"Oh ye of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Matthew 8:26
This phrase comes to mind with each media "bombshell" scripted
to weaken the Trump presidency.
The latest is the 'demotion', which we have been told, but don't
actually know, of Steve Bannon, a man 90% of American
do not know but 90% of establishment politicians hate!
While the media frenzy to destroy President Trump continues,
there is little attention given to what is being done by appointed
members with 'operational' responsibilities.
Consider his announcements made, Executive Orders, and
the decisions of cabinet members.
UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has advised her United Nations
colleagues America will no longer contribute to nations whose
behavior and treatment of citizens we do not condone.
EPA Secy Scott Pruitt has ends the extreme mandates on states
that tax citizens and businesses alike,
Secy. of Ed Betsy Devos has end the mandate of states meeting
federal standards rather than their own.
President Trump kept his promise to name a conservative to the
Supreme Court and has the support of Senate Majority leader
Mitch McConnell to get him confirmed!
Trump also enacted Executive Orders froze all regulations, ended
Trans-Pacific Partnership, approved the Keystone pipeline, froze
federal workforce, fast tracked of environment overviews of
infrastructure projects, among others,
Others can be found at:
http://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2017/01/all-trump-executive-actions-000288
What can be done, he is doing. Have faith, his past performance warrants this.
Lastly, remember two cornerstones of President Trump's campaign promises
are dependent on Congress, cutting taxes and replacing Obamacare.
Granted some things may concern you, but remember what bothers you is
political theater, so watch it munching on a box of popcorn. Only the folks
in Washington think its more!
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter
in comments section
below, or email,
ajbruno14@gmail.com
"Point of View" blog
http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Simple majority on confirmations, our Founders intent
One thing the Founders may have never envisioned, even as President Washington warned them of "factions", commonly known as political parties, was how our insidious power grabbing politicians would behave.
One thing the Founders may have never envisioned, even as President Washington warned them of "factions", commonly known as political parties, was how our insidious power grabbing politicians would behave.
For the past couple of decades we have seen this in the US Senate as both parties jockeyed for an advantage using the power of the majority, even
going to the Constitution to 'find' favor.
So it is with the confirmation of nominees to ambassadorships, Supreme Court judges and other officers of the United States.
We are told the Senate must have a two-thirds concurrence for such nominees to be appointed. And for all we have heard, this seems to
be the collective wisdom of what the Constitution states.
But, we need to remember the wisdom of our Founders was sprinkled
with what some call vagueness, even using the language of the day to emphasize its intended guidance for posterity.
The Founders provided future generations with latitude with explicitness,
even using a punctuation that provided as much power as words, often
pointed to in the Second Amendment, where a semi-colon has some up in arms over whether gun ownership is for individuals or a 'regulated militia'.
A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence, both
given equal weight.
In the case of government nominees the semi-colon is also overlooked in the
debate whether a two-thirds majority is actually needed for appointments.
If we accept how the semi-colon fits within the second amendment allowing
individuals to 'bare arms', than it is reasonable to appreciate how it also fits in Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 which states....
2: He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur ";" and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
Take note how the semi-colon separates two distinct Senatorial powers, treaties and confirmations.
For us to accept a two-thirds requirement makes little sense, driven by partisanship. A simply majority is all that is required and both parties
should stop the nonsense as both will benefit when each of them have the majority.
So it is with the confirmation of nominees to ambassadorships, Supreme Court judges and other officers of the United States.
We are told the Senate must have a two-thirds concurrence for such nominees to be appointed. And for all we have heard, this seems to
But, we need to remember the wisdom of our Founders was sprinkled
with what some call vagueness, even using the language of the day to emphasize its intended guidance for posterity.
The Founders provided future generations with latitude with explicitness,
even using a punctuation that provided as much power as words, often
pointed to in the Second Amendment, where a semi-colon has some up in arms over whether gun ownership is for individuals or a 'regulated militia'.
A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence, both
given equal weight.
In the case of government nominees the semi-colon is also overlooked in the
debate whether a two-thirds majority is actually needed for appointments.
If we accept how the semi-colon fits within the second amendment allowing
individuals to 'bare arms', than it is reasonable to appreciate how it also fits in Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 which states....
2: He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur ";" and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
Take note how the semi-colon separates two distinct Senatorial powers, treaties and confirmations.
For us to accept a two-thirds requirement makes little sense, driven by partisanship. A simply majority is all that is required and both parties
should stop the nonsense as both will benefit when each of them have the majority.
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter in comments
section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Trump "tweets" as many in Washington "burn"
We should not be surprised at the shoddy treatment of President Trump
which began soon after he chose to run for the presidency when he was
called an 'entertainer' rather than the accomplished businessman he is.
Those of us aware of his accomplishments will not take such criticism
seriously, especially from politicians Trump said, 'all they do is talk'.
seriously, especially from politicians Trump said, 'all they do is talk'.
But, since his successful election the attacks have gotten worse, even
to the point he is 'illegitimate' and should be impeached!
to the point he is 'illegitimate' and should be impeached!
We have been told Trump is undeserving of the presidency for his behavior,
especially using Twitter with biting honesty that ruffles the feathers and
disturbed sensibility of the Washington establishment and chattering class
which prefers to be called 'journalists'.
I will only agree with critics of President Trump if THEY will use an honest
measuring stick to compare his tweets and caustic remarks with what certain
presidents in the recent past actually did, not said.
measuring stick to compare his tweets and caustic remarks with what certain
presidents in the recent past actually did, not said.
Begin with FDR who agreed with JFK's dad, Joe Kennedy, and did nothing,
not even speak out against the genocide of Jews in Nazi Germany. Perhaps
the murder of six million Jews did not rise to the "infamy" of Pearl Harbor!
not even speak out against the genocide of Jews in Nazi Germany. Perhaps
the murder of six million Jews did not rise to the "infamy" of Pearl Harbor!
If criticism of the sainted FDR makes some uncomfortable advance your minds
a decade later to Truman who sent American troops to Korea, where more than
36,000 were killed, in an war that was not "declared" by Congress, merely called
a UN 'police action, where few nation's blood spilled.
If criticism of the decision of Truman who known as the man who said the 'buck
stops here' makes some uneasy, advance a decade and half to LBJ who must have
agreed sending young men to fight in an undeclared war was fine, and sent several
million to Vietnam with 58,000 coming home to be buried by their families.
stops here' makes some uneasy, advance a decade and half to LBJ who must have
agreed sending young men to fight in an undeclared war was fine, and sent several
million to Vietnam with 58,000 coming home to be buried by their families.
If, you haven't enough to compare President Trump's 'behavior' with, lets move
to the 1990s where Clinton's boorishness towards women made him the poster
boy including even taking sexual liberties of a young, adoring White House intern
in the Oval Office.
boy including even taking sexual liberties of a young, adoring White House intern
in the Oval Office.
Nor, should we dismiss the selective condemnation of the Constitution by Trump's
predecessor Obama who used threats to sue states if they dared enforce federal
law, the IRS to target certain groups and even surveillance of journalists whose
reports were displeasing to him.
law, the IRS to target certain groups and even surveillance of journalists whose
reports were displeasing to him.
I agree with Trump's critics that he may at times not come across as 'presidential'
but when compared with these noted predecessors his behavior is a far cry from
the actions of this rogue's gallery of shameful presidential embarrassments.
but when compared with these noted predecessors his behavior is a far cry from
the actions of this rogue's gallery of shameful presidential embarrassments.
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
Friday, March 31, 2017
Media keeps 'buying' losing lottery tickets.
On June 16th it will be two years since Donald Trump announced his
candidacy for the presidency.
Unlike others who run for our highest office President Trump was
ridiculed from the very beginning, called everything from a 'joke'
to a 'charlatan'.
For two years Trump's unorthodox campaign was ridiculed and every
'outrageous' remark was met with the same response, "that's it, Trump
has destroyed his candidacy".
Time and time again every media source said Trump was through.
Every political 'expert' said Trump cannot continue!
What we have seen was not objective criticism of President Trump,
it was actual dislike of him, even 'rooting' he would self-destruct.
The media delivered each negative report as though they were holding
a winning lottery ticket, hopeful it would be the "ticket' they could
cash, ending Trump's political career before it even begins!
Never has one man endured attacks from every direction, political
opposition, media, even members of his own party.
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
candidacy for the presidency.
Unlike others who run for our highest office President Trump was
ridiculed from the very beginning, called everything from a 'joke'
to a 'charlatan'.
For two years Trump's unorthodox campaign was ridiculed and every
'outrageous' remark was met with the same response, "that's it, Trump
has destroyed his candidacy".
Time and time again every media source said Trump was through.
Every political 'expert' said Trump cannot continue!
What we have seen was not objective criticism of President Trump,
it was actual dislike of him, even 'rooting' he would self-destruct.
The media delivered each negative report as though they were holding
a winning lottery ticket, hopeful it would be the "ticket' they could
cash, ending Trump's political career before it even begins!
Never has one man endured attacks from every direction, political
opposition, media, even members of his own party.
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
NC governor Roy Cooper statement on repeal of HB 2
This is my response to Gov. Cooper's email citing the repeal of House Bill 2
Gov. Cooper,
Yes, you are correct. House Bill 2 was a "dark cloud", but not for the reasons cited.
The blame goes to the misinformation campaign by opponents and a complicit
media to impugn the reputations of those who believe a young woman's modesty
is worthy of a formidable defense, something the General Assembly admirably did,
and YOU, as our Attorney General, refused to enforce.
media to impugn the reputations of those who believe a young woman's modesty
is worthy of a formidable defense, something the General Assembly admirably did,
and YOU, as our Attorney General, refused to enforce.
Your insistence that refusing an accommodation is discrimination is an insult
to every individual, especially people of color, who have actually suffered this
degrading practice.
to every individual, especially people of color, who have actually suffered this
degrading practice.
The omission of the clinically defined abnormality, "gender dysphoria",
successfully worked and made 'normal' the farcical label 'transgender', which
has been concocted to fit a political narrative.
successfully worked and made 'normal' the farcical label 'transgender', which
has been concocted to fit a political narrative.
Further, House Bill 2 legislation did not discriminate against gays and lesbians
as you insist it did, evidenced by the inability to cite any occasions it has occurred.
as you insist it did, evidenced by the inability to cite any occasions it has occurred.
In fact, the addition of the "T" in the LGB identity is an affront to those who
actually live an alternative lifestyle, not just say they 'feel' they are something
they are not and can never be.
actually live an alternative lifestyle, not just say they 'feel' they are something
they are not and can never be.
You say House Bill 2 damaged our state's reputation, citing businesses announced
they would not come here. This is political hog wash due to fear of protests,
preferable to standing up for the rights of the women who do not want men to use
their facilities.
preferable to standing up for the rights of the women who do not want men to use
their facilities.
In fact, aside from a few grandstanding businesses, how many companies actually
have left? Nor, can you cite an Exodus of members of the gay community. I've
seen no report, so conditions in NC are not as dire as you campaigned they were!
have left? Nor, can you cite an Exodus of members of the gay community. I've
seen no report, so conditions in NC are not as dire as you campaigned they were!
Finally with this 'victory' YOU can celebrate by issuing an executive order requiring
every public building, including schools and universities to change all bathroom and
locker rooms to gender neutral facilities, including the Executive Mansion!
Regards,
Anthony Bruno
Cary
ajbruno14@gmail.com
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Another day, another 'select' Senate hearing
Sen. Burr,
I was disappointed the Senate Select Intelligence Committee decided to conduct
hearings to see if allegations raised that Russia tried to influence our presidential
election are true.
hearings to see if allegations raised that Russia tried to influence our presidential
election are true.
As I listened to remarks by you and ranking member Sen. Mark Warner today, neither
of you offered compelling reasons, at least to me, to justify hearings, not even evidence
of you offered compelling reasons, at least to me, to justify hearings, not even evidence
pointing to targets of alleged attempts.
In previous hearings neither James Clapper and John Brenner could produce any evidence, such as an electronic 'paper trail' that Russia 'hacked' either Clinton or
Trump campaign sites. Without something concrete, its puzzling your committee
decided to go forward with this investigation.
Trump campaign sites. Without something concrete, its puzzling your committee
decided to go forward with this investigation.
The Senate Intelligence Committee already knows Russia is one of many
"foreign actors" anxious to learn as much as it can about us, and we do likewise.
"foreign actors" anxious to learn as much as it can about us, and we do likewise.
Our intelligence agencies have used surveillance of Russia for decades as they do
our country. This is the 'business' of intelligence most nations indulge in.
our country. This is the 'business' of intelligence most nations indulge in.
But, conducting hearing appears more Congressional 'grand standing' to respond
to the 'political blood thirsty' media than serve the public's interest.
to the 'political blood thirsty' media than serve the public's interest.
However, there is more at stake going forward. The committee will have the cloud
of election 'tampering' over its investigation for it appears to be the result to
responding to a fraudulent witch hunt, concocted by Democrats, who introduced
a "straw man" in Putin, to undermine the legitimacy of President Trump.
of election 'tampering' over its investigation for it appears to be the result to
responding to a fraudulent witch hunt, concocted by Democrats, who introduced
a "straw man" in Putin, to undermine the legitimacy of President Trump.
Ever since the election several security agencies have stated other nations have
been infiltrating communications within the United States. But, not once did I
learn it was Russia, only conjecture it could have been.
been infiltrating communications within the United States. But, not once did I
learn it was Russia, only conjecture it could have been.
Nor, did we hear which computer systems were hacked. And since this committee's primary mission is to see if our election was affected, shouldn't this already be known?
The only thing the public actually knows is Russian President Putin has denied
the allegation. And to publicly challenge his denials weakens any opportunity to
cooperate in the future.
the allegation. And to publicly challenge his denials weakens any opportunity to
cooperate in the future.
There has been no evidence presented to prove Russia "attempted to hijack our
election, favoring one candidate over another" as Sen. Warner stated at the press conference. How can such a statement be made without proof?
election, favoring one candidate over another" as Sen. Warner stated at the press conference. How can such a statement be made without proof?
To those of us who follow the working of Congress we have seen this so many
times before, committees created, staffs assigned, thousands of hours spent
investigating allegations that may be nothing more than an attempt to advance
a partisan initiative.
times before, committees created, staffs assigned, thousands of hours spent
investigating allegations that may be nothing more than an attempt to advance
a partisan initiative.
I sadly believe this is such a time...
Regards,
Anthony Bruno
Anthony Bruno
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
A Shining star among the thousands points of light.....
Most of us run into good people every day but it is on the rare occasion
we cross paths with extraordinary people committed to doing whatever
they can do to make things better!
So it is with people like Dr. Sandra Stotsky , who stands out above so
many others in the field of education.
I met Dr. Stotsky when she visited NC to fight on behalf of opponents
of the Common Core education standard and was instrumental in aiding
them convince our General Assembly to replace Common Core.
Dr. Stotsky, whose expertise is in English Literature, developed the
curriculum for Massachusetts public schools, rated best in the nation
for two decades.
Her credential merited her being asked to be on the Common Core
Validation committee. During the assessment of English Literature
Dr. Stotsky reported she could not support Common Core, a written
criticism that was omitted from the final report.
I bring up Dr. Stotsky to let others know there are people fighting
on behalf of citizens, even against the tremendous odds driven by
political power and deep pocketed investors.
You can learn about Dr. Stotsky from several online sites, including:
Universtiy of Arkansas, http://www.uaedreform.org/sandra-stotsky/
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Stotsky
Pioneer Institute, http://pioneerinstitute.org/common-core/
Please pass this along.....everyone needs a "shining star" when so many
days are filled with clouds
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
we cross paths with extraordinary people committed to doing whatever
they can do to make things better!
So it is with people like Dr. Sandra Stotsky , who stands out above so
many others in the field of education.
I met Dr. Stotsky when she visited NC to fight on behalf of opponents
of the Common Core education standard and was instrumental in aiding
them convince our General Assembly to replace Common Core.
Dr. Stotsky, whose expertise is in English Literature, developed the
curriculum for Massachusetts public schools, rated best in the nation
for two decades.
Her credential merited her being asked to be on the Common Core
Validation committee. During the assessment of English Literature
Dr. Stotsky reported she could not support Common Core, a written
criticism that was omitted from the final report.
I bring up Dr. Stotsky to let others know there are people fighting
on behalf of citizens, even against the tremendous odds driven by
political power and deep pocketed investors.
You can learn about Dr. Stotsky from several online sites, including:
Universtiy of Arkansas, http://www.uaedreform.org/sandra-stotsky/
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Stotsky
Pioneer Institute, http://pioneerinstitute.org/common-core/
Please pass this along.....everyone needs a "shining star" when so many
days are filled with clouds
Feedback appreciated. Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)