The Power Struggle: Big Government, Big Labor, Big Business

"THE WEEKLY WRAP" with Diane W. Collins

The Power Struggle: Big Government, Big Labor, Big Business

Sunday, February 27, 2011 - no video this week

Archive: Publications, Weekly Wrap

Diane W. Collins

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap. I’m Diane Collins.

Congress went home on vacation for Presidents Day. The House having completed business deserved some rest, however, one might conclude otherwise regarding the Senate. Needless to say, the world did not stand still.

At the state level Wisconsin proved to be the stage from which was launched an intense battle, a power struggle. It is an old story with a new episode. It concerns the consequence of an imbalance of power between Big Government, Big Labor and Big Business. The only way to get to the truth and how it affects the common man is to look at the crux of the issue, collective bargaining in the public sector.

As many states face budget deficits that threaten insolvency strong reforms necessarily have been brought forward. One cannot argue with the fact that a major issue regarding state solvency is the public pensions collective bargaining has been able to achieve. As governors have said, "Broke means broke" and we have reached a situation where there is nothing to bargain over. The call is for concessions. But, the common man understands the need for the ability to bargain on a collective basis in some cases. This can be true in the area of wages, hours, and conditions of the workplace. However, the collective ability to hold the electorate captive over unrealistic pension and health benefits is not something that can continue.

"Broke is broke."

Clarity on the issue comes when one understands that in Big Labor dues are used to elect state and national representatives. Many of these representatives are the very people who have voted to establish the unrealistic public pension programs under which many states now suffer. How has this served the workers? Unrealistic expectations in any matter never lead to happy endings. Instead this has served the ambitions of union bosses and politicians, both of whom seek re-election and power to establish their own agendas. Don't believe me? Look at their alliances. Then ask yourself... are these the people you want as friends?

In the private sector, workers don't elect the boss. In the private sector unions can have a place helping ensure fair treatment of workers. But, the public sector is a different animal. The rules must be written to protect workers but also the electorate from this new version of the "tyranny of the masses." Hopefully, those Democrat state legislators who have chosen to deny the political process of our Republic will return to their assemblies and conduct the business of state as they were elected to do. If not, every legal means should be used to remove them as delinquent of their authority; and the call for new elections in their districts should go out. As I wrote on our Twitter account this week, what in the world do you think would have happened if Republicans had walked out of the House when health care reform was being debated? ... more

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Diane W. Collins

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The Rule of Law?

President Obama's Department of Defense stated today they would no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act. We have state legislators leaving their states in order to deny a quorum to the legislative process... absentee legislators! The Left is attempting to break down the rule of law. We must pursue all legal remedies against those who fail to uphold their oath of office.

In addition, when did it become legal to obtain private information by impersonation? Koch should sue the radio station that impersonated him in order to gain access to the Governor of Wisconsin. We are a nation of laws. The Obama Administration is "picking and choosing" what they want to enforce and expanding the Executive branch beyond the Constitution. They are interfering in state government. It's becoming a signature.

Let's start enforcing our laws especially in the case of those who seek to overstep their authority and break their oaths of office.

Can America Solve the Debt Puzzle?

"THE WEEKLY WRAP" with Diane W. Collins
Can We Solve America's Debt Puzzle?
FY 2011 Continuing Resolution vs Obama's FY 2012 Budget
Sunday, February 20, 2011

Archive: Publications, Weekly Wrap

Diane W. Collins

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap. I’m Diane Collins.

President Obama released his FY 2012 budget on Monday. His attempt to balance additional spending or "investment" couched with meager budget cuts drew disdain from both sides. During congressional committee hearings federal department heads gave testimony on the use of the proposed budget funds. Apparently, they believe business will continue little changed from last year. Listening to the President and his administration one could feel justifiably frustrated but, there was hope. It came in the form of left-over-business. H.R.1, the FY 2011 "continuing resolution" funding the federal government for the next seven months passed the House. It proposes to cut 61 billion over the next seven months from last year's failed budget.

The juxtaposition of the two ideologies represented on one side by President Obama's FY 2012 budget and on the other by the Republicans advance of the FY 2011 "continuing resolution" left a nation beleaguered by debt incredulous. It confirmed the President is out of touch and has not heard the American people crying out against the crushing debt we fear will come to ruin the country we love... more

"THE WEEKLY WRAP" - Battle Over the Deficit and Spending; Obama's Foreign Policy

Diane W. Collins

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap. I’m Diane Collins. Let's look at some of the activities on Capital Hill this past week and then move to a summary of the situation in Egypt.

President Obama paid a visit to the Chamber of Commerce on Monday, February 7th. His purpose was to stress the importance of government and business “working together” to get the economy going again. The President recognized his not-so-perfect relationship with the Chamber and suggested, "...maybe if we'd brought over a fruit cake when I first moved in we'd have gotten off to a better start." He attempted to bury the hatchet by telling those present what the “government was willing to do… invest.” The new code word for spend. Following his offer to give, President Obama clarified what he expected from business in return... to create more jobs in America, "support the American economy and invest in this nation."

There were a number of House Committee meetings this week as Republicans geared up to take on the Obama Administration regarding the budget, the deficit, financial reform, energy, homeland security, foreign affairs, and intelligence. (Okay, breathe. It was a busy week.)

We heard testimony before the Budget Committee from Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke and Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf. Watched with unabashed glee as the Financial Services Committee Chairman, Spencer Bachus (R-AL)

Chairman Bachus & Rep. Frank
House Financial Services Committee

presided over the Markup of the Committee’s Oversight Plan for the 112th Congress… not Rep. Barney Frank (D- MA). Side note: I found it interesting when Rep. Frank remarked on the “mean spirited” nature of the hearing. Mean spirited? Did you catch then-Chairman Frank’s maneuvers during the mark-up of the Dodd-Frank Financial Services Reform Bill? There were times I thought Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) was going to come right out of his chair as consistent blocks to offering amendments on the inclusion of Fannie and Freddie were encountered... more

Riots In Egypt: Mubarak Steps Down and President Obama Responds

Cairo - Riots and violence in the streets over the past eighteen days brought protesters their desired result... the resignation of Pres. Hosni Mubarak. Vice President Suleiman made the announcement today in Cairo saying Mubarak had left the palace  and stepped down.

Tahrir Square erupted with jubilation as a long suppressed people rejoiced at what is hoped to be new found freedom. However, many outside Egypt continue to reflect back on the 1979 deposing of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in Iran as well as the 2009 Iranian Presidential election and the Green Revolution. As I've mentioned, déjà vu with regard to these two preceding events is not what we'd like to see... more

Obama's Statement on Egypt - time change

It is reported that a time change has occurred regarding President Obama's statement on Egypt.  Currently, President Obama is expected to make his statement at 3:00 pm. EST. The White House will hold a briefing at 3:30 pm, EST.

Obama Admn to comment on Mubarak's resignation

Obama administration to comment on Mubarak's resignation at 12:15 PM, EST

Mubarak Steps Down!

Al Jazeera reports that VP Suleiman just stated Mubarak has stepped down.

Evening Prayers in Tahrir Sq

As the people in Tahrir Square come to evening prayers we wait for word from the government. Earlier it was reported Mubarak would address the people again. Since that time we have learned Mubarak left Cairo for the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh where he is reported to have another residence.

Current reports suggest that the message will be delivered by VP Omar Suleiman. And, we wait...

Egypt: Suleiman's Response to Mubarak's Statement

Egypt - VP Suleiman #Egypt #Suleiman declares commitment to carry out all goals of the "revolution" and safeguard achievements of youth. Tells them to go home. But he also stated his determination to safeguard Egypt. What does this mean? Is this a guarded warning to the protesters? 

Egypt's economy is suffering as the protests continue. Mubarak has initiated the moves toward a transitional government and constitutional amendments. Mubarak has stepped aside leaving VP Suleiman in charge. But the people in Tahrir Square do not seem disposed to Suleiman's overseeing the transition. Again, the protesters have not put forward anyone who can take on the role. The Muslim Brotherhood continue to be a worry.

Al Jazeera has had commentators saying "the revolution starts tomorrow." Pray they're wrong.

Mubarak Does Not Resign

Egypt - Tahrir Square: In his address to the Egyptian people from his palace in Cairo, President Hosni Mubarak did not resign. He talked about progress on work toward a transition government and amendments to the constitution. At first the protesters were calm as they anticipated Mubarak's resignation. As Mubarak's remarks progressed the crowd began to understand he was not going to resign. Tahrir Square erupted with chants of, "he must leave." Now what?

Tomorrow in Tahrir Square may see thousands more. What will the military do?

Obama's Comments on Egypt Support Young People

Though brief, President Obama's comments earlier today have caused some concern with those who support the idea of Mubarak remaining. Mubarak supporters see him maintaining his position as president until the elections in September and ensuring a transition government is formed with constitutional amendments made. They feel Mubarak's presence offers stability based on Mubarak's 30 year record. 

Others view Mubarak's remaining as a means for the present regime to reassert its power. Those in Tahrir Square feel if they leave before Mubarak does persecution will follow. The protesters are rejecting the idea of VP Suleiman taking over the government stating he is a Mubarak clone. Suleiman is Egypt's CIA equivalent. Yet, the protesters do not have a strong candidate to put forward. This leaves a gap that many fear would be filled by the Muslim Brotherhood. Obama's statements of support for the "young people" are being interpreted as anti-Mubarak. This could be detrimental to our current Middle East policy and affect our allies. 

Even if the military takes control one must remember the military has both components... the old generals and the young officers/ soldiers many of whom have been trained in the US. Which way will the military go? This is the primary concern. This is the determinant.

Mubarak to make statement at 3PM EST

Egypt: President Hosni Mubarak is expected to make his statement at 3PM EST according to Al Jazeera. Speculation on the move from the US and Egyptian Television ranges from Mubarak's stepping down to his leaving the country for medical reasons. Today the House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting covered many aspects of the International security situation in the Middle East. We'll report on the hearings as well as Mubarak's statement at GiftWrappingAir.com.

House Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing 2-10-11 Update

Interesting to watch the hearing and also the reports coming out of Egypt on Mubarak stepping down. Quite the juxtaposition. Rep. Pence did not seem to be aware of the immediate events when asking "if Mubarak would step down." We really need to ensure that congressmen are updated during their hearings so their time is well used in questioning the experts on panel.

Let's update the technology in these hearing rooms at the Capital. I know someone out there might be interested in a contract of that type. Go for it.

Also the Edgeboss.net streaming method being used is really antiquated. Speaker Boehner needs to seek a new contractor for "expanded" coverage of House committee meetings. It is really cumbersome to watch multiple hearings simultaneously with this bubblegum and baling wire system. (Heads up Google... get in there.)

Egypt: Reports Say Mubarak to Step Down Tonight

Reports coming out of Egypt are saying Mubarak has stepped down or is going to step down tonight when he addresses the Egyptian people from the palace in Cairo. The question of whether a coup d etat has taken place with the military taking control is primary. National Democratic Party stated they would be surprised if Mubarak was still president on Friday. More later.

Politics: Getting the Whole Picture

Diane W. Collins

My reason for posting the various House hearings for today is this. Unless you dig out the political news for yourself, you will not get the whole picture of what is going on in Washington, DC. The "news" is nothing more than Op Ed today.

If you know what hearings are being conducted on the Hill you can choose what to watch. Don't let others create the news. Get the truth. GiftWrappingAir has it's own slant, Conservative. But, we believe all people should make their own choices... based on facts not talking heads. So, here are the facts... just the facts. Make up your own mind. Then come read what I have to say at GiftWrappingAir.com. Educated comments are always welcome!

House Select Committee on Intelligence Hearing 2-10-11

You can watch the Intelligence Committee hearing concerning world wide threats on CSPAN2

 Witnesses

• James R. Clapper, Director of National Intelligence
• Leon E. Panetta, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
• Michael E. Leiter, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center
• Lieutenant General Ronald L. Burgess, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense
• Robert S. Mueller, III, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Caryn A. Wagner, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security
• Thomas A. Ferguson, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, Department of Defense
• Philip S. Goldberg, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Intelligence and Research, Department of State

House Budget Committee 2-10-11

The House Budget Committee, chaired by Rep. Paul Ryan is holding a hearing entitled, "The Congressional Budget Office's Budget and Economic Outlook." CBO Director Douglas W. Elmendorf is the witness. You can watch the hearing online at http://budget.edgeboss.net/wmedia-live/budget/11374/100_budget-video_060519.asx

House Financial Services Committee 2-10-11

"Markup of the Oversight Panel of the Committee on Financial Services for the 112th Congress"

You can watch the hearing online. http://financialservices.house.gov/hearings/hearingDetails.aspx?newsid=1757
This is an interesting hearing in that Bachus and Frank have reversed roles. From the conservative point of view, it's great to see Rep. Bachus running the show. Frank-Dodd is being discussed but this time the Republicans have the gavel.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing, 2-10-11

Today the Energy and Commerce Committee is focusing on "The Effects of Middle East Events on US Energy Markets." You can watch the hearing live at http://energycommerce.edgeboss.net/wmedia-live/energycommerce/11990/100_energycommerce-2123_060901.asx

Panel is currently giving opening statements.

The Constitutionality of Obama Care; the Deficit; and Egypt

"THE WEEKLY WRAP" with Diane W. Collins
The Constitutionality of Obama Care; the Deficit; and Egypt
Sunday, February 6, 2011 - No video this week

Archive: Publications, Weekly Wrap

Diane W. Collins

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap. I’m Diane Collins.

Apologies for the lack of videos this week. I'm in Dallas, Texas and you may have heard the weather has been a bit unusual down here. Ice storms, rolling black-outs and Super Bowl XLV... quite a combination. But enough with the excuses. On to the review.

Monday, January 31st saw Obama Care ruled unconstitutional by Florida Federal Judge, Roger Vinson in a case brought by 26 states. Judge Vinson found the "mandate to purchase" in violation of the Constitution; and being the mandate is unserverable from the law, ruled Obama Care in entirety unconstitutional. Appeal is expected. Most believe it will go to the Supreme Court in early fall.

The ruling put some additional wind under the wings of the Republican party. Committee hearings on the Hill included the February 2nd meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee which discussed, "The Constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act." The committee is chaired by Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, (D-VT). Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) serves as the Ranking Member. The crux of the discussion centered on Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution where the powers of Congress are defined. Support for the health care reform law was predictably along party lines. The various hearings on the Hill surrounding this matter seem to be "theater" of sorts, most likely to give the Supreme Court justices the "congressional opinions."

On the same day, Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell tied S. Amndt 13 to the FAA bill in the Senate. This amendment embodied HR 2, the House passed repeal of Obama Care. The amendment failed 47 to 51 with 2 not voting. Want to see the voting record? Click here. Thought you might. Following the defeat of S. Amndt. 13, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, (D-MI) submitted S. Amndt 9 as attached to the FAA legislation. The purpose of the amendment was to fix the 1099 reporting fiasco hoisted upon businesses by the health care reform law. S. Amndt 9 "repealed the expansion of information reporting requirements imposed on businesses by the health care reform act for payments of $600 or more to corporations, and for "other purposes." It passed the Senate 81 to 17 with 2 not voting. The battle of "repeal and replace" over "implement and improve" wages on.

Another issue that began taking shape this week was legislation to reduce the national debt. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) told Bloomberg News they intend to bring the National Debt Commission report to the Senate floor in the form of bipartisan legislation. I definitely applaud that move. In my December 3, 2010 article entitled, "National Debt Commission Final Report... No Formal Vote, Yet Compelling Voice," I mentioned the fourteen of eighteen votes needed to bring the recommendations to the floor of Congress during the lame duck session did not appear. I went on to state that didn't mean the recommendations of The National Debt Commission couldn't be brought to the floor during the 112th Congress. "In fact, we must support this endeavor. It will make a good starting point for what some call the politically devastating yet imperative conversation we must have regarding our national debt. It is then we will see, who serves himself or the American people." Glad to know they're listening.

Also, the employment data and jobs reports for January came out this week. Many were confused by the apparently conflicting numbers showing the unemployment rate had dropped to 9% yet only 36,000 jobs had been created. Explanations were offered. "Two different surveys had been used to compile the data... The 2010 Census numbers had been recalculated..." Embarrassing. Add to this the fact that some people simply stopped looking for work and are no longer being counted. Then there's the bad weather that stretched across the country... We need 125,000 jobs per month just to meet the population growth needs and 250,000 per month for 28 months to replace the 7 million jobs lost during the recession, thus far. It all rolls out this way. The jobs situation is still a mess and apparently so are the numbers. Hopefully, February will present a clearer picture.

On the international front, Tahrir Square in Cairo continued to rivet the world's attention as demonstrators came together on Monday in "The March of Millions," refusing to go home until President Hosni Mubarak relinquished authority and left the presidential palace. Curfews were ignored. One day melted into the next. The protestors stayed. Thursday, pro-Mubarak demonstrators appeared in numbers. Peaceful at first, they seemed a counterbalance to those calling for an end to Mubarak's regime. Then a bloody battle between pro-Mubarak supporters and the demonstrators broke out with people on camels and horseback riding through the crowds. Many thought Egypt would descend into anarchy. Journalists from around the world as well as demonstrators were attacked, beaten, interrogated... some imprisoned. The death toll increased. Violence against demonstrators and journalists was said to have been orchestrated by the Mubarak regime in an attempt to regain control of the country and the news. Yet, reports continued to make their way out of Egypt to the world. Pressure on the regime for "peaceful" transition intensified.

Friday, Tahrir Square was a different place, almost surreal. In what was called "The Day of Departure" peaceful demonstrators continued calling for Mubarak's resignation. Violence was absent, at least in relation to what was seen the day before. But, by nightfall "The Day of Departure" proved unsuccessful. Mubarak clung to power. Then, Saturday morning an announcement on Egyptian television stated high ranking officials of the National Democratic Party of Egypt had resigned. Mubarak's son, Gamal was among them. Also, we were told Vice President Suleiman had met with the "Committee of the Wise" to discuss possible options for a transitional government. Then on Sunday, reports Vice President Suleiman had talked with opposition leaders including the Muslim Brotherhood surfaced. Concessions from the talks included freedom of the press; release of political prisoners; lifting the "emergency law" under which Egypt has operated since Mubarak came to power; ...but they did not include Mubarak stepping down.

Little by little, Egypt is feeling her way through this incredibly volatile and tenuous process of finding her new identity. World interests look on as other Middle East countries ignite. Egypt's people suffer with food scarce and prices rising significantly. The crisis is costing the Egyptian economy $310 million each day. Sunday, Egypt re-opened some bank branches in the capitol but limited the size of withdrawals. The Egyptian Stock Market was to open Monday but reports state a new decision has been made to keep it closed. A pipeline in Northern Egypt exploded earlier in the week. Some reported it as an accident, others blamed terrorists. Egypt is on a precipice of Biblical proportions. Pray.


See you next week.



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Diane's Blog Moves to Blogger.com

Diane's Blog Moves to Blogger.com

Diane's Blog is part of GiftWrappingAir.com which has been covering political events since the 2008 Presidential Election.  The web site is dedicated to keeping the liberal media and the political Left "honest."

"The Weekly Wrap" at GiftWrappingAir.com, is a video production airing Sundays at 7 pm Central which reviews the significant political events of the week. Hope you'll join us this coming Sunday, February 6th.

At GiftWrappingAir.com you'll also find daily briefs and in-depth reporting. Recent publications include:

"THE WEEKLY WRAP" with Diane W. Collins World in Turmoil: As the United States Makes Progress at Home, the Middle East Erupts
January 30, 2011

Riots In Egypt: Mubarak Dissolves Egyptian Government; Obama Responds
January 28, 2011

"THE WEEKLY WRAP" with Diane W. Collins Obama Care: Repeal and Replace or Implement and Improve?
January 23, 2011