America Is In Trouble

This letter was sent to the 2 senators of New York – Hillary Rodam Clinton and Charles Schumer and the  representative for the 32 NY Congressional district Maurice Hinchey.  I also EMailed this letter to a number of friends and asked that they get active and let their elec ted officials know its time to get moving  – or basically, by innuendo, time to get moving out. And as specifed in the opening paragraph this is a non partisan condemnation of the US Congress’s inertia and toatal lack of actions in protecting American and American citizen interests.  I Urge each of you, regardless of political affiliation help light the fire to get America moving again.

As a preliminary point of clarification, in this letter when I refer to ‘you’ or ‘your _____’, I am not necessarily referring to you specifically, but more so to the collective membership (Republican, Democrat and Independent) of the United States Senate and House of representatives.

I recognize from past experience that you do  not personally read, and in most instances do not even respond to correspondence from your constituents.  Rare instances of responses are generated by lesser minions assigned to your staff. Regardless, I am again writing to express my concerns with the apparent complacency, divisiveness and inertia of our elected federal officials.  This time I sincerely hope I am spared the stereotypical   APullman Bedbug Letter@ type response which I have received from federal legislative office staffs in the past.  This time I look for our elected officials to stand up and be counted as proponents of essential reforms and committed leadership to start restoration of The United States of America to a level of its former excellence in the international community.

My quest for  dynamics from you and your congressional peers may be nothing  more to you than a rerun fantasy of   Cervantes= Don Quixote -  fighting windmills.  And I recognize from past performance, you and your congressional peers have assumed a self proclaimed exalted status wherein the problems of this nation are secondary to your political bickering and partisanship in your quest for unilateral and uncontested  domination of the governmental machinery of the United States.  You and your peers have fostered a legacy of impending third (3rd) world socio-economic status for future American generations.

Subjected to the collective lack of leadership within the United States Congress, today=s America has lost its luster and apparent motivation to excel within the international community.   We have become a nation of consumers of foreign goods since extremely few American made products are available through merchandising sources.  We have become a nation of bigotry and minions of new speak constraints which abridge our previously honored and sanctioned >Freedom of Speech=.  We are a nation of federally subsidized households to compensate for the continually dwindling availability of meaningful employment opportunities. We have become a nation of self serving special interest groups who have abandoned the heritage of our forefathers in terms of being a nation of one united people made up of  vastly diverse ethnic origins – we were once all Americans with a common goal and common purpose – human and humane excellence.  We have become  a pariah on the international community as a result our grossly misdirected foreign policy complemented by our openly vitriolic partisan politics bickering on foreign policy issues.  All this and more we can attribute to the overwhelming failure of our federally elected officials to function as leaders of our once great democracy.

Our nation is faced with critical issues   in respect to  economic, foreign policy, welfare, crime, immigration, illegal drug, national infrastructure, energy and an inordinate amount of additional issues.  Yet our state and federal officials= focus appears to be directed at divisiveness and denigration of the American moral, initiative and unity of purpose.  In times of crisis, with our economy faltering, a notable U.S. Senator blatantly declared that America is on the decline and that we have seen our day.  That may be good from her divisive perspective and platform, but she does not speak for me or for many other proud Americans and we demand better from our elected officials.

We look for a resurgence in America, but first we must have the leadership in government to foster that resurgence – not the nay sayers such as, Senators Reed,  Dodd and Kennedy.  Nor do we need the inanity of the likes of Senator Waxman who holds >critical real time Senate hearings= on the use of Steroids within major league baseball while the real major problems such as illegal drug trafficking which is destroying our youth goes on unabated and basically unchallenged by federal officials.  And we definitely do not need the likes of Nancy Pelosi who abuses her position as Speaker of the House by denying consideration of critical legislation (such as off shore and shale oil exploitation) while adding riders to other national legislation which are included for her benefit (again such as minimum wage as it relates to fishing industry workers in American Samoa).

Face it, the national past-time of finger pointing towards the president as the singular source of all evils and problems facing America, just don=t fall within the realm of reality or factuality. You and your colleagues formulate legislation, have control of the purse strings,   and add the pork barrel fodder to critical legislation to foster your parochial  initiatives and interests while concurrently derailing attempts to develop credible remedial legislation to solve outstanding national problems. Ergo, the state of America can be placed directly at your collective congressional doorsteps.

From my perspective, the most notable, and resolvable,  major national problems manifested by your lack of leadership and/or  your obsession with your partisan parochial interests, are  summarized in the following  paragraphs:

PREFERENTIAL BIASES : Helter Skelter misapplication of essential Civil Rights legislation.

In the 1950′s President Harry S. Truman=s administration enacted much needed legislation to provide equality between races and ethnic groups.  Since then the ideal Civil Rights legislation has been bastardized to the point which provided a significant basis for reverse discrimination and intensified racial and ethnic biases and tensions.  The infamous  AN@ word spoken by Caucasians became a basis for prosecution and rightfully qualified as a  prosecutory hate crime, while the derogatory epitaphs characterizing Caucasians  by people of color are totally acceptable under the law.

Extremism on either side of the racial issue is intolerable and must be dealt with equitably.  Caucasians have been forced to resign, or have been fired for innocuous, but not meaningfully derogative, statements about the ethnic minorities such as was the case of >Nick the Greek= expressing his belief about the physical heritage of the Afro American race.   Yet, the likes of  Farakhan, Professor Jefferies, and more  recently, the reverends Jeremiah Wright Jr. and Otis Moss III have  license to preach hate, intolerance and themes which  encourage civil disobedience, provide justification of violence against the Caucasian race and federal government, and basically foster  rhetorical  hatreds which would logically fall into the category of anarchy.   Yet our government  tolerates the venomous expression of divisive and potentially violence  oriented  preaching  by  these  radical  professors and ministers. WHY ?

Reverend Moss is quoted as stating that Rev Wright=s statements have provided an unprecedented opportunity for open discussion on the problems of racial issues.  I fully agree with that observation so long as the open discussion cuts both ways equitably.  If such an open discussion were conducted, and both  sides were able to unequivocally express their  basic perception of the realities of racial tensions and discord, you, our elected officials would have the rational and justification to eliminate the inequities of currently biased reverse discrimination legislation. Concurrently, you will have the tools to return the implementation of effective civil rights mandates to the original President Truman=s well focused intent.

As emphasis for the need for legislative revision, take into account the actions by The American Civil Rights Coalition, headed by Mr. Ward Connerly.  Mr. Connerly,  is leading a national effort called Super-Tuesday for Equal Rights, which seeks to educate the American people of the harms of race references. Targeted states for this effort are Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

In the American Civil Rights Coalition website article AConnerly Declares Supreme Court Decision AGlorious Victory@Adated 28 June 2007 Mr Connerly considers Affirmative Action as an injustice and states:

“The Supreme Court today made a glorious decision that directly fits with our plans to eliminate race in all facets of American public life. This victory is a logical step in our preparation for Super Tuesday for Equal Rights,”

In the same article, Jennifer Gratz, plaintiff in the Supreme Court case Gratz v. Bollinger, joined Connerly in his optimistic response to the Court’s decision.

“America is quickly moving beyond race preferences, set-asides, and quotas. Within my lifetime I believe we will see a sunset on the idea of race preferences. Our government institutions should judge people on character and merit, not skin color or sex,” said Gratz.

Many prominent and internationally respected minorities have risen above the demeaning federal quota mandates for employment and position by excelling on their basic intelligence and initiatives.  Take into account Air Force General Benjamin O. Davis, Commander USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe), General Colin Powell Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Secretary of State (just one of her many exemplary accomplishments and positions) Condolessa Rice, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and many other outstanding minorities who fill the ranks of the Military, government, NASA, educational, medical and legal professions.  These individuals made the grade not on race but on personal initiative.

I agree with both Mr. Connerly and Ms. Gratz that preferential considerations for racial and ethnic origins should be eliminated, as has been done in the cited Supreme Court case.  Further, I feel that employment of the term Aminority@ in respect to ethnic heritage, gender specifics or racial characteristics is counter productive, biased and demeaning to the targeted population group.  I strongly object to any label, program or activity which denigrates the initiatives and accomplishments of any individual regardless of ethnicity or race. I definitely feel that the terms Minority, Afro American, Black American, Native American, or any other ethnic or racial group is unacceptable in the 21st century America. In 21st century America, it is time to recognize all citizens of this great nation with a singular label which has been, and should be once again, the envy and dream of all suppressed and freedom loving peoples of the world – AAmerican@.

The question, and your challenge as representative of your constituency, is do you have the integrity and non-parochial interests to be a leader in stabilizing and unifying America and ameliorating divisive elements in the Affirmative Actions programs ?

FAIR TRADE AND AMERICAN WORKERS: Federal complacency has replaced the American work ethic and work force with welfare, subsidies and insidious free trade agreements – Protectionism is not a dirty word in Latin America, South America, Asia and Europe – only in America.

The American workers, taxpayers  and consumers are being slashed and bloodied by a double edged sword.  The workers  disenfranchised by American corporations which have exported product manufacturing to third world counties and unfair international  Fair Trade  agreements, such as NAFTA.  American corporations are faced with issues of abusive anile  government  regulations on safety, misapplied and misdirected EEO and Affirmative Action legislation, and ridiculous workers benefits programs.  These hindrances  compounded by  uncontrolled counterproductive union mandates force industries to relocate manufacturing to foreign countries which offer friendlier and more profitable manufacturing environments and policies unhindered by government regulations and union mandates.

We have always taken pride in being a consumer nation and in  decades past  the American consumerism was focused on purchase of quality American made goods, manufactured by skilled American workers.    For decades foreign nations  have maligned America and Americans for our unparalleled levels of consumption of manufactured goods and natural resources required to produce those goods.  Today  these same nations, which maligned our consumer life styles, fully exploit the American consumer by flooding our markets with their manufactured goods.

These imported goods (many of which are of such inferior quality) would never meet previously experienced excellence of pre-fair trade American Quality Control Standards.  In many instances, host manufacturing nations produce these goods in total disregard for environmental conditions, human safety factors, employ >slave= labor (prisoners), pay less than acceptable wages for other employees, provide financial aid to the manufacturers to ensure a competitive edge and are not hamstrung by crippling federal mandates and regulations relating to work place standards, OSHA,  benefits packages ad- infinitum.

Because of lack of remedial action (protectionism if you will – as practiced by all nations – to the extremes – except the United States) policies by our government, the American workforce has been decreased by over half a million so far this year alone – and the loss of jobs continues to increase unabated.  While an  employment report  in the recent past (June) indicated   increases in employment, the report also stated that the manufacturing employment (higher salary employment) has decreased  – replaced by McJobs at the lower pay ranges and the economy of the nation continues to worsen. However more recent reports belie the report as unemployment statistics continue to increase.

More pathetically, and tragically, future job opportunities are being negated by American industries.  American industries are continually and increasingly opting to build  manufacturing facilities in foreign countries – such as General Motors opting to build a mega million dollar engine manufacturing facility in India.  Conversely, some industries, and public service utilities are being sold carte blanc to foreign investors resulting in an even greater exportation of the American dollar – and as stated by financial experts we are experiencing the greatest transfer of nation wealth in the history of mankind.

All these factors contribute to the unfair balance of trade which has plagued this country for decades.  Apparently, the rush for favored nation trading status, and free trade agreements (such as the disastrous NAFTA) is by intent, or by happenstance,  designed to cut into the American economy and to enrich  foreign economies – no quid pro quo here.
With the inequitable balance of trade legislation, and the  continued relocation of American industries/businesses to foreign nations, our Congress has effectively set the stage for America to be sold piece meal to foreign investors causing a continued dollar drain on the American economy.  It can=t be too hard to figure out that when a nation no longer has effective levels of employment and productivity and a realistic standard for equitable foreign trade, that nation can no longer enjoy financial stability.  Congress continues to enact legislation increasing the largess offered to our displaced workers of America and the legions of the underemployed and the willingly unemployed citizens without any regard to Awho gets stuck with the bill@.  There are fewer and fewer American workers paying taxes to support greater and greater numbers of disenfranchised workers and welfare recipients.

The crux of the situation being that due to what appears to be  government indifference to  critical problems facing our nation and mismanagement of established programs, America has instituted government subsidy programs (euphemistically referred to as Human Services) to replace our once prominent world leader manufacturing empire and highly skilled labor force.   To add insult to injury, a recent Senate bill calls for an increased foreign worker quota from 65,000 to 120,000 and  add this to a approximately 30 million illegals in the United States and it becomes readily apparent that our elected officials are not legislating for their American constituency, but appear to cater to the financial influences of foreign governments.

The quality and dynamics of leadership by our elected officials has set the trend and pattern for a nation of >panhandlers= who have reversed the challenges proposed by   President John F. Kennedy wherein he encouraged Americans by his challenge for self sufficiency Aask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for country@.

In essence, by the lack of legislative dynamics in placing American interests first, our elected officials have relegated the >American Way of Life= to near third world socio-economic status – and all that in just a few short decades. And the liberal left continues to force feed the Apanhandlers@ with greater and greater levels of largess in lieu of providing them with opportunities, regenerative goals for achievement and self sufficiency – effectively negating President Kennedy=s astute observation of   A The American by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor and a builder who builds best when called upon to build greatly.@

Again, the question, and your challenge as representative of your constituency, is do you have the integrity and non-parochial interests to be a leader in legislative reforms and mandates to foster rebuilding and revitalizing  America  as the worlds foremost manufacturer of quality goods produced by skilled American  laborers ?

ENERGY, COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND ECONOMY : A continuum of inter and intra related nation functions which are lost in the insolvable maze of Washington.

Fuel, the life blood of any economy, is an abundant under exploited combination of American natural resources -  coal, petroleum, nuclear, solar , wind, hydrogen and the list of under exploited natural resources is nearly endless. Yet we have a critical fuel shortage in America which is a contributing factor in the debilitation of the American economy. Gasoline at $ 5.00 a gallon gasoline, diesel even higher, airline fuel     costs nearly prohibitive and yet our congress engages in rhetorical exercises to prevent action on developing our untapped petroleum fields (including Off Shore, Alaskan Preserves and Western Shale) and rebuild our refinery capabilities.

Concurrently, the total lack of dynamic congressional initiatives to formulate and mandate a feasible national energy policy for  exploitation of available natural resources and development of alternate fuel sources are effectively side tracked and deterred by prohibitions unilaterally enforced by Speaker of the House Nancy Pilosi.   In this instance, not to mention other questionable legislative activities by Ms. Pelosi, I feel that her singular mandate to prohibit discussion and consideration of exploitation of American oil sources is the contravention of the basic principles of our democracy. Her unilateral mandates border on totalitarianism and her endless inane anti President Bush rhetoric cause a high degree of national disention and divisiveness.

Nothing more need be said on this issue aside from it is probably the greatest dollar drain on the American economy and our elected officials sit by and allow the true dynamics of American technology to sit idle while competitive nations use our dollars to advance their technologies and industrial economic strength.

ILLEGAL ALIENS: Over 30 million illegal alien felons running free in America and our border patrols are prevented from performing their duties while the INS refuses to do theirs.

We have illegal aliens working in our meat packing plants and we have historic levels of recalls due to Ecoli and Samonella.

We have illegal aliens working in our farm fields and again we have historic levels of recalls and national alerts due to Egoli and samonella.

We have illegal aliens working in our major national construction companies, and our infrastructures are in sore need of repair (highways, bridges, overpasses, water and sewer conduits, and etc.)

We have illegal aliens working in America earning American dollars and sending those dollars out of the country.

We have millions of illegal aliens working in America drawing salaries while able body Americans are unemployed and drawing welfare.   AND the old standby of AThey take jobs Americans don=t want.@ just doesn=t wash in respect to higher salaried construction jobs most able bodied Americans would want, but the illegals outbid them by lower salary and benefits demands.

Further, in respect to any job, why does government make  it permissible to allow any able bodied individual refuse work, when that individual has every assurance that government will provide them with the subsidies ( paid for by working Americans tax burden) to live a life style most blue collar workers toil endlessly to try to achieve.

Most importantly, we have illegal aliens working and living in America in flagrant violation of Federal law and no attempt is made to enforce that law wherein     assisting illegal aliens, in respect to residency and transportation for employment is covered by Federal Statutes accordingly:

ASummary of Federal Immigration and Nationality Act Section 8 USC 1324

Any person who … encourages or induces an alien to … reside … knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that such … residence is … in violation of the law, shall be punished as provided … for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs … fined under title 18 … imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.

Section 274 felonies under federal immigration and Nationality Act, INA 274A(a)(1)(A):

A person (including a group of persons, businesses organizations, or local government) commits a federal felony when she or he:

1. Assists an alien s/he should reasonably know is illegal in the U.S. or who lacks employment authoriztion by transporting, sheltering, or assisting him or her to obtain employment, or

2. Encourages that alien to remain in the U.S. by referring him or her to an employer or by acting as employer or agent for an employer in any way, or

3. Knowingly assists illegal aliens due to personal convictions.

And yet we have major communities which take pride in being sanctuary cities not only giving shelter, employment, education and welfare subsidies but also extraordinary medical benefits which are bankrupting our hospitals and which exceed the benefits affordable by retired Americans and  hard working American blue collar workers.

IN SUMMARY: The complacency and lack of dynamics by our elected officials has debilitated America to the point that the classical American Dream for this and future generations has been relegated to a basic prayer for survival.

In most recent polls, the American public has given congress a 9% favorable rating.  In review of the congressional activities in respect to dealing with and resolving major national problems, I sincerely believe that the 9% rating was overinflated. The problems still exist and continue to increase in severity.  The American citizens are worse off today than they were before the oil crisis, double digit inflation, usury level interest rates, and uncontrolled increases in medical costs of  the 70s (and in this respect the landmark for comparison goes back to the 1960s, Since that landmark, the quality of life in America has continue to deteriorate with no visible governmental activities to create a trend reversal.).

The challenge of government then is to revitalize America, rebuild our industries, exploit our natural resources and give up our dependency on foreign oil and manufactured goods. It is time for you to legislate for America and Americans.  I hope and pray (but remain skeptical) that you and your colleagues are up to, and willing to accept, the challenge to put America first.

Respectfully

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