When I was a youngster and things weren’t going well in the economy, the Democrats would always claim, “It’s Hoover’s fault.” Republicans, on the other hand, blamed Democrats for “getting us into war” citing Wilson, Roosevelt (FDR) and Truman.
Today, things have changed. Democrats blame Bush for both the economy and for getting us into war.
But who really should bear the responsibility, if not the blame, for the problems facing our country today? To be sure, there is enough blame to be shared by both political parties for landing us in the deeply troubled economy that haunts us today. Politicians of all stripes and at all levels of government have, through fiscal irresponsibility, over taxed and over spent the public’s money. Truly, the blame can reach beyond politicians to include skillful labor unions who have negotiated benefits beyond the ability of governments and private sector employers to pay for them. Additionally, an apathetic public – perhaps the greatest cause of all our woes – has allowed corrupt politicians, avaricious businesses and organized labor to loot the public coffers.
Since the days of Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, our country has been on a Fabian path to statisim. Some are surprised that the Obama Administration has accelerated the pace.
In his most recent book, The Next Decade, geopolitical analyst and founder of Stratfor George Friedman presents a provocative and insightful look into the next decade. It’s a book well worth reading, as he sees a time of massive change and what the US will need to do to survive.
Before we jump headlong into speculation about the next decade, let’s take a look at the recent past to get some idea of whose policies and actions have put us where we find ourselves today.
From 1949 until 1995, the Democratic Party held majority control of the House of Representatives, thereby acting as a restraint on one-party dominance when Republicans sometimes had majorities in the US Senate and/or the White House. The philosophy of bigger and bigger government, embraced to greater and lesser degrees by both political parties, has dominated the country since the 1930s.
It was the relatively short period from 2003 to 2007 that the Republican Party controlled both houses of Congress and the White House. Even during the “conservative” presidency of Ronald Reagan, at least one house of Congress remained in the control of the Democratic Party and government continued to grow.
The current and dramatic shift in political dominance in Washington did not just take place on January 20, 2009 when President Obama was sworn into office. The shift actually began on January 3, 2007 when the Democrats recaptured control of the US Senate. At that time, the Dow closed at over 12,600; unemployment stood at 4.6% and the economy under George W. Bush set a record of 52 consecutive months of job growth.
It was on January 3, 2007 that Barney Frank (D) became Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and Chris Dodd (D) took over the Senate Banking Committee. 15 months later a meltdown occurred in the banking and financial services sector of our economy, notwithstanding President Bush’s urging repeatedly that serious reform was needed.
One of the most important responsibilities that a member of Congress has is to enact an annual budget for the federal government. However, the US Senate under the leadership of Harry Reid (D) has failed to pass a budget since 2009. The House, under Republican control since 2011, has twice passed budgets and sent them to the Senate, which for purely partisan reasons has failed to enact a budget bill. Unfortunately, Majority Leader Reid and his Democratic colleagues believe that partisanship is their primary responsibility, rather than fiscal stewardship and sound public policy.
The Federal budget cycle is governed mainly by six laws. Probably the most important of them is The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 that governs the basic practices of federal budgeting and spending. Because of partisan irresponsibility in refusing to enact a budget and to avoid government shutdowns, Congress gets along by enacting continuing resolutions. Doing so fails the test of fiscal responsibility. However, public apathy (cited above) allows negligent politicians to get away with it.
President George W. Bush was no fiscal conservative or effective small government advocate. During his eight years in office, he increased the federal budget by 104% and the national debt grew by $3.3 trillion.
The Obama Administration has accelerated the pace of spending and debt to unsustainable levels. Today, the national debt stands at over $15 trillion. The debt is dismissed by some as just money we owe ourselves, but the interest on that debt has to be paid out of tax revenues, or borrowed and added to the debt. That interest so far in 2012 is nearly $4 trillion. There are those politicians who see increasing taxes as the only answer to any problem. Others contend that the problem is not that government has too little in revenue, but that it is spending far too much.
Whether it is the fault of Republicans, Democrats or both, it is a useless exercise to simply blame. Rather, we must reverse course and get our fiscal house in order if we are to survive as a nation that resembles anything we have known up until now.
There are solutions, but no easy solutions. Our apathetic and dependant population “served” by corrupt and power-grasping politicians may result in our becoming more like Greece than the affluent land of opportunity we once were.
In a 2011 interview conducted by economist Donald Luskin, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan observed that he sees the United States as having crossed the threshold, a point of no return, at which we’ve taken on too great a government debt, and at the same time made too great a commitment to government control of the economy. Luskin wrote, “He told us that we won’t recognize America 20 years from now, and that we won’t like what we see.”
Jim Morford is former Associate Director of Government Relations for the NJ Education Association, former VP and chief lobbyist for the NJ Chamber of Commerce, former President of the NJ Food Council and is Executive Director Emeritus of the NJ Society for Environmental, Economic Development (NJ SEED). He is a partner in the Trenton-based consulting firm of Morford-Drulis Associates, LLC. The opinions expressed in this column are his and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any clients or associates.
Signs Executive Order to Form Interagency Council on Homelessness and Develop Ten-Year Plan
Trenton, NJ – Today, Governor Chris Christie signed Executive Order 92 creating the Interagency Council on Homelessness to combat homelessness as part of the Administration’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable New Jerseyans. The Council is tasked with better identifying and addressing the needs of homeless New Jerseyans as part of a longterm plan to help assist those individuals affected by homelessness and to prevent homelessness from taking hold in the future. This cooperation and planning will strengthen existing efforts by improving the coordination and delivery of programs and services to those in need.
Governor Christie signed Executive Order 92 at HomeFront in Ewing, an organization that works to combat homelessness by increasing the availability of adequate, affordable housing for New Jersey families in need of assistance. The Governor was joined by Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Jennifer Velez and Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs (DCA) Charles Richman. The Council will be co-chaired by the commissioners of DHS and DCA.
“Homelessness in our society often touches each of our communities in a personal way and too often fails to get the attention it deserves. It is our neighbors, friends and sometimes family members who, having fallen on difficult times, struggle to have their basic housing needs met,” said Governor Christie. “Right now, New Jersey has a strong set of services available to assist our homeless residents get back on their feet, but they are not applied in a strategic and coordinated way. We can do better to serve families who need help now, and deliver services in a more organized way to prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place.”
According to a January 2012 report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, New Jersey’s rate of chronic homelessness has decreased by 20 percent, indicating progress in identifying and working with individuals with substance use disorders, disabilities, mental illness or medical issues. However, overall homelessness has increased over that same period (7%), which means there is still work to be done to support families and veterans.
“Without a place to call home, it’s incredibly difficult to secure and retain a job or nurture a family,” said Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez. “Safe, permanent housing truly is a key factor in helping people attain self sufficiency.”
Governor Christie’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget proposal acts on a commitment to provide housing assistance for New Jerseyans who are in need. In addition to providing $2.3 million to expand the successful Veteran’s Haven – the veterans transitional housing program – to the northern part of the state, Governor Christie’s budget provides critical funding for housing assistance programs such as the State Rental Assistance Program ($21 million), the Homelessness Prevention Program ($4.4 million), and Shelter Assistance ($2.3 million).
In addition, the Department of Human Services serves many homeless residents through its General Assistance and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs. Both provide supports that include temporary shelter placement, rental assistance, medical coverage, food assistance and job training. The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget protects $78.6 million in funding for the WorkFirst New Jersey program, which helps people get off welfare, secure employment and become self-sufficient through job training, education and work activities. Other state services also are provided to homeless individuals who have mental health or addiction disorders.
These programs have helped make New Jersey a leader in preventing chronic homelessness in New Jersey, but homelessness continues to affect too many New Jersey families. The Governor’s action today will mobilize the state government in a more efficient, coordinated and strategic manner around the goal of finally ending homelessness in the state.
“Today, we are taking action to more effectively address the needs of homeless New Jerseyans across every aspect of state government, with the goal of identifying and preventing the many different causes of homelessness. Ultimately, I believe that as leaders we must set high, achievable goals for the serious challenges we face, which is why the Council also will be charged with developing a 10-year plan to combat homeless over the long-term,” added Governor Christie.
The Interagency Council on Homelessness will be established within the Department of Human Services, be comprised of 15 public members, and operate until December 31, 2014. Its duties and responsibilities include:
·A review of the findings contained in the Interim Report of the Council on Preventing and Reducing Homelessness;
·Identifying and evaluating the statutory and regulatory impediments to the effective delivery of services to homeless individuals and families;
·Providing recommendations to improve relevant laws, programs and policies to better utilize state resources directed to homelessness and homelessness prevention;
·Preparing a 10-year plan to end homelessness in New Jersey; and,
·Reporting annually to the Governor on the Council’s work and progress.
The Council’s membership will be comprised of the Commissioners of the following Departments: Children and Families; Community Affairs; Corrections; Education; Health and Senior Services; Human Services; Labor and Workforce Development as well as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency; Chairman of the State Parole Board, the Adjutant General and a representative from the Governor’s Office.
Eleven public members will be appointed by the Governor and will include a representative of county government; a representative of municipal government; one person who is or recently was homeless; a representative of the private sector; four representatives of non-profit agencies providing housing, social, behavioral health, or health-care services to homeless individuals or families; a representative from a non-profit providing statewide coverage, technical assistance, and affiliation with a national non-profit; a representative of public housing authorities; and, one representative from the faith based community.
In addition, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Senate Minority Leader, and the Assembly Minority Leader each may appoint a member of the Legislature, or his or her designee, to serve on the Council.
Last election Anna Little proved to be someone that would represent the people and not party politics. She has endured hostile treatment by former supporters that appear to be “party centered” and not concerned with the decay and downward direction of our country.
Recently members of the MCTPC reviewed candidates for congress and the backing they have received and used this as a “beacon of light”. We are very disgusted with the politics and the continued effort of those in both parties to not put forth constitutionally leaning candidates yet these parties swore an oath of allegiance to our U.S. Constitution. Only Anna Little has proven to be for Americans whether they are conservative or the “useful idiots” of the globalists. Therefore we proudly support Anna Little because it is clear Anna Little is not only older, but has proven to be best committed to people’s freedoms and restoring American greatness. She would never say “after this election I can be more flexible“.
Many say “our congress is now leaning more conservative so why bother?” Well this current congress has no clue, they don’t over-ride executive orders, they haven’t de-funded fascist political hidden agendas and have done nothing to audit our federal expenditures. Where is the outrage? It saddens many of us that so many people don’t realize our constitution declares our rights and shouldn’t be looked at as an outdated document. It provides for checks and balances and basic fundamental rights have not diminished due to TV, electricity, computers and the availability of cross state travel.
We put our trust in Anna Little and those folks who are tired and feel it’s not worthwhile to vote. We trust they will see the light and be engaged and await the long hard battle (here we go again) to victory.
Vin Gopal, Candidate for Monmouth County Democratic Chairman in the upcoming June election, has selected State Committeewoman Mary F. Foster as his running mate. Foster, a lifelong Democrat, is a retired retail and textile executive. In addition to being an appointed State Committeewoman, she is also an active county committeewoman as the District 29 female representative in Middletown, representing the district alongside longtime county Democratic Party Chairman Victor Scudiery, who is the male representative for the district. For the past 12 years, Foster has been an elected member of the Middletown Democratic Party Executive Committee, serving as Corresponding Secretary. In recognition of her lifelong dedication to the Democratic Party, Foster was recently selected as a District Delegate to this year’s Democratic National Convention. She will go to Charlotte this summer to cast her vote in support of the Obama/Biden ticket.
“I am excited to join Vin as his running mate and build on the successes that Vic Scudiery built throughout this county. Nobody can fill Vic’s shoes but together we can build on what he has started,” stated Foster.
“Mary Foster will make an outstanding Vice-Chairwoman. She has worked hard for Democrats here in Middletown and is well-respected throughout the Bayshore. Vin’s commitment in challenging Republicans throughout this county is complimented in his choice of Mary Foster,” stated Middletown Democratic Party Chairman Joe Caliendo and Middletown Democratic Club President Don Watson in a joint statement.
“I am honored that Mary has accepted my offer to run on the ticket with me. Together, with so many Democrats around this county, we will continue to fight to elect Democrats at the municipal, county, state and federal levels,” stated Gopal.
Along with her husband Mike, Mary volunteers at her church. She is also involved in other community organizations.
Asbury Park , NJ – 04/17/12 – Ernesto Cullari, candidate for Congress in the 6th District, has received the endorsement of Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry. Lillian believes that Ernesto is the best choice to defeat Frank Pallone this November.
“Ernesto Cullari, albeit new to the political arena, has a sensitivity for what people want from their government. He has a congenial demeanor. Ernesto’s medical background makes him eminently qualified to tackle Obama-Care.” Said Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry
Freeholder Burry, a prolific figure of Monmouth County, has been fighting for the taxpayer on the Freeholder Board since 2005. She was the first woman Director of the Board. Prior to her election as a Freeholder, Ms. Burry was a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Committeewoman in Colts Neck. She is also a business owner and broker in her realty firm, Colts Neck Realty.
Cullari and Burry both believe in limited government and personal responsibility. Freeholder Burry spearheaded the 0% tax increase effort in the County Budget in 2008, and has held the line on taxes and spending throughout her tenure. Ernesto Cullari applauds Freeholder Burry for her service to the people of Monmouth County and appreciates her endorsement.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Freeholder Burry. She has been a fighter for the people’s interests in Monmouth County while keeping Monmouth County an affordable place to live. Her strong support of our County Park system has made Monmouth County a beautiful place to reside. Freeholder Burry’s endorsement further adds to the list of economic conservatives who have endorsed my candidacy. The coalition we are building to defeat Frank Pallone in November is growing larger by the day.” -Ernesto Cullari
WHEN: Tuesday, April 17, 2012
TIME: 7:00pm ~ 9:00pm ( Length is approximate)
WHERE: Bayshore Tea Party Headquarters, 275 Rt. 35N, Red Bank, NJ 07701 (map)
This country is at a crossroads. We can either reverse direction or nosedive into a cycle of dependency that is turning America into a welfare nation—a “government plantation” where the underclass are doomed to 21st-century servitude. Now, Deneen Borelli, one of the most visible and outspoken black conservatives in the country, is fighting back—taking action, not just talking—and speaking up for those who can’t or are too afraid to do so.
This meeting is open to the public and we welcome all newcomers! Coffee and light refreshments are available at all general meetings and your voice is encouraged. Please visit our website at www.bayshoreteaparty.org or email us at [email protected]to learn more about us.
Attn: Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno
Re: Ballot Challenge- Purpora v Obama
Date: April 12, 2012
From: Dwight Kehoe
Dear Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno,
First let me introduce myself to you. Although we have met several times at campaign stops, those introductions were but a handshake and a hello.
I am and have been active in several Tea Party groups here in NJ and when with the Bayshore Tea Party we worked feverishly to help win the election for you and Governor Christie. I also run and edit the Tea Party coordination and information website, www.tpath.org
The reason I am writing is because it will be you who decides if the administrative court hearing this past week in Judge Jeff Masin’s court room, was valid and should be upheld. I write this not knowing if it is too late and your decision has already been handed down.
First I would like to ask why, so many times in court rooms across this country, judges and justices, can’t make a ruling based on the intent of the law as opposed to verbal gymnastics and merciless twisting of the objective and purpose of the statutes?
My point is that the people have become so disenchanted with the legal process and no longer feel they can depend on the laws to protect them against high priced word jockeys.
The ballot case which challenged Mr. Obama’s credentials and eligibility to be on a New Jersey ballot and hence, serve as President of the United States was brought for two main reasons. Both the State of NJ and the Federal Government wrote laws with the intent of maintaining the integrity of the election process. Why can’t one honest judge or Secretary of State make a ruling based on the intent and reason for those laws? Why write them, why vote on them if there is no effort to enforce them?
Here are the points:
1. Mr. Obama has shown no credible evidence of where he was born. When his petition was challenged, its very clear the intent of NJ Title 19 requires that a candidate prove his identity and qualifications.
2. John Jay, the first leader of the US Supreme court contacted George Washington and asked that the special provision of Natural born citizen be include in Article II. He did that for the purpose and intent of the term used in that time and which persists today except in court rooms where manipulation of the law is allowed.
So far there has not been one individual of authority, in any party or any position, who has shown the backbone and courage to make a ruling based on the intent of the law and the reason it was written.
For the sake of the future I pray that you will take the meaning of the laws and ignore the manipulations and rule appropriately.
I am hoping that the tragedy of the Trayvon Martin incident and all of the ensuing drama will become a teachable moment for all of us and also a call to reflect on our own reactions to the story.
On social media, thousands of people were posting the message, “Justice for Trayvon”, with an account of what allegedly happen on that night. The thing that struck me most about the ubiquitous postings was that in order to repost “Justice for Trayvon”, one must accept the premise that justice will NOT be served.
In my schools and at home we learned not to pre- judge anyone because of skin color, race or creed. The lesson was simple enough; but that was before a new language was introduced to deal with our differences and with it a philosophy that has undermined race relations and pitted all types of “groups” against others, despite the indisputable fact that the intention was to overcome our differences and to learn to get along. If you are under 40 years old you have never known any different.
My questions are: Why did so many people automatically jump to the conclusion that justice cannot be served? Why did the media use old pictures instead of more recent and accurate pictures? Why did the New York Times refer to Mr. Zimmerman as a “white” Hispanic? Why is it that the Attorney General has no interest in the New Black Panther party placing a bounty on the head of a private citizen? Why did the president think that his comments regarding the matter were appropriate? Why did Trayvon’s mom use the plural (they) instead of the singular (he) when speaking of her son’s shooting? Why did Spike Lee tweet the (wrong) address of the Zimmerman family? Please notice that I have not included the more incendiary comments and charges. Where does one learn this behavior? Could it be the same place they learn that Black children learn differently than White children, and that all “cultures”, instead of all “Individuals” are equal? Is it the same place where they learn about victimhood, institutional racism and group identity politics?
Multiculturalism is a philosophy that pretends to be a uniting system of tolerance and diversity. In actual practice it is exactly the opposite. The insidious genius of Multiculturalism is in placing some “groups” in a position where they are forced to accept the original sin of past deeds and prejudices’ of unrelated ancestors and similar “colored” people, while forgiving others from being personally responsible for their own actions due to injustices of the past. It also asks decent and fair minded people to defend themselves against unwarranted charges of racism by proving that they are not racist.
The philosophy of multiculturalism actually is a very divisive form of tribalism and collectivism. Multiculturalism separates us into opposing camps and it threatens to Balkanize our country. True diversity and tolerance comes from equal opportunity, economic freedom, and the rule of law.
We must wake up and realize that we are a country of “Individuals” (not groups) from many backgrounds, with certain inalienable rights that are protected by our laws and the Constitution.
It may be that the desire for instant retribution is responsible for the unseemly reactions by some to the slow process of obtaining the facts in the case, processing them and presenting them to a Grand Jury, but the behavior exhibited by far too many, looks a lot more like prejudice than “Justice”.
East Brunswick, NJ – On March 16, the Monmouth County GOP selected Ernesto Cullari as their choice to defeat Frank Pallone. Saturday, March 24, the Middlesex GOP voted Anna Little to take their line, making it clear they had no intentions of keeping the party in district 6 united during the most trying election cycle of our time.
As of two weeks ago, Little was fiercely running for US Senate against Joe Kyrillos. She campaigned by asking for donations and signatures from supporters. Knowing her obvious failure, Little then decided to run against newcomer Ernesto Cullari. Her decision came just days after Cullari’s announcement.
In 2010, Little was defeated by over 10% by incumbent Democrat, Frank Pallone.
“It’s a shame we are dealing with a split line in District 6. With the ballot having Obama on top this year, it would have been better for the Middlesex GOP to unite through the primary. On Tuesday, June 5th the voters in both counties will decide which Republican they want to represent them against Frank Pallone. After Anna Little’s approximate 10% loss in 2010, and failed U.S. Senate run, I think the choice will be clear to them. Ernesto Cullari is focused on one thing; beating Frank Pallone in November and returning the position to the constituency of district 6”, said, Charles Measley, Campaign Manager.
“My team and I are undeterred that the Middlesex County GOP did not vote in our favor, but this in no way means we will back down. Monmouth County GOP has put their trust in me to defeat Frank Pallone in November and that is what I intend to do.” Congressional Candidate, Ernesto Cullari.
Ernesto Cullari is a businessman, medical professional, and columnist for local newspapers. Ernesto is prepared to take the fight to Jersey’s most corrupt politician and the author of “Obama-Care”, Frank Pallone.
“New Jersey needs Joe Kyrillos in the U.S. Senate”
Morris, Somerset and Union Counties – March 2… Today, Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick endorsed Senator Joe Kyrillos for United States Senate.
Senate Leader Tom Kean said, “Joe Kyrillos has been a reliable conservative warrior on behalf of New Jersey taxpayers throughout his entire career. Joe has been a leader in the Senate and a valuable ally as we change business as usual in Trenton. I consider Joe and his wife Susan to be among my closest friends and as the people across New Jersey get to know Joe throughout this campaign, they will come to realize just as I have, that Joe is just the reformer we need to send to Washington, DC to change business as usual in our nation’s capital.”
Assembly Leader Jon Bramnick said, “Joe Kyrillos has been an incredible ally in our effort to fix New Jersey’s fiscal mess and I am proud to endorse him today. Not only has he been an ally, but he’s also been a leader – he led the charge for us in the Senate as we fought together for Governor Christie’s ‘Tool Kit’ initiative to reform government and cap our property taxes. He has played a vital role in the reforms we have been able to pass to get the New Jersey comeback started. When you compare Joe’s record of accomplishment to Bob Menendez’s failed record, it becomes crystal clear – New Jersey needs Joe Kyrillos in the U.S. Senate.”
Senator Joe Kyrillos said, “I am proud and humbled to have the endorsement of two of New Jersey’s leaders and most accomplished legislators. Today’s endorsement of my campaign by my friends Senator Kean and Assemblyman Bramnick demonstrates that our message of reform is resonating across this great state. Our representatives in Washington are failing us. They offer us nothing new or different—just more of the same: More spending, more debt, more job-killing regulation. I am running on my record of reform and I know that together, we can prove again what a free and enterprising people are capable of. We can renew America’s promise of opportunity, and make New Jersey proud. I don’t take this responsibility lightly, and I won’t let you down.”
Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos, Jr., 51, is married to Susan Doctorian Kyrillos and they live in Middletown with their children Max and Georgia. He began serving New Jersey’s 13th Legislative District in 1988 when he was elected to the General Assembly. After spending two terms in the Assembly he was elected to the Senate where he has served since 1993. In addition to his official duties, the Senator is employed as Senior Managing Director of Colliers International, the commercial real estate services firm with offices in New York and Parsippany. He is also an advisor to the Newport Capital Group in Red Bank, NJ.
Asbury Park , NJ – 04/17/12 – 
WHEN: Tuesday, April 17, 2012