David Vitter, republican U.S. Senator from Louisiana and other republicans in congress say they are still committed to defund or repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA: Obamacare to republicans) yet in an editorial of 6/18/14 in the Times Picayune appearing before the Press Club of Baton Rouge, Vitter said he would be open to accepting the federal expansion of medicaid offered under the ACA if he becomes governor. That is obviously good news for Louisiana and the uninsured if he wins.
That flip flop defines Vitter's phony ideology. I happen to live in his district and receive his emails and his rant about how bad the ACA is for Louisiana. If there were no ACA there would be no medicaid expansion. So once again Vitter's rant has given way to his support to a program made possible by the ACA. Of course, being a announced candidate for governor of Louisiana he will do most anything.
Medicaid expansion in Louisiana would cover 242,000 who are now uninsured, create 15,600 jobs and would bring in $16 billion in extra medicaid money according to the editorial. That is what Bobby Jindal has rejected so far. Two other parts of the editorial are very revealing concerning Vitter and the republican failure to move the country forward and improve the quality of life.
Vitter said we need to reform and improve medicaid. I have no problem with that but lets see. Nothing was done to do that by republicans during the 8 years of the Bush administration and the 5 years of the Obama administration. Vitter also said the state's budget has been held together in the last few years with sewing yarn and scotch tape. (Actually, it has been that way since Jindal was elected) It was a hint that excepting the medicaid expansion money would come in handy concerning budget matters. Vitter knows of course that Jindal has never really balanced one state budget and that no republican administration has balanced any federal budget since Ike in 1960 and he has been silent on the matter.
President Obama in drafting the ACA that includes the medicaid expansion was very thoughtful. It allowed state governors who accepted the expansion seek waivers to do it their way and waivers have been granted to the governors. Yes, the Obama administration has worked much better to help state governors than those that opposed his policies and the ACA. Their answers are personal attacks.
Democrats have policies that work and are flexible for corrective action in order to move the country and its people forward. Republicans have trickle down economics as part of their ideology that has no relationship that benefits the average American. They also refuse to work with democrats because they want to see failure.
This commentary published by John Lucia.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The Iraq War: Phase II, The March To Baghdad
There would not be a Phase II or march to Baghdad such as taking place now in Iraq if President Bush had not unleashed Phase I, the invasion and occupation of Iraq over WMD that did not exist. The war created Al Queda in Iraq who was not operating in any part of Iraq controlled by Saddam. That unnecessary war destabilized Iraq and allowed outsiders from Iran and other middle east countries, including Al Queda the opportunity to attack and kill Americans.
This writer wrote a number of commentaries in 2007 and later that pointed out that no matter how the war ended, Iran and Iraq would be on the same side and that Bush's misguided judgement that he could remake Iraq in his own warped image would not happen. Phase I was the prelude to Phase II and the so called Hawks and neocons who wanted the invasion are still wrong.
I am reminded while on vacation a few years ago in Alabama there was a Soundoff written to the Mobile Register newspaper dated January 15, 2005. I cut it out and I still have it in my file because I thought it told a great story. Below is the full context. It truly captures the story of the war in Iraq and just how passive the news media and many people have been concerning the war.
SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT HERE, FOLKS
Our President has just announced there are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and we will now stop looking. People, this is the reason Bush gave for invading a country. Does anyone in this country even care? Thousands of people are dead over this. We are treating it like a footnote to a brief announcement from the White House. What is even more alarming is that he says knowing what he knows now, he would do it again.
President Obama's concerns now during Phase II is to protect our people in our embassy and work toward a settlement with all factions involved and the U.N. That may not even be enough in that part of the world. For sure the President needs to tune out Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham and those who clamored for the war in the first place. They have no creditibility.
The most important move now is for Iraq's elected leaders to step up and move the people to take on the insurgents and drive them out. If they are incapable of a united front outside help will only delay the final out come. Insurgents in that part of the world can lay low and choose their time to act. That is what they are doing now in Phase II.
This commentary written by John Lucia
This writer wrote a number of commentaries in 2007 and later that pointed out that no matter how the war ended, Iran and Iraq would be on the same side and that Bush's misguided judgement that he could remake Iraq in his own warped image would not happen. Phase I was the prelude to Phase II and the so called Hawks and neocons who wanted the invasion are still wrong.
I am reminded while on vacation a few years ago in Alabama there was a Soundoff written to the Mobile Register newspaper dated January 15, 2005. I cut it out and I still have it in my file because I thought it told a great story. Below is the full context. It truly captures the story of the war in Iraq and just how passive the news media and many people have been concerning the war.
SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT HERE, FOLKS
Our President has just announced there are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and we will now stop looking. People, this is the reason Bush gave for invading a country. Does anyone in this country even care? Thousands of people are dead over this. We are treating it like a footnote to a brief announcement from the White House. What is even more alarming is that he says knowing what he knows now, he would do it again.
President Obama's concerns now during Phase II is to protect our people in our embassy and work toward a settlement with all factions involved and the U.N. That may not even be enough in that part of the world. For sure the President needs to tune out Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham and those who clamored for the war in the first place. They have no creditibility.
The most important move now is for Iraq's elected leaders to step up and move the people to take on the insurgents and drive them out. If they are incapable of a united front outside help will only delay the final out come. Insurgents in that part of the world can lay low and choose their time to act. That is what they are doing now in Phase II.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Cokie And Steve Roberts, And Cal Thomas: Its All About Hillary
The Times Picayune reflection section on Sunday 6/15/14 carried two editorials. One by Cokie and Steve Roberts and one by Cal Thomas. Both editorials concerned Hillary Clinton that missed the mark so much this writer questions their journalistic understanding of the issues they wrote about.
Cokie and Steve's commentary titled,"Hillary Clinton Must Close Warmlth Gap To Be Successful" seems so silly. They have joined the crowd on speculating that Hillary will run in 2016 even though that election is two and half years away. They make the statement that voters want to gauge her tone and temperament, her character and values and that she has always faced a warmth gap. Then they refer to a 2008 wall street/NBC poll that is 6 years old.
The American people have followed Hillary since her husband first ran for President in the early 90's and know her well. She wrote a book called "It Takes a Village", was a U.S. Senator with a voting record, was a candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2008 and Secretary of State for four years. You can not be any more warm than that. Those who like her will vote for her and "warmth" will not be an issue. Those who do not like her and would not vote for her if she runs could care less about her "warmth" factor Cokie and Steve speak about.
Cokie and Steve then disagree with their own statement when they said Hillary told Dianne Sawer that Bill and her were dead broke after leaving the White House. Then offered it was technically true, but then offered it opened her up to ridicule since she and her husband quickly wiped out their debts. This writer never heard ridicule from the people, only from the news media and journalists. It reminds me of how Fox News uses the word scandal every time they want to stick it to President Obama.
Cal Thomas in his editorial titled, "Former Secretary Has Few Accomplishments To Point To At State Deprtment" devotes a lot of ink to Hillary's new book, "Hard Choices" and like the ditto head act of conservatives, thinks Hillary has not only failed at every thing she has done but thinks if she becomes President it will be a rerun of the Obama administration. Of course thepeople remember her difference with Barack Obama during the 2008 Presidential debates.
Thomas's editorial was for one specific reason and that is to join with other conservative journalists and the Fox News Network to destroy Hilary's chances if she does indeed enter the Presidential race. Oh, one thing more. Cal Thomas asked his readers to trust him. Thats a pretty tall order for a person who takes pleasure in wanting to see the President fail.
Neither editorial had any value of the moment and instead tried to plant a seed in the people's mind that will long be forgotten when 2016 rolls around. Cokie and Steve were off their game big time and Thomas does what conservative journalists do, attack democrats because republicans have no record of moving the country and its people forward.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Cokie and Steve's commentary titled,"Hillary Clinton Must Close Warmlth Gap To Be Successful" seems so silly. They have joined the crowd on speculating that Hillary will run in 2016 even though that election is two and half years away. They make the statement that voters want to gauge her tone and temperament, her character and values and that she has always faced a warmth gap. Then they refer to a 2008 wall street/NBC poll that is 6 years old.
The American people have followed Hillary since her husband first ran for President in the early 90's and know her well. She wrote a book called "It Takes a Village", was a U.S. Senator with a voting record, was a candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2008 and Secretary of State for four years. You can not be any more warm than that. Those who like her will vote for her and "warmth" will not be an issue. Those who do not like her and would not vote for her if she runs could care less about her "warmth" factor Cokie and Steve speak about.
Cokie and Steve then disagree with their own statement when they said Hillary told Dianne Sawer that Bill and her were dead broke after leaving the White House. Then offered it was technically true, but then offered it opened her up to ridicule since she and her husband quickly wiped out their debts. This writer never heard ridicule from the people, only from the news media and journalists. It reminds me of how Fox News uses the word scandal every time they want to stick it to President Obama.
Cal Thomas in his editorial titled, "Former Secretary Has Few Accomplishments To Point To At State Deprtment" devotes a lot of ink to Hillary's new book, "Hard Choices" and like the ditto head act of conservatives, thinks Hillary has not only failed at every thing she has done but thinks if she becomes President it will be a rerun of the Obama administration. Of course thepeople remember her difference with Barack Obama during the 2008 Presidential debates.
Thomas's editorial was for one specific reason and that is to join with other conservative journalists and the Fox News Network to destroy Hilary's chances if she does indeed enter the Presidential race. Oh, one thing more. Cal Thomas asked his readers to trust him. Thats a pretty tall order for a person who takes pleasure in wanting to see the President fail.
Neither editorial had any value of the moment and instead tried to plant a seed in the people's mind that will long be forgotten when 2016 rolls around. Cokie and Steve were off their game big time and Thomas does what conservative journalists do, attack democrats because republicans have no record of moving the country and its people forward.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
A Tale Of Two Investments: One Of Corporate Welfare, The Other Of Community Involvement
The Times Picayune carried two stories dated June 11 and June 13, the former titled, "Mega Movie Studio Proposed For Algiers" and the latter titled, "Art Group Investing Millions In New Orleans." It is a tale of one investment, the latter that believes in giving back to the community and paying their own way; and the former of tax breaks for companies seeking Corporate Welfare.
Movie producer Scott Niemeyer wants to build a $63.5 million movie production campus in Algiers according to staff writer Katherine Sayre's article. Niemeyer said he will seek local tax incentives for the project and that he will also seek to raise $49.5 million in foreign investment and the remaining of $14 million he is confident about securing financing.
Niemeyer's company is a for profit business and evidently Algiers has every thing needed except the financing. In other words, tax breaks are the only draw to bring his studio to Algiers. It is a prime example of why economic conditions have been hard on the middle class. Paying taxes like every one else makes common sense and has no relationship for business to make a profit. (Warren Buffet already put that fairy tale to rest.)
The June 13 article by staff writer Doug MacCash was about The Joan Mitchell Foundation, a wealthy art philanthropy that decided to make New Orleans the site of a "artist retreat" where promising painters and sculptors from across the country can commune, honing their skills. Their total investment in the New Orleans economy will be $20 million including other related projects. And how about the following that was reported in the article.
The Joan Mitchell Foundation dosen't compete for state, federal or private funds. Nor does the foundation solicit donations. In fact the foundation doesn't even accept gifts. And the multi-structured company is paying property tax to boot. In other words every thing the foundation has spent in New Orleans has come out of its own deep, paint-stained pockets. (Editors note: What a refreshing attitude.)
The philanthropy is the better investment for the New Orleans economy, its people and for city government. It will bring people here from all over and many would probably stay and practice their skills. This type of art would be better for every day life than the movie artist. They are also paying taxes and are not asking for special tax treatment. The city and state need more business that pays its own way.
If tax breaks are a component of selling the city or state to influence a business to locate here and that business is deemed to have a long profitable stay, then why not execute an iron clad agreement for the business to pay back all tax breaks and incentives? Is there any one out there that thinks that is unfair?
Remember it is business who want nothing to do with government regulations or over sight, but they love those government tax breaks and incentives with no strings attached. This writer believes the city and state should seek out more businesses like the "Foundation" who do not mind paying their fair share of taxes and whose business will contribute to the quality of life for the city, state, the people and for the arts and science.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Movie producer Scott Niemeyer wants to build a $63.5 million movie production campus in Algiers according to staff writer Katherine Sayre's article. Niemeyer said he will seek local tax incentives for the project and that he will also seek to raise $49.5 million in foreign investment and the remaining of $14 million he is confident about securing financing.
Niemeyer's company is a for profit business and evidently Algiers has every thing needed except the financing. In other words, tax breaks are the only draw to bring his studio to Algiers. It is a prime example of why economic conditions have been hard on the middle class. Paying taxes like every one else makes common sense and has no relationship for business to make a profit. (Warren Buffet already put that fairy tale to rest.)
The June 13 article by staff writer Doug MacCash was about The Joan Mitchell Foundation, a wealthy art philanthropy that decided to make New Orleans the site of a "artist retreat" where promising painters and sculptors from across the country can commune, honing their skills. Their total investment in the New Orleans economy will be $20 million including other related projects. And how about the following that was reported in the article.
The Joan Mitchell Foundation dosen't compete for state, federal or private funds. Nor does the foundation solicit donations. In fact the foundation doesn't even accept gifts. And the multi-structured company is paying property tax to boot. In other words every thing the foundation has spent in New Orleans has come out of its own deep, paint-stained pockets. (Editors note: What a refreshing attitude.)
The philanthropy is the better investment for the New Orleans economy, its people and for city government. It will bring people here from all over and many would probably stay and practice their skills. This type of art would be better for every day life than the movie artist. They are also paying taxes and are not asking for special tax treatment. The city and state need more business that pays its own way.
If tax breaks are a component of selling the city or state to influence a business to locate here and that business is deemed to have a long profitable stay, then why not execute an iron clad agreement for the business to pay back all tax breaks and incentives? Is there any one out there that thinks that is unfair?
Remember it is business who want nothing to do with government regulations or over sight, but they love those government tax breaks and incentives with no strings attached. This writer believes the city and state should seek out more businesses like the "Foundation" who do not mind paying their fair share of taxes and whose business will contribute to the quality of life for the city, state, the people and for the arts and science.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
The Algiers-Canal Street Ferry Resumes Extended Hours
In a meeting with the Algiers Point Association, Justin Augustine, VP of Veolie Transportation announced the Algiers-Canal street ferry hours of operations would be extended from 6am to 10pm Monday thru Friday beginning July 1. Justin also noted state senator David Heitmeier and city councilwoman Nadine Ramsey secured the funding for the next two years of operation.
This writers recent commentary on the subject matter pointed out that funding should have been in place when the tolls were removed from the bridge so there would be no interrupted hours of the ferry service. The people of Algiers suffered thru that reduced service for almost one full year. Many thanks to Mr. Heitmeier and Ms. Ramsey for securing the needed funds.
Justin Augustine also said they will be working to extend weekend hours in the future for ferry services and will work for improved service as well as new ferry boats. He also said the company is committed to the service of the Algiers-Canal street ferry system. The extended hours is great news for the people of Algiers, especially those who use the ferry in their daily lives. Lets hope it is just the first step in a viable transportation system for pedestrians that fits into the life styles of the people who have used the service since 1827.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
This writers recent commentary on the subject matter pointed out that funding should have been in place when the tolls were removed from the bridge so there would be no interrupted hours of the ferry service. The people of Algiers suffered thru that reduced service for almost one full year. Many thanks to Mr. Heitmeier and Ms. Ramsey for securing the needed funds.
Justin Augustine also said they will be working to extend weekend hours in the future for ferry services and will work for improved service as well as new ferry boats. He also said the company is committed to the service of the Algiers-Canal street ferry system. The extended hours is great news for the people of Algiers, especially those who use the ferry in their daily lives. Lets hope it is just the first step in a viable transportation system for pedestrians that fits into the life styles of the people who have used the service since 1827.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
The U.S. Senate Votes To Improve Veteran Administrations Health Services
The U.S. Senate approved a Veterans Administration health care bill 93-3. The bill would expand for Veterans health care services including private doctors, shorter wait time and a multitude of other health services that have been in the news lately. The CBO estimates the bill will cost $35 billion over the next ten years and maybe more.
Republican representative Jeff Miller, chairman of the House Veterans Committee said the republicans will want offsets in the budget (cuts in other programs) to pay for the bill. The people should remember that it was President Bush who started the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq while the republican party controlled both houses of congress and paid for those wars with deficit spending and not budget cuts. They also passed a prescription drug benefit that they said would cost no more than $400 billion over 10 years but has already cost double that amount and was also paid for by deficit spending and not budget cuts.
The war in Afghanistan has already cost over $1 trillion and still counting. The war in Iraq also cost over $1 trillion. One war, the former was justified, the other was an unnecessary war over WMD that did not exist. Those two wars have placed 2 million more veterans into the VA system according to democratic U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, who said our job is to make certain that every veteran in the country gets quality health care in a timely manner.
President Bush and the republican party saw no obstacle in spending over $3 trillion on the above wars and prescription drug benefit financed by deficit spending but now republicans in congress want budget cuts to fund a VA bill that is estimated to cost $35 billion. It is just another way for the republicans to obstruct needed legislation concerning the problems with the VA and confirms their unAmerican ideology of the double standard they practice. The democratic party has demonstrated in the past that democratic administrations are best at controlling federal spending, lowering the federal deficit, balancing the federal budget and the Obama administration is doing just that.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Republican representative Jeff Miller, chairman of the House Veterans Committee said the republicans will want offsets in the budget (cuts in other programs) to pay for the bill. The people should remember that it was President Bush who started the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq while the republican party controlled both houses of congress and paid for those wars with deficit spending and not budget cuts. They also passed a prescription drug benefit that they said would cost no more than $400 billion over 10 years but has already cost double that amount and was also paid for by deficit spending and not budget cuts.
The war in Afghanistan has already cost over $1 trillion and still counting. The war in Iraq also cost over $1 trillion. One war, the former was justified, the other was an unnecessary war over WMD that did not exist. Those two wars have placed 2 million more veterans into the VA system according to democratic U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, who said our job is to make certain that every veteran in the country gets quality health care in a timely manner.
President Bush and the republican party saw no obstacle in spending over $3 trillion on the above wars and prescription drug benefit financed by deficit spending but now republicans in congress want budget cuts to fund a VA bill that is estimated to cost $35 billion. It is just another way for the republicans to obstruct needed legislation concerning the problems with the VA and confirms their unAmerican ideology of the double standard they practice. The democratic party has demonstrated in the past that democratic administrations are best at controlling federal spending, lowering the federal deficit, balancing the federal budget and the Obama administration is doing just that.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Republican U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Defeated In Reelection Bid
The number two Republican in the U.S. House was defeated in Tuesday's congressional primary in Virginia. Tea party candidate David Brat, an economic professor received 55% of the vote to Cantor's 44%. The cable news networks interrupted their programs to broadcast the news which was described by their hosts and guests as "an earthquake; An apocalyptic moment for the GOP; Devastating loss" and other terms.
This writer does not believe any of those descriptions describe the outcome of the election. Politics always takes on the dramatic side because of the news media. We see that on the Sunday talk shows and in political debates. The defeat of Cantor does not change the balance of power in the republican controlled house because the tea party and the establishment republicans will still be of the mind set to obstruct President Obama's agenda. That was Cantor's role as majority leader and who ever takes over that position will continue that obstruction because John Boehner is still speaker of the house.
It was Cantor who has prevented bills that were passed in the U.S. Senate to be taken up in the House. The immigration bill is a good example. Some house democrats say they need only about 25 republican yes votes in the House and immigration would pass because the democrats would supply the majority yes votes and put the bill over the top. Democrats also say they have over 15 republican yes votes now and are working on obtaining more. That is one reason why Cantor will not bring up the immigration bill.
What would be an earthquake is if Cantor or his successor would bring up the immigration bill and enough republicans would vote with the democrats to pass it. That is not likely to happen because republicans, tea party or other wise are so far to the right and so ingrained in their unAmerican ideology they have disregarded the fundamentals of being an American first.
The news media said nothing that I can find about Cantor's speech to his supporters in acknowledging defeat when he said. Its disappointing, sure. But I believe in this country. I believe there's opportunity around the next corner for all of us. That is a positive statement about the country that is happening on President Obama's watch. Too bad Eric Cantor passed up so many oportunities to work with the President and make the country an even better place to live. He was in the right position to do so and failed the President, the country and its people. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
This writer does not believe any of those descriptions describe the outcome of the election. Politics always takes on the dramatic side because of the news media. We see that on the Sunday talk shows and in political debates. The defeat of Cantor does not change the balance of power in the republican controlled house because the tea party and the establishment republicans will still be of the mind set to obstruct President Obama's agenda. That was Cantor's role as majority leader and who ever takes over that position will continue that obstruction because John Boehner is still speaker of the house.
It was Cantor who has prevented bills that were passed in the U.S. Senate to be taken up in the House. The immigration bill is a good example. Some house democrats say they need only about 25 republican yes votes in the House and immigration would pass because the democrats would supply the majority yes votes and put the bill over the top. Democrats also say they have over 15 republican yes votes now and are working on obtaining more. That is one reason why Cantor will not bring up the immigration bill.
What would be an earthquake is if Cantor or his successor would bring up the immigration bill and enough republicans would vote with the democrats to pass it. That is not likely to happen because republicans, tea party or other wise are so far to the right and so ingrained in their unAmerican ideology they have disregarded the fundamentals of being an American first.
The news media said nothing that I can find about Cantor's speech to his supporters in acknowledging defeat when he said. Its disappointing, sure. But I believe in this country. I believe there's opportunity around the next corner for all of us. That is a positive statement about the country that is happening on President Obama's watch. Too bad Eric Cantor passed up so many oportunities to work with the President and make the country an even better place to live. He was in the right position to do so and failed the President, the country and its people. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Gun Violence In America
There was more gun violence today in America, this time at a high school in Oregon. Our schools, a place for learning has become a battleground that was once a safe place where a parent felt safe and confident their child could obtain a good education and learn how to interact with their peers.
The United States has failed to address the gun violence problem because it is treated as a divisive issue. No problem can be addressed adequately if it is treated as such. Abortion, Religion, Sex Orientation and Immigration are good examples. Special interest groups and many elected officials take delight in promoting divisive issues to paralize the process. Gun control debates take on a "me against them" attitude and nothing gets done.
Our country and its people experienced much less gun violence before the NRA came into being and much more gun violence since the NRA has become more political with their campaign contributions and the willingness of elected officials to allow them to write gun legislation. So the NRA and the second ammendent has no record of reducing gun violence.
When divisiveness gives way to common sense debate on this scourge on America, solutions will be found to make America safe again. There was no common sense debate when the George W. Bush administration allowed the assault weapons ban expire. It was a common sense ban that worked. And since it expired states have rushed to pass gun laws that allow people to carry concealed weapons into stores, churches and other places of gathering. That also has proven to be no answer to gun violence.
It should be noted that police chiefs across the United States supported the assault weapons ban.
One of the latest statement from the NRA that the answer to gun violence is "a good guy with a gun" has not worked either. It sounds macho, but the killings goes on. President Clinton put 100,000 extra police officers on the streets in our states and paid for it with federal funds. It worked and helped to reduce crime and gun violence. Law enforcement across the country lauded the President for his actions because it worked and they needed the help since their own cities and states could not afford to increase their police forces. The Bush administration ended the practice.
Makes no difference what problem or issue we face, the key to a better future is understanding the past. The greatest generation was not divided, they were united. It was a common sense time of being an American and what America stood for. We are a divided nation now controlled by special interest money and a news media that does not respect our democratic elections any more and who try to undermine the process with divisive issues and false scandals.
Yes, gun violence in America can be brought under control. There is a road map how to do so that is still alive in our past. Thinking man has to emerge once again and shut the door on those who promote the status quo of division and instead promote those common sense ideals that has made America great.
This commentary written by John Lucia
The United States has failed to address the gun violence problem because it is treated as a divisive issue. No problem can be addressed adequately if it is treated as such. Abortion, Religion, Sex Orientation and Immigration are good examples. Special interest groups and many elected officials take delight in promoting divisive issues to paralize the process. Gun control debates take on a "me against them" attitude and nothing gets done.
Our country and its people experienced much less gun violence before the NRA came into being and much more gun violence since the NRA has become more political with their campaign contributions and the willingness of elected officials to allow them to write gun legislation. So the NRA and the second ammendent has no record of reducing gun violence.
When divisiveness gives way to common sense debate on this scourge on America, solutions will be found to make America safe again. There was no common sense debate when the George W. Bush administration allowed the assault weapons ban expire. It was a common sense ban that worked. And since it expired states have rushed to pass gun laws that allow people to carry concealed weapons into stores, churches and other places of gathering. That also has proven to be no answer to gun violence.
It should be noted that police chiefs across the United States supported the assault weapons ban.
One of the latest statement from the NRA that the answer to gun violence is "a good guy with a gun" has not worked either. It sounds macho, but the killings goes on. President Clinton put 100,000 extra police officers on the streets in our states and paid for it with federal funds. It worked and helped to reduce crime and gun violence. Law enforcement across the country lauded the President for his actions because it worked and they needed the help since their own cities and states could not afford to increase their police forces. The Bush administration ended the practice.
Makes no difference what problem or issue we face, the key to a better future is understanding the past. The greatest generation was not divided, they were united. It was a common sense time of being an American and what America stood for. We are a divided nation now controlled by special interest money and a news media that does not respect our democratic elections any more and who try to undermine the process with divisive issues and false scandals.
Yes, gun violence in America can be brought under control. There is a road map how to do so that is still alive in our past. Thinking man has to emerge once again and shut the door on those who promote the status quo of division and instead promote those common sense ideals that has made America great.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Monday, June 9, 2014
Sgt. Bergdahl Will Have To Answer To The Military
U.S. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, POW in Afghanistan has already been convicted by the Fox News Network and some inside and outside of congress who will do anything to wound the President. Rushing to judgement with out knowing the facts is SOP for their kind of politics.
The military brass are interviewing Bergdahl to try and determine just what happened and that is where it has to start. All military people have to answer to the Uniform Code Of Military Justice which authorizes the right to try Sgt Bergdahl in this case if he indeed violated that code. John McCain and Lindsey Graham know that but still act like they are ignorant with their childish comments. McCain has already flip flopped on the issue when it was pointed out he earlier approved the swap with the 5 taliban POW's.
President Obama is not the first President to swap POW's and he won't be the last. You would never think that if one listens to the right wingers who says he has no authority to do so. Like Benghazi, Sgt. Bergdahl has become a political football to be kicked around by those who have nothing better to do than promote divisive issues to detract from their own failures. There was a story in Sunday's paper that said Bergdahl's whole outfit in Afghanistan was considered a misfit that was assigned to an outpost that was isolated and hard to defend. But the right wingers are not talking about that. If that turns out to be true a lot of Americans were in danger and does not speak well for our military leaders who let it happen. Without the facts the right wingers could make a best seller out of this situation.
This writer believes our military brass will find out just what happened the night Sgt. Bergdahl went missing. Until that time comes would it not be wise to hold judgement and examine the facts then? I don't expect Fox News to do that because they have demonstrated they like to report the news falsely. McCain and Graham know better but their mind has been brainwashed by those WMD in Iraq that did not exist. They also seemed to forget that it was President Reagan that traded arms for hostages with Iran's terrorists regime.
This commentary written by John Lucia
The military brass are interviewing Bergdahl to try and determine just what happened and that is where it has to start. All military people have to answer to the Uniform Code Of Military Justice which authorizes the right to try Sgt Bergdahl in this case if he indeed violated that code. John McCain and Lindsey Graham know that but still act like they are ignorant with their childish comments. McCain has already flip flopped on the issue when it was pointed out he earlier approved the swap with the 5 taliban POW's.
President Obama is not the first President to swap POW's and he won't be the last. You would never think that if one listens to the right wingers who says he has no authority to do so. Like Benghazi, Sgt. Bergdahl has become a political football to be kicked around by those who have nothing better to do than promote divisive issues to detract from their own failures. There was a story in Sunday's paper that said Bergdahl's whole outfit in Afghanistan was considered a misfit that was assigned to an outpost that was isolated and hard to defend. But the right wingers are not talking about that. If that turns out to be true a lot of Americans were in danger and does not speak well for our military leaders who let it happen. Without the facts the right wingers could make a best seller out of this situation.
This writer believes our military brass will find out just what happened the night Sgt. Bergdahl went missing. Until that time comes would it not be wise to hold judgement and examine the facts then? I don't expect Fox News to do that because they have demonstrated they like to report the news falsely. McCain and Graham know better but their mind has been brainwashed by those WMD in Iraq that did not exist. They also seemed to forget that it was President Reagan that traded arms for hostages with Iran's terrorists regime.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Another Jobs Report To Move The Country Forward
The economy created 217,000 jobs for May and unemployment was unchanged at 6.3% That was the 51st straight month of positive job creation and some economist are saying the numbers are now at a sustained rate for future growth.
It was also the first time since 1999 that employers added over 200,000 jobs per month for the last 4 months. The economy has also regained most of the 9 million jobs lost in the second great republican depression.
There is still much more to do for the economy and job creation to keep up with all of the first time job seekers entering the market for the first time and to employ the long term unemployed that are still out there. The President's policies are working like this writer said they would when he first took office.
The republicans in congress continue to waste a great opportunity economically by their opposition to all of Obama's policies. But once again it is a democratic administration who is moving the country and its people forward under differcult times and when the President leaves office it will be another democratic administration that created more jobs than the previous republican administration. And if that sounds familiar its because you read it hear first in "PolitiDose", your daily dose of political commentary.
This commentary written by John Lucia
It was also the first time since 1999 that employers added over 200,000 jobs per month for the last 4 months. The economy has also regained most of the 9 million jobs lost in the second great republican depression.
There is still much more to do for the economy and job creation to keep up with all of the first time job seekers entering the market for the first time and to employ the long term unemployed that are still out there. The President's policies are working like this writer said they would when he first took office.
The republicans in congress continue to waste a great opportunity economically by their opposition to all of Obama's policies. But once again it is a democratic administration who is moving the country and its people forward under differcult times and when the President leaves office it will be another democratic administration that created more jobs than the previous republican administration. And if that sounds familiar its because you read it hear first in "PolitiDose", your daily dose of political commentary.
This commentary written by John Lucia
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