Why Judge Appointments Cannot Be Taken Lightly...

The activist ruling today on the components of the Arizona 'Immigration' Law is evidence that judgeships should not be appointed without heavy consideration. Over a decade ago, Clinton appointed Judge Bolton, which was seemingly inconsequential. Turns out, she would play an ENORMOUS role in today's political landscape. As the Administration tries to create chaos and tension, she just drove a divisive wedge between two aggravated groups on a collision course with conflict.

Conservative talk radio commented today that the legal argument for an injunction must be very, very strong. Consider that the people of Arizona elected the legislators, who in turn are governing with the clear consent of the people. The Federal Government should take note of this, as about 60% of the people of America support this law. It carries even stronger support in Arizona, which has become dangerous as a result of the lack of enforcement and resources by Federal Border Agents.

There are two giant problems with this issue and this Judge as well as the Administration are on the wrong side of both. First, the Federal Government is failing to enforce the existing immigration laws and protect our Southern border. The second problem is that the States have every right, frankly an obligation to it's citizens, to protect the residents.

While the Judge will be touted and enjoy her fifteen minutes of fame, the Democrats will claim a victory here. Nonetheless, the righteous citizens of Arizona and the rest of the country realize that the 'war' in November will be won. This battle was lost because Liberals bought a trump card many years ago when Billy Clinton appointed this judge.

This brings us back to the point - Judge appointments matter. Supreme Court appointments are very significant as they endure for life. Activist or politically strategic appointments are simply a trump card to be played at a later date. What might come before the court over the next decade? It is my opinion that every piece of destructive legislation this President and Congress have passed against our will should end up before the highest Court.

Will judges like Kagan interpret laws and defend the Constitution? I'm afraid that the answer is not certainly 'yes', which means that she and other radical political allies should be voted down. The day will come when the toils of the Nation fall into the lap of one key person, one moment in time when a single vote matters.

Why Don't We Fight to Win?

Believe me, I'm far from anti-war. I am, however, against the pathetic version of modern 'international conflict' or whatever we call WAR these days. My understanding of war has always been simple - Destroy the enemy. Once the mission is accomplished, get the boys home and move on. When war is waged in this manner, the outcome is certain. The more determined, technologically advanced, more powerful force will win. Without a doubt, the U.S. Armed Forces has been that power for the last one hundred years.

So, what is the problem with Iraq and Afghanistan? There is no question we took down Saddam within weeks and had his army on their knees, controlling the landscape within the first few months. The same circumstances exist in Afghanistan, Al Queda was toppled quickly and could no longer organize there. Despite effectively 'winning', we are still maintaining an enormous presence in both countries. Why?

The canned answers are clear: rebuild them, install 'friendly' Governments, promote democracy... I get all that. Haven't we done all that before with countries like Lebanon, Iran/Iraq, and even Afghanistan? If so, why do we need to do it again? The frank truth is that the people of these countries cannot govern themselves, they require a constant policing. I'm reminded of that goofy satirical marionette movie - Team America: World Police. Unfortunately, it's no joke any more.

The sad truth is that the Islamic societies of the world either can not or choose not to rise up against radicalism within their communities. As long as those radical members have homes and families, who know full well of their brothers and sons involvement in such movements, but continue to shelter and support them - they have nothing to fear. These radicals can terrorize, keep the fight going, and at the end of the day hide with the women and children of their communal family lifestyle.

The fact is that our rules of engagement protect them. Americans carry with us a value for humanity unlike any other part of the world. It is this compassion for life and fellow mankind that both compels us to help and ruins our efforts to destroy the evil of the world. Americans also know that advanced societies are lands with laws, and those laws must be enforced.

Let me pose the question: If you have a family member that you know has robbed a bank, murdered a police officer, and is now knocking on your door... will you provide them asylum and protection? Only the most uncivilized and worst among us would consider helping this person, family or not.

This decision is more affected by principles than it is by fear, as we know even hardened criminals won't turn their weapons on their own family. Further, we know and understand that by agreeing to provide protection we are also GUILTY of a crime and taking a risk.

It is my opinion that these terrorists (radical Muslims) must be made to live in fear of the long arm of the law. They can be safe nowhere, protected by no one. They must cower in caves and roam the streets, absconded by their own society that rejects their choices of action. Those that provide protection and asylum, they know who they are. These enablers should not be surprised when we knock down their door and enforce the law, and they won't if we make it the rule.

Is it reasonable for us, Americans, to call on the supposed peaceful Islamic communities to begin policing their own? If people are truly for peace and don't support radicalism or terrorism, they should take a stand against such behavior and help the cause. Without such action of the masses or changes of the rules of engagement, we will not be able to accomplish the mission and destroy the enemy completely.

With the cooperation and help of peace loving Muslims, we will rid the world of such terrible and destructive people. Either we wait for Islam to help or begin fighting to win, those are the choices.

America: How Do You like having a 'Boot on Your Neck'?

This Administration has bragged about keeping their 'boot on the throat' of BP while they ultimately deal with the tragic oil spill. The real story is that the White House and Congress have had their boots on the throat of the entire tax paying private sector since they gained control of the Government. With every piece of destructive legislation they force through the Congress they are leaning on and choking our economy, along with every American that works and pays taxes.

The private sector is the force behind our amazing growth over the last two centuries. They are shackled in fear and uncertainty - afraid to invest, hire, or do much of anything! This is not due to normal economic cycles, but directly a result of legislative risk and the enormous impact to come of laws already in place.

Take for instance the overall cost of hiring a single employee. Say you own a small business that makes boots. Now, with a growing government that needs heavy boots to deal folks that pay taxes, you are considering adding another sales person to increase your market share. Good and experienced boot sales persons will earn a salary of $40,000. 

Now, keep in mind that you (the employer) will be paying $2,400 in SS and Medicare taxes, around $1000 in unemployment insurance each year. Now you need to count on either paying around $12,000 in annual health care benefits for the new employee or pay thousands of $$$ in fines. What's that? You want to offer a low cost, high deductible plan with an HSA so you and employees save money... Sorry, can't do that any longer. You are going to have to offer a 'government approved' health plan (up until private insurance fails and we go to single payer) that covers what is mandated by those who know better than you.

Oh, while you gasp for air under that boot - keep in mind that those added expenses will apply to your existing employees too. They will probably demand more money since their taxes are going up in 2011. Your taxes will be going up too, and that applies to capital gains if you are incorporated. 

So, the bottom line is that adding a sales person is going to cost you more like $60,000 each year. Combine that with the added costs of doing business with your current staff and rising taxes... How do you feel about hiring now? In fact, if sales don't go up your net income will be going down... Hmm, now you feel the 'choking' effect of legislative risk. What's the result here? You struggle and employees work harder to keep their jobs by increasing production and a boot sales person has to keep looking for a job and remain on welfare - NO ONE WINS!

The scariest part of all this is that Obama and his rubber stamp Congress is just getting started. They have done significant damage in less than two years! Now they have just passed 'Finance Reform' which brings a number of new industries under the boot. Is 'Cap and Trade' on the horizon, maybe during a Lame Duck session of Congress after they are voted out? What will the effects of increased supply and transportation costs do to your business?

Americans need to Reject this Administration and vote for conservative candidates this November!

2010 Election: Change and Hope

Now it's Change and Hope... That's right, this election is about fundamentally transforming the congress. We, the people of a free and enduring REPUBLIC, need to change out the existing leaders and replace them with conservatives. This does not mean elect republicans, but the most conservative candidates must be considered.

Once we seat them, we have to hope that they will carry the political will to serve us by changing the course of our wayward ship. Let me rephrase that, we must DEMAND that they take the drastic measures to right our finances and get our economy back into action. If newly elected officials won't take appropriate action - we need to replace them and repeat the process until it works.

So, that is the 'Change and Hope' we need for elections in 2010. Changing the leadership of Congress will only bring a halt to the radical agenda being pushed currently. We must have a conservative 'Super Majority' by 2012, otherwise the deep rooted and intentional damage to our economy and it's infrastructure will be tougher to overcome. This is the ONLY hope for maintaining the integrity of the United States we grew up knowing. If we do not act in the next two elections, the US will fall from glory as the 'Last Best Hope' for the world.

Here is the Manifesto for our 2010 or 2012 Conservative Congress:

• Repeal Health Care Reform Bill, replace this with the sensible parts of the legislation that address rising costs 
• Reform Medicare and Social Security IMMEDIATELY - each year we wait to do this we inch closer to catastrophe. The pain will be less substantial the sooner it is done - it must be done.
• Massive reductions in federal spending and programs, including entitlements.
• Reductions in corporate tax rates to attract investment and inspire private sector growth
• Secure ALL borders and travel into the United States, followed by a debate and plan for addressing existing illegal immigrants already here.
• Restore relations with allies around the world
• Bring clarity and conclusion to our war with Radical Islamic Extremists across the globe - These factions should fear the 'Fists of Justice', not us living in fear of them. 

Thanks for reading, enjoy the Memorial Day weekend and remember those that helped preserve the freedoms of our citizens!

Collin Hedegard

Don't We Already Redistribute Wealth?

Enough is enough... How clear can it be that we already redistribute wealth within the United States? Efforts to further the already unbalanced and detrimental system of taxation and entitlements is pushing the limits of most Americans. Even before the controversial and inexplicable passing of 'ObamaCare' the US has been redistributing wealth for decades. YES! It is very true, consider the following facts:

• The top 1% of earners in the U.S. pay 40% of the Federal tax dollars collected
• The bottom 50% of earners in the U.S. pay virtually 0 income taxes
• Entitlements exist for food, housing, services, and health care
• Health care entitlements existed prior to 2010 (Medicaid, Medicare, State services)
• Lower income families can get more money back than they pay in taxes

As these facts are interpreted, it becomes clear that the top half of earners in the U.S. already 'take care' of the bottom half, right? In fact, the top 1% carries the bulk of the financial burden for achieving this redistribution. Despite this inequality, somehow the top half of the population still finds room in their hearts to be the most benevolent among us. 

So, what is the reason behind such a push for more? Though the situation progressives have already managed to put in place may not be sustainable, additional entitlements and even higher taxes will wreck the economy. Why would anyone want to do this? 

To add some further perspective, families living in poverty according to the U.S. Government live many fold better lives than the poor of the rest of the world. In fact, they live better and have access to incredible resources unlike any other place in the world. Unfortunately for all of us, the 'impoverished' included, the most beautiful and important entitlement provided by the U.S. is in real DANGER! What is it...

EVERY PERSON IN THE UNITED STATES HAS THE FREEDOM AND OPPORTUNITY TO ACHIEVE A BETTER LIFE. Anyone can choose to:

• Start a business
• Go back to school 
• Get an additional job

Those of us that get off our ASS and do these things will experience success, happiness, and eventually wealth. Oh, and the achievers will always take care of their brothers and sisters under God and in need. 

We need to move the discussion from the argument of 'Status Quo vs. MORE' back to 'LESS vs Status Quo' and we need to do it NOW! All of our freedom and opportunity is at stake.

Collin Hedegard

@gmail.com

@collinhedegard

Wait, Isn't This Good News?

This has been a confusing few weeks since the proverbial 'Climate Gate' news hit the mainstream media. The science is in and apparently it's corrupted data that shows danger and a global warming crisis. Or is it? There are scientists on both sides of this debate. I'd certainly like to see some collaboration on the research and open debate on some of the data and details.

A much more simple and fundamental question comes to mind when I step back and think about this... Shouldn't we be happy to hear that there's a possibility that humans aren't destroying the earth? I heard this concept thrown out there as a casual comment on conservative talk radio Friday. At first, I didn't think much of it. Then it struck me - this is great news! It's not conclusive that we are all rapidly melting, or is it freezing... I don't remember. Either way, it appears that we've got enough time now to figure things out! Fantastic!

Or is it too late for some things? Emission regulations (second only to union labor) have contributed to the dismantling and destruction of the U.S. automotive industry. Billions of dollars (wait, is it billions or trillions? Doh, I've gone cross eyed)  have been spent and more money promised to 'green' things up around the world. Shouldn't we make sure it's true before we go further? Shouldn't we be sure before we outlaw coal and energy sources that are less expensive and more reliable than wind and solar sources? More importantly, shouldn't we be absolutely sure the scientists are being 'scientific' and 'truthful' before we write them blank checks for designing a blueprint for future energy policy?

Isn't it confusing to see these folks upset at the concept that we may not be destroying the earth as fast as many thought? I mean, how can we be anything but elated to hear it? Come on, this does not help the case of the alleged email perpetrators, does it? The fact that they seem to want this stuff to be true - it just doesn't make sense - unless... could it be the money? No, surely not that. Can we ask these guys this stuff? What exactly happens if they are exposed or proven wrong? Isn't that good news for the industrialized world and economies we live in? Let's figure it out, I'd like to know what and who to believe.

Though I'm not a scientist, I remember a couple facts from biology. Humans breath Oxygen and exhale Carbon Dioxide. Plants on the other hand 'breathe' or use Carbon Dioxide for photosynthesis and emit Oxygen. If plants are good for us, and CO2 is good for them, how can it be a pollutant like the EPA declared? God designed a pretty good symbiotic relationship here, and I have a feeling he knew the capabilities and future of mankind. We'll find out, one way or another, we'll find out the truth!

Watch out, you emit CO2! Do we fall under the regulatory power of the EPA now?

Collin Hedegard
collinhedegard@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/collinhedegard

Do Americans Need a 'Recycle Bin' for Politicians?

Alright, as the news feeds roll past my eye and debate presses on, we have to ask ourselves "What is going on with politicians these days?!?" Reid proclaims late last night that his caucus has reached an important compromise, and they cannot disclose the details! Why not? Why are laws being written with lobbyists and no public disclosure? This is nothing like what we were told during the campaign. The American public should demand some explanations!

Regardless of your views or political affiliation, it is tough to like any politician right now. On one hand there is a Democratic Party that campaigned on reforming political behavior, transparency, and middle ground - of which they are not delivering anything other than partisan and exclusive progress of a left and radical agenda. On the other hand there is a leaderless and seemingly week GOP trying to slow the Liberal momentum. Further, the middle ground and 'undecided' folks are just frustrated and confused.

Maybe it's time to move all these politicians into the 'Recycle Bin' and try some new ideas! Personally, I'd like to see someone brave enough to do what he or she believes to be right and risk getting kicked off the congressional gravy train. I expect they'll discover a constituency that respects them and will support them, even if they don't agree 100%. It's sickening to see someone compromise their views for the sake of re-election. It's also disgusting that guys like Byrd and Specter have been on the Hill for decades - have they provided a genuine or unique idea in recent history? How good is this job that they will switch parties and opinions to stay in the seats?

As you may deduce from this opinion, I'm a huge proponent of limiting terms for both bodies of Congress. It's just practical and smart to demand an influx of new ideas, concepts, and personalities into any organization. Granted, elder members provide a conservative wisdom that can't be matched. However, there's no argument that today's youth are more innovative and intelligent than ever before. Maybe the voting public will chose the wise crowd, maybe not. The beauty of many successful endeavors is balance, and it is my opinion that Congress would benefit from ideas and innovation. The voters should have the opportunity to bring in some fresh meat and see what they can do!



Collin Hedegardcollinhedegard@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/collinhedegard