National Concealed Carry

There has been buzz about the possibility of President Trump initiating legislation or an executive order to mandate a national concealed carry permit or reciprocity. I have mixed feelings on this subject as I know many others do as well.

Let me begin by saying that I know a perfect libertarian society requires personal responsibility, the kind that has pretty much gone by the wayside. It is often said that common sense is so rare these days that it should be considered a super power. I dream of a world where everyone takes responsibility for their own actions and combines that responsibility with common sense, but it is highly unlikely that our society will change anytime soon.

So here is my dilemma. As a second amendment advocate, I believe that anyone should be able to own any firearm or other weapon that they choose for self defense. The government should have no say as to what an individual can or cannot own. Likewise, the government should have no say as to how you carry your firearm, concealed or otherwise. Obviously, organizations such as the NRA are great advocates for education and proper handling of firearms. Organizations such as the NRA are a wealth of knowledge for safety and advocacy. Here lies the rub.

Some states have a concealed carry law requiring a class of some sort and an application for a permit. Other states don't allow concealed carry, and some have no laws at all restricting concealed carry. Hooray for states rights, but there is confusion. As an NRA pistol instructor, I am qualified to teach concealed carry classes for the state of Ohio. Ohio in turn has reciprocity with many states, meaning that the Ohio permit is accepted in most other states. Likewise, the states with reciprocity means that Ohio law enforcement will accept those permit holders as well.

My concern is two fold. As I mentioned in my post, Annie Get Your Gun, I believe that if you can afford it, you can own it. As a libertarian, I also believe that it is none of the government's business as to how you carry your gun, either concealed or open. It is the responsibility of the individual to implement best practices with proper care and handling. Obviously we know that not all gun owners utilize best practices. This is why we hear of children gaining access to guns and shooting them, sometimes causing significant harm or even death. Tragic and unnecessary. These cases give politicians the fodder they are looking for to control guns in the name of safety.

The problem is not the gun, it is the owner. Guns are simply a machine just as a car or a see-saw. These machines do nothing without a person to operate them. This is why the Social Security Administration was slated to get involved with gun ownership under the Obama administration. They wanted to remove the rights of gun ownership from anyone receiving Social Security income for a "mental health" reason. Even the Obama administration knows that it is the person, not the gun which is the concern. However under Obama, the SSA could revoke payments or confiscate guns without due process and other unconstitutional violations. Anyway, back to my point.

One of the good things that concealed carry laws have is the ability to verify at least some basic level of knowledge and training for the individual to be permitted to carry concealed in a public area. While I am fully against this regulation. In a world with very little responsibility and common sense, it is somewhat comforting to know at a permit holder should know what they are doing when it come to proper care, retention and use.

The big issue is that we have to determine if the individual states have authority or if the second amendment supersedes the states rights. If the second amendment is the final say, then the concealed carry option for the states is mute. If the states have the rights, then it should require an act of congress to mandate a national concealed carry standard. As a responsible gun owner, I believe that I have the right to carry anyway I want, anywhere I want for the purpose of security and protection of self and family. I don't believe that I need a permit because of the second amendment. However, I have genuine concern about other people who have the same right, but don't use any common sense to properly store, maintain, or handle their own firearms.

I want nothing more than to have every American own and carry a gun, but without education and training, it can be dangerous. We wouldn't allow a person to drive a car without education and training first, we don't even let electricians install lights without some level of education and training. How can we possibly allow people to own and carry a deadly weapon without it? The answer is because of the second amendment. It doesn't stipulate any training requirements. It assumes that the individual is competent and capable of making sound decisions. Even the anti-gun crowd knows that there are idiots out there. The honest anti-gun lobby realizes it is a public safety issue and not a gun issue.

An honest solution to this problem with gun ownership and concealed carry is education. I would propose that the NRA teach a course that is required by all public schools (another institution I think should be eliminated, but that is for another day). In order to graduate, there should be required learning and successful completion for public school students to fully understand the constitution and its application today. For the section on the second amendment, the NRA would teach a semester long class that involves proper storage, maintenance, and use of the three most common firearms, hand guns, rifles, and shotguns. This class would be required for graduation, but not to own a gun, because gun ownership is protected under the constitution, whereas graduation is not. Upon graduation, individuals can choose whether or not they want to own a gun. At least this way we can rest assured that any student graduating from public school has an understanding of the constitution and proper care and use of firearms. Its not perfect, but it is a start.

Just as we cannot legislate morality, we cannot legislate intelligence or common sense, but we can make sure that our tax dollars are being spent on real education. Who knows, maybe some of our more disinterested students might even want to go to school and graduate. What a crazy idea.

Peace and Freedom,

Geoff

What's the Point?

Can anyone tell me the last time a government agency accomplished its named purpose and then disbanded? There are so many unnecessary agencies that no one really knows what the mission and purpose is of most of them. The worst part is that many of these agencies have the ability to create new, debilitating regulations without any input from our representatives and senators.

Unlike new laws, regulations are typically mandatory and can be instituted pretty much at will. Where I am going with this is that regulations are frequently added at alarming rates, especially in the last several years. We need to get away from regulations and if new regulations are required, two things need to happen.

First, it needs to be presented from the respective agency to congress for their full deliberation and consideration. Only if congress supports the regulation should it become law, and in effect, be added as a formal regulation. Second, in all situations, just as Jefferson sought, the laws should favor the individual, over the government. We need to take a posture of being skeptical of the government and more trusting of the individual. It is far better for the government to be wronged than a private citizen.

Much like our laws are set up to say that all people are innocent until proven guilty, we need to assume that all people are in compliance until such time that the government can prove otherwise. Even in situations where the government can prove that a violation has happened, it is better to favor freedom of the individual over the authority of the government.

Having said all that, there are so many agencies that don't have a real purpose or need any more that it is time to revert to only those areas where the constitution explicitly states the role of the federal government and eliminate all agencies (including ones that are nice) that don't clearly have purpose under the constitution. Let the states and the free markets figure it out. People will be just fine without being told how to educate our children.

Get Our Land Back

I recently ranted about how it is impossible to actually own property in the USA due to the taxes. In the news this week we learned that BLM thinks that the federal government owns private property along the Red River between Oklahoma and Texas. Here we see literally hundreds of thousands of acres of private property which has been taxed again and again (see my rant on this outdated tax approach here), being taken from private owners without any regard for illegal search and seizure.

People's homes are being taken away from them after decades of ownership and taxation with BLM ignoring the landowners fourth amendment rights. There are talks of letting the landowners buy back their land. Really, buy it back? It does not belong to the feds. How can they even think about selling something they don't own?

Here is where this is going for me, is to the ownership of property by the federal government. Where are the national parks located? Denali, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Everglades, Haleakala, etc. They are all located in..... States. Why does this matter? Because the states should have sovereignty. If a state wants to maintain the parks, then the ownership, the revenue and the method for maintaining the park should reside in the power of the states.

I love the parks and I visit often. But the economic impact that they can produce should go to the respective states, not the federal government. When considering natural resources, permits should not be issued or denied by the federal government, but the states. More power should reside in the states and less with the feds. Honestly, there is no need for the federal government to own any property beyond what is necessary for the administrative buildings.

I have no problem with the feds owning the Capitol. I have no problem with the White House or the Pentagon being federal property. We clearly need federal land for military, but beyond the administrative and security needs, there is no reason for the federal government to own property. Dept of the Interior, just as most other agencies, has far overstepped its bounds. It is time to leave property to the people. If any state government wants to maintain parks, they are free to do so. Arizona should be free to benefit from the Grand Canyon. No more feds.

God Bless,

Geoff

Media Malpractice

Who is up for some fake news? Who gets to determine "fake" news? What makes news fake? As an avid consumer of politics, I hear half truths, falsities, lies and other questionable statements presented as unbiased fact on a daily basis. What I do know is that regardless of the source, journalism is pretty much dead. There is almost no objective reporting anymore. In fact, I cannot tell you where I can even find objective reporting. Every reporter has some agenda or talking points they want to emphasize. Some are more overt than others, but they all have it.

For those of you reading this, you know my biases as well, but at least I acknowledge them and mention when I am trying to be objective. I don't pretend to be a journalist and then spin the information to meet my narrative. The media is so intellectually dishonest these days that I don't think there is such a thing as honest reporting anymore.

Regardless of where you get your news, I don't think there is a single source you can find adequate reporting of simple facts. I used to believe that Fox News was "Fair and Balanced," but now I see that it is neither. I come to this conclusion from two lenses. First, There is always an odd number of panelists. From an equal share perspective, there is never equal time allotted for opposite opinions. Additionally, the amount of time that liberals have on Fox is seldom as long as that of the more conservative commentators. On the "Five" which is one of my favorite shows, Juan is always outnumbered and they are always cutting him off. In many cases he is completely off base, but he should be able to speak his mind as well and be given the time to express his point to the fullest.

All I am getting at is that it is no wonder that Trump uses tweets to get his message out. While a healthy dose of skepticism is good for the media, their clear agenda and attempt to politicize every action has all but verified that they cannot produce honest news. I'm sure the Trump propaganda machine is alive and well, but so is the media, so turnabout is fair play as far as I am concerned. It just means that the average American won't have any idea what is really going on for the foreseeable future.

Thanks and God Bless,

Geoff

Enough Already

Some love Trump, others well, not so much. I must admit that I am not a Trump fan, and here is why. I am tired of the unconstitutional wielding of executive orders. I know that every President does it, but that doesn't make it alright. It is time to stop the executive orders. If it is a policy worth adopting, use the legislature and let the process work. Republicans have the both houses and the executive branch. Lets go back to separation of powers and real leadership.

Can we really make meaningful change if with a simple signature from the next president, all good things must come to an end? I get it. With Obama, many bad things have come to an end under Trump's mighty pen, but neither Trump nor Obama should have that much power. Legislatures create the laws, Presidents must enforce the laws. Of course it is more complicated that a couple sentences in a blog. The reality is that the great American Experiment is still going on and as long as we maintain the Jeffersonian approach to freedom, giving the people the benefit of the doubt over the government, there is a chance this republic can sustain and persevere.

The standard method of operation should benefit the citizen over the government, the business over the regulator, the truly free enterprise over favoritism. Incentivize companies to do business in the USA by eliminating the corporate tax. Encourage real wealth and growth of all classes by eliminating income taxes. Switch to sales taxes and grow the economy through ingenuity, a level playing field and let the markets make the decision.

Trump claims to be a great businessman and his platform is based on America first. I think this all sounds good, but populism and executive orders are not how to make long lasting change. My hope is that congress will review each of the policies set forth and consider how to make any of the executive orders into law if they warrant such movement. If they are not worthy of law, then it is time to eliminate the executive orders altogether.

The Melting Pot

Can I start by saying that I am pro-immigration? I want people to come to this country, or any country for that matter, if they are seeking a better life and are willing to assimilate. The problem comes when a few "bad apples" ruin it for everyone.

I know that is sugar coating it, but lets be honest. If there wasn't such uncertainty with people coming to this country from predominantly Muslim backgrounds, Trump wouldn't have instituted a ban on these individuals. The reality is that people aren't assimilating.

When I was in school, long ago, I learned about the immigrants seeking freedom, opportunity and a chance to be part of the American culture. Today however, we are accepting that people bring their culture here with the intent to change us. I understand that not all immigrants are looking to chance our society, but what makes America great is the uniting under the Star Spangled Banner and coming together as one people from many diverse backgrounds but one unified nation.

Unfortunately, too often we see burning of our great flag. This is completely fine as a right, but it is saddening that we have individuals willing to express their freedom of speech in this manner. I am deeply saddened that so many people refuse to become part of the American culture in favor of maintaining their own but simply reside in the USA.

Don't get me wrong, I love my heritage, I love learning of my families journey to America. All of my ancestors were immigrants as well. What I have trouble with is that while my family remembers and honors our past, we also have chosen America as our future. We didn't throw away our ancestry, we didn't betray our history, but we did choose to be part of the fabric of this country. It is our willingness to embrace the great melting pot and participate in the American experiment that adds to the flavor of this country.

Of course we will continue to participate in activities that honor our heritage. I wear a kilt to lead Kirkin. But I am first and foremost an American. I'm not a European American, I am not a Scottish American, I am an American. We need more immigrants wanting to be a part of the American society and claim that they are Americans first. I know several immigrants who have taken the painstaking process of following the legal system to gain permanent citizenship. They have embraced the American life, as have many others. But this country will gain its strength again not from new laws, not from border walls, but from the American identity.

America is probably the only country that doesn't need border walls or fences so long as the people embrace what it means to be an American. If we can adopt the American ideal and join together again, then skin color, hair style, religion, gender, age, and any other possible way to categorize a person becomes irrelevant. That is the great melting pot and the American experiment.

God Bless,

Geoff

Annie, Get Your Gun!

So I have been spending much of my time in NY recently. I can think of several things both favorable and unfavorable about my experiences just outside the big apple. I have found my favorite beer at a local establishment in Tarrytown, I have found a great cigar shop/lounge in Elmsford. I have even found a great little tactical shop in Hawthorne. However, while I can smoke and drink as I please in my free time, not only can I not rent a gun to shoot down the range, I cannot even bring my own.

Coming from a relatively free state, Ohio, I am able to purchase most firearms without much thought. Of course there is still too much regulation from the FBI and ATF and other federal agencies, but Ohio doesn't much infringe on my rights to own a firearm. It is good to know that back home, I can stop in to my local retailer and pick up my new firearm and take it home with me. But NY is much different.

Many of the good people I meet in NY cannot believe just how easy it is to get a gun in Ohio. I on the other hand, cannot believe just how restrictive the laws of NY are. My understanding of the second amendment allows any citizen of the USA (who has no other restrictions) to purchase any type, size, action, shape, etc. that they can afford. As far as I am concerned, if you can afford it, you can own it.

There are obvious exceptions to nuclear arms and other mass destruction devises. The second amendment is meant for citizens to be able to protect themselves from an oppressive government. Weapons of Mass Destruction don't meet the self protection aspect of the constitution, but certainly any gun does. Even a tank is fine for me. If you can afford an Abrams tank, more power to you. Just as law abiding citizens are not shooting up the place now, law abiding citizens won't shoot up places just because the size of the round or rate at which it can be fired increases.

Honestly, magazine restrictions don't have any impact on criminals, only the average citizen. Whether a gun has a semi automatic or automatic action doesn't matter to the average person. Laws such as these only prevent good people from having fun and choosing what is best for their own personal security.

Think about it in these terms. if you see someone exiting a liquor store with cases of beer and multiple bottles of various liquors, you probably think there must be some great party going on somewhere nearby and don't think much of it. However, for many, if that same person was seen exiting a gun store with several guns and cases full of ammo, there is a hesitation to wonder what exactly that person is going to do with all of that weaponry.

Why have we become so concerned? The statistics say that we are far more likely to be harmed or killed by the person at the liquor store or one of their party friends than we would ever be by the guy with the guns and ammo. So why the double standard?

The reality is that we have been desensitized by politicians politicizing all shootings as the fault of the gun. If they were honest, the politicians would eliminate the "gun free" zones. Gun free zones are the most dangerous places in the country these days. It is specifically where terrorists and lone wolves look to do the most damage. This is because they know that no one will be able to defend his/herself.

The next major incident is likely to happen at a gun free zone. As someone not allowed to carry in NY, this is a significant concern to me. According to an article I read recently in a NY publication, there are only 4 officers who are able to process handgun permits in Westchester County.

For those of you who don't know, Westchester County has about 1 million residents crammed into 500 square miles. First, there shouldn't be any permit needed for ownership of any gun, but moreso, if they think they will be safer by requiring a permit before purchase of a handgun, there needs to be many more than 4 people processing the paperwork. Based on the article, most permits take approximately one year to process. One whole year to get the gun you bought today. Insane! There is absolutely no reason for this delay. No one should have to wait that long for any firearm that is in the store already.

Here is the main issue for me. If the government is trying to tell me what I can or cannot have or do, then they are overstepping their authority. It shouldn't matter if I am from Ohio. If I want to bring my gun to NY, I should be able to do so. I am all in favor of states rights, but the constitution clearly delineates that the right to keep and bear arms "shall not be infringed." There is no situation where preventing me from carrying my firearm in NY upholds the rights listed in the second amendment. It is time to put the power back in the hands of the people and stop accepting the oppression from any government or governmental agency that wants to dictate what you can own.

Peace and Freedom,

Geoff

Stay at Home

So FORMER President Barry Hussein Soetoro (Barak Obama), who would be best served playing golf, has spoken out against the current President Trump. First, why does anyone care. I respect the office of the President, but once you are out of office, you are a nobody. I think that only the media cares about what Obama has to say at this point. I know that most former Presidents eventually speak to the press or make some other formal statement, but within 10 days of leaving the White House? Really? Talk about ego.

There was documentary after documentary in the final days and weeks of the Obama Presidency touting his legacy. You know what Obama's real legacy is? The fact that Trump is President. The election of Trump is a referendum on Obama's policies. The reality is that while we cannot keep a former President from speaking his mind, I don't know a single person that is interested in what Obama's opinion on anything is at this point in time.

If a former President is going to open his mouth, shouldn't be in a manner that attempts to unite the people instead of divide them? Honestly, I don't really care that Obama has spoken up. If not for being a politics junkie, I wouldn't have even paid any attention, which is where I think the majority of people are on this issue. They just don't care. My point is simply that with a divided country, clearly more divided than it was eight years ago, we need to find excuses to unite not divide.

Imagine the influence a former President could have by simply edifying the system, the election and the new President regardless of their personal opinions on politics. In lieu of this type of support, maybe playing golf is the better option. For now, lets just plan on Obama trying to get involved in the political arena again. How this will play out, I don't know but I would be just fine if he stayed home.

Spring is coming,

Geoff

Super Bowl LI

Like most Americans that can remember back to 2001, I was ecstatic that the Patriots won the Super Bowl after the terrorist attacks on NYC to the the twin towers. And, like most Americans, I am tired of the Patriots being in the Super Bowl. I couldn't care less about the Super Bowl this year. Like any other unrelated American institution, national politics has entered the arena.

Why does anyone care what relationship may or may not exist between Tom Brady and President Trump? I am an Ohio State Buckeyes fan. I am supposed to hate Tom Brady because he has yellow streaks down his helmet. To be completely honest, I care more about college football than any NFL game, but that is just a side note. Back to Brady. I don't know his politics. I treat him like I do any famous person. I don't want to know their politics. It is only after I learn them that I stop supporting them. Read my Celebrity Cesspool blog for more on this.

At this point I have heard that Tom Brady is a devout Christian, philanthropist and great role model. I honestly don't know if any of this is true, but why is it even being brought up? I don't need any media or other celebrity telling me who I should or should not associate with. Why does anyone care what they think about Tom Brady? My only reason for believing that Brady is a Christian is because he is being attacked.

Just a few days ago Whoopi Goldberg was equating Trump to the Taliban. Other pundits were claiming that Brady is un-American for associating with Trump while Colin Kapernick (that guy that took a knee during the national anthem several times) is a true patriot. How dumb are we now? Does anyone really believe that dishonoring those who fought and died for our freedoms (whats left of them anyway) is more American than having an unsubstantiated relationship with the current President?

I don't offend easily, but this really ticks me off. I am so tired of the militant leftists trying to tell me how I am in violation of American values when there is nothing these liberals and statists believe that is close to moral. I am fine with these individuals exercising their right to free speech. However, it is time to stop consuming the information. I am not calling for a boycott. I think those are stupid. What I am saying is to act and live your conscious. Live your beliefs. Don't support companies and people who act contrary to your beliefs. Don't watch TV and movies that have material in them you don't support.

At the end of the day, it is time to stop giving credibility to speculation and the PC police. My ultimate judge is God alone and I seek the counsel of my closest friends from my church and my small group. Best I can tell is that if the world says I should live one way, I should probably do the opposite. I'm just sorry that the cynic in me believes that whatever the media says is the way we should live, the contrary is likely the better option.

Anyway, go Patriots......and I don't mean the NFL team.

Freedom and Peace,

Geoff

Celebrity Cesspool

So does anyone actually care what the celebrities say? I have heard several "famous" people rant and rave about the results of the election, but have never heard such overt disregard for the system that elected Donald Trump. I know that I am a bit of a loner, and usually I have better things to do than to watch TV and movies anyway, but at this point I have absolutely no interest in supporting any entertainment that I have to pay for.

The reality of this is that it won't hurt the celebrity. They don't need my $10-$20 for a movie ticket or a concert. If many are like me and just simply stop going to support the movies and TV, concerts, etc. it is the real working class people who are hurt. It is the stage hands, the grips, the unsung heroes who make the entertainment industry successful who are hurt. I am not calling for a boycott. I am calling for education and for action by people who are willing to speak. I enjoy a good movie or concert like the next person, but I can also think of plenty of ways to spend my entertainment budget on things that don't support the people who use their celebrity to insult me and my family.

Politics is an ugly game and I too have been drawn in by the mudslinging, but I have never been so disappointed in people for approving the vulgar language, the extreme insults, the vile rhetoric and the simple disrespect of common people to try to make a point. I am appalled that anyone would approve of, let alone condone the blatant rioting, looting, and vandalism that is being associated with the Trump protesters.

What I am most concerned about is the lack of condemnation from all parties on the willful destruction of the private property. I don't care whether your representative won the election or not, it is the responsibility of all elected leaders to stand up to crime and incivility. Furthermore, no self respecting citizen should be tolerant of these childish and illegal acts. There needs to be a serious crack down on these vandals and an example should be made of them all. Protesting is not only acceptable, it is a right and may be exercised at will. However, even protests require a certain level of responsibility.

Let me go one step further and be honest. I have liberal friends who are appalled by the behavior of many of these criminal protesters. I want to acknowledge that not all Clinton voters are accepting or condoning the behavior of these individuals. However, if the celebrities who think about blowing up the White House are representative of the typical liberal voter, there is a serious issue about what is acceptable. I am all for free speech, but there are consequences as well, whether that means that we stop using our hard earned money to support these celebs or that their comments are investigated just as anyone no one has ever heard of would be, it is time that equal protection and prosecution under the law become active and that the rule of law be upheld. I for one would rather go fishing anyway.

God Bless,

Geoff

No More Taxes and the IRS Sucks

So I haven't posted since the election. I know, I know. A political blog that doesn't even acknowledge the election? Get over it. I figured that there was no real analysis that I could do that would somehow change or alter anyone's perspective. Now looking back, we have something to talk about.

Why all the tax threats? I am all for keeping American jobs right here. However, threatening to tax the crap out of a company that leaves and then tries to send products back is not the answer. Lets simply reduce the tax burden on the company and the employees. Lets reduce the regulation and red tape. Lets incentivize the company to stay and invest locally instead of penalize for leaving. If the government would stay out of the way, businesses would want to invest. I know I would. But right now the amount of upfront costs to the government bureaucracy is prohibitive to get in the market. Which leads me to the IRS.

I spent 45 minutes on the phone today trying to reach someone to change my business address. The website said that I could do one of 4 options. Download and mail a form, send my own letter with some specific information, update when I file my next tax return, or call and have a representative take care of it over the phone. 

The download option seemed simple enough. Download, fill out, send. I am out of town for a few weeks and it would be simple enough, but I cannot get to it. Same goes for sending my own letter. I could wait till tax season, but I get regular mail from the IRS so this is too long to not get the information. Calling works perfect. Except, there is no phone number listed. So I search and find a dozen IRS numbers. I finally narrow it down to a business customer service number. I call. Automated message: Press or say 1 for English. Don't get me started. How about assuming English and only make me tell you otherwise? Next I get a list of business related services, but none of what I need. I don't have questions about my EIN, I don't have questions about employer taxes, I don't need to order IRS forms or publications, I don't need to know about Obama care, I don't need to know about how to file form 0394909023445902-B. I need to change my business address. There is no option to even get to a person. Dial 0 and it says "sorry you are having trouble, please call again later," and it hangs up on me. 

Repeat process. Okay, I need and EIN. I go through three more prompts to hear, "EINs are issued through our online portal. Go to www........... for more information. Good bye," and Click. I am hung up on again. Now I try to call for tax filing information. "We are sorry, but we are experiencing very high call volume for the issue you are calling about. Please try your call again tomorrow." Click. Are you kidding me? Finally, I want business publications. I don't really, but that is what I tell the machine. I get hold music. For once this is an improvement. After a brief hold (5min.) I get to a woman who is actually pleasant. However, she can only get me the form for change of address. It will take 10 business days to get the form, then I will have to fill it out and send it back. Again, I can do this, I just don't want to use this method. She tells me to call the customer service number so I can talk to someone. She tells me that she cannot do it because she can only take orders for publications, and I need to talk to some one in the correct department. 

As I am writing down the number she is giving me, I realize that it is the number I called every time I have been hung up on. It is the number I used to talk to her. So at this point I tell her I will download the form and send it back in a couple weeks. However, I have one question about filling it out. There is a section that I don't think applies, so how do I handle it? Leave it blank? She informs me that she cannot advise me on how to fill out any form and that I will have to figure it out for myself. Well, isn't that grand. 

Tell me why it is that we still fund this organization? Implement a national sales tax and eliminate all other income taxes and we can save 95% of what we are spending on the IRS. In fact, we can eliminate the IRS. Imagine the saved revenue to the people and increase the revenue to the government for important things like Military and the VA.

ARRRGH. It is time to get rid of income taxes and the IRS! Let people keep their funds and only be taxed if they buy something. More on that next time. 

God Bless,

Geoff

Master Debaters

So I watched the first Presidential debate with my eldest son. In the first 15 minutes, he asked if the moderator was voting for Hillary. Although it was rather boring, I'm glad I watched. The debate confirmed what I already knew. I don't like either candidate. Neither candidate is qualified to lead our great country. All in all, there was little if any value to me as a voter, and I certainly didn't see anything that made me feel that real freedom is going to be defended by either leading candidate.

For the VP debate this evening, Mr. Kaine was a great politician. He deflected well and failed to provide any direct answer to the initial question. Pence was a calculated politician as well but was definitely more calm in his demeanor. Both VP candidates appeared to be grounded in data and facts, but Mr. Kaine seemed much more fired up and irritated by the discussion that Pence led on several occasions. However, when Mr. Kaine spoke and tried to defend their "jobs" plan, there he offered typical generic government double talk. Anyone with any sense about business knows that the government cannot create jobs, even if it could, there is nothing in the constitution that permits the government to act. All government can do is provide an environment to encourage entrepreneurship. With tax cuts, the people will have funds to spend on staff and other jobs. I am a business owner. If I didn't pay as much in taxes, I could hire more staff. I would rather give the funds that are taken from my business as taxes and use them to provide more income to staff. But I digress.

Back to the debates. What is the purpose of these debates? When there are three people talking, no one can even hear what is going on. At least after the first half hour the moderator realized this and suggested that they let the other person talk. Obviously there is bias by the moderators. Regardless of which opinion you have of each moderator, I think a better idea might be to acknowledge the bias and let the talking heads that clearly are in the tank for either candidate moderate. For example, why not let Sean Hannity of Fox News (who is clearly in favor of Trump) and Rachael Maddow, (an open Hillary supporter) lead a debate. (this was not my original idea) Cut microphones and have clear times where only one person can speak. (this part is my original idea).

Can I just say that I think the debates have little to do with anything that matters and only has become a series of low impact train wrecks. The best use of the debates is to give fodder to the late night comedy shows and SNL. Shouldn't our political system be educational and useful? Is anyone actually swayed by the debates? I am sure they are, and I think we need debates. In this cycle, the people clearly know that neither candidate is a good choice for the country. Unfortunately, the debates in 2016 are an opportunity for candidates and their VP picks to try to show that the other candidate has more dirty laundry than themselves. No one I know is picking Trump or Clinton for the merits of their candidacy. Only because the fear of what will happen if the other candidate is elected.

I live in Ohio, where anyone who follows politics knows that Ohio is the political capital of the US during election cycles. I have never seen so few yard signs. The few that do exist are for local candidates. In a way, I am happy about that. In another, I am disappointed with the fact that in political Ohio, no one wants to vote "For" someone. It is almost unfortunate that I cannot simply put an "X" beside the candidates I don't want. I will be voting, and I have to vote for someone. But I don't want to vote "for" anyone who has a chance of winning this election. I know this happens for people in every election, but if you believe the polls, you know what I am saying is correct. This time around, no one wants either choice. No debate will change this.

And the Weiner is

So I have been spending many days in NYC as a part of my work. Today, the news is that Weiner and Abedin are calling it quits after yet another round of sexting by....any guesses? There are so many bad and inappropriate jokes here I don't know if I should spend my time working on my humor, or ignore it in hopes that it will just go away. Either way, all I know for sure is that everyone I speak to wants all new candidates on both sides. No one seems to be supporting either party. There is the least number of advertising and yard signs I have ever seen. At this point, I suspect that this may be the lowest turnout of any presidential election in history.

I don't know which candidate is actually a better choice. Let me restate that. I could never vote for Hillary, however, I don't know that I can vote for Trump. If you read my last post, you know that I too have no interest in either candidate. I just wish we could go back to voting for people who have morals, who have principles, who care about protecting constitutional rights over entitlements. My freedom is more important than my security. When it comes to security, I will handle it. I know how to protect my family. I know how to take care of myself. I don't need big brother to look out for me. Military, yes. Protect the country. Have police, but don't infringe my rights in the name of security for the masses.

Lets move on to the 49ers. Colin something is creating a stir over not standing during the national anthem. I figured he was too injured to get up. Its not like he gets up very quick after getting knocked down in the backfield. I can appreciate his stance. He is in favor of locking up Hillary for her scandals and for her email issues. I also heard that he wanted to bring attention to the police issues in black communities. For those of you who think I am a racist for not claiming "African American," instead of "black," just remember, that we are specifically talking about skin color, not Ancestry. I have white skin, but no one ever refers to me as a European American. Furthermore, Not all blacks are from Africa. Maybe their ancestors are, but that is presumptuous to claim African American without knowing their heritage. Also, what about the blacks who are not Americans. Believe it or not, there are black people who are actually African, or European or Asian. If political correctness prevails, God Forbid, then I expect that I will forever be considered a European American and better not hear about being a redneck, or white guy any more.

Enough for now. The news is depressing. At this point, the hurricanes threatening the US are less damaging than the two party candidates, and at least on the Democrat side, the storms are less likely to be deadly than the Clinton machine. Hey, that is catchy. The Clintons, we've killed more people than natural disasters.

I know bad me. Pray for your enemies. I try. Harder than it should be, and I am not perfect. Either way, I pray that God Bless this country, this president, and the next one, regardless of their politics. Who knows, maybe this is God's way of giving us what we asked for. Can't expect God to intervene when we are collectively abandoning Him.

God Bless,

Geoff

Reset Button

Is anyone else distraught that every time Hillary or Obama or frankly anyone in the DNC speaks it makes Trump look better. I don't like Trump. I don't want Trump. I am just as scared about the prospect of President Trump as President Clinton part deux. On the day they announce that President Reagan's attempted assassin is to be released in a few days, Obama makes me stay up late just to hear him dribble about the merits of Hillary. There are no merits. Not that Trump has any either, but what is going on?

Hillary famously referred to the "reset button" with the Russians, but when do we get to reset the entire field in DC? It appears that the "fundamental transformation of America" is complete, but I want a fundamental restoration of values and principles. I don't need to know how the government can take my hard earned money and use it to help others. I am active in my community. I use my own initiative to help those in need.

I have employed as many as 25 people at one time. I would pay my staff more if I could but the cost to employ often out weighs the benefit to the company and I value my staff too much to lower wages to compensate. I think most employers would raise wages if we could eliminate the expenses associated with it. I could raise the salary of my staff by 20% and simultaneously increase my own income by 10% if I didn't have to pay for the privilege (taxes) of being an employer. Most of my staff would gain an additional 15% if we simply eliminated income taxes. Imagine having 15% more in your pocket all year long.

Back to restoration. Life, Liberty and pursuit of happiness.....that is unless you live in a city, or own property, or use fuel, or have a firearm, or want to build a home, or want to help people. Yes, help people. I know several nonprofit organizations who spend much of their resources simply trying to maintain environmental permits and satisfy governmental agencies. Unacceptable. EPA=Enough Protection Already!

Why can't we all get along? Because the politicians succeed when we are attacking each other. If we are looking for someone to "fix" the problem, then both parties benefit, and the people lose. We don't have a government of the people, for the people and by the people. We have a ruling political class that is occasionally set back by the people's "intruder." It doesn't take much to change those who mean well once they reach DC. We need the people's reset button. It is beyond time to clean slate. But who will join me? With less than 50% of eligible voters showing up in an election, the non-voters could change the whole system by simply casting a vote.

If you have any ideas how to get registered voters who stay home to unite behind a real leader, let me know. Till then, I will wallow in self pity about the lack of leadership both parties have put as the best the USA has to offer.

Geoff

Welcome

Hello and welcome to Politicked. This is a blog I have long considered to start. With the spectacle that the 2016 Presidential election is, I think it is finally time to let loose. I don't know if Google will permit me to speak freely or not. I am often not politically correct.

Let me introduce myself by concept rather than name. I consider myself as a God Fearing Constitutional Libertarian, but refuse to be grouped into any particular ethos. My background involves Nature, Law Enforcement, USMC, Construction, Business, Non-profits, Farming, Education, Christianity, Firearms, Law, Celtic Heritage, International Travel, Writing and many other pursuits. I will reveal more about me throughout our journey together, and yes, I will use my real name because I stand by my beliefs. You may feel free to speak your mind here just as I do. I will screen for profanity and insults. Your definition of these terms may differ from mine. If you don't like how I handle it, write your own blog.

I hope our journey together is a long a prosperous one for each of us. You will hear me rant, comment and quote on current affairs and history as I understand it. I am very blessed to live in the USA and although it is not perfect, I still believe there is nowhere better to live, but we all play a role in creating the world we want to live in, so here is my small contribution. Won't you join me even if you disagree with my stance on issues?

God Bless,

Geoff