I do not envy President Obama right now. There is no way that one year ago, Mr. Obama could have had any idea what he would be facing as he nears the end of his first year. The Senate cannot agree on a healthcare package to put forward, so they have actually introduced two pieces of legislation; both of which are lackluster. The House of Representative has put forth a Healthcare Bill longer than anyone would care to read. He is facing a difficult decision in Afghanistan with regard to the recommendation by General McChyrstal to send additional troops to fight off insurgency. We are facing potential nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea. And most importantly we are still in the midst of an Economic downturn, the likes of which nobody has seen since the Great Depression. To say the least, President Obama has his work cut out for him.
On the healthcare front, there is nothing but complete disappointment. The main bill introduced through the Senate Finance Committee chaired by Sen. Max Baucus lacks “chutzpah.” Sure; the bill reforms the healthcare industry, but how comprehensive is that reform? It definitely stops short of Universal healthcare coverage for all of our citizens. It puts more guidelines in place for the insurance companies; but fails to create a public health option which would effectively force the private industries to compete, resulting in lower premiums for our citizens. Max Baucus’ bill lacks any type of force, but then again, how much force does Baucus want to put on the healthcare industry? Considering, he has taken a substantial chunk of change from them in the past.
The House of Representatives just put out their version of the healthcare bill, which is being touted Speaker Nancy Pelosi. I have suggested many times before that Pelosi step down, and I will suggest the same here again. The House bill is nearly 2000 pages long. Who in the hell has time to sit and read 2000 pages to hold them accountable for what they are doing? I did read through the outline, skimmed the overview, and read a few select sections. The bill offers Scholarship programs for Indians to serve as healthcare professionals in Indian communities. I don’t have a problem with American Indian Tribal Hospitals applying for grants like all of the other hospitals. I do wonder why one racial group gets a particular amount of funds to recruit new healthcare professionals. If we are offering scholarship grants, they should be made available to any ethnic group working through any hospital. Marriage and family counseling is covered, but what definition of “marriage” are we using; or, is this going to be up to the individual States also? The House bill does include a public option; however, there are 4 different benefits packages. There is a Basic Plan, Enhanced Plan, Premium Plan, and Premium-Plus plan. With differing plans, how can you ensure that everyone is getting the same quality of care? This guideline perpetuates the problem of the wealthiest citizen’s being able to get the best healthcare. If you would like to read the bill and have the time to do so, the link is here:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3962ih.txt.pdf
Be patient. It takes a few minutes to load; after all, 1990 pages is a lot of information.
This brings me to the war in Afghanistan. General McChrystal wants additional troops. Additional troops means additional potential American casualties, additional spending, and additional resources. We have been through enough with this war. Afghanistan cannot even hold a proper election to decide on a leader; things took a turn for the worse when Abdullah Abdullah, announced he will boycott a run-off election with President Hamid Karzai. The original election was disputed amidst allegations of fraud. We need to stop putting our brave men and women in harms way. Bring our troops back home. People make the argument that we need a presence in Afghanistan to protect ourselves from enemies. We could station our troops on our borders here at home to protect ourselves from terrorists and enemies. We could use the money we are spending in Afghanistan to beef up our security here at home. We could improve our missile defense systems, put money into defense industries here at home, and most importantly save the lives of our dedicated troops who we keep losing every day that this conflict continues.
Here at home, we need to concentrate on growing business, increasing jobs, and boosting consumer confidence that the market is turning around. Our country is in a desperate state. We have too many people out of work, too many families struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. The stimulus is working too slowly. The government needs to release those funds more rapidly, so we can begin to see more relief in the lives of everyday Americans. Where did all of these “shovel ready” projects go? There are plenty of issues for President Obama to attack, and I am confident that he will make the decisions. I just hope that the decisions are the right ones. Good Luck Mr. President.
As a side note on events here in California: I am sad to learn that Gavin Newsom has withdrawn from the Governor’s race to succeed Gov. Schwarzenegger next year. I had a lot of faith in Mr. Newsom, but wish him and his family the best of luck in San Francisco. I also heard today that there has been a rash of suicides among high school students from a particular school in Palo Alto. I hope the administrators and officials can figure our how to prevent these tragedies soon. Lastly, the perpetrators of the horrendous gang-rape at Richmond High School this past weekend should all be tried as adults and convicted. It is disgusting to think that not only did so many young men actively participate, but there were also many bystanders who did nothing. In my personal opinion, all of the participants in this heinous act should have their balls nailed to a table in house set on fire where they are only given a knife and a choice. After they make that choice, by the way, they should spend years in prison getting raped themselves so they comprehend the magnitude of their actions and the severity of their crime. That is just my personal opinion though.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Healthcare and Us
With the battle over healthcare reform roiling on in the Capitol, I see very little progress being made. Granted, we have had plenty of distractions over the last few weeks; such as an Olympic bid for Chicago, Afghan recommendations from Gen. Stanley McChrystal, and ethics committee investigations into John Ensign and Charlie Rangel. I am having a very difficult time believing that any of the politicians in Washington are actually trying to fix the problems with our healthcare industry. Senator Max Baucus introduced a bill with no public option that has been scrutinized and heavily contested in the Senate. Interestingly enough, Baucus and the rest of the Senators debating this bill have all taken money from the healthcare industry. Sounds like a conflict of interest to me.
This weekend, I went to visit my grandparents and great-grandparents (yes, they’re still alive). While I have been watching this healthcare debate closely, I hadn’t realized how deep of an effect our current healthcare system was affecting my own family. My grandfather has pre-existing conditions making him virtually impossible to insure; or any company that will insure him charges an arm and a leg. Naturally, my grandparents can’t afford the coverage, so the make up the large percentage of Americans who remain uninsured. My great-grandmother (Abuela) also has pre-existing conditions doubling the complexity of the scenario. She qualifies for Medicare, but it doesn’t cover everything. Abuela recently injured her knee. Being in her late 80s, she isn’t a particularly great candidate for knee replacement, so her doctor prescribed a series of three injections into the knee to lubricate the joints. The injection, Synvisc, is manufactured in Germany. The price for this drug itself, not including the doctors’ fees, came out to $978.00. After Medicare, the price was still almost a thousand dollars just for the medicine. Obviously, that was out of the question. The doctor agreed to administer the injections if my grandparents could get the drug cheaper elsewhere and bring it to the office. My price savvy grandparents ordered the injections from our Northern neighbors up in Canada. The injections are the exact same as they would have received here; same manufacturer, same dosage, same drug. After shipping and handling and the currency conversion, the cost came out to just under $400.00. Simply by ordering the medicine from another country, they were able to save almost $600.00. Needless to say, I was very annoyed to hear this, but I understand the importance of shopping around.
What made me especially mad were my grandfather’s medications. To keep his cholesterol in check, he was prescribed Crestor manufactured by Astra Zeneca. With no insurance to help offset the cost, the prescription runs about $128. My grandfather gets the generic version Rosuvast 10, also manufactured by Astra Zeneca, from Argentina for $15. This furthered my outrage at our healthcare system, but it was a generic, and those are always cheaper. What really blew me away was what he showed me next. Another cholesterol medicine which he was prescribed is Niaspan 1000mg. Purchasing the prescription here in the States would have cost them $140. Purchasing the exact same medicine again from Argentina, cost him $22. A $118 difference for the exact same drug, same dosage, same everything. Here’s the kicker… Niaspan is manufactured by KOS pharmaceuticals, here in the United States. It is cheaper to purchase American-made medicines abroad in other countries than it is to purchase it here. I couldn’t believe it if I didn’t read the packaging with my own eyes. It is unfathomable to me, that we pay more for medicines made right here in our own country.
I find it completely disgusting that we allow companies to take advantage of our own citizens and prey on consumers who are in need of specific medicines. We are allowing these drug companies to financially rape our citizens. People rely on these types of medications. All across the country, these are people who are having difficulty staying employed. These are people who are trying to stay in their homes and put food on their tables. These are people who are trying to take care of their families. These are people who are being taken advantage of by their own. I understand the desire to make a profit; it keeps the company going, pays the people who work at the plants, and helps fund research for other drugs. The money also goes to pay the $4.7Million salary for Astra Zeneca CEO David Brennan. I am a firm believer in Capitalism, free enterprise, and the free market. It is a part of the American Dream to be wealthy and successful. However, I am deeply offended when some realize that American Dream by directly sabotaging the lives and well-being of their fellow citizens. Preying on the weak and infirm is vile and contemptible; pricing their medications out of their reach and at the ends of their budgets is a despicable act that only widens the gap between the rich and the poor. I hope Congress approves a damn good reform plan soon; otherwise, this type of conduct will continue and our population will suffer from it. We need to fix the health-care system now! Call or write to your Congressional Representatives and Senators and tell them to get on the ball.
This weekend, I went to visit my grandparents and great-grandparents (yes, they’re still alive). While I have been watching this healthcare debate closely, I hadn’t realized how deep of an effect our current healthcare system was affecting my own family. My grandfather has pre-existing conditions making him virtually impossible to insure; or any company that will insure him charges an arm and a leg. Naturally, my grandparents can’t afford the coverage, so the make up the large percentage of Americans who remain uninsured. My great-grandmother (Abuela) also has pre-existing conditions doubling the complexity of the scenario. She qualifies for Medicare, but it doesn’t cover everything. Abuela recently injured her knee. Being in her late 80s, she isn’t a particularly great candidate for knee replacement, so her doctor prescribed a series of three injections into the knee to lubricate the joints. The injection, Synvisc, is manufactured in Germany. The price for this drug itself, not including the doctors’ fees, came out to $978.00. After Medicare, the price was still almost a thousand dollars just for the medicine. Obviously, that was out of the question. The doctor agreed to administer the injections if my grandparents could get the drug cheaper elsewhere and bring it to the office. My price savvy grandparents ordered the injections from our Northern neighbors up in Canada. The injections are the exact same as they would have received here; same manufacturer, same dosage, same drug. After shipping and handling and the currency conversion, the cost came out to just under $400.00. Simply by ordering the medicine from another country, they were able to save almost $600.00. Needless to say, I was very annoyed to hear this, but I understand the importance of shopping around.
What made me especially mad were my grandfather’s medications. To keep his cholesterol in check, he was prescribed Crestor manufactured by Astra Zeneca. With no insurance to help offset the cost, the prescription runs about $128. My grandfather gets the generic version Rosuvast 10, also manufactured by Astra Zeneca, from Argentina for $15. This furthered my outrage at our healthcare system, but it was a generic, and those are always cheaper. What really blew me away was what he showed me next. Another cholesterol medicine which he was prescribed is Niaspan 1000mg. Purchasing the prescription here in the States would have cost them $140. Purchasing the exact same medicine again from Argentina, cost him $22. A $118 difference for the exact same drug, same dosage, same everything. Here’s the kicker… Niaspan is manufactured by KOS pharmaceuticals, here in the United States. It is cheaper to purchase American-made medicines abroad in other countries than it is to purchase it here. I couldn’t believe it if I didn’t read the packaging with my own eyes. It is unfathomable to me, that we pay more for medicines made right here in our own country.
I find it completely disgusting that we allow companies to take advantage of our own citizens and prey on consumers who are in need of specific medicines. We are allowing these drug companies to financially rape our citizens. People rely on these types of medications. All across the country, these are people who are having difficulty staying employed. These are people who are trying to stay in their homes and put food on their tables. These are people who are trying to take care of their families. These are people who are being taken advantage of by their own. I understand the desire to make a profit; it keeps the company going, pays the people who work at the plants, and helps fund research for other drugs. The money also goes to pay the $4.7Million salary for Astra Zeneca CEO David Brennan. I am a firm believer in Capitalism, free enterprise, and the free market. It is a part of the American Dream to be wealthy and successful. However, I am deeply offended when some realize that American Dream by directly sabotaging the lives and well-being of their fellow citizens. Preying on the weak and infirm is vile and contemptible; pricing their medications out of their reach and at the ends of their budgets is a despicable act that only widens the gap between the rich and the poor. I hope Congress approves a damn good reform plan soon; otherwise, this type of conduct will continue and our population will suffer from it. We need to fix the health-care system now! Call or write to your Congressional Representatives and Senators and tell them to get on the ball.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Footsteps to Follow; Shoes That Can Never be Filled!
Today, the nation paid respects as we remembered Sen. Edward Kennedy. Kennedy was the remaining patriarch of what some have called The American Royal Family. The loss of Ted Kennedy is not only a private loss for his family, but a loss for the American people. Kennedy was a patriot, a true American hero. Despite the wealth and success associated with being a Kennedy, Ted fought for the common man. Ted was a champion for all. He fought for civil right, women's right, he was an outspoken advocate for equal treatment of all citizens. His most notable battle front was on the topic of healthcare. His firm belief was that quality healthcare was a right of every American, not a privilege of a select few. With his unfortunate passing and departure from the Senate, Ted did not live to see his life's "cause" fulfilled. Massachusetts now must find someone to take up that cause and work to fulfill the legacy of Sen. Kennedy. Quality affordable healthcare is a right that needs to be afforded to all citizens of these United States. Ted has left footprints to follow; although his shoes will never be filled.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Health Care is a Right for All
While the debate over health care reform rolls on all across the country, we need to ask ourselves, "can we afford not to?" I find it hard to believe that the United States, one of the most advanced, powerful nations in the world, cannot provide comprehensive health care for all of its citizens. The average life expectancy for an American is approximately 73 years, which falls significantly behind other countries, such as France, Sweden, and Canada. We need to be able to protect our citizens and provide them with the best opportunities to live long, prosperous lives. I am definitely not saying we should have a government-run health care system, because we all know that most things which are government-run do not work. (Or they run up huge deficits). Speaking as one of the younger citizens who will eventually have to pay for the Trillions of dollars deficit that the government has amassed, we do not want to increase the shortfall of our budget. A single payer system, similar to the current medi-care program, would be a possibility. Nobody would be forced to switch health care plans. If you are happy with your current private health insurance provider, you could continue on with them. However, if you ever lost your coverage, you would be able to get care under the social health plan. The plan, of course, would be available only to citizens and legally documented aliens. Funding for the program....
Nobody likes to hear it, but there would have to be a tax. As someone who believes that we are pretty much taxed to death already, I find it to be a hard, yet realistic pill to swallow. My proposal is this...
Everyone is taxed the same amount. Regardless of income, status, or any other previous qualifier everyone is taxed the same. Let's say for arguments sake that the cost is $100/month per tax-payer. This covers them and their dependents (a spouse and up to three children). If both parents are working and tax-paying, they both pay into the system; there is no additional benefit, sorry. I have always thought we should limit the child tax credit to three children anyways, so this policy would do the same. The single-payer system would cover up to three children under the age of 18 (23 if they are enrolled in a 4 year college). If parents decide to have more children, by default, they also decide to pay an additional amount into the system, ($25 per additional child). These numbers of course are not realistic, I've just used them for demostrative purposes. For those people who say, we don't want socialized health care, I am sorry, but it benefits us in the long-run to have a healthier work force more capable of contributing to society. For those who say that the system would, in effect play "God", the system would not deny health care to the disabled or the elderly, it would actually have the potential to help them more than the current programs. It would; however, dictate the length of care that people would receive if they are on life-support for an extended time and lose all brain function. If somebody is effectively rendered to be a "vegetable" than the unfortunate decision to cease life-support funtions will be left to the administering doctor. It is a sad decision to make, but is usually the best decision for all parties involved. I have seen the protest against a social health program all over the country, but have noticed a significant older population joining in and would like to point out: if you are on medi-care currently, you are on a socialized health care system. Reforms must also be made in the private system, to ensure that those of us who retain our personal insurance do not suffer through ridiculuous rate increases and coverage requirements. The insurance industry has been gouging the medical community for years, and it is time to put an end to the blood-letting. We need a health care system in place to take care of our citizens, not one that prices many people out of coverage. We need to take care of our weak and infirm to help keep them strong. We need care for those who have cared for us, servicemen and servicewomen; veterans of our military deserve to have a better health care system in place for them when they return. All American's deserve the right to a healthy, prosperous life, and we need to be able to provide ample coverage and opportunity to do so. We need health care reform.
Nobody likes to hear it, but there would have to be a tax. As someone who believes that we are pretty much taxed to death already, I find it to be a hard, yet realistic pill to swallow. My proposal is this...
Everyone is taxed the same amount. Regardless of income, status, or any other previous qualifier everyone is taxed the same. Let's say for arguments sake that the cost is $100/month per tax-payer. This covers them and their dependents (a spouse and up to three children). If both parents are working and tax-paying, they both pay into the system; there is no additional benefit, sorry. I have always thought we should limit the child tax credit to three children anyways, so this policy would do the same. The single-payer system would cover up to three children under the age of 18 (23 if they are enrolled in a 4 year college). If parents decide to have more children, by default, they also decide to pay an additional amount into the system, ($25 per additional child). These numbers of course are not realistic, I've just used them for demostrative purposes. For those people who say, we don't want socialized health care, I am sorry, but it benefits us in the long-run to have a healthier work force more capable of contributing to society. For those who say that the system would, in effect play "God", the system would not deny health care to the disabled or the elderly, it would actually have the potential to help them more than the current programs. It would; however, dictate the length of care that people would receive if they are on life-support for an extended time and lose all brain function. If somebody is effectively rendered to be a "vegetable" than the unfortunate decision to cease life-support funtions will be left to the administering doctor. It is a sad decision to make, but is usually the best decision for all parties involved. I have seen the protest against a social health program all over the country, but have noticed a significant older population joining in and would like to point out: if you are on medi-care currently, you are on a socialized health care system. Reforms must also be made in the private system, to ensure that those of us who retain our personal insurance do not suffer through ridiculuous rate increases and coverage requirements. The insurance industry has been gouging the medical community for years, and it is time to put an end to the blood-letting. We need a health care system in place to take care of our citizens, not one that prices many people out of coverage. We need to take care of our weak and infirm to help keep them strong. We need care for those who have cared for us, servicemen and servicewomen; veterans of our military deserve to have a better health care system in place for them when they return. All American's deserve the right to a healthy, prosperous life, and we need to be able to provide ample coverage and opportunity to do so. We need health care reform.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Fiscal Insolvency or Political Incompetency?
For too long now, the citizen's of California have put up with the mediocre attempt by our legislators to solve our state's budget crisis; they need to remember that they are in their positions to represent us and serve the better interests of our state and our citizens. It is reprehensible to think that they have let us fall so deep into this economic pit, that we are now issuing IOUs for the first time since the Great Depression.
My message to the state Senate and Assembly:
Stop thinking solely of yourselves and your special interests, stop playing partisan political games and get down to work. This shortfall should have been dealt with months ago, and you have continually dragged your feet and procrastinated. Quit beating around the bush and get a balanced package on the desk of Governor Schwarzenegger quickly. Your constituents are all counting on you to represent them and do what is right for them and the State of California. Regardless of what your party affiliations are and what political ideology you follow, you owe it to the citizens to fix the problem at hand. You are working on something much bigger than yourselves or your individual ideologies. It is up to you to retain the public's trust, do not fail us now!
My message to Governor Schwarzenegger:
Regardless of what agreements you made with the legislature earlier this year, if they give you a balanced budget that does raise some taxes, sign it. Personally, I think we will have to increase taxes on certain luxury items: tobacco, alcohol, and even gasoline. Obviously the increases should not be monumental, but if they need to be raised, so be it. You owe it to the citizens to work with the legislators and compromise on a balanced solution. Thus far, you have not produced any major changes in the way California runs; as a matter of fact, the efficiency of the State has waned under your watch. Work with our representatives to find a solution to the problems facing our State government, and do something that will have long-lasting impacts on our citizens for the better. Otherwise, you will have been no different from Gray Davis and should never have been trusted with the office of Governor of the State of California.
I have a few ideas on how to close the budget gap. They are not the only ideas, and may not be the best ideas, but at least I am working on coming up with a solution. (Somebody has to)
Budget cuts:
Don't play favorites, cut everything equally across the board. All over the country, people are being asked to do more with less. Local governments and private corporations are all feeling the pinch and are have to make do with what they have got; why should State government be any different? Yes, slashing budgets suck, and nobody wants to do it, but sometimes we have to do things that we don't want to. Cut 10% of every budget throughout the state and maybe we can put some back next year if out revenues increase.
Taxes:
Again, not a popular choice by any means, but raise taxes on certain luxury items. I believe a 5% increase in taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and gasoline can be afforded. Believe me as someone who uses all three of these products it hurts me to say this, but I think it will be for the best. I understand that nobody wants to pay higher gas prices, but the reality of the situation is that comparatively throughout the world, our prices are still pretty low. Drivers can afford to pay a few cents more per gallon to benefit our state and pay for the roads that they drive on. Also, in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Francisco, there are decent public transportation systems that can be used for local transportation. Not only will this save the consumers' money, but it will save the roads and freeways by eliminating some of the heavy traffic, and will helps protect the environment with lower greenhouse gases and carbon emissions.
Programs:
Eliminate unnecessary programs. Yes, many of them are great ideas and have many positive aspects and outcomes, but if we can't pay for them we shouldn't have them. The rehabilitation program for the incarcerated is great, but perhaps we should hold off on that for next year, when we can properly budget for it. There are many programs across the State that can be cut or get a lower budget appropriation. It is not ideal, but it is necessary.
Immigration:
Nobody likes to discuss this hot topic, but we cannot continue to prolong the inevitable. We need to come up with some sort of comprehensive immigration reform. To begin, all of the illegal immigrants being held in our prisons for committing crimes need to be turned over to federal authorities for deportation. This will lessen the growing prison population and lower our operating costs for state penitentiaries. We need to create a path towards citizenship, getting those already in the country documented and working as a functional part of society. Get them into the system so we can collect income taxes, so they can contribute to the social programs that take care of them as well as the rest of our citizens. If they work and make the same contributions as the rest of our citizens, there is no reason that they should not be eligible for citizenship within 5-7 years; for those who serve in our military, the eligibility should be quicker.
Welfare and Social Programs:
For those collecting welfare and unemployment, there are qualifying criteria that need to be followed. Specifically for those collecting on welfare, they should be actively seeking employment; otherwise they should be volunteering with local organizations and non-profits. They could be working on cleaning up California to make our state more enticing to tourists thereby increasing our tourism revenues. I don't think that volunteering 15 hours a week to earn your welfare check is too much to ask. Obviously, those collecting disability would be exempt.
There are many things that can be done to help California, and everyone has a role to play. We need to get through this shortfall to create a balanced budget that ensures California's posterity for years to come. We need to all work together to get California back where it was as the 5th largest economy in the world. We can make California a better place, but we need to work together to achieve it. As citizens, we need to stand up and take ownership; it is our duty to stay informed and involved in our community and our government. Government officials need to work together to solve all of the problems that come our way, regardless of political aspirations, party affiliations, and individual ideologies. Together, we can do it!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Clock is Ticking!!!
With California rapidly approaching financial ruin, the legislators need to focus. Sacramento has the unfortunate duty of balancing our state budget which will undoubtedly cut funding for many different programs and benefits. Budget cuts should be done evenly across the board; while keeping our basic necessities in mind. Nobody wants to cut funding for education or safety, but they have to be made. All over California, people are being asked to do more with less. As we get deeper into summer and face the inevitable wildfire season, we can only hope that the budget shortfall will not greatly affect the resources of our firefighters. The summer will provide some R&R for students, but they will, unfortunately, feel a pinch when they return to the classrooms this fall. Cuts to educational funds will lead to larger class sizes and will essentially render the Cal-Grant program useless. Without the help of Cal-Grants to help offset the rising costs of a higher education, many students will face difficult decisions. Legislators will consider raising taxes, but after seeing a large rise in taxes a few months ago, how much support could they possibly garner?
If the Governor and the legislators cannot come up with a compromise to solve our shortfall, they should all offer their resignations to the citizens of California. With his term ending next year, Governor Schwarzenegger needs to do something to ensure a positive view of his leadership. Thus far the Governor does not have much in the way of a positive legacy. Perhaps a mandatory furlough for all of the legislators during the months of August and September would be an appropriate way to close the budget gap. Raising taxes is not the answer. Mass cuts to education are not the answer. Cutting funding for safety and welfare programs is not the answer. These short-term savings measures hurt us in the end.
We need to learn to live within our means, and be accountable. Continual borrowing does not solve the problem, it merely prolongs the inevitable. If we are going to get California back on the right path, we need to start trimming the fat and getting rid of the state’s pork barrel projects. Part of balancing a budget is determining trade-offs; we need to prioritize the spending of the state.
Making California more of a tourist destination would help bring in some much needed revenue. Perhaps we could stop driving businesses out of California, by lessening some of the restrictions placed on corporations and small businesses. We must come up with some balanced resolution before California reaches complete insolvency. Hurry up Sacramento! Time is ticking away.
If the Governor and the legislators cannot come up with a compromise to solve our shortfall, they should all offer their resignations to the citizens of California. With his term ending next year, Governor Schwarzenegger needs to do something to ensure a positive view of his leadership. Thus far the Governor does not have much in the way of a positive legacy. Perhaps a mandatory furlough for all of the legislators during the months of August and September would be an appropriate way to close the budget gap. Raising taxes is not the answer. Mass cuts to education are not the answer. Cutting funding for safety and welfare programs is not the answer. These short-term savings measures hurt us in the end.
We need to learn to live within our means, and be accountable. Continual borrowing does not solve the problem, it merely prolongs the inevitable. If we are going to get California back on the right path, we need to start trimming the fat and getting rid of the state’s pork barrel projects. Part of balancing a budget is determining trade-offs; we need to prioritize the spending of the state.
Making California more of a tourist destination would help bring in some much needed revenue. Perhaps we could stop driving businesses out of California, by lessening some of the restrictions placed on corporations and small businesses. We must come up with some balanced resolution before California reaches complete insolvency. Hurry up Sacramento! Time is ticking away.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Radical Agenda?
I recently wrote a letter to the editor of a local newspaper in response to another letter written by somebody making false claims against those of us who support same-sex marriage. You can read the letter here: http://www.toacorn.com/news/2009/0521/letters/011.html
Saturday, May 02, 2009
"Change We Can Believe In"
“Change we can believe in”
During the democratic primary and the presidential election, we were told time and time again that Barack Obama would bring change to Washington and do away with the “politics as usual” processes. After the first 100 days of his Presidency, Barack Obama has brought some of the change that he promised, and neglected to follow through on some as well. Overall, I would say the President is doing a good job with all he has to contend with. Two wars, an economy in shambles, struggling auto and banking industries, and a potential flu pandemic make up the large portion of the Presidential docket. President Obama will also have to appoint a Justice to the Supreme Court perhaps sooner than he had intended to; let us hope that his appointee has a better tax record than some of his cabinet appointees.
One of the most substantial changes; however, is not anything implemented directly by the President or any statesman, but rather influenced by them. The change I am speaking of is the shift of political climate. After a crushing defeat at the hands of the Democrats, the GOP has been searching for a way to re-invigorate their party. Earlier this week, longtime Republican Senator Arlen Specter switched to the Democratic Party putting them within the one vote needed to break a filibuster. Once Al Franken gets sworn in as the newest Senator from Minnesota, the Democrats will essentially have free reign in the Senate. Looking back at the Clinton presidency, this is not necessarily a good thing. It is my firm belief that whenever one group holds the Executive branch and the majority of the Legislative branch, not much gets done. When the groups have to work together in a bipartisan manner, a better compromise can be reached to benefit more of our citizens and the constituents which these politicians were elected to represent.
I believe that more and more Americans are seeing the value of being more selective with their policies and political ideology. They aren’t becoming Centrists necessarily, but it does seem to me that people are becoming more independent in their views. Whether they are Republicans who support abortion rights or Democrats who believe in the right to freely own a gun, people are picking and choosing more aspects of their politics leading to a growing change in the political climate. Americans are also becoming more and more involved and out-spoken. With technology growing by the minute, people are using YouTube and Twitter and Facebook to express themselves and their views. I find this newfound political expression intriguing and exciting. It seems as though everyone’s voice can matter and there are now more outlets to facilitate these expressions. I am finding myself more and more invigorated by the ability to communicate my own thoughts and political beliefs openly through this technology. Let’s hope this change continues and we can develop more dialogue with our representatives to lead us in the direction we need to go.
During the democratic primary and the presidential election, we were told time and time again that Barack Obama would bring change to Washington and do away with the “politics as usual” processes. After the first 100 days of his Presidency, Barack Obama has brought some of the change that he promised, and neglected to follow through on some as well. Overall, I would say the President is doing a good job with all he has to contend with. Two wars, an economy in shambles, struggling auto and banking industries, and a potential flu pandemic make up the large portion of the Presidential docket. President Obama will also have to appoint a Justice to the Supreme Court perhaps sooner than he had intended to; let us hope that his appointee has a better tax record than some of his cabinet appointees.
One of the most substantial changes; however, is not anything implemented directly by the President or any statesman, but rather influenced by them. The change I am speaking of is the shift of political climate. After a crushing defeat at the hands of the Democrats, the GOP has been searching for a way to re-invigorate their party. Earlier this week, longtime Republican Senator Arlen Specter switched to the Democratic Party putting them within the one vote needed to break a filibuster. Once Al Franken gets sworn in as the newest Senator from Minnesota, the Democrats will essentially have free reign in the Senate. Looking back at the Clinton presidency, this is not necessarily a good thing. It is my firm belief that whenever one group holds the Executive branch and the majority of the Legislative branch, not much gets done. When the groups have to work together in a bipartisan manner, a better compromise can be reached to benefit more of our citizens and the constituents which these politicians were elected to represent.
I believe that more and more Americans are seeing the value of being more selective with their policies and political ideology. They aren’t becoming Centrists necessarily, but it does seem to me that people are becoming more independent in their views. Whether they are Republicans who support abortion rights or Democrats who believe in the right to freely own a gun, people are picking and choosing more aspects of their politics leading to a growing change in the political climate. Americans are also becoming more and more involved and out-spoken. With technology growing by the minute, people are using YouTube and Twitter and Facebook to express themselves and their views. I find this newfound political expression intriguing and exciting. It seems as though everyone’s voice can matter and there are now more outlets to facilitate these expressions. I am finding myself more and more invigorated by the ability to communicate my own thoughts and political beliefs openly through this technology. Let’s hope this change continues and we can develop more dialogue with our representatives to lead us in the direction we need to go.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Americanism, Immigration, and Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi joined Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez yesterday at a rally to declare Immigration raids “un-American.” I would like to implore somebody to run against Pelosi in the next election cycle in an effort to get her out of office. Personally, I feel that Pelosi is a lame-duck Speaker and does not represent the best interests of the American people. This latest comment by Pelosi is really unnerving. Un-American, really?
Perhaps the single most un-American activity is providing jobs, free healthcare, and social welfare benefits to people are not in the US legally. I agree that it may be a little excessive to burst into people’s homes in the middle of the night and conduct “raids,” but there is nothing wrong with deporting the people who come to this country illegally and take advantage of our welfare system; which, is paid for by tax-paying American citizens and legal immigrants. With all of the American citizens and legal immigrants struggling to find work amidst rising unemployment rates and a deepening economic recession, we are still losing jobs to illegal immigrants. We have a number of people we could put to work, but when employers can hire illegal immigrants for a fraction of the cost, it hurts our domestic workforce. In an attempt to stop this trend, Homeland Security has developed E-Verfiy. Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez has been an outspoken critic of E-Verify, the service used by employers to check the employment eligibility of their workers and applicants. As a person of mixed-race background and Hispanic ethnicity, I support legal emigration to the U.S. to give people a chance to better themselves. Pelosi’s comments prove that she does not adequately represent the best interests of her constituents. I am interested to hear what ludicrous comments Pelosi will make next.
Perhaps, Speaker Pelosi, it was more “American” to take a Congressional field-trip to Italy last month in the midst of a worsening American economic recession; when, god-forbid, you could have been at work writing legislation to ensure that people at the top levels of “bailed out” businesses such as AIG, would not receive multi-million dollar bonuses on the tax-payers’ dime.
Perhaps the single most un-American activity is providing jobs, free healthcare, and social welfare benefits to people are not in the US legally. I agree that it may be a little excessive to burst into people’s homes in the middle of the night and conduct “raids,” but there is nothing wrong with deporting the people who come to this country illegally and take advantage of our welfare system; which, is paid for by tax-paying American citizens and legal immigrants. With all of the American citizens and legal immigrants struggling to find work amidst rising unemployment rates and a deepening economic recession, we are still losing jobs to illegal immigrants. We have a number of people we could put to work, but when employers can hire illegal immigrants for a fraction of the cost, it hurts our domestic workforce. In an attempt to stop this trend, Homeland Security has developed E-Verfiy. Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez has been an outspoken critic of E-Verify, the service used by employers to check the employment eligibility of their workers and applicants. As a person of mixed-race background and Hispanic ethnicity, I support legal emigration to the U.S. to give people a chance to better themselves. Pelosi’s comments prove that she does not adequately represent the best interests of her constituents. I am interested to hear what ludicrous comments Pelosi will make next.
Perhaps, Speaker Pelosi, it was more “American” to take a Congressional field-trip to Italy last month in the midst of a worsening American economic recession; when, god-forbid, you could have been at work writing legislation to ensure that people at the top levels of “bailed out” businesses such as AIG, would not receive multi-million dollar bonuses on the tax-payers’ dime.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Stimulus??
Earlier this afternoon, in Denver, Colorado, President Obama signed the $787 Billion Recovery and Re-Investment act. This is the stimulus plan that he had been pushing Congress to approve for the last few weeks. I applaud the idea of the stimulus plan, we definitely need to get money flowing through our economy once again. In reading through parts of the economic stimulus package, I do have some thoughts:
There is a $400 tax-credit for individual workers. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but when we are giving billions of dollars of our tax-payers money to investment firms, banks, and car companies, $400 doesn’t seem like that much. I am always grateful for a tax-break, but if AIG can get $85 Billion, why do I only get $400?
The $1000 child tax credit is being extended to more low-income families; and those families with three or more kids qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. I understand that this crisis basically came out of the blue and that people didn’t anticipate this happening, but it seems to me like we are rewarding people for having children that they can’t care for. I have always taken issue with the child tax credit, and believe that people should get the credit for their first three children. I take great offense to those individuals perpetually living on welfare and depleting our social services who feel the need to have many children that we, the tax-payers, foot the bill for. It seems to me that this type of tax-credit is aimed at continually rewarding people like Nadya Suleman, the mother of the octuplets who had 6 other children already.
People who buy a new car before the end of the year can write off the sales tax. I like the idea; it motivates people to make that purchase, and helps the ailing auto-industry. I would like the idea even more if it was limited to AMERICAN cars. Everyone going out and buying a new import won’t help the auto-companies that we’ve agreed to bail out.
Homeowners who make green investments in their homes, such as: energy-efficient windows, air conditioners and furnaces get a $1500 tax-credit. My only question is: how people can afford to make the modifications and improvements when they can barely afford to keep their homes?
The plan includes $9.2 Billion for projects at the Department of the Interior and the EPA. Some of those projects will help cities protect their drinking water supplies and create energy-efficient visitor centers at national parks. I think these are great goals, but I don’t understand how they’re going to stimulate the economy.
There are a few other projects in the bill that I take issue with, but for the most part I am happy that the package was approved and hopefully we can begin the steps to recovery. I am looking forward to the positive outcome that will stem from this stimulus. We need it!
There is a $400 tax-credit for individual workers. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but when we are giving billions of dollars of our tax-payers money to investment firms, banks, and car companies, $400 doesn’t seem like that much. I am always grateful for a tax-break, but if AIG can get $85 Billion, why do I only get $400?
The $1000 child tax credit is being extended to more low-income families; and those families with three or more kids qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. I understand that this crisis basically came out of the blue and that people didn’t anticipate this happening, but it seems to me like we are rewarding people for having children that they can’t care for. I have always taken issue with the child tax credit, and believe that people should get the credit for their first three children. I take great offense to those individuals perpetually living on welfare and depleting our social services who feel the need to have many children that we, the tax-payers, foot the bill for. It seems to me that this type of tax-credit is aimed at continually rewarding people like Nadya Suleman, the mother of the octuplets who had 6 other children already.
People who buy a new car before the end of the year can write off the sales tax. I like the idea; it motivates people to make that purchase, and helps the ailing auto-industry. I would like the idea even more if it was limited to AMERICAN cars. Everyone going out and buying a new import won’t help the auto-companies that we’ve agreed to bail out.
Homeowners who make green investments in their homes, such as: energy-efficient windows, air conditioners and furnaces get a $1500 tax-credit. My only question is: how people can afford to make the modifications and improvements when they can barely afford to keep their homes?
The plan includes $9.2 Billion for projects at the Department of the Interior and the EPA. Some of those projects will help cities protect their drinking water supplies and create energy-efficient visitor centers at national parks. I think these are great goals, but I don’t understand how they’re going to stimulate the economy.
There are a few other projects in the bill that I take issue with, but for the most part I am happy that the package was approved and hopefully we can begin the steps to recovery. I am looking forward to the positive outcome that will stem from this stimulus. We need it!
Monday, February 09, 2009
California's Economic Collapse
With the economy plunging deeper and deeper, past recession; many Americans are facing depression. The federal economy is failing, and the State economy is non-existent. If the State legislature cannot come up with a solution to our failing state-wide budget, it is my firm belief that they should all be terminated. If the workers of the state are facing lay-offs and pink slips, the legislature should as well. (The Governor included). With economic failure looming in the face of the American worker, more specifically the California Worker; people are frustrated, if not angry, and rightfully so.
In an unprecedented move, the State of California is about to withhold income tax returns and possibly issue IOU's to the California Tax-Payer. Also on the cutting-block are Cal-grants and social services. Perhaps the most important thing that we should not cut funding to is education; and yet, we are facing the possibility of doing just that. There are countless college students who rely on Cal-Grant funding to pay their college expenses; there are plenty of young people who would not attend college if not for the Cal-Grant system. By cutting the funding for the program, we will be cutting funding to the future doctors, lawyers, teachers, artists and work force that will ensure the future prosperity of California. It is always a sad day when budget cuts affect the educational system, and every single one of the state law-makers should be ashamed of themselves for not attacking this budget crisis earlier. We need to hold our State Government accountable for the failures we have seen under their watch. The economic future of California is bleak. We need immediate action to turn our budget around, stop the rising unemployment rate, and provide immediate assistance to those people who have been devastated by this crisis.
In addition to comprehensive reform of our State budget, we also need to develop a better way of dealing with illegal immigration. As a first generation American (paternally), I have no problem with people coming to this country to make a better living for themselves and their families; so long as they do it legally. I do, however, take issue with a vast amount of people coming here illegally, not working, and taking advantage of our resources. We as a people are a giving community, there is no feeling more gratifying than helping someone in need, but we are being taken for granted. Those who come here for hand-outs in medical care, welfare, and subsidized housing ought to be sent right back to wherever it is they came from. We pay taxes for those services to assist our own citizens who are down and out on their luck. To face the possibility of not being able to provide those services to our citizens, because our resources have been depleted by a huge amount of illegal immigrants is despicable. I firmly believe in helping your fellow-man, but I refuse to sit by and watch our economy falter because of it.
California is the 8th largest economy in the world, and right now it is on the brink of collapse. Hopefully in the stimulus package being considered by Congress, there will be some shovel-ready programs for California, so we can get our citizens back up on their feet again. While I do not fully support all of the spending projects in that Economic Stimulus package, I hope that Congress can come to a compromise quickly. We need something to re-energize our work force and provide people with Hope. During the campaign, we heard a great deal of rhetoric about Change and Hope. Well, we have seen a little bit of change, (despite partisan ideology and nominations of tax-cheats and lobbyists) and it would be nice to see the Hope. We need to return to a place where people don’t need to worry about whether or not they can stay in their homes. We need to get back to a place where people need to worry about whether or not they can put food on the table. And, we need to return to a place where we can have faith in the elected officials that we choose to run our country, to do so with our best interests at heart. It will be an uphill battle, but I am confident that we can return to that place.
In an unprecedented move, the State of California is about to withhold income tax returns and possibly issue IOU's to the California Tax-Payer. Also on the cutting-block are Cal-grants and social services. Perhaps the most important thing that we should not cut funding to is education; and yet, we are facing the possibility of doing just that. There are countless college students who rely on Cal-Grant funding to pay their college expenses; there are plenty of young people who would not attend college if not for the Cal-Grant system. By cutting the funding for the program, we will be cutting funding to the future doctors, lawyers, teachers, artists and work force that will ensure the future prosperity of California. It is always a sad day when budget cuts affect the educational system, and every single one of the state law-makers should be ashamed of themselves for not attacking this budget crisis earlier. We need to hold our State Government accountable for the failures we have seen under their watch. The economic future of California is bleak. We need immediate action to turn our budget around, stop the rising unemployment rate, and provide immediate assistance to those people who have been devastated by this crisis.
In addition to comprehensive reform of our State budget, we also need to develop a better way of dealing with illegal immigration. As a first generation American (paternally), I have no problem with people coming to this country to make a better living for themselves and their families; so long as they do it legally. I do, however, take issue with a vast amount of people coming here illegally, not working, and taking advantage of our resources. We as a people are a giving community, there is no feeling more gratifying than helping someone in need, but we are being taken for granted. Those who come here for hand-outs in medical care, welfare, and subsidized housing ought to be sent right back to wherever it is they came from. We pay taxes for those services to assist our own citizens who are down and out on their luck. To face the possibility of not being able to provide those services to our citizens, because our resources have been depleted by a huge amount of illegal immigrants is despicable. I firmly believe in helping your fellow-man, but I refuse to sit by and watch our economy falter because of it.
California is the 8th largest economy in the world, and right now it is on the brink of collapse. Hopefully in the stimulus package being considered by Congress, there will be some shovel-ready programs for California, so we can get our citizens back up on their feet again. While I do not fully support all of the spending projects in that Economic Stimulus package, I hope that Congress can come to a compromise quickly. We need something to re-energize our work force and provide people with Hope. During the campaign, we heard a great deal of rhetoric about Change and Hope. Well, we have seen a little bit of change, (despite partisan ideology and nominations of tax-cheats and lobbyists) and it would be nice to see the Hope. We need to return to a place where people don’t need to worry about whether or not they can stay in their homes. We need to get back to a place where people need to worry about whether or not they can put food on the table. And, we need to return to a place where we can have faith in the elected officials that we choose to run our country, to do so with our best interests at heart. It will be an uphill battle, but I am confident that we can return to that place.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A New Era in America
With the dawning of a newly invigorated America, full of hope and aspiring for change, Americans have been called to service. President Obama, in his inaugural address, asked all Americans to step up and make their voices heard. Every single one of us has the responsibility of ensuring our prosperity, safety, and that of our country. President Obama’s inspiring words have renewed the spirit within many Americans, but serve as a unique challenge for our citizens in this troubled economic time. I welcome this challenge and will do all I can to participate in the inner working of our government, because this is my duty as an American citizen. I believe that one of the most important things we, as citizens, can do is pay attention. With all of the change that has been promised and work that needs to be done, we need to keep an eye and an ear on what is happening around us. That being said:
Congratulations Mr. President on inheriting perhaps one of the most difficult, thankless jobs in the world. I look forward to your change and wish you the best of luck. Hold strong in your resolve and don’t give in to the “Washington politics, as usual” process.
Thank you for signing the order to close Guantanamo Bay prison within a year. This will hopefully give reassurance to the rest of the world that we are changing course and will no longer tolerate torture or inhumane prison conditions. We need to change the views of our foreign counterparts about the US and our policies and agendas. We need to uphold our morality and set and example of civility and respect throughout the world.
Repeal the nomination of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary. How can the American people trust a man who “forgot” to pay his taxes for 4 years to oversee the IRS and our financial institutions? I am sure Timothy Geithner is a good man, he is certainly a smart man; however, I find it absurd that not only did Mr. Geithner not pay his Social Security Taxes for 4 years, but when he paid the back taxes he only paid for 2 of the 4 years. It was only after he was approached about become Treasury Secretary that he paid the remaining 2 years. Surely there are other qualified persons to head our Treasury Department. Confirming Mr. Geithner in this position will be a step back to the old-style Washington politics that you, Mr. President, spoke so pointedly about on the campaign trail.
In terms of the Economic Stimulus Plan being put forth by President Obama; I hope Congress takes a long hard look at the plan before approving it. The estimated cost is going to be $850 Billion. Cost, perhaps, is not the correct word; rather investment. This $850 Billion will invest in infrastructure and creating new jobs. However, listening to the Press Conference with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs this morning, it is my understanding that this stimulus plan will take up to 16 – 18 months before we begin to see relief for the consumer. That is too long. We, the consumers and citizens, have been struggling to stay afloat for the last 12 months; keep in mind that although the recession was only officially announced recently, we have been feeling the effects since December of 2007. In the stimulus plan there needs to be additional ideas of getting relief to the consumers quickly. Keep in mind, the middle class of America, those who need the help the most, are the people who keep this country running. For the nurses in Ohio, the plumbers in Nebraska, and the teachers all over the country, relief needs to come sooner.
We have put a lot of faith into President Obama, and look forward to the success, prominence, and prosperity he can bring. Understand that this cannot be fixed overnight, and that the President is not a magician. However, the economic issues facing our country need to be fixed soon, and unfortunately President Obama has been saddled with the burden of undoing many previous mistakes, and the responsibility now rests squarely on his shoulders.
Congratulations Mr. President on inheriting perhaps one of the most difficult, thankless jobs in the world. I look forward to your change and wish you the best of luck. Hold strong in your resolve and don’t give in to the “Washington politics, as usual” process.
Thank you for signing the order to close Guantanamo Bay prison within a year. This will hopefully give reassurance to the rest of the world that we are changing course and will no longer tolerate torture or inhumane prison conditions. We need to change the views of our foreign counterparts about the US and our policies and agendas. We need to uphold our morality and set and example of civility and respect throughout the world.
Repeal the nomination of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary. How can the American people trust a man who “forgot” to pay his taxes for 4 years to oversee the IRS and our financial institutions? I am sure Timothy Geithner is a good man, he is certainly a smart man; however, I find it absurd that not only did Mr. Geithner not pay his Social Security Taxes for 4 years, but when he paid the back taxes he only paid for 2 of the 4 years. It was only after he was approached about become Treasury Secretary that he paid the remaining 2 years. Surely there are other qualified persons to head our Treasury Department. Confirming Mr. Geithner in this position will be a step back to the old-style Washington politics that you, Mr. President, spoke so pointedly about on the campaign trail.
In terms of the Economic Stimulus Plan being put forth by President Obama; I hope Congress takes a long hard look at the plan before approving it. The estimated cost is going to be $850 Billion. Cost, perhaps, is not the correct word; rather investment. This $850 Billion will invest in infrastructure and creating new jobs. However, listening to the Press Conference with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs this morning, it is my understanding that this stimulus plan will take up to 16 – 18 months before we begin to see relief for the consumer. That is too long. We, the consumers and citizens, have been struggling to stay afloat for the last 12 months; keep in mind that although the recession was only officially announced recently, we have been feeling the effects since December of 2007. In the stimulus plan there needs to be additional ideas of getting relief to the consumers quickly. Keep in mind, the middle class of America, those who need the help the most, are the people who keep this country running. For the nurses in Ohio, the plumbers in Nebraska, and the teachers all over the country, relief needs to come sooner.
We have put a lot of faith into President Obama, and look forward to the success, prominence, and prosperity he can bring. Understand that this cannot be fixed overnight, and that the President is not a magician. However, the economic issues facing our country need to be fixed soon, and unfortunately President Obama has been saddled with the burden of undoing many previous mistakes, and the responsibility now rests squarely on his shoulders.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Continued Prop 8 Bias
Over the past couple of months, following the Nov. 4, 2008 election, there have been numerous letters to the Editor of the Thousand Oaks Acorn, aimed at the people who are protesting the results of Proposition 8. I fundamentally believe that we are all entitled to our own opinions, but some of the letters were getting really out of hand. Last week, the Thousand Oaks Acorn published my letter; they did some editing to lower the word count, and changed the title, but they published it nonetheless. The letter can be found here:
http://www.toacorn.com/news/2009/0101/letters/013.html
or you may read the unedited version below. Let us all remain firm in our resolve to stand up for what is right and just. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!
To: T.O. Acorn Editor
From: Jonathan Serret
Re: Letters to the Editor
Title: Equality for All
Dear Editor:
I have become increasingly disturbed by the letters submitted regarding the passage of Proposition 8. I would like to respond to the letters written in the Dec. 4 issue by Kelly Taggart and Lisa Caestaecker. The title of Ms. Caestecker’s letter is disturbing in itself: “If you don’t Like Prop. 8, go to Massachusetts.” We are all truly blessed to live in such a wonderful country where we can discuss and debate topics and take dissenting points of view; many people died to give us those rights. I would like to respond with my own version:
“If you don’t like living in a place where we can have conversations about differing opinions; move to another country.”
Marriage discrimination is not a new concept; we’ve been down this road before. Yes, it is true, that the majority of Californians have voted (twice) to ban same-sex marriage. However, just because the majority votes one way, doesn’t mean it is right. In the 1930’s, my great-grandparents had to go to New Mexico to get married. My great-grandfather was an immigrant from the Philippines and my great-grandmother was an “American;” it was the majority belief at that time that they shouldn’t get married. The majority was wrong. It also wasn’t that long ago that blacks and whites couldn’t marry each other. Again, this was the view of the majority, and again, they were wrong. Proposition 8 is no different; the majority of Californians are wrong again and over time they will realize it.
This concept of “Traditional Marriage” is completely outlandish. The only reason it is considered traditional, is because it’s the only version of marriage anyone has ever known. Another reason people are opposed is because of their religious ties. I have the utmost respect for people of differing faiths and firmly believe that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and values, but when those values and beliefs begin affecting others, there is an issue. There is often a blinding mentality of, “The Bible says,” luckily for us; we have a separation of church and state. What the Bible says should have absolutely no bearing on how government policy is created. Open your minds and your hearts and accept that everyone is equal.
If one of your children were gay and one day wants to get married; don’t you want to be there to watch them walk down the aisle, and see them be happy with the person they love? When two people want to spend the rest of their lives together, that means something; and whether the couples are male-female, female-female, or male-male, love is universal and should be celebrated equally amongst everyone.
Jonathan Serret
Agoura Hills
http://www.toacorn.com/news/2009/0101/letters/013.html
or you may read the unedited version below. Let us all remain firm in our resolve to stand up for what is right and just. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year!
To: T.O. Acorn Editor
From: Jonathan Serret
Re: Letters to the Editor
Title: Equality for All
Dear Editor:
I have become increasingly disturbed by the letters submitted regarding the passage of Proposition 8. I would like to respond to the letters written in the Dec. 4 issue by Kelly Taggart and Lisa Caestaecker. The title of Ms. Caestecker’s letter is disturbing in itself: “If you don’t Like Prop. 8, go to Massachusetts.” We are all truly blessed to live in such a wonderful country where we can discuss and debate topics and take dissenting points of view; many people died to give us those rights. I would like to respond with my own version:
“If you don’t like living in a place where we can have conversations about differing opinions; move to another country.”
Marriage discrimination is not a new concept; we’ve been down this road before. Yes, it is true, that the majority of Californians have voted (twice) to ban same-sex marriage. However, just because the majority votes one way, doesn’t mean it is right. In the 1930’s, my great-grandparents had to go to New Mexico to get married. My great-grandfather was an immigrant from the Philippines and my great-grandmother was an “American;” it was the majority belief at that time that they shouldn’t get married. The majority was wrong. It also wasn’t that long ago that blacks and whites couldn’t marry each other. Again, this was the view of the majority, and again, they were wrong. Proposition 8 is no different; the majority of Californians are wrong again and over time they will realize it.
This concept of “Traditional Marriage” is completely outlandish. The only reason it is considered traditional, is because it’s the only version of marriage anyone has ever known. Another reason people are opposed is because of their religious ties. I have the utmost respect for people of differing faiths and firmly believe that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and values, but when those values and beliefs begin affecting others, there is an issue. There is often a blinding mentality of, “The Bible says,” luckily for us; we have a separation of church and state. What the Bible says should have absolutely no bearing on how government policy is created. Open your minds and your hearts and accept that everyone is equal.
If one of your children were gay and one day wants to get married; don’t you want to be there to watch them walk down the aisle, and see them be happy with the person they love? When two people want to spend the rest of their lives together, that means something; and whether the couples are male-female, female-female, or male-male, love is universal and should be celebrated equally amongst everyone.
Jonathan Serret
Agoura Hills
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