Debt Commission Report...Incomplete

Once again, the people who caused the problem are quick to come
forward with solutions.

This time it is the Debt Commission which was created earlier this
year to provide recommendations to reduce the debt our country 
has incurred in the last two years.

In a nation addicted to spending without regard for where the money
is coming from or how it can be repaid it should be no surprise the
position we find ourselves in.

But, to believe these people are capable to curb their addiction
demands on more than what this commission is proposing.

Even now Congress circumvents legislation which requires it to 
"pay as we go" to spend more than we have. So whatever legislation
gets enacted provides little confidence anything will change.

For Congress to go through the recommendations and pick whichever
can be passed will do little to strengthen the economy. The problem is 
worse than reducing our debt by any amount, it requires much more.

To look at a total debt, in the billions, and select a target, 1,2,5 billion 
in reduction may look good in theory, but what actually happens when
you implement policy must be considered.

The primary driver to debt reduction is revenue growth which occurs
when more people are employed, which occurs when more businesses 
hire, which occurs when there is a greater demand for goods and services.

None of the recommendation I have seen will engage this driver and we
will remain dependent on the discipline of the people we elect, something 
which  rarely occurs and mostly disappoints.

Posted by ajbruno14@gmail.com at 3:44 PM

To Our Children and their Children....

Originally written August 16,  2009, no less relevant today.

As the next generation of America's leaders you have a responsibility
to preserve the nation as it is, the exceptional beacon of freedom 

and liberty it has been for almost three hundred years.

This will not be easy as our nation is gradually evolving to one of
centralized governance with broad powers to influence every part
of your life.

If this warning resonates it means you understand what is going
on around you and not consumed with the trapping our Blessed

nation has in abundance. This means you will become engaged 

and talk with your friends about issues you might have considered

discussing before.

Your time, energy and desire is critical to protect the worthiest of
goals, preserving the greatest nation which ever existed.

This battle will not be easy as you will be up against the power
of the political class which believes every difficulty you face can
be eased by simply turning over your personal responsibilities to
them.

But the government will conveniently avoid mentioning the cost;
your freedom, your liberty, your rights and whatever monetary
price is required to pay this cost.

If the politicians prevail with this stealth-like intrusion on your
life you will be the first generation of Americans totally dependent

upon your government for essential services coupled with enforced

mandates on even the most basic decisions you have to make.

You will also be the first generation to see the lose of your state's
sovereignty as the Federal government will also encroach on their
authority, forcing them to comply with mandates or lose funds for
essential projects and services.

This message is so important that I urge you to meet with your
friends to discuss what is occurring and how to stop it.

It is up to YOU to ensure the country remains exceptional, and
continue to provide all Americans the opportunity to excel so they
can become the next generation of extraordinary individuals rather
than merely servants to a central government, with no voice and
meaningless representation.

You have America's future in your hands. Don't let the opportunity
to stop our nation from continuing its slide slip through your fingers. 

Do what needs to be done.
Anthony Bruno
Cary, NC

The stinging irony of ' democracy' in Hillary's coronation

There is stinging irony in the Democrat establishment embracing Hillary Clinton, which is easily understood by the very name of the party! But, as Hillary's milquetoast campaign continues to treat Bernie Sanders as a nuisance, Democrat elders see no reason to offer its electorate a competitive contest or even an honest convention. No   need to worry about uniting the party, no fear of lemmings not marching in unison.

When  the Chappaqua, New York multimillionaire  emerges from Philadelphia with the nomination, Democrat Party and congressional leaders know she'll do the bidding of the donor class that only Donald Trump warned about!  That will be a comforting scenario as party leaders, donors and political establishment will rightfully be pleased, even though the biggest threat of retaining the presidency is the one person who pulled back the curtain so the public can see what BOTH parties are attempting,  elect a decided-in-advance choice, with Election Day being only a formality! The person who has warned us is Trump!

There isn’t any real difference between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, both are sworn to follow the Democrat platform to a fault. Neither see terrorism as a threat, illegal immigration a concern, or carnage in urban communities as nothing more than isolated incidents that occur each weekend across our nation!

Hillary's appeal is to the "true believers", the ones who contend govt. is the answer, no matter the problem. The individual must submit to the collective is carved deeply on the Democrat tablet!

Hillary's appeals to the xenophobia of the Left, blowing into the Democrat 'dog whistle' about shutting down govt, a war on women, Draconian threats to everything they believe in, an ongoing summons that frequently appears when a Republican advances a solution to any problem!

Ever since President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves the Democrat Party has been rewriting history that IT was the party that united the country. Using a divisive approach, creating factions based on race, gender, the poor and any group which can be coerced! Hillary didn’t invent that approach, the playbook was written long before she claimed she was named after Sir. Edmund Hillary!

But it is important that we understand the Hillary "phenomenon" is an illusion. It is no such thing. She took the reigns of political power the day her husband was first sworn in, riding the longest coattails in American political history, without accomplishments, using "caring" as her message.  Hillary does not need to refer to the Democrat playbook, she memorized it!

Hillary shows the public nothing, but does not have to! She need only appear at friendly venues, where no tough questions await;  the nominee's "crown" has been sized and she only needs to plan her triumphant arrival in Philadelphia next July for it to be placed on her head.  Nor, does Hillary need display political courage or leadership. She never had to, so why expect it now?  Nor, is there an air of authenticity or candor when Hillary speaks.  Neither is needed, such is the luxury of entitlement!

Whether Hillary Clinton will be the first women president is still an unknown.  But, the objective  among us already know the "type" of person she already is!

Giving a Lifeline to Poor Black Communities

June 4, 2015

 

There is no lack of people who want to reverse the downward spiral in Black communities. Liberals, conservatives, Whites, Blacks, Democrats and Republicans all have the same desire; improve the                quality of life and prospects of people mired in a lifestyle undeserving of any American citizen,           for more than a generation.

Additionally, there is also no lack in the number of programs to address problems in poor and poorly educated communities. Unfortunately, many of these programs have failed, yet remain as the public        is told the 'solution' is spending even more money!

What is missing in the discussion to aid Black communities is the resistance to assimilation, essential  to being competitive in American society.

"Assimilation" can be as simple as "showing up on time" or "properly dressing" for school and work.  It also is "respecting the law" and "behaving civilly" no matter the difficulties.

This brings me to a NY Times op-ed by Duke professor Jerry Hough, that addressed the  problems faced in Black communities. In writing "How Racism Doomed Baltimore" Hough  addressed the  "segregating" patterns, http://nyti.ms/1RXrMIi

Not surprisingly, Hough came under fire for wandering off Duke's reservation, drifting away from the  'canned' conclusions most in academia offer when addressing problems in Black communities.

Hough was publicly criticized for the op-ed. 'The comments were noxious, offensive and have no place  in civil discourse. Duke University has a deeply-held commitment to inclusiveness grounded in respect   for all, and we encourage our community to speak out when they feel that those ideals are challenged or undermined, as they were in this case," stated by Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations.

Schoenfeld's criticism of Hough does not advance a long overdue conversation, it muffles it. His view is right in line with most in academia, thoughtful analysis and criticism is verboten in the polite circles of the intellectual set if such remarks makes any disenfranchised group uncomfortable .

So, no matter any gems of wisdom Hough provides, his commentary may only be remembered for the "noxious  and offensive" remarks.

But, I cannot let Hough op-ed piece be buried by Schoenfeld. I want to address the key word, "assimilation"which  Prof. Hough brought center stage in the discussion, a word mentioned now, rather than decades ago.

You will never see topic of "assimilation" included in the Afro-American studies syllabus, yet Blacks are the only group of struggling Americans where it needs to be addressed, despite Schoenfeld's refusal to appreciate it.

The problems in many Black communities goes much deeper and without comparison to others who struggle  even harder we will never be able to distinguish why most are successful, while Black communities continue to fall further behind.

For example, I've yet to hear of newly arrived Asian, Indian or even African students pressured by their peers not to  "act White" by studying as Blacks students are often told.

This is misguided ignorance. Its not 'acting White' to excel academically, its an essential step to achieve success in  chosen careers. This is why so many Asian, Indian and African families come to the United States!

I contend the "assimilation divide" begins in public school. Think of mixed groups of six yr olds. Their behavior  and personalities patterns are similar. Now add ten yrs to their lives. You will often find a noticeable distinction   between the Black children and the other ethnic/race students. In those ten yrs. "something happens", allowing many young Blacks to grow up differently. They develop into adolescence with an edge, a chip on their shoulders  against authority in any form.

Unlike White, Asian and Indian children who are 'left alone', young Blacks are targeted, prime "customers" for the agents who want to bring havoc to American governance. They provide little positive support, merely point   to outside influences to condition developing children's minds to become hardened against civility!

These young impressionable minds are fed a toxic cocktail which they consume as they develop. Its no wonder  they fall well behind others in learning and resistant of assimilation, worsening their opinion of our country.

Academia conveniently points to the "hand they are dealt"; worst poverty than other groups, minimal parenting, and negative influences each day they step out their front door.

But, no matter the causes for the terrible conditions in many Black communities, before we can address any of them, the residents themselves need to believe in American governance.

Without confidence, especially for law enforcement, angry young Blacks will continue to travel a path of self destruction.  This can only be done in the public schools which themselves are failing. Only when voices like Prof.  Hough is allowed to  heard rather than muffled through intimidation will the discussion be seriously addressed.

 

Ajbruno14 gmail.com

"Our Establishment Government"

As relevant now as it was on Oct. 8, 2013

You may have thought when you selected a political party to join it would be

one that best represented your views on governance. I know I did!

However, if you take the time to evaluate the behavior and performance of 

party leaders you may be disappointed. I know I was!

I have found political parties have more in common than what they disagree 

about. Single issues may distinguish them from each other, but the mechanism 

and centralization of governance makes them indistinguishable.

Such a realization places the citizens in a quandary, what should they do?

Democrats aren't as troubled as Republicans are. They view the expanse of 

government with new legislation and regulations as a positive, not restrictive

as most Republicans do.

But, if you are a Republican you may feel unrepresented as the people you 

elected also support the growth of government at the expense of principles

the party states it stands for.

I have yet to see the Republican Party seriously attempt to reign in any 

Federal agency in the thirty-odd years it controlled the White House. Nor, 

has a GOP controlled Congress ever reduced funding of any agency.

The message is clear, we do not have two political parties, merely two 

branches of an American establishment.

But, this is not only true of the US government, it is equally clear at the

state and local levels as well. 

Each state administers education and health programs as Congress directs 

them. No matter which party leads, both do what is required to ensure they

are in compliance with the Federal agencies that use funding and regulations 

to keep states in line, ignoring that each state was created as sovereign 

NOT subservient!

Yet, even to elected officials at the state level the word "sovereign" has no 

meaning. It has been replaced with another word, "compliance" for this will 

ensures Federal dollars  continue to flow to states which bow at the alter 

of Federal authority.

And worse, even members of Congress do not fight for the states they claim 

to represent as they too prefer Federal control rather than state control.

Let's not forget municipal governing bodies. Although most citizens rarely

take the time to learn what is occurring so close to their doorstep, they 

need to understand town councils wield a large amount of power too, often 

voting in concert, although split politically.

In cities and towns across the country, no matter which party is in control, 

whether they are thriving or barely getting by, all defer to Washington and 

do what is necessary to gain Federal dollars.

This can be seen in projects approved and how they are funded. Even for 

projects the public does not want local governing bodies approve them, 

driven by self-interests.

The evidence can be seen throughout our country; local municipal councils 

support the desires of businesses which fund their campaigns and compliance 

with Federal standards to receive Federal dollars.

No matter if its a new school or development, both will get approved, whether 

needed or not.  It is rare when such projects are rejected as the justification 

is usually "solid"; growth demands a new school, and another mall.

This is what we have become, an audience being entertained by political theater.

Tune in any night, listen to what these well rehearsed  "actors" (elected officials) 

have to say.

Notice how quickly our representatives have a solution no matter the complexity 

of the problem. They immediately know what is best, offering a neatly wrapped 

package of more government control and funded with more taxpayer money.

But, the performance of these actors will wear thin as the cost gets heavier with

each law passed, regulation applied, bond referendum approved and commercial

development built.

At some point we will be unable to sustain the wasteful "lifestyle" of the people 

we elect. The day is near, when the clock will strike twelve and the "Establishment

Party" 's party will be over!

This is what happens when a nation founded without political parties refused to

heed the warning of Washington and Madison, and let self-interests create two

distinct bodies and allowed them to morph into one, which deliberately isolates 

itself from the American people.

There was a time when I believed conservatives could become a force in the 

Republican Party but I doubt it now. 

My view has changed for its current leadership has failed conservatism. And any 

claim this is not true is made by someone in denial.

Our original pray God Bless America was answered, perhaps its time He helps America.

Replies to ajbruno14  gmail

A Warning Worth Heeding, more than 220 years later!

"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit

of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages & countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. 

But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders & miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security & repose in the absolute power of an Individual: and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty." 

 George Washington, September 19, 1796

George Washington said this six months before leaving office.  What he had observed troubled him, as he saw in America's future what most of us do not see in our present, 

the total disintegration of individual self-governing!

It may be more than odd that only the Washington Monument excludes a resemblance 

of George Washington.  Imagine if instead there was a statue of Washington's likeness peering down towards the Capitol to 'see' what he warned the nation of, not two chambers working in concert for the American people, but two parties working in conjunction to retain their power.

The American people have endured, even as the vitality of our nation slowly dies, leaving more than 300 million American solely dependent on a few hundred people who have amassed ultimate power over every part of our lives either directly with laws and regulations, or stealthy through the "conditioning" of American minds!

Our nation may survive, but not as it was intended to be. No, our corrupted governance has assured us it will never again rise to the heights our Founders envisioned!  We have swayed so far off the exact course painstaking developed we will never right our course until we have hit rock bottom where hopelessness triumphs over hollow acclamations that America remains the paragon of great governance.

There will be a time when the American people will get a peek behind the curtain and see the true intentions of those who govern.  They will see what they have never been told, that fraud, deceit, contempt and corruption are the tools of the political trade.  They will understand all the finger pointing is meant to delay actually doing something to address our nation's ills. For to heal our nation would mean to restore the power of governance to the American people.

Unfortunately, no one knows when this time will come, or the state of our nation when it does.

Welcome to share with others...  ajbruno14 gmail.

The failure to raise all boats!

As I drive around Wake County and its neighboring counties I see

the growth thanks to an improving economy and a location which
appears to have endless opportunities and numerous amenities!

But, I also see beyond Wake county's horizon where the prospects
are not much better than a decade earlier.  

These communities have not "kept up", with income, better skilled workforce, or business opportunities. There seems to be little prospect of  these poorer, mostly rural counties to join the ones

thriving as they are in our most desirous state. 

I'm sure what I see is not limited to NC. Across the country the 

same "recipe" is being applied, developers targeting prime areas 

and ignoring most others.

States are aware of the problem, but unwittingly are doing exactly
what has created this problem, an economic divide. Among our 100
counties, the only a small percentage are doing well, while the majority continue to struggle.

To combat this problem politicians offer manufactured govt.
solutions which rarely work for the long term in poorer counties.

Struggling counties use incentives to make them more appealing
based on the belief  this will  entice developers. Unfortunately,
any such enticements are rarely worth the cost as developers 

need to see near term benefit or they will abandon these areas.

No matter how many incentives are offered, demand to live and
work in the counties with the greatest opportunities will remain. 

Developers will continue to squeeze in as many businesses and
homes as they are allowed.  And, judging by the permits approved,
the "traffic signal" to control development is stuck on green!

Consider Cary, a town of 150,000, now 125,000 more than when
I moved here twenty-five years ago.  The projection is to grow to
200,000 within 3-4 years!  Yet, town govt. seems little concerned
beyond adding staff to provide services!

While Cary and other towns focus on their responsibilities to keep

tax rates low by allowing excessive growth they are also sucking
the "oxygen" from so many towns on life support!

Wake, Durham and Chatham counties would be wise to limit further

development and prioritize amenities for current residents.  There is
little need to build more schools for "growth". With a moratorium on development  counties can focus and invest to improve education for
150,000 students rather than spend money to build new schools for the next 50,000!

This is a very hard sell. Developers have no incentive to build in area where they will not  maximize their investment.

But, counties "incentives" must be for more than greater revenue, its about the quality of life for all North Carolinians, not only those who reside in the high demand regions.

The evidence is clear.  Cary today would be unrecognizable to residents living here twenty five years ago while hundreds of small towns across the state look today as they did then.

Town officials in prosperous communities agree development should continue as it has been the past fifty never.  But, they must recognize what they do locally hurts countless communities across the state.

To aid small communities will take more than targeted tax breaks and incentives. It will take a cooperative effort of rich and poor counties to ensure development in prosperous communities don't hurt poorer ones.  

Replies appreciated, to:   ajbruno14@gmail.com