Feldstien's increase military spending argument

In Martin Feldstien argues that increase in defense spending would help the economy in his article , Defense Spending would be Great Stimulus.
The Department of Defense is preparing for spending cuts due to the economy. Obama argues more spending for public works, like highways, would help the economy. President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway act of 1956 that lead to the nation's highway system. Feldstien argues that defense spending sould increase as long with spending for public works. Increase in defense spending will employ people building new equipment. Alone with spending on equipment, Feldstien also argus for lax in recuitment standards to help the youth get employed.

Sir Jackson analysis US mistakes in Iraq

Former Amery Chief General Sir Mike Jackson analysis the Mistakes United States made in the the conflict in Iraq. According to Jackson, United States created a security vacuum when we disbanded the Iraqi security forces. Jackson also blamed the police to de-Baath Iraq as another thing that contribute to the violence. The Baath party was the ruling party at the time of when during Operation Allied Freedom, the Military campaign that overthrow Hussein's regime.
Under Hussein's regime, no one could participate in government without being a member of the Baath party. The U.S banned Baath members form participating in the government after Operation Allied Freedom, but revolted the ban in 2008. Many critics blan the ban for preventing experience Iraqis from participating in the government.
We can't turn back the clocks of time, but we can learn form from past events. While the situation in Iraq is being solved, this is an up coming concern. The United States Nuclear Arsenal is aging. While gates insist that we need to upgrade the arsenal, congress has yet to approve upgrades. We cannot be left without nuclear arsenal. So contact you Congressional delegation and tell them to upgrade the nuclear arsenal.

hold the ink! No bailout deal!

Well there almost was a bailout deal, but one disagreement stopped it; Whether the big three automakers should be required to make wage reductions. Currently, American automakers wages are more then the foreign makers. Republican Senators felt its necessary to cut the labor cost of the big three so they could save money. The United Auto Workers (UAW) is dead set against it. Ford said it does not need a bailout. Chrysler and General Motors said they do. I have a thought, why don't Chrysler and General Motors restructure through bankruptcy court? I thought bankruptcy was designed for business in financial trouble and needed to be relieved of there financial responsibility?
In other news, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) may not except Representative Elect Joseph Cao even though his district is predominately black. Cao, a Vietnamese American, felt it was a good idea to join the CBC because the black majority. The CBC has never admitted a nonblack member.

Bailout! Bailout! scandal

Well we have a lot of excitement in the news.
First let go over the good news. Republican candidate Anh 'Joseph' Cao just won election of congress in a recent run off election. Cao ran on ethics and health care reform.
Now the big news. The house just passed bill to bail out the auto industry. The vote went down party lines with most Democrats voting yes while most Republicans voting no. Democrats and Bush want wants to save jobs and the auto industry. Republicans want to save jobs and the auto industry as well, but but would rather have the same federal judges who deals with financial problems like this handle this. Mike Pence R-IN out lines the Republican alternative plan to only to assist federal judges help the auto industry. I have a thought, why not bankruptcy. I thought bankruptcy was the mechanism already to set up to handle this. Not to mention that a "Car Czar" will be created. We are creating Czars in democratic nation?
Finally, I got to mention that the Governor of Illinois spent time in jail. This is a national embarrassment for our political system. If votes continue to see behavior like this from our politicians, less voters will turn out a the polls.

On the bright side

As you all ready know, Obama is the next President, but the good news that not only the Republicans hold on the Missouri legislator, but we(Republicans) have a veto proof majority. We didn't loose too bad on the national scale. Norm Colman won reelection. But there were a lot of ballet initiatives.
Three states voted to ban gay marriage. One of the is California. This was a surprise to me and a lot of GLBT rights advocates. California is suppose to be the most progressive state in the Union. If GLBT rights can't win there, then where can they win?
California did support Obama. Supports of gay marriage bans demostrated that the can achieve their agenda regardles of who is in office.

Save jobs, save social security

In my August 24th post, explain why I'm running for congress. I explained that I'm want to increase the supply of energy we need today while encouraging renewable energy. Today I want to expand on that.
In my last post talked about policies effecting drivers when I advocated more drilling. Today I want to talk about people who use public transportation. A lot of people use public transportation because they can't afford a car or can't drive because of their disability. Cuts in public transportation could cause people to lose their jobs. I'm willing to support an increase in federal funding for public transportation to prevent cuts in public transportation. Another economic concern is social security.
It is time to start now to save social security from going bankrupt. I'm in support of allowing young workers to take their money and put in a private account, similar to and Individual Retirement Account (IRA). At the same time, we must protect low incomes seniors today. So any plan that allow private accounts must include funding for support low income seniors.
I'm a Moderate Republican. While I align my self with the party, I don't always agree with the party. I'm prochoice. I disagree with the party about women's choice, I'm hoping to find common ground in policies that prevent unplanned pregnancies in the first place. That is why I urge you to signed the put prevention first pledge.

Russian/ Venezuala ties

Okay, lets get this straight.
America tries to put a missile defense system in Poland and Russia is worried.
But Russia straighten military ties with Venezuela and there is no problem?
Russia is starting to have joint military exercises with Venezuela as well as solicit military equipment.
Someone needs to let Russia know who won the Cold War. We need a President who supports missile defense system and would not let Russia bully us or any other nations. We need McCain!!!

What happens if we strike Pakistan, like Obama wishes

We folks,
we now know what Pakistan's military would do if American military would try to invade Pakistan in search of Bin Ladin, Pakistan would strike back. Pakistan announce that it would fire upon American forces if they take any offensive in action in Pakistan. Currently there are negotiation going on between American and Pakistan's leaders to resolve this issue. I hope in light of this news, Obama can rethink his idea of bombing Pakistan.

The troops are coming home! The troops are victorious!

I have good news, General Petraeus are calling for up to 8,000 in troop withdrawal. After Petraeus recommended troops to be withdrawn from Iraq's western region of Anbar Province, Iraq's security forces took control of Anbar Province. Petraeus feels confident in recommeding that troop withdrawals because the surge is working. Including Anbar Province, Iraqi Security Forces have control of 14 of 18 of their provinces.

Major General John Kelly
and Anbar Province Governor Sami Rashid
sign papers for Iraq's control during handover ceremony.


Iraq's security forces parade down the street.

In other News, more people watched the Republican convention than the Democrat convention.

I'm running for Congress

I'm running for congress.
That is right me, Damien Johnson, is running for House of Representative of the first congressional district. As your congressional leader, I want to advocate for a comprehensive energy plan. I'm a big advocate for the environment. On a personal level, I conserve energy and I urge other to do the same. For example, I ride my bike as my main way of transportation and recycle. I think we all can recycle, but I can't expect a head of house hold to a family of 4 on the handle bars. So I'm an advocate of more drilling to increase the supply of oil and I urge you to sign the Drill here, Drill Now petition. Alone with my support of more drilling, I believe the government should encourage the use of alternative energy. I support the renew of the green tax credits. Since the passage in 2005, these tax credits wind and solar power industries have seen a growth. Without the tax credits, America could fall behind in renewable energy.

The auto industries believe that they can produce viable plug in hybrids by the year 2010. To help them along the way, tax credits should be offered to them.
We need both tax credits and increase supply of oil and we need green tax credits so Americans won't have to soli depend on oil. Green tax credits is the governments way of encouraging environmental friendly energy.
So this November when you vote for McCain, write me in.
Type Damien Johnson if you are using the computer voting machines

Polish support for Missile Defense

In light of the recent Russian aggression, support for a Missile Defense system has grown. In to a recent poll, 58% of poles support it. In 2007, only 30% support it. Russia don't want Russia to have a missile defense system. Georgia didn't want Russia to invade them, but that didn't stop Russia. The bottom line, every nation has a right to do what it takes to defend theirself and if another nation don't like it, too bad.
In other News, Pakistani President Musharref decided to resign today. He hoped Pakistan would forgive his mistakes. In a column written my Con Coughlin of the London Telegraph, Coughlin explains that as long as Musharref remained in power, the West had an ally it can rely on in the war against Terrorism. Now since Musharref is stepping down, this could change

It's the Dems turn to approve offshore drilling

Well,
Pelosi announced that Democrats will offer a bill that would include offshore drilling when the House returns to session next month. Pelosi said the bill will also address climate control. So next month, lets see what the Democrats propose. Thank you Republicans who stayed in Washington because it looks like your protest paid off. Thank you Newt Gingrich for supporting them.
In othe News, Pakistan President Musharraf is facing impeachment charges. Musharraf has been a strong Unites States Ally againt the war on terrorism. We need to pay attention what happens here because this could effect our efforts in Afgahanistan.

Why do we need a missile defense system

During the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia, Russia fired a short range ballistic missile at Georgia. This act demonstrated the need for a missile defense system. Opponent of missile defense system would argue that America should use negotiations instead. Let me think about this:

• I think there was a cease-fire called. 
  
• If a cease-fire was called, the why was Russia's tanks still rolling in to Russia?
  
• Ooh, ooh, I know, negotiations didn't work.
  
• So if negotiations don't work, do we use force or do we be victims and ask the world to have sympathy on us?
  

I prefer the former. As a nation, America has a right to defend herself. America is not the only nation that is going to have missile defense system. 

Seeing the Russian aggression brought back dark memories form the past. So Poland sign a missile defense system deal with the U.S. to develop a missile defense system in Poland. As a support of missile defense system, I urge to support John McCain because he supports missile defense system. For more information, visit the Missile Defense system Alliances website on the right side of my blog. 

get mad at 10 or be practical? That is the question

Recently I blogged about House Republicans protesting the adjournment before getting a chance to vote on Republican bills to increase the supply of oil. On the Senate side, it appears to be a bipartisan compromise on this issue. In his August 1st press release, Senator Chambliss announced that joined with 4 other Republicans, Ben Nelsen and 4 other Democrats to form and Gang of 10 to come up with a compromised proposal. The bill will:

• increase production for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
• The the consent of the States, increase production in Virgina, the Carolinas, and Georgia.
• decrease tax breaks for companies investing in renewable energy.
• and increase nuclear energy.
  

However; some Republicans don't like this proposal. In Bobby Eberie's "Just Say No to the 'Gang of 10'",
he argues that the bill will increase government control, taxes, and put more barriers against drilling. This lead to Chambliss releasing his response to The Hill. Chambliss argues that the Republicans who oppose the compromise must not have read the proposal.
Currently there is nothing in writing on this proposal. I know because I just called Chambliss office. Since there is nothing in writing, I would like to know what are the opponents complaining about? Wouldn't it be good idea to wait to read the whole proposal until one makes a decision to support or oppose something. Currently the summaries look good to me. I like the idea that energy production would increase as well as more tax credits would be available, but I'll wait until the full proposal to come out before I support or oppose it. Finally keep this in mind, compromise is part of the game.

What Eric Said

By Damien Johnson

Question: Between Sarah Steelman and Kenny Hulshof, who do you prefer?

Answer: It looks like Kenny Hulshof will be the winner tonight and he
will do an outstanding job. As Republicans, we need to be out there
talking with folks about what our vision is for the future and how we
intend to bring people together.

Question: There is nothing much the state government can do in terms of
gas prices, but what can the state do in terms of the economy?

Answer: The two are connected. I think because of our geographic location we can be a big part of the solution nationally and for the people of our state. I think we need to find ways to put money in the pockets of Missouri farmers and businesses and hardworking families instead of Middle East dictators. We need to look at every option out there, nuclear, wind and biodiesel technologies and grow our economy out of those "Missouri" resources.

Question: What would you as a state senator propose to improve the state healthcare system?

Answer: For me this is big issue. One of the things we talk about on the campaign is meaningful health care reform. In the senate I want to be part of the dialogue. We have too many folks with out insurance in
Missouri. We need to find free market solutions that get the people the health insurance they need. There is a better way and we need to be creative and bold enough to make changes. We owe it to those without insurance and to those whose premiums are too high to take action. We need to make health care more affordable, available, and portable. Doing this also allows people who have insurance to carry it from one job to another. People will have the comfort of knowing that they will be able to take their insurance with them to their next job.

Question: What do you think about expanding the Medicaid system?

Answer: We need to focus on how to move forward. The fact of the matter is that there are people currently without health insurance. The question is what is the best way to make healthcare more available and more affordable. We need to be focused on wellness with prevention.
Let's talk about where we are going.

Question: Do you know that the Democrats are talking about restoring the Blunt cuts?

Answer: Yes, that is one of the proposals. We can all agree that there are too many people without health insurance. We need to talk about how we are going to work towards the goal of everyone in this state having
affordable health insurance so people can live healthier lives.



In other news, New Gingrich was on Capitol Hill to support the Republican protest against the congressional adjournment without debating expanding oil drilling. With $4 gas prices, the Republicans are proposing bills that would allow for more drilling. Instead of an up and down vote, the Democratic leadership decided to dodge the issue out of fear that congress, in spite of the Democrat majority.

Why conservative read conservative

When Obama sent an op-ed piece to the New York times, the Times published it. But when McCain sent an op-ed piece to the times, the times refused to published it. Obama's piece argued that he would bring the troops home within 16 months, while McCain argued that the troops would come home as Iraqi troop's strength improve. The times claim that they would published an op-ed from McCain when he lays out a plan. McCain does have a plan, it just that the liberals at the Times don't agree with the plan. Since the times feel that McCain's op-ed would impede their cause, they decided not to publish the op-ed. 

This is why conservatives read conservatives. Conservatives, like another people, want to feel that their voices are being heard. When liberals in the media behave like this, conservatives feel their voices are not being heard. This is why conservatives turn to conservative news sources like Fox News. If the time thought that readers wouldn't have a chance to read McCain's op-ed, they were wrong. Not only readers read it, but op-ed got more attention not being published in the times than if the Times published it. 

Troop withdraw

In light Obama's trip to the Middle East, the debate over troop withdraw has resurfaced. It started when  a German Magazine quoted Iraqi's Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki saying that he endorsed Obama's plan to withdraw troops within 16 month. Later a spokesman for the Prime Minister said that the German paper Misquoted the Prime Minister. What Malikia said he agreed, with slight changes, with the frame; however, the determination to withdraw is based on security improvements on the ground. John McCain has been saying all along that withdraw should be based on security improvements all along. While McCain want to see troop withdraw too, he believes that if we withdraw too quickly, it could impede on security improvements. So we have both candidates want troop withdraw, but one candidate wants a public time table. 

War Powers Act

Recently a panel headed by James Baker came up with a proposal called the War Powers act. The Act would required congress to give consent to the president within 30 days the next time the President commits troops. There is one thing that the panel might forgot, there is already a War Powers act. It's called the War Powers Act of 1973. It requires congress to give consent within 60 days. 

The Journal's endorsement

Dear Readers, 

    I'm proud to announce my endorsement of John McCain for President of the United States. I urge you to vote for McCain because he would make sure our military is ready to secure the nation against terrorism and other threats against the nation. The first responsibility of the government is national security. 

   A McCain administration would be a fiscal responsible administration. Not only McCain is one of the few senators that does not take earmarks, but he least the wasteful spending on his senate website. Please pork invaders game I posted on my blog. 

John McCain has a long history of reaching across party lines to find solutions. For example, he reached across party lines for find a solution to Bush's 2005 judicial nominees. 

For these reasons above, I hope you vote for McCain. 

   In other news, supports of the Civil Rights initiative in Nebraska and Arizona collected and turned in enough signatures to put the ballot initiative on the ballot. The Civil Rights Initiative would ban discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, and national orgin. If signatures are certified, I urge the voters to vote for the initiative because people should be hired base not their merits, not race or gender. 

never underestimate your enemy

Just to let you know, never underestimate your enemy. I just saw a CNN report on how Obama eliminate the competion when he ran for state senate. According to the report, the Obama campaign eliminated the campetion by challenging the validity of the competion. Red more from the CNN report. 

Also, there's a new controvery relating ot Obama's paster. This time it's a white prist. This is an issue because voters don't know enough about Obama. There has been no major accoumplishment by Obama. So voter judge him base on his friends, family, and pastor. 

This Saturday I will be in Branson Missouri for the Missouri Republican Convention. I will be Blog more news as news past. 

Time to move on.

Well Well,
The deadline has past and the Civil Rights Initiative was not submitted. I, like every petitioner worked hard on this, but we would not be voting on this initiative this year. It seems like the blockers are going to have their way this time. Blockers are supporters of preferential treatment who tried to keep people from signing the petition. Some sign the petition in spite of the blocking. While the concept of blocking is free speech, the some of the blockers tactics were not.
On Earth day, I started petitioning after I got off work. I collected 15 signatures before I approached a couple to asked them to sign my petition. Blockers form the Young Voter League past out there propaganda to them. The couple signed the petition in spite of the propaganda. So the blockers became more aggressive. The blockers started to yell over me when I asked another person to sign my petition. Then it was time for me to go to church. When I started on my way to church, the blockers followed me. I told them not to follow me. They would not listen. Since I was on my bike and they was on foot, I rode off.
I don’t have to ask why the blockers don't want it on the ballet; they know that they would loose. So now I have to mover on other activism.

Race and Gender Quotas is not just a U.S. Problem

Hello, Hello,
my last blog was in response to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article about me petitioning to get an initiative on the ballot that will ban preferential treatment based on race and gender in public employment, education, and contracting. This has been a problem in the past. Now I have news for you, it is not just a problem in the United States.
According to a recent British News, the Telegraph, British has banned the practice; However, there a push to repeal the ban. Similar to American proponents of these practices, British proponents argue that these practices are need to to help the disadvantaged. British opponents argue that granting preferential treatment is unfair and insulting to the disadvantage.
Ann Widdecombe, the Conservative MP and leading campaigner against all-women shortlists in Parliament, said: "In addition to being superfluous, this law would be detrimental because it suggests that women and members of ethnic minorities need special treatment."
I have a thought, if proponents of preferential treatment want to help the disadvantage, then they should help the become advantage. For example, help students of the St. Louis Public Schools learn the skills they need to go to college and get a job. The school district is in need for qualified tutors and teachers.
As for Britain, granting preferential treatment people based on race and sex could hurt their growing emigration population. Last year, Telegraph reporter Phillip Johnston reported that Britain is emigrants are moving in was Britains are moving out. Should these same proponents who want preferential treatment based on race and sex be concerned about putting the emigrants at a disadvantage?

I'm for Affirmative Action, But against Quotas

Hi my friends,

let me take the time to clear something up in regard to the petition drive that I'm participating. As reported yesterday by the

St. Louis Post-Dispatch, I was participating in a petition drive yesterday; however, the petition would not ban all Affirmative Action Programs, just the one that discriminate and grant preferential treatment. In the begininng of the petition, it reads, "The state shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education,, or public contracting." Again, "not discriminate" or "grant preferential treatment to". The petition does not ban Affirmative Action without preferential treatment. Affirmative Action is not just quotas, it's reaching out to women and minorities. For example, if a public contractor want a diverse roster, I don't see anything wrong with the contractor my recruit at the Missouri Black Expo to recruit minorities. I'm opposed to a fixed quotas to hire a certain about of minorities. Now, my opponent is passing out flyers urging you not to sign my petition. I urge you, the educated voter, to take a look at the petition for yourself.

Visit:

http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2008petition/2008-009.asp

If you wish you may visist the Missouri Civil Right Initiative by clicking on by the link ubove.

Damien