Patrick Kennedy critiques the media

Let’s get this straight: Patrick Kennedy thinks the United States should leave Afghanistan and allow it to sink into even greater chaos? Sharp guy.

Congress might not receive a raise, and neither should federal employees

Congressmen Ron Paul and Harry Mitchell have sponsored a bill which would cancel Congress’ salary increases in 2011. Paul and Mitchell were also among sponsors of a bill which will do the same in 2010. This is a great idea, but why not go further?

Federal employee salaries are rising at a staggering rate. Since 2007, the number of employees earning over $100,000 hasveincreased by 46%, while those earning more than $150,000 have increased by 119%, and those earning more than $170,000 have increased by 93%. Just in case you were wondering, the average salary of a federal government employee is $71,206, compared to just $40,331 in the private sector. Why the huge disparity? » read more

An inspirational speech by Lieutenant Colonel Allen West

Lieutenant Colonel Allen West is running for Congress in Florida. Please take a moment to watch this video. We need Congressmen like this!

Dede Scozzafava’s betrayl

In the space of about 24 hours, New York Congressional candidate Dede Scozzafava went from being considered a selfless hero for dropping out of the NY23 race, to a traitor for then turning around to endorse Democratic candidate Bill Owens. Based on her actions, Ms. Scozzafava should seriously consider leaving the Republican party.

It’s understandable that Ms. Scozzafava wouldn’t want to endorse Conservative candidate Douglas Hoffman, due to their differing political beliefs, but the same should be true of Bill Owens. I’m one of those rare people who seems to think a political pary in a two-party system needs to have a wide umbrella with some core issues that bring people together. One of those core issues should be increasing the number of GOP House seats to help Republicans gain control of the House and attempt to bring fiscal restraint. By offering an endorsement ot Bill Owens, Ms. Scozzafava has offered her support to Nancy Pelosi. » read more

Dede Scozzafava’s decision: Great for conservatives, not so great for moderates

I was surprised to hear about Dede Scozzafava’s decision to suspend her campaign for a Congressional seat in New York’s 23rd district. Since she is currently running third in the polls, her chances of winning were slim, and the chances of splitting Republican votes and handing them to the Democrat were likely. It’s important to pick up as many seats as possible in order to eventually remove Nancy Pelosi from power. Ms. Scozzafava realized that, and I commend her for her selfless decision. With that said, I’m also a bit worried.

While Dede Scozzafava’s decision will likely lead to greater unity for Conservative candidate Douglas Hoffman, it certainly doesn’t bode well for moderate Republicans in general. I’ve never been a big fan of the two party system, since it essentially forces people to pick the side that is closest, rather than a side that is close. That results in a certain ideological heterogeneity that you wouldn’t find in a multiparty system. Unfortunately, it seems that some on the far right don’t seem to get this, and have a tendency to lash out at moderates the same way they would at Nancy Pelosi. It’s similar to a “with us or against us” mindset. » read more

Congress, the NFL, and a lack of priorities

We’re at a point where our country is facing many challenges: The remnants of an economic crisis, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, health-care reform, cap-and-trade legislation, and much more. There’s no doubt that Congress has a full plate. That’s why it’s shocking to find out that they wasted time holding a hearing to discuss professional football. » read more

Health insurance is not a right

As the country continues to watch the health-care debate, it’s common to hear liberals talk about the right to “quality, affordable health-care”.  I agree with them on the importance of having health insurance, and the need for affordability. What I disagree with is the mechanisms being proposed for obtaining coverage and making it “affordable”. » read more