Before I start looking into the words of politics I have to digress for a moment. I read an article this morning in our Tribune concerning Sen. Orrin Hatch. He tells all of us in the "great State" that we should prepare for a partisan war concerning health care. Correct me if I am wrong but didn't our President address this issue and ask the republican Ostriches for their ideas, their plans? I am pretty sure they have not had time to produce this plan and discuss it in that monthly meeting with Pres. Obama. As a simple person this leads me to believe that Sen Hatch in particular and the other Republicans by association, have absolutely no intention of even trying to work out a plan they seem to think it is their way or the highway. In this case the highway is a short road to a bankrupt country. You can get off your throne, and work this out or I will have to take my preexisting condition to the Emergency Room for treatment, then I will have to ask for financial assistance and have the hospital write off my bill. Since I can't afford the medicine I should be taking I am pretty sure this will happen several times before the hospital just won't see me anymore, at which point I will likely have heart failure and then Senator, I will leave instruction for my children to sue you for wrongful death. I don't feel good about this, I don't want to burden our system, but I really don't want to die young. You have an opportunity to help the entire country have a better quality of life. You seem to believe that your Great State has adequate health care. I am here to tell you IT DOES NOT!! Why don't you clean up your own back yard before you start try to clean out the countries. The insurance companies don't need more money. The drug companies don 't need more money. If I could I would go to Mexico or Canada and get my Medicines, but the travel is to much money. Senator, you are out of touch. You are in the wealthy majority and I know that since you are a government employee so to speak, you have excellent health care for life. This is not the right thing to do. Please since in Utah my vote mean nothing, step back and represent me too, remember that Utah's demographics are changing. It won't be long before you will lose that nice soft seat. Do the right thing now.
I have decided since I don't want my anger and disgust to color the tone of my definitions page I will post and come back to a fresh start, as our Mean spirited and stubborn Senator should do.
Completely disgusted and sad,
Christy
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The make up of things
The governing body starts with local government.
The local government is not based directly on the U.S. Constitution. The state government creates a Charter which defines the structure and responsibilities of the local government. It may define several forms of local government such as city and county governments.
The local government is responsible for administering local programs such as police and fire services, public health and safety, building and repairing roads, collecting garbage, maintaining schools, collecting local and state taxes, running elections, and keeping official marriage and birth records.
Next step on the ladder, state government.
The state government is based on the Constitution. The Constitution states that any powers not specifically given to the federal government are the responsibility of the state. The details of a state government's structure and responsibilities are defined by state constitutions. The state constitutions differ from state to state, but they are all similar to, and do not contradict the U.S. Constitution.
Like the federal government, the state government also has three branches:
The Legislative Branch consists of the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. They are responsible for making laws that relate to state matters.
The Judicial Branch consists of a hierarchy of courts including the State Supreme Court, Appellate Courts, District Courts and Municipal Courts. State courts hear cases relating to state law. They are responsible for explaining the laws, applying the laws, settling disagreements and deciding who is guilty of breaking a state law.
And finally, top of the heap, king of the hill, we have the federal government.
The structure and responsibilities of the federal government were defined by the constitution. The federal government's role has be expanded since the Constitution was first written. This expanded role is defined in the Amendments to the Constitution.
The federal government consists of 3 branches:
The Legislative Branch, or Congress, consists or the Senate and House of Representatives. The Legislative Branch is responsible for making the laws which govern the country.
The Judicial Branch consists of the federal courts such as the Supreme Court, Court of Claims, Court of Customs, Circuit Courts of Appeals and District Courts. They are responsible for interpreting the laws and ensuring that the rights or the people are protected.
So that is pretty basic and all but the local government are ruled by the constitution. The local is run by The State Government so hopefully it still has to be somewhat constitutional.
The United States Constitution is provides basis for the government structure and responsibilities. The Constitution defines three main principles:
The Constitution guarantees the United States people their freedom and rights such as:
My next question then is how do people starting at the lowest level of government get their jobs? That's pretty simple, we vote for them from top to bottom. The people interested in the jobs run a campaign and we the people vote. We vote hopefully, on what they stand for, and we get this information based on what they tell us, so if it is that simple why are so many people unhappy with our governing body? This gets more complicated for me. It seems that a lot of it comes down to money. You have to have it to run a campaign. If you don't have it then you have to depend on your supporters who in fact should have the same goals and beliefs as you the campaigning person. Still sounds ok right? I think this might be where things break down. Lets say I have ideas that I know will help the people of whatever part of society I am trying to represent. I KNOW it will be an excellent plan, but no one knows who I am. In comes Mr. B.B.(Big business). Mr. BB wants something that will make him more money and he tells me hey I will give you $$$$$ and get you elected if you promise that when you are in office you will get this done for me. Now as I said I REALLY want my ideas to grace my small city or the USA which ever category it falls in. So I figure hey the other guys are doing this and they have terrible ideas so I am pretty sure it would be better for everyone to have me in office even if I have to promise a few little thing to get there. I finally justify accepting B.B.'s money and now I have an agenda but hey I get voted in and I get to get my ideas on the table.
I think we need to examine Mr.B.B., and maybe the guy that told Mr. B.B. about my ideas and my need for money.
I know a rambling story but I suspect pretty accurate in the process of appointing our most respected positions in the USA. So I guess my next Step is to figure out the big money and the guys who do the bribing. I think we call them Lobbyists.
See ya soon,
Christy
The local government is not based directly on the U.S. Constitution. The state government creates a Charter which defines the structure and responsibilities of the local government. It may define several forms of local government such as city and county governments.
The local government is responsible for administering local programs such as police and fire services, public health and safety, building and repairing roads, collecting garbage, maintaining schools, collecting local and state taxes, running elections, and keeping official marriage and birth records.
Next step on the ladder, state government.
The state government is based on the Constitution. The Constitution states that any powers not specifically given to the federal government are the responsibility of the state. The details of a state government's structure and responsibilities are defined by state constitutions. The state constitutions differ from state to state, but they are all similar to, and do not contradict the U.S. Constitution.
Like the federal government, the state government also has three branches:
- Executive Branch
- Legislative Branch
- Judicial Branch
The Legislative Branch consists of the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. They are responsible for making laws that relate to state matters.
The Judicial Branch consists of a hierarchy of courts including the State Supreme Court, Appellate Courts, District Courts and Municipal Courts. State courts hear cases relating to state law. They are responsible for explaining the laws, applying the laws, settling disagreements and deciding who is guilty of breaking a state law.
And finally, top of the heap, king of the hill, we have the federal government.
The structure and responsibilities of the federal government were defined by the constitution. The federal government's role has be expanded since the Constitution was first written. This expanded role is defined in the Amendments to the Constitution.
The federal government consists of 3 branches:
- Executive Branch
- Legislative Branch
- Judicial Branch
The Legislative Branch, or Congress, consists or the Senate and House of Representatives. The Legislative Branch is responsible for making the laws which govern the country.
The Judicial Branch consists of the federal courts such as the Supreme Court, Court of Claims, Court of Customs, Circuit Courts of Appeals and District Courts. They are responsible for interpreting the laws and ensuring that the rights or the people are protected.
So that is pretty basic and all but the local government are ruled by the constitution. The local is run by The State Government so hopefully it still has to be somewhat constitutional.
The United States Constitution is provides basis for the government structure and responsibilities. The Constitution defines three main principles:
- Inherent rights of anyone living in the United States
- Government by the people
- separation of powers between branches of the government including Executive, Legislative and Judicial
The Constitution guarantees the United States people their freedom and rights such as:
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of speech
- Right to bear arms
- Right to a trial when accused of a crime, and to know what crime one is accused
- Right to own property and to expect the government to help protect private property
My next question then is how do people starting at the lowest level of government get their jobs? That's pretty simple, we vote for them from top to bottom. The people interested in the jobs run a campaign and we the people vote. We vote hopefully, on what they stand for, and we get this information based on what they tell us, so if it is that simple why are so many people unhappy with our governing body? This gets more complicated for me. It seems that a lot of it comes down to money. You have to have it to run a campaign. If you don't have it then you have to depend on your supporters who in fact should have the same goals and beliefs as you the campaigning person. Still sounds ok right? I think this might be where things break down. Lets say I have ideas that I know will help the people of whatever part of society I am trying to represent. I KNOW it will be an excellent plan, but no one knows who I am. In comes Mr. B.B.(Big business). Mr. BB wants something that will make him more money and he tells me hey I will give you $$$$$ and get you elected if you promise that when you are in office you will get this done for me. Now as I said I REALLY want my ideas to grace my small city or the USA which ever category it falls in. So I figure hey the other guys are doing this and they have terrible ideas so I am pretty sure it would be better for everyone to have me in office even if I have to promise a few little thing to get there. I finally justify accepting B.B.'s money and now I have an agenda but hey I get voted in and I get to get my ideas on the table.
I think we need to examine Mr.B.B., and maybe the guy that told Mr. B.B. about my ideas and my need for money.
I know a rambling story but I suspect pretty accurate in the process of appointing our most respected positions in the USA. So I guess my next Step is to figure out the big money and the guys who do the bribing. I think we call them Lobbyists.
See ya soon,
Christy
State of the Union
Last night was the State of the Union address. I found it uplifting and frustrating at the same time. Our Pres. was as usual, eloquent and straight forward. He was positive for the most part with a few well deserved slaps where needed. I really can't claim to know if the things proposed will work or even if they are good practices, because as budgets go mine is very small. But I do know a few things that are personal for me. I need health care. I lost my insurance when I lost my job. At the time I was just told I have a heart issue, it is minor now but in the future it will be something that I need care for. Here is the problem. I now have one of those big scary pre- existing conditions, so if I can even get insurance it will be a year or more before they will even cover anything to do with my heart. Hey, hearts are pretty important. So all the folks keep saying that the insurance issue is not important anymore.. I say ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I know I am not alone in this but I think the majority of folks don't feel like they have any say in this kind of issue we just wait and see. I am however, intelligent enough to understand that all the commercials I see on TV telling me to call congress or that i don't want more hidden health care taxes are just the Insurance companies squirming, and if they are squirming Health care reform must be the right thing to do. Who do all those big wigs poll anyway, it is sure not us small income average Americans. Ok, lets move on. The other things that stands out in my mind is the disrespect shown to THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES by some of the members of our political parties, those we Americans have voted in to their offices, CAN you Say SMUG!!! my hell folks the majority of us small citizens voted for him or he would not be in the office he holds. My vote may be small and it may be overruled by that strange electoral vote thing, here in this "pretty great state" but, I will vote again and I will pass the word and all of you smug, rude and just plain childish members of esteemed offices will get the spanking you deserve for such behavior.
Following the address last night I realized I had not given equal time to a group called Independents so better get back on google and see what comes up for that issue.
About Independents
"Our mission is to develop a movement of independent voters for progressive post-partisan reform of the American political process."
"We do not aspire to be another special interest. Independents seek instead to diminish the regressive influence of parties and partisanship by opening up the democratic process. Independents in the CUIP networks are creating new electoral coalitions such as the Black and Independent Alliance, supporting new models of nonpartisan governance and striving for the broadest forms of “bottom-up” participation."
I think the basic here is they are not party related but want team work from both parties. Yes I know a bit simple but as I said I need it simple.
I am going to post this then move on. unless some issue on CNN gets me riled and I find myself on here ranting again, I intend to start from the bottom and figure out the structure of State government.
Talk to you soon.
Christy
Following the address last night I realized I had not given equal time to a group called Independents so better get back on google and see what comes up for that issue.
About Independents
"Our mission is to develop a movement of independent voters for progressive post-partisan reform of the American political process."
"We do not aspire to be another special interest. Independents seek instead to diminish the regressive influence of parties and partisanship by opening up the democratic process. Independents in the CUIP networks are creating new electoral coalitions such as the Black and Independent Alliance, supporting new models of nonpartisan governance and striving for the broadest forms of “bottom-up” participation."
I think the basic here is they are not party related but want team work from both parties. Yes I know a bit simple but as I said I need it simple.
I am going to post this then move on. unless some issue on CNN gets me riled and I find myself on here ranting again, I intend to start from the bottom and figure out the structure of State government.
Talk to you soon.
Christy
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
What is a republican?
I decided to start with two simple Questions, so I googled What is a Republican? here are a few of the answer per the Internet. I found them interesting
Republicanism is the ideology of governing a nation as a republic, where the head of state is appointed by other means than hereditary, often elections. An important element of Republicanism is constitutional law to limit the state's power over its citizens.
having the supreme power lying in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them or characteristic of such government; "the United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government"- United States Constitution;
Someone who favors a republic; an anti-monarchist; Someone who favors social equality and opposes aristocracy and privilege; Of or belonging to a republic; Favoring a republic
OK now I found the last one very interesting. I have used my disclaimer many times but here it is again I don't have a great deal of knowledge about Politics , but if i am not wrong it seems to me that the republicans of our nation as it is right now favor very strongly A system of aristocracy and privilege.
The question What is a Democratic was not as simple to find answers to but a few follow:
"Our vision is simple. We want an America that gives all Americans the chance to live out their dreams and achieve their God-given potential. We want an America that is still the world's strongest force for peace and freedom. And we want an America that is coming together around our enduring values, instead of drifting apart.".
Being from "A pretty Great State" I found this one interesting. in fact it explains to me a little why my State is republican.
The government should not endorse or favor any religion above another. To do so, isolates and intimidate those who follow a faith other than that of the majority. The First Amendment guarantees all Americans the freedom of religion, and, consequently, the freedom from religion.
Republicanism is the ideology of governing a nation as a republic, where the head of state is appointed by other means than hereditary, often elections. An important element of Republicanism is constitutional law to limit the state's power over its citizens.
having the supreme power lying in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them or characteristic of such government; "the United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government"- United States Constitution;
Someone who favors a republic; an anti-monarchist; Someone who favors social equality and opposes aristocracy and privilege; Of or belonging to a republic; Favoring a republic
OK now I found the last one very interesting. I have used my disclaimer many times but here it is again I don't have a great deal of knowledge about Politics , but if i am not wrong it seems to me that the republicans of our nation as it is right now favor very strongly A system of aristocracy and privilege.
The question What is a Democratic was not as simple to find answers to but a few follow:
"Our vision is simple. We want an America that gives all Americans the chance to live out their dreams and achieve their God-given potential. We want an America that is still the world's strongest force for peace and freedom. And we want an America that is coming together around our enduring values, instead of drifting apart.".
Being from "A pretty Great State" I found this one interesting. in fact it explains to me a little why my State is republican.
The government should not endorse or favor any religion above another. To do so, isolates and intimidate those who follow a faith other than that of the majority. The First Amendment guarantees all Americans the freedom of religion, and, consequently, the freedom from religion.
As a result, the government cannot use public funds or public institutions to advocate or display the religious beliefs any particular faith.
"Today's Democratic Party is determined to renew America's most basic bargain: Opportunity to every American, and responsibility from every American. And today's Democratic Party is determined to reawaken the great sense of American community."
OK so for there are some differences for sure, I am also pretty sure that my little excerpts from the the Internet do not fully explain the differences in parties but as i said I am looking for simple because i do not understand why it has to be so complicated.
For your consideration
Christy
In the beginning
January 27,2010
I am your average American, or at least I think I am. I won't give the details of age, race, or gender as I'd prefer to keep that to myself right now. I am currently unemployed so unfortunately I have some extra time on my hands. Here is the heart of the thing, I discovered CNN, and in doing so I have discovered just how little I know about politics in general and the processes in particular. I, like millions of Americans became very worked up during the presidential election and actually Voted, which I think was my first time, I was thrilled to watch Pres. Obama win and felt hope for the future. Now it is one year later and the whole of America seems to be in an uproar that our newly elected Pres. is not cutting it. I just can't believe I am the only one, especially with my admitted lack of knowledge, that sees that our problems are really not something that can be turned around in a short year. We were thrilled and hopeful, the message was sent, please help us fix our great country. We have social issues, financial issues, racial issues, world issues, so many things that we have to get reworked in order for us to continue to be a leader in our world. I live in one of the, if not the most, republican state in our country, I do not agree with the way my state leaders think in a closed social box but I do live in a" Pretty Great State" so for the most part I am comfortable. So I was watching CNN and thinking about my state and the first question that came to my mind was, How do we in this state change our Electoral vote. because I was told during the election that it really did not matter how I voted My state would vote with the electoral votes Republican across the board. So there it is. Why? does that mean the rest of us that are not Republican don't count. Well our current crisis leads me to believe that Yes in fact that is true. I don't count. My President promised to try to cross the lines of partisanship, but my State leaders and others around the country acted like a jackass and sat down on the job becoming unmovable. What is the point of this? guys do you think that for four years you can just keep the brakes on? Any way back to my initial reason for this writing. I do not understand the processes that take place in this political arena so I am going to try to figure it out. I am going to work on the little things one at a time until I have a clear understanding of the what, whys and hows of our system. I hope that if there are others like me that feel helpless and shrug your shoulders and say " I don't know so better to be quiet, I don't want to do more damage". I hope you will follow this with me and learn with me. I am simple so I intend to find the most simple explanations for every issue that strikes me as needing to be explained. Finally for today I want to say this....As I learn what is going on out there and how this stuff works, you guys out there playing with my emotions and my understanding and my future better look out.. I will tell the truth. and I am just worked up enough to talk loud and clear.. so as my new blog is called it is time for a fact finding mission and TRUTH be Told!!!
I am your average American, or at least I think I am. I won't give the details of age, race, or gender as I'd prefer to keep that to myself right now. I am currently unemployed so unfortunately I have some extra time on my hands. Here is the heart of the thing, I discovered CNN, and in doing so I have discovered just how little I know about politics in general and the processes in particular. I, like millions of Americans became very worked up during the presidential election and actually Voted, which I think was my first time, I was thrilled to watch Pres. Obama win and felt hope for the future. Now it is one year later and the whole of America seems to be in an uproar that our newly elected Pres. is not cutting it. I just can't believe I am the only one, especially with my admitted lack of knowledge, that sees that our problems are really not something that can be turned around in a short year. We were thrilled and hopeful, the message was sent, please help us fix our great country. We have social issues, financial issues, racial issues, world issues, so many things that we have to get reworked in order for us to continue to be a leader in our world. I live in one of the, if not the most, republican state in our country, I do not agree with the way my state leaders think in a closed social box but I do live in a" Pretty Great State" so for the most part I am comfortable. So I was watching CNN and thinking about my state and the first question that came to my mind was, How do we in this state change our Electoral vote. because I was told during the election that it really did not matter how I voted My state would vote with the electoral votes Republican across the board. So there it is. Why? does that mean the rest of us that are not Republican don't count. Well our current crisis leads me to believe that Yes in fact that is true. I don't count. My President promised to try to cross the lines of partisanship, but my State leaders and others around the country acted like a jackass and sat down on the job becoming unmovable. What is the point of this? guys do you think that for four years you can just keep the brakes on? Any way back to my initial reason for this writing. I do not understand the processes that take place in this political arena so I am going to try to figure it out. I am going to work on the little things one at a time until I have a clear understanding of the what, whys and hows of our system. I hope that if there are others like me that feel helpless and shrug your shoulders and say " I don't know so better to be quiet, I don't want to do more damage". I hope you will follow this with me and learn with me. I am simple so I intend to find the most simple explanations for every issue that strikes me as needing to be explained. Finally for today I want to say this....As I learn what is going on out there and how this stuff works, you guys out there playing with my emotions and my understanding and my future better look out.. I will tell the truth. and I am just worked up enough to talk loud and clear.. so as my new blog is called it is time for a fact finding mission and TRUTH be Told!!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)