Democracy

What is bureaucracy? Bureaucracy is the administration of a set of rules that are used to run an organization or a government. The more rules that are created, the more people are needed to administer them, and the more complex the organization becomes. The administrators who create the rules are themselves part of the bureaucracy. In the case of government, the rules created are called laws. As a result of the proliferation of all sorts of requirements and laws in today's society, life is becoming increasingly complex. Here are just some of the ways that bureaucracy affects us in everyday life. Bureaucracy makes it hard to get a job. These days to qualify for certain jobs one needs degrees...

In June 2009, the administration issued a proposal for financial reform to strengthen the financial markets. The Financial Regulatory Reform's objective is to protect American consumers from abuse and predatory practices and will set clear rules for the financial industry. Ultimately, the goal of the Financial Regulatory Reform is to prevent another financial collapse and restore responsibility and accountability in the financial system. The current financial crisis has been blamed on the financial system failing to perform, imbalance of saving and consumption, highly leveraged institutions, lack of oversight, and the misunderstanding of financial instruments; just to name a few. Our present...

In John Locke's Second Treatise of Government, his entire political philosophy hinges upon the fact that humans are moral equals and thus unable to legitimately govern or impose rules upon another without that other person's consent. For Locke, the perfect answer to this is entitled express consent. According to Locke, "[n]o body doubts but an express consent, of any man entering into any society, makes him a perfect member of that society, a subject of that government" (Locke 64). Express consent is the perfect way to bind the original members together. This however, raises many difficulties for Locke once critics begin to question how someone can consent to a system of government for which they...

This current Global Economic calamity could have been prevented, well this is what many believe and among them is a writer of the most recent economic book to hit the scene in 2009. The book is called: "The Cost of Capitalism: Understanding Market Mayhem and Stabilizing Our Economic Future" by Robert J. Barbera; McGraw-Hill Business Book Publishers (2009). This book comes from a rather interesting place, as Robert Barbera is a left leaning Wall Street Economist type. He claims not to be an anti-capitalist type, yet blasts capitalism at is practiced in the real world. He is a good cross-section of a Wall Streeter Liberal Ivy League Economist, as if you can put all those titles together. Perhaps, this...

What do the following have in common: Budweiser Beer; CITGO gasoline; Good Humor, Ben and Jerry's, and Breyer's ice creams; French's mustard; Frigidaire refrigerators; Adidas and Reebok shoes; New York's Plaza Hotel and Chrysler Building; Caribou Coffee and Church's Chicken; Trader Joe's; 7-Eleven; Holiday Inn; Dial Soap; T-Mobile; Firestone tires; the Sunglass Hut; the Indiana Toll Road - part of the interstate Route 80; and Toll House Cookies? The answer is that each of these seemingly American brands and assets is actually owned and controlled by a foreign corporation. The selling off of the United States of America has been going on for some time, and foreign owned corporations now control 50...

Free-market capitalism has done a great deal to make the world the place it is today - both good and bad. But now capitalism is in for a major overhaul. Most proponents of the current form of capitalism justify it by comparing it with communism. This assumes that human ingenuity is so limited that we have to rely on only two philosophies of managing production and consumption. Unless we take the dialog to a higher plane and generate alternatives, we will remain stuck in a system that has reached the limits of its ability to serve humanity. I think capitalism has gone off the tracks for three fundamental reasons: 1. All players are not equal: Economics 101 taught us that in a perfect market, supply...

In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the Spanish and the Portuguese tried to control the overseas trade of the colonies using monopolies. This control became very expensive for the governments and was incredibly inefficient. The Atlantic trading system became more efficient and profitable with capitalism. Capitalism is the economic system of large financial institutions such as banks, stock exchanges, and investment companies. This was only able to happen with the development of private enterprises. Capitalism was first developed in Europe and only expanded to the colonies of the New World when economic growth slowed in Europe. Capitalism in these times was reinforced by mercantilism...

With the Globalization and Intellectualization of the Market the "Trickle down" Economics of Capitalism cannot provide functional system for long term economic development; by shady business practices promoting mostly big businesses, by ideologically motivated system for wealth distribution and by inadequate Fiscal and Monetary policies: Capitalistic Economies could not develop properly to expand and envelope Globally. Social Structures of the Capitalism which are well established and supported by ideologies and governments could not reflect properly to the possibilities of the globalizing markets: when these capitalistic structures historically have given the best and most prosperous tools of...

Chinese state-run capitalism seems to be giving Western free-market economies a run for their money, or is it? You see, the reason China's state run capitalism is working is because they have been up until now able to command labor to work for super low-wages, but in the future that won't be possible. Meanwhile, it appears that the Obama Administration wants to try state-run capitalism by nationalizing various industries. Unfortunately, even though the Obama Administration has nearly nationalized health care, health insurance, banking, and the auto-sector - China has their own auto sector, which is moving towards free-market capitalism thanks to Warren Buffet [20% ownership in Greely Automotive...

According to online polls, Ron Paul's popularity is on the rise. His supporters claim that Paul is a man of integrity who never votes to support legislation not authorized by the constitution. Paul is a maverick politician, whose beliefs and ideological stands are not always in line with those of his party, the GOP. He has, after all, opposed the Iraq war right from the beginning. He continues to press for bringing troops in Iraq-as also on other US military bases-safely home. He has also advocated abolishing the IRS and, getting rid of the Federal Reserve. Paul is a libertarian, who has always supported political views based on his assessment of their merit, irrespective of which politician or...

Political alleys of Karnataka are now tingling with excitement of election manifestos as the Assembly Elections 2008 are looming large. To be held in three phases, elections will start from May 10 and second and third phase will take place on 16 and 22 of May. Apart from the major political parties like BJP, Congress and JD(S), a new political group has come into picture in the name of Janapara Rajakeeya Ranga. The result of this battle will be declared on May 25, but Ganesha can tell you the fate of political parties in this election. Janata Dal(S) has its party leader and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. He is born in Cancer Ascendant and the Ascendant Lord Moon is placed in the 8th house...

Democracy, or freedom, isn't free. Our forefathers fought their wars with the blood of sons and fathers, yet we fail to see how in the world we cant spread a democratic freedom to another nation. I don't stand for all policies that this current administration stands for. But realize the precious freedoms blood that was split in earlier times. Yes some will die most do this i believe because they know in an existence where we are so small, as a small being can make a difference that will be our legacy. Don't let politics from right or left divert the fact that peoples suppressed by tyrants need freedoms, freedoms forgotten in our day to day lives. This isn't a crusade or a war on terror. This is a...

The notion of the value of popular opinion in government has long remained one of the most hotly debated issues of public representation since the inception of representative government. Though the representatives in a governmental body are undoubtedly there to serve the people they govern, the question remains whether they serve their people better by voting in the pursuit of the common good or rather they vote toward the opinions of their immediate constituents. Edmund Burke argues in favor of a representative government that serves its people through the pursuit of the common good rather their constituent opinions, and furthermore, argues that the latter philosophy on representative government is...

I believe that it is time for our companies to stop making all our basic products over seas where people are being used for cheap labor to support economies that do not support democracy for all people. I think that our companies are taking advantage of cheap over seas labor to make more profit then they should off of products that should be made here at home. I believe that this practice by our companies is making our need for supplies from other countries more then it should be. I think that it is time for people to start rebuilding our own economy first. I think that buy investing in our economy here at home again for our basic needs will create more jobs for people that are not working in our...

It is odd that a Kurd, Talabani, who's part of a minority ethnic group, was elected president in an Arabic land. But no one in the media has focused on that. Iraq is as famous for its Kurdish jokes and riddles as America is for its Polack ones. After the January 30, 2005 elections, Iraqis came up with a new riddle: If 60% of Iraqis are Shia, 35% Sunni, and 15% Kurds, who voted for the Kurd? According to CIA’s World Factbook, the population of Iraq is 75%-80% Arab, 15%-20% Kurdish, and 5% Assyrian or other ethnicities. Yet Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, was chosen as Iraq’s president on April 6, 2005, becoming the first leader of an Arab country who is not himself an Arab. His leadership proved...

Some will say that we cannot win the War in Iraq, which is rather silly and folks like Howard Dean need to stop purporting such a myth. We already won the War in Iraq. Saddam's regime is gone, Saddam is in jail and currently going to trial for his abuses to humanity and murdering of his own people. Currently my Brother is in Iraq, a US Marine, they know the job that must be done and are doing it. Iraq is going through what any nation goes through when it moves to a Democracy from a Dictatorship. Our security forces are keeping the citizenry safe and preventing an escalation of a civil war from some pretty bad apples. That is a noble cause indeed. I am proud of all of them. In civil wars, guerilla...

Few have succeeded born into so many disadvantages as Abraham Lincoln. His father drifted from a poor farm in Kentucky to worse in Indiana, where his sickly wife died. He left the young boy and his younger sister, and soon returned with a jolly widow who had been a childhood sweetheart. She had three friendly children, and Abraham had the loving mother of his life. In fact, if dad had his way, the lad would have no schooling at all. But his nurturing new mom prevailed, and between fits and starts over the next few years, young Mr. Lincoln now had one full years schooling under his belt. And he was a voracious book reader, and as he grew, between helping with his chores, off earning cash splitting...

The four pillars of democracy are - 1.The Legislature, 2. The Judiciary, 3. The Executive and 4.The Press. According to some press reports there are many law makers in the present loksabha, some state legislative assemblies and earlier sabhaas too who are facing criminal charges. Such leaders want illegal money to contest in the elections, votes, power and their own welfare. Such a trend and attitude among the political leaders are responsible for an another menace known as the criminalisation of politics. According to some reports, the congress and telugudesam parties in Andhra Pradesh state for instance, spend more than the total election expenditure of republican and democratic parties together...

I used to believe in the American dream when I was young. I do not know what happened to democracy that is supposed to work for all people in our country. I would like to ask our government "when is this democracy really going to work for all people, instead of those who have the most money?" I have hoped for democracy to work for all our people for nearly thirty five years. Our government has talked so much about democracy working in our country Our government has to make democracy and the American dream work for all people. I have watched and listen to so many elected government leaders of over the years talk about how they are going to make democracy work for all people. I have heard so many...

ign="center"> DESTINATION INDIA A LEGAL SYNOPSIS By: Alishan Naqvee LexCounsel, Law Offices, New Delhi E-mail: CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2. Entry Strategy 2.1 Legal Entity 2.2 Options for Collaboration 3. Regulatory Permissions and Compliances 3.1 Financial Collaboration 3.2 Technology Collaboration & Trademark License 3.3 Post Collaboration Compliances 3.4 Registrations and Licenses 4. Taxes and Tax Benefits 4.1 Tax Structure 4.2 International Taxation 4.3 Transfer Pricing Regulations 4.4 Tax Benefits 5. Return on Investment 5.1 Repatriation of Profits 5.2 Repatriation of Fees and Royalties 6. IP Protection 7. Human Resources and Labour Issues 7.1 Costs 7.2 Key Issues 8. Dispute Resolution 9. Due...

Florida's statewide growth management law requires input from professional planners, two public hearings, a review and an appeals process at the state level and numerous opportunities for citizens to participate in and challenge any changes to the Comprehensive Plan. Passage of the Hometown Democracy amendment would replace this comprehensive process with ballot box planning. Each and every change to the Comprehensive Plan, no matter how minor, would require a vote. Reportedly, there was a yearly average of over 10,000 plan changes in Florida over the past four years. Broward County would have required votes on 686 items per year. Comprehensive Plans are living documents, requiring modifications as...

Fifteen hours is a tremendous barrier. It is the obstacle preventing one village from attaining the assistance of another and surviving a drought. It is the reason a trip to the hospital, or receiving an education, aren't realistic options. Fifteen hours is what stands in the way of commerce between two provinces. It prevents communication between neighbors only 80 kilometers apart. Fifteen hours is the reason for isolation. Before Task Force Pacemaker began work, the drive between Kandahar and Tarin-Kowt took fifteen hours. Upon completion of the road it will take only three. The end of geographical isolation will be a new beginning for hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan. An...

ection time again and the UK, or at least its media, is joyously succumbing to party political fever. While the various candidates loudly proclaim to have the solution to what ails us - whether that's banning the sale of sharpening stones to reduce knife attacks or ensuring that wheelie bins be supplied with a propulsion device - it's sometimes hard to find out where they stand on specific issues. With that in mind, I've taken a look at the various manifestos to see what's in store for unsuspecting credit card holders. Labour's General Election manifesto promises to clampdown on the banks' often excessive punishment of their customers. Millions of consumers have been hit by overly high bank charges...

Robocalls are pre-recorded phone messages that candidates or political groups send before elections. Candidates hire robocall services that use autodialing technology capable of sending hundreds of calls simultaneously, thus the name "robocall," or delivering messages robotically. Content of the messages can vary, including soliciting support at the polls, or responding to last minute attacks. The federal government and the vast majority of states permit political robocalls, though some states have restrictions. Candidates are also permitted to call phone numbers that are on the national Do Not Call list. The use of robocalling is controversial with proponents saying it upholds free speech, while...

If you're a new candidate who is running for office in a local election political campaign, you might be confused about what kind of strategy you should use for winning votes. Local elections are very different from statewide or national campaigns that you are used to seeing on television every year, and the tactics you should use to win your race are every bit as different. Here are some pointers on what strategies you should use to get voted into office on election day. First, don't make the mistake of thinking that you need to spend huge amounts of money on your campaign in order to win. In a local election, if your city or district is small enough, you be able to personally meet and greet many...

Student loan law (more accurately the 2010 overhaul) has dramatically altered and restructured the student lending market, since Democrats try to remove private loans that have been federally guaranteed. In 1965 federal subsides have been involved in student loans that private lenders started to build up. When Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 was accredited the student loan law had a new sort of loan introduced, this being an significant moment in candidates' loan. Then applicants benefit from government loans without any intermediary lender. Following many tries Democrats ultimately succeeded in 2010 to remove the federally assured private loans. Families and applicants who are dealing with...

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Qunu in Transkei, South Africa, on 18 July 1918. His father, Hendry Mphakanyiswa Gadla, was the chief of Mvezo, which is a tiny village located on the banks of Mbashe River. At the age of 7, Mandela became the first person in his clan to receive formal schooling. It was at school that he received the name Nelson that was given to him by his teacher. His father died when Mandela was 10 years old. However, this did not stop his formal learning. He attended a Wesleyan mission school that was located right next door the palace of the Regent. From there, he moved to the Clarkebury Boarding Institute, achieving his Junior Certificate in just 2 years instead of the...

Many people say, and I am probably one of them, that politics is a terrible way to run human society and civilization. In fact, I am often amazed that human beings have progressed as far as they have using the system of governance such as politics. It seems that this way to make political decisions, and try to keep everyone happy, well, in the end result is no one is happy. Perhaps, this all gives us something to think about, and allows us to join this sound and fury that keeps everything going. Not long ago, I talked to a 65-year-old lady who told me she wanted to get her PhD in political science. Good for her I thought, wait to go, may as well keep your mind sharp, and since we are all living...

Barack Obama is a Democrat. Most people know this. What many people may not know is that the man Mr. Obama looks to for the most political (and now presidential) inspiration and guidance was a.... Republican! That's right. Barack Obama's hero, Abraham Lincoln, was a Republican. Lincoln wasn't just any ole Republican either. He was among the founders of the Republican Party and was the first Republican to be elected President. The Republican Party was founded in 1854 in Ripon, Wisconsin. Its principal goal was to stop the expansion of slavery into the western territories. Lincoln had been involved with the Whig Party, which was disintegrating due, in large part, to sectional rivalries. Since Lincoln...

Nobody could ever forget where they were, or what they were doing when they saw, or heard the tragic news that stopped the world on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. With 2,973 victims killed as well as 19 hijacker deaths, it was an attack which sent shock waves around the world. Since that terrible day, many attacks against the West have been thwarted by alert government agencies, however, one only has to remember the Bali bombings on 12 October, in which 202 people were killed, as well as the London bombings on 7 July 2005, which killed 56 people, to realize the threat remains strong. The social issues surrounding terrorism are many. One of the most dominant is the fact that if we civilians choose not...

"> Road to London 2012! Afghanistan Did you know- Toward the end of the 1940s, the men's football team of Afghanistan came in 18th place in the Summer Olympic Games in London, United Kingdom. At the XIV Summer Games, Afghanistan --a country with serious domestic problems-- lost 6-0 to Luxembourg. For the first time, soccer players from Afghanistan took part in an Olympic Tournament. Iraq Did you know- At the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi (India), the men's football final was won by Iraq, followed by Kuwait (runner-up). Meanwhile, the bronze medal was shared by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia. Jordan Did you know- At the 3rd West Asian Games in December 2005, the Hashemite...

Every U.S. President since Jimmy Carter has saved some political capital to spend, usually at the end of their second term, on the obligatory U.S. function of mediating negotiations toward a lasting peace between Israeli's and the Palestinians. Where Carter came close to accomplishing just that, he and each of his successors, and the principle figures involved, have ultimately failed. The only representative involved in the current September 2010 round of talks in Washington who seems to hold great hope (however irrational) seems to be President Obama, who will host Mahmoud Abbas and Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. This is the same President Obama who cheerily and blithely claimed (with a...

The Middle East has always been an unknown arena that is fast picking up now due to large availability of jobs for both locals and expatriates. The economy of the region has been dependent on oil, natural gas and petroleum reserves since ages but is today witnessing a diversification. The governments of the Middle East, Arabian Gulf and UAE are focusing on shifting concentration from oil and gas industry with the aim of overall development of the region. The employers in the Middle East have been welcoming millions of expatriates every year in line with the government's plan to grow and develop the economy. These expats are the well qualified and highly trained professionals that are more often than...

It's time to tune out the misinformation mission when it comes to health care reform. The political battle is over and President Obama and the Democratic party won. Health care reform is now the law of the land. The important thing now is that all Americans become informed about what this actually means for them and that's what this article aims to do with these five facts. Fact #1: More Medicare Benefits A big part of the Republican party's fear campaign on this bill was that it would cut Medicare benefits for seniors (and of course there was the "death panel" lie but that's too ridiculous to even consider.) The truth is actually the opposite. Because of this bill people on Medicare will have...

Introduction - The Health Care Reform Bill, H.R. 3590 The health care reform bill, H.R. 3590, is a highly contested item for debate, even with its passing earlier this week. We have seen the 'ups and downs' of thought on both sides of the fence, from the partisan tactics of Washington, to the common opinions of middle-class women and men. We have seen response in all avenues of media, whether it be television, radio or newspaper. We have seen millions of responses worldwide to the adaptation of this bill, and all of the follies and fancies that come with it. However, the ease is unwary, and the mood a bit shaky, as we all pass through our collective American conscious and opinions on the various...

Candidate Obama promised to bring a "change you can believe in" to Washington politics and the way government has been doing business for decades. These main two selling points brought him into the White House. One year later, fair-minded liberals as well as conservatives would admit he failed in either one miserably. Failure to succeed on a promise would give any President a bad grade; but in failing to bring change into Washington politics, and hence get his health care agenda passed in the middle of a democratically well controlled House and Senate, President Obama displayed an inexcusable performance, one that in a competitive, profit maximizing corporation would have cost him his job by now...

States had until April 30, 2010 to notify Washington if they plan to participate in one of the first government programs to be launched under the new health care reform law - high-risk pools for the uninsured. At the deadline the states that declined to administer risk pools are Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming, according to The Health and Human Services Department. 16 of the 18 States are run by Republican Governors and 2 by Democratic Governors. Why did these states opt out of this glorious offering? Because: 1. Although there is $5 Billion allocated...

Although Republican Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York introduced a comprehensive Immigration Reform bill into the US Senate in March, the passage of this bill through the US Congress in a Midterm Election year is very uncertain. The reality is that the average Democratic leaning and Independent voter is probably not going to be swayed to vote or vote at all solely on the basis of Immigration reform. This is because for the average US citizen from a selfish point of view, will largely be unaffected by the current proposals or indeed most of the expected modifications or revisions to Immigration proposals. From the plight of Illegal Immigrants...

Several presidents have tried to push health care reform in the past, but none have been as successful as the country's current president, Barack Obama. However, President Obama and the Democrats have created two health care bills that would not benefit the country, as they believe. Instead, these two bills would severely damage the country's health care systems. At this point, there is definitely a need for health care reform. Costs are skyrocketing, insurers are denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, and insurers are charging different rates just because of someone's medical history. The provisions that eliminate those last two problems need to be included in any health care reform...

The health reform debate in Washington has been confusing and contentious. There are many theories floating around about why that is, but it boils down to one central issue. There are no easy, everyone wins, answers in addressing the rising cost in health care. As a result, the American people have been fed a steady diet of concepts that are easy to understand, and half truths. Instead of debating the nuances of building a better health delivery and payment system, the choices are "government between you and your doctor", or "heartless, greedy insurance companies leaving people to die". Case in point, the concept of requiring all health plans to tighten the age bands on insurance premiums. Insurance...

The new financial debt relief reform has kept in mind the post recessionary demands. Generally, when the consumers are overwhelmed with arrears then they find solutions that suit them and proceed towards them. However, new financial reforms are introduced by the federal government of USA on your credit card company. The recession period hits both the lenders as well as the defaulters. The reforms affect the consumer's financial status and the plastic card company to a large extent. USA Government has taken some measures to take care of the recession period and prevent the people from that phase. The new steps ensure the card companies to take steps for eliminating the due amount of the defaulters to...

The health care reform bill recently enacted directly addresses the needs of sick children previously unable to obtain health insurance coverage. Beginning September 23, 2010 insurers must cover children regardless of their health histories. So this should instantly solve the problem facing scores of families - right? Think again. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. This is illustrated by what seems to be happening to child only health care plans in many states. Insurers are opting to exit the market, rather than deal with the well documented effects of adverse selection that this new rule imposes. Adverse selection refers to the fact that sick people will be most motivated to purchase...

As predicted and expected local governments are beginning to trim the fat and that means laying off employees. In markets where housing has taken its biggest bite out of the economy, there is an air of uncertainty. Country controllers, city auditors and local government leadership is trying to find ways to keep things moving and services strong, even with the dwindling of tax receipts from lackluster retail and auto sales, plus slow pays and property tax value re-adjustments. The City of Phoenix, Arizona is cutting 500 employees now, with more to follow. In state governments we already read about California's hiring freeze and now Arizona is following suit, they have no choice. Most cities in both...

A new translation award has been created between two governments with the aim to promote literary translations between both countries. German Federal Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey hope that this new award will increase the numbers of literary translations from German to Turkish and Turkish to German. Although there are many other international translation awards, those awards are usually given by English speaking countries such as the USA and United Kingdom to promote literary translation into the English language. The German-Turkish award is a unique collaboration between the two countries and it will be awarded to its winner for the first time...

Welcome to another in a series of travelogue articles highlighting historic sites related to America's presidents. Located in mid state New York about 25 miles southeast of Albany, the charming town of Kinderhook is home of the farm and restored mansion of America's 8th president, Martin Van Buren. Visiting Kinderhook, New York Kinderhook is a perfect half day trip from Albany, the capital of New York. You'll find all sorts of things to see and do in Albany, which has the bustle of a government town. Kinderhook is slower paced and small, a typical upstate New York charming small town. If you enjoy antique shopping, the area around Kinderhook is ideal. Over 35 antique stores dot the streets of...

A Presidential Executive Order is a powerful regulation of the president, and was first used on June 8, 1789 by President George Washington. The first Presidential Order instructed the heads of various departments to produce clarifications on important matters pertaining to their departments. There were around 2,400 Presidential Orders issued between 1789 and 1907, but it was only in 1907 that the Department of State began filing them in chronological order. Between 1908 and 1991, 13,000 such Executive Orders have been filed, with the practice being that each one gets filed as soon as the president has finished issuing it. Since they have been implemented, it has served such important purposes like...

The brief synopsis of the potential Republican nominees for President in 2012 - (from my humble opinion): Gov. Tim Pawlenty(Minnesota): Unknown. And it seems the Republican brand is trying to throw off the mantle of "old, white guys." Not that he's old, but.. well. Former Gov. Palin (Alaska): Not enough experience. We've seen full well where that gets us. I love her, but she's just not viable for 2012. She got lots of unsolicited advice after she quit her past as governor, little of which she's taken. She needs more time in office before she'll be accepted as a presidential contender. Former Gov. Romney (Massachusetts): Love the guy, he's been a very loyal Republican and he's as sharp as a tack...

Later this month the Republican presidential candidates will participate in debate in Colombia, South Carolina. This debate will allow Americans to see and hear what each candidate brings to the Presidential table. Perhaps there will be a leader who comes out of this debate as a favorite. Or there may just be what the Democrats have offered, which is nothing but fax-blast talking points with little honest substance. We hope someone stands out and that person must deliver answers which lock-step with true Conservatism. One of the most important of all points of debate should be addressing the American Income Tax system. Ironically, the Fair Tax supporters are also having a rally directly across the...

Like many of you, over the summer and into the fall, I've been watching, listening, and scrutinizing the presidential candidates, and contemplating about whom I believe could lead this country as our next president. I have long hoped for the ideal candidate, who is both a religious conservative, and a competent leader to run our country as president. Yet at election time when it comes to casting my vote, if I can't find both characteristics in a candidate, I try to choose a competent leader, over the religious conservative. I take the same approach when it comes to choosing physicians, dentists, financial advisers, technicians and mechanics. I want competency first, and if the person is also has...