2010 Elections – The Balance of Power

September 6, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

With less than eight weeks for the mid-term elections, the speculations are the GOP will claim the House and the House majority leader will be John Boehner. Similarly, the speculators believe the GOP has a slim chance of taking over the U.S. Senate.

In view of the optimistic Republican forecast as potential majority House members it’s essential to review the GOP plans for the nation.

Currently, the GOP mantra is the economy they successfully transformed into near ‘Great Depression,’ during their majority rule in the House and Senate under the Republican administration of the former President George W. Bush and the Vice President Dick Cheney.

The Republicans might fervently argue that the Democrats controlled the House and the Senate since 2006.

Although it’s a valid argument, the Republican members always gain control over legislation regardless of them being the majority or the minority due to their allegiance to the special interests devising the bills in Capitol Hill.

Moreover, the former President George W. Bush vowed to veto the bills passed by the Congressional Democrats on every issue and the veto record exemplifies the oath.

Per the leading conservative talk show host complimenting on the previous Republican administration – “President George W. Bush was not the lame duck for the agendas were pushed against the Democrats will.”

The comment is accurate in that respect – prominently the Iraq war, financial deregulation, blank check to Wall Street and tax exemptions to the wealthy by letting the middle class America disappear with the lower income families in poverty were all the Republican achievements that drove the surplus economy into skyrocketing deficit mostly blown away in the illegal warfare.

The GOP economic plan is none and their winning strategy in the coming elections,

According to Wall Street Journal, September 2, 2010 – By David Wessel – Thank you.

“Republican rhetoric offers little help. To the quiet discomfort of a few GOP politicians and several who advise Republicans on economics, this year’s campaign, so far, has little of the substance that accompanied the 1994 Republican renaissance with then-House leader Newt Gingrich’s “Contract with America.

The only sure thing is that if President Barack Obama is for it, Republicans are against it.

Comments by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell a few weeks ago are typical:

If a bill doesn’t kill jobs or make it harder to create them, they’re not interested. It’s time for a different approach.”

This may be smart politics. Why be specific and give the other side a target, when you’re winning by riding a wave of voter frustration: Don’t like the Obama economy? Vote for us.

The closest Republicans come to a public economic agenda are speeches by their House leader, John Boehner, who promises more detail later this month to blunt Democratic efforts to paint Republicans as the “Party of No.”

For now, a few themes are evident.

One is that the spending-heavy Obama is a failure, often extrapolated into arguing that government spending is inherently bad.

“The common logic among Washington Democrats is that government spending creates jobs when that money is used to build a hiking trail or a playground,” Mr. Boehner said, disapprovingly, during an Aug. 24 speech in Cleveland.

Adds GOP Rep. Paul Ryan: “We are not Keynesians. We don’t believe in demand-side stimulus. We’re going to stop the spending spree.”

That’s easier to promise than do. Even spending foes, once in office, tend to spend.

“Prior to the Democrats’ takeover of the Congress and the White House in 2008, the Republicans ushered in the largest expansion of federal spending since the heydays of Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society in the 1960s,” says Alaska’s Joe Miller, who beat incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the Republican primary.

“You’re going to have a whole bunch of people coming here who aren’t going to want to vote for any spending bill—maybe defense? Maybe not?—to fund the government,” predicts Vin Weber, a former Republican congressman. That could force GOP leaders to rely on Democratic votes for spending bills to keep the government running, hardly a recipe for curbing spending.

The leadership’s avowed interest in promoting free-trade pacts, for instance, may not be shared by the populist Republicans who are winning primaries.

The absence of a coherent Republican agenda reflects more than the usual lack of consensus. The gap between current congressional leaders and tea-party activists is huge.”

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GOP Economic Plan Overview – By Padmini Arhant

There is no economic plan upon Rep. John Boehner assuming House leadership and likewise in the Senate.

Except for extending the 2000 – 2008 President Bush and Vice President Cheney’s failed economic policy.

1. Renewing all the Bush tax cuts is a top GOP priority.

2. Business friendly tax cuts enabling massive Wall Street CEO Bonuses.

3. A big corporate tax overhaul that cuts rates now – Inevitably depriving revenue for the nation, besides widening the national deficit to an alarming proportion – precedence set by the Republican administration with unique expertise in this regard.

Ironically, it’s also the GOP’s main criticism against President Barack Obama even though the President has diligently set up bipartisan committee on deficit control.

4. Promoting free trade pacts – outsourcing 90% American jobs overseas enlarging the unemployment indefinitely and facilitating,

5. Small businesses, Retail and Wholesale industry collapse from the lack of consumer spending.

On the contrary, the Congressional House Democrats under the efficient and result oriented Speaker Nancy Pelosi passed the following legislation – swiftly and favorably to all Americans including the Small Businesses and Corporations to promote job growth.

Ref: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/d?d111:0:./list/bss/d111HR.lst:

1. H.R.1: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – keeping 750,000 and more Americans employed with a significant rise in the immediate future upon complete investment.

2. H.R.2 : Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

3. H.R.11: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 – Guarantees equal pay for women that were denied by the Conservative Supreme Court votes followed by the Republican Senate coherence to the equal rights denial to women. The bill was passed through Democrats votes.

4. H.R.12: Paycheck Fairness Act – Subsequent to Republican Senate ‘Nay’ votes for equal pay to women, the matter was introduced through a new bill and passed with the Democrats votes.

5. H.R.13: TEACH for Our Future Act of 2009 – Focused on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness. Referred to the Subcommittee related to Higher Education…

6. H.R.14: Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 – Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

7. H.R.78: Stop Mortgage Fraud Act – Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee Hearings Held.

8. H.R.83: Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

9. H.R.84: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act – Latest Major Action: 3/25/2010 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

10. H.R.74: Financial Oversight Commission Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

11. H.R.58: Green Schools Act – Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

12. . H.R.52: Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation Act – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

13. H.R.49: American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act – Latest Major Action: 2/4/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

14. H.R.47: Expand and Preserve Home Ownership through Counseling Act – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

15. H.R.46: Family Self-Sufficiency Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 4/30/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

16. H.R.43: Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

17. H.R.21: Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act – Latest Major Action: 6/18/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

18. H.R.16: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction of State and local general sales taxes – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

19. H.R.15: National Health Insurance Act – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

20. Economic bills to stimulate job growth, Financial Reform, Health Care law, Unemployment Benefits extension and energy bill are the hallmark of Speaker Nancy Pelosi leadership.

Together with the extremely hardworking Democrat legislators alongside selective few Republican members votes made the historic legislation possible.

The choices are clear. American jobs, economy, education, health care, environment and energy independence are the Democrats priority.

Whereas the Republican leadership under John Boehner is clueless evidenced in the Wall Street Journal report and the minority leader’s interviews.

Why would the American electorate reject a bright future with Democrats under the leaderships of Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the House, Senate Democrats majority and President Barack Obama?

When they are all constantly engaged in improving American lives.

Quoting from the cited Wall Street Journal report –

“Many Republicans are running on “anger.” That may win the election; it’s hard to turn into a legislative agenda.”

Further, the Republican election winning strategy is to create a wedge between the solid Democrats working towards economic recovery and social progress. Usually it’s premised on distortion, false propaganda and negative attacks considering there is no specific economic or other proposals from them to move the nation forward.

GOP might have won in the past on divide and rule, polarization tactics. However, disregarding the reality on their track record that will be clarified and presented loud and clear to protect the American electorate from being misled in the coming weeks nearing election – is underestimating voter decision power.

After all, actions speak louder than rhetoric.

American voters’ prospects are assured under Democrats rule in the House, Senate and the White House.

The Republican action thus far has been protesting every legislation – particularly the jobs bill, economic revival such as unemployment extension, tax credits for consumer spending, payroll tax exemption to small businesses and corporations, $30 billion to community banks for small business lending…and,

Importantly they were against Wall Street reform and everything to do with national interest.

Republican candidates are hopeful in November 2010 to win the elections through their relentless support to Wall Street and the special interests’ campaign financing.

Unlike the Democrats accomplishments and future commitments towards American families and businesses that confirm their candidacy.

Please safeguard and secure your own, your family and the next generation’s prosperity by granting the Democrats a super majority status in the House and the Senate.

It’s well known that the Republican balance of power consistently produce “Washington gridlock,” – rewarding the special interests at the average American plight.

Allowing that to happen would be devastating for the national and global economy with slow and steady growth.

Notwithstanding history repeating itself reminiscent to 2000 – 2008 – President Bush and Vice President Cheney era.

Please visit the websites – www.dcccc.org, www.dscc.org. www.dnc.org and www.dga.org with your generous and affordable donations to help all Democratic contenders win the congressional election in November 2010.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Senate Preliminary Victory on Procedural Vote

November 21, 2009

By Padmini Arhant

Congratulations! To the American public, President Barack Obama, Senate Majority leader Harry Reid and the Senators casting their votes to enable the health care debate for Senate approval.

It’s encouraging to witness the commitment from the majority to improve millions of American lives.
The action was long overdue and it’s just beginning to take fruition. I have no doubt that upon the historic national health care legislation; the American electorate would reciprocate in the 2010 mid-term elections with the appropriate results.

It’s important to maintain the momentum without substantial compromise on the real benefits and rights of the American people. Again, the bill should encompass robust ‘public option’ component and other factors relevant to the women’s reproductive rights, preserving existing Medicare to senior citizens while accommodating reasonable payments to providers in the government run program . The federal deficit reduction or neutrality is equally essential in the final bill.

An extraordinary journey, nevertheless the light is visible at the end of the tunnel.

As stated earlier, I remain steadfast with my support to President Barack Obama and every member in the House and Senate in passing the necessary legislations on various national and international issues.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Fairness Doctrine

October 21, 2008

Most recently, a frustrated reader, evidently a Republican wrote the following letter to the editor, the San Jose Mercury News, October 20, 2008. – Thank you.

“Shame on the media for favoring Dems —

The media and Hollywood have lost all self-respect. The movie “W” comes out 19 days before the election.

The re-release of “Hanoi Hilton,” which portrays an actual true version of what happened to John McCain, is halted and will not be released until a week after the election.

I’m sure this is just coincidence. Joe the Plumber questions Obama; he gets investigated by the media.

Palin gets more scrutiny in a few weeks than Obama has for two years.

From Tony Rezko to William Ayers, to Rev. Jeremiah Wright, to ACORN, no investigations!

Thank God for alternative media. Without it, where would we get the news?

Oh wait, the Fairness Doctrine will fix this.”

Jon Hoefling

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The Fairness Doctrine has remained focused on issues concerning people in the United States and around the world. It is a true commitment and solemnly pledged for the welfare of humanity.

If the re-release of “Hanoi Hilton” is halted for political reason,

Then it undermines the democratic values and such practices have no place in politics or elsewhere.

Both Presidential campaigns are advocating “change” in Washington.

The Change must begin in the Campaign trail to have any impact and credibility upon their election to office.

It is appropriate for the electorate to have both sides of “Presidential Profiles” to help them make an informed decision on November 4, 2008.

In terms of non-partisan effort by the Fairness Doctrine, – please refer to the blogs –

Presidential Race – Sequel, May 24, 2008, Accountability – Aug 12, 2008 –www.padminiarhant.blogspot.com

or

Accountability – www.padminiarhant.com under U.S.Politics.

Further, the Fairness Doctrine in evidence of “transparency and accountability” would like to present the communication held with the Republican Presidential Candidate, Senator John McCain.

The original transcript of the letter from the Republican Presidential Candidate:

To: Padmini Arhant

From: John McCain

Tuesday Morning

Dear Friend,

I am 100% committed to leading our Party to victory in this November’s elections all across the country, and I need RNC Members like you, men and women who have done so much to help our Party in the past, working alongside me.

That’s why I made it my first priority , after securing the Republican Presidential nomination, to reach out to you today to ask you to stand with me in a criticially important undertaking.

The fate of all of our Republican candidates and the fate of our Party in the 2008 election is in the hands of Americans like you. We cannot succeed without your immediate and generous support.

That’s why I am asking you to join in the effort that I will be spearheading in the coming months to build and strengthen our Party’s national organization from the grassroots up. This RNC project will be known as VICTORY 2008.

My friend, it is absolutely critical that we kick-off Victory 2008 immediately – and with as much strength as we can muster.

Our challenge this year is greater than it ever has been – because our Democrat opponents are more determined to win total control of the government than ever before. They are raising unprecedented sums of money. And they have seen record-breaking voter turnout in primaries and caucuses nationwide.

That is why we must begin right now – to answer this challenge.

And that’s why it is so important to me to have Republicans like you join with me in making a 100% commitment to RNC VICTORY 2008 today.

So please take a moment to sign and return the enclosed RNC VICTORY 2008 Pledge of Support, along with your contribution of $1,000, $500, $100, $50 or even $25 to help us kick-off this campaign.

We’ve set an aggressive goal of raising $10 million in seed money in the next 30 days to jump-start our Victory effort. That’s why it is essential that you return your Victory 2008 contribution immediately.

Your gift will be used for promoting our Republican agenda, identifying Republican and Republican-leaning voters, conducting voter education and Absentee Ballot programs as well as implementing the RNC 72-Hour national Get-Out-The-Vote effort to get our voters to the polls on Election Day.

Perhaps most important of all, your gift to Victory 2008 will help fund the RNC’s voter registration program which has a goal of registering 2 million new Republican voters before Election Day.

Let me be perfectly clear about what is at stake for our nation if we fail to elect conservative Republican leadership in Washington, D.C.

If liberals like Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi control the White House, Congress and statehouses across this country …

…they will raise your taxes. Already, leading Democrats have laid out plans to pass record-setting tax increases.

But if Republicans win, we will make the present tax cuts permanent, work to cut additional taxes and simplify the tax code. Republicans know that raising taxes in tough economic times is a recipe for disaster, but tax cuts are proven medicine for getting the economy growing again.

If liberal organizations like MoveOn.org have their way, our troops will be recklessly pulled out of Iraq and our enemies will be handed a victory they have neither won nor deserve.

But Republicans will not give up. We will see the war through to victory and make sure the radical Islamic extremists have no sanctuary and no victory.

If liberals have their way, government spending will skyrocket as they implement government-run health care and resurrect their entire portfolio of the failed welfare state programs of the 60s and 70s.

But not if we Republicans unite and work together. Our free-market solutions and conservative principles are better for America – and that has proven true time and again.

As the Democrats tear each other apart arguing over “Who will raise taxes the most ?” and “Who is more committed to cut and run in Iraq?”, you and I need to be getting organized and reaching out to our fellow Americans to let them know there is a BETTER WAY , our way, the Republican way of solving problems that does not rely on big government and high taxes.

History has shown that no nation has ever taxed its way to economic prosperity…

…And no nation has ever become more secure retreating from a conflict that they are winning or by standing down their troops in the face of a sworn enemy such as the radical Islamic terrorists who have made our destruction their sole purpose in life.

I know this because as a proud foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution some years ago, I witnessed first hand the strength and power of our conservative ideals and principles.

I was inspired to get into politics by Ronald Reagan. I respect and cherish the leadership President Reagan brought to our Party and our nation. And the principles that guided him provided the lessons needed to improve the policies of today.

I want to restore the trust of the American people in their government.

I want our Party to make the tax cuts permanent.

I want our Party’s candidates and leaders to strengthen ethical standards in government to eliminate the influence of big monied interests.

I want Republicans to stop Congressional earmarks that allow lawmakers to inject millions of dollars in pork-barrel spending into legislation with no accountability. And, as President, I will veto any bill that comes to my desk with earmarks.

I want Republicans to lead the way to expanding affordability and accessibility to quality health care with market-based – not big government – solutions.

I want to help elect Republicans who will fight to strengthen border security.

I want the Republican Party to ensure that our nation builds on the success we have achieved in Iraq under the leadership of General David Petreaus and the troop surge he orchestrated and implemented.

And I want to keep America safe, prosperous and proud so that our children and grandchildren will have even greater opportunities than the ones we were blessed with.

Our Republican agenda stands in stark contrast to our liberal Democrat opponents who are rallying behind a tired, failed agenda of creeping socialism, ever-rising taxes and a defense policy of retreat-and-defeat.

My friend, that is not the kind of change our nation needs.

But I cannot succeed, nor can our Party prevail over the challenges we will fact from the Obama/Clinton Democrats, without the support of dedicated Republicans like you.

That is why your immediate response is crucial and your generous financial support is urgently needed.

We’ve all seen the Democrats’ massive rallies, record-setting voter turnout and colossal fundraising reports. It is obvious they are pulling out all the stops to win.

Will you sit on the sidelines and let them take control of Washington? Or, will you join with me by signing and returning the enclosed Pledge of Support along with a contribution today?

The past few elections have shown that every vote counts.

You and I need to make sure the Republican Party has the resources it needs to fight for every vote, all across the country.

Clearly we must act immediately to be ready for the challenges ahead . The ambitious goal of raising $10 million in the enxt 30 days for Victory 2008 is just the beginning. And the fact is – we can’t afford to fall short .

So please take a moment right now to sign and return the enclosed RNC VICTORY 2008 Pledge of Support. Please also enclose your most generous contribution of $1,000, $500, $100, $50 or even $25 to help us fully fund our Party’s outreach efforts, voter registration and get-out-the-vote programs.

The future of our nation, our Republican agenda and our entire Republican campaign effort depends on the success of RNC VICTORY 2008 and on your support today.

Please let me know that I can count on you. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John McCain

United States Senator

P.S. The liberal Democrat agenda is wrong for America and we need to unite now to stop it. That’s why I’m personally asking you to support RNC VICTORY 2008. This effort is critical in giving Republican candidates the edge they need to win.

Please sign the enclosed Pledge of Support and return it with your contribution of $1,000, $500, $100, $50 or even $25 today. Your support is urgently needed to help us reach our goal of raising $10 million to kick-off Victory 2008 this month. Thank you in advance for joining me in this very important cause.

———————————————-

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Victory 2008

PLEDGE OF SUPPORT

To: Senator John McCain 575590126

RNC Victory 2008 V08CA060

From: Padmini Arhant

Dear Senator McCain,

I am honored to be one of the first to join the RNC VICTORY 2008 effort. I realize how important Republican Party outreach, Voter Registration, and Get-Out-The-Vote programs are to strengthening our grassroots foundation and helping Republican candidates running for office all across the country. I pledge to do everything I can to help this critical effort succeed.

Enclosed is my personal contribution of:

$1,000, $500, $250, $100, $50, $25, $ other

Signature ____________________________

Padmini Arhant

Please make your personal check payable to RNC Victory 2008

Contributions to the Republican National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

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Please note the Senator’s letter was received in May 2008, during the height of Democratic Primary election.

The requests still continues up until now.

My response to the above letter:

May 27th , 2008.

Private and Confidential

Intended for Addressee Only

From: Padmini Arhant

To: Hon. Senator John McCain

Presidential Candidate, Republican Party

Washington DC 20077-7252

Dear Senator McCain,

I am honored to receive information about your candidacy. I salute you for your service to this great nation as a war hero and a Senator representing the State of Arizona.

Your commitment to bring about changes on national and international issues is praiseworthy.

I am sure you will continue to work tirelessly for the welfare of all Americans and people around the world, if, you were to be elected the next “President of the United States ” in November 2008.

As an “Independent,” I pledge my support to the people of this nation and millions around the globe.

My position is to voice my concerns for humanity in all aspects.

With all due respect, to you and several other honorable Statesmen and women, I realized lately that politics is not for people like me seeking truth and justice.

My request to your candidacy for the office of “The President of the United States ” is, to address the great many challenges confronting our nation with effective policies that would benefit the people and not the Special Interests or the Lobbyists .

It is essential for the next administration to address every issue with diligence in providing immediate relief to the people from the economic, energy, education, health, and environmental crises.

It is evident from the recent polls that the nation is desperate for Change comprising "Fiscal responsibility, Accountability and Transparency” in Washington Politics.

I am confident that any candidate sincere in delivering the specified change can win the general election in November 2008.

I would like to add that candidates must have a legitimate time line for troop withdrawal from Iraq and divert investments to accelerate economic growth at home.

The national security and foreign policy is another major concern for the electorate.

I cannot possibly emphasize enough to pursue the path of Peace and Diplomacy at every opportunity over War and Aggression .

The nuclear proliferation is another culminating factor to the existing volatile world environment. These are bipartisan issues and matter to the entire humanity.

I hope the future “President of the United States ” would earnestly seek multilateral resolutions for international crises as we have learned a harsh lesson from the current Iraq war .

I wish you the very best in all your endeavors including the “Presidency of the United States” in November 2008.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Padmini Arhant

P.S: There might be many deserving choices in the Republican Party and outside.

If, I may take the liberty of expressing the choice for your Vice Presidential candidate;

I think given the two most compelling issues – economy and Iraq war in the minds of the electorate,

The New York City, Mayor, Michael Bloomberg or the Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel not only alienate your candidacy from the current unpopular administration but also bolster the Republican ticket as “centrist” among “independent” and crossover electorate.

I am almost certain that either one of these two choices will be a “win-win” situation for you in November 2008.

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Finally, The Fairness Doctrine is to promote peace, progress and prosperity for all and bring forces against the maxim to justice.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, Politics, United States | Leave a Comment