RYAN PROMISES REFORM IN THE HOUSE

The New Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, promised reforms would be made in the way the House of Representatives does business.

 

In his speech after being sworn in as speaker, he promised that the house would return to regular order, which means legislation would originate through the committee process and be subject to amendments. This would allow much more input by the whole body into the drafting of legislation.

 

In the past the Speaker and his staff would draft legislation, sometimes with the help of the President and the Senate, then attempt to sell it to the members of the house for approval. The house members would sometimes not see this legislation till a very short time before the vote.  This is obviously not in the interest of the people or the individual representatives. 

 

While not all House members agree with Mr. Ryan on some issues, this will not matter if the Speaker puts out the new rules and stays with them. Let the House put forth legislation from the bottom up, vote on it and pass it on to the Senate. Then let it pass or fail on its merits. They have then done their duty to the people they represent.

 

Paul Ryan appears to be an honest man who has the respect of the majority of the house members. While there are many reforms needed in Washington, His proposals are a step in the right direction.   If he can show that he is consistent and open in his Speakership , he may be able to gain the trust of the House members and enhance the House image with the American people.     

NORTHWESTERN  LEHIGH  TEACHERS COMPENSATION

Below are examples of actual teachers compensation for 2014-2015. All payments made on teachers behalf are included and identified.

 

The school district has 2314 students, slightly less than 400 total employees, and 167 teachers. 

 

The salary listed is base pay, some have a stipend for extra curricular work. 52 receive stipends for $350. to $13,524.  Stipends are not included. We separated compensation into 3 groups. Senior teachers,  intermediate, about 10 yrs. service, and junior teachers 1-3 years. 

 

 These are actual examples, but totals would vary slightly due to service, education, etc. Approximately 33% of teachers would be in the Senior group.

 

                SENIOR GROUP                                                       INTERMEDIATE

Salary                           $78,833.00                              Salary                            $54,102.00

Social Sec.                        6,030.00                             Social Sec.                         4,138.00    

Pension Contribution     16,870.00                               Pension Contribution      11,577.00

Health Ins.                      17,376.00                              Health Ins.                       16,870.00

Prescription drug              3,612.00                              Prescription drug               3,612.00

Dental                                  990.00                              Dental                                   990.00

Vision                                  100.00                              Vision                                   100.00

Life Ins.                               162.00                              Life Ins.                                162.00

L.T. Disability                     212.00                               L.T. Disability                      146.00

Total                           $124,185.00                              Total                              $91,697.00

 

                    JUNIOR

Salary                           $43,584.00

Social Sec.                       3,334.00

Pension Contribution       9,326.00

Health Ins.                      16,870.00

Prescription drug              3,612.00

Dental                                  990.00

Vision                                  100.00

Life Ins.                               162.00

L.T. Disability                     118.00

Total                             $78,096.00

Health Insurance is variable due to single, family etc.   these are most likely family plans.  L.T. disability varies due to age. We hope you find this informative.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          





WOLF  BUDGET  STANDOFF  NEAR  CRISIS  POINT

It was reported this week that the Governor has attempted to dip into the Gaming Revenue Trust Fund to reimburse Charter Schools for funds not received from school districts. School Districts have not received their funds from the state so some have not sent funds to the Charter schools. Charter Schools are funded by roughly a 70% School District, 30% State contribution. 

 

Northwestern Lehigh School Board voted Wednesday to send the Charter Schools 70% of their money.

 

This budget standoff is now four months long. The pressure is mounting for a resolution.

 

The legislature has offered to pass a continuing budget resolution and a resolution to fund the schools.  The governor has refused these offers.

 

This Governor has started his term on the wrong foot and it may have poisoned the environment for the rest of his term. If you make threats in a negotiation, you need to know your opposition and have a backup plan. It appears this Governor did not. He may have some of the media and the government workers on his side, but if schools start closing the doors it will be a blemish on him.

 

This is not the Governors money. The income taxes and sales taxes are being collected. The people of the state have paid the money for the state services. The Governor is holding the schools hostage, so he can extort more money out of the taxpayers. We will have to see if this strategy will endear him to the citizens.

 

It now has become a situation of saving face. The Governor wants to cast himself as the hero of the Government workers, The Legislators as the Champion of the Taxpayers. The longer it goes, the higher the stakes.

 

In these situations, both sides need to look like winners. Maybe the legislature should agree to raising the Income tax to 3.1 % from 3.07% this is a nice round number. Also some small concession to the Legislature and they can all live to fight another day.

 

We will see how it all plays out.

 

 

 

JEB  BUSH'S  LAST  HOPE

It is not a secret that the establishment republicans support Jeb Bush to be the Republican nominee for 2016. Most of the republican consultants, political operatives, and elected officials are either openly or quietly behind the Bush candidacy. Fox news management is openly for Bush.  Many on Wall Street and International business would gladly support either Jeb Bush or Hillary Clinton.

 

It has recently been reported that a massive media campaign is about to commence to knock down Donald Trump and Ben Carson or anyone else not part of the establishment network.

 

Both Republican and Democratic members of the political class will most likely go all out to destroy anyone not a member of the club. This may very well also include Bernie Sanders, whose political positions are too far out for me, but at least he is an honest person who is not trying to play bait and switch with the American electorate.

 

It is all about the money, party members love a candidate who is going to generate a huge flow of money around the party, from county organizations, state party organizations etc.

 

Consultants and Communication companies live for these campaigns,  It is like their Christmas, but only comes once every four years.

 

Candidates like Trump, Carson, and Sanders  often refuse to use the party endorsed companies.  It is reported the Trump Campaign is going to use a Florida media Company who has no experience in political campaigns. This is a wise move to avoid sabotage of his message. 

 

It is very possible that a frontal attack from the establishment will backfire and these candidates will enhance their positions. Their hope is to at least lower their delegate count.

 

If this fails, they have one last stand, a brokered Convention. This could happen if a single candidate fails to win a majority of delegates. You have two coalitions,  Trump, Carson and Cruz on one side, Bush, Kasich, Christie, Rubio, Graham, Pataki, on the other, with the rest not known.
 

           Establishment           Leaning Establishment          Outsiders            Wildcards
              Bush                             Huckabee                         Trump                   Paul
              Kasich                          Santorum                          Carson                  Fiorina
              Christie                         Jindal                                Cruz
              Pataki
              Graham
              Rubio

The republican party changed the way delegates are allocated before the primaries began, they were looking ahead.

Florida, Ohio and New Jersey are winner take all. Most anticipated that the Governors or former governors of those states would have a good chance to win, of Course that is Bush, Christie and Kasich. Only 4 other states are winner take all. The rest have a form of proportional allocation, where it is possible for even minor candidates to acquire a few delegates.

Now you see why candidates who have no hope of winning will remain in the race to the end. You have to compliment Perry and Walker who would have surely won some delegates, but chose not to play this game.

A brokered convention would be a trading of delegates for promises of positions, jobs, etc.
I do believe, if this goes to such a convention, it will most likely be the demise of the republican party as we know it.
 

 

 



BOOK REVIEW

BUNKER  HILL

NATHANIEL PHILBRICK

I received this book as a gift from one of my sons, I have always been interested in history from ancient to 20th century. I have always believed that you can gain an understanding of human nature and the future by studying the past.

 

This book is not just an account of a battle, but gives the reader some insight into the character, mood, and thinking of both the colonists and the British in this period of American History.

 

Many things about the times leading up to the revolution are revealed, by personal letters and journals written by those there at the time.

 

Talks about the life of Dr. Joseph Warren, a patriot, and reasonable  diplomat  who tried to be a moderate voice in extreme times. He died at the battle of Bunker Hill.

 

It explains how the original settlers where really on their own when first arriving in the colonies. They formed their own governments and by 1750 had one of the highest standard of living in the world.  They fought side by side with British  in the French and Indian wars. They owed the British to some extent for their protection.  After a 100 years of mostly self government, they had a resentment to British rule, by a king and Parliament across the ocean in distance and out of touch with the aspirations of the colonists. They were considered by the Crown as of no account, and should obey. 

 

The King and his appointees tried to control all imports and required taxes to be paid.  It is interesting to note the story about the tea of the Boston tea party. This tea belonged to the East India Co.  They had an oversupply and sent it to the colonies at a discounted price, but because it had small tax on it, the colonists for the most part refused to buy the tea.  They rather bought inferior tea at a greater price smuggled from the Caribbean. It just showed some of the mentality of the time. 

 

While the colonists were forced to flee the battle of bunker hill due to a lack of Gun Powder. The horrendous casualties suffered by the British was an ominous indication of the War to come.

 

I found this book to be well written, researched and valuable reading for anyone.

 

WOLF  BUDGET  IS  POOR  MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

Looking at Governor Wolf's Budget proposals., they are typical of lazy management. A good competent manager makes due with what is available.  An excellent manager creates an environment where the private sector is able to prosper and thereby state revenues are increased.

 

                      State total Revenue                                            Income tax revenue

2008                 32,123,740,000                                                 10,408,439,000

2009                 30,071,179,000                                                   9,550,238,000

2010                 30,169,122,000                                                   9,352,287,000

2011                 32,949,917,000                                                   9,831,427,000

2012                 32,949,917,000                                                 10,102,113,000

2013                 33,965,000,000                                                 10,777,334,000

2014                                                                                           10,809,736,000

 

As you can see state total revenues have been increasing every year since 2009. Pennsylvania citizen's incomes did not recover until 2013.  Total citizen income increased 13,071,563,518 since 2008.  The governors second proposal would take 1,760,543,322 out of the pockets of the citizens. This is a 16% increase in the income tax.  This would represent 13.5% of their income that has recovered since 2009. Transferring this money from the private sector would slow growth, slow sales tax revenues, and discourage economic expansion.

 

As you can see , while some of the above number is not part of the general budget, State revenues are increasing. Why not let the recovery continue, rather than try to grab more of the small increase of the citizens incomes. Considering the high cost of other items in their budgets, the citizens may actually have less purchasing power than they had in 2008.

 

If there is a deficit, it is not because State revenues have decreased, but because Wolf's budget wants to spend more. This is the easy, lazy way to manage money.  As a good Executive, if you want to shift priorities, send out the memo to department heads, Cut costs by 5%!, without cutting services. if you cant do it  someone else will be able. Does anyone really believe there is not 5% fat in Harrisburg.

 

As for the tax on natural gas. This has been a boom for an area of the state that has suffered decades of a depressed economy. Increased incomes and a revitalized local economy has helped so many.  This industry has improved local roads and helped struggling  local government. The state has also profited by increased income and sales tax revenues. This industry is now under intense pressure due to low natural  gas prices, many may not make it.  The Governor should be lobbying the Obama Administration, to lift the embargo on gas exports, which would benefit everyone, including state revenues, Instead he wants to put added pressure on an already fragile industry.

 

Pennsylvania is the 10th highest taxed state in the country. The idea of continually raising taxes takes us to places like Detroit. Transferring resource's from the private sector to the public sector may be politically popular with the governors supporters, but will not be in the long term best interest of the State.  New Business settles in more business friendly states, followed by the young talent, and the state will be left with an older less wealthy population. These shortsighted Government policies have contributed to the economic decline of the economy at all levels.

 

 

 

         

  THE  NEW  DEMOCRATIC  MANIFESTO

LOVE PEACE AND FREE FOR ALL

 

Having watched the democratic debate, I was sorely disappointed at the trickle down, piecemeal agenda of all the democrats on the stage. This was such a pathetic attempt to buy votes that I thought it necessary to put forward a much more progressive agenda. On second thought, why fool around with progressively going anywhere...American is now prepared to "go all the way."

 

 

1. Forget about minimum wage laws, we will just give every household $50,000 income per year, good luck McD and all you other Capitalist Pigs. What do you think you will have to pay now? Oh, and all minority people and recent arrivals will get an extra $20,000 just for all the past oppression and injustice.

 

2. Free day-care, preschool, elementary, high school, and college. For those who have been put upon in the past, a $20,000 incentive just for showing up. Love, Peace and Free for all.

 

3. Victory in the War on Drugs. Eliminate all drug offences and crime associated with drugs by legalizing all drugs and making them freely available. to all. Love, Peace, and Free for all.

 

4. Free food and housing guaranteed for all.

 

5. Elimination of all police, since there is no poverty and free drugs, there is no need to steal or fight over territory, etc.  Also eliminate all the brutality and injustice that police engage in.

 

6. As soon as elected, we will eliminate the House and Senate; They are just pains in the ass; they are all bigots and reactionaries, bought and paid for by the Koch brothers.

 

7. Eliminate marriage completely, thereby ending domestic abuse, women being subjugated by men, men having to support women and children. All these are taken care of by us. Love, Peace and Free for all.

 

8. Eliminate the military, as we know they are the cause of all violence in the world. We will lead the world by destroying all military weapons and promote Peace and Love.

 

9. The border patrol will all be required to have a CDL license, so they can drive the buses from the border. These buses will be equipped with machines that will issue birth certificates, driver's licenses and checks for $20,000 with a Democratic voter registration on the back.

 

10. Eliminate religion, since it was the source of most racism, bigotry and a judgmental character. Since all your problems and insecurities are now solved, there won't be any need. Remember, God told Moses he was to be called "I AM." Well from now on forget about praying, you can call us "WE BE"... and if you have a problem just call 1-800-wee-bee1.

 

11. Eliminate all weapons. Since we have no police, no military, no crime and  free food, we won't need any weapons.

 

12. We will have flat tax of 20% on all who work for any Government agency. We will place a 80% flat tax on anyone who does not work for a Government agency. We know they are all bigots, racists , rapists, domestic abusers and even Republicans. 

 

13. Eliminate all history, statues of former leaders, books or anything  from the past. They were all bigots, racists, patriarchal types who had many problems. We will replace all this with a new history starting the day after inauguration.

14. With all this extra money in the economy we will now have more revenue than ever anticipated,  and this will be the most stimulated economy in the history of the world.

 

Now you have to admit, since Americans have been trained for many years, to "Vote their pocketbook," this is a winning agenda.  The Republicans will be history after this election.  Oh! but since there is no history there won't be any Republicans. Could you imagine that a former Democrat once said, "Think not what your country can do for you."   Such a Democrat would most certainly have the same fate today.   

 Love, Peace and Free for all

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY

 

 

. 

DENNIS HASTERT,  MR. "A", AND THE  IRS

Former Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert has agreed to plead guilty to structuring withdrawals of money from his bank account to avoid reporting requirements of the IRS.  Hastert was reportedly paying  hush money to a " Mr. A " to keep quiet about improprieties committed with students while a wrestling  coach . This all occurred years ago before being elected to the House.

 

"Mr. A" ,it seems is a blackmailer and an extortionist, who was supposed to receive $3.7 million dollars to keep quiet. It seems "Mr. A" will not be identified, or charged in the case.

 

Also, no charges will be brought concerning the inappropriate behavior with the students.

 

My question is, how can you blackmail someone, for this amount of money and remain unidentified? No matter the circumstances a serious law has been broken. A law that is much more serious than taking money out of your own bank account.  

 

No defender of Hastert, I have to ask why no questions from the media?  I suspect that there must be other people involved with this that must be protected at all cost.

 

 

REPORTERS WANTED

 

If there is anyone out there who would be interested in reporting the news from the township meetings, County Council meetings, the latest in area sports, or is able to pass on some first hand information from Harrisburg. We would be willing to consider you as a reporter for the Northwestern Lehigh Observer.

 

Students, retirees, or anyone who can attend any of these meetings would be acceptable.

 

This of course is a volunteer, unpaid position, 

 

It would be an opportunity for Students , who think they may possibly consider a career in journalism to get a little experience and see if it is something that they would like to do.

 

All writers would be given credit for their contribution.

 

We would expect that they would report the facts in an objective and accurate manner.

 

 

Anyone interested , please respond to: contact@northwesternlehighobserver.com 

REVOLUTION IN THE HOUSE

 

Establishment Republicans, Democrats and the Media all agree that chaos and disaster is now inevitable in the House of Representatives.

 

While it may appear to be very untidy, democracy is like that. They will settle on a leader and by next year all will be forgotten.

 

Reform in the House and Senate is long overdue.

 

First off, The SPEAKER  of the house was never meant to be the dictator of the House. The constitution did not provide for a seniority system. Why should house members with the most seniority be in line for all the top jobs.  Who ever decided that the house member who has been reelected the most has the most power. We have 435 Representatives each representing around 700,000 people.  The party with the majority gets to choose the speaker. But all members are equal.

 

All positions should be voted on by the full membership of their party by secret ballot.

 

The speaker has had the power to punish members who don't cooperate with him , by taking away committee positions  and leadership positions, This is not right. They are to represent their people back home, not the speaker or the party, establishment and well connected people only have to control the speaker to control congress.

 

Representatives are to represent their people in their district, not represent Washington to the people.

 

Same goes in the senate, Control the Senate leader and you can control the outcome of all legislation.

 

Of course the Speaker and Leader must have some power, but his job should be to represent the will of his Representatives or Senators , by persuasion not intimidation.

 

One other thing, any attempt to trade  votes for favors back home or, I'll vote for this if you vote for my pet project, should be illegal.   This should be a Felony, punishable by expulsion and maybe more. This is corruption plain and simple. This is more enforceable than ever before with everyone capable of recording these activities.

The Affordable Care Act was passed with Blatant Bribery and Extortion, they are so used to this corruption that they didn't even try to conceal it.

 

Let the representatives vote on what items they want to put on the agenda , debate and offer amendments,  vote on the outcome and if it passes send it to the senate,

 

Same in the Senate, then send it to the president, even if they know it will be vetoed, then attempt  a override, if not successful. Move on.

Voting should not be allowed unless the bill is complete and available for viewing of the public for 30 days.

All members should have to swear under oath that they have read the bill in its entirety before voting can commence.

Voting should be a 5 minute electronic vote, with 2 minute public view to ensure a correct vote.

They should do away with omnibus and comprehensive bills, intentionally designed to push through the bad with the good. Everything should be individual votes on individual items.

They have made some progress when they did away with earmarks, but there is much more to be done to regain the trust and confidence of the people.  



NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH BOARD APPROVES SENIOR PROPERTY TAX REBATE

 

Final details of the Senior property tax rebate where finalized at the October 7 th. Finance committee meeting. The Measure ,originally proposed by Board member Joseph Reiter ,was passed at the June 17th. meeting by a 6 to 3 vote. Voting to approve the measure were Ron Morrison, Joe Reiter, Daryl Schafer, Greg Sanders, Leroy Sorenson and Phil Toll.  Voting to oppose the measure , Williard Dellicker , Paul Fisher and Todd Hernandez.

 

The measure will allow up to $650.00 rebate to property owners over 65 or widows or widowers over 50, with income below $35,000.00.  It will match the rebates that come from the state. To qualify for the maximum $650.00 income is under $8000.00. between $18000.00 and $35000.00. rebate is $250.00.  Projected cost is $126,000.00.

 

Applications for the 2015 tax rebate may be filed after July 1, 2016.  Applications will be available at the School district Office.  A copy of the taxpayers rebate from the state will be how the rebate will be calculated.

 

The main opposition to the measure was brought by Williard Dellicker and Todd Hernandez. Dellicker believing it to be redistribution of wealth. He hinted that he will try to repeal the measure with a new board.

 

Reiter claims that it is a Christian duty to help out the elderly and less fortunate.

 

It should be pointed out that many senior citizens are beyond the age where they can increase their income and their most costly expense may be their property taxes,  While the rebate is limited, it will shield them for a while as all expenses ,including taxes ,are expected to increase without any ability to offset these increase's.

 

Many believe it is a good public relations move by the School District to relieve some opposition to high property taxes.

 

Joe Reiter will be leaving the school board in December , The board meetings may actually become boring without the Hatfield and McCoy feuding between Reiter and Dellicker. You have to wonder sometimes, like the movie "Grumpy Old Men", if the Vietnam veterans don't really have a lot of respect and love for each other.

 

All these meetings are open to viewing on the link on the upper right of this page.

 

 



BIDEN,  HILLARY  AND OBAMA

 

There is much speculation as to if or when Joe Biden will announce a run for President.

 

It is unlikely Biden will enter a 3 way race with Hillary and Sanders, as that will tip the scales in favor of Sanders by splitting the establishment vote.

 

It is not a secret that Hillary is not Obama's first pick to be the next president. Many suspect that his administration has been leaking information to the press that has helped to undermine her candidacy.

 

The dilemma is, that for Biden to succeed , Hillary has to be forced out of the race. If  indictments from his Justice Department are brought after Biden announces it would be a disaster for the Party far beyond the 2016 race.

 

Another option would be to allow the Justice Department to bring Indictments, claiming that they are independent and impartial, and beyond Obama's control. This would allow Biden to come to the rescue of both the party and the nation, but would still risk a fracture in the party.

 

The best option is to wait for the Republican Investigators to find evidence of Perjury or other offences, help supply evidence if necessary, blame the problem on them  and then let Biden come to the rescue.

 

We will have to see how all this plays out, and see if the Republicans are smart enough to prolong a conclusion of their investigation until the point that the clock has run out, and it will be too late to switch candidates. 

TRANSGENDER DEBATE COMES TO NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

Controversy has erupted at the Northwestern Lehigh school District over the issue of biological boys using the girls bathroom.

 

This issue surfaced on September 14, when a local resident voiced her concern about this issue at the a regular policy meeting. This was followed on September 16 ,when the mother of the 4th. grade student in question and some supporters objected to any changes in policy that would not allow her son/daughter to use the girls bathroom. The school board took this information under advisement at the time so it could do some research on the matter.

 

At the October 5th policy meeting, the mother of the student, accompanied by her son/daughter and several dozen supporters and LGBT activists, some from Philadelphia and New York, descended upon the meeting expecting that some decision was at hand.

 

They proceeded to take turns reading from prepared text and LGBT talking points about civil rights for transgender people, the causes of their condition, the legal ramifications for the school district etc. 

 

When this began to use up much more time than what is usually allotted for public comment,  It was explained by the Board President Paul Fisher, that such decisions are made by a process, and that this process has not really even begun.

 

The meeting then moved to other issues that now seemed to be of little interest to anyone.

 

Finally at the conclusion of the meeting, Willard Dellecker, a school board member, voiced his opinion that the local district could handle this issue without outside activists intimidating the board.

He made it clear that the board would take into account everyone affected by this situation in a compassionate and unbiased way. He also voiced his concern that many people had religious and cultural issues with this matter and all had a right to be heard without being labeled bigots or ignorant. 

 

The supporters were visibly agitated by the mention of religion or culture and one of their spokesman was quick to respond that in a secular school , religion has no standing in the debate.

 

It looks like this may be a long controversial debate for the residents of this rural school district. It seems that this issue is the new cultural cause celebre that is rising up across the nation. What effect it will have on the education of the students in the middle of this debate is yet to be seen.

 

I for one think it unseemly that elementary school students are being exposed to this issue, which is way beyond their scope of understanding  at this tender age.

 

Also compassion and concern for a 4th. grade student, who is now an object to be used by national activists to further their agenda.

 

The video of this meeting is available at the link on the top right of this page.

 

  

MORE FEEL GOOD PROPOSALS, BUT NO SOLUTIONS

 

After every gun related killing, we hear the same tired proposals from Politicians, who are either ignorant of existing laws, or they are just that politically motivated, that they propose the following to fulfill a deeper agenda.

 

1. Instant background checks - Which have been the Federal Law since 1993, all firearms sold by Licensed dealers must be checked by the FBI. This check covers criminal background, legally found to be mentally incompetent, domestic abuse orders and more.
2. Regulate Internet Sales - While guns are sold over the internet, they must be shipped to a licensed dealer in the state where the buyer resides, background check is done by federal law.
3. Eliminate sales to the mentally unstable - Who is going to define This? A lot of people feel that many politicians will fit into this category.  The Obama administration is trying to deny gun rights to any veteran who goes for counseling for PTSD . Also to anyone who has handed over their affairs with a power of Attorney.
4. Last but not least is the refrain, We must do something!

While I believe we have increased security at public elementary and high schools, it seems there is very little real security at universities.

 

From what I see just about anyone can walk onto most campuses. There should only exist credited  access to the property and metal detectors should become apart of the discussion moving forward.

 

While more security will help, the best defense is training and drills as to what to do if confronted with acts of violence or terrorism at schools, public events, just about anywhere we go.

 

Some solutions could be teaching young adults to understand the following

 

1. Be aware of what's going on wherever you are.  Keep your eyes open to anything out of the ordinary. always know the location of the nearest exit.
2. Never assume someone is going to protect you.
3. We can have training in gym or special classes as to what a group can do to defend themselves against a violent individual.
4. Assess the threat, have some knowledge of weapons, which can give you opportunities to resist, do not just settle to be a victim.  Large books, backpacks, desks etc. can be used to minimize the effects of small caliber handguns.
5. Play act and drill in taking down an assailant and shielding yourself as much as possible.
6. Under assault and stress, most assailants will become inaccurate and may even flee.

While I know some will say we should not have to take such measures, but in reality, in most instances the police will only be able to assess the damage and file reports of the aftermath.

 

Laws are only able to control the law-abiding and punish the lawbreakers after the fact.

 

1. 

 



RUSSIA TO THE RESCUE

 

Hysteria has now overcome the analysts and pundits, proclaiming that Putin is now on a mission of conquest and attempting to restore the former USSR.

 

It was interesting to watch as tanks were unloaded, fighter planes brought in, helicopters and troops unloaded, Barracks being built for a large number of personnel,  Then our  leaders are astonished that they actually bombed people and used these weapons.

 

It is now reported that Russia has invoked a draft for 150,000 soldiers. There also has been calls from his southern Muslim allies in Chechnya to send ground forces.

It looks like there is going to be a major ground offensive beginning soon., Putin declared he did not plan on using Ground forces at this time in his 60 minutes interview on Sunday. But it is now Thursday and it looks like this has changed.

Of course, maybe he doesn't believe in informing his enemies of every move he is about to make before hand.  I think Obama will claim that this is just not fair.

 

While admitting that many foreign officials are not always truthful, has anyone listened to Putin,s speeches and interviews concerning Syria.

 

Looking at the realities of the situation in the middle east and the unstable refugee  situation in Europe, everyone seems to believe some action has been needed.

 

Putin has expressed that the removal of Saddam Hussein, Kaddafi, and Mubarak,  have left a vacuum that has allowed radical Jihadists to prosper in the area.

 

Can anyone deny that this is  true?

 

The USA keeps insisting that Assad  must be deposed, again with no real solid plan to govern Syria if this should occur.

 

Are we going to occupy Syria and install a democratic Government?  I don't think so.

 

Putin has said Assad needs to be supported till the country is stabilized and then reforms made.

 

He also claims to want to eliminate ISIS.

 

He has also expressed his concern for a caliphate on his southern border and the fact that many Russian Muslims have joined the fighting and he does not want them coming home.

 

These sound like legitimate concerns to me.

 

He has met with all the leaders of the middle East in the last week, including Netanyahu of Israel, The King of Jordan, Crown Prince from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, President of Egypt, leaders from Saudi Arabia and Iran.  I have not heard any opposition from any of them.

 

Some are saying Putin will now control Syria and possibly the whole Middle East.

 

I say, Good Luck! Both the USSR and the USA have spent trillions in the area with nothing to show for it.

 

I believe Putin has not forgotten  their excursion into Afghanistan.

 

They are also condemning his alliance with Iran.

 

Does anyone believe Putin wants a Nuclear Iran on his southern border?

 

Consider that, Putin most likely is not a Communist Expansionist, But more likely a Russian Nationalist, who believes he is looking out for the best interests of his people and if he can instill a feeling of  pride with his people in the process, is that a threat to the USA.

 

As I said, we don't know if he's  telling the truth about his intentions, but are we going to go to war with him to stop him from supporting Assad, I don't think so!

 

Best policy is to support Jordon ,Israel , Egypt and the Kurds , and observe what plays out in Syria.

 

I think that Obamas greatest concern is that Putin is going to make Obamas foreign Policy look Ineffective.

 

I believe if he was still a diehard communist like the Castro boys ,Obama would be his biggest fan.