When Should I Respect your Right to Privacy?
An open letter to Presient Obama.
Sir, this week you have taken your family to Martha's Vineyard and you have asked (told) the Press and the Public at Large that you want your privacy and that you have children that deserve to have their vacation uninterrupted.
Sir, who are you to ask for a right to privacy given the privious actions you have taken regarding the American People?:
you have included as part of your Health Care Reform (Insurance Reform ) Plan recording the patient's file within the Government's files and management
you have set up an email site that people could turn in "fishy information" without notifying the person who is being monitored
you are directing ACORN when it conducts the census to have a large questionnaire for the households with numerous personal questions it is not entitled to ask or for the Government to have
you have directed your SEIU partners and other groups to conduct a campaign of harassment by telephone, email or visits to employment or home of those who have spoken out in Townhall meetings
you follow the Saul Alinsky model of isolating , humiliating and destroying people with personal attacks, innuendo and revelations about their personal life
you have strong-armed the banks of Switzerland to reveal personal accounts of people doing banking abroad
this list could go on and on , Sir, and the lack of reciprocity from you is astounding. I have decided not to discuss even the question that you are a public official and chose to put yourself and your family in this position
The answer, Sir, is that we the people shall respect your right to privacy when you understand our right to the same.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
why didn't we have a blue ribbon committe?
why didn't we have a blue ribbon committe?
My thanks to Eloise and Rachel for some great technical hints...If one of my subject gets involved or complex I will write the blog in sections...
This blog question basically one I asked my Congressman The Hon Rep Dr. Michael Burgess, 26th District 8-18-09.
Background: A blue ribbon committe is a bipartisan committe made up of representatives of both parties who may have expertise or experience in a particular field to investigate a problem. Typically, this committee will call in experts, involved parties or interested parties to define the problem in their own terms, express their concerns, and to offer solutions. This committee then drafts up a finding in the form of a summary, which is then presented to a committee for review, debate and vote thereon if needed.
I asked Dr Burgess why there was no blue ribbon committee on the National Health Care Issue ( I do not use the "National Insurance Reform" title), given the self described "emergency" or "crisis" that affected ALL Americans. Why is the only input from non legislative types coming at town hall meetings or alternative means? ( I suspect the lobbysists have been very active, however...) The end result is a very willy nilly hodge podge of 4 House Bills, 2 Senate Bills and who knows what else, which all seem to be failing under the pressure of public outcry.
His response in essence was that there was a blue ribbon back in 1996(?) under Hillary Care that was shelved. He stated that even if requested and followed through on, that it could be shelved or tabled, or never debated. His response merely stated what has happened or what could happen. HE NEVER ANSWERED WHY THERE WAS NOT EVEN A REQUEST FOR ONE.
As an answer, this response dodges the question. IF both the Republics and Democrats represent that there is a crisis of monumental and far reaching consequences, why no request for a blue ribbon committee even? why is Congress wasting incredible amounts of time, capital, and pr merely to be surprised at the public ' response, industry response and individual responses?
the answer is quite simple: both sides do not view this issue as a public crisis but as a means for advancing not only party politics, but individual power needs and a shift in philosophical outlooks. It seems like another case of the politicians are smarter than the JQPublic , the industries involved and the economists evvaluating the consequences. Looks like the public be damned again.
word of advise to Congress, however. If you choose to ignore, ridicule or scoff at the public which is to foot the bill and bear the effects and brunt of these policies , new policies will be presented by new representatives.
My thanks to Eloise and Rachel for some great technical hints...If one of my subject gets involved or complex I will write the blog in sections...
This blog question basically one I asked my Congressman The Hon Rep Dr. Michael Burgess, 26th District 8-18-09.
Background: A blue ribbon committe is a bipartisan committe made up of representatives of both parties who may have expertise or experience in a particular field to investigate a problem. Typically, this committee will call in experts, involved parties or interested parties to define the problem in their own terms, express their concerns, and to offer solutions. This committee then drafts up a finding in the form of a summary, which is then presented to a committee for review, debate and vote thereon if needed.
I asked Dr Burgess why there was no blue ribbon committee on the National Health Care Issue ( I do not use the "National Insurance Reform" title), given the self described "emergency" or "crisis" that affected ALL Americans. Why is the only input from non legislative types coming at town hall meetings or alternative means? ( I suspect the lobbysists have been very active, however...) The end result is a very willy nilly hodge podge of 4 House Bills, 2 Senate Bills and who knows what else, which all seem to be failing under the pressure of public outcry.
His response in essence was that there was a blue ribbon back in 1996(?) under Hillary Care that was shelved. He stated that even if requested and followed through on, that it could be shelved or tabled, or never debated. His response merely stated what has happened or what could happen. HE NEVER ANSWERED WHY THERE WAS NOT EVEN A REQUEST FOR ONE.
As an answer, this response dodges the question. IF both the Republics and Democrats represent that there is a crisis of monumental and far reaching consequences, why no request for a blue ribbon committee even? why is Congress wasting incredible amounts of time, capital, and pr merely to be surprised at the public ' response, industry response and individual responses?
the answer is quite simple: both sides do not view this issue as a public crisis but as a means for advancing not only party politics, but individual power needs and a shift in philosophical outlooks. It seems like another case of the politicians are smarter than the JQPublic , the industries involved and the economists evvaluating the consequences. Looks like the public be damned again.
word of advise to Congress, however. If you choose to ignore, ridicule or scoff at the public which is to foot the bill and bear the effects and brunt of these policies , new policies will be presented by new representatives.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
something is fishy alright
I usually will not have the time to post a new blog everyday, but since this is a short one, and as I have a little time to spare, I thought I'd share a few thoughts .
This email address provided by the President to the public to forward "fishy, misinformation " regarding Health Care has created justifiable concerns with the public.
The first concern is the Oval Office's credibility. If the Executive Branch has concerns that disinformation, irregularities, misinterpretations or wrong information is being disseminated about Health Care , the President has several easy, logical options. The first is merely to have a person email the question without having to turn in a name , website or email account. The Public Affairs section , the Press Secretary's Office, or a number of other office's should be linked for the concerned person. In fact, the President should have a link with the bill(s) attached so the reader could see for himself what the real bill says. Now that might be a problem as the President has not drafted one, the Senate has 4 and the House has 1, and there are revisions being worked on as I blog.
The second is to have a public information commercial. There is plenty of money seemingly available for everything else.
Third, the president has the power of the bully pulpit.
Fourth, send out a mailer will a positions point. I seem to have had an endless supply of flyers during the campaign.
Fifth, have a telephone campaign. see above.
Sixth, create a hot line. Surely with as many telecom jobs that have been sent over seas there is a plethora of available, talented,experienced phone people available. They are always available around dinnertime it seems.
Yet, the president seems to take the most illogical way to respond, especially in light of how much his campaign relied on hi tech, up scale, hip 21st century electronic methods during his campaign.
the shadowy side to all this is the ability to record, track and secretly amass info off the Internet by persons unseen and unknown to the person turned in. the right question becomes, who is collecting this info? as we have learned anything about this president, he is a great "organizer" . He has more organizations at his disposal than can be imagined, and many are interlinked. Some are reputable, some shadowy and elusive. Some such as ACORN seem to be flaunting the law.
Mr. President, yes, something fishy is occurring. The REAL the questions are... where is the transparency in your actions? where is this info going? Who is storing it? For what purpose? will you notify those who have been involved? will the public have access to this list under freedom of information? will you destroy this list after the vote?
This email address provided by the President to the public to forward "fishy, misinformation " regarding Health Care has created justifiable concerns with the public.
The first concern is the Oval Office's credibility. If the Executive Branch has concerns that disinformation, irregularities, misinterpretations or wrong information is being disseminated about Health Care , the President has several easy, logical options. The first is merely to have a person email the question without having to turn in a name , website or email account. The Public Affairs section , the Press Secretary's Office, or a number of other office's should be linked for the concerned person. In fact, the President should have a link with the bill(s) attached so the reader could see for himself what the real bill says. Now that might be a problem as the President has not drafted one, the Senate has 4 and the House has 1, and there are revisions being worked on as I blog.
The second is to have a public information commercial. There is plenty of money seemingly available for everything else.
Third, the president has the power of the bully pulpit.
Fourth, send out a mailer will a positions point. I seem to have had an endless supply of flyers during the campaign.
Fifth, have a telephone campaign. see above.
Sixth, create a hot line. Surely with as many telecom jobs that have been sent over seas there is a plethora of available, talented,experienced phone people available. They are always available around dinnertime it seems.
Yet, the president seems to take the most illogical way to respond, especially in light of how much his campaign relied on hi tech, up scale, hip 21st century electronic methods during his campaign.
the shadowy side to all this is the ability to record, track and secretly amass info off the Internet by persons unseen and unknown to the person turned in. the right question becomes, who is collecting this info? as we have learned anything about this president, he is a great "organizer" . He has more organizations at his disposal than can be imagined, and many are interlinked. Some are reputable, some shadowy and elusive. Some such as ACORN seem to be flaunting the law.
Mr. President, yes, something fishy is occurring. The REAL the questions are... where is the transparency in your actions? where is this info going? Who is storing it? For what purpose? will you notify those who have been involved? will the public have access to this list under freedom of information? will you destroy this list after the vote?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
the game within the game
The right question about health care that is not being asked by anyone: What effect on Congress does passing Obama Care have on Congress?
To get a true understanding of the hidden effect on Congress, one has to take a small step back and look at the bigger picture of how President Obama is setting up his government.
President Obama has appointed 32 Czars to help create and execute his policies. These czars are appointed and are not subject to Congressional approval or even oversight. They serve at the will and pleasure of the President. Without going into the unprecedented number of appointees, or without going into the political makeup of these czars ( which in itself could lead to a massive blog or series of blogs), the most critical fact about these appointees is that they will plan.carry out and execute the policies of the President. Being part of the Executive Branch, it is their duty and mandate to enforce the laws and policies of the Oval Office, and will do so without the approval of any governmental agency or person, save one: The President. Once laws are created and sent out of Congress, Congress's hold over these individuals is the power of the purse.
Here is where the insidious part of the Health Care Plan comes in. Unlike any other bill or appropriations in which Congress has oversight power, the Health Care Plan becomes an entitlement program. The thing to understand about an entitlement program is that it funds itself and is perpetual in duration. A discretionary program is subject to an appropriations bill and is funded annually and must be subject to review to receive a budget. An entitlement program is automatically funded as tax revenues are automatically deducted to pay for it and supposedly set aside to pay for it. All Congress can do in the instance of an entitlement program is to ensure that is guesstimate how much money should be set aside from revenues and determine who is eligible. Unlike other appropriations there is not a limit on the amount to be spent per se. If a person or persons are entitled, they must be paid regardless whether there are sufficient funds. Currently half of the US budget is the entitlement programs.
The executive branch in essence controls the program thereafter, with the discretion of how to best apply the disbursements. The inherent problem is that entitlement programs are open ended and are not capped, causing severe issues to attempts to create a budget.
The end effect on Congress is the end of Congress's power. Congress will surrender the power of the purse to the executive branch. If health care is added to the budget, the vast majority of the US budget is surrendered to the executive branch's control, and more significantly a small group of individuals. In essence, the executive branch assumes dictatorial powers with vast sums of money to enforce its will. Congress's checks and balances powers are nullified due to the reach and scope of the entitlement mandated funding. Funds cannot be cut off, the President's directives overridden, or the President's appointees removed and thereby hamstringing the President's ability to to act.
The great danger that is overlooked is the segregation of power and the ability of one branch to offset and contain another branch's abuse or potential abuse of power. If the Democratically controlled Congress votes by party line to pass this program, it does so at its own peril. Doing so will remove vast sums of money, a great deal of power , and significant influence from one branch and hand delivering to another. Congress will seal its own fate in a typically thoughtless act that does not look at the long term effects of its actions. Congress merely will become a hollow shell subject to the whims of the President and those who enforce his will with the influence of trillions of dollars.
To get a true understanding of the hidden effect on Congress, one has to take a small step back and look at the bigger picture of how President Obama is setting up his government.
President Obama has appointed 32 Czars to help create and execute his policies. These czars are appointed and are not subject to Congressional approval or even oversight. They serve at the will and pleasure of the President. Without going into the unprecedented number of appointees, or without going into the political makeup of these czars ( which in itself could lead to a massive blog or series of blogs), the most critical fact about these appointees is that they will plan.carry out and execute the policies of the President. Being part of the Executive Branch, it is their duty and mandate to enforce the laws and policies of the Oval Office, and will do so without the approval of any governmental agency or person, save one: The President. Once laws are created and sent out of Congress, Congress's hold over these individuals is the power of the purse.
Here is where the insidious part of the Health Care Plan comes in. Unlike any other bill or appropriations in which Congress has oversight power, the Health Care Plan becomes an entitlement program. The thing to understand about an entitlement program is that it funds itself and is perpetual in duration. A discretionary program is subject to an appropriations bill and is funded annually and must be subject to review to receive a budget. An entitlement program is automatically funded as tax revenues are automatically deducted to pay for it and supposedly set aside to pay for it. All Congress can do in the instance of an entitlement program is to ensure that is guesstimate how much money should be set aside from revenues and determine who is eligible. Unlike other appropriations there is not a limit on the amount to be spent per se. If a person or persons are entitled, they must be paid regardless whether there are sufficient funds. Currently half of the US budget is the entitlement programs.
The executive branch in essence controls the program thereafter, with the discretion of how to best apply the disbursements. The inherent problem is that entitlement programs are open ended and are not capped, causing severe issues to attempts to create a budget.
The end effect on Congress is the end of Congress's power. Congress will surrender the power of the purse to the executive branch. If health care is added to the budget, the vast majority of the US budget is surrendered to the executive branch's control, and more significantly a small group of individuals. In essence, the executive branch assumes dictatorial powers with vast sums of money to enforce its will. Congress's checks and balances powers are nullified due to the reach and scope of the entitlement mandated funding. Funds cannot be cut off, the President's directives overridden, or the President's appointees removed and thereby hamstringing the President's ability to to act.
The great danger that is overlooked is the segregation of power and the ability of one branch to offset and contain another branch's abuse or potential abuse of power. If the Democratically controlled Congress votes by party line to pass this program, it does so at its own peril. Doing so will remove vast sums of money, a great deal of power , and significant influence from one branch and hand delivering to another. Congress will seal its own fate in a typically thoughtless act that does not look at the long term effects of its actions. Congress merely will become a hollow shell subject to the whims of the President and those who enforce his will with the influence of trillions of dollars.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
why the blog...."mission statement"
Before I get started on my first blog, I wish to thank all my friends and family who have encouraged me to get started with my "column". Special thanks goes to Eloise for helping set up the blog itself and her infinite patience in dealing with my dinosaur- like abilities to figure out how to use it. I wish to acknowledge Kay P and Rachel M whose constant encouragement, ideas, and endless enthusiasm have helped me see the wisdom in creating a blog. Mom, thanks...
Why the title "Ask the right Question"? Asking a question is the first step in gathering information. Asking the right question is the first step in obtaining wisdom.
Asking the right question is a key in helping a person or people make good decisions. The right question serves many purposes:
1. It frames the argument.That is, a good question directs a discussion into a particular area.
2. It causes answers to be precise and on point.
3. It serves a watchdog function. A person who is asked the right question cannot hide behind a veil of secrecy or vaguery. When a deceptive person is asked the right question, he knows that someone will get to the truth sooner or later; therefore he will either face an embarrassing question and its consequences, or will have to walk the straight and narrow.
4. It causes critical thinking. By critical thinking, I mean that a person will have to think things through, use logic to review answers, and then take the answer received and make responses using rational decision processes.
5. It promotes the truth
6. It elevates discussions to a higher plain where questions and answers have real consequences that are out in the open
7. It develops within the questioner a sense of purpose and pride.
8.It allows for enlightenment.
I am certain that you readers will come up with equally good and useful reasons as well. I hope that you will.
I am dedicating my blog for a search for the truth and a search for the best solutions to problems possible. It has been said that a candle , once lit, serves no purpose being placed under a bed.
Ask the Right Question believes that the truth, all who believe the truth, and all who live by the truth, be given a voice. Not only will the truth set you free, asking the right questions will keep you free.
JJ
Why the title "Ask the right Question"? Asking a question is the first step in gathering information. Asking the right question is the first step in obtaining wisdom.
Asking the right question is a key in helping a person or people make good decisions. The right question serves many purposes:
1. It frames the argument.That is, a good question directs a discussion into a particular area.
2. It causes answers to be precise and on point.
3. It serves a watchdog function. A person who is asked the right question cannot hide behind a veil of secrecy or vaguery. When a deceptive person is asked the right question, he knows that someone will get to the truth sooner or later; therefore he will either face an embarrassing question and its consequences, or will have to walk the straight and narrow.
4. It causes critical thinking. By critical thinking, I mean that a person will have to think things through, use logic to review answers, and then take the answer received and make responses using rational decision processes.
5. It promotes the truth
6. It elevates discussions to a higher plain where questions and answers have real consequences that are out in the open
7. It develops within the questioner a sense of purpose and pride.
8.It allows for enlightenment.
I am certain that you readers will come up with equally good and useful reasons as well. I hope that you will.
I am dedicating my blog for a search for the truth and a search for the best solutions to problems possible. It has been said that a candle , once lit, serves no purpose being placed under a bed.
Ask the Right Question believes that the truth, all who believe the truth, and all who live by the truth, be given a voice. Not only will the truth set you free, asking the right questions will keep you free.
JJ
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)