Citizens Not Subjects

"I didn't stand with the banks and the financial industries in this fight.  Neither did any of the members of Congress who are here today. We stood with you."

 - President Obama (speaking about student loan takeover)

Obama signed the health care amendment yesterday...which is where today's quote is from. It's ironic to me how this administration continues to demonize businesses. A recovering economy needs healthy, profitable businesses, no? And how can he stand "with us" if his disapproval rating is at 50%. Again with the fuzzy math.

But back to my original thought...

Included in the health care amendment was a complete takeover of the federal student loan program, eliminating banks and other federal institutions from the equation.

This is just one more takeover to chalk up to Obama's "transformation" plan. Slowly but surely this president is creating a welfare state with middle class families becoming dependent on the government. In the words of Marcee Tidwell (Jerry Maguire), "I'm freaking out here, Jerry!"

First - Government bailout and takeover of the car industry. President Obama and his car czar now have a say in how GM/Chrysler run their business. You think they will continue to allow GM to produce gas-guzzlers??   Think again.  

Interesting fact...our Tahoe (made by GM) which we purchased 18 months ago is now worth MORE than we paid due to simple supply and demand economics. I wonder why GM is not producing more of these vehicles?  I love my Tahoe and the sound of my meaty engine. It makes me happy. Obama, however, believes I'm melting an iceberg each time I put the pedal to the metal. 

Second - Federalizing health care, which will eventually become nationalized health care if Obama has his way. This essentially determines how the citizens of this nation will live their lives.

And, Third, this government takeover of student loans. Any institution utilizing these loans will become subject to the government. President Obama will have ideological enforcement at colleges and universities across the nation. Thinking your college children will be receiving a liberal education is an understatement...think more extreme...

What's next on the takeover list?  I hate to even entertain ideas...

Chris Baker, in for Glenn Beck this morning, mentioned two things I love:

(1) Americans were not meant to live their lives on a leash.
(2) I want to be a citizen rather than a subject.

Obama's takeover ignores both ideals.

Source:

Obama Signing Amendment - Washingon Post
Glenn Beck Radio

Permanent State of Dependence?

"Every time we pass one of these bills, we are adding to the deficit, and we are not creating jobs...and it's a legitimate point for Republicans to make."

 - Sen. Jon Kyl (R - AZ)

I think I'm getting bogged down with the political grind this week.  Can it be?   

Maybe I'm coming off the emotional high of the Olympics when I actually felt patriotic...(Mr. Costas, I miss you already!)

Or maybe it's the Democrats' plans to pass Health Care via reconciliation, which is really disheartening.

[Sidenote: reconciliation has its purposes...so don't freak out on me...but it was NEVER intended to be used for such a controversial bill that will transform this nation and our government's rule over us.  Check this for an easy explanation on the original intent of reconciliation]

Not sure what it is, but today I'm sullen. Not defeated. Just a tad morose. 

But, pressing onward, this irked me today:

Rep. Jim Bunning (R-KY) is blocking a $10 billion proposal for an extension of unemployment benefits for 100,000 people and a few transportation projects...a few more things are down the pike like COBRA and Medicaid/Care subsidization. If you were to read about Bunning in the press today you'd think this guy was pretty horrible.

But do you know his objection? It's really quite simple:

He's wondering where the money's coming from.

He's wondering why Congress doesn't use $10 billion from the FIRST yet unspent stimulus bill.  

Did you know only 1/3 of the stimulus has actually been spent? There's still $237 BILLION left to be assigned and spent.

He's got a valid point: When do you begin holding the line? At what point does the spending come into check?

Recipients of government aid will always be upset when benefits contract or expire.  That's why the decisions are hard to make. I'm sick and tired of the sob stories. Everybody's got 'em.  (Hello? the dentures story from the Health Care summit...geez.) 

I don't want to belittle people who are out of work.  I personally know people who are unemployed and working hard to find a job.  BUT I also know people who are working the system.  The system creates a vicious cycle of government dependence.  When the assistance ends they are left with no prospects, no direction and no motivation...except praying for an extension.  Some benefit recipients don't know how to step up and take care of themselves since the very hand that feeds them continues to enable their current situation.

Check out this graph from The Wall Street Journal.  With every passing day more people are receiving benefits on an extended basis.  

People are NOT getting back to work. They are waiting for more government support. And while Congress and our President are wound up with Health Care the real issue still remains job creation.  

Sources:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704358004575095970707513064.html?mod=rss_Politics_And_Policy

http://projects.propublica.org/tables/stimulus-spending-progress