House Republicans Offer Plan To "Stop Rewarding Failure"...With Taxpayer Money

The winds of change are blowing...from the Republicans! Republicans in the House are busy putting the finishing touches on a plan to “stop rewarding failure” and make sure taxpayers are never again asked to pay for missteps (blunders) on Wall Street. The GOP members of the House Financial Services Committee aim to have their version…which I am quite sure will vary greatly from the one the Democrats are writing…by Tuesday. It is a much needed proposal to revamp the financial regulatory system and would, in essence, rightfully guide failing companies toward bankruptcy, bypassing the ever popular bailout strategy. Additionally, it would take away the oversight authority of the Federal Reserve with regard to the financial industry. It opposes the creation of a systemic risk regulator and government resolution authority…lauded by the Obama Administration. Geithner's layout of the ‘Resolution Authority’ wants to give the President power to dismantle, reorganize, or jostle failing companies and at the same time…and this is the scary part…it would shift some of the authority held by the judiciary to the executive branch supposedly to expedite bankruptcy proceedings. Now, I have a problem with anyone trying to mess with the “Checks and Balance System” and so should every American no matter what your political affiliation. The House Republican blueprint calls for Federal Reserve audits, via the Government Accountability Office, and the transfer of many of its consumer protection and oversight powers to separate agencies. I especially like the audit part because no office or agency handling money should be exempt from accountability. Lastly, it would mandate that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae become private institutions. Let's hope Congress finds their spine and works together on this one in a bipartisan manner. Currently, they are forging the shackles which are enslaving even their own children...due to pettiness and pride.

Note: Pettiness and pride can forge the shackles which enslave even our own children.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 6-04-09

My Fellow Americans...Stop Looking For Leaders And Become One!

As President Obama skillfully leads us down the road to socialism (he has studied Constitutional law)...or fascism...WE THE PEOPLE sit on the sidelines watching and woefully waiting for our "individual" lot in life to be somehow altered...for the better...so that we can jump start our apathetic activity. People...the jump-start is a "negative charge" and not a "positive" one this time! Just like a negative charge has a lower electric potential we are seeing a lowering of our potential "monetarily and politically"!

BUT WHAT CAN WE DO?
(1)Write your congressional representatives (and the White House)... they work for us!
(2)Start talking about it with your neighbors.
(3)Write your newspapers and television stations (local and national) and ask for support...this is better received with a petition of at least 1000 signatures, however, do not discount a "well written" letter from an individual!
(4)Take some of your hard earned cash...you could even pool your money...and pay for advertisement space in the newspaper or on television.
(5) REMEMBER...YOU JUST HAVE TO BE VOCAL AND VISUAL TO BE VEXING...NOT VIOLENT!
(6) Read Herman Cain's website information: http://www.hermancain.com/default.asp
(7) Stop looking for leaders and become one!

How to contact your congressional leaders (House and Senate):
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
http://www.senate.gov/

IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE SEND THEM TO MY COMMENTS SECTION...WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!

Just because Obama is not ranting like a lunatic and our army is not goose-stepping across the parade field doesn't mean we are not in a world of hurt. So many of us are still stinging from the Bush Administration "irritation" and we are failing to open our eyes to a worse fate before us. If you are one who is still "hiding behind a Bush" then you are going to have to look at America's situation from the eyes of the International community. China has invested heavily in the United States' debt. Now, you do realize that if you are "indebted" to anyone...or any nation...you are basically going to have to answer to them...or be influenced by them...in some capacity, right? We cannot let America turn from being an International "SUPER POWER" to being an International "SUPERMARKET"! Basically, we are selling off pieces of our assets (and lives) to investors! During Timothy Geithner's recent visit to China he visited and addressed a University. “Chinese assets are very safe,” Geithner said after his speech at Peking University (where he studied Chinese in the 1980s). The "student audience" laughed!

Michelle Malkin (June 1, 2009): His answer drew loud laughter from his student audience, reflecting scepticism in China about the wisdom of a developing country accumulating a vast stockpile of foreign reserves instead of spending the money to raise living standards at home.

Russian Stanislav Mishin: It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American decent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people.

FOXNEWS (May 20,2009) WASHINGTON -- Republicans on Wednesday abandoned an effort to label their opponents the "Democrat Socialist Party," ending a fight within the GOP ranks that reflected the divide between those who want a more centrist message and those seeking a more aggressive, conservative voice. Supporters of the resolution asking the Democratic Party to change its name instead agreed to accept language urging Democrats to "stop pushing our country towards socialism and government control."

Isn't it like trying to differentiate between Soft Porn and Hard Porn? The "Soft" isn't showing everything and the "Hard" is...either way...the American people are screwed!

Note: Stop looking for leaders and become one!

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 6-02-09

Sonia Sotomayor's Judgement Day

The time is upon us to find a replacement judge for the United States Supreme Court’s retiring Justice David Souter. As always, the battle lines are drawn and both major parties are revving up to make their positions known. Whether you are for or against President Obama’s selection of Sonia Sotomayor is of little relevance because the chances of her losing the position are slim. However, we do need to look at the importance of “conscience” with regard to any judge professing to have the wisdom, which is what the office is really all about, to decide the fate of an individual, group, or issue of great importance. When a judge is too close to a case (i.e. lacking the ability to remain impartial due to irrepressible bias) he or she has an opt out obligation…recusal. Simply put, to disqualify or remove oneself to avoid either a conflict of interest or the illusion of impropriety. This act of recusement is one of the issues that Sotomayor will face in spite of her poignant life story, impressive qualifications, and extensive judicial experience. Her joint decision with regard to a group of firefighters who went before the court to sue the city of New Haven, CT. when they had passed a required examination for promotion will also become a point of note. Apparently, there were no African-Americans who scored high enough to be promoted so the city decided to invalidate the test and not promote anyone. Truly this was a case of reverse race discrimination. Unfortunately, nominee Sotomayor was one of the Circuit Court level judges who dismissed the firefighters’ case…which is now slated to the docket of U.S. Supreme Court. Oh, the irony of it all. According to Sotomayor and the others comprising the three-judge panel: The city of New Haven was simply trying to fulfill its obligations under federal law when confronted with test results that had a disproportionate racial impact. ASIDE: One of the firefighters was dyslexic and, after intensive studying, received high marks on one of the exams. Truly the “quota requirement”, even if sanctioned by federal law, is unconstitutional. Why even test? Lady Justice is a sword toting, scale bearing, blind-folded symbol of fair and equal justice. Her sword symbolizes that she stands capable to cut to the heart of the matter before her and execute justice. The scales show her ready to weigh the evidence presented while examining both the pros and cons. She is blind-folded so that no creed, color, or status can have the upper hand. All who enter the hallowed court should not feel that they do so at their own peril, but rather with confidence when RIGHT is on their side. May Sonia Sotomayor be that “Lady of Justice” while serving on any bench.

Note: When justice fails…injustice prevails.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 5-28-09

America Needs To Be Worthy Of The Sacrifices Our Service Men And Women Are Making!

When veterans arrive home they need to return to some semblance of normalcy. Currently, America is remaining in a constant state of flux with even those who stayed behind experiencing anxiety as businesses and jobs hang in the balance. We find transparency in Washington turning into lunacy with each revelation from the White House. Consequently, we need to let our fighting men and women know that there is a war on two fronts! Over there...and right here in America. It is time to trade weapons. All Americans need to move seamlessly from brawn to brain while combating the crisis at home...starting at becoming penpals with our elected officials and ending with the ballot box. We need to stand up, speak up, and chastise politicians who slip up! WE THE PEOPLE need to know that this is a ongoing mission and no time to "stand down". America isn't what it use to be...we have had a series of setbacks...but it can be even better with everyone's help. Our veterans left for a noble cause... they should return with a flourish of validation that it was not in vain.

Note: Warriors who leave for a noble cause need to have it validated upon their return.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 5-26-09

Liberals May Appreciate Gun-Rights Expansion If Gitmo Detainees Arrive On U.S. Soil

Now, I know that liberals are terribly frustrated with the White House and Congress because they just can’t seem to make Gitmo close or keep gun-rights from expanding. Darn it…Washington is Democrat country! "We'll probably end up passing more gun bills than we did during the Republican administration," said Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y. "That is what surprises me." Well, don’t feel so bad, because if America is forced to receive any of the Guantanamo detainees you just might rest a little easier at night knowing Americans still have gun-rights! Some accuse President Obama and his cronies of being asleep at the wheel while Republicans raised fears about terrorist relocation in our backyard. Nancy Pelosi doesn’t want them on her turf either…even though she has the perfect facility for them…Alcatraz! -See my blog 1-27-09- America is a big place and protection is a daunting task…even for the Federal government. Why is it the founding fathers knew it, addressed it, and “penned it”…in the Constitution (Amendment II)…and the current leaders know it, address it, and dismiss it? Americans have a tendency to put even the most horrific events in their short-term memory. Unfortunately, national security is a long-term issue!

Note: If we don't take our freedoms seriously...our freedoms will be taken permanently.

May God bless America...and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 5-24-09

Memorial Day 2009

Memorial Day has become an all inclusive holiday, throughout the years, to honor the brave men and women who have died in America’s wars. Originally known as Decoration Day…it was a time designated to honor America’s Civil War dead. It became widely observed around May 30, 1868, with graves being decorated in commemoration. The federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day (in 1966) because it had been the first location to celebrate the day, one hundred years earlier. The townspeople of Waterloo closed businesses and the residents placed flowers and flags on the soldiers’ graves. Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday (in 1971) to be observed the last Monday in May. Sometimes, Memorial Day is confused with Veterans Day which is celebrated on November 11th and honors all veterans, living and deceased. If you had to choose the most celebrated area for Memorial Day, it would have to be at Arlington National Cemetery where it is customary for either the president or vice-president to make a speech of gratitude…one honoring the fallen who have allowed America to remain free. Whether you visit one of the nation’s cemeteries, attend a church service, or simply go on a “day-off” outing…please take time out to remember those who paid the ultimate price for your liberty.

Note: Few wake up with a plan to be a hero; most start off with a plan to be a good person.

May God bless America…and may America deserve it.

Zanne Booker 5-23-09

Is A New Breed Of Voter On The Horizon?

Michael Steele (Chairman of the RNC) addressed a group about the direction of the Republican Party and slammed the President’s first one hundred plus days…just by stating the facts. He is trying to rally the GOP and bump up the numbers who are claiming affiliation with them. I wonder…could the previous and current White House Presidents be causing an exodus from political norms thus spawning a new breed of voter? As more and more constituents are distancing themselves from Bush and removing their Obama bumper stickers from their cars, just maybe the voter mentality is shifting to people who no longer want to be pigeonholed. It is not that they seek to vote as Independents, but rather vote independently. Perhaps they are seeing us go down an unprecedented path toward socialism (that is bordering on fascism) which is scaring even the Democrats who, by the way, are Republican allies. Now, Mr. Obama is indeed a mover and a shaker, however, his gyrations are leaving Americans practically paralyzed. Not only are we hanging on every vague and convoluted word coming out of Washington, but we are groping in the dark trying to find our way without clear guidelines…which are “key” to success. After all, any game needs rules and they cannot be constantly changing. Every time the President and his cronies close the door for a meeting…they emerge with our requirements for success increasingly skewed and less obtainable. Americans are consequently starting to feel like they have boarded the Titanic and that the Obama administration is busy making ice! Washington and Wall Street have screwed up the “good old days”, but we could have rallied in record time had Washington not tried to fix “everything”. They have gone from a mentality of Uncle Sam to one of Who’s Your Daddy! All I can say is that it is about time voters started feeling powerful after the election instead of for a fleeting moment at the voting booth. Washington politicians are making a big mistake looking down at those who raised them up. I will leave you with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.

Note: When our “elected officials” are listening halfway they are hard of hearing. We are going to have to speak up!

May God bless America…and may America deserve it!

Zanne Booker 5/21/09