tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69834737609497814242024-02-20T02:17:48.610-08:00The Green Libertarian PartyGreen Libertarian Party
500 Smith Level Rd, # E16
Carrboro, NC 27510
"Neutrality -- With Attitude"Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-47459068577364315242021-03-08T23:32:00.002-08:002021-03-08T23:32:34.782-08:00The Death of the Republican Party?<p>
I have been too busy living my life and dealing with the two, Political parties that we have in the United States now, that I have neglected this Project. Minority Parties are an item in many countries, but not in the United States, which seemed, up to now, to be based on, mainly two Parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. But things are different now. For example, one reason Trump lost, in my opinion, is <a href="https://lincolnproject.us/">The Lincoln Project</a>, which definitely showed that you can still honor the Constitution, even if you are a Republican.
</p><p>But now, we have the Republican National Committee denying a cease-and-desist demand from Donald Trump’s attorneys, as shown in <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/08/rnc-trump-cease-and-desist-474412">this Article.</a>
</p><p>What's next? Republicans fighting Republicans? Stay tuned.</p>Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-56489407025408686022018-06-19T19:57:00.003-07:002018-06-19T19:57:40.371-07:00Tender Age Detention Centers?This is, absolutely Deplorable: I think, even Republicans are against this. (For example, how can you call yourself Pro Life, yet "Rip" Babies from their Mother's Arms, and "Place" them in a place like this? (In case the Article doesn't Render properly, here's <a href="https://apnews.com/dc0c9a5134d14862ba7c7ad9a811160e">the Link</a>).<br />
<br />
https://apnews.com/dc0c9a5134d14862ba7c7ad9a811160e<br />
<br />Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-32854969813850455552017-07-21T20:58:00.002-07:002017-07-21T21:03:14.630-07:00So what is Vladimir Putin Really afraid of?<br />
The Green Libertarian Party usually doesn't go far, into Foreign Policy, but I was reminded of an <a href="http://www.npr.org/2017/07/14/537247838/what-really-irritates-vladimir-putin-the-magnitsky-act">Awesome Article from NPR</a> about a Human Rights issue that triggered a 2012 Law: <a href="http://foreignpolicy.com/2013/04/13/a-guide-to-the-russian-officials-on-the-u-s-magnitsky-list/">The Magnitsky Act</a>. There are people, blocked from Russia for Human Rights Violations. But Russia retaliated, by stopping Adoptions of Russian Children.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/maddowblog">Rachel Maddow</a> for her help, that I could find this.<br />
<br />Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-79236583329116431322017-01-06T18:58:00.003-08:002017-01-06T18:58:16.372-08:002011 Russian Election seems connected to 2016 US ElectionI'm watching the <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show">Rachel Maddow Show right now.</a> In it, she is showing how the State Department might have influenced the 2011 Russian Election. You've got to see it to believe it, but there were definitely people in Russia, who didn't like having Putin in charge. See this clip!Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-10580129342058216742015-06-23T07:16:00.003-07:002015-06-23T07:16:55.494-07:00Why I Started this Political Party
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A lot of people, seeing this <a href="http://greenlibertarianparty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Political Party</a> want to know why we need another one. Like, for example, don't we have enough Political Parties, already? If I can't handle the Republican Party, the one I "sound" closest to, why not the Democratic Party? Well, if I "seem" close to the Republican Party, it's actually because I'm the "polar opposite" of them. If you look closely at our current Republican Party, you will see that their "Social Side" is actually a pretty mean spirited, repressive part. A "Green" part of the Republican Party? Well yes, if you consider fining homeowners, for putting Garbage in their Recycle, or Recyclable items in their garbage! But then, their "Libertarian" portion? Only if you're a Corporation! If you're a Corporation, there's this talk about "Overwhelming Regulations". How about the "overwhelming regulations" you want to put on the body of a woman? Anyway, back on track, when I state that I'm a "Fiscal Conservative", that means, in my case, that I scrutinize Corporate Welfare first (which includes subsidies to corporations that don't actually -- pay -- Corporate Income Taxes anyway. This includes corporations like GE, BP, and Exxon/Mobile). The next part I'd scrutinize, is waste in our Defense department. (I'm sure you've seen stories about $400 wrenches, and $1200 toilet seats). But then, I have NO trouble subsidizing corporations that help Planet Earth, like renewable energy companies (i.e. Solar and Wind). Also, agencies that help provide food to the poor (i.e. Meals on Wheels). So, to recap, my Green part, is in service to Planet Earth, and the people who have the "joy" and/or "misfortune" to live on it. And my Libertarian part has to do with eliminating <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victimless_crime">Victimless Crimes</a>. For example, I'm in favor of handling Drug Abuse, through our Medical infrastructure. "What?", a rhetorical person retorts. "What about if a person robs a Convenience Store, for their drug money?" My answer, "Robbing a Convenience Store is Armed Robbery, a felony, in every state I've checked. Lock the person up, for that crime. But then, provide them medical care, to heal them of their Drug Addiction". Enough of an "Executive Summary".
<br><br>
Let me introduce myself. My name is Kenneth Wayne Parker, of Carrboro, North Carolina. I represent the <a href="http://greenlibertarianparty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Green Libertarian Party</a>, which has the motto, "Neutrality -- With Attitude".<br />
<br />
This Political Party was created several years ago (around 2002), and put online, via this BLOG in August, 2008. I got the idea for it, when I attended the Great, Year 2000 (Y2K) edition of the California State Fair, in Sacramento, California. In the area with "miscellaneous tents", there was one, medium sized, "Political Tent" with two people, sitting right next to each other, sharing a single table, and with lots of materials you could take with you. One of them was a representative for the <a href="http://www.cagreens.org/" target="_blank">California Green Party</a>, and the other was a representative for the <a href="http://ca.lp.org/" target="_blank">California Libertarian Party</a>. When I came to the table, they were having a spirited, and <b>VERY</b> friendly conversation with each other, such that neither of them saw me for a couple of minutes (and I didn't interrupt them, as I was fascinated with their conversation). To make a long story short, I talked to both of them equally, and received handouts from both the Green and Libertarian parties, with <b>COMPLETE</b> cooperation between both people, who were not competing <b>AT ALL</b> with each other, at that time.<br />
<br />
I revisited these two Political Parties at the end of 2000, when Ralph Nader ran for the Green Party, against both George W. Bush and Al Gore, saying, quite clearly, that it would <b>MAKE NO DIFFERENCE</b> which one we voted for -- life would be equally bad with <b>EITHER</b> Bush <b>OR</b> Gore. Needless to say, life was <b>VERY</b> different, under George W. Bush, than it was under Bill Clinton. The <b>DETAILS</b> of that difference depends on who you talk to, and whether they are a Democrat or a Republican. The election was <b>EXTREMELY</b> close, with <b>LOTS</b> of "hanging chads", and was finally decided via the Supreme Court <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_v._Gore" target="_blank">"Bush v. Gore"</a> decision. The Democrats still say the election was "stolen", and the Republicans still say the Democrats were "sore losers". Both sides generally agree that having Ralph Nader on the ticket swung the election towards Bush. The rest is history.<br />
<br />
Since the Green Libertarian Party is a synthesis between what I consider the best of Liberal (the <a href="http://www.gp.org/index.php" target="_blank">Green Party</a>) and the best of Conservative (the <a href="http://www.lp.org/" target="_blank">Libertarian Party</a>), I feel free to pick and choose which parts of the two parties to include in the combined version. So I look for the "Highest Essence" of each. For the Green Party, it is a general position that we <b>MUST</b> take care of Planet Earth and the People who live on it. It takes a hard line on how Corporations behave, especially on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmentalism" target="_blank">Environmental issues</a> (Planet Earth) and how Managers treat their "Rank and File" employees (the People on the Planet). However, it takes a moderate view on how Individuals behave (encouraging individual behavior, such as recycling, but not instituting huge fines for, say, putting recyclables in the garbage, such as happens in many cities. In other words, setting a good example, but avoiding using force).<br />
<br />
Now, it's trickier when I approach the Libertarian Party. The "best of" part I use is the "Social" part of the Libertarian philosophy, which shows up mainly in eliminating "victimless crimes", such as consensual prostitution and simple drug possession (which I would prefer to treat medically, when drug use creates erratic behavior. I find it a travesty how many people are in our jail and prison systems, simply because of drug possession and use). The biggest objection I hear is how Drug Use goes with other crimes like, for example, a person holds up a Convenience Store to pay for Crack Cocaine. In this case, I would suggest throwing the book at the person for the Armed Robbery! That crime has clear victims (the store, and its employees), and deserves vigorous prosecution. However, at the same time the person "pays" for the robbery, he/she can be medically treated for the drug use. In addition, if drugs are decriminalized (though not encouraged, with the possible exception of Marijuana), sales can include <b>HUGE</b> taxes, paying for the medical treatment these people require. Now, the existing Libertarian Party (and the current <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States)" target="_blank">Republican Party</a>) includes "Corporate Libertarianism" (where corporations can behave as they please, with as few regulations as possible). That is the part of Libertarianism that I <b>COMPLETELY</b> leave out of the Green Libertarian Party.<br />
<br />
My position on the Democratic Party is that I have an easier time having a polite and respectful conversation with Democrats, than I do with Republicans (who often do not trust me). So, if I were to find myself in Congress, I would likely caucus with the Democrats, even though I absolutely <b>DO NOT</b> consider myself a Democrat. There is one exception, on the Republican front, as I work well with the <a href="http://www.logcabin.org/" target="_blank">Log Cabin Republicans</a>, even temporarily representing myself as such, including on the big day of debate in the Senate, at the end of 2010, on the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the US Military.<br />
<br />
So there you have it, a Fully Operational Political Party with only one person (myself, Kenneth Wayne Parker, of Seattle, Washington) that currently could run under it. Remember its URL (stated here as greenlibertarianparty dot blogspot dot com, without any "W's" needed), because it's hard to find under Google. There's one "counterfeit web site", which preaches Corporate Libertarianism, with a page or so about the Green party, that's presented by Google to confuse the issue. I consider this party fiscally conservative, by the way, as I would question <b>ANY</b> funding for wars, since they are destructive to Planet Earth, as well as hostile to the people who live on it. On the question of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guns_versus_butter_model" target="_blank">Guns verses Butter</a>, I take the Butter <b>ANY DAY</b>!<br />
<br />
Thank you and Best Regards,<br />
<br />
Kenneth Wayne Parker, Carrboro, NC</div>
Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-85689971047297131812013-12-18T22:21:00.002-08:002013-12-18T22:21:30.927-08:00The Bridge Fiasco. We're in a big nightmare, having to do with people trying to get from New Jersey to New York. Unfortunately, <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304448204579184030525950894">political party politics</a> can mess things up, much worse than a traffic accident.<br />
<br />
More later. Kenneth ParkerKenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-75187690013333516392013-04-11T00:45:00.000-07:002013-04-11T00:45:40.911-07:00Speaking of "hot air", how about this?It seems that, in the World of Gun Violence, a New Orleans Judge sees fit to rule that a statute forbidding felons from having firearms<br />
is unconstitutional after <a href="http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2013/03/new_orleans_judge_rules_statut.html">" a 'fundamental right' amendment"</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-14937478944630872402012-04-17T01:16:00.001-07:002012-04-17T01:16:15.395-07:00Infinities everywhereA lot of hot air.<br />
<br />
Could we run a government on it?Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-70601914079136374232012-01-31T17:23:00.000-08:002012-01-31T17:32:26.084-08:00Why defund the IRS? Make Life Easier for White Collar Criminals?<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">I think I just found one GOP "Constituent": The White Collar Criminal!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">See the story <a href="http://www.tax.com/taxcom/taxblog.nsf/Permalink/RGOR-8QG55S?OpenDocument">Here</a>.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Excerpt: "You might argue the money we spend on the IRS is a legitimate target for spending cuts given the size of the federal budget deficit. But keep in mind that every $1 dollar Congress appropriated for the IRS during 2011 generated $200 in revenue. (That's also in Nina Olson's report.) Talk about a multiplier effect".</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Question: Any VALID reason to cut funding for the IRS?</span><br />
<br />Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-54589565883652766762011-11-02T02:45:00.000-07:002011-11-02T02:45:56.216-07:00Introduction for New Readers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello to new readers, seeing this <a href="http://greenlibertarianparty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Political Party</a> for the first time. My name is Kenneth Wayne Parker, of Seattle, Washington. I represent the <a href="http://greenlibertarianparty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Green Libertarian Party</a>, which has the motto, "Neutrality -- With Attitude".<br />
<br />
This Political Party was created several years ago (around 2002), and put online, via this BLOG in August, 2008. I got the idea for it, when I attended the Great, Year 2000 (Y2K) edition of the California State Fair, in Sacramento, California. In the area with "miscellaneous tents", there was one, medium sized, "Political Tent" with two people, sitting right next to each other, sharing a single table, and with lots of materials you could take with you. One of them was a representative for the <a href="http://www.cagreens.org/" target="_blank">California Green Party</a>, and the other was a representative for the <a href="http://ca.lp.org/" target="_blank">California Libertarian Party</a>. When I came to the table, they were having a spirited, and <b>VERY</b> friendly conversation with each other, such that neither of them saw me for a couple of minutes (and I didn't interrupt them, as I was fascinated with their conversation). To make a long story short, I talked to both of them equally, and received handouts from both the Green and Libertarian parties, with <b>COMPLETE</b> cooperation between both people, who were not competing <b>AT ALL</b> with each other, at that time.<br />
<br />
I revisited these two Political Parties at the end of 2000, when Ralph Nader ran for the Green Party, against both George W. Bush and Al Gore, saying, quite clearly, that it would <b>MAKE NO DIFFERENCE</b> which one we voted for -- life would be equally bad with <b>EITHER</b> Bush <b>OR</b> Gore. Needless to say, life was <b>VERY</b> different, under George W. Bush, than it was under Bill Clinton. The <b>DETAILS</b> of that difference depends on who you talk to, and whether they are a Democrat or a Republican. The election was <b>EXTREMELY</b> close, with <b>LOTS</b> of "hanging chads", and was finally decided via the Supreme Court <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_v._Gore" target="_blank">"Bush v. Gore"</a> decision. The Democrats still say the election was "stolen", and the Republicans still say the Democrats were "sore losers". Both sides generally agree that having Ralph Nader on the ticket swung the election towards Bush. The rest is history.<br /><br />Since the Green Libertarian Party is a synthesis between what I consider the best of Liberal (the <a href="http://www.gp.org/index.php" target="_blank">Green Party</a>) and the best of Conservative (the <a href="http://www.lp.org/" target="_blank">Libertarian Party</a>), I feel free to pick and choose which parts of the two parties to include in the combined version. So I look for the "Highest Essence" of each. For the Green Party, it is a general position that we <b>MUST</b> take care of Planet Earth and the People who live on it. It takes a hard line on how Corporations behave, especially on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmentalism" target="_blank">Environmental issues</a> (Planet Earth) and how Managers treat their "Rank and File" employees (the People on the Planet). However, it takes a moderate view on how Individuals behave (encouraging individual behavior, such as recycling, but not instituting huge fines for, say, putting recyclables in the garbage, such as happens in many cities. In other words, setting a good example, but avoiding using force).<br />
<br />
Now, it's trickier when I approach the Libertarian Party. The "best of" part I use is the "Social" part of the Libertarian philosophy, which shows up mainly in eliminating "victimless crimes", such as consensual prostitution and simple drug possession (which I would prefer to treat medically, when drug use creates erratic behavior. I find it a travesty how many people are in our jail and prison systems, simply because of drug possession and use). The biggest objection I hear is how Drug Use goes with other crimes like, for example, a person holds up a Convenience Store to pay for Crack Cocaine. In this case, I would suggest throwing the book at the person for the Armed Robbery! That crime has clear victims (the store, and its employees), and deserves vigorous prosecution. However, at the same time the person "pays" for the robbery, he/she can be medically treated for the drug use. In addition, if drugs are decriminalized (though not encouraged, with the possible exception of Marijuana), sales can include <b>HUGE</b> taxes, paying for the medical treatment these people require. Now, the existing Libertarian Party (and the current <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States)" target="_blank">Republican Party</a>) includes "Corporate Libertarianism" (where corporations can behave as they please, with as few regulations as possible). That is the part of Libertarianism that I <b>COMPLETELY</b> leave out of the Green Libertarian Party.<br />
<br />
My position on the Democratic Party is that I have an easier time having a polite and respectful conversation with Democrats, than I do with Republicans (who often do not trust me). So, if I were to find myself in Congress, I would likely caucus with the Democrats, even though I absolutely <b>DO NOT</b> consider myself a Democrat. There is one exception, on the Republican front, as I work well with the <a href="http://www.logcabin.org/" target="_blank">Log Cabin Republicans</a>, even temporarily representing myself as such, including on the big day of debate in the Senate, at the end of 2010, on the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the US Military.<br />
<br />
So there you have it, a Fully Operational Political Party with only one person (myself, Kenneth Wayne Parker, of Seattle, Washington) that currently could run under it. Remember its URL (stated here as greenlibertarianparty dot blogspot dot com, without any "W's" needed), because it's hard to find under Google. There's one "counterfeit web site", which preaches Corporate Libertarianism, with a page or so about the Green party, that's presented by Google to confuse the issue. I consider this party fiscally conservative, by the way, as I would question <b>ANY</b> funding for wars, since they are destructive to Planet Earth, as well as hostile to the people who live on it. On the question of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guns_versus_butter_model" target="_blank">Guns verses Butter</a>, I take the Butter <b>ANY DAY</b>!<br />
<br />
Thank you and Best Regards,<br />
<br />
Kenneth Wayne Parker, Seattle, WA</div>Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-74403177011412031982011-07-17T06:09:00.000-07:002011-07-17T06:29:44.066-07:00Debt Ceiling: Clean Increase verses Republican House PlanI am currently alarmed at the possibility of the United States defaulting on its debts.<br /><br />There appears to be an "infinite chasm" between the Democratic and Republican approaches to the Debt Ceiling debate. Many Democrats are in favor of simply increasing the Debt Limit, the same way it was done during the George W. Bush administration. (Other Democrats, while supporting some budget cuts, want more tax revenues also, in search of fairness). <br /><br />Many of the Republicans (especially the House Republicans) are holding out on requiring that the 2012 Budget, submitted by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), become law, as a condition of approving the Debt Ceiling increase.<br /><br />The problem that I see with this is that the <a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/04/12/135354918/looking-at-ryans-budget-blueprint">Ryan 2012 Budget is Revenue Neutral</a>.<br /><br />What does this mean? The the Debt Ceiling is <span style="font-weight: bold;">required</span>, even with the Ryan 2012 Budget!<br /><br />Therefore, I am in favor of increasing the Debt Ceiling, cleanly, and then debating the budget separately.Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-89976734841321896992011-02-27T04:50:00.000-08:002011-02-27T04:56:07.609-08:00All Stick and no CarrotA word to the "wise" in Madison, Wisconsin:<br /><br />The current "Budget Repair Law" has no carrots, to entice any cooperation from the public employees. In other words, it says, in effect, "We will destroy your Union, and punish you, and keep punishing you, until you cower before us!" No wonder they are demonstrating in front of the Capitol building in Madison!<br /><br />And the same thing about the Senate Democrats? You have no motivation for them to come back from Illinois. These 14 democratic senators know exactly what to expect when they do: The Budget Repair law passes in its current form, and their constituency is mad, because they couldn't help. <br /><br />What is the answer? Actual cooperation and negotiation. A carrot for the other side, in effect. (Carrot? The Unions made it easy for you, Governor Walker, by capitulating completely on the financial aspects of the Repair law. Take out the Union Busting part, and the Democratic Senators already said they could come back).<br /><br />Thank you and best regards,<br /><br />Kenneth Parker, Seattle, WA, 206-307-6757Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-47220201468796616732011-02-17T20:07:00.000-08:002011-02-19T03:24:21.222-08:00Union Busting in Wisconsin.Today, I would like to honor Ed Schultz of <a href="http://ed.msnbc.com/">The Ed Show</a> on MSNBC.<br /><br />He went out into the trenches in Wisconsin to bring us the huge Union-Busting activities, by the Republican Governor and Republican Legislature.<br /><br />One thing I learned is that Wisconsin doesn't really even HAVE a fiscal emergency right now, meaning that there is no emergency requiring the draconian bills they are trying to force into law. (Apparently, there was a tax cut, put into effect in January, which puts them into their situation. Without it, they wouldn't need the current chaos).<br /><br />Incidentally, there are no filibuster rules in the Wisconsin Senate. The law in question is on a "Fast Track", limiting the debate and amendments possible on it. That, in my opinion, is why the only way the Democratic members of the Senate have to stay away from the Wisconsin capitol to keep the law from passing.<br /><br />Thank you and best regards,<br /><br />Ken Parker, Seattle, WA.Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-59189839024280964212011-02-16T18:58:00.000-08:002011-02-17T05:53:38.298-08:00Republicans Want to Defund the IRS.Last night, I was sitting in my chair, minding my own business, and watching a clip on the Rachel Maddow show that was describing the cuts in government programs the Republicans want for the rest of 2011 (continuing resolution budget).<br /><br />And then my jaw drops, when I see her quote The Hill that states the Republicans want to make cuts on the IRS for 593 Million Dollars.<br /><br />Now, what we are doing here is to hit the infrastructure of the IRS itself! Pay your taxes, but don't expect us to come to you to collect them, if you miss. Right? What's wrong with this picture?<br /><br />I looked it up on Google and found a link to a <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110209/pl_nm/us_usa_congress_spending_4">Yahoo News</a> story that includes this.<br /><br />What is next?Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-67827477837308710312010-12-02T23:30:00.000-08:002011-02-17T03:33:09.633-08:00Republican Tax Cut Bills Include Elementary Arithmentic ErrorsThe Republican Version of the Tax Cut Bill crashed my Green Libertarian Quantum Universe, causing it to get Infinitely Large.<br /><br />The problem is that the Republican Tax Cut bills of 2001 and 2003 include elementary Divide By Zero errors.<br /><br />The only way around this is to let them expire for EVERYBODY, and then start over, with a cap on the earnings, such as $250,000.<br /><br />All you need is one, infinitely wealthy person, where their paper wealth is based on Divide By Zero.<br /><br />I believe, quite firmly, that that is the reason that AOL was able to buy up both Time and Warner Brother's firms a few years ago. Paper Wealth aced the Physical Natural Resources of Earth, and the only way we've been able to hold the Republican Party in any form of Reality is through an Infinitely Large, yet Extremely Simple Quantum Universe, called the Green Libertarian Party (where you are NOW, if you are reading this, as this is the ONLY PLACE that I can let Republicans finish their debate on the House and Senate Floors.<br /><br />This Universe (Green Libertarian Party) is a really a quite EMPTY universe, but with a BUNCH of infinities, mainly Republican, in them.<br /><br />More later. I'm Infinitely drained and tired right now. The ONLY way I was able to go from Wednesday to Thursday, was by Rebooting this Universe. That FINALLY allowed me to get from 11:59 PM to Midnight, Thursday.<br /><br />I am infinitely smart right now. Call that making Lemonaide from Lemons! :-)<br /><br />Enjoy. Now, I think I will need to reboot this Universe, before I can make it to Friday.<br /><br />Location of this Universe? Center of the Physical Universe, at the Zero mark. Yes, Virginia, an almost empty Quantum Universe, with only a few people in it, is now more powerful than Physical Reality!<br /><br />Now, if I can make rent on January 01, 2011, I've got it made! Talk about foreclosures! :-)<br /><br />Thank you and best regards,<br /><br />Kenneth Wayne Parker<br /><br />Seattle, Washington<br /><br />-------------------------------------Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-46496314819006689542010-09-28T14:36:00.000-07:002010-10-26T15:54:33.849-07:00The Stark Contrast in the Midterm ElectionsWe are currently a week away from our Midterm Elections, and the big question on some peoples' minds <span style="font-weight: bold;">still</span> are what party to vote for.<br /><br />First, a reminder: I'm not either a Democrat or a Republican. The Green Libertarian Party takes the best attributes it can find from both the Liberals (Green: Take care of the planet and people on it) and the Conservatives (Libertarian: Get rid of victim-less crimes, while still protecting public safety), and blends them. Note that one part of the Libertarian plank I do not support at all is "Corporate Libertarianism", as corporations have proven how little regard they have for the shape of Earth and the people on it.<br /><br />One huge contrast between Democrats and Republicans is job creation, which is actually a bit funny, since Republicans are using our Jobless numbers, as a wedge to winning the Midterm Elections. However, a good question to ask Republicans is where they plan to create jobs! For one thing, I do not see much <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-johnson/our-growth-is-outsourced_b_678838.html">Republican support</a> for the <a href="http://edlabor.house.gov/blog/2010/03/local-jobs-for-america-act.shtml">"Local Jobs for America Act"</a>, which has been introduced in both the House <a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-4812">(H. R. 4812)</a>, and Senate <a href="http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s3500/show">(S-3500)</a>.<br /><br />A fascinating book on the Foreign Outsourcing issue is "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Take-This-Job-Ship-Brain-Dead/dp/031235522X">Take this Job and Ship it</a>", by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byron_Dorgan">Senator Byron L. Dorgan</a>. And please note that one huge wave of foreign outsourcing (this time for computer jobs) was in 2001 and 2003, the years of George W. Bush's Tax Cuts. I lived through that time period, and let me tell you, it was depressing watching my co-workers lose their jobs.<br /><br />Please read the book, and vote responsibly. (But above all, please vote!)Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-34385044202992294792010-06-10T03:29:00.000-07:002010-06-11T14:18:45.690-07:00Should BP Pay Dividends?Dear readers of this BLOG,<br /><br />This is real, folks! BP would prefer to pay their shareholders <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dividends</span> than to pay damages to the fishermen who are stopped from working, due to the Oil in the Ocean, near their work-places. The Story is <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704256604575294552306643346.html">here</a>. Read it! <br /><br />Who needs the money more, anyway? Shareholders? How about the fishermen who might not be able to continue their business? What should they do? What should BP do? What should Obama say when he meets with BP management soon?<br /><br />Indeed: I would personally <span style="font-weight: bold;">love</span> to see BP management explain why they need to put their money into Dividends to their stock-holders, <span style="font-weight: bold;">while</span> they stare oil soaked birds straight in their eyes!<br /><br />Note: I was unable to look these birds in their eyes without crying. Can the BP management? I really want to know. Seriously!<br /><br />Thank you and best regards,<br /><br />Ken Parker, currently in Seattle, Washington, but planning to move to Lousiana, to help with the rehabilitation of the Oil Soaked birds. I'm putting my consciousness where my mouth is. Can BP Management?Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-2374124857067559912010-03-15T23:09:00.000-07:002010-03-15T23:45:17.105-07:00Everything Needs a Start.Yes, indeed, everything needs a start.<br /><br />These were the words on the phone of <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/03/obama-letter-writer-now-has-luekemia-and-no-insurance/1">the woman Barack Obama was using</a> as the basis for a speech "today". (In politics, what day is it, anyway?)<br /><br />My point is that this current health care bill is an Infrastructure, or foundation if you wish, to a highly needed shift in our health care. And I heard it over the phone on <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/15/846075/-RIP-Theodore-OlbermannCountdown-w-Keith-OlbermannMar.-15,-2010">Countdown with Keith Olbermann</a>.Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-55292176664078359202010-01-20T03:31:00.001-08:002010-03-16T00:12:17.224-07:00Voting Irregularities in Massachusetts?Hello folks,<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Am I now hearing of <a href="http://votingnews.blogspot.com/2010/01/ballot-irregularities-charged-in-ma-il.html">Voting Irregularities</a> in the special Massachusetts election? </span><br /><br />Yes, I'm editing my own BLOG posts. Yes, there were "irregularities". But nothing that made it in the news that day got enough "horsepower" to go anywhere. So there goes another special election.<br /><br />As a Troubleshooter of the Green Libertarian Party, one of my routine tasks is helping to keep our elections fair. However, at the time of the original post, much of my efforts were being spent in Haiti relief, so I might have been caught unawares. Oh well...<br /><br />What the next six years gives us is anybody's guess. But the comedy of today rules!<br /><br />Best regards,<br /><br />Ken Parker, Seattle, WAKenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-89361360662736200802010-01-18T13:08:00.000-08:002010-01-25T20:58:14.372-08:00Adopt a Republican -- A Proposal.I have long felt that the Republican party is out of touch with the realities of the United States, especially where it fits in with "Main Street". But this became ultra clear when Obama was inaugurated. For example, the Stimulus bill was passed in the House without a single Republican vote. (However, a number of these Republican house members were happy to, with fanfare, accept Stimulus checks later on). One aside about the Stimulus is that I'm pretty sure I heard a Republican member of Congress suggest that unused Stimulus money go to the Afghanistan war. I find that <span style="font-weight: bold;">very</span> out of touch with Main Street, USA.<br /><br />The health care debate is an extremely important one at this point, as there are a lot of people in the United States that have no health care, left to the mercies of Emergency Room care. I am one of them, as I am an out of work manager, living in Seattle, Washington. Back in March, 2008, I called 911, complaining of what seemed a lot to be a heart attack. My treatment at Harborview Medical Center here in Seattle was so bad, that it triggered a Nervous Breakdown, and the eviction from my Apartment. (Harborview apparently ignored my own complaints of the Heart Attack and latched on to Intellectual Confusion, instead. They gave me no evidence that they even <span style="font-weight: bold;">tested</span> me for a Heart Attack).<br /><br />My life was turned upside down and inside out, leaving me with few tools to handle a Reality that includes Republicans that don't appear to care about the Main Street portion of their own districts and/or states. Suffice it to say that I had to use my own talents, including a Quantum Physics background, to get myself well (or at least functional). It seems that the rumors are true: The Republican plan for Health Care reform is to convince people to not get sick.<br /><br />Financially, my experiences with Health Care in Seattle has been problematical. Yes, the Emergency Room of Harborview Medical Center, the hospital run by the University of Washington, would take care of me when I had a medical or psychiatric emergency, but then, they would send me a bill for the entire amount that they would say I owed them. My job, back in 2008, had a title of "Consulting Engineer", but since it was a Contract position, it included no benefits, such as Health Insurance. (This seems to be a common practice these days, including in the Computer field, which is where my job was). Then, in April 8, 2009, I was poisoned at an IHOP restaurant in Seattle, which cost me my Consulting job, throwing me on Unemployment Insurance, which also does not include Health Care. (In fact, when the money would be most important, such as if sick, it is denyed by definition, since I would not be "Ready and able to work" for that week). The punch line of my Harborview Medical Center experiences are the Collection Agencies I am now contending with.<br /><br />My proposal is based on the fact that these Republican House and Senate members, who are coming up for election in 2010 have constituents too. Some of them might be out of work and possibly have no health insurance. Why can't we organize <span style="font-weight: bold;">real</span> Grass Roots support in the area, led by a local person or people who are hurting. If the Republicans can organize "Astro Turf" campaigns, why can't we organize <span style="font-weight: bold;">real</span> Grass Roots campaigns?<br /><br />I can make no predictions at the moment, but will leave this post with a "What If" question: What if we were successful and got 80 percent Democrats in power after the November, 2010 House Election?Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-4206115045371469862009-09-17T15:31:00.000-07:002009-09-17T16:02:11.147-07:00Bottom line of current Political Debate: Is it OK to Lie and Cheat?The Bottom Line of our current Political Debate: Is it OK to Lie and Cheat?<br /><br />You can see the "collateral damage" in this debate: The common person. Our Country's financial situation should attest to that.<br /><br />The problem with this is that it's actually kind of hard to grow up without some deceit. Our entire advertising infrastructure is based on, at best, half truths and exaggeration. At worst? Also, I've heard that it's hard to get a high-paying job without padding your resume.<br /><br />If it's something that "we all do" (which is an answer I often get), then what? (Another thing I often hear is, "Be creative, and don't get caught").<br /><br />In our Health Care debate, it seems to be about throwing out lies to scare people, yet those lies talk about current practices.<br /><br />For example, "death panels to deny coverage to old people because they cost too much". That's a current scare tactic, yet we currently have stories about existing companies canceling coverage to extremely sick policy holders, causing them to die. (The current story on The Huffington Post discusses revoking coverage for a teenager who was HIV Positive, for example. Isn't that an example of a "death panel"?)<br /><br />Current difference between the political parties? Democrats tend to limit lying and cheating to their personal life. Republicans extend the lying and cheating to political affairs, including lying and cheating us into wars. Also, Republicans often expect others to "do as I say, not as I do", which is hypocrisy.<br /><br />Where is our country heading?Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-35786816972168841662009-08-18T12:54:00.000-07:002009-08-18T15:10:39.368-07:00We need to take care of the Unemployed in Healthcare BillHello folks,<br /><br />One significant group of people fall through cracks and have an extremely hard time, regarding health care.<br /><br />Due to our current financial environment, a huge number of people lose their jobs every month. What are they supposed to do about health care? Sure, there is Cobra but, unless you got a good severance plan, you are probably hurting financially when your paycheck stops coming. And Cobra requires you, as an individual to pay the premiums that were previously often included as a benefit. (When you no longer know where the next check is coming, is that the time to be paying a huge Cobra premium?)<br /><br />There is an even worse situation out there, often in the Computer fields: People who are part time contractors, where their job did not even include benefits. My prior job at E-Net (software firm in the San Francisco area) fit that category. So my health care was to hope that I can stay healthy!<br /><br />When my job ended April 8, 2009, I went on Unemployment and then found that the amount you make under Unemployment is too much for Medicaid! By definition, when you are on Unemployment, you are ready and able to work each day and making an active search. Illness or injury therefore poses a problem.<br /><br />The solution, to be part of our Health Care plan, is to allow people who draw Unemployment to get Medicaid. There can, of course, be the other existing tests, to make sure the person doesn't have other financial resources. But just drawing the amount the Unemployment provides is currently a show-stopper for Medicaid, but should not be.<br /><br />Please make Medicaid an option for those who lose their jobs!<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />Kenneth Parker, Seattle, WashingtonKenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-15980651515402684602009-08-11T12:18:00.000-07:002009-08-11T19:14:25.220-07:00Myths verses Facts in the Health Care DebateLadies and Gentlemen,<br /><br />I just saw Obama's Town Hall meeting for Today (Tuesday), August 11, 2009. Now, immediately after the meeting was over, I'm hearing objections, that the people were hand picked. Perhaps so. For example, the names that were chosen online might have been handpicked to eliminate those with multiple, and/or recent charges of Disturbing the Peace. Why do I not think handpicking went beyond this? Because I saw all sides of the issue represented in the questions, even Republican concerns. But what I saw was Civil Discource. Nobody shouting other people down. No loud booing. (Even only polite applause, without the long standing ovations at other Obama rallys).<br /><br />This strongly encouraged me, after hearing about some of the Town Hall meetings the Democrats were recently experiencing.<br /><br />I choose to get my input from all sides of the issue. In fact, one email list I belong to regularly posts right wing rhetoric on the Health Care issue. My timing for this post was <a href="http://www.newswithviews.com/Devvy/kidd461.htm">this web site</a>, that was linked from one of those emails, as it throws all of the Right Wing concerns out at once. This allows me to answer some of these concerns.<br /><br />Death Panels: This is the high-emotion fear-mongering term for a group of people who would supposedly visit older citizens, to "help them plan their upcoming death". The idea put forth is that older Americans would be visited every 5 years to determine if they are "too expensive" to keep alive. The truth is that this twists a provision (added, via Amendment by a Republican) that simply says that if somebody wants to do a "living Will" (where the individual initiates the contact), it will be reimbursed. But I needed to look closer to see if there is something like this in existing plans. Scroll forward <a href="http://www.planforyourhealth.com/resources/glossary.html">in this Glossary</a> to "Lifetime Maximum" to see an existing equivalent in current use. In this case, you are not visited by Government workers for counseling. Instead, when you need it most (i.e. Cancer), your Insurance cuts you off cold and every expense, after an arbitrary point is paid by you alone, or your Family! (I wonder: Are you still required to pay premiums for the care you are not getting?) And why are you cut off? I can only guess that it is because you now cost the Insurance Company too much money! (You know, actuarial tables and some such).<br /><br />The Democratic bill would add Government run Health Insurance, where none exists now: This one can be quite short. Medicare and Medicaid are both Government run Health Care. Note that the website cited in the third paragraph is quite vocal, against Medicare and Medicaid!<br /><br />The Comments are open on this post. I welcome opposing opinions. However, abusive comments will be deleted.Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-70796254166245114932009-07-14T05:09:00.000-07:002009-07-14T05:15:05.444-07:00More ammunition against Nuclear PowerHello,<br /><br />It has been brought to my attention that there was yet another Nuclear Meltdown in the United States before Three Mile Island, PA: 1959 in Ventura, California!<br /><br />How did this come to my attention? Simple: 2009 is the 50th Anniversary of a 1959 partial meltdown of a Nuclear Reactor at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory! <a href="http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/jul/13/field-lab-worker-returns-to-california-for/">See story here</a>.<br /><br />Nuclear Power? Safe and clean? Bah!Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6983473760949781424.post-31680907880929366332009-02-27T13:30:00.000-08:002009-02-27T13:46:40.421-08:00If I haven't posted for a while...Hello,<br /><br />Yes, I've been quiet for a while. Part of it was being overloaded by my "day job" [computer professional], but part of it has been how fast things have been changing, as well as in ways that I like. (For example, I observe that people are more likely to post on their BLOG when they are upset about something).<br /><br />About Obama's speech last Tuesday, I share the brief viewpoint Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) gave Keith Olbermann [as in Countdown with _____ on MSNBC]: He asked Senator Boxer, "You've seen and heard a lot of these. I'll give you the softball question off the start: Rank this one!" Senator Boxer responded, "A home run, a touchdown, and a three pointer. I mean, is that good for you for an analogy?" After a chuckle, Keith responded, "It works. Yes". [Note to the uninitiated: In Keith's "spare time", he's also an occasional sportscaster].<br /><br />More later. Ken in Seattle.Kenneth Parkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09840916663478499539noreply@blogger.com0