James Stabile Informational Newsletter
May 2005
Politics...
Today Saturday, April 30, 2005 is the end of the first 100 days of the second presidential term of President George W. Bush. What has he achieved? Well, some polls have him as much as ten points down on his popularity ranking. Most polls have the President's popularity and effectiveness in the 40% to 48% range. All polls say that more than half of all Americans feel that he is "not" doing a good job as president. You may say that these are public opinion polls and public opinion polls will not determine the effectiveness of the president. True enough, history will make that judgment. But for now, more than 50% of the American public are displeased with the President.
I think that I am at a point where I can accept President Bush's plan for Social Security. At his press conference on April 28, the President presented a few changes in his plan. I do think that he is right about relating Social Security payments to the level of wealth of the retirees. Social Security payments of people retiring after 2012 will be adjusted to the degree of wealth of the retiree. People with the lowest of incomes will not be affected. The higher the persons income, the lower the Social Security payment will be. I think that this is fair. Higher income people should have been able to start their own retirement supplemental plans. I believe that this is a step in the right direction.
I'm not too keen on the private accounts, but as long as older Americans, those born before 1950, will not be affected by the new plan, I'm all for it. Younger Americans should start their own private supplemental retirement plans, if they choose that option. If not, they should be covered by the Social Security allocation of funds. After all, the economic fitness of Americans should be the direct result of their own planning not that of the government.
One important point must be made, Americans who are disabled or impaired or otherwise unable to fend for themselves must be protected. I think the President's plan will cover these Americans.
So, I guess I support the President, at least on his Social Security plan. Not so fast. Do you realize why I support the President? The main reason that I support the plan is because of my birth date. I should not be affected by the revised plan. I plan to retire when I am 62 years old, August 3, 2012. Da Da ... the magic number. As it stands now, my Social Security allocation will not be affected, at least not too drastically. Yes, this may be selfish thinking on my part, but I still agree with the President.
The President's energy program is another story. I don't think that I can accept the current plan. Yes, we need to seek and develop other sources of energy, but we should do it in a fair, equitable and environmentally safe way. I do believe that we rely too much on foreign oil and the foreign oil business seems a little dubious in the way decisions and deals are made. I think the wealthy American oil mongrels are being favored and the American consumer is being disenfranchised. But that's my opinion.
The President's budget? Oh, where do I begin. I think the environment must be protected, but not to the extent that our economy suffers. We need to strike a balance. We need to balance the budget. We need to pull our troops out of Iraq. We need to become a world player not the world's player. I think the fight against terrorism needs a revamping. Rights of the American individual must be protected. Illegal foreigners...why are they here anyway? Didn't they break the law getting her? Why can't we "throw the book" at them and prosecute their illegal fannies? These are all issues that affect the financial budget of the United States. Good luck President Bush.
Let's talk about the American congress. Disgusting! They are dragging their feet on a number of important national issues. The short answer: popular opinion. Talk about governing from political polls. The men and women of the American congress legislate from the polls. Every important issue that confronts Americans and so urgently needs the legislative wisdom of the congress is bypassed by the whims of a selfish electorate. Of course most Americans are "me" centered. They want everything to benefit themselves, that's human. It's the job of the congress to legislate laws for all Americans - laws that are equitable, unbiased and respectable. Representatives and Senators, you are not doing your jobs. You must take the high road and legislate regardless of the results of the most current political polls. We have elected you to your offices, do your job and let the ballot box speak for itself. Did you ever hear of self-respect, integrity and honesty? Just do it.
Both parties of congress - Republicans as well as Democrats are delinquent in the execution of their oaths of office.
Republican senators, do not change the laws of the Senate in order to get your legislation passed. Respect the institution that you have been elected. The historic rules of the Senate are not up for revision. Honor the Senate and it's legacy. By all means, keep the traditional filibuster. The filibuster enables the political checks and balances involved with the day to day activities of the Senate majority party and the minority party. It serves as a defender of the minority point of view. By the way, the United States is not a true democracy. It is a republic. The majority rules only when the rights of the minority are not infringed upon. We are a democracy, but we respect the rights of the minority. Members of the Senate - read your American Government and Civics textbooks. Do your job.
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