On this special day we at DMRightSide would like to offer our thanks to the many brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces for their efforts and sacrifices made on our behalf. Without these brave individuals this Nation would not be the true blessing it is.
Our freedom really belongs to all of you, thank you for allowing us to enjoy it.
God Bless, and remain safe.
U.S. Grant
(On Behalf of DMRightSide and personally.)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Time To Re-Group
Well, the polls turned out to be right: Barack Obama defeated John McCain, and will be our 44th President. Democrats increased their margins in the U.S. House and Senate, as well as in the Iowa Legislature. It is safe to say that times are tough for the GOP.
As Democrats and their allies in the mainstream media spend the next two months eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Obama Administration in Washington, we Republicans are left wondering where we went wrong, and how to fix things. In short, we must figure out how to start winning elections again.
Two things are predictable: first, the conservative wing of the party is going attribute the losses this past Tuesday, and two years ago, to an alleged shift to the center. By contrast, the moderate wing of the party is going to allege that the party’s losses are attributable to an extreme move to the right. Second, there will be a call for new leadership within the party. Nationally, there will be at least two changes: President Bush will be leaving office, and a new chairman will be elected for the Republican National Committee. At the state level, the Republican Party of Iowa will have a new chairman, and House Republicans may have a new leader this coming session.
Discussions of the party platform and leadership shake-ups are healthy for any party. But in order for the Republican Party to become a governing party again, we have to go beyond merely being palatable to the party’s moderates and conservatives. We also have to go beyond a few leadership changes.
First, we have to show the American people that we are able to govern again. This will be challenging, but not impossible. Showing that we can govern means embracing pragmatism over ideology. Showing that we can govern means putting the people before ourselves.
Second, we have to reach out to more voters. This means moving beyond our traditional rural southern and Midwestern base. We need young people; Latinos; suburbanites; and people living in the Western part of the country. People in these demographic groups are the future of the country, and we need to work hard to bring them over from the Democratic camp.
Third, we have to change our election strategies. Regardless of whether we like the idea that people can vote early or that absentee ballots are being sent out in September, this is how the game is now being played, and thus far, the Democrats have been kicking our asses. Several State Legislative candidates won on election day, only to find out that they lost too many votes in the 24 days leading up to the election to either retain or pick up a seat.
Fourth, we have to be an aggressive and relentless opposition. Right now, the Democrats control the whole government—if anything bad happens, it is their fault. There are those within the Democratic Party that understand this, and are trying to lower expectations on Obama and company. Let’s not let them get away with it.
Finally, each of us should think about what we can do for the party. Whether it is getting involved in your local Republican party, running for a state or local office, working on a campaign, or just talking with the misguided souls that are about to regret their vote this past Tuesday when April 15 rolls around, we all can and should do our part to bring the party back to where we know it should be.
By W. Sherman
As Democrats and their allies in the mainstream media spend the next two months eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Obama Administration in Washington, we Republicans are left wondering where we went wrong, and how to fix things. In short, we must figure out how to start winning elections again.
Two things are predictable: first, the conservative wing of the party is going attribute the losses this past Tuesday, and two years ago, to an alleged shift to the center. By contrast, the moderate wing of the party is going to allege that the party’s losses are attributable to an extreme move to the right. Second, there will be a call for new leadership within the party. Nationally, there will be at least two changes: President Bush will be leaving office, and a new chairman will be elected for the Republican National Committee. At the state level, the Republican Party of Iowa will have a new chairman, and House Republicans may have a new leader this coming session.
Discussions of the party platform and leadership shake-ups are healthy for any party. But in order for the Republican Party to become a governing party again, we have to go beyond merely being palatable to the party’s moderates and conservatives. We also have to go beyond a few leadership changes.
First, we have to show the American people that we are able to govern again. This will be challenging, but not impossible. Showing that we can govern means embracing pragmatism over ideology. Showing that we can govern means putting the people before ourselves.
Second, we have to reach out to more voters. This means moving beyond our traditional rural southern and Midwestern base. We need young people; Latinos; suburbanites; and people living in the Western part of the country. People in these demographic groups are the future of the country, and we need to work hard to bring them over from the Democratic camp.
Third, we have to change our election strategies. Regardless of whether we like the idea that people can vote early or that absentee ballots are being sent out in September, this is how the game is now being played, and thus far, the Democrats have been kicking our asses. Several State Legislative candidates won on election day, only to find out that they lost too many votes in the 24 days leading up to the election to either retain or pick up a seat.
Fourth, we have to be an aggressive and relentless opposition. Right now, the Democrats control the whole government—if anything bad happens, it is their fault. There are those within the Democratic Party that understand this, and are trying to lower expectations on Obama and company. Let’s not let them get away with it.
Finally, each of us should think about what we can do for the party. Whether it is getting involved in your local Republican party, running for a state or local office, working on a campaign, or just talking with the misguided souls that are about to regret their vote this past Tuesday when April 15 rolls around, we all can and should do our part to bring the party back to where we know it should be.
By W. Sherman
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Final 48......
It is finally here: the last 48 hours of the 2008 Presidential Election. Soon all of the world will know who will be taking over as “leader of the free world” after President George W. Bush leaves office in January 2009.
By now it is no secret to anyone that the departure of W is an eagerly anticipated event by members of both parties. It is true also that the Bush Presidency has been marked by many troubling events, with some managed better than others.
As the Nation approaches this surely historical change in command, before we allow the historians and pundits to define the truth for us, now is the time to step back and take a breath, to recollect the last eight years.
The growth and change we have seen as a nation has been vast and stunning. Under President Bush, we have evolved from the travesty of the Clinton approach to foreign policy, to a country dedicated to seeing our international commitments through to the end. (Contrast the failures of Clinton in the Balkans and Somalia to the success in helping stabilize Iraq and there is no comparison.) The bottom line is we are stronger and more effective.
Furthermore, in the last eight years the nation has come to terms with the reality that we live in a new and more dangerous world than we previously understood. We have seen what our international neighbors are truly capable of doing to us as a people. The reality that we simply cannot all be friends has become a center-stage reality. The most troubling aspect of this truth is not the fact it exists (for it surely has always been) but is the fact that even now there are those on the far left that still want to dilute this self-proving truth.
Looking to the U.S. economy, it is clear that there is a problem. Yet to associate this with President Bush or the Republican Party is a great mistake, and academically dishonest. It was the Democrats after all who helped bring about the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977. This law is arguably half the source of our current housing and lending woes. This garbage law, paired with a lessening of fiscal planning and personal responsibility, created a recipe for disaster long before President Bush ever stepped near the White House.
In the next 48 hours as we prepare to vote (realizing that many of us probably already have) remember these truths about the last eight years. Think about what we have learned about the need for an honest leader with strength, wisdom, and experience. Remember all we have learned as a country in the last eight years, the next four years will surely have related incidents. After you have done all of this, when you have considered all of the facts, it is my sincere hope you realize one thing above all else; with all we know now this is the time for a leader; a leader who puts country first. The only leader that fits this mandatory set of criteria is John McCain.
Regards,
U.S. Grant
By now it is no secret to anyone that the departure of W is an eagerly anticipated event by members of both parties. It is true also that the Bush Presidency has been marked by many troubling events, with some managed better than others.
As the Nation approaches this surely historical change in command, before we allow the historians and pundits to define the truth for us, now is the time to step back and take a breath, to recollect the last eight years.
The growth and change we have seen as a nation has been vast and stunning. Under President Bush, we have evolved from the travesty of the Clinton approach to foreign policy, to a country dedicated to seeing our international commitments through to the end. (Contrast the failures of Clinton in the Balkans and Somalia to the success in helping stabilize Iraq and there is no comparison.) The bottom line is we are stronger and more effective.
Furthermore, in the last eight years the nation has come to terms with the reality that we live in a new and more dangerous world than we previously understood. We have seen what our international neighbors are truly capable of doing to us as a people. The reality that we simply cannot all be friends has become a center-stage reality. The most troubling aspect of this truth is not the fact it exists (for it surely has always been) but is the fact that even now there are those on the far left that still want to dilute this self-proving truth.
Looking to the U.S. economy, it is clear that there is a problem. Yet to associate this with President Bush or the Republican Party is a great mistake, and academically dishonest. It was the Democrats after all who helped bring about the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977. This law is arguably half the source of our current housing and lending woes. This garbage law, paired with a lessening of fiscal planning and personal responsibility, created a recipe for disaster long before President Bush ever stepped near the White House.
In the next 48 hours as we prepare to vote (realizing that many of us probably already have) remember these truths about the last eight years. Think about what we have learned about the need for an honest leader with strength, wisdom, and experience. Remember all we have learned as a country in the last eight years, the next four years will surely have related incidents. After you have done all of this, when you have considered all of the facts, it is my sincere hope you realize one thing above all else; with all we know now this is the time for a leader; a leader who puts country first. The only leader that fits this mandatory set of criteria is John McCain.
Regards,
U.S. Grant
Friday, October 24, 2008
Is Capitalism and Deregulation to Blame for the Financial Crisis?
This past week, the Economist, one of my favorite news sources, raised a question that I have been meaning to write about for weeks: the future of capitalism. As many of us have seen, the U.S. economic system (the world’s best economic system) is under fire as a result of the current financial crisis. Subsequently, many of the pro-growth, free-market policies adopted during the past 25 years are in danger of being replaced by the outdated, statist policies that failed during the 1970s. This populist knee-jerk reaction is not the correct way to respond.
This growing desire to wrongly blame for the status quo is well addressed by the article. Specifically mentioned are the criticisms that have been raised against capitalism—namely, that American-style capitalism is a failing policy, and, more specifically, that deregulation of finance is a losing approach. In rebuking these false arguments, the article looks to the record of capitalism in the developing world, and notes that millions of people have been moved out of poverty as a result of the success of capitalism. In fact, it is highlighted that this decade could be the highest growth decade in history. With these indisputable realities, one cannot help but wonder, “where are these critics getting their information?”
There is some consensus that regulation of the financial markets does require a second hard look by regulations. Most reasonable minds and the author of the article seemingly agree with this. As also mentioned in the article great places to start are requiring banks to keep capital reserves during good times, as well as having the Federal Government consider asset prices in their decision making process. But the current crisis cannot be blamed on deregulation alone. Millions of Americans know this and the same sentiment is reflected in the article.
Over-regulation shares as much if not more of the culpability for the current problems. The article notes that the U.S. mortgage industry is heavily regulated, as evidenced by the role of quasi-governmental entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Regulators and Congress thought they had the proverbial thumb on these areas, while in hindsight, we know otherwise. Pairing this excessive entanglement with industry with ill-advised Federal efforts to increase home ownership brought us total disaster as a nation.
An additional point made by the article also provides proof from beyond our borders that over regulation equates disaster. Looking to the more recent economic crises in Japan and South Korea (also heavily regulated economies), it is not hard to see a greater picture forming that spells out what brings disaster.
Ultimately, as rightly stated by conservative thinkers for years, and most recently this article, we need better government, not more. There could not be a more accurate statement. Complicating an already broken system not only fails to address what brought the first problems into existence but then sweeps them under a rug where they remain hidden for years. What happens then is a re-emergence of a then bigger, more severe issue.
Less is more, both in life and in regulation.
W. Sherman
This growing desire to wrongly blame for the status quo is well addressed by the article. Specifically mentioned are the criticisms that have been raised against capitalism—namely, that American-style capitalism is a failing policy, and, more specifically, that deregulation of finance is a losing approach. In rebuking these false arguments, the article looks to the record of capitalism in the developing world, and notes that millions of people have been moved out of poverty as a result of the success of capitalism. In fact, it is highlighted that this decade could be the highest growth decade in history. With these indisputable realities, one cannot help but wonder, “where are these critics getting their information?”
There is some consensus that regulation of the financial markets does require a second hard look by regulations. Most reasonable minds and the author of the article seemingly agree with this. As also mentioned in the article great places to start are requiring banks to keep capital reserves during good times, as well as having the Federal Government consider asset prices in their decision making process. But the current crisis cannot be blamed on deregulation alone. Millions of Americans know this and the same sentiment is reflected in the article.
Over-regulation shares as much if not more of the culpability for the current problems. The article notes that the U.S. mortgage industry is heavily regulated, as evidenced by the role of quasi-governmental entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Regulators and Congress thought they had the proverbial thumb on these areas, while in hindsight, we know otherwise. Pairing this excessive entanglement with industry with ill-advised Federal efforts to increase home ownership brought us total disaster as a nation.
An additional point made by the article also provides proof from beyond our borders that over regulation equates disaster. Looking to the more recent economic crises in Japan and South Korea (also heavily regulated economies), it is not hard to see a greater picture forming that spells out what brings disaster.
Ultimately, as rightly stated by conservative thinkers for years, and most recently this article, we need better government, not more. There could not be a more accurate statement. Complicating an already broken system not only fails to address what brought the first problems into existence but then sweeps them under a rug where they remain hidden for years. What happens then is a re-emergence of a then bigger, more severe issue.
Less is more, both in life and in regulation.
W. Sherman
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The test is now.
This Friday the modern day energy mafia otherwise known as OPEC will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the sudden “problem” with the price of oil. This re-convergence of many of the world’s most tyrannical, and anti-American governments to discuss what should be done to raise the price of oil should serve as another grave warning shot to all Americans that we live in a time that continues to be one of great peril, and not just at home.
Commentators today have rightly identified why some of the more infamous OPEC member countries are so agitated with the recent plummet in oil prices. To sum up those reasons is easy: they planned on using record prices to fund militarization, defy international law, and oppress freedom loving people around the globe. (Apparently with prices for oil dropping at record rates it is becoming difficult again to be a flush murderously oppressive government.)
Not only is this Friday meeting troubling news in that it indicates an increased potential for conflict around the globe, but such conduct will directly affect, (and likely harm) the American public as well. Based on what has been said recently there is in fact little question that one of the primary motivating factors of these rouge nations is to cause as much harm to the American public as possible.
Ironically a recent headline has also been that it is predicted that an Obama presidency would likely see a near immediate challenge by one of these rouge nations. Not only has coverage of this point been overdone, it is not even news worthy. A coke addicted in-bred with the IQ of Forrest Gump could have told you that countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela are out to get the United States any way they can. (For those out there excited about the break-through quality of the American news outlets, this ought to let a little wind out of your sails.)
The bottom line is this;
1.Oil is a weakness for the United States and most westernized countries.
2.This problem is complex and no amount of promised change or hope is going to solve it or any other economic problem quickly.
3.Throwing money at this issue or any other like matter is a short term solution that will screw you in the end because it breeds complacency.
4.The much hyped but still mythical Obama presidency is not going to be tested in 6 months, America is being tested now though and it takes a steady hand to respond to this still every present security and economic threat.
The end result is that we must elect a leader here in a few short weeks that has the best chance at handling a test already being administered to the United States. That leader is NOT Barack Obama. John McCain does offer the best chance we have at quashing the tyrannical governments seeking to do us harm like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. These rouge nations are not going to let up on their assault on America. If we the electorate neglect this reality and choose the wrong leader we will be tested in ways no American would wish on anyone.
Regards,
U.S. Grant
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Parting Thoughts on a Wild Two Weeks.
The last two weeks have been an intensely emotional roller coaster ride when one thinks about the U.S. economy. Between the drama in passing the questionable $700 Billion Bail Our Plan and the rise and fall of the stock market, it has been hard to catch a breath in regards to our economy.
People are still talking about, and in many cases criticizing, the passage of the bail out. I cannot blame them; it is truly an affront to all small government-minded, freedom-loving people everywhere. Even worse (yet unsurprisingly), a large portion of the free world soon followed in our reactionary, populist footsteps, and imposed similar responses.
Compound this reality with the fact that the last Presidential debate, arguably one of the dullest exchanges in recent history between two men vying for the position of leader of the free world, did little to help the situation. Both candidates seem to be in a race to the bottom regarding who can buy out more personal debt faster, or who can crack down harder on those “greedy” men on Wall Street. This discussion is not only pointless but also redundant.
I realize that today, after the world relief package went through, the market also saw a historic rise. This is a great thing, but who is to say it would not have happened without governments world wide destroying economic freedoms, crushing free market ideals, and misapplying billions of dollars of taxpayer money. This seems like a certified deal with the devil, and as many of us know, the devil is in the details.
I am pleased to know that today, world markets are breathing more easily. Furthermore, even though John McCain’s discussion of buying out mortgages disappoints me, I will still vote for him without question. The thought of an Obama Presidency makes my skin crawl. I do invite both Senator McCain and the electorate to wisen up to the devil in the details here. The crisis is not over, and failure to recognize this could lay the seeds for another one in the future.
Regards,
U.S. Grant
Note On Follow Up: Click HERE TO See The Washington Post October 14, 2008 For More On This From Those In The Industry!
People are still talking about, and in many cases criticizing, the passage of the bail out. I cannot blame them; it is truly an affront to all small government-minded, freedom-loving people everywhere. Even worse (yet unsurprisingly), a large portion of the free world soon followed in our reactionary, populist footsteps, and imposed similar responses.
Compound this reality with the fact that the last Presidential debate, arguably one of the dullest exchanges in recent history between two men vying for the position of leader of the free world, did little to help the situation. Both candidates seem to be in a race to the bottom regarding who can buy out more personal debt faster, or who can crack down harder on those “greedy” men on Wall Street. This discussion is not only pointless but also redundant.
I realize that today, after the world relief package went through, the market also saw a historic rise. This is a great thing, but who is to say it would not have happened without governments world wide destroying economic freedoms, crushing free market ideals, and misapplying billions of dollars of taxpayer money. This seems like a certified deal with the devil, and as many of us know, the devil is in the details.
I am pleased to know that today, world markets are breathing more easily. Furthermore, even though John McCain’s discussion of buying out mortgages disappoints me, I will still vote for him without question. The thought of an Obama Presidency makes my skin crawl. I do invite both Senator McCain and the electorate to wisen up to the devil in the details here. The crisis is not over, and failure to recognize this could lay the seeds for another one in the future.
Regards,
U.S. Grant
Note On Follow Up: Click HERE TO See The Washington Post October 14, 2008 For More On This From Those In The Industry!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Want Good Judges? Vote McCain
Very few law students—especially in the Midwest—have an opportunity to hear a lecture from the Chief Justice of the United States. Even fewer law students have an opportunity to pose a question to him during a Q & A session. And even fewer law students have an opportunity to shake his hand and have their picture taken with him. Yesterday, I became one of the fortunate few to have all three of these opportunities, thanks to Chief Justice John Roberts’ visit to Drake University Law School for the 2008 Dwight D. Opperman Lecture in Constitutional Law.
Quite honestly, there is little that I learned about Chief Justice Roberts that I didn’t already know. Having watched a large portion of his confirmation hearings in 2005, I knew he had an exceptional legal mind and was very likable. These expectations were confirmed today. Having taken Constitutional Law, and read some of his judicial opinions, I also knew that he is a judge who seeks to interpret the true meaning of our Constitution, and doesn’t arbitrarily assign meanings to parts of the Constitution that aren’t there. Again, this initial intuition was confirmed today. Finally, as one who has been paying attention to current events and one who is aware that election day is one month and one day away, I know that in order for our nation to continue to have good judges like Chief Justice Roberts on the bench, John McCain must be elected President.
A little history lesson to begin with: the last four Presidents each appointed more than one Supreme Court Justice. Presidents Bush, Bush and Clinton each appointed two (all of whom sit on the current Court) and President Reagan appointed three (two of whom sit on the current court). With Justice John Paul Stevens approaching age 90, there is a great likelihood that the next President will appoint at least one Supreme Court Justice.
On the Supreme Court, the vote of one Justice carries a lot of weight. One vote is the difference between allowing partial-birth abortions and upholding a law banning this gruesome procedure. It is the difference between forcing school children to be bussed an extraordinary distance for the sole purpose of “diversity” and allowing parents to have their children go to the best schools for them, regardless of their race. Finally, one vote is the difference between allowing cities to ban handguns from law-abiding citizens and upholding the second amendment right to keep and bear arms. On a more general level, one Justice may mean the difference between a Court whose decisions are based on the original meaning of the Constitution and a Court whose decisions are based on what the Constitution “should” mean. One vote may mean the difference between a Court whose decisions are based upon the Constitution and its original meaning, and a Court whose decisions are based upon foreign precedent and “contemporary human rights documents.” In short, one vote means a lot.
Another history lesson: John McCain has a track record of supporting good, originalist judges. He voted to confirm Justice Thomas, Chief Justice Roberts, and Justice Alito. Barack Obama voted against the Chief Justice and Justice Alito. Joe Biden voted against all three of the judges. For those of us who want good judges who will base their decisions on what the Constitution says, and not legislate from the bench, John McCain is your man.
By W. Sherman
Quite honestly, there is little that I learned about Chief Justice Roberts that I didn’t already know. Having watched a large portion of his confirmation hearings in 2005, I knew he had an exceptional legal mind and was very likable. These expectations were confirmed today. Having taken Constitutional Law, and read some of his judicial opinions, I also knew that he is a judge who seeks to interpret the true meaning of our Constitution, and doesn’t arbitrarily assign meanings to parts of the Constitution that aren’t there. Again, this initial intuition was confirmed today. Finally, as one who has been paying attention to current events and one who is aware that election day is one month and one day away, I know that in order for our nation to continue to have good judges like Chief Justice Roberts on the bench, John McCain must be elected President.
A little history lesson to begin with: the last four Presidents each appointed more than one Supreme Court Justice. Presidents Bush, Bush and Clinton each appointed two (all of whom sit on the current Court) and President Reagan appointed three (two of whom sit on the current court). With Justice John Paul Stevens approaching age 90, there is a great likelihood that the next President will appoint at least one Supreme Court Justice.
On the Supreme Court, the vote of one Justice carries a lot of weight. One vote is the difference between allowing partial-birth abortions and upholding a law banning this gruesome procedure. It is the difference between forcing school children to be bussed an extraordinary distance for the sole purpose of “diversity” and allowing parents to have their children go to the best schools for them, regardless of their race. Finally, one vote is the difference between allowing cities to ban handguns from law-abiding citizens and upholding the second amendment right to keep and bear arms. On a more general level, one Justice may mean the difference between a Court whose decisions are based on the original meaning of the Constitution and a Court whose decisions are based on what the Constitution “should” mean. One vote may mean the difference between a Court whose decisions are based upon the Constitution and its original meaning, and a Court whose decisions are based upon foreign precedent and “contemporary human rights documents.” In short, one vote means a lot.
Another history lesson: John McCain has a track record of supporting good, originalist judges. He voted to confirm Justice Thomas, Chief Justice Roberts, and Justice Alito. Barack Obama voted against the Chief Justice and Justice Alito. Joe Biden voted against all three of the judges. For those of us who want good judges who will base their decisions on what the Constitution says, and not legislate from the bench, John McCain is your man.
By W. Sherman
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