Category Archives: Politics & The Law

Loss of Virtue and Integrity

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Happy New Year to you all! I’ve survived the holidays and starting to come out of the post-election hangover.

YES, that’s right, I said post-election “blues”. I guess it’s something akin to PTSD. The shame of so many of my countrymen falling for the lies of a ‘Snake-Oil Salesman’ or being just plain selfish and havung to “get me some…”

Maybe it was the 3 hour ‘fall’ over the Fiscal Cliff that snapped me out of my stupor or the 2% jump in FICA on the ol’ paystub but we have awakened resolute.

Question: Who said this: “A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of a common enemy.” [$5 Starbucks card to the 1st correct answer in comment section]

The thought continues as they state: “While the people are VIRTUOUS they cannot be subdued; but once they lose their VIRTUE, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the 1st external or internal invader.

This reminds me of a discussion I had with a colleague at work. We were debating ways to improve our country and government from the opposite sides of the fence, so to speak, and I stated something to the effect of what we needed in Washington, DC were people(elected officials) of honest and integrity, “You know good, upstanding folks.” Well, he seemed frustrated and upset stating that they were all ‘crooks’ and ‘backroom dealers’ just looking out for themselves. As he walked away I said, “Then we are doom and the house of cards will soon collapse”

Virtue: particularly efficacious, good, or beneficial quality.

Are there enoughvirtuous and honestpeople left in our country to save us from the internal invader?

1. Are there enough unselfish people who will do the right thing?

2. Can we bring God back into the conversation and honestly look at why the founders deferred to our Creator?

3. “How necessary then is it for those who are determined to transmit the blessings of liberty as a fair inheritance to posterity, to associate on public principles in support of public virtue”?

What do you all say; virtue, integrity, honesty, is there any left in our country?

5.Is it important enough to change our direction to provide the blessings of liberty to our children?

6. Are we strong enough to hold the politicians “feet to the fire”?

Step in to the discussion.

I’m going to Law School!?!

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I called my Congressman just the other day…to see what he might say.
 
As expected he wasn’t in his Fresno office but I had the pleasure of talking with his assistant , Curtis. He was unaware of the 3 pieces of legislation I was calling about, HR 693, HR 2164 and the HALT Act. After expressing my expressing my strong concerns that Rep. Denham has shown a distinct lack of action with respect to securing our borders he said he’d pass the message on to Washington.
 
When I arrived home that evening I found that I’d received a letter from the congressman on the subject in response to a few faxes I’d sent on the legislation. I’ve faxed him on several occasions before on sevral issues; Obamacare, raising the debt ceiling court appointments, etc.
 
His response was, “Please be assured that if H.R. 100 or related legislation comes before me on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I will give your comments thoughtful consideration before casting my vote.”
 
My return response. This, IMHO, is far to passive. get off your…hands and help move legislation forward. Get out of the wagon and push, pull or anything! Bulldog PT.”
 
So, feeling under-represented and thinking I could do a better job I’m planning a second career in politics. Since almost all politicians are lawyers I should prepare by attending Law school.
 
In the meanwhile, help my understand my congressman’s inaction. Is it:
 
1. It, Border Security, is not a priority for him. He seems more interest in Veterans affairs and water issues, both of which are important but not core issues for me.
 
2. Scared to go against GOP leaders and take a chance on losing his job.
 
3. Scared to rattle his agricultural voter base that seems to be dependant on most of the estimated 2.25 million illegals immigrants that are here in good ol’ California.
 
4. Feels inaction is better than unpopular action. That is not why we sent him there in the first place. Coach Dorr always said,”Kiessling, Knock somebody down! Even if it’s the wrong guy!”
 
While it’s true that we can’t see eye to eye on all things and “perfect is the enemy of good” I feel this core issue needs his support.
 
So, tell me you guys, what do you think? Am I being to harsh? Give me yours thots and ideas.
 
They will be easier than and much less expensive than going to Law School!