Inland Empire Progressive

  Since “moving” into the Inland Empire and escaping the rolling hills of Diamond Bar, Rep. Gary Miller has really had an “oh shit” moment. He must be thinking to himself: “Not only am I a carpet bagger who just moved here to get elected. I am also fucking richer than most Tribal Members. I also cater to Wall Street interests because I sit on the Financial Services Committee and will repeal Dodd-Frank faster than a federal government bailout. Finally, I live in a district full of ‘brown people’ y no hablo espanol and don’t want to either (English only baby!). But these illegals make up 49% of the Congressional District. Oh what am I to do? I know! Say nice things like this:” Immigration: “ Congress must continue efforts to strengthen enforcement along the southwest border, remove loopholes in current law that invites manipulation of our laws, and shut down the job magnet that encourages individuals to enter our country illegally .” When I really mean this (you can’t hide from...

I probably had to be there to get the full effect, but a couple of things I wanted to note: The use of “Niqqas” instead of Niggas when referring to black people. These guys are Conservatives white guys rapping. They are rapping from the viewpoint of the Founding Fathers. Sparse crowd waving hands like it’s a rock concert. Love the old lady, hilarious! These are Conservative white guys rapping! Look out Eminem…

In 2008, people from all walks of life came together in a historic moment to elect our nation's 44th President, Barack Obama. It was a euphoric moment for all, especially for Progressives who after years in the wilderness stormed back with a resounding triumph and a mandate for change. However, the bliss was short-lived as Conservative obstruction hindered, delayed, and blocked the President's agenda that Congress was pursuing. Wall-Streeter called Obama to the carpet about his policies and soon after the Tea Party was born. The health care reform battle in 2009 was the culmination of this, as misinformed folks stormed town-hall meeting across the nation accosting Senators and Congressmen alike. This rage caught the Progressives flat footed as we made the assumption that the American people wanted a more activist government. Though they have waned a bit recently, they are pretty active locally in Redlands and Chino Hills.

06/27/11 The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently released its revised estimates for federal government spending and revenues. The top graph represents what would happen if Congress followed the laws it already passed by allowing the Bush Tax Cuts to expire, the AMT to reset, and discontinue "doc fix" to Medicare. The chart shows that taxes will evenutally line up with Total Primary Spending and the deficit would be erased. The bottom graph outlines the alternative fiscal scenario in which the Bush Tax Cuts are extended, modifications to the AMT occur, and "doc fix" is not allow to reset payment to doctors. Federal government revenues would be about 18% GDP while spending would be at around 25% and rising. I know that the Bush Tax cuts cost 3 Trillion Dollars for those making under $250K and 4 Trillion with those above making $250K included. The AMT and "doc fix" are spending I am still researching costs estimates on and will repost wh...

When I first encountered the Tea Party I thought they were a fundament threat to the Republic. I realize now that Progressive have some things in common with the Tea Party, but with one HUGE sticking point. That sticking point is the role of government in the 21st Century. These folks harken back to the past and a return to the fundamentals. That is fine with me however, Progressive interpret fundaments very differently than Tea Party folk. Progressives tend to think of the Constitution as a living document that reflects the values of current society. While some universal elements should be kept, there are other elements of the Constitution that seem out moded and reflective modern 21st Century society.

Excited about the upcoming elections this year. With less than 60 days to go I am fired up and ready to work hard and win!