Hooray! Liberal Democrats Might End Their “War on Children”

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Tom Balek Standard 2

illegal-immigrant-children-packed-like-sardines

Photo courtesy Breitbart News

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson (D-Texas) handed out lollipops to the hordes of illegal immigrant children squished into detention centers in Texas this week. Is this an omen?

Could it be that LIBERAL DEMOCRATS ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT CHILDREN?

5-star liberal Nancy Pelosi (D-California) said, “If you believe as we do that every child, every person has a spark of divinity in them, and is therefore worthy of respect — what we saw in those rooms was [a] dazzling, sparkling, array of God’s children, worthy of respect.”

What’s that, Nancy? Year after year, liberal Democrats have waged a WAR ON CHILDREN.

Millions of babies (babies are children, aren’t they?) died as Nancy and the liberal Democrats promoted abortions and fought tooth-and-nail every attempt to save unborn and about-to-be-born American babies. 1,350,000 per year. One killed every 24 seconds. War on children.

Graduation rates continued to nosedive as schools failed yet another generation of children by wasting their valuable time on social nonsense and political propaganda pumped into the curriculum by liberal Democrats. The world-competitive, productive, job-ready curricula of physics, advanced math, history, and grammar has been crowded out of our childrens’ class schedules by gay rights, global warming, and diversity/victimhood. War on children.

And what could be more damaging to a child than knowing that his mother is not willing to provide him with food? Liberal Democrats believe schools must provide breakfast, lunch, and in some cases weekend and summer meals to children because otherwise they would go hungry in spite of $400+ per month food stamp subsidies. Failure to feed one’s child is egregious, criminal negligence. Liberal Democrats not only tolerate this abuse, they encourage and subsidize it. War on children.

Our children face a bleak future, because our liberal Democrat leadership does not think our economy matters. We could be the energy leaders of the world, with full employment, low costs of production and consumer prices and a growing economy. But the liberal Democrats are willing to forego the prosperity of future generations to preserve their political power. War on children.

But now, NOW! Suddenly liberal Democrats love children. Their immigration / border policies have resulted in a “humanitarian crisis”. Now we must care for the children. My God, man, have you no heart!? They are just children! You can’t turn them (and their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, drug dealers, gang bangers, terrorists, and lepers) away from our border! They need our government support! They depend on us! And they will VOTE for us!

Isn’t it reassuring that finally, after all these years of WAR ON CHILDREN, the liberal Democrats have had a change of heart?

Tom Balek – Rockin’ On the Right Side

Some day, yeah
We’ll get it together and we’ll get it all done
Some day, when your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day, when the world is much brighter

Ooh Child (Things Are Gonna Get Easier) – The Five Stairsteps

Thanks to “Soul Train” and Don Cornelius for presenting so many great musical groups! I have not had cable or satellite for a couple of years and I catch Soul Train on the Bounce channel every once in a while . . .

The Wizard of IM – Immigration, That Is

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Tom Balek Standard 1

wizard-of-Oz Tin Man: “If I only had a heart – I would see poor immigrant families risking their lives to follow the yellow brick road to prosperity in the United States. They borrow money from their families in Mexico and Central America to pay a “coyote” or some other shyster to get them over the border, and If they survive the trip, many end up working for slave wages and living in the shadows. Some fathers leave their wives and children behind, sending their pay back home to feed the family and pay off debt. Those who bring their families with them dodge immigration officials and hostile neighbors who don’t want them in their neighborhoods and schools.”

Scarecrow: “If I only had a brain, I would know that the US economy can’t afford the loss of millions more jobs. The huge influx of low-skilled immigrants only pushes down wage rates, and the cost of social services for them is unsustainable. And our open border allows more than just immigrants to enter the country – do we need more drugs, crime, and terrorism?”

Cowardly Lion: “If I only had the nerve, I would stop worrying about getting elected. I should be doing the right thing for the future of our citizens, their kids, and even our neighbors who want to live the American dream. I would come up with a plan that protects the security and prosperity of legal Americans, creates a sensible way for productive foreigners to share and contribute, and allows families to improve their lives through effort and ingenuity.”

Dorothy: “I think I’m still in Kansas. Why is everybody speaking Spanish?”

Wizard: “Don’t look behind the curtain! Nothing to see here! I uh, I’m the Wizard, and everything will be, umm, all right . . . oh blast it, I don’t know what I’m doing!”

Well, there’s the script. You can choose your own favorite actors to play the parts (I have a favorite for the Wicked Witch, too).

Unfortunately, there is no resolution to the plot. Everybody is looking at the symptoms instead of the cause of the problem.

It’s understandable that people want to move here – we have a rich history of opportunity and economic success due to our free market economy, honest government and commonly-held values. Even though these staples of our American heritage are at risk, enough of our founding fathers’ wisdom still remains to make the United States a leading attraction to the world’s strivers.

There is only one way this story can have a happy ending. We have to deal with the reason why Latin Americans want to leave their homes and move to the United States: their own governments are corrupt and dysfunctional.

What prevents our political leaders from devising a plan to help our North American neighbors improve their own nations? Cost can’t be the problem – we are apparently willing to risk all of our wealth – and that of our children and grandchildren – to allow them to move and stay here. It’s not that the people of other nations don’t want to be like us. If that were true, they wouldn’t be risking all to be here. And it can’t be that we don’t want to exert undue influence on how neighboring countries manage their affairs. We don’t seem to have a problem meddling in other parts of the world.

If we are going to spend a bazillion dollars accommodating people who leave their own countries to come here, why not try spending a half a bazillion to make their home countries livable? We might even find out that our neighbors can help US with some things if we treat them like friends instead of poor cousins. Obviously, some regime changes would be in order in some of these countries. Maybe even in ours.

Tom Balek – Rockin’ On the Right Side

Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn’t, didn’t already have

Tin Man – America

Here’s a great clip from an amazing but somewhat overlooked duo – America. Enjoy.

Blacks Need This Kind of Leadership

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Tom Balek Standard 1

Black unemployment is nearly double that of the national average. Black Americans are disproportionately represented in the lower-earning strata of workers because so many have education and technical skills that lag significantly behind the norm.

Why, then, do so many black leaders support more immigration, both legal and illegal? Why do they fight education reforms, such as school vouchers, which would allow black families access to better schools? And why do they continue to advocate government dependency programs instead of directing time, effort, and money to financial and workplace literacy and competency?

Bernard Anderson, economist from the University of Pennsylvania criticizes our current government policy, but for the wrong reason. “One thing the president can do is accelerate, deepen, and strengthen the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies, Anderson said. “That’s one thing the president can do and from all evidence, the Obama administration has been asleep at the switch.”

Wrong. If discrimination is part of the problem, it is a minor part. From 1900 to 1960 the black participation rate in the labor force was equal to or higher than whites. Was there less discrimination then? Did we not just elect a black president? Twice?

Our labor market is flooded with immigrants, many here illegally, which has the double-whammy effect of stealing entry-level and baseline jobs from Americans while pushing down pay rates – simple supply and demand. When combined with well-meaning government benefits programs, and an education system that does no favors to poor families, it sets up the perfect storm for a perpetually unemployed class of citizens, a disproportionate number of whom are black.

Maybe this is no accident. A person dependent on government benefits for his free food will probably vote for the person who, cynically, promises more free food (whether or not he delivers).

Today the Black American Leadership Alliance hosted a march and rally in Washington, DC. Calling it the “March for Jobs”, the organization called on Congress, the Gang of Eight, and the Congressional Black Caucus to oppose the headlong rush toward amnesty for illegal immigrants and increased legal immigration.

This is the kind of leadership needed, not more of the same old failed liberal policies: increased immigration with less border enforcement, government and union control over education, and accelerating dependence on benefit and food programs.

Tom Balek – Rockin’ On the Right Side

Where you lead, I will follow
Anywhere that you tell me to
If you need, you need me to be with you
I will follow where you lead

Where You Lead, I Will Follow – Carole King

The New ‘Immigration Reform’ – It’s A Mistake!

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Tom Balek Standard Reply

Mexican Walmart While living in Montana for many years my opinions about illegal immigration were based on what I heard in the media. Montana doesn’t have an illegal immigrant problem. I saw the growing numbers of Mexicans and Central Americans when visiting western cities like Denver, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City, but still didn’t have any first-hand experience.

For the last few months I have been traveling full-time throughout the Southeast, based in Charlotte, and have gained some perspective on the issue.

Shortly after arriving here, I was shopping at a WalMart store and was struck by how many people were speaking Spanish. It seemed at times like I was the only English-speaking white guy around. I don’t know what proportion of these immigrants are illegal – some may be here on current visas. But it is likely that a good number of them either crossed the border illegally or were born to someone who did.

These foreigners have money to spend. And that is the centerpoint of my curiosity and interest.

The media paints us conservatives as racists, bigots and homophobes who have no tolerance for people who don’t look and speak like us. There are a few who fit that mold, but I think most are like me – concerned about the fiscal integrity of our nation and worried about the economic futures of our children.

Does it bother me that there are so many foreigners in the frozen foods aisle? Not in the least. I find them to be friendly, hard-working family people. What bothers me is that laws exist to protect U.S. citizens, and it is clear that a lot of law-breaking is being tolerated – even encouraged – to a greater degree every day. What is the economic impact?

I have a soft spot for anyone who works hard and takes care of his family. So when Hector came into my store a few days ago to buy a $6,000 dump trailer, I enjoyed learning about his roofing business. He had two of his ten employees with him, and they spoke no English. We had earlier outfitted his shiny new Ford truck with expensive accessories and this was the fifth trailer he had bought from us in a year.

When it came time to pay the bill, Hector, as always, pulled out a wad of hundred dollar bills that would choke a horse. The sixty C-notes he peeled off to pay for his trailer barely made a dent. It made me wonder if the two guys with him were actually bodyguards.

Hector has built a great business and is making a lot of money. We need entrepreneurs in the United States, right?

Not like Hector.

He is obviously not paying taxes – his wealthy customers pay him in cash because he charges less than his native-born, honest, tax-paying competitors. He is not paying workers comp, or unemployment, or insurance bills. He does not provide health care for his employees. Hector pays his men minimum wage or less – they have to work for low wages because any legitimate business would be in big trouble if they hired illegal workers. But it works out because they receive all kinds of government benefits, including food stamps, medical care, subsidized housing and education for their children.

Hector is doing great. So is his family. And his employees are much better off here – they buzz the aisles at WalMart, chattering in Spanish with big smiles on their faces.

At the same time more and more of our own under-educated citizens have given up on work. They are encouraged to stay home and collect welfare, plus the same food stamps, free medical care, subsidized housing and education for their children that Hector’s employees get – all paid for with money either borrowed from the Chinese or printed out of thin air. American entrepreneurs who would start businesses as tradesmen and employ other Americans are beset with regulations, taxes, fees, and red tape.

Our political leaders continue to claim that we need illegal immigrants to do the work that “Americans won’t do.” Even Republicans in the nation’s capital are beginning to embrace amnesty and “immigration reform”, totally abandoning the laws that were created to protect U.S. citizens and our standard of living.

It’s a serious mistake.

Tom Balek – Rockin’ On the Right Side

We’ll not fade out too soon, not in this finest hour
Whistle your favourite tune, we’ll send a card and flower
Saying it’s a mistake. It’s a mistake!

It’s A Mistake – Men At Work

It’s Only Words

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Tom Balek Standard 1

What they say to the public and the media:

WASHINGTON (AP) Nov. 7, 2012 – President Barack Obama is sounding a conciliatory tone after his re-election victory, saying he has learned from those who supported him and those who opposed him. And he says he returns to Washington “more determined” and “more inspired.”

He said he’s hoping to work with Republicans to solve the nation’s problems.

What they say to each other and their supporters (I am on the President’s mailing list and received this e-mail today):

Friend –I want to make one thing absolutely clear:

We’re up against a whole lot more than just opposition in Congress.

We’re up against interest groups with money to burn — organizations willing to drop every last penny they have to stop President Obama’s agenda in its tracks. We’re already seeing it on gun violence, and immigration reform — they’re going to spend millions to throw a wrench in the works of progress.

You can be damned sure that this is not going to stop.

Organizing for Action is going to shift the balance of power in Washington back to real people. People like you have shown over and over again that no amount of spending can stop millions of Americans calling for change.

It’s going to take each of us rolling up our sleeves, getting to work, and chipping in what we can when we can.

We have our first fundraising deadline this weekend. Donate $5 or more right now to become a founding member of this organization: https://donate.barackobama.com/First-Deadline

This is going to be fun. If we do this right, the other side won’t know what hit ’em.
Jim Messina, Chair – Organizing for Action

They have no intention of cooperating or “reaching across the aisle”. “The other side won’t know what hit ’em”, says Messina. They think it’s fun. It’s not about the future of the country. It’s not about school safety. It’s not about immigration reform. This is a game to them.

God help us.

Tom Balek – Rockin’ On the Right Side

You think that I don’t even mean
A single word I say
It’s only words, and words are all
I have to take your heart away

Words – the Bee Gees

Immigration and Cowboy Boots

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Tom Balek Standard Reply

boots Like all guys from Montana, I love my boots. When you get a pair of boots that fit just right, you want to keep them wearable as long as you can. I needed new soles and heels, and quickly – I was starting a new job in a couple of days.

I found Lee’s Shoe Repair on the web and called. In a deep Chinese accent, the shop owner said, “You bring them over, we take care of you.” I grabbed my old boots and took off.

Mr. Lee is getting on in years, and is probably a fairly recent immigrant to the United States. I don’t know that he is here illegally, but he sure could be. His English is passable, but broken – he had trouble understanding me, and I him. He said, “I have you boots on Saturday.”

“No, Mr. Lee,” I pleaded. “I need them by the end of business tomorrow. I’ll pay extra if you can help me.”

Overhearing the conversation, a husky young guy stuck his head through the doorway from the workroom and drawled, “Hey, no problem there, buddy. I know how important a man’s boots are. I’ll git ’em done for you by tomorrow.” He showed me a better kind of sole that would be more comfortable for long days on my feet. Relieved, I left my boots in his skilled Texan hands.

The next day I returned to the shoe repair shop and was greeted by Mrs. Lee, a gray-haired lady with bright eyes and a smile as big as China and Texas put together. The Texan cobbler came out to say hello, too, and I slipped him a ten-spot as a thank you for the rush job. Mrs. Lee said, “You need insoles so your feet don’t get tired. I won’t charge you for them.”

I thanked her, marveling at the extraordinary care and pride this couple and their happy Texan employee put into their work. Then she slipped into the back room, returning with a wrapped package of her special home-made fruit and cinnamon bread. “You take this,” she smiled. “Good luck with your new job!”

A week later, I stopped in to the neighborhood Bank of America across the street from Mr. Lee’s shoe repair shop to find out why I had not received my order of checks. I had been told ten days, and after three weeks they had not arrived. Annoyed at being bothered, the assistant manager checked his computer and said, “Looks like they were never ordered. I will put in a new order and you should get them in about ten days.”

I looked him in the eye and asked, “And the magic words when your company screws up are . . . ?”

He gave me a puzzled look.

“How about, ‘I’m sorry?‘” I said.

“Oh, um . . . of course. I’m, uhh . . . sorry.” He looked like he just ate a mouthful of worms.

I went across the street to thank Mrs. Lee and the Texan again for the great job they did on my very comfortable boots, and the delicious fruit bread. Her eyes twinkled, and there was that big smile. “You wait, I give you ‘Happy Candy’! You take it!” I left her shop, chewing her delicious Happy Candy, and reflecting on the difference between these two businesses a few hundred feet apart.

I’m still developing my thoughts on immigration. And on the Big Bank bailout.

Tom Balek – Rockin On the Right Side

These boots are made for walking
And that’s just what they’ll do
One of these days these boots are gonna
Walk all over you!

Are you ready boots?
Start walkin’!

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ – Nancy Sinatra

Watch this video, if only to see the MINI-SKIRTS! Those were the good old days . . .