WE WANT YOU! 
STEIN FOR CONGRESS
the daring offspring of stein for congress
WE WANT YOU!
TO VOTE
"If the single man plant himself on his instincts,
and there abide,
the huge world will come round to him." Candidate quoting Robert Kennedy,
quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson.
A controversial illegal immigration essay. Check it out at bottom of this page, please
9/18 Like I predicted below, in July, Congressman LoBiondo flips his position on off shore oil drilling.
FED UP? www.steinforcongress.com you're protest vote
Want more? There's 5 pages more. There's 3 months to read it.
MAKE NICE ON ENERGY, (Like your jobs depended on it) WE HAVE TO HEAT OUR HOMES THIS WINTER 7/28/08
But of course congress won't. We say DRILL, 75% of Americans think WE should. Better yet in the search for new energy sources, D-O I-T A-L-L. So please, drop the gamesmanship, before its 12 months more of absolutely nothing! But first take yourselves a one month August congressional vacation!
Fight back. This dysfunctional congress needs a kick in the behind. Good god! I've volunteered. I'm someone, like you, struggling to make ends meet, and I'm brazenly, some would say foolishly, challenging our Congressman. If you're really fed up too, then your vote for me can be better then writing letters to the editor, calling the Congressman's office, listening to talk radio, or shaking your fist at the TV.
If Mr. LoBiondo even thought about ducking his Democratic opponent this fall, a serious 3rd party candidate can force a debate, and an examination of the Congressman's record.
Here's a plan on energy.
THE STEIN SMOR-GAS-BOARD
Call it the Paris Hilton Plan (I cant believe what I saw on TV today 8/6/08) Or call it the Democratic Obama Plan, the Republican McCain Plan, The New Deal, The Fair Deal, nobody cares. GO drill off shore and in Anwar, eliminate Big Oil tax breaks, go with nuclear, fund alternatives, increase the gas tax, and send you a rebate. Withdraw oil from strategic reserves, increase the Corporate Average Fuel Standards, take over GM., Ford and Chrysler health care..WHAAAT!.!!!!!!! Call it the first step toward Universal Health Care.
OR THE STATUS QUO (gridlock) HE BRINGS HOME THE BACON (pork)
What about our seven term incumbent? He's old school. He's too crafty by half, is under the radar, contributes to legislative gridlock and likes earmarks (legislative pork). Other then that he's great! I voted for him in seven elections. 2008: Times have changed.
Consider his ideas on new energy policy. He says he's for a fast-track broad based plan with laser-type focus, then as a Republican, he probably should be for new offshore drilling, and fast. He is not. Is he saying let's send the most dollars we can to foreign governments, and sit on our reserves? And I wonder what the Mexican government will do about oil spills on their side of the 200 mile limit out in the Gulf of Mexico.
Secondly, if he wears the mantle of a fiscal conservative, our Congressman shouldn't bring earmarks back to the district. I discuss that, and more on energy, further along.
Thirdly as a Republican who supported the Presidents invasion of Iraq in 2003, Mr. LoBiondo should have been present, and voted on House Resolution 63, a Democratic referendum rebuking the Presidents troop surge last year. He missed the vote. At the time the war was considered lost. Was Mr. LoBiondo under the weather or under the radar that day?
And last week our Congressman switched gears again, this time lining up with very conservative Republicans, against the President, 45 other Republicans and an almost unanimous Democratic party on help in the mortgage meltdown. He commented callously that taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for reckless borrowing. His focus seems very narrow minded indeed, because although there's no emergency here in N.J. similar to Florida and Nevada, the danger of dropping house values decimating entire neighborhoods, causing more foreclosures and bank failures, certainly affects the entire nation. Why not say you'd like to see safeguards written into the legislation beforehand, for once, not after, to protect against fraud and abuse; condemn reckless speculators, then hold your nose and vote for it. That would be my position.
If Mr. LoBiondo is going to talk about reckless borrowing, he should be consistent and be for accountability with no exceptions. That's a clear position voters could vote up or down on. But he's for the "taxpayer" one minute and voting for earmarks the next. Or consider this. If a major hurricane hit the New Jersey coastline, using Mr. LoBiondo's logic, would taxpayers be expected "to foot the bill" for reckless beach development to close to water? Or put another way, should residents of Nevada be in favor of beach replenishment every year at the shore? Let's pray a major hurricane doesn't hit the Jersey shore this year, and Mr. LoBiondo has to go seeking help from the other party, when we're in need. He just might get the middle digit.
Being a registered Republican myself, running as an independent candidate in the 2nd district, why am I raising these issues more vociferously than Mr. LoBiondo's Democratic opponent? Will Mr. Kurkowski speak out in favor of new drilling, against wasteful spending, and for lowered public sector expectations? Or will he just be a Democratic talking points type of guy? No, yes, maybe? Look at his web-site. He's against wasteful spending. That's it! No substance!! When are the details coming? I can only hope that if people discover Im an alternative on the ballot, they insist that I be included in the debates this fall.
WHAT THERE'S MORE?
If the last four examples weren't enough, Mr. LoBiondo broke his term limit pledge that could have been his winning edge when he won his first term in Congress, in the heady "Contract With America" days. Others who made the pledge, and then broke it, said they made a foolish promise (even though the damage was done). Mr. LoBiondo on the other hand, maintained that the voters needed his experience and seniority. He said that if he honored the pledge, "the people of the 2nd district will be at a disadvantage."
Need any more reasons why Congress's approval rating is at an unbelievable 9%.
$4 GALLON GAS
Returning to the energy issue, Mr. LoBiondo is lobbing softballs at this ticking time bomb. "We must encourage smarter use of existing options while developing more fuel efficient technologies" How then is he, "(I remain) opposed to drilling off of New Jersey's coastline" and this, "the current proposals to build a significant wind farm off the coasts of Atlantic and Cape May are encouraging steps in the right direction." For Petes sake we're all for wind farms. He has a 700 word essay in the Gazette of Atlantic and Cumberland Counties. He needs to address the stalemate in 3 words- D.O I.T A.L.L
Ironically, with the other party now inching towards the Republican position on new drilling, one day he's going to find himself to the left of the Democrats, or maybe he flip flops at $5 a gallon. I think he's overplayed his environmental reputation with the voters, and in this election we shouldn't let him have his cake and eat it. If he thinks he's Al Gore, fine, he should step out from behind his warm and fuzzy words and take a leadership role as an environmentalist. I'd still disagree with him, but I could respect his position.
No matter how you view Mr. LoBiondo and his colleagues, all this talk and endless debate is a recipe for doing nothing, not just on energy, but on almost everything Washington touches. There's no plan, and it's no secret. The question now is, has $4 gasoline has made the nation desperate for an intervention?
BREAK THE STALEMATE. THROW A HAND GRENADE www.steinforcongress.com
The tail can wag the dog.. I'm on the ballot. I don't look like, or act like a politician, and I don't have a political background. I offer real world common sense and no political mumbo jumbo. Is there someone else that's more of a contrast to the stuffed suits? I have an office cleaning company. I'm a janitor. Take them down a few pegs. Send in the stink-bomb. We have the power and it's about time they knew it.
Details Idea #1 We need more domestic energy--- Congress should DO IT ALL and stop keeping score cards. If Republicans want new offshore drilling, compromise with Democrats anyway, and remove Big Oil's tax breaks.
SQUABBLE OVER SOMETHING ELSE (war on terrorism, Supreme Court etc) NOT ENERGY
If Democrats want higher CAFÉ standards from the Detroit automakers, Democrats should build a coalition and stop blocking the Republicans who want more nuclear electrical energy plants, which I also support and believe we need.
Continued If higher CAFÉ (fuel) standards would break the backs of the Detroit carmakers, then TAKE OVER their retired and current employee health care costs, and calls it a prelude (test run) to National Health Insurance. NHI would make Democrats, my wife and myself very happy, yet two of us are registered Republicans. How's that possible? Because most of us aren't party loons, and are open to compromise. (As for the Big Three's health care liabilities, we'll have to take them on anyway if they go bankrupt, so why not do it while GM, Ford and Chrysler still have a pulse).
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE (That's 3 first round draft picks)
National Health Insurance. Is it no surprise that in Washington it's supported by one party and not the other? Each side has big financial special interests looking over their shoulders. Well get the worst of both worlds when this big gorilla is conceived.
Elect me, send a message and then the politicians can POINT TO ME FOR COVER (the disgruntled voters' crazy candidate) when it becomes necessary to cut the budget to pay for this enormous new bureaucracy. If we don't, they'll argue about this, like they argue over energy policy; till hell freezes over. THE MESSAGE. Slash every earmark, scrutinize every government grant, and cut the government payroll through attrition, and then maybe we can afford National Health Insurance.
And to show you how I haven't learned to pander, I'd even support an increase on the tax on gasoline at the pump, and return it to the consumer with a rebate. That last part has a snowballs chance in hell. Like my candidacy. But why? Haven't we always hoped an ordinary Joe would run?
He did. I'm in the congressman's crosshairs now and my knees are wobbly. If this is a suicide mission, Ill be the first and last.
BACK TO MY SCREED (at 1% of the vote its a crazy rant, 30% it's a message)
My premise is that Congress can and will work together. They've run successful political campaigns most of their adult lives, they negotiate backroom deals on spending all the time, and there are after all, many very talented leaders in Congress. Would it be so bad if just a few went home to comfortable retirements?
Is the Republican congressman helping bring down the deficit? Some of his unusual positions as noted at the very beginning, arguably might, or might not. But earmarks, and over funded budgets are a different story. A lot of dollars Congressman LoBiondo brings back to the district, comes from the over budgeted Homeland Security Dept. It's too much of a good thing, I think its wasteful, and this "good old boy" way of running the country has to go the way of $2 gasoline (now that's an applause line.) A few Congressman and Senators refuse to bring any earmarks to their district. Arizona has two great examples. That's the future. The state doesn't wither away and die. ARE WE SOMEHOW MORE DESERVING then them?
It's SUMMERTIME (But let's come back fighting mad by September)
Let's do something. So many people are anxious about the future, so many are living month to month, and many are out of work? Lets not hear from one more "elitist" that we are whiners, or that historically the unemployment rate is low. Out of work now is different then out of work in 1981. Politicians have to can the B.S.; there's no guarantee anymore that our best days are ahead (think Asia).
We have to anticipate problems; we can't just hope and pray. Not when Iran and Israel are on the brink, or when China and India are growing so fast. A "once in a hundred year" hurricane could wipe out an oil refinery, or an oil pipeline in the Middle East could be sabotaged. The price of oil will be right back up, setting records. If it goes just a little higher than it was last month, there wont be anything funny about this falls recession, and we'll have the same elected officials, and ourselves to blame.
DRIVE A STAKE INTO IT
We can breathe a temporary sigh of relief when oil prices come down significantly, as they did last week. If we're lucky and that's a trend, then now is the time to drive a stake into the heart of high prices. Pass a REAL "comprehensive" energy policy this fall (I forgot they have to campaign, maybe next year) that truly defines the meaning of the word comprehensive; "covering the entire field." Include new drilling offshore and in Alaska, and our resolve will impress the oil markets. Add nuclear energy into the solution, (and standardize the design), and impress the oil traders even more. Elect me and impress future candidates to file. "Elect me and impress your friends." (Trying to keep it just a little light))
"GROUND HOG DAY"
One of Congress's most recent developments in attacking high energy prices, I learned about on Mr. Lobiondo's web site, and it's unfortunate. A few Democratic Congressman, and Mr. LoBiondo, amazingly enough, are going to investigate the boogey man "oil speculators." It's been done many times in the past, and every time it makes good headlines and nothing else. How do you explain this oil conspiracy when prices fall significantly? They just did, and this investigation is more time wasted. Open a high school textbook for answers. It's called SUPPLY AND DEMAND.
CATCH-22
Maybe we have to elect a handful of pied pipers like me; it could be shock treatment to the "leaders" who are not showing courage in this crisis.
The first step in electing this invisible man is to get the word out. That's not easy, it's nearly impossible. But if we do, then the elitists everywhere will go crazy. I'm the office maintenance engineer, running for Congress. (If I win, I'll shake hands with the cooks, valets, carpenters, plumbers, landscapers, electricians, right up the ladder, first thing) I'm raising no money, and who would I even ask?
Renewal is good. Thats not what we have now. 94% of our Congressman get re-elected every 2 years. Let's not be embarrassed that this small, I mean very small business owner will be nipping at the heels of a dug-in 7 term incumbent, whos raised 2 million dollars. Others will follow IF IM GIVEN A CHANCE.
How do I protect myself in this uneven contest? I stand side by side with the Big Moose (a cat), and neither of us will be afraid if the LoBiondo's, and their weimaraners, Luca and Lola are upset that a pesky independent is challenging the status quo.
What really motivates a little guy like me to get the nerve to take on the Congressman? Of course I'm fed up like you about gasoline prices, and wasteful spending. And I'm concerned about expensive and inadequate health insurance for small businesses. But nobody jumps into something like I have unless there is some other motivating factor, because I've really put mine and my family's neck on the chopping block.
For me it was a promise I made to a friend whose back in Mexico now. I've visited twice, and I'm going back a third time soon. I'm determined to speak out about the bad situation down there. (I strongly support securing the border by the way, and I can't say that enough).
Everybody knows it's bad in Mexico, but what's worse is that Americans have not seen the huge chunk which is beautiful, has a perfect climate, and is rich in natural resources and good, hardworking people. It's wasted! There are no foreign visitors where I was, and certainly no businessmen looking for opportunities, and for good reason. There is an unbelievable amount of litter, the sanitation is terrible, and gov't corruption and the drug chaos ruin whatever else is left to like. Not much different then most other Latin American countries, but for one difference. It's the only country to our south we share a 1500 mile border with.
Now here I go again, but what potential down there. Maybe theres an opportunity for many undocumented aliens (illegal's) to return home, keep others from coming here illegally in the first place, and for us to reward those who stay in America. I briefly discuss it on my web site- www.steinforcongress.com. It won't cost the U.S. taxpayer one nickel. And I repeat, I'm for vigorously securing the border. I've got a lot to say on this issue, and I'm positive, I'm one of the best qualified people to talk about this immigration mess. No matter what you may think of my wild card idea, it's worth a listen. Whose solutions aren't long shots? (I've been talking about tapping the strategic petroleum reserves as part of an energy package for 2 months now, and Ive been talking about helping Detroit for weeks, and now so too is Paris. What's next, Mexico? 8/6/08)
Smooth talking politicians, on this one issue, immigration, get unnaturally tongue tied. I've listened to them all. Our Congressman, until he has to debate this issue, will continue to say he "would be the first to vote against an amnesty bill should it be presented to the House". I'd hope hed have a more nuanced approach then that, because what will he do with the estimated 12 to 20 million already here. That's the issue, Republicans especially, gets tongue tied over. The Democrats have their klutzy ideas too.
Read my web site (if you're on it just scroll down) and see my approach and why it's worth trying my idea, a suggestion; not directed at congress, but at our Hispanic population. (And I can say it and not be presumptuous, I don't think. I need to be asked why?) I'm begging for a chance to debate this in public. I need to start hitting singles and scoring runs in this campaign, my fellow underappreciated citizens of the 2nd Congressional district. Start spreading the news, like the song says.
Please, Send Mr. Stein to Washington.
P.S. Why 6 pages? I have no party backing and there wont be any 30 second commercials. This is basically it. If you read all 6 pages, I say, God bless your
endurance, and please spread a favorable word about the little guy taking on the giants.
(Talk about "Big Oil," How about Big Politicians. Thats just as much a monopoly)
THE FOLLOWING WAS FROM 6/1/08
Everybody talks about a real change in our politics this year. A little history can be made right here in South Jersey because we have an unusual third choice in the O8 elections for our congressional seat. I'm running, I'm unknown, I'm middle class, and the middle class is mad as hell and not going to ....You know the line. I've met all the requirements and I'll be on the ballot. Between now and November there will lots of time to describe events over the last several years that embolden me to take on the seven term incumbent Republican, and his Democratic challenger.* We can get noticed, and that can be a small step at breaking Washington gridlock. The audacity of this thing can be a wakeup to Trenton as well. I'll certainly have to rise to the occasion folks because basically I have no experience as a politician, but when politicians are performing so poorly, what's wrong with new blood. I hope this introduction of myself and the insurgent campaign I'm initiating on this web page is a blueprint for change, right now, and for future candidates.
My name is Gary Stein, I'm 51 years old, and I'm running for Congress of the United States in New Jersey's 2nd district as a barebones 3rd party, independent candidate. And no one will ever accuse me of being a well heeled out of touch elitist. That's a word we've heard thrown around by candidates this year as they parade around one of us "regular folk" for the cameras.
How ordinary and average am I? My wife and I operate a very small office cleaning business in Atlantic County for the last 18 years. Believe me we "feel the pain" along with you and the rest who seem to be existing month to month. How it is the politicians are just waking up to this middle class squeeze?! Did it have to take a housing and energy crisis to rouse these careerists? And how are they handling this emergency? With more partisan bickering.
If I'm elected and seated as an independent, partisan party leaders have no undue influence, and lobbyists can take a walk since I'm not raising any money for this campaign and there not offering.
I'd describe myself as very reserved but I've always been very passionate about politics. In my early 20's I was registered as a Democratic, but even before I was old enough to vote I was campaigning door to door for George McGovern for President. I gradually felt more comfortable with fiscal policies of conservatives and switched parties in 1980.
Having thought like a Democrat and thought like a Republican I can disapprove of Michael Moore's film Fahrenheit 911(my father asked me to see it with him) yet be very open to, and moved, on the eve of the Pennsylvania primary by Moore's impassioned endorsement for Barrack Obama. (Phil Donahue's new documentary on the Iraq war is harder for me to ignore.)
So what good ideas would make you enthusiastically tell 10 people, like a chain letter, to vote for this "real change" candidate? This guy with no campaign money and no intention of raising any?
Start with the rising gas prices....
Pursue all energy alternatives of course, but we must drill for new oil.
(This part deleted by mistake, added back 7/29/08. If you saw it missing this part it must have seemed very puzzling indeed, and proves why I need a computer savvy volunteer real bad.)
How can you bring the opposition on board for developing oil offshore, and in Alaska? Add these two incentives... At a very modest rate, but starting right away, begin pumping and selling oil from the strategic petroleum reserves. Deposit that revenue in a social security "lockbox." Start "lock boxing" the FICA taxes as well. If you released 200,000 barrels a day it would take 10 years to empty the reserves. The new oil from offshore, I've heard 4 million barrels a day, will come on line in several years. If you're still opposed, even with the social security sweetener, you won't be if oil hits $2oo a barrel this year because of a natural or man-made interruption to supplies.
Most of this oil was stored away when oil was selling for $10 to $50 a barrel. And then there's the revenue from the drilling rights. Uncle Sam could drive a hard bargain at the prices these days. Once you begin showing resolve, Wall Street and commodity traders will react positively. The price of oil will drop, nobody can say how much, but it will have some positive impact at the gas pump.
Now if all this makes some sense, coming soon on this web page hold your breath)....The Illegal Immigration issue. There's a way forward on this issue as well, and the politicians are really tap dancing on this one but I'm qualified (even though these crucial paragraphs were also missing for weeks on site 7/29/09) to talk about it.
Finally I stand shoulder to shoulder with some Republicans and fewer Democrats (sorry but I have to draw the distinction) about the need to eliminate earmarks1 from the budget. Legislative pork. This alone makes my candidacy worth you consideration. Thank You.
* As of 6/2/08, the Democrat, Mr. Kurkowski, has not posted any positions on his web site, but he does tout his market research background. And where on Mr. LoBiondo's are there any concrete ideas or support for bi-partisanship? Both are involved in a primary on June 3rd.
I am really going to need all of your best wishes and support for this uphill battle.
Thank You,
Gary
(keeping this entry below from 6/30/08, eliminated others due to space considerations)
6/30/08 John McCain has finally answered my prayers. (I'm joking) Next week he is going to Mexico. I assume on a fact finding trip.
That news brings my quixotic journey full circle. It was last December that I contacted his campaign and his Senate office, after having returned from two trips to Mexico. I had been hosted by a family over a one month period. I had access and insights to offer his staff as a result of my visiting a magnificent area in Mexico where there are no foreign visitors. If there were, then none had the escorts like I had. What insight? Contact me.
McCain's presidential bid was considered DOA, partly due to his progressive views on immigration reform. I thought the "straight talker" could turn that issue into a plus after hearing, first the usual grim assessment, but then, the strangely optimistic view about what might be- if you could retrace my steps and see what's there, in Mexico under the surface. And those views and ideas don't even start tossing around in your head until many days into your visit. What ideas? Contact me.
Now I certainly didn't expect to talk to the top of the campaign, but I hoped I could get up the chain, beyond someone still in, or just graduated from college.
I've been sadly wrong quite a few times since then. I was wrong when I visited CNN, FOX, and NBC headquarters in N.Y.C., last December. Wrong when I aimed lower and approached the reception, i.e.; security desk at the Philadelphia Public TV station, the next day. Wrong, and very much ignored when I e-mailed the same corporations, after having been told by everybody who new better, that this is the way you do business these days.
And finally about 2 months ago, when even more amazing first hand information came my way, I was ignored all over again. I tried only once this time, and that was an E-mail to CNN's Rick Sanchez, who supposedly is sympathetic to the Hispanic immigration issue. By the way, before I loose everybody's interest on this subject, I'm for strict border security, but you'll have to read this whole package much further back.
That non response to the E-mail was my turning point. That's when I decided to petition for a space on this November's ballot for our NJ Congressional seat. I'll try getting exposure this way, if I must, to be heard out on my idea for better international relations, and prosperity in Mexico; and to help my good friend in Mexico. "Maybe I'm Crazy," (Gnarles Barkley), maybe I'm not. And since I'm in a race now (race of my life, good grief), I better try winning.
I also recalled how my congressman's office brushed off a call several years ago when I sought just a little assistance, after a health insurance company paid zero reimbursement claims, on what was, a very expensive policy. And very little assistance from his office was forthcoming; - the phone number to the State of New Jersey Banking and Insurance Industry office in Trenton. That's called pass the buck.
Having filed on June 3rd, and this now being June 30, you guessed it, I continue to be ignored. But the cumulative affect of all this work will eventually take hold; and when the average Joe and Jane Schlub find out there is one of their own running
P.S. Now that McCain has nothing to gain and everything to loose, and will only be treated to a "dog and pony" show in Mexico next week, anyway, I don't expect much from the visit. But that is exactly what I warn the Hispanic community about; again reading further down this web site.
(Keeping below entry as well)
June 8th
Oil up $11 a barrel last Friday. If this isnt an energy bubble (it's not) and oil is going still higher, then we might be facing a national calamity. How are we going to pay to heat our homes this winter? That's if you're still employed and have a paycheck. Rome is burning and Mr. LoBiondo spent Election Day last week in Washington voting on resolutions for Men's National Health Week and designating Arbor Day in some mid-western state. Mr. Kurkowski's web site tells you to call his office for his positions.
On a different front, one more casualty of this worsening economy will be the off and on again immigration debate... If the economy doesn't get better, we Americans naturally will be much more focused on taking care of ourselves. I'm suggesting to my friends in the Hispanic community not to count on a blanket amnesty if and when there are large Democratic gains in the November elections.
However, maybe there is a path to earning support for amnesty. Everyone agrees that raising the living standard in Mexico would stop much off the illegal crossing of our border, and help keep families in Mexico intact. But this is unlikely given the ruthlessness of the drug lords in Mexico, and the systemic corruption in the government.
From what I've heard reported, the president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, is making an honest attempt at reform. But when the system is as broken, and as dangerous as it is, it is virtually impossible, I think, to fix solely from within. The fact that the United States is sealing itself off from Mexico, behind a 15 foot wall wont help Mexico either. As an afterthought weve proposed sending about a billion dollars worth of law enforcement equipment to the Mexican government. (Merida Initiative). See what the conservative blogs are saying about that.
What if? What if our undocumented aliens, plus the huge block of Americans citizens with Mexican ancestry did not send any money back home, for many months, and the families back home, in kind of civil disobedience supported this type of boycott. They would be gladly accepting this sacrifice in a unified declaration that the violent Drug Lords (and government corruption) are completely unacceptable, and that they demand a better future now... Perhaps then these thugs would flee like the proverbial rats on the sinking ship that they are, and go elsewhere, or just retire with their treasure? It is after all what we hope the citizens of Iraq do to the insurgents. Turn them in. And it is in fact what they are beginning to do.
If American tourists followed up that boycott, with a boycott of their own, I think Felipe Calderon while publicly complaining will privately see this as an opportunity to go after governmental corruption, as well as ruthlessly pursue the drug traffickers. Now I'm not talking about a boycott of Mexican made goods, and tourists from other countries will make up for the lost Americans boycotting Cancun etc. What I'm suggesting is an uplifting, grassroots, non-government sponsored effort by citizens of two neighboring countries sharing a 1500 mile border.
It doesn't have to be a pipe dream. You know before there was an earth-day, someone thought up that idea and was probably laughed at. If Spanish talk radio got behind this, and this modest third party candidacy served as a lightning rod, it is possible. If all of talk radio, and television news shows got behind it, it would definitely happen, and then we might even be seeing peaceful protests in the streets here and in Mexico. Bye, bye drug gangsters. Maybe? But who has a better idea? People might say the drug cartels won't go quietly, well there have been 6000 killings on the Mexican side of the border this year fighting the problem the traditional way. ..
If it my plan worked, then finally, Mexico would be a great place for American companies to be involved with things like infrastructure projects, and agricultural projects, such as increasing the sugar cane crop etc. The Mexican people would be freed to reach their potential. And then when there's a sanitary, clean and safe country there could easily be a many fold increase in tourism (you could blog about bad experiences south of the border all day, and maybe we will if this web site ever gets running correctly).
Coming full circle, when the desperation to reach here doesnt exist anymore, then there could be an orderly program for work permits. When we reach this point I believe Americans will be united in granting a path to citizenship to those who choose to remain here, after many, many, voluntarily re-patriot themselves back home (We're not afraid to say it, back in Mexico)..
Added 8/1/08
People say to me this is unrealistic, and insensitive, because families in Mexico wont be able to put food on their tables. My reply is that relying on remittances is risky and a short term solution. An Associated Press report 8/1/08 says as much. Remittances down. Stepped up immigration raids and a U.S. economic slowdown are blamed. I'll add this: when the border fence is completed, the money will slow dramatically.
Millions of Mexicans have no source of income from U.S. now, and didn't before. I'm talking about a boycott of just a few months anyway. If it doesn't work, call it off, but I think differently, and just the threat of a boycott might do some good.
And most importantly I'd say the cost of freedom is not cheap, (and I appreciate it is very easy for me to say). The United States has been fighting a war on terrorism for 7 hard years. We fought a Civil War, two world wars, a Korean War, a Vietnam War, on and on.
The argument that it's to much sacrifice for Mexican citizens seems hollow to me. Why don't we ask them directly if they would trade a short term sacrifice, for long term reform, and the prosperity that would follow? I hope to do that personally in the near future. Anyway, I have no sway or power. But I can be a starting point.
Campaign song- "Come Blow Your Horn"
Thank you Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Huesen Saw Sinatra in 76 at the West Chester Premiere Theatre in N.Y. and again in 1978 at Radio City. W.C.P Theatre closed ignominiously soon after that concert.
8/11/08
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Isaac Hayes yesterday. I've seen 3 acts in Atlantic City in 18 years here; The Pretenders, Nancy Wilson and Isaac Hayes. He figured in my American culturization of my two Mexican friends, along with American politics and movies such as, Spartacus, On the Waterfront, The Shootist, and ironically, The Grapes of Wrath and others. I took my 2 friends to see Hayes 2 winters back in A.C., 1 white, 2 Hispanics and a sold out audience of African-Americans
Fondly remembering Isaac Hayes as Gandhi, with Rockfish (James Garner) and Dionne Warwick in several episodes of the great detective show, part spoof, the Rockford Files.
Now you know a little more about the candidate in the advent somebody, somewhere, somehow discovers the long shot, who's not looking to good these days.
A BRIDGE TO
And it’s free.
“If you believe that, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.” No, not my bridge; a good idea which I’ll explain shortly; but this bad joke of a bridge that never got built in
But if you really want to set the bar low, let me tell you about wicked politicians in
If I told you their economy is like an unserviced oil burner, choked down at 20% efficiency, you’d think, gee, give it a good cleaning and we might to be able to make real progress on the illegal immigration problem here in the United States, if we had a common sense plan to pressure Mexico into raising its living standard from bare subsistence levels Why can’t they?.
Can our partisan politicians, fiddling with theirs, improve anything? No, there out of touch.
This is what I would do to build a bridge of commerce and prosperity between two countries with 1500 miles of border, if I was the President of the
. I’d try tough love. We hold all the cards (amnesty), let’s use them against
1. Finish the fence. McCain’s new position, and mine too. Finish the fence before we think about any of my “bridges.” There’s no logical reason not to. My consistent position.
2. No amnesty yet, for illegals.
3. I’m for issuing drivers licenses, and mandatory insurance. Bang, I’m dead.
4. I’d be for eliminating the guarantee of citizenship to newborns of illegals: in the future, part of a reform package. That’s red meat for hard liners to get on board the amnesty train. Now I’m alive.
5. I’m for withholding foreign aid, like the one and half billion dollars we give
6. Amnesty and path to citizenship for illegals (of course now I’m DOA again) if and when
Unprecedented- Why would we ever think of asking for something in return?
Pressure we can bring to bear on
Messy backdrop-
Talk about a banana republic. If there’s any money left, why must the mayor construct another statue with 2nd rate landscaping in the central square? Corruption, yet he can’t even do that right. Competitive bidding? Oh sure! I’m speaking out, winning votes!
Is there an honest, reform candidate anywhere? Yes there are, and often they wind up dead. Ask me about it. It’s not quite assassination, cartel style; yet it’s more insidious. Word travels fast. Go bang your head against the wall, but these small town murders, 1000 miles from the drug wars on the border, could be investigated, and prosecuted by a child. Do I want to go back?
This Shangri-La, Garden of Eden, known as
How do Americans survive wild fires, blizzards, and droughts; like I saw happening from
Amnesty? (Not so fast, I was almost back from the dead on my feet again) The Mexican government wants it, 10 million here want it, and the millions of relatives back in
My Solution. Call it naïve. I do get defensive because I’m small potatoes, but our politicians can’t even agree on oil drilling? Right? The top of one ticket, qualifies inflating your tires properly as an idea!
My excellent idea.
Negotiate amnesty with
The mayor of
Rudy Giuliani, the mayor, first steps in cleaning up crime in
P.S. Subjects to write about in
P.P.S what is my friend who’s now home, making a week at work? $55 or 550 pesos. The cost of a
gallon of milk, 40 pesos, picture disk from camera 50 pesos. Best of luck my friend nobody seems to care, and I’m going to sit in my room this winter and re-read Don Quixote.
You can either be read to, or be the reader
You can be either led, or be the leader
Dont wait until youre told youre old and worn
Take in some air and get your lips puckered
Before you find youre simply too tuckered
I tell you chum its time to come blow your horn
Or- Quicksilver Messenger Service Pride of Man
thebigmoosenj@hotmail.com