Businesses are Corrupt Because They Are Profit Minded:  If you don't make a profit, how do you pay your workers.  The thing that made and makes America great is that anyone can build a business.  You can start with nothing and become whatever you want.  It's not supposed to be easy because we don't appreciate easy.  This premise is just plain stupid and those who really believe it should be rounded up and put in a commune somewhere (just not next to me.). 
4. Wars Should Never Be Fought:  There are things worth fighting for.  Do I want war?  No.  Do I want freedom?  Yes.  The types of battles range from words to blood and although they may be horrific the alternative would be worse.  Imagine the world if Hitler had not been fought.  War must be horrific - the day it becomes too sterile and removed from everyday life is the day of the beginning of the end.  War must be terrible - it prevents us from going to war unless truly needed.
5. Humans Are All Powerful:  Although this isn't said outright, the intent is there.  We can change the climate.  We cause all extinctions.  We do horrible things no other species do.  All these are total BS.  The fact is God balances us with Nature and every time we think we have conquered her we end up with a plague or earth quake, or tornado, hurricane, infestations, droughts, fires . . . We need to realize we're part of a whole and not the controlling party.

It's time we stop making emotional, uneducated decisions.  Feeling something is important.  It helps us know right from wrong; however, education on what is real allows us to make decisions that make a real difference.  Looking objectively at what has happened in the past, learning from it, and projecting the future are a must for any decision maker.  Knowing errors will be made but can also be overcome needs to be a habit, a necessity.

What's happening in the world today is a window to how stupid we have become.  We throw away our freedoms for security.  We believe in what we hear because it's what we WANT to hear.  We pat ourselves on the back for being good people.  WAKE UP! 

• Good people take responsibility.  Good people learn what works and use it.  
• Good people share and build from their own and others ideas for a better future.  
• Good people stand up for their beliefs knowing sometimes they may make mistakes.  
• Good people are accountable.

It's time to stand up for what's right.  Stop giving away our future and succumbing to the lure of easy answers - they're the drug that keeps us enslaved.  Stop treating any part of the population as different from another - it's nothing better than prejudice.  What you tell those people is that they're not good enough to make it on their own - the BIGGEST LIE of all.  Stop condoning through our inaction belief systems that allow some in a society to be battered, abused, enslaved. 

We must PARTICIPATE to make the world and our neighborhoods what they should be.  It's time to stand up - now, not tomorrow.

Happy 4th!

Today is the first 4th of July that we've had with our daughter away.  As she would say every year, "Happy Brittan Got Owned Day!"

Seriously, we appreciate all our Service People, both present and past, that have protected our freedoms since 1776.  I think about those first patriots signing a document that would sign their death warrants.  Some already had warrants against them for their efforts coming up to this day.  I wonder every year at this time how many of us would put our lives on the line?

The consequences of standing up for their beliefs meant losing land, family, fortunes.  They lived in hiding depending on others to keep their families safe.  Towns were burned for harboring the revolutionaries and their families.  One of the founders had a choice of signing a document disavowing the revolution to save his sons, who were held on a British prison ship, or knowing that his convictions cost both his sons their lives.  He chose his convictions.

So many of us live in fear of standing for anything today.  We have lost the respect of our children because we have mortgaged their future instead of doing what's right.  Hope in America still exists but it's dieing slowly.  Our children don't believe that many of the things we have achieved they have no hope of having.  Education is putting a burden of hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt on our sons and daughters, without any hope of using the trade they trained for.

So today, I take time to take stock of what I am doing with my life.  I thank my daughter, Elizabeth, for her service.  I renew my belief in what our Country really is.  I believe we are the shining light on the hill and we need to stop apologizing for it.  There's a reason people want to come to the United States of America and it's time we that were born here stop taking this great Country for granted.

May 20th State Primary Election Information

There are a lot of races with new names this primary season, so I got the links to the candidate websites so it's "easy" to compare the individuals.  I did not divide or state who was Republican or Democrat since some of these candidates will be on the November ballot.   If there is an incumbent for the office, that individual is listed first.  Some candidates had no website, probably because they have no primary opponent. I have also included a link to a good search engine which should allow you to search for the more regional races.

Remember, if we don't vote, we get the government we deserve!

The following are links to information important to Voters in the May 2oth primary:

Bannock County Election:  http://www.co.bannock.id.us/elections/index.htm
___________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES SENATOR

Information on US Senator Jim Risch:  http://www.senatorrisch.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

 Information on Jeremy T Anderson:  http://jer4idaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Information on Nels Mitchell:  http://www.nelsmitchellforidaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Information on William Bryk:  http://teapartycheer.com/bios/west/idaho/william-bryk-id-bio/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .
___________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

Information on US Representative Mike Simpson:  http://www.simpsonforcongress.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Bryan Smith's information:  https://bryansmithforcongress.com/issues/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Richard Stallings' information:  http://www.democracy.com/Richard-Stallings/issues.aspx
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .
________________________________________________________
GOVERNOR

Gov. CL (Butch) Otter information:  http://support.otter4idaho.com/http://support.otter4idaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Harley D Brown Information:  http://governorharley.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

 No website for Walt Bayes however many news accounts of the debate . . .

Russ Fulcher information:  http://russfulcher.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

No website for Terry Kerr 

 AJ Baluko Information:  http://www.ajforidaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .
______________________________________________________
LT. GOVERNOR

 Lt. Gov. Brad Little information:  http://bradlittleforidaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

 Jim Chmelik information:  http://www.chmelikforidaho.com/about-jim/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

 Bert Marley information:  http://www.bertmarley.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .
________________________________________________________
SECRETARY OF STATE

Lawrence E Denney information:  http://denneyforidaho.com
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Evan S Frasure information:  http://evanfrasure.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Phil McGrane information:  https://www.mcgraneforidaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

 Mitch Toryanski information:  http://toryanski4idaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

 Holli Woodings information:  http://www.woodingsforidaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .
 ________________________________________________________
STATE CONTROLER

Todd Hatfield information:  http://toddhatfield.com
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

 Brandon D Woolf information:  http://brandonwoolf.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .
 ________________________________________________________
STATE TREASURER

No website for Ron Crane, he is the incumbent, therefore, many sources on his record exist.

Deborah Silver information:  http://democracy.com/SilverforTreasurer/endorsements.aspx
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

W. Lane Startin information:  http://democracy.com/lanefortreasurer/default.aspx
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .
___________________________________________________________
ATTORNEY GENERAL
 
Lawrence Wasden information:  http://www.lawrencewasden.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

No website for CT Chris Troupis, please search for articles instead.

No website for Bruce S Bistline, please search for articles instead.
 ___________________________________________________________
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

Jana Jones information:  http://janajonesforidaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

John R. Eynon information:  http://eynonforeducation.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Andrew Grover information:  http://groverforidaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Randy Jensen information:  http://voterandyjensen.com/perspectives.html
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .

Sherri Ybarra information:  http://ybarraforidaho.com/
Biographical, supporters, issue positions . . .
___________________________________________________________________________
Links to all incumbents up for election:  http://votesmart.org/candidate/1679/butch-otter#.U3pDuSgaykd

TO GET INFORMATION ON REGIONAL RACES VISIT:  www.duckduckgo.com in the search enter the candidates name and office running for.  Example:  CL Butch Otter Candidate Idaho State Governor

Missing Girls Just a Symptom

The missing girls of Nigeria are a tragedy and hopefully miraculously the world will find them.  It's been more than three weeks so at the very least they have probably been terrorized or worse.  The real crime here really is that this is not unusual.  The outrage on this treatment shouldn't be a reaction to a specific event - it should be any time it happens any where it happens.

We, as part of the world community, get caught up in day to day issues and forget about those with no hope of nothing better.  They live everywhere.  They live in Nigeria, they live in slums, they live in the United States.  We look the other way when occasionally the hidden abused come to the surface.  We rail at slavery, yet it's never gone away.  Illegal immigration causes people to hide and not have the benefit of the laws we have in place to protect our citizens and visitors.  Lately, stories of rings of human traffickers lept to the top of our news outlets - yet this has happened for ages. Our dismay rings hollow as we scream that something must be done.

Any society that allows individuals to be demeaned and objectified should think carefully about its future.  Ostracizing groups of individuals as unimportant has a long lasting, negative impact that takes generations to correct.  Guilt does nothing only change has hope.

Admittedly, most of us don't have much power over world events, but think -- who did you over look today?  Who did you wish would simply fade away . . . Was it family?  Was it someone that doesn't share your views?  What could happen if we just took a moment to understand?  What if we tried to find a solution to problems we could all live with instead of fighting with the attitude of "my way or the highway?" 

I hope and pray the girls are found brought home to their families.  I also hope that we all realize that we have to start doing what we can to make sure this violence is unacceptable everywhere.  In our homes, our communities, our states, our countries -- everywhere.  What a different world we would have if we could just be kind.

Moving Forward.

With Elizabeth gone to Chicago and Tia (our golden retriever) passed away, I found myself missing the companionship of a dog.  I wanted a dog that would stay with me all the time, be able to be trained as a Therapy Dog so I could take him to the children's wards or other areas where dogs can really help.  I wanted to rescue a dog and at the same time I wanted the dog to rescue me-- to get me up and out.  After a failed attempt, we found Jake - now named Buddy because I kept fouling up the name.

Buddy is the most patient, quiet dog I have ever been around.  Our vet thinks he's about 2 years old and he is a Queensland Blue Healer.  He grooms himself like a cat would.  He's so quiet that several times I have gone looking for him only to find he was right behind me.  He also keeps excellent track of me.

Buddy has definitely forced me out of my comfort zone.  I know my neighbors much better than I used to - mostly because I have to go outside.  He checks the perimeter of our yard and has such acute hearing, nothing gets by him.  Our next door neighbor has just gotten an Australian Sheppard puppy so the two have become friends.  Meanwhile our cats have basically adopted him.  Vivi, our black tyrant, is still figuring out what to do with Buddy, but he also finds him fascinating and follows him in and out to see what he's up to.

After being around a Golden, I'm used to smart dogs, but Buddy is smart without the air-headness.  He has picked up on clicker training and just having the clicker gives me his total attention.  Seeing the world through his eyes will be an adventure and my effort to train myself so that Buddy can go everywhere with me will be something that will help me grow and prepare for my future.

So here is a new beginning, one that will include the adventures of Buddy and I as we explore the world around us.

Last Live Show at Vision 12

Last night was the last live show for Conversations for Inquiring Minds.  We made the decision due to the time segments available and an inability to get a slot that would allow better participation from our audience.

It opens new avenues for us since we can now focus on getting quality programming from throughout the community and not have to use a studio or be on air at a specific time.  We're excited for the changes that are coming for Conversations.

Many of you know that last year we spoke with many community leaders, but now we will go to them instead of them coming to us.  We will be going to sites like the Bannock Animal Medical Center, or the Pocatello Zoo, or events.  We plan focusing on things in our community that impact our lives.  The information we'll make available hopefully will add quality to the lives of our viewers.

As always, we want to hear from you!  If you have ideas on topics you want to know more about or part of an organization that needs to get more info out to the public, please contact us.  You can reach us at:

news@conversationsforinquiringminds.com
b.ponkow@conversationsforinquiringminds.com
208-705-0668

We appreciate all your support and watch for new programming on the site starting in March 2014!

Mike and Becky Ponkow