American Made Mutt

                                     First off every time you hear a politician say "comprehensive" run for your life! In the case of the current health care legislation our very lives are on the line indeed. For those of you out there drinking the "left wing" kool-aid, and for those drinking the "right wing" kool-aid, I've got news for you, BOTH sides are full of it! BOTH sides are playing political games with our health.

                                     Let us start with something that angers me to no end in regard to the far right and republicans. Where in the hell were YOU all of these years? A lack of reasonable cost coupled with quality care is nothing new to so many of us that fall through the cracks with our health issues. YOU repubs had control of everything, but you were too busy being the very same BIG SPENDERS you have always accused the dems of being. You were too busy expanding government in the form of a bigger Dept. of Education via No Child Left Behind. You were too busy getting us into (two) ENDLESS wars. You were too busy with "bridges to nowhere!" You were too busy focusing on "Social Morality" instead of "Economic Morality."  Now, you and those of you who have supported the R's NO MATTER WHAT and those politicians who are running for re-election or seeking to run with an (R) behind your name would have us believe that you will ride in on your "white horses" and "Save the day?"

                                    Then we have the far lefties and democrats who are LYING and or deliberately HIDING the truth, (I do not use the term lying lightly as others do either.)

                                    So, here is what none of them are telling you and that includes the "LAMESTREAM MEDIA!" 1.) EVERYONE by law can receive medical treatment. It is the quality which is in question, (more on that in a bit.) 2.) The accurate number of legitimately uninsured is debatable, I have never heard the same number yet. 3.)  It is a lie that should this piece of cow doo pass that we would ALL be covered. NOT TRUE! Still only a small fraction would be. 4.) Anything that is good about this monster won't even take effect for several more years! 5.) Still many of us WILL continue to fall through the cracks. 6.) What about our high cost of prescription drugs? NO talk of that either, (again I'll answer that in a sec.)

                                      This 2000 plus page bill is about nothing more than EXPANSION of the powers in Washington. It is about MORE CONTROL over "We the People." The very poor, elderly, criminals, and the very wealthy are already covered! It is those of us who are everyday working Americans and small businesses who pay for all of the above and have NOTHING for ourselves. We are the ones falling in the cracks!! Trust me I am one of them!

                                       The politicians along with help from media would have everyone believing that people are "dying in the gutters" across the country, NOT TRUE! You can walk into any emergency room in this country and walk out WITHOUT paying your damn bill, especially ILLEGAL ALIENS, while folks like me will be hunted down and sued for it. What they REALLY want is to put us all on Medicaid which, is the equivalent of (third class health treatment.) Just ask someone who has been through it how much differently they are treated, or the family members of patients who have been sent home too early and end up dying because of it. Trust me THIS DOES HAPPEN!

                                         Then even if this was a good bill it WILL NOT take effect for four to six years. So what good does that do anyone anyway? But, we HAVE to begin paying for it NOW? How many of you would pay car payments for a car you cannot have or drive for six years?  How many of you would make payments on a house you could not live in? If you would you are a fool!  This is why health insurance premiums and cost of care will GO UP. Why? Remember the brilliant "charge card reform?" You know the one that would not take affect until just now. The one that made absolutely sure to raise our interest rates ala the style of loan sharks, so that ALL of them the R's and the D's could take care of their banker buddies.

                                        Why is there NOTHING to allow us IMMEDIATELY to have prescription drug costs lowered for those of us who fall through the cracks, aka working poor? The answer; LOBBYISTS of course! Here again BOTH SIDES!

                                         Then, we hear the rhetoric that well, this will ONLY save a few billion, or that will ONLY save several million, etc. Well guess what Congress, IT ADDS UP! When is the last time you had to tighten your household budget belt so tight you could hardly breathe?  I would also like to know what happened to the "promise" that we would "Have the same health care as Congress?" Mmmm I CAN"T HEAR YOU!

                                        In closing, those of us with "common sense" understand clearly that what needs to be addressed is BOTH quality coupled with cost reduction. Both doable if Congress would concern itself LESS with lobbyists and MORE with "We the People."  Not a massive comprehensive overhaul which only rewards the unions, the insurance companies, big Pharma, and stock holders of health related products. "We the People" and many, many of our doctors all over the country understand what needs to be done and there are marvelous ideas out there. There are several on our Congressional web site and many more I have read about. But if anyone thinks that republicans will not be equally as guilty as democrats if this bill passes, think again. I DON'T TRUST ANY OF THEM! AND NEITHER SHOULD YOU! The time is NOW to start voting for "citizen candidates," for third party candidates. NOT for the "nickel or five pennies," and NOT for "the lesser of two evils."

www.jackiemillerforcongress.com

                          Many years ago when I hit a big bottom in my life someone said that "Living in the here and the now is a great tool in keeping Satan away." What this man went on to say is that what so many of us do is live our lives either too much in the past, or too much into the future and this behavior can result in big problems. Trust me, it did and it does.  By doing this we don't see what is right in front of our faces, usually the solution.

                          While it is healthy to look back on our history in order to hopefully learn from the errors of our ways and as important look at what we did correctly, it is unhealthy to constantly live in the past blaming those who we felt may have harmed us, (by the way that includes ourselves.) Then just as harmful is living in what I call the "what ifs" into the future. I can only speak for myself when I say that the fastest way to drive myself insane and into unnecessary fear for a day is to start doing the "what ifs." Here again obviously thoughtful planning for the future and potential pitfalls is healthy but, as with all that affects our lives there needs to be balance.

                            You see to me this dovetails nicely into are we to live in the solution or live in the problem, thus becoming a part of the problem. I see this clearly in the politics of our day. We seem to be so focused on who to blame something for or the "what if this or what if that" we are not coming together as a Nation to SOLVE our many problems. We see the two major parties pointing fingers at each other. Then we hear previous presidents blamed, global warming is to blame, China is to blame, that guy's a jerk, this guy's a jerk, ad infinitum. To be sure there most certainly is a GREAT deal of blame to go around. My list is lengthy as well and I have made mine pretty clear, but offer solutions as well. The blame I don't hear very often though is US, yes "We the People." While I understand that there have been some that were out there fighting the good fight for some time, many of us did continue to drink the "kool-aid," sadly I am still hearing and seeing this.

                            Now we are hearing ALREADY the "what ifs" about the 2012 elections. WHO CARES!! Never have I witnessed a more vitally important mid-term election and we are hearing about candidates for president in 2012 and our President already doing campaign strategy. GIVE IT A REST for the love of Pete! Our Republic is falling off a cliff, we are enslaving our children and grandchildren via unsustainable debt, our Constitution has been all but shredded (literally) by Congress (I believe some of them have actually done this) and people and that includes the media are LIVING in the year 2012! This is what I mean about "living in the here and the now." We need to FOCUS on this very moment in time, focus and focus darned hard on the SOLUTIONS. Yes, some of the solutions we all know need to be done are scary, but another thing I learned was that "Fear is Faith in the negative." Our current politicians don't do what they know and fully understand needs to be done because they live in the "what if" I don't get elected or re-elected frame of mind; in other words living too much in the future, thereby forsaking the tough solutions needed in the present.

                            If  WE will all make the effort to live in the here and the now, make the effort to focus on the solutions to our problems sans the nastiness please, WE can and WILL solve them. We face many problems to be sure and the first step is to stop with the mentality of "voting for the lesser of two evils," of the "well we voted for a nickel the last two elections, now we'll vote for five pennies this one."

                           Look folks, I am one of those people that can beat myself up better than any other living human being, it has never solved any of my problems though. When I awoke from my kool-aid drinking coma, I simply made a choice to live in the here and the now and to make an honest attempt at being a part of the solution. To be free of fear regarding my past as well as in my writings, and possible solutions and going up against the behemoth two party system, a system I no longer believe in but, more importantly no longer trust.

                           In closing, WE all know how we got here and are painfully aware of the problems, now let's all focus on living in the solution, aka "The here and the now."

                                                                GOD BLESS YOU ALL

                          Upcoming blogs to look for; Peoples Republic of Wal-Mart/Good Bye Mom and Pops and Disrespecting our elders.

                             I am of the firm belief that blind ideology has truly hurt our Republic and this needs to stop! I also believe this has added to why so many good people out there do not run for an elected office. Why should they, when there is little doubt they will receive the NASTY wrath of one side or the other. What both sides consistently turn a blind eye to is that we are traditionally a center-right nation. NOT way left, NOT way right.

                             Let's start with a basic hypocrisy with the left and right. The democrats have their Andrew Jackson dinners and fundraisers and also tout JFK, the republicans have their Ronald Reagan and Lincoln dinners and fundraisers. As I see it by today's standards none of these great presidents would fit very well. Maybe they ought to study some REAL history instead of their REVISIONIST history. Both Jackson and JFK would probably be considered "right wingers" and Reagan and Lincoln would most likely be accused of being RINO's. Quite disingenuous to say the least, if not down right hypocritical.

                             Let's begin with Andrew Jackson, this man was certainly no elitist, he was self educated and REALLY was for the "working man." He was totally against central banking, (known to us as THE FED,) as he understood perfectly how it would enslave everyday people to the uber wealthy and bankers. The left likes THE FED and make no mistake so does the right. You can hear them now in the halls of Congress going YAHOO another 1 trillion printed! As for JFK he was quite similar with regard to the dangers of THE FED, not too mention he believed in empowerment for people, remember "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." The current democrat and way lefty would rather us all become slaves to the state, you know welfare and the likes. And our current national debt, HOW DARE they tout Jackson, the ONLY president in our history to have paid the national debt off.

                            Then we have Ronald Reagan who believed in "peace through strength," by the way as our founders did. Now, the far right seems to believe in endless wars. Reagan also wanted a balanced budget amendment. He actually believed in fiscal restraint, but it was the "right wingers"  along with the dems who helped stand in the way of this and other reforms he wanted. The other wonderful thing about President Reagan was that even if he disagreed philosophically or on social issues, he NEVER made someone feel like a piece of cow dung! Reagan discusses the "right wingers" in his diaries. Also I would highly suggest that those who are not able to have a CIVIL debate over illegal immigration and abortion, you might pick up a copy of Reagan In His Own Hand.

                           Now all we seem to have is the extreme left who believe that our children should be playing house for real. That abortion is an acceptable form of birth control, and that partial birth abortion over a few headaches is just fine. That unionized teachers should have more rights over our children than we parents do. That elitist professors should be able to control the minds of our young adults and by the way while making we the taxpayer pay for their higher OOPS I mean lower education. Not too mention that generational poverty via welfare is actually compassionate. That our borders should be open. They also want traditional marriage done away with, and the biggie NO MORE GOD.

                           Now, we have the extreme right. They consider it unpatriotic to not want to be in constant wars. They too LOVE to spend our money and consider those of us who want to end central banking a bunch of loons. They believe that under no circumstance should a woman be able to choose abortion and that includes RAPE & INCEST! One more time read what Reagan actually said about this. They are incredibly ugly with rhetoric toward gays and lesbians and illegal immigrants, READ REAGAN as it angered him that while Americans whined about unemployment in the late 70's God forbid they would pick fruit! As for our gay and lesbian community he believed in traditional marriage but never made them feel less than. As a matter of fact Reagan made us feel good about ourselves. TONE is everything!  Then we have the touting of our Ten Commandments, which have become evidently a multiple choice pick and choose. They also talk redemption but don't actually walk the talk, trust me on this one, as I have personal experience with it. On education they also have brainwashed our young folks into believing that you will be a piece of cow doo without a college degree. Hey! what about that guy named Abraham Lincoln. And what REALLY gets my goat is that both right and left think it is their neighbors responsibility to pay for it! You want your child to go to college YOU PAY FOR IT or tell them to get a job and pay for it themselves. Also, all of a sudden they are screaming about the Constitution and Founding Fathers, but obviously have studied neither very well. Sorry, can't seem to find anything that says we "HAVE" to be a two party only system.

                               So, you see both extremes have so divided our Republic, maybe not for the exact reasons but none the less each has in their own way contributed to divisiveness and chasing away good potential candidates. The tone has become hateful and ugly on both sides. The hypocrisy is evident on both sides. Of course do I think a big group hug and singing "Why Can't We Be Friends" will cure this great divide, of course not. But, is it any wonder why the fastest growing political entities are Independents, Libertarians and Constitutionalists? Is it any wonder why so many Americans are flat out FED UP?

                              In closing, while the above mentioned presidents were not perfect they were great men and are deserving of respect. So, I have a novel idea, maybe for your next dinner/fundraisers both sides might want to theme them "THE FOUNDING FATHERS" instead. I have little doubt they would be happy with what is currently happening in our Republic.

                                 As an old Las Vegas gal a win seven out of ten times are considered pretty darn good odds. As previously stated there is no such thing as the perfect political candidate. Part of the problem as I see it is that there are so many different proclamations regarding political belief systems it is virtually impossible for any candidate to meet the requirements of any.

                               Here is a list just off the top of my head: Let's see, we have various offshoots of independents, the (I) conservative, the (I) republican, (I) democrat, on and on, you get that theme. Then we have libertarian, conservative libertarian, constitution, moderate repub, moderate dem, bluedogs, liberal, conservative, far right, far left and of course the big repubs and dems, and on and on and on. Some fiscally conservative but socially liberal, the Christian conservatives etc. All plus more, who expect a candidate to walk lock step and conform with ALL of their demands. Others that say " WE MUST WORK WITHIN THE TWO PARTY/ONE PARTY SYSTEM." WHY? Is my question for all of the alleged founding fathers lovers.

                             Look folks, I personally don't care if someone is a little green man from the Mars party, or a little pink woman from the Venus party, as long as they will say what they mean and mean what they say! It is impossible to have a perfect 10 out of 10. Maybe for a hand few of blind ideologues but for many of we more critical thinking minded we understand that no one person is perfect and will look for the 7 out of 10. I believe some of this ridiculous mess is why more and more Americans are Independents. Now they just need to start backing that up by ELECTING INDEPENDENTS! (Of course NOT progressives we have enough of those who are R's or D's, and also they need to actually have respect for our Constitution,) or other third party candidates, and stop being led astray with the  (mostly republican) although some dems do it too, fear mantra of "You'll divide the vote." BS! We have been buying into this for years. We should take pride in our vote and begin voting FOR THE BEST PERSON NOT THE DOGGONE PARTY'S!

                             Recently I listened on TV with disappointment and disgust with the coverage on the Tea Party Convention. To be fair those interviewed saying they would ONLY help elect republican candidates are here in TN. and certainly not reflective of the whole movement. But, we will move on to my disappointment with Sarah Palin, which will dovetail into what we have been penning and certainly not the same criticism others have discussed.

                             Let me start by saying to Sarah and her fans that I have had a great deal of respect for her and was gaining more after having read her book. However, I now find myself wondering if she is just not another "establishment" politico. Here is why. During the press conference for her resignation as governor she stated that she would be a part of helping ANY candidate, republican, democrat, independent etc. she felt would be good for our country. Both my husband and I respected that. Fast forward to present and we hear that old (republican establishment mantra) of dividing votes and she will ONLY be supporting "conservative republicans" and during primaries to boot. WHAT! Number one last time I checked John McCain is certainly NO conservative, and by the accounts of many of my Texas friends neither is Rick Perry. Also both Sarah and the tea partiers are saying they will be active in the primary process to get "their kind of candidates." Ex-use me! What happened to the outrage regarding New York 23 that held no primary to "let the people decide their candidate?" Is it any wonder that people don't vote in primaries, they aren't fools, they know their vote really doesn't count and THE PARTY's have already chosen them. Now even my husband who truly adored and respected Mrs. Palin is highly disappointed and is steadily losing respect. DOES ANY POLITICIAN REMEMBER WHAT THEY SAY ANYMORE OR IS IT THAT THEY DON'T CARE?

               I could personally care less how much Mrs. Palin gets for speaking or any other rewards she may garner. Actually I am glad for her as no doubt that how she and her family was treated and continues to be is over the top to be sure. But, to this lady, I just want someone to take a stand and for Pete sake STICK TO IT!

               My sincerest opinion is that "We the People" must wake up and decide that our vote means something bigger than who has the R or D behind their name. So in closing, folks start donating to our third party candidates that you believe in, THEY NEED YOUR HELP! Help to give CHOICE back to the voters. The R & D system NO longer works! Start walking the talk about taking back our Republic and together WE can.

                                       Next blog, how both the far right and far left are somewhat simpatico.

                              As I write this there is controversy swirling around the "Tea Party" movement. This is sad on many levels. I personally saw this coming a mile away, though certainly did not wish for it.

                              You see I have attended most all of the tea party events here in the Nashville area. I made a point of arriving several hours early as I truly enjoy speaking with we everyday folks. You will not hear in the media or from blind ideologues what I am about to share. And this is a shame because a wonderful true "We the People" movement has been very misrepresented. Mostly by the lame-stream media to be sure, but others both on the left and the right are guilty as well.

                              What you won't find out is that this "grassroots" movement includes an eclectic bunch of people. I had the pleasure of meeting folks from all over the political, socioeconomic, ethnic and religious views spectrum, especially political views. It wasn't just conservatives, we would have democrats, the "Reagan democrats" libertarians, moderate republicans, some who labeled themselves liberal as well and the largest group I felt were self proclaimed Independents. The ONE thing we all had in common was Washington D.C. government is getting too big and way too intrusive.

                             It has saddened me that on one of my Facebook's many have commented that the "tea partiers" are a bunch of  "far right neocon war loving loons." That is just sooo not true folks! I did reply to one of them and let this person know what I am penning here.

                           The truth however is that there are some shenanigans going on currently. The far right folks and republicans who are up for re-election or are running for the first time are attempting to kidnap this movement all for themselves. Here in my neck of the woods they will ONLY be "backing" republican candidates. I find this deeply troubling and so should any of you "tea partiers" out there that are (independent thinkers) like me and just want to vote for someone who will say what they mean and mean what they say, regardless of affiliation. Sadly getting into bed with ANY political party may end up ruining the whole movement.

                         To the KIDNAPPERS and those attempting to make money off of the "Tea Party" movement you might just want to get to one several hours early and talk with the folks. The media ought to try this too!

                        One final message to the KIDNAPPERS; patriotic common sense people are NOT just conservatives or republicans. Indeed most I had the privilege of speaking with are like me SICK OF BOTH THE REPUBS, THE DEMS AND THE WHOLE OF THE HYPOCRITICAL TWO PARTY/ONE PARTY SYSTEM! See ya at the next tea party, hopefully I won't be charged an admission fee.

                    Check out www.jackiemillerforcongress.com I like this lady!