Well, If We Really Get Tax Reform...

...Norquist is out of a job, which is probably the reason he doesn't like the actions of Ted Cruz.

Hers's the reality: Unless you're really up to date on such things, you've never heard of Grover Norquist, but you damn sure heard of Ted Cruz.

So who's more effective? The man that gets the attention of taxpayers? Or, the man too quick to criticize the politicians that actually accomplish the task they were assigned by their constituents? The answer is obvious and Norquist needs to go pound sand. He's a wart on the ass of progress.

Hollow Heads, Hollow Hearts, and Hollow Words

That's the best description of what too many of our Federal legislators relate. The lack of logic, a true understanding of fiscal responsibility and hollow rhetoric to anyone with more sense than a garden vegetable is all we receive from the supposed representatives of the taxpayers.

I think most of the problems of the United States would disappear if the government did everything possible to get rid of the deficit and never travel that path again. The borrowing from the Social Security funds, printing of money, foreign investors and the sale of bonds would end; only the programs necessary to run the government would continue and the money not confiscated by taxes would end up where it should be: in the hands of the citizens that make it work. The result would be one of the greatest economies ever.

Government Legacy

After watching government activities for most of the 30 or so years of my adult life, the only legacy I can find is a legacy of waste, corruption and unwillingness to be frugal with the funds taken from hard working taxpayers. Both parties are equally guilty and both parties are equally unwilling to accept responsibility.

I can't blame every individual in government, but as a whole, government is the most unhealthy, wasteful, disrespectful and belligerent organization to be found. To make things worse, the government has people that carry guns to wander among the citizens and force them at gunpoint to relinquish their hard earned income.

So, why are people so willing to allow this continuance of incompetence and corruption? It's because the majority of people are apathetic, ignorant and unwilling to part from their eye candy and pay attention to how they're screwed by the people they employ. While some sources constantly analyze and warn of the consequences of unbridled government activities, most of the media ignores the warnings and considers an entertainer's shaved hoo-hoo as more newsworthy.

Will this ever stop? Sure it will. How it stops is the big question. Will people finally get involved and rein in the government? (my hope) Or will it crumble and the resulting chaos leave an entire nation in ruin?(more likely. People are too busy updating their Facebook page.)

If you want to start a change, it requires avoiding the alphabet networks and allowing them to die the slow death they deserve. They're more of a problem than the government. If they were doing their job, the U.S. would be in much better shape. Exposing waste, corruption and bureaucracy is the first task of any good news agency. It's like uncovering the fascia to find the termites. Until that happens, the destruction continues until there's little left to save.

The Enigma of Cajun Folks

I was born, raised and live in the far southeastern corner of Texas. What's the distinction? It's the home of Cajuns that followed the oil boom and ended up as part of the petrochemical industry.

These folks came from various parts of Louisiana and they left much of their families behind. They didn't leave their heritage and they brought the fine family values most were raised to uphold.

So, what's the enigma? You can't really explain what's so special about Cajuns, until you find yourself at a family gathering, or a festival and realize you didn't know anything about them until you went. Even after that wonderful event, you still can't find the exact words to describe what you experienced.

Many television, or movie shows embellish the Cajun accent, or portray Cajuns as very simple people that have really spicy food and live on the bayou. Many do, but they're only a small segment of the settlers that came to a strange land, survived, embraced what was to be found and added their rich heritage. That's not an accurate portrayal and I sometimes find it insulting to people I love and respect.

To me, Cajuns represent the best of what a past society had to offer; much like other ethnic groups that settled the United States. Their ancestors left France with the hope of starting over, taking advantage of opportunities and becoming part of the greatest nation ever created. The entire nation is blessed with their contributions and I'm thankful for their arrival.

Even with my wife being of Cajun heritage, and me being immersed in their culture, I still find Cajuns an enigma. The fierce pride, self-sufficiency and unwavering effort to never forget their ancestors can only be glimpsed for a few moments by an outsider like me. I'll never really understand what they feel, but I'm a part of their family, and they've accepted me. That's good enough and I'm proud they did.

So, What's Right and What's Wrong?

In the Constitution, Article 1, section 9 and clause 3 states:  No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

What is a Bill of Attainder? It's the removal of all rights for a serious crime. Otherwise, if a legislature decides an individual, or group of people are guilty of a crime they consider serious, they have no right for a trial and their property is seized. To add insult to injury, the offender could be criminally punished, with no recourse for defense.

What is a serious crime? In the U.S., it's called a felony.

So, what am I trying to get across? Certain religious groups, and individuals object to the Affordable Healthcare law for various reasons, but do so in an effort to protect their privacy, private property and, in some situations, are morally guided to object to a law that allows medical procedures they consider heinous and against their faith. Their initial method to avoid taking part in the insurance program is refusing to sign up, which means they'll be fined for not buying the insurance. If they make any effort to avoid paying the fine, they'll be committing a felony for tax evasion.

In theory, every individual accused of a crime has the right of a trial by jury. For the I.R.S. to process the sheer amount of paperwork required to punish the huge amount of people that possibly could say "enough is enough" and tell them where to go, more people would need to be hired and more ammunition would need to be bought.

Both have happened. Next could very well be the willingness by the government to just ignore the law and pass Bills of Attainder on those they consider a threat to their political maneuvers. If you haven't noticed, the I.R.S, already applies penalties without regard to rights. I'm sure the decisions could be fought, but since it's the government, you have to ask permission to sue and the courts are unfriendly to those that don't bow to their self-imposed imperial position. Also, it's hard to find an attorney willing to defend you, since everything you own is impounded, you can't collect a paycheck and you're soon to be on the street, if not in jail.

"...As James Madison wrote in, Federalist Number 44, "Bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, and laws impairing the obligations of contracts, are contrary to the first principles of the social compact, and to every principle of sound legislation. ... The sober people of America are weary of the fluctuating policy which has directed the public councils. They have seen with regret and indignation that sudden changes and legislative interferences, in cases affecting personal rights, become jobs in the hands of enterprising and influential speculators, and snares to the more-industrious and less-informed part of the community...."

It sure is a shame all those people that created the United States shed their blood, lost their families and watched their homes burnt to the ground may have done so in vain. They left a damn good set of instructions for future generations. Unfortunately, current member of our government choose to ignore them If you don't believe this, read how the I.R.S. gave the White House private information without any regard to law, rights or decency.  If you can find justification for this, you're not a citizen and it's best you leave.