New NY 23rd

The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law … shall not be questioned.–Fourteenth Amendment

In an opinion article in The New York Times, Michael W. McConnell, a senior fellow at the right-leaning Hoover Institution, argues that the Fourth Amendment can’t be used to prevent default, in case of no timely action to raise the debt ceiling.

He claims:

• Default is permissible, whatever the consequences, because the debt would remain valid, even if not serviced as required.
• Bond’s issued in excess of the debt limit not otherwise authorized by Congress would be invalid.

McConnell’s argument depends on the meaning of validity. After the Civil war, validity meant that lenders would be repaid. It probably means that today. It isn’t clear if valid means lenders must be repaid on time.

McConnell says the President must negotiate with Congress. This isn’t in the spirit of The Constitution which makes Congress solely responsible for making laws and the President responsible for executing them. The Constitution is silent on the possibility of inconsistent laws or laws that can’t be executed.

McConnell implicitly disparages debt by favoring limits over solutions which don’t limit spending. He doesn’t say if recent appropriations supersede the debt limit law, which is an argument for disregarding it. Nor does he mention the claim that observing the debt limit would require the President to break other laws.

McConnell’s overall argument depends on cherry picking–putting forth reasons in support of his opinion and disregarding the opinions of those who disagree. On one point most do agree–the best outcome is for Congress to vote to raise the debt limit.

McConnell predicts disregarding the debt limit based on the Fourteenth Amendment would have consequences as dire as default. On this he may be right, which is one reason other outcomes are preferable.

McConnell is a professor and the director of the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. He was a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit from 2002 to 2009.

Tim Scott was raised in North Charleston, South Carolina in a poor, single-parent household by his mama, Frances Scott. Despite the challenging circumstances Frances faced raising her boys on her own, she instilled in each of them what it meant to find dignity in work, and the power that faith in God can have on your life.

I was actually in there (on Jan 6th), so I know exactly how historic it was. But what I will say is simply this, that the future that America is focusing on is what I’m gonna provide, I’m gonna continue to talk about those conservative principles that move this country forward with the best path for all of us.–Tim Scott

Border security is national security. If we want to prevent deadly drugs like fentanyl from infiltrating our communities, we need to stop the illegal immigrants who bring them across our borders. The cartels won’t stop pumping drugs and violence into American communities until we stop them, either with a strong border wall or by military force. Biden’s failure to address the crisis at our southern border has turned every county in America into a border county.

I have lived the truth that education is the closest thing to magic in America. But today, the far left has us retreating away from excellence in our schools. Extreme liberals are letting Big Labor bosses trap millions of kids in failing systems. They’re replacing education with indoctrination.

Under Joe Biden, we have become a nation in retreat. Retreating from religious liberty and the worship of God himself. I will preserve one nation, Under God, indivisible — where we honor our Creator and respect every innocent life.

Conservatism is the home of common sense. The radical Left has tried its best to remove faith, patriotism, and religious liberty from our society, but we won’t back down. It’s time for new conservative leadership to bring Americans together with faith: Faith in God, faith in each other, and faith in America.

Security starts on our borders, but it doesn’t end there. The Chinese Communist Party’s goal is not just to surpass us. It is to beat us. As President, I will rebuild a military so lethal and powerful that our adversaries will fear us and our allies will respect us.

In Biden’s America, crime is on the rise and law enforcement is in retreat. The far left is ending cash bail. They’re demonizing, demoralizing, and de-funding the police. I grew up in neighborhoods alongside people who ended up incarcerated or in a cemetery. We needed more public safety, not less!

I am living proof that America is the land of opportunity, not a land of oppression. The circumstances may be different, the details may change, but every one of us is here because of an American journey where there were obstacles that became opportunities.

Scott is a personable candidate, but his divisive political views, long on generalities and short on specifics, are straight from the far-right Republican playbook.

Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says “it can’t be done. — Eleanor Roosevelt, 1960 Agnes Chang and Keith Bradsher, in a May 16, 2023 article in The New York Times, discuss battery technology. They write: Despite billions in … Continue reading

Posted in Economics Tagged China, automobiles, “The New York Times”, Numerical control, Battery technology, Investment, Foresight

Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says “it can’t be done. — Eleanor Roosevelt, 1960 Agnes Chang and Keith Bradsher, in a May 16, 2023 article in The New York Times, discuss battery technology. They write: Despite billions in … Continue reading

Posted in Economics Tagged China, automobiles, “The New York Times”, Numerical control, Battery technology, Investment, Foresight

There is a bright future ahead for Corning Community College’s Computer Numerical Control Programming students. The future is tech and these programs are fostering growth in a rapidly growing field. — Rep. Langworthy, facebook 3/20/23 “The future is tech” is … Continue reading

Posted in Education Tagged Corning Community College, David E. Nobel, Kurt Vonnegut, Manufacturing, Numerical control, Player Piano, Rep. Langworthy

The (Corning) food pantry, its dedicated volunteers, and all those who have donated strengthen families and support communities,” Reed continued. “When our neighbors are facing tough times, the entire community steps up to positively impact their lives. Whether that means … Continue reading

Posted in Constituents, Reed’s Views Tagged foodbank, Meals on Wheels, Poverty, SNAP

This article was submitted by a Southern Tier Patriot . I write this to you as a former Republican who believes that the politics of our communities are more about involvement than division. What we need in Congress now is … Continue reading

Posted in Constituents, Uncategorized Tagged dividing constituents, playing politics, Poverty

So how is Tom doing on his priorities? Has he helped create a tax code that is fair a tax code that will help working families a tax code that will rein in national debt Has he succeeded in implementing … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Health Care, Reed’s Views, Taxes Tagged Jobs, Poverty

Reed said instead of 138 percent of the poverty level, he would set the Medicaid eligibility level at 100 percent and provide tax credits for those between 101 and 138 percent so they could buy health insurance from a private … Continue reading

Posted in 2018, Congress, Health Care, Medicare, Reed’s Views Tagged Poverty

Creating Barriers to Health Care Tax Credits On Tuesday the House considered H.R. 2581, the Verify First Act. This legislation amends the Affordable Care Act as well as the American Health Care Act, making it harder for people who qualify for health … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Health Care, Political Tagged Cloward-Piven, Poverty

Rep. Tom Reed handed out four papers to those who attended his December 10 Town Hall Meetings. At the Barrington Town Hall Meeting he quickly went over the Congressional Priorities, spoke about the “Simple, Fair Tax Filing Postcard” and made quick … Continue reading

Posted in 2017 Tagged College costs, Fair tax, Healthcare, Poverty, Simple Tax Form, US Manufacturing Jobs

And so things like drug testing, things like work requirements —  strengthening them as these programs go forward. –Tom Reed Tom Reed says he “and the House Ways and Means Committee passed three bipartisan welfare reform bills last week.” I … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Reed’s Views, Uncategorized Tagged Poverty, Ways and Means, Welfare, Welfare reform

Income inequality is greater in the United States than in any other democracy in the developed world.–Jill Lepore In an article, Richer and Poorer, which appeared in the March 16, 2015 issue of The New Yorker, Jill Lepore discusses income … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Economics Tagged Gini Index, income inequality, Inequality, Jill Lepore, John Stossel, Poverty

I am humbled to support legislation that works to meet the needs of those in our community who suffer from hunger.  My bill (H.R.644, Fighting Hunger Incentive Act of 2015) provides a direct benefit to our area charities and food banks … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Economics, Farm Bill, Political, Reed’s Views Tagged Food Bank, H.R. 644, Hunger, Poverty

If I had been able to see the camera, I would have remembered that I was talking to the whole world, not just the man.–Mitt Romney Has Mitt now learned what Persian Shahs, Roman Emperors, and authors of the American … Continue reading

Posted in 2016, Economics, Political, President, Reed’s Views Tagged Mitt Romney, political posturing, Poverty

He’s (McCarthy) performed better than I thought he would.–Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ)

McCarthy will always have little wiggle room. He will have to walk a tightrope.–Jeffery A. Jenkins, Professor of Public Policy at USC

Lisa Mascaro, writing for the Associated Press, in an article printed in the Elmira Star Gazette, discusses Kevin McCarthy’s first 100 days as Speaker.

The first 100 days became a benchmark for a new Presidential Administration and for Congress with FDR’s Administration, when 15 major pieces of New Deal legislation were passed in the first 100 days. The Speaker in 1932 was John Nance Garner III.

Lisa Mascaro claims that as Speaker McCarthy has had some successes. She mentions these:

• The House has “passed dozens of bills,” but many of them are political theater, doomed to die in the Senate or be vetoed.
• “politically potent efforts targeting crime and the COVID-19 pandemic,” specifically a bill to overturn a resolution of the local government of Washington, D.C. and a law to end the national emergency due to COVID-19.
• “opened the Capitol more fully to visitors.”
• Met with President Tsai ing-wen of Taiwan.

McCarthy himself claims these and more. On the other hand Mascaro notes:

McCarthy has been unable to steer House Republicans to start delivering on broader pursuits–the GOP promises for border security or budget cuts to prevent a debt ceiling crisis, for starters.

I find Mascaro’s statement on the debt ceiling muddled–budget cuts have nothing to do with the debt ceiling other than as a proposed quid pro quo for raising or repealing it.

More to the point, I think, the GOP hasn’t reached consensus on a way to address these and other pressing issues. Instead Republicans have focused on reiterating their partisan talking points. McCarthy will have to “walk a tightrope;” he will have to walk faster to meet deadlines for “must pass” legislation.

I will never apologize for American values. There is no America without our values, and I will always fight to uphold them.–Joe Sempolinski, facebook, Aug. 2nd. I will never stop fighting to represent the conservative principles and stand for the … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Political Tagged Constitution, Joe Sempolinski, NY-23, Special Election Aug. 23rd, values

NY-23 Special Election, Aug 23, 2003. The Democratic Party candidate is Max Della Pia. The Republican Party candidate is Joe Sempolinski. Max is also running in the November General Election, Joe is not. Joe’s view from his website: Joe is … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Gun Violence, Political Tagged guns, Joe Sempolinski, Max Della Pia, NY-23, Second Amendment, Special Election Aug. 23rd

I will stand for our constitutional, conservative values and stop the left from forcing their radical agenda on the people of America.–Joe Sempolinski, July 21, facebook Joe Sempolinski, the Republican Candidate for Congress in the NY-23rd special election, claims to … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Constitution, Political Tagged Conservative, Joe Sempolinski, NY-23, Special Election Aug. 23rd

NY-23 Special Election, Aug 23, 2003. The Democratic Party candidate is Max Della Pia. The Republican Party candidate is Joe Sempolinski. Max is also running in the November General Election, Joe is not. Joe’s view from his website: Joe is … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Health Care, Political Tagged Joe Sempolinski, Max Della Pia, NY-23, Special Election Aug. 23rd

NY-23 Special Election, Aug 23, 2003. The Democratic Party candidate is Max Della Pia. The Republican Party candidate is Joe Sempolinski. Max is also running in the November General Election, Joe is not. ~~~ Max’s issues (from his website): Equal … Continue reading

Posted in Congress, Political, Uncategorized Tagged Joe Sempolinski, Max Della Pia, NY-23, Special Election Aug. 23rd

Even George Santos can be a member of Congress, as long as his vote is needed.

Those who want others to pull themselves up by their bootstraps generally ain’t poor.

No one is above the law, unless it be an ex President.

When only Republicans and liars are electable hereabouts, it’s a wonder more liars don’t claim to be Republicans.

One particular D.A. today is the worst ever.

The ancient Greeks had term limits: they killed their sacred king at the end of the year. It is a wonder anyone took the job, but sometimes they contrived to be reincarnated.

We get the government we vote for.

Tictok might use our personal information, but not Microsoft, Google, or Meta.

Politicians, not economists, say spending causes inflation.

The more pictures we see, the better the job our congressperson is doing.

Indicting an ex President is a double standard, unless all ex Presidents be indicted.

Strangely, those whose parents sent them to college and hope their kids will go, urge trade school for other people’s kids.

Some had their fingers crossed, when they took the oath of office.

In Tom Sawyer’s time, people recognized the duke and king as frauds.

A children’s book, “Dim Sum for Everyone,” is a threat to our nation.

George Santos can pose as an expert and pontificate, once elected to Congress.

The world is running out of bat shit, but only literally.

In “Korea’s Place in the Sun,” a history by Bruce Cumings, Cumings quotes Confucian scholar Yi Hang-no, who wrote in 1866:

If from now on the King starts by rising early and going to bed late, and if the ministers take oaths among themselves to cut out the evils of parties and merriment, be diligent in cultivating frugality and virtue, do not allow private considerations from taking root in their minds, and do not use artifice as a method of operation in government affairs, then the officials and common people will all cleanse and purify their minds … abandon the habits of luxury and extravagance; make the palace humble and partake simply and sparingly of food and drink; shun fancy clothes and devote all efforts to the people’s affairs … Then the strength of the people will be greatly extended and public opinion will be in harmony, and the people will look up to you as a father and mother … Only after things are done like this can the Western barbarians be driven off and the state preserved.

Yi Hang-no may have been on to something.

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Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says “it can’t be done. — Eleanor Roosevelt, 1960

Agnes Chang and Keith Bradsher, in a May 16, 2023 article in The New York Times, discuss battery technology. They write:

Despite billions in Western investment, China is so far ahead — mining rare minerals, training engineers and building huge factories — that the rest of the world may take decades to catch up.

Circa 1970, I started a job as an engineer working with Numerical Controls for machine tools. Numerical Control was invented by John Parsons in Michigan and Jay Forester at MIT in the 1940s. The Air Force invested heavily in development. By 1970, American Companies (Allen Bradley, Bendix, General Electric)¹ dominated the world market. Ten years later they were well on their way out of business–Japan, particularly Fanuc, Ltd., had taken over the market.

I worked in a former automotive plant in Detroit. It was a small division of a large corporation. The corporate executives lacked vision. Plant managers rotated in and out. There was little investment, no long-term plan. We had to show a short-term profit. With a few capable engineers; we carried on as best we could.

Our Japanese competitors invested heavily in factories and equipment. Their chief had a doctorate in engineering. They laid long term plans to dominate the market. Their managers and engineers knew the business in detail. Their engineers were well educated, their practices first-rate. Success wasn’t guaranteed or taken for granted–they worked hard to achieve it.

The American Automotive companies, once called the big three, had a similar experience. These American companies were complacent, focused on short-term profits. Japanese, German, and other foreign makers ate their lunch.

From mines to refineries and factories, China began investing in battery technology decades ago. China acted with foresight, which led to their success. If we can’t compete with Chinese technology and give up trying, that will put America last.

After the shock of Sputnik, we didn’t give up. Determined not to be outdone, we invested in NASA, went to work and pulled ahead. With vision and determination we can do that again.

1. Siemens, the German company, was an important player in the world market..