It is not uncommon for American politicians and their lackeys to berate, belittle, debase or demoralize the military: General Patton, General Mc Arthur, Lt Calley and Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich come to mind. Some may argue this is a particular strategy employed to ensure the military is kept in check by the politicians. Be that as it may, notice the descending rank.   Returning veterans face a myriad of concerns to be sure but not until recently had dodging political bullets been one of them. 

Janet Napolitano came out of her closet with guns a blazing taking aim at legions of men and women returning from various theaters insinuating they may be suffering from some sort of Rambo Syndrome.

Internal terrorism – code red. Thankfully her declaration of war against an imaginary fifth column was rebuffed by most sane congressional members and media professionals of the left, right and center.

In a hastily fabricated apology “… all this was meant to do was to give law enforcement what we call ‘situational awareness.’” She attempted to dismiss her call to arms as nothing more than a misunderstanding taken out of context: Referring to a report defining the threat; "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment," which also singled out returning war veterans as susceptible to recruitment” was regrettable.

On Fox News Napolitano insisted she was not a somnambulistic somniloquist and claimed: "If there's one part of this report that I would rewrite ... it would be that footnote,"   Then again, perhaps, in reality, she spoke what she should not.

Within his first ten days in office President Obama took a shot at the military. Some may view his Executive Order, wherein he ordered closing down Gitmo and halting delayed and drawn out trials, as a challenge or test of some sort. Was this a test of both military and public reaction? He certainly didn’t have to wait for a response.  Army Col. James L. Pohl swiftly responded and rejected the president's request to stop proceedings at the military tribunal.

Col. Pohl was quick to recognize our commander in chief’s executive order was 'not reasonable' and ambiguous in nature. Standing his ground Col. Pohl pointed out that the rules for military commissions adopted by Congress in 2006 gave military judges "sole authority" to grant delays once charges had been referred for trial.

Defiance?  Technically, no. Legal scholars and Pentagon officials said Pohl's ruling was not insubordination whereas Obama's proposal was a request, not an order. While this may be so, it is an unspoken understanding that a request from a higher link in the chain is generally construed as an order.

"Judge Pohl's decision to unabashedly move forward in the Al Nashiri military commission case shows how our military is ready to stand fast, support our constitution and challenge any ambiguities in President Obama's executive order.  According to Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Gordon: While the Department of Defense is currently reviewing Judge Pohl's ruling, a clear message has been sent to the new commander in chief.

The changes facing this nation are going to stir many emotions and Washington’s troika (Pelosi, Reid Obama) understand the importance of appeasment. President Obama temporarily lost round one but the fight isn’t over yet.   This decision throws, into some disarray, the administration’s immediate plans. Perhaps Napalitano jumped the gun: perhaps not.

To some extent our military has learned to play politics and the PRO Triumverate knows the importance in keeping them (military) in this areana. Hessian mercinaries are not as plentiful and a simple request: “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles.  For I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.” may not be forth coming if ordered to seize a flying fish, or, God forbid, brother is ordered against brother.

I received a letter from a cancer patient asking about the “Change We Can Believe in”. She is one of many people wondering what had happened to the promises made and the promises kept by political candidates. It’s a hard luck story of someone that had done everything right only to see so much go wrong. Following is the letter:

My name is Brenda Lee of Georgia. I always felt I had been living a responsible life and had no fears regarding my future. I have no credit card debt, I own my own vehicle and for the past eight years I have been on the path to owning a home I could easily afford.

In the past I often augmented my mortgage payments with two or three additional principal payments.  My goal was to pay for my home in 15 years or less. Before the economy spiraled out of control I had accumulated some sizable equity. Additionally, I typically keep six months to a year’s reserve of cash on hand for emergencies. You would think this would make me almost recession proof. Not so.

My business, a construction company, fell victim, like so many others, to the Georgia drought and then the downturn in the housing industry. It actually began experiencing serious shortfalls before November of 2007. It became obvious things were going to get worse.   In March of 2008 I returned to work for the same owner of the Chevrolet dealership I had left fifteen years ago.

My construction company was not producing regular work or projects. In April of 2008 my husband of 8 years went to work at a pre-stressed concrete company. That change was short lived whereas, in August of 2008 he was given a medical leave of absence from his employer.  Car sales were plummeting and to ad insult to injury, in January of this year I was diagnosed with cancer. I am currently being treated with chemo and radiation. I am scheduled for surgery in May.    

We were, for 17 months, just meeting our financial obligations without seeking government aid of any sort before we began losing ground. Setting his pride aside my husband applied for any type of employment – even minimum wage entry positions in the fast food industry but to no avail. Reluctantly he signed up for food stamps and unemployment. I am currently on disability.

I applied for and received two unsecured loans to rescue my home from foreclosure back in March of 2008. I had not been diagnosed with cancer at that time so I viewed these loans as my mini bailout so to speak.   Before the cancer there was nothing on the horizon that would have indicated additional problems.

My lender, in the spirit of “wanting to work with me” charged me 2,500.00 upfront and billed me 1,154.00 for five months to catch up. I met their asinine requirements and saved my home.  

Now medical co-pay bills and insurance bills as well as basic living expenses consume the majority of our income. We no longer have cash reserves.   We can’t even consider renting as an option. My Beacon score has fallen in the past year where refinancing may require divine intervention or Change We Can Believe In. 

We have never lived foolishly or spent money we did not have. My property is to go into foreclosure again due to lost income due to the combination of the economic contraction and our health requirements.

I have written to our two Senators as well as an Economic Professor, of the University of Pennsylvania.   I have been reading about reverse mortgages and equity release options hoping to find a solution there. Thus far, no one has answered my inquiries. 

My husband is 57 years of age and with exception of his hernia, he is in extremely good health. I am 45 years old and my cancer seems to be responding favorably to chemo and radiation treatments. After my cancer is operated on in May, hopefully this health issue will be reduced to nothing more than a bump in the road and I can return to work full time.  

What we find particularly discouraging is we have been unable to find any programs to assist homeowners that could have otherwise weathered this downturn were it not for medical concerns. 

I have spoken with several Countrywide associates. Some have been kind while some have been rather rude but none, thus far, none have been helpful. They refuse to accept full or partial mortgage payments and the last suggestion I received from my lender was: “wait to see what this Obama thing will do”.   As it turns out, it does nothing and now my mortgage company wants me in the street. Literally. It doesn’t make sense. I still have over 30K in equity in my home and they refuse to work with me.

Even though I initially tried to send my full mortgage payments in they insisted they could not accept them and mailed the checks back to me. As silly as that may sound, it is true. Their reasoning was due to my having failed to meet several payments, even though I was getting back on my feet financially, they couldn’t apply the money to my account.

I am at my wits end. We have no family to fall back on. While it is very important for me to keep my home, if I fail to do so we have absolutely no place to go.   I know there is nothing you can do personally, but if you could, please let your readers know that this “Change We Can Believe In” isn’t all it is touted to be.

Respectfully,

Brenda Lee.

As the new “symbolic tax revolt” nears, the pressure is on. I am receiving calls and emails from people I haven’t spoken with in months – even years. The common denominator seems to be today’s ubiquitous interrogative: “which tea party are you going to?”

For the record, I have decided to stand at my own helm. I have no intention of engaging in an exercise of futility. The Tax Day Tea Party goal is currently billed as a symbolic tax revolution. That’s absurd. There are only two means to achieve any goal – either brute force or intellectual persuasion.    This proposed tea party lacks both elements.

At best this tea party is a hastily constructed mob. Mobs, regardless of their origin or intent are seldom recognized for their intellectual capacity: independent thought loses ground to mass hysteria. There are no – for lack of a better term – Generals, Strategists or Central Leaders behind this symbolic tea party. A cause lacking a course of action simply serves no purpose. 

Rick Santelli may be the individual largely recognized as the tea party instigator. I use the term “instigator” because there was no plan or objective in place. This whole thing started with a vigorous “rant”. The instantaneous communication capabilities via the internet inadvertently set the Hessian Soldier on a new mount: nothing more.

If we step back and look at this strangely conceived call to arms we can easily spot two constants: 1) It is a well publicized party: so is the 4^th of July. 2) The central “bad guy” in this particular situation is “big government and excessive taxation”.  With regards to the first constant, when observing Independence Day most of the participants’ focus does not go beyond the fare on the picnic table or the bright and pretty colors filling the night sky. The second constant can be laid to rest as a complete and utter lack of recognition. The average American actually has no clue as to how much of their earnings (property) actually go to big government as taxes.

Here is what will happen. On April 15^th, 2009, scattered hither, thither and yon throughout this country, thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands of Americans will engage in a deceptive unification to voice their objection to Big Government, excessive spending and taxation without representation. Deceptive unification: yes. Forgive them father, for they know not what they do: literally.   On April 16^th, 2009, the status quo will prevail as everyone returns to work – for those that have jobs – and the beat goes on…and the beat goes on. 

Nature provides us with a perfect example of what is to come following this Tax Day Tea Party. For those Americans residing in the Deep South, the familiar sight of fire ant mounds popping up in yards and pastures is by now accepted as status quo.  

For grins and giggles take a piece of paper, make a name tag, label it as “Big Government” and pin it to your shirt. On another piece label it as Excessive Taxes” and wrap it around a big stick. Now, stand within six inches of a fire ant mound for a few moments. After a few moments you will be accepted as a natural obstacle to the foragers. Without moving your feet bend over and plunge the stick into the mound and twist it once.  Let go of the stick and watch the show.  Immediate Chaos!  

The entire surface of the mound comes alive with a massive swarm of workers, soldiers and gatherers. Bumping into and climbing over one another- perhaps an isolated skirmish or two. The soldiers cover every inch of the intruding stick but failing to recognize or make a connection to the actual threat it is ignored. Within five minutes order is restored. The soldiers return to quarters. The foragers continue to scout for food and the workers go back to work. If you have the patience to wait watch the workers incorporate the Big Stick as part of their mound. It is now safe to remove the name tag from your shirt and walk away.

There is no telling what Santelli’sintentions were – perhaps he was merely looking for a pull toy to play with.

At last count there are some 456 Tax Day Tea Parties scheduled throughout the State of Georgia.  The whirlwind of tax and spend politics in Washington is getting many people excited, angered and revved up. Charge!   Ho Toro! Into the Fray!   

Taking part in a symbolic Tea Party offers the chance to make a mark; show where you stand and symbolically defy a mighty oppressing foe: Big Government. A worthy cause if ever there was one.   Peaceful too!   The celebration will certainly be filled with festivity not unlike a National Soccer Mom Field Day.  Have you signed up yet?

Just in case you have been busy voting to abolish “tag” from the playground a (Silent Majority No More) website: http://taxdayteaparty.com/teaparty/georgia/  will direct you to the proper site should you have any interest in joining your state’s exercise in futility.  If you harbor a political bias to this site, no worries. There are sites popping up all over the internet. Finding a group that best represents your attitude is child’s play. There is plenty of time and definitely room for one more. No pushing and running please.

In an effort to really get the national adrenalin pumping several sites explain that there will be “Extensive News Coverage” and certainly U-tube postings. What’s more, you can either brandish one of their banners or make one of your own (providing it is not mounted on a stick or pole). In short these sites offer an opportunity to cash in on fifteen minutes of fame. Oh Joy, Rapture! an opportunity to follow a piper!   Why?

April 16^th will witness thousands of calls, emails sent and pictures exchanged. The Buzz: “Did you see me on the news?” “I sent you this email to show you what you missed”.  Soccer Moms will be giddy with excitement: “Here is a picture of me holding my sign”.   Collectively all the tea parties will have one common denominator: no plan for a follow up.   Not even a morning after pill to take following the national Fan Fest.  

History, as well as the authorities, will certainly record the Rabble Rousers,Gutless Wonders and the hordes of mindless, sycophantic myrmidons equally. To be sure, there is no doubt your face will be recorded by someone. On the upside for those pawns seeking personal aggrandizement, it is possible many participants will make the history books. It stands to reason that if Cindy Sheehan can get a full page spread in our children’s history text books and a place in Wikipedia then why not you?  It’s a given; this is one pseudo revolution that will surely make the history books.

Another revolution destined to make the history books is the culmination of one that started almost immediately after the ratification of the constitution successfully usurped the powers of the Articles of Confederation.  The patent intent of the Constitution was to allow a centralized federal government to grow and collect power as needed.  Thereafter each succeeding congressional body fed its insatiable appetite, passed laws to nurture its self serving autonomy and sheild it from accountability.

Most Tea Party enthusiasts don’t know and probably don’t even care to note we are currently in the midst of an actual revolution: a Congressional Junta to be more specific. This is the coming of age of the progressive movement and not a shot will be fired. While the 111^th congress continues to follow a specific, calculated and deliberate long standing goal of progressive assimilation the silent majority follows directions to a tea party.

The reason Tax Day Tea Parties and 9/12 projects will fail and have little or no impact is simply because the silent majority no longer looks to the government to protect individual rights. Most people, silent majority inclusive, actually feel it is government’s responsibility to further the economic well being of the citizenry.  In less than five years “spreading the wealth” will become socially acceptable.    

We have lost sight of our government’s responsibilities to us. We have allowed our government to seize power not sanctioned by the Articles of Confederation.   We have allowed a punitive progressive tax system (a transfer of wealth) to be introduced. It was rationalized as a means to save family businesses, protect existing jobs and of course, to help the poor and the silent majority went for it. 

Our congressional members know the average American’s attention is easily misdirected. Any well rehearsed speech demonizing acquired wealth will have the citizenry of this nation pointing at one political party or the other as being the enablers.   Instigating frivolous debates amongst the citizenry is an art well executed by our congressional leaders.  

Actually, both parties are guilty of power grabs since the 1790’s. Both parties have contributed considerably to the unbridled growth of government. Both parties have been and currently are directing this progressive juggernaut.   Both parties now have us (their subjects) in their corral. The 111^th congress view “we the people” as nothing more than easily manipulated party goers.  O wad some Power the giftie gie us / To see oursels as ithers see us!

The silent majority may have the numbers but certainly not the votes.  It lacks the courage, the backbone and obviously, the intelligence to see beyond their Tea Party. Orchestrating a party is one thing: demanding independence and freedom simply involves too much effort and Risk. 

To exploit our founding fathers’ bravery, convictions, and unwavering desire to be a free self-governed nation only to replace it with some silly-assed, feel-good tea party or 9/12 project is an insult and abandonment of their convictions.  If, after the party, the Silent Majority remains silent, it will effectively allow the expansion and power of the government at the expense of individual rights and liberty.   Party On!  And oh yes, don’t forget the krimpets[SIC]?