With “Trillions” of dollars now flying around in the political lexicon like the wind, let’s look at how reckless congressional and government spending has created this crisis.

In August alone, the Bipartisan Policy Center projects that the U.S. Treasury will receive approximately $172 billion into the coffers from federal revenues. However, August’s approved spending by the U.S. Congress totals $307 billion. In just one month, the U.S. government will spend $135 billion more than we are able to afford…In August alone!

Many have caved to “Party Bosses” or “experts” and dare to distance themselves from Constitutional  Conservatives, Tea Party members or whatever label helps distract from the issue at hand.  Rather than stand strong for the absolute solution, it’s easier to perpetuate the lie of a “default” to justify their lack of convictions.  It’s apparently more risky to chance the label of a conservative than it is to continue down the path of national destruction.

The solution is to cut spending now, cap spending in the future and balance the budget.  Instead, we’re getting a Congressional Super Committee to do the job that Members refuse to do.

Signed a very proud opponent of any plan that doesn’t cut spending in the FIRST year, cap spending in the future and balance our budget,

Robin Smith

With the back-and-forth of the debt ceiling “crisis”, there seems to be confusion that benefits incumbents on both sides of the political aisle.

The Debt Ceiling has been raised 102 times since 1917, with 10 increases since 2001. The Debt Ceiling is, sadly, pretty similar to the sub-prime lending debacle. The Treasury has to approach Congress with the request to increase the “borrowing limit”. Over the last few years, the malignant level of borrowing undertaken by Treasury Secretary Geithner, encouraged by Fed Chairman Ben Bernecke, has far exceeded our ability to repay, coupled with printing of more money, weakening our dollar and causing inflation.

The request has been issued again to Congress to increase the borrowing limit in order that the US not “default” on our repayments to borrowers. Remember, the subprime lending crisis occurred & has likely damamged the value of our homes for decades because the mandate was issued by the government to lower lending standards so that folks could borrow money, at levels they could not repay, to make home purchases. Sounds pretty familiar. Borrowing and spending above our means.

The 2010 election was not simply about “opposing Barack Obama and Democrats”, it was about saving this country.

The US Treasury will receive enough revenue in the next few weeks to pay our creditors, if there was a prioritization of debt. That happens at all of our houses. Who gets paid first with the money we take in through our paychecks. The US government refuses to prioritize those payments. To the extent that Barack Obama clearly indicated he may decide to withhold Social Security checks. There will be enough revenue to the Treasury through our payroll taxes to issue these Social Security checks. However, there is no guarantee which agencies of the government will be able to function at full capacity. In other words, it’s back to a possible government shut-down.

Understand, the Constitution and current law requires that the US Senate and the US House present budgets ANNUALLY. The US Senate has neglected its duties for over two YEARS. This has permitted a wide-open spending binge because there was no budget, no limits. Yes, it’s a mess. It’s a mess at the hands of both Democrats and Republicans for treating government as a vending machine, not a constitutionally-directed entity that answers to the people.

The debt ceiling has not, in years past, been tied to debt reduction. However, after years of promises, and especially this past year’s election of promises to “defund Obamacare”, “to defund Planned Parenthood” , etc.(all, by the way funded in Continuing Resolutions by this GOP-majority at current funding levels), this request is different. The uncertainties that have businesses bound in fear are a direct result of the lack of leadership in Washington to make tough decisions. It’s time to act with courage. It’s time to cut spending. These cuts have to be tied to the debt ceiling due to the inability of those addicted to spending and feathering their political nests to stop.

We have to close tax loopholes to raise revenue; we have to stop subsidies that should’ve been sunsetted years ago; every federal agency should cut its budget by at least 5%; we have to prioritize our spending in Washington just like we do in our homes in Tennessee.

The point of the current debt ceiling debate is now tied to debt reduction, because there is no incentive to move back into a constitutional government framework unless the carrot of elections is accompanied by the stick of accountability. Let’s make sure the obvious point doesn’t get lost in the game of blame.

From the diaries by Erick

Tuesday’s continuing resolution vote is a snapshot of contradiction.  Despite the fears, there’s no need for a government “shutdown”. It’s truthfully unnecessary with “essential services” continuing, nonetheless.

Here’s the problem. Five months ago, a sweeping election occurred in Tennessee and across the nation that elected folks who ran on pledges of repealing or defunding Obamacare, defunding Planned Parenthood, and overall conservative leadership.  On Tuesday, there were only 54 conservative members of the US House who voted the same way they campaigned.

The facts are that a democratically controlled US House & Senate abdicated their Constitutional duty to submit a budget for the 2011 calendar year by September 2010.  That budget would have easily passed.  Because of their failure, continuing resolutions for funding now have to originate in the current U.S. House to keep funding our federal government. 

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“Washington issued around 10 contradictory statements within a 24-hour period” was a statement from an Asharq Alawsat article regarding the situation in Cairo, Egypt.  Without question, the convoluted nature of this moment is problematic. However, sending mixed and confusing signals paves the road only with good intentions, not a commitment to solutions.

A few things that haven’t been in press accounts that do matter in the response our nation should provide:

1.  In a May 2009 Washington Post article, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates when asked whether U.S. aid to Egypt would be linked in the future to democracy or human rights, the Pentagon chief answered that “foreign military financing” for Mr. Mubarak’s autocracy “should be without conditions. And that is our sustained position.”  This is a departure from terms accompanying aid in the past.  Specifically, in 2008, at least $45 million had to be designated for programs for “Governing justly and democratically” to “civil society” groups independent of the Mubarak government and military.  Safwat Girgis, director of one of these groups that promotes rights of women and the disabled and facilitates communication with Egypt’s Christians was denied funding, noted, “Obama wants to democratize the region the way the leaders of the Arab countries want, not the way the Arab people want.” These efforts to “promote human rights, hold the government accountable and promote reform” ended with the 2009 budget and no-conditions policy.

2.  The Muslim Brotherhood, mentioned frequently as a terrorist organization involved in supporting the uprising against the current autocracy, has stated its desire to form an Islamist state in Egypt, the Arab world’s largest nation.  Al-Alam, an Iranian newspaper quoted a leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt that he would “like to see the Egyptian people prepare for war against Israel” and that the “Suez Canal should be closed immediately” with the “flow of gas from Egypt to Israel” halted.  An Islamist state has as its supreme law, the Qur’an driving Shariah Law.  This is important in that “freedom” in an Islamist state is very much unlike the self-determination that fuels America and other free nations.  Instead, it’s defined as perfect submission to Allah’s representative on earth, the Islamic state.

Current American leaders have stated support of “democracy” and “freedom” while putting no conditions on the very pipeline of money feeding the Egyptian economy.  If America’s goal is stability, we should remain neutral, place no conditions on the almost $2 billion annually awarded since 1979.

If America’s goal is a move toward freedom for the people of Egypt, conditions must be placed on each dollar awarded with the irrevocable mandate that no aid will be sent if the Muslim Brotherhood, a proven terrorist organization, is in leadership:

a.      Egypt must have fair elections free of corruption and intimidation with meaningful participation of citizens to form a representative government

b.     Egypt must recognize property rights of its citizens to break the cycle of poverty

c.      Egypt must restore and maintain open communications for citizens, such as the internet and all telecommunications

The vehicle for success in a transitional government would be using the Turkish model leveraging the respected strength of the Egyptian military to establish order and authority with a parallel course that permits candidates to emerge in a cooling-off period.  This time allows exposure of predatory groups, like the Muslim Brotherhood, who have designs to corrupt an authentic national movement that could result in lasting reforms

The solutions are difficult and will be long-ranging in nature.  However, America can lead to the path of liberty by focusing on the people and not exclusively the political leaders.

The direct relationship between those defeated, lame-duck, Members of Congress returning after their defeat and their votes supporting President Barack Obama’s pretentious “health care reform” is obvious.  The memory of voters from townhall meetings in 2009 that were completely ignored by the Democrats in Congress was evidenced by the massive losses experienced by the Reid-Pelosi-led majority.
 
As the remaining two weeks of the Lame Duck Congress begins, talk has surfaced that the Democrats plan a “last-ditch” effort to pass a massive omnibus spending bill fat with funding to move forward on “health care reform” efforts.  You know, the “reform” that is increasing the cost of insurance, spooking employers who’ve always made benefits available to employees, and expanding Medicaid in the states exponentially.  Yeah, that “reform”.
 
Are they kidding?!  To have the voice of the “people” explode in unison to cut spending, create jobs and repeal the government choking of health care met with such a cavalier shrug by these “public servants” is, well, lame!
 
Restore the Dream PAC is launching an effort to hold Members of Congress accountable for their votes during this “Lame Duck” session with the pledge to “Dump the Ducks”.
 
Accountability is the key to an effective government.  That accountability has to be to YOU!  Go to www.DumpTheDucks.org now to sign the statement of accountability & action:  “I will vote against and fight to defeat any politician that votes to fund ObamaCare in the lame duck session”. 
 
It’s still duck season in Washington and our aim is to rid our flush of Democratic Ducks of the lame species that has been ducking you like it’s their job!
 
Robin Smith is a Board Member of Restore the Dream PAC, former Congressional candidate, and former Chairwoman of the Tennessee Republican Party

Our nation is in a financial struggle for a healthy survival.  While there have been politicians who talk about “stimulating the economy through the Recovery Act” and others who’ve talked about tax cuts and incentives for small businesses, the U.S. Treasury keeps sending out money at the approval of Congress and agency approvals for projects too absurd to believe.

Today, it is reported that the “Stimulus Package” money, to the tune of $823,200, was spent on a study of South African “genital washing” as part of a UCLA $12 million research project.  How many American jobs did that “save or create”, Mr. President, Congress and crew?

Our hard-earned money, wasted by the U.S. government, was awarded via the National Institute of Health.  Do you want to see a few other areas of study that the NIH has funded with our money while we buckle down at home to pay our bills and cut back on our expenses?

In a June article this year, it was reported that the NIH “has so far awarded $1.44 million in federal funds to a project that, among other things, is estimating the size of the population and examining the ‘social milieu’ of male prostitutes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

Oh, and let’s not overlook the “$2.6 million in U.S. tax dollars to train Chinese prostitutes to drink responsibly on the job”, also a gem of a program funded by the National Institutes of Health.

I think it might be appropriate for anyone in the position of authority to answer a few questions for those of us who are working stiffs governed by the elite who “know better.”

     1.  Are there no studies of worth ( of the approximately $5 million discussed so far) that could’ve been done on issues in America?  Let’s say for diabetes, cancer, heart disease, preventative care?

     2.  Please speak directly to the family paying their mortgage watching their home value declining, tightening their belts and going without “luxuries” while you’ve just spent $5 million, reported in just three stories, in other countries on issues that seem to revolve around sexual deviancy?

     3.  Why should you keep your job? 

Those of us who think earmarks should be eliminated, our Congressional budget process should be based on projects that demonstrate Constitutional merit and that redistribution of our wealth on such embarrassments is criminal have been criticized and sneered upon by the more “intellectual governing class.”

I want to see who claims these three beauties.  It’s time for agencies to be audited with “credit” awarded to those in Congress who continue to embrace or turn their heads.

With the ninth anniversary of the attack on America, September 11, 2001, there have been many discussions relative to symbols of various faiths, acts of patriotism and remembrance.

Most recently, the pastor’s threat to burn copies of the Qur’an to protest the Islamic extremists’ role in terrorism was harshly criticized.  In my opinion, the criticism is justified.  A few responses to the Florida’s pastor’s threat were rather enlightening:  violent protests in Afghanistan, flags and effigies burned in Pakistan.  Discussions on talk radio swerved into the “free speech” of burning a flag, the unarguable symbol of our free nation, with an attempt to paint only the actions of the Florida pastor as those born of hatred.

The “free speech” and “freedom of religion” arguments are now used in defending the proposed mosque within yards of the property where thousands of Americans lost their lives.  The area now known as “Ground Zero” serves as a civilian national cemetery for those who symbolized each of us, freedom-loving citizens, that day. 

On September 11, 2001, America’s symbols of liberty were attacked because, in the eyes of some, liberty and certain beliefs cannot co-exist.  Look at the selected targets:  Washington, DC for its symbolism of individualism and freedom unparalleled in the world and New York City for our financial leadership and prosperity. 

To pull all of this together, the symbols that we protect must not contradict the very freedoms, goodness and decency that serve as the bedrock of America.  Bottom line, symbols do have meaning.  Our symbols must represent and enhance the very substance of our freedoms, not be utilized by our enemies’ as mockery or in attempts to destroy us from within.  Remember, we all declared in 2001, “We will never forget.”  

The times in Washington demand reform.

Everyone, regardless of party affiliation, knows this and is calling for changes in the way our government handles your money.  However, I am the only 3rd District candidate who has stepped up to support earmark elimination…the practice of designating a sum of money away from its intended use and to another project, almost always a pet project of a lawmaker. 

Yesterday, I met with a representative of a very large employer who creates jobs right here in the Third District. This business leader praised me for my position and commitment toward reform.  His industry falls victim to the earmarking process by having funds redirected from the federal highway trust fund to meet general budget and/or pet projects, rather than meeting the demands for roads and transportation that will allow him to expand his business and create more badly needed jobs.

The reality is that the authorization and appropriations process exists for a reason in the Constitution:  to prioritize national spending and keep the federal government within its bounds. New York City has previously been the financial center of the world, but nest-feathering politicians have turned Washington, DC into our new financial center, to our nation’s peril.

As a parent, if I spent selfishly, lavishing myself in shopping sprees, high-dollar luxuries, etc. and then scolded my kids for wasting money, I’d be a hypocrite.  If Members of Congress and candidates pound the podium for “cuts in spending” and“reducing our dangerous deficit” while condoning the status quo, they are the same…hypocrites and not to be trusted. Reforming earmarks are not the final solution to our government’s spending problem, but they are an important start and a sign to the American people that our government finally takes this problem seriously.

I encourage you to look more deeply through the factual record of all the candidates in this race, not simply at our campaign websites.  Citizens of the 3rd District deserve a public servant, not a lifetime politician or someone suddenly conservative with no track record at home. While talk is easy, actions must prove one’s credibility.   I have not been and am not timid in choosing to stand for reforms and make tough calls with a grassroots record of 20 years that’s principled and consistent. 

This election is critical in rescuing our economy and our founding freedoms.  We’ve got serious reforms to make.  Join Team Robin to make your stand and to speak against the status quo and politics (and politicians) as usual.

While some have a record of lip service, I have a record of life service.

During the last few weeks, the phrase, “Connect the dots” has returned to our national conversation following the failed Christmas Day terror bombing.

We must “connect these dots.”  Our focus, however, should be the clear picture recognizable from the dots already connected yet ignored; ignored out of the scream of “intolerance” and the fear of being deemed “politically incorrect.” For decades, the acts of terror committed toward the US, Israel, the United Kingdom and all other nations have found their grounding in one purpose: the desire to establish Islamic law globally. 

Young radicalized extremists of the Muslim faith have been the vehicles to inflict terror through various imaginative means we saw on September 11, 2001.  Those “dots”, along with other acts of terror and subversive activity distract from the overlooked goal that motivates these unthinkable deeds.  The global Muslim community, the ummah, governed by Islamic Law, Shariah will be aimed at Muslims and non-Muslims alike.  Unfortunately, political correctness is allowed to restrain our efforts to confront the threat.

Skeptical?  Criticism of Islam is forbidden in Shariah.  After Fort Hood, what was our response?  President Barack Obama urged, “I would caution against jumping to conclusions until we get all the facts,” despite Major Nadil Malik Hasan’s cry of “Allahu Akbar”, often accompanying acts of terror, as he murdered 13 U.S. soldiers on American soil. 

What was the initial response to the attempted bombing of Flight 253 on Christmas Day?  After three days of public silence, President Obama noted, “This incident, like several that have preceded it, demonstrates that an alert and courageous citizenry are far more resilient than an isolated extremist.” 

The parent organization of Hamas and al Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood, has as its stated mission in their strategic plan from 1991, “A kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and ‘sabotaging’ its miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated and Allah’s religion is made victorious over all other religions.” 

Our nation must be vigilant against individuals who attempt to board airplanes with the intent to murder “innocents” to most, but “infidels” to the radical Muslims through intelligence-gathering, monitoring visas and travel patterns, behavioral profiling and the enforcement of our current immigration laws.  This treatment of the symptoms must be matched with a determination to remove any cancerous threat to our nation’s sovereignty and safety.  The U.S. Constitution must truly be, as Article VI notes, “the supreme law of the land” and defended by our elected officials at all times, not just when it’s viewed as popular or politically correct.

So, the question must be answered:  Will we permit Shariah by failing to implement effective measures or will we honor and defend our U.S. Constitution and protect Americans?

Robin Smith,

U.S. House Candidate, TN 3

www.RobinForTennessee.com