Numb.

Lately I’ve been numb to this war torn world. Lately I’ve been numb to this election and Lately, I’ve been numb to my surroundings.

In 2008 when I left the White House after Obama got elected…I was sick at my stomach, mad, and angry, that WE the PEOPLE had let our country, a country that was built on biblical foundations, a country that loves its military and a country that loves Red, White and Blue, allow it to completely  crumple.

With the greatest and closest election —I believe I will ever see is quickly approaching and with 48 hours to go we must get out the VOTE.

Here are the Facts:

·         Romney needs 270 Electoral Votes to WIN.

·         There are currently 7 tossup/battleground states

o   Colorado (9 Electoral Votes)

o   Iowa  (6 Electoral Votes)

o   Ohio (18 Electoral Votes)

o   Virginia (13 Electoral Votes)

o   North Carolina (15 Electoral Votes)

o   New Hampshire (4 Electoral Votes)

o   Florida (29 Electoral Votes)

·         If Romney could pull of Ohio, Florida and Virginia—we would have this in the bag.

·         Currently Obama is polling at +1% advantage.

All Statistics are via (Charlie CookPolitical Report)

If you are contemplating who you should vote for, use the Bible as your voting guide—it won’t lead you astray.

Hold on to what you believe in and PRAY like CRAZY for this country.

lucy

Is waterboarding torture?

Because September 11^th is approaching, and I am glued to the TV right now, with VPOTUS book release and all the interviews of POTUS, and what he did and what really happened on September 11th. I thought I would see if you guys believed waterboarding is torture? I’m just curious to know.

I am obviously very patriotic, but I do feel there is a difference. For instance, in China they do anything from Immersion in sewage, ripping out fingernails, sleep deprivation, cigarette burns to beatings with electric prods {even though it was outlawed in 1996}, in Iran or Iraq, they take it a step further to being hung upside-down, deprived of air, kicked, whipped, beaten, given electric shocks, and sodomized.

Now I’m not saying I support any of this, nor am I saying I’m against it, but I will say I think there is a fine line, as well as a huge difference between torture and waterboarding.

If there is information that United States needs to attain, because this information could be detrimental to the United States….. I really feel that they should utilize every avenue in order to accomplish this goal. These are just my opinions though… now I want to hear yours.

*Please take the poll located on the right top corner of this blog*

lucy

Entitlements

Entitlement: {1} the state or condition of being entitled; a right to benefit specified especially by law or contract. {2} a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group; also: funds supporting or distributed by such a program {3} believe that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges. {Merriam-Webster}

The only thing we are “Entitled” to are our rights and opinions.  It says nowhere in the constitution that we are “Entitled” to Tax Payers dollars. A lot of the reasons we are having this “debt limit debate” is because citizens of the United States, have this crazy mindset that they are “Entitled” to government money! NO!

Now before you Judge… Let me explain:  If you lost your job, because your company is downsizing, I do not mind helping you out for 3-5 months, in order for you to become stable, or find other employment…. But this is where I get {ticked} at the government. There are people on “Unemployment” who have been on “Unemployment” for over TWO {2} years because they make more money on unemployment then they would if they went to work at Starbucks/McDonalds.

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???

via: Google

No wonder the US is broke and can’t afford to pay its bills…. We’re paying everyone else’s! Obviously I am not ok with FREE HANDOUTS!

My parents raised me by this philosophy: “Pick yourself up by the bootstraps and work for what you have” not “hey I don’t want to work, so I’m going to be lazy and live off the Government.”

Don’t get me wrong I support some of these programs listed below, but I’m not ok with “USING/ENABLING/TAKING ADVANTAGE”

United States Government Entitlement Programs:

{via: US government accountability office}

529 or Coverdell
Home Mortgage Interest Deduction
Hope or Lifetime Learning Tax Credit
Student Loans
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit
Social Security--Retirement & Survivors
Pell Grants
Unemployment Insurance
Veterans Benefits
G.I. Bill
Medicare
Head Start
Social Security Disability
SSI--Supplemental Security Income
Medicaid
Welfare/Public Assistance
Government Subsidized Housing
Food Stamps

“ I think the best way of doing good to the poor, in not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. ~ Benjamin Franklin  1766.

lucy

Approval Rating

According to The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday {See it here} , showing that Twenty-three percent {23%} of the nation's voters strongly approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president.

Forty-four percent {44%} Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -21.Those numbers aren’t looking so great and by the looks of things they are continuing to decline. So with the approaching “Debt Ceiling Deadline” August 2^nd, why can’t they agree?

Well Obama: is concentrated on his upcoming election and is trying to base his decision for the debt ceiling off “What is going to win me another 4years”. Which I think he needs to focus on “What is going to help America” {obviously my own opinion.}

 {AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster}

Also from the {Washington Times} “Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he is working on a plan to raise the debt limit by $2.7 trillion, coupled with an equal reduction in projected future spending. In a concession to Republicans, he said that plan would not include tax increases, but that the new debt level would last through the 2012 elections.”

While Boehner: According to the Washington times {read it here} says:  House Speaker John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican, pitched his colleagues on a plan to raise the borrowing limit by about $1 trillion and match that with similar sized spending cuts — enough to last through the rest of the year, and leaving for later the heavy lifting on taxes and bigger spending items.

So my ultimate question is why would ANYBODY want “the new debt level lasting through the 2012 elections”? Would it not be more logical to fix the problem now, where we would not have to worry about it again in the future? No offence Men, but I think a room full of Women could do a much better job. Why? Because we don’t “Think about it” WE DO IT! And we do it with logical thinking and reasoning!

"The president believes that we must get this uncertainty in order, to help the American economy and help the American people," Daley said on NBC's "Meet the Press." {Read it here} REALLY? Because I’ve still yet to see him “help the American Economy” or “the American People”.  COS Daley also saying “Obama would veto a bill that didn't extend the borrowing limit into 2013.”

Men in Washington: GET IT TOGETHER STOP “Playing Politics”  and do the job you were elected to do!

lucy

Democrat vs. Republican

Many people ask me a lot what the difference is between Democrats and Republicans and why it matters. Well I have to say whichever party you’re affiliated with it’s ultimately your choice. I have known people who say they’re affiliated with a certain party just because that is what their parents or grandparents were.  Again that’s a choice but I would advise not to be ignorant in making that choice. 

According to {what it means to be a democrat} these are Democrats guiding principles. {I’ve added my responses in WHITE}

"Our vision is simple. We want an America that gives all Americans the chance to live out their dreams and achieve their God-given potential. We want an America that is still the world's strongest force for peace and freedom. And we want an America that is coming together around our enduring values, instead of drifting apart. That is what today's Democratic Party offers: the end of the era of big government and a final rejection of the misguided call to leave our citizens to fend for themselves -- and bold leadership into the future: To meet America's challenges, protect America's values, and fulfill American dreams."

·         Believe in Equality- Democrats believe all people should be able to pursue their goals to spite their religion, race, ethnic background or sexual orientation. In the sixties, Democrats {and Republicans} fought for civil rights, but the battle is not yet over.

·         Fight for Education- Democrats realize that all Americans should have the opportunity to pursue an education regardless of the economic situation they are born into. {agreed, hence we need to lower tuition expenses, and offer more scholarships}

·         Support Freedom of Speech-The right for people to express their beliefs and advocate their ideas is paramount in a democracy.  Though as unique people, we will find some ideas repugnant, but the First Amendment is vital to the free exchange of ideas and should never be violated. {agreed}

·         Fight for a Clean Environment- A Democrat believes that the environment must be protected from those will exploit it for their own means. We are part of this ecosystem. Its destruction is our destruction. {Agreed, It’s not our earth to begin with… its God’s…think about that next time you litter…Al Gore!}

·         Support Technology- The Democratic Party is a strong supporter of technology and keeping the United States on top. {Indifferent}

·         Use Economic Responsibility- It is economically irresponsible to push the nation into debt to support the comforts of the wealthy. {agreed, BUT I’m not ok with citing the wealthy because they’ve worked hard for what they’ve made}

·         Use Fair Taxes- Taxes should not be used to increase the gap between the very wealthy and the very poor in the United States. Giving tax breaks to the rich while unloading the weight onto the shoulders of the poor, is wrong. {This is where I get really frustrated because as stated previously, we shouldn’t isolate the poor, but we don’t need to have HAND-OUTS. This is why we are in DEBT. We don’t need to tax the wealthy just because they worked hard for what they have. It should be EVEN}

·         Fight for Working America- The government must protect the rights workers from exploitation. This includes making sure that employees receive a livable wage, work in a safe environment, and have an active role in the corporation. {Waste of time, money and resources}

·         Support Health Care- Health care is an essential part of life and well-being. This is not a right only reserved for the content in society, but for each and every American. {wasted money, let the free market Insurance Companies do their job}

·         Support a Women's Right to Choose- The Woman's Right to Choose is fundamental to equality between the sexes. No one or no government agency should interfere with reproductive rights. {Too Controversial…but… “The word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:4-5).}

 ·         Separation of Church & State- The government should not endorse or favor any religion above another. To do so, isolates and intimidate those who follow a faith other than that of the majority. The First Amendment guarantees all Americans the freedom of religion and, consequently, the freedom from religion. {agree, partially, we should have separation of church and state, but remember what the country was built on, and the constitution.. One Nation UNDER GOD! Just sayin’ }

·         Support Multi-Culturalism- All cultures are inherently equal and unique. People should be able practice their traditions and feel pride in their background. Each culture, in turn, adds diversity to America. {Agree}

·         Support Real Campaign Finance Reform- A democracy can only function if the will of the people is observed. Unfortunately, special interest groups have enormous influence through the hard money they provide. {This one is dumb. Ha! Again, who cares about the special interest, if Government would get their greedy little hands out of things, then maybe the special interests groups could do their jobs.. It’s a FREE Market. Exercises your 1st amendment right.}

And the difference…… : {the GOP}

·         We're fortunate to live in America-The Republican Party believes that the United States has been blessed with a unique set of individual rights and freedoms available to all. {Agreed}

·         You can be what you are, and become what you are capable of becoming- The Republican Party is inspired by the power and ingenuity of the individual to succeed through hard work, family support and self-discipline. {Agreed, because I’m not ok with HANDOUTS! I worked hard for where I am today, God gave humans the will power, but it’s at their discretion on how to use it. }

·         Helping those around you is worthwhile- The Republican Party believes in the value of voluntary giving and community support over taxation and forced redistribution. {Agreed, Volunteering is a wonderful thing, but indifferent because it’s not for everyone}

·         Small government is a better government for the people-The Republican Party, like our nation's founders, believes that government must be limited so that it never becomes powerful enough to infringe on the rights of individuals. {SO AGREED…. “Those are governed best who are governed least."- Thomas Jefferson}

·         You know what to do with your money better than government- The Republican Party supports low taxes because individuals know best how to make their own economic and charitable choices. {Can I get an AMEN?}

·         Free markets keep people free- The Republican Party is supportive of logical business regulations that encourage entrepreneurs to start more businesses so more individuals can enjoy the satisfaction and fruits of self-made success. {Can I get an AMEN?}

·         Our Armed Forces defend and protect our democracy- The Republican Party is committed to preserving our national strength while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights around the world {and another….Can I get an AMEN?}

So why are you Democratic?

Lucy

Seeking RE-Election… Here we go again!

President Obama announced yesterday his plan to seek re-election as well as the money that he would like to raise. Now my question is before I give you the details, why would someone want or NEED to raise that much money for a re-election campaign? 1Billion compared to the 745 Million he raised in 2008. He spent 730M, which in 2008, left him with $15 Million Cash on Hand. My understanding is that he still has some cash that is going towards his 12’ Campaign.

This article in National Journal this morning {read it here} offers a great perspective and eye opener to his 12’ Campaign. “The WH'12 campaign is starting later, right? Well, here's one candidate who isn't waiting to get in the race: President Obama. And when he's got 19 months to raise $1B, it's no surprise he wanted to get in the race fast. Obama kicks off his re-elect bid in a much different way than he did his '08 race. Then, it was about the pomp and circumstance of a statehouse announcement, attended by thousands despite the bitter cold. Now, it's an understated video, in which Obama himself appears only in televised clips for 7 out of 130 seconds. The initial stage will be a Rose Garden campaign, as Alice from MI points out: "He's got a job. ... We can't say, 'Hey, can you take some time off and come and get us all energized?'"

“Obama's relationship with white voters won him states like IN and NC in '08.”  This is going to be the key to the 12’ Election weather you’re for Obama or the GOP. “Some GOP’ers have worried the exploding Hispanic population in TX will put that state in the purple category and'12 may be the year that hypothesis gets tested.” Though you have to also note many “Voters” in Texas are not eligible to vote. (Source: NationalJournal.com)

A great chart breakdown from 1996- 2008 is listed on the FEC.Gov Website {See it Here} regarding money spent on campaigns, both Republican and Democrats. My thought is why doesn't Obama pump that money back into the economy instead of using it for Commercials, Jetting around the US, paying his staff a substantial amount of money, or making  constituents’ believe he will do a great job as a new president, when I’m not really sure what good he has done so far? Expect Raised YOUR Taxes, spent YOUR money, and raised YOUR debt ceiling.

Lucy

Vaction that I don't get to go on?

I often refer to Life as a Game that I am lucky enough to “Play” in. Why a Game? A Game because according to Webster a game is classified as “an activity engaged in for diversion or amusement: (2) a procedure or strategy for gaining, or (3) a physical or mental competition conducted. A game = all of the above. If you ask any of my DC roommates, they will begin to tell you many stories in which I referenced “Playing Politics” or “Playing Tourist”. Life is short, Play and make the most of it.




President Barack Obama waves to the people gathered on the street outside the Ciudad de Deus (City of God) favela Community Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, March 20, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

 

So in light of “Playing President”, According to Yahoo news (read it here) “President Barack Obama “played grand tourist” to Rio de Janeiro's vivid extremes on Sunday, motorcading from brilliant beaches to a notorious slum even as he monitored U.S. military strikes in faraway Libya.” Wait… Really?  So President Obama is with his entire family in Latin America for Vacation, when Japan is in ruins and Guddafi is about to kill all his people off, and as of November 2010, the Air Force said it costs a staggering $181,757 PER HOUR (read it here) to operate Air Force One and that’s before Crude Oil Increased? Also did you know that Obama has visited more than 26 countries (some more than once) in his first two years in office?

Another point I would love to make is that he was in Brazil speaking on expanding business ties and creating more jobs… Last time I checked the unemployment rate in the US was 9.5% in February 2011 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).  Why are we trying to promote jobs in Brazil when we need Jobs in the US?

If I am ever President of the United States, someone please never let me take advantage of the tax payers dollars!

Lucy

Ron Paul for POTUS?

Who is RON PAUL? Ron Paul represents the 14^th district (Galveston, Lake Jackson, and Victoria) of the state of Texas on the Republican side. He is currently serving his 12^th term. PAUL was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Gettysburg College and then Duke University School of Medicine, before proudly serving as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force during the 1960s. He and his wife Carol moved to Texas in 1968, where he began his medical practice in Brazoria County. Dr. Paul is the leading spokesman in Washington for limited constitutional government, LOW taxes, FREE MARKETS, and a return to sound monetary policies based on commodity-backed currency. He is known among both his colleagues in Congress and his constituents for his consistent voting record in the House of Representatives: Dr. Paul NEVER votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution. In the words of former Treasury Secretary William Simon, Dr. Paul is the "one exception to the Gang of 535" on Capitol Hill.

Every year there is a Straw Poll that is taken amongst the participants at CPAC (click the link to see results) which I find the results interesting. CPAC is Conservative Political Action Conference. It is held every year in Washington D.C. usually the second weekend in February. First off, it is a POLL so it’s based off opinion. 2^nd off, It doesn’t always reflect who will be the nominee. For example the past two years have been PAUL, although the three years before that was ROMNEY, and in 2008, our Nominee was McCain. I would LOVE to see NEWT GINGRICH. He is well-known as the architect of the "Contract with America" that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House for the first time in forty years. After he was elected Speaker, he disrupted the status quo by moving power out of Washington and back to the American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed welfare reform, passed the first balanced budget in a generation, and passed the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen our defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission. On the ticket with NEWT, I also Like TIM PAWLENTY (GOV-MN), CHRIS CRISTIE or even HALEY BARBOUR.

Whatever the future brings for 2012, I HOPE and PRAY Republicans will trump.

Lucy