It’s been two-hundred and forty years since the American Colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. Most people who will be writing blogs, articles or remembrances this weekend will most likely focus on the history of that long ago time, when great men stood up to a tyrant, and said no more. They will speak of their courage, and sacrifice.
Some will also pay tribute to all the men and women throughout the history of this great nation, who have given their lives to protect the freedoms those Founding Fathers lived, fought and died for.
All of these things are true and fine, they all honor the history of this nation we know as The United States of America. But looking forward, how best might we honor the memory, and the heritage of our Founding fathers?
Personally I am deeply concerned for the future of the United States, not so much whether it will remain, I believe it will, but in what form? Will it continue to be the representative republic it was intended to be? Will our political “leaders” hold to the founding principles? Or will we spiral down and away from those lofty goals and righteous intentions enumerated within the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Some would tell you we have already lost our way, others would have us believe a second revolution must happen in order that we might find our way back. There are those, who feel it will take some great calamity to shake the people of this nation awake, to force them to hold their elected representatives to account.
Possibly, but not necessarily. We did not walk off a cliff, to get to where we are today, we strayed from the path blazed by the Founders a little at a time. We have allowed our government, no not allowed, in many cases we have demanded, that our government, take more and more responsibility for things which we should be personally responsible for. We have not allowed state and federal government to take away local control, we have sold it away in exchange for funding of programs which we later curse.
So is it still possible to return to the path, not by brute force, not by violent revolution, but is it still possible to return a little at a time? Maybe, but the clock is definitely ticking. Nothing demonstrates this more than the current presidential contest.
In this current race we see on the one side, what appears to be a moderate Democrat, but in reality could lead the nation further to the left due to being weakened by the baggage she brings with her. The fact is, if Hillary Clinton were to be elected, she would do so under a cloud of controversy and suspicion. This would most likely mean even her own party would distance itself from her, and the more radical faction would push for more Bernie Sanders type candidates in the future.
On the other side we have what can only be described, at least by this blogger, as a complete maniac, who if elected, has the potential of ruining not only the Republican Party, but possibly is the single largest threat to our Liberty. Donald Trump has become such a divisive character on the political stage, that as president, he would most likely lead to even more division, making it impossible to find any meaningful compromise.
But finding meaningful compromise, does not mean compromising on principles.
The previous two years I made the commitment to sit through the final night of the Delaware General Assembly, however this year I went for only a few hours, and did not actually watch any of the floor debates.
The first year I sat with my mouth agape. The second year I sat gritting my teeth. This year I felt that nothing new under the sun would be taking place. The fact I watched for weeks and months as the Legislators put forth meaningless resolution after meaningless resolution, honoring this group and that person, for this and that, all the while the real work waited for the last night, and again didn’t finish until sunrise of the next day, even though all involved already knew how the votes would go. I saw photo opt after photo opt. We got the state dog, which should really be called dog of the year, since the Legislators will debate it again next year. We got the May Pole dance as the official dance of the state.
All of this as the state faces fiscal shortfalls, as the state faces a law suit which could cost the state tax payers $200 million dollars, because the Legislators became drunk on the easy money of escheat. We have seen this drunken sailor behavior in the past. We saw it in Sussex County as the Council thought the transfer tax would never end. We saw the state of Delaware spend as if gambling revenues would be the gift that keeps on giving.
There are some, Senator Bonini for one, who is running for Governor, who has taken on the idea that legalizing and taxing pot, would again create the magical renewable revenue stream. “Delaware Deserves Better”.
And of course, as a Republican in Delaware, it would be easy for me to point my finger at the Democrats, since after all, we have suffered under one party rule for quite some time. But I just can’t completely excuse my party of choice. It is true, the Democrats get to set the committees, they set the agenda, they control the voting, often without the need for a single Republican crossover vote.
I have to admit, my pet peeve right now with the Republicans is the Mobile DMV Bus. This is a bus which will travel around to outreach locations and offer many, but not all, DMV services. Let me add, as a CDL driver, I don’t feel I am receiving equal bang for my tax payer buck, since I don’t believe the bus can process commercial driver’s licenses.
But what really burnt my cookies, was not just the fact the state is spending money on this show piece, at a time when we are struggling to pay for road repairs and other needed programs.
This photo sent me over the edge.
These are members of the House Republican Caucus smiling for the camera, on board the Mobile DMV Bus. What a great photo opt, huh?
What upsets me, is that instead of being on board, both literally, and figuratively, having their photos taken, I would have preferred them to be standing outside of the bus, pointing a finger at it, and asking the question, “why are we spending money on this?”
For the foreseeable future, I will have a hard time hearing a Republican talk about cutting cost, without seeing this photo in my mind.
It is those little steps back towards the path blazed by our Founders which we need, not Mobile DMV Buses.
For what it’s worth, Frank, I agree with you completely on this bus thing.
I am not defending the Republicans posing for this photo op. They get so seldom a chance to shine in this one-party state that the thought of being part of something bringing convenience to some citizens probably thrills them.
Except all this is is a state glorifying a bureaucracy, subtly informing us boobs that for enough money we will make your bureaucratic experience wonderful.
It’s a waste of money and I am not impressed.
The only thing that was missing from the photo was for Dave and Ruth to be doing the Maypole dance on the bus during the photo op. Let’s also not forget that Rich and Dave were the only Republicans in the photo that didn’t vote to stick it to hunters and trappers by voting for huge increases in hunting and trapping fees. It was very disappointing to see Republican Senators Simpson and Pettyjohn join Representatives Gray, Short, Kenton, Smyk, and Briggs King vote for those increases, some of which saw an increase of over 100%. Even more interesting is that out of state hunting licenses increased 53% whereas in state licenses saw a 58% increase.
I would think that a mobile service is intended for persons who do not have their own vehicle to get to a brick and mortar DMV. But if they do not have a vehicle, why would they need to go to the DMV ?
Well Delacrat they say it will be used at the state fair. Because when I go to the fair I’m always thinking, if only I could renew my license while I’m here.
About that bus: It cost $160,000 to outfit with a service desk, cameras, computers and printing equipment. An on onboard generator supplies necessary power.
Said Rep. Jeff Spiegelman (R-Clayton), “It’s very cool, a good idea.”
“But if they do not have a vehicle, why would they need to go to the DMV ?”
Once you figure out the answer to that question, then why GOP reps are happy about it should become apparent to you.
Don’t you just love the state’s waste of your tax money. They bought it for the illegal immigrants to get driver’s permits which costs the tax payer a half million to implement and $160,000. to maintain.
Give you credit Frank you must have had a sane moment in the last few days to write this blog.
Would it be a fair assessment that you don’t agree with Senator Bonini’s recent remark about legalizing marijuana?
But if they do not have a vehicle, why would they need to go to the DMV ?
I’m thrilled about the DMV bus. Now, Delaware Socialist-Democrats can’t claim that getting a valid state ID is an extreme burden for “people of color” who don’t drive. They can simply visit the DMV bus. Bravo.
Henry, my position on marijuana has been consistent. I and others knew that medical would lead to legal. We are on that path. We need only look to Colorado to see the negative effects. Unfortunately our legislators, including Sen. Bonini can’t see beyond the potential revenue. It’s how we got gambling.
They can waste money on this crap, but can’t manage to get court ordered child support checks mailed out on time (the 1st of the month). They waste $$$$$$$ on paper checks and mailing costs rather than having direct deposit.
Seems Angry Parent is angry out of ignorance. Direct deposit to a designated bank account is an option. A downloadable application form is on the state website. And BTW, the $$$$ amount is disbursed within two business of the Department receiving it, which may or may not be the first of the month.
Speaking of Independence Day, how about independence from the corrupt Socialist-Democrat/media/banking elites,who are nothing more than common thieves.
Trump sells property that he builds or renovates at great expense. He takes risks and he gets rewarded. Sometimes he loses, but that’s business.
How has career-politician Hillary accumulated $100 million. What goods or service has she provided?
Nothing. Just influence. She gained great wealth as an influence peddler. She derides Wall Street, while taking millions from Wall Street. She condemns hedge fund managers while her daughter is married to one. She professes empathy for “people of color,” yet lives in gated, lily-white exclusivity. She decries greed, yet is obsessed with wealth- she condemns ostentatious consumerism while giving speeches in $10,000 designer suits.
She is a liar, a cheat, a thief and a fraud. A perfect Democrat.
Media’s blind eye and Socialist-Democrat lies and corruption
“We need only look to Colorado to see the negative effects.”
I had no idea that Colorado is falling apart. Are they considering ending their experiment?
Fans there is a correlation to an increase in traffic fatalities, does not prove causation, but is there.
Rick,
If you think there’s a dif’ between Trump and Clinton, just have a look at who Trump slums with…
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTldKb0u6I6w4_1qgHeDuqgT4FyG8jksHShSMQ_sMqgFmQ3Xhk8
Delacrat, if you think you can open Rick’s eyes, I have a turnip I need to get some blood from.
“Fans there is a correlation to an increase in traffic fatalities, does not prove causation, but is there.”
But it is where?
There was a national increase in auto fatalities in 2015, but I haven’t seen any figures for fatalities per miles driven for any state.
Where do you have the state-by-state breakdown?
—-
Despite gains in car safety, 2015 saw the largest percentage rise in motor vehicle deaths in the past 50 years, according to the National Safety Council. Cheaper gas and a stronger economy were likely key factors in the rise, the nonprofit group says.
The figures are preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council, which says it currently estimates that last year, “38,300 people were killed on U.S. roads, and 4.4 million were seriously injured, meaning 2015 likely was the deadliest driving year since 2008.”
In its report, the group lists four states that saw the biggest percentage rises in traffic deaths:
Oregon — 27 percent
Georgia — 22 percent
Florida — 18 percent
South Carolina — 16 percent
—–
But, again, that’s raw “number of fatalities” and is not adjusted for miles driven or number of drivers.
What do you suppose happened in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina?
I think that the corrupt, lying Hillary Clinton (“I neither sent or received any top secret information”) will find the FBI’s “exoneration” to be quite Pyrrhic. It proves what everyone already knows; with the Clinton’s the fix is in. Nobody else in America walks when, due to their negligence, top secret information is jeopardized. The pertinent statutes don’t mention intent; they do mention negligence.
Leftists like delacrat would vote for Stalin himself. But there is a significant portion of the electorate who switch parties- the so-called “independents”- who are going to recognize this whole mess, from the private servers, to the lying, the “accidental” meeting between Lynch and Bill Clinton as being emblematic of a rigged system, that benefits, as usual, the Clintons. These “independent” voters may not love Trump, but simply won’t pull the trigger for a career parasite, liar and thief who is so incredibly inept that she jeopardized top secret information while serving as Secretary of State.
Honi Soit no ignorance been dealing with this for years. If the court ordered child support is not paid by the non custodial parent , the payment is issued by the state in the form of TANF. There is no option for direct deposit of TANF payments.
Yeah, there’s an opiod crisis throughout the land, but what you should really worry about is an uptick in marijuana use among Colorado teens. Well worth the $40 billion annually spent on the War on Drugs to keep teens from smoking pot. So much for personal freedom…
“The consensus among several top state officials — who emphasize that their job is to carry out the will of the voters rather than mull whether their constituents made the right choice — is that there have been no widely felt negative effects on the state since marijuana became legal…”
Sorry, forgot to add the link to article quoted above:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/02/21/from-colorado-glimpse-life-after-marijuana-legalization/rcccuzhMDWV74UC4IxXIYJ/story.html
Yeah, there’s an opiod crisis throughout the land, but what you should really worry about is an uptick in marijuana use…
Who cares if people want to use heroin? After all, the left tells us that there is no truth, no right or wrong. Everything- literally- is a “social construct.”
Pass the needles.
Anonymous, so if the politicians who are now drunk on the new cash flow say it’s ok, then it’s okay? And as Rick hinted at, why not all drugs? I mean isn’t it the junkie’s right to be high also? Is a drugged society what we really want? And your article shows that Colorado now has the highest teen use of pot in the nation, now there is a good argument for legalization. Wonder if the billboards are being placed in the poorest neighborhoods like they did with cigarettes and alcohol?
Enjoy your morning hit.
In Brave New World, Huxley called the ubiquitous drug of the future “soma.” It doesn’t really matter what the drug is; the important thing- to the statist- is a doped-up society. It is a simple pleasure, and most importantly, a distraction from reality.
Maybe future American workers, toiling in their menial jobs, can chew coco leaves like they do in Columbia as they pick coffee beans. If the left gets their way, that’s our third-world future.
Dope, sex and rock n’ roll, with some petty consumerism thrown in. Now that’s “power to the people.”