I expected the bailout to pass. I really did. But the Republicans in the House were able to defeat the measure this morning, at least for the moment. Nicely done!.
Now it's time for Americans to dig in and prepare for rough times ahead. Our fast-food, easy-credit society has a hard time accepting that sometimes problems can't be fixed... but this is one of those times. Those of us who oppose this bill do so with full understanding that we're in for some really hard economic situations. But this bailout would have made things worse in the long run for everyone (except, perhaps, a few bankers).
If you listen to the mainstream media here in America, you probably believe that Russia is up to it's old aggressive tricks again and invaded Georgia for some silly reason. Doesn't much matter what the reason is, Russia's bad.
Georgia, on the other hand, wants to be in NATO. And it's a democracy, right? Two thumbs up for Georgia.
Now, I'm generally AGAINST taking sides in foreign conflicts; but, since the media already has, I'll at least make the following point: Georgia initiated armed confrontation by attempting to take back South Ossetia -- a small area between Georgia proper and Russian that declared itself independent in the 1990's. Russia is defending an independent nation from invasion, not invading Georgia. (I'm sure Russia's doing it for their own motives, however.)
You'd think people in these United States would appreciate the right of secession. Hmmm.
On a related topic, 22% of Americans support a state's right to secede. Only 22% support this fundamental right to self-government?
I've just read that Progressive thinkers have recently come up with a rebuttal to the derogatory term "Democrat Party." Apparently, they are now calling on fellow thinkers to refer to the other side as the "Republic Party." Cleverness aside, here's the problem I see with that...
Republic Party sounds kind of cool to me!
In fact, those who know me know that I now consider myself a member of the Republican Party (after flirting with independent status for a few years) but that I do not agree with a large portion of the Republican Party's current platform. I strongly believe that I'm a small part of a wave of libertarian-minded Republicans that will shape the future of the party.
And for months now I've been trying to figure out a concise way of expressing all that... "Republican, but not the kind of Republican you think!" just doesn't cut it anymore...
Maybe we should adopt Republic Party for that purpose?
Here are a few clips from various party's platforms regarding same-sex marriage... you may be surprised by which statements belong to which party...
Recognize your party in there? Maybe you do, maybe not... look it up. Be informed.