(#MI4CS) Stabenow must go! As part of the DO NOTHING (Democrat controlled) SENATE, she/they failed to do their Constitutional duty and pass a Budget for 900+ days. When, in December, they finally passed Omnibus spending Bills for FY2012, they ignored “supposed cuts” agreed upon (Debt Ceiling agreement) and “automatic cuts” (Defense/Medicare) if the “Super Committee” failed; which the Democrats sabotaged from the start; spending (yet again) a new largest Budget deficit (though they tried to hide it by passing several separate Bills) in US history. And those “Occupy Wall Street” folks, where are they? since she voted for the (Bank Bailouts) TARP?!?! We would be better represented in the Senate by a random pick from the Phone book, so I will support any/all that oppose her.

That is the Letter To the Editor (LTE) I sent to several S.E. Michigan Publications:

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Wow, here’s more great work (sarcasm) by the GOP House/Senate Leadership. To get the following for 2 months and putting it right back into the forefront during the 2012 campaign and therefore to allow the Demoncrats BS to demagogue the issue with the ‘Republicans only really want Tax cuts for the wealthy” BS and/or to put forth a CINO concept that Democrats are for Tax Cuts (yeah, right, tax pandering to those who already don’t pay Federal Income Tax). Yes, the Keystone pipeline aspect is wonderful, but Obama wanted it anyway to placate his Union base and NOW the GOP gives Obama the excuse to give his Enviro-whacko base that it was forced on him (the usual, talking out of both sides of his hind-side)…..

Many of my fellow Republicans agree that the GOP should be taking a principled stand (with some Democrats that are speaking out against ANY extension) that the Social Security funding system should NOT be undermined. While Obama plays with this Tax gimmick, it will not be long before they are calling for yet more Tax increases to cover (this yet another) Obama mistake. Republicans should NOT be part of that problem!

see the whole YahooNEWS/Reuters story at: http://news.yahoo.com/lawmakers-agree-2-month-payroll-tax-cut-extension-003819166.html

Divided lawmakers muster modest tax deal

By Donna Smith and Richard Cowan | Reuters – 8 hrs ago

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Deeply divided U.S. lawmakers on Friday eked out an agreement to extend payroll tax cuts for just two months, and only after Democrats bowed to Republican demands on a controversial oil pipeline.

The deal, which still needs approval of the full Senate and House of Representatives, fell far short of President Barack Obama‘s push for a one-year extension of the tax relief and long-term unemployed benefits to boost the country’s fragile economic recovery.

The surprisingly modest accord will likely do nothing to dispel concerns of American voters and investors of deep dysfunction in the U.S. capital. It also creates more uncertainty about Washington’s ability to steer the nation through global economic turbulence.

Partisan rancor has derailed efforts to forge a deficit reduction plan, brought the government to the brink of a shutdown three times this year and led to a downgrade of by Standard & Poor’s of the United States’ coveted AAA credit rating in August.

Democrats did not come close to getting the legislation they initially sought, but they put a brave face on the deal they agreed to, saying it gives them another opportunity early next year to fight for a payroll tax cut for wage earners and tax hikes on the wealthy to pay for it — two arguments that play well with Democratic voters.

It was not clear how Friday’s deal would affect Obama, but he has faced persistent criticism from his base of liberal-leaning voters for caving in to Republican demands on policy issues ranging from tax hikes and spending cuts to environmental protections.

“At one minute to midnight and the end of the year the Democrats appear to have conceded two significant issues on the payroll tax cut and they got a measly two months extension in return,” David Gergen, an adviser to two former Democratic and two Republican presidents, told Reuters.

To try to break a stalemate in the payroll tax cut negotiations, Obama’s fellow Democrats first dropped their proposal to pay for it with a surtax on millionaires. Then on Friday they abandoned what had appeared to be a non-negotiable demand — for the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to Texas to be kept separate from the payroll tax cut issue.

The measure would require Obama to make a decision on allowing construction of Keystone within 60 days or declare that “oil trade with Canada is not in the national interest of the United States,” according to an aide to Republican Senator Richard Lugar.

BATTLE RESUMES IN NEW YEAR

Obama recently put off a decision on the pipeline until 2013 while the government studies alternative routes. Many interpreted that move as a way to appease his environmental base in his bid to win re-election in November 2012.

The deal immediately drew fire from environmentalists, who said it was an example of House Republicans holding the federal government hostage on behalf of the oil industry.

“We’re disappointed that the president seemingly signed off on this deal, but we expect that he’s going to live up to his promise … that he will turn down the permit for the pipeline,” said Daniel Kessler, spokesman for Tar Sands Action, a group that opposes the project.

Kessler said he expected members from his group would reprise their protests about the project at Obama’s campaign offices across the country.

In a defense of what appeared to be a major concession to Republicans, an Obama administration official said the deal would effectively mean the Keystone project would not go ahead.

The official noted that the State Department has said it could not make a decision on the project within 60 days and any attempt to force its hand would likely result in a decision to deny a permit for the project.

But on Capitol Hill, Republicans were quick to tout the deal as a major coup.

“I think the Keystone pipeline component is certainly a very large victory,” said Republican Senator Bob Corker.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters: “We extended the payroll tax holiday as far as we could get credible payfors to pay for it.” He added, “We’ll be back discussing the same issues in a couple of months.”

That would mean another contentious battle in the midst of the 2012 primary season, which kicks off on January 3 in Iowa.

“If Republicans want to be back here in two months trying to explain why they don’t want to give middle class families a tax cut yet again, that’s their choice, we’re happy to have that conversation,” a Democratic aide said. “We feel that’s a home turf game for us.”

…

Read more of the YahooNEWS/Reuters story at: http://news.yahoo.com/lawmakers-agree-2-month-payroll-tax-cut-extension-003819166.html

see related:
Do nothing Senate still fails to pass Budget, so it’s Continuing Resolution time again!

As always, Regards from JLenardDetroit from “NoMoTown (The MOTORless CITY)”
“Remember, Liberals – looking to do for America, what they’ve done to Detroit. – Destroy it!”
“I think, therefore I am Conservative”
“Conservative by choice, Republican by necessity”
“The more things ‘hope and change’ the more they stay the same”
“You can lead a Liberal to the Truth (Facts), but you cannot make them THINK!”
“Romney (No, not my first choice) does NOT have a MORMON problem. He has a, far too many Americans; these days; are MORONS problem!”
closing quotes attributable to (me) JLenardDetroit
cross-posted: “Rattle With Us” Tea Party, Before It’s News, and RedState

Here we go again. The Democrat controlled Senate forces yet another Continuing Resolution (CR) discussion and threats of a Government Shutdown! Which again brings up all those questions of Base-line Budgeting and conveniently forgetting those Debt Ceiling “compromise” promises to cut, um, “reduce,” spending by anything and ram through more, and more, and more Government largess.

We have been here before and as long as Democrats control either portion of the Congress we will be here again. So, I urge you to demand (AGAIN) the passage of the following…

from STOP TALKING, START LEGISLATING! (“Contrast for America”):

Essential Government Services Act
This Bill MUST be designed/developed and passed BEFORE the next Budget, Debt Ceiling, etc… crisis comes along to REMOVE any Demoncrat demagogy of the issues of what Government Services and Processes/Procedures remain in effect should (yeah right, when an eventual) GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN occur. No longer can the Democrats claim troops wouldn’t be paid, because payment to them would be assured under the Act. No longer would they claim Seniors wouldn’t get Social Security checks, because those being cut/sent would also be assured. Grossly reduced (say, 10% funding levels) to most Departments would be allowed to keep the Building lights on and Security Personnel to Guard them while their Staffs’ would be furloughed! What else would/should be defined in such an Act?!?!

Use the The Tea Party Network – Online Resource Center automated system to send your Representatives a Letter to:
“Stop the Spending Spree”
“Balance The Budget”
debate the Connie Mack “1% Solution” to Debt reduction
and more…

see related items:
‘The Greater Good’ – “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the One.”
Where’s the BEEF? um… er… BILL?
Base-line Budgeting For Dummies
More MSM Lies, Distortions, and Spin
Frustration with dealing with Politically Brain-Dead
Warning: Children Will Die!!!
Hey Progressives – Here’s Your Sign!
New “Contract” = “Contrast for America”
STOP TALKING, START LEGISLATING! (“Contrast for America”)
Getting the message out

As always, Regards from JLenardDetroit from “NoMoTown (The MOTORless CITY)”
“Remember, Liberals – looking to do for America, what they’ve done to Detroit. – Destroy it!”
“I think, therefore I am Conservative”
“Conservative by choice, Republican by necessity”
“The more things ‘hope and change’ the more they stay the same”
“You can lead a Liberal to the Truth (Facts), but you cannot make them THINK!”
“Romney (No, not my first choice) does NOT have a MORMON problem. He has a, far too many Americans; these days; are MORONS problem!”
closing quotes attributable to (me) JLenardDetroit
cross-posted: “Rattle With Us” Tea Party, Before It’s News, and RedState

Barack Obama continues to trot about the country on his “PASS THIS BILL” tour…

What “JOBS” Bill?… but first…<br

Just this last weekend he was in front of the (CBC) Congressional Black Communists… um… er… I mean… Caucus…

Where is this “JOBS” Bill?… wait still…

You have to hear this manufactured (forced/laboured) righteous-indignation…

What is the “JOBS” Bill number?… hold on…

You have to hear Maxine Waters‘ response…

Now… really…. WHERE’S THE BILL MR. PRESIDENT?!?!

There is NO Obama “Jobs Bill” in either the House or the Senate for them to (begin to discuss or to “IMMEDIATELY”) Vote on!!! At NO TIME has the POTUS submitted a “Jobs Bill” to Congress. Nor has any Democrat in the House or Senate submitted a “Jobs Bill” (so insistently called for by Obama) in either Congressional chamber on behalf of the POTUS. So what exactly do expect a Vote on?!?!

The FACT is – the more Obama tours the Nation clamoring “PASS THIS BILL” the more he exposes himself as the LIAR-IN-CHIEF…. WHERE’S THE BILL BARACK?

Seriously, don’t believe me? Call the White House or your local Democrat and specifically ask for the House or Senate Bill number of this (FICTICIOUS) “JOBS BILL” that Obummer keeps droning on and on about! Log on to WhiteHouse.gov and send them an e-mail asking exactly where the “JOBS BILL” can be found on that site for review — it isn’t there, IT DOESN’T EXIST!

As always, Regards from JLenardDetroit from “NoMoTown (The MOTORless CITY)”
Remember – “Liberals – looking to do for America, what they’ve done to Detroit. – Destroy it!”
“I think, therefore I am Conservative”
“Conservative by choice, Republican by necessity”
“The more things ‘hope and change’ the more they stay the same”
closing quotes attributable to (me) JLenardDetroit

cross-posted: “Rattle With Us” Tea Party and RedState

“Labor Freedom: where unions are as free to make their case as workers are to make their choice.” – Michigan Freedom to Work Coalition

I attended a (Tue. Sep. 21) “‘Freedom To Work’ Legislation discussion”. Here is a brief report of some of what was discussed…

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I don’t write about being gay and conservative because to me it isn’t important.  I’m first and foremost a proud American who believes in the founding principles, the American Experiment in capitalism, the American Experience in democratic ideals, integrity, honesty, and fair play.  It just so happens that I’m also gay.  I am going to write about my fury over the Human Rights Campaign and their actions against Target and Best Buy, based here in Minnesota.  The HRC’s blatant and dishonest attempt at blackmailing them is reprehensible.  As such, I’ll give you the ridiculous extortion letter HRC had on their website and my own indignation over their actions regarding me, other gay people, but especially to our civil rights.

Human Rights Campaign’s “Open Extortion” Statement

“Target has been a champion for workplace equality for many years. That’s why their recent donation to MN Forward was so at odds with their sterling reputation as a great employer for LGBT people. The fact that their political contribution was used to advance an anti-equality candidate was extremely hurtful to all fair-minded Americans.

We appreciate Mr. Steinhafel’s statement to company employees this afternoon but it doesn’t go quite far enough. Target’s apology is welcomed but without tangible action behind it, the LGBT community and our allies will continue to question the company’s commitment to equality.

The promise to evaluate political contributions in the future, while a step in the right direction, is provided without details and does not mitigate their $150,000 supporting an outspoken opponent of equality for LGBT people. Target can still make it right by making equivalent contributions to equality-minded organizations and by making clear the procedure by which they will evaluate potential contributions in the future to include issues of LGBT-equality.” Emphasis added for effect.

My Response to this Blatant Attempt to Extort Money from Fellow Citizens

Don’t you dare speak for me, HRC.  Don’t you dare.

You are speaking for yourselves, not for me.  I don’t want to be connected in any way with this shady, disgusting shakedown of our fellow citizens.  You do not speak for the GLBT community.  Do not make that presumption.  You may speak for the few thousand who belong to your organization and those who contribute, but you do not speak for me and many in OUR community.  For you to speak for me, I need to voluntarily become part of your organization, which I once did.  I am no more.

Your organization has become nothing more than a useful shill for the far left wing of the Democratic Party, period.  Since I do not believe that robbing our future generations and handing over unrestrained political power over our lives to a bunch of empty-headed bureaucrats is wise, I am no longer affiliated with you and your Marxist philosophy.  That’s my first problem with the ‘proclamation’ in OUR name.

My second problem with your sham organization is your words and intent.  It is none of your damn business who Target or Best Buy contributes money to, nor is it your business to decide who ANYONE gives money to.  You are acting like a big thuggish mob shaking down the businesses for your bosses in the Democratic Party.  I do not want my name dragged into the mud by a far left group of extortionists who think they can bully, yes, bully the rest of the country with veiled threats of name calling and fake boycotts.

I’m a proud American, who happens to be gay and I’m not going to let you get away with smearing my name.  The shear audacity of your openly published blackmail letter should make us all sick to our stomachs.  Are we in a Developing Country where you have to pay off the right people in order to just do your business?  Have we slipped behind the Iron Curtain where if you want the right to be heard, you must politely ask and pay off the right bureaucrat?  Are we in the court of Louis XIV where only money talks and influence walks and courtiers demand payment for access to the king?

HRC, you embarrass me.  You are little collection agents for your masters on the left.  You have no morals, no ethics, no right to do this thing, especially in OUR names.  You want to decide for Target and Best Buy what causes they can contribute to?  Think again.

I am sick of this kind of corrupt, Tiger kidnapping scheme and will act against you.  I’m not the only one furious at your blatant power grab.

I am engaged, and soon there will be others.