Why do some Americans believe that they are entitled to stuff? At first glance you might be thinking “Yeah! Why do poor people always think they are entitled to stuff?” Although there are some middle class, low-income, and poor citizens that embrace the philosophy of “something for nothing;” some of America’s wealthiest have also purchased a ticket to this rhetoric. We are not entitled to anything other than--in the words of Anthony “Tony” Soprano“ informing his wife, “You’re entitled to sh*t.”
1. Why does the GOP feel the wealthiest of Americans are entitled to a tax cut?
2. Why do some Americans believe that if they make $8,000,000 or more they should not have to pay any taxes?
3. Why does the GOP feel they are entitled to repeal the 14th, 16th, and 17th amendments to the U.S. Constitution?
4. Why does the GOP feel that the 9/11 first responder's bill is yet another “entitlement” bill aimed at helping lazy Americans?
5. Why does the GOP believe the only entitlements Americans need is to serve the banks?
6. Why does the GOP believe they are entitled to send American jobs oversees?
We have elected officials that believe that they are entitled to go on vacation without first addressing the issues that affect millions of citizens and even though many Americans are starving for the basic necessities—well, then they are entitled to their suffering.
As America’s public school system continues to fade further into oblivion, school administrators believe they are entitled to request and receive unlimited amounts of funding to fix the infinite amount of decaying infrastructure the schools face--despite the fact that they are already receiving huge amounts of tax dollars with minuscule academic and social results for the students. At the higher education level, some students believe they are entitled to receive a passing grade in their courses just for showing up to class. Huh?
Why do some middle class, working poor and poor Americans believe that the American government should take care of them instead of demanding that the government provide them with effective academic and economical resources in order to achieve economic prosperity for their families and the nation? America has now become the "entitlement country" of the world. When did the origin of this behavior arise? There is still the “can do spirit” in America and when given the opportunity, the citizenry has produced marvelously while others continue to wallow in self-pity and choose not to partake in the opportunities that are available to them.
The “entitlement toxin” is infecting the fabric of the nation, and only the injection of the antidote of self-motivation, self-worth, and the entrepreneur spirit can cure the Republic of this infection.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
“I Don’t Think He’s Going to Do It.” Part II
I am a fan of President Lyndon Johnson partly because he was a masterful politician and for his vision of attempting to create a great society within the nation.
During the early stage of their Presidencies, LBJ and Obama immediately pursued massive social programs to aid 98% of Americans, but the GOP calls it massively expensive programs of “wealth redistribution” and “domestic entitlements.” For LBJ it was the “Great Society” programs, and for Obama the economic stimulus package and healthcare. It is true some of Johnson's programs did not live up to expectations, but the “Great Society” could have accomplished so much more. Unfortunately, many programs went underfunded. As for Mr. Obama, I believe his legislation, too, will meet the similar fate as LBJ’s.
Johnson’s "Great Society” policies provided tax cuts to the citizenry, which was his declaration of an unconditional war on poverty creating programs and training for the poor while it established various community action programs to provide the poor with a voice in housing, health, and education programs. In addition, through what I believe to be some of the greatest pieces of legislation: Medicare for the elderly, and Medicaid, health-care assistance for the poor came at a time when poor and the elderly were treated like second class citizens, or not citizens at all. Fast forward to 2010 and there is an unconditional war dedicated to eliminating these programs
In addition, LBJ would not seek reelection possibly because he was faced with the possible escalation in an effort to win the war in Vietnam with an enemy who seemed determined to fight and win no matter what the cost of life was. In 2010, it also appears equally important why I believe with the possibility of escalation of America’s military presence in Afghanistan, President Obama will not seek reelection in 2012. Mr. Obama must deal with the realities that like Johnson; he too is combating an enemy that is willing to sacrifice millions of lives to win this war.
President Obama’s recent compromise with the GOP for additional unemployment benefits for America has come with a hefty price tag. The wealthy will be granted a 2 year tax cut extension while millions of other Americans, i.e. the “99ers,” will be left out of those future unemployment benefits. President Obama has been vehemently criticized for the deal from political enemies, but some of his political allies are ready to burn him in effigy.
Conversely, LBJ grew tired of the never ending and growing death toll of American soldiers in Vietnam, the political back-stabbing, and the lack of intestinal fortitude from elected officials to do what was right for all Americans--and he was a political giant in Washington politics. In the end, the “Big Texan” had had enough and left, quite possibly, on his own terms. Fast forward to 2010, and President Obama is faced with many of the same issues. As many Americans look forward to the 2012 Presidential election, some are thinking will it be Palin, Romney, Pawlenty, Huckabee or Gingrich who will face President Obama. However, some us are thinking--will he even seek reelection?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
During the early stage of their Presidencies, LBJ and Obama immediately pursued massive social programs to aid 98% of Americans, but the GOP calls it massively expensive programs of “wealth redistribution” and “domestic entitlements.” For LBJ it was the “Great Society” programs, and for Obama the economic stimulus package and healthcare. It is true some of Johnson's programs did not live up to expectations, but the “Great Society” could have accomplished so much more. Unfortunately, many programs went underfunded. As for Mr. Obama, I believe his legislation, too, will meet the similar fate as LBJ’s.
Johnson’s "Great Society” policies provided tax cuts to the citizenry, which was his declaration of an unconditional war on poverty creating programs and training for the poor while it established various community action programs to provide the poor with a voice in housing, health, and education programs. In addition, through what I believe to be some of the greatest pieces of legislation: Medicare for the elderly, and Medicaid, health-care assistance for the poor came at a time when poor and the elderly were treated like second class citizens, or not citizens at all. Fast forward to 2010 and there is an unconditional war dedicated to eliminating these programs
In addition, LBJ would not seek reelection possibly because he was faced with the possible escalation in an effort to win the war in Vietnam with an enemy who seemed determined to fight and win no matter what the cost of life was. In 2010, it also appears equally important why I believe with the possibility of escalation of America’s military presence in Afghanistan, President Obama will not seek reelection in 2012. Mr. Obama must deal with the realities that like Johnson; he too is combating an enemy that is willing to sacrifice millions of lives to win this war.
President Obama’s recent compromise with the GOP for additional unemployment benefits for America has come with a hefty price tag. The wealthy will be granted a 2 year tax cut extension while millions of other Americans, i.e. the “99ers,” will be left out of those future unemployment benefits. President Obama has been vehemently criticized for the deal from political enemies, but some of his political allies are ready to burn him in effigy.
Conversely, LBJ grew tired of the never ending and growing death toll of American soldiers in Vietnam, the political back-stabbing, and the lack of intestinal fortitude from elected officials to do what was right for all Americans--and he was a political giant in Washington politics. In the end, the “Big Texan” had had enough and left, quite possibly, on his own terms. Fast forward to 2010, and President Obama is faced with many of the same issues. As many Americans look forward to the 2012 Presidential election, some are thinking will it be Palin, Romney, Pawlenty, Huckabee or Gingrich who will face President Obama. However, some us are thinking--will he even seek reelection?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Friday, December 10, 2010
"A Thorough Investigation."
District Attorney Seth Williams
Three South Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Friday December 13, 2010
Dear District Attorney Williams,
Perhaps I missed something, Sir, but when a city official admits to participating in the re-election campaign by deliberately misleading voters, I would think her actions would warrant an in depth investigation from your office. This is in view that the Ethics Board found the individual guilty and that it should not matter who is the perpetrator’s mother. Am I correct?
It’s clear that Ms. Renee Tartaglione, the 27 year veteran chief deputy of the City Commissioners Office, participated in illegal activity going as far as assisting Jonathan Ramos in his failed attempt to defeat Angel Cruz for State Representative, blatantly violating a long-standing ban on political activity by city employees. This happened specifically in Ms. Tartaglione’s office which is charged with ensuring that elections are fair and impartial. And at this point, aren’t her actions corrupt enough to trigger the interest of District Attorney’s Office?
Although the Ethics Board did not refer the Tartaglione incident to your office, I would hope that you will consider reviewing and addressing this matter.
To be candid, Sir, Ms. Tartaglione’s illegal activity has directly affected the residents in the 180th District, and we are asking that you “place the needs of the people first" in starting a thorough investigation into this matter.
I would appreciate your response so I can report back your intentions to our community group.
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Johnson, Organizer
The "180th Watchdog Coalition"
Terri L. Willmott
Communications Director
shadoerip@hotmail.com
Three South Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Friday December 13, 2010
Dear District Attorney Williams,
Perhaps I missed something, Sir, but when a city official admits to participating in the re-election campaign by deliberately misleading voters, I would think her actions would warrant an in depth investigation from your office. This is in view that the Ethics Board found the individual guilty and that it should not matter who is the perpetrator’s mother. Am I correct?
It’s clear that Ms. Renee Tartaglione, the 27 year veteran chief deputy of the City Commissioners Office, participated in illegal activity going as far as assisting Jonathan Ramos in his failed attempt to defeat Angel Cruz for State Representative, blatantly violating a long-standing ban on political activity by city employees. This happened specifically in Ms. Tartaglione’s office which is charged with ensuring that elections are fair and impartial. And at this point, aren’t her actions corrupt enough to trigger the interest of District Attorney’s Office?
Although the Ethics Board did not refer the Tartaglione incident to your office, I would hope that you will consider reviewing and addressing this matter.
To be candid, Sir, Ms. Tartaglione’s illegal activity has directly affected the residents in the 180th District, and we are asking that you “place the needs of the people first" in starting a thorough investigation into this matter.
I would appreciate your response so I can report back your intentions to our community group.
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Johnson, Organizer
The "180th Watchdog Coalition"
Terri L. Willmott
Communications Director
shadoerip@hotmail.com
Thursday, December 9, 2010
“Yeah, that’s fair!”
We tell our children to go to school, earn a college degree, and in return they will have a rewarding career and be financially secure. At this point in America though, an individual with a B.A., an MA or Ph.D. will be happy with any job, but alas--will not find it.
Today's youth are hip to the talk about how education pays--but when Americans that have followed that academic game plan and are unable to obtain any type of employment, why would the youth want to strive for academic excellence?
The “99ers" exhausted all their benefits and savings at least a year ago, and these workers are about to be cast aside on the road of “I am not my brother’s keeper.” The 99ers only want a job--a job! Yet, there are not even training programs or internships available to them. There are no welfare or social security benefits, hell, not even Burger King will hire them.
Congress ignored the 99ers, i.e. our American brethren praising themselves for saving the other unemployment extensions. Here, in AMERICA, we have the longest group of unemployed workers, and it is as if Congress wished they did not exist, and think by ignoring their existence they might dissipate.
So, this Christmas, the 99ers will be the group of unemployed citizens without food, clothing, and shelter while the wealthy receive an additional 2 year extension totaling 12 years of tax breaks. Yeah, that’s fair!
We tell our children to go to school and earn a college degree because without it they will have few opportunities with only poverty being available for them. Many of the 99ers have earned a college degree but the opportunity for them to provide the “basic necessities” to their families appears to be irrelevant to our elected officials because as some of them have said, "People receiving unemployment benefits are lazy and unmotivated.” Yeah, that’s fair!
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Today's youth are hip to the talk about how education pays--but when Americans that have followed that academic game plan and are unable to obtain any type of employment, why would the youth want to strive for academic excellence?
The “99ers" exhausted all their benefits and savings at least a year ago, and these workers are about to be cast aside on the road of “I am not my brother’s keeper.” The 99ers only want a job--a job! Yet, there are not even training programs or internships available to them. There are no welfare or social security benefits, hell, not even Burger King will hire them.
Congress ignored the 99ers, i.e. our American brethren praising themselves for saving the other unemployment extensions. Here, in AMERICA, we have the longest group of unemployed workers, and it is as if Congress wished they did not exist, and think by ignoring their existence they might dissipate.
So, this Christmas, the 99ers will be the group of unemployed citizens without food, clothing, and shelter while the wealthy receive an additional 2 year extension totaling 12 years of tax breaks. Yeah, that’s fair!
We tell our children to go to school and earn a college degree because without it they will have few opportunities with only poverty being available for them. Many of the 99ers have earned a college degree but the opportunity for them to provide the “basic necessities” to their families appears to be irrelevant to our elected officials because as some of them have said, "People receiving unemployment benefits are lazy and unmotivated.” Yeah, that’s fair!
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
“Dammit, Mr. President”
There is such a huge gap between rich and poor in the Republic that we have the biggest schism of all industrialized nations on the planet. And if you listen to the right-wing theory, the American poor are a bunch of lazy, no-good free loaders always wanting something for nothing.
Of course I wouldn't be okay with my unemployed brethren not having the means to provide for their families and to the Republic's economy. But are you okay with negotiating with what I believe to be American terrorists, i.e. the GOP? Every time they want something for the wealthy they will use middle class, working poor and the poor to get their way--even at the cost of watching most Americans starve and go homeless.
Further, I know all too well of the mess that President Obama has inherited and yet, the GOP aim is to keep the mess in place under his administration so that they can heap the blame upon Mr. Obama in 2012. Make no mistake, many Americans have short-term memories. On November 2, 2010 they voted for the Tea/Republican Party to take control of the House of Representative the very party responsible for America's financial peril.
As I stated recently, I am a proud Progressive, and although I support Mr. Obama on many of his initiatives, there are some and as well as his approach that I don’t agree with. Up until this point I think President Obama has done an effective job, but more must be done and the citizens that want better schools, effective healthcare, an end to political corruption, support for the middle class, working poor and the poor must demand it from him, the Democratic Party, Tea/Republican Party and Progressives alike.
Conversely, some believe that Democrats, Independents, and Progressives will abandon Mr. Obama in 2012 and cast their support for Palin. Registered Democrats at the time demonized President Carter for the financial mess in America when in fact; it was the Nixon/Ford administrations that sent the Republic into financial ruin. Nonetheless, it was Democrats that abandoned President Carter and cast their votes for Ronald Reagan.
I cannot speak for Democrats or Independents--but Progressives will never support Palin or anyone from the Tea/Republican Party because their allegiance is to the wealthy--pure and simple--and this Progressive allegiance is for the middle class, working poor, poor and the nation. You may not like us--but we make no pretention about our loyalty.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Of course I wouldn't be okay with my unemployed brethren not having the means to provide for their families and to the Republic's economy. But are you okay with negotiating with what I believe to be American terrorists, i.e. the GOP? Every time they want something for the wealthy they will use middle class, working poor and the poor to get their way--even at the cost of watching most Americans starve and go homeless.
Further, I know all too well of the mess that President Obama has inherited and yet, the GOP aim is to keep the mess in place under his administration so that they can heap the blame upon Mr. Obama in 2012. Make no mistake, many Americans have short-term memories. On November 2, 2010 they voted for the Tea/Republican Party to take control of the House of Representative the very party responsible for America's financial peril.
As I stated recently, I am a proud Progressive, and although I support Mr. Obama on many of his initiatives, there are some and as well as his approach that I don’t agree with. Up until this point I think President Obama has done an effective job, but more must be done and the citizens that want better schools, effective healthcare, an end to political corruption, support for the middle class, working poor and the poor must demand it from him, the Democratic Party, Tea/Republican Party and Progressives alike.
Conversely, some believe that Democrats, Independents, and Progressives will abandon Mr. Obama in 2012 and cast their support for Palin. Registered Democrats at the time demonized President Carter for the financial mess in America when in fact; it was the Nixon/Ford administrations that sent the Republic into financial ruin. Nonetheless, it was Democrats that abandoned President Carter and cast their votes for Ronald Reagan.
I cannot speak for Democrats or Independents--but Progressives will never support Palin or anyone from the Tea/Republican Party because their allegiance is to the wealthy--pure and simple--and this Progressive allegiance is for the middle class, working poor, poor and the nation. You may not like us--but we make no pretention about our loyalty.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Progressive
Saturday, December 4, 2010
“I Don’t Think He’s Going to Do It.” Part I
I will be honest with you; I don’t think he’s going to do it! I don’t think President Obama will run in 2012! When you really consider it--should he? President Obama is doing something that I haven’t seen since the FDR and Truman years--he’s not running a continuous campaign.
From the moment Bush II stole, eh, won the presidency in 2000, he was already campaigning for 2004. His first day in office, President Bush's 1st act was putting his George W. Bush for President ‘04’ campaign team together. His first day in office, the current President’s 1st act was putting out so many fires in the first 2 years of his administration that when I recently heard that David Axelrod was going back to Chicago to begin the 2012 campaign, I realized Mr. Obama was two-years late and that he didn’t read the memo THAT is what modern day Presidents do the first day in the Oval Office.
As an avid admirer of presidential history, I thought those outdated, fat and bloated politicians at the time hated President John Kennedy, partly because of his youth, intelligence and exuberance. Compared to the treatment that Mr. Obama has endured in his short-term as President from some of the "new" outdated, fat and bloated politicians; Kennedy's foes look as if they were preparing to canonize him for sainthood.
With the exception of President Lincoln, never has a President endured this type of single-minded hatred from elected officials, from Republican and Democrat alike who are gleefully willing to see the rest of America become a Third World Country than to support ANY of President Obama's initiatives that would benefit the Republic.
T.R., FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, and Bush I had their political enemies but damn it, when the country was in dire need of food, jobs, schools, security, etc., these men knew how to find commonality with their enemies. Unfortunately, no matter what President Obama offers his political adversaries to promote bipartisanship; they would rather spend a three-day weekend with the devil than acquiescence.
With only 36,000 jobs created for October, America’s unemployment at 9.8%, and more than 3,000,000 Americans without unemployment benefits; even middle class and working poor Americans are now throwing Mr. Obama under the bus for all that has befallen the nation. At the same time, Americans give Senator Mitch McConnell and the rest of the GOP a pass despite the fact that many of the initiatives that President Obama needs to implement in order to increase jobs, decrease unemployment and employ millions of citizens, are being blocked by them.
Again, if President Obama decided not to run in 2012, could you truly blame the man?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
From the moment Bush II stole, eh, won the presidency in 2000, he was already campaigning for 2004. His first day in office, President Bush's 1st act was putting his George W. Bush for President ‘04’ campaign team together. His first day in office, the current President’s 1st act was putting out so many fires in the first 2 years of his administration that when I recently heard that David Axelrod was going back to Chicago to begin the 2012 campaign, I realized Mr. Obama was two-years late and that he didn’t read the memo THAT is what modern day Presidents do the first day in the Oval Office.
As an avid admirer of presidential history, I thought those outdated, fat and bloated politicians at the time hated President John Kennedy, partly because of his youth, intelligence and exuberance. Compared to the treatment that Mr. Obama has endured in his short-term as President from some of the "new" outdated, fat and bloated politicians; Kennedy's foes look as if they were preparing to canonize him for sainthood.
With the exception of President Lincoln, never has a President endured this type of single-minded hatred from elected officials, from Republican and Democrat alike who are gleefully willing to see the rest of America become a Third World Country than to support ANY of President Obama's initiatives that would benefit the Republic.
T.R., FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, and Bush I had their political enemies but damn it, when the country was in dire need of food, jobs, schools, security, etc., these men knew how to find commonality with their enemies. Unfortunately, no matter what President Obama offers his political adversaries to promote bipartisanship; they would rather spend a three-day weekend with the devil than acquiescence.
With only 36,000 jobs created for October, America’s unemployment at 9.8%, and more than 3,000,000 Americans without unemployment benefits; even middle class and working poor Americans are now throwing Mr. Obama under the bus for all that has befallen the nation. At the same time, Americans give Senator Mitch McConnell and the rest of the GOP a pass despite the fact that many of the initiatives that President Obama needs to implement in order to increase jobs, decrease unemployment and employ millions of citizens, are being blocked by them.
Again, if President Obama decided not to run in 2012, could you truly blame the man?
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra, Ultra Progressive
Monday, November 29, 2010
“I’m just saying…”
Since there is no war draft, what if all future non-gay and non-lesbian Americans refuse to join the military until DADT is dropped? Even in the 21st century Americans are being denied to serve based upon sexual orientation. Haven’t we been down this dark and hollow road before?
The START Treaty is a good start but if a few senators toss the proverbial monkey wrench into the program and getting it off course; Iran and North Korea will not be the only countries brazenly flashing nuclear materials in the world.
Recently, President Obama received 12 stitches while playing basketball. Compared to the beat down he’s received over the last 2 years--12 stitches is a paper cut.
Tom DeLay is an American embarrassment, pure and simple.
Sarah Palin makes yet another gaffe. This time she has difficulty differentiating who is America’s real ally--North Korea or South Korea.
Sarah Palin isn’t going anywhere so we should simply accept the fact that she’s a constant reminder of the alcoholic aunt that continues misquote Cookie Monster for Keats.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
The START Treaty is a good start but if a few senators toss the proverbial monkey wrench into the program and getting it off course; Iran and North Korea will not be the only countries brazenly flashing nuclear materials in the world.
Recently, President Obama received 12 stitches while playing basketball. Compared to the beat down he’s received over the last 2 years--12 stitches is a paper cut.
Tom DeLay is an American embarrassment, pure and simple.
Sarah Palin makes yet another gaffe. This time she has difficulty differentiating who is America’s real ally--North Korea or South Korea.
Sarah Palin isn’t going anywhere so we should simply accept the fact that she’s a constant reminder of the alcoholic aunt that continues misquote Cookie Monster for Keats.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic.”
Anthony P. Johnson, Ultra Progressive
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