The primary purpose for writing this book is to outline some
procedures for the American people to initiate and follow through
on to successful conclusions,--the ways and means to improve
life in the United States of America for American citizens.
For over twenty five years I have been collecting editorials
and articles, mostly from newspapers, that covered a variety
of subjects. I have sorted these into general subjects and have
designated a chapter to each subject. My original title for this
book was "Hello Stupid Americans" but my late wife
Irma Mae talked me out of it--nobody would buy a book that called
them stupid. After much discussion, I settled for "WHY WE
SHOULD FIRE CONGRESS " for the title.
To substantiate my thoughts, I read the Constitution of the
United States (source-Encyclopedia Britannica-Vol 3 Micropedia-Ready
Reference 15th Edition--pages 568-575) It is quite a document
and I fully appreciate the time and effort put forth by the 55
delegates who met in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. They
labored without the modern conveniences of travel and office
equipment that is readily available today. They also had the
foresight to write a document that would be applicable in the
future.
The framers of the constitution separated our Government into
the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Article I vests
all the legislative powers in the Congress- the House of Representatives
and the Senate. Article II vests executive powers in the President.
Article III places judicial powers in the hands of the courts.
All of these are spelled out in detail in the Constitution. Briefly,
Congress runs the country. The President is the Chief Executive,
Commander in Chief of the Armed Services, treaty maker (foreign
affairs), plus many informal responsibilities involving political
leadership and proposing legislation to Congress. Currently,
the president also has the Line Item Veto which, if used properly
and not for pure politics, is beneficial to "WE" the
citizens. The courts keep everything legal.
Therefore, as I see it, any and all faults that we may find in
the United States of America today are caused by the actions,
or lack of actions, of our Congress. The President does have
the power and privilege to Veto any bills presented to him by
Congress, but Congress can override the veto, and therefore must
accept the full responsibility for the legislation in the end.
The members of Congress,-Senators and Representatives, are
elected by their Constituents, you and me, and are charged to
represent them. DO YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE PERFORM THEIR
DAILY DUTIES AS YOU WANT THEM TO DO? If not, did you vote for
him/her? Do you contact them regarding your opinions or desires?
Or do you let them do as they see fit? The following Chapters
are devoted to impartial discussions of subjects such as Abortion,
Religion, Race, Budget-National Debt, War, Armed Services, Crime,
etc. The editorials that I have used for guidance include opinions
for, against and neutral for each subject.
My first task, was to write a goal for each subject that would
best serve the long run needs of the majority of the United States
citizens-not easily done. I know that it is practically impossible
to write a goal that would be 100% accepted by every citizen,
but at least 66 2/3 would be nice. Common sense must get into
the picture early in the game to be successful.
Next I studied the pertinent editorials to determine the pro's
and con'.s of the subject matter, such as Race , Religion, Abortion
etc. The resulting study indicated that the Goal was written
right to get the job done. This is what the majority wanted to
happen NOW, not next year or ten years down the road. Theoretically,
if the majority of the citizens wanted a balanced budget, for
example, all we have to do is inform our Representatives and
Senators of our desires, and it would be done. NICE THOUGHT,
THAT"S THE WAY THE CONSTITUTION IS WRITTEN!
Practically, this may happen in today's politics, but I do
not expect much action until the general public (majority of
voting citizens) really get informed and participate as they should. Many of the eligible voters do not vote because they
are not registered properly, or are not properly informed about
the candidate or subject matter, or just have plain apathy (don't
give a dam attitude).
There are many who complain to their family, or friends, or co-workers
etc., but their action stops there. No one complained (bitched)
about daily activities as much as the GI's in WWII, such as lousy
food, inadequate equipment, extended periods of time in combat-no
rest, etc. however, as a result things did happen, both good
and bad. Their ingenuity in handling difficult, and sometimes
seemingly impossible situations, was amazing. Both success and
disaster stories spread fast, and the experiences helped make
life (literally) much better for those who paid attention to
their peers.
The solution to our problems today in the United States of
America is for the majority to get INVOLVED as spelled out in
our Constitution. If nothing else, use my goals as a beginning.
Use as is, or modify or change, and get the word to our Congressmen.
If they do not listen to your wishes and move accordingly, vote
for another person who will. This is the only legal, and best
way, to do it! Some Congressmen are known to say they will do
certain things, but their voting records show otherwise. It will
take the majority of our eligible voters to get the job done..
As far as I am concerned personally, politics should be out.
Common sense should prevail. I try to vote for the person who
will represent me in Congress, -I do not care whether he/she
is a Republican, Democrat or Independent. The welfare of the
United States outside of the Washington, DC beltway is at stake.
In the early 70's, I wrote a letter that included fourteen
different subjects. I sent copies to my Congressman and Senators.
The areas for discussion were described analyzed , and potential
solutions offered. The object or goal of the letter was to find
a group of "leaders" that would solve the problems
to benefit the majority of the U. S. citizens. Senator Adlai
Stevenson was the only one that answered it personally with details
involved. I am still looking for a majority of leaders in our
Congress. A leader is trustworthy, honest and reliable, and one
that works for the long term benefits for all U. S. citizens,
no politics involved. A politician puts politics and his constituents
first.
Finally, the above dissertation may appear that I do not like
the United States of America. On the contrary, I believe that
this country has the best of everything and I am proud and happy
to be a citizen. During the past eighty years, I have traveled
to thirty eight other countries, fought in some during WWII,
and do not care to live anywhere else. My problem is that I am
a perfectionist. We HAVE the best and all Americans should believe
this, and try to make it better. When problems or situations
arise, identify them, study them, sort out the pro's and con's
of all available solutions, and then do the best for the majority
of all citizens. Just because many of us enjoy a good standard
of living does not mean that everybody cannot do better.
Give it some thought, get your family, friends, church people,
co-workers etc., involved. Let's make some progress together.
We need a common sense government lead by logical leaders who
believe in goals that are the best for the majority of all U.S. citizens.
Five and one-half years of WW II (Ireland, England, Africa,
Italy and Southern France with the 1st Armored Division and a
separate 191st Tank Battalion) taught me to THINK and take action
fast. When faced with a problem, it soon became evident that
recognition of same was the first order of business. Analysis
of all the pros and cons effecting the issue was next, followed
by a solution that would eliminate the problem. Sufficient discussion
or debate must ensue to result in a firm decision, either it
is black or white,-no gray areas permitted. Partial or compromising
solutions merely delay the desired results, like the 1986/87
Income Tax revision.
To accomplish these desirable results, we need the cooperation
of the leaders in our political environment. Personally, I care
less whether a Senator or Congressman or committee chairman is
a republican, democrat or independent. I do care whether he or
she is a leader or a politician. A leader thinks and acts for
the long term good of his constituents and the majority of all
American citizens. A politician works hard for his constituents
and party goals, and the resulting politics usually benefit a
few rather than the majority.
Following are a few topics that I considered but did not write
specific chapters for:
1. Without nuclear energy, American dollars spent for foreign
oil could be our biggest export per the U.S. Council for Energy
Awareness, Post Office Box 66103, Department FD07, Washington,
D.C. 20035. Compare costs or efficiency of fission/fusion nuclear
plant construction/operation vs. crude oil import and refining.
Consider eventually depletion of oil and the fact that we may
want some oil for small, special purposes indefinitely. Burning
of fossil fuels effects our atmosphere - too much co2, causing
a dangerous warming trend and possible droughts.
2. Mandatory federal or state health controls or not? Prohibition
in the 30s did not stop people from drinking alcoholic beverages.
In fact, the side effects (bootlegging, gang wars, political
payoffs and corruption, poor quality booze, legal ways around
the law, such as private clubs or brown bagging, etc.) were eventually
deemed worse for the public than prohibition. The public wanted
the freedom or the right to consume alcohol at their discretion.
Then, problems of drunk driving, legal age of drinking, when
a person is legally intoxicated, grew to where something had
to be done for the benefit of the masses. We accept the fact
that a law by itself will not eliminate any of the above problems,
the real problem is how the law in enforced! A nineteen year
old is just as guilty as a forty-two year old if he/she kills
another person as a result of driving while intoxicated. Discipline
and responsibility go with the act, although the media leads us
to believe that morally this country is on its way to repeat
"the fall of Rome", as evidenced by their sensational
reporting or headlines. I believe the vast majority lead a good,
Christian life. What is needed is for the majority to demand
the rigid enforcement of local school rules or regulations, state
and federal laws designed to curb or reduce the problem frequency.
The need for disciple starts very early in life, and in my opinion,
never ceases. The so called do-gooders have their opinions and
the right to express them, but their solutions have not been
practical or effective. If the goal is to reduce drunk driving,
use of drugs, gang wars, vandalism or similar crimes, remove
the source from society. For example, our current jails and youth
discipline centers are overcrowded, understaffed and under budgeted.
One solution would be to have the federal or state national guard
army engineers construct "prisoner of war" compounds
with sufficient capacity to contain all offenders of these minor
offenses. The teenager who could not read or write would be confined
until he responded to discipline, learned to read and write and
was able to be successfully employed. A citizen of any age would
have the choice of living with society or not.
3. President Reagan, answering a question from a student at
the Moscow University about American Indians - a possible mistake
- "Maybe we should not have humored their desire to stay
in that kind of primitive lifestyle. Maybe we should have said
‘No, come join us, be citizens along with the rest of use.'"
I do not consider this a mistake. The environment they had 100/150
years ago no longer exists. The stories I read and hear about
discuss the inadequacy of our present programs and the hardships
of eeking out a primitive living. I have no objections to the
Indian's maintaining their customs, language or religious beliefs,
the same as any nationality. It is time that we became a single
nation with all citizens having equal rights and privileges.
I see no need for laws, rules or regulations, etc that give special
privileges to any group of citizens. This applies to the Hispanic,
too. English is our language, Speak Spanish if you want to, but
live, learn and operate schools, businesses, etc using English.
I admire foreign sales people who speak, write and conduct business
in multi languages, but when they go home, they use their home
language. An article in the Chicago Tribune by Mary T. Schmich-Cajuns
ask: Can minority status buy you respect? Declare Cajuns, an
official majority, just like blacks. I believe that removing
all legislation concerning minorities, would eventually benefit
the blacks, Hispanics, Indians, etc. Equal opportunity to go
to school, learn a trade, etc and compete for a living is more
beneficial to the mass than legally requiring 10% of government
work to be awarded to minorities (½ of Louisianans could
qualify as minorities if you totaled the Cajuns, Eskimos, Blacks,
American Indians, Hispanics and Orientals).
4. There are many controversial articles about social security,
some say it is going broke, while others say it is in good shape.
I believe that an accurate statement should be prepared by the
social security administration dispelling the myths and misconceptions
and widely promoted through its nationwide advertising campaign.
The program is sound for what it was designed. The facts are
that politicians in Congress have borrowed from the fund from
time to time and depleted the total available. If social security
loaned it to us rather than invest in T-bills for example. We
owe ourselves! A little truth in articles printed (both by the
media and politicians) would be nice. Also, emphasis should be
placed on the fact that social security is a package of protection
that will provide for a limited lifestyle. It was not designed
to provide for "millionaire" retirement for everyone.
Social security should be a base to build your retirement on!
Depending on your needs or desires, other income will be needed.
It is not up to the mass to provide for the few who do not provide
for themselves! Tie this story in with welfare, design our laws
and programs to the mass who have the initiative to provide for
themselves, ambition to earn and fit their desired lifestyle!
Our government was not desirous to provide and support these
lifestyles that they deemed was due.
5. An article in the Seattle Post - Intelligencer, Sunday
paper, June 12, 1988 on "Life Support System" discusses
the struggle over forest uses vital to this regions health. The
use of forests in this area effect the pure water supply, salmon,
use of electricity, use of wood, etc. Bureaucratic organizations
such as the Environment Protection Agency and the Forest Service
are at odds for the future.
6. U.S. losing power in Latin America - If we are losing power,
it is because Congress is weak, The politicians outnumber the
leaders. I believe in the basic format of the Monroe Doctrine
and I have not seen any arguments against this. The U.S. shall
inform the world that we will enforce the Monroe Doctrine. If
Castro or anybody like him disapproves, that's tough - take the
consequences. Appeasement or lack of discipline today only makes
it harder to correct the problem later. THE GOAL - NO COMMUNISM
IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE! I do not want to take over the USSR,
nor do I care how they live their lives or run their country.
In other words, live as you want inside your borders, but if
you want peaceful coexistence, stop trying to encroach on our
way of living. Peaceful coexistence has never been a way of life
for the whole world since it was created. To prove my point,
just study the museums, churches and history of man from the
beginning. The continual improvement in weaponry alone has influenced
man to continue to try and influence his neighbor or enemy as
described to the public by the politicians in power. In 1918,
we supposedly won World War I to end all wars. We won World War
II to accomplish the same result. We have not arrived at a peaceful
coexistence through the world yet. Hopefully, with proper leadership,
we will reach our goal in my lifetime. However, I do not believe
our present Congress is capable or willing to do this. In my
opinion, we need another big club like the advantage we had when
we were first with the atomic bomb. Patton was right when he
said "Let me beat the Russians today when we have the means
to do it." I really believe that if we develop a sophisticated
Star Wars system before the Russians do, that we could force
a permanent peace. Early discipline to destroy the aggressiveness
by "a bull'" anywhere in the world to establish life
according to the golden rule would set us up as a leader enforcing peace.
7. Farm Subsidies - See Article re Congress Takes Care of
Farmers As Usual. Get a printed statement from Farm Bureau regarding
their opinion on federal or state farm subsidies. Personally,
I am against subsidizing any business because I do not believe
it helps "in this case" the farmers or their customers
in the long run. The farmer today, with good business practices
or management ability, is entitled to a decent profit and return
on investment, just like any other business. Without a subsidy,
the consumer may have to pay more for food at the grocery store,
but this an adjustment that must be made. No subsidy should reduce
taxpayer dollars spent, which in turn would reduce the annual
deficit or need for taxes. No subsidy would place the burden
of profitability on the farmers back. Price at the market, with
the normal marketing costs (harvesting, labor, trucking, distribution,
etc) will determine the consumer demand. Price subsidy to me
is the same as welfare to city folks. We do not need either one.
The recipients of either do not receive enough to live decently
according to most of our standards and the taxpayer carries both
the burden and the guilt. No welfare or subsidies rewards initiative
and productivity and the mass will benefit in the long run. Leaders
will figure this on paper any time of the year. Politicians will
say that we need subsidies and welfare to help the poor (and
we, the politicians, need their votes).
8. "Desalination Corporation Duties!" Organize and
supervise the following operations:
1. Collection of seawater and transportation of same to desalination
plant. This will include selection and construction of intake
site and facilities, pumps and piping, as well as any prior to
desalination processes to recover trace minerals and any means
to reduce ultimate waste solids.
2. Selection and construction of desalination equipment and plant
initially to be the most economical for the production of fresh
water for human consumption and agriculture purposes, probably
a reverse osmosis operation. Eventually, a nuclear operation
"preferable fusion vs. fission" would be built to provide
for a dual operation - distilled water and power (electricity)
from steam operated generators. A minimum of 100 million gallons
per day of sea water shall be processed. A recovery of any and
all minerals in the sea water (NA, CL, AG, AU) shall be used
to defray of the fresh water.
3. Storage and piping of fresh water to areas of use. Storage
and further processing of waste brine (disposable) to recover
any minerals to help defray costs of entire operation.
4. Develop future plan for distribution of electrical power for
all corporation use to include plants or equipment to recover
salvageable minerals, steel production for construction of border
fence, a Portland Cement Plant and the agriculture enterprise.
5. Assuming clearance or operation with the four border states
could be arranged, after the politics involved were eliminated,
plans would be developed to construct a fence along the entire
Mexican border. The design would be developed by the Army Corp
of Engineers. The construction of same would be by the corporation
who would bear all costs and supervision until the border fence
was ready for operation. The U.S. border patrol would be in complete
control of the use or operation of the fence after the construction
was completed according to the design. Maintenance of the facilities
would be by contract by the corporation and the U.S. border patrol
and Army Engineers. Per the original plan, the corporation would
construct the fence in exchange for a five mile strip of land
along the Mexican border.
6. Develop an agricultural plan for the five mile strip deeded
to the corporation. The first order of business would be to contact
the state Universities involved through their respective agricultural
departments. An ideal solution would be for an agronomy and botany
student to research the climate and soil to determine what plants
could be satisfactorily grown there. The length of the growing
season may provide 2 or 3 corn crops each year, several cuttings
of hay, etc. A large variety of crops, such as fruits, vegetables
and staples, such as potatoes, rice, beans, cotton, etc might
be feasible. Water will be plentiful, sunshine adequate, and
plant food furnished or made available through the irrigation
system. This may be accomplished best by one or more irrigation
methods or by hydrophonic methods or a combination of same.
7. A marketing plan would have to be developed to make the whole
plan profitable. Having a five mile strip access to the sea in
California and plenty of space to develop one or more ports in
Texas would permit trade by sea. The object would be to trade
"FOOD" products for raw materials such as fertilizer,
iron ore, or finished products that we need or are marketable
here. I believe in a barter trade with the third world countries
(or any country) where a fair price is paid for the product at
the point of origin in their currency and the same pricing arrangement
here, no government subsidizing. If a population is hungry, we
will feed them, but not for nothing. Trading electricity or water
to Mexico for oil would be a good start. Crude oil could either
be sold to American refineries or processed by the corporation.
8. As mentioned previously, labor could be performed through
halfway houses. This could be a prerequisite to get into the
corporation program, except for key management personnel as needed.
Eventually as the need for manpower grew, contact with prison
officials could be very helpful for both parties involved. Planned
living for this type of personnel would be necessary from day one.
9. FRUSTRATION - The more I study or research a problem, the
more I find out how little I know about anything. Recognizing
this deficiency can be beneficial in preventing ulcers and heart
attacks and the ultimate reaching of success. By discussing a
problem area with as many people as possible, their opinions
can be tabulated and categorized. The idea in to promote thinking
and logically arrive at a mutual goal. The writing of a mutual
goal often proves to be the most difficult part of the solution.
Criticism and discussions are desired as long as a solution to
the mutual goal is reached. Remember gray area decisions are
not acceptable. They only delay reaching the goal and are much
more costly than a black or white ruling. Ignoring the problem
by shifting the blame is also not acceptable.
10 More chapters are being written and will be added as soon
as they are finished. Subject matters being considered are education,
foreign aid, youth/gangs, gambling, garbage, health, immigration,
inflation, law, parents, politics/PACS, pollution, race, rape,
national security, sex, socialism, taxes, transportation, terrorism,
voting and welfare.
Your comments and suggests are welcome, Remember that there
is "no such thing as a free lunch" and that a black
or white is desired - no gray areas.