Playing "Chicken" With American Lives: The 2018 Government Shutdown

Once again, Washington politicians have shown a complete disregard for the lives of ordinary Americans living out here in "Flyover Country". This time the shutdown was the result of some 44 Democrat politicians playing a game of "Chicken" over approving a budget to keep the government going without a deal on amnesty of so-called "Dreamers". "Dreamers", in case you don't know, are individuals who were brought here by their parents; parents who came here illegally and thus are generally considered to be criminals.

Now before you start tearing up about these "poor little children caught in the middle", know this. These individuals are mostly adults. They have know all along they were brought here illegally, and thus by extension, are illegal as well. Nevertheless, despite knowing this for years or even decades, very few have taken any steps to become legal residents. Now, facing the possibility of deportation, these "Dreamers" are suddenly getting their panties in a bunch and crying "poor me".

Both political parties have known darn good and well that amnesty for illegal immigrants of any sort is and has been a non-starter from the outset, and yet the Democrats are going to try and hold those who depend on the federal government as hostages. Who am I talking about? How about the millions who receive WIC or federally funded pre-school or after school care? How about people drawing unemployment? How about those on Social Security, military or VA disability? Government employees, including those who are retired? It also includes VA hospitals and low income housing. Then there are the men and women serving in the military as well as retired military. Let's not forget those going to school using a federal grant or GI Bill. Somehow, I'm not surprised that these same politician are exempt, as are all the nations worldwide that we prop up. Regardless, Congress is a millionaires clubs to begin with (especially the Senate), so they don't have to worry about paying bills or buying groceries do they?

From my perspective, every time the federal government does a shutdown, it usually means that Congress and the President are about to do something that ordinary Americans aren't going to like. However, all sides will fall back---throw their hands in the air--- and exclaim that it was the best deal they could manage and how grateful us worker bees should be. Of course, this time it was the Democrats who stepped in it. In times past, it was just as often the Republicans, so neither side gets to point the finger at the other.

Normally, I would say something like "why doesn't Congress listen to their constituents? They know that Americans overwhelmingly oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants". Well, the truth of the matter is that Congress does listen to their constituents, at least the important ones; those corporate paymasters who finance their campaigns and pull their strings. Everyone should know by now that our Constitutional Republic is nothing but an illusion, just as the notion of a republic was under Augustus or Tiberius Caesar. The truth is that we are an Oligarchy; a plutocracy with its growing police state mentality. If these "elites" didn't want this to happen, be it a shutdown or amnesty for "Dreamers", then you can bet it wouldn't happen.

So what would be the reason for amnesty? Obviously it has to be something which benefits our Corporate Overseers. The best I can figure is that it increases the numbers of those seeking jobs, which on one hand is a good thing, but on the other, the more people competing for limited jobs drives down wages and benefits (simple supply and demand economics). With ordinary Americans more concerned about getting or keeping a job, we are much less likely to be focused on what Washington is doing.

Of course, unions could benefit as there is a strong likelihood that some of these individuals will seek employment in a union shop. However, that too is a illusion. Unions have been on the decline since the 1960s. Few have any real clout---economically or politically; most are hand-in-pocket with management, willingly or not. Their marching orders are to keep workers on assembly lines and off picket lines. Therefore, all this does is help fill the coffers of cash strapped unions.

Another advantage is that is gives the Democratic Party talking points for the next election. They are hoping that by holding Americans at gunpoint, these "Dreamers" or others seeking amnesty will either register or vote Democrat in future elections (the majority of American voters are registered Independent, and that number is growing while those registered Democrat or Republican are declining).

Of course, they are counting on America's notoriously short attention span and lack of long term memory to forget missing their retirement or disability checks; their paychecks, WIC payments, unemployment , or healthcare. Who knows? They may be right on that point. After all, the Left has been on a witch-hunt (is that a politically correct term?) over alleged cases of sexual abuse or sexual assault (often happening decades ago), and yet conveniently ignore the fact that one of their modern political icons is an acknowledged sexual predator!

The last thing amnesty does it that it cheapens the value of our borders and the meaning of American Citizenship, which, interestingly, has long been the goal of so-called "globalists" or "internationalists". These groups want to do away with borders, countries, and even the notions of nationalism or patriotism. For them, the ideal world is one global government interlocked with global corporations to create a single open and managed economic and political marketplace. People in Chattanooga will be competing for jobs with people in Bangalore and so forth. Once, being an American carried with it a sense of pride. If you came here from another country, you did everything you could to become "an American", from becoming a citizen as quickly as possible, learning and speaking English to adopting our customs and traditions. You didn't lose your heritage. You added it to the "Great American Melting Pot".

I don't expect this government shutdown to last very long. Just long enough to scare most Americans into accepting anything just in order to get on with their ordinary lives (fanned to near hysteria, of course, by the corporate media). In fact, I believe both corporate owned political parties and their puppets are counting on it. There is no real reason---no honest reason---that certain essentials remain funded and outside the scope of their political gamesmanship. I'm talking of course about social security and disability payments, healthcare and housing costs, paychecks for the military, WIC and unemployment (of course, suspending the pay and benefits of the President and Congress should be a no-brainer). It's high time that we as Americans put a stop to this. If you want to see who voted and how, I've proved two links below. I strongly encourage you to contact the appropriate representative and tell them how you feel---really feel---about this.



How Every Senator Voted on the Government Shutdown



How senators voted on the government shutdown

The Ban on Sausage and Pork: Has Germany Become A Nation of Limp "Wieners"?

Has Germany become a nation of limp "wieners"? Well, it appears so, at least according to Daniel Günther, a party representative of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Günther claims that the German government has quietly requested a stoppage of this spreading ban on their national food---pork, and in particular, sausage. Under this ban, sausage and other pork products are being pulled from schools, public canteens (cafeterias) and other places supported by taxpayer money where Moslems might go and eat. In addition, the German government has requested that restaurant owners and food venders not delete pork related products not removed from their menus; many have claimed they have removed pork products for "religious considerations". Apparently, however, pork products will still available to customers by specific requests. Now, you might be wondering what horrible tragedy has befallen the German People to issue this draconian prohibition of their national food---perhaps some "mad pig disease" or other health issue? Nope. A strike by pig farmers, driving up the prices? Not even close.

The culprit behind this ludicrous restriction is the Moslem "refugees". You see, the German government is scared that the presence of pork would agitate the pork-prohibited Moslem population, which in turn might "offend" them and result in more disturbances. Now we wouldn't want that would we? It's like inviting guests into your home and having them throw out your furniture, clothes, and whatever else they don't like and you doing nothing about it. Apparently, a few Moslem clerics had "demanded" that Germany no longer sell pork because the mere presence of it is considered to be "an insult" to Islam, which prohibits the eating of or mere contact directly or indirectly with pork, has sparked this recent ban---plus the implied threat of violence as a further incentive. So, rather than simply not eat the pork or to avoid it altogether and leave everybody else along, they decided it was best if all Germans were to forego pork. After all, in order to integrate into the German society, it should be the German People who should be the ones to conform.

As an aside, it was some of these same groups who also demanded that Germany stop selling alcohol, starting with the beer--- Germany's national drink going back centuries and one of its top exports. The so-called "request" was made during the 2015 annual Oktoberfest, when the Mayor of Munich was given a petition signed by several Moslem clerics demanding that Oktoberfest be stopped due to the consumption of alcohol, the intermingling of men and women, as well as the dress of the women themselves which they found to be "provocative", otherwise there was the usual threat of potential disturbances at future events. The mayor politely declined, but I imagine security will be heightened all the same.

Apparently all this makes sense to German Chancellor Merkel and other German officials, yet little is being done to stem this rising tide of "demands" backed by threats of violence which has all the subtlety of an extortion racket run by the mob. If you'll recall, during New Year's Eve celebrations, approximately 90 German women were physically assaulted, beaten, and/or raped (including one female police officer). Originally, authorities tried to dismiss and downplay the attacks until the numbers of reports became so large it couldn't be swept under the rug any longer (other similar attacks were reported in Denmark, Norway and Sweden). However, few arrests were made and some in the Moslem refugee community claimed the women were the ones responsible for what happened. Meanwhile, some local and police officials suggested that German women refrain from going out in public alone or even in some small groups; wear more conservative clothes, less makeup and perfume, or even try not to resist their attackers since it would only make them more aggressive. Nothing like blaming the victims huh? German school girls had already been asked not to wear short skirts or shorts and to reframe from "revealing" tops so as not to "offend" their new Moslem classmates.

As if that wasn't enough, German students were asked to "volunteer" at the refugee camps and do such chores as washing sheets and clothes, sweeping, cleaning, picking up trash, carrying packages, driving individuals back and forth and other character building activities. Punishment for not "volunteering" could include the possibility of a short stint in the German military. Community building at its best. It seems to me that these so-called "refugees" could do well to clean up after themselves rather than rely of German school kids to act like they're servants. There have already been several violent protests in Germany and the Scandinavian countries over the perceived lack of housing--- such as free apartments---resulting in residents (and citizens) being evicted in order to make room for their new occupants. Naturally, along with the "free" housing comes "free" utilities and "free" food--Halal (the Islamic version of Kosher) of course. For some reason, I think back on the Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon and Jordan who barely had decent housing and fresh running water or the Kurdish refugees with not even that who would be grateful for anything.

Then there are the refugees in parts Africa who have nothing but bloated bellies despite billions in international aid thanks to their corrupt governments and warlords who sell the relief food, seeds, tools, medicines, clothing on the black market in order to finance their lifestyles or wars, and yet the demand for handouts continue on a global scale. Relief workers are often chased away, kidnapped or even sometimes murdered. There are times when I think it would be better to supply these grossly malnourished individuals who can barely pass human beings with the weapons and means to overthrow their governments or warlords. At least they'd have a chance to fight back and perhaps receive the global relief sent their way. True, some of the refugees in Germany and other parts of Europe have suffered; suffered terribly, but many aren't even near the war zones and damn few look like they've missed a meal. They've used the exodus simply as an excuse to leave their homelands for what they see as a life of "freedom", meaning that everything will be free for them; someone else will provide for them, and apparently this is because they had been convinced that because they are Moslem they entitled since all non-Moslems---"Kafirs" or infidels ---are inferior and must serve them, or so they're taught by their Imams. Meanwhile very few Syrian Christian, Yazidi, or Kurdish refugees have been allowed entry to Europe. Those few who have did make it have also been beaten and/or robbed while in the refugee camps. We also can't forget that many terrorists have made their way into and out of these refugee camps, as nearly always, hiding among the innocent.

While sausage and other pork products are still legal in Germany, the fact that there are those in Germany calling for a voluntary restriction or outright banning of pork plus the other and more official "voluntary" accommodations, only goes to show the extent nations will go to hide from conflict the way you would from a bully, even at the risk of the destruction of their culture, traditions, and eventually their nation. I tend to hesitate mentioning the war when talking about Germany out of respect to their sensibilities, however, it appears to me that the Germans lost more than war in 1945. They lost their self-respect and identity as Germans while some have obviously lost their backbone as well. The great German Statesman, Otto von Bismarck, once famously said "Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made". He also said “Fools learn from experience. I prefer to learn from the experience of others.” The question then is whether we will learn from the experience of Germany, France, the Balkans, and Scandinavia, or will we too be fools? For more, please check out the links below.

Germany: Traditional sausages banned in public canteens out of respect for Moslems
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027664881


Germany Bans Sausages: Pork Banned in cafes and schools
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/650246/Germany-bans-pork-cafes-schools-offending-Muslim-migrants


German Cafes Have Stopped Selling Pork Sausages to Spare Muslim Refugees' Feelings
http://jewishbusinessnews.com/2016/03/07/german-cafes-stop-selling-pork-sausages-to-spare-muslim-refugees-feelings
/

Muslim petition to ban Oktoberfest gaining signatures in Germany
http://www.christianaction.org/news/2015/9/16/muslim-petition-to-ban-oktoberfest-gaining-signatures-in-germany


Visit Munich Oktoberfest, while you still can
http://legalinsurrection.com/2015/09/visit-munich-oktoberfest-while-you-still-can/


Germans Shaken by Mass Attacks On Women In Cologne At New Year's Eve
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/german-women-cologne-mass-attacks_us_568bde20e4b0b958f65cda0e

Does America Really Share 'Core Values' ?

Before I delve into the edition's topic, I have to say that I'm still a little bit in shock at the outcome of the recent election results. Rarely in my 35 plus years as a political and community activist have I seen such a seismic shift. Most political pundits and pollsters were predicting almost the complete opposite. Perhaps it was a referendum on the Obama Regime's policies. Certainly the scope of the election would indicate so. But then, given that the Governor-elect, Matt Bevin, has long been considered an "outsider"; a "Tea Partier", and an "anti-establishment" candidate, one could equally argue that the election was a refutation of the McConnell controlled Republican Party.

Of course, the top of the Democrat Party's ticket wasn't an especially strong candidate and, as a result, relied heavily on negative campaigning. Nevertheless, other candidates such as Adam Edelen, long thought to be a rising star, is now a bit dimmed. What we ended up with was a near sweep of the Constitutional offices by the Republican Party while the two Democratic wins were razor thin. So, congratulations to all the winners, and a special thanks to everyone who was willing to put themselves out there as a candidate. It's not easy. I know. I've done it a few times.

Moving on to this edition of A/O, did you happen to notice that one of the themes repeated over and over by the Democrat nominee was that Republican Matt Bevin didn't share "our values"? How often have we heard the phrase "our values" being thrown about in political campaigns or debates? It seems to be a catchall phrase used by both political parties for years if not decades, but no one ever seems to try and define just what that means. I wonder why that it is? Could it because no one knows what those "values" are? Maybe they're afraid to mention them because one or two of them might "offend" someone---and that may cost votes or worse! Then again, maybe it's just supposed to be left to our collective imaginations that we have some unspoken national or even regional moral bond.

But if you think about it, that's not quite true. As Americans, we do seem to share some common beliefs. If you take a look at our Founding documents, such as the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, as well as some other key documents and speeches (TR's "Man in the Arena" speech comes to mind), we can glimpse what some of these common core values are, such as a liberty, equality and self-government. As a nation, we have a almost unshakeable belief in a higher power or Creator (74% believe in God or a higher power), who has bequeath to us certain rights (often referred to as "natural or unalienable rights" as defined by individuals such as John Locke). These natural rights aren't due to the good graces of some benevolent government or royal decree. They are ours as a basic irrevocable entitlement based on our common Humanity.

Americans also share a common belief in self-reliance, privacy, equal opportunities to succeed (or fail) based on our own efforts (this is the "pursuit of happiness" portion you've probably read or heard about it). It means that you have the right to try to achieve a measure of self-happiness as you define it, but you have no guarantee that you will be successful. No one owes it to you. This is also part of our collective heritage as Americans of a capitalist or mercantile system. It's not a "anything goes" social or economic system. It implies a level playing field for all participants, which, of course, means equality and equal treatment for all. It also means honesty in our dealings with others, which brings me to an interesting contradiction in our collective mentality. Americans despise cheaters, whether it be in business dealings or sports, and yet there's a part of us which subtly admires the cleverness of the act. Perhaps that's why we can simultaneously like and hate someone like an Al Capone or Barry Bonds or Richard Nixon.

Another thing we as Americans seem to embrace is charity. Americans are among the most giving of any nation (ranked 13th in the world). We spend billions annually---$358 billion in 2014---helping people around the world and here at home (in 2013, the US Government gave $40.11 billion in aid, of which $8.03 billion was earmarked as military aid). We are quite individualistic, especially compared to other nations who think more in terms of the collective good, be it village, ethnic group or nation. It's part of our "up by our own bootstraps" mentality, and yet we tend to think of ourselves are part of various subgroups like Westerners, Northerners, Southerners, or New Yorkers or Californians and so forth.

Some self-identify by race (though frown upon by most), or sexual preference, religion, or even ethic group. Yet, when we travel abroad, we rarely make any other claim than that of being Americans. We are also a very informal. Perhaps that because we see each other as a unique human being; a "one-of-a-kind". It may also be because we, as a nation, rejected any titled sense of superiority of Europe. We tend to measure ourselves by our abilities and our drive to succeed through hard work. We also tend to distrust authority, especially governmental authority. Again, perhaps a holdover from our collective history.

There you have it. It appears we do indeed have a certain set of core values which unites as Americans; a belief in individualism and self-government, personal privacy, a level playing field and equal opportunity to succeed or fail based on our own efforts along with "healthy" competition, specific "inalienable" rights such as freedom of speech, religion, movement and thought innate to us as human beings, not to mention a strong work ethic and "can do" attitude, value of our leisure and informality. Some may add to that our sense of the value of our time and thus punctuality, the acceptance and normality of change, ability to own property, a representative government responsible to the people, and a right to participate in the political process as well as civilian control of the military and law enforcement.

So, the next time you see or hear a political advertisement or speech which either stresses their commitment to our shared "American" or "Family" values or their opponents lack thereof, ask yourself whether what's being promoted adds to or takes away from these values. Is what they're promoting increase the scope and power of government or personal responsibility? Does it contribute to creating a level economic playing field for all or does a certain group unjustly benefits? Does what they're claiming takes away from the rights of individual such as increasing surveillance or limiting our freedom of personal privacy; perhaps it creates a "personhood" out of artificial legal entities and bestows on them more rights than on flesh and blood individuals? Is money merely a form of freedom of speech or an economic tool? Should our use of it be restricted or just restricted for some?

As Americans, there is more which unites us than divides us, although to some we must remain divided as much as possible so that we remain distracted from what's really going on behind the scenes and more often than not, in our name...for our own good of course.


The University of Missouri-St. Louis. International Student and Scholar Services:
Key American Values
(July 17, 2013)
http://www.umsl.edu/~intelstu/Admitted%20Students/Visitor%20Handbook/keyvalues.html


Time Magazine: What Are American Values These Days?
(July 4, 2012)
http://ideas.time.com/2012/07/04/what-are-american-values-these-days-2/


Everyday Sociology Blog: American Values: Are We Really Divided?
(March 21, 2011)
http://www.everydaysociologyblog.com/2011/03/american-values-are-we-really-divided.html


Gallup Poll: Majority in U.S. Still Say Moral Values Getting Worse
(June 2, 2015)
http://www.gallup.com/poll/183467/majority-say-moral-values-getting-worse.aspx


Theodore Roosevelt: Citizenship in the Republic/Man in the Arena
(April 23, 1910)
http://design.caltech.edu/erik/Misc/Citizenship_in_a_Republic.pdf