“WE THE PEOPLE”
I chose to begin this by stating unequivocally that I love my country, the
United States of America and would rather be here than any other place on earth.
Having stated that let me make it clear that I am ultimately aware of the many
problems we now have. America is great, but can be improved if “we the
people” combine our voices so they will be heard “loud and clear” by our
elected representatives in Washington D.C. I have always been an optimist and
refuse to believe, as some do, we are no longer a country of individual free
thinking people and are controlled by comparative few inside the Washington
loop. Yet not too naive to ignore the fact that our control, granted by our
constitution, has been usurped by the political elite inside the government. I
choose to believe America is yet a Republic, governed by the people, of the
people and for the people. However, I do believe we did by apathy and voter
disinterest, allow our control be taken by those we elect to represent us and
must be regained.
The best place to start in my opinion is to demand our congress do whatever it
takes to amend our constitution and place term limits on all our elected
representatives. I feel “we the people” lost our control of the federal
government, as provided by our founding fathers, when we allowed our
congressional representatives to remain in office for unlimited terms. We now
have a majority of old, professional politicians in both houses of congress.
Remaining there for unlimited periods and having maximum self interest by doing
more to please special interest lobbyist, raising funds for their reelection,
and making sure their “pork barrel” projects are voted in, than they do for
the benefit of “we the people” and America in general. I am convinced little
progress can be made toward campaign finance reform. Downsizing our bloated
federal government, paying off our national debt and doing away with the special
interest lobbying. Providing law to protect our Flag from desecration, improving
our military readiness and implementation of a nuclear missile defense system.
Upgrading our educational system, veteran hospitals and protection for Social
Security and Medicare, until we have Term Limits for Congress. Perhaps during
the upcoming elections we can begin to elect civilian politicians to represent
us and rebuild our congress as our founding fathers intended. Representatives
who will not be allowed to remain in Congress long enough to be entrenched,
corrupt, “good-old-boys-club” members!
“GUNS”
Sadly, we have grieved with and for the victims, families and friends of the
tragic school shootings in recent years. May God have mercy on all those who
lost their lives and heartfelt sympathy for those who lost loved one's. It's my
hope some truths will be uncovered, and steps taken by all concerned citizens,
to do whatever lawful means possible to prevent these tragic shootings in the
future. Unfortunately there is always the issue of ordinary, law abiding
citizens being allowed to own and keep guns in their homes when a tragic event
occurs such as what happened in the schools.
Now, the issue about guns in our homes here in America, and what my feelings
are. The way I understand the law as it pertains to owning guns is; the second
Amendment to The Constitution give we United States citizens the right to bear
firearms and it has been lawful to do so since it was written. Within certain
limitations, depending upon what State you reside in. And to make owning guns
unlawful would require a change to our Constitution. Yet I hear some argue that
our Constitution never meant for we ordinary citizens to own guns, which I don't
agree with. There has been an anti-gun element in America for many years and
with each killing of a prominent figure their outcry has increased. And now
since recent school shootings the outcry has gained fervor. My widowed mother
bought my first gun when I was fourteen when we lived in rural Arkansas. It was
used for hunting and sports, never used in anger, and has been kept in my house
ever since, unloaded and placed out of reach of young children. While our
children were growing up I cannot remember them ever touching my guns unless it
was with my permission and under my guidance. Simply because they were taught to
obey and they did. In fact I believe having guns in the home has not been
considered unusual during my lifetime and I cannot recall when a student used
one to kill others until recent times. I feel qualified to speak out on this
issue, having been blessed with children, 11 grand children and 13 great grand
children to date. And they are, thank God, healthy law-abiding citizens.
I am confident all of the recent pressure brought about by the Clinton
administration for more Gun Laws is mostly political pandering. Only the law
abiding citizens are going to obey more gun laws and the criminal element will
not be phased by them More gun laws will only cause distress for the law abiding
citizen, and will provide a “nose under the tent of our national freedom” by
those dedicated to ignoring the 2nd amendment to our constitution which grant we
the people the right to own guns. The best way to prevent gun crimes is to
ENFORCE THE LAWS, WHICH ARE ALREADY ON THE BOOKS!
“EDUCATION”
Have you noticed as I have? The tremendous increase of news spins by our federal
government and via commercial media, in attempt to sway public opinion for the
need to continue support for the worthless Federal Department of Education? The
news spins are warning parents that with Home and Private schooling the children
are being robbed of real life experience they could gain with Public schooling!
I agree they will miss the so-called real life experiences such as being
subjected to an aberration of the English language, not to mention the vulgar
four letter words being used. And of course the underage promiscuous sex, and
unlawful use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. In addition to, and by no
means of lesser importance, danger of injury or death due to violence is greatly
increased due to overcrowded classrooms, lack of qualified teachers and lax
protection.
I am an advocate of doing away with the Federal Department of Education
entirely. And allow the total tax dollars spent on that worthless Government
Bureaucracy to remain at the State and Local levels, to be administered as they
see fit, depending on requirements voted upon by taxpayers in each location. I
feel strongly, the public school system could be salvaged under the controls of
the state and local school systems, and perhaps returned to an acceptable level,
within a decade. Which would then make Home and Private schooling a mute issue!
Regarding education reform we hear so much about during this presidential
campaign. I have some suggestions for the candidates, providing they are
serious. Improve salary structure to attain better qualified teachers, with
testing prior to hiring and at intervals afterward to assure teachers are fully
qualified and remain so; More emphasis on student academic achievement and less
on social and athletic skills; Hold students responsible for their actions and
parents accountable for actions of their minor children. And last, but certainly
not least; if we ever expect to improve the moral structure of our public school
system, we MUST do whatever it takes to return GOD to our classrooms!
On the next page I have some recently published letters to share with you. They
are about political issues we are presently dealing with here in our beloved
country. These represent one per month for the first six months of this year
2000. I hope to add a new one each month and with the presidential election in
progress it will provide fuel for discussion.
“ PATRIOTISM ”
With Veterans Day 2000 drawing near, I submit this article with dedication and honor to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. As we veterans march in our communities all across America and display our most valued symbol, the American Flag, I trust it will remind us all of those who fought to honor our Flag and keep our Freedom secure. I wish I had originated this piece but very happy that it came to me from a friend and associate within my veteran organization. I hope you like it.
Patriotism isn’t marching behind a band and puffing out your chest.
Patriotism isn’t a flash of fireworks one day of the year, and then submerging one’s emotions the rest of the year.
Patriotism isn’t found in the shouting of the crowd or occasional flag-waving.
Patriotism is the sum of the three cardinal virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity. Faith in the principles of our government; Hope in the future of our country; Charity toward all and malice toward none.
Patriotism is that spirit that makes us help our neighbors when they are in distress, and extend sympathy when they are stricken.
Patriotism is the tugging at our heartstrings, and a sincere kinship with those who toil in field or shop or marketplace.
Patriotism is the emotion that makes a lump rise in the throat when some intrepid spirit strives to achieve something that no human being ever before achieved.
Patriotism is to be unashamed at the moisture that comes welling up in our tear ducts when the passing of some great and noble soul, who unselfishly devoted his or her life in the cause of humanity.
Patriotism is loving one’s country, respecting its traditions, and honoring its people, high or low, rich or poor.
Patriotism is standing firm and unselfish for the right, for the common good, for the peace and well being of all, sacrificing self, if need be, and standing tall and unafraid against all opposition.
I found a real and truthful message in this piece and hope you all did as well. I want to remind you, our American Flag needs real protection from desecration, which has occurred too often in the past, and urge you to keep pressure on your district representative in congress to enact law to protect it in the future. Aloha and Mahalo, Lee Webster
“ Lee Webster’s thoughts on impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton ”
Being born in Oklahoma and raised during the great depression, with the formative years from childhood until adulthood, (age 13 to 18), while living in the beautiful state of Arkansas. I, more, than any other member of my circle of family and friends, would probably be expected to vote for, and support, William Jefferson Clinton. Actually, when I first heard he was intending to throw his Hat into the ring, and run for the office of President. I remember feeling proud, and although he was not a member of my political party, had hopes of giving him my vote and support, and also since it would not be the first Democrat that I have supported during my adult life. I voted for President Truman, which I never regretted, and for President Carter, which I later did. However, that was before news about Bill Clinton surfaced, which strongly indicated that he had used influence to avoid the military draft during the Vietnam War. An action that we WW2 Veterans term a Draft Dodger, and since I am a veteran of WW2 I could not find it in my heart to overlook his action in that regard. Then to further convince me that my support for him would be wrong, was the surfacing of information that strongly indicated he overtly demonstrated against America’s involvement in the Vietnam War while it was being fought, and while he was a student in a foreign country. I considered that action, during a period when our young men were dying in Vietnam unconscionable! Also, there was the report that he admitted to smoking marijuana, but his feeble excuse was that while doing so, he did not inhale!
Then To give me further pause, was the surfacing of information regarding his adulterous actions, first known to me as the affair with Jennifer Flowers, and next the news surfaced which indicated he had assaulted and harassed Paula Jones. He vehemently denied the Jennifer Flowers indiscretion until he was subpoenaed to give a deposition in the Paula Jones court trial, and finally admitted it! Prior to giving the deposition, however, he had committed some inappropriate sexual affairs with an intern, Monica Lewinsky, that worked in the White House, and during the deposition he was ask about the affair, and he lied under oath, in denial of it. Then, to really compounded his foolish disregard for the law, he again lied to the American people during a Television interview, and worse, when giving testimony to the Grand Jury, while under oath to tell the truth, nothing but the truth, so help me God, he again lied!
After the enormous jeopardy he had placed himself in, he continually denied any wrong doing, and time after time abused the power of his office by foolish and frivolous requests for attorney/client privileges and Presidential immunity. Thereby stonewalling and committing obstruction of justice and to add to all other of his problems, influenced others to lie for him and conceal the truths.
I’m truly saddened by the outcome, by finding overwhelming, substantial evidence that President Clinton did indeed break the law, and now finds himself impeached by the House of Representatives. The second President to ever be impeached by our House and the first President elected by the people to be impeached. However, I am heartened that the majority of those representing we-the-people have lived up to their constitutional obligation to impeach. Which upholds our law of the land, and indeed supports the fact that under our law, no man is above it, no matter how high his office, and that we must maintain equal justice under the law! I also pray, that God will have mercy upon his soul!
“Written during Senate Trial of President Clinton”
If our present Congress were made up of citizen politicians, term limited by law, as our founding fathers envisioned. President Clinton would not be allowed to remain in office, considering the amount of evidence of his lying under oath (Perjury), and his obstruction of justice (Witness tampering and cover-up). Nor would a measure of Censure even be considered. Which is only a political move by partisan politicians to cover their behinds, after their votes of less than two-thirds majority allow him to remain in office. Which now seems inevitable, and has seemed since the outset of the trial, due to political partisanship. Whereby the old, entrenched, professional politicians now in our Congress of the United States pay more attention to the (So-called) polls, and to their chances of being re-elected, than to what is best for “We the people” and for this Nation!
Without reservation, I fully believe President Clinton realized his chances of beating his disgraceful disregard for the laws of this country were excellent. Considering the professional make-up of present congressional members and their overwhelming desire to remain in office at all cost! I am convinced our President is devious, and has broken the law, and disgraced the office he holds. But I am not foolish enough to believe he is not a smart Lawyer, and received the Nickname “Slick Willie” for being Dumb!
“Written after Senate Trial for President Clinton was over”
Today, February 12, 1999 is without doubt, in my mind, a very important date in the history of the United States of America. By completion of a Senate Trial which acquitted President William Jefferson Clinton, after being Impeached by the House of Representatives on two articles. Lying under Oath (Perjury) and Obstruction of Justice (witness tampering, and cover-up). Regardless of how anyone feels about the Presidents innocence or guilt, it is a remarkable piece of our American History, which I personally feel fortunate to have been witness to. It’s now a part of our history and will forever serve as a lesson about our Constitution and form of Government.
Sadly, in my opinion, the outcome is precisely as I predicted when President Clinton was Impeached by the House of Representatives. As it was obvious this matter was to be a strict partisan effort, and with two-thirds majority needed in the Senate trial to find the President guilty, the outcome was easily predictable.
Since I strongly felt our President was guilty as charged and his removal from office would be best for America, the outcome was disappointing!
“My thoughts for discussion or debate of the Clinton matter”
After President Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives, an obligation and duty under our constitution, to investigate his illegal actions. Which were brought before their body by an independent counsel appointed and approved by the US Attorney General and a panel of Judges. It became very obvious to me there was no bipartisan effort involved. Thus my prediction the President would not be removed from office by the Senate, since it would take two thirds of the members to convict. Also under our constitution the trial by the Senate had to be accomplished, unless amended by law. And of course my prediction came true, as it was obvious the modus operandi (MO) continued to be partisan. However, in the Senate trial there was some movement toward bipartisan effort, but only on the Republican side. During the vote to convict, on both articles, some Republicans did crossover to vote with the Democrats, but not a single Democrat moved from their position to acquit.
"WAKEUP AMERICA"
I urge all patriotic Americans to heed this warning, regarding our current Presidential Election 2000.
If Al Gore is elected: He will have a left wing (Liberal) administration of much the same ilk as we’ve had from the Clinton administration for two terms. In fact when I hear Vice President Gore talk, it sounds pure
Clintons to me, e.g. while continuing to raise “soft money” daily, he tries to convince voters he is for Campaign funding reforms. He side- steps questions about his involvement of fund raising at a
Buddhist Temple and via telephone from his White House office. When it’s clear to anyone the money raised from either source is
unethical and in my opinion illegal! His Pro-choice values will continue with abortion on demand and tax payers picking up the tab. Abortion will be provided for minors without parental knowledge/approval. He will Increase the size of already bloated federal government. Push for less tax reform and for total freedom of gay’s in the military. He will continue world FREE trade, without a push for FAIR trade to lower our trade deficit and provide no campaign finance reform, although he will promise it. Nor will he push for term limits for our congressional representatives and Little if any tax reform, or increase in military readiness. There will be no chance of prayer back in the class room of any description and much less surplus tax refund to the working class Americans from the surplus. Which is their money and not the governments and no chance to protect the American flag from desecration.
Now with his latest irrerefutable examples of "Anything you can get away with, is ok" attitude, in connection with the
dastardly efforts he is making to win the presidential election in Florida. Is proof that he is a graduate student of William Jefferson Clinton and will take that education and
despicable method of getting his will done, regardless of how unlawful, with him into the White House and his administration if elected. God Bless America, GGPWEB
Recent breaking news about a book of President Reagan’s memoirs. By author Morris, writer and supposed historian prompts me to make the following comments.It’s well known by those in my family and close circle of friends, that I did and do support Ronald Reagan as Governor of California for two terms and also as America’s two-term President. I have not yet read subject book, and my comments are made from the excerpts that circulated among major news organizations and from discussion thereof.
My recall goes back to President Herbert Hoover, however my interest and knowledge with politics did not mature until the era of President Harry Truman whom I voted for. During his term we lived in Kansas City and I shall never forget his prominent stature when I saw him taking one of his morning walks alone on sidewalks outside his hotel in Kansas City Missouri
in 1954. Nor shall I ever forget the momentous decision of his to use our nuclear weapons to end WWII. Which doubtless shortened the period of the war by some three years and saved countless military and civilian American and Japanese lives.
As for my choice of Presidents in my lifetime up to this very day, my number one is and always will be President Reagan. It’s my considered opinion California was in serious downtrend when he took office as Governor and by the end of his second term and until this day, the state has continued to improve in many important ways. Too, America was in a terrible slump when he took office as President and by the end of his second term and until this day the country and the world is much improved by his leadership at home and abroad. I would have to say, due to results while in office and capable, moral leadership, he is by far my choice as the best president in my life thus far and I would have to pick President Truman has my second choice.
Regarding subject book; If what I have heard in bits and pieces are contained therein, I feel it is more fiction and less fact and was made so by pressure from the publisher and by the author to do what they believed were necessary to sell more books! And regardless of the author’s stature, he will never convince me that Ronald Reagan was or is less than a Great President and a fine gentleman!
LEE WEBSTER
"The Thin Blue Line”
With the recent publicity police departments across America is getting and in particular the new scandal with Los Angeles department. I would like to draw attention to my letter that was Published in our local paper in the early 1990's.
Of
course it's well known the few bad police officers that make the head lines cast
a shadow of suspicion over the millions of honest, dedicated ones protecting our
citizens.
Granted police force ranks across the country have increased,
but in my opinion so have the number of criminals and I submit the task has not
bean made easier, and their lift-threatening job has not lessened.
" The Thin Blue Line" is a line of brave police or peace officers. It's a line of selfless courage, and across this country our officers police the streets in an attempt to keep them safe. This line - although thin, often is outnumbered and outgunned, the only hope for we civilians here in America.
The
Thin Blue Line is a battle zone. It's where a brutal war is being fought, in an
attempt to save our society from becoming victims by a generation of
hardened career criminals.
The
present generation of criminals, although young by comparison with those of
prior generations, is without fear, without conscience and without respect for
law and cider. They are a new breed. A majority of whom was raised in homes
without proper parental guidance, and they have no self-respect, since they were
raised without proper role models and without moral family Values.
They
have become hardened by cruelty, full of fear and suspicion. They are paranoid;
they will strikeout as would a coiled rattlesnake.
The
war by the Thin Blue Line is not going well. Indeed they are losing. Since the
1960's crime in this country has increased 500 percent, and without full support
from all law-abiding citizens across America, the war may very well be lost. It's
time to get involved. Volunteer your services with local police departments,
establish additional neighborhood watch groups and at election time vote in
stronger laws.
There
is no time left for apathy. Wake up America and accept your social
responsibility, or we may face serious social decay!
LEEWEBSTBER
Graduate
of 4th Class, Fresno Citizen Police Academy
Member,
Fresno Citizens Police Academy Alumni Assocation.