Friday, November 5, 2010

Okay now it's become downright funny.

These are the recommendations from the UN to the US for Human Rights:

Recommendations to improve the U.S. human rights record included 

Cuba’s advice to end “violations against migrants and mentally ill persons” and “ensure the right to food and health.”

Iran – currently poised to stone an Iranian woman for adultery – told the U.S. “effectively to combat violence against women.” 

North Korea – which systematically starves a captive population – told the U.S. “to address inequalities in housing, employment and education” and “prohibit brutality…by law enforcement officials.”

Libya complained about U.S. “racism, racial discrimination and intolerance.”

My question of course again is why are we even entertaining this?  In my mind it's like my next door neighbor telling me how to be a parent.

Are you $#@%&^* kidding me?

From Fox News:

U.N. Human Rights Council to Take Aim at New Target: United States

When the United Nations Human Rights Council, a conclave of 47 nations that includes such notorious human rights violators as China, Cuba, Libya and Saudi Arabia, meets in Geneva on Friday, its attentions will be focused on the human rights failings of a country called the United States.
Full Article here. emphasis added.
 I don't even feel like I need to say more than this. 

The United States, a country with so many people trying to get in that we are fighting over building a wall on the border because of the immigrants literally POURING in.

Did I miss the news stories about Americans dying trying to get to Cuba in non-seaworthy vessels?

If Americans were treated so unfairly wouldn't Canada have an illegal immigration problem?

And the countries on the Council.  Can we discuss the Human Rights problems in China?  Libya?  And Saudi Arabia, really?

By even giving them a seat at the table aren't we really saying the human Rights Council is a total joke?  China forces it's women to have abortions. Saudi Arabia forces it's women to wear burkas and comprises less than 10% of the workforce.  And Libya makes both of those countries look downright progressive.  And the main difference between these countries and the USA, is that any time you chose you can leave the US.  You can buy a plane ticket or even just get in your car and drive north to Canada.  Nobody will stop you. I'm pretty sure you can't just leave China, Cuba or Libya.

Which all leaves me thinking that famous quote, no matter the outcome of the UN Human Rights Council:

"Consider the Source"

*shakes her head and walks away in total disbelief.*

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Change

The last few election cycles in this country have been about change.  Americans want to change their President, change their country, and we definitely change our minds -- quickly.

In November 2008, we were changing the President.  With that change came the (arguably) unintended change of power.  2/3 of the Federal Government was run by one party.  This ushered in massive change.  Most Americans did not understand the change they signed on for by giving Democrats the seat of unchecked power.  As a result of this change at least half of the country has felt unrepresented for the past two years.

Today people all over the country are heading to the polls.  They will vote once again for change.  Americans have learned that the Legislative and Executive Branches need a balance of power.  But the Legislative branch needs much more than a change today.  They need a complete change of mind set, they need to adopt new rules.

1- 12 year limit in the Legislative branch. (2 6-year Senate Terms, 6 2-year Congressional terms, or 3 2-year Congressional Terms and 1 6-year Senate Term) the end.  No discussion.  No ifs and or buts, 12 years and you're out.

2- No Pension.

3- Pay raise approved at election time by the voters, not the Legislators.

4- No Health Insurance.

5- Legislators must spend at least half their time in their district.  They alone are responsible for their travel back and forth.

6- War chest money not used in election campaigns will be donated at the end of each election cycle to draw down the deficit.  Each candidate has 30-days after election to show full accounting of all political activities for election cycle and write a check to the US treasury for their remaining balance closing out their political bank accounts.  If any information is found to be fraudulent, or money received after deadline (#7) candidate immediately forfeits race and next closest competitor is awarded seat.

7- Ads can only be run by candidates.  All money has to be donated to the candidate within 7 days after the primary winner is declared and can only be donated after Primary Candidacy is declared.  After that no money can be used ouside for any political activity.  See #6 for money left over after campaign is over.

It's time for Political Office to STOP being a lifetime Appointment.  Every American should have the same opportunity to run as every other American.  Number six and number seven are true campaign finance reform in simple plain no loopholes English.