I saw it again today, a Facebook post that points out the disparity between the retirement plans our elected officials receive and what we as Americans get through Social Security and what our Armed Services members are paid. After checking into it, I was shocked and disgusted to find that the numbers are not far off, yet it does explain and highlight some more changes needed in Washington.
We as a people need to put into perspective the role of our elected officials. They are civil servants, they work for us and for too long they have forgotten that fact. Just look at the salaries that they make, REALLY! What about our teachers, our police officers, our firefighters, they are civil servants as well and most of them live pay check to pay check doing an under appreciated job for embarrassingly low salaries, yet they do it and do it with a sense of pride. We send these people to Washington to represent our best interests not their own.
And here is the kicker, they get that amount for LIFE. Why you ask yourself, because they voted for it and we didn't even notice. And the Executive branch is just as bad! We need to make Washington a place where politicians go to make America better and not a place to make money and stay as long as you can. This makes people forget their principles and grasp onto self interests....We need Compensation reform to end one of the most offensive ENTITLEMENTS there is.
Jared
Congressional Compensation
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Occupy Wallsteet Needs to Focus to be Effective
I admit that I admire the youth of our nation not only complaining about government but getting involved and voicing their disgust and frustration with Washington and Politics in general. Regardless of what side of the political isle you are on, we as Americans need to fix America. For this to be accomplished the atmosphere of "My way or the Highway", Pay for a voice PAC and Super PAC politics and the inflated compensation plans for politicians needs to be stopped for us to become a true democracy where one voice truly does equal one vote. And those who are part of the Occupy movement should make this their primary focus,and here is why.
In the news we are bombarded with stories regarding Occupy protests worldwide, but I hardly ever hear a concise message or talking points that they are fighting to achieve. I get that they positioning themselves as a voice of the majority, a 99% one, and I through following the news and economy see the need for a "revolution" in our nation to equal the playing field for all Americans, but they never talk about how they want to do this and why it is so important an issue. This will make it personal for people who are the working poor and middle class, who have jobs but still can not make ends meet.
Now for my 2 cents: I feel that they should take up the issue of campaign finance reform and tax code reform and throw their support behind candidates, regardless of political affiliation, who will push for it. Until we can control and limit the amount of money that flows into the pockets of these candidates and PACs, and remove loopholes in our tax code we can never take back our government. There are limitless ways for this to be accomplished but I favor a plan that accomplishes the following:
In the end, the Occupy movement is gaining support and is getting media coverage, but to mean the message is to undefined to get real traction. In addition they need to create a central political party with a leadership structure to focus all efforts.
Jared
In the news we are bombarded with stories regarding Occupy protests worldwide, but I hardly ever hear a concise message or talking points that they are fighting to achieve. I get that they positioning themselves as a voice of the majority, a 99% one, and I through following the news and economy see the need for a "revolution" in our nation to equal the playing field for all Americans, but they never talk about how they want to do this and why it is so important an issue. This will make it personal for people who are the working poor and middle class, who have jobs but still can not make ends meet.
Now for my 2 cents: I feel that they should take up the issue of campaign finance reform and tax code reform and throw their support behind candidates, regardless of political affiliation, who will push for it. Until we can control and limit the amount of money that flows into the pockets of these candidates and PACs, and remove loopholes in our tax code we can never take back our government. There are limitless ways for this to be accomplished but I favor a plan that accomplishes the following:
- Caps the amount of money candidates can spend on campaigning, similar to baseball's salary cap.
- All PAC adds need to be fact checked by their parties National Committee and false claims must be denounced.
- All PAC donations must be done under full disclosure and no anonymous donations are accepted.
- Eliminate the loophole that allows for tax shelters to be set up in offshore account, although it is legal it is clearly a tax evasion technique used by the 1% almost exclusively.
- End the tax break for monies made off wall street investments. I can see no reason why INCOME made off of investments deserves a lower tax rate, especially since in the case of the stock market, there is not economic benefits. If anything people who work for a paycheck should get the tax break.
In the end, the Occupy movement is gaining support and is getting media coverage, but to mean the message is to undefined to get real traction. In addition they need to create a central political party with a leadership structure to focus all efforts.
Jared
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Problem with Education in our Nation
New York Gov. Cuomo, recently laid down the gauntlet to the teachers unions regarding teacher evaluations by threatening to withhold education funding unless the two sides can agree on a evaluation process that grades teachers based on their performance and that of their students. While I wish it did not come to this type of "ultimatum" governing, I agree with the Governor that the time for this type of accountability from our educators.
First, let me state that I was a certified teacher in the State of Arizona and my aunt has been a teacher for over twenty years. I believe that teachers hold the most important role in any civilized society, teaching the future leaders and entrepreneurs. The roles of teachers do not carry with it the honor and respect it should, they are under paid, under appreciated and always called to task when our schools fail and we as a nation should be ashamed of this fact. Teachers are only one part of the education process in our youth, albeit a major one. Many other factors are part of this education process, parent involvement in schools, parent reinforcement of material learned in school, a strong and current curriculum and environment in which the learning occurs. And although if feel the governors actions are the correct ones, it is only addressing one of the problems our national education systems needs to solve.
Now after looking at the issue it seems that the dispute in not directly between the Governors office and the Unions, but more so between the districts and the teachers and the main sticking point seems to be the percentage in the evaluation process between standardized test scores and other factors including classroom technique. And although, being educated as a teacher, I understand the position that not all students perform well on test and that it is unfair to be judged by that, these scores must be a main part of any evaluation since it is how we judge progress, at least until there is a more accurate method. But since the carrot and stick method is being used by Cuomo, both sides will be forced to compromise to ensure they do not leave any federal or state funding on the table, therefore hurting our children's education.
Like I said this is only one issue and I hope that other states follow NY's lead. Other areas that I feel need to be address to save our education system and prepare our youth for the world of tomorrow are as follows:
Curriculum:
Jared
First, let me state that I was a certified teacher in the State of Arizona and my aunt has been a teacher for over twenty years. I believe that teachers hold the most important role in any civilized society, teaching the future leaders and entrepreneurs. The roles of teachers do not carry with it the honor and respect it should, they are under paid, under appreciated and always called to task when our schools fail and we as a nation should be ashamed of this fact. Teachers are only one part of the education process in our youth, albeit a major one. Many other factors are part of this education process, parent involvement in schools, parent reinforcement of material learned in school, a strong and current curriculum and environment in which the learning occurs. And although if feel the governors actions are the correct ones, it is only addressing one of the problems our national education systems needs to solve.
Now after looking at the issue it seems that the dispute in not directly between the Governors office and the Unions, but more so between the districts and the teachers and the main sticking point seems to be the percentage in the evaluation process between standardized test scores and other factors including classroom technique. And although, being educated as a teacher, I understand the position that not all students perform well on test and that it is unfair to be judged by that, these scores must be a main part of any evaluation since it is how we judge progress, at least until there is a more accurate method. But since the carrot and stick method is being used by Cuomo, both sides will be forced to compromise to ensure they do not leave any federal or state funding on the table, therefore hurting our children's education.
Like I said this is only one issue and I hope that other states follow NY's lead. Other areas that I feel need to be address to save our education system and prepare our youth for the world of tomorrow are as follows:
Curriculum:
- We as a nation need to establish a national curriculum, created by experts in education, child development, economic leaders as well as business people. Their goal should be simple and straight forward:
- Develop a curriculum for Pre-K through 12th grade, that prepares our children for the world they will inherit by teaching skills and theories that are relevant, while also providing enrichment in the arts and humanities. By creating a standard national curriculum we provided children with a consistent and uniform path to a high school diploma which will prepare them for college and the world they will live in. I would leave it up to the states to implement the curriculum and manage the teacher evaluation process because I feel states will be more effective in this area.
- I look at the education of children as a team sport and parents need to have some skin in the game also, especially since we are talking about their children's education. I support some for of parent evaluation, whether we call it a reports card or not. Parents are not educators, however, that does not mean that they can not teach their children or does it mean that when your children start school the parents job as educator is over. This is a life long commitment you have to your child. These evaluation should include parent involvement in the classroom, doing homework with their children, reinforcing the importance of a good education and most importantly teaching RESPECT for teachers.
- I remember growing up and getting calls home from school, one of the most terrifying things that could have happened. I was never allowed to question my teachers, talk back to my teachers or blame teachers for my actions. Any such action was met with either a smack in the mouth, grounding, detention or any other public humiliation my parents though were fitting. When did we start allowing our children to be so disrespectful and to walk around with a sense of entitlement that gives them cart blanch to do whatever they want......Would we let our children talk to police officers like that, or judges, these are positions of authority just like educating. Parents need to reinforce that if they have issues in school they need to bring them up in a respectful tone and if that doesn't work then get the parents involved. But teachers should not have to put up with the abuse of smart Alec, rude, disrespectful children and educators should not have to put up with it either.
- We need to get parents back into the classroom, to me this should be a requirement for all parents. Whether it be for 1 hour a month or one hour a day, some involvement should be mandatory. I have seen that children whose parents are involved in their education tend to do better and take their education more seriously. There is no reason any parent cannot spare a month a year.
- We need to level the playing field in our education system. A simple walk through a majority of school in lower income areas will make glaringly clear that some type of reform is needed. Our education is run by the state and therefore the state needs to provided the same standards to learning environment, teacher quality and resources. By basing the distribution of education dollars by local tax base is a root of this problem......area with lower property values get less than schools in areas with higher property taxes....seems a little backwards to me, and if you feel this is unfair then you have the option of private school, but to me the education system is for all people regardless of income. So yes, poorer area will get more money, but only because they need it.
Jared
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Romney and his Taxes....Why it Matters
For once I must admit, the idea for this entry did not come from the "Liberal News Media", but from watching one of the Republican Debates, and that is the issue of canidates disclosing their taxes. And if you questioned the legitimacy of the Presidents citizenship because of a lack of transparency you must turn that same microscope on Mit Romney for his delay in releasing his tax returns. But I feel that two issues will become glaringly obvious when they are released.
The first issue I have with what we have learned already is not that he only pays a overall 15% tax rate, but why! The issue of him only paying 15%, is ridiculous and speaks volumes about the need for tax code reform. But the fact that most of his income came from investments and that is the reason he only pays 15% is just silly. Investments, at least stocks, does nothing to stimulate the economy. These are sales between banks/stock brokers and after the IPO the companies receive no additional money. Tens of millions made and lost in the stock market contribute nothing to the bottom line except tax income, no investment in R&D, no inventory purchases, no new hiring, so why should anyone get a tax break for this type of INCOME? I can see if your investing in some business to help create or grow it, but for essentially gambling you get a tax break?
Secondly and more suspicion based, what is he hiding? Offshore bank accounts? Lose interpretation of the tax code, that only high paid accounts know about? Questionable investments to PACs? But like I said, just a hunch......
In addition to his taxes, i have other questions about his fitness to run our nation. Like how could he not only support universal health care in MA but enact it as Governor and now oppose it because it is an unpopular concept in is party. The CBO has said that Obamacare, which to me is a feather in his cap not a stigma, will reduce the number of uninsured nonederly by 32 million by 2019 and will produce a net reduction in federal deficits of $143 billion over the 2010-2019 period. Why is this not still a good idea? FLIP FLOP, to use a Republican term.
There are other reason that I feel he is not a good choice for President, but I am surprised this is the best the Republicans can offer.
Jared
Congression Budget Office (CBO)The reson for the Cayman Island accounts
The first issue I have with what we have learned already is not that he only pays a overall 15% tax rate, but why! The issue of him only paying 15%, is ridiculous and speaks volumes about the need for tax code reform. But the fact that most of his income came from investments and that is the reason he only pays 15% is just silly. Investments, at least stocks, does nothing to stimulate the economy. These are sales between banks/stock brokers and after the IPO the companies receive no additional money. Tens of millions made and lost in the stock market contribute nothing to the bottom line except tax income, no investment in R&D, no inventory purchases, no new hiring, so why should anyone get a tax break for this type of INCOME? I can see if your investing in some business to help create or grow it, but for essentially gambling you get a tax break?
Secondly and more suspicion based, what is he hiding? Offshore bank accounts? Lose interpretation of the tax code, that only high paid accounts know about? Questionable investments to PACs? But like I said, just a hunch......
In addition to his taxes, i have other questions about his fitness to run our nation. Like how could he not only support universal health care in MA but enact it as Governor and now oppose it because it is an unpopular concept in is party. The CBO has said that Obamacare, which to me is a feather in his cap not a stigma, will reduce the number of uninsured nonederly by 32 million by 2019 and will produce a net reduction in federal deficits of $143 billion over the 2010-2019 period. Why is this not still a good idea? FLIP FLOP, to use a Republican term.
There are other reason that I feel he is not a good choice for President, but I am surprised this is the best the Republicans can offer.
Jared
Congression Budget Office (CBO)The reson for the Cayman Island accounts
Monday, January 16, 2012
Reflections on the accomplishments of Dr. King
Growing up, Martin Luther King Jr Day was always celebrated in school. And unlike many holidays, we celebrated his fight through plays, assemblies and the dreaded compositions. He fought for his rights and the rights of the African American people as granted by the United States Constitution and he did so peacefully and eloquently. And through his efforts black people in America began to finally enjoy the benefits of this great nation and all it had to offer. Although in some places in our country the fight continues, the legacy of Dr. King endures and lives on.
While Dr. King was fight for race equality, today our nation finds itself in a new Civil Rights movement based on economic diversity. Increasingly our nation have become one of the haves versus the have nots. The gap between the filthy rich and the working class is growing everyday and we are witnessing the creation of a new class, The Woking Poor. Over the past few decades we have seen an enormous increase in the costs of basic human needs; Food, Oil, Access to Health Care while the wages of everyday working Americans have stayed somewhat flat. So why are we surprised that people are living in poverty? And this is done in the name of a Free Market system! The problem with wealth is that it breeds greed and the insatiable appetite for more and more money at the any expense. Look at the bonuses some of these CEOs make and the subsidies the oil industry receive, just making the rich richer.
Now I know people will say that this is Capitalism and that rich people should not be penalized for being rich. But when did helping your fellow man become a penalty? And how did they get so rich, was it on the backs of the working class? Everyone loves to insert religion into politics and I feel that to do so is a bad idea, but to those who do, isn't it you christian responsibility to help the less fortunate or to offer a hand up to those who need it?
Now some people say that government should stop regulating everything, taxes on the rich should be cut, and Social programs should be cut, and by doing so the market will work itself out. To these people I say, Fooey!!!!! We have tried tax cuts for the rich (trickle down economics, Bush era tax cuts), and they were colossal failures and created nothing but making the rich richer and the poor poorer. The Economic argument they make that tax cuts for rich and corporations will create jobs is silly and here is why. One of the most important principles of any economic system is that of Supply and Demand. Currently in our nation unemployment is over 8% and many people fortunate enough to have a job are working paycheck to paycheck. They have no disposable income so our corporations are seeing no increase in demand and therefore need to cut the workforce. What our nation and economy need is an increase in the demand, which will only occur when people get back to work and make a fair wage. Then they not only have the desire to spend money and therefore stimulate the economy but also the means. And in the end supply side economics doesn't work because people are greedy and would rather see people starving in the streets rather than kick in a few extra bucks they won't miss, sounds like the old USSR to me.
SO now our nation finds itself in search for a new Civil Rights leader, someone with the strength of character and the courage of convictions that Dr. King displayed.
I am the 99%
More to follow......
While Dr. King was fight for race equality, today our nation finds itself in a new Civil Rights movement based on economic diversity. Increasingly our nation have become one of the haves versus the have nots. The gap between the filthy rich and the working class is growing everyday and we are witnessing the creation of a new class, The Woking Poor. Over the past few decades we have seen an enormous increase in the costs of basic human needs; Food, Oil, Access to Health Care while the wages of everyday working Americans have stayed somewhat flat. So why are we surprised that people are living in poverty? And this is done in the name of a Free Market system! The problem with wealth is that it breeds greed and the insatiable appetite for more and more money at the any expense. Look at the bonuses some of these CEOs make and the subsidies the oil industry receive, just making the rich richer.
Now I know people will say that this is Capitalism and that rich people should not be penalized for being rich. But when did helping your fellow man become a penalty? And how did they get so rich, was it on the backs of the working class? Everyone loves to insert religion into politics and I feel that to do so is a bad idea, but to those who do, isn't it you christian responsibility to help the less fortunate or to offer a hand up to those who need it?
Now some people say that government should stop regulating everything, taxes on the rich should be cut, and Social programs should be cut, and by doing so the market will work itself out. To these people I say, Fooey!!!!! We have tried tax cuts for the rich (trickle down economics, Bush era tax cuts), and they were colossal failures and created nothing but making the rich richer and the poor poorer. The Economic argument they make that tax cuts for rich and corporations will create jobs is silly and here is why. One of the most important principles of any economic system is that of Supply and Demand. Currently in our nation unemployment is over 8% and many people fortunate enough to have a job are working paycheck to paycheck. They have no disposable income so our corporations are seeing no increase in demand and therefore need to cut the workforce. What our nation and economy need is an increase in the demand, which will only occur when people get back to work and make a fair wage. Then they not only have the desire to spend money and therefore stimulate the economy but also the means. And in the end supply side economics doesn't work because people are greedy and would rather see people starving in the streets rather than kick in a few extra bucks they won't miss, sounds like the old USSR to me.
SO now our nation finds itself in search for a new Civil Rights leader, someone with the strength of character and the courage of convictions that Dr. King displayed.
I am the 99%
More to follow......
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Problem with Politics and Religions
Growing up as the product a multi-religion family and also a family that did not talk politics has given me a pretty progressive view of both. I should note that by multi-religion I mean me we celebrated the holidays, not went to church or temple to celebrate their religious meanings. And these views have shaped who I am and how I choose to live my life and raise my children. Politically, I would descibe my position as a compassionate centrist who looks at most domestic problems from the position of what is right and moral.
Although I am not a religious person by any stretch of the imagination, I am very spiritual and believe in the concept of Karma and paying it forward, some might view this as Buddhist and maybe it is but that is not how I choose to label my faith. Growing up I was taught that it was wrong to lie, cheat and steal; the old saying of "Do onto others, as you wish to be done onto you" was my mothers mantra, "Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are" was another. These same lessons my parents taught me are found in the Bible or the Torah and even the Koran. Before you light into me about mentioning the Koran in the same sentence as the Bible, lets remember that every religion has its extremist and they are all equally crazy and I admit that the Islamic extremist threaten us the most greatly.
I am not saying that we should do away with religion, quite the contrary, religion has played and must continue to play a vital role if humanity is to survive itself. Historically religion was needed to provide law and order and to give people a meaning to life. The Ten Commandments are laws that Moses delivered from God. Religion has shaped who we are as a people of the planet Earth. Where I take issue with religion, almost in its entirety, is the arrogance or superiority they all feel over those who do not agree with them. Pagan, Christ Killer, Infidel, Cheap Jew, the list of insults go on and on and for no other reason than we do not share the same views. And Religion is always the deal breaker, I mean look at how many lives were sacrificed in the name of religion! Look how many conflicts in this world could be solved tomorrow if the way we as a race did not let religion be the 800 pound gorilla to every issue. I guess from my experiences, I feel that although religion in its purest form is good, people get involved and mess it up.
Let me start by saying that we live in the greatest country the world has ever seen and there is no other country I would call home. This nation is one of few in the world where it is our right as citizens to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our forefathers died for these freedoms that someday they would be our. Our ancestors fled religious persecution, financial oppression or ethnic discrimination to come to America and form a nation where people would be free to live and achieve. And for these reasons and many more I consider myself a lucky man to be an American.
We are not perfect though, and the framers of our nation, knowing this, had the foresight to make our Constitution a living document that from time to time needs refreshing do to advances in our society, whether it be scientifically or socially. These Amendments, I consider, as advancements in our civilization; Freedom of slaves, right to vote for women and blacks, and lets not forget the BIG TEN, the Bill of Rights. Another sign of a great nation.
But here is where the problem lies, Political Parties. Growing up mainly in the Regan/Clinton era I was witness to the success that our President and Congress can achieve when people put aside thier absolutist positions of my way or the highway. This causes gridlock and no progess can be made on any topic because they take the position of NO Compromise. Lets Face it, the Democratic Party and Republican Party are slaves to their extremist factions and therefore cowtow to them and thumb their noses to the other side leaving We the People with gridlock and fear. And geet this, Then the respective parties negotiate with thier extremist factions and have the nerve to call this COMPROMISE, Really? And get this, most Americans, live in the middle of the political spectrum of Liberal vs. Conservitive, who represents us? No one and that is the change that needs to occur, because without a change the gap between the haves and have nots will grow and true class warfare will ensue.
In the end, people need to stop being defined by what religion they are or what political party they are affiliated with. These are only part of who we are not all we are.
Jared
Although I am not a religious person by any stretch of the imagination, I am very spiritual and believe in the concept of Karma and paying it forward, some might view this as Buddhist and maybe it is but that is not how I choose to label my faith. Growing up I was taught that it was wrong to lie, cheat and steal; the old saying of "Do onto others, as you wish to be done onto you" was my mothers mantra, "Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are" was another. These same lessons my parents taught me are found in the Bible or the Torah and even the Koran. Before you light into me about mentioning the Koran in the same sentence as the Bible, lets remember that every religion has its extremist and they are all equally crazy and I admit that the Islamic extremist threaten us the most greatly.
I am not saying that we should do away with religion, quite the contrary, religion has played and must continue to play a vital role if humanity is to survive itself. Historically religion was needed to provide law and order and to give people a meaning to life. The Ten Commandments are laws that Moses delivered from God. Religion has shaped who we are as a people of the planet Earth. Where I take issue with religion, almost in its entirety, is the arrogance or superiority they all feel over those who do not agree with them. Pagan, Christ Killer, Infidel, Cheap Jew, the list of insults go on and on and for no other reason than we do not share the same views. And Religion is always the deal breaker, I mean look at how many lives were sacrificed in the name of religion! Look how many conflicts in this world could be solved tomorrow if the way we as a race did not let religion be the 800 pound gorilla to every issue. I guess from my experiences, I feel that although religion in its purest form is good, people get involved and mess it up.
Let me start by saying that we live in the greatest country the world has ever seen and there is no other country I would call home. This nation is one of few in the world where it is our right as citizens to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our forefathers died for these freedoms that someday they would be our. Our ancestors fled religious persecution, financial oppression or ethnic discrimination to come to America and form a nation where people would be free to live and achieve. And for these reasons and many more I consider myself a lucky man to be an American.
We are not perfect though, and the framers of our nation, knowing this, had the foresight to make our Constitution a living document that from time to time needs refreshing do to advances in our society, whether it be scientifically or socially. These Amendments, I consider, as advancements in our civilization; Freedom of slaves, right to vote for women and blacks, and lets not forget the BIG TEN, the Bill of Rights. Another sign of a great nation.
But here is where the problem lies, Political Parties. Growing up mainly in the Regan/Clinton era I was witness to the success that our President and Congress can achieve when people put aside thier absolutist positions of my way or the highway. This causes gridlock and no progess can be made on any topic because they take the position of NO Compromise. Lets Face it, the Democratic Party and Republican Party are slaves to their extremist factions and therefore cowtow to them and thumb their noses to the other side leaving We the People with gridlock and fear. And geet this, Then the respective parties negotiate with thier extremist factions and have the nerve to call this COMPROMISE, Really? And get this, most Americans, live in the middle of the political spectrum of Liberal vs. Conservitive, who represents us? No one and that is the change that needs to occur, because without a change the gap between the haves and have nots will grow and true class warfare will ensue.
In the end, people need to stop being defined by what religion they are or what political party they are affiliated with. These are only part of who we are not all we are.
Jared
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