Look Out Taxpayers, They Are Going to Blow It

We are not happy.  Nope, not one bit.  Zilch.  Zero. Nada.

We have all watched intently on the budget discussions over the past several months unfold in the legislature concerning the budget fix of 2009 and the budget for 2010.  Many of us have spoken with our legislators, attended Townhall forums, and listened to economists say that raising taxes (even temporary ones) during a recession is a very bad idea (and could be catastrophic).

In fact, we would even opine that the communication has never been better between our elected representatives and the voters in many regards.  Legislators have heard our voices loudly and clearly to NOT raise taxes.  Many of us expressed what a great opportunity we have to shrink the big government of the Napolitano administration.  Many legislators spent long hours figuring out ways to cover the huge gaps between income and expenses.  They even came up with a plan and a budget was sent to Governor Brewer for approval.

And then…

Early in the week, we heard that Governor Brewer is not happy with the budget proposal sent to her and will even shut down government if an agreement cannot be reached by July 1.  The latest word now is that Senate President Bob Burns said that there is a tentative agreement to ask lawmakers to refer a sales-tax to the ballot, though no specifics have been outlined or official announcements have been made.

Say what?!  We think we made it pretty clear at the TEA parties in Tucson and Phoenix and in our conversations with our legislators that we don’t want more taxes — even if they are temporary.

Let us point out a few points to the Governor and the legislature:

• We don’t want more taxes.
• We want small government.
• We don’t want more taxes.
• We don’t care if you shut down government.  We don’t want more taxes.
• We don’t want more taxes.  We are taxed too much already.

Also, what is interesting to note is that the tentative agreement indicated that if the vote went to the ballot, the language would provide directives where the money, if approved, would be sent to specific accounts like education.  Here’s a problem… the vast majority of the spending for education is in administrative costs not in the classroom.  So, even if the vote passes, money still would not be going to the classroom.  Rather, it just would be eaten up by administrative costs.

If the legislature and the governor want to do right by the taxpayers and for Arizona, they need to remain focused on a very simple thought — Shrink Government.  Then, and maybe then, our mood will change to happy.

Napolitano’s Witch Hunt Continued

Just before the TEA Parties took place all across the country drawing hundreds of thousands of angry taxpayers to protest big government, irresponsible government spending, increased taxes, etc., our former governor and now Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a report to law enforcement outlining supposed increased threats from “right-wing extremists”.  Do you remember the lead paragraph from the Washington Times article:

“The Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement officials about a rise in “rightwing extremist activity,” saying the economic recession, the election of America’s first black president and the return of a few disgruntled war veterans could swell the ranks of white-power militias.”

Napolitano came under fire from activists and legislators from all across the country, and many expressed outrage at the TEA Parties.  However, it wasn’t just “right-wing extremists” that were genuinely and legitimately upset with the memo.   The American Legion, a not-for-profit organization of war-time veterans, demanded an apology from DHS Secretary Napolitano.

After feeling the pressure and the calls for her immediate resignation from her post in the Obama administration, Napolitano met with American Legion Commander David Rehbein and issued a direct apology to the veterans organization barbed with excuses including blaming an office analyst for releasing the report prematurely according to the Associated Press article.

However, bloggers, activists, and some Congressmen have kept up with their calls for her firing.  In fact, a new website has been launched http://firenapolitano.com.  Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX) issued this statement and addressed the outrage of his constituents on the floor of the US House.   

Despite her “apology” to the American Legion, Napolitano has yet to apologize to the pro-lifers, the people upset over taxes and government spending, and generally speaking – conservatives.  When will we hear these apologies?  Truthfully, the answer is never because she is not sorry for the memo.  Department of Homeland Security should be free of political agendas and partisan politics just for the sake of the safety and the security of our nation.

There are some bloggers that are out there that are suggesting that we should not fire Napolitano because it may give her the idea that she should return to Arizona and challenge Senator John McCain in the 2010 election. 

I would disagree.  At our core, we must look to what is best for our country and be sure that true leadership with appropriate qualifications are in place for these positions with broad powers and influence.  Furthermore, I am left to wonder if these persecutions occurred within the first 100 days of the Obama administration, what will the remaining years look like for conservatives?  No, Napolitano needs to go.  We have seen the damage and the corruption that she has done as the governor of Arizona — a harsh reality that we are still trying to embrace and recover from its ill effects.  Incompetence in her new position will only make things worse for true patriots and allow for our nation to become vulnerable to real threats to the safety and security of our country.