drtennis’s whereIstand Blog

The convential wisdom is that local concerns are the decisive factors in determining winners in congressional races. People are interested in what their congressman can do in Washington, to help the folks back home. The most obvious, as well as the most blatant, example of this process occurs in what are called earmarks.

However, in 1994 the Republicans regained control of the House, by nationalizing the issues in local Congressional races. They picked up a large number of seats.T his strategy was unique.

Normally, when there is a Presidential election, voters and the news media focus most of their attention on that race. National issues are important in determining the candidates, and the ultimate election of the President. The effect on congressional races occurs when many voters vote a solid party line. Thus, the relationship between the local and the national.

                    Dick Brooks

Some of the asserted facts need to be examined first, so that we have some idea as to the credibility of future predictions. Unfortunately, we are confronted with the implausible statements of drowning polar bears and melting glaciers. Ironically, the prediction of a temperate Greenland does happen to be plausible. However, it is so only in the context of a Greenland that was green in the distant past. Hence, the given name of Greenland.

This brings us to another “inconvenient truth”, not mentioned in the book. That is, that the earth has gone through recurring cycles, of warming and cooling. The book does not discuss that we have been in a mildly cooling cycle during each year since the turn of the present century.

Forty years ago, the cover stories of Time and Newsweek were about the coming ice age! Some prediction. Shouldn’t surprise us, meteorologists have trouble making accurate weather forecasts even two weeks ahead.

My prediction, and that of numerous scientists, is that cimate change will be a lucrative scam for those wanting to dupe the gullible public into drastic lifestyle changes. Remember the dire predictions of catastrophe at the turn of the new millenium? Further back, the public was bamboozled by the original Ponzi scheme. Much earlier, it was the Dutch Tulip hoax.

So when we hear nonsense like carbon off-sets, let us hold firmly on our wallets. The really scary aspect of this flim-flam, is that people in high places pretend to believe this fantasy. And they have the power to legislate to our detriment.

                                Dick Brooks

The so-called stimulus program was fatally flawed from its conception. The idea was, that since consumers accounted for 70% of our economy, if they were given more money to increase their consumption, it would stimulate the economy.

However, the stimulus money was created, not by greater production, but by running the government printing presses. This will add to inflation, which is currently a major problem.

The presumption that consumers would make purchases with this extra money, is open to question. Surveys of potential recipients reveal that a substantial amount of this money will be used to pay down debts. Where is the stimulus? A smaller number of citizens say they will save the money. Again no stimulus, but saving is a badly needed action, particularly to create sorely needed capital.

The assumption that a recession needs to be prevented is false. Recessions are natural components of the business cycles. They serve to dampen the excesses of the expansion aspect of the business cycle.

It is unfortunate that the stimulus package is a delusion. What is needed, both in government and among consumers, is a return to sound, basic economic principles. Simply put, we must return to the concept of living within our means.

                            Dick Brooks

The superdelegates will do what they think is in their own interest. Bear in mind, many of these so-called superdelegates will also be up for election. The electability of the presidential candidate will determine their own political survival.

Right now, many of the superdelegates are scared to death, and they have good reason. They see a choice between a candidate that is despised by half of the electorate, and a candidate who is becoming less attractive the more we get to know him. Unfortunately, many of his recent wounds have been self-inflicted.

What can be done. Not much at this point. Part of the problem is the superdelegate scheme itself. Ironically, this was established by a political party that likes to pride itself on one man one vote. The superdelegates are party hacks, and it appears that the final decision will rest with them in smoke-filled back rooms in Denver. They will certainly agonize over what might have been, if a strong candidate had been nominated.

The tide is running toward the Democrats this year, and except for the flawed candidate who will emerge, victory would have been practically assured. Even more so with a weak candidate like McCain who will get minimal support from conservatives, who distrust him. And for good reason.

So superdelegates will watch the train wreck in Denver in August, with the realization that they are powerless to make a good decision.

                                    Dick Brooks

The answer, in one word, is devastating. The issue question contains the word will. The future is now, oil prices are already having an impact on the economy.

People are cutting back on their driving, wherever they can. State governments are complaining about reductions in revenue from gasoline taxes. Resorts are experiencing a reduction in advance summer bookings. Some tourists are switching to flying rather than driving. This may be short-lived since airlines are finding various ways to increase revunue, so as to offset higher fuel prices.

Truckers are feeling the pinch and have already exhibited their dismay through demonstrations. Since most consumer products, particularly food, need to be transported to market, the trucking industry will need to pass 0n their higher costs to the products they transport.

Probably the most egregious effect is created by bio-fuels, and particularly by ethanol. The federal government can be blamed for this mess. Farmers, seeking higher profits, have switched from wheat to corn. The price of a loaf of bread has risen 11% in the past year! To make matters worse, studies now indicate that there is no cost benefit to the economy in producing ethanol, and a clear loss through government subsidies.

It would be bearable if we had reached the peak of our pain. Unfortunately, experts predict that oil prices will go higher, much higher. $100. a barrel may look like the good old days, in a few months.

In summary, the crisis is largely the result of inaction by spineless politicians, who are afraid to have us drill for our massive supply of oil. Their fear is caused by the environmentalist whackos, not the real environmentalists.

                           Dick Brooks

Some libertarians might not approve of such a mandate, but precedent and common sense suggest otherwise. States not only regulate minimum driving age, but also physical requirements, primarily with regard to vision.

As we age, our reaction time may deteriorate markedly. An older person may not realize this until a forced response in the case of an emergency situation. We would not want to wait until then to find out.

Another characteristic of many older drivers, is a reduced awareness of what is going on around them. Good defensive driving requires recognition of other cars in front, behind, and on both sides. This is not easy at highway speeds, even for younger drivers. Some elderly drivers, realizing their limitations, drive at very low speeds. And this can be hazardous on highways. Many states, recognizing this situation, post minimum speed limits.

I believe the evidence supports driver testing at older ages.

                         Dick Brooks

It would have not been in our best interest to sign the Kyoto Treaty. President Bush did the right thing by refusing to sign this terrible treaty.

Ostensibly, the protocol or treaty had the goal of reducing greenhouse gases, that cause climate change. This is the first flaw, since many distinguished scientists do not accept this cause and effect premise. In fact, many scientists do not believe that the activities of mankind have any effect whatsoever on changes in climate.

Kyoto also establishes two groups of countries, the established and the developing. The first group is held to rigid standards concerning suppression of carbon gases. Penalties for infractions are severe.

With the second group, 137 developing nations, compliance is voluntary. There is no obligation other than monitoring and reporting of emissions. China and India are in that group. Those countries are guilty of some of the highest levels of emissions.

The Kyoto protocol includes a complex system of carbon credits. These can be bought and sold. The system is very much prone to fraud and abuse, similar to what has occurred in theU.N.

The United States needs to be always vigilant, lest any proposed treaty threaten our sovereignty. Kyoto allocates a lot of power to faceless bureaucrats, who are not sympathetic to America’s freedom.

At some point in the near future, global warming will be seen as a massive hoax. The U.S. will be delighted that it did not pour taxed dollars down Kyoto’s rathole.

                             Dick Brooks

There is in the Kyoto protocol,

First, we need to define media. One major group includes the broadcast networks, big city newspapers, national magazines, and Hollywood films. The other group, newer, smaller, but fast growing, would involve some cable TV networks, talk radio, and a few movies. This alternative group is biased, but serves as a balance to the political orientation of the first group, the so-called traditional media.

I think it is fair to say that that the traditional media is politically biased, toward the left, no matter how much they try to deny it. For many years, the political culture in the nation, was predominantly leftist or liberal. This continued fro FDR to Goldwater. There was no such thing as a conservative movement. Bill Buckley and National Review, pioneered the coalescence of a conservative body of thought.

Many of the famous journalists, such as Rather from Texas, and Brokaw from North Dakota grew up in small town, traditional values families. When they got to New York City, their leanings began to evolve toward the left, without their being completely aware of the transformation.

The premier school of Journalism, Columbia University, is situated in NYC. If we survey the political preferences of its faculty, we find it to be 80 to 90% liberal.

The traditional media views the new media, like talk radio, with fear and loathing. Other points of view than liberalism are just not considered legitimate.

So the answer is, that the mainstream media is politically biased. he way to achieve balance is not by attempting to change it, or, God forbid, suppressing it. The way to go is to encourage all points of view. Isn’t that what the First Amendment is all about?

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Currently each branch of the military is meeting its recruitment goals. Actually, the Marine Corps reached 137% in the latest period!

Considering this situation, one might wonder why those with felony backgrounds would even be thought about. Many veterans and military observers believe that we have the highest quality military in our nation’s history. Why would we want to jeopardize this accomplishment by lowering the standards?

Unit cohesion is vital to a fighting force. Each person must have confidence in his buddies for a variety of reasons. Character and courage are prime characteristics in achieving high morale. Felons should only be considered for acceptance where recruiting goals are not being met.

Some social engineers, as we have seen on other issues, claim it is not fair to exclude someone with a minor criminal record. The armed forces are not designed to be fair, but rather to protect the country at all costs.

                     Dick Brooks

First, most people agree that health insurance premiums are already too high. Before adding new coverage, the matter should be given serious thought.

In addition, there is the question of whether contraceptives are really health items. No disease is prevented considering the matter of avoiding conception per se. Sometimes the argument is raised, that another birth would affect the mental health of the mother adversely. This is a bit farfetched.

A better argument can be made that contraceptives can help avoid certain sexually transmitted diseases. But the devices are only partially effective regarding many diseases, and not at all effective with some diseases.

In sum, there is not very good evidence in favor of including reimbursement for contraceptives. The best insurance is just avoiding risky sexual behavior.

                     Dick Brooks