The Renewal Amendments: 29

Everyday Americans pay taxes in some way, shape or form. The nation was founded on the notion if that a person is taxed then they must be represented. Well recently many that did not remember the government shutdown in the 90s found out that at times the government can be shutdown. I am not here to point fingers or place blame. Republicans started the fight and Democrats punched right back. Of course both sides claimed to be fighting for a worthy cause. One for liberty. The other for social justice. Both I believe to be worthy causes that can coexist. The problem is that at the end of the day R's and D's are fighting to maintain power. 

How can someone be respresented if the government is shutdown? Or technically a government slowdown. I favor a government slowdown as long as it is not taking away useful government services just to spite the other guys. Of course that is a different topic for a different time.  Back to the representation when there is no government. To answer that question, one is not represented. Yet, they are still expected to pay taxes to the Feds when very little is being done. Well except when cameras are around and they can treat park employees like common criminals. Or tell stories of people going without paychecks while the politician speaking is still getting theirs. 

So what is the solution? A new amendment. An amendment that states that those in power must earn their paychecks. They must have a budget outlined and the government must be fully functional.

I am not sure how the exact wording should go but it should ensure those elected to federal office do not get paid if the government shuts down. The budgets that are passed must keep spending below the projected tax revenue for that year. If a budget cannot be reached then congress cannot go into recess. Also for everyday of a shutdown, each taxpayer will recieve a certain percentage of their taxes refunded.

The solution seems to be simple yet not easy to accomplish. I understand that creating a government budget is not the same as creating a family budget. For one families don't have money making machines. Not legally at least. We currently have a government that is full of people who have no insentive to compromise. A punch in the wallet would be small for many of those in power but it would annoy them enough for some kind of action.  

The Renewal Amendments: 28

Lately in the news we are finding out more and more that our elected representatives along with the special interest groups that support them are receiving special treatment when it comes to laws. This has been highlighted by the Affordable Healthcare Act. Even before it was passed there were deals being made to ensure that certain people would be exempt in order to get a senator or representative to vote for it. Since it has taken effect (or affect, I never know which one to use), we have learned of different groups that will be exempt from it to include our law passers. Let me be clear, while I use this law as a reason for a new amendment to the United States Constitution (probably because I think it is terrible law) this is not something new to our nation or mankind and both of the two major parties are guilty of it.

There has been a push for a 28th Amendment that would require laws to apply equally to everyone in the United States. I believe this to be a good idea. Laws for the most part should apply to all who are apart of a nation. 

The amendment should read along the lines of the following:

No law can be written as to exempt any person based on their position, membership in a group or social status unless there is a protection of that exemption in any article, previous amendment or future amendment to the United States Constitution. 

Examples of exemptions that should be allowed are those that would protect religious freedoms laid out in the 1st Amendment and protection of racial minorities that are laid out in Article I and Amendments 13, 14 and 15. There could be more reasons to exempt someone found in the Constituion. 

It also needs to be written to allow for people to challenge the law in courts if they have standing in order to receive an exemption. It also cannot be written as to limit the executive branch from being able to enforce laws as they see to be fit.

We have to ensure that laws are not used to oppress or to unfairly burden any segment of the population. This would be a step in the right direction. There will always be times when those in power help those who got them to where they are but that type of corruption can be contained.

The Renewal Amendments

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.

United States Constitution Article V

In this country we have many arguments about whether the United States Constituion is a living document. Meaning, does it mean different things at different times? Yes and no.

For starters there are items that are vague and interpretive. Example, the right to free speech. What is speech? Is it only the words that come out of one's mouth? Does speech include wearing a tshirt with a message on it? Does it include stripping? And what if that speech causes harm to someone else? What if someone yells fire in a crowded theater that is not on fire and causes mass panic that injures someone? Can students exercise their freedom of speech at school or school related events? As you can see, one part of one amendment can create tons of questions. Yet even with these parts that can have some subjectivity there are still absolutes. It does not change from generation to generation that speech is protected. 

There is another way the Constituion is a living document in a sense. It is the amendments process. This is how we can make needed changes. Of course, it is a process that ensures very few amendments are added. As you can see, it takes much approving. And once the changes are made, the changes cannot be taken back without the same process. Just look at the 18th and 21st Amendments. 

While it's a difficult process, it is time to make amendments and changes. We have a government that is not working for the good of The People. It had sold out for power. When politicians only highlight their opponents weaknesses and not their own positives then we know they have found loopholes in the system. Why do something positive that might give someone else a little bit of  credit? It's just easier to obstruct and then blame it on the other side. 

The first proposal needs to be that laws are applied equally. No one can be exempt based on position, group or social status. 

The second needs to be that elected (autocorrect made this work "wrecked" the first time I typed it) officials do not receive pay in times that no budget has been passed. That includes the House, Senate, Vice President and President. 

The third needs to be to reform the electoral college. It needs to be decided if it is time to abolish it or to revamp it. 

The fourth needs to change the rule that someone must be born in the United States or to U.S. citizens in order to become president.

The fifth must be to define life. We as a nation need to start a discussion on when a person's right to life begins. Is that at conception, birth or somewhere in between?

The sixth needs to clarify the 2nd Anendment. The extremes have hi-jacked this amendment and we are all losing.

The seventh needs to be to abolish the 16th Amendment and come up with a new tax system or go back to the original system.

The eighth needs to change the way in which we elect both houses of Congress. 

The ninth needs to set term limits on elected officials along with their retirement pay.

The tenth needs to clearly define when the executive can and cannot use military force.

It is understandable that these amendments will be open to interpretation. They will not be simple. They will need to be carefully written. And they will need to be written in a way as not to stifle freedom but expand it for ourselves as well as future generations. It is time to renew our freedom and get a fresh start.

Top 9 Rangers

With the recent developments of the last week or so with Nolan Ryan and the Rangers, I started thinking about who are the greatest Texas Rangers of all-time. When it comes to who is the greatest Rangers of all-time they need to have made a contribution to the organizations history and have been great in their role on the team or front office or in the dugout.

9. Cliff Lee

He was only a rental for a half a season and the playoffs but did he ever make an impact? Upset cause he left? Didn't think he was that great in the regular season? He played like a champ and was one of the biggest reasons the Rangers made it to their first World Series While his ERA for the Rangers in the regular season was 3.98, it could have been considerably lower had he not been pitching the day he stepped off the plane. He had 96 strikeouts and 12 walks.  His 4-6 record had more to do with the fact that the Rangers offense shutdown when they watched him. In the 15 regular season games he pitched, the offense scored 3 or less runs seven times. Then look at his post season numbers and it looks like me playing Triple Play 2005 on rookie mode. His strikeout to walk ratio was 23.50 to 1.   Compared to Colby Lewis who's was 1.85 to 1 and CJ Wilson who's was 1.70 to 1. The closest competition was Cole Hammels with 17 to 1 which would be impressive considering third place was at 9 to 1. Then his ERA was 2.78 which was messed up by a bad game in the World Series at the hands of a smoking hot Giants team. He had over 11 strikeouts per nine innings. His WHIP was 0.81. He pitched and won key games in the Tampa series including the series' fifth game. Then he dominated the Yankees to the point there is a well verified rumor that they threw game six of the ALCS just to avoid game seven against Cliff. 

8. Josh Hamilton

This pains me. Josh is now the number 1 baseball enemy of Rangers fans. He says stupid stuff and was very injury prone but for those years here in Texas until the last part of 2012 when he did play he was spectfreakingtavular. In five seasons he had 771 hit, 156 doubles, 142 homers and 506 RBIs. He was an All-Star every season that he played for the Rangers. Who could forget his 2008 homerun derby? He didn't win but set the record of 28 homeruns in a single round. Then there was May 8, 2012. It was probably the last good memory of JHam. He hit four homers in one game against the O's. He also had a magical series against the Yanks in the 2012 ALCS. He hit .350 with 4 homeruns and an OBP of .536 in six games. He was also intentionally walked five times in that series. He might not feel the Texas love anymore but there was a time when he was our favorite athlete in this town.

7. Buddy Bell

He was a solid hitter for the Rangers. He hit .300 or better in two of the full six seasons he played the with the Rangers and hit below .290 only once. He had 200 hits, 42 doubles and 101 RBI in 1979. Of course his offense is not what made him a spectacular player and a four time all-star as a Ranger. It was his defense. He won six Gold Gloves as a Ranger.

6. Fergie Jenkins

When you think Rangers and pitchers of old, you think Nolan Ryan but while Nolan was still an Angel there was a guy named Fergie winning for the Rangers. While he would come back and pitch later for the Rangers, the 1974 season was his best. Combine that with his 1975 season and one could conclude that he was the greatest Rangers pitcher until Nolan and still maybe to this day. In 74, he won 25 games. That makes him only one of three Rangers pitchers to have a 20 win season and still the all-time Rangers' leader in wins for a single season. He is also tied for 6th with 18 in the 1978 season. He is also the Rangers career leader in innings pitched.  He had 29 complete games in 1974, 22 in 1975 and 16 in 1978. That puts him 1, 2 and 6 in that category for Rangers all-time. Just off those seasons alone, he has more complete games than Roy Halladay who is the active MLB leader in complete games with 67. Most don't remember this Ranger but that Canadian could throw.

5. Ron Washington

In the seven years that he has been manager, the Rangers have only had two losing seasons. They are currently on a streak of five straight winning seasons and four straight 90 win seasons. He is the Rangers all-time winningest manager. He has led them to back to back World Series in 2010 and 2011. They have played in more than 162 games four straight years. He seems like a down to earth guy. Just show up to work and do your job kind of guy. Plus he is great for Washisms. Sometimes that's how baseball go. 

4. Nolan Ryan

His career started before the Rangers were even around. He has become the face of the organization. In the 90s, he was in the twilight of his career. Yet, he threw his 6th and 7th no-no's during this time. He also reached the 5,000 strikeout  plateau and won his 300th game. Then he came back in the late 2000s and early 2010s as team president then part owner. During that time the team became winners and ALCS champions. While I believe Wash was more instrumental to this success, Nolan cannot be forgotten and combine that with his playing career and he edges out Wash for now.

3. Adrian Beltre

When you look up baseball stud in the dictionary, you will see this guy. He came to this club in 2011 and has become a leader. The type that teaches the young guys and then shows them on the field. He has hit at least 30 homers in each of his three seasons in Texas. He is currently number 2 on the Rangers' list for all-time batting average. He has hit 98 homers and 98 doubles. He is only one of seven Rangers to have a slugging percentage above .500 all-time. And what about that fielding? He won a Gold Glove in 2011 and 2012 but wait, there's more. Ever heard of a Platinum Glove? Well he has because he has won two of them. Turns out they have only been giving it out for two years now. It is awarded to the best defensive player in each league as voted on by the fans. Then in Game 4 of the 2011 ALDS against Tampa, he smacked three homeruns out of the park. You can put him up there with the likes of Reggie and The Babe and Brooks Robinson. However, never, ever touch his head.

2. Michael Young

He is number one in Rangers history in games played (1823), at bats (7399), runs scored (1085), hits (2230), doubles (415), and triples (55). He is top 10 in homers (177), RBI (984), walks (532) and average (.310).  He was not the greatest fielder in Rangers history but could be plugged into any infield position. He accepted roles that he did not choose just for the good of the team. He was with this team when they were no good and was able to know what it was like to finally make it to a World Series, two times. He is a guy who is just a grinder. He had five straight seasons of 200 hits and a total of six. He hit .300 or better in seven seasons. If there is no Ichrio and the Rangers are a better team earlier in his career then Michael Young would be a household name.

1. Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez

One the best catchers of all-time. He is top ten in Rangers history for games played (1507), at bats (5754), runs scored (866), hits (1747), doubles (352), triples (28), homeruns (217), RBI (842) and average (.304). He is number because of his great offense and even better defense. He won ten straight Gold Gloves. He was selected to the all-star team ten straight years. He even won the MVP in 1999. At the height of his career, nobody wanted to run against him because they were going to be thrown out at second.

The New America

So in America today we have a large segment of the population that is worried the nation is headed towards socialism. There is a constant barrage of Fox News and other right leaning media forums screaming this mantra. This is causing a defensive reaction from the Left. They are defending things such as social security, food stamps and The Affordable Healthcare Act. So we have R's out there defending freedoms and the free market while we have D's out defending the little man and social justice. What if neither were defending the causes they claim to defend? 

What is the biggest threat to our Republic? Is it Obamacare? Is it ongoing wars and conflicts around the world? Is it big oil companies getting tax shelters? Is it unions that are exempt from certain laws because of their political ties? Is it big bank bailouts? A large military industrial complex that ensures we are lapping the competition when it comes military spending? The answer is yes. 

Ever heard of the word fascism? Probably have when hearing about World War II and Hitler. It probably brings up images of Jews and anyone else thought to be less than human being enslaved and then killed. While these were atrocities committed by Hitler, that is only one version of fascism. 

Here is one Merriam-Webster definition of the word:

Date: 1921

1 often capitalized : a political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized government headed by a leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.

Looking at the definition, the first thing that pops out at me is exalting of nation above the individual. Could that not be more apparent than in modern America? It comes from both the Right and Left. The Right for the longest time has said that if you don't agree with America going to war then you hate the country and military. If one has a different opinion of American foreign policy then that person is an apologist and blames America first. Never despair though, the Left does the same just with different issues. They tell you that if you are against the federal government increasing regulations that you hate your fellow countryman. If you are for a different type of tax structure then you want to see the country fail. They also play the foreigner card. If you buy foreign then you hate American workers. If American companies employee people in other countries they do not want to improve the lives of the American worker. I could go on and on, so I will. Both sides favor bailouts for too big to fail companies. When it comes to war, the Right wants to take the fight to other countries as if the civilians in those countries are inferior to our civilians.  The Left's idea that the community is more important than the individual is dogma and if one disagrees they are greedy and self-centered.

While promoting race in America is not always in your face, it's still there. Saying that anti-black and anti-white stereotypes are accurate is taboo. There is still no problem stereotyping Arabs and Hispanics. There are those in government trying to paint every Hispanic as someone here illegally trying to take jobs from hardworking Americans and commit crime. Then Arabs (which inaccurately includes Persians and Indians) are cast as those who are here to impose Islamic Law and blow everyone up. Hispanics are expected to show documentation at the drop of a hat. Nobody ever questions if I am an American. Arabs or those who appear to be Arab are expected to deal with more checks at the airport and to be on terrorist watch lists. Of course, they should just rollover and accept this because it's for the good of the country. This is mainly a problem on the Right but on the Left if anyone disagrees with President Obama, they are automatically racist. 

Both tactics of using national pride and race are meant to shame the free thinker.

Then let's look at the centralization of power. No matter your political leanings you have to admit that power is centralizing in DC. Now at least the Left usually owns up that they like that view. And with a past of states abusing civil liberties, they have a valid point of view. The Right however will not admit they enjoy the federal government getting more power. They will never admit it but they want the Feds to regulate personal behavior. The Right more than the Left seems to favor going to war without Congress declaring it. However, the Left seems to be warming up to the idea. Until the latest near war experience with Syria, President Obama seemed to think he could order wars just like he was the new G.W. Bush. It is also well documented that the current president loves his drone strikes much more than any of the former presidents. He uses them with no approval by congress. Then again that's what the American people want, a strong executive that "fights" on their behalf.

As for our economics, the central government does pick and choose winners. They will bailout huge companies. The recent Affordable Healthcare Act is an example of winners being picked. The corporations win again. They will get to extend their market due to people being forced to buy health insurance. Then they can increase premiums as high as they can with the excuse that they have to cover people with pre-existing conditions. My prediction is that in twenty years the profits gained by insurance companies will make oil company profits look like chump change and America will still have a healthcare "crisis". 

I could keep going but I think the point is made. We have thrown power the DC and DC married corporations. Nobody is using forcible suppression and I don't think it will ever come to that. The citizens of this nation will just learn to conform because it is easiest. Just keep us entertained. I am sure there are those who will read this and think that I hate America. I will not waste my time or yours proving my love for this nation and it's ideals. One of those ideals is that the individual is valuable. We are not living up to that ideal. It is more important to beg our politicians for their protection and then worship them in exchange.

Top 10 Shows of the 90s That I Have Watched at Some Point in My Life

Title long enough for you? Well I had to do that to feel that I was being honest. For one, these will only be shows that I watched. They are from the 90s but I may not have watched them in the 90s. They also needed a 90s feel to me. Not sure what that means but I knew it when I saw it.

10. Martin

I don't remember much of this show but I do remember laughing at it all the time. Martin Lawrence was awesome with all the characters that he played in the show besides his main character. Who didn't love them some Sheneneh?

9. Full House

It was cheesy but it would tug at your heart strings sometimes. Thanks DJ for teaching me that I need to eat. Especially if I'm going to the gym. Fitting into that two-piece bathing suit is not more important than my health. The fake family was much more together and functional than the real people. Bob Saget was not the wholesome dad. Atlantis Morrissette wrote a song about Joey. Stephanie became a meth addict. And the Michelles should have watched the DJ eating episode.

8. Walker, Texas Ranger

Chuck Norris and 1990s

7. The Simpsons

The show that just keeps on showing. The first time I saw this show, the NES was the best out there with its 8 bit graphics. It maybe a show that has been a part of four different decades but I will always think of it as the 1990s. This is a show that has undertones that most people do not get.

6. Coach

This was a show that I watched as a kid and understood very little of it. However, I loved it. I laughed and laughed. Craig T. Nelson's dry sense of humor mixed great with Jerry Van Dyke's slapstick humor that complimented Bill Fagerbakke's goofiness. Plus it was a comedy about football mixed in with some serious times and lessons learned.

5. Fresh Prince 

A really funny and smart show that took an interesting look at lots of social issues of the time. The characters were fun. Uncle Phil the grumpy overweight guy. Carlton the over-achieving nerd who thinks the best of the world. Will being the rags to riches guy. Plus it had the catchiest theme song. West Philadelphia born and raised...

4. Saved By the Bell

It's the first Saturday morning show that I watched that wasn't a cartoon. I'm sure there were others but it was the first that I remember watching. The cheese factor was off the scale. The jocks, nerds, dorks and geeks were over the top. It had a G rated ongoing love triangle with Zack, Kelly and Slater. It had a pretty girl being chased by the guy that could never have her. They would confront issues for teens of the time. Where else would we have learned to say nope to dope?

3. Star Trek: The Next Generation

I hear ya. Nerdy sci-fi show. I bet you didn't even watch it. Well, you should have watched it. You rarely walk away from any Star Trek episode without learning something. It was almost always a fun adventure with a moral issue mixed into it. Oh and I bet you have seen the latest Star Trek movies. Guess what, they are not made if Star Trek had not been revived in the late 80s and took off in the 90s.

2. Friends

This is the show that created the rule that I did not have to watch the show in the 90s in order to make the list. I just started watching it this past summer. It is hilarious. I constantly laugh when I see it. Who wouldn't want to be those guys? Living in NYC in your 20s and 30s. Its the show that makes you miss the 90s. Plus it gave us that good Greek girl, Jennifer Aniston. I really wish I had watched this show during its original run.

1. Seinfeld

The show about nothing. The more I watch this show, the more I love it. It never gets old. I think I have seen every episode at least three times. Yet the more I watch it, the more I realize how rude and arrogant the characters are on the show and I still love the show. George is so worried about getting recognized for things, getting out of working and breaking up with women who are way out of his league. Elaine is insensitive. Kramer is the slacker's dream. Never has a job yet still has money and knows how to freeload off any and everyone. Jerry is the glue of the group. He is all about himself. Must be why it was named Seinfeld. 

The People Shutdown

What is wrong with the United States Federal Government? This body which has never been perfect seems to be getting worse and worse by the day. We are currently in a government shutdown. This is over the Affordable Healthcare Act. One side wants to ensure it is not funded and will fund very little to make its point. The other side wants it funded and seems to have the same attitude towards funding other things. 

So what is the cause of this problem? Most blame the politicians themselves. Some blame the 24 hour news media. Others blame the rich while others blame the poor. I blame us, the people. 

We have become lazy when it comes to politics. Most will say, "I hate politics and want nothing to do with it." Others thinks it is boring. Some just have no faith that the system can be changed. This has led to many not participating. As for those who do participate, they do so every four years and forget about the rest of the time. They do not vote in non-presidential elections. When they do vote in presidential elections, they choose the R or the D. 

Want to see a change in our government? It is a three part solution. 

First, start voting in state and local elections. I understand they are not glamorous. Who cares who becomes the next comptroller, right? These elections are a way to start getting good folks involved and recognized in the political game. You know way more about Susan running for city council than you ever will about Obama or Cruz. 

Second, don't just wait for the presidential elections every four years. Vote in "off year" elections. Every two years we get to change the entire House and one-third of the Senate. This is a chance to send a message to politicians that is much louder than the latest Fox or MSNBC polls.

Third and what I think is most important, vote for the person, not the party. Even if it is a third party candidate. Many say that a third party vote is a wasted vote. I say voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil and giving your say so to evil. Our government was designed to disperse power yet the parties have figured out how to consolidate most of it and share it. 

I understand that you may just be one voice and may not count very much but go out and make your small voice as loud as possible. I promise you that it will make a difference one day. While you may feel that politics is not your problem, you will find out that the loss of freedoms will be your children's problem.