Mitt Romney-a letter to the New York Times

December 19, 2011

Editor,
It has interested me that Mitt Romney has been portrayed as a man of privilege. As students at Brigham Young University in 1970, my wife and I were poor and rented one of the most rundown apartments in a poor section of Provo, Utah. The wood floors were coming up, nails protruded, there was no air conditioning, no shower and the heater was lousy. Two floors below us were Mitt and Ann Romney. My wife and I were surprised that they would live in the same poor complex we did. Certainly Mitt's parents could have placed their son and his wife in the nicest apartment in town. We did not know the Romneys well, but were always impressed with them. As an independent voter who has considered each of the candidates including the president, I believe Mitt Romney is the man who can unify our country and solve our country's woes. Mitt Romney wasn't lifted to the top, he climbed. What he did for himself he can do for our country.

Rodney J. Ross
Gilbert, Arizona

The Presidential Race

The race for the White House has taken on some momentum. I do not pretend to know who will win. I have my favorites, but we'll see what happens. The media will destroy most of them.

I do know one thing. If Gov. Rick Perry of Texas is the nominee, I will be voting for four more years of Pres. Obama. Gov. Perry reminds me of some used car salesmen I've come across and that an insult to used car salesmen. Interesting. I've never met a used car saleswoman.

I could get into the Pearce-Lewis race here in Arizona, but I will leave that to another day.

Madness

At the end of "The Bridge on the River Kwai," the lone person alive surveys the wreckage of the fallen bridge and the fallen men, looks at the camera and says, "Madness."

Madness is alive and well in Tucson, Arizona. The Republican Party in Tucson thought they needed a fundraiser. They decided to have a lottery and raffle a gun. So far not wise, but okay. However, the gun the Tucson Republicans chose to raffle was a Glock, the same model used to shoot beloved Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in the head and to kill six people.

I am 67 years old and have never seen a political move that reflected such insensitivity, stupidity and "madness!"

Whoever came up with that idea should go far away for a long, long time.

No Way to Run a Country

I am a believer in taking a stand. I feel that there are certain things that cannot be compromised. However, the United States of America was founded on compromise. The story of our Constitution is one of compromise. In the last weeks, the unwillingness to compromise on both sides of the congressional aisle  has caused tremendous difficulty. It has almost ruined our country.

It is ridiculous to say that we will not vote on a bill unless everyone supports a balanced budget amendment. Some comprise was needed. It is likewise ridiculous that rich corporations and individuals pay no taxes. It is ridiculous that Social Security taxes have a cap. If we taxed the upper class like we do the middle class, many of our funding problems for Social Security would go away. The rich need to be taxed just like the middle class. Neither political party has solved this problem when they have had control of congress. The pointing fingers are hypocritical at best. And there is no whine louder than that of a retired right winger who may have his or her Social Security benefits cut.

Both political parties are so concerned with maintaining power that what serves the people has been forgotten and lost many years ago. The media ideologues on the right and left serve no purpose except to support a broken system. Where are the statesmen? Gone, gone everyone.

On the other hand, the spend, spend, spend mentality must stop. Our country has reached the limit. We cannot do everything for everyone. We are way beyond basic governmental services. Sympathy for the less fortunate is a wonderful thing, but we do them no service with handouts except to acquire votes for the hand that provides.

What to do? If we can find some statesmen, or better yet, stateswomen, we should do away with the U.S. Department of Education. As a former educator, I never saw a federal dollar directly touch my classroom. That is not to say that there are not good federal programs, but we do not need a monstrous government department to administer them. We need to rein in Department of Defense spending. There is probably no other branch of government wasting more tax payer dollars. We need to raise retirement age and Social Security benefits to 68 over a period of time. If we phased that in over 20 years, those who are 48 now would have plenty of time to plan for retirement and adjust their wants and needs. We need to institute a workfare program for those who currently receive welfare. Welfare recipients need to work for what they receive. Community gardens would be a great place to start. Parenting classes should be mandatory. Soft drinks, potato chips and candy should not be available to those on food stamps. If food stamps bought only rice, beans and vegetables, it would be a boon to our country. I do not want anyone to go hungry, but I've eaten my share of rice and beans. Nothing wrong with rice and beans.

Our country has many needs. Infrastructure and healthcare are still major issues. I'm not smart enough to tackle those, but if politicians will give up their lust for power and concentrate on the needs of their constituents, our country can move ahead again. We will have to work together just like the founders.

These Things Drive Me Crazy

Recently, I received an email from a wonderful friend. It was titled "He Didn't Leave Anything Out!" It featured a picture of a Harley guy reclined on his Harley in front of a road by the ocean. The Harley guy, who did not give his name, emphasized that he had worked hard for his money and felt that he should be able to keep it all. He complained about creeping socialism and a myriad of other national ills, none of it his fault. He listed his heroes as Malcolm Forbes, Bill Gates, John Wayne, Babe Ruth, Roy Rogers and Willie G. Davidson. Not a bad list.

Of course, I was told to be a true patriot that I'd pass his post on to all my friends and relatives. If anyone is feeling left out, I'd be happy to send it to you, but only if you request.

These things drive me crazy. First, the sender assumes that I will agree with what the post says. Second, it is assumed that I want to read what is written and have the time and inclination to do so. Last, I assume if I reply in contradiction to the post that our friendship is in jeopardy. I hope not, I really value the friendship of the person who sent this.

Sticking my nose into it, which I am too inclined to do, I wrote a reply which you may read below (only if you want to).


I don't think he has it all covered.

First, motorcycle man left out his name. I am a believer that a person ought to sign what they write.

I congratulate him on his work and achievements.

He wants to keep his money, but he forgets that the road behind him and wherever he rides his bike was not built by Malcolm Forbes, Bill Gates, John Wayne, Babe Ruth, Roy Rogers or Willie G. Davidson, it was built by the government, courtesy of the US taxpayer. If he has a problem with another individual who does not take to a Harley rider, if he breaks down or gets run off the road, he will call law enforcement provided by the government. If serious, the situation would likely be adjudicated in a court of law, a service of the government. 

If his house or mobile home starts to burn, he will call the fire department which is provided by, you guessed it, the government. If he happens to ride into a state or national park he may recall that it is provided by the good Lord with facilities by the government. Who educated him and taught him to read and write this article? The schools provided by the government. If someone decides they want to take over our beloved country or state, I may want to oppose them with my gun, but that wouldn't help much. I want the Army, Navy, Ari Force, Marines and Cost Guard, provided by the government. to protect me. If a hurricane or tornado is coming my way, I'll be warned by the government (who provides all that information to the Weather Channel by the way). You get the idea. I don't like taxes either, but they provide some very essential services including the protection of my rear end! Even the purity of the water this guy and you and I drink is monitored and protected by the government. He might call it socialism, but I'll take it and so will you.

Forbes, Gates and Davidson are his "heroes" and are certainly men to be admired, but they pay little taxes because they are protected by an unfair tax code which protects the rich. Babe Ruth was an alcoholic athlete who certainly didn't contribute much to our society, but I love how he played baseball. And John Wayne, who's movies I thoroughly enjoy, stayed home from World War II to make movies and money rather than fighting for his country like many others in his profession (Clark Gable, General Jimmie Stewart, Eddie Albert, James Arness, Gene Autry, Richard Boone, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Mel Brooks, Johnny Carson, Henry Fonda, James Garner, Don Knotts, Lee Marvin, Ed McMahon and Audie Murphy. Notice the list only made it through the M's.) Nothing against John Wayne. He's one of my favorite actors, but he's not on my list as a hero.

It does take a village to raise a child. Unless motorcycle man wants to live in isolation, he'll need the help of church, friends, crossing guards, school teachers, baby sitters and who knows else to help those kids along.

I could go on and on. Yeah, we have problems, but we have country where we all want everything, but want to give nothing. When I write that tax check every year, it hurts, but I also think of all the things it does for me and I feel a little better. We should be grateful that we have a country where people are clamoring to get in, not getting shot when they try to get out.

No, the motorcycle man left a lot out.

Most of all, we should be grateful for the freedom that motorcycle man and I have to disagree and express ourselves openly. I love the USA!!!

Rodney J. Ross

Note, 31 July, 2011: I just read that John Wayne tried to enlist during World War II, but had back problems. I apologize Duke!

NOTE

My son is also named Rodney Ross. He works for the counties association. My views are not his nor his mine. We do discuss the state of the world from time to time, but have some substantial, but civil disagreements.

Immigration Problems

While the border needs securing and protecting, the answer to immigration difficulties is not hate. Arizona's SB 1070 is an ineffective, knee jerk legislation designed to enhance the image of those who wrote and voted for it.

Many things need to change regarding immigration.

First, the border needs to be secured. A fence, a big, bad fence needs to built along the border as a symbol that the United States is a sovereign nation and as the most powerful country in the world has the will and determination to control our borders. Effective electronic surveillance needs to be employed so when the fence is breached, we know where and when and can respond immediately.

Second, we need to establish a guest worker program that will effectively allow those who want to come to the U.S. and work to do so without penalty. These individuals should be monitored, offered English classes and a path to citizenship if they desire.

Third, we need to institute the Dream Act. Not to do so is a national disgrace. Any illegal man or woman who wants to become a member of our armed forces should have citizenship classes as a part of their training and should not have completed basic training until they are citizens. The same should be true for college admissions. Citizenship classes should be completed the first semester of enrollment. The second semester classes may begins as soon as citizenship is achieved.

Fourth, we need to decide what to do with those who are here illegally. Providing a reasonable path to citizenship (not amnesty) is a good start. Any one who thinks we're going to chase down and deport 12-20 million illegals doesn't live in the real world.

The debate will continue for some time, but this position makes much more sense than those who make vague arguments against illegals. Worst of all is the position of doing nothing which is where we are now and have been for decades.

P.S. I live in Arizona

Picking Favorites

It seems in recent political campaigns, a pattern has emerged. A favorite candidate is anointed by the media. There are wonderful articles and pictures of the smiling candidate, usually with family or spouse. Stories are written about how this person has overcome odds to be at or near the top of the heap. Michele Bachmann is the newest anointed one.

Assuming the pattern follows, the media will take great delight in tearing the individual down to near if not total destruction. Watch how Bachmann will go from the darling of Iowa to evil incarnate. Today it came out that her former Lutheran congregation teaches that the Pope is the anti-Christ. It is starting. We'll see more positive articles on her, then almost all articles will turn negative. Maybe this is a natural consequence as more and more is known about a candidate, but it is hard to think that it is anything other than continuing media manipulation. The process repeats itself again and again. Republicans and Democrats are both subject to the build 'em up then tear 'em down syndrome. Obviously, at times, it is much deserved (see Newt Gingrich, John Edwards, etc.).

It will be interesting to watch the pattern repeat itself. Media moguls are frothing at the mouth to see Gov. Perry of Texas jump into the presidential race. If he does, the media roller coaster will push him to the top, then down he goes. They can't resist, and it does sell. When the individual in question makes the cover of People Magazine, you know the path is heading downward. Strong candidates will survive the ride, but many who would serve the country well are driven away by the scrutiny.

Complexities

All of us have a variety of opinions regarding the issues of the day. Should we get out of Afghanistan and Iraq? Was it right to go into Libya? What is the best way to solve the nation's economic problems? Should gay marriage be legalized? Should Social Security and Medicare benefits be reduced? Should we legalize marijuana? Were the bailouts instigated by Pres. Obama at the beginning of his administration the right thing to do?

The very simple point is that these are complex problems. Unless the average citizen takes hours to research them, we cannot know the enough of the subtleties of these problems to make proper decisions regarding them. In the process of watching TV news, listening to the radio or even reading news magazines, we cannot dissect these issues sufficiently to make rational decisions regarding these complexities. The leaders of our nation and states have information we cannot fathom and, often, for security reasons, things we cannot know.

We each have our opinions. I will express many of mine in this blog. Because of the complexities involved, sometimes I'll be right and at times I'll be wrong. Let us each realize that we are fettered by blinders. Blinders that do not give us the whole view and blinders of our own prejudices. Blinders are also provided by whatever source we use to form opinions and gather news. Every source is limited by its own points of view. The late author, Michael Crichton, advocated that as often as possible, the citizenry should watch C-SPAN. He suggested C-SPAN is a primary source unfiltered by the prejudices of those who present the news. He was right, but watching C-SPAN to gather information would be a lengthy process.

Personally, I prefer the PBS Newshour and NPR for my news. Of course, they are filtered also, but at least there is enough discussion and depth that I feel somewhat accurate judgements may be made in spite of the filtering. Occasionally, I will watch TV network news, but very seldom. National and local broadcasts engage in too much filtering and are too focused on entertainment values.

I advocate listening, watching and reading a variety of sources from different  of points of view. Realize we are being manipulated from many sides, but in examining a variety of sources at least some of the complexities will be broken down.

Between the 40 Yard Lines

Between the 40 Yard Lines is new blog designed to express the political views of most Americans, not those on the 0-30 yards lines of the right or the left. The approach here will be logical and civil. Occasional views will appear to many to cross into the red or blue zones (0-30 yard lines), but the emphasis will be on reasoned, independent points of view. Comments are welcome, Please keep them civil.