It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
- Dennis O’Brien
Archive for May, 2011
Memorial Day – It is the Soldier!
Monday, May 30th, 2011Weekly Musing 5-29-11
Sunday, May 29th, 2011Weekly Musing 5-29-11
Saul Anuzis
MI: Republican National Committeeman
God Bless America!
Memorial Day: Ronald Reagan 1982
“In America’s cities and towns today, flags will be placed on graves in cemeteries; public officials will speak of the sacrifice and the valor of those whose memory we honor…
I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for…
The willingness of some to give their lives so that others might live never fails to evoke in us a sense of wonder and mystery. One gets that feeling here on this hallowed ground, and I have known that same poignant feeling as I looked out across the rows of white crosses and Stars of David in Europe, in the Philippines, and the military cemeteries here in our own land. Each one marks the resting place of an American hero and, in my lifetime, the heroes of World War I, the Doughboys, the GI’s of World War II or Korea or Vietnam. They span several generations of young Americans, all different and yet all alike, like the markers above their resting places, all alike in a truly meaningful way…
As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation. And let us also pledge to do our utmost to carry out what must have been their wish: that no other generation of young men will ever have to share their experiences and repeat their sacrifice.
Earlier today, with the music that we have heard and that of our National Anthem — I can’t claim to know the words of all the national anthems in the world, but I don’t know of any other that ends with a question and a challenge as ours does: Does that flag still wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? That is what we must all ask.”
Presidential 2012 – The Field is Set!
I’m NOT expecting any surprises. I think the field is pretty much set, we know who’s in and who’s still considering it. I think it’s impressive, strong, principled and just about anyone of them can defeat Barack Obama and his radical liberal policies.
Get behind the candidate of your choice. Fight hard, make your case, organize your communities and stand on your principles.
But remember, this is ONLY the primary season on our side and the real enemy; the real challenge to restore the American dream lies in November!
Michigan is in Play for 2012?!?
“But the Democratic rebranding effort may be more about Michigan’s 16 electoral votes – as many as Missouri and Nevada combined – than the national debate over bailouts and nationalization…
Michigan looks very much like a swing state right now…
A raiding strategy (Obama’s), though, only works if your own firewall holds. And if Michigan doesn’t stay true blue in 2012, Obama doesn’t have a logical path to victory.”
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/05/24/rebranding-gm-chrysler-bailouts-means-michigan-play-2012/
A Formidable Republican Field
“I want to look at things strictly from the competitiveness metric, and here I think the main contenders — Jon Huntsman, Tim Pawlenty, and Mitt Romney — all score very, very well…On paper, it would be hard to come up with a GOP field that looks as electable as this one does. Here are three results-oriented, center-right governors who have out-performed a generic Republican at one point or another…the task of Republicans everywhere will be to see which one of these candidates works not just on paper but on the actual campaign trail, which one looks to be the most promising manager of the legislative process, and which one will make for the best caretaker of the Grand Old Party over the next four years. President Obama and the Democrats should be worried about these contenders, and they should be doubly concerned by the fact that Republican voters often choose the pick of the litter.”
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/morning-jay-formidable-republican-field_571465.html?page=1
Senator Fred Thompson interview on MSN about the National Popular Vote
Here is a short interview by conservative stalwart former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson on why the National Popular Vote proposal makes sense.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/43181090#43181090
Obama’s Unspoken Re-Election Edge – This presidency flatters America to a degree that no white Republican can hope to match.
“There have really always been two Barack Obamas: the mortal man and the cultural icon. If the actual man is distinctly ordinary, even a little flat and humorless, the cultural icon is quite extraordinary. The problem for Republicans is that they must run against both the man and the myth. In 2008, few knew the man and Republicans were walloped by the myth. Today the man is much clearer, and yet the myth remains compelling.”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704569404576299241421694066.html
General Motors Will Never Repay Taxpayers – Obama’s spin on GM’s latest profit report is pure baloney
“Bloomberg’s survey of 21 auto analysts put the average projected price for GM at $42.85 per share a year from now. This means that, outside of miracle, taxpayers will lose anywhere from $13 to $19 billion on their principal and another $45 billion on taxes for a grand total of up to $58 to $64 billion in losses. And that’s just for GM. Chrysler is whole different—and equally sordid—story. Even Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner acknowledged last month: “We’re going to lose money in the auto industry.”
http://reason.com/archives/2011/05/24/general-motors-will-never-repa
ANUZIS OP-ED: Conservatives need the “National Popular Vote” proposal
“Conservatives have long understood that America is a center-right nation. In election after election, our values win the day. When liberals do win office, they do so by nuancing their own positions and pandering to specific sections of the electorate. But when elections are about ideas, our ideas win… We live in the United States of America, not the Battleground States of America. The National Popular Vote is the best way to ensure that conservative voices are heard.”
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/26/anuzis-conservatives-need-the-popular-vote/
Stay In Touch…Feel Free to Share
My goal is for this to be a weekly political update…sharing political news and analysis that should be of interest to most activists.
Please share.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook.
On Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saulius-Saul-Anuzis/117948079728
On Twitter at:
@sanuzis
Thanks again for all you do!
Weekly Musing 5-22-11
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011Weekly Musing 5-22-11
Saul Anuzis
MI: Republican National Committeeman
The Real Big News:
Davenport University LAX National Champions!
Davenport University’s lacrosse team defeated two time defending champions, the University of St. Thomas (MN) 14 to 9 Saturday in Denver.
Our son, Tadas Anuzis was named All American Defenseman! Awesome season!!!
Obamanomics – rubber stamped by Stabenow
With 10.2% unemployment, Michigan ranks 6th behind Nevada (12.5%), California (11.9%), Rhode Island (10.9%), Florida (10.8%) & Mississippi (10.4%).
Thanks to Obama & Stabenow for the unsustainable debt, deficits and spending.
RNC Meeting in Dallas
This week I attended the RNC Chairman’s meeting in Dallas. State Chairman Bobby Schostak and I gave presentations to the committee on fundraising & technology. Governors Rick Perry (TX), Haley Barbour (MS) and Susana Martinez (NM) joined us during the 3 days of meetings.
MI U.S. Senate Race – Stabenow Vulnerable
Michigan and national Republican continue to view Democrat incumbent Debbie Stabenow as one of the more vulnerable seats up in 2012. Although some seems disappointed that some of the “better known” names have not stepped forward to run for the Republican nomination, Michigan Republicans in particular are motivated by the upcoming prospects.
There are a number of strong, viable and winnable candidates testing the waters. Traditionally in Michigan, our primary campaigns kick off around our fall’s Michigan Mackinac Island Conference in September. I suspect most candidates will be in or out by then.
However, remember, many of the winning candidates nationally did NOT enter the race for Senate until election year. It’s early, but it’s time to rally behind candidates you support.
MIRS asked Inside Michigan Politics Editor Bill Ballenger just how problematic the search for viable opponent to take on Stabenow has become. Ballenger said “It is still early and we can still bring up what happened in Wisconsin last year when Ron JOHNSON knocked off Russ FEINGOLD. Just one year ago no one believed Feingold could get beat. But, that said, so far I don’t see anyone out there with deep pockets to step in and take Stabenow on.
“Interestingly, the Michigan Senate race looks almost like a microcosm of what’s happening nationally,” Ballenger said. “Stabenow is vulnerable, but the Republicans are floundering in their efforts to find a candidate to run against her. Nationally, President Barack OBAMA is vulnerable, and the Republicans are having trouble finding someone to run against him, as well.”
I don’t think anyone is floundering…it’s early, we have time and viable candidates are testing the waters.
Huntsman in Michigan
Ambassador Jon Huntsman was in Michigan last weekend holding private meeting in Detroit and Grand Rapids as he moves closer to formally announcing his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination.
MI Senate: Debbie Does Demagoguery
Did you notice that gas prices went down over the weekend after Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow held a press conference at a Birch Run gas station “to combat high gas prices”? Neither did I…It’s hard to imagine a more economically ignorant idea, but the economically ignorant are plentiful, which is why Debbie Stabenow is a United States Senator.
http://detnews.com/article/20110517/MIVIEW/105170340/Debbie-Does-Demagoguery
The Cook Report: A Brief Bounce – Why President Obama hasn’t gotten more of a lift from the death of Osama bin Laden.
“History indicates that presidential job-approval ratings begin to have predictive value about a year before the election and become more predictive as the election grows closer. Until then, it’s a better bet to look at the numbers that are likely to influence voters’ approval and reelection decisions. Arguably, the election results will depend on which economists, the optimists or the pessimists, are right.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/columns/cook-report/why-no-bounce-for-obama–20110519
Up to 20 million Americans ‘overcharged’ by AT&T for data usage
“Speaking to MSNBC, lawyer Barry Davis who worked on the suit, said: ‘It’s like a rigged gas pump.
‘Where when you go to the gas station and ask for a gallon of gas but only get 9/10’s.’
When asked by a reporter whether his team found overcharging for every single transaction, he replied: ‘yes, every single one.”
R.I.P. Judge John Feikens
U.S. District Judge and former Michigan Republican Chairman John Feikens, who used a gavel and the power of his office to force Detroit and its suburbs to stop dumping raw sewerage into the Detroit and Rouge rivers, died last Sunday
Michigan Matters – Obama One Termer?
Never at a loss for words, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson offers a $14.3 trillion reason why Barack Obama will be a one term president on “Michigan Matters.” He appears with Dave Bing, Bob Ficano and Mark Hackel with host and Free Press columnist Carol Cain – where the leaders also trade barbs on Gov. Rick Snyder. Michigan Matters airs 11 am Sunday on WWJ-TV CBS Detroit. The show is posted online at cbsdetroit.com after airing.
Stay In Touch…Feel Free to Share
My goal is for this to be a weekly political update…sharing political news and analysis that should be of interest to most activists.
Please share.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook.
On Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saulius-Saul-Anuzis/117948079728
On Twitter at:
@sanuzis
Thanks again for all you do!
Weekly Musing 5-15-11
Sunday, May 15th, 2011Weekly Musing 5-15-11
Saul Anuzis
MI: Republican National Committeeman
Michigan Republicans Meet!
Led by our state Chairman Bobby Schostak, over 100 Michigan Republican party leaders gathered in Lansing to plan for 2012. County Chairs and Victory Center leaders had a Friday afternoon “mini campaign school”, our statewide youth leaders had their own session while the State Committee met. And yes, Friday night we held our traditional “pizza & politics” evening where folks caught up and networked with potential candidates!
Both former Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus and former Attorney General Mike Cox received standing ovations when they came up to speak in recognition for their service to our party. Thanks for your continued service to our party & state!
2012 Presidential Nominating Process
MIGOP State Committee went into a “closed session” yesterday to discuss the options, rules and opportunities with the regard to the nominating process. Chairman Schostak appointed a “sub committee” to review the various options and recommend to the Policy Committee and ultimate the State Committee as a whole, a plan. In addition to members of the State Committee, he has asked for representatives from the Governor’s Office and House & Senate Leadership to participate on the sub-committee. We hope to vote on our rules by August.
U.S. Senate – Dump Stabenow Effort Grows
National and state leaders continue to discuss the vulnerability of Senator Debbie Stabenow here in Michigan. Her re-elect numbers are low for an incumbent along with her “most liberal” rating and “rubber stamp” votes for Obama and his policies make this a viable seat for Republicans to pick up.
Potential candidates continue to hold meetings and discussions with party activists and donors. Many have started making the rounds statewide as we prepare for the primary process. There are at least 11 possible candidates holding discussions with national and state party leaders.
There is growing discussion from SE Michigan GOP leaders regarding a possible US Senate run by Oakland County District Judge Kimberly Small of West Bloomfield. Known as one of the toughest judges in Oakland County, both donors and insiders say she has the energy, smarts and fundraising ability to be a very formidable opponent for Debbie Stabenow. Looking forward to hearing from her.
Other candidates who joined me this weekend and continue to be talked about are John McCulloch, Rob Steele, Randy Hekman, Al Pease, Peter Konetchy as well as several others who have not publicly expressed their intent.
Judge Kurtis Wilder for Michigan Supreme Court
Kurt worked the MIGOP State Committee meeting this weekend setting up appointments to travel statewide to introduce himself to the party faithful. He was well received and lined up meetings and speaking engagements statewide. Make sure you take the time to get to know Judge Wilder…he’d be a great Supreme Court member.
Morning Jay: No GOP Frontrunner? No Problem!
“Beyond the psychic discomfort, which is understandable, I really do not think Republicans need to worry about this at all.”
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/morning-jay-no-frontrunner-no-problem_560840.html
Cong. Mike Rogers enters national spotlight
No surprise to those of us from Michigan. Congressman’s role as head of Intelligence Committee, death of bin Laden raises profile
http://detnews.com/article/20110514/POLITICS02/105140362/1022/Mike-Rogers-enters-national-spotlight
Saving the American Dream: The Heritage Plan to Fix the Debt, Cut Spending, and Restore Prosperity
“Saving the American Dream is The Heritage Foundation’s plan to fix the debt, cut spending and, above all, restore prosperity. It balances the nation’s budget within a decade—and keeps it balanced. It reduces the debt and cuts government in half. It eliminates government-mandated health care and fully funds our national defense. It squarely confronts Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, the three so-called entitlement programs, which together account for 43 percent of federal spending today.”
Best/Worst States for Business – Michigan #46
More than 500 CEOs considered a wide range of criteria, from taxation and regulation to workforce quality and living environment, in our annual ranking of the best states for business.
http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business
A Great Educational Resource – FREE
The Khan Academy is a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere.
All of the site’s resources are available to anyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. The Khan Academy’s materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge.
Stay In Touch…Feel Free to Share
My goal is for this to be a weekly political update…sharing political news and analysis that should be of interest to most activists.
Please share.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook.
On Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saulius-Saul-Anuzis/117948079728
On Twitter at:
@sanuzis
Thanks again for all you do!
Game 7 – Feels So Good!
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
Amen!
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Weekly Musing 5-8-11
Sunday, May 8th, 2011Weekly Musing 5-8-11
Saul Anuzis
MI: Republican National Committeeman
Happy Mother’s Day!!!
To my wife, mom and best friend who shouldn’t have to put up with “5 boys” ALL the time Thanks for all you do and thanks to the other two moms who made this ALL possible. Love you!
Michigan U.S. Senate race vs Debbie Stabenow
All indication are that Senator Debbie Stabenow is vulnerable. It is my firm belief that ANY credible challenger would be able to mount a serious challenge to defeat the Senate’s MOST liberal Senator. The Obama/Stabenow agenda is out of touch with Michigan and America.
What makes someone credible? The ability to raise money, build a statewide organization and communicate an effective message.
It is my intention to make my decision about entering the race over the next few weeks. I have talked to hundreds of activists, donors and friends about this challenge. I don’t take this responsibility nor the commitment lightly, which is why I think ALL of YOU need to let the various possible contenders know your willingness to help…don’t be afraid to encourage nor discourage someone. Candidates need to know.
There is NO question in my mind that the State and National Republican Parties see this as a top priority for 2012. I know the National Republican Senatorial Committee considers this a winnable seat. I have personally spoken to the top leaders in all of these organizations and they are not only watching, but preparing for a tough race ahead. Michigan matters!
There are several other candidates who are being talked about that have NOT said no…let them know what you think:
Congressman Thaddeus McCotter is often mentioned not only for the Senate, but recently as a potential Vice Presidential nominee or even Presidential candidate. His working class, Catholic, who’s no nonsense approach appeals to many.
Attorney and CPA John McCulloch from Oakland County would be a fresh face. A small businessman who understands the law and accounting (something missing in much of Washington) who would bring a fresh perspective with solid conservative and constitutionalist perspective to Washington. He has also served in county government and has been elected countywide.
Al Pease is the former CEO of auto supplier Perceptron in Washtenaw County. The former West Point graduate is your classic “citizen politician” who has never been involved in party politics before. He has a great story, sincere desire to make a difference and is seriously talking to folks about getting in the race.
Dr. Rob Steele ran for Congress against Democrat John Dingell last year. He is a very sharp and articulate candidate who could have a broad appeal statewide. A practicing surgeon, he has stayed involved in politics and done more than just announced an interest in the race.
Judge Randy Hekman from Kent County has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination. Known for his previous work with Family Forum, Randy has a statewide network he could quickly tap into to mount a serious race.
Peter Konetchy from Roscommon has announced his candidacy and is off and running. I’ve only met Peter once at a Tea Party meeting, and is running on a strong constitutionalist kind of “outsider” message. I look forward to getting to know Peter better.
We have some great possible candidates and maybe more who will look at this race. Regardless of Democrat Chairman Mark Brewer’s “spin”, with a credible candidate Debbie Stabenow is vulnerable. This race will be about the Obama Agenda and JOBS for Michigan’s citizens. Stabenow is little more than a rubber stamp for the disastrous policies that have seen hundreds of thousands leave our great state!
Michigan is a “swing” state and the mood of the American people is on our side. Get involved!
Judge Kurtis Wilder for Michigan Supreme Court
Folks have started talking about Appeal Court Judge Kurtis Wilder for the State Supreme Court race coming up in 2012. Kurt is a great judge who is conservative, honest, a constructionist and as sincere as any public servant could be. I encourage you to get a chance to meet him as he travels around the state and support him for the Republican nomination next year.
Obamanomics In Pictures: 2011 Budget Chart Book Illustrates Our Fiscal Future
The Heritage Foundation’s special preview of the 2011 Federal Budget Chart Book provides a user-friendly way to learn about the federal budget using pictures.
WHY the Obama White House Doesn’t Work?!?
The percentage of each past president’s cabinet who had worked in the private business sector prior to their appointment to the cabinet. You know what the private business sector is a real-life business, not a government job. Here are the percentages.
T. Roosevelt……….38%
Taft……………………40%
Wilson ……………….52%
Harding………………49%
Coolidge…………… 48%
Hoover ………………42%
F. Roosevelt……….50%
Truman………………50%
Eisenhower…………57%
Kennedy…………….30%
Johnson………………47%
Nixon………………….53%
Ford……………………42%
Carter………………….32%
Reagan……………….56%
GH Bush……………. 51%
Clinton ……………..39%
GW Bush…………….55%
And the winner is:
Obama……………….. 8%
Electoral College Battleground States – You In?
“the battleground states were: New Hampshire, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Virginia, Nevada, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Iowa. The remainder were either likely or safely in the hands of one party or another, and were divided accordingly”
http://hotair.com/archives/2011/04/30/hot-air-survey-results-electoral-battleground-edition/
National Popular Vote – What is it???
President of “Targeted States of America” vs
President of the “United States of America”
With an open mind, check this out. I think it makes sense. Basically it guarantees every vote counts, every vote matters and that the candidate who wins the most votes nationwide – wins.
http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/03/09/national-popular-vote-what-is-it/
UnionRefund.Org – Spending YOUR Dues!
This is an educational effort designed to assist rank & file union member on how to get their share of “political dues” back under their own control.
Want a raise…easy, get part of your union dues back.
Don’t like the union bosses politics…it’s your money.
Let the unions represent you in their bargaining efforts and workplace issues…however, by exercising your rights, you can get the part of your dues designated for politics back in YOUR pocket, under YOUR control.
It’s easy…check is out at:
Stay In Touch…Feel Free to Share
My goal is for this to be a weekly political update…sharing political news and analysis that should be of interest to most activists.
Please share.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook.
On Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saulius-Saul-Anuzis/117948079728
On Twitter at:
@sanuzis
Thanks again for all you do!
Weekly Musing 5-1-11
Sunday, May 1st, 2011Weekly Musing 5-1-11
Saul Anuzis
MI: Republican National Committeeman
I’m Back!
I took an extra week off for Spring Break and Easter just because:)
Obama’s In Trouble
Are you better off than you were four years ago? For an overwhelming majority of Americans the answer is NO! Gas prices, debt, deficits, expanded war efforts, unemployment and crony capitalism at it’s worse has America waking up. It’s Reagan’s closing argument against Carter all over again…a new misery index we feel EVERY day!
2012 Presidential Sweepstakes
Governor Haley Barbour surprised many by announcing he would NOT pursue the Republican nomination. One of the most respected politicos and a favorite of many partisans, his decision has shaken up the political landscape.
Romney, Pawlenty, Newt are probably the biggest beneficiaries as they get an opportunity to pick up some key players and fundraisers nationally. Governor Mitch Daniels could be the biggest winner if he decides to run, sooner rather than later that is.
The field is still wide open, but as time passes and the campaigns start to develop more and more activists are picking sides and getting involved. A great process…get involved early and make a difference!
Michigan U.S. Senate Race
The dance continues. With Senator Debbie Stabenow showing early vulnerability in various polls, Republicans are focused on taking this seat.
Congressman Pete Hoekstra’s departure from the field leaves the nomination wide open. I have had hundreds of conversations with activists and fundraisers around Michigan. There is NO consensus candidate and I doubt there will be…so folks are going to have to step up.
There are a number of potential candidates exploring the possibility of running. I would encourage ALL of you to pick the candidate you most agree with and you believe has the best shot of defeating Debbie Stabenow and get behind them.
I am not different than any other possible challenger. We are ALL making an assessment of our possible support and viability in this race. It’s a huge commitment and as with any incumbent, an uphill battle. But Debbie Stabenow is beatable…but we’ll have to do it together.
Support someone early, encourage them, get behind their effort and help decide who should be our nominee.
Michigan and America needs our help.
How to Freeze the Debt Ceiling Without Risking Default
Toomey… “to introduce legislation that would require the Treasury to make interest payments on our debt its first priority in the event that the debt ceiling is not raised. This would not only ensure the continued confidence of investors at home and abroad, but would enable us to have an honest debate about the consequences of our eventual decision about the debt ceiling.”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703954004576089963912388314.html?mod=wsj_share_twitter
Why Obama Could Lose
“Conventional wisdom has begun to settle in: The 2012 presidential race is President Obama’s to lose. A slowly improving economy, a stagnant Republican pool of opposition, strong personal attributes, and what almost certainly will be a whip-smart campaign team are congealing into something that 50.1 percent of voters representing 270 electoral votes will find palatable. Add to that the GOP’s decision to embrace an audacious budget outline by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., that could make the election a referendum on whether to cut Medicare, Social Security, and other popular entitlement programs and you would seem to have the makings of an Obama second term.
But the president’s position is more fragile than it might appear.”
http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/why-obama-could-lose-20110428
The Cook Report: Taking On Obama
“Although it has become fashionable to denigrate the entire field of GOP contenders, the weakening of the economy in the past 60 days may well have enhanced the value of the Republican nomination. It was probably unrealistic to expect the economy to grow enough over the next 18 months to get the unemployment rate down to the 7.4 percent level that it was in November 1984, when President Reagan won his 49-state landslide, after it had peaked at 10.8 percent in November and December of 1982. But the jobless rate now seems much less likely to get even close to that level than it did two months ago. Sluggish economic numbers and prolonged high gasoline prices are not positive factors for a president seeking reelection.”
How the Smartest President Ever Becomes a One-Term President
“McClatchy-Marist poll shows that 57 percent of registered voters disapprove of President Obama’s economic management while only 40 percent approve, the lowest score of his presidency. Fifty-seven percent of Americans say the worst is yet to come for the U.S economy. And 71 percent said the nation is still in a recession (the recession officially ended in June 2009).”
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2011/04/28/how-smartest-president-ever-becomes-one-term-president/
Obama’s New World Order: MF bombshell: Age of America nears end – China’s economy will surpass the U.S. in 2016
“For the first time, the international organization has set a date for the moment when the “Age of America” will end and the U.S. economy will be overtaken by that of China.
And it’s a lot closer than you may think.
According to the latest IMF official forecasts, China’s economy will surpass that of America in real terms in 2016 — just five years from now.”
Jack Daniels Explains The Deficit
Given Obama’s spending habits, that maybe our only “escape”. A great video to share.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Rl1xgT3REE&feature=feedwll&list=WL
What a Shame!
Reliance on Uncle Sam hits a record
“A record 18.3% of the nation’s total personal income was a payment from the government for Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, unemployment benefits and other programs in 2010. Wages accounted for the lowest share of income — 51.0% — since the government began keeping track in 1929.”
http://www.usatoday.com/news/usaedition/2011-04-26-transferpaymentsnew_ST_U.htm
America’s Ever Expanding Welfare Empire
“America’s welfare state is not a principality. It is a vast empire bigger than the entire budgets of almost every other country in the world. Just one program, Medicaid, cost the federal government $275 billion in 2010, which is slated to rise to $451 billion by 2018. Counting state Medicaid expenditures, this one program cost taxpayers $425 billion in 2010, soaring to $800 billion by 2018. Under Obamacare, 85 million Americans will soon be on Medicaid, growing to nearly 100 million by 2021, according to the CBO.
But there are 184 additional federal, means-tested welfare programs, most jointly financed and administered with the states.”
http://blogs.forbes.com/peterferrara/2011/04/22/americas-ever-expanding-welfare-empire/
Why Obamacare SHOULD Scare You!
A recent “Investor’s Business Daily” article provided very interesting statistics from a survey by the United Nations International Health Organization.
Percentage of men and women who survived a cancer five years after diagnosis:
U.S. 65%
England 46%
Canada 42%
Percentage of patients diagnosed with diabetes who received treatment within six months:
U.S. 93%
England 15%
Canada 43%
Percentage of seniors needing hip replacement who received it within six months:
U.S. 90%
England 15%
Canada 43%
Percentage referred to a medical specialist who see one within one month:
U.S. 77%
England 40%
Canada 43%
Number of MRI scanners (a prime diagnostic tool) per million people:
U.S. 71
England 14
Canada 18
Percentage of seniors (65+), with low income, who say they are in “excellent health”:
U.S. 12%
England 2%
Canada 6%
Michigan Republican Mackinac Leadership Conference Sept. 23-25, 2011
This fall, Michigan Republicans will once again hold our biannual Mackinac Island Republican Leadership Conference….one of the best political events in America. Thousands of Michigan Republicans and hundreds of friends and activists from across the country attend regularly…this our 29th biannual celebration!
All the potential 2012 presidential candidates have been invited and traditionally most attend as well as other political leaders and pundits.
HOLD the date…join us…a great weekend of politics and networking.
http://migop.org/index.php/conference/information/
Resource: Michigan Legislative Social Media Info
Here is a great source for Michigan legislators and Administration official’s social media links. You can also order their directory online, which is nicely done.
http://www.capdirectory.com/socialmedia
National Popular Vote – What is it???
President of “Targeted States of America” vs
President of the “United States of America”
With an open mind, check this out. I think it makes sense. Basically it guarantees every vote counts, every vote matters and that the candidate who wins the most votes nationwide – wins.
http://www.thatssaulfolks.com/2011/03/09/national-popular-vote-what-is-it/
UnionRefund.Org – Spending YOUR Dues!
This is an educational effort designed to assist rank & file union member on how to get their share of “political dues” back under their own control.
Want a raise…easy, get part of your union dues back.
Don’t like the union bosses politics…it’s your money.
Let the unions represent you in their bargaining efforts and workplace issues…however, by exercising your rights, you can get the part of your dues designated for politics back in YOUR pocket, under YOUR control.
It’s easy…check is out at:
Stay In Touch…Feel Free to Share
My goal is for this to be a weekly political update…sharing political news and analysis that should be of interest to most activists.
Please share.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook.
On Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saulius-Saul-Anuzis/117948079728
On Twitter at:
@sanuzis
Thanks again for all you do!
