"Partisan Paralysis"
July 26, 1997
Most Americans have leanings to either of the two
major political parties based on the direction each
want to take our country. And historically, the two-
party system has served all Americans quite well.
But there is a growing number of us who are frustrated
with both parties, observing partisan interests more
often take priority over the "business of the people".
I have had misgivings over the political process for
several years, noticing a party's agenda getting more attention than the interests of the citizens who send elected officials to state and federal legislative
bodies. And I've become increasingly frustrated, not
only in the party I support, but in the manner our
elected officials conduct the work of government.
Political parties are clearly out of control. And the
media which 'reports' the news have yet to examine and
inform the public of how legislators operate.
We can debate the merits of 'reforming' campaigns and
there funding, but this only takes our attention off
the real issue; improving the performance of the
Executive and Legislative branches. This is what
Americans want, not which party is in the majority,
or benefits from legislation.
When we demand better representation and less partisan gamesmenship the public will be better served.
Anthony J. Bruno
Friday, December 18, 2009
Partisan
"Partisan Paralysis"
July 26, 1997
Most Americans have leanings to either of the two
major political parties based on the direction each
want to take our country. And historically, the two-
party system has served all Americans quite well.
But there is a growing number of Americans who are
frustrated with both parties, observing that partisan
interests more often take priority over the "business
of the people".
I have had misgivings over the political process for
several years, noticing a party's agenda getting more attention than the citizens who send elected officials
to state and federal legislated bodies. And I've become increasingly frustrated, not only in the party I support, but in the manner our elected officials conduct the work
of government.
Political parties are clearly out of control. And the
media which 'reports' the news have yet to examine and
inform the public of how legislators operate.
We need only look at how investigative hearings are
'conducted'. It isn't a senatorial or house hearing,
it is a partisan hearing with each party having legal
council. To Americans this must be confusing at best.
If Congress is conducting an 'investigation' why do
both parties require council? Why must partisan interest
be interwoven with government business?
We can debate the merits of 'reforming' campaigns and
contributions, but this takes our attention over the
real issue. Improving the performance of the Executive
and Legislative branches is what Americans want, not
which party is in the majority, or benefits from
legislation.
Anthony J. Bruno
July 26, 1997
Most Americans have leanings to either of the two
major political parties based on the direction each
want to take our country. And historically, the two-
party system has served all Americans quite well.
But there is a growing number of Americans who are
frustrated with both parties, observing that partisan
interests more often take priority over the "business
of the people".
I have had misgivings over the political process for
several years, noticing a party's agenda getting more attention than the citizens who send elected officials
to state and federal legislated bodies. And I've become increasingly frustrated, not only in the party I support, but in the manner our elected officials conduct the work
of government.
Political parties are clearly out of control. And the
media which 'reports' the news have yet to examine and
inform the public of how legislators operate.
We need only look at how investigative hearings are
'conducted'. It isn't a senatorial or house hearing,
it is a partisan hearing with each party having legal
council. To Americans this must be confusing at best.
If Congress is conducting an 'investigation' why do
both parties require council? Why must partisan interest
be interwoven with government business?
We can debate the merits of 'reforming' campaigns and
contributions, but this takes our attention over the
real issue. Improving the performance of the Executive
and Legislative branches is what Americans want, not
which party is in the majority, or benefits from
legislation.
Anthony J. Bruno
For the children
Here is the opening of the book I hope to write. I know I have a message to deliver and I understand young people
today are not considered an audience for the important
message they need to hear. Maybe I can deliver it.
Tony
June 15, 1997
I've wanted to write a book that would have an
impact on its readers; one that would provide
a positive influence on their lives.
But on which subject, and to which audience?
Well, the subject, or shall I say subjects will
be broad, from A to Z. And the views on them
will be solely my personal ones, based on what
I know, believe and feel.
But more importantly is the audience this book
is intended for. I want to reach readers who will
lead our country, young readers, with a world of
opportunity in front of them.
Why them? Why seek an audience who are probably
more interested in new CDs or videos than a book
by some unknown author attempting to influence
their lives?
The answer is quite simple. The people I am writing
this for will be the men and women who will lead
our nation. They will be the custodians of gov't
and industry. They will be the leaders who will
ensure are institutions are strong and individual
freedoms are protected.
Who are these people? Well, forty years ago no one
knew the names of the people leading our nation
today, either in business, the sciences or politics.
Yet today, as your young eyes read these pages,
who can say which of you will lead our nation
in ten, twenty or forty years from now.
And that is the greatness of our country, each
of you CAN be an American leader. Each of you
CAN make a difference in the lives of others.
And each of you can play an important part in
our country's future.
So this book is written SOLELY for you. My intent
is to share my opinions on life, hoping to influence
how you think about our country but more importantly
how you think about yourselves.
I'll discuss many topics, but none more important
than YOU, the individual. For nothing can be achieved
without your personal commitment to whatever goal
you seek and no one is more valuable than you are.
today are not considered an audience for the important
message they need to hear. Maybe I can deliver it.
Tony
June 15, 1997
I've wanted to write a book that would have an
impact on its readers; one that would provide
a positive influence on their lives.
But on which subject, and to which audience?
Well, the subject, or shall I say subjects will
be broad, from A to Z. And the views on them
will be solely my personal ones, based on what
I know, believe and feel.
But more importantly is the audience this book
is intended for. I want to reach readers who will
lead our country, young readers, with a world of
opportunity in front of them.
Why them? Why seek an audience who are probably
more interested in new CDs or videos than a book
by some unknown author attempting to influence
their lives?
The answer is quite simple. The people I am writing
this for will be the men and women who will lead
our nation. They will be the custodians of gov't
and industry. They will be the leaders who will
ensure are institutions are strong and individual
freedoms are protected.
Who are these people? Well, forty years ago no one
knew the names of the people leading our nation
today, either in business, the sciences or politics.
Yet today, as your young eyes read these pages,
who can say which of you will lead our nation
in ten, twenty or forty years from now.
And that is the greatness of our country, each
of you CAN be an American leader. Each of you
CAN make a difference in the lives of others.
And each of you can play an important part in
our country's future.
So this book is written SOLELY for you. My intent
is to share my opinions on life, hoping to influence
how you think about our country but more importantly
how you think about yourselves.
I'll discuss many topics, but none more important
than YOU, the individual. For nothing can be achieved
without your personal commitment to whatever goal
you seek and no one is more valuable than you are.
Did You Hear the Tree Fall?"
"Did You Hear the Tree Fall?"
Jan. 24, 1997
What is truth? Do any of us know it? Can we define it?
Or, even find it? As a people living in a free nation
truth is essential. For without it, we are lost, without beliefs or confidence in what we are told.
Truth is a valuable commodity that seems to be in short supply. We can never be certain whether or not we are
being told the truth.
"A man's word is his bond" is only a distant creed, no longer used to address one's integrity. And I wonder
how many of us realize this, or even care?
Thoughts of truth come to mind when I think of politicians
who should be paragons of virtue and honest without fault.
All politicians have are their words, and if we cannot be
confident in what they tell us is true, what else is there?
But they are not. They seek to persaude us
Can we re-capture "truth" and restore this creed and
allow people to 'know' when they read or hear something
they can be confident it is true?
Yes we can. But it takes diligence and a concerted
effort to FIND the truth. To question what you hear
or read. To CHALLENGE those who seek to persuade you.
Only with our personal efforts can find the truth.
I think it's too late for voters to learn enough
about the candidates and the issues before election
day. And we are the poorer for it.
The average American knows more about the Simpson
trial than they do about individuals asking to
represent them. Yet, the people we elect impact
our pocketbooks and regulate our lives.
Most of us select a person either by party, personality,
one key issue, or an outside influence (spouse, friend, celebrity).
We know little about the legislation to be introduced,
or how candidates will be voting. And the legislation
is so complex even our representatives don't know all
the elements before passing news laws.
The media reports on negative ads, rather than presenting real differences between candidates. And the candidates become evasive when pressed to defend an unpopular vote.
The blame belongs to each of us. "We get the representation we deserve". This statement was never truer.
How do we fix it? By taking the election process as a serious exercise. Study the candidates and issues. See how
new legislation impacts you, your state and our country.
And once the election is over keep in touch with your legislators. Let them know you care, are interested and will be an active citizen.
A bigger challenge is to overhaul Congressional rules.
Allow all votes to come to the floor and not stay bottled
in committee. Provide a line item veto, change two-year Congressional terms to four years and allow legislation
to be put to a state or national vote.
Much needs to be done, but it has to start with us.
Anthony J. Bruno
Jan. 24, 1997
What is truth? Do any of us know it? Can we define it?
Or, even find it? As a people living in a free nation
truth is essential. For without it, we are lost, without beliefs or confidence in what we are told.
Truth is a valuable commodity that seems to be in short supply. We can never be certain whether or not we are
being told the truth.
"A man's word is his bond" is only a distant creed, no longer used to address one's integrity. And I wonder
how many of us realize this, or even care?
Thoughts of truth come to mind when I think of politicians
who should be paragons of virtue and honest without fault.
All politicians have are their words, and if we cannot be
confident in what they tell us is true, what else is there?
But they are not. They seek to persaude us
Can we re-capture "truth" and restore this creed and
allow people to 'know' when they read or hear something
they can be confident it is true?
Yes we can. But it takes diligence and a concerted
effort to FIND the truth. To question what you hear
or read. To CHALLENGE those who seek to persuade you.
Only with our personal efforts can find the truth.
I think it's too late for voters to learn enough
about the candidates and the issues before election
day. And we are the poorer for it.
The average American knows more about the Simpson
trial than they do about individuals asking to
represent them. Yet, the people we elect impact
our pocketbooks and regulate our lives.
Most of us select a person either by party, personality,
one key issue, or an outside influence (spouse, friend, celebrity).
We know little about the legislation to be introduced,
or how candidates will be voting. And the legislation
is so complex even our representatives don't know all
the elements before passing news laws.
The media reports on negative ads, rather than presenting real differences between candidates. And the candidates become evasive when pressed to defend an unpopular vote.
The blame belongs to each of us. "We get the representation we deserve". This statement was never truer.
How do we fix it? By taking the election process as a serious exercise. Study the candidates and issues. See how
new legislation impacts you, your state and our country.
And once the election is over keep in touch with your legislators. Let them know you care, are interested and will be an active citizen.
A bigger challenge is to overhaul Congressional rules.
Allow all votes to come to the floor and not stay bottled
in committee. Provide a line item veto, change two-year Congressional terms to four years and allow legislation
to be put to a state or national vote.
Much needs to be done, but it has to start with us.
Anthony J. Bruno
The American People
Watching from the Sidelines
Nov. 1, 1995
I was thinking today about American citizens, our goals, priorities, and interests. It saddens me to see my fellow citizens, and I, passing time, rather than living our lives.
Most people don't even realize how far they are from leading a full life. So to them, there isn't a problem. But to me, also someone who has not given as much to life as I can, the frustration leads to this commentary.
What is happening to us? Where are we going as a society?
Do we truly understand what is happening to our country,
and ultimately the people of the entire planet? We've
become a country of observers, rather than doers. We
live by slogans, or symbols rather than our own deeds.
If every minute of our lives were one dollar bills,
what we are doing is the equivalent of burning one
every sixty seconds.
"The times, they are a changin.." so goes the song. Yes, much of today is better than yesterday. As a people we
have advanced further in the past fifty years than the
prior five thousand years. But also,too much of today
is weaker, more shallow, with little meaning. Is this
the destination we wanted to arrive at as we rode the technological advances available to us? Are fifty channels, video recorders, computer-chat groups, mindless programs what we really desire? And will they be our legacy?
I wonder how many of us get introspective about our lives? How many question what we do? Or measure the importance of our lives?
The burning of the minutes of our lives is a crime.
Yet no charges are filed, and each of us is acquitted.
Unfortunately, we are still sentenced. Sentenced to a
life unfulfilled with human achievement.
Will this essay end without an answer? NO! There is one.
The answer is within each of us. First, blow out the match! Stop burning the minutes we live! Plan your life so you can reach your goals and follow the road to reach them.
Second, spend LESS time watching others at THEIR vocation, and focus on your own. Turn off the TV and get involved
in your life!
And if you have no defined goals, help others. Every day
we have the opportunity to do something for another.
For every kindness or good deed we do, we give something, for not only for the person we aid but also for ourselves.
Anthony J. Bruno
Nov. 1, 1995
I was thinking today about American citizens, our goals, priorities, and interests. It saddens me to see my fellow citizens, and I, passing time, rather than living our lives.
Most people don't even realize how far they are from leading a full life. So to them, there isn't a problem. But to me, also someone who has not given as much to life as I can, the frustration leads to this commentary.
What is happening to us? Where are we going as a society?
Do we truly understand what is happening to our country,
and ultimately the people of the entire planet? We've
become a country of observers, rather than doers. We
live by slogans, or symbols rather than our own deeds.
If every minute of our lives were one dollar bills,
what we are doing is the equivalent of burning one
every sixty seconds.
"The times, they are a changin.." so goes the song. Yes, much of today is better than yesterday. As a people we
have advanced further in the past fifty years than the
prior five thousand years. But also,too much of today
is weaker, more shallow, with little meaning. Is this
the destination we wanted to arrive at as we rode the technological advances available to us? Are fifty channels, video recorders, computer-chat groups, mindless programs what we really desire? And will they be our legacy?
I wonder how many of us get introspective about our lives? How many question what we do? Or measure the importance of our lives?
The burning of the minutes of our lives is a crime.
Yet no charges are filed, and each of us is acquitted.
Unfortunately, we are still sentenced. Sentenced to a
life unfulfilled with human achievement.
Will this essay end without an answer? NO! There is one.
The answer is within each of us. First, blow out the match! Stop burning the minutes we live! Plan your life so you can reach your goals and follow the road to reach them.
Second, spend LESS time watching others at THEIR vocation, and focus on your own. Turn off the TV and get involved
in your life!
And if you have no defined goals, help others. Every day
we have the opportunity to do something for another.
For every kindness or good deed we do, we give something, for not only for the person we aid but also for ourselves.
Anthony J. Bruno
The American People
Watching from the Sidelines
Nov. 1, 1995
I was thinking today about American citizens, our goals, priorities, and interests. It saddens me to see my fellow citizens, and I, passing time, rather than living our lives.
Most people don't even realize how far they are from leading a full life. So to them, there isn't a problem. But to me, also someone who has not given as much to life as I can, the frustration leads to this commentary.
What is happening to us? Where are we going as a society?
Do we truly understand what is happening to our country,
and ultimately the people of the entire planet? We've
become a country of observers, rather than doers. We
live by slogans, or symbols rather than our own deeds.
If every minute of our lives were one dollar bills,
what we are doing is the equivalent of burning one
every sixty seconds.
"The times, they are a changin.." so goes the song. Yes, much of today is better than yesterday. As a people we
have advanced further in the past fifty years than the
prior five thousand years. But also,too much of today
is weaker, more shallow, with little meaning. Is this
the destination we wanted to arrive at as we rode the technological advances available to us? Are fifty channels, video recorders, computer-chat groups, mindless programs what we really desire? And will they be our legacy?
I wonder how many of us get introspective about our lives? How many question what we do? Or measure the importance of our lives?
The burning of the minutes of our lives is a crime.
Yet no charges are filed, and each of us is acquitted.
Unfortunately, we are still sentenced. Sentenced to a
life unfulfilled with human achievement.
Will this essay end without an answer? NO! There is one.
The answer is within each of us. First, blow out the match! Stop burning the minutes we live! Plan your life so you can reach your goals and follow the road to reach them.
Second, spend LESS time watching others at THEIR vocation, and focus on your own. Turn off the TV and get involved
in your life!
And if you have no defined goals, help others. Every day
we have the opportunity to do something for another.
For every kindness or good deed we do, we give something, for not only for the person we aid but also for ourselves.
Anthony J. Bruno
Nov. 1, 1995
I was thinking today about American citizens, our goals, priorities, and interests. It saddens me to see my fellow citizens, and I, passing time, rather than living our lives.
Most people don't even realize how far they are from leading a full life. So to them, there isn't a problem. But to me, also someone who has not given as much to life as I can, the frustration leads to this commentary.
What is happening to us? Where are we going as a society?
Do we truly understand what is happening to our country,
and ultimately the people of the entire planet? We've
become a country of observers, rather than doers. We
live by slogans, or symbols rather than our own deeds.
If every minute of our lives were one dollar bills,
what we are doing is the equivalent of burning one
every sixty seconds.
"The times, they are a changin.." so goes the song. Yes, much of today is better than yesterday. As a people we
have advanced further in the past fifty years than the
prior five thousand years. But also,too much of today
is weaker, more shallow, with little meaning. Is this
the destination we wanted to arrive at as we rode the technological advances available to us? Are fifty channels, video recorders, computer-chat groups, mindless programs what we really desire? And will they be our legacy?
I wonder how many of us get introspective about our lives? How many question what we do? Or measure the importance of our lives?
The burning of the minutes of our lives is a crime.
Yet no charges are filed, and each of us is acquitted.
Unfortunately, we are still sentenced. Sentenced to a
life unfulfilled with human achievement.
Will this essay end without an answer? NO! There is one.
The answer is within each of us. First, blow out the match! Stop burning the minutes we live! Plan your life so you can reach your goals and follow the road to reach them.
Second, spend LESS time watching others at THEIR vocation, and focus on your own. Turn off the TV and get involved
in your life!
And if you have no defined goals, help others. Every day
we have the opportunity to do something for another.
For every kindness or good deed we do, we give something, for not only for the person we aid but also for ourselves.
Anthony J. Bruno
Sweet Little Sixteen Taxes
"Sweet Little Sixteen" May 6, 1996
I recently read an essay by Walter Williams on taxes,
a subject near and dear to all Americans who believe
they pay too much of their income to our government.
Dr. Williams noted that today, May 6th, the 127th day
of the year, the average taxpayer will have finally paid
his local, state and federal taxes.
The article describes the relationship between taxes and freedom. Dr. Williams draws a close connection between
these two, not so obvious, elements of a civilized society.
The connection occurred with the ratification of the 16th Amendment, giving Congress the power to tax our income.
Dr. Williams concludes that with the 16th Amendment a master-slave relationship was created that enslaved
citizens to a Congress that determined who will pay
and how much will be paid to the Federal government.
Additionally, the 16th Amendment allows Congress to
not be accountable for financial responsibility that
should come with the taxing power they have.
To curb the excesses of a Congress and Administration that continually increase our debt we, the taxpayer, must ACT.
We must take responsibility for the financing of government, and not leave it in the hands of people who spend their career seizing our money, then retire, and leave a national debt to our children and our children's children.
We must petition Congress to give all taxing authority
to the citizens who pay them, not legislators who impose taxes WITHOUT our consent. Rather than listen to arguments of why taxes need to be increased and which group of Americans should pay them WE need to vote on tax
referendums as the need exists.
This single change will immediately return the power to where it belongs. It will make politicians do what they
are most skilled at, make a persuasive case to support
their viewpoint. And the public, if convinced, will
provide the additional funds.
Going from the 16th Amendment, which is a subtle effort
to keep citizens enslaved, to REAL accountability by
giving it to the people who pay the taxes, will not be
easy. But a grassroots effort is long overdue.
Since the 16th Amendment was adopted the United States
has accumulated over $5 TRILLION in debt. Need we see
any more evidence that something is very wrong and
the public should be responsible for the amount of
money we are taxed and how it should be spent.
Anthony J. Bruno
I recently read an essay by Walter Williams on taxes,
a subject near and dear to all Americans who believe
they pay too much of their income to our government.
Dr. Williams noted that today, May 6th, the 127th day
of the year, the average taxpayer will have finally paid
his local, state and federal taxes.
The article describes the relationship between taxes and freedom. Dr. Williams draws a close connection between
these two, not so obvious, elements of a civilized society.
The connection occurred with the ratification of the 16th Amendment, giving Congress the power to tax our income.
Dr. Williams concludes that with the 16th Amendment a master-slave relationship was created that enslaved
citizens to a Congress that determined who will pay
and how much will be paid to the Federal government.
Additionally, the 16th Amendment allows Congress to
not be accountable for financial responsibility that
should come with the taxing power they have.
To curb the excesses of a Congress and Administration that continually increase our debt we, the taxpayer, must ACT.
We must take responsibility for the financing of government, and not leave it in the hands of people who spend their career seizing our money, then retire, and leave a national debt to our children and our children's children.
We must petition Congress to give all taxing authority
to the citizens who pay them, not legislators who impose taxes WITHOUT our consent. Rather than listen to arguments of why taxes need to be increased and which group of Americans should pay them WE need to vote on tax
referendums as the need exists.
This single change will immediately return the power to where it belongs. It will make politicians do what they
are most skilled at, make a persuasive case to support
their viewpoint. And the public, if convinced, will
provide the additional funds.
Going from the 16th Amendment, which is a subtle effort
to keep citizens enslaved, to REAL accountability by
giving it to the people who pay the taxes, will not be
easy. But a grassroots effort is long overdue.
Since the 16th Amendment was adopted the United States
has accumulated over $5 TRILLION in debt. Need we see
any more evidence that something is very wrong and
the public should be responsible for the amount of
money we are taxed and how it should be spent.
Anthony J. Bruno
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