Ten Questions on #Politics and #Congress: Plus Answers

Mitt Romney won two primary elections yesterday. Depending on the spin, your politics, and which mal-informed pundits watched on cable, the results were either a stagger to the finish line, a ho hum event, a momentum builder, the end of the inevitable or some other twist.

Since it is mid-week and very little real political news or proposals to ponder, some questions are in order with the answers for a change. To wit:

What does the primary vote signify? Simple, Mitt Romney won two states, and most of the delegates. The nomination process for the Republicans continues on to the next round. You can pretty count out Newt, as he does not even appear on the ballot in Virginia where I will vote next week. Ron Paul, who I learned has the support of Mr. Giant, my cat, is having fun making his points but little else. Ex-Senator Santorum has a nice family.

What office are these candidates seeking? In listening that Romney is too moderate, not conservative enough, not a real conservative, I wonder who the voters are seeking to elect. I thought the Republicans are seeking to replace the current Administration, whom about 90 percent of Republicans have identified as a disease, a plague, a scourge, and tantamount to having a national case of facial boils. More or less the same feeling Democrats had about the Administration of Jorge Bush.

However, it seems like Mr. Santorum and Mr. Romney are in fact running for head of something else, a leader of a movement which wants to be pure in heart but end up as minor, permanent political opposition. The election is not who can say, “ I am more conservative than you” (whatever that means) but about the best person who is capable of actually being President and offers the country a choice to the current regime.

Will Congress do anything constructive this year, other than pass a few bills to keep the Federal Government paying its oblgations with borrowed money? No, the Administration only wants to run for re-election by substantively doing nothing unless it is totally political in nature, Speaker Boehner is having trouble getting his own troops to do anything and Senator Reid remains the most partisan, obstructionist, ineffective and obstinate Majority Leader in the past 50 years. Do not worry America, nothing constructive will even be considered.

Will the US Senate pass a Budget Resolution which it has not done in almost 3 years? No, See above

Anything coming up soon that may have an impact on the election? Yes, the US Supreme Court will hear 5 hours of argument on the constitutionality of the Affordable Health Care Act (now there is a misnomer) passed in 2010. The decision expected in June will be an issue up until Election Day and then beyond depending on the results of the election.

Is President Obama concerned about the size and continuation of the massive deficit? Not in the least. The Administration only cares about re-election and expanding the size and reliance on government. Whether these purposes are accomplished by increased borrowing to spend on favorite programs or by raising taxes is of no consequence.

In all fairness, I have to point out the Adminisitration does care about a few things, like unions, undocumented immigrants, making health care decsions for everyone, Marvin Gay music, Solyndra, and a few more but that is for another time.

Anything else out there? Iran is a game changer. Should Israel choose to attack the nuclear installations in Iran, the world will be turned upside down and become a very dangerous place. The Administration will be put in a place of having to defend the interests and safely of our country, bear the consequences of any economic turmoil caused while at the same time explaining their policy of appeasement, engagement and rapprochement with the radical Muslim world.

Earth day is next month so what is the goal of the US Environment Protection Agency? The only goal of EPA is to put the fossil fuels business out of business through regulatory fiat. Using the Clean Air Act, CAFE and any other authority that can pass for justification, the EPA strives to make the use of coal, gasoline, heating oil (unless subsidized for low income use), and natural gas obsolete. Energy will come from high cost and largely non-existence clean and renewable sources. This process will take time but it is inexorable.

Big tax increases coming due next year, any chances to avoid them? Yes, lose your job so your income drops. Other than that, it is not clear how to prepare. Nothing for sure will happen until after the election results are in. After that it is too unpredictable to predict. However, my guess is all taxpayers will pay more in 2013; it is only the amount that is not clear.

Anything to cheer about? Yes, plenty. The political season continues to provide lots of entertainment and jokes. It is after all very difficult to make some of this stuff up. Spring is close which mean summer tomatoes are coming. Finally, every day is a gift. Cherish it, be thankful for it and use it wisely. If I only had two Cadillacs!