ETHICS REFORM - OFFICES OF PUBLIC INTEGRITY (S192 & 230, H.R. 422)

I agree that the Democratic party has finally brought much needed sanity and honesty back to Congress.

But Independents and concerned citizens across America are still awaiting strong leadership that will truly embrace ethics reform (regardless of Party).

What is the status of the creation of this much needed independent office - a Nov. 2006 election promise?

I do not believe the Democratic Party (and obviously the Republican) are serious about bringing meaningful and lasting ethics reform within Congress.

The minimal changes on gifts, disclosure and transparency are trivial in respect to REAL oversight by an independent Office of Public Integrity.

Speakers Reid and Pelosi, and the Democratic Party have been given an opportunity by middle class Independents (like myself) that believe in ethics and fiscal discipline within the Federal government.

The Democratic Party and Congress appear to no longer embrace a bipartisan office that will provide much needed oversight, accountability and consequences/punishment to members of Congress that have broken the trust of the American public and taxpayer.

Power, legislation and our treasury will continue to corrupt our Congressional process and its members. 30,000 Lobbyists again are "banking" on the Democratic Party to fail on their promise of the Office of Public Integrity.

All Federal Agencies have an Inpector General, and even the White House has an Office of Public Integrity.

Only a few Democratic and Republican members within Congress have signed (for show?) on to this important office within the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Where was the outrage to the House Ethics investigation (coverup) of the Mark Foley R-FL "don't ask, don't tell" predator club of our adolescent Pages.

I do not believe anyone received punishment or admonishment; and Foley was allowed to retire on a comfortable retirement at taxpayers expense.

Also, what about Rep. Jefferson (D-LA) who had $90,000 in his freezer; again where is the public (Party) outrage and accountability?

Until Speakers Reid and Pelosi (TO INCLUDE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES) go public and endore legislation for these MINIMAL COST offices, Independents and others like myself will NEVER trust "the new an improved Democratic Party of 2006", nor their Presidential candidates.

We need the Democratic Party, Congress and all concerned citizens to join together for REAL & LASTING ethics reform - the creation of these important offices.

Voters and the American public will not forget broken promises and a lost opportunity for REAL oversight and accountability.

I am so very proud of my Democrats that are working hard for us. I know the Lord will find a way for us to gain the WhiteHouse. God Bless every one of our Democrats. The people are working hard for you. I know if we all continue to work hard we will see the Wise and experienced Clintons in the White house again. They worked hard for us the first time and I know they will again. Success is coming for all Americans that work. Also for our wonderful military that are wounded and for the families suffering death for their love ones. I am so very sorry that hate became an obsession with the Republicans and hate killed so many of our brave military. Let us never put our political
well being ahead of our military's live.

If every tribe and group studied how to bring peace to all peoples in the world, we could do it. "What A Wonderful World this could be for all."

1. First of all, ANYONE can pursue a positive agenda. Getting it carried out is another thing. Instead of blaming half of DC on whom is stopping these bills from becoming law, perhaps a bit of realism is in order.

2. I guess what you are talking about in ethics includes the New Orleans rep found down there in Louisiana with all that cash stuffed in his Freezer? Don't forget about him because he was a Dem. I guess you are going to remind me of Halliburton and Dick Cheney? I wish you would, but then again maybe you want to forget about that, since Halliburton is moving their home office overseas, as well as many other Drilling Companies that will be following suit. When you have a new congress and dems that want to punish a certain industry, you in the process are going to loose massive amounts of tax revenue due to many companies getting ready to pull stakes. They are realizing they can set up in Foreign countries at a tax free basis, or at least lower than what the US is headed for. I don't blame them. If it was my business, I would do it too.

3. Passing Bills is nothing if it does not become law and the President signs them. I would not pat yourself on the back.

4. Pull out pull out of Iraq. Why not, it is the easy thing to do. Afterall, That is what the Dems want, the easy way to freedom. Freedom is not Free. But it is freedom you do not want. You want to empower government to hold conservatives down, so your liberal govenment can have a free will to do as it likes. I say we have already won in Iraq. Hussein is gone, a Democratic government has been put into place, the Oil Industry has reopened. Now to clean up the extremeists. We must aquire to promote freedom and democracy.

5. As far as a victory for America and with the Reps trying to stop the Dems, that is true. Dems are famously consistent on several items, raising taxes, gun control and no morals. You immediately raised the price of gas when you got into office over an increase in royalties. Oil companys passed that on to the consumer. Want to raise Minimum wage, Halliburton is leaving the US which in return has cut US tax income revenue, and I am sure after Virginia, the gun control thing will come up again. When are we going to outlaw cars? They kill many more people than firearms?

Please respond

For once I would like to see a educated and responsible answer, and then I could be less critical and more understanding of the democratic views.

"That's one way of saying they're going to raise your taxes because, you see, if you don't extend the tax cuts, your taxes go up." (President Bush, 9/21/06)

REPUBLICANS RAISE TAXES ON MILLIONS OF MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES BY BLOCKING DEMOCRATIC PROPOSAL TO EXTEND TAX CUTS

DEMOCRATS PROPOSED IMMEDIATE PASSAGE OF TAX EXTENDERS THREE TIMES; REPUBLICANS OBJECTED EACH TIME
Senator Baucus, Ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, proposed immediate passage of the tax cuts. Mr. Baucus: “Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to Calendar No. 326, H.R. 4096; that the Senate adopt my amendment that is at the desk, the substance of which is the agreed-upon tax extender package; that the bill be read a third time and passed…” (Congressional Record, 9/13/06, S9491)

Majority Leader Frist objected to extending the tax cuts. Mr. Frist: “Reserving the right to object…I object.” The Presiding Officer: “Objection has been heard.” (Congressional Record, 9/13/06, S9491)

Senator Baucus proposed extending the tax cuts a second time. Mr. Baucus: “Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to Calendar No. 326, H.R. 4096; that the Senate adopt my amendments Nos. 5003 and 5004, which is the agreed-upon tax extenders package…” (Congressional Record, 9/14/06, S9590)

Republican Senator Collins objected to the tax extenders package on behalf of Majority Leader Frist. Ms. Collins: “Mr. President, on behalf of the leader, I object. The leader objected yesterday. This is the same issue. He has asked I make his objection known.” The Presiding Officer: “The objection is heard.” (Congressional Record, 9/14/06, S9590)

Senator Baucus proposed extending the tax cuts a third time. Mr. Baucus: “I am again asking my colleagues to support my unanimous consent request to pass the negotiated tax extenders…I repeat, Mr. President, before the Chair in his role as a Senator objects, because he has been instructed to do so by the majority party, I think it is extremely irresponsible for this body not to enact these extenders right away…” (Congressional Record, 9/20/06, S9754)

Republican Senator DeMint objected to extending the tax cuts. Mr. DeMint: “In my capacity as a Senator from South Carolina, I object.” (Congressional Record, 9/20/06, S9754)

DEMOCRATS URGED IMMEDIATE PASSAGE OF TAX EXTENDERS
Senator Reid urged for the opportunity to vote on passing tax extenders. “If we had an opportunity to vote on these it would be virtually unanimous, Democrats and Republicans, but we are not provided the ability to vote on this.” (Congressional Record, 9/20/06, S9754)

Senator Lincoln warned taxes will be raised if extenders are not passed. “[T]here is no reason these extenders should be held hostage to all of these other things that people want to crowd into one basket. The bottom line is, by failing to renew these incentives, as Senator Baucus has said, for responsible behavior such as savings and getting a college education, we are raising the taxes on many of our hard-working American families this year.” (Congressional Record, 9/14/06, S9589)

Senator Nelson (NE) supported immediate passage of tax extenders. “I rise to state I support what Senator Baucus has proposed. It affects a number of Nebraska teachers and Nebraska families.” (Congressional Record, 9/14/06, S9590)

REPUBLICANS HOLDING MIDDLE CLASS TAX RELIEF HOSTAGE TO WEALTHY SPECIAL INTERESTS
“This summer, Republican leaders in both chambers used the tax break extensions to help build support in the Senate for the three-part measure (H.R. 5970) that also included a permanent reduction in the estate tax and an increase in the minimum wage.” (CQ Today, 9/22/06)

Republican Senator Gregg says middle class tax cuts needed as hostage for Republican strategy to protect tax cuts for the wealthy. “[I]f you don't kill the hostage, there's no threat.” (Wall Street Journal, 8/5/06)

Republican leadership thwarting vote on tax extenders; Frist undermining effort to extend tax cuts. “Grassley wants GOP Senators who are up for re-election to encourage Frist to free the popular extenders from the estate tax bill. Grassley is ‘frustrated that Senate Republican leadership and staff are generating objections to thwart that vote...’ Grassley’s effort to extend the tax cuts “has been undermined by Frist’s quest for permanent estate tax changes.” (CQ Today, 9/22/06)

Majority Leader Frist more interested in his political options than in extending the tax cuts. “[W]hen Baucus tried to bring to a vote a bill focused only on the extension of the tax benefits, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) blocked him. Frist said he wanted to preserve the option of a second chance for the full Senate to vote on the estate tax cut, the minimum-wage increase and extension of the tax benefits as a package.” (Los Angeles Times, 9/17/06)

Majority Leader Frist promises middle class tax extenders will only be passed if estate tax reform for wealthy families is passed. ”If the Senate kills the trifecta bill, we will not return to it this year. That means we would have no permanent death tax reform, no tax policy extenders and no minimum-wage increase…It's now or never.” (National Journal, 8/1/06)

House Majority Leader Boehner refuses a vote on middle class tax relief if estate tax reform for wealthy families is not also passed. “[A]nybody that wants any part of the bill, they get to vote for all of it or none.” (Roll Call, 9/6/06)

Oh and if you want to go off on the estate tax:

What is the Estate Tax?

...Presently, the amount of this credit reduces the computed tax so that only total taxable estates and lifetime gifts that exceed $1,000,000 will actually have to pay tax. In its current form, the estate tax only affects the wealthiest 2% of all Americans.

If you really want, I can get into how Republicans actually SPEND more than Democrats, how Republicans have put us into more debt and Democrats have gotten us out of debt, how GDP growth, the rate of inflation, disposable income, unemployment etc. are ALL better under Democrats
And there, an educated and responsible answer to your insults and insanity.

Still in this mindset of more more more is better better bigger more better ad infinitum. It reminds me of Prince Kropotkin watching his relatives spend more in one day than he did in two years.
When it's all used up it will be very hot in Saudi. But then, each to their own. At any rate, no one owns anything forever, we just rent this timespace for one little mortal lifetime no matter how rich we are. No dolllar bill will help stop a bomb or a hurricane or global warming. Better take your pick now, after thirty years of screaming at you about polluting the Earth, what do you want to pay for, water to drink and to raise crops, or more oil for your tin machines? I think in addition to llamas, goats, sheep, chicken and pigs, I will also get some good horses right here in the good old USA....and some solar panels and windmills too! We get tax incentives for those! Why, we can even grow an energy crop of windmills and corn, soy beans or sugar beets together and harvest renewable clean energy! Perhaps you could learn how to make more cisterns out there in your new country? Just a sugestion, but while you're gone, we can also let someone take your place in that lone pentagram of Solomon state. How's about Isreal? Then you guys can all do your thing in peace all you want...happily ever after expat. But really, it gets lonely after awhile, just wait Mr. Texan, and you will see, but then, you can jet set to the Moon. Ever read the book "Stark"? It's really good. More power to you if you can do it. I remember reading Von Braun's book on terraforming Mars, first we need to balance the ecosystem on Earth. Like the old saying goes, "You cannot go to greener pastures if you piss all over your own yard and it's yellow". Onward, just some suggestions cowboy....best wishes on your continued good health in the future.

http://www.third-sun.com

http://www.altenergy.org

You know I might vote democrat on an election if you can get one to quit wanting to raise my taxes and come into my home and take my protection away from me. I am a law abiding citizen, living in the most dangerous area of the world on my decission, mind you, yet the Dems want to come to my rescue by raising more taxes. I pay propery taxes, school taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, social security, road taxes, and yet, the Dems want to get more of my money, and I still live outside the US. If that is the price of a US passport, that they can keep it. I am currently making efforts to change citizenship anyway.
So I guess it doesn't matter anymore. Too bad I have to leave the US over the D or the R.

You know, I am busy helping to supply the world with the preferred energy source. Yet, you want to penalize the industry. Go ahead. You will do nothing but make the oil price go up anyway, and regardless what you do, the price of gasoline will go up, which will make everyone pissed anyway. It keeps me in a job and puts more money in the my bank accounts, outside the US. Money the US will never get.

See, I have the option of never returning to the US, and with the way the politics and rudeness of the parties are getting to US citizens, especially to those whom earn their money and live outside the US, and sacrifice the most, perhaps the US political parties are loosing focus.

Go ahead, pat each other on the back. Both the Democrats and the Republicans are destroying a nation that our fathers fought and died for, only to have a D or an R after their name and title.

Oh and another thing, to raise taxes, or really I should say "For the government to take more money from my pockets", it takes politicians to vote on that and to make that the law.

I personally don't care what the US government wants to do, but when it comes to my bank account and my home, "STAY OUT". My home is my castle. Oh, by the way, in Texas there is a a little movement you will be hearing about in a couple of years.

Have a good day

Forgot one thing you mentioned. My pastures are very green and getting greener. If you don't like the piss you are standing in, step out of it dummy. I could care less about you, or anyone else for that matter. You want to step into my life and take from me, you will get a fight whether polical or physical. I am concerned about my life and my short stay on this earth. The rest of the world can go along with me or get out of my way. I need no politcal power of party to assist me. I am an independent man that has a family and does not want socialists or criminals in my life. I am living life my way, not the way of some polical agenda butt heads. My allegiance is to my wife and family, not to any political group or flag. I keep my money scattered in overseas accounts that are respected for safety, security and stability. The US has not been that way for at least 15 years. My money is kept outside the US so the US cannot get their hands on it.

So gripe all ya want about one political group or the other. I say this to the Reps just as I do the Dems. You are all too focused on the letter at the end of the name or title. I wish all I had to do was sit around and play armchair quarterback every day. The D or R does not make a difference in the output of a political party. The Reps are too right wing, and the Dems want to be the next socialist state. So both of ya can stick it.

Nothing like a spoiled rich-kid Tex-ass-ian trolling around to remind us how dumb some people can get.
We already have one in the white House, that's more than enough.
This one sounds just as dumb as the Chickenhawk in Chief.
It is something in the water?

OH, I love this converstation. First of all I am not a rich-kid. I am 49 years old, and have been working in the oil industry for 30 years. Dropped out of University because sitting in a class room was not for me. I had to do something like WORK. Started out in the oilfield at the bottom of the ladder as a Roustabout at $480 month with NO union by the way.

I have never collected one day pay from the US government when I was between jobs due to the down fall in the oilfield. I have too much pride for that. I DONT want hand outs, I want to work. It is amazing how the oil industry from 1982 to 1994 never recieved any pay raise because oil dropped below $14 a barrel. This is what did it for me with the Dems. The Dems never came to my rescue. They only glorified the cheap oil prices. Meanwhile half the oil industry went belly up. Alot of people left the oil patch because of that. I stuck it out. I am willing to work 18 hrs a day, six days a week, because that is how you move up and make money. Not by supporting people that think the Government is going to keep me employed or force firms to make it good for the people. I AM the driving force in my future, not a President, and senate a congress or a political party. Sadly, the people of the US are depending more and more for the Government to take care of them. You get out of life what you put in it. That is why India and other third world countries are taking our jobs. They have not forgotten that good ole fashioned work will win over so called unions and socialized style governments, and computers every time. So they offer American Firms opportunities that will put more money in both their pockets. That is called good business. I will say that the Democrat party has done a good job convincing the American Public of the companies and firms owe the American People. The firms and companies in American owe them one thing, a honest days wage for an honest days work. Everything else is gravy. Don't cry about minimum wage either. That is why in India, you can get four or five workers for the price on one worker in the States. Americans are sometimes their own worst enemies. The Republicans are following suit too, so don't feel like the lone ranger.

By the way, I am not spoiled. I am quite blessed. I know it and I don't need a left wing or right wing governent in my life, that want to take from me what I have built. I love my job and my life. ANYONE, can have what I have if they will only roll their sleeves up and tell people to get out of their way. I want the Dems and Reps to stay out of my life, because they love to live off others.

Go out and get yourself a real job, where sometimes you have to work for 30 hrs straight, get filthy, go without eating for 18 hrs, work short handed, doing others jobs, because they do not know how, not because you have been told to, but because you want your job to be completed and you take pride in what you do. Then your boss in town hollering at you because the report is not in yet. I would not trade my work style or life I have for anyones. I deserve what I have. If the Government wants what I have built they will physically have to come and take it. Good Luck.

Nature and life is all about the survival of the strongest. You can call me as dumb all you want because my face ain't listening. The water here is actually quite good. Just remember one thing, which is for all on this earth.

I came into this world without a political power and I am going out the same way.

So I am sure not going to let one leach on me and suck out part of my life and what I have worked hard for, when I only have one shot at this life.

You can say you are for others and I am selfish, but actually quite the opposite. You depend on people like me to give the government money, so people like you can give to others and you take credit for it. You are lying to them and a leach to me. I do many things each year to others to help em out, but it is none of your business about my life and what I do with the money and life I work for.

Go ahead and pull the wool over someone elses eyes. You ain't pulling it over this one.

By the way, I am not talking about how dumb people get, but how smart lazy ass socialists and criminalist type Republicans get. You are all the same, taking advantage of others, so you put money in your pockets, and giving yourself power or keeping the power you have.

Hey Marie. do you drive a car, or use anything with plastic, or use any type of aersols or have electricity? They YOU contribute to the green house effect. I help supply the energy in which people like you demand and require to live your daily life. If you do not like that, then either stop using items or products that promote the use of fossil fuels, or develop another energy source. I have no problem with either. Regardless of what you use, you will still need petroleum products. If you continue driving a car you will either burn fuel or use oil anyway for the lubrication.

As far as your getting solar panel more power to ya. Literally. As far as green house effects, in case you didn't know, it did not just start occuring this year or 5 years ago. This has been building for decades, so blaming the oil industry is not the answer is it? Honestly, if you want to slow or reverse the effect you have to come up with an alternative source. All of mankind has been wrong for years, not just the oil industry, because all have used cars and all are flying on planes etc. I know blaming the oil industry is easy because they are big and it is the "IN" thing to do.

If you want to get an alternative, then I think the OIL companies will be the answer. There is no other industry in the world that can either develop, produce and maintain the demand for energy. Afterall, it is the general public that wants it's own private cars and does not want to use mass transit. Everyone wants there privacy in their little gas mizer cars or their gas guzzling SUVs. So the general public must make the change in not just their personal wants, but their representatives to make a change. Sorry, but if the public does not get involved, the green house effect will continue, and honestly, that is what the oil industry is planning on. The public is too wrapped up in their little wants and needs that we KNOW, if there is a change, it will not effect us much. It will maybe over 30 - 50 years, but by that time we have adjusted too. The problem with the majority including I hate to say it yourself, I bet ya a $100, you are not going to go to Solar Panels or your own horses or pigs etc. At least enough persons in the US are not because over 50% of the people in the US live within 50 miles of the coast lines, and that makes the majority of them urban. They ain't gonna do that. TOO MUCH WORK.

In order for the Oil industry to make an alternative for the world, they will either have a come to Jesus Meeting, or you make in financially acceptable for them to do it. Because they are like a business like every thing else, they will not operate at a loss, only a profit, or the stock holders will get em a new bunch of replacement CEOs.

If the Dems want to make a difference, then use your head and operate this like a business, not like a TV soap opera so your rating go up cause everyone likes whay you are saying to big business.

This is life not a reality show. Grow up

Hi everyone,

This is my first blog- ever. Anyways, I have been a life-long democrat for a variety of reasons.

I feel that the democrat party is the more moral party. I care alot about eliminating poverty and helping others in need. If you would like to bring religion into it, I think that the bible would agree. I also think that the Democratic party should stress this point more in campaigns, because I am tired be being labeled as the "unmoral democrats."

For me, saying that republicans have more morals, and then spouting about "not caring about anyone else" and your only interest "is in your own pocketbook," is very hypocritical. I think that this ideology is reflected in the majority of republican’s campaigns.

Another one of TexaninSaudi arguments was that democrats want to run individuals' lives- that is sort of a libertarian argument against big government. I feel that the Republican Party has developed a practice of being more intrusive in individual’s lives and not respecting individual rights:
1. Wire-tapping scandal without warrants 2. Anyone that has an opposing view of the current administration is accused of being anti-American and supporting the terrorist- sounds more like dictatorship to me. 3. Traditionally republicans are anti-gay. I really don't care if my neighbor is gay. He is a really nice person and I appreciate him. I hope that he has the right to be on his partner's health care plan and can go visit his loved-one in the hospital, when only family members are allowed. 4. Abortion-rights. As a woman, deciding when to have a child is the most life-alerting decisions that one can make. It likely makes the difference between living in poverty and being able to support yourself and your future family for the rest of your life.

Another thing that TexasinSaudi is passionate about is gun control. I do not have a problem with you having a gun as long as you do turn psycho and try to shoot me. I think that you should have a gun if you care about hunting or just want it under your pillow so you can sleep better at night. I do think, however, that if gun control laws were strengthened then it would prevent crazies or gangs to get a hold of them. I do not think that any democrat candidate want to take guns away from the general public. But I think that all sides can agree that we need to strengthen the ability to prevent mentally unstable people from attaining guns.

Another think that TexaninSaudi seems to care alot about is how much he is taxed. I feel that taxes are just dues that must be paid to a free democratic society. Taxes pay for the US soldiers' salary and education. I am happy to contribute to that. I do also feel that it is a free and democratic society’s purpose to provide a safety net for the poorest of Americans. I am sure that some need-based government programs might need to be reformed to eliminate services that can be taken advantage of, but government services are very important for those people who do work hard but need some help to get back on their feet. I do not think that you can understand how much government programs do help hard working people unless you know someone that a program has helped, and politicians that are on a mission to eliminate government programs are obviously disconnected to the large portion of impoverished Americans.

Another thing that I care tremendously about is stopping climate change. I think that it is very moral to be responsible for your own waste and not shove it off on future generations. The problem is that we are in a crisis and a slow change dictated by the market and capitalism, is not going to be enough. That is why I have decided that a candidate's energy policy is going to be deciding factor for my vote. The polar ice cap has been reported to be completing melted by 2040! (That means no more polar bears and penguins in their natural habit, and weather catastrophes across the world). That is 30 years away- in all of our lifetimes. We have to do something now and fast. We have to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2050. I urge all of you to revisit this issue, become educated and then show your concern by contacting your representative and voting for environmentally conscious candidates.

Thank you

Join the virtual march to stop global warming: http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/

http://www.nrdc.org/
http://pol.moveon.org/stepuponclimatechange/

1. "Climate Warming is Very Real in Arctic" ABC News, April 15th, 2007
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=3043221

Oh Becky, your quite funny, but I will go along with ya.

1. I never quite called you an unmoral democrat, but I would to Bill. Him an ole monica doing the dirty deed in OUR Whitehouse. And our famous Kennedy that is always on all of the Senate Panels, talking good and bad, what a laugh. He kills a woman while running around on his wife driving while intoxicated. I guess it wasn't his fault. OH, the Rep from Colorado that had the affair, whom later was in Playboy magazine. Can't really remember her name, and since I can't you don't have to count her. I know I can think of some more, but you have plenty to respond to.

2. My pocket book is the only thing that keeps my family in the position they are in. Your pocket book is not helping me. Neither is the other 290,000,000 people in America. If you are not going to help me, then why should I go help someone that I don't even know. But like I said earlier, I am do help many, but it is done on my terms not on a bunch of criminal Republicans and Socialist Democrats. It is MY MONEY. They never lifted a finger to get me my job or to help me live. The minute people start fending for themselves, then maybe just maybe the world will be a better place. Because the way it has been done since the 30s is developed a bunch of freeloaders. I will admit that there are a few that need help, but there are way too many programs and special interests that are using our tax money for the wrong thing. Not on just the Dems side, but plenty on the Reps side too.

3. I would have no problem with a certain amount of gun control, but that does lead to another issue with our rights. Since we have the right to keep and bear arms, if that is infringed on in what ever way, whether it is by total banning or a partial banning, is it not true that since Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, the Right to Assemble and so on, does that not open the door on allowing those rights to be infringed on. Also, we all know are government, or representatives or our government and special interest groups, are never satisfied with just a little, they keep prying until they take it all.

4. Becky, I feel you are right on the taxes paying our soldiers and I for one wish I could direct all my tax revenue to the Soldiers but it doesn't work that way. The rest of what you are saying is quite right, and I would say I agree 100% with you there. The way our tax system works, I do not have a problem with. But I have a problem with how the budget is done and how moneys from one budget item is pulled to another. And more money is needed. I approve of an emergency fund for just that. Becky, surely you admit though, that the the Reps and the Dems have been both very careless with money. I think the two parties could get something accomplished, but my issue with both of them is, the finger pointing. I am tired of it. It has been going on for decades and the older folks would probably say further back than that. I am an American that has spent more time outside the States than in it, and I love the nation, but the political BS going on in DC is nothing but politics. The Politicians get look for the D or the R behind their name and that determines if you are friend or foe. I am seeking a new citizenship and it looks like New Zealand.

5. It is good to see someone that I feel is sincere on how they feel, especially the environment. I know that many people like picking on big oil, and since I am a member of it. But we can't change the way vehicles emit smog and emissions into the atmosphere, unless technologies and laws are put into place. That is what we vote for.

I feel that you are one of the more intellegent and realistic persons I have seen on here. I am all for change, if the change is thought out and not a reaction. It must be Rational change, not Emotional change. We all get emotional from time to time and that is human nature. But I will not and refuse to change my ways when someone makes issues and laws and makes claims of myself or others by shooting from the hip. I can make sacrifices and am willing to do so, but to intellegent decissions.

As you being a lifelong Democrat, I have been a Republican for many years. I still agree with some views of the Reps, but disagree on just as many. But I will say, the Dems will not get my vote either because they are just as bad at reacting and at finger pointing. I want Adults in my government, and since neither one of the two major parties are willing to meet at a table and work out AMERICAN problems, neither will get my vote. I will vote for the Three Stooges first, because the Dems and the Reps are acting like Tom and Jerry.

Good Luck to you Becky. It sounds as if you are focused and heading in the right direction. Your heart seems to be in the right place.

What are your plans for opposing a new dictatorship in Iraq once our troops are withdrawn? Can you guarantee that a new Saddam type dictatorship supported by Syria and Iran or other Arab countries will not rise up after we're gone? Won't they then try a new 9/11 type attack on the U. S., since they'll have more unity or power? What's to stop them? What will happen to the thousands of innocents including the Kurds after the U. S. withdraws from Iraq? Won't there be a bloodbath, women forced to wear veils again, women not being able to vote, women not being able to hold many jobs, and women not being able to get a proper education? Won't there be no freedom of speech, no freedom of religion, and a lot of other no's? Won't the price of oil go up, since the terrorists supporting the new dictatorial government will be in power? What will you do to stop this if all this happens? Will you just do nothing?

What plan do you have for Iraq after we pull out? Can you guarantee that another Saddam type government will not be set up? A person would have to be living in a cave not to know that Syria or Iran or both along with other Arab countries would not have a hand in this or would aid such a government if it would become their ally. Don't you think that such a Saddam government would not launch another 9/11 attack or support one with money or weapons? Can you guarantee that it won't? All of these questions of course hinge on whether we withdraw from Iraq or not. Shouldn't we have a permanent presence there as in South Korea or elsewhere, even if our troops are being attacked, knowing that without our troops, matters could be much worse? What will happen to the thousands of innocents including the Kurds once we withdraw? Won't there be a bloodbath, women forced to wear veils, women not being able to work at many jobs, women not being able to vote, etc.? Won't there be lack of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and a many other freedoms? I care. Do you?

I am not a politician, I don't have a plan. But neither does the Dems. It is actually on this website, look at it and read it. They call it a plan but it is actually a goal. That is the same goal as myself and the rest of the world including the Reps.

Can you guarantee that you will be alive tomorrow? of course not. The mid east is that way, maybe you forgot, I live there. What is the point though? Yes, they probably will try another 9/11, so what is the point. Pull OUT? that will allow the cancer to grow. I don't like staying there, but if you have a better idea, I am all ears. Pulling out is inviting the terror to resume and regenerate itself in the void when we leave. One thing, I believe in regardless of the political agenda or party I will follow, my FREEDOM and my familys FREEDOM. Nothing much really matters. And if that means going to a foreign land and fighting a war against people that will kill their own just to make a point, then I am all for it. People wonder why we are still there. Well if those insurgents will kill there own people just because they hate America, what do you think they will do to us? And it is not just because us going into Iraq. Something the people in the stated don't see over here. Is that Al'Quaida has a television station, and it is on 24 hrs a day. No commercials. All it shows rerun after rerun, is US Military Vehicles being blown up, American Solders laying on the ground dead having their dog Tags ripped off, sniper shots on US Soldiers etc. I don't care what anyone says, "WE HAVE TO STAY AND DEFEAT THIS IDEOLOGY AND HATRED". Some would say that we should pull out because of the hatred over here against America. They are always going to hate us. They like you if you have money until you turn your back and then they want to rip you off. They will do the exact same thing to America if we cut and run and leave this business unfinished, and yes that would mean more US soldiers killed. Sorry but this evil is not going away lightly. It is a criminal evil.

One of the key topics that the prior administration has neglected (and in some cases actively hampered) is the migration to minimal impact energy sources and all the logistics behind that.

The biggest problem with this "Alt Fuels" issue is perception. The perception is that we will develop a safe efficient alt fuel system and within a year we'll all be driving something like hydrogen cars. That simply isn't the case. We're at the very beginning of a long slow weaning process, weaning ourselves from fossil fuels. For right now, and in that transition period to come,...there is NO REASON for anyone in our country to continue to pay as much as $3.00/gal for gasoline when we could be making our own gasoline in the US. The republican party has specifically thrown red tape in front of a company called Changing World Technologies who has a 100% proven method of creating essential fuel products from waste materials. (a double whammy of providing fuel AND preventing more garbage going into landfills.

This technology is revolutionary and could easily lead to US fuel independence from foreign oil sources, possibly leading to the US exporting oil to other countries, and all with considerably less impact to the environment than any other solution. This isn't a pipe dream or a wacko made up science. CWT has facilities that are turning waste into fuel RIGHT NOW. The Republicans have made it so hard for them to get approvals/advance their technology and to get aid within the government that they are considering moving their tech to another country. Yes,..we have an opportunity to end our dependence on foreign oil and the republicans would rather see it go to China, or the UK rather than hurt the pockets of the big oil companies.

The republicans have been TERRIFIED to acknowledge and/or embrace this technology due to the handshaking with the oil industry.

What will the democrats do? Why haven't they embraced this technology as a stepping stone to going green?

One of the key topics that the prior administration has neglected (and in some cases actively hampered) is the migration to minimal impact energy sources and all the logistics behind that.

The biggest problem with this "Alt Fuels" issue is perception. The perception is that we will develop a safe efficient alt fuel system and within a year we'll all be driving something like hydrogen cars. That simply isn't the case. We're at the very beginning of a long slow weaning process, weaning ourselves from fossil fuels. For right now, and in that transition period to come,...there is NO REASON for anyone in our country to continue to pay as much as $3.00/gal for gasoline when we could be making our own gasoline in the US. The republican party has specifically thrown red tape in front of a company called Changing World Technologies who has a 100% proven method of creating essential fuel products from waste materials. (a double whammy of providing fuel AND preventing more garbage going into landfills.

This technology is revolutionary and could easily lead to US fuel independence from foreign oil sources, possibly leading to the US exporting oil to other countries, and all with considerably less impact to the environment than any other solution. This isn't a pipe dream or a wacko made up science. CWT has facilities that are turning waste into fuel RIGHT NOW. The Republicans have made it so hard for them to get approvals/advance their technology and to get aid within the government that they are considering moving their tech to another country. Yes,..we have an opportunity to end our dependence on foreign oil and the republicans would rather see it go to China, or the UK rather than hurt the pockets of the big oil companies.

The republicans have been TERRIFIED to acknowledge and/or embrace this technology due to the handshaking with the oil industry.

What will the democrats do? Why haven't they embraced this technology as a stepping stone to going green?

Quit sitting around and complaining folks. The technology cannot give us the same as we have it right now with fossil fuels. It is not going to happen right now. This will take time. In the mean while YOU the citizens will have to do something about it in the mean time if you want to help out. Otherwise, shut up if you are not going to contribute to a greener earth. I challenge you to look at the cars on the road, tomorrow when you go to work or come home. Forget the SUVs versus the Economy Cars. Look and see with you own eyes, how many people are driving alone in a vehicle. It is quite apparent, the price of gas is TOO LOW, if you really want to do something about the green house effect. If you can't car pool or take mass transit, then this subject should not be directed towards a political agenda, but the people of this nation and world. If you aren't going to help pay the price, shut up.

I am proud of the Democratic Party for doing what they have done since winning the majority. I really want to write to Howard Dean, I still have not gotten over when the republicans and the media took his words out of context during a campaign speech and made him look and sound like a mad man. That in comparison to what Bush and Cheney have done in the public eye is nothing and I don't think Howard Dean and everyone else should give up so easy. I feel like he is a perfect person and candidate to represent the American people right now. It seems like are daily lives and existance are not being focused on enough. When is the United States going to start doing something for the American people, instead of everyone else. We are not safe and secure; our futures and our childrens future are not being prepared for while the media puts a bunch of soap opera and personal weird stories all over the TV to keep us from focusing on what's really going on! I keep waiting for some big cowboy to ride into town and save the day.

Well, vote for Dean. Well, he is a mad man. His elevator does not go to the top. Well he does not represent me. But what ever twists you crank. Only the next election will tell. Hopefully you will be disappointed. I can't speak for anyone in the Dems or the Reps. They are all either too far left or too far right. No one in the middle. That is what this country needs. Back to basics.

HEY BANQUO

You sounded pretty intellegent until I saw in your message above about when US starts making their own Gasoline. See this is the whole thing I have been saying. WE DO make our own gasoline. Gasoline does not come from the ground dummy, it is made in a refinery from Crude Oil. You cannot put Gasoline on ships and import it. The reason we have had gas shortages recently is not because of a shortage of oil or gas, it is because the demand was more than our refineries can put out. The government for the last 15 years has not allowed new refineries to be built because of the Tree Huggers. Get your facts straight. Gasoline cannot be shipped on Vessels, especially 42,000,000 gallons at a time. Have you ever wondered why you have never heard of a tanker having a gasoline spill? It is crude oil, government regulatory bodies will not allowed gasoline to be stored in single type containers that large because of the catostrophic disaster it could cause environmentally and medially because of it's lower explosive limit.

Do some research before you put democratic crap on here. You are all too obvious. But I guess you would not see that would you?

Hey Banquo

I can't help but pick on you. The Republicans may be terrified, but the oil industry is laughing their ass off at people like you. Keep it up, you make us more money. The people in the world, not just americans, will eventually get it right for the earth and for their energy needs. But right now, with wanting their cheap gas to continue their driving around with one person in the car, and doing something for the environment is a bit hypocritical, don't you think. You need to see China. I was their three years ago. They have twice the cars on the road they had 10 years ago. India, is bounding more than China, a little unknown fact, because China is still one of our enemies. They don't have emission regs either. So, keep up the good work. The work is not just in the states, it's world wide baby. What ever energy source you come up with, will not only have to be greener, but it will have to be used in the current automobiles, because those commie Chinese are not going to let go of their new fought for cars. To find an acceptable energy source that is as good as fossil fuels will be more difficult than what you think.

One last thing to all of ya. The production of oil has been around since the 1850s. It will not go away quietly. My meaning here, with all due respect to all of you, it is used in such a mass amount world wide in all industries and private practices, the use of oil products is almost endless.

I must give you all respect, the world has been powered by oil products for such a long time, that the alternative will take a long time to take oil's place. Some are stating, 20 - 50 years. Honestly I can only say that is being very optomistic. For our earth, and the life on it, man is the care taker. He will have to develope an alternative fuel. So while we all point fingers at one president or one or both parties, regardless whom you like or support, it is the people not the government that will make the difference. "A PEOPLE", preferably the human race will make the difference, not a political party. So if you have 100 million americans want one thing this election, what about the next election. You must get something we can all work with and all accept, WORLD WIDE.