Thursday, December 15, 2011

Oh, My, How Times Have Changed

As the Supreme Court gets ready to decide the constitutionality of Obamacare, I thought it might be helpful to pass on this message from a Democratic president of the last century issued in veto of a bill to assist Texans struggling with  failed crops and "consequent distress and destitution."
I can find no warrant for such an appropriation in the Constitution, and I do not believe that the power and duty of the general government ought to be extended to the relief of individual suffering which is in no manner properly related to the public service or benefit. A prevalent tendency to disregard the limited mission of this power and duty should, I think, be steadfastly resisted, to the end that the lesson should be constantly enforced that, though the people support the government, the government should not support the people.
The friendliness and charity of our countrymen can always be relied upon to relieve their fellow-citizens in misfortune. This has been repeatedly and quite lately demonstrated. Federal aid in such cases encourages the expectation of paternal care on the part of the government and weakens the sturdiness of our national character, while it prevents the indulgence among our people of that kindly sentiment and conduct which strengthens the bonds of a common brotherhood.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

As I predicted (as well as welcomed with open arms) just over a year ago, the Republican capture of the House of Representatives has effectively stalled the advance of the socialist policies championed by Mr. Obama and the former Democratic supermajority in Congress. While the Washington Post and other media outlets decry the gridlock, I'm thrilled by it - particularly considering what we had seen in the two years leading up to it. Trillions in new spending, disastrous welfare programs opposed by most Americans, worthless stimulus programs, bankrupt auto and energy bailouts, and stifling over-regulation of financial services to name just a few of nightmares brought upon the American people by an arrogant, unchecked liberal government.




Indeed, with any luck, the next election cycle will allow us to reverse some of the damage done inflicted in the first two years of his administration. Until then, gridlock is our best friend.

Surpise, Surprise, Gridlock Prevails

As I predicted (as well as welcomed with open arms) just over a year ago, the Republican capture of the House of Representatives has effectively stalled the advance of the socialist policies championed by Mr. Obama  and the former Democratic supermajority in Congress.  While the Washington Post and other media outlets decry the gridlock, I'm thrilled by it  -  particularly considering what we had seen in the two years leading up to it.  Trillions in new spending, disastrous welfare programs opposed by most Americans, worthless stimulus programs, bankrupt auto and energy bailouts, reckless monetary policy and stifling over-regulation of financial services to name just a few of the nightmares brought upon the American people by an arrogant, unchecked liberal government. 

Indeed, with any luck, the next election cycle will allow us to reverse some of the damage inflicted in the first two years of his administration.  Until then, gridlock is our best friend.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Senate Dems Need to Just "Get Over It"

As reported in the Post, The Richmond Times-Dispatch and elsewhere, Senator McEachin filed suit today in Richmond City Circuit Court challenging the authority of the Lieutenant Governor to vote on senate rules.
What those other outlets don't show you, however, is the basis of McEachin's complaint because, if they did, it would show how ridiculous the Dems are acting.

The Dem's case is based on a fatally flawed reading of the the following provision of the Constitution of Virginia

Section 7. Organization of General Assembly.
The House of Delegates shall choose its own Speaker; and, in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor, or when he shall exercise the office of Governor, the Senate shall choose from its own body a president pro tempore. Each house shall select its officers and settle its rules of procedure.
. . .
From any fair reading of it, the LG has, in the event of a tie, the same authority to vote on rules  as he would to vote on legislation.  The LG, as the president of the senate,  is a member of the body for just those purposes. Pretty clear, and just as clearly a lame attempt to save face by whining senate Democrats.  As the RPV said, it's time for the senate Democrats to admit defeat and get over it.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Governor Cuccinelli?

I'll admit that I expected his perceived extremism to be his undoing in his race for attorney general in 2009.  And, as much as I'd like to say that his election was really because his opponent ran a poor race, even a poor opponent could not explain his 58-42 margin of victory that exceeded that of the Republicans winning other statewide races.  In other words, you have to admit that Ken Cuccinelli, for whatever reason, has some strong statewide appeal.

I'm not a big fan of Cuccinelli per se, but I do want another Republican governor.  Provided that he manages to "keep his crazy under control," as between Cuccinelli and Bolling, I believe Cuccinelli would be the more electable candidate in the 2013 race for governor.  I'm not saying I necessarily support him, but the fact is he's rolling thunder going into the race.