SCVNews.com | Opinion/Commentary: America: Under New Ownership

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside

Weather

Calendar

Today in
S.C.V. History

January 17

1994, 4:31 a.m. - Magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake rocks Santa Clarita Valley [video]

America: Under New Ownership

The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina

Joe Messina | Monday, Jun 9, 2014

Click Here to Get Our 'SCV This Morning' Newsletter

Tweet This

Facebook

Digg This

Bookmark

Stumble

RSS

This has been a very big news week with lots of stories to draw us away. Gwyneth Paltrow says water has feelings; Charlize Theron compares “press intrusion” to rape. Why do we give place to these morons? And Obama’s “Let’s get physical” workout recording. Even with all of that great news, I was stuck on an interview with the president and king, Mr. Obama.

I was under the impression Obama was a constitutional professor at some school whose records I am sure have been sealed by court order at this time.

I was always taught and have seen that there are three branches of government. Please don’t make me explain all of this. If you don’t know, please, immediately rip up your voter card.

The branches of government were created and configured to keep each other in check so that no one group would have all the power. Our Founding Fathers knew that if any one group had the ability to grab all of the power, it would do so, and we would quickly become a monarchy or dictatorship. These were smart men.

The current president and constitutional professor can’t seem to find the truth if you put it in a marked bag using orange, reflective highway paint and handed it to him. Even members of his own team are calling him out. He claims that the Bergdahl swap was a “time is of the essence” thing. Not true. There was no imminent danger. He wasn’t dying, and there was no immediate threat of execution.

Obama said in the interview that he makes no apologies for his decision because a man was left behind in uniform, fighting for his country. I won’t deal with the desertion issue right now, but this guy has been in captivity for years, with negotiations going on for many months. At first, they wanted to trade for dollars, but his joint chiefs and executive members advised against it.

Now, the opportunity to negotiate came back around again, and the president decided this is all his call. He has a pen and a phone and is not willing to wait on Congress as the law requires. For good measure, he runs it by his joint chiefs and executive staff. They all say it’s a bad idea and sets a bad precedent.

But, hey, don’t let the experts or the law get in the way. This president sees no one above himself, in intelligence or power or expertise. No one.

As he has done many times in the past, once again he disregards the experts and decides he will make the trade and break the law by not informing the Security Council, and he makes the deal. Now, to prove this is a nonpartisan issue, his own senior party members are furious over it. Some agree it was a bad move. Most are mad because he didn’t let them know, once again showing he sees himself as supreme leader and overseer.

A phrase he used in the interview made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. When asked whether there was anything wrong with what he did, he said:

“I make no apologies for it. It was a unanimous decision among my principals in my government, and a view that was shared by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This is something I would do again and will continue to do whenever I have an opportunity.”

First of all, Mr. Dictator, it is NOT “your government.” It’s the “people’s government.” It’s a government for the people, by the people, not for Obama, by what’s good for Obama.

Second, you lie. Your team, your principles, were not in agreement. They all told you it was a bad move, but, as usual, you ignored the experts because you see yourself in the realm of godhood, and no one can possibly know more than you. Why even waste everyone’s time with asking those in your staff?

He said he would do it again and will keep doing it, whenever the opportunity arises. Total disregard for the law, the truth, and the experts hired to guide him.

How about you do this for the first time: Pick up the phone and call the Mexican president and get our Marine out of jail. Hello. Do something good. Making THAT phone call would not violate any laws. It’s part of your JOB.

Then there is the EPA. He has decided to implement cap-and-trade his own way. By using his phone and his pen, he’s using the EPA to enforce guidelines he wants, which he thinks will work. One man ruling a country. He doesn’t need Congress.

Hey, you libs out there! When a conservative Republican becomes president and runs roughshod over the law, I hope you will remain as silent as you are now. But you won’t. Hypocrisy will rise up, and you won’t be able to control yourselves.

The president has decided that instead of capturing illegals who cross the border and simply sending them back, he will put them on buses driven further north into the country, and drop them off in Arizona. We know how much he loves that state. Yes, he is dropping off nearly 500 illegal aliens per day at bus stations in Tucson and Phoenix. Why? Why is he breaking the law and forcing his men to break the law?

Here is the deal. I am becoming more and more resentful of this president’s blatant daily – no, minute-by-minute – disregard for our laws and constitution. There could only be a few reasons for it: 1) He is ignorant of the law. 2) He doesn’t care about the law. 3) He sees himself above the law and government. 4) He thinks he owns the place.

Bingo. That’s it. You see, owners set the rules. They set the laws. They enforce the laws they want to enforce. They can choose to hire and fire whomever they want. They answer to no one. And if anyone slows them down, they fire them or ignore them.

Obama now owns the United States of America … and YOU let it happen. Good job, America.

Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also the current president of the Hart School Board. His commentary publishes Mondays.

Comment On This Story

COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

18 Comments

Brendan Murphy says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

Hey SCVTV, why don’t you just report actual news. I like your page, but I’m really sick of my news feed being filled with the ramblings of a moron.

Reply
Canard Ridshow says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

Thank you for telling it like it is.

Reply
Alexander Drake Stimson says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

(sigh)… I know this is an opinion piece and not an actual news article, but continually publishing “commentary” like this almost seems irresponsible. Mr. Messina (and those like him) label their words as “real talk”, claiming to cut through the BS in political rhetoric to give you, the reader/viewer/listener, the straight forward truth and nothing but it. However, if you actually dissect the quality of the content being put forth, it’s almost laughable how insulting and demeaning it can be. Articles such as these are often light on facts and heavy on opinion tilted in the favor of the writer’s loud and passionate beliefs, and this particular article is no exception. It’s more insults and inaccuracies than true, in-depth analysis. Take this quote for example: “Hey, you libs out there! When a conservative Republican becomes president and runs roughshod over the law, I hope you will remain as silent as you are now.” Is Mr. Messina completely forgetting the Patriot Act and the drastic changes Bush Administration and John Ashcroft made to it just hours before it had to be voted on?

Reply
SCVTV Santa Clarita says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

Hmm.. Not seeing complaints about the commentary from President Obama that we published a few moments earlier –?

Reply
- Alexander Drake Stimson says:
  
  Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at
  
  What commentary on President Obama are you talking of? You’ve published his weekly address, yes, but no commentary/article. Irregardless, you’re missing the point. One commentary on Obama isn’t comparable to Mr Messina’s multi-weekly addresses. Hell, this shouldn’t be a like-for-like situation where if you say good things about one party then you HAVE to say it about the other, but there’s no arguing that things do seem rather one-sided. Furthermore, I’m all for defending one’s content if you believe and stand by it, but doing it in this fashion is a little unbecoming.
  
  Reply
- Alexander Drake Stimson says:
  
  Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at
  
  My mistake, after re-reading it seems that you were referring to the President’s weekly address itself as the commentary in question. Therefore, the fact that you compared the weekly address of the President of the United States to the commentary of Joe Messina is, again, laughable and insulting. Republican or Democrat, Bush or Obama, you SHOULD be publishing the President’s weekly addresses, it’s the freaking President for goodness sake! There is a huge, HUGE difference between a Presidential address and a right-wing blogger’s weekly musings that are written for local news website. I would hope being a news organization that you would understand the difference.
  
  Reply
- SCVTV Santa Clarita says:
  
  Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at
  
  we publish the president’s weekly address every — well, weekly.
  
  Reply
- SCVTV Santa Clarita says:
  
  Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at
  
  a greater number of voters in this valley agree with Messina’s commentaries more than they agree with Obama’s. That’s just a fact of math.
  
  Reply
- Greg Brown says:
  
  Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at
  
  Prove that SCVTV Santa Clarita. ^^^^. Can you?
  BTW makes my query about changing his mug-shot kinda petty at this point, huh?
  And it hasn’t changed yet.
  
  Reply
Brendan Murphy says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

You’re comparing a transcript of the President’s address to this poorly written opinion piece? Not even the same sport.

Reply
Brendan Murphy says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

Anything for clicks I guess.

Reply
Harold Hamilton says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

You are such a moron. Why don’t you worry about doing your job and let Buck handle the federal level.

Reply
msc545 says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

Sigh. I suppose Messina writes this drivel because he has nothing better to do, and SCVTV isn’t willing to pay a real columnist.

Messina – the man is an American soldier, whether you like it or not. He was captured and we do NOT allow our soldiers to stay in the hands of the enemy, like it or not. We don’t leave them behind even if they are DEAD, ok ?

I don’t much care about your civilian opinion regarding what Obama, the Commander in Chief, did in the context of a *military* decision. You are way out of line.

The only thing that bothers me about this whole affair is that it took so long to free our soldier. That is troublesome.

Reply
Anonymous says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

We still have Freedom of Speech. Great article!

Reply
Nathan Imhoff says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

Joe lives rent free inside many people’s skulls. Word is it is pretty spacious accommodations.

Reply
Dennis velintino says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

To all the brain dead brain washed idots this is not a joke this president has got to be stoped impeached he is DESTROYING THIS COUNTRY BUT NO ONE CARES WELL MARK THESE WORDS BECAUSE SOME DAY YOU WILL WISHED YOU LISTENED TO THESE WARNING WE ARE HEADED FOR CIVIL UNREST AND CIVIL WAR !!!

Reply
Greg Brown says:

Monday, Jun 9, 2014 at

He doesn’t even get paid. (His own words.) good luck staying employed.

Reply
Kris Kelso says:

Wednesday, Jun 11, 2014 at

What’s amazing about Joe is that every single commentary is a baseless rant about Obama. I mean I know people have their beliefs and feelings about the president but I have never seen anyone that believes every single conspiracy theory in the book. I will say it again that it’s a sad state of affairs that he is an elected official and has say over what happens in one of our school districts. I do enjoy though getting my weekly dose of crazy from him and applaud SCVTV for practicing the 1st Amendment and allowing him to have a forum. So what will it be next week Joe? Obama is a Muslim, Obama is a fascist, Obama took my milk money? Can’t wait

Reply

Click here to cancel reply.

Opinion Section Policy

All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.

Laurene Weste | Preserving the Past, Building the Future at Hart Park

Friday, Jan 16, 2026

There are places in our community where history is not simply remembered, but carefully safeguarded and brought to life every day. William S. Hart Park is one of those rare treasures.

Pilar Schiavo | California State Budget

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) released the following statement on Friday, Jan. 9 in response to Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed 2026–27 State Budget.

Kathryn Barger | One Year Later

Saturday, Jan 10, 2026

This week marked the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire. As I reflect on the past year and look toward what lies ahead, my message to survivors is clear: I see your pain, I respect your resilience and I remain committed to walking with you on the long road ahead.

Councilwoman Marsha McLean | New Year, New Amenities

Friday, Jan 2, 2026

As we usher in a new year, I want to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy 2026.

Ken Striplin | Happy New Year, Santa Clarita

Friday, Jan 2, 2026

It’s hard to believe 2025 is now in the rearview mirror.

Happy New Year and Becoming Father Time

Monday, Dec 29, 2025

The end of the year points out that time speeds up as you get older, or get bored, or think too much.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com


Today in SCV History (Jan. 17) 1994, 4:31 a.m. - Magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake rocks Santa Clarita Valley [video]	Lady Mustangs Power Past OUAZ On the Road A strong defensive performance by The Master's University Lady Mustangs basketball team led to a 73-45 win against OUAZ in Surprise, Ariz.	Tejon Ranch Conservancy Offers February Nature Programs The Tejon Ranch Conservancy has published its calendar of nature programs it will host in February.	Jan. 20: SUSD to Meet in Closed Session with City Regarding Santa Clarita Elementary The regular meeting of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board of Trustees will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 5:30 p.m.	Hart District’s Collyn Nielsen Named ACSA Negotiator of the Year The William S. Hart Union School District has announced that Dr. Collyn Nielsen, Deputy Superintendent, Human Resources, has been named the 2026 Negotiator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.	Jan. 20: City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission Plans Site Tours The city of Santa Clarita Planning Commission has scheduled a site tour of the Princessa Crossroads Specific Plan Project and a virtual tour of the Belcaro at Sand Canyon Project. These projects are expected to hold public hearings in the near future.
COC SBDC Hosting Free Webinars to Help Grow Businesses Free business training webinars are available from the College of the Canyons Small Business Development Center this January.	March 7: ‘Live From Santa Clarita, It’s Saturday Night’ SCVHS 50th Anniversary The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a unique gala on Saturday, March 7, 6-10 p.m.	Saugus High Music Clothes for Cash Fundraiser Saugus High School Instrumental Music gives back while raising much-needed funds for the high school's music program.	Feb. 10: Non-Profit Council Roundtable’s ‘Non-Profit Love Match’ at Child & Family Center Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce for a special Non-Profit Council Roundtable, "Non-Profit Love Match: A High-Impact Networking Experience for Professionals & Nonprofits," 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the Education Center at Child & Family Center.	Laurene Weste \| Preserving the Past, Building the Future at Hart Park There are places in our community where history is not simply remembered, but carefully safeguarded and brought to life every day. William S. Hart Park is one of those rare treasures.	Jan. 18: CBS Film Series Presents ‘Truth & Treason’ Congregation Beth Shalom offers a monthly film series that shows selected independent films one Sunday per month at 2 p.m.
CDPH Reminds Retailers, Public About Dangers of Kratom, 7-OH Products The California Department of Public Health is collaborating with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to remind consumers and retailers that products containing kratom or 7-hyrdroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH, are associated with addiction, serious harm, overdose and death.	Foothill League Soccer: The Big Push Foothill League soccer is coming into a final flurry of league matches that will sort out standings.	Jan. 18: Valencia FivePoint Farmers Market Free Cooking Demonstration The Valencia FivePoint Farmers Market will offer a special live cooking demonstration and tasting on Sunday, Jan. 18.	Jan. 19: California State Parks to Offer Free Vehicle Entry on MLK Day In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California residents and visitors will receive free vehicle day-use entry to participating California state parks on Monday, Jan. 19.	Today in SCV History (Jan. 16) 1926 - Newhall Community Hospital, est. 1922, opens in larger, more modern hospital building at 6th & Spruce streets [story]	Jan. 19: Schiavo to Host MLK Day of Service, Donations Encouraged Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo will host the Third Annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19. The event will be held 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Vallet Boys and Girls Club Thomas E. Dierckman Clubhouse.
Jan. 18: Ridge Route Preservation Organization Work Day The Ridge Route Preservation Organization will host a Ridge Route Storm Clean Up Day Sunday, Jan. 18 at 7 a.m.	Jan. 17: Santa Clarita Community Hike in Quigley Canyon Open Space The city of Santa Clarita January Community Hike will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. in the Quigley Canyon Open Space, Cleardale Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA 91321.	Jan. 22: City of Santa Clarita to Break Ground on Via Princessa Park The city of Santa Clarita invites the community to celebrate the groundbreaking of Via Princessa Park on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m.	Jan. 29: ‘Teen Library Eats: Ramen Noodle Bar’ at Canyon Country Library Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library will host a "Teen Library Eats: Ramen Noodle," event Thursday, Jan. 29, 4-5 p.m. at 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.	Traffic Alert Issued for SCV Water Pipeline Installation on Smyth Drive The city of Santa Clarita has issued a traffic alert for Smyth Drive in Valencia.	Jan. 23-Feb. 1: Eclipse Theatre LA Presents ‘Curse of the Starving Class’ at The MAIN Sam Shepard’s dark comedy "Curse of the Starving Class," presented by Eclipse Theatre LA, will run weekends beginning Friday, Jan. 23-Feb. 1 at The MAIN.