My quick thoughts on this presidental election season...

At the beginning of this election season, I started out supporting former Senator and U.S. Marine, (all around badass), Jim Web (D-VA) for President.  When he dropped out, I supported Rand Paul (R-KY).  After Senator Paul dropped out, I supported, and voted for in the Tennessee GOP Primary, Gov. John Kasich (R-OH).  In the general election, I was one of the more than 4 million Americans who voted for Gov. Gary Johnson (L-NM). 

With all of that being said, my wife and I just returned from attending Donald Trump's inauguration.  He's MY President.  He's OUR President.

I will support him when I agree with him.  I will respectfully oppose him when I don't, while offering alternatives (as opposed to yelling political sound bites loudly or damaging people's property), and like a good Episcopalian, I will pray for him...seriously, it's part of every Sunday Rite, regardless of who is in office.

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Jim Webb May Run As An Independent Candidate.

FYI - From Michael Burger and the Modern Whig Party.


-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"


Hello All --

As I'm sure you know, Jim Webb recently decided to end his quest for the Democratic presidential nomination -- but he's considering continuing his run as an independent. As of right now, we don't know whether he will seek the nomination of another party or simply run as an independent and ask for endorsements.

Either way, we'd like to hear from you. We've set up a survey on our website to poll our membership, and we'd appreciate it if you would take a moment out to answer a single question.

If you believe we should support Jim Webb for the presidency, either as our nominee or through our endorsement, please answer "yes." If not, please answer "no."

You can access the survey by clicking on this link: http://www.modernwhig.org/nominate_or_endorse_jim_web_for_president_survey

As always, thank you for your support -- and I look forward to working with you as we continue to answer the call to service the Modern Whig Party was founded on.    

Michael Burger
National Chair
Modern Whig Partyhttp://www.modernwhig.org/

Gary Johnson: We're Fighting for Fair Debates

FYI - From Gov. Gary Johnson/Our America Initiative.


#LiveFree


#PushBack


#LibertarianRepublican



-ADY"A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Libertarian Party Applauds DOMA Strikedown.

FYI - From the Libertarian Party and www.LP.org.

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

News Release June 26, 2013   Libertarian Party applauds DOMA strikedown The Libertarian Party applauds the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today to strike the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a federal law that discriminates against non-heterosexual marriages. The Libertarian Party has supported marriage equality since its founding in 1971. "The Republican Party has never supported marriage equality," said Laura Delhomme, 2013 Libertarian candidate for delegate in Virginia. "Democrats, despite their alleged support of civil liberties, only added a reference to same-sex marriage to their party platform in 2012 — when it became politically convenient." DOMA was pushed through by a GOP-led Congress and signed by a Democratic president. "This is a landmark victory for personal freedom," said Geoffrey J. Neale, chair of the Libertarian National Committee. "The Democrats and Republicans who have advanced, defended, and let stand government intrusion into the private contracts and choices of consenting adults will be remembered for their inhumanity on this issue." Ending DOMA means that the federal government will recognize the legal marriages of same-sex couples in states that recognize marriage equality. This is a good first step toward ending government discrimination that has affected millions of Americans. Libertarian candidates have long rallied for marriage equality. This year, Robert Sarvis, Libertarian Party of Virginia candidate for governor, along with Delhomme and several other candidates for legislature, have vowed to press for recognition of same-sex marriage in Virginia. Libertarian candidates in New Jersey, the only other state that is holding legislative races this year, are also calling for marriage equality. "Same-sex couples are denied the right to marry because the governor vetoed the marriage equality bill that would have guaranteed their civil rights," said Ken Kaplan, Libertarian for governor in New Jersey. "I will sign such a bill." The Libertarian Party platform states that "Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government's treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws." A recent poll from ABC News/Washington Post shows that 58 percent of Americans support marriage equality, a rapid change from just a decade ago, when only 39 percent supported it. Americans are coming around to the Libertarian view that big government does not belong in our lives, whether it’s our bedrooms or our wallets. Visit LP.org to share this release!   Please donate to the Libertarian Party, working to advance peace, individual rights, and American prosperity. Paid for by the Libertarian National Committee 2600 Virginia Ave, N.W. Suite 200, Washington D.C. 20037 Content not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

The Distinctiveness of Left-Libertarianism, by Gary Chartier

FYI - Some good food for thought on Left Libertarianism from CSS/Gary Chartier.

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Rep. Dennis Kucinich's Interview on Feagler & Friends.

FYI - From the Office of Rep. Kucinich and IdeaStream.org.

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Why I Left The Democratic Party For Good!

Why I left the Democratic Party for good!

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Why I left the Democratic Party.

Earlier I posted the following tweet:

Aaron Yeargan  It's Official! Today I changed my voter registration, leaving the Democratic Party & joining the Libertarian Party@LPNational @TheDemocrats

 via @aarondyeargan.


Since then, I've received numerous e-mails and other messages asking why I did this.  My answer is pretty simple.  I'm only 30 years old, but the Democratic party I grew up learning about and supporting is no more!

Thomas Jefferson, the father of what would become the Democratic Party, believed in and fought for civil liberties.  President Kennedy believed in the 2nd Amendment and in cutting taxes, especially on businesses, in order to create jobs. When the Fair Tax Act (a true beneficial, progressive tax) was originally introduced, it had a Democratic coauthor. President Clinton believed in Free Trade.  While there are some Democrats and democratic groups (i.e. Democrats For Gun Ownership and the Democratic Freedom Caucus) that still believe in and advocate for these ideas, the Democratic Party as a whole does not.

It's obvious that President Obama doesn't believe in a true, real free market (and don't be fooled,  neither do many Republicans), but his assault on civil liberties and constitutional rights is absolutely horrible!  He's George W. Bush 2.0!  I am a former U.S. Marine and four tour Iraq War veteran, currently I'm serving as a medic in the Army Reserve, and was extremely happy to hear then candidate Obama preach about ending the war in Iraq.  Once in office, he tried to extend our presence there.  Don't be fooled by the political spin, the Iraqi government made us leave when we did.  When it comes to Afghanistan, Osama Bin Laden has been dead for a year, why are we still there?  Then there's the reauthorization of the so called Patriot Act and the new NDAA with it's detention clause.

When it comes to other individual and civil liberties, President Carter tried to legalize marijuana for personal use.  Candidate Obama championed this effort, but  not now!  Since he's been in office, he's cracked down and increased raids on states with medical marijuana laws.

Most recently, he has come out in favor of Gay Marriage, but once again, he's not much better than Mitt Romney on this issue (funny how he voiced his support as an extremely close presidential election approaches).  He says he supports gay marriage, but it should be left up to the individual states.  So he supports states rights when it comes to gay marriage, but not drug use, gun rights, or health care?  Mitt Romney, on the other hand, says he's against gay marriage, but believes it should be left up to the individual states.  While I believe a lot of issues should be left up to the states, Telling an adult who they can and can't marry shouldn't be one of them!

These are the reason's why I left the Democratic Party and joined the Libertarian Party.  I will continue to support candidates that are fiscally conservative and socially liberal regardless of party, but if you want a more extensive list, outside of the 5-10 that you will find in the Democratic and Republican parties, you too, should really take time to learn more about The Libertarian Party!

Also, when it comes to November, the Libertarian Party's presidential candidate, former two-term Governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson is:

- Pro Choice (especially on Abortion, Marijuana, and Education)
- Anti War
- Pro Constitution
- Pro Civil Liberties
- Pro Fair Taxation

LIVE FREE!!!

Rep. Mike McIntyre Is Standing By Our First Responders!

FYI -  Congressman McIntyre is standing by our first responders. Let's stand by him is November! Vote McIntyre For Congress!  Find out more about about Congressman McIntyre and his campaign at http://www.mikeworksforme.com or http://www.mcintyre.house.gov

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Standing by our First Responders

Ensuring that our fire departments have the resources and tools they need to do their job is a priority for Congressman Mike McIntyre. As a member of the Homeland Security, Fire Services, and First Responder Congressional Caucus, he has given special attention to the security needs of our communities throughout Eastern North Carolina. Fire departments and first responders are some of the first folks on the scene of an emergency in our communities, and Congressman McIntyre is committed to ensuring that they have the resources necessary to protect our families, churchs, businesses, and communities.

Since the beginning of this year, fire departments across Eastern North Carolina have received over $1.6 million in federal funds to improve their operations.

• Pin Hook VFD has received $8,900 in federal funds and the Piney Grove Volunteer Fire and Rescue has received $4,900 to purchase equipment including radios, pagers, and turn out gear for fire protection
• Bolton Fire Department has received $71,493 in federal funds for operations and safety improvements
• Leland Volunteer Fire and Rescue has received $1,000,000 in federal funds for operations and safety improvements
• Sunset Harbor/Zion Hill VFD has received $61,821 in federal funds for operations and safety improvements.
• Buckhead VFD has received $256,500 in federal funds for vehicle acquisition.
• Acme/Delco/Riegelwood Fire and Rescue has received $103,858 in federal funds for operations and safety improvements.
• Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department has received $416,250 in federal funds for operations and safety improvements.

Compare The Candidates: Gov. Gary Johnson, President Barack Obama, and Gov. Mitt Romney.

FYI - From GaryJohnson2012.com.  Compare the candidates, and you might be surprised.  LIVE FREE!!!  VOTE GARY JOHNSON FOR PRESIDENT 2012!!!

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Learn more my visiting http://www.GaryJohnson2012.com

Twitter:  @GovGaryJohnson

The Democratic Leadership Council: Free Trade Can Fight Terror.

FYI - Some good food for thought from the past!  I wish more of my fellow Democrats still believed, like President Clinton did, in free trade.

From the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC):  Free Trade Can Fight Terror.

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

National Defense & Homeland Security The War Against Terrorism

The Wall Street Journal | Opinion | August 15, 2008 Free Trade Can Fight Terror By Edward Gresser and Marc Dunkelman Editor's Note: This op-ed originally appeared in The Wall Street Journal. When trade flares up as a political issue -- as it is likely to do in the presidential campaign this year -- one aspect of the debate is almost always neglected. There is a fierce competition among foreign countries to sell their products here, in the United States, the largest commercial market in the world. Moreover, by opening up our market to Muslim countries, we could not only help American consumers, but also serve a larger strategic goal: that of boosting the economies which now produce large pools of unemployed, embittered youth. We can make trade an effective weapon against terrorism. Our tariff regime puts many nations in the Middle East, whose young people are susceptible to the sirens of Islamic fundamentalism, at an unintended disadvantage. This works against our efforts to stamp out jihadism. Fortunately, the problem is easy to fix. The U.S. buys about a fifth of all the goods and services traded world-wide -- importing $2.63 trillion worth of the world's products last year alone. Socks come in from the Caribbean, towels from Pakistan, cheese from France, and oil from Saudi Arabia. But apart from oil, very little comes from the Muslim world. The 30 majority-Muslim states of the greater Middle East, from Morocco through Egypt to Pakistan and Central Asia, account for about 10% of the world's population. They provide about 1% of our manufactured imports, and an even smaller fraction of our farm imports. The statistics hint at one of the least-studied but most ominous aspects of the modern global economy. Most of us frame the last quarter-century with narratives about globalization, the rise of China and the spread of the Internet. But for the Muslim countries of the Middle East, and their neighbors in Pakistan and Central Asia, it was a period of economic disaster rivaling our Great Depression. Between 1980 and 2000, their share of world trade fell by 75%, and their share of investment fell even faster. The region's unemployment rate became the world's highest, rising to an average of 25% for young people. With the region's population rising by nearly a quarter-billion, the high unemployment rates mean a pool of perhaps 25 million jobless and sometimes hopeless young people, often easy targets for fundamentalists. Will oil -- now selling at record prices -- put these legions to work? Historical experience is not promising. Oil can bring in money, but it also centralizes wealth and power. The effects mark a strong contrast with factory and farm exports, where revenue is spread more evenly through the working public. Apart from gasoline, we rarely find consumer products from the Muslim world stocking our shelves (apart from the shirts and shoes trickling in from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan). In part, that is because our tariff system makes life harder for developing countries. A Japanese car, for example, is subject to a mere 2.5% tariff, a Chinese TV 5%, and European medicines are subject to no import tax at all. Likewise, oil and natural gas get a nominal 0.1% tariff. But tariffs on the items that are most important to developing economies are much higher. Clothes are subject to an import tax that averages 14.5% and can run as high as 32%. Luggage is taxed just as heavily. Shoe tariffs rise to 48%. Trade pacts like the North American Free Trade Agreement, and preference programs like the African Growth and Opportunity Act, exempt many imported goods from those tariffs. Jamaica, Peru, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico and dozens of other nations export towels, clothes and luggage here duty-free, so American stores can sell their products at a lower price -- or a higher profit margin. Nice for them -- but not so attractive to the nations not privy to a special trade agreement with the U.S., and whose citizens compete with Jamaicans, Peruvians, Kenyans and Mexicans for factory jobs. Towels, for example, are Pakistan's top export. Each container full of towels exported to the U.S. brings in enough income to employ about 500 Pakistanis. But while Pakistani towels are subject to a 7.5% tariff, competing towels from the Dominican Republic or Costa Rica -- both of which benefit from the Central American Free Trade Agreement -- come in duty-free. Likewise, luggage made in Indonesia is subject to a tariff that can rise to 22%, but competes with tariff-free suitcases manufactured in Mexico. Lebanon, which exports preserved fruits and vegetables, must compete with similar duty-free items exported from Peru. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) has taken a step toward fixing this problem, by introducing a bill, the Afghanistan and Pakistan Reconstruction Opportunity Zones Act of 2008, to waive tariffs on many goods from Afghanistan and Pakistan's frontier provinces. The next president should follow up with a broad, tariff-exemption initiative to help the Muslim world break its downwards spiral, revive trade and put its young people back to work. Of course, a comprehensive solution to Middle East economic problems will require efforts to stamp out corruption, improve schooling and end political oppression. But few things could do more to combat terrorist recruitment than draining the pools of angry and unemployed youth that are spread across this region. Fixing American trade policy would be a good start. Mr. Gresser is director of the Trade and Global Markets Project at the Progressive Policy Institute. Mr. Dunkelman is the vice president for strategy and communication at the Democratic Leadership Council.

As someone who subscribes to both Reason and The Progressive (hard to believe that such a person exists, I know!), I thought this would be some good food for thought.  While I believe a total free market approach to health care works best, I was a hard core supporter of the public option because it gave you a choice and was not a mandate.  Once the option went away, the bill became a bloated unconstitutional mandate that's full of crony corporatism.
-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"


From The Progressive Magazine's Matthew Rothschild:

By Ditching the Public Option, Obama Gave His Enemies a Path to the Supreme Court

By Matthew Rothschild, March 27, 2012

The sad thing about the rightwing Supreme Court challenge to President Obama’s health care policy is that it was totally avoidable. It would have been impossible if Obama had offered a robust public option, like “Medicare for All Who Want It.”

Rather than forcing people to buy private insurance largely from the companies who’ve been ripping us off every step of the way, Obama could have and should have given people a choice.

If you want to keep your private health insurance provider, fine.

But if you want the government, in essence, to be your insurer, then join the Medicare program. This option the Supreme Court couldn’t invalidate unless it threw out the entire Medicare system, which has stood for 47 years.

My bet is that everyone but the most drunken devotee of Ayn Rand would have leapt at the Medicare for All option.

Why?

Because most people on Medicare are very happy about the coverage and grateful for the program. Just ask someone who’s on it.

It’s not perfect, but it’s a whole lot better than the private insurance market offers you.

And the administrative costs aren’t bloated because huge amounts of money aren’t wasted on CEO salaries and glossy ad budgets.

Unfortunately, Obama failed to present the option of Medicare for All Who Want It.

Instead, he bought in—and told everyone else under 65 who is not disabled to buy in—to the private insurance model.

And that’s the core of his problem today at the Supreme Court.

The President Asks Congress To End Subsidies To Oil Companies.

FYI - I applaud the President's decision to ask Congress to end subsidies to oil companies, but more needs to be done. We should not subsidize any business.

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Blue Dog Democrats Endorse No Budget, No Pay Act.

FYI - From Democratic Blue Dog Coalition.

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

Blue Dog News Releases

Contact: Brad Howard 202-226-9782

Blue Dogs Endorse No Budget, No Pay Act Coalition Says It’s Time for Congress to Work Together, Do Its Job February 29, 2012 Washington - The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives has endorsed a bill by Blue Dog Rep. Jim Cooper, D- Tenn., that would require Congress to pass a budget before Members of Congress could get paid.  The No Budget, No Pay Act, H.R. 3643, would require Congress to pass its budget and all appropriations bills by October 1st of every year, the start of the nation’s fiscal year.  If Congress fails to pass both a budget and all of its appropriations bills on time, then Members of Congress will not get paid until they do so.  The law would also prohibit retroactive pay for missed paychecks. The No Budget, No Pay Act would take effect February 1, 2013, thereby only applying to future Congresses and not violating the 27th Amendment.  The bill currently has 30 cosponsors split almost evenly between Democrats and Republicans.  Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., has introduced similar legislation in the Senate, and the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee has scheduled a hearing on the bill on March 14. Congress has not adopted a budget for more than 1,000 days.  Over the past 36 years, Congress has passed its appropriations bills on time only four times, and it has failed to pass its appropriations bills on time for the 15th straight year. “Americans don’t get paid if they don’t do their jobs, so why should Congress? The Blue Dogs have endorsed my bipartisan bill because it’s a step toward restoring Americans’ faith in our government,” said Cooper, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on Fiscal Responsibility. “In the last six decades Congress has passed a budget a mere four times," said Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on Fiscal Responsibility. “If this body can't find a way to do what we have been sent here to do by the American people, which is to cut spending and reduce our nation's outrageous $15 trillion deficit, then we don't deserve to get paid.” “This bill is about accountability, fiscal responsibility and commonsense.  If Congress can’t work together and do its job, then it shouldn’t get paid,” said Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications. “We can’t keep operating on continuing resolutions and short-term fixes and we can’t keep pointing fingers at the other side.  The Blue Dogs stand ready and willing to work with both parties to get the job done in a fiscally responsible way and to hold Members of Congress accountable to their actions.”  “Developing a budget that can pass the House, Senate, and be signed into law by the President is the most basic part of our job in Congress, and we shouldn’t get paid if we don’t do our job,” said Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy.  “The No Budget, No Pay Act will force Congress to make the tough choices necessary to build a bipartisan budget – rather than revert to the blind partisanship that’s failed to produce a budget for the American people year after year.” “Families and small businesses across the country operate on a budget, and it is time for Congress to start doing the same thing if we are serious about getting our fiscal house in order,” said Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C., Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration.  “The American people have elected us to do the job of governing this country, and that includes passing a full budget and appropriations bills on time. If we are not doing our jobs, we should not be rewarded with a paycheck. It’s that simple.” “The Congress has failed its obligation to the American people by not passing a budget,” said Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., Blue Dog Whip.  “We need to follow the example of families across the nation who have to balance their checkbooks and pay their bills on time. To get on this path of fiscal responsibility, we must have a framework. This legislation will force members of Congress to do the right thing and pass the budget.” -###- The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public.  The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States.  Visit the Blue Dog website athttp://ross.house.gov/BlueDog to learn more.  You can also get up-to-the-minute news updates on Twitter athttp://www.twitter.com/BlueDogPress.

Print version of this document

Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC07) Announces His Reelection Bid! - PLEASE SUPPORT!

FYI -

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"

March 2, 2012

Dear Friend, Earlier this week I filed for election to the U.S. House of Representatives, and I wanted to make sure you had received the news.  Please find my election announcement below, and please stay in touch with us! US Rep Mike McIntyre Files for Seventh Congressional District Seat Raleigh--U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre filed today for the newly-redrawn Seventh Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman McIntyre stated, "We live in the greatest nation in the world, and I am committed to sustaining the values that have made America great and increasing the  opportunities that will help us blaze a path forward.     "My focus has been and always will be on what is best for the citizens and communities of Eastern North Carolina.  That means working for and supporting policies and ideas that make a positive difference in people's lives, and that's the kind of representation that I want to continue to give.  Working together, we can achieve great things!"   From his senior positions on both the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and U.S. House Armed Services Committee, McIntyre will continue to be a staunch advocate for promoting agri-business and a strong Farm Bill and an avid defender of our commitments to our veterans and national security.  As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, McIntyre will also make sure that we protect the important role that faith and prayer have in our society.   In addition, the Congressman's priorities for building a better future together include: Creating jobs and growing the economy; Supporting the Balanced Budget Amendment; Preserving Social Security and Medicare and health care opportunities; Championing our coast; and Strongly promoting education. Among the many honors and awards the Congressman has received for his work include: the first-ever recipient of an international award for advancing jobs, employment and workforce development; National Legislator of the Year for Veterans and for Agriculture;  the National Leadership Award for Economic Development; "Spirit of Enterprise" Award from US Chamber of Commerce for his strong efforts on behalf of business; the MVP Award for the entire Congress by the Senior Citizens League;  the Medal Of Merit for his leadership on national defense by the National Guard Association; the Admiral's Circle Award for the entire Congress for his leadership on coastal issues; the National Legislative Award twice for his leadership on rural health care; the Champion of Fitness National Award for his work in helping children lead healthier lifestyles through sports, recreation, nutrition and fitness;  the Focus on the Family/Family Research Council Action "True Blue" Award for his strong pro-family record;  recognition for his efforts on behalf of law enforcement, rescue squads and firefighters; and the Distinguished Christian Statesman of the Year Award for national leaders. In addition to his committee assignments, McIntyre is Co-Chairman of the Congressional Waterways Caucus and the Caucus on Special Operations Forces.  He founded and co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports and the Task Force on Responsible Fatherhood    Congressman McIntyre is married to Dee Strickland McIntyre and has two sons, Joshua and Stephen, and a daughter-in-law, Caroline. Thank you for your friendship, prayers, and support! Sincerely,   Mike McIntyre

Paid for by Mike McIntyre for Congress

10 Reasons Why Democrats Should STRONGLY Support A Fair Tax!

FYI - From FairTax.org

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"


10 Reasons Why Democrats Should STRONGLY Support A Fair Tax!....A MUST READ!!!

Rep. Ron Paul & Senator Rand Paul Discuss The State of the Union Address.

FYI - Some good food for thought.  The Paul's discuss the President's State of the Union Address.

-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"


Dr. Rand Paul, MD, U.S. Senator (R-KY)







Dr. Ron Paul, MD, U.S. Representative (R-TX14)

Rep. Mike McIntyre Discusses Rep. Giffords.

FYI - For my fellow North Carolinians, Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC07) discussing Rep. Giffords, personal protection, the need to still meet with constituents, and the importance of open debate.

McIntyre reflects on Tuscon tragedy.


-ADY "A Regular Guy On The Issues"