Reader Comments
Issue 132 - May 20, 2009

Editor: As far as "Love Big Brother" is concerned, I'm on the watch list too! JF

Editor: I would like you to know that everything in the opening paragraph of your "Love Big Brother" applies to me so I might as well send in my name to the Homeland Security cops right now. I am not one bit afraid of any of these so called "Big Brother" radical government authority agencies. What are they going to do to me take all my money and throw me in prison? Go ahead and let them try! Thanks for the great article. Let’s publish it in every newspaper or are we not able to use our constitutional rights any longer? Bernard Berry.

Editor: Regarding "Love Big Brother," I'm Honored to be called a Right Wing Extremist! In my book if you are not, you are an Anti-American Coward who has Lost your way and are too frightened to admit it. It's better to hide in the shadows of those who stand out and speak out on how Good & Great America is. And once we get rid of the Hate towards the Right Wing Extremists – those who Hate God, Hate the Bible, Hate the Military, Hate Guns, Hate Capitalism, etc., we will start to flourish in a positive way once again. Oh by the way Both Houses passed legislation to fund the states to prosecute Hate Crimes! Lets start with everyone who Hates America inside and out of the country like terrorists and the partial list above! Bob Spiers

Editor: Regarding "Love Big Brother," I guess I am also on the OIA list.  The government should stay out of state’s business. The government should stop giving money away, should stop raising taxes. Guns do not kill people - people kill.  I do not want socialized medicine of any kind. I can hate if I want. I do not love all my brothers. What is going on in our American way of life? Are we not a free country any more? In "God We Trust" should always be up and out there all over! I write some Senate and House of Rep. members and they are "to busy to answer." Now isn't that a great answer? Are we getting a dictator instead of a President? I am so afraid of the future because of what is going on in Washington. Sincerely, Mrs. Ruth Heins, Southbury, Ct 

Editor: I read the article entitled "Love Big Brother". I am one of those DHS designated as a potential for recruitment by an extremist organization. But those in the Obama administration and the DHS say this like it is a bad thing. In actuality, I am 53 year old Conservative, Retired Soldier of 22 years Army service, a Life Member of the NRA, and an amateur gun collector and target shooter, and a Cancer survivor. I used to hunt but gave it up when I got too tired from the chemotherapy and just haven't got back to it. I'm not really "Anti" government or anything else. I do enjoy my solitude and prefer not to be bothered by a bunch of people called "politicians" who seem to feel that they know better than I do, as to how I should live my life. I haven't really feared an economic collapse, but I have always known one would come. I look upon "illegal" immigration as a law violation that should be prosecuted. I have no respect for a person from another country whose first act of entering the country is a violation of our laws and “sovereignty.” I do not look upon "recent gun control legislation” as a “threat”, I do look at it as a violation of the U.S. Constitution, and those in government who swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution as people being in violation of their oaths. As a student of the Bible I have no concerns that world governments could usurp the “sovereignty” of the U.S. I expect that a One World Government Will usurp all national governments in time. Not something to fear, the Bible spelled it out as a forgone conclusion. I don't look at abortion as a “social issue" I view it as murder. But it is not my place to physically oppose such actions, if a woman wants to abort her child, that is an abomination and God will deal with those who commit such acts in his own way with his own judgment. I am indeed a "disgruntled military veteran”, but not as you might think. I served twenty two years in service and during that period, I was constantly told that one of our duties was to defend the United States against Communism and Socialism, in favor of the Democracy handed down by the founding fathers. But now the people of the United States have apparently chosen Socialism as their new form of government, either by voting for the current administration or by staying home in protest against the last administration. So while I do not support socialism or communism, neither do I care to go against the will of the U.S. population. All I ask is that now that they have chosen to harness themselves with a socialist leader, that they do not call on me to defend them from their own folly. Signed, Jon Weiss, 1SG, U.S. Army, Retired

Editor: Regarding “Love Big Brother” actually, anyone who disagrees with the Obama Administration is an enemy. Homeland Security’s Janet Napolitano literally declared war on anyone and everyone who is NOT a "liberal" (socialist, fascist, Marxist, communist, Democrat, et al, etc.) If you disagree with Obama, you're a Racist, if you're for conservatism, you're a threat. If you express yourself a little too loudly, they might just come in the middle of the night and get you. Crev Carrillo

Editor: Regarding “Love Big Brother,” I believe it was Thomas Jefferson who said, "When the People fear the government, that's tyranny. When the government fears the People, that's Liberty". So, I believe it's consummately safe to assume that Thomas Jefferson was an extremist by our current government's definition. Yet, his historical and enduring "extremist" ideas are part of the very foundation of our government today. By attempting to silence us all as it appears, is our government then bent on destroying the pillars of our government, and thus our entire society? Just food for thought - LOTS of thought! And if your thoughts bring you to the same conclusion as they have mine, you must also ask the question, "Why"? Think People! Think! Bill Pratt

Editor: Regarding your editorial “Love Big Brother,” it was only a matter of time that the radical leftist of the 60's would take over due to the popularity of those drugged out progressives (psuedo-Marxist) and make it illegal - or at least worthy of profiling - to exercise one's right of descent. The 2nd amendment is virtually gone with HR45 looming in the back rooms of the Legislature and now with the advent of Janet Napolitano and her fear of citizens who dislike abusive Central government control, warned of by the founders of this nation and its Constitution. The very 1st amendment and the 10th amendment are in danger of being usurped by the present Marxist regime that intends to turn this nation over to the One World Order advocates and use the very Constitution and its Judges to profile and incarcerate those who are attempting to practice the same right of dissent that these, now in power, leftists used to gain control. I am in my mid 60's and remember the post-war fears of the left in our nation regarding our cold war enemies and their statements that they would bury us. The problem is that they will not have the opportunity to bury us as our own Central Government will do so prior to their total destruction of the only truly free nation left on the face of the earth. Europe has already succumbed to this situation as they usually do because of their failure to control their own governments. Now those in power intend to take that God Given and Constitutional right to control our government away from the individual States and the People. The dummying down of our public education system was the last straw in the defeat of freedom of thought and mind. Now we have a populace that hasn't the intelligence, even with their numerous "degrees" following their names, to understand that their freedoms are on the line and they are headed for the slavery of the elite dictatorial leaning powers that now say it is bordering on the illegal and un-American to have a thought of what is right other than that decreed from the halls of Congress and the White House. Shades of the Taliban, Al Qaeda and Adolf Hitler and Napolitano's ancestral countryman, Mussolini. I fear it is too late to turn the tide but only to hunker down and try to live out what freedoms we have before the "Brown shirts" come knocking at the door of every freedom loving citizen. Just the ranting of an old Marine combat trooper who still believes in and will fight to protect that to which my ancestors gave their lives and fortunes. And one who does not fear these usurpers of the Constitution to the point of lying down and accepting their illegal mandates concerning my rights that I was born with and fought for and will continue to do so. Deane Halsey Gilmour, Douglasville, Georgia

Editor: Regarding your "Love Big Brother," now it is out in the open. The country is being run by the modern version of Hitler's goons. They lie at every turn and appoint tax cheats to run the government. The elected officials are supposed to be stewards not narcissist’s – me, mine - where is it going to lead us other than back 700 years?  It appears that it is too late to return the country to its former ways. The people that voted for daffy duck will bear the blame after the first bomber walks into an occupied area in our country and detonates him or herself. Bless, Robert Radovich

Editor: As far as your "Love Big Brother" is concerned, I am not anti government but stand for a strong unified government of the people, for the people, by the people. I am not for the current government that is for themselves at the expense of the American populace. I do fear an "economic collapse" of the U.S because even in my little citizen’s mind, it is incomprehensible how we can continue to support the greed, corruption, and self serving agendas of an out of control thing we call "government." I do not believe that one needs to be a Harvard business graduate to understand and actually see the results of that just stated. I do view the ridiculous, liberal "recent gun control legislation" as a threat to our Constitutional rights, because that is exactly what it is. Most of it has absolutely nothing to do with any effective control of crime or control of such. It penalizes innocent people and that clearly has no affect on the adversity of crime. It has everything to do with control of the people. I believe and support the sovereignty of the U.S. and I stand for and support our heritage, our customs and our free way of life. I believe in immigration and allowing credible, honest law abiding peoples of other cultures and Countries to join us and enjoy our Country as we do - providing that they respect our Country, our freedoms, and cultures as we respect theirs in our travels or our choice to live in a foreign land. As far abortion goes I have mixed feeling because not one instance of abortion is ever ideal in morality or choice. I do not believe that it is our government's business to dictate who does what in regards to abortion. I do not believe in homosexuality because it has nothing to do with adherence of our Christian principles. Further, it is an abnormal act and disgusting to some degree. I have no problem with what people do behind closed doors. But I do have a problem with liberal, government bureaucrats dictating policy on the validity of homosexuality and gay marriage, and pushing it as normal onto the general populace. I am a disabled Vietnam Veteran who served faithfully in military service for 18 years. I am not disgruntled, and don't know many of my fellow Veterans who are. I do regret that I can no longer serve, because I staunchly believe in a strong Military and I am somewhat disappointed that I cannot be a part of snuffing out terrorists. As far as terrorists go, I have as much remorse for them as killing bacteria on a toilet seat. I am however, disgruntled with an out of control government, led by out of control elected officials, hell bent on their self serving agendas, greed and zest to control a free society. Barney Frank is an embarrassment to the United States. It makes no difference to me what tag someone wears; Republican, Democrat, Conservative, or Voo-Doo party for that matter. What does matter is not losing sight of what America is all about and the freedoms from excessive government, preservation of our Constitution, freedom from excessive taxation and a Country united against internal tyranny and foreign tyranny - a Country of a free and prosperous people with little to no poverty. What I see today and predict for the future both disgusts me and disturbs me, for we are heading for civil unrest. Barney Frank and the bunch propelled our Country into this economic disaster and at the same time deceived all of America and most of all, those stupid, ignorant people who voted for them. I love my Country, and the freedoms that millions have sacrificed for. I am a fiercely loyal American patriot who took an oath as a soldier to defend this great Nation against all enemies, both foreign and DOMESTIC. I will take this oath and adherence to such to the grave with me. If this makes me a "Rightwing Extremist," then these liberal, truly anti America jerks, can put me on whatever list they want. I will be the first one in the street to die fighting for America and all that it stands for. We are not heading in the wrong direction, we are already there. Richard Christensen

Editor: I read your article “Love Big Brother” and have just recently reread the book “1984.”  It was terrifying when I read it as a teen and is even more so now with what is happening to our country. I don't know if you have heard that ACORN is GPS'ing within 40' of all Americans' front doors under the guise of readying for the 2010 census. All the information goes directly to the White House and not to the Commerce Dept. and they have a 6 month time limit to complete all the information on all Americans.  Just the expeditiousness concerns me. I want to know why the Census Bureau (really the White House) needs to know exactly where my front door is when they have access to my address (taxes, public records, etc) and can Google my house on the internet.  I have some theories and today's World Net Daily's online newspaper reinforces some of them.  My parents believe it is so the govt can tax and track our mileage when they put the chips (like cell phones) in our vehicles.  I lean to a more desperate scenario especially considering that the Dept of Homeland Security has already said pretty much that if you don't agree with the current govt, you are a terrorist. So far, most folks I talk to know nothing of this - including the politicians.  The reason the Census Bureau is giving doesn't make sense.  According to their website, it is being funded by the stimulus package that my tax dollars are funding and the politicians passed without reviewing. I appreciate any information you can impart to all the concerned citizens in America. Very truly yours, Celia Jenkins, Sierra Vista, AZ 

Editor: Regarding David Keene’s "Surveilling Tea Parties", I remember when Congress passed the Patriot Act. I seemed to be alone in my opposition. For years before that Sen. Rockefeller had been trying to push these "Big Brother" initiatives. He had always said that he was waiting for something that would force their passage: 9-11 became the excuse. The reason that it passed so quickly is that this legislation was quickly assembled from everything the Senator had been trying to do for years. Dozens of outrageous violations of our constitutional rights flew right through Congress with absolutely no hearings and no public debate. What was worse is the so-called Republican leadership immediately began defending these measures. In every survey they sent out they would ask such loaded questions as "Do you favor the Democrats attempt to weaken America's defenses by repealing the US Patriot Act?" Why were the Republicans and the RNC so intent on supporting something that comes from the farthest left wing of the southern Democrats? Didn't we have enough of the abuse of civil liberties under Clinton? Couldn't they foresee a day when Democrats would control the executive and become as abusive as they had been under Wilson, FDR, Kennedy, LBJ, and Clinton? Don't they remember when private conversations were intercepted by the Democrats and leaked to the press? The last thing anyone should want is more power in the hands of a corrupt partisan president. WC

Editor: Regarding David Keene’s "Surveilling Tea Parties", are they going to do a background check on me if I go to a tea party? Thank you for reading my question. Blessings, Jane S. Delaney

Editor David Keene’s "Surveilling Tea Parties” expressed my sentiments exactly. I must tell you and I know many people who agree with both of us. I hope they do look at me. They are just wasting their time on such trivial things as this when we as conservatives will sneak right back into power. My only concern is that I sure hope we have learned our lesson. I say we only because although I did not vote for this I am somewhat to blame for which I would like to apologize not only to you but to all citizens of this country. You see all my life I did not pay attention to them for many years. As I get more into the ACT of politics - and that’s what it is an act - I realize what a fool I have been all these years. I thank men like yourself for the watchful eye that you keep on them. I am a big Rush fan, I e-mail my senators and congressmen, go to the city council meetings and somewhat read the newspapers. Thank you for your service to this great nation. LONG LIVE CONSERVATISM! Jeff M

Editor: Scott Rasmussen’s “DC GOP Irrelevant” was right on target with his analysis of why the Republican Party is in disarray and losing elections. It is not listening to what the citizens of this great country want--smaller government, no amnesty for illegal aliens, secure borders, a strong military, fiscal responsibility, and strong representatives who can stick to issues and not capitulate by pandering to voting groups. I applaud Mr. Rasmussen's articulate commentary. CK

Editor: As far as Scott Rasmussen’s “DC GOP Irrelevant” is concerned, it's time to form a new REAL Conservative party. Timothy O'Leary

Editor: It saddens me to have to agree with Scott Rasmussen’s “DC GOP Irrelevant” article in regard to the horrible state to which the Republican Party has fallen. We here in Southern Illinois have not even had Republicans on the ballot for several elections. I wrote to the Republican chairman about this and got no response at all. I have no political background nor the resources to run for any office or I would do just that. The candidates who ran in opposition to the Democrats in the last election were so liberal that one couldn't tell one party from the next. It breaks my heart to see this happen to the Republican Party. At this rate we can just crown Mr. Obama king and say the heck with democracy. Unless there is a drastic change in the Republican candidates soon there is no real choice anyway. Sincerely, Mary Holcomb

Editor: Scott Rasmussen’s “DC GOP Irrelevant” is great analysis, dead on. The party powers of both parties are completely out of touch with the average American citizen. We need term limits to get rid of the deadwood deadheads in both parties - 99 percent of the laws written are for the benefit of some special interest group or to block some competitive force. We (the American people) must take control of the system. We can start in 2010 by voting in new blood. I will take my chances with an average American person over a seasoned politician. Thanks, Franklin Carter, Laramie Wyoming

Editor: As far as Scott Rasmussen’s “DC GOP Irrelevant” is concerned, I say, the Republican Party is history. They have abandoned their conservative principles. Regardless of what some pundits say, we need a viable third party a TRUE conservative party, one which embraces small government, less government intrusion, lower taxes, national security, and closed borders. Phil Zimring

Editor: Scott Rasmussen’s “DC GOP Irrelevant” article is right on the money - very well expressed and very true. Conservatives are disgusted with the GOP as it stands today. Joel Stroback, Vail, AZ

Editor: In general, I agree with Scott Rasmussen’s “DC GOP Irrelevant” views on the Republican Party, however, I am going to stand up for Senator Martinez of Florida. I don't agree with some of the things he says but I will tell you the Republican Party should be proud that they have him. I am in constant contact by e-mail with both him and Senator Nelson. My latest was a salvo on Senator Nelson for backing Cap and Trade and legislation on Climate Control. After explaining to him why Cap and Trade would damage our economy, I asked to research noted environmental scientist "Brennan" and that over 700 scientists worldwide have said that earth warming claims are incorrect and in fact the earth has been cooling for about 10 years now. I have been telling them that Al Gore and probably a bunch of people in the White House, Senate and House stand to gain millions on these scams. In fact I told Senator Nelson this but I doubt if anybody will look into it. They didn't do anything about illegal campaign contributions by the Obama Election committee and they are still trying to give millions to ACORN, a known fraudulent organization. Sooner or later, the independents and Democrats that elected Obama will see that Obama is leading this country into untold economic destruction and socialism. A lot of people don't see this but I have lived in and studied countries where socialism exists and his statements and initiatives have proven, although, he refuses to admit it, that he is indeed a Socialist. Albert Grounds

Editor: To combat the disconnect Scott Rasmussen speaks of in “DC GOP Irrelevant,” the REAL Republicans must form a third party. Once the National GOP sees the threat to their ever winning any election with the advent of a Third Party, they'll rethink what they are doing and the principals they have abandoned. What we need to have is a third party candidate that doesn't look, feel, or sound like someone who's out of touch with the principals that made the Republican Party the voice of the American Way. We left England and its ways behind. Now, the liberal voices in this country are leading us right back into the same situation we faced when this country was created. Let's hope that we don't face another fight to free ourselves of the scourge of socialism instead of racism. Some say the Civil War ended that possibility forever. However, the current administration is creating a schism in this country that seems to replicate that environment once again. Only time will tell if the government's oppressive silencing of all dissent will create the great divide that will separate us all, once again, from one another. The GOP had better wake up NOW, or your prediction will surely reach fruition. Perhaps the atmosphere OUTSIDE of DC will be the only force that will correct this course. Let's hope so! Bill Pratt, Former Soldier, Forever an American Patriot

Editor: Excellent article! Scott Rasmussen’s “DC GOP Irrelevant” Indeed, the "Republicans" who "elected" McCain, and the rest of those fools in Washington, have no clue. And, they will continue to lose if the Democrat subterfuge (that the Republicans have moved TOO FAR RIGHT, and must move to the middle for relevance) continues, and is swallowed by the mindless "middle." The Republicans ONLY hope is to GET BACK TO CONSERVATIVE PRINCIPLES. Period. Regards- Mark-John Kasperek, Minneapolis

Editor: Regarding Scott Rasmussen’s “DC GOP Irrelevant,” I believe it imperative for Republican leadership, both in Congress and among aspirants, to infuse their own thinking and their rhetoric with the following points: 1- We are not in a battle (we just lost one), but rather are engaged in a relentless war. The current Democrat strategy is to bloat their number of adherents by increasing the number of recipients of government largesse. Once that number exceeds 50% as a more-or-less permanent statistic, they will remain in power indefinitely. 2- Republican leadership must expose this strategy in public statements, in interpretations of specific legislative battles, and in correspondence with supporters. 3- Republican leaders must avoid even the sniff that they might consider some such similar legislation. The "...me too..." mentality is always deadly, and should be strongly resisted at every turn. 4- The effectiveness of conservative principles across the entire spectrum of public issues must be advanced at every opportunity by every public personage of integrity. Absent these principles, the Common Good can never be served. 5-We need to develop a simple slogan, (such as, for example: "Government Not Limited Equals Government Unlimited"), that resonates in the heart and mind of every thinking, taxpaying, citizen. 6- We need to expound on what constitutes the Common Good. Henry A. Miranda, Jr.

Editor: “Real Health Insurance” by John Goodman presents an intriguing concept. Wish we could get those in control of Washington right now to attend to it. One aspect of the plan is unclear to me: if we started this right now, there would be a large pool of individuals who do have chronic, expensive to treat conditions, and everyone knows about it. So purchasing coverage for "risk of change in health care status" would not seem logical. How would these people with current, now-being- treated diseases be insured? And then there is the perennial problem of those who have no interest in buying insurance themselves, thinking they will just go to ER when they feel sufficiently ill. But the above questions aside, this plan really sounds like it has possibilities! I am not sure how we can go about putting together a broad coalition for an idea such as this, but even here in the far- left SF Bay Area, I can testify there are large numbers of people (even those liberal on some other issues) who do not want their health care administered by an annex of the DMV. Best wishes, Ashley Cohen

Editor: Hopefully “Real Health Insurance” by John Goodman has been presented to our president and read to the elected congressmen. I believe you will need to read it to them because they do not know how to read, as shown in the recent legislation passed. I will help if I can. Bill Hackbush

Editor: Regarding John Goodman’s “Real Health Insurance,” what if laws were followed and those who broke the laws were prosecuted? I have read that 40% of our health care costs are due to FRAUDULENT litigation. There are those who earn their living in courts suing for anything and everything. Unless a medical provider can not prove without a shadow of a doubt that they are innocent the judgment goes against them. After all, "it doesn't cost the provider anything, the insurance company will pay the money". I have read that states that restrict punitive damages (damages beyond actual losses, primarily to teach the provider a lesson) to $250,000 have had a 30% decrease in costs for health care. Stopping fraudulent litigation and restricting punitive damages could lower health care costs by 70% and health insurance premiums by 75%. After these reductions we should look at the dozen or so other things that need to be addressed. However, these two actions would have the greatest and quickest impact on the cost and availability of insurance for small business. Tom Deaver LUTCF, FIC, Manhattan, KS

Editor: In his “End of Newsweek,” Brent Bozell makes some great points. Just to support his thoughts, consider the history of religion in accordance with his assessment of Newsweek's conclusions.  Modernity has never defeated religion, be it radical Islam or Christianity.  Both have been around for thousands of years, through many different "cultures".  So, history supports the fact that both religions will continue on a broad scale and that the new modern will continue to evolve out of the old modern as it is discarded.  Careful reading of the scriptures also points out that no matter how "modern" our culture becomes, we still
have the same old issues to deal with.  The most difficult being selfishness.  Regardless of religion or culture, if we can ever master this area of sin, we will overcome any obstacle in our way.  Jesus was the perfect example of this.  Christianity provides this. Thanks for all you guys do and I truly enjoy reading your articles. Sincerely, Scott Benson, Murray, KY

Editor: Regarding Brent Bozell’s “End of Newsweek,” for 2000+ years Christianity has survived assaults of every kind. Sometimes we've had to go underground, but never, ever have we given up the faith.  To be sure there is a decline in church attendance, but this, also, is cyclical. Its causes are many.  The fact remains that as long as one faithful person is willing to stand firm and continue to believe, God will help us find the courage and strength to rise again and again. The Christian/Judeo faith is not man-made and cannot be destroyed by man. Sincerely, Grace M. Alvarez, Twain Harte. CA

Editor: Brent Bozell's article on “End of Newsweek: What a great article! How true and thanks for saying it Brent! Donald A. Workman

Editor: Regarding Brent Bozell’s “End of Newsweek,” Newsweek is just junk. It IS the end of Newsweek, not Christianity. I work in Asia, and people ask me about Christianity. When I tell them, they listen intently. Newsweek would like to see Christianity vaporize because it says that homosexuality is a sin, so they want to get rid of it. However, if Christianity dies, so will America. I haven't read Newsweek in years. I don't remember when was the last time I even browsed a copy, because their editorials were so ridiculous. I don't think it is the "mass" that doesn't work (Is the Washington Times in trouble?), I think it is the magazine. SW

Editor: I enjoyed Mike D’Virgilio’s article “Smoking Sin.” I've worked as a musician for close to 30 years and nothing has hurt our work like these smoking bans. Columbus has had one since 2005 and now the entire state of Ohio is covered. Clubs are closing one by one, but the SmokeFree Zealots can only keep repeating "smoking bans have no effect on business". I liked your use of the Bible verse also concerning the health nuts – this mirrors my own thoughts. Thanks for making your views known. It is refreshing to read something real every once in awhile! Sincerely, Linda Dachtyl, Blues/jazz/rock musician, Columbus

Editor: I agree with Dennis Avery’s “In Praise of Cages.” Cages protect our chickens and the people who eat eggs.  The people who oppose these measures are either totally uniformed, a bunch of city folk, that don't know anything about nature or don't have a life. Why do we cater to a minority of the people? I am sick of it and sick of the left's whining. WIMPS! I say. Pamela Austin

Editor: I am one of those conservatives who is very concerned about the erosion of our Constitutional rights. My problem is, what can I do about it? When I write to my senators (whose voting record seems to be conservative) I feel like I'm preaching to the choir. When I write to my Congressman I get a condescending letter telling me I just don't see the big picture. What can we do? Penny Muckleroy

Editor: Congratulations! I just want to thank Doug Edelman’s “Tea Party Report” for the fine article about the tea parties. Although I did not attend because I am 90 yrs. old and was simply not able, I supported the Tea Party and will do so again. There is great hope in the number that did turn out and I feel sure that the July 4th event will be even larger. Wayne Williamson