Comments for I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:29:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 Comment on Presidential Question Time - Good idea but a terrible name by admin http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/05/presidential-question-time-good-idea-but-a-terrible-name/#comment-295 admin Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:14:40 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/05/presidential-question-time-good-idea-but-a-terrible-name/#comment-295 Funky - I am afraid that I partially disagree with you. I agree that QT for a President would probably be good but why stop there and not hold Congress responsible for its actions and inactions? Congress is not even close to being able to police itself. They are notoriously astute at back scratching deals that allow bills to swell with pork belly spending. I am not crazy about McCain as a candidate but at least he has stated that these small amendments that double or triple the cost of a bill are terrible. Having the power to call out a representative or Senator and say, "Why did you propose this/vote for this amendment" would be a fair compromise from not having the ability to take such amendments out with a line item veto. Calling the congressman/woman to the carpet and making her explain why there is an amendment would make everyone think twice about ballooning costs for pork. I offer this as just an example of the excess of Congress and not the only reason for QT on them. In every parliamentarian government that I am aware of, the PM is a member of Parliament first. There are a few possible exceptions where the PM doesn't have to be a member but in the ones that I can think of, the PM then needs to run for Parliament in a special election. This is not the case with our federated republic. If the one branch allows its actions to be more transparent to another branch the spirit of the constitution says that something must be done in reverse for a check and balance. Congress' approval rating is at an all time low (as is the Executive branch - almost - Truman may have fell lower than GWB - don't know). However, with the collective Congress being in the collective shitter, there is little talk of a major turnover of personnel in this election year. How can this be?!?! Simple, everyone thinks that their guy/girl is alright, it is the rest of the idiots that are bad. There is absolutely no transparency for their actions. I am a relatively astute citizen and I regularly check the votes of my elected representatives to the federal government but even I don't know the back room deals and committee procedural blocking efforts that may have been pulled that I would have thought to be atrocious. With the concern of QT, would my Senator be willing to agree to vote for that pork barrel amendment for the Senator from Missouri. Also, would the trip to Fiji to study sandcrabs for 2 weeks be a congressional junket that would have occurred? (I made both examples up, I don't know if either occurred). I think that QT would be good for the Presidency but I also think it would be good for the Congress if they were subjected to it. The lack of accountability and transparency to the American voter goes both ways. Funky -
I am afraid that I partially disagree with you. I agree that QT for a President would probably be good but why stop there and not hold Congress responsible for its actions and inactions?

Congress is not even close to being able to police itself. They are notoriously astute at back scratching deals that allow bills to swell with pork belly spending. I am not crazy about McCain as a candidate but at least he has stated that these small amendments that double or triple the cost of a bill are terrible. Having the power to call out a representative or Senator and say, “Why did you propose this/vote for this amendment” would be a fair compromise from not having the ability to take such amendments out with a line item veto. Calling the congressman/woman to the carpet and making her explain why there is an amendment would make everyone think twice about ballooning costs for pork. I offer this as just an example of the excess of Congress and not the only reason for QT on them.

In every parliamentarian government that I am aware of, the PM is a member of Parliament first. There are a few possible exceptions where the PM doesn’t have to be a member but in the ones that I can think of, the PM then needs to run for Parliament in a special election. This is not the case with our federated republic. If the one branch allows its actions to be more transparent to another branch the spirit of the constitution says that something must be done in reverse for a check and balance.

Congress’ approval rating is at an all time low (as is the Executive branch - almost - Truman may have fell lower than GWB - don’t know). However, with the collective Congress being in the collective shitter, there is little talk of a major turnover of personnel in this election year. How can this be?!?! Simple, everyone thinks that their guy/girl is alright, it is the rest of the idiots that are bad. There is absolutely no transparency for their actions. I am a relatively astute citizen and I regularly check the votes of my elected representatives to the federal government but even I don’t know the back room deals and committee procedural blocking efforts that may have been pulled that I would have thought to be atrocious. With the concern of QT, would my Senator be willing to agree to vote for that pork barrel amendment for the Senator from Missouri. Also, would the trip to Fiji to study sandcrabs for 2 weeks be a congressional junket that would have occurred? (I made both examples up, I don’t know if either occurred).

I think that QT would be good for the Presidency but I also think it would be good for the Congress if they were subjected to it. The lack of accountability and transparency to the American voter goes both ways.

]]> Comment on Presidential Question Time - Good idea but a terrible name by Funky Winkerbean http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/05/presidential-question-time-good-idea-but-a-terrible-name/#comment-294 Funky Winkerbean Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:03:37 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/05/presidential-question-time-good-idea-but-a-terrible-name/#comment-294 Personally I have been an advocate of the ʽquestions for the prime ministerʼ format for years and used to watch it regularly. You can learn more about whatʼs going on in British politics in 10 minutes than you can about the US govt in a week. I have used it (the lack of) a million times as an example of what is wrong with the current system, no accountability. If the current administration had to answer for their actions twice a week weʼd never be in this mess. Itʼs the fact that there is NO accountability that allows them to do the crap they do. Specifically here is why I disagree with your changes. Congress esp the House are the most granular representation the average citizen has in government. They are exactly the right people to grill the president twice a week and it makes no sense to me for the president to ask questions of them (the president grills the citizens?). Instead we have a system where Congress holds its own members accountable for bad acts (although clearly they should be doing a better job), in any case certainly not the presidents job. The current British format works really well. Hard questions are asked and forced to be answered. Nothing like it exists here today. Instead we have no accountability, presidents donʼt have to answer to anyone and rarely do. Every time a hard question is asked by anyone, you get an answer that has pretty much nothing to do with the question. Its absurd. I personally like John McCain, Iʼm glad to see he has at least one good idea. Personally I have been an advocate of the ʽquestions for the prime ministerʼ format for years and used to watch it regularly. You can learn more about whatʼs going on in British politics in 10 minutes than you can about the US govt in a week. I have used it (the lack of) a million times as an example of what is wrong with the current system, no accountability. If the current administration had to answer for their actions twice a week weʼd never be in this mess. Itʼs the fact that there is NO accountability that allows them to do the crap they do.

Specifically here is why I disagree with your changes. Congress esp the House are the most granular representation the average citizen has in government. They are exactly the right people to grill the president twice a week and it makes no sense to me for the president to ask questions of them (the president grills the citizens?). Instead we have a system where Congress holds its own members accountable for bad acts (although clearly they should be doing a better job), in any case certainly not the presidents job.

The current British format works really well. Hard questions are asked and forced to be answered. Nothing like it exists here today. Instead we have no accountability, presidents donʼt have to answer to anyone and rarely do. Every time a hard question is asked by anyone, you get an answer that has pretty much nothing to do with the question. Its absurd.

I personally like John McCain, Iʼm glad to see he has at least one good idea.

]]> Comment on Paris Hilton for President? by media boy http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/06/paris-hilton-for-president/#comment-286 media boy Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:28:10 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/06/paris-hilton-for-president/#comment-286 yet again Paris is using events to give herself another PR boost... she's a thinker alright yet again Paris is using events to give herself another PR boost… she’s a thinker alright

]]> Comment on RANT! Iranian justice is disgusting by RANT! Iranian justice is disgusting (still) » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/08/23/rant-iranian-justice-is-disgusting/#comment-285 RANT! Iranian justice is disgusting (still) » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:16:12 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/08/23/rant-iranian-justice-is-disgusting/#comment-285 [...] wrote about Iranian flogging almost a year ago.  It still is disgusting although I guess it is getting slightly better.  At least now [...] [...] wrote about Iranian flogging almost a year ago.  It still is disgusting although I guess it is getting slightly better.  At least now [...]

]]> Comment on Presidential Question Time - Good idea but a terrible name by admin http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/05/presidential-question-time-good-idea-but-a-terrible-name/#comment-283 admin Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:47:56 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/05/presidential-question-time-good-idea-but-a-terrible-name/#comment-283 Roland - Thank you for your comment and thoughts. I actually have regular discussions with a 5th grader, 9th grader and 11th grader (my kids) and their best friends. If they and their friends are any indication of the future leaders of this world then my recommendation is that we step aside and let them take control right now. Unfortunately though, I think my daughter would agree with Paris Hilton and want to paint the White House pink (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d). Seriously though, my point is that Question Time in the UK (where it first evolved and was then adopted by other parliaments) grew out of a <em>requirement<em> that the PM respond to Parliament as to his schedule of the day and then any follow on questions. The Constitution has no such requirement except for periodic updates as to the state of the union but absolutely no requirement to answer questions. For the President to answer questions that one group has for him/her without a further concession that he can ask questions is irresponsible and lacks the balance of government that the founders envisioned. The two are peers. Since they are peers to allow questions by one and not the other displaces the role of authority. You complain about our current executive and that complaint may be addressed in a QT. However what about the lack of ability for our Congress to approve Judicial appointments? So a member of congress from the Judiciary Committee could ask Mr. Bush about the lack of openness on wiretapping and why his committee wasn't informed of the activity. He would then answer and then ask that same committee member about why Judge Jones/Smith/Johnson etc. was not being brought up for vote. I bring up this one point on judicial appointments as an example not the only fault. There are a variety of issues that get lost or stymied by Congress in its politicking that the President could question. Just as there are a variety of topics that Congress can challenge. The point is that since they are equal bodies, one should not be subjugated to the other in these challenges. Also, since Congress tends to be anonymous, this is even more crucial. The polls kind of reveal this weakness. Right now Congress approval rating is near an all time low. However, individual people in Congress are doing just fine. The two don't make sense unless one thinks that the monolithic legislative branch is doing poorly but my guy/girl is doing just fine. Direct challenges by the President would allow for this shield to be broken to some degree and individual people could be called to task as to why they are blocking a vote or voting a certain way. This in the same philosophy that the framers of the Constitution foresaw. Roland -

Thank you for your comment and thoughts. I actually have regular discussions with a 5th grader, 9th grader and 11th grader (my kids) and their best friends. If they and their friends are any indication of the future leaders of this world then my recommendation is that we step aside and let them take control right now. Unfortunately though, I think my daughter would agree with Paris Hilton and want to paint the White House pink (http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d).

Seriously though, my point is that Question Time in the UK (where it first evolved and was then adopted by other parliaments) grew out of a requirement that the PM respond to Parliament as to his schedule of the day and then any follow on questions. The Constitution has no such requirement except for periodic updates as to the state of the union but absolutely no requirement to answer questions.

For the President to answer questions that one group has for him/her without a further concession that he can ask questions is irresponsible and lacks the balance of government that the founders envisioned. The two are peers. Since they are peers to allow questions by one and not the other displaces the role of authority.

You complain about our current executive and that complaint may be addressed in a QT. However what about the lack of ability for our Congress to approve Judicial appointments? So a member of congress from the Judiciary Committee could ask Mr. Bush about the lack of openness on wiretapping and why his committee wasn’t informed of the activity. He would then answer and then ask that same committee member about why Judge Jones/Smith/Johnson etc. was not being brought up for vote.

I bring up this one point on judicial appointments as an example not the only fault. There are a variety of issues that get lost or stymied by Congress in its politicking that the President could question. Just as there are a variety of topics that Congress can challenge. The point is that since they are equal bodies, one should not be subjugated to the other in these challenges.

Also, since Congress tends to be anonymous, this is even more crucial. The polls kind of reveal this weakness. Right now Congress approval rating is near an all time low. However, individual people in Congress are doing just fine. The two don’t make sense unless one thinks that the monolithic legislative branch is doing poorly but my guy/girl is doing just fine. Direct challenges by the President would allow for this shield to be broken to some degree and individual people could be called to task as to why they are blocking a vote or voting a certain way. This in the same philosophy that the framers of the Constitution foresaw.

]]> Comment on Presidential Question Time - Good idea but a terrible name by Roland http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/05/presidential-question-time-good-idea-but-a-terrible-name/#comment-282 Roland Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:23:31 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/08/05/presidential-question-time-good-idea-but-a-terrible-name/#comment-282 Hi, Thanks for the link to my blog in your 1st paragraph. I'm honored to be mentioned in the same paragraph as George Will and the "Paper of Record". Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but it seems to me that you're saying that QT works in the UK only because they elect the Prime Minister. They have a parliamentary democracy and we have a representative democracy, but I don't see either being a prerequisite to Question Time. I still stand by my approval of Question Time in the Executive Branch, if not exactly the same that is used in the UK, then one tailored for our republic. My point is that the Presidency needs more accountability and credibility. This administration has wielded the instrument of Executive Orders in a way unprecedented in American history. They are almost like fiat, shaped and molded to fit the aims of the administration, with almost no input from Congress. I disagree with the idea of the President turning tables and questioning Congress. Seeing how partisan both parties are right now, Question Time in this form would devolve into nothing more than another stalemate. But the idea of having citizens question Congressmen/women while it is in session, IN FRONT OF THE PEERS (and on C-SPAN).... now that's an interesting idea. Finally, I disagree with your assertion that a 7th grader can describe the three branches of government. Have you actually spoken to the typical middle-schooler these days? They scare with the almost total lack of knowledge of the world around them. Even more frightening is the type of adult they will grow up to be. Now, THAT'S a rant-worthy topic. Non-sequitur: as Churchill said, "the best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." Hi,

Thanks for the link to my blog in your 1st paragraph. I’m honored to be mentioned in the same paragraph as George Will and the “Paper of Record”.

Maybe I’m reading this wrong, but it seems to me that you’re saying that QT works in the UK only because they elect the Prime Minister. They have a parliamentary democracy and we have a representative democracy, but I don’t see either being a prerequisite to Question Time.

I still stand by my approval of Question Time in the Executive Branch, if not exactly the same that is used in the UK, then one tailored for our republic. My point is that the Presidency needs more accountability and credibility. This administration has wielded the instrument of Executive Orders in a way unprecedented in American history. They are almost like fiat, shaped and molded to fit the aims of the administration, with almost no input from Congress.

I disagree with the idea of the President turning tables and questioning Congress. Seeing how partisan both parties are right now, Question Time in this form would devolve into nothing more than another stalemate. But the idea of having citizens question Congressmen/women while it is in session, IN FRONT OF THE PEERS (and on C-SPAN)…. now that’s an interesting idea.

Finally, I disagree with your assertion that a 7th grader can describe the three branches of government. Have you actually spoken to the typical middle-schooler these days? They scare with the almost total lack of knowledge of the world around them. Even more frightening is the type of adult they will grow up to be. Now, THAT’S a rant-worthy topic.

Non-sequitur: as Churchill said, “the best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”

]]> Comment on The iPhone is great! by RANT! iPhone needs better apps management » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/07/31/the-iphone-is-great/#comment-261 RANT! iPhone needs better apps management » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:01:20 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/07/31/the-iphone-is-great/#comment-261 [...] I know that I just praised the iPhone from Apple as being a great phone.  In fact, it is the best phone that I have ever owned and I have had quite a [...] [...] I know that I just praised the iPhone from Apple as being a great phone.  In fact, it is the best phone that I have ever owned and I have had quite a [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Obama should use public money by Anti Obama.net http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/07/13/rant-obama-should-use-public-money/#comment-253 Anti Obama.net Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:53:12 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/07/13/rant-obama-should-use-public-money/#comment-253 It's really pretty staggering when you think about it. This isn't something he can really explain. He just raised a bunch of money and now says no. It’s really pretty staggering when you think about it.
This isn’t something he can really explain. He just raised a bunch of money and now says no.

]]> Comment on RANT! I don’t care about Sheryl’s views on politics! by Is It Getting Warmer? » Chuck Norris is an energy expert? http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/02/20/rant-i-dont-care-about-sheryls-views-on-politics/#comment-107 Is It Getting Warmer? » Chuck Norris is an energy expert? Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:41:23 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/02/20/rant-i-dont-care-about-sheryls-views-on-politics/#comment-107 [...] Obama should use public moneyRANT! Left Right and Center is named incorrectlyRANT! I don’t care about Sheryl’s views on politics!RANT! Long statements in instant messages that are broken upRANT! Internet browsers need to handle [...] [...] Obama should use public moneyRANT! Left Right and Center is named incorrectlyRANT! I don’t care about Sheryl’s views on politics!RANT! Long statements in instant messages that are broken upRANT! Internet browsers need to handle [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Bloggers: Use Less with More by RANT! PC’s and the Disabled: 20 Molehills that Become Mountains » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/22/rant-bloggers-use-less-with-more/#comment-86 RANT! PC’s and the Disabled: 20 Molehills that Become Mountains » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:43:11 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/22/rant-bloggers-use-less-with-more/#comment-86 [...] Blog software that puts you into the middle of the article (the site that this list originally shows up in is guilty of this [...] [...] Blog software that puts you into the middle of the article (the site that this list originally shows up in is guilty of this [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Professional football must change their overtime system by Victor http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/01/28/rant-professional-football-must-change-the-their-overtime-system/#comment-85 Victor Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:49:02 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2008/01/28/rant-professional-football-must-change-the-their-overtime-system/#comment-85 I remember what happened to Antonio Puerto. We must prevent such cases. I remember what happened to Antonio Puerto. We must prevent such cases.

]]> Comment on RANT! Desktop Index ideas by RANT! PC’s and the Disabled: 20 Molehills that Become Mountains » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/11/08/rant-desktop-index-ideas/#comment-47 RANT! PC’s and the Disabled: 20 Molehills that Become Mountains » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Thu, 13 Dec 2007 04:30:25 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/11/08/rant-desktop-index-ideas/#comment-47 [...] 21.  Desktop search that doesn’t pay attention to my bookmarks/favorites. [...] [...] 21.  Desktop search that doesn’t pay attention to my bookmarks/favorites. [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Drugs and bad conduct in professional sports (again) by Eugeneb http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/11/16/rant-drugs-and-bad-conduct-in-professional-sports-again/#comment-46 Eugeneb Sat, 17 Nov 2007 08:47:35 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/11/16/rant-drugs-and-bad-conduct-in-professional-sports-again/#comment-46 Hey, thanks for linking to my article about Barry Bonds and his indictment! ~E Hey, thanks for linking to my article about Barry Bonds and his indictment!

~E

]]> Comment on RANT! Drugs and bad conduct in professional sports by RANT! Drugs and bad conduct in professional sports (again) » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/09/07/rant-drugs-and-bad-conduct-in-professional-sports/#comment-45 RANT! Drugs and bad conduct in professional sports (again) » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:04:07 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/09/07/rant-drugs-and-bad-conduct-in-professional-sports/#comment-45 [...] find myself writing on this subject again.  I wrote about it when the lowlife Michael Vick pled guilty to animal cruelty charges and now I write as Barry Bonds is indicted for lying while under [...] [...] find myself writing on this subject again.  I wrote about it when the lowlife Michael Vick pled guilty to animal cruelty charges and now I write as Barry Bonds is indicted for lying while under [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! What date is on the magazine - its wrong! by Is It Getting Warmer? » Little Green Lies http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/22/rant-what-date-is-on-the-magazine-its-wrong/#comment-44 Is It Getting Warmer? » Little Green Lies Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:04:13 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/22/rant-what-date-is-on-the-magazine-its-wrong/#comment-44 [...] have to point out that this posting precedes that date of the publication but that is only because magazines follow the silly habit of post-dating their issues. The company features its environmental credentials in its marketing and has decorated its [...] [...] have to point out that this posting precedes that date of the publication but that is only because magazines follow the silly habit of post-dating their issues. The company features its environmental credentials in its marketing and has decorated its [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! What do we do with Social Security? - 1 of 3 by RANT! What do we do with Social Security - 2 of 3 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/09/13/rant-what-do-we-do-with-social-security/#comment-34 RANT! What do we do with Social Security - 2 of 3 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:18:47 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/09/13/rant-what-do-we-do-with-social-security/#comment-34 [...] My last post talked about our wimpy politicians and their fear of trying to fix the social security system. It won’t be easy and it is a little complicated so please read carefully: [...] [...] My last post talked about our wimpy politicians and their fear of trying to fix the social security system. It won’t be easy and it is a little complicated so please read carefully: [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Drugs and bad conduct in professional sports by ThEnigma http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/09/07/rant-drugs-and-bad-conduct-in-professional-sports/#comment-29 ThEnigma Thu, 13 Sep 2007 02:00:54 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/09/07/rant-drugs-and-bad-conduct-in-professional-sports/#comment-29 I don't think dog fighting should be a profession and it should be banned, but that's because I'm sympathetic to animals. As far as holding professional athletes to the standard of a hero, no I don't think people should look at them as that, but you know when you get bombarded with certain individuals in the media and people applaud them, some people tend to look up to them, especially kids, so I do think they should be extra careful about what they do. I don’t think dog fighting should be a profession and it should be banned, but that’s because I’m sympathetic to animals. As far as holding professional athletes to the standard of a hero, no I don’t think people should look at them as that, but you know when you get bombarded with certain individuals in the media and people applaud them, some people tend to look up to them, especially kids, so I do think they should be extra careful about what they do.

]]> Comment on RANT! Why are Americans afraid of an ID card? by admin http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/08/31/rant-why-are-americans-afraid-of-an-id-card/#comment-28 admin Sat, 08 Sep 2007 18:51:09 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/08/31/rant-why-are-americans-afraid-of-an-id-card/#comment-28 But you already have given over all of the information as a legitimate citizen. You already give your SS# and proof of residency. You already show your official ID when you vote. So the honest citizen has already given up all of those rights. The people that haven't given them up are the crooks and illegals because it is so easy to scam the system. As a law abiding citizen, you freely show your social security card and your passport (or similar documentation) to your new employer. It is required and you do it. The crook though gives the new employer a faked one. With a biometric ID card, you will still provide the same amount of information that you always did. The difference is that the crook will have to do the same - so that is better for you as a law abiding citizen. You are arguing for a freedom and right that you have already given up. You are arguing to help the criminals. If a liberal is in charge, they can currently track every law abiding citizen TODAY! That is easy. Both liberals and conservatives (and even Ron Paul) should want to find the bad guys. But you already have given over all of the information as a legitimate citizen. You already give your SS# and proof of residency. You already show your official ID when you vote. So the honest citizen has already given up all of those rights. The people that haven’t given them up are the crooks and illegals because it is so easy to scam the system. As a law abiding citizen, you freely show your social security card and your passport (or similar documentation) to your new employer. It is required and you do it. The crook though gives the new employer a faked one.

With a biometric ID card, you will still provide the same amount of information that you always did. The difference is that the crook will have to do the same - so that is better for you as a law abiding citizen.

You are arguing for a freedom and right that you have already given up. You are arguing to help the criminals.

If a liberal is in charge, they can currently track every law abiding citizen TODAY! That is easy. Both liberals and conservatives (and even Ron Paul) should want to find the bad guys.

]]> Comment on RANT! Why are Americans afraid of an ID card? by security blogger http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/08/31/rant-why-are-americans-afraid-of-an-id-card/#comment-27 security blogger Sat, 08 Sep 2007 03:59:25 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/08/31/rant-why-are-americans-afraid-of-an-id-card/#comment-27 The federalized national ID card, unchecked wiretaps, searches without probable cause all at the federal level seem completely cool for Neo-cons. But what will they think about it if Hilary or Obama get in office? All that power will be in the hands of a filthy liberal. Now if your liberal or conservative save your irritation who gives a damn. I am neither. I am an AMERICAN. All I want to do is protect our constitutional republic. Rhetoric just leave me limp and unsatisfied. Whatever happened to good ole, healthy, American distrust in government. It seems the neo-cons prostrate themselves before their pagan Reagan God and embrace unchecked executive power. ron paul 08 The federalized national ID card, unchecked wiretaps, searches without probable cause all at the federal level seem completely cool for Neo-cons. But what will they think about it if Hilary or Obama get in office? All that power will be in the hands of a filthy liberal. Now if your liberal or conservative save your irritation who gives a damn. I am neither. I am an AMERICAN. All I want to do is protect our constitutional republic. Rhetoric just leave me limp and unsatisfied.

Whatever happened to good ole, healthy, American distrust in government. It seems the neo-cons prostrate themselves before their pagan Reagan God and embrace unchecked executive power.

ron paul 08

]]> Comment on RANT! Immigration is broken by RANT! Why are Americans afraid of an ID card? » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/08/28/rant-immigration-is-broken/#comment-26 RANT! Why are Americans afraid of an ID card? » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Sat, 08 Sep 2007 03:02:49 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/08/28/rant-immigration-is-broken/#comment-26 [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! Immigration is brokenGreen Cards and Green LanternsDid A National ID Card Kill The Immigration Bill ? US National ID [...] [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! Immigration is brokenGreen Cards and Green LanternsDid A National ID Card Kill The Immigration Bill ? US National ID [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Incomplete emails by RANT! emails again - 2 of 2 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/17/rant-incomplete-emails/#comment-24 RANT! emails again - 2 of 2 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Sun, 19 Aug 2007 19:53:22 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/17/rant-incomplete-emails/#comment-24 [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! Incomplete emailsRANT! emails again - 1 of [...] [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! Incomplete emailsRANT! emails again - 1 of [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Incomplete emails by RANT! emails again - 1 of 2 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/17/rant-incomplete-emails/#comment-23 RANT! emails again - 1 of 2 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Sun, 19 Aug 2007 19:51:58 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/17/rant-incomplete-emails/#comment-23 [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! Incomplete emailsBecome a Master of E-Mail EtiquetteEmail Etiquettes to [...] [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! Incomplete emailsBecome a Master of E-Mail EtiquetteEmail Etiquettes to [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! What is up with Live Earth - 1 of 2 by Scott http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/17/rant-what-is-up-with-live-earth-1-of-2/#comment-14 Scott Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:18:49 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/17/rant-what-is-up-with-live-earth-1-of-2/#comment-14 AIDS, malaria, clean water? No way...The Live Earth rock stars and Al Gore are only interested in green campaigns... ... ... Getting loads of greenback US dollars that is! Badabump-pump (cymbal crash)! Thank you folks, good night! Nice links btw. AIDS, malaria, clean water? No way…The Live Earth rock stars and Al Gore are only interested in green campaigns…

…

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Getting loads of greenback US dollars that is!

Badabump-pump (cymbal crash)! Thank you folks, good night!

Nice links btw.

]]> Comment on RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4 by RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/15/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-4-of-4/#comment-13 RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:19:34 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/15/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-4-of-4/#comment-13 [...] - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4The Palestinians are victims of Israel? You decide. Andrew WhiteSolving the Israel-Palestine [...] [...] - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4The Palestinians are victims of Israel? You decide. Andrew WhiteSolving the Israel-Palestine [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4 by RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/08/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-3-of-4/#comment-12 RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:19:16 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/08/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-3-of-4/#comment-12 [...] RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4 [...] [...] RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4 [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4 by RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/15/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-4-of-4/#comment-11 RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:16:05 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/15/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-4-of-4/#comment-11 [...] - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4Truth About IsraelHistory of the Arab-Israeli conflictThe war against Israel Technorati Tags: [...] [...] - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4Truth About IsraelHistory of the Arab-Israeli conflictThe war against Israel Technorati Tags: [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4 by RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/08/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-3-of-4/#comment-10 RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:15:31 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/08/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-3-of-4/#comment-10 [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4Truth About IsraelHistory of the Arab-Israeli [...] [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4Truth About IsraelHistory of the Arab-Israeli [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4 by RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/02/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-1-of-4/#comment-9 RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:09:29 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/02/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-1-of-4/#comment-9 [...] RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4 Technorati Tags: Israel, Palestine [...] [...] RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4 Technorati Tags: Israel, Palestine [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4 by RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/02/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-1-of-4/#comment-8 RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 4 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:35:09 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/02/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-1-of-4/#comment-8 [...] reading on this subject:RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of [...] [...] reading on this subject:RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 3 of [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4 by RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/02/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-1-of-4/#comment-6 RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 2 of 4 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Thu, 05 Jul 2007 21:37:33 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/07/02/rant-the-israeli-palestinian-problem-1-of-4/#comment-6 [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4Truth About IsraelHistory of the Arab-Israeli conflictThe war against Israel Technorati Tags: [...] [...] is some related reading for you to enjoy:RANT! - The Israeli / Palestinian problem - 1 of 4Truth About IsraelHistory of the Arab-Israeli conflictThe war against Israel Technorati Tags: [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Music formats should get along - 1 of 2 by DevTop http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/04/28/rant-music-formats-should-get-along-1-of-2/#comment-5 DevTop Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:36:25 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/04/02/rant-music-formats-should-get-along-1-of-2/#comment-5 For every technological lock, someone will find a key. Here is a handy utility that will strip DRM from your iTunes purchases: http://www.wma-convert.com For every technological lock, someone will find a key. Here is a handy utility that will strip DRM from your iTunes purchases:

http://www.wma-convert.com

]]> Comment on RANT! What date is on the magazine - its wrong! by Is It Getting Warmer? » Wanna Pay $7 a Gallon? http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/22/rant-what-date-is-on-the-magazine-its-wrong/#comment-4 Is It Getting Warmer? » Wanna Pay $7 a Gallon? Sat, 23 Jun 2007 04:36:05 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/06/22/rant-what-date-is-on-the-magazine-its-wrong/#comment-4 [...] First of all, I am not making up this date above.  I know that it is not July 2 yet but that is the date on the article.  I believe the date is representative of the issue of the printed magazine (and we all know that these dates are wrong). [...] [...] First of all, I am not making up this date above.  I know that it is not July 2 yet but that is the date on the article.  I believe the date is representative of the issue of the printed magazine (and we all know that these dates are wrong). [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Music formats should get along - 1 of 2 by RANT! Software doesn't know best- it should be stupid » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/04/28/rant-music-formats-should-get-along-1-of-2/#comment-3 RANT! Software doesn't know best- it should be stupid » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:02:18 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/04/02/rant-music-formats-should-get-along-1-of-2/#comment-3 [...] RANT! Music formats should get along - 1 of 2RANT! Music formats should get along - 2 of 2 Technorati Tags: software+install [...] [...] RANT! Music formats should get along - 1 of 2RANT! Music formats should get along - 2 of 2 Technorati Tags: software+install [...]

]]> Comment on RANT! Music formats should get along - 1 of 2 by 2007 June 15 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/04/28/rant-music-formats-should-get-along-1-of-2/#comment-2 2007 June 15 » I Think, Therefore I Rant! Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:54:47 +0000 http://www.ithinkthereforeirant.com/2007/04/02/rant-music-formats-should-get-along-1-of-2/#comment-2 [...] RANT! Music formats should get along - 1 of 2RANT! Music formats should get along - 2 of 2 Technorati Tags: software+install [...] [...] RANT! Music formats should get along - 1 of 2RANT! Music formats should get along - 2 of 2 Technorati Tags: software+install [...]

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