Post # 69, Bob McKnight's Subscription Commentary Clever lobbyists crafted an answer to voter frustration--term limits. They only work if you include all the players--members, lobbyists, and the staff. A growing mantra among the angry electorate is "Term Limits...Throw Em Out." Viscerally, it makes sense. How could we do worse? Break the system so we can then fix it? The massive retirement benefits voted in by the members of Congress for themselves only adds fuel to the
Post # 60, Bob McKnight's Subscription Commentary Collusion. Obstruction. Serious Findings but the only option is for House to Impeach, which will never be tried in Senate. The Election will be the Answer for resolution. The long awaited Mueller Report is out and now thoroughly reviewed. The conclusion seems to rest on what was the charge to the Special Counsel from the Department of Justice. Robert Mueller said that since the DOJ cannot charge the President under their
Post # 25, Bob McKnight's Subscription Commentary During book signings, speaking to community organizations, and general questions from the press, I am often asked about basic Civics. Although some of the questions surprise me with their fundamental founding, it has caused me to conclude that we have a problem in America. We really don't understand how our government operates. I realize all of us have other responsibilities to care for our families, complete our work, and
"Last month, Russian mercenaries attacked our troops in Syria. The US courageously fought back and hammered them. Putin denied everything. Trump said nothing. The Congress and NATO did nothing." Remember as kid the expression, "It is as easy as 1,2,3." Watching the world stage recently, the kid's expression came to mind. The way we are going, another war in the Middle East looks as easy as 1,2,3. Consider: America has long stood loyally in support of Israel. Putin snoo
Students of economic history will remember the noteworthy names of "Smoot Hawley." These were two members of Congress in the '20's that felt the over production in our country from electrification would be mitigated by imposing tariffs on imports into the United States. Few know it, but they were not the first lawmakers to see protectionism as being important to our country. In 1922, the Fordney McCumber Protectionist Act (two more members of Congress) was passed before d
I confess. I have always found former Louisiana Republican Governor Bobby Jindal interesting (particularly as an immigrant), but never convincing. He like Ohio Republican Governor Kasich, brag about all they have done to make their states the best in our country. I just don't see any realistic national vision of improving our country from either of them. But I did read a recent Op Ed by Gov. Jindal that opened my eyes. He says most GOP voters know that Donald Trump change
"The Chinese feel that they have a blended form of Communism and Capitalism. They manage their workers as they is best for their country and not the worker. Our best approach is to let these changes [de-arm nuclear North Korea; fighting terrorism] that we are trying to affect happen on their own from the inside. I believe we could work for a fair trade approach that the Chinese would value as beneficial to them." Bill O'Connor, CEO Patriot American Solutions Rockaway, New
For the second time, President Donald Trump had Republican members of Congress bused to the White House for a photo opportunity with him in the Rose Garden. This time it was a celebration of the House passing a bill designed to replace Obama Care with Trump Care. It was a surprise victory after several false starts by Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wi.), although passing by only 4 votes among the 435 members of the House. But, the passage was a major achievement for the President
In a recent post, I proposed that the Democrats look past the personal attacks made of them by then Candidate Trump. Critics say everyone attacks one another, personally and otherwise. But for the record, I am suggesting the Democrats lead by example for the Republicans and move on. I also offered to look past the obstruction by the Republicans of President Obama's Affordable Care Act ("ACA") agenda for 8 years. Again critics say both sides obstruct, but I remember Preside
With President Elect Trump selecting a fervent voucher advocate for Education Secretary, it is clear where the federal direction will be for public education over the next four or eight years. In Florida, there has been a high profile attempt to get the public school unions to drop their lawsuit challenging public monies being appropriated for private school education. But in that strategy, supporters of dropping the suit have now enlisted support among minorities, the disa
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam got an early start on his probable campaign for Governor in 2018, on the Republican ticket. On Wednesday, he addressed a Future of Florida Forum, sponsored by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. (Full disclosure, I am a former Executive Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce). Putnam brings an impressive portfolio of serving in office to the race for Governor as a former legislator, member of Congress and Cabinet Member.
All of us need to pay particular attention to politics in this country. I am not just talking about the Presidential election--which could be the most important in our lives. As important as the election of a new President is, the balance of power in the Congress may be more important, long term.. As I have opined many times, the framers of our Government clairvoyantly built into our Constitution checks and balances among the three branches of government, for matters like
Monday's Washington Post reported that the FBI now has another 15,000 undisclosed emails of Secretary Clinton. This is after the FBI made their full report to Congress saying her actions did not rise to a chargeable offense, but did violate Department Protocols--a serious charge, especially for a candidate for the highest office in this country. Apparently there was some reference by FBI Director Comey during his presentation to Congress about additional emails, but nothing
Secretary Clinton has said she knows she has both a credibility and honesty problem with the public. She has had that problem dating back to her days as First Lady in Arkansas and the White House. It widely said her problems with telling the truth carried over to her service in the U. S. Senate from New York. If she had veracity problems as Secretary of State, especially in Bengazi, it was probably overshadowed by the zillion hours of questioning by the frustrated and out
