Part 2 --- Reasonable Risks

One thing is certain in life success is not guaranteed. Every day we must make choices that involve risks, some are big and some are small. There may be risks to our finances, reputation, and self-confidence if result is failure. Indeed, people are influenced by environment, however, a healthy sense of self comes from knowing that a person does have personal locis of control. Such awareness is helpful in reducing liklihood of being overwhelmed by environmental stressors and allowing for better decision-making when confronted with complex challenges.

The willingness to take reasonable risks reveals much about character. The willingness to take reasonable risks shows not only confidence, but promotes resilence in the face of failure and reflects the Productivity Principle.


Throughtout history, it's clear America's character is rooted in the idea of taking reasonable risks. From Christopher Columbus who sailed the ocean blue to the Early Settlers who came later too. Regardless of the reason the various groups came to America, the journey involved reasonable risks.

Dolly Madison took reasonable risk not just when she preserved a national treasure, but like Abigail Adams, was truly a pioneer for Women Equality. Her interest and engagement in political affairs was beyond expected norms.

Abraham Lincoln managed crisis when the nation was ravaged by regional divisions and war. He faced reasonable risks for preserving the union.


Reverand Martin Luther King faced reasonable risks not only to himself but also towards his family. He suffered at the hands of fellow African Americans who allowed fear and doubt to reign in their hearts and mind.

Reverand King understood the scripture, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." King understood the risks and boldly declared, "Like anybody, I would like to live a long life...But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man!"

Thomas Edison, Graham Bell, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg revolutionalized how we interact with one another. Success was not guaranteed and involved reasonable  risks.

Many presidents took reasonable political risks in the course of fulfilling duties.

Probably the most salient examples include:
John Kennedy --- Cuban Missle Crisis
Lyndon Johnson --- Civil Rights Act
Richard Nixon --- Inaugural Trip to China
Gerald Ford --- Pardon of Richard Nixon
Jimmy Carter --- Middle East Mediation
Reagan --- Tax Reform
George Bush Sr. --- Persian Gulf War
Bill Clinton --- Welfare Reform
George Bush Jr. --- TARP
Barack Obama --- Authorizing Raid of Osama Bin Laden's Compound in Pakistan

In all these examples, it may not have been clearly evident that such actions would lead to desired outcomes; success. The willingness to take reasonable risks in the face of uncertainty is salient.

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Now, there's a candidate in the 2012 presidential campaign (oh, let's not be coy, it's Mitt Romney) who is touting his experience in business as a relevant factor qualifying him to be president. Well, let's examine his business experience. What is meaningful for the subject of this blog is the excerpt of the book, 'The Real Romney' by Michael Kranish and Scott Helman, Boston Globe reporters (as read on 'Last Word with Lawrence Show')

"Bain -- Bill Bain proposed Romney would become the head of a new company to be called Bain Capital, with seed money from Bill Bain and other partners at Bain and Company. Bain Capital would raise tens of millions of dollars, invest in start-ups and troubled businesses, apply Bain's brand of management advice, and then resell the revitalized companies or sell their shares to the public for a profit. "Romney explained to Bain that he didn't want to risk his position, earnings, and reputation on an experiment. So Bain sweetened the pot. Bill Bain guaranteed that if the experiment failed, Romney would get his old job and salary back, plus any raises he would've earned during his absence. "Still, Romney worried about the impact of his reputation -- on his reputation if he proved unable to do the job. Again, the pot was sweetened. Bain promised that if necessary, he would craft a cover story" -- a what? "He would craft a cover story saying that Romney's return to Bain and Company was needed because of his value as a consultant." So what did Mitt Romney risk in starting this so-called small business that he really didn't start? Absolutely nothing, not a penny. As Bill Bain explains it in "The Real Romney," quote, "there was no professional or financial risk," end of story.

Mitt Romney has shown that he clearly would not only mislead the public, but willing to do and say thing to obtain a position...as long as he is substantially immune to even reasonable risks himself. Now the business community, including Wall Street investors should take this as an affront.

The question may be asked does Romney think he is or should be guaranteed unfettered success and by default entails no responsibility for failure? The most important question should be is Romney a business leader or an opportunist?



Further Review


Related Blog --- Part 1 --- Reasonable Risks

Philippians 4:13 --- "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Romans 8:18 --- "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Richard Cohen --- Mitt Romney's Business Plan

The Weekly Standard --- The Risk-Averse Romney

Opportunist --- "Unprincipled resourceful person: somebody who takes advantage of something, especially somebody who does so in a devious, unscrupulous, or unprincipled way."

Part 1 --- Reasonable Risks

From Wayne Hale's Blog  ---

"During my travels I always carry a paperback to read. A book that I finished recently was a history (my usual subject) concerning some German emigrants to America in the 1840’s. Their story was entirely typical: conditions in their village had deteriorated and they were lured by glowing stories of the opportunities in the United States. So they sold their houses and all their goods and made their way to the port at Antwerp. Unscrupulous characters soon fleeced them. Broke and alone in a country where they had no resources and did not speak the language, the putative emigrants were forced to beg for food and shelter. Some died. A shipowner agreed to provide them passage to the new world in exchange for indentured service upon arrival. The ocean voyage was miserable, the crew was inept, they ran out of food, water, encountered storms, and about a third of the party died during the voyage. Shortly after arrival in port, a smallpox epidemic took another third of the company. The survivors were marched off to indentured servitude; the remnants of families torn asunder. Only the strongest, or the luckiest, survived."

"As I said, a story that was very typical. Few people made it easily to the "land of opportunity."

My great-grandfather was of German emigrant descent; that book could have been the story of his parents. I never knew him since he died before I was born, but I knew my great-grandmother, and I’ve written about her before."

---------------------------------

"As a very young boy my parents would take me to visit her in central Oklahoma. As a young girl, she had walked alongside the family wagon as they moved west to new territory in search of land and a better life. Yet she lived will into her 90s and saw the beginnings of the space age."  

"And I had to wonder, as I thought of her and of the difficulties, dangers, and hardships of the pioneers who made this country strong, affluent, and powerful, do we still have what our pioneer ancestors had? My grandmother was old, small, and frail when I knew her. What shone through during those visits was a strength of character, a clarity of purpose, and a directness in communication that made you forget the frailty of old age. Her stark assessment of those pioneer days is still fresh in my memory: "The cowards never started, and the weak ones died along the way." She faced that hardship and danger and had a better life than if her family had not taken the risk to move west."

"What is it, I wonder, that has made America a great nation? Abundant natural resources are part of it. The availability of cheap labor was a factor. But other peoples have had cheap labor and abundant resources and have not succeeded in building a strong nation. I believe that it is due the American character; an innate optimism and the bold willingness to take on risks if they hold the promise of a better tomorrow. We have become the envy and wonder of the world not because of our wealth and power, but because of our character."

"My great-great-grandparents certainly had some appreciation of the risks they incurred by moving west, but they could not have fully understood it. They knew Risk in the Big Sense: danger, hardship, and death threatened their way: accidents, disease, wild animals (wolves, bears, and snakes), hostile natives, terrible weather, and the difficulty of travel through the wilderness, all of these they must have recognized. But the details would have been only vaguely understood. The details of hardship were of secondary importance, they knew the Big Risk well enough. They took what preparations they could, and they set out."

"My great-grandfather made mistakes; he literally lost the ranch in the great depression. But overall, they avoided the Big Mistake: not taking a worthwhile risk. Martin Luther once said "Sin boldly." That is not permission to do what you know is wrong, but it is an admonition not to be paralyzed to inaction by the prospect that you might be doing something wrong."

"Today we live in the luxury of their legacy. Our greatest hardship may be mowing the grass; our greatest risk may be driving on the freeway. These challenges just don't compare with what our great-grandparents faced every day. Have we lost the capability to weigh risk and reward, hardship and hope, difficulty and opportunity as they did?"

So the fundamental question remains, do we have those qualities that made our ancestors successful? Do we have the judgment to weigh it all in the balance? Do we have the character to dare great deeds? 

History is watching.

Further Review

George S. Patton --- "Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash."

Related Blog --- Built to Last

David Brooks --- Fair Shot

"Effort should lead to reward as often as possible. People who work hard and play by the rules should have a fair shot at prosperity. Money should go to people on the basis of merit and enterprise. Self-control should be rewarded while laziness and self-indulgence should not. Community institutions should nurture responsibility and fairness."

Article --- Risk-Taking and Leadership

Built to Last

Common Sense  provided courage to declare independence and pursue the truth --- America: Built to Last.

The foundational principles ensure support of the truth --- America: Built to Last

Political differences may produce civil strife, but enduring principles provides the stability and assurance of --- America: Built to Last.

Contributions from peoples of the world highlight the nation as 'beacon of hope' and strengthens the truth --- America: Built to Last.


World Wars, even fighting on multiple fronts couldn't dampen our determination to defend the fact --- America: Built to Last.
Terrorism and unabashed formidable enemies of the nation strengthen our resolve that 'we will prevail' and that 'we shall never forget' --- America: Built to Last.

Unemployment, economic insecurity, and social change perfected the state --- America: Built to Last.

America has faced many challenges over the years, domestically and internationally.
"We the People" are resilent and responsible, who above all things, believe --- America: Built to Last.



Further Reading

Unreasonable Expectations

The Myth of American Decline.

It's Common Sense

The intensity of ongoing public discourse concerning domestic and foreign policies reflects this definitive moment in history marked by the nexus of zeitgeist and opportunity. The ole' political arguments and maneuverings are no longer acceptable. The ideological posturing are no longer tolerated.

There have been much talk about 'The Exceptionalism of America'. Whereas America embodies many ideals and values that other countries aspire to, we should guard against selfish pride. Remember there's a difference between patriotism and ethnocentricism.

"When pride cometh, then cometh shame." --- Proverbs 11:2
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
--- Proverbs 16:18 ---

It's Common Sense!

If America is to be truly 'exceptional' (the 'city on a hill') in an enduring way, then it's time to put aside childish ways and thinking; really strive to be a more perfect (mature) union. It's time to sieze this definitive moment in history to do what we already know needs to be done in the best interest of America.

It's time to deal with reality (Newsflash! -- It doesn't mean looking at reality t.v. shows).

It's Common Sense!

TARP was an unfortunate necessity. It may have left an unpleasant taste in the mouths of many Americans, but it was the right thing to do. Ironically, in retrospect, it showed we can put aside politics/ideological differences and PUT AMERICA FIRST! It showed continuity of purpose.


It's Common Sense!

The Recovery Act was an unfortunate necessity; notwithstanding the extraneous provisions included in the legislation and given the circumstances, it was the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Health Care Reform/Health Care Law was a social and economic necessity. The exclusion of the public option showed continuity of purpose with American ideals and values. It was the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

The Auto Industry Bailout was an unfortunate necessity. It may have left an unpleasant taste in the mouth of many Americans. It strengthen manufacturing sector of U.S. economy, increased potential exports and job growth. It was the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Financial Regulatory Reform is a social and economic necessity. It showed understanding of past shortcomings that precipitated crisis and willingness to be proactive in adverting crisis in future. Nothwithstanding, it's incomplete due to failure to deal with Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac and relationship to the Community Revitalization Act (as amended in 1990s). It was the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Budgetary Process/Entitlement/Tax Reform is a national security, social, and economic necessity. Balanced and prudent changes are needed to reflect changing realities, deal with future challenges, and pursue opportunities effectively. It's the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Comprehensive  Immigration Reform is national security, social, and economic necessity. Balanced and prudent changes are needed to reflect changing realities, deal with future challenges, and opportunities effectively. America is a nation which values compassion and justice, not tyranny and repression. America is a nation which values law and order, not anarchy and confusion.

It's Common Sense!

Congressional Reform is a national necessity. The time and energy wasted on political games and maneuverings have produced much public ire and frustration against public servants, in addition to bringing the time-honored institution, the U.S. Congress to a standing of ill-repute. ("It doesn't have to be this way.") It's the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Presidential Leadership Reform is a national necessity. For years, Republicans and Democrats seem to have considered the president as a pawn and the presidency as a trophy. For years, there has been politicization of the presidency. It's time for all Americans to rethink how we view the president in relation to political parties.

Once an individual takes the oath of office, he owes no allegiance to politcal parties. His primary focus is what's best for all Americans --- Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Apolitical. Every administration should demonstrate a continuity of purpose in pursuing what's in the best interest of America. The president should not be constrained to accept/reject viable ideas based on political affiliation.

Furthermore, no party should be able to hide behind the president's favor/disfavor. Neither should the president be able to hide behind a party's favor/disfavor. It's time for more accurate assessment of presidential job performance. It's time for more independent accurate assessment of a party's ideas and vision.

At respective national conventions, EACH political party decides to offer its party's nominee or ENDORSE the president. It's time to reduce (though realistically not completely eliminate) the politicization of the presidency. It's the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

Political Process reform (e.g. Redistricting, Open Primaries, Campaign Financing, Enhanced Rescission Authority granted to POTUS) is a national necessity. America may have lofty ideals and enviable values, but if our processes are adulterated by political shenanigans then America is no better than countries we consider to be despotic. It's the right thing to do.

It's time to clarify the practical and political role/functionality of such grassroot movements as TEA and OFA; specifically in regards to PACS/SuperPACS. Indeed, campaign finance laws need to be reviewed to ensure there's an accurate reflection of reality. No gaps or loopholes --- functional or otherwise. It's the right thing to do.

It's Common Sense!

The partisans and the ideologues on both sides of spectrum should realize the challenges we face are not insurmountable; the problems are solvable. We may not particularly agree with a certain polcy approach, but must use common sense. There are many reasonable Americans who are so-o-o-o tired of the political brinkmanship and our leaders' actions reflecting everything but sound judgment. Indeed, who has the judgment to lead?

Common Sense shows no preference to political parties or ideologies. Common Sense not only faces reality but deals with reality. Common Sense focuses not on the short-term, myopic quick-fixes, but on balanced pragmatic sustainable solutions. Common Sense accepts responsibility, not excuses.

It's Time for Common Sense!

Part 3 --- Independent President (America Works)

Related Blogs:

Part 1: An Independent President (Historical Review)

Part 2: An Independent President (Getting it Done)



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Interdisciplinary Collaboration/Complementary Partnership


“America works best when we work together " --- Tom Donahue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce


There's acknowledgment that Barack Obama (or any president) is in position whereby there may be contradictory objectives i.e. as POTUS and Head of a political party. What may be good viable idea is to not consider the president the head of any particular party.

The U.S. President, First Lady, and the White House Administration is Independent whose chief objective should be doing what's best for the nation not any particular party. Adopting this concept requires people to re-think how we view the relationship between the president and political parties.
Adopting this concept may reduce; though not completely eradicate the influence of partisan politics in the decision-making process of POTUS.


It doesn't matter what Chris Wallace or Chris Matthews says, POTUS is NOT the head of any political party. The president is nonpartisan. The moment when an individual takes the presidential oath he owes no allegiance to any political party. The president should be Independent...able to exercise freedom to accept ideas from varied sources without respect to political or ideological affiliation. The president's focus should be 'Is the idea good for America?' Period.


Too many times BOTH parties have used the presidency as a trophy or/and have 'pimped out' the president for own partisan purposes. It's time to change.


Indeed, 'We the People' may more accurately assess the 'job performance' of the president independently from the job of Congress and the public attitudes towards the political parties. The propose change may encourage responsibility among all leaders...reduce ability of all leaders to hide behind the goodwill/disfavour of the president...promote leaders' responsibility towards the People.


Indeed, it's time to change. It's time to judge EACH political party 's vision on its own merits. It's time to judge the members' of EACH political party performance on own merits. It's time to judge the president on his own merits. It's time to stop hiding behind the approval/disapproval of each other. It's time to accept responsibility.

One thing that should be emphasize is Citizens' Responsibility.

We ask alot from our leaders but often times we are not fufilling our responsibility...and it goes beyond voting. We need to be duly informed of the issues. We need to respect all points of view.

Indeed, We are the change we seek.

************

It's time for An Independent President --- Someone who does not deny party labels but put them aside; put America first before party ideology.

It's time to have an Independent President who demonstrates personal integrity through pragmatism and understanding the responsibility of having Freedom

Freedom from Religion Guided by principles not prejudices

Freedom from Politics Being principled not partisan

Freedom from Family Being principled not personal

Freedom from Race Promoting principles not people

Freedom from the Past Promoting precedents base on principles not patterns

It's time to have a Independent President who not only understands Vision but actually has a coherent, steady common-sense vision that would continue to lead America forward.

Indeed "The pundits, the pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats."

It's time to support someone who believes as do an increasing number of reasonable Americans that enough of the political games and brinkmanship. 'In times like these' require that we live up to America's purpose. Act in accordance with realization that "there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America."

Part 2 --- Independent President (Getting it Done)

Related Blogs:

Real Reform ---> Real Growth http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGGCBZ 

Casting the First Stone
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGGCGg


Getting it Done

More obvious than ever before, President Obama seems to be a 'closer' i.e. finishing the business of previous administrations, both Republican and Democrat. Whether it's healthcare reform, War in Iraq and Afghanistan, Middle East Peace Process, Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Education and Energy Reform, and more.
 
It's not as easy as it may appear. Continuity of American principles and values must be maintained while moving the country towards real sustainable growth and security.

President Obama's character and leadership style is highlighted. The ability to be able to respectfully consider alternative opinions and views helps him avoid the problems of past presidents, Republican and Democrat.

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'We the People', generally speaking, recognize Obama is trying to act responsibly and principled in the best interest of all Americans actually demonstrating willingness to accept ideas from any source regardless of political affiliation ...few are actually listening to him though, so unfortunate.

Now, President Obama has shown willingness to address the misguided actions of Republican presidents like George Bush (43). The time has come that he must be willing to admit and acknowledged the misguided actions of Democrat presidents, like Bill Clinton. Really it may actually affirm why many people voted for him in 2008... Principled and Independent.

Now saying these things is by no means an attempt to disparage or otherwise disrespect any previous president or his administration, Republican or Democrat.

Part 1: An Independent President (Historical Review)

It seems as though the United States of America is beginning to live up to its purpose, more than 200 years since the inaugural of the first president in 1789. Now, the two parties, though evolved, have always highlighted significant differences in approaches to national challenges. The two parties serve admirable purpose in preventing undue ideological control of U.S. policies by any particular political party.

Notably, throughout the years, the presidency has been treated as a trophy and the president as a pawn by the political parties, Democrats and Republicans. What has been witnessed in American politics is the rancorous environment whereby there's a seemingly unwillingness of leaders to focus beyond party interests and rather more on the interests of the nation. Indeed it has affected the presidency and its occupant at any given time. The state of affairs has often constrained the president from acting responsibly in best of nation to move US forward.

It's time to have an Independent President who demonstrates personal integrity through pragmatism and understanding the responsibility of having... 

Freedom

Freedom from Religion Guided by principles not prejudices

Freedom from Politics Being principled not partisan

Freedom from Family Being principled not personal

Freedom from Race Promoting principles not people

Freedom from the Past Promoting precedents base on principles not patterns


"Independence - is loyalty to one's best self and principles, and this is often disloyalty to the general idols and fetishes." --- Mark Twain

************

The president often must make decisions that may cause the progressive left to be despondently blue and the conservative right to be fiery red. In the last 3 years we have witnessed many decisions of President Obama actually infuriating the ideologues on the right and the left. When President George Bush addressed federal funding of stem cell research, his decision also was not fully acceptable to the ideologues on the right and the left. President Clinton has been called "the best Republican president we’ve had in a while” due to his pragmatic policy record i.e. 'he’s for free trade, he’s for globalization, he was for welfare reform, fiscal restraint'. Ronald Reagan also had policy stances that were unpopular with progressives and conservatives.

Throughout our history, there have been stark disagreements regarding policies, many are being echoed today. Yet, it really shows the strength of American Democracy when despite obvious fundamental differences in policy, the decisions of the U.S. President reflects a continuity of purpose. The aim of the president should be to act responsibly in best of nation to move US forward.

"Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."--- Colin Powell

There is a growing group of individuals, voters who wants to move beyond Red vs. Blue typology. There's understanding that the nation's challenges require pragmatic sustainable solutions not just ideological dogma offered by partisans in both parties. There's understanding no party has all the answers, but solutions which require pragmatic collaboration and principled compromise. Pundits have asked, Can Independents reform America? Well, the answer is yes and indeed they have already brought forth significant changes to American politics.

There may be some cynics and scoffers but Independents are not asking for our leaders to deny their party labels but put them aside and put America first before party ideology.

Indeed "The pundits, the pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats." Let's be clear, Independents are declaring, "Enough of the political games and brinkmanship. These times that we're facing requires that we live up to America's purpose. Act in accordance with realization that "there is not a liberal America and a conservative America — there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America — there’s the United States of America."

Further Reading

Can Independents reform America and unrig the system?

Obama and the Age of Unreason

Political Fools

Ted Cruz

A highly influential voice among uber-conservatives, specifically the TEA Party

Grover Norquist

Indeed, he’s a highly influential voice in politics, but his ‘anti-tax pledge’    

shows him to be a fool.  Enough said.

               

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“Un sot trouve toujours un plus sot qui l'admire.”  
--- Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux

“Más acompañados y paniguados debe de tener la locura que la discreción.”

--- Cervantes (Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra)

**********************************************

A Fool's Pledge

A promise that seems noble and wise

striving to reach an ideal, a pie-in-the-sky

A promise spoken in haste

A promise of words futile as waste.

A promise that's impossible to keep

A promise that's destined to make people weep.

A promise that's cumbersome as a millstone around neck.

A promise that's devastating as a car wreck.

A promise that's merely an illusion.

A promise with no future, it perishes because it has no vision.

A Fool's Pledge seduces people of goodwill and faith

Its essence is nothing more than a transient wraith.

A Fool's Pledge weaves its web of deception

offering security, but verily no protection.

Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly

A Fool's Pledge squeezes the life out of those who are trapped in its grasp

as fear, like a boa constrictor, produces the last gasp.

A Fool's Pledge isolates a person from pragmatic sustainable solutions.

All that's left is wanton processes and much confusion.

A Fool's Pledge denies freedom like an inmate in prison.

A Fool's Pledge lacks wisdom, common sense, and reason.

To extricate from something that is so noxious

To be redeemed and help further the interests of the U.S

Must acknowledge selfish Pride is the master behind current affair.

Humility is the savior that will deliver from its lair.

Accept full responsibility, come clean my friend

'Denounce and Reject' and let's put such folly to an end! 

Forgiveness is available, if contrite and true.

America is waiting, it's up to you.

Open Letter to U.S. Congress

There's a lot of talk about invoking the 14th Amendment in regrettable case there's no resolution by August 2. Applicability is unclear, but it does raise the possibility that U.S. Congress may have over-step its constitutional boundaries enacting debt ceiling and thereby raises the possibility that there was error in raising debt ceiling in past. Now,we're facing a dilemma -- whether it's the delay in raising the debt ceiling, challenging its constitutionality, or allowing a debt default, all actions pose serious political risks and significant consequences for both parties and nation. Furthermore such actions are troubling in the eyes of international community.

This issue and the crisis it portends highlights our ongoing tendency to approach problem-solving in tunnel-vision, myopic manner.

These are solvable problems, but it does require us just getting out of the short-term and, frankly, selfish approach that sometimes politics breeds. We’ve got to think a bit long term. --- President Obama, Press Conference 06.29.11

Yes, we need to deal with our debt but we must make sure that the remedies set forth are not only pragmatic and balanced, but are in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. Though there are Republicans, like Sen Demint et. al. who express support for a balanced budget amendment, to insist on its inclusion in any deal is not practical given time constraints and could be pursued later after current crisis is effectively resolved. To do otherwise is actually demagoguery, irresponsible, and predatory insomuch it takes advantage of the public's and some leaders' ignorance of the ardous amendment process (e.g the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) -- it's been 88 years since it was first proposed and still it's just short of the required states for ratification!) Such irresponsibility will not be tolerated, either. Seriously!

*** Indeed, the TEA Party raises legitimate concerns but unfortunately the media has been enthralled with the symbolism and energy of the movement that it failed to ask those who ascribe to TEA tenets to provide more complete vision for America insomuch vision = goal (what) + process (how). Anybody may state 'what' we should do, but the most important is the 'how'. What are the pragmatic sustainable solutions to the nation's problems? Failure to provide pragmatic sustainable solutions is disingenuous and manipulative; merely appealing to the fear and anxiety of the public.

More and more Americans are awakening to the fact that our nation's future is not a game to be played like russian roulette. It's not a game, period. Leaders need to understand it's time to focus on the next generation, not just the next election. Media organizations need to realize and assume due responsibility towards encouraging understanding among populace. We, the People need to understand it's important to exercise the skill, active listening continually. Obstinacy and Extremism are not virtues; Tolerance and Moderation are not vices. Remember, it's not a game.


It's an "ALL-IN" Moment in History. To insist on the exclusion of tax increases or exclusion of changes in Entitlements is unreasonable. It's time for shared responsibility. The challenges we face have been years, indeed, decades in the making by Republicans and Democrats. No one party has all the answers. BOTH sides must be willing to step away from their intransigent policy positions towards compromise. Put America First.

It's time to get serious and stop the pas folie deux that's consuming the political parties. It's time for leadership. It's time for principled compromise. It's time for discipline, balance, and responsibility! It's time for Change to come to U.S. Congress (not cosmetic or mere change in party majorities either) If anyone insists in continuing to behave in a manner that is counterproductive then s/he does not need to be a member in the U.S. Congress any longer. There are many reasonable informed Americans who are willing to make it happen. They vote and not necessarily along party lines. Believe it or not, the ground has shifted. The ole' staled way of doing things is no longer acceptable. The time for childish behavior and adult brinkmanship is over. Enough is Enough!


It's Time for Real Constitutionally Sound Solutions!


It's time to grant Enhanced Rescission Authority to the President.
-- Bipartisan Senate Support for Enhanced Presidential Rescission Authority http://crfb.org/blogs/bipartisan-senate-support-enhanced-presidential-rescission-authority

PAYGO Rules
--CBO Makes the Case for Strict Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Rules http://crfb.org/blogs/cbo-makes-case-strict-pay-you-go-paygo-rules

Tax Reform
-- GAO Study: Complexity of Tax Code is Costly' http://crfb.org/blogs/gao-study-complexity-tax-code-costly

Review Subsidies
--Indirect, Labor , Trade Protections, Procurement, Infrastructure, Consumption, Export http://www.globalsubsidies.org/

Earmarks
-- Earmark transparency still makes more sense than a ban http://sunlightfoundation.com/blog/2010/07/06/earmark-transparency-still-makes-more-sense-than-a-ban/

Entitlement Reform
-- NBC/WSJ Poll: Americans Warming to Entitlement Reform http://blogs.forbes.com/aroy/2011/03/03/nbcwsj-poll-americans-warming-to-entitlement-reform/

-- Means Test http://conhomeusa.typepad.com/therepublican/2011/04/paul-ryan-entitlement-reform-means-testing.html

-- Tom Coburn and Joe Lieberman's Impressive New Medicare Reform Proposal http://news.yahoo.com/tom-coburn-joe-liebermans-impressive-medicare-reform-proposal-211501580.html

-- Dept of Defense Wasteful Spending http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/blog/09/07/15/AiringDifferences

Congress
-- Quorum Reform. Though it's important to protect the rights of the minority party. It's also important to ensure there's no unnecessary disruption of legislative business via walkouts. There should be per diem fine assessed to every congressional member who engages in such behavior. It's childish and disorderly.

--Filibuster Reform. Though it's important to protect the rights of the minority party. It's also important to ensure there's no unnecessary disruption of legislative business via members abusing the time of Congress.

-- Review Caucuses. The number of caucuses in Congress may have been created for specific purposes but over time have added to the balkanization within the legislative branch. Many may be reasonably argued as permanent lobbying groups operating in the chambers of Congress (note it was stated they were not merely working with Congress) This type of relationship is unacceptable.
-- Multi-Year Budget Process
-- Open Primaries/Redistricting Reform

There are very serious issues and challenges that are facing the nation. It's admirable that people are exercising their constitutional rights to express grievances, but it must be coupled with pragmatism and responsibility. Failure to do so results in undue disruption and chaos, not order and progress. Remember, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

In the movie, 'Lean on Me' about Joe Clark's efforts as principal to bring reforms to a New Jersey High School. Dr. Frank Napier, superintendent to Joe Clark: "Get used to it, it's the way of the world! If you're so hot on discipline then, goddammit, start by accepting mine."

To Members of U.S. Congress -- Democrats and Republicans: "Get used to it, it's the way of the world! If you're so hot on responsibility then, start by accepting it yourself! Because contrary to popular opinion, no one can have freedom without responsibility!"

"The American people didn't give us power, they gave us responsibility." --- Dick Armey


Further Reading:

Part III: America's Health --- The Heart Condition
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post_edit/gGGgxM/7hGKD

CBO Report: The Economics of the Federal Budget Deficit
http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/46694.pdf

Streamlining U.S. Congress

Indeed, it's time for change. We have heard this declared before and the results have been wave elections but no change. Let me be clear of what it meant, it's time to change the U.S. Congress. This change goes beyond political or party majorities in either chamber, but deals with entrenched dysfunctional processes of U.S. Congress. It's time to review and reform the processes of the legislative branch of government.

One area that needs to be reviewed is the number of caucuses in Congress. While many may justify their presence as necessary to promoting important issues of Americans. Let's be honest, many of them should be listed as lobbying special interests groups and have no place in the honored institution, U.S. Congress.

Some have become as many government programs which exist beyond its usefulness. The executive branch has pursued initiatives to streamline processes within its agencies. It's time for the legislative branch to do the same. C'mon it's time to discontinue the Rube Goldberg Competition. Here are some of the Caucuses that should be reviewed and considered for reform or elimination.


2015 Caucus (2006(?)–)
21st Century Health Care Caucus (2006(?)–)
30 Something Working Group
4-H Caucus (2006(?)–)
9/11 Commission Caucus (2006(?)–)
Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus (2004–)
Afterschool Caucuses (2005-)
Alzheimer's Disease Congressional Task Force (1999–)
Americans Abroad Caucus (2007–)
Anti-Value Added Tax Caucus, The (Anti-VAT Caucus) (2006(?)–)
Appalachian Caucus (2006(?)–)
Armenian Caucus (1991-)
Army Corps Reform Caucus (2006(?)–)
BBike Caucus AKA Bicycle Caucus
Biomedical Research Caucus
Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus (2006(?)–)
Bipartisan Working Group on Disaster Recovery and Response, The (2006(?)–)
Blue Dog Coalition (1994–)
Congressional Bourbon Caucus (2009–present), founded by Brett Guthrie and John Yarmuth
Building a Better America Caucus (BABC) (2006(?)–)
CCalifornia Democratic Congressional Delegation (2006(?)–)
Caribbean Caucus (2003–)
Center Aisle Caucus (2006(?)–)
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force (2006(?)–)
Children's Environmental Health Caucus (2006(?)–)
Coalition on Autism Research and Education (2006(?)–)
Community College Caucus (2006(?)–)
Community Solutions and Initiatives Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Anti-Terrorism Caucus (January 2007–present), founded by Sue Myrick, Bud Cramer, Kay Granger, and Ben Chandler
Congressional Arts Caucus (January 1981–present)
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (May 1994–present)
Congressional Automotive Caucus (1985–present) (formerly Auto Industry Task Force)
Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Battlefield Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Bike Caucus (CBC) (2006(?)–)
Congressional Biotechnology Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Bipartisan Cerebral Palsy Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Black Caucus (1969–)
Congressional Boating Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Border Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Brain Injury Task Force (2001–), founded by Bill Pascrell
Congressional Brazil Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus for Bosnia (2005 -)
Congressional Caucus on Central America (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Global Road Safety (2004–)
Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on the Judicial Branch (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse (2010(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan Americans (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans (March 2001)
Congressional Caucus on Uganda (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues (1977–) Note: this was formed as the Congresswomen's Caucus, before changing its name in 1981.
Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports (2006(?)–)
Congressional Entertainment Industries Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine (2006(?)–)
Congressional Children's Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional China Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Climate Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Coal Caucus (2010-)
Congressional Coalition on Adoption (2006(?)–)
Congressional Coastal Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Complementary and Alternative Medicine Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Constitution Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Correctional Officers Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Croatian Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Czech Caucus (2008–)
Congressional Diabetes Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional E-911 Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Farmer Cooperative Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Fire Services Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Fitness Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Food Safety Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Forest Task Force (2006(?)–)
Congressional Former Mayors Caucus (2006-) - cofounded by Mike Capuano and Mike Turner
Congressional Fraternal Caucus (summer 2002-)
Congressional French Caucus (October 2003–present)
Congressional Friends of Denmark (CFD) (2006(?)–)
Congressional Gaming Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Gulf of Mexico Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Hearing Health Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Hispanic Caucus (1976–)
Congressional Hispanic Conference (2003–)
Congressional HUBZone Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Horse Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Human Rights Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Humanities Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus (1999–)
Congressional Insurance Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Intelligent Transportation Systems Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Internet Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Iraqi Women's Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Kidney Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Labor and Working Families Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Life Science Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Management Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Manufacturing Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Manufacturing Task Force (2006(?)–)
Congressional Medical Professionals Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Men's Health Caucus (2007-)
Congressional Mental Health Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Mentoring Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Mine Warfare Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Mining Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Morocco Caucus (July 2003) (formed as Morocco FTA Congressional Caucus)
Congressional Nursing Caucus (2003–present - founded by Louis Capps
Congressional Organic Caucus (2003–present)
Congressional Pakistan Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Port Security Caucus (2003–present) - founded by Chris Bell
Congressional Progressive Caucus (1990-)
Congressional Pro-Trade Caucus (2009-)
Congressional Real Estate Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Rural Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Rural Housing Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Scouting Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Savings and Ownership Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Second Amendment Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Serbian Caucus (2003–)
Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Ski and Snowboard Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Singapore Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Spina Bifida Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Steel Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Stop DUI Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Submarine Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Taiwan Caucus (2002–)
Congressional Taskforce on International HIV/AIDS (2006(?)–)
Congressional Tourism and Travel Caucus (CTTC) (2006(?)–)
Congressional TRIO Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Ukrainian Caucus (1997–)
Congressional United Kingdom Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Waterways Caucus (2006(?)–)
Congressional Western Caucus (1992–)
Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus (2006-)
Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease (2006(?)–)
Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus (2006(?)–)
Consumer Justice Caucus (2008-) - founded by Keith Ellison
DDelaware River Basin Task Force (1999–present)
Diversity and Innovation Caucus (2007–present)
Democratic Israel Working Group
Duma-Congress Study Group (1997–present), originally established as interparliamentary Russian-U.S. group on energy
EE-Waste Working Group (2005–present), formed by Louise Slaughter, Mike Thompson, Randy "Duke" Cunningham, and Mary Bono
House Economic Competitiveness Caucus (2005–present)
Senate Economic Competitiveness Caucus (2006–present)
Electronic Warfare Working Group (1999–)
Financial and Economic Literacy Caucus (2005–present)
Flat Tax Caucus
Friends of Norway Caucus (1999–present)
House Friends of Scotland Caucus (2006–present)
Senate Friends of Scotland Caucus (2009–present)
Friends of Switzerland Caucus (2003–present)
Future of American Media Caucus (2005–present)
Global AIDS Emergency Task Force (May 2003–present)
House Great Lakes Task Force, Senate Great Lakes Task Force (mid-1980s)
Historic Preservation Caucus (2003–present)
House Aerospace Caucus
House Afterschool Caucus (2005–present)
House Agriculture Energy Users Caucus
House Army Caucus
House Baltic Caucus (1999–present)
House Beef Caucus
House Biofuels Caucus
House Democratic Caucus (1948–present)
House Military Depot and Industrial Facilities Caucus
House Oceans Caucus (1999–present)
House Reading Caucus
House Recycling Caucus (March 1998–present), founded by Anne Meagher Northup
House Republican Israel Caucus
House Rural Health Care Coalition
House Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Caucus
House Trade Working Group
House Trails Caucus
Hudson River Caucus (2004–present)
Hungarian American Caucus (June 4, 2003–present)
India Caucus (2004–)
Indonesia Caucus (2004–)
International Conservation Caucus (2006(?)–)
International Workers Rights Caucus (2006(?)–)
Interstate 69 Caucus (2006(?)–)
Intelligent Transportation Caucus (2002-)
Kenya Caucus (2006(?)–)
Kurdish American Caucus 2007-
Law Enforcement Caucus (1994–)
LGBT Equality Caucus (2008–)
Liberty Caucus (2000(?)–)
Minor League Baseball Caucus
Multiple Sclerosis Caucus (2007-)
National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus (2006(?)–)
National Landscape Conservation System Caucus (2006(?)–)
National Service Congressional Caucus (2006(?)–)
Navy-Marine Corps Caucus (2006(?)–)
New Democrat Coalition (1997–)
North America’s Supercorridor Caucus (2006(?)–)
Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition (2006(?)–)
Northern Border Caucus (2006(?)–)
Nuclear Issues Caucus (2006(?)–)
Out of Iraq Caucus (2006-)
Passenger Rail Caucus (2006(?)–)
Patriot Act Reform Caucus (2006(?)–)
Pell Grant Caucus, The (2006(?)–)
Physics Caucus, The (2006(?)–)
Public Broadcasting Caucus (2006(?)–)
Public Service Caucus (2007-)
Qatari-American Economic Strategic Defense, Cultural, and Educational Partnership Caucus (2006(?)–)
Recording Arts and Sciences Congressional Caucus (RASCC) (2004–)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus (1996–)
Republican Study Committee (1973–)
Research and Development Caucus (2006(?)–)
River of Trade Corridor Congressional Caucus (2006(?)–)
Sex and Violence in the Media Caucus (2003–)
Saudi Arabia Study Group, The (2006(?)–)
Senate Afterschool Caucus (2005-)
Senate Taiwan Caucus (2003-)
Sexual Assault Violence Elimination (SAVE) Taskforce (2006(?)–)
Shellfish Caucus (2005–)
Silk Road Caucus (2001)–)
Special Operations Forces Caucus (2006(?)–)
State Maritime Academy Caucus (2006(?)–)
Stop DUI Caucus (2004-)
Sudan Caucus (2006(?)–)
Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare (2006(?)–)
Tea Party Caucus (2010–)
TEX-21 Congressional Caucus (2006(?)–)
Unexploded Ordnance Caucus (2005–)
Upper Mississippi River Basin Task Force (1997–)
U.S.-Afghan Caucus (2006(?)–)
U.S.-China Working Group (2006(?)–)
U.S.-Mongolia Friendship Caucus (2006(?)–)
U.S.-New Zealand Congressional Caucus (2006(?)–)
Victim's Rights Caucus (2007-)
Victory in Iraq Caucus (2006(?)–)
Wounded to Work Congressional Caucus (2011 - Present)
Youth Challenge Caucus (2006(?)–)
Zero Capital Gains Tax Caucus (2006(?)–)