I hope you enjoy all 26 of these mini-essays/comments.
Posted on Yahoo! News
ONE:
[This, which I consider more important than any which follow, was posted most recently (7-31 @ 5:40 PM).]
The GOP-dominated House should immediately pass a bill with the following provisions:
ONE: To raise the debt-ceiling, but only by an amount sufficient to enable borrowing for one more month.
TWO: To condition ONE (above) with mandatory spending cuts of $1T spread over a decade.
THREE: To include this oath which would irrevocably bar consideration of any other bill for three weeks: “By voting for this bill, I hereby swear by means of an oath, equal in authority to the Oath of Office which is required of all Representatives before assuming office, that I will not vote for any other bill to raise the debt ceiling earlier than 3 weeks from today.”
This kind of bill would be a “take it or leave it” offer to the Senate, which the Senate could not refuse since (due to the oath contained therein) the House could not consider any other variation for three weeks.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“No matter what Congress manages to pass in the next day or two, the GOP will kick themselves for not having used this approach to force the Senate (and Obama) to dance to their tune.”
TWO:
Maybe we’re being a bit hasty – insisting that North Korea de-nuke. Seeing how China wants to claim the whole South China Sea, maybe we could use NK to keep China in check. Politics do make strange bedfellows, so what I’m suggesting isn’t all that preposterous. NK could even raise much-needed money by selling its missile and nuke know-how to Thailand and Australia, which would give China reason to think twice about throwing its weight around locally.
This just in: NK agrees to de-nuke if we do. Like that’s ever going to happen.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“We’re still on hair-trigger nuke alert, in case anyone has forgotten.”
THREE:
"We cannot wait for the House any longer," Reid said.
Well, Senator, you don’t have any choice. According to Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution (which you’d sworn to uphold): “All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives…” If the debt ceiling is raised, thereby authorizing the sale of US Treasury bonds (which would qualify as “raising revenue”), the bill allowing this must “originate in the House.” End of story.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Someone’s got to call Reid on his shit.”
“Someone’s got to call Reid on his shit.”
FOUR:
As a Buddhist, I can easily find fault with all of the Abrahamist faiths. It’s easy to cite chapter and verse, in order to lay blame, in all Hebrew, Catholic, Protestant, and Islamic scriptures and histories.
However, the real reason the FBI (and the West) fear the Moslem is – he is resisting. He does not want a Coca Cola vending machine in his mosque or a 7/11 near his madrassa. He doesn’t want the Westerner encroaching on his land or propping up the dictators that oppress him. There are not many who resist Western values left in this world. Even the Chinese ditched their Mao suits and embraced capitalism years ago. The Muslim is the last holdout against a world we seek to remake in our own image.
Like, nobody would ever accuse the FBI of gross oversimplification in order to advance their own agenda. Just saying…
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“It will be interesting to see how the karma involved in this culture clash plays out.”
FIVE:
“[Tea Partiers] are unfit for governing," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.
Well, Chris [I can call you “Chris,” can’t I?], that depends on what you mean by “governing.” If you mean business-as-usual, go-along-to-get-along styles of governing, they got us into this debt mess in the first place.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“The fact that Chris is a Democrat tells me, front and center, that he is unfit for governing – since he’s just one more party animal lapping at the public trough.”
SIX:
“….the Senate – where a united GOP [or any determined minority caucus] can kill bills with filibusters…”
Actually, by filibustering, the GOP would do nothing but focus blame on itself as the party of obstructionism. They should refrain from that tactic and simply allow a straight up-and-down vote. And then they can paint Obama as just another politician trying to grease his way to reelection by kicking the can (of debate) down the road, past the 2012 marker.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“If elected as your next president, I will make destruction of the filibuster option one of my top priorities.”
SEVEN:
“…which proved the Muslim world did not need al-Qaida to bring down governments, from Tunisia to Egypt.”
Without radical movements like al-Qaida to nurture the seeds of resistance, there never would have been an Arab Spring.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“There has always been tension between the rulers and the ruled throughout Islamic history. This is nothing new.”
EIGHT:
“… Reid plans to table Boehner's House bill and move toward his own version(?) of a debt ceiling package.”
There’s one small problem with “his own version.” He can’t do that, according to Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution: “All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other Bills.”
All the Senate can do is amend the original House bill, and not offer “his own version.” And there are limits to amending. For instance, the Senate could amend to remove the provision for a Balanced Budget Amendment. But they can’t “amend” to increase the amount of the debt-ceiling. Since it is the will of the House that this “bill for raising revenue” is to be the first of two such bills, the Senate can’t amend to roll both bills into one.
Since all bills for “raising revenue shall originate in the House,” the Senate cannot usurp that right by insisting that that second bill’s “raising (of) revenue” be incorporated into a bill intended by the House to be for a lesser amount.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Why doesn’t Harry Reid just dig a grave, throw in the Constitution, and bury the thing he’s so blatantly disrespecting?”
NINE:
Declare your independence by voting for Independents. Or by at least voting against all incumbents.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"I'm the only candidate rejecting all campaign donations. Hope that tells you something."
To which “Bert” replied:
Not really, he could want to run on the government's dime. He could be another loser. Not enough info.
To which I replied:
Bert, your points are well-taken. However, in this day and age of the internet, anyone with a keyboard can simply google my name. A little detective work goes a long way. I’d like to explain more but, you know, Yahoo censors. I hope this reply gets through. [NOTE: It didn’t get through - Yahoo censors again.]
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“My personal candidacy isn’t anywhere nearly as important as my program. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
[There are too many “Berts” out there who will claim “not enough info.” There is enough info, but they’ve got to meet me halfway to obtain it. I can’t dish it out on a silver platter. Obviously, Yahoo will not allow me an unrestricted forum to spread the word. “Bert, I can’t do this alone.”]
TEN:
“…we believe that failsafe mechanism [to prevent the US from defaulting] is the 14th Amendment and the president of the United States."
Wrongo! That “failsafe” is Article I, Section 8: “The Congress shall have power to … pay the debts and provide for the…general welfare of the United States…”
It doesn’t say “The President shall provide for the general welfare,” or “pay the debts.” It does say, “The executive power shall be vested in a President of the [USA].” That is, the President’s role is to execute (that is, “to carry out or put into effect”) the will of the people as manifested by their elected Congressmen.
In spite of hype to the contrary, the Constitution did not create an imperial presidency. Our own lack of vigilance did that.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“You’ll be amazed at how little power the Constitution actually bestows upon the President. Read the blessed thing!”
ELEVEN:
If Romney gets the GOP nod, don't worry - everybody will come to know his religion. And also that he believes the Book of Mormon is superior to the Bible. That alone will sink his WH bid.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"Sorry, folks, but that's just the way it is."
"Sorry, folks, but that's just the way it is."
TWELVE:
The Constitution doesn’t say the President has the right to veto in advance. If the President receives a bill for signature but doesn’t sign it because he has objections, he’s supposed to put those objections in writing. That way, Congress can determine what POTUS wants and then “reconsider it."
Article I, Section 7: “Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the United States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider it.”
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Come on, people, where are all of those Common Sense Constitutional Conservatives Sarah Palin's been talking about? Why am I the only one citing chapter and verse of the Law of the Land?”
THIRTEEN:
What if this little girl wasn’t so cute – would Yahoo posters be as sympathetic? I hope all the publicity she’s getting doesn’t turn her head. She might end up suffering more long-term damage from well-meaning “sound bites” than from any bite marks left by that shark.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“I cringe when I see strangers walk up to a toddler and say ‘Oh what a cute little girl.’ The die is cast.”
FOURTEEN:
“…even after [Boehner] bluntly told fellow Republicans to ‘get your ass in line’ behind his plan.”
Say, what? Is that how leaders of the greatest lawmaking body in the world address their fellow legislators? If we didn’t have [Dem/Pub] Party Animals in Congress, if we had independents-only at the helm, we wouldn’t be hearing such stuff as “toe the line,” or “my way or the highway,” or “I know where you live.” [Okay, that last was a little over the top, but not by much!]
We’d have the collective wisdom of 435 of our best and brightest leading citizens at our disposal. How long has it been (if ever) that anyone has ever referred to our House of Reps as a source of “collective wisdom?” What’s wrong with us that, out of 300+ million Americans, we can’t do better than the jackals who manage to "place" their names on the ballot?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Face it, good people, the deck is stacked very much against us. So what’s left? Prayer?”
FIFTEEN:
Sniff…I’m getting all teary-eyed…China wants to copy the US in yet one more respect – Gunboat Diplomacy. Doesn’t that bring back a wave of nostalgia? If China wants to take over the South China Sea, the US should not resist. It is not our place to resist nor would it profit us. China has some very powerful neighbors who could and should weigh in – Japan, South Korea, Australia, even India. Besides, if the US decided to take over South America, would/could China resist such a move?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“We can’t (afford to) be the policeman of the world. Got to draw the line somewhere.”
SIXTEEN:
"The idea seems to be that if the House GOP refuses to raise the debt ceiling…”
Whoa, pardner, slow down a bit. The House GOP isn’t refusing to do that – they just want to do it on their terms. Same as Obama – he wants to do it on his terms. Again, McCain is guilty of oversimplifying – SURPRISE! Not to mention he’s throwing his two-cents in at truly the 11th hour.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“McCain is one incumbent who definitely needs ousting – along with the other 99 senators who are breathing our air.”
SEVENTEEN:
The power of the Congress to impeach is absolute and unreviewable by any court of law or other authority. And an impeachable offense is whatever Congress says it is. End of story.
That’s why we really don’t have three separate but equal branches of government. The Founding Fathers meant for the Congress to be superior to the other two. If Obama were to take it upon himself to raise the debt ceiling (without Congressional authority), he should be impeached. I know there’s talk about the 14th amendment giving him the right to act on his own. But Article I overwhelmingly defeats that flimsy basis.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“There’s a very good reason why the House and Senate are given top billing in the Constitution by means of Article I – with the President listed in Article II. That was no accident.”
EIGHTEEN:
“The White House objects to the requirement for a second vote before the 2012 elections.”
Did they come right out and say that? If so, they deserve a bit of grudging respect for candor. But only a bit.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“I guess that’s what we’ve been reduced to – a people who are satisfied with only bits and pieces. Whatever happened to a grand national vision?”
NINETEEN:
“But without someone to articulate those feelings, a third party seems unlikely to make much impact in 2012.” You do understand that this state of affairs is entirely by design. It’s called a Win-Win situation for the Two-Party System. Get with the program.
“Third party advocates insist there is still plenty of time to find a candidate before the 2012 presidential election.” That’s the problem with third party advocates – they suffer from a Savior Complex (the need for One Great Man to descend from heavenly clouds to save the day).
But…please do consider me: I am an independent presidential candidate for 2012 with two messages:
ONE: We need to get rid of all “party” animals in our Congress,
TWO: We ought to consider voting for candidates who put their campaign promises in the form of a written contract – like mine, which includes this: “Within 90 days of my inauguration, all US government forces (in and out of uniform) will be completely out of Iraq and Afghanistan. If not, I voluntarily submit to impeachment.”
So-called third party advocates would do far better to rally people against voting for incumbents. Start there. Then work on prepping people to vote for Independents. Voters have so propagandized into thinking of third parties as “fringe groups” or, somehow, un-American, they have to be deprogrammed. This can be done but not without effort. And not by waiting for that One Great Man.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“If not me, who? Oh...not Ron Paul...he's a firm believer in the Two-Party System. You don't think so? Tell me, is he even suggesting you vote for non-Dem/Pub congressmen?”
TWENTY:
Don't bother to support Ron Paul who, in reality, serves a very special and useful function for the Elite. People can (uselessly) rally around him, which is an effective way to let off steam. And that’s important, lest the natives get too restless. Ross Perot served that function, got 20 million popular votes but…not a single Electoral College vote. But We-the-People were “allowed” to let off steam by voting for him.
If Ron Paul had wanted to, he could have officially switched parties (to become a card-carrying Libertarian) back in 1988. That would have lent legitimacy to their cause. When he lost the presidential election in ’88, he could have gone back to Congress as the leading spokesman for third-parties in general. That would have shown voters it’s OK to have third-party guys in Congress. But he didn’t, though that’s where he could have been most useful.
Like it or not, in spite of his rhetoric, Ron Paul is very much an Establishment creature. And will attract supporters who think One Great Man can solve all our problems.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
If Ron Paul had wanted to, he could have officially switched parties (to become a card-carrying Libertarian) back in 1988. That would have lent legitimacy to their cause. When he lost the presidential election in ’88, he could have gone back to Congress as the leading spokesman for third-parties in general. That would have shown voters it’s OK to have third-party guys in Congress. But he didn’t, though that’s where he could have been most useful.
Like it or not, in spite of his rhetoric, Ron Paul is very much an Establishment creature. And will attract supporters who think One Great Man can solve all our problems.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“One man alone can’t do It – especially one man (Ron Paul) who isn’t agitating against the Two-Party System itself.”
TWENTY-ONE:
“… only [Breivik, the alleged Norwegian terrorist] ‘understands the truth.’”
If only Breivik understands the truth and, presumably, is the only one who can understand the truth, then why did he bother to write a 1500 page manifesto?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“As a terrorist, Breivik ranks as a colossal failure – by singlehandedly destroying his own cause."
TWENTY-TWO:
“…$1 trillion in savings assumed to derive from the end of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.” [Remember: When you “assume,” you end up making an ass of u and me.]
Our involvement in those two countries will continue to cost us for decades to come, even if most of our troops manage to come home. Infrastructure support and training don’t come cheap. But, to add insult to injury, we’ll continue to spend to “support” and still end up losing in the long run. That’s called, “throwing good money after bad.”
Some of you might remember what happened to the “peace dividend” which was supposed to appear after we pulled out of Vietnam. Turns out, those savings never materialized.
There will always be another reason to spend money or ask for “emergency appropriations.” And there will always be another fresh-face, “peace candidate” Senator Obama to denounce these measures. And the Elite will find always find excuses to send out the troops. Let me guess – Africa? To counter Chinese aggression in the Congo? Or to “secure” the Amazon River when we get to the point of fighting water wars? Or to perhaps depose some local warlord we deem not to be in compliance (get used to that word)?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“When the Dem/Pubs talk about kicking the can down the road, they’re talking about kicking your can.”
TWENTY-THREE:
Hillary Clinton satisfied the Chinese who hold so much of our debt, saying, “Look, even if we default, you don’t have to worry. We’ll give you the deed to the State of Nevada, including Area 51. The feds own 87% of that land anyway, so we’ll put that up as collateral if we can’t redeem your bonds within the year.”
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“I hope she cleared that with the President before making such a bold move. Saying, ‘It’s OK with Bill’ doesn’t carry much weight anymore.”
TWENTY-FOUR:
[RE: A cinematic remake of Snow White, featuring the title maiden in battle armor.]
Let me guess...In a reversal of sex roles, Snow White will ravage the Sleeping Prince when he awakens after she does all the fighting. Oh, wait...I'm thinking of the New Adventures of the Randy Sleeping Beauty. My bad!
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"Will this be the tag line: 'Abstinence isn't a sissy thing.'"
"Will this be the tag line: 'Abstinence isn't a sissy thing.'"
TWENTY-FIVE:
If you’re thinking, “American justice needs to be reformed,” forget it. That won’t happen unless we do a political version of a dental procedure known as “scaling and planing.” This kind of deep cleaning involves removal of all Dem/Pub "tartar," to be replaced by Independents. If you don’t want to do that – if you CAN’T do that – then kwitcher beefin’ and get with the program. That means:
Cops get to do whatever they want; judges tyrannize local courts; 5 to 4 Supreme Court decisions split along ideological lines; the debt ceiling will be raised whether you like it or not (you got a problem with that?); presidents who get to dabble in an occasional war; (spare) change you can believe in; spending you can’t believe in; it’s not what you know but who you know; rule by supermajorities, filibusters, and Two Party System warfare; a Constitution which is in desperate need of a complete overhaul – I’m talking complete replacement, people; earmarks for legislators’ pet projects; out of control campaign spending with elections going to the greatest fundraisers…
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Love it or leave it. Or…show a little independence by voting for Independents. Or at least, vote against all incumbents – bar none…they’re all worthless POS.”
TWENTY-SIX:
“…calls from constituents saying, ‘If I don't get my Social Security check, it's your fault.’”
With “constituents” like that, who needs enemies? Sounds like these callers would be the last to even consider voting for anyone but a Dem/Pub. There is a terrible price to indulging exclusively in “Brand X vs. Brand Y” thinking. What part of “enlightened self-interest” are these people not getting?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“If politics in this country only boils down to whose ox gets gored, we might as well forget that beacon of hope on the hill which has attracted immigrants for 200+ years.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
Founder of The Independent Contractors’ Party
“I’ve derived a great deal of insight by reading Yahoo News articles and meditating on their contents and readers’ comments.”
