Pete Morin Editorial Review(from a parallel universe)

Pete Morin Editorial Review 2012-1

2012-01-24T17:23:00.003-05:00

Southern Exposure

Man, it's been tough trying to find things to write about. Especially when you have all day, everyday to think about a world spinning out of control.

October 1, 2011 saw a new era in my life as I gave up the world of work. Retirement has been a blessing and a curse. I told myself I would do NOTHING for at least 6 months and I am now in my 4th month of nothingness. The only thing that has remained a constant is my writers block. I could write about politics, but it remains as stupid a profession that it has ever been. President Obama continues on his road to be placed at the head of the class with respect to political dunces; the Republican Congress continues to play into his very capable community organizing hands; Democrats continue to be irresponsible numb skulls. But other than these minor issues, all has changed.

I now reside in Richmond Hill, GA amid the land of eternal sunshine and warm breezes. Along with the copious amounts of warmth I sit astride a new toy designed for pleasure cruising; Honda VT750C Shadow Aero motorcycle will grace the back roads of Bryan County and provide a getaway from a troubled world. Sue hates it, but accepts it as a sign of an aging boomer intent upon a simple pleasure to pass the time.

Anyway, perhaps this mental block will pass. At least enough to give me good things to write (if I can only get up the nerve to clear my head). So, here I go--put your helmet on and join me on the road; the road to fresh thoughts and a warm breeze grazing the windscreen.

Thoughts of Summer

2011-08-22T14:05:00.002-04:00

I wrote this little piece about 20 years ago and didn't want to have it disappear, so, here it is.

Summer

Summer turns its warm breath on me
A chance to see her revelry.
Summer plays its games untold
A time to see the leaves unfold

Summer haunts my distant past
Straining cracks in a schooner's mast.
Summer hurls her bolts at me
A time to feel the revelry.

Summer can give, but also take,
Of fresh corn and love to make.
Summer lights my heart a fire
Of which my mind will never tire.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #84

2011-03-31T12:24:00.005-04:00

Thought of St. Michael's

I was saddened to read in the local paper, recently, the passing of a fellow St. Michael's graduate, Timothy McCarthy.

It's not a commonplace occurrence for me to think about my contemporaries from high school, but in this case it merits mentioning.

Apparently, Tim had a successful life. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts and received an MSW from another university. I would attribute this success to the kind of student he was in high school. His demeanor was one of quiet leadership, a judicious student not interested in the petty qualities of fad and fashion. Those of us who remember those years would recognize a pecking order with Tim at the top, not because he strove to be there, but because this is where he belonged. He understood there were those of us who occupied the lower rungs of this ladder, but he never took advantage of our station. He treated all with respect and kindness that engendered respect in return.

These reminiscences are not just about Tim, but about youth, life and aging. We remember these times because they are valuable to our growth as a person. We remember those people who gave us a positive experience, who gave us a reason to believe in the goodness of people. Tim gave us that experience by acting in a manner that was worthwhile to remember; an example to honor and to follow.

It has been said that time heals all wounds, but it also brings to mind the good instances of lives well lived. It brings to my mind the character of a Tim McCarthy and others who, as youth and beyond, try to live a life forged in truth, dignity and honor. We may not always succeed, but we will never fail if we recognize this basic goodness in people like Tim.

R.I.P. Tim, St. Michael's class of 65'.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue # 83

2011-03-03T10:51:00.003-05:00

Questions

A few questions you might want to ask yourself---

The headline in today's Springfield Republican read, "Payroll error overpays teachers." Why is it that, apparently, no teacher went to their administration to mention that their pay was not correct? Perhaps someone did, but the paper doesn't give any indication that this happened. Click here for an explanation of why the teachers WERE guilty of something.

The headline in today's Boston Herald read, "Out Of the Blue." Apparently, the former CEO of Blue Cross/Blue Shield got a severance package of $11 million dollars. Why is it that a CEO of a healthcare organization, that lost $150 million dollars in the previous year, should get such a magnanimous 'kiss-off' from the Board of Directors? Healthcare is not cheap in the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts. What's up with this board?

The GAO(Government Accounting Office) has determined that there are multiple programs in the Federal Government that have duplicative functions. WOW! What a surprise! Go back and read my blog, Issue #80. Martin Gross knew about this TWO YEARS ago. Want to bet that NOTHING changes?

Will anything change because of the above revelations? NAH!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #82

2011-02-17T13:04:00.003-05:00

A final post----NOT!

In a corrupt space of time
the window of truth strains to open.
Cast a fetid stream upon shallow minds,
The window closes.

Keep the fire, the songs for ears
of noiseless clamour,
Weep for what once was, what is
What would have been.

Languish
stupor
hope
eternal
shall not spring.

Adieu

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #81

2011-01-29T14:58:00.003-05:00

Of Pyramids & Pyramid Schemes

As we speak, the country of Egypt is in a state of meltdown. Hosni Mubarek, American Allie and all around beneficent dictator, is facing the most serious challenge to his 31 year rule. Will he survive and what will come is any one's guess, but I'm betting that it's not democracy. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt during the 1920's, may see a chance to impose an Islamic state, similar to Iran, upon the Egyptian people. Should this happen, Israel would be in the cross hairs of an emboldened Islamist nightmare.

But why worry--we in the land of milk and honey have our own pyramids known as crushing debt and a bloated Federal Government. Those of us who consider this a national nightmare have been warning our fellow citizens of the danger of Federal over-reach. We, of course, may not end up with the same kind of social disorder taking place in Egypt, but a cause for alarm cannot be ruled out. As long as we have a government that refuses to acknowledge the burdens it's placing on future citizens, we run the chance of a dissolution of our civil society. What would fill the void? Hard to say, but I'm betting it's not democracy.

More than anything else, we need a bold leader to step forward and recognize the exceptionalism of the American spirit and return us to a path of individual liberty and freedom as exemplified by out unique founding documents. If we are to avoid a long, painful decline to a second rate power, with little influence beyond our own myopic view of a stale society, we must demand that Washington change course. We must pressure our elected Representatives to respect, and acknowledge, our exceptional character.

Time is short; in fact, time may not be on our side. Let's work toward rebuilding our civil society, not pyramids to some Utopian view of egalitarianism and entitlement.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #80

2011-01-28T13:54:00.005-05:00

Blurbs

I feel an urge towards witticism-so here it goes--

From the February 7, 2011 edition of the National Review--

" Pres. Barack Obama, whose signature achievement in office has been dropping a 1,000-page package of regulations onto the American health-care market, has now decided that there are too many federal regulations, and, with an eye on job growth, has ordered regulators to study the problem. There is a kind of genius at work in that: The regulators already are regulated under regulations derived from the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which requires that regulators, before regulating, study a proposed regulation's impact on small business. To that regulator-regulating regulation, President Obama has added an additional regulation, stipulating that regulators "reduce regulatory burdens on small business." What obviously is needed here are additional regulators to regulate the enforcement of the regulator-regulating regulations, which is to say, regulator-regulating-regulation-regulator regulators. Who says Obama doesn't know how to create jobs?"

If there's anyone out there who believes we can't cut very much waste from the Federal Government, I suggest you read "National Suicide" by Martin Gross. This interesting little tome will make you lose your lunch, or at least get you thinking about a personal preferred method of oxygen/CO2 removal.

Wit--a terrible thing to waste!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #79

2011-01-27T19:21:00.004-05:00

What's in a person's heart

"Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women. When it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it; no constitution, no law, no court can do much to help it."

James Madison penned those words at the time of the founding of our nation. It's a stark reminder that once the desire to be free, to be responsible for one' self, is extinguished, then so will our actual freedom be gone. The over- reaching state will consume us leaving but an empty shell with servitude to our political masters as our natural state. Paul Ryan, R-WI, said it best during his response to President Obama's State- of-the-Union speech. "(o)ur nation is approaching the tipping point", by which he meant that not only is the budget unsustainable, but the nation's legacy of pioneering innovation will be only a memory, a thing of the past.

Sadly, I believe this tipping point had already been reached. A majority of Americans look to the Federal Government for their daily survival. How can we possibly reverse the bloated Social Security and Medicare programs, let alone make them solvent for younger generations? How can we convince people that the " Patient Protection Care and Affordability Act" has little to do with care and is hardly affordable. How do we convince environmentalists that their beloved EPA has little to do with a clean environment and more with controlling business. Why are liberals so enamored with the notion of doing good, but unconcerned with the results of their idealism.

We live in a time where we may see the word's greatest economic engine brought to it's knees. We have a President who's providing us with the knee pads and many of us willingly following to oblivion. You were right, Mr. Madison. The hearts of many of our fellow citizens have been dimmed and are now silent to the call of liberty.

A leader, a leader. My Nation for a leader!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue # 78

2011-01-20T16:35:00.005-05:00

Evergreen Solar--or, so long Nevergreen

Anyone who's read this column for the past year and a half knows how I feel about Government intrusion in the marketplace, but recently there's been an example for all to see what happens when the best of intentions go awry for our masters and overlords.

Evergreen Solar manufacturing received $58 million dollars from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approximately two years ago for a new factory at the old Fort Devens Army facility outside of Boston. Governor Deval Patrick decided that the money would be well spent since the future of energy production in the US would come from, so called, 'green' energy sources. Now, this is a most laudable idea from our wise and enlightened leader. After all, who could disagree with his assessment that the future would be in this 'green' technology? Apparently, Evergreen. You see, they announced last week that they would be laying off 800 of the 900 person workforce and transferring most operations to-----CHINA!! That's right, our friends and comrades in China. Seems that the cost of doing business and producing solar panels is a little cheaper in the People's Republic of China than in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

It's certainly bad enough when investors make the wrong decision concerning an investment, they lose their money and a little pride also. When a government does so it does somewhat more damage. How so, you say? The money spent on this adventure comes from the paychecks of the citizens of Massachusetts. They don't give it willingly. Taxation and coercion are two adjectives that come to mind. Secondly, lives are adversely affected by the closure of the facility. Notice the report of the words of a 25 year old temp worker as he exited the factory recently in near tears: "It came so suddenly, I don't know what I'm going to do."

The free market isn't perfect and mistakes are made regularly by some very intelligent people, but when the government interjects itself between investors and a product the outcome can be much more detrimental for all concerned. Governor Patrick's desire to see the solar energy industry succeed had nothing to do with the reality of whether or not it would ACTUALITY succeed. The result was a 'mal-investment'; a kind of moral hazard, if you will, committed by a government that should have known better than to venture where it didn't belong.

But Government never learns, or I should say, liberals never learn, They have an agenda, an ideology and a purpose that transcends mere mortals and we little people must learn to accept their higher wisdom. Be it solar energy, healthcare, finance, or any other free market endeavor, liberals never stop trying to impose their ideas for improving the future, results be damned.

The free market--nothing else even comes close.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #77

2011-01-20T10:29:00.003-05:00

A mind is a terrible thing to waste

I can't take it anymore. I've had it. I'm disgusted, flabbergasted and utterly shocked at the current condition of political thinking in, what was, this great nation.

Mark Levin had a piece of tape concerning an interview with John Lewis (D-GA) and his thoughts on where the Constitution authorizes the Government to pass healthcare legislation. Now, I'm going to paraphrase because I don't have the exact quote, but here it goes. Lewis contends that in the Preamble to the Constitution there exists the people's right to 'pursue happiness' and furthermore, healthcare is a human right. This coming from a United States of America House of Representatives elected Congressman. This comes from an individual who's been in the House for around 30 years. This comes from an individual who possesses the power to pass laws that affect the lives of millions of people. Folks--there's no hope for this Republic. I'm now convinced that we are beyond the point of no return. We are now being governed by fools and idiots. Why, you say, do you believe such incredible things?

Dear readers, consider the following: 1)There is no reference to the 'Pursuit of Happiness' in the Constitution. It's found in the Declaration of Independence.
2) Human rights are natural rights not given to us by other humans but acquired from our humanity, or from nature, God, or nature's God. Human rights can NEVER be given to people through , or by, the coercive acts of government. Ordinary rights can be conferred through law and are done so on a regular basis by government, but not human rights.

Lewis' position is not unique. Most of the democrats in the House of Representatives mouth the same nonsense. Therefore, I give up. I concede defeat. There's no hope. We are a nation of fools led by bigger fools headed for a swamp of fiscal insanity.

Our minds are gone--such a terrible waste!

(P.S.--I'm no really giving up--just reloading. OOPS!! Sorry, that's not allowed anymore--I'm retrenching).

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue # 76

2011-01-01T15:07:00.002-05:00

Welcome to 2011--New Year, New laws

Happy new year everyone. Let's hope this year is better than the last, but judgment will, of course, be delayed until 12/31.

The headline of a local newspaper read "Anti-bully law goes into effect." Why this is just what we need, isn't it? A law to stop bullying. All bullying will now cease and desist as youngsters will most assuredly respect the feelings of their revered classmates. This one headline shows how inept, and ineffective we, as a nation, have become in dealing with societal problems. Does anyone think, for one moment, that a law of this kind will actually stop children from doing what comes almost naturally? Once again, liberal sentiments trump reality. Laws won't stop bullying, nor will they be successful in having students treat each other with sweetness and love; that act comes from the home, with two parents in tune with the actions of their dear progeny. Teaching children how to respect others is the sole responsibility of parents concerned with the well-being of their little ones--not the nanny state!

It really doesn't matter, however, since Americans are now told that government knows best how we should live our lives. Michelle Obama is waging her war on calories and Barack is waging his war on healthcare, the energy industry, financial institutions and college tuition to name just a few nanny moments.

But let's not quibble, enjoy yourselves. The nanny state is protecting you, and your children, from the vagaries of the big bully free enterprise system. So--pop a cold one and let's toast all the new laws we'll get to see in 2011! Utopia, here we come!!!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #75

2010-12-23T15:50:00.006-05:00

Memories of Christmas past

Everyone has their own special thoughts of Christmas's past. I'm sure most would include fond memories of gatherings with family and friends. Mine start with childhood on Horse Mountain.

I must have been six, or seven, years old and my sister would corral me in the dining room as my parents would load the presents beneath the tree. My sister would exhort me to listen carefully for Santa Claus as he flew to and from the house delivering his gifts for all the family. "Can't you hear him? There he goes, he just left the gifts--I think I can see him over the roof top." I was at the age where skepticism was rearing its inquisitive head and I wouldn't be fooled by a sister overacting her part. Nevertheless, it left that indelible mark of partial wonder in a gleeful child.

When we moved to the teeming metropolis of Florence, I remember anxiously waiting for Christmas eve when the family would get together and open all the presents. It meant an enjoyable few hours of playing with new toys ( a new train set was a dream come true) before everyone would leave for midnight mass. The following morning would mean more hours of fun setting lines of track and closely examining the old 4-6-2 engine and accompanying cars.

When we moved to the center of Northampton Christmas eve celebrations became more about family and a fine table of hors d'oeuvres for special friends of my parents. They sincerely enjoyed the company of people they had known since before they were married in 1928 and I enjoyed hearing them talk of old times and experiences long gone. There were still presents and good cheer to be had with midnight mass, once again, a staple of the celebration.

After Sue and I married, we would travel to my parents home for Christmas eve and meet up with my brother Ed, his wife Rose Marie as well as my sister Joy and her husband Bob. At one time or another several of my nieces and nephews would be there to lend a hand singing songs, or playing along with me on guitar. My mother especially loved to hear all of us singing and enjoying ourselves in this festive gathering.

One of the more memorable Christmas's was spent in the ICU at Cooley Dickinson hospital where I sang and played carols by my mother's bed side. She was gravely ill and this would be her last Christmas. The nurse turned on the intercom so everyone in the ward could join in and sing. Another was at the Linda Manor nursing home when I sang and played for a group of elderly patients (including my father) in a lounge. Many people added their voice to the merriment; my father's deep, clear baritone adding a special resonance to the occasion.

No matter what our memories might be, they all bring a special significance to a joyful, loving time never to be forgotten. I hope your memories are as wonderful and give you a feeling of peace and fondness for this special time.

So, in the spirit of the season, I say--Merry Christmas to all and to all--a good night!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue # 74

2010-12-15T13:45:00.004-05:00

Smoke & Mirrors

The Wall Street Journal had some interesting pieces today on the current tax debates taking place in Congress. According to the Journal, the democrats are starting to realize that the proposed tax bill working its way through Congress will finally be accepted by the more liberal members of their party. The lame duck Congress, should it succeed in convincing the Republicans that they're acquiescing to conservative demands in extending the Bush tax rates, will have pulled off one of their most impressive feats of this Congress. Understand this about the current proposed bill: the tax rates will be effective for only two years and the national debt increases by almost $900 BILLION dollars over the next ten years. Lots of wiggle room for the more progressive members of the Democrat Party to change the rates in 2012 and loads of pork for everyone for at least the next twelve months.

Some disturbing developments are starting to show themselves with relation to our debt situation. The Chinese are seeing inflation rearing its ugly head on their mainland. What does this mean for the United States? Inflation is defined as "too much money chasing too few goods."

The Chinese can rectify this situation by allowing their citizens to purchase more of their own products rather than sell them to the U.S. By doing this, they would not be funding our deficits, making our dollar less valuable to Americans---thus inflation would start to take off in the U.S. The Federal Reserve would have NO choice but to print funny money to cover the deficit. It's extremely unlikely that our government would have the political will to slash spending and the resulting effect could be hyper-inflation. At that point, a civil society could turn into an 'every man for himself ' nightmare. In any event, a reckoning is not far off; the politicians either admit that current budgets cannot be sustained and spending is drastically reduced, or the cost of everything increases dramatically.

But don't worry liberals. You got yours, and that's all that really matters, isn't it?

Welcome to the world of the gutless, useless politicians called Democrats & Republicans.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #73

2010-12-09T14:43:00.002-05:00

Common Sense--An American (un)activity

It just never ceases to amaze me how many people come into my bookstore, and after having looked around for a few minutes will ask me how to get to the basement. Books are priced at a bargain rate in the basement, so that's a natural destination for some customers.

When customers enter the store by the front door they get an immediate view of the stairway leading to the second floor. Now, common sense would tell you that a stairway leading to an upper floor is also the overhead to a stairway leading to a lower floor; at least in most of my observations with respect to stairways. Could this be, perhaps, a lack of said 'common sense' in an unperceptive American consciousness?

When Americans listen to politicians promise them the world and much more if elected, do they not understand, perhaps, that this is merely a staircase to nowhere? What makes Americans think government can do a better job of running an economy than private markets. What makes them believe politicians can actually deliver on promises to make your life better, richer, safer and more rewarding than doing so for one's self?

The art of governing is said to be compromise. But compromise is nothing more than a rather large opportunity cost. Economists use this term to refer to actions that prohibit an individual from doing more than one activity or action simultaneously; i.e. attending evening college classes, but not being able to work a second shift that conflicts with the classes. Personally, I don't put too much credence in compromise, especially when I'm trusting a politician to perform the negotiation. In my mind politics is less about compromise and more about power; raw, unmitigated power to ensconce a grifter in a cocoon of protected, unchecked magnificence. Nevertheless, we have those gullible people who listen to these self-proclaimed lords & masters and expect our civilization to improve.

I would rather live my life, complete with all its flaws, misunderstandings and foolishness than subject some other individual to such a precarious existence. I wish others would act in the same manner, but I guess this is too much to ask. The urge to acquire power, either for one's self or through the agency of an elected representative is an urge not to be denied.

I'll take this as compromise: you leave me alone and I'll do the same for you. But first, learn about stairways.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #72

2010-12-08T19:58:00.004-05:00

Nightmares & Reality

--there's no doubt I deserve a good life. Thank goodness the new tax bill the Congress is proposing will extend my unemployment benefits at least for another year. You can't be expected to get a great job after only two years on unemployment benefits. I just don't understand why they had to include all those rich people in the legislation. After all, they should pay their fair share.

--I'm really happy that Berkeley, California is awarding the guy who gave wikileaks all those documents hero status. Our Government needs to be brought down a peg or two. We've got too much compared to the rest of the world--I agree with Obama on the wealth redistribution thing and the Government shouldn't have secrets, diplomatic or otherwise.

--our society is racist, homophobic, sexist, ageist and overly vertically challenged. We definitely need to pass laws that make our society more just, equitable and short. The Democrats were doing such a great job. I can't believe that the less enlightened conservative boobs did what they did in November. Talk about bad food for the kiddies--I'm supportive of what Michelle Obama is doing to stop those horrible cookies at bake sales. Our kids nutrition is way more important than choosing to eat crummy, rotten food.

--the Government should definitely spend whatever's necessary to get us back on track. Any economist who knows about anything knows Keynesian economics works every time. A trillion here, a trillion there--whatever!

--we're all immigrants. This nation is a nation of immigrants. The dream act gives illegals--ah--that is undocumented workers--a chance to have the American dream. Besides, they take the jobs that us hard working--ah--us want to be working--Americans can't do.

--everything would be just a whole lot better if George Soros ran the world, everything would be just a ---------

(RINGALINGALINGALINGALINGDINGGGGGGG) Man, I wish that alarm clock wasn't so loud. I think I was having a nightmare, or something was really out of whack. For a moment there I thought that our country was a horrible place to live. But, then again, if it were, would anyone willingly live here? Yeah, it must have been a nightmare--must have been a REAL bad dream. I hope there's hot water. A shower would feel great right now and bring me back to reality. That's what we really need more of--reality.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #71

2010-12-02T13:56:00.004-05:00

Fairness

Turn on the television, or listen to the democrats and all you'll hear is "fairness" with respect to the tax code. According to our President and the current lame duck congress, we must return tax levels to where they were prior to 2001. "Tax cuts for the rich" is all the rage when liberals talk about the expiration of the Bush tax cuts.

Let's take a look at the results of raising capital gains taxes on the 'so called' wealthy.

Thomas Sowell writes an excellent column that appears in the Jewish World Review in which he reports on the results of raising, or lowering the capital gains tax rate. Click here for a full reading of that text.

Next, you'll want to see candidate Barack Obama's response to a question from Charles Gibson in a debate with Hillary Clinton concerning capital gains taxes. Any questions about the illogical position of the liberal democrats on tax increases and tax revenue? Keep dreaming that increasing taxes on the "rich" will lead to more revenue for our dear Uncle Sam.

Be fearful--VERY fearful for our future.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #70

2010-11-11T15:41:00.007-05:00

Leaves are falling from the trees and the nights are getting longer. We'll enjoy a festive holiday season and, hopefully, not too much snow. Then a young man's fancy turns to--

Since I no longer qualify as a young man, my thoughts will turn to a leather jacket, boots that cover the ankle and the thrill of riding on two wheels. Spring brings back fond memories of riding my Honda 650 Custom with its beautifully chromed steel body flowing along a highway heading to nowhere in particular. Motorcycles and spring belong together and to that end I offer up this short poem. Place yourself there, along side me, travelling a country road and feel the breeze clear your mind.

Feel of the Road

Some people go through life in fancy cars
With their posterior cushioned from shock.
They don't know the feelings the senses can relay,
The sounds, smells, tastes and sights that delight.

Me? I'd rather have no cushion, no easy ride,
No metal jacket to trap my mind and soul.
I'll take two wheels and a blacktop that's long
And my heart sings as the earth moves beneath me.

Give me the throbbing engine pulsating
As a shudder to my boots.
Color me a sky dark with rain or blue with light,
A sun that streaks my visor.

All these things delight, make life worthwhile,
Holding no promise for tomorrow, no sign for the past.
I don't need a cushioned ride,
Just give me only the 'Feel of the Road.'

Come soon Spring

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #69

2010-10-30T22:38:00.005-04:00

The President and the Constitution

The following article is re-published from a speech given at Hillsdale College by Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana on September 20, 2010. It's re-printed from Hillsdale's Imprimus October edition in its entirety because of its extreme importance in understanding where we are today as a people living in a Constitutional Republic. The importance of its meaning cannot be overstated.

October 2010

Mike Pence

U.S. Representative
Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District

The Presidency and the Constitution

THE PRESIDENCY is the most visible thread that runs through the tapestry of the American government. More often than not, for good or for ill, it sets the tone for the other branches and spurs the expectations of the people. Its powers are vast and consequential, its requirements impossible for mortals to fulfill without humility and insistent attention to its purpose as set forth in the Constitution of the United States.

Isn’t it amazing, given the great and momentous nature of the office, that those who seek it seldom pause to consider what they are seeking? Rather, unconstrained by principle or reflection, there is a mad rush toward something that, once its powers are seized, the new president can wield as an instrument with which to transform the nation and the people according to his highest aspirations.

But, other than in a crisis of the house divided, the presidency is neither fit nor intended to be such an instrument. When it is made that, the country sustains a wound, and cries out justly and indignantly. And what the nation says is the theme of this address. What it says—informed by its long history, impelled by the laws of nature and nature’s God—is that we as a people are not to be ruled and not to be commanded. It says that the president should never forget this; that he has not risen above us, but is merely one of us, chosen by ballot, dismissed after his term, tasked not to transform and work his will upon us, but to bear the weight of decision and to carry out faithfully the design laid down in the Constitution in accordance with the Declaration of Independence.

* * *

The presidency must adhere to its definition as expressed in the Constitution, and to conduct defined over time and by tradition. While the powers of the office have enlarged, along with those of the legislature and the judiciary, the framework of the government was intended to restrict abuses common to classical empires and to the regal states of the 18th century.

Without proper adherence to the role contemplated in the Constitution for the presidency, the checks and balances in the constitutional plan become weakened. This has been most obvious in recent years when the three branches of government have been subject to the tutelage of a single party. Under either party, presidents have often forgotten that they are intended to restrain the Congress at times, and that the Congress is independent of their desires. And thus fused in unholy unity, the political class has raged forward in a drunken expansion of powers and prerogatives, mistakenly assuming that to exercise power is by default to do good.

Even the simplest among us knows that this is not so. Power is an instrument of fatal consequence. It is confined no more readily than quicksilver, and escapes good intentions as easily as air flows through mesh. Therefore, those who are entrusted with it must educate themselves in self-restraint. A republic is about limitation, and for good reason, because we are mortal and our actions are imperfect.

The tragedy of presidential decision is that even with the best choice, some, perhaps many, will be left behind, and some, perhaps many, may die. Because of this, a true statesman lives continuously with what Churchill called “stress of soul.” He may give to Paul, but only because he robs Peter. And that is why you must always be wary of a president who seems to float upon his own greatness. For all greatness is tempered by mortality, every soul is equal, and distinctions among men cannot be owned; they are on loan from God, who takes them back and evens accounts at the end.

It is a tragedy indeed that new generations taking office attribute failures in governance to insufficient power, and seek more of it. In the judiciary, this has seldom been better expressed than by Justice Thurgood Marshall, who said: “You do what you think is right and let the law catch up.” In the Congress, it presents itself in massive legislation, acts and codes thousands of pages long and so monstrously over-complicated that no human being can read through them—much less understand them, much less apply them justly to a people that increasingly feel like they are no longer being asked, but rather told. Our nation finds itself in the position of a dog whose duty it is not to ask why—because the “why” is too elevated for his nature—but simply to obey.

America is not a dog, and does not require a “because-I-said-so” jurisprudence; or legislators who knit laws of such insulting complexity that they are heavier than chains; or a president who acts like, speaks like, and is received as a king.

The president is not our teacher, our tutor, our guide or ruler. He does not command us; we command him. We serve neither him nor his vision. It is not his job or his prerogative to redefine custom, law, and beliefs; to appropriate industries; to seize the country, as it were, by the shoulders or by the throat so as to impose by force of theatrical charisma his justice upon 300 million others. It is neither his job nor his prerogative to shift the power of decision away from them, and to him and the acolytes of his choosing.

Is my characterization of unprecedented presumption incorrect? Listen to the words of the leader of President Obama’s transition team and perhaps his next chief-of-staff: “It’s important that President-Elect Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule day one.” Or, more recently, the latest presidential appointment to avoid confirmation by the Senate—the new head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—who wrote last Friday: “President Obama understands the importance of leveling the playing field again.”

“Take power. . .rule. . .leveling.” Though it is the model now, this has never been and should never again be the model of the presidency or the character of the American president. No one can say this too strongly, and no one can say it enough until it is remedied. We are not subjects; we are citizens. We fought a war so that we do not have to treat even kings like kings, and—if I may remind you—we won that war. Since then, the principle of royalty has, in this country, been inoperative. Who is better suited or more required to exemplify this conviction, in word and deed, than the President of the United States?

* * *

The powers of the presidency are extraordinary and necessarily great, and great presidents treat them sparingly. For example, it is not the president’s job to manipulate the nation’s youth for the sake of his agenda or his party. They are a potent political force when massed by the social network to which they are permanently attached. But if the president has their true interests at heart he will neither flatter them nor let them adore him, for in flattery is condescension and in adoration is direction, and youth is neither seasoned nor tested enough to direct a nation. Nor should it be the president’s business to presume to direct them. It is difficult enough to do right by one’s own children. No one can be the father of a whole continent’s youth.

Is the president, therefore, expected to turn away from this and other easy advantage? Yes. Like Harry Truman, who went to bed before the result on election night, he must know when to withdraw, to hold back, and to forgo attention, publicity, or advantage.

There is no finer, more moving, or more profound understanding of the nature of the presidency and the command of humility placed upon it than that expressed by President Coolidge. He, like Lincoln, lost a child while he was president, a son of sixteen. “The day I became president,” Coolidge wrote, “he had just started to work in a tobacco field. When one of his fellow laborers said to him, ‘If my father was president I would not work in a tobacco field,’ Calvin replied, ‘If my father were your father you would.’” His admiration for the boy was obvious.

Young Calvin contracted blood poisoning from an incident on the South Lawn of the White House. Coolidge wrote, “What might have happened to him under other circumstances we do not know, but if I had not been president. . . .” And then he continued,

“In his suffering he was asking me to make him well. I could not. When he went, the power and glory of the Presidency went with him.”

A sensibility such as this, and not power, is the source of presidential dignity, and must be restored. It depends entirely upon character, self-discipline, and an understanding of the fundamental principles that underlie not only the republic, but life itself. It communicates that the president feels the gravity of his office and is willing to sacrifice himself; that his eye is not upon his own prospects but on the storm of history, through which he must navigate with the specific powers accorded to him and the limitations placed on those powers both by man and by God.

* * *

The modern presidency has drifted far from the great strength and illumination of its source: the Constitution as given life by the Declaration of Independence, the greatest political document ever written. The Constitution—terse, sober, and specific—does not, except by implication, address the president’s demeanor. But this we can read in the best qualities of the founding generation, which we would do well to imitate. In the Capitol Rotunda are heroic paintings of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the victory at Saratoga, the victory at Yorktown, and—something seldom seen in history—a general, the leader of an armed rebellion, resigning his commission and surrendering his army to a new democracy. Upon hearing from Benjamin West that George Washington, having won the war and been urged by some to use the army to make himself king, would instead return to his farm, King George III said: “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.” He did, and he was.

To aspire to such virtue and self-restraint would in a sense be difficult, but in another sense it should be easy—difficult because it would be demanding and ideal, and easy because it is the right thing to do and the rewards are immediately self-evident.

A president who slights the Constitution is like a rider who hates his horse: he will be thrown, and the nation along with him. The president solemnly swears to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. He does not solemnly swear to ignore, overlook, supplement, or reinterpret it. Other than in a crisis of existence, such as the Civil War, amendment should be the sole means of circumventing the Constitution. For if a president joins the powers of his office to his own willful interpretation, he steps away from a government of laws and toward a government of men.

Is the Constitution a fluctuating and inconstant document, a collection of suggestions whose purpose is to stimulate debate in a future to which the Founders were necessarily blind? Progressives tell us that even the Framers themselves could not reach agreement in its regard. But they did agree upon it. And they wrote it down. And they signed it. And they lived by it. Its words are unchanging and unchangeable except, again, by amendment. There is no allowance for a president to override it according to his supposed superior conception. Why is this good? It is good because the sun will burn out, the Ohio River will flow backwards, and the cow will jump over the moon 10,000 times before any modern president’s conception is superior to that of the Founders of this nation.

Would it be such a great surprise that a good part of the political strife of our times is because one president after another, rather than keeping faith with it, argues with the document he is supposed to live by? This discontent will only be calmed by returning the presidency to the nation’s first principles. The Constitution and the Declaration should be on a president’s mind all the time, as the prism through which the light of all question of governance passes. Though we have—sometimes gradually, sometimes radically—moved away from this, we can move back to it. And who better than the president to restore this wholesome devotion to limited government?

* * *

And as the president returns to the consistent application of the principles in the Constitution, he will also ensure fiscal responsibility and prosperity. Who is better suited, with his executive and veto powers, to carry over the duty of self-restraint and discipline to the idea of fiscal solvency? When the president restrains government spending, leaving room for the American people to enjoy the fruits of their labor, growth is inevitable. As Senator Robert Taft wrote: “Liberty has been the key to our progress in the past and is the key to our progress in the future.... If we can preserve liberty in all its essentials, there is no limit to the future of the American people.”

Whereas the president must be cautious, dutiful, and deferential at home, his character must change abroad. Were he to ask for a primer on how to act in relation to other states, which no holder of the office has needed to this point, and were that primer to be written by the American people, whether of 1776 or 2010, you can be confident that it would contain the following instructions:

You do not bow to kings. Outside our shores, the President of the United States of America bows to no man. When in foreign lands, you do not criticize your own country. You do not argue the case against the United States, but the case for it. You do not apologize to the enemies of the United States. Should you be confused, a country, people, or region that harbors, shelters, supports, encourages, or cheers attacks upon our country or the slaughter of our friends and families are enemies of the United States. And, to repeat, you do not apologize to them.

Closely related to this, and perhaps the least ambiguous of the president’s complex responsibilities, is his duty as commander-in-chief of the military. In this regard there is a very simple rule, unknown to some presidents regardless of party: If, after careful determination, intense stress of soul, and the deepest prayer, you go to war, then, having gone to war, you go to war to win. You do not cast away American lives, or those of the innocent noncombatant enemy, upon a theory, a gambit, or a notion. And if the politics of your own election or of your party intrude upon your decisions for even an instant—there are no words for this.

More commonplace, but hardly less important, are other expectations of the president in this regard. He must not stint on the equipment and provisioning of the armed forces, and if he errs it must be not on the side of scarcity but of surplus. And he must be the guardian of his troops, taking every step to avoid the loss of even a single life.

The American soldier is as precious as the closest of your kin—because he is your kin, and for his sake the president must, in effect, say to the Congress and to the people: ÒI am the Commander-in-Chief. It is my sacred duty to defend the United States, and to give our soldiers what they need to complete the mission and come home safe, whatever the cost.Ó

If, in fulfilling this duty, the president wavers, he will have betrayed his office, for this is not a policy, it is probity. It is written on the blood-soaked ground of Saratoga, Yorktown, Antietam, Cold Harbor, the Marne, Guadalcanal, the Pointe du Hoc, the Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Iraq, Afghanistan, and a thousand other places in our history, in lessons repeated over and over again.

* * *

The presidency, a great and complex subject upon which I have only touched, has become symbolic of overreaching. There are many truths that we have been frightened to tell or face. If we run from them, they will catch us with our backs turned and pull us down. Better that we should not flee but rather stop and look them in the eye.

What might our forebears say to us, knowing what they knew, and having done what they did? I have no doubt that they would tell us to channel our passions, speak the truth and do what is right, slowly and with resolution; to work calmly, steadily and without animus or fear; to be like a rock in the tide, let the water tumble about us, and be firm and unashamed in our love of country.

I see us like those in Philadelphia in 1776. Danger all around, but a fresh chapter, ready to begin, uncorrupted, with great possibilities and—inexplicably, perhaps miraculously—the way is clearing ahead. I have never doubted that Providence can appear in history like the sun emerging from behind the clouds, if only as a reward for adherence to first principles. As Winston Churchill said in a speech to Congress on December 26, 1941: “He must indeed have a blind soul who cannot see that some great purpose and design is being worked out here below, of which we have the honor to be the faithful servants.”

As Americans, we inherit what Lincoln in his First Inaugural called “the mystic chords of memory stretching from every patriot grave.” They bind us to the great and the humble, the known and the unknown of Americans past—and if I hear them clearly, what they say is that although we may have strayed, we have not strayed too far to return, for we are their descendants. We can still astound the world with justice, reason and strength. I know this is true, but even if it was not we could not in decency stand down, if only for our debt to history. We owe a debt to those who came before, who did great things, and suffered more than we suffer, and gave more than we give, and pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for us, whom they did not know. For we “drink from wells we did not dig” and are “warmed by fires we did not build,” and so we must be faithful in our time as they were in theirs.

Many great generations are gone, but by the character and memory of their existence they forbid us to despair of the republic. I see them crossing the prairies in the sun and wind. I see their faces looking out from steel mills and coal mines, and immigrant ships crawling into the harbors at dawn. I see them at war, at work and at peace. I see them, long departed, looking into the camera, with hopeful and sad eyes. And I see them embracing their children, who became us. They are our family and our blood, and we cannot desert them. In spirit, all of them come down to all of us, in a connection that, out of love, we cannot betray.

They are silent now and forever, but from the eternal silence of every patriot grave there is yet an echo that says, “It is not too late; keep faith with us, keep faith with God, and do not, do not ever despair of the republic.”

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The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #68

2010-10-28T12:30:00.004-04:00

The Day of Days

Next Tuesday, November 2, 2010, may be one of the most important dates in the history of the United States. On that day the electorate, the voters, the citizens of this great country will have the opportunity to decide for themselves whether we will continue as a Constitutional Republic, or will relinquish our freedoms to a hyper taxing, bloated, out of control central government. We must decide if we will be forever wards of this nanny state, or be free to make our own decisions that best benefit our lives.

For the past two years we've been subjected to the greatest assault on our liberties as free citizens of this country than any other period in our history. Whether it be healthcare, cap & trade, Wall street bailouts, or any other ill conceived government boondoggle, the ability to decide for ourselves what it best for our individual survival has been threatened by an arrogant, aristocratic ruling class impervious to the wishes of people it regards as nothing more than benighted fools intent on leading uninformed lives.

Look around you today. Look at the tremendous achievements of the private sector and what it has done for the advancement of our society. Government didn't create the automobile, the computer, household appliances or any other convenience that has brought us such wealth and made our lives beyond tolerable, but enabled us to seek and pursue happiness. Government, by once playing its intended role of referee and arbiter had all but guaranteed men would flourish in such a free environment. This environment, should we reject the call of a Constitutional Republic and replace it forever with a liberal/socialist/progressive agenda this coming Tuesday, could be damaged beyond repair.

The 'hope and change' that President Obama so artfully projected for the American future is nothing but a fools paradise limiting initiative, risk taking and innovation with a bland, bureaucratic nightmare destroying everything the Declaration of Independence personified as inimical to the rights of a free people. The hope part of the equation is whimsical, but the change part of this same equation is absolutely warranted. We will change our future, Mr. President. We will discard your progressive minions from Congress and then we will discard you in 2012.

The American future will not be relegated to a socialist state, nor will it be subjected to your narcissistic bent.

Look on the bright side Mr. Obama--you can spend thirty or more years spreading your Marxist ideology to any number of universities/aristocratic institutions willing to listen to you expounding on your vast knowledge of how government can best rule people's lives; hopefully, it won't be the American people.

May the Rule of Law once again rule our land.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue # 67

2010-10-18T12:57:00.008-04:00

The Following was published in The American Thinker on 10/18/10

Impatience

The little five year old boy had waited long enough. His parents had left him in the car parked outside a big house and told him to wait and they would be back in just a few minutes. To a five year old a few minutes seem like an hour, so the little boy marched his way up to the big oak door and banged loudly for entrance. A very genial, but somewhat confused man answered and let the youngster come in. He took a left turn through a portico and gazed to his left upon a rather strange sight; a wax figure of an elderly gentleman lying prone in a ceremonial box with not a hint of movement gave the boy pause. At this moment his mother and father appeared to whisk him from this most unusual primary encounter with death.

Fast forward to a senior year in high school and another moment of reflexion as he wonders what happened to the wonderful young woman he went to grade school with. She finds herself in the same predicament as the older man had found himself in years before. A faulty exhaust in an old car and a cold February night had done its worst. A sweet serene face would never again see a sun rise or a full moon staring at the world from the heavens.

Parents will always be with us, or so it seems to the little boy. As a man entering middle age, however, the insight of experience and knowledge of the ways of the world hit you full in the face. Their demise having been completed reinforces the idea of but brief interludes of night and day and conscious and unconsciousness. They are gone but still with you in thought; their final resting place.

All of us will experience the feeling of loss; a loss of parents, brothers, friends and others who have touched our lives. There must be more to learn than this feeling of loss. We must learn that the sliver of time we inhabit our small planet is priceless beyond our wildest dreams; that the faint sense of being and knowledge that we possess can't be measured in years, but only in accomplishment. In the movie 'Braveheart', William Wallace asks his countrymen what they would do without freedom. Would they give all the remaining years of their lives for just one chance, ONE CHANCE, to defend their freedom in battle? Their answer was clear. We are free men and will always be so. We must defend our freedom and our time we have on this earth. We must be responsible for our own lives and fortunes. We must not be patient to wait for others to provide us with well being.

Stand up America and live for this day; your day of freedom before the light is extinguished and the future is only memories.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #66

2010-09-30T11:14:00.004-04:00

One good turn

Remember your very first day at school?--Sitting in a first grade classroom about to experience a whole new reality listening to your teacher lead you through your new day. She instructs you to take your pencil and start to learn the alpabet. You've now come face to face with your first moment of unprepardedness; you don't have a pencil! Enter Mr. Dunphy(his real name), the school custodian, who recognizes your unease and quietly offers you his pencil. Your life is saved! A five year old can breath once again.

The above actually happened on my first day at school and I will never forget what this kind man did for me. It's been 57 years, but all that time seems like just a few moments ago.

Fast forward over twenty years later to 1974 and I'm working for a convenience store chain opening a new local store. As I'm leaving the store I notice a little girl just up the sidewalk crying and holding a bottle of spilled milk. She was told by her mom to buy milk at the new store and return home, but she had acccidently stumbled and dropped the milk bottle. I told her everything would be alright as I was leading her back to the store where I replaced the spilled bottle with a new one. As I saw her walk away happily the thought of Mr. Dunphy entered my mind. What he had given to me I now passed on to this little girl; an act of kindness towards another person in distress.

This instance isn't recounted to 'toot my own horn,'but is meant to simply show that, as the old saying inplies, what goes around, comes around. If we really want to pass on a nation to our descendents that's civil, democratic and just we must learn to be more involved in creating and nurturing this civil society; government, with all its power and laws cannot, and will not, be able to do so. We MUST return the levers of power to our States and local communities. We MUST participate in forging this society between ourselves and local government. Anything less will simply make us wards of a leviathan state.

The hour is late, but let's hope not too late.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #65

2010-09-25T18:48:00.004-04:00

In Honor of----

The year 1985 saw the birth of a niece, Jessica Fleming, my wife's sister's child. At the time I was in enrolled in an evening college course for english composition. We were studying a particular form of poetry called 'villanelle'. The first and third lines of the first stanza must be included in the remainder of the poem for it to meet the requirements of this style. The following was written for Jessica and is relevant today since Jessica has given birth to her first child on September 24TH. It's titled "Small Creature".

Small creature, feel the strength of a living hand, is right,
Sweet youth, cleansed of age cannot be spoiled,
Gather Love as a butterfly to flight.

Grasp the earth as it spins always in new light,
The sound and taste of life excite and re-new,
Small creature, feel the strength of a living hand, is right.

With every breath your heart leaps with fondness, in spite
of those things for which you have no understanding.
Gather love as a butterfly to flight.

Now, as days grow shorter and you give the good fight
to help those who had once helped you,
Small creature, feel the strength of a loving hand, is right.

In twilight hours your hands reach to hold tight
to dreams that dance in your mind, to sleep,
Gather love as a butterfly to flight.

Bring love to those who turn the dark to bright,
Sweetness and youth once remembered with such cheer,
Small creature, feel the strength of a loving hand, is right,
Gather love as a butterfly to flight.

Happy Birthday, Taylor Renae Minopoli. May you find love as a butterfly to flight.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #64

2010-09-24T18:58:00.003-04:00

Obama—the stealth President

Midterm elections are almost upon us and President Obama may soon be able to reveal to the nation his true character and aims to improve the economic climate. The President may finally tell us what many are undoubtedly thinking, but have been unable to do so before the appropriate time. The President will gather up his Teleprompters and apprise the country of his true intentions and political affiliation: President Obama will reveal that he is a CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN!

That’s correct!—he’s a stealth conservative. Before you dismiss this out of hand, I ask you to consider the following.

Obama foresaw a McCain presidency as one of accommodation and general ‘go along to get along.’ This approach would lead the country nowhere. So he did the only thing he could; he ran to the left of McCain on a platform of “hope and change.” This maneuver allowed him to appease the left and not anger the moderates. The right would support McCain and if he played his cards just right the media would assist him in making the right look like a bunch of extremists. Comments of ‘spreading the wealth’ and capital gains taxes not being reduced would placate the left and then it was on to Election Day.

Once in the Oval Office, the president passed a series of mind numbing legislative acts. First came the stimulus package, the GM and Chrysler bailout and finally, healthcare. Along the way there was an aborted attempt to get Cap & Trade passed—but what the heck, one misfire isn’t that bad.

All Obama had to do now was sit back and wait for the anticipated backlash from conservative America. He knew it would come, but it was just a matter of when. And did it ever come. The right responded magnificently. Many people came out of their homes and left their couches to protest this hard lurch to the left. The 40% of the electorate that identified themselves as conservative, and many independents to boot, created the “Tea Party.” Finally, after years of sitting on the sidelines the silent majority was energized. The President, when ensconced in his private office, must have been overjoyed at the new found patriotism of his fellow conservatives. All the President needed to do now was keep the pressure on the left by not agreeing to extend the Bush tax cuts and spending more phony stimulus money. A gigantic political wave was about to hit Washington head on. Conservatives would regain control of both houses and the first order of business would be to repeal and replace the healthcare law.

Here’s where the real shocker for the hard left would take place. Expecting him to veto any such attempt, the President would announce to the nation his true affiliation. Passage of a new bill would take place and the American people would be the beneficiaries of the new healthcare legislation!

Alright, so all of this is a little wacky, but other than that hasn’t the President done a great job of energizing America? Hasn’t he done what John McCain would never have been able to do? Barack Obama, stuck in his ideological mindset and unable to understand the greatness of the free market, will be judged as he wanted to be judged: he’ll be a great one term president.

I salute you President Obama. You’re the best thing that ever happened to conservative America.

.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #63

2010-09-18T12:21:00.008-04:00

The Heart of Free Enterprise

Did you ever stop to consider what the true essence of a free society embodies? Just what makes us a free people with the ability to determine our own path in life? Nothing can be more sacred to the free enterprise system and capitalism itself then the contract. Every time we engage in a transaction with another individual, or a business, we exercise this most basic of all human endeavors.

Today, in America, the contract is under relentless assault from the far left. President Obama and his minions want to let you know you're too stupid to determine what's best for you. Their prime aim is to ingratiate themselves between you and those with whom you wish to contract. Think this is a preposterous notion? I invite you to reflect on the following:

1) The current U.S. Congress has determined that you can't be trusted to purchase your own healthcare. The new ObamaCare injects itself between you and your doctor with respect to the best treatment you should receive. Don't like the government's choice and run afoul of the law and you'll get a visit from the IRS.

2) With a little help from their friends (General Electric), Congress has seen fit to outlaw incandescent light bulbs in approximately two years for the new CFL light bulbs. They're so much better, according to the ruling class. Any business that attempts to sell those old bulbs after the proscribed date will feel the wrath of a nanny government scorned.

3) We now have several 'safeguards' in place to prevent financial institutions from ripping us off, or at least that's what we're led to believe. The truth, however, is a little more complex. Credit will be harder for small companies to secure since banks will be less likely to sustain any losses that could put them at a financial disadvantage. Credit cards will be more difficult to obtain and rates will remain high even for the most credit worthy.

4) The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that our energy producing industries don't meet their stringent requirements with respect to carbon emissions. Think your heating oil is expensive now? Wait until you see the price come winter.

5) Want to renovate your bathroom? When it comes time to choose a new toilet the only kind you'll be able to purchase is the inefficient, low-flow, 1.6 gallon model (anyone familiar with this type of toilet knows it takes as many as three flushes before you get the desired result).

6) Aren't you just excited about the new Chevy Volt? Can't wait to get your hands on this $40,000 + vehicle, can you. You'll get an amazing 100 + miles of emission free mileage from this beauty. When you get home (assuming you make it home), all you have to do is plug it in to an electrical outlet for eight hours and you're all set for another 100 + mile cruise. Hopefully, your electrical supplier is a wind turbine farm, otherwise it's more carbon emissions! Don't fret though. I'm sure the price will come down when government hits car companies with a surcharge, or tax, for producing those antiquated gas burning vehicles.

All of the above are instances where government has come between you and other people, or businesses, with whom you might wish to contract. Under the guise of protection, or superior knowledge, the ruling class let's us know we're not capable of contracting on our own. They will decide for us because we are the benighted, unwashed masses. The two hundred year tradition of buying and selling; the bond that has made our nation the most successful in the history of mankind will be junked for a more efficient model. The heart of free enterprise will be ripped from the collective chest.

If we don't get to the polls on November, 2nd and change this disastrous course we'll have no one to blame but ourselves. The choice to contract freely is yours--don't waste it.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #62

2010-09-10T19:41:00.008-04:00

As one door closes--

1982 was a difficult year for the American economy, not to mention those who would come face to face with losing their employment and possibly their living. This writer was faced with such a circumstance and I've never forgotten what it means to be unsure about the future. So, in a moment of reflection, and a little despair, the following short essay is presented. It was written that same year and still strikes a chord of sympathy for anyone in such a similar predicament.

"Anything Worthwhile"

"Anything that is worthwhile is never easy to get," said the man staring at me from across the desk. Dan thought this to be a really stupid thing to say. "Right now the last thing I need is to hear that from some under-achieving bureaucrat."

The day started as usual; an alarm clock, the smell of coffee brewing and a hesitant sun peaking over the hills from the east. Dan slipped on his work clothes, drank a quick cup and headed for the routine that was his for the last fourteen years.

As he entered the old factory building, the time clock gave its usual clang and clunk marching towards seven o'clock. The friendly hum of the boring machine let everyone know it was ready to get to work. Dan moved easily among the spindles, nuts, gears and other parts he learned to fashion from lumps of metal; his hands roughened and dirty from endless hours of touching his life's work. Soon the heat and sweat of the bowels of the pounding shop were part of his soul as the noise gave life to sculptured product.

Noon time approached and a shrill buzzer pierced the noisy cauldron as if to call a halt to the calamitous riot. Dan retreated to the lunchroom for a sandwich, soda and a few cigarettes until it was time to repeat the morning's ritual which would eventually become part of the finished day. The afternoon sun, however, bore no resemblance to its morning cousin. Now the rhythmic beat had forged a furnace; sweat and strain coming easily to all on the shop floor.

Occasionally, a foreman, or supervisor, would extol someone to finish a job or clean an area, but above this the smell, sights and sounds were endless, giving way only to the puncture of the buzzer as it kept watch over all in the shop. It gave its final warning now. Stop work and clean up, wash the grease from a hundred hands; dirt from faces of spent men.

As Dan made his way to the time clock it belched out a last clang, a bitter clunk. He then placed his card in the 'out' rack. As he left the factory the machines fell into a stone silence. Today would be the last day for Dan and for the plant; its heart permanently extinguished. Middle America had lost another son. For the first time in many years Dan felt the pangs of failure and dejection.

"We'll see if we can get you an interview over at the new auto plant," said the bureaucrat. "But they can be choosy since so many are out of work." Dan nodded in agreement. "After all," he said, " anything worthwhile is never easy to get."

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #61

2010-09-06T14:29:00.004-04:00

A view from the stands

Saturday was a beautiful day to take in a college football game. A deep blue sky with puffy white clouds and a nice twenty mile an hour breeze made for a great day to see a game from high in the stands.

Just as much fun as the game though is watching and listening to the banter of the folks in attendance as they enjoy the day as well. The good natured rivalry and spirit of the competing forces, the smell of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs and the spirited cajoling of the cheerleaders imploring the fans to support their team were enough to make me realize how much I missed this venue for almost a year.

There was something else that caught my eye amid the hoopla and celebration; something that made me realize how great it was to be an American. Two individuals sat just below me wearing shirts that may have given an indication of where they were from, or possibly just shirts they chose for this occasion without any particular thought to their significance. Both were Harley-Davidson shirts, extolling the virtues of their dealerships in Stoughton, MA and Valparaiso, IN. Whether or not these two individuals were actually from these two cities didn't strike me as important, but what did cause me to take pause was this: What do the people of Stoughton, or Valparaiso think about what's going on in our country today? Are they happy with the state of affairs that our President has consigned to our nation on its current path? How about the folks in Des Moines, IA, or Brookings, SD, or Butte, MT? As I looked at these people, whose background I could know nothing, could it be they're satisfied with the policies of this administration?

How about the people of Arizona whose State has been sued by our own Justice Department while only trying to enforce Federal law with respect to immigration. Do they agree with what's being done to them by our own Government? When Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton offered up the State law as an instance of a violation of civil rights to the United Nations Human Rights Commission are we not even slightly embarrassed, not by the law, but by the actions of this administration? Being lumped in with the horrific regimes of North Korea, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba would make me wonder which side our government is on.

Do the people of Beaufort, SC, or Baton Rouge, LA, or Casper, WY really believe there's nothing exceptional about America? Is our exceptionalism no better than Britain or France or China? There were two world wars fought in the last century that indicate there certainly is something exceptional about America. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who fought the great battles of those wars would beg to differ with President Obama. They didn't give their time, honor and some the ultimate sacrifice to hear an American President talk so cavalierly about our greatness. I, for one, am embarrassed to even hear this President talk about America, because I honestly believe he's embarrassed to invoke its greatness. How such a man attained the position he now holds is beyond comprehension. Mistakes do happen, even in a nation such as ours. We can, however, rectify this mistake in 2012. We can also show our love of Nation and Constitution by rectifying other mistakes in the coming Congressional elections on November 2Nd of this year.

We are an exceptional nation, with exceptional people and exceptional dreams and hopes for our children and grandchildren. We will make those changes necessary to put us on the correct path of renewed exceptionalism and we will do it because we love this nation and refuse to follow anyone who does not.

It was a grand day on Saturday. The team I was rooting for was victorious, scoring two touchdowns to come from behind in the fourth quarter. All of us will make sure America wins again. We'll do it with our voices and our votes and we'll do it from more than the stands; we'll do it from our hearts as well.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #60

2010-09-02T16:12:00.003-04:00

Failure is not an option

The above was supposedly uttered by Gene Krantz when Apollo 13 was in danger of being lost on its return flight from the moon in 1970.

America faces a challenge today far greater than that faced by the astronauts on that fateful mission. If we Americans fail to retain the freedom to pursue our lives as we see fit without an overreaching government breathing down our necks, then we will have failed not just ourselves, but all those generations that came before us in securing liberty for themselves and their posterity.

This is no idle observation easily dismissed out of hand by those who would wish to see their power and control over men's lives undiminished. The forces of the left would like nothing better than for those of us who cherish our liberty to simply fade away, or acquiesce to their superior intelligence and natural ruling ability. I, for one, will have none of it! I will not stop exposing their shameless record of failed economic policies and blatant attempts to turn our Republic into a European socialist state.

It becomes more apparent every day that President Obama is not qualified for the position he now occupies. The 'historic' moment has turned into an ugly nightmare. Unemployment, home foreclosures, increased taxes and a ridiculous health care plan are but a few of the horrific scenarios that this 'not so presidential' individual has visited upon this great nation. The very least we can do is continue to expose this charlatan for what he is; a Marxist ideologue.

So, I will keep fighting for liberty, limited government and a free enterprise system that exemplifies our history and best traditions. For all Americans failure to do so is not an option.

(Thanks Dave for your kind words of support)

The Pete Morin editorial review--Issue #58

2010-08-08T16:08:00.003-04:00

The Consequence of ratification

What would have transpired if the States had not ratified the proposed Constitution? Would the Articles of Confederation simply have remained in force until a more efficient compact between the states could be achieved? The idea, and question of State Sovereignty, lie at the very heart of our predicament with respect to an all powerful central authority dominating our everyday existence.

The States, of course, ratified the Constitution, but they did not do so with the intention that they were acting as one body. The insertion of the 9TH and 10TH amendments guaranteed to the individual states sovereignty for those issues where the state could determine its own legitimate course of action. The Constitution went so far as to guarantee a Republican form of government to the states and as if to clarify this point, individual states retained their unique executive, legislative and judicial branches. It could be argued that if the states had intended to subordinate themselves to a central authority, there would be little, or no, need for duplication of such a governmental structure.

Despite all the arguments implored in The Federalist Papers, the fears expressed by the Anti-Federalists have come to fruition. We no longer have a Republican form of government, nor a Federal Government in any real sense; we now have a central government comprised of lawmakers who believe that their very election to high office makes them able to pronounce what laws shall be followed by all the people, regardless where they reside. Sovereignty is not an attribute assigned to the individual, but to the collective.

What has made us bow to this collective will; what sense of security and denial of human responsibility has become such a lure to cast off our individual freedom? Do we believe we are better off to reject our liberty and freedom in exchange for this security? Are we so weak-knee’d and pusillanimous that we cannot determine our own fate within our sovereign states? Evidently this question is rhetorical. We’ve decided to reject that which our ancestors fought and died for; we’ve decided that the cost of individual freedom is beyond our means. We look inward to a warmth and security of the central authority womb. We eschew our innate abilities and duties; we have become simple-minded wards of the state.

Benjamin Franklin warned that we have a Republic, “if you can keep it”, but we have shirked from our duty and our destiny as Americans to uphold this Republic. We must answer to those who gave their lives for the lost Republic; but even worse, we must look our descendants in the eye and proclaim our weakness to the cause of liberty. We must ask them to find this lost treasure and restore it to prominence in our civic lives. We must ask them to ratify, once again, a Constitution that places the sovereignty of the state and individual above the power of the Central State. Can they succeed in such an undertaking? Perhaps this is just another rhetorical question.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #57

2010-07-16T12:52:00.002-04:00

A stupid RINO

The following was sent to the office of Senator Scott Brown today.

Senator Brown:

This past January I spent an entire day in snow and wet rain holding a sign for you and, hopefully, your election to the US Senate. Oh, what a fool I was!

After seeing your vote on the 'supposed' financial Reform Bill, it would have been just as well that a democrat was elected to the Senate seat.

This financial reform bill does very little in reform and does lot of control. Evidently, you didn't care that a provision in the bill calls for affirmative action for minorities in financial positions, or, that it virtually re-instates funding to that despicable group known as Acorn.

Evidently you couldn't have cared less that there's NO reform with regards to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Also, the fact that the financial meltdowm was facilitated by lousy federal mandates (think of the CRA) was of little concern to you. Not to mention that there's not one bit of authority in the US Constitution to pass this act. Apparently, this is of little concern to an ambitious politician who's main agenda is re-election in 2012.

Kathy Griffin's disgusting remark about your daughters was way off the mark. What she should have done was apply the tag to YOU! Liberals and pathetic RINO's like you are destroying this great nation, not rescuing it from Wall Street.

Let me assure you, Senator, that WHOEVER runs against you in the Republican primary in 2012 will get my vote and in the unlikely event that you get the nomination I will sit on my hands before I do ANYTHING for your campaign, or election.

Better yet--why don't you switch to the Democratic Party. That way we'll know what you are without the facade. And, please, don't bother to respond with a form letter from one of your underlings, I'm done listening to, or reading, your nonsense.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #56

2010-07-08T11:33:00.005-04:00

Ruling class murder

There's an interesting article by Walter Williams published in LewRockwell.com that about sums up what our government is doing to its citizens today. Regardless if you're conservative or liberal, this article should make you think just a little about the misplaced power the government has over us. Here's a quote from that article:

In 1794, when Congress appropriated $15,000 to assist some French refugees, James Madison, the acknowledged father of our Constitution, stood on the floor of the House to object, saying, "I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents." He later added, "(T)he government of the United States is a definite government, confined to specified objects. It is not like the state governments, whose powers are more general. Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government." Two hundred years later, at least two-thirds of a multi-trillion-dollar federal budget is spent on charity or "objects of benevolence."

Madison was talking about Federalism; the ability of the states to decide what their own laws would be with respect to their constituents. This is the meat of the 9Th & 10Th amendments of the Bill of Rights contained within the Constitution. We've completely neglected those amendments for the expediency of supposed power of a 'benevolent' central authority.

One more quote from this article:

What would the founders think about our respect for democracy and majority rule? Here's what Thomas Jefferson said: "The majority, oppressing an individual, is guilty of a crime, abuses its strength, and by acting on the law of the strongest breaks up the foundations of society." John Adams advised, "Remember democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." The founders envisioned a republican form of government, but as Benjamin Franklin warned, "When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic."

We are currently in the very process of murdering ourselves.

There's another article published in the July/August 2010 edition of the American Spectator by Angelo Codevilla entitled "America's Ruling Class - And the Perils of Revolution." Codevilla postulates that we are now ruled by a monied and well connected, politically that is, upper class.

"Today's ruling class, from Boston to San Diego, was formed by an educational system that exposed them to the same ideas and gave them remarkably uniform guidance....(R)egardless of what business or profession they are in, their road up included government channels and government money."

This ruling class depends on government largess, i.e. the recent Wall Street bailout. It doesn't matter if those in power are Republican or Democrat. TARP extends to both parties, but it is the middle class that gets squeezed the most when the Liberal/Progressive/Socialist/Marxist legislators wield their enormous power to take from some and give to others. We have essentially voted ourselves money with which we will, most assuredly, commit murder.

A virtual jail is no better than a real one.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #55

2010-07-03T16:00:00.010-04:00

The Pursuit of Happiness

There are hundreds, or thousands, of definitions that could apply to the above heading. Pursuing happiness is at the very heart of our existence, yet few people actually stop running in the rat race to consider what would make them happy. I'd like to proffer a suggestion that will turn some heads and may even make me an outcast in polite society, but none the less, I consider it essential to an improvement in our pursuit of happiness.

We need to do two things today that are necessary to improve the condition of our society; drug legalization and prostitution legalization. Now, I know you're thinking , 'how can this possibly IMPROVE our society?' If an individual wants to smoke marijuana or pay for sexual services that should be their choice as a free person living their life as they wish to. The stigma attached to these, so called, crimes far exceeds any benefit to society. The term 'victimless crime' should be considered an oxymoron and be relegated to the dustbin of history. Let's take an unvarnished look at what our attempts to keep these acts criminal has done to the nation.

Drug laws: Since 1970 the US government has spent untold BILLIONS of dollars in attempts to control the drug trade. Just how successful have these attempts been? Drug use has not changed in any appreciable amount, except in the eyes of law enforcement who seem to believe that they only need more money to completely solve the problem. We have today some of the most vicious drug gangs located on our southern border that are impervious to the efforts of the Mexican authorities. They so thoroughly control the drug trade that they have eliminated rivals and killed over 25,000 people in the last five years alone. Kind of reminds you of the notorious Purple Gang of Detroit and Al Capone in Chicago during the 1930's. They had control of illegal booze during that time and made a lot of money thanks to the Volstead Act passed in 1920. Government finally wised up and repealed the Volstead Act in 1933. The result was control of alcohol by recognized distributors and regulations that netted the government significant sums of money via taxes. And lo and behold it eliminated the power of the mafia in this trade. We must treat narcotics in the same fashion. Legalization, regulation and taxation will eliminate the drug cartels and provide to the government a good source of revenue to apply to drug treatment programs and other methods of educating the public on the dangers of drug overuse (as has been done concerning cigarettes and alcohol).

A less known debilitating effect to personal freedom are 'forfeiture laws'. If you've never heard of these pernicious, regrettable laws then you should learn the horrible effects they've had on our society. Eric Schlosser wrote a fine book entitled 'Reefer Madness' where he outlines many cases of expropriation of people's property through the enforcement of these laws. You'll be shocked to see some of the methods law enforcement has used in taking the property of completely innocent people who ran afoul of drug laws. No one could read about these instances without a sense of regret that this happens in modern day America. Ask yourself a simple question; Is the war on drugs a success? If you can answer this question honestly, then you know we must change our approach regarding legalization of controlled substances.

Prostitution: We already know this the is the world's oldest profession; perhaps second only to the 'slip & fall' trial lawyers. Once again, how have we done making this profession illegal? An honest answer would have to be, not very well. One of law enforcement's main tactics to reduce the trade is to publish the names of individuals caught in the act of purchasing sexual favors. If we're going to use shame as a means of controlling this behaviour shouldn't we publish the names of people on food stamps, welfare, social security or any other government transfer or expropriation of property from one class of society to another? Even if you believe these programs are beneficial to society, there most assuredly is a good amount of graft and cheating that goes unreported. The state of Nevada has had legalized prostitution for many years and hasn't yet been relegated to the fires of hell. What it has managed to do is reduce the amount of disease associated with the profession and used, once again, regulations and taxes that prove beneficial to the state coffers.

Arguments against legalization of the above are many and varied, but probably the most convincing to the public is that, if legal, everyone will do it (i.e. drugs and purchased sex). Ask yourself another question; if you're not inclined to participate because of your religious and moral beliefs, then why would you all of a sudden want to imbibe in these pursuits? Evidence provided by Holland and Denmark (where both pursuits are legal) does not support the claim that 'everyone will do it.' A moral person must be true to his/her moral teachings. Placing drugs and sex in the same category as alcohol and cigarettes will make us, at least I contend, a more moral, law abiding society.

Let the debate continue. Click HERE for a short video.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #54

2010-06-26T13:21:00.004-04:00

Dependence Day

July 4Th is just around the corner and we can all go out and enjoy the festivities. Yes folks, we can celebrate Dependence Day.

If anyone, with even half a brain, believes that we are independent and free of government tyranny, then please ask yourselves the following:

1) Can I purchase my own health insurance without Federal and State mandates?

2) Can I ride a motorcycle without a helmet?

3) Can I use a cellphone in a car?

4) Do I have to pay into the Social Security Fund?

5) Do I have to sign up for Medicare at age 65?

6) Do I have to pay a 3.9% sales tax on my home when I sell it?

7) Do I have to pay a 20% Capital Gains tax on the sale of stock?

8) Do I have to use the new compact fluorescent light bulbs after 2014?

9) Do the toilets in my house have to be the 1.6 gallon water saver version?

10) Do I have to have the Federal Government confiscate between 15-39.6% of my income every year?

11) Do I have to pay an 'exit tax' to the Federal Government if I wish to renounce my citizenship?

12) Do I have to contemplate the these additional issues--
a) a government VAT tax
b) government confiscation of my retirement account, either IRA or 401k
c) increased energy tax costs through 'cap & trade'(a.k.a the 'Waxman, Markey bill)
d) what kind of car I can drive(if government can tell you that you MUST have health insurance, why not tell me that I MUST own a government approved vehicle)
e) will I incur the government's wrath by questioning their taking over the following--
all financial institutions
automobile companies
energy production
college tuition costs
telling me what foods are acceptable to eat ( it's done at the state level, why not at the Federal level)

I'm sure there's much more I could list, but time and space make it impossible to finish. Understand, we fought a revolutionary war against the British over the Stamp Act, Intolerable Acts, Navigation Acts and a little thing called 'tea.' The combination of these acts doesn't come close to what our own government is doing to its' citizens today and yet we acquiesce. Why? Because over 50% of the population is DEPENDENT on the Federal government for their daily survival. We're done, folks. Stick a fork in us. We are now a nation of wimps, whiners and cry babies.

Ain't socialism great? (but don't tell the government I said the above. Freedom of speech is on their list)

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #52

2010-06-19T13:51:00.003-04:00

Words to live by

Here are some words that everyone should instantly recognize and then file under 'A load of crap'.

FREE-- "That's right ladies and gentlemen, this scooter chair is absolutely free. There's no cost to you even if Medicare doesn't authorize you to have one." (Translation-are we supposed to believe that the supplier, manufacturer, laborer and dealer did it all for nothing?)

SERVICE-- "Our service department will take care of that for you", or, just think of the "Internal Revenue Service." (Translation- if you really think there's such a thing, you indeed will be serviced, right up the you know what!)

AFFORDABLE-- This one's a real beauty. "We've got to get affordable____ for people who can't get it." Anytime you hear this line of bull, think of your wallet getting a little lighter so someone else can enjoy their new, affordable____

DESERVE--Probably the best of all words. "We'll get you the money you deserve." (Translation-the 40% fee will be sent to our POB in the Cayman Islands).

If there's any words, or terms, that you'd like to add, email me at niromp@localnet.com . This is a FREE SERVICE AFFORDABLE to all who DESERVE it!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #51

2010-06-19T12:48:00.004-04:00

Recession Redux

Got a very interesting piece of mail a few days ago. It was from my heating oil supplier. The prepaid contract they were offering listed fuel oil at $2.60/gallon, but was only good until February 15, 2011. What are they trying to tell me, other than the obvious that they won't have oil available at that price beyond February 15. Here's what I think they're saying and everyone, regardless whether you heat with oil or not, should be very concerned.

Early next year the economy could start to get extremely shaky; by this I mean not just a new recession, but something much worse. We could be looking at inflation like we haven't seen in thirty years. Our wise and wonderful government--and I don't mean just the fools in the current administration--has set the stage for a currency debasement that will cause the cost of everything to skyrocket. This is what's at the heart of the fuel oil people telling me that they probably can't supply oil at a reasonable price beyond the middle of winter. In fact, some investment guru's expect the price of a barrel of oil to go well beyond $100. Think this isn't possible? Watch the stock market closely this fall because it's usually leads the economy by six months.

Sooner or later the predatory beast that is our Federal Government will devour everything; not just our liberty and freedom, but all that we own. The socialist fools and their liberal sycophants will, if given a chance, make us all dependent to them for our very existence. If, on the other hand, you like BIG GOVERNMENT, you'll have a fine old time wearing several layers of clothing this winter. Why, you'll show those big, bad oil companies you're not going to be intimidated. If you're really lucky maybe the Feds will nationalize oil.

Happy days are here again!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #49

2010-06-07T20:00:00.007-04:00

A life changing experience

Many things happen in a person's lifetime that add little or nothing to the mundane activities of daily life, but every so often, or perhaps rarely, an event comes along that has a profound effect on how one examines his/her place on this place called 'earth'.

As with most people, I've had my share of mundane experiences that can readily come to mind, but are not to be considered anything more than ordinary.

As an example, when I was five years old, I remember cowering in my bed under all the blankets as an electrical storm raged outside my house. When you're a child you make up all kinds of scary circumstances that whirl around in a juvenile brain. As the storm was raging, I decided that I would count down from three and when I hit zero a tremendous bang would envelope the entire house. Three-two-one----ZERO-----BANG!!!! I jumped from my bed and headed like a shot to my parents room and quickly burrowed my way deep into the safety of their presence. The bang was a bolt of lightning that hit a giant tree and entered the house in the living room. My father rushed downstairs and had to extinguish the smoldering curtains and completely destroyed radio in the corner of the room. To this day my wife can't understand why I retreat to the basement when an electrical storm passes overhead.

Also when I was five my tonsils were removed. I can still remember being strapped to a gurney so tight that I was unable to move a single muscle. As the mask containing ether (the standard method of anesthesia for that time) was placed over my mouth the nurse asked me to start counting down from ten. Needless to say, I don't remember getting past eight, but afterwards when my parents came to visit I thought it was great that ice cream was available in copious amounts whenever I wanted it. The only negative part--besides the operation--was having to sleep in a large room with, what must have been, a dozen screaming little kids. Strange how you can remember in such vivid detail an occurrence that happened almost sixty years ago.

Deaths to loved ones can be very difficult, but it certainly isn't unexpected. The passing of a mother, father, brother or sister can be devastating yet we figure out how to overcome such trials. At my mother's wake my older brother Art gave out ersatz engagement rings to any unsuspecting women close enough to be engaged with his charm and beguile. Perhaps this was his way of getting beyond his sorrow. Art had already exhibited his grief at the private family showing of my mom's casket. I can still see him calling her name softly as if had wished he could have seen her one last time.

Personally, what I consider to be my authentic life changing experience came when I was in my third day of training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in May, 1968. As I sat between bunks stenciling my name on my naval issue cloths, I started to feel a loneliness and an urge to cry. Suddenly, from deep within me, a voice told me to shape up and grow up. It was time for me to leave youth behind; I was a man now and should act like one. The voice gave me the strength to face the next four years and all the years after; for I was now, most definitely, a man. Nothing as compelling has changed my life since that moment of reflection on the floor in a far away barracks.

We all should have life changing experiences, so let me hear yours. Right a comment on what you think you're most compelling moment was. It may help you recognize your own growth to adulthood.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #48

2010-06-03T13:14:00.004-04:00

Hypocrisy in Beantown

There was an article in the Boston Herald Business section today featuring a speech given by US Rep. Ed Markey and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that has to highlighted for its sheer hypocrisy.

Both House Reps were in Watertown, MA at an event to promote clean energy technology, but both energy geniuses had to get their digs in against BP. Let me quote just one line from Rep. Markey and you tell me if this doesn't smack of pure BS. "It's the responsibility of the government, however, to make sure that BP's equipment, technology and expertise are used in a way that protects the safety of the ocean, of the shores and of the taxpayers of the United States."

Now let me be clear. BP is responsible for whatever went wrong with this particular operation, but isn't it the US Government, with its regulatory agencies, supposed to make sure that drilling operations are conducted in a safe manner? Doesn't the US Government issue leases to drill offshore with the proviso the companies follow all the guidelines and regulations concerning such drilling? Or is it possible that the left hand of government doesn't know what the right hand is doing since the maze of regulations make it impossible to fathom what's acceptable and what isn't?

The big Lebowski, however, is Rep. Markey's concern for the US taxpayer. What chutzpah! What arrogance! What downright hubris coming from a group of lawmakers that have taxed and spent this society into a mountain of debt. Unfunded liabilities for Social Security and Medicare alone are approaching $100 TRILLION dollars. That's TRILLION!!! Our national debt is now $13 TRILLION dollars which equals approximately 85% of our GDP(Gross Domestic Product). Long term prospects for debt levels are even greater with the passage of ObamaCare, and don't even think about what Cap & Tax will do to the economy.

These liberal politicians are utterly shameless, pathetic, spineless minions who have to be removed and replaced with leaders that have a backbone in order to right the ship of state. This must commence in November, or the future of this great country will be one of fast decline where our descendants will see their standard of living reduced significantly from previous generations.

Wake up America--and this includes you big government liberals. It's been said many times and needs to be repeated here; Any government powerful enough to give you everything you want, is powerful enough to take everything you own!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #47

2010-05-29T13:49:00.020-04:00

Prodigy? or Probably--NOT

Music has always been a part of my life: the last thirty years, or so, enjoying listening rather than playing, but a part nevertheless.

I started out on the piano, but realized that I couldn't reach all the keys so, subsequently, I changed to an accordion. Besides mastering 'The Sidewalks of New York" and a few Polkas the accordion didn't offer the kind of inspiration that I was looking for from a musical instrument. Luckily for me the Beatles arrived on the scene in late 1963 and was immediately hooked by their unusual sound and, what seemed to most of us in the baby boom generation, their vibrant enthusiasm for good rock & roll.

So it was that I took up the guitar and practiced until my fingers were worn thin. This was not too difficult since the first guitar I used must have cost all of $5 and would naturally cause your fingers to be rubbed raw from its unplayable fretboard. In time, however, and with a new guitar, I found a calling for my teen years and pursued teaching the instrument to young rock & rollers who also envisioned themselves being the next John Lennon or Paul McCartney.

A young Lennon or McCartney I was not and having exhausted all possibility to expand my horizons I settled into a sort of 'musical insouciance' that equated well with being an average musician. The daily grind, however, would come to a screeching halt when in December, 1967 I received a greeting from President Lyndon Baines Johnson to join some of my fellow citizens in a little affair known as 'Vietnam' by way of the US Army. Since I was reluctant to take part in this particular quagmire, I joined the US Navy: ships had not yet been deployed to Khe Sanh or Laos.

So it was that I left home and hearth in May, 1968 for Great lakes Naval Training center with the hope of convincing the immediate authorities of Naval Warfare that I would be best utilized as a musician rather than as a submariner floating beneath the ice, or water, of some faraway land. The officials of higher authority did not agree, but I did manage to attain the position of 7th back up guitar at the Training Center. Needless to say, I never saw a piece of sheet music, or a guitar, in my three months at Great Lakes. An aviation electronics technician would be my calling and I performed well, though not brilliantly, for the remainder of my time in Naval hell.

Fast forward to 1975 and you enter upon the legend of Blackwood, or Tucson, or Broken Spoke: all names from transient, perfidious, wandering minstrels that an underachieving country rock band to possibly conjure. We stuck with Broken Spoke and languished in the anonymity of the Drummer's Club to perform regularly with uninspiring ordinariness. Rock bands are not only about music, however, and that is where this history lesson reaches its most important point. Friendships are often made from such unlikely unions as bands or clubs and it was no different with my band mates. The four people joined with me above are special, in that two have passed on to the big country rock band in the sky. The two on either end of the picture, Bob Miller to the left and Pete Loveless to the right, both passed away at too young an age. Their pictures and my memories are all that remain of a special bond.

One of the original members of the group, Dallas Sutherland our bass player, who is pictured below, has also gone to a greater reward than that which can be bestowed upon an aging rocker.

I remember these men for the good gentlemen they were and will leave out foibles that attach to any life striving to place a mark upon our short stay here on earth. As often as I do not regret leaving the musical profession, I wish I could take just a few sets, once again, to enjoy the good reverie that made us musical brothers.

Playing music has not been part of my life for the last thirty years, but remembering our good companionship will never fade from the memory of a man entering late middle age. Rock On Guys!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #46

2010-05-16T13:44:00.007-04:00

The Story of Sweet

It's not often that one can become closely associated with nature, but on a summer day in 2004 that's exactly what Sue and I did when we took our usual morning walk to the local convenience store.

The store manager had a rather unusual request; she asked us if we would be willing to rescue a baby starling that had been abandoned by its mother. Two siblings had already died from cold and lack of food the previous evening and the only remaining chick didn't look like it had much life left. As I looked at Sue, trying to let her see my reservations about accepting the bird, she instinctively told the proprietor "sure, we'll take it". Thus started our adventure with the little starling chick that would come to be called 'Sweet'.

As we found our way home,pondering on what to feed the chick, I remembered an old Burt Lancaster movie called "Birdman of Alcatraz". Lancaster portrayed Robert Stroud, a self taught ornithologist (and two time murderer) who was imprisoned in Alcatraz, the infamous Federal prison in San Francisco Bay. A small Sparrow had dropped into his cell one day and he devised a method to feed the bird using cockroaches and bugs that shared his living space. Since we had no available cockroaches and bugs were not a staple diet for a starling (a quick search on the net confirming this), we decided to try a concoction of suet, oatmeal and water. Starlings are unique in that they eat just about anything, perhaps attributing to their legend as being a scavenger bird with an over-population to boot. But what did we care about over-population. This was life in its very newest form and we would not give nature a chance to destroy its own creation without a fight.

Sweet completely took over our daily lives. During the day she (we would assume by the markings that it was a 'she') had to be fed about every half hour and if you were late, she let you know! I would mix the concoction and feed it to her with a wooden match stick. Sweet seemed to love it and would gobble it down as fast as I could provide. As she finished her feeding she would slide back into the rear of her nest to seek the relative safety of its confines until her next feeding. She was also very fastidious in that she would not foul her nest, but would make her way to the edge to do her business.

We kept Sweet in a large cat cage inside our gazebo in the backyard so to be safe from any possible predators and she thrived in this environment. Soon it became apparent that she was more than just a hungry mouth and pot belly and started to grow feathers which gave her the appearance of a real, honest-to-goodness, bird. She even started to venture outside her nest to explore the confines of the cage. Sweet became such a central part of our lives that on the July 4th weekend we took her with us on a trip with Sue's sister and husband to South Hadley and Amherst. We ate lunch at Windows on the Common in South Hadley and had to excuse ourselves every half hour to feed her. We kept the cage in the back of our car and the arrangement worked
out perfectly.

As Sweet got bigger we had to consider how to acclimate her to the wild. It's one thing to raise a bird, or any other animal, for domestication, but yet another thing to raise one with the intention of release into the wild. We had always made it our motive in raising Sweet to do so with eventual release in mind. I would now occasionally bring her outside the safety of the gazebo and teach the fine, non-human, art of flight. Nothing could be more amusing than watching a human attempt to teach a young bird this amazing feat, but teach her I did. I would bring her to a lilac bush and place her on a low hanging branch and then gently nudge her to take flight. The first few attempts were met with total failure as she fluttered helplessly to the ground, but nature has a strong instinct placed within its winged creatures and soon Sweet was successful in gaining a somewhat small measure of lift.

Sweet progressed rapidly in her new found art and it was now time to see if she could navigate beyond the gazebo. I wasn't too concerned about her flying off to parts unknown since she still required feeding every hour or so. Quickly she learned how to maneuver from branch to branch on various trees in the yard and I also taught her how to peck at the ground for insects. Imagine, if you will, a man prone on all fours nibbling at the grass in an attempt to demonstrate to a bird the benefits of ground feeding! And it worked--a credit as she was to her hardy species, she caught on with gusto. Once, when our neighbor was having his garage rebuilt, a worker on the job site proudly proclaimed to us that Sweet had just eaten an ant! Sweet wasn't just our bird, but the entire neighborhood was aware of her presence.

July passed, as summer does, to August and Sweet was now a full grown bird. She would now meet us at our bedroom window every morning at 5 am to let us know that breakfast should be served as soon as possible. I would grudgingly, but willingly, oblige and then she would be on her way flying from tree to tree in the anticipation of enjoying another beautiful summer day. As I saw her fly about the yard I wondered if we had done the right thing in trying to save this stout hearted little creature. That old saying 'it isn't nice to mess with mother nature' is a concern that can't be denied, but Sue and I both felt we had done the right thing.

Soon Sweet no longer came to our window, but would meet us on the railing on our back deck. She was hesitant to accept our offerings of food and friendship and one had the notion that nature and the natural order of things would reclaim its design. It was on an August morning that she jumped across the railing on the deck and let us know that we had done all we could; she was ready for flight and freedom. We knew the day would come and looked forward to it, but yet there was a sadness in our souls in not knowing what lay ahead for her. Would she be able to avoid danger? Would she think that all humans were her friends? Only she could answer and yet there is no answer. We do the best we can in helping to preserve and nurture life and hope for the best.

We never saw Sweet again, but her story fills these lines and our hearts with a fond remembrance. Fly on little bird. Freedom comes to those that love it.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #45

2010-04-07T14:07:00.008-04:00

Examining time

It's been some time since I wrote last my last article and ruminating about what's most important in life gave impetus to provide the following thoughts.

Perhaps it was Aristotle, or some other brilliant philosopher, who said that everything in life is political. Well, I certainly hope not. We inhabit this earth for but a mere speck of geologic time and must come to understand the value of this speck of time before it evaporates and is long gone. Have we used our time wisely, or have we squandered it for useless purposes? Socrates lamented that an unexamined life isn't worth living. Examination can be a prescription that is past due.

We sometimes get caught up in the minutiae of everyday life, i.e. what movie to watch, what shirt should I wear, etc., but these things are nothing more than the detritus of that life Socrates expounded on as 'unexamined.' Aside from the five hierarchical needs that Abraham Maslow articulated there has to be more to define our character; what constitutes a sense of morality with regard to others , our environment and to all of life in general. This is certainly a heady topic, but I find myself drawn to history, law and astronomy as a means to discover our common humanity. Other sciences can also offer explanations to our earliest roots. These would include archeology, biology and anthropology to name but a few. These pursuits can lead to a satisfying life, one that is more than just livable, but truly worthwhile.

There is a form of expression that can't be overlooked and should be a staple to a well-lived life; that of an understanding and appreciation of artistry. Notice I say 'artistry' rather than art, for there are many forms of art. My early chosen form was music, but any form will lead to creativity and expression that exemplifies a discovery of one's soul; a discovery of our present and past conditions. Consider the sculpture, the painter, the novelist and the emotional gauntlet they must pass through to convey their thoughts in their selected medium. There is nothing greater I can think of than a knowledge of creating words to paper or a brush to canvass. These meager thoughts hardly do justice to the importance of the written word.

One last thought. Several years ago, about a year before my father passed away, I remember sitting with him and he exclaiming to me that he couldn't believe how quickly time passes. His exact words were, "I can't believe it's gone by this quick." I asked him what he meant by 'it's gone' and his reply struck me like a punch to the head. "My life" he said. My father lived a long life, by any standard, but it seemed odd that, to him, it had gone so quickly. Today, older and wiser, I know exactly what he meant. I don't believe he led that 'examined' life that one should aspire to and he regretted not having done so. There were obstacles to that desire, but he felt he had not done all he could to lead a satisfying life.

It is incumbent upon all who have this small slice of geologic time to lead a life worthy of being called 'examined.' Cherish and enjoy it.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #44

2010-03-21T16:28:00.004-04:00

A first in recorded world history

Well folks, the United States Government has done it. Never before in recorded history has a nation or government been able to achieve what the US Government has done today. Never before has a people strove so confidently into the new era of enlightenment and truth as has our brilliant leadership managed to do on this momentous day. Folks, our government has repealed the basic economic law of 'supply and demand'. Yes, dear readers, our wonderful leaders have discovered a way to add 30 million people to the health insurance roles, cut 500 billion from Medicare, stop insurance companies from not accepting people with pre-existing conditions, enforcing community rating and guaranteed issue and done a whole of other beneficial things to ensure our good health WITHOUT increasing the number of doctors, nurses, hospitals and other care givers. This is truly an amazing accomplishment by our trusted leaders!

Now, you may ask--what does the law of supply and demand have to do with healthcare. Isn't it important that all people have access to affordable care and shouldn't government be charged with making sure this happens? The law of supply and demand is relatively simple in its basic construct. An increase in demand with no increase in supply will make a product more expensive. An increase in supply with no increase in demand makes a product less expensive. Thus--more people seeking healthcare--same(or less, possibly) number of doctors and other care givers--gives us INCREASED costs for healthcare! Understand? But don't worry. Your brilliant leaders have everything figured out. They have Dr. Ezikiel Emanuel on your side and he's going to set up his control board to decide who gets care. The little old lady who needs a hip replacement? sorry granny, it's going to the 50 year old instead. Hey old man with cancer--need chemo treatment? sorry pops, it's going to the 20 year old instead. Think I'm being facetious? Think again folks. The law of supply and demand will still be in force. Healthcare may now be a right, but access will not be greater; supply will still be the same, or perhaps smaller.

Those of you who think I'm simply ranting or yelling at the moon--tell me in another five years if what I say doesn't come true. Tell me your health insurance costs have gone down, or, at least, remained the same. No folks, the law of supply and demand will exact its pound of flesh, or perhaps several pounds of flesh. Call me what you will, but we've just sold our soul to the devil and the devil NEVER keeps his promises. Bart Stupak will learn this the hard way when our esteemed leader reneges on his Executive Order banning federal money for abortions in this monstrosity of a bill.

But lets not quibble. Let's drink to the health of America and our enlightened leaders who've repealed the law of supply and demand. TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH!!

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #43

2010-02-25T19:02:00.005-05:00

Political Theater

The political theater that took place in Washington today concerning the healthcare summit was nothing more that, just political theater. President Obama had no intention of 'listening' to Republican ideas on healthcare legislation. In fact, he let it be known that the time for 'baby steps' was gone. Comprehensive, reform based legislation would now go forword.

What we will see in the coming days/weeks will be a Democratic Congress force passage of healthcare legislation by a simple majority vote. Now, this tactic, called reconciliation, has been used on numerous occasions in the past, but it must be noted that it has NEVER been used on a piece of legislation this massive. Passage of a healthcare bill will encompass controlling 16% of the US economy. Even Senator Robert Byrd, considered by many to be an expert with regard to this tactic, believes that it should be used very carefully lest the process become partisan and unworkable.

In any event, the cameras rolled, the president spoke(a total of 119 minutes), the representatives spoke(a total of 114 minutes for Democrats and 110 minutes for Republicans) and literally nothing was resolved; only that which we already know--Democrats will force a vote in the Senate.

All of this reminds me of the movie 'Little Big man' starring Dustin Hoffman. It recalls the life of Jack Crabb, an 120 year old former Indian fighter, who recounts his life to a student doing a piece on the old west. The most defining moment comes when Crabb tells General Custer to go down into Little Big Horn if he has the guts. "You go down there, General. You go down there if you got the Guts." General Custer thinks about it for just a moment and then tells his aids that Crabb must really want him not to go down there because he told him the opposite. Of course, Crabb knew that if Custer went to the Little Big Horn he and his men would be slaughtered. Custer went down--Custer got slaughtered.

What does this have to do with healthcare legislation? Just this--"You go down there, Mr. President. You pass this bill if you got the guts." The democratic Congress and the President, I believe, will be issuing their own death sentence as to majority rule. They will be destroyed in November by an electorate that will remember the hubris and arrogance possessed by these power hungry fools. "You go down there, Mr President, Mr. Reid, Ms. Pelosi. You go down there. I'll enjoy the spring and summer as I always do, but I'm really going to enjoy the fall; the fall of the Democratic Party." The Democrats would be wise to do the opposite.

Political theater--get your popcorn ready!

Click on this link for ideas on real healthcare reform. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704804204575069133264585068.html

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #42

2010-02-20T15:07:00.003-05:00

Counterfeiting, Inflation & Fraud

Just about everyone I know would like to have more money. Why? Because it makes life a lot easier to handle. We can purchase whatever we need, go on vacation, enjoy life's many luxuries and just plain have a great time.

One of the ways to achieve these ends is to print our own money. Except-it's considered a crime and you can end up in prison for a very long stretch of time. Societies and governments do not treat counterfeiters kindly.

Exactly why is counterfeiting wrong? Think about it carefully. There are probably two reasons that come to mind.1) It's a form of self-enrichment not sanctioned by the state, 2) It debases the money supply; in other words, it causes all the authentic money in circulation to be of lesser value and this the government does not appreciate.

Next, we turn our attention to inflation. Just what is inflation? The official designation is "too much money chasing too few goods." We get too much money because government decides to print, or borrow additional currency. Many times in our past history we've seen government inflate the money supply for one reason or another usually with disastrous results. Some of the more egregious examples have been Brazil and Argentina very recently and Germany in the 1920's. Germany is a particularly striking example because it helped bring about the rise of Adolf Hitler and World War II.

The above examples show a similarity; creating more money makes the currency already in circulation less valuable. So a basic question begs to be answered. Why is it NOT criminal for governments to print excess money? What special consideration should government have for making all our money just a little less valuable. The ostensible reason, or purpose, is that the government is responding to a societal need; usually by people who have little resources, or money and, therefore, must relie on elected officials to procure funds for them. Consequently, we end up with programs that do nothing more than transfer wealth from one segment of society to another; theft by another name.

Wikipedia defines Counterfeit Money as "(c)urrency that is produced without legal sanction of the state or government to resemble some official form of currency closely enough that it may be confused for genuine currency. Producing or using counterfeit currency is a form of fraud." I contend that it makes no difference if there is a 'Sanction", or not, to the production of currency. When government intentionally devalues, or debases, the money supply it is committing a form of fraud. Essentially, it is reducing the value of money people have on hand. It reduces the value of pension funds, retirement funds and any other cash fund consumers, or savers, may have on hand. It considers it beneficial to pay obligations in cheapened dollars. To those owed the debt, however, it is nothing less than a disaster; their wealth reduced from what it was previously.

All this our government has done and is now doing at a frenetic clip. We will soon wake up to an inflation rate greatly increased and our purchasing power greatly reduced. It may already be too late to turn from this disastrous course, but the very least we can do is elect individuals to Congress who understand the implications of unsound money.

Counterfeiting, inflation and fraud are symptoms of a bankrupt nation, but more than this, they're symptoms of a nation in dire need of genuine leadership. Let's hope there are a few conscienscious citizens able to understand our predicament and a true leader emerge to bring sanity to a very precarious time in our history.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #41

2010-02-17T13:22:00.004-05:00

People & their Government

I don't believe there has been a more influential individual on my attitude towards government and freedom than Mark Levin.

The Mark Levin radio show is chock full of essential information for those concerned about the direction our government has taken with respect to personal freedom and the rule of law. An acute understanding of the founding of the nation and its great Constitution are an absolute must if we are to preserve our freedoms, not only for today, but in the future as well. Every evening Mark drives home the idea of the civil society and how imperative it is that we respect the limits imposed upon our government as expressed in the Constitution. If we would over-ride these limits, then what limits should be placed on government; where should the new line be drawn as to what a government can do to its citizens?

The Constitution is often referred to as "living document" by those who wish to bring its meaning to a more modern interpretation. By doing so, legislative and judicial activists hope to redefine man's relationship with the Constitution. In a sense they hope to redefine the document in a subjective light. In truth, nothing could have been further from the aims of the founders. The document they hoped to forge was intended to be an objective one; its narrow aim being to clarify what a government's enumerated powers were with respect to the citizenry and the relationship of the citizen with his government. All other powers would be retained by the states or the people respectively.

Today, however, we live in a country where respect for limited power has no meaning. The current Congress has attempted to pass legislation that completely disregards, or tramples on, states rights. Their reason for trying to pass any legislation seems to come from the necessary and proper clause of the Constitution. Such a belief, however, is completely unfounded. The Necessary and Proper Clause refers to those powers granted to the Federal Government and enumerated, as such, within the document itself; not to any new found power. The framers intended for any new power to be enacted through the amendment process and not by legislative diktat.

So, if you want a true understanding of the value and greatness of our founding document, I suggest you listen to Mark Levin. He, better than anyone, can give you insight into its timeless attributes. Our Nation's very existence will depend on whether or not we understand its meaning and bear true faith and allegiance to it.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #40

2010-02-11T15:18:00.013-05:00

Cats, love & goodbye

The date of October 19, 1990 will be one day that I will never forget. Sue and I were hosting a small get together for the people who had helped re-do our basement into a little slice of paradise. We had just finished having a hot tub installed in a small room that also had a stereo and tv for relaxation. There was much more to celebrate and shortly I would present Sue with a present that would endure for years.

It had been three years since our two Siamese cats, Kenny & Cumby had been euthanized and it had been difficult for both of us to conceive of ever having cats enter our lives again. Now seemed like just the perfect time to spring a surprise on Sue that I had been thinking about for some time. That day, after work, I went to a breeder in West Springfield and brought home two of the most beautiful little puff balls of Siamese love that one could imagine and ensconced them in a box in an upstairs spare bedroom.

When the party finally wound down, I mentioned to Sue that wouldn't it be wonderful to have kittens messing up our lives again. She looked at me quizzically as I hinted there may be something she would want to see in the upstairs bedroom. You have never seen a person fly up a set of stairs as did Sue at that moment. As she opened the box and beheld her new found kittens a surge of happiness and pure joy enveloped us both. She would name them Ginger and Nutmeg(forever to be known as 'Meg'). It was a sweet moment to be cherished in pictures and memories.

Ginger & Meg would spend their time romping about the house then collapsing as kittens do to recharge their batteries to set off on new search and destroy missions. This we didn't mind--they were companions and friends as all our pets have been. Their rejuvenation, character and sibling rivalry made little inconveniences seem as nothing.

In time, as we moved from one house to another, they graced our new abodes with a familiarity and skill that made them seem like members of the family. They even accepted Skippy, our bookstore cat, with ease and comfort. Their presence in our home seemed as if to be a constant--never to change, but there as we knew they would always be.

The span of time, however, doesn't stop for people or pets and doesn't much care for the consciousness of the here and now. Meg was Sue's cat spending evenings curled up on her lap and nights snuggled warmly in Sue's bed. Ginger had grown used to my lap and the warmth of my side of the bed. They were a joy to us that money could never buy.

We saw illness and old age in Meg first.This malady for cats that eventually strikes all felines as they progress through the years is kidney failure and this too would take Sue's dear friend in July, 2007. Sue's loss, and mine no less, was devastating to her for Meg was a true companion. She was part of Sue and would be so no matter the passing of ages. Ginger would be the same for me. I could not imagine not having her by my side.

As it is with all things, to comply with the circle of life we must all submit; Whether it be human, or feline. And so it is, on this beautiful sunny day, February 11, 2010 my beloved Ginger, my Pa-Putty Cat, entered her timeless sleep. I shall cherish the time I had with her. I am at peace knowing I helped my little friend overcome her earthly bond. She soars now, a spirit free to keep my memories of her next to my heart, forever.

Goodbye, sweet cat. For I will never forget you.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #39

2010-02-09T17:39:00.003-05:00

A nanny Nation

Whenever I feel a moment of unrestrained raw emotion I pick up a copy of that bastion of liberal thought, The Nation.

The February 1st copy has a comment by Bernie Sanders. You've heard of Bernie. He's the only avowed socialist senator in the US Congress. Bernie usually votes with the liberal elements of the Senate, but in this comment section he's making sure that his followers know exactly who's to blame with the Congress NOT passing healthcare and other legislation. "In my view, the Democrats--including the president--have absurdly continued to stumble along the path of "partisanship" at exactly the same time the Republicans have waged the most vigorously partisan and obstructionist strategy in recent history." Now, Bernie, let's get real for just a second. As you, and other liberal types, are fully aware the Democrats in the House have passed both Cap & Trade and Healthcare legislation. The Senate, however, has passed nothing. And why not Bernie? I know you blame the "obstructionist" Republicans, but didn't the Democrats have a supermajority? You know what a supermajority is, don't you Bernie? That's right, you fool, they can pass whatever legislation they want without fear of a filibuster. The Repubs didn't have the votes, you liar! The Senate couldn't get the job done because not even members of your own party could swallow your socialist, nanny state crap, BERNIE!

No matter what evidence Bernie is presented with, it's doubtful that he could muster the intestinal fortitude to say that socialist programs aren't a winner in the United States. He states bravely in his final comment that "(w)e can learn from the past. The last time our nation faced economic challenges as great as ours, Franklin Roosevelt embraced progressive social policies and major financial and economic reform.......now is the time to remember that lesson." Sorry to rain on your socialist parade, Bernie, but embracing progressive policies actually made the depression WORSE! Check it out folks if you don't believe it. After 5 years of wonderful 'progressive' legislation the country was still mired in a severe recession with unemployment at 18%.

So, if you want a good laugh and can take a great amount castor oil, I recommend reading The Nation. It'll keep you amused for weeks at a time.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #38

2010-02-07T21:32:00.005-05:00

The Green Police

Anybody notice that super bowl commercial that was aired with about four minutes left? It happened just before the interception by Porter that put the Saints up by fourteen. Audi, the automobile company, presented its 'green' idea of what a car should be like in our climate changing world. Evidently, Audi was proud of their compliance with the current green mania, but there's a darker side to their message.

Notice the people who weren't acting in the best interests of the planet and the repercussions they endured. A couple in a hot tub were arrested for having their water temperature too high. Another individual was arrested for using a styrofoam cup. Incandescent lightbulbs are no longer acceptable and can get you incarcerated. Green police were checking trash receptacles for offending materials. That's right, GREEN POLICE were checking everything people did to see if they were despoiling the planet.

Were I the Audi automobile co., I wouldn't be so smug about conforming to what the GREEN POLICE wanted. Do we really want to live in a society that has to conform to what the GREEN POLICE desire. Just who are the GREEN POLICE? They're statists; nanny state lovers determined to snuff out any individuality with a vengeance. Regular folks should be disgusted with the pandering that corporations are willing to do to make themselves appear to be in compliance with very questionable science.

All this may seem a little extreme, but considering what people have to endure from the politically correct crowd, it may not be beyond the pale. Wake up America. Punish Audi--punish those arrogant politicians who want to restrict citizens freedom to live their lives as they see fit.

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #37

2010-02-03T14:56:00.008-05:00

In search of an honest Democrat

The United States of America is in serious trouble. Some portion of the 52% of Americans who voted for Barack Obama have got to be wondering just what they've purchased when they put him in the white house. At least I certainly hope so. Last years federal budget had a shortfall of $1.4 trillion and this years is expected to be approximately $1.6 trillion. Does anyone believe we'll survive this spending binge intact as a nation? Can our children and grandchildren expect to lead better lives following this spending debacle?

In one of my earlier blogs I mentioned the Cloward-Piven strategy first articulated around 1970 by two professors at Columbia University by the same name. This strategy was intended to stress the Capitalist system to the breaking point by making the population totally dependent on the Federal Government. You can do this by devaluing the money supply, expanding government spending, driving a wedge between producers and non-producers and creating large new government programs. The subsequent expansion of governmental power would overwhelm the free market system and force the people to seek refuge in a command economy. Barack Obama is presenting just such a strategy in America today. Spending by the government is reaching unheard of levels with deficits that cannot possibly be sustained. Once joblessness and inflation hit the economy(similar to stagflation in the 1970's) the populous will demand that government take control of the rapacious private sector--at least that's what Obama hopes will take place. He can then ride to the rescue and completely annihilate any vestiges of a free market that may survive.

Where does this lead us and what place does a representative government have in such an atmosphere? The first part of the question leads us to a command economy where all economic planning is done centrally, i.e. by government itself. The second part of the question is more difficult to answer since it invokes the title of the essay. Just where are the honest Democrats? Where are those individuals who believe in freedom and the free market hiding? Where have they gone and how could they support such a fiendish takeover of the democratic process in a constitutional republic. The answer could only be that they are hesitant to oppose Obama for fear of losing their privileged positions of government power. They are too concerned with maintaining power and privilege. They are willing to sacrifice the republic for their own aggrandizement. In other words, they're cowards; pusillanimous, pathetic cowards.

When, and if, any history is written about this period in American history it will not be kind to those who stood by and did nothing to stop the destruction of property rights, freedom and the democratic process. NOW is the time for HONEST Democrats to step forward and question what this radical president is doing to the nation. Waiting any longer only exacerbates the problem of reversing course and saving our liberties.

To the rest of you--1, 2, 3 hold your breath.

I've changed the name of my blog to the "Editorial Review". The News Service name worked only as a satirical label. I may continue to write in that vein, but seriousness has its place.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #36

2010-01-30T14:49:00.006-05:00

Complex government for complex times

Yes, we do indeed live in complex times and, therefore, must have by this very nature a complex government. Progressives wouldn't have it any other way. How can we possibly be successful in managing our affairs in such a complicated world without the benevolent help of a modern day nanny? How about we take a look at the time of the founding; the time when the Constitution was written and see if we truly understand what struggle means. Of course, struggle isn't necessarily the same as complexity, but let's try, shall we?

Imagine that you live about ten miles outside of Philadelphia and you're charged with providing food for the local tavern situated near Independence Hall in the summer of 1787. You live in a small farm house(that you built) and you awaken at 4:00 am to milk the cows, feed the pigs, horses, chickens and other assorted barnyard animals. You then gather up the produce from your ten acres of land that's used for the purpose of selling in the city.

By this time, it's 6:00 am and it's time to eat breakfast before you start the trek to Philadelphia. You have to finish by 6:30 otherwise you'll be late in arriving at your destination. You hitch the horse to the loaded wagon to make your way to the city and finally arrive at 8:30 am. Your stay in the city will be brief, however, since you must stop at the feed store and mercantile to buy bolts of cloth that your wife will use to make some new cloths. Winter will be fast upon you and clothing to survive the season is a must. You remember last winter when you almost froze to death when a rotted beam in the barn came crashing down on your head rendering you unconscious for what seemed like hours. Even though you were rescued by your concerned wife you knew it would be impossible to miss even one day caring for the livestock.

You return home by 1:00 pm and do the afternoon milking and take on those chores such as fence repair, barn repairs that seem to take up so much of your precious time. Meanwhile, your wife has been cleaning the house, washing and repairing clothes. The preferred method to washing clothes is down in the stream located about 1/4 mile behind the house. Your wife always seems a little haggard after lugging the clothes this distance, but what can she do since your two children are only 3 and 1 and can't help as of yet with these chores. You look forward to the day when they can join you to help in the daily labors. Their schooling is important, but the upkeep of the farm is equally so.

After supper you and the wife and children can enjoy some quiet time reading and recounting the days' activity before the meager candlelight aggravates your eyes. Finally, the night sounds engulf your consciousness and you go to sleep listening to the whippoorwills serenading in the fields.

Government programs--N0ne
Freedom--Unlimited

Contrast that with what we have to endure today. Can't pay you fuel bill? Apply for fuel assistance. Can't pay for your groceries? Apply for food stamps. Lost your job? Apply for unemployment compensation. Have an accident and need medical attention? Go to an emergency room. They can't turn anyone away. Are you a single parent and can't find a job? Apply for welfare.

Government programs--Social security, Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare, Food stamps, SCHIP, Unemployment insurance, and literally untold programs to meet the needs of any individual industrious enough to apply for them.

Independence-0
Freedom--Limited

Devices that make life simpler--Automobiles, radios, Ipod, Computers, cellphones, washer & dryer, refrigerator & stove, vacuum cleaner, electricity, furnaces, air conditioners etc..etc..
These devices are brought to you by those dreaded individuals called Capitalists. How we hate those despicable over-achievers!

Now I ask you: which do you think was the more complex age to live in? Just what makes our current lives so complex and difficult? How can we compare our present age to any other in recorded history. Want a good idea what it was really like to suffer an abominable existence? Try reading William Manchester's "A World Lit Only by Fire". It should be required reading for all modern day crybabies and whiners. We've sold our souls to ambitious politicans willing and able to soften our existence. I wouldn't want to live in 19th century America, but neither do I want to endure the connivance of unscrupulous political hacks.

Wake up America! do a few things for yourself. Live free and learn what our ancestors knew all too well: Life may be hard but, Independence = freedom.

THe Pete Morin News Service--Issue #35

2010-01-28T12:00:00.007-05:00

Power & Control

Will we be able to really change politics in the future, or will it remain the same old game of power and control?

Looking back on the history of the political enterprise in the United States, you can see the unending march of Federal authority over peoples lives. The siren song of the demogogue resonates keenly with those people whose travails seem impossible to overcome. Politicains get elected, by and large, by their ability to convince those pusillanimous individuals that only they, the politicain, that is, can better their lives and fortunes. The actual result is quite different. A bigger government, stricter regulations and less freedom to live one's life has, more often than not, become the reality.

Government in the United States has become stronger, more intrusive and overbearing to those who wish to follow the precepts written within the Constitution; namely those that espouse limited government, states rights and individual liberty. Behind this intrusion stands the Democratic Party, the party of division. Listen to Democrats talk and all you'll hear are divisive notes; young v. old, white v. black, men v. women, corporate v. non-corporate, have v. have nots. Conservatism is a thought process(or lack thereof) of benighted fools. Liberalism and progressivism are the thoughts of the wise and benevolent. This is not only how they acquire power and control over those who accept their policies, but over those who believe strongly in limited government.

The more I gleen from the political landscape, the more I realize that the modern Democratic Party has no understanding of, nor any desire to understand, the Constitution. Power and control over peoples lives is their paramount concern. In Barack Obama they have found a leader who will bring them to the promised land of total control of everything that walks, talks, breaths and dares to consider itself free to live a life unencumbered from government excess. Will they be successful in stamping out individuality, innovation and freedom in our daily lives? Time will tell, but this november the initial test will be whether people understand what has been done to them for the past 70-80 years.

Stayed tuned--the more things change, the more they remain the same?

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #34

2010-01-21T19:18:00.004-05:00

Winter Blues & sunny days ahead

Tuesday January 19, 2010 was a beautiful day in Western Massachusetts. Snow changed to rain and back to snow again, but spirits soared for those energetic, enthusiastic souls braving the New England weather to rally for Scott Brown. My particular station was the corner of East Street and College Highway and I passed the time with my neighbor Mike and new found friends waving to the motorists passing by. They may have been on their way to work, or on the way to vote, or maybe just whatever errands filled a normal day. There was no escaping, however, the feeling that this day would not be like any other; it was to be a rebirth of American strength, character and, in a sense, mission in defining just who we are.

This day we would follow the example of Virginia and New Jersey, two original members of the founding colonies, and strike a vote for representative government over soft tyranny and arrogance that has so characterized the current administration. Barack Obama would now have no choice but to sit up and take notice as to what is happening in the United States from its concerned citizenry. That concern is rooted in a belief that our elected officials consider us to be nothing more than benighted bumpkins unable to manage our own affairs, but needing the guiding hand of a benevolent ruling class. This belief would not just die today, but would be dismantled and thrown into a fire that will light the way for people to follow as they remind our public servants that we deign them to be just so, and not our masters.

Scott Brown will go to Washington soon with the blessing of the majority of those who sent him there. Let him not forget that which is self-evident--let him not forget that we are the masters and he the servant and we will broker no transgression of this basic fact. He now represents all of Massachusetts and even the nation at large where our concerns, hopes and fears meet those of our fellow citizens. I hope he doesn't shrink from this enormous duty, but embraces it with gusto and passion. Stand with us, those who see a chance to return your voices to the halls of Congress. Demand from your legislators what we now demand from ours; hear our pleas and our concerns. We may be average people, but our dreams for America are considerable. Be a new government of the people, by the people and for the people and the future will be secure.

Go Scott Go!! Go America Go!!

The Pete Morin news Service--Issue #33

2010-01-13T16:17:00.004-05:00

Whoa!! What's going on here?

It wasn't supposed to be like this. Martha Coakley was supposed to inherit Senator Ted Kennedy's seat in Congress. After all, it's a no brainer--she's a woman, she's a democrat, she's liberal and this is the People's Republic of Massachuseetts(Oops, sorry I misspelled Massachusetts). But along the way to coronation, Martha ran into a little problem; she has to go to the voters and actually ask for peoples votes before she goes to DC.

And the people of the Commonwealth are non-too-happy about what's going on in Washington. In fact they're really pissed off. There's these small details concerning a government that's growing the debt by leaps and bounds. There's the small problem of healthcare legislation that can kindly be called a "monstrosity". There's the imperiousness of a president and Congress that won't even entertain the ideas of the opposition. So, that bastion of liberalism and progressive thought, Massachusetts, is wondering whether sending another Democratic sock puppet to Congress would be such a good idea.

At one time Massachusetts led the nation as a beacon of freedom and individualism, but, as any resident of our nanny state knows, those days are long gone. Will there be enough concerned citizens left in the Commonwealth to effect the kind of change necessary to return the state to even a semblance of respectability? I hope so, but I'm not going to hold my breath. The sock puppet may just sneak by and then we'll just have another hapless anti-free market buffoon occupying Ted Kennedy's seat in Foggy Bottom.

There is a silver lining, however, and that will be the 2010 mid term Congressional elections. Regardless of whether or not Martha Coakley goes to Washington, the democrats should be aware that Independents, republicans and other assorted free market types are, as I said earlier, PISSED OFF! Beware thieves of the peoples freedom--your days are numbered.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #32

2010-01-04T19:22:00.003-05:00

Memories of Horse Mountain

Another year has come and gone and one wonders where the time goes. It languishes or speeds past with little regard to our notions of importance to our own insulated lives, but regardless we must nevertheless live within its trapped confines.

Every now and then, however, we can escape these parameters and bring to life some long lost memories that keep us connected to the present. For me, that connection would be North Farms Road, Florence, Massachusetts-a small hamlet considered part of that larger metropolis, Northampton.

Florence exemplified the best in small town America and North Farms was the best that a country setting could offer. There were only three more houses between ours and the Haydenville town line and since there were no children within those households sent to Annunciation Grammer School, I was the last stop for the bus. I remember the bus turning around in our dirt driveway and stopping to let me embark on the journey to school.
I can imagine how the other children must have thought it unnecessary to travel this distance for one passenger. The time it took to travel the winding country road would have taken ages for a young mind to comprehend. Such a great distance then for a child would be but a short hop for the seasoned adult.

My brothers were all much older than me when I arrived in 1947. Bernard, Ed and Art Jr. were more used to the flourishing settings of Hamp and Florence than they could be to the pristine country of Horse Mountain. Before the family could be comfortable in the house that my father and mother bought in 1946 there was the small detail of finishing the second floor--the bedrooms had yet to be walled off and the stairway not yet installed. Eventually such small matters were taken care off with the help of my grandfather, Pierre (whose name I have proudy inherited). I can remember my father remarking how Pepe would stop for lunch to eat his sandwich, which took all of ten minutes, and then proclaim to my father that it was time to get back to work. Granpa was a skilled carpenter, a wiry little French-Canadian to whom sitting was simply objectionable. And so it was that a man of 82 would push a man half his age in providing a roof for a grandchild just born.

And so it is that I recollect those memories either passed on to me, or remembered directly--

--My mother recounting how Bernard flew a plane low over the house when she took me home from Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Bern was 16 at the time, soon to be off to Holy Cross for his educational adventure.

--Mom remembering watching the smoke rise in the distance from the steam engines on the rail line heading north to Canada.

--Kindergarten at Lilly Library where we would take our afternoon naps after cleaning the glass milk bottles.

--Riding my tricycle around the dining room table while my mother read a letter from Eddie fighting a war in some far away land called Korea.

--My very first day in 1st grade at Annunciation school and realizing that I wasn't prepared to start my lessons since I had no pencil.

--Being saved by Mr. Dunphy, the custodian, who generously gave me his pencil. A kindness shone in his face that I shall never forget.

--Having my tonsils removed when I was five and the terror of being straped helpless to a table before the operation. The good part? lots of creme de glas.

--One day in the spring of 53' when I realized I didn't want to go to school after the lunch break. So, I walked home--4 miles and found a worried look on the faces of my parents as I sauntered up the road and received some very stern admonitions with the promise never to do it again. (but it sure was fun)

--Being covered on numerous occasions with poison ivy and missing a full week of school during third grade. The Sister informing me that this was not a good reason to miss school and my mother telling me that next time I would go with my festering sores and see if the nun could take the sight of it. (bleach was my mothers prime healing agent and she applied it copiously to my dripping, scarred arms and to this day I cannot stand the smell of this foul liquid)

--Playing Little League Farm League(the minors of the minors, if you will). There's a picture of me with my new, used Schwinn with a basket for my dog, Cleo that is forever etched in time and mind. (Cleo would inexplicably disappear soon afterwords. She had given birth to seven puppies and it had not gone well. I would learn from my mother years later that my father had taken her up the mountain in the back of our house and shot my dog to put her out of her misery. I would forgive him, but would never forget my little friend)

--The beebee gun that my brother Eddie gave me for Christmas in 1955 and the joy I had in target shooting.

--The horror I felt when my neighbor snatched the weapon from my hands and promptly shot a bird perched on a wire near our home. A life destroyed for no reason. This act alone brought me a great reverance for nature and all that inhabits its wonderful panoply of life.

--My mother shepherding me upstairs to my bedroom one day in February, 1958 when my neighbor stopped at our house to tell her that he had found his wife murdered in their home. I did my best to listen to the conversation through the floor heating grate, but couldn't quite make out the details. As it turned out, he had killed his wife and came to our house just after he did it. (My mother would inform my father, working a night shift at this time, that she was no longer happy living an isolated life on Horse Mountain--by the fall of that year we would be living in the center of Florence)

And so it was that North Farms Road, affectionately known as Horse Mountain, would become a memory placed in a part of my mind that could be recalled with wonder and a longing as if from another century. My wife would remind me that it is from another century; any replication impossible and incomplete. She is right. Perhaps I bring from that time, that era, my individualism and my belief in self-reliance. I simply don't know any other way. Freedom and memories are too important to lose.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #31

2009-12-25T10:02:00.002-05:00

A Merry Christmas to one and all!

Tis the season for giving and receiving, but even more important is understanding how we arrived at being a prosperous, freedom loving people. The American people have always been generous with their time and money with respect to helping others who are less fortunate. On any Thanksgiving and Christmas you'll find people volunteering at homeless shelters or soup kitchens to try and give a little aid and comfort to the afflicted. You'll also find Americans in far flung corners of the globe trying to bring freedom and a sense of normalcy to people afflicted with war and starvation. America has always stood up for freedom, democracy and peace and, hopefully, will continue to do so. All these things we do, not for recognition from our global neighbors, or for some enrichment at the expense of others, but because it's the moral, correct thing to do.

That being said, we face a troubled future, not just in the global community, but at home as well. Our country faces a future with a growing mountain of debt that may swamp future generations and their attempts to provide a well being for their posterity. We face a future where freedom and individual choice will be hampered by over-reaching politicians who care more about control and power than they do about the rule of law. The United States Constitution is under assault as never before from those who think they know better about your health and livelihood. Hopefully, in the coming year we can regain some measure of control of our own resources and a return to being more responsible for our own lives. We need to keep reminding ourselves that the many generations that preceded ours didn't give up, or in, to a troubled time, but recognized their duty to pass freedom on to those who would follow.

So let us, in whatever way we can, give thanks and our best effort to promoting the ideas of freedom, kindness and generosity to all those who wish us well or ill. We are Americans. We have a legacy unmatched in the history of mankind. We will never give in, nor will we ever give up.

Merry Christmas to one and all!

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #30

2009-12-23T08:53:00.003-05:00

Cup of coffee and a morning paper

Nothing starts my day better, or gives me more enjoyment, than a cup of coffee and a morning newspaper. I realize this is probably going to be an anachronistic activity (oxymoronic in the sense of expending calories) in the very near future. People no longer read newspapers at the level they used to just a few short years ago. News is now supplied via internet, tweets and by other mobile connection. A pity, since there's so much to marvel at with the stupendous inanity that exists in today's world.

Take for instance our current Democratic leadership both in Massachusetts and Washington. John Kerry, that esteemed leader of numerous purple hearts, has declared that Massachusetts will benefit greatly from the largesse of the recently passed healthcare legislation. The $500 million the state will receive over the next three years will help stabilize our Medicaid program. Martha Coakley, erstwhile Senator-to-be, calls the legislation acceptable for now, but it's only a beginning. Does anyone see the idiocy of these statements and the damage that will be done to our economy (not to mention our freedom) from these ill advised programs? Where does all the money come from to fund these leviathans; what human capital and treasure must be expended to better our fortunes as claimed by their adherents? The answer lies in the question. People must provide their productive effort, their livelihood, a portion of their income to an ever increasing demand of the Federal trough.

Money comes from the printing press, or it comes from increased productivity. Do our leaders understand this basic notion? I think not. They live in a world unfazed by work, sweat or labor that has any connection with reality. They see only the benefit of a constituency appeased of its desire for idle time. A nation cannot long remain free, prosperous and strong on such a path. I fear our path has now been set and it's not one where a posterity will look kindly on. With one sixth of our economy now securely in the hands of the bureaucrats, our socialist ties have now bound us to a bleak future. Think otherwise if you wish, but I see no bright future as the Democrats preen with delight over their newly won triumph.

In any event, I shall continue to enjoy my morning coffee and paper. They provide sustenance to a grieving soul.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #29

2009-12-20T19:45:00.002-05:00

Now that Senator Ben Nelson has capitulated and given his vote for the healthcare reform bill, it's time to take stock of where we stand as a free people living, in what we thought was, a constitutional republic.

The United States Government now controls the domestic automobile industry (with the exception of Ford), the banking industry and soon the healthcare industry. As citizens we must ask ourselves what special knowledge the government has in running the operations of these industries. What knowledge do bureaucrats have with respect to profit and loss, expenses, advertising and financial acumen that will enable them to better manage these vital services.

A little investigation, or perhaps, introspection, regarding these special attributes is in order.

1) Social Security: Since 1937 the Federal Government has concerned itself with pension security for the aged. The Social Security program so familiar to all of us today was called the FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act). It was sold to the general populace as a pension program, but when its legality was questioned and came before the US Supreme Court, Roosevelt's Solicitor General was smart enough to call it simply a tax. You see, nowhere in the Constitution did the government have the authority to enact a pension program that was mandatory for the general public. As a tax, however, it fell within the purview of the 16th amendment and was acceptable as a transfer tax. Today many people believe the government has set aside a trust fund just for them to be paid out beginning between the ages of 62 and 70. The unfunded liability for the the FICA today is approximately $17.5 trillion dollars.

2) Medicare: Since 1966 the Federal Government has concerned itself with providing healthcare coverage for all citizens beginning at the age of 65. Originally, there was a debate concerning the income requirements that made one eligible for the program. Some members of Congress wanted to resrict availability to the indigent poor. This concern was eventually overcome to include all those 65 or older. The Medicare program is divided into several parts; part A, for hospitalization, part B for Outpatient services and part D for medications. Today, Medicare, all parts include, has an unfunded liability of approximately $89.3 trillion dollars.

3) Federal benifits and Pension Programs for government employees: Today, more than 20% of all government empolyees receive remuneration exceeding $100,000 dollars. This does not include pension programs, sick time, holidays and other miscellaneous paid leave or time off. Spending for the Federal budget for the fiscal year 2010 alone has increased 10%.

All of these programs were passed with good intentions and meant to insure a public against the vissitudes of an uncertain future. The result has been a debt that will be passed to our children and our children's children as far into the future as one can see. It can be said without exaggeration that, with the passing of a health reform bill, we will all be working for the government very soon. Our finances, our health our mode of transportation will be decided for us and bankruptcy is a very real possibility. In the hands of bureaucrats we now place our lives and future.

If there are any left who can understand the enormity of our predicament, I would hope they let themselves be heard before those who would be our masters have lost the ability to hear our voices. Today, truly, we are headed for a soft tyranny, but history tells us that tyranny, left unchecked, will lead to all liberties lost. This is a poor legacy indeed to leave our posterity.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #28

2009-12-17T19:02:00.004-05:00

News flash from Washington, DC December 17, 2009

The Pete Morin News Service has reported the Senate will vote for closure on the proposed healthcare legislation but, apparently, the vote has been held up by Senator Ben Nelson D-NE, who is now asking for more definitive language concerning abortion funding within the bill. PMNS has learned, however, that the real reason that Nelson is not supporting the bill is due to the fact that wheat farmers from Nebraska are extremely irritated that they are not being considered adequately in the bill. Word has it they are demanding all wheat harvests for the next 10 years must be purchased by the Federal Government and that third generation farmers must be given a new Government Motors car before they will agree to vote for Senator Nelson in 2010. The administration is looking into this request with the hope they can persuade Nelson to sign on to the bill.

Meanwhile, there are rumblings coming from other Democratic senators that they have not been promised enough earmarks in their districts. Senator Webb, D-VA, wants assurances that Virginia residents, who are registered Democrats, will be exempt from the pending healthcare legislation until the year 2080. Senator Lincoln, D-AR, is getting heat from Tyson Chicken for not including them in any prospective earmark. Senator Franken, D-MN, wants all stand up comics to be exempt from the pending legislation until Saturday Night Live is cancelled and Senator Schumer, D-NY, wants to have the 9/11 memorial finished before the legislation is finalized.

No word, as of yet, what Senator Burris, D-IL is asking for, but it is believed that he will be asking for the title of 'Burris-King of Lincoln' be placed on all Illinois license plates.

More interesting news to follow.

This has been a newsclip from the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin news Service--Issue #27

2009-12-15T21:48:00.004-05:00

News flash from Washington, DC--December 15, 2009

The big news from Washington will be revealed wednesday morning by Senator Harry Reid that the Senate has reached an agreement on a comprehensive healthcare bill. Final passage of the bill will be formalized on a vote taken in the afternoon when 60 Democrat and Independent Senators vote yes on the proposed legislation. PMNS has learned that three key senators have agreed to vote for the bill. The three Senators and what they will receive for voting for the bill are as follows:

1) Blanche Lincoln, D-AR; The state of Arkansas will receive $100 million towards the building of the 'Blanche Lincoln Freedom and Prosperity Library'. Each individual currently unemployed in the state will receive an additional 416 weeks of unemployment benefits and will not be subject to the new healthcare legislation.

2) Ben Nelson, D-NE; All corn farmers in Nebraska will be given $25 million to go towards their childrens college education. If a child does not qualify to go to college, then the allowance will go towards the funding of the childs pig farm. All pork products sold will be offered at 50% about market value. An additional $101 million will go to the 'Benjamin Nelson Annual Pig Roast' to attract only the very best live entertainment during the two week fair. Anyone signing up to work the pig roast will not be subject to the new healthcare legislation.

3) Joseph Lieberman, I-CT; All Connecticut highways will be completely repaved and all toll booths will be removed for 5 years. Mohegan Sun & Foxwoods casinos will be exempt from state and federal taxes and their employess will not be subject to the new healthcare legislation. An additional $102 million will go to the 'Joseph Lieberman handshake for Peace' campaign.

These compromises, along with several other previously agreed to compromises, will bring the healthcare legislation to a speedy conclusion. The House of Representatives has voiced its approval when Congressman John Dingell said, in his usual deliberate manner, "this is great news for the American people who can finally look to their government to provide for them a fair, just and reasonable insurance coverage and healthcare." Dingell also intimated that an additional $103 billion for Government Motors & Chrysler wouldn't hurt. Additionally, all unemployed auto workers will get 25 years of unemployment benefits.(They will also NOT be subject to the new healthcare legislation)

Soon, Americans can sing that long forgotten tune first sung out during the dark days of the great depression--Happy days are here again!!!

This newsclip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #26

2009-12-11T20:20:00.004-05:00

The Environmental Protection Agency has warned Congress that, should they not pass a 'cap & trade' bill, they will implement tight restrictions on CO2 emissions allowed throughout the nation.

The Obama administration has found a way to reduce unemployment and enforce the EPA edict in one swoop. All unemployed individuals currently drawing benefits must register with the EPA. They will then be sent out in the community to monitor each household for compliance with a reduction in CO2 emisions. The administration estimates that one person can monitor approximately 20 households.

The following restrictions will take effect immediately. Monitors will report all infractions to the new 'Freedom Through Conservation Committee".

1) Dishwashing will only be allowed between the hours of 6 & 7 PM. Only 1.375 gallons of water can be used in the process of cleaning the dishes.

2) Toilets can only be flushed between the hours of 6 & 6:35 AM, and 12 & 12:55 PM and 8 & 9:30 PM. Any flushing at other than approved hours will cause the families' allotment of toilet paper to be reduced to 2 rolls/week, or 1 one sheet/use (aka the Sheryl Crow rule)

3) Car washing is strictly prohibited except by government approved washing centers.

4) All heating levels will be restricted to 62.875 degrees maximum in the winter and A/C levels will be restricted to 85.625 minimum in summer.

5) All lighting in the house must be restricted to the hours of 5-9:55 PM. Candles can be purchased at approved government candle centers should additional lighting be required.

6) All gasoline powered automoblies must be turned in to a government reclamation center to be either converted to electric/hydrogen powered use or be scrapped.

7) All government employees, including members of Congress and their staff will be exempt from these restrictions.

The EPA is concerned about the future of our planet and will take all necessary action to insure that citizens comply with the above rules. If an individual, or individuals, are found not be compliant wilth these restrictions ,on more than three occasions, will be sentenced to 5 years in Federal prison and/or a fine of $250.000. (to be paid in euros)

The EPA reserves the right to change all restrictions without notice to properly conserve the scarce resources of the planet and limit the emission of all greenhouse gases.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #25

2009-12-09T18:32:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Martha Coakley, who, after winning the Massachusetts Democratic primary for Senator, will be elected in January for the seat vacated by Ted Kennedy. Once she gets to Congress, she can then work ernestly to redistribute wealth in the United States. She should, however, be asked if she's read the Constitution before she begins her ambitious liberal agenda to right the wrongs of our terrible capitalistic system.

Harry Reid, that scion of freedom --ah, what the hell--he's not worth talking about.

It looks like the Democrats will get a healthcare bill passed possibly before the Christmas--I'm sorry, the HOLIDAY break, due to some kind of compromise reached with reluctant Democrats and turncoat Republican Olympia Snow of Maine. We don't know what the terms of the compromise are since it was reached behind closed doors--those same closed doors that the President and the Democrats promised would be sooooooo transparent. In the meantime Snow should do the only honest thing she's probably done since she got to the Senate, and that would be to become a Democrat.

One other thing--shouldn't all these lawmakers do the honorable thing and pledge to subject themselves to this healthcare plan just like all the rest of us? Don't hold your breath.

Who's the most dangerous individual in Washington? President Obama or Lisa Jackson. There's no doubt. If you don't know the answer I suggest you arm yourself with knowledge about just who Lisa Jackson is and what she can do to destroy our why of life. May some God, somewhere, have mercy on our souls!

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #24

2009-11-30T21:52:00.002-05:00

Politics & Religion

Want to create consternation, discomfort and downright bitterness in mixed company? Talk about politics or religion and you're sure to feel unloved, unwanted, ostracized and banned from polite society. So here it goes for all those who savor the hunt and kill of political/religious game.

I've read much of the following people and must say that I agree with a lot that they espouse. The list includes Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, Michael Shermer, Richard Dawkins and Victor Stenger. Other podcasts include the FFRF(Freedom from Religion Foundation), Atheist Experience, American Freethought and The Humanist News. Publications include Skeptical Inquirer, Free Inquiry, The Humanist, Skeptic and The National Center for Science Education. As you can guess by now, these are decidedly secular media outlets that call for a strict separation of church and state. Much of what they propose concerning the origins of life and man's station within the universe makes sense. I used to wholeheartedly accept their view of a world without religion.

Lately, however, I've come to realize an underlying current of acceptance on their part of something more sinister and damaging to our society that must be reconciled. These groups and the individuals within them all, without fail, call for more centralized, strong government as a means to better our human condition. This is where we part company. Their unabashed love affair with secular humanism has, for them, made a religion of their new found beliefs. The belief that government can solve our problems leaves me more than just a little cold, it allows me to see a basic flaw in their thinking. When has government made better the human condition? Rarely, if ever, has it done so. There are those who use it as a crutch or a lever to gain power and control over people's lives. I fear these individuals and organizations have not yet learned this fact.

Paul Kurtz, who founded the Center for Inquiry in Amherst, New York, seemed to be a reasonable and rational person with respect to improving man and his condition, but an article he wrote recently proved that, despite the many accolades that he has received from the secular humanist community, he understands very little about the proper role of government. In this article he called for the passage of a healthcare reform bill because, as he saw it, it was a basic human right. Imagine that coming from an educated individual--healthcare is a human right? No, Dr. Kurtz, no such right exists. Anything that must be legislated, or forced to be given from one person or group to another, is not a human right. Our natural rights don't come from any edicts that man may propose, but only from nature, or as the founders articulated, from nature's God. I've learned that it isn't necessary to believe in a specific God, or religion, to understand this fact. No matter what you think concerning the origins of man, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness do not come from our fellow men; they emanate from our common humanity.

So, for those who believe in government force to produce a desired result, I suggest you read the Constitution and understand the proper role of government. The brilliant men who designed this document knew the limitations that were imposed upon them from 'Nature's God' and accepted those limits. Your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness will be seen in a whole new light.

The Pete Morin News Service--Everyday thoughts

2009-11-26T13:32:00.003-05:00

Anyone out there getting tired of seeing those pandering, pinheaded Democratic candidates for the seat of Senator Ted Kennedy tripping all over themselves in an attempt to be as liberal as possible? What a bunch of useless idiots! The worst candidate, by far, in my opinion, is Steve Pagliuca. Here's a guy who's a successful, self made millionaire(which I don't begrudge) who just can't seem to say enough about how's he's going to help the citizens of Massachusetts strike a blow against the vagaries of an out of control free enterprise system.

Steve loves the idea of a 'public option' and will do all he can to get it included in healthcare reform. Jeez Steve, did you really make all your money by being that brainiac that you appear to be, or did you get a lot of help from the government? Read the Constitution, Steve, and then get back to us about just where, in that document, you get the authority to pass a healthcare reform bill. Take your time, Steve. We can wait.

Then there's Martha Coakley, that scion of a consumer protection advocate. There's this little commercial her campaign has been airing lately that shows an elderly lady talking about the cost of medication. The poor woman just can't afford to pay for it all. Unless I'm mistaken, Martha, this ad is called an anecdote. Just what we need to reform the ENTIRE healthcare industry--anecdotel evidence that some older people can't afford their medications. Martha informs us that we have a special responsibility to help these folks pay their bills. I'll be skewered for this, but here it goes--THE OLD LADY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HERSELF__I'M NOT!! People make decisions every day that may adversely affect their lives. Live with it! At the very least, make common sense changes to the healthcare system, that I've written about in other blogs, that will really benefit people in being able to pay for their meds.

This brings up the frontrunner--Michael Capuano. He won't send any more troops to Afghanistan, not a single one, without a clear strategy has to how we're going to win/exit said war. Well, Mike, you'd better hope the war is over before you get to Congress because your supreme leader, his eminence, Barack Obama, just announced his new redesigned, redone way to triumph in our war in Afghanistan--30,000 more troops are heading for the hills, Mike. You might want to send him a rather stern note about this ill-advised action that he's about to take. Oh, I forgot, Mike, you're a Democrat. You're the party of'what the leader says, you agree with. So sit down and SHUT UP, MIKE! Make like a PANDER BEAR, MIKE!!

So there you have it--the future of the country ably put into the hands of one of the above democrats. God help us!!!!!

The Pete Morin News Service--A personal note

2009-11-22T10:44:00.002-05:00

November 22, 2009

If you look at the above date the first thing that comes to mind is the terrible event that happened in 1963. But there are times and other events in our lives that give us joy and a feeling of love in our hearts. For me that event took place in 1974.

Thirty five years is a long time, and yet with a blink of an eye the time passes as if there were no time, only a stationary moment. On that day in 1974 we expressed our love for one another with a plan to enjoy the years in sickness and in health. We became partners, lovers and the very best of friends. I hope Skeez has enjoyed this ride as much as I have. Our love of cats and books keeps us ever renewed in the quest for a happy and meaningful life.

So my sweetheart, I offer you this--

From the very beginning I knew you were special,
Your kindness, strength and beauty true.
I couldn't dream of more than you give me,
To say only with real emotion, I love you.

Happy Anniversary to my Skeezer, my Sheaski, my Skeez--
Grow old with me, for the best it yet to come.

Pete & Sue November 22, 1974

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #23

2009-11-21T11:09:00.006-05:00

News flash from Washington, DC November 21, 2009

Now that the government healthcare bill is nearing completion with a vote due in the Senate, the URDEAD committee(see issue #1) has proposed the following guidelines with respect to medical tests and procedures that all doctors and medical institutions must implement when the bill is finally approved.

Breast Cancer screenings(mammograms)--once every ten years starting at age 75 for all women. None for men unless a transgender situation applies.

Pap smears for cervical cancer--once every five years starting at age 65 for all women. None for men unless transgender situation applies.

Lung Cancer due to smoking--pain medication only unless screaming due to pain becomes too loud. In that case euthanasia is recommended.

Prostate screening for men--once every ten years starting at the age of 70. More often if the prostate becomes the size of a grapefruit. Pain medication at that point with euthanasia recommended if the patient cannot walk.

Diabetes testing--once every 20 years starting at the age of 50 unless patient weighs more than 400 pounds in which case bread and water diet is recommended until the patient reaches the desirable weight of 65 pounds or less--at that point, euthanasia.

Regular medical checkup--twice starting at the age of 40 with two optional checkups possible. The third checkup must be performed as an autopsy.

Heart disease--anyone suffering a heart attack will receive medical attention only if they survive at least two days from the initial attack. All others will receive their $255 Social Security death benefit.

Stroke--medical attention will be provided only after a three hour time period after which the patient will receive botox injections and one free face lift. Additional face lifts will be billed at the normal rate, but will include the 40% tax rate as indicated in the health bill as a Cadillac procedure.

Walkers, wheelchairs, canes, pacemakers and other items will be provided only long enough for the patient to walk, or ride, to a euthanasia procedure.

The Congress has, of course, exempted itself from these guidelines. Also exempted are the following unions--SEIU, AFL-CIO, AFSME, NEA and all AARP Board members. Additional
exempted groups are ACORN, MOVEON.ORG employees and anyone who will sign a statement promising to vote for Barack Obama in 2012.

In a letter recently printed in several national newspapers, Nancy Pelosi has reiterated the strong support that she and other key members of Congress, as well as the administration, have towards providing excellent healthcare for the American people. She indicated that these guidelines will help Congress control spiraling healthcare costs so that money may be spent more wisely concerning any future legislation that may be required to keep America strong, prosperous and free on the international stage.

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--editorial #19

2009-11-20T15:15:00.007-05:00

The Perfect Political Storm

Mark Levin made reference to a political strategy on his show on Novemeber 19, 2009 that I had never heard of before. It's known as the Cloward-Piven Strategy. The basic thesis behind this strategy, first articulated by Cloward & Pivin in 1966, was to overload the US Government with entitlement programs thus causing the collapse of the economic system. The ultimate result would be replacing the capitalistic, free enterprise system with a Marxist system that guaranteed national income for all citizens. The American Thinker published an article by Nancy Coppock in february that does an excellent job in spelling out the strategy.

Is this clever strategy being used today by the Obama administration? If you look at the explosion of federal programs put forth you would have to take pause at this possibility. We currently have unsustainable growth in the deficit with two very expensive entitlement programs about to be passed through Congress. Our projected debt by the year 2020 will be approximately $24.5 trillion. This CBO estimate is almost surely conservative. The final figure could easily be $30 trillion. Can all this debt possibly be paid, or will the system collapse? As I've written in previous articles, I see bankruptcy and collapse as inevitable.

Could Obama, therefore, have a strategy in mind similar to Cloward-Pivin that will allow his radical elements within the administration to completely remake society along the Marxist model; a command economy with a head of state that holds Marxist views? I believe that could be a very real possibility. I've stated before that the current focus on spending by Obama does not follow any rational hypothesis; that it is an insane policy that cannot be sustainable. I don't believe, therefore, that Obama is insane; quite the contrary. His machinations are well orchestrated to produce exactly the results he desires. The only question is what position Obama will hold in the rebuilt state. The only logical answer would be a dictator, or supreme head of state in full control of the economy and society. One need only look at his radical associations with several czars that he has appointed as well as those characters he associated with prior to being elected President.

This is a very dangerous individual. So dangerous, in fact, that our Republic, our Constitution and our traditional way of life could soon be gone. I'm not sure what path we can follow to change this hideous road we're on, but we must not go down without letting members of Congress know that we won't stand idly by while a Marxist ruins our nation. There have to be some Democrats who are dismayed and sickened by the actions of this rogue administration. We must press the issue with any and all elected officials who can judge for themselves the danger we face. If we can find no one, however, then we are surely doomed.

We have arrived at the point of a perfect political storm. The election of Barack Obama would not have been possible without a Republican Party having been severly weakened by an unpopular president waging,what seemed to be, unpopular wars and a penchant for spending at a rather liberal clip. The 'hope and change' promised by the neophyte Senator from Illinois seemed a reasonable quality for the people to rely on. Being that Obama was black reinforced the aspirations of the left to attain power. The ideal candidate to bring equality of results to the American landscape was born. Academic elites, slip and fall trial lawyers and general far left miscreants could now aspire to power not dreamed of by any other generation. The failures of the socialists and marxists from the twenties through the sixties would be vindicated.

What will the far left do to finish off the Constitution as a document to carry weight with the populace? The 'necessary & proper' clause will be invoked and a prostrate people will acquiesce to the knowledge of the elites with hardly a wimper. By 2020 the perfect political storm will have raged for several years and a grateful populace will gladly render to those in power the ability to make life bearable. A new age will begin; an age of equality, liberty and fraternity. Long live the second American revolution!

The Pete Morin News Service--editorial #18

2009-11-16T18:52:00.004-05:00

These are, indeed, depressing times. Charles Dickens articulated in his writing that the period of the French Revolution was 'the best of times, the worst of times'. We definitely are living in the worst of times.

Take a look at the leadership we have in Washington, DC and if you're not frightened by what's going on then you're a died in the wool liberal. Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Steny Hoyer, John Dingell, Henry Waxman have to be the dumbest, most ideological, most brain dead politicians that have ever occupied their respective positions.

Let's start at the top--
1) Barack Obama: Would anyone dare dispute the idea that this individual was elected because he knows how to present himself well? The 'Hope and Change' candidate is everything that he promised. He's going to remake our society into a more equitable country; a little income redistribution is all it takes and, voila, we're so much better than that despicable nation we used to be. Obama is nothing but a demogogue; a statist and very close to a marxist. His ridiculous programs for spending will do nothing but bankrupt this nation. The only possible way out will be to inflate the currency and that's exactly what's going to happen in less than two years. Look for high rates of inflation to hit around 2011. Big spending government LOVES inflation as it gets to pay its' debt with cheap money. Consumers, alas, get the shaft. You've been forwarned--plan accordingly.

2)Nancy Pelosi: Does this brain dead Speaker have a clue that we have a Constitution and that it enumerates the powers of the legislative branch? Apparently not since she can only respond to a question about her authority to pass healthcare legislation with 'are you serious'? This is what is known as leadership. Boy, are we in trouble!

3)Harry Reid: see #2. A brain dead lump of crap that knows NOTHING about healthcare, the economy and, apparently, anything else. He used to be an amateur fighter. Maybe he had his bell rung just one too many times--ya think?

4)Steny Hoyer: In case you didn't know it, he's the House Majority Leader. It's important to understand that Mr. Hoyer takes all his commands from #2 and thinks the Constitution is his personal plaything from which he'll spread the goodies to all his little liberal, pinheaded colleagues.

5) Dingell and Waxman: Just a couple of useful idiots. Neither one has spent more than 30 seconds in the private sector, but what the hell, they know what's best for the rest of us and they're going to make sure that we live according to their rules. Not only will our electrical usage go down, but our electrical rates will go UP! Cap & Trade should really be called 'Tax & Trade'.

When these people are done passing their favorite pieces of legislation the United States of America will look very different. The under-achievers will have control and the rest of us will be stuck with the bill. All I can say is--plan accordingly. Our posterity will be placed on their posterior.

The Pete Morin News Service--editorial #17

2009-11-14T15:57:00.004-05:00

The following article was published in The American Thinker on November 14, 2009

The Fruits of Labor

Sometime ago I went to a local mall to buy a phone. After making a purchase at one of the large electronic retailers, I went to the mall restroom and inadvertently left it behind. Ten minutes later I realized I no longer had the phone, so I rushed back only to find it gone. I checked in with the customer service counter at the mall to see if a Good Samaritan had turned it in. Unfortunately, no one had done so and I left my number in case anyone should turn it in. Needless to say, no call was forthcoming and the phone was never seen again.

When this person discovered the phone did they think that this was new found treasure? Did they not think that this belonged to someone who forgot to take it with them rather than something that could be considered as self- enrichment, and could be treated as a gift? That phone cost me about five hours of my productive labor. Of course, this notion never entered the mind of the individual making off with my phone. Notice I use the term ‘my phone’ since it certainly wasn’t his/hers and must be put in the proper context as nothing better than theft.

Why do I bring this up today? What relevance does this small act have to do with anything? Just this - we now have a government that considers it public policy to take from those who are productive and give to those whom they believe are less productive or unproductive. Although this is nothing new with respect to politics, it is more blatant than has been exhibited at any other time in our history. The House of Representatives has recently passed two very controversial pieces of legislation that will dramatically affect wealth redistribution in our nation. We have a President that believes that income redistribution should be the norm in our culture and this ‘redistribution’ will make a more equitable society. A person’s productive efforts mean little or nothing to those in high office. They don’t question the work that was performed that enables them to make this transfer. Apparently, economic justice reigns supreme over the productive efforts of a citizen to provide for himself and his family. When asked under what authority the Congress had to pass such legislation, the Speaker of the House could only respond with “Are you serious?” Yes, Madame Speaker, I am serious, very serious. What kind of government will confiscate someone’s property and give it to another under the guise of economic justice?

Those on the left will say that I’m without ‘compassion’ for those who are less fortunate; that it is my duty to help provide for those who have less. This makes sense only until we recognize that there is no end to the confiscation that can be perpetrated on one’s private property with this argument. The Constitution stated very specific enumerated powers granted to the Federal Government. To increase those powers it would be necessary to get the consent of the governed through an amendment process. The Legislature today circumvents these powers with impunity. Evidently, the idea that private property is no longer sacrosanct appeals to many on the far left. Understand that when government is through looting corporations and large and small businesses, then the common citizen will be next. The people who wrote our Constitution understood this. That’s why they placed limits on its power; in effect these were limits on its appetite to confiscate property. They knew that without limitations government would consume beyond its means, effectively destroying the freedom and liberty that are the peoples’ natural rights.

This brings us to recent healthcare and cap & trade initiatives. Make no mistake, these legislative acts are nothing but redistributive programs designed to hamper the sovereignty of the electorate in a free market system and enhance the power of the state. Eventually, not just we, but our posterity, will pay dearly for this runaway government. Let’s not dwell too long on our future prospects, but enjoy while we can the fruits of other peoples’ labor.

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #16

2009-10-30T14:43:00.004-04:00

Virtual People in a virtual Republic

A little over 220 years ago some rather influential folks got together to discuss, what they considered, taxation without representation. There main complaint was with King George III of England and they let their concerns be known directly to the Crown. The answer they received did nothing to assuage them of their fear that they were mere cogs in the wheels of a distant monarchy. Parliament and the King assured the colonists that they were indeed represented and this form of representation was known as ‘virtual representation.’ By being subjects of the Crown, regardless of whether they had a vote or not, they had, and were being, virtually represented. Needless to say the colonists disagreed with the Crown’s assessment.

Fast forward 220 + years to the present. Living in The People’s Republic of Massachusetts you could look at the Founder’s original complaint and surmise that we are in the exact same predicament. Those of us who espouse conservative thinking and look for a government that limits itself in scope and law have realized that we have no representation. Mindless liberal spending in the name of compassion and social justice has overwhelmed the idea of limited government. Backbreaking debt and unsustainable deficits have clouded our sight far into the future. Ted Kennedy’s vacant Senate seat will be filled by another liberal ‘do-gooder’ hell bent on bringing his, or her, rapturous form of social egalitarianism to the body politic. Those who may oppose such schemes are without compassion and to be ridiculed as uncaring and shortsighted. Their concerns are rooted in a past that has no relevance to the present day. With this agenda in mind the liberals will attack the benighted conservative carrion and pronounce all they accomplish as right and true.

So, are those of us who disagree with this agenda really represented in both the State House and the White House? I say no; I say we have been denied a voice in this despicable democratic takeover. Our concerns are not heard nor even listened to. Democrats don’t concern themselves with trivial niceties. They are on a mission. They will implement their form of retribution on what they consider the fortunate class because they must create divisiveness and rancor to have their nefarious plans take root. They care nothing about a Constitution or any other antiquated document that purports to place man and law in a civil setting. This is their goal; the power of a statist, born to lead a nation of lesser human beings.

And so it goes. We, of this lesser breed, only want those entrusted with power to be servants to the people; to have an allegiance to those people and to the document that defined our founding. But our hopes will go unrealized. We will survive with what possessions we have largely intact, but our liberty and freedom to choose our lifestyle will only be a dream of what might have been and what once was. We will be represented; we will be virtual people in our virtual country with virtual representation.
　

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #15

2009-10-29T21:14:00.005-04:00

This article was published in The American Thinker on October 30, 2009

The Pillars of Liberal Progressivism

The United States of America rests at a crossroads today that is every bit as dire a situation as Americans faced during the second world war. In fact, it may be even more so.

Liberal Progressives have fashioned so strong a hold on the American landscape that to escape its clutches may no longer be possible for most of its citizens. What I call the ‘Pillars of Liberal Progressivism’ has infected America with a virus so deadly that attempts to fight its virulent behavior has become extremely difficult.

What are these pillars that progressives have worked so hard to infiltrate and control.

1) University Academia: No institution was more instrumental than the university in shaping the minds and behavior of the young. Students schooled in the writings of radical revolutionaries such as Mao, Lenin, Trotsky and lesser known malcontents such as Alinsky, Zinn and Chomsky spread their noxious fumes throughout the halls of academia. The ‘true believer’ filled his pliant mind with the writings of these disaffected statists. The earlier attempts of scholars in the twenties and thirties to poison the minds of the young were but a pretext for this new assault. The Port Huron Statement in 1962 and the founding of SDS formed the initial assault on the staid halls of higher learning. Unable to contain or challenge properly this misguided agenda, academia floundered in its response to this radical approach. Aiding and abetting the radicals was the US Governments’ entry to an ill-advised conflict in Southeast Asia. Combine the two and University administrations in several key bastions of higher learning fell to the radical elements. The virus had taken a tenuous hold. It would grow and infect future leaders to prey upon unsuspecting minds, inculcating them with a sense of guilt, radical redress and egalitarian fervor.

2) Law Schools: Those infected with this radical new virus could now expand their activities to include law schools. What better way to attain a redress of grievances against a racist, sexist, homophobic nation than to change, or alter, the Constitution. New radical lawyers imbued with this bubonic sickness attacked our nations laws at the principle level. Judicial activists unleashed a torrent of bad constitutional law that would make any radical proud. The links that bound us to our founding were now severely strained.

3)Primary and Secondary education: The lessons learned in academia could now be spread to the more basic levels of education. Rather than parents teaching their children tolerance and good moral underpinnings, the hard left would give no quarter in acceptance of gay lifestyles and gay marriage, wealth redistribution, equality of outcome and disparagement of conservatism. These became the staple means to indoctrination of the very young. Occasionally, there have been outbursts from parents, but this has not deterred the righteous from their purposeful mission.

4)Entertainment: The hard left could now attack the entertainment industry. The poor, limp, listless minds of this industry were ripe for the picking. What could be more important than compassion for the poor, not getting involved in military conflict and equality for all those who had suffered under the dreaded capitalist state. The film industry offered itself in humble prostration to these noble ideas. Films depicting the evils of capitalism and the inadequacy of the free market spawned a whole new generation of useful idiots to spread the biblical word.

5)News Media: This last pillar would prove to be one of the most important to infiltrate. With the help of academia and entertainment, however, it was possible to invade the news room without too great a difficulty. Vietnam, once again, gave a ready means to achieve control of what was once considered an inviolable institution and move it inexorably to the left. One can remember the hallowed utterance of Walter Cronkite as he intoned the uselessness of continued combat in Southeast Asia. What Cronkite deemed to be lost must surely be; so ingrained in the American psyche was his preeminence for reporting the facts, that those facts must certainly be correct.

The infection of the newsroom continues unabated today with such lackluster cronies as Brian Williams, Charles Gibson and Katie Curic reporting a brand of news so skewed to the left that embarrassment would be its best description. Think of President Obama’s reference to sleeping with Brian Williams and words lose meaning to convey a sense of outrage. Beneath the veneer of an Obama attempt at humor was a major news outlet willing to do the administration’s bidding.

These are the pillars Liberal Progressives have safely ensconced in their method of attack on America. It may be beyond hope that we can restore our country to a more reasonable state. Those of us who can must make our voices heard to all of the above institutions. We have to come in from the wilderness of being afraid to confront liberals on their ground. We must fight the bankrupt ideas of socialism in academia through the media. The internet has given us an outlet that must not be squandered; its importance being, perhaps, a last stand.

In other articles I’ve written how we must find strength in ourselves; to define our character so that future generations will know what life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness really are. We must articulate what we mean by real freedom; a freedom and equality that will inspire our children and grandchildren to uphold these precious ideals. There is no time to lose. It’s been repeated on many occasions, but should be said again-- If we don’t do it, who will? If not now, when?

The Pete Morin News Service--editorial #14

2009-10-16T13:39:00.006-04:00

This article was published in American Thinker on October 17, 2009

These Dis-United States

The public rancor and divisiveness that exists today in our political and cultural debates is nothing new, having been a staple of our Republic/Democracy for its entire history. There are, however, disturbing elements to these debates that one could surmise to be more destructive than fruitful to its continued existence.

All elected Federal officials solemnly profess to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America”, but hardly any admit that what they do, in actuality, destroys or alters said document. Congress and the Executive Branch have been on a relentless assault to provide for the benighted masses what they don’t seem to want to provide for themselves; at least this is what liberal/progressives have been projecting since, at least, the time of FDR. The masses, content with accepting the beneficence of the empowered elite, swoon before these attempts to provide cradle to grave assurance of a life free of the hindrance of self improvement.

So, this liberal/progressive agenda finds itself at the zenith of power and influence with ‘Cap and Trade’ and ‘ObamaCare’. There may be voices, shrill and loud, crying from the margins of a disaffected portion of the populace that object to another attack on the Constitution. Their view of a Constitution having been ravaged by yet another assault on the originalist interpretation may be correct, but progressivism simply refers to these attacks as ‘wrongheaded’ or ‘outdated’. The founders certainly could not have foreseen the difficulties and complexities of modern man . A Constitution that could not adapt to such new challenges could not survive, says the statist. It must become a ‘living and breathing’ document, free of original intent. And so it has become.

The liberal/progressive movement has convinced modern man that to satisfy his material needs it is not necessary to labor exhaustingly in pursuit of said needs; but much more beneficial to modern man to simply reallocate resources from those who can afford to do so. The foundations of the welfare state having been laid, the free market struggles to provide for its legitimate members as well as those of a lesser inclination. The mixed economy may go on for years before the weight of redistributive legislation finally brings the golden goose to a prone position.

The tipping point, however, has finally been reached. Better than 50% of the class of lesser inclination now feed at the trough of Federal largess. They are satiated and satisfied by the exuberance of the power elite. They are now but tools to that elite; to be fashioned as the ruling class desires. They can no more disenfranchise themselves from their largess than those who desire freedom could but snap their fingers and be loosed from their chains. Those who advocate the redistribution of wealth have succeeded; democracy has trumped the Republic and the tyranny of the majority has taken shape.

There will continue to be elections and small changes in the makeup of the Legislative and Executive, but it will be mere window dressing to the failed experiment; that being the existence of a viable Republic. The United States will become the ‘Dis-United States’. Those states that can extricate themselves from the failed experiment will do so. Those that have believed a Constitution is unchanged for the ages will depart Democratic entanglement and form their own new, more perfect union. The new union may be small and certainly less powerful than its Federal predecessor, but it will have as its motto the belief that men are free to decide their own future, not subject to the tyranny of a majority. That its currency will not be debased; that limited government lives up to its charter and that citizens be the rulers instead of sheep to be fleeced.

In her great novel, Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand saw such a future for those concerned with the dignity and freedom of mankind. When it was written it was just a novel, hardly a vision for what a country could become; that vision, that future may now be here. We need only be brave enough to face the present which was the future and determine who will be our John Galt.

Then it starts anew…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…..

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #13

2009-10-08T22:21:00.003-04:00

The healthcare debate is coming to a conclusion, or somewhat of a conclusion as far as government legislation is concerned. The final draft is, perhaps, two months away, but the consensus from the Democrats is that there will be legislation and it may contain a public option, or a trigger for a public option.

The sad thing about this whole episode of government involvement in the industry is that it’s completely unnecessary. There are numerous options available for government to consider without direct action being taken.

1) Allow insurance to be sold across state lines: This one change will affect the cost of premiums more than any other issue. The cost among states varies greatly and selling across state lines would have an immediate effect upon premium costs. The average premium cost for all fifty states in 2006 was approximately $2600/ year for two people. In Massachusetts it was $8500/year. Do you think individuals and couples in Massachusetts would welcome a chance to lower their premium costs? Insurance providers in Mass. must have a rather large lobby in Washington, DC.

2) Reduce mandates required by Federal and State authorities: Currently, there are over 2100 mandates that must be complied with at the Federal and State level. Let’s say you’re a woman. Well, you have erectile dysfunction as a requirement in your insurance policy. Let’s say you’re a man. You have to have invitro fertilization in your policy. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? There are many more requirements in everyone’s policies that bear no relation to the person being able to use the coverage. Specials interests must have huge lobbies in both the Federal and State governments.

3) Tort reform: Howard Dean had it right when he said that the reason that tort reform was off the table was because the administration didn’t want to take on the trial lawyer lobby. At least he was honest, for a change and quite unusual for a politician. The lawyer lobby contributes heavily to the Democratic party. Make awards for malpractice reasonable and billions would be saved.

For additional ideas I’ll refer you to the web site CAHI.org. The Council for Affordable Health Insurance lists numerous other possibilities to make health insurance and healthcare affordable. But don’t wait for the Democrats to present these ideas anytime soon. The question remains--WHY? Ideology plays a huge role in politician’s and their supporters thinking. Liberals tend to believe that government can answer for the private market’s inequities. I beg to differ. Government has not made the United States of America a prosperous nation; it’s the reduced role of government that has made this country the most productive, the most prosperous nation in the history of the world.

Soon we’ll find out if the Democrats, or Republicans are right about the future of healthcare. By the year 2020 we’ll know based on whether healthcare is affordable and accessible. May the best ideas win.

Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #12

2009-10-07T15:29:00.004-04:00

There must be hundreds of books that I would like to read, but there's so little time. Also, I tend to read that which I agree with rather than that which grates low on my opinion meter. So, I muddle on looking for cheap knowledge and a quick learn in mediocrity that surrounds us every day.

There passed a book on my desk today that gave me pause; gave my senses a brief whiff of expression that remains timeless. Its appeal applied not so much to its content, but to the title. "On the Shoulders of Giants; The Great Works of Physics and Astronomy" made me think not necessarily of those sciences and scientists, but those of our founding; the giants that thought to conceive of our Republic. What great minds they must have been. Not just minds but great souls as well. Think for just a moment the incredible difficulties they had to overcome. They had to discern the good from the bad in terms of government, economics, leadership and character.

The task they undertook was no small one. Those men saw the examples of government in that of King George III of England and Louis XVI of France. They had enough of an inkling to know that what they saw was insufficient to the existence of modern man. In paraphrasing Jefferson, man did not come into this world to be treated as a horse, saddled, booted and spurred by some privileged class. In the natural world men are created equal and before Nature's God they should all be so. The document that expounded this remains one of the world's most enlightening treatises.

This expression led to a Revolution; freeing men from the tyranny of imposed rule. By no means was it perfect since nothing we can conceive should be thought to attain perfection. Nevertheless, it brought to life a new form of government; self rule with self determination in the realm of economics and leadership and, ultimately, lead to a change in our national character. We were now the United States of America; Conceived in Liberty, a nation of free men.

Something has changed in our national psyche, however. What has survived for 200 + years has lost its appeal, its desire and in essence our character. Rather than look to our founding documents to understand our greatness, we elect leaders who worship at the altar of majority rule. We have re-introduced the notion of tyranny of the majority; a 'one man, one vote' rule meant to silence those who have no desire to be saddled, booted and spurred. The founders knew the dangers of democracy and tried diligently to avoid the pitfall of its inception in the Constitution. They purposefully created a nation that was a Republic; a Federal Government that addressed only those issues that the states could not address by themselves. The States ratified the Constitution based on this premise; they would relinquish only those powers which they could not satisfactorily perform themselves. They gave the Federal Government only those enumerated powers listed in the founding. The United States of America and its Constitution was thus born.

When we think of those giants that led to this founding, we think of them as antiquated with no conception of a modern world. What we don't seem to understand is they knew perfectly well the insatiable nature of man and his thirst for power. They knew the dangers of democracy and tried to keep a government from overstepping its bounds by restricting its scope and reach. They left us enough information and advice to confront any problem. We, however, find ourselves much wiser and informed than these brilliant men. Rather then amend the Constitution when necessary, our current leaders simply propose and pass what they deem fit for the modern culture. We are no longer masters, but servants of the new democracy.

Enjoy.

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #11

2009-09-29T21:56:00.003-04:00

These are, indeed, depressing times that we live in. I was listening to the Mark Levin radio show earlier today when a doctor in California called into the show to express an opinion. The doctor was asked whether she approved of the idea of having individuals fined and/or imprisoned if they did not purchase healthcare insurance. The answer she gave astounded me. Evidently, she didn't mind this notion in the least, felling that everyone should be compelled to have insurance.

Have we lost our minds? Have we lost so much of our independence and character that we would resort to such a mindless conclusion; that our fellow citizens should be incarcerated if they don't do exactly what the government says they should do? How did we get to this point? How could we abandon the innate freedom, the individuality that is so important to the American ethos? I'm saddened and stunned to even hear such foolishness, especially from the mouth of a doctor; a supposed educated individual.

Then again, there's where the problem lies. This person may have a superb medical education, but as far as knowing anything about history, or law, or philosophy--there's nothing there but an empty mind content with the belief that government is all knowing and always good and she's perfectly content with living in such a society.

I fear that this doctor isn't alone. I fear that the government controlled schools have done their jobs well; they've done an excellent job at indoctrinating students in the idea that the bigger a government is the more it can do for its' people. If this is so, then we have only a future of subserviance to an all powerful master.

I've written previously that the Constitution is dead. The realization that this may be so has finally hit me. I wrote somewhat in jest, but now there is no levity. We have taken the collective wisdom of brilliant men who recognized the dangers of unlimited government and flushed them down the toilet of collectivism and socialism. We believe that we can compel people through law to do what they know is not right morally. We believe we can rewrite the works of historical precedent. We believe we have perfected mankind to a level never seen previously, or dreamed of, by the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Saddam or even lesser mortals such as Rousseau, Plato, Marx et. al. Mark Levin would call this a 'soft tyranny'. By any other name it is nothing more than tyranny. We will discover with dismay, and I say this especially to that doctor, that lawful tyranny will beget more tyranny until the day comes when there is, utterly, no freedom.

What's next? the car you drive, or even if you're allowed to drive. The house you live in, or even where you're allowed to live. The food you eat, or even whether you're allowed to eat. The books you read, what you watch on television or whether there are books or TV. The thoughts you have, or whether there will be thinking! The chip that will be implanted in your child's brain will be all you need to know. There will be none of the above.

Welcome to the twenty first century.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #22

2009-09-29T21:22:00.002-04:00

News Flash from Washington, DC, September 29, 2009

It appears that an amendment for a public option in the healthcare bill presented by Senators Schumer and Rockefeller is dead, at least for the time being. The Democrats, however, have intimated that 'reconciliation', or an attempt to pass legislation with only a majority vote requirement, may still be pursued.

Another little known section of the proposed legislation concerns fines and possible imprisonment for individuals who do not purchase healthcare insurance once the Democrat backed bill is passed. Individuals can be fined $1900/person for not complying with the healthcare mandate. If the fine is not paid, a misdemeanor felony charge could be applied and if found guilty, an additional $25,000 fine and/or one year imprisonment could be imposed. It is assumed that the Democrats will then request an additional $50 billion dollars for prison construction to house these felonious, lawbreaking deviants. No word yet as to whether those convicted and sent to prison will then be given free healthcare.

President Obama and Oprah Winfrey are winging their way via taxpayer expense to Copenhagen, Denmark to try and present their case for having the 2016 Olympics held in Chicago. They will stay for only one night before returning to the US. This will minimize the effects of any carbon footprint.

The FHA(Federal Housing Authority) has increased its mortgage portfolio to almost $1 trillion dollars. That now leaves the agency leveraged at 50:1, or only $20 billion dollars. When Bear Stearns went bankrupt, its ratio was 33:1. Prospective buyers with FHA approval need only provide a 2.5 % down payment. Can you say 'FHA bailout'? coming soon to our treasury.

This brief news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #10

2009-09-25T21:56:00.005-04:00

Discussion

There are few things in life so important, so dynamic, so invigorating as discussion. There needn't be agreement or acquiescence, or even subservience to another's viewpoint, only the spirit of good jousting and verbiage to complement the give and take.

Such it is that I find myself with a friend of over forty years when we partake of a healthy brew and chew each other's words and thoughts with earthy delight.

Freedom often comes to the fore as a topic representative of troubling times, but other such contentious terms as 'greed' and 'envy' provide hours of stimulating conversation. (Of course, the preferred 'brew' often leads to more animated and passionate debate). Never the less, freedom is a rather large term and can connote ambiguity or definitiveness based on one's point of view.

I propose freedom in a political, as well as, personal sense. To me, living without the ability to choose one's own path in life, be it profession, religion or deepest philosophy, leaves me cold. There have been points in my life where the idea of simple existence was enough to sustain me; those times no longer appeal. There's an old Chinese proverb--"may you live in interesting times"--that applies to where we are today. No doubt, there have always been 'interesting times', otherwise how would the Chinese have captured the unending drama representative of the declaration. But we do live in such times, a paradox buttressed by a lack of balance that would help us recognize our imperiled state.

My friend takes a more metaphysical view of life, perhaps tying freedom to the need for a more 'examined' existence. Since I'm more attached to the troubles of the day a metaphysical view is more difficult to discern in a contentious world. Freedom, to me, means to live a life as unencumbered as possible from the imposed duty of being my brother's keeper. Those who are forced to be compassionate provide neither compassion nor empathy, but a sense of resentment towards those who issue the forced directives. Governments are made to enforce those directives; the fewer the better. If the ideal is to 'live and let live', then a government must not inject itself into this ideal. A government's main objective must be to protect the ideal; to not plan obtrusive incursions into the lives of its' citizens. When governments do so, they change the dynamic of human interaction. They change the very basic functions that men live by; those functions being to interact, to contract with one another. There is the essence of freedom; the mutually beneficial arrangement that empowers both parties. When legislators insert rules and laws within this delicate balance the contract loses all meaning. There would then be that leviathan lurking behind constantly deciding if its' rules meet the standards set by the ruling elite. It isn't without some trepidation that I use the term 'elite', but those who impose rules where none may be required can only be considered 'elite'.

Anyway, we pass time arguing, cajoling, nad needling each other with good natured profanity on the whatever subject arouses our passions. It's time that I find well spent. The vigor and honesty of the joust is exhilerating. I only hope that there are more in America today who also enjoy this type of uplifting, personal drama. It can lead to an invaluable decision to embrace freedom and the many meanings that 'we the people' can ascribe to it. Perhaps my friend would agree.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #21

2009-09-18T21:14:00.008-04:00

Way, way in the future---

News Flash from Washington, DC, September 18, 2019

President Clinton announced today that the Treasury Department will suspend printing Federal Reserve Notes in $1,000 denominations. The President indicated only bills $10,000 and larger will be printed in the foreseeable future. “The inflation rate, having reached 75%, has forced the government to print only larger denominated bills”, said Harry Reid, the Presidential Press Secretary. The inflation rate combined with an unemployment rate that has now reached 46% has caused the government to be in session at only very specific times unannounced to the public.

Crime in the U.S. has now reached epidemic proportions in Washington, DC and other large cities including Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey. People in the last two cities mentioned have actually taken to exiting their homes in the dead of night to avoid paying the infamous New Jersey ‘exit tax’. Those desiring to leave the state must forfeit either their cars or home before being allowed to leave. New Jersey elected officials expressed concern that the state population is decreasing at such a rate that homeless, welfare, mental health and government subsidized work programs may have to be cut. “Because of the selfishness of a few inconsiderate, anti-government far right winger degenerates, the less fortunate of our state may be permanently harmed and forced to seek employment at the less than the mandated state $200/hour rate. This will leave us at a very disadvantageous position with regard to those states that do not have a great concern for their citizens”, commented John Corzine, State Appropriations Officer.

Meanwhile, nine Southern States have announced that they will set a date for a regional convention to determine whether or not they will remain in the Union. Alabama representative, Millard T. Fillmore expressed the belief that the new ‘Southern Union’, as he called it, will take a vote at the convention and almost assuredly will vote to secede from the United States. “The actions of the central government have left us with no other option but to consider leaving the Union. We understand there may be violence or resistance from Federal authorities, but we cannot continue to see our liberties and our freedoms vanquished by the ineptitude of a bloated, wasteful central government.” The Southern Union consists of Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, North & South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. Officials from all the States indicated their support for the possible secession. The Clinton Administration will have a response at an appropriate, unannounced time.

In New York City, a brazen daytime robbery took place. An armored car, carrying approximately $800 billion dollars was robbed. The money was found on the sidewalk, but the truck was nowhere to be found. There were no injuries reported and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, vacationing in China, could not be reached.

The drought to the Central Valley of California continues without any respite in sight. HoneyBee Dimples, of the ‘Save the Smelt’ campaign has issued a statement saying that “no negotiation will take place regarding the Delta Smelt, or the supposed relief of the Central Valley farmers until the farmers realize that the Smelt must be protected at any cost. Humans have caused such great damage to the ecosystem that the demise of the farmers isn’t even on our radar.” HoneyBee and a small band of ‘homesteaders’ have appropriated the farming land and refuse to acknowledge any legal attempts to have them removed. La Raza is providing legal assistance to the ‘eco-warriors’.

MLB and NFL league officials have indicated that a new ticket pricing structure will be applied to all league games effectively immediately. “All fans will now be allowed to attend a game for only three innings in baseball and one quarter in football. This is necessary due to the fact that no fan can now afford to stay for an entire game”, quoted William Bufferbust from the combined MLB/NFL Wage and Price Stabilization Committee. “Since we now have to pay our professional athletes $100 million/game, it’s in the best economic interests of our league that we restrict attendance for the fans.” No word yet from the NHL/NBA Wage and Price Stabilization Committee as to whether they will follow with similar restrictions.

One final item; all professional major leagues will no longer play night games due to the fact that global temperatures have cooled significantly in the last twenty years making it too cold to play at night.

This has been a news flash from the capitol, Wash----ah, Buffalo, NY.

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #9 (The Real World)

2009-09-17T12:28:00.006-04:00

This from the Associated Press--September 17, 2009--

New health proposal is industry's favorite so far
Story user rating: By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS Published: Today

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D- Mont. leaves his health care news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Sept. 16, 2009.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The latest health overhaul plan circulating on Capitol Hill gives health insurers, drug makers and large employers reasons to heave sighs of relief, sparing them the higher costs and more burdensome rules included in other Democratic-written alternatives.

Industry players that have already struck bargains with President Barack Obama's administration and leading Democrats to help pay for revamping the health system saw most of those deals left intact - and in some cases sweetened - in the $856 billion proposal unveiled Wednesday by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., the Finance Committee chairman.

You won't hear any of them cheering publicly about what they would get out of the measure, because many are still hoping for a better deal before Congress takes final action on revamping the health care system. But don't expect to hear them coming out in opposition, since they know Baucus' plan is the lesser of many evils being considered.

Take the health insurance industry.

It would score a new, taxpayer-subsidized customer base of millions who don't currently have insurance, thanks to a mandate that everyone purchase coverage - backed up by steep penalties on people who don't. And it wouldn't have to compete with the government to cover people, unlike in the four other health overhaul plans approved this year by Democratic-dominated congressional committees.

Nor would the nonprofit so-called "co-ops" designed to provide consumers with an alternative to private health insurance pose any real threat to their business, according to a nonpartisan analysis released Wednesday. The Congressional Budget Office said those plans "seem unlikely to establish a significant market presence in many areas of the country or to noticeably affect federal subsidy payments."

Insurers would also take a smaller hit to the payments they get for offering private plans under Medicare - some $110 to $120 billion, estimated one industry source, compared with the $175 billion that Obama initially proposed this year.

In exchange, insurers had already agreed to stop denying coverage to people with serious health conditions and help cover the cost of the transition to the new system. They're still fighting hard against two other aspects of the measure that would slice into their potential profits: a new 35 percent excise tax on high-cost plans and $60 billion in fees, both of which insurers warn would be passed on to consumers.

"We have some significant concerns, particularly the new taxes that are going to make health insurance less affordable," said Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans. He rejected the notion put forth by many liberal and labor groups that the measure amounts to a gift to private insurers, arguing that the companies are covering more than one-quarter of its pricetag, a level disproportionate with the industry's share of health care costs.

But health insurance stocks jumped Wednesday at the news of Baucus' public option-free measure. And privately, industry lobbyists acknowledged that the plan is far more to their liking than any of the other measures currently under discussion, and expressed confidence that it would improve further as senators and Obama's team continued to haggle over its details as it approaches a Senate vote.

Meanwhile progressives called the measure an industry giveaway - "like a dream come true" for insurers, said Justin Ruben of MoveOn.org - and labor leaders said Baucus had compromised too much and produced a bill that would force people to buy health coverage they couldn't afford.

"We think the plan the way it is structured incentivizes employers to offer bare-bones plans," said Chuck Loveless, the legislative director of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. As for the co-ops, he said they were "designed to fail, and it's a great boondoggle for the insurance companies. We don't think it's going to increase competition or bring down costs."

Big employers would dodge what many of them considered the most costly bullet among Democrats' health care proposals - a mandate to offer health insurance - although they would have to pay a modest fee if the government ended up subsidizing employees' coverage.

The Business Roundtable, which represents corporate executives, cheered Baucus' proposal in a statement from Eastman Kodak CEO Antonio M. Perez that called it "bold" and "a step in the right direction."

Drug makers who had previously cut a deal with Obama and Baucus to kick in $80 billion to help pay for the overhaul would see that agreement preserved, while rival proposals in the House that would force them to cover more drug costs for elderly people would cost them considerably more, as much as $140 billion.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, which plans to spend tens of millions on an ad campaign promoting a health overhaul, stayed relatively quiet, issuing only a brief statement that said it was reviewing Baucus' plan.

Ken Johnson, PhRMA's spokesman, said the industry would "continue to be a constructive partner" in the effort to enact health reforms.

Some businesses would see increased costs under Baucus' plan, and they were pushing hard to avoid them. Medical device makers would have to pay fees amounting to $40 billion while clinical laboratories would pay $7.5 billion.

Let's dissect this report, shall we?

According to this report, Capitol Hill gives--

"(h)ealth insurers, drug makers and large employers reasons to heave sighs of relief
sparing them the higher costs and more burdensome rules included in other
Democratic-written alternatives."

Isn't it wonderful that the industry is negotiating with the central government over OUR health? Apparently, you don't get a say about your healthcare. The Fed is only concerned with placating the INDUSTRY!

The plan would add a taxpayer-subsidixed customer base of millions who don't currently have insurance--

"(t)hanks to a mandate that everyone purchase coverage-backed up by steep penalties
on people who don't"

Can anyone explain just where in the United States Constitution it authorizes the Congress to 'force' people to purchase health insurance? And penalties? Isn't it bad enough that everyone will be forced to pay more for premiums, but penalties will be ENFORCED?

Thank goodness the 'industry' is fighting hard and looking out for the consumer because they're concerned about--

"(a) new 35 percent excise tax on high-cost plans and $60 billion in fees, both of
which insurers warn would be passed on to consumers."

Talk about MADNESS! This is the government taxing ITSELF. Think about it. The fees won't be paid by the industry; they'll be paid by the government because they'll be subsidizing the whole thing--which means that, yes, you guessed it---WE PAY--the CONSUMER!!!

Then there's this little item--

"Some businesses would see increased costs under Baucus' plan, and they were
pushing hard to avoid them. Medical device makers would have to pay fees
amounting to $40 billion while clinical laboratories would pay $7.5 billion."

Gee, ya think this might put a crimp in research and development concerning these 'device makers'? But let's just assume that they go for this plan. Once again--who pays? WE DO--THE TAXPAYER.

This whole discussion is insane. We, THE CONSUMERS, are the only ones that matter. We, THE CONSUMERS, should be working with healthcare providers to affect the best possible plans and costs. Max Baucus is an idiot. I doubt that he's ever worked for even one day in the private sector. This is the end of the line folks. We need to get out there and let these fools know who's in charge. We need to change things NOW and in 2010. Throw Max Baucus OUT. Throw these big spending Democrat nitwits OUT! Get off the apathetic couch and save your FREEDOM and LIBERTY!

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #20

2009-09-14T18:49:00.004-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC, September 13, 2009---

The United States Constitution is dead. Its bloated remains having been discovered by security personnel at the National Archives on Saturday evening, September 12, 2009 next to the case that held the aged document. An autopsy is expected, but it has been believed that the Constitution expired from an advanced case of bloated irrelevance. Further speculation by informed sources indicate that death may have come on the evening of November 4, 2008. These same sources offer an explanation as to the exact causes and a brief encapsulation will be presented here.

1) Judicial activism--Over the years the Constitution has ingested an inordinate amount of judicial activism which, by itself, would not necessarily cause its demise, but would contribute to a much expanded waistline. Starting with Marbury v. Madison in 1803, Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965 to Roe v. Wade in 1973 the Constitution blithely consumed much more of the peoples freedom than it should have. Impervious to the warnings of conservative scholars, the Constitution consumed more legislative authority than any prudent individual would properly try to do.

2) Imperious Presidents--Abraham Lincoln suspending Habeas Corpus during the Civil War; Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal legislation during the Great Depression; Harry Truman and his attempt to take over the Steel Industry during the Korean conflict; Dwight Eisenhower and the Federal-Aid Highway Act of the mid fifties. With these and many other examples of absconded power by the executive branch the Constitution walked a crooked path of inebriation.

3) Social Security and Medicare--although these are examples of well intentioned programs meant to alleviate the pain of an economic collapse and an aging population requiring adequate healthcare, the weight of these massive programs caused irreparable harm to the Constitution’s body. Originally set up as a trust fund (and rather low on calories according to FDR), Social Security was nothing more than a transfer tax that would prove to be especially difficult to modify or repeal. In fact the substance of this bill had become so uncorrectable that the Constitution would no longer be able to stand without the aid of a walker. Medicare had also become to large a portion for the Constitution to consume. An ironic twist of Medicare is that scooter chairs are available at no cost to the populace, but the Constitution could not afford one, nor even place its huge frame in the seat of a single chair!

4) The election of Barack Obama--On the night of November 4, 2008, the Constitution walked with great difficulty along the streets of Washington; its breathing labored and its heartbeat irregular. As the final returns came in, it was apparent that the ‘living, breathing’ document that has been an inspiration to so many around the globe for so many years would not last the night. True to that premise, Barack Obama has made sure that all semblance to the original document that has so honored the National Archives with its presence, would expire a quiet, lonely death. When the news reached the new President elect of its death, Obama raised his hand in a toast to the new Democratic Republic and brought forth his brand of nightmarish legislation. From bank bailouts, the automobile industry takeover, to The American Clean Energy and Security Act and the proposed healthcare legislation, Obama had finished the job of extinguishing the last, best hope of mankind for self rule. Couched in new terminology of socialist dreams and Marxist connotation, Obama had laid the Constitution low. Even the leadership of congress heaped a large portion of dietary offal on the bloated body of our once great parchment until, at last, it has been found lifeless and cold.

As stated earlier, the autopsy will be forthcoming, but truth be told, the death of our hallowed United States Constitution begins and ends with us. We the people could not keep it; we could not protect it; we could not preserve it. May the ages judge us harshly. May our posterity wish that we were men of character. THE CONSTITUTION IS DEAD-LONG LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #8 (The Real World)

2009-09-14T18:41:00.003-04:00

This article first appeared in The American Thinker on September 11, 2009

Is the US Government bankrupt?

Before we continue to debate the merits of any Obama health care plan, we need to consider a few important facts.

By any rational means, we must consider the present condition of our Government's financial situation. An honest look at those finances would have a prudent person conclude that our government is tacitly bankrupt. Our unfunded liabilities far exceed our assets. Adding up all unfunded liabilities for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Government sponsored pension funds gives us a figure slightly in excess of $100 TRILLION dollars. That's TRILLION with a ‘T'. The Federal budget deficit for fiscal 2009 will be approximately $1.84 TRILLION. That's TRILLION with a ‘T'. Over the next ten years the projected deficit will be $9 TRILLION +. That's $100,000,000,000,000.00 -- TRILLION with a ‘T'. Of course, this projected deficit comes from the Congressional Budget Office and has to be considered a conservative estimate. In 1966 the feds estimated that the cost of the Medicare program by 1990 would be approximately $9 billion dollars/year; the actual cost was $67 billion dollars/year.
Several other government programs over the years have proven to be equally underestimated in funding. Amtrak has a yearly budget shortfall of $1 billion dollars. The Postal Service, although deemed a private entity with its pension fund provided by the government, has a $3 billion dollar deficit. And the list goes on and on...

It's time for Americans to realize that the good times have stopped rolling. There may be no return to a robust economy. Our future can take only one of two possible paths; either we accept our unsustainable debt and reduce government spending and taxation accordingly with a structured refinancing of the Federal debt, or face the prospect of a chaotic bankruptcy with a massive collapse of the dollar on the world market followed by a severely reduced standard of living. If it's any indication of the way government has approached past difficulties, I'm betting on the chaotic. Stagflation on a large scale may well make the 1970's look like high times. Job losses that will occur may well make the 1930's look like a picnic.

This brings us to the question of healthcare. Why would anyone with a sound mind want to entrust a bloated, fiscally irresponsible government with the job of restructuring 17% of our economy? The Feds have proven, time and again, that trusting them to run a program based on sound fiscal policy is nearly impossible. Besides restructuring our national debt, we should take the only logical course with respect to healthcare and that would be to reform the private sector by the following means. 1) Allow individuals to purchase insurance across state lines. Congress has the authority through the Commerce Clause to make this happen. Insurance companies may not like this approach since it engenders competition, which will effectively lower the cost of premiums. Isn't this what a free market is supposed to do -- promote competition? 2) Remove as many mandates as possible that now exist at the Federal and State levels. There are, currently, over 2000 mandates for various procedures that insurance companies must comply with. In vitro Fertilization, Erectile Dysfunction, Hair Transplants and other specialized procedures should be left to individuals to decide what they might actually need. Removing these barriers and allowing individuals to design their own policies will be a strong motivator in reducing the costs of an insurance premium. Many other excellent ideas for reform of healthcare, too numerous to mention here, can be found at CAHI.org, The Council for Affordable Health Insurance.
James Madison expresses the government role with respect to its citizens clearly in Federalist 51:

If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.
The first part of Madison's quote has been achieved, but obligations concerning government restraint with respect to the populace remain unfulfilled. Was there ever a time when self-control was a mark of our elected officials? I believe there was, but, sadly, we've given in to our own impulse for self-gratification and our representatives have been only too happy to indulge us.

Time is short. Either accept responsibility for our own lives and reduce the role of government in our most important affairs, or a chaotic future with citizen against citizen and neighbor against neighbor will be our fate. Our founders and many great leaders warned us of the dangers of unlimited government; let us be wise enough to heed their words now more than ever.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #19

2009-09-11T17:09:00.003-04:00

News Flash from Washington, DC—September 11, 2009

The day after President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress, Joe Wilson, Republican Congressman from South Carolina, was asked why he yelled ‘liar’ during the President’s speech. Mr. Wilson replied that he could no longer contain himself. “The President was lying about health coverage for illegal aliens. The democratic leadership and the President know that illegal aliens will be covered in the healthcare legislation. Nancy Pelosi told me herself that aliens should be covered. When pressed to explain further she knew that the movie ‘Independence Day’ wasn’t real, but just in case that such an event might occur, she felt it prudent to have the aliens covered.”

Cass Sunstein, who currently is the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Obama administration, has teamed up with Peter Singer, a member of the URDEAD Committee, to present an addendum to the current healthcare legilation that will protect animals under the proposed healthcare bill. “All animals should receive healthcare, not just humans. All too often our furry friends and creepy crawlers are left out concerning adequate healthcare”, reported Mr. Sunstein. Singer and Sunstein are also working with Van Jones to implement animal rights legislation and Jones has even started a class at Yale to address such concerns. PMNS has learned that the new course to be taught at Yale will be called ‘Animals are humans too.’

President Obama has several speeches scheduled in the next few weeks. Apparently, the President is attempting to keep his momentum going forward with respect to healthcare legislation. Besides appearing on 60 Minutes, he will speak at all Washington Nationals baseball games, Washington Wizards basketball games, Washington Capitols hockey games, Washington Redskins football games, all Monday night football games, the World Series, Super Bowl and to anyone else on the planet who has yet to hear him speak. No word as of yet who will offer rebuttal time.

This news clip provided by The Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #7(the real world)

2009-09-11T10:29:00.004-04:00

The following was published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, MA on 7/7/09

Every June 6th I watch the movie 'Saving Private Ryan'. It's become a custom that I hope will stay with me as long as I live. What could possibly motivate those men to face the withering machine gun and mortar fire on a stretch of beach code named Omaha in Normandy, France? The question is a difficult one, but the answer may not be so. For over two hundred years we've seen and heard of countless acts of bravery and heroism in the heat of battle. Men and women facing almost certain death or horrible wounds so that a belief in something greater than themselves can endure. That belief, that desire, is freedom, The freedom to live your life as you see fit; to enjoy the fruits of your labor for both yourself and your family.
But freedom, the freedom that our Founders bravely articulated so many years ago is fast disappearing. The following demonstrate key elements of our American life style that may soon no longer exist.

Choosing our own healthcare plan: A government run healthcare system will put pressure on private insurers to lower costs which is certainly a desirable result. But ultimately, private insurers will not be able to compete, forcing everyone to join the government plan. Private insurers must be concerned with the bottom line, but government has no such concern. You, the taxpayer, are the bottom line from whence all funding originates. Think medicare, currently near bankruptcy, is working well? Imagine 300 million on medicare. The logical result will be a rationing of care, a disaster for everyone especially the elderly.

The car we want to drive: The Feds now have a controlling interest in GM and Chrysler. Sorry consumer; soon only hybrids and small vehicles will be available. Too bad that you want to drive a more substantial vehicle such as an SUV for safety’s sake. And those car manufacturers that produce SUV’s? Ever heard of a surcharge on purchasing a vehicle the government doesn’t approve of? It’s coming to those manufacturers and consumers who dare flaunt the nanny state.

The American Energy and Security Act: This monstrosity would be better served to be named ‘The American Energy Tax Act’. The act requires all new construction to follow the building code of the State of California. California! Is it really necessary to proscribe these codes on the other 49 states? Both climate and the economic health of all regions of the country vary greatly. I shudder to think of the new added costs in building a home in the very near future not to mention the energy audit that will be performed on all homes, new or old, to be sold. Homes will now be subjected to a new energy rating assessment that could penalize you for older construction, windows, fixtures and appliances. This bill is riddled with favoritism and back room deals. Critics charge all this regulation will have only a negligible effect on CO2 emissions and the loss of jobs in current energy sectors would be substantial.

Is this what our Founding Fathers stood for? Is this what the brave men and women of Lexington and Concord envisioned as our future? The Americans who fought at Belleau Wood and the Ardennes wouldn't think so. Through the steaming jungle at Guadalcanal to the horror of Iwo and Okinawa; to the Marines dragging their frozen comrades from the winter hell of the 'Frozen Chosin'; from the Mekong Delta to the encircled troops at Khe Sanh; from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan these brave Americans fight not just for survival, but for the cherished belief in the freedom of their countrymen and the idea that nothing is more important than 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'. They didn't fight for people to just have the right to vote, but to know and understand what they were voting for.

Today our leaders tell us there's a new way to live that avoids all the failed ways of the past. Surrender our individuality, become a servant of the state and look forward to a bright future collectively. Even though this method has been tried countless times before with very little success our new leaders will exhort us to move forward. They will tell us the free market has shown that it has reached its limits and must now be discarded. Government, large and powerful will provide all our needs. What more could be so inspiring, so audacious, so hopeful!
No, I don't think those who gave their all throughout our history would be so enthusiastic, nor do I think they would be just looking forward to an improvement in our condition; they would be stunned, ashamed and dismayed at our surrender and capitulation to the altar of socialism. Call it by any other name, but it is still the same; a rejection of our sovereignty and a cowardice beyond description and a rejection of our personal responsibility to improve our own lives.

Obviously, you could point to the necessity for us, as concerned citizens, to change the way we use energy and the methods we use for transporting ourselves and manufactured goods. The real question is--should it be done by government mandate or through the use of the free market? I believe the marketplace is more beneficial to the betterment of society. Government has shown a propensity to reward favored parties and punish those that reject its mandates. Personal freedom is inhibited rather than advanced with government intervention. The classical interpretation of socialism is that the economic means of production are run by the state. Our financial, automotive, and healthcare systems are close to being there.

Two of the greatest documents ever devised by man should remind us of the difficulty in securing freedom and how easily it can slip away should we not guard against its demise through apathy or false promises. The Constitution outlined the powers of limited government and Thomas Jefferson reminds us in the Declaration of Independence that to support freedom the founders must "support to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor". Let us hope that we have enough honor to support freedom lest this great country and the ideals it represents become a footnote in history.

The Pete Morin News Service---Issue #18

2009-09-10T12:58:00.002-04:00

News Flash from Washington, DC—September 10, 2009

President Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress was received well by those looking for a public option in any legislation that will be passed in the coming months. Tears streamed down Nancy Pelosi’s face as she listened intently to the President’s speech. “What a wonderful speaker”, exclaimed Pelosi. “He’s finally brought relief for millions of Americans suffering under the boot heels of those greedy, immoral insurance companies.” Asked how the government could afford the cost of the proposed plan Pelosi responded, “it’s only 900 billion dollars over ten years. The Treasury should be able to print 900 Obama bills in no time at all.”

Meanwhile, Van Jones has already taken up his new position at Yale Law School and has announced a new curriculum for incoming law students. According to the school administration students will no longer be required to study case law. The new requirements will be two semesters of Saul Alinsky’s ‘Rules for Radicals’, Howard Zinn’s ‘A People’s History of the United States' and ‘Das Capital’ by Karl Marx. An additional two semesters will be spent identifying ‘white polluters’ in and around the New Haven community. Students will then be given their law degrees and will referred to as ‘Green Leaders for Oppressed Peoples’ (GLOP).

Al Franken is now the chairman of the Universal Resource Department for the Efficient Allocation of Doctors (URDEAD). He’s been charged to immediately implement plans for a smooth transaction to a government run healthcare plan. Franken issued a directive that all doctors must read and apply to their practice’s as soon as possible:

“With the addition of 47 million new patients you may find that 24 hours in a day is not enough time to treat all cases. In order to assist you in handling all these new responsibilities, the government, with the assistance of the URDEAD Committee, is revising the length of a day from 24 hours to 28 hours. This will not only allow you to treat all your patients properly but give you an additional one hour of sleep so that you will be fresh and alert to your duties.”

No response yet has been heard from the American Medical Association or its’ members with respect to the new 28 hour day, but John Dingell, Congressman from Michigan, was ecstatic about the new program. “This new program will help all Americans get the healthcare they need and it’ll extend my time in Congress!”

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #17

2009-09-07T11:34:00.002-04:00

News Flash from Washington, DC--September 7, 2009

The President is going over the final draft of his speech to be given to Congress on Wednesday evening and according to sources close to the President, a tip off as to whether he'll support a public option will be given during the speech. Apparently, if the President intends to include the public option in the healthcare legislation he will look more often, and read from, his left teleprompter. If he favors leaving out the public option he'll look to the right teleprompter. David Alexrod has intimated that all this will depend on whether or not all the sand has been removed from the left teleprompter; the left teleprompter having been damaged on the beach during the President's vacation.

Van Jones is officially out as the President's special Czar for Green Jobs. Evidently, the president was unaware that Jones was a 911 'truther' and somewhat radical on his views toward social justice and 'white polluters'. His references to Republicans as being 'A--Holes' was also somewhat contentious. The President appeared truly perplexed as to why he should have to ask for Jones's resignation. "I thought he would do a great job in providing green jobs to everyone and really take our country forward on a path to social justice by redistributing everyone's wealth. I was looking forward to nominating him to the Supreme Court when the next vacancy appeared." Jones has already been offered the position of Dean of the Yale Law School. He's expected to replace the outmoded idea of 'legal positivism' with 'green positivism.'

The President's message to school children will take place on Tuesday, September 8th and PMNS has learned some of the text of the speech. Evidently, the President will ask all children to march in a protest on Washington called the 'SCHIP BRIGADE". He'll also request children to report on their parents if they hear anything that might be considered 'fishy' about opposition to his healthcare legislation. John Dingell, Congressman from Michigan, was enthusiastic about the speech. "This is a great program for our future leaders. They can learn about their benevolent government and we can get some good fishy info from A--hole Republican parents," said Dingell.

Nancy Pelosi has returned from the August recess looking tan and relaxed as she debarked from her private jet. She was asked where she had been and what she had learned during the recess. "I've learned that everyone wants a public option in our healthcare legislation; that everyone wants to pay next to nothing for a premium; and that everyone loves Barack Obama, Harry Reid, Henry Waxman and yours truly. Also-"Republicans are A--holes." PMNS has learned that Pelosi was in Monaco visiting a plastic surgeon where nose reduction surgery took place.

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service Editorial #6 (The real world)

2009-09-06T21:49:00.003-04:00

The Hypocrisy of politicians seems never to disappoint us with the following quote from Sen. Ben Nelson (D) of Nebraska. “If somehow the private market doesn’t respond the way it’s supposed to, then it would trigger a public option, or a government run option.” He indicated the government option would only be rolled out after a few years if private insurers failed to increase competition and restrain costs. Senator Nelson is referring to the contentious healthcare legislation working its way through congress.

Let’s see if I’ve got this right. Senator Nelson belongs to an organization that has all the integrity of rotten fruit. Since when has our wonderful US Government EVER lived up to commitments in a timely manner, or provided any program on time and ON BUDGET? Since when have our esteemed representatives forced the behemoth that is the Federal Government to restrain itself from delving into our wallets with a rapaciousness that would make a great white shark blush! And he has the unmitigated gall to criticize the free market for any possible failing that might come along. Don’t think for a moment that if given a chance to rig the deck that the government won’t do so to trigger a, so called, ‘public option’. Trust is not the first sentiment that comes to mind when dealing with these underhanded swine.

The government, and those who support this public option, need to be marginalized; to be sent to the corner with a dunce cap and treated as the pinheaded little miscreants that they are. Our Federal Government is run by a bunch of elitist contemptible fools. I can only hope that enough level headed voters can see through their filthy con game and throw this stinking garbage and its messenger into a landfill where they belong come 2010. Wake up America, before it’s too late! Our freedom and liberty are not worth giving up for this crowd.

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #5(The Real World)

2009-09-01T20:38:00.002-04:00

The Following first appeared as a blog in The American Thinker on September 1, 2009

A Fiat People

Ask ten people what they consider constitutes wealth and nine will, as likely or not, tell you how much money a person has accumulated. Such a great misunderstanding of what wealth is has led us to a point in our history of near bankruptcy.

Wealth is not hard currency, or the accumulation thereof; it is the ability of a people to produce that which is desirable. In other words it is the ability to have our needs fulfilled; to produce what others need and for others to produce what we need. Today we produce less than we have ever done in our history. The great engines of production can now be found in such heretofore unlikely places as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, India and China. Where is America headed and how did we arrive at where we are today.

Creating wealth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Economic freedom is a motivator that propels a people and a nation to attain greatness, but it cannot be properly viewed without its companion twin; political freedom. The two go hand in hand. When one is restrained or corrupted, the other suffers equally. The former Soviet Union learned this very hard lesson; it corrupted its political system to such an extent that the people simply gave up trying to better themselves. Most of their production went to military uses and citizens found themselves without any motivator that enabled them to be productive. The final collapse in 1991 came seventy years later than it should have.

The United States is simply following the same failed path, but in reverse. Our leaders today are bent on reducing our productive capabilities with arcane and useless legislation with the promise that the future will be better than that which we once had. Empowering various Federal Agencies with backdoor rules and regulations on our economy, we hamstring our most productive entities. The creation of these stifling bureaucracies adds nothing to the Gross National Product and, ultimately, reduces our economic freedom. A lessened economic freedom will lead to a lessened political freedom. The twin forces that made America the ’Arsenal of Democracy’ during the second world war will hasten our demise to an afterthought on the world stage.

The heading of this article ‘A Fiat People’ is where we find ourselves ; a people enamored with past material success, but looking now at a currency that becomes less and less valuable with every passing day. Fiat money is that which is provided by a government that does not encourage its producers to create wealth for the populace. It backs its paper money with neither gold nor silver nor the hope of economic rewards, but with only the threats of confiscatory policy. A fiat people trust a government to give them what they want; the true producers vilified as greedy, contemptible swine to be viewed as an anachronism against the all powerful state.

There may be a line drawn through the history of mankind beyond which there will be no return to the freedoms we once knew. We may have crossed that line, but I hope not. Our choice should be to be a productive people, not a fiat people.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #16

2009-08-25T17:48:00.003-04:00

News flash from Martha’s Vineyard--August 25, 2009

Attorney General, Eric Holder, is considering indicting CIA Interrogators who used improper methods to gain information from Al-Qaeda suspects during the Bush Administration. The news which came out during the first day of President Obama’s vacation was expected to deflect criticism from Obama’s refiguring of the national deficit for the next ten years. Mr. Ali-bin mini Nasti, of the Council for the Reform of Arab-American Policy(CRAAP), was exultant over the news concerning the possible indictment of CIA officials. “We are CRAAP and very excited to see these very, very bad people to be brought to justice and hope that they will be stoned to death as soon as they can be found guilty.” Mr. Nasti, when informed that we do not stone people to death responded, “Well, maybe you could cut off an arm or two?”

The heat, apparently, is still on the Obama Administration with regards to the announcement of the change in the deficit figures. PMNS has learned of a secret program being considered by the administration that would pay for all the new red ink. According to un-named sources, Obama is planning to implement a new tax structure that will affect all tax rates. The plan is as follows:
$50,000 + 95% tax rate
40,000 -49,999 94% tax rate
30,000 -39,999 93% tax rate
20,000 -29,999 92% tax rate
15,000 -19,999 91% tax rate
10,000 -14,999 90% tax rate
5,000 - 9,999 89% tax rate
1,000 - 4,999 88% tax rate
1 - 999 87% tax rate
-1,000 - -1 (you get 5,000 dollars and the government takes back $4,999)
Etc., etc., -------
This program will start the day after election day, 2012 and is being called the ‘Situational Hi Income Transfer for Earnings Recipients‘. When pressed about President Obama’s pledge not to raise taxes on Middle Americans, Special Assistant, David Alexrod said, “There’s nothing untoward about this program or the specifics of it. It’s all in the SH*TER.”

On the lighter side, Sasha and Malia Obama and their mother, Michelle were building sand castles on the beach at Martha’s Vineyard when a large wave washed over their new creations. Upon hearing the sad news, the President was heard to say, “That’s ok kids. We’ll build new ones and call it ‘cash for sand castles’.”

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin news Service- Live Report

2009-08-23T16:59:00.000-04:00

News flash from Martha’s Vineyard—August 24, 2009

The Pete Morin News Service is at Martha’s Vineyard to listen to a short press conference the President will be conducting prior to the start of his family vacation. This is the only contact that the President will be having with the press during his stay here. He’s getting ready to speak.

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen to this abbreviated press conference. I want to get this out of the way so that my family and I can enjoy our stay here as guests of the locals of Martha’s Vineyard. Let’s take a few questions—ah, Mr. Morin, from the Pete Morin News Service--.”

PMNS: Thank you Mr. President. The Congress is considering ‘reconciliation’ as a means of getting a healthcare plan passed. Do you think this is a wise move by the House leadership?

PRES: Well, of course, I would like to see bipartisan effort with regards to healthcare reform. Ultimately, however, it is imperative that a plan be passed as soon as possible. Let there be no mistake, the American peop--- (cccrrraaarrsshhh).

Apparently, the strong wind whipped up from Hurricane Bill has knocked over one of the President’s teleprompters. David Alexrod is attempting to put the teleprompter back up—(cccccaaarrsshh)—oh, there goes the other teleprompter—

PRES: That’s all right David. We’ll just have to continue ahhh, without ahhh,--as I was saying, ahh—we’ll have to ahh, pass health reform, pass healthcare re--, ahhh, insurance care health(VVVVVVVRRRROOOOMMMM—)

There goes a Secret Service Speedboat, and it’s making a lot of noise, so it’s difficult to hear the President.

PRES: As I was saying, the healthcare ISSUE IS THE MOST IMPOR(VVVVRRRROOOMMM), IMPORTANT ISSUE OF THE DAY(VVVRRROOOMMMM)

The speedboats are making it almost IMPOSSIBLE TO HEAR—

PRES: NUCLEAR OPT(VVVVRRROOOMMM) ION MUST NOT BE DONE WITHOUT CON(VVVVVVVVVVRRRRRRROOOOOOOMMMMMMM)----

It looks like the President may be abandoning his effort to continue. Michelle Obama is giving him a rather stern look and is walking away with Sasha and Malia down the beach. The President is joining her and the children as they walk across the sand of this beautiful beach.
Anyway, should a news event, or story of importance HAPPEN-----WE”LL GET IT TO YOU AS SOON AS WE CCCCAAAANNNN (VVVVVRRRRROOOOOOMMMMMM)—“MR. MORIN----STEP AWAY FROM THE TELEPROMPTERS----“

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #15

2009-08-23T16:21:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC---August 23, 2009

As President Obama heads for vacation on Martha’s Vineyard this afternoon, the White House has adjusted the projected ten year deficit to be 9 trillion instead of 7.1 trillion dollars. To help offset what can only be called ‘less than enthusiastic news’ for the government projection, Obama has recommended that the Treasury print a new currency denomination. The new bill will be a 1 million dollar denomination with President Obama’s likeness on the face. The treasury decided on the President’s picture rather than the options of either Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid. Both of these individuals were assured that should an additional currency be required their likeness will be on those bills. PMNS has learned that Pelosi was guaranteed that she would be on the 10 million note. No comment, as of yet, from Harry Reid.

The recent deal between Brazil’s Petrobras Oil Co. and the Obama administration is taking some heat from US Oil Companies. US Oil producers wonder why they can’t be recipients of a deal with the government rather than Petrobras. Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s Chief of Staff, emphasized the importance of the deal saying that George Soros, who owns a large share of Petrobras, couldn’t wait any longer for a return on his investment. Evidently, the 10 million dollars he gave to the Obama campaign put him first in line for payback. Exxon Executives who donated to the Obama campaign are appealing.

In order to get the new 1 million dollar bills circulating as soon as possible, President Obama is suggesting a new stimulus of 50 trillion to go to all Democratic districts for any purpose that the Congressmen or Senators may wish. Nancy Pelosi has suggested that the Golden Gate Bridge be torn down and a new bridge be put in its’ place. Her name for the new bridge?--The PelosiReidWaxmanHoyerMurthaDingellBerry Bridge. Total cost is expected to be 5000 Obamas. When asked how much the toll would be to cross Pelosi reportedly said, “we’re not sure, but the booths will be called the ‘Republican Toll Booths’”.

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--editorial #4(The real world)

2009-08-20T19:20:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC--August 20, 2009

An interesting little piece from Carol Brown, writing in The American Thinker--
“Senator Kennedy is requesting that state legislators change the law just for him. He would like the governor to appoint a temporary replacement upon his death. As the law currently stands, his senate seat would remain vacant until a special election be held. This election would not occur until at least 145-160 days, if not longer, after his death. But Kennedy has expressed his desire to have the state of Massachusetts have full representation during that time frame.
“Obviously the time frame would likely overlap when Congress votes on health care reform. I wonder if the Governor of Massachusetts will see fit to quickly change the law to make sure the Democrats have every vote possible when health care comes up?”

What Ms. Brown doesn't mention here, but has to be noted, is that Senator Kennedy had the law changed in 2004 to allow for a special election when it appeared that Gov. Mitt Romney might have to replace Senator Kerry. Kennedy feared that Romney would replace Kerry with a Republican. Kennedy never misses a beat does he; always looking out for the average Joe!

Here’s the hypocrisy of the ‘Liberal Lion of the Senate’ for all to see. Everyone knows how concerned Senator Kennedy is to follow the rule of law and represent the people as honestly as he can--right? WRONG!! Kennedy is only concerned about power and the use thereof. His whole tenure as a United States Senator has been about helping himself and his party. This man has such ideological blinders on that concern for what a public option will do to our healthcare system doesn’t even appear on his radar. To him, government can do no wrong--it can only help the little guy against those BIG, BAD special interests. Senator, your whole life has been one, big roll over to special interests; and the sad part is--you didn’t even KNOW IT!!

This editorial does not necessarily represent the views of the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #14

2009-08-19T21:25:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC, August 18, 2009

The Federal Government has ordered 195 million doses of swine flu vaccine from companies around the world, hoping that 120 million doses would be ready by October 15, 2009. Dr. Robin Robinson of HHS has reported that only 45 million doses would be available by that date. The doctor assures the public that the doses will eventually be obtained in time, perhaps by about 20 million per week. “As we’ve said all along, if things can go wrong, they will”, quoted Dr. Robinson. The doctor also assured the public that HHS will be ready to take over the Healthcare industry within one week of the passage of a Healthcare bill.

Reports coming out of Washington today indicate that the Democrats are considering forcing a Healthcare bill through Congress without any Republican support. Reconciliation, also known as 'the nuclear option', would become a real possibility to get a partisan bill passed. The democrats are also considering locking the republicans out of the Congressional chambers, changing the names of any naval vessel that has a republican politician’s name and removing all Republican Presidential portraits from the White House.

Massachusetts has recently seen a 90 degree plus heat wave, but 21 Boston swimming pools remained closed to the youth of the inner city. Governor Deval Patrick, has refused to reopen the pools leaving kids with little else to do on the sweltering August days. Apparently, there’s a shortage of lifeguards and chlorine, but this didn’t change the Governor’s mind since his approval ratings can’t possibly get any lower. ‘Yes, we can’, obviously is ‘no I won’t.’

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that small firms with fewer than five employees are responsible for almost 15 % of job losses in the fourth quarter of 2008. In response to this development President Obama is rolling out a new stimulus program in the amount of 25 trillion dollars for these firms. The program is to be called ‘Cash for TV’s, furniture, bookstores, lawnmowers, roofers, drywallers, painters, video stores, restaurants and approximately 7452 other businesses; and, of course, lawyers ’. For law firms with more than five employees the stimulus will be an additional 10 trillion. When asked how the stimulus would be paid for the President said, “a 10% tax increase will be levied on all small firms that have more than five employees, but less than ten.

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #13

2009-08-18T20:32:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC, August 18, 2009

President Obama will be headed shortly for a vacation on Martha’s Vineyard where he’ll take a much needed break from the controversy of healthcare legislation. As a prelude to this trip, he’ll be checking in to Walter Reed Hospital for a complete physical at 8 am. To show how a public option would work in Americans favor he stood in line with other people waiting to be seen, but had to leave due to time constraints at 9 pm without seeing a doctor.

Both Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius have made statements today that a public option is a must in any legislation coming out of Congress. In their words, it would “keep insurance companies honest”. They then boarded their private jets for an undisclosed location somewhere in the south of France.

President Obama has repeatedly said that opponents of his healthcare plan have no alternatives, but the Patients' Choice Act (H.R. 2520) introduced this May by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) in the House and by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) in the Senate (S. 1099) offers such a choice. When Obama was made aware of this proposed legislation his response was, ‘what is H.R. 2520 and who are these guys”?

Big national retailers are beginning to worry about consumer spending and the effect it is having on not reviving the economy. "Not only has employment fallen, but a lot people are facing salary freezes or other cutbacks," said Lou Crandall, chief economist of financial-research firm Wrightson ICAP. "That is going to have a significant drag on consumer spending going forward." Shoppers at a local mall were also concerned about the economy. Bill(last name withheld) who was looking for a wetsuit said, “my house is underwater; my car is underwater; my credit cards are maxed out and my bank balances are zero”. He then left with his wife to go to a travel agency to purchase tickets for a flight to the south of France.

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service
　

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #3 (The Real Word)

2009-08-18T19:25:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC, August 18, 2009

Let’s see if I’ve got this correct. Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), said today that we need a public option to keep the insurance companies honest. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said today that we need a public option to keep the insurance companies honest. Have these people NO SHAME? Federal and State mandates on Insurance companies currently number over 2100. Where is the outrage over government involvement in the private sector? Where is the honesty in our elected officials concerning this little reported fact. Mandates affect the cost of insurance. Mandates FORCE all of us to pay more for our premiums than is necessary. Evidently, you’ll never hear that from liberals on Capitol Hill.

The time has come for people to realize that this government is destructive to our health and security. It’s time for concerned citizens to rise up and demand that our elected officials be honest. They shamelessly present themselves as being the defenders of the peoples safety and security when, in actuality, they are nothing but liars and con artists. They need to be thrown out on their ears before the damage done to our nation is irreparable.

We can start by letting our esteemed representatives know that we have the facts about their little con game. Let them know we’re tired of their lies and distortions. Let them know that, come November 2010, we’ll be out in force to give them the boot. The Constitution has suffered enough from these purveyors of misinformation. If they think they’ve seen anger from the recent healthcare debates, they ain’t seen nothing yet!

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #12

2009-08-16T14:29:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC---August 16, 2009

President Obama and Democratic Senate leaders have expressed a willingness to drop their ‘public option’ demand from any healthcare legislation now being proposed in Congress. This stunning development has the far left of the Democratic party enraged. “It is a big mistake not to include a public option in legislation coming out of the Senate”, responded House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi. “A public option is a great necessity to prevent greedy insurance companies from making unseemly profits off the backs of sick Americans.” Pelosi then boarded her private jet for an emergency meeting with key Congressional leaders in an undisclosed location in the Bahamas.

In order to facilitate a passage of a health bill that will include Republican support, President Obama is recommending the creation of a panel called the ‘Dietary Universal Management Board’. It is believed that this DUMB board will review ways to help Americans improve their diets through proper nutrition and an exercise regimen. As an adjunct to this proposal, President Obama is floating the idea of forming a compliance arm of the DUMB board called ‘Universal Family Alliance for Regular Tests’, or UFART. This compliance group will be comprised of Health and Wellness Dietary Police who will set up weight stations on selected roadways to spot check individuals for proper Body Mass Index(BMI). Anyone with a BMI of 30 or higher will be referred to the DUMB board. No word yet as to any opposition to this proposal.

Tropical Storm season is heating up as a system named ‘Claudette’ is forming off the Florida coast threatening to bring heavy rain and flooding to the Gulf Coast area. “Global warming, global warming” shrieked Al Gore as he heard of the seasons first Atlantic storm. “All these CO2 emissions are going to bring more violent storms; more severe weather and more destruction to our economy”, said Gore who then boarded his private jet for an undisclosed location in the Bahamas.

Meanwhile, a 1224-pound triple vanilla cupcake with pink frosting has entered the Guinness World Records as the largest cupcake ever. It was shown at the Woodward Dream Cruise classic cars event in Royal Oak, Michigan. It contained more than 800 eggs and 200 pounds each of sugar and flour. No word yet as to whether the DUMB board will be investigating this cupcake for excess caloric content, but Congressman John Dingell was heard to comment, in his usual deliberate manner, “this cupcake is great for Michigan. It’ll improve our citizens’ nutritional needs without having to involve UFART”.

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #11

2009-08-15T15:18:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC—August 15, 2009

President Obama has commissioned Senator Al Franken to come up with a slogan or saying that best incorporates how the administration will conduct itself with regards to getting and holding the trust of the American people. Senator Franken has released the following poem for the people’s consideration.

We won’t lie to you, our friends,
Trust and honor is our bond,
Don’t believe the crap you hear,
Of you, dear voter, we’re fond.

Tell those nasty town hall haters,
You won’t accept their trashin’,
Please listen to your great Obama,
Your welfare is his only passion.

From USPS, Amtrak and the United Nations,
We pledge all that is good and true,
Our promise is our legacy forever,
To never put the screws to you.

The President was, apparently, so touched by Franken’s poetic verse that he might present him with a new award, the ‘Saul Alinsky Community Comrade Citation’. Meanwhile, Congressman Pete Stark (CA) has presented a resolution to Congress that replaces the prayers for opening a session of Congress with the new poem.

A rift between the National Education Association and the Obama administration has been developing over President Obama’s suggestion that education for American children be changed from K-12 to K-10. Evidently, President Obama believes that students can learn to love their government in only ten years instead of twelve. The NEA believes that it takes at least twelve years to fully indoctrinate young minds in the good works of government. They issued the following statement: “We believe it is incumbent upon the American Education establishment to provide each student with a clear understanding of the works of Howard Zinn, Saul Alinsky, Noam Chomsky, Henry Louis Gates and especially the Jane Fonda Workout regimen before graduation and moving on to the liberal college of their choice.”

Lastly, in commemorating Woodstock, all government officials who were present at the original event will return for a reunion next weekend. For three days they will sing songs, swim in the nude, pass the hash pipes, have indiscriminate sex without protection and make believe they’re listening to Jimi Hendrix and his famous rendition of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’. They will then return to Washington to continue doing the peoples business.

This news clip provided by The Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #10

2009-08-12T16:06:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC---August 12, 2009

The day after what many are calling an ‘orchestrated town hall meeting’, President Obama is hitting the tried and true campaign trail again. He’ll head out west to Montana where the issue of healthcare is boiling over. The sticking point of contention there isn’t just healthcare for people, but healthcare for animals.

Prof. Singer, of the URDEAD committee, has convinced the President that healthcare for animals will be a big hit in the western states. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) agrees. A spokesman for PETA has issued the following statement. “ President Obama recognizes the importance of animal care and the fact that all farmers should carry animal insurance. The people of Montana should be grateful to the President for proposing legislation to protect their animals.” No word as of yet how wording will be added to the current bill working its way through the House committee.

President Obama is attributing his 787 billion dollar stimulus bill to the recent drop in the unemployment rate. Citing the new figures, the President called for Congress to enact another stimulus bill. “Obviously, the stimulus worked. In order to make continued progress I’m recommending a new stimulus bill of 10 trillion dollars. This could drop the unemployment rate down to 9%.” To pay for the program the President has suggested issuing new hagiographic treasury bills. Secretary of the Treasury, Timothy Geithner gushed with enthusiasm for the new program. “If you’re not satisfied with the rate of return on the T bill, you just turn it a little sideways and a new rate of return appears in the face of the bill.” The Fed Chairman, Ben Bernanke, was less than pleased with this approach, but agreed to give it a try.

Nancy Pelosi has been taking a good amount of heat for the proposed purchase of six new private jets for Congressional use. “The use of these jets is extremely important to the Congress. After all, we can’t be expected to ride in first class on commercial flights. We need our own jets for planned junkets that take us all over the world in search of better ways to make government more efficient.”

This news clip provided by The Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Live report #1

2009-08-11T19:11:00.000-04:00

News flash from Portsmouth, NH--August 11, 2009

This is the Pete Morin News Service reporting from Portsmouth, NH where a town hall meeting/rally is taking place with President Obama as the main speaker. The President is speaking to a predominately partisan crowd-- I would say most are in favor of his healthcare plan by a, perhaps, 2-1 margin. It appears that many in the crowd are wearing SEIU T-shirts and holding signs indicating their support for Universal Healthcare.

The president’s beginning to speak--let’s see if I can make out what he’s saying---the microphone supplied by the union doesn’t seem to be working properly--now I can hear him. “Let’s get out there and let everyone know that Univer--I mean my healthcare plan must be passed. It’s important that you talk to your representative and tell him you want it passed NOW!!” The president appears to be relaxed as his supporters call his name and echo his sentiments. There’s another chant of some kind building in the background. Let’s see if we can make it out---. “Don’t tax you, don’t tax me, tax the Republican parrrrr-tee. Don’t tax you, don’t tax me, tax the Republican parrrrrr-tee.”

The President is waving his hands in support of the throng who have come out on this beautiful August day. He’s wearing his Saul Alinsky T-shirt with matching jeans and presenting an aura of being just one of the folks. Several in the crowd are wearing their Saul Alinsky/Barack Obama T-shirts evidently purchased at the local Spencer’s Gift Store.

The President is preparing to speak again. “Let me be clear and let there be no mistake. We will get healthcare reform done this fall; not this winter, or next year, but THIS FALL. When Congress reconvenes, we will demand they act quickly before the rabid, fanatical, Brooks Brothers Brigade can mount any opposition. We will overcome.”

The crowd is cheering wildly as the President leaves the dais and moves through the masses to accept their adulation. He is smiling yet looking forceful as he shakes the hands of his followers. I can hear something else rising from the crowd. Let’s see if I can make it out--yes, I think I hear what they’re saying. “NO RAIN, NO RAIN, NO RAIN---”. Apparently, some in the crowd are re-enacting the famous Woodstock chant of 40 years ago. Unfortunately, the chant didn’t work then, but there should be no problem today with a clear blue sky with just a few passing , puffy clouds.

That’s all for now--this is the Pete Morin News Service reporting from Portsmouth, NH---what’s that rumbling sound I hear?? Did you bring an umbrella--or a poncho--or a doobie----or

This news clip provided by Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Editorial #2(The real world)

2009-08-10T20:41:00.000-04:00

On the ABC nightly news, Charles Gibson presents, what the newscast calls, a ‘Fact Check’ on the health care debate. The report alleges that opposition to the Obama HealthCare initiative presents the so called ‘Advance Care Planning Consultation’ as a method for denying care to the elderly or individuals who would not otherwise qualify for optional medical care; in other words ‘rationing’ or refusal of care.

Gibson’s report, however, does not fully explain the basis or reasoning behind the planning consultation. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD Dept. of Bioethics, NIH, has written extensively about this particular subject. In a paper published in the Hastings Center Report--November-December, 1996, Dr. Emanuel spells out his reasoning for limiting care to certain individuals. On pgs 13-14 of the report he specifically states “ (s)ervices provided to individuals who are irreversibly prevented from being or becoming participating citizens are not basic and should not be guaranteed. An obvious example is not guaranteeing health services to patients with dementia. A less obvious example is guaranteeing neuropsychological services to ensure children with learning disabilities can read and learn to reason".

Clearly, the explanation listed in section 1233 of the prospective healthcare legislation does not attribute the planning consultation to Dr. Emanuel’s report, but a logical deduction can be implied with respect to a five year review of a patient’s medical condition. Should the review be found not to meet the ‘basic’ needs of society, then one can assume that care can be withheld.

A more disquieting aspect of the report by Dr. Emanuel would be his reference to citizens that are not “participating”. Exactly how one could define this term is extremely subjective. I would not want either myself, or a loved one, to be classified as such without my consent or understanding. Does Dr. Emanuel suggest that the medical profession can make that determination on its’ own or with only the consent of a governmental body, thus leaving the patient to face the prospect of denial of care?

H.R.3200 needs to be looked at carefully before we rush this legislation and give it the force of law.

Pete Morin News Service--Issue #9

2009-08-10T16:25:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC--August 10, 2009

The healthcare debate continues to be contentious as the President has exhorted his supporters to get out and show support for his healthcare reform bill. “Make certain your members of Congress know you’re counting on them to act” appeared on a page dedicated to “Organizing for Health Care” on the official Obama website. In the mean time Nancy Pelosi continued to label those opposed to the Obama plan as ’Nazis’ and Robert Gibbs, Obama’s Press Secretary, referred to opponents as the “Brooks Brothers Brigade”.

The healthcare URDEAD committee has appointed a new member to replace David Letterman. Al Franken, Senator from Minnesota, will be the new member of the committee. On hearing that he was appointed Senator Franken was overjoyed to hear that he would be able to practice his primary craft once again. “I’m very happy to have been appointed to this committee and I’ll do everything possible to lighten things up for URDEAD. My Judiciary responsibilities were fine, but it didn’t give me much satisfaction since the Sotomayor hearings were boring. I mean, REALLY BORRRRING.”

Peter Singer has agreed to remain on the committee even without PETA representation. Informed sources indicate that Prof. Singer was satisfied with being the new chairman of the ‘Advance Care Planning Consultation’ board for the new healthcare plan. The board will be responsible for discussing and evaluating end of life questions with practitioners and patients. According to the healthcare plan, anyone 65 years or older, must consult with the evaluating board once every five years. Prof. Singer is clearing his schedule to talk with all individuals who will be affected by the board’s decisions.

The temperature in New York City has hit 90 degrees for the first time since April. This had led opponents of cap and trade legislation to propose different legislation for the apparent lack of warming in the atmosphere. “The atmosphere has been cooling since 1998” said Bjorn Lomborg, noted Swedish environmentalist, “and we need to stop this cooling before we all freeze to death”. A new organization called ‘Cash To Get Cooler’ will be implemented to help cool the earth. No word yet as to whether President Obama will be involved in the program.

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Interview #1 (pt 2)

2009-08-09T10:57:00.000-04:00

News flash From Washington, DC--August 9, 2009

Today we continue our interview with former President George Washington. Sorry about the delay, but developing news stories came first.

PMNS: Mr. President, we left off in our last interview talking about slavery and the impact it had on the formation of the nation. Now we’d like to look at your involvement in the revolution. Your battle record suggests that, as a commander, you had relatively few successes. What say you?

PRES: It is true that we lost many more battles than we won, but those that we did win were very crucial to our survival and in keeping the morale and fighting spirit of the troops at the highest level possible. Even though I was not in command at Breeds Hill (the technical name for the battle of Bunker Hill), the American fighting man exhibited a fierce determination to protect home and hearth from the invading British. Though a strategic defeat, the fight was a moral victory.

PMNS: How about the battles in New York City? It almost seemed that the Americans were lucky to extricate themselves despite, what can only be called, your ineptness at formulating good battle tactics.

PRES: I wouldn’t say that I, or our commanders, were inept. We were facing seasoned fighting troops from an international power that had been bloodied from years of combat on the continent. We--

PMNS: But Mr. President, had it not been for weather conditions and a streak of luck your troops and yourself would have been surrounded and captured.

PRES: Once again, we were faced with a prospect of facing commanders whose tactics and strategy had been forged in years of struggle with the French. Our men were not regular soldiers trained in the arts and crafts of war, but a mere collection of farmers and tradesmen. I’m proud of the way they presented themselves on the field of battle.

PMNS: Despite your, shall we say, inability to recognize either advantages or poor planning on the part of the British?

PRES: You may be correct in saying that we should have realized their strategic advantages more readily, but my personal experiences in battle were a far cry from that which took place in the early battles of the revolution. The French and Indian War was fought in the far interior and tactics used were different from those employed in New York or New Jersey. In any event, Providence saw to it that we should escape the confines of Brooklyn and the city to fight another day.

PMNS: What battle stands, to your mind, as the most important of the war?

PRES: Saratoga. Without this victory there would have been, quite likely, no involvement by the French in our cause. Gates and Arnold fought a brilliant battle. But Burgoyne acted foolishly in thinking that the American soldier wasn’t up to the task. We were fighting our kind of battle in the interior on our terms. Burgoyne never truly grasped the conditions he had to fight under. It’s been said that when Ben Franklin heard of our victory, he knew the French would be committed to our cause. If we had lost at Saratoga, we would have lost the war that year;1777.

PMNS: So the French assistance made all the difference?

PRES: Perhaps not all, but a good part of it. By the time we joined up at Yorktown with the French fleet, Corwallis knew Britain’s attempt to control the Colonies was lost.

PMNS: Now on to your presidency. As our very first president, was it difficult leading a nation with only a written Constitution as a guide?

PRES: The Constitution was more than a guide; it was the law. We knew the power of monarchy and what effect it had on people. It robbed them of their individuality, of their right to life, liberty and property, as Jefferson had so eloquently expressed. In creating a Constitution that men could understand and be inspired by, we were able to form the glue that would bind us as men living a free life deciding for ourselves what our destiny was to be. There were shortcomings as there are for any man made adventure, but those could be addressed with the Constitution as our guide.

PMNS: What was the most difficult aspect you were confronted with in the early years of the nation?

PRES: We had such strong willed, brilliant men leading us in those years. Getting men like Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Adams to agree on policy and the building of the nation itself was draining at times. I knew, however, there was no room for failure. The British, and indeed the French, were watching us closely for any slip we might make so they might take advantage and dissolve our Union. There were times I thought we might falter, but utter failure was unthinkable. Too much blood and treasure had been spent to conceive of failure and indeed we could not let it be so. I hope and pray that those who come after us will understand the price we paid for our, and their, freedom. It would be a shame to let our Constitution, our struggle and our dreams of self government pass into oblivion for the siren song of demagogues or kings.

PMNS: Thank you, Mr. President.

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #8

2009-08-08T12:41:00.000-04:00

News flash from Washington, DC---August 8, 2009

What seems like a never ending debate that will never end, Pacific Research Institute President and CEO, Sally Pipes has published a new book entitled “The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care: A Citizen’s Guide”. House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi was asked if she has read the book and her response was “I don’t care about myths, insurance companies are greedy, greedy, greedy and only government in all its’ benevolence can properly attack the problem.” She also stated that all individuals protesting a government run healthcare system were ‘Nazis’ and ‘Astroturf’. Stay tuned for more debate.

The unemployment numbers have come out for the month of July and the figure was better than expected. Unemployment actually dropped from 9.5% to 9.4%. President Obama called these numbers ‘encouraging’ and believes that the worst of the recession may be over. The President intimated that instead of spending 49 trillion dollars over the next decade on government programs we need only spend 48.99 trillion.

Meanwhile, President Obama was detained at the White House for questioning concerning statements he made in 2003 and 2007 concerning a single payer health system. Apparently, President Obama is on tape as having supported a single payer system. If true this would contradict the recent healthcare proposal put forth by the democrats as not having a single payer component and his statements would have to considered ‘fishy’. It is not known what action will be taken for the Presidents’ ‘fishy’ statements. Perhaps taking away Camp David privileges?

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service

The Pete Morin News Service--Issue #7

2009-08-06T19:53:00.000-04:00

News Flash from Washington, DC---August 6, 2009

It’s official; Judge Sonia Sotomayor has been confirmed as an Associate Justice to the United States Supreme Court. Sen. Al Franken, MN, announced the confimation on the senate floor this afternoon. The final tally was 68-31 for confirmation. After the tally was announced Judge Sotomayor was reported to have exclaimed, “I can’t believe 9 white republicans would vote to confirm such a wise Latina woman. I expected 59 votes from the useful idiot democrats, but another 9 from the republicans?--hahahahahah!!”

The cash for clunkers program is expected to get another infusion of cash from congress; this time an approximate 2 billion dollars would be added to the program. Congressman Henry Waxman, CA. was so enamored with the program that he is considering asking congress for 500 billion dollars to build all new houses in California. “We can tear down all the existing housing and build new houses for everyone in the state. It would be great for the building industry and salvage firms could crush all the old houses. What a boon for the state.” The proposed plan met with some immediate resistance from the delegations from 48 states.

Many House members are pushing their constituents for passage of the ObamaCare Health plan. The Massachusetts delegation has issued a statement touting the effectiveness of the Massachusetts State law which requires all citizens to purchase health insurance. Barney Frank, spokesman for the group lauded the program and pointed out that administrative costs for the program have only quadrupled. A little known clause in the law allows for the Federal Government to take over the plan once the costs have quintupled. “We’re almost there” said Frank, “and once the Fed gets control there’s no stopping what we can do.”

Meanwhile, Congressman John Dingell of Michigan agreed that the Waxman ’cash for condos’ plan for California was a great idea. In his usual deliberate manner Dingell said, “this is a wonderful program for the people of California and Michigan. Folks there get new houses and we can take the crushed ones in Detroit. It’ll improve our neighborhoods.”

This news clip provided by the Pete Morin News Service