GOVERNMENT

There are no unintended consequences to nationalizing health care, as evidenced by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius' threat against private insurance companies ("ObamaCare Extortion," Michael Tanner, PostOpinion, Sept. 16).

Along with overloading the health-care and welfare systems, President Obama is going to devastate our economy with tyrannical, agenda-driven financial and energy policies, the national debt and job losses.

He will devastate America along with it.

Nothing could be more intentional than that.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley, Calif.

Los Angeles Times July 4, 2009 Franken's new gig
(Lead of five letters)

Al Franken is now U.S. Senator-elect Al Franken, which tips the power in the Senate to the Democrats. Franken may be a political hero in his own mind; I think he is a rancorous partisan. But like the power of overwhelming government being wrought upon the country, the joke will be on those who will undoubtedly suffer from it -- most of us.

Report: Illegal immigrants freed from Texas jail

The Associated Press

Sun, Nov 16, 2008 (2:33 p.m.)

Federal immigration officials let thousands of inmates in the nation's third-most populous county walk out of jail despite the suspects admitting they were in the U.S. illegally, a newspaper investigation found.

More than 3,500 inmates told Harris County jailers they were in the country illegally over an eight-month period starting in June 2007, but records show Immigration and Customs Enforcement filed paperwork to detain only about a quarter of them.

In a story published Sunday, The Houston Chronicle found that most illegal immigrants released from jail were accused of minor crimes. But others included convicted child molesters, rapists and those ordered to be deported decades ago.

ICE officials said they are doing the best they can with their resources.

"No agency has enough law enforcement officers to do the job the way they'd like," Kenneth Landgrebe, ICE's field office director for detention and removal in Houston, told the Chronicle.

The Houston ICE office set a record by removing 8,226 illegal immigrants with criminal records from southeast Texas last year, an increase of about 7.5 percent from fiscal year 2007.

ICE officials said between 300,000 and 450,000 inmates incarcerated in the U.S. are eligible for deportation each year. The agency estimates it screens inmates in only about 10 percent of the nation's jails.

Reform or Fail
Daily Press
December 21, 2008

As usual, California state government has failed voters, taxpayers and students, again. The last time there was a housing boom and housing inflation, California's elected betrayers spent the increases in tax revenues as fast or faster than they received them, which resulted in a budget crisis when housing price corrections came, as it always does. Now, it's happened again, only it is a much bigger problem because of overpriced, underperforming public education, and the overall economic meltdown.

A New Political Party Is Needed
By Joel S. Hirschhorn
November 18, 2008
Author: Delusional Democracy

Set aside any Obama euphoria you feel. The other important news is that third-party presidential candidates had a miserable showing this year, totaling just over one percent of the grand total with 1.5 million votes nationwide, compared to some 123 million votes for Barack Obama and John McCain.

It couldn't be clearer that Americans are not willing to voice their political discontent by voting for third-party presidential candidates. The two-party duopoly and plutocracy is completely dominant. The US lacks the political competition that exists in other western democracies. Without real political competition there is insufficient political choice.

October 9, 2008
Higher Taxes Coming to Utah
By: Dick Armey

Watch out, Utah! If a group of anti-smoking advocates has their way, Utah will soon have the sixth largest cigarette tax in the nation. The coalition wants to increase the current 69.5 cent per pack tax by $1.30 to a whopping $2.00 per pack. This would be the largest single cigarette tax increase in the nation and brings a pack of cigarettes to over $5.00. Regardless of whether you smoke or not, this is highway robbery.

Get rid of "Taxifornia" income tax
By Daniel B. Jeffs, founder DDC
October 9, 2008

The Center for Small Government's Committee for Small Government, a citizen group in Massachusetts, has qualified a measure (Question 1) for the state ballot to abolish state income tax. The group attempted it in 2002, and it nearly passed. They have labeled the state, "Taxachusetts."

California citizens should do the same in "Taxifornia." We certainly have good reason the put such a measure on our ballot, and to pass it just as we did Proposition 13 in 1978 to stop state thieves from taxing us out of our homes.

Considering the growing budget monster California legislators have created over the years, it is clearly time to cut their purse strings from our pockets. The word, budget seems to be an oxymoron to the legislative lunatics who sit in Sacramento plotting the next robbery of taxpayers.

San Bernardino Sun
August 28, 2008
Featured Letter

We're tapped out

Re: "State eyes area water, Aug 14.

Lt. Governor John Garamendi's declaration at the second annual San Bernardino County Water Conference, that we will have to share our groundwater with the rest of the state, is troubling at best. Particularly, when he is just now recognizing the state water crisis, and blaming it on highly questionable global climate change, which is partisan at best.

San Bernardino County does not have any water to spare. And if there is any, it should be shared within the county and immediate areas. More importantly, property owners/taxpayers in this county along with other counties in Central and Southern California, paid for the California State Water Project bringing water from Northern California. We not only paid our share for the project, we also pay for maintenance of the project and for annual water allotments to county SWP contractors in the valley, mountains and desert.

The real problem is, we depend on SWP water. In the face of California's water crisis -- exacerbated by an environmentalist/federal court cutting 30 percent of the water delivery on behalf small fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta -- and the lack of a peripheral canal bypassing the Delta, it's only going to get worse without some course of action. At the very least, there should be a lawsuit regarding the court's unconstitutional interference with legal contracts and water rights.

If the voters don't do something, unconscionable environmentalists -- who value insignificant species over the human species -- activist courts, state government thieves and regulators, and federal accomplices will continue to commit crimes against local humanity. Certainly this -- along with pending state budget raids on local government -- is a glaring example of why most government should be local. Trim bulging state and federal government to the constitutional minimum, get rid of the tax and spend bullies, and let us attend to our own business.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley, CA

San Bernardino Sun
July 28, 2008

Hurting neighborhoods

Re: Reports that dumping illegal-immigrant criminals in Yucaipa enrages officials. Reports of eight illegal aliens convicted of selling crack cocaine in San Francisco walking away from a Yucaipa group home is a glaring example of government intrusion into people's neighborhoods.

Indeed, California is rife with such abuses of power. San Francisco didn't place the criminals in San Bernardino County. The state did. It's simply another case of Northern California socialists dumping their garbage in Southern California.

Together with homes purchased by the federal government and occupied by freeloaders and gangsters, state-licensed group homes are a plague on single-family residential neighborhoods throughout the state. Counties and cities have no say in the matter, and residents are completely ignored. Homeowners are put at risk and their property values are adversely affected.

Some years ago, a friend purchased a nice home for his family in a new housing tract in Apple Valley. Then HUD came in and bought up the remaining new homes. The state placed welfare families in the homes - in some cases, there were two or three families in one home. The neighborhood turned sour and the home values plummeted. For the security of his family, my friend had to sell and move at a substantial loss.

Since moving into our neighborhood, HUD has taken over at least two homes. The state established a group home for juvenile offenders and a group home for mentally disabled people. And there may be more, all within a block of our home. Though these programs were undoubtedly established by HUD and the state with good intentions, they have failed miserably. They have turned into deceitful - and probably unconstitutional - seize, decay and destroy projects tantamount to reckless eminent domain over any and all neighborhoods.

DAN JEFFS
Apple Valley

July 1, 2008

The Supreme Court decision upholding the 2nd Amendment is both encouraging and disturbing. It is encouraging because the people do have the individual right to keep and bear arms.

It is disturbing because 4 of the 9 justices have the arrogance to question what the meaning of, "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed," is. Such power is too close to having one more justice usurp the Constitution, the power of the people and disarm America.

Indeed, there is no provision in our Constitution for the Supreme Court to amend it. That right is reserved exclusively to 50 states and the over 300 million citizens who inhabit them. How long must we endure the federal judiciary's manipulation and misinterpretation of the Constitution? Until it's too late?

Daniel B. Jeffs
Apple Valley, CA

2nd Amendment decision
Daniel B. Jeffs, founder DDC
June 27, 2008

The Supreme Court decision upholding the 2nd Amendment is both encouraging and disturbing. It is encouraging because the people do have the individual right to keep and bear arms, in their homes for self-defense. However, the opinion should have taken it a step further and included law-abiding citizens carrying firearms outside of their homes, on their persons and in their vehicles, particularly in these dangerous times.

2008 presidential elections - new declaration of independence
Daniel B. Jeffs, founder DDC
July 3, 2008

The 2008 presidential elections will make it painfully clear to the American people that we need a new declaration of independence. Indeed, with a dose of common sense, if we can simply analyze what has happened to our country, and why we have devolved into a self-destructive, superficial society of selfish interests and extremes, we will make some serious decisions about our future.

California water crisis
Build the peripheral canal
Daniel B. Jeffs, founder DDC
July 16, 2008

The California water crisis is essentially being ignored by our government and the media. That comes as no surprise. The energy crisis was ignored until we began having rolling blackouts, and the education crisis was ignored until our schools began graduating students who were functionally illiterate. None have been rectified. In other words, California is inept government by crisis.

Daily Press
July 13, 2008

Throw the bums out

With a $15 billion deficit and an $8 billion proposed tax hike on the legislative table, there are those who condemn us ignorant voters and the Republican tyranny of the minority for obstructing the will of Democrat majority to pass the California State Budget. I use the term "budget" loosely. It would be more accurate to say there are those who want to, "Turn the tax dogs loose."

San Diego Union Tribune
March 31, 2008

A Double Standard

Considering our declining history and the lies, distortions and embellishments of the candidates for president, it has become painfully clear that there is a double standard applied to the people and those who are elected to represent us. If we lie on our employment applications, we would not be hired. What is said by those who campaign for public office is their employment application.

USA TODAY
March 31, 2008

Hold public servants accountable to words
Daniel B. Jeffs - Apple Valley, Calif.

Considering the lies and distortions of the presidential candidates, it has become painfully clear that there is a double standard at work ("Clinton acknowledges sniper 'misstatement,' " Electionline, News, Tuesday).

If a person lies on his or her employment application, then he or she likely will not be hired. The words of those campaigning for office become an employment application, of sorts. Sen. Hillary Clinton isn't doing so well on hers.

USA TODAY
July 25, 2007

Tobacco tax unfair

The Senate finance committee's approval of a large tobacco tax increase to fund healthcare for children is simply another tax move against beleaguered smokers, most of whom are low income people who can least afford it. It's bad enough that anti-smoking zealots have discriminated against smokers as social outcasts, holding them up to public hatred, ridicule and humiliation.

But to attack a class of people with punishing taxes to pay for non-smoking related healthcare and other hot-button programs that have little or nothing to do with smoking is simply wrong. President Bush is right by indicating that he will veto an unfair tax on low-income smokers to pay for middle-income people's healthcare for children.

Daniel B. Jeffs
Founder, DDC

The Success of a Climate Change Strategy
By Bart Mongoven, Stratfor.com
May 11, 2007

The Success of a Climate Change Strategy

The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill May 8 that calls on automakers to increase average fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., requires that every company's average vehicle -- including light trucks and sport utility vehicles -- be counted in computing compliance with this target. A move to 35 miles per gallon would be difficult, but the measure does not stop there. It also requires that the fuel efficiency of cars, light trucks and SUVs improve by 4 percent per year from 2020 to 2030.

USA TODAY
May 10, 2007

France rejects socialism

Nicolas Sarkozy will help the French change their severe social, political and economic problems. French voters rejected what would have been their first woman president simply because she was a socialist who would have worsened their dilemma. With 85 percent voter turnout, the French send a strong message about how they feel about socialism.

Daniel B. Jeffs
DDC

Washington Times
May 23, 2007

Jimmy Carter's opinions

Former president Carter's revision of his remarks about the Bush administration being the "worst in history" is typical of his history of inept thinking. He's done it many times before. When it comes to the worst administration in history, Carter is certainly in the running. Founder's letter published in USA TODAY April 26, 2007

Pathetic ploys for power

The congressional freak show exploiting Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is little more than the latest pathetic round of persecution politics aimed at President Bush and his administration. The power struggle in Washington is an unconscionable waste of political capital at the people's expense. Indeed, nothing could be a more vivid example of inept government than our elected representatives throwing political rocks at each other amid growing terrorism and high-risk national security. Politics in the USA is turning our democratic republic into an over regulated wasteland of petty politics. America is better than that.

Democratic Government or Personal Power Club?
January 11, 2006

As an informed voter and concerned citizen, I am deeply troubled by what is going on in Congress.

When I see posturing politicians pontificating their ideology at Senate confirmation hearings for a Supreme Court nominee, and others threatening to filibuster, it frustrates me.

When I see those we elect become more interested in their personal power and wealth than they are about our interests, it disturbs me.

And when I see government officials and elected representatives playing fast and loose with our national security for political gain, it terrifies me and my family.

It is painfully obvious that the entrenched two-party system has turned our government of constitutional institutions -- enacted to serve the people -- into a self-serving, two-headed, political monster.

Indeed, it's time for nonpartisan elections and more democracy with secure electronic voting networks connected to voters' homes.

Daniel B. Jeffs, founder
DDC

How to Exit Iraq
At First, Iraqi Soldiers Should Augment U.S. Forces, Not Replace Them

By Henry A. Kissinger
Washington Post
Sunday, December 18, 2005; Page B07

The administration and its critics seem to agree that the beginning of an American withdrawal from Iraq will mark a turning point. What divides them is the speed and extent of the drawdown and whether it should be driven by a timetable or by a strategy that seeks to shape events....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/17/AR2005121700 946.html

Separation of God and state?

By William J. Federer

America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of God and state, as shown by the fact that all 50 states acknowledged God in their state constitutions:

To view this item online, visit: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35035

William Federer is a best-selling author and president of Amerisearch Inc., a publishing company dedicated to researching America's noble heritage. Federer's "American Minute" is featured each day in WorldNetDaily.

Visit Amerisearch.net

Re: House Erupts in War Debate
L.A. Times November 19, 2005

People Betrayed by Government and Media

House Democrat and former military hawk, Rep. John Murtha's demand for immediate withdrawal from Iraq, and the reactive Republicans' forced vote on the issue -- along with angry shots fired from both sides

President Bush's response to Iraq war critics
November 12, 2005

I am gravely concerned -- and I'm sure many Americans are troubled -- by the blind political aggression of radical Democrats and biased media toward President Bush, his administration and congressional Republicans, particularly when our national security, our economy and our future are at stake.

Los Angeles Times
Founder's letter published
November 10, 2005

Torn apart by the torture debate

John McCain is a war hero who endured unconscionable torture as a POW in Vietnam. Therefore, his stance against prisoner abuse is understandable. However, we are engaged in a war with the worst kind of terrorists, which means if we don't use the means necessary to win, we won't. Arizona Senator McCain could better serve his state and the country if he focused his energy on the crisis plaguing our borders.

Daniel B. Jeffs, founder
DDC

Senator Boxer's fantasy
November 6, 2005

The media politics of bashing the Bush administration and the Republican leaders in Congress is rancorous enough. However, our own infamous Senator Barbara Boxer seems compelled to demonize the evil opposition even further. Obviously, she is posturing for a filibuster against President Bush's Supreme Court nominee to fulfill the fantasy of her novel, "A Time to Run."

Unfortunately for Californians, Senator Boxer appears to be more concerned about self-promotion and personal power than she is about those she represents.

Daniel B. Jeffs, founder
DDC

Plamegate poster children
November 3, 2005

Joseph C. Wilson IV, his CIA wife, Valerie (Plame) Wilson, and VP Cheney's chief of staff, Lewis Libby have become the latest poster children for the political affliction running rampant among rancorous partisans

Re: "Homeowner tax breaks are breaking the budget"
By Maya MacGuiness
L.A. Times Current October 30, 2005

Enact real tax reform instead of making it worse.

Maya MacGuiness' proposal to eliminate homeowner mortgage tax deductions and other deductions is absurd. Indeed, President Bush's tax reform panel's suggestion to limit the deductions is almost as bad.

Confirm Harriet Miers
Published in the San Francisco Chronicle
October 11, 2005
Published in the Daily Press
October 12, 2005
Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune
October 16, 2005

What's so bad about Supreme Court nominee, Harriet Miers?

Quit the political nit-picking
Published in U.S. News & World Report
November 7, 2005 issue

During former president, Bill Clinton's second term, he was assaulted with attack politics and nit-picked to such a degree that he was dangerously distracted from protecting America and our national interests against repeated acts of terrorism, which left us open to the 9/11 attacks.

A Short Story about New Orleans

Beyond the historic architecture, the spice-laden cuisine and the beguiling voodoo underground, live close to 500,000 people, mostly poor (more than a quarter live in poverty), mostly black (more than 66 percent), clustered into 73 distinct neighborhoods.

WHAT SENATOR JOHN GLENN SAID:

Things that make you think a little:

There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January.
In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January.
That's just one American city,
about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA'S INITIATIVE PROCESS
(letter from the Daniel B. Jeffs, founder DDC)
Re: "Ways to Reform the Initiative Process" by Michael Hiltzik (Golden State) Los Angeles Times C-1 July 28, 2005

Petition the Supreme Court: maybe it's time for concerned citizens to step in, take on the two-party system, and test the constitutional veracity of the Supreme Court before it's too late...

Founder's letter published in
The Washington Times
July 2, 2005

Re: President Bush on Iraq
June 28, 2005

Founder's letter published in USA TODAY
May 18, 2005 Page 10A
(Lead letter of four letters - other letters included)

Eschew (avoid, shun) filibuster - and partisan politics