header image

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

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
May 4
1903 - President Teddy Roosevelt visits Gov. Henry Gage at Acton Hotel [story]
Acton Hotel


The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina
| Wednesday, Oct 9, 2013

joemessinamugThe fine line between politics and reality has become so blurred that the truth couldn’t be found in Washington if it were written on the Goodyear blimp and highlighted with fireworks.

I refer to this as “Democrat doublespeak,” also known as talking out both sides of your mouth, or just plain gibberish. And all of this coming from our elected leaders; such is our sad state of affairs.

Let’s look at this from the middle of the aisle. The U.S. Senate, run by whomever, has not passed a budget in the last five years. This is against the law. A Continuing Resolution (CR) has been summited again, because – did I mention? – the Senate has not passed a budget in five years. And did I also mention that it was against the law not to pass a budget?

The CR submitted by Congress originally had a clause to de-fund Obamacare – but it was changed at the last minute to delay the individual mandate by one year, just as it has been delayed for all of the president’s friends: the unions, certain businesses and other special folks.

The Senate, without discussion, voted it down. So Congress tried it again, sending it back to the Senate with a simple change to close the loophole in Obamacare by allowing Congress and senators to “opt out.” Once again, without discussion, the Senate voted against it.

Wait a minute. Isn’t it already in the U.S. Constitution that Congress shall make no law that it doesn’t have to follow, or which doesn’t apply to them? Why would the Senate vote to allow our U.S. representatives to “opt-out”? They voted against a constitutional law. Do they think the law doesn’t apply to them? Apparently so.

Then there is the president. He’s said nothing about the illegal actions of the Senate, run by his team, but the way he is beating on the Republicans makes it seem like he is running for a third term. Instead of spreading lies like, “This has never happened to any other president,” perhaps the president should check with his staff before making those statements – or maybe just fire them because lately they have been getting many of the stats wrong. In actuality, this has happened 17 times since the 1970s, twelve of which were under the control of Democrats.

Some say it was only for a day or two or three in the past. That may be true, but in those days they knew how to negotiate. They knew they were Americans, and they had to act in the best interests of the country, not their party.

The president says he has negotiated and acted in good faith. I disagree. He has dictated and done so with an iron fist. If he were really a good negotiator, he would have asked for more than he wanted and given up a little, making for a win-win on both sides.

But dictators see no reason to give. They are all-knowing, all-powerful, and answer to no one. Sound familiar?

The Senate has received four more CR’s from Congress and voted against all of them without discussion. Why would they do that? Why would they not pass a budget for five years and then continue to deny discussion on the CR’s as they come up for vote? This is nothing but party politics. Yes, Republicans share in the blame here, but not as much as the Senate as a whole.

How is it the American people have let them get away with this for five years? How is it the American people have allowed the jobless rate to climb? The real unemployment number is around 14 percent, according to the government, not the “reported” number.

The Democrats have gotten really good at the shell game. You remember that game. You have to guess which cup the nut is under – three cups represented by the president, Senate and Congress. Who’s to blame? The Democrats keep you thinking the problem is all from Republicans, but who really has control? Look again.

The president can’t get his facts straight. No other president has had to go through what he has, so he gets a pass? The Senate doesn’t pass a budget in five years, and they get a pass? The Republicans ask that the Congress follow the Constitution and be subjected to Obamacare like every other American, and they are called obstructionists and anarchists.

The Bible says there will come a time when right will be wrong and wrong will be right. I think we are there.

 

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 normally 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.

2 Comments

  1. ©Dave ℗ Rickmers® says:

    Are you trying to sew seeds of discontent by referring to our President as “the dictator”? If the radical right had a brain they’d be dangerous. How’s that make you feel?

  2. Marla says:

    I suggest you stop blaming the Democrats and look to the Republicans who don’t care one whit about the American public and who are acting like a bunch of school yard bullies.

Leave a Comment


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.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Thursday, May 2, 2024
As we kick off the new month, I am proud to reflect on the incredible growth and achievements we've witnessed over the past four months.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
With spring in full effect, now is the best time to hit the trails and enjoy the natural scenery of Santa Clarita.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Imagine a day where barriers dissolve and possibilities unfold, a day dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity.
Monday, Apr 29, 2024
At the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting this week, we reviewed the Chief Executive Officer's proposed $45.4 billion budget for the next fiscal year.
Thursday, Apr 25, 2024
Spring heralds a time of renewal and rejuvenation, not just in the natural world, but within our homes and lives as well.
Tuesday, Apr 23, 2024
Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement in support of the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer’s presentation of a $45.4 billion budget for the forthcoming 2024-25 fiscal year.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1903 - President Teddy Roosevelt visits Gov. Henry Gage at Acton Hotel [story]
Acton Hotel
The regular meeting of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board will take place Tuesday, May 7, with closed session beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by public session at 6:30 p.m.
May 7: Regular Meeting of the Saugus School Board
The city of Santa Clarita Arts Commission is holding its regular meeting in City Hall's Council Chambers Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355.
May 9: Arts Commission to Hear Updates on Civic Art Projects
Experience the Butterfly Encounter at Gilchrist Farm open now on weekends thorugh Sunday, June 18. Walk through a tent of beautiful flowers hosting live butterflies that fly freely throughout the tent.
Experience the Butterfly Encounter at Gilchrist Farm
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a business meeting Wednesday, May 8, beginning at 5 p.m. The board will first meet in closed session at 4:15 p.m.
May 8: COC Board Business Meeting Considers Contracts
The Castaic Union School District Governing Board will hold its regular meeting Thursday, May 8, at 6 p.m. A closed session will be held at 5:30 p.m.
May 8: Castaic Union School Board Regular Meeting
Fire Service Day Open House will be held at all County of Los Angeles Fire Department fire stations on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 4: LACoFD Hosts Countywide Open House at All Fire Stations
The Santa Clarita Valley Media Collaborative invites the public as well as local creatives, media industry professionals, students, parents, teachers and others to celebrate the next generation of media makers participating in the inaugural NextGen MediaMakers Festival on Saturday, May 18 from 2-5 p.m. at the Canyon Country Community Center.
May 18: Support Young Creatives at NextGen MediaMakers Festival
Explore Vasquez Rocks during the magical twilight and early evening full moon hours. These fun, collaborative, interpretive hikes are led by trained staff and volunteers and will highlight the park's natural and human history.
Vasquez Rocks Full Moon Twilight Hikes
Astrotourism is top of mind for travelers making special trips for experiences in the sky, and with the recent “take-your-breath-away” total solar eclipse, thousands of cruisers onboard Emerald Princess and Discovery Princess off the coast of Mexico caught a glimpse of the total darkness event.
Princess Cruises Sails to Prime Viewing Spot for 2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Europe
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold a study session on Tuesday, May 7 at 5 p.m. The council will meet at City Hall, Carl Boyer Room, 23920 Valencia Blvd., First Floor, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
May 7: City Council Conducts Budget Study Session
Garbage inspectors will soon be paying a visit to neighborshoods throughout the Santa Clarita Valley to inspect recycling bins to insure residents are following the recycling rules in the SCV.
Garbage Inspectors to Look for Improper Recycling
College of the Canyons competed at the 3C2A State Singles & Doubles Championships for a second straight year, with the doubles duo of Sydney Tamondong and Estrella Segura establishing program history by advancing to the round of 16 at the Ojai Athletic Club.
Canyons Advances to Day 3 of 3C2A State Championships
College of the Canyons men's basketball head coach Howard Fisher's Cougar Basketball Camp returns in 2024 with three sessions open to boys and girls ages 8 to 14.
Registration Open for 2024 Howard Fisher Cougar Basketball Camp
The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library is hosting a “Spring Bag Sale” event at the Valencia, Canyon Country and Newhall branches of the Santa Clarita Public Library, during normal operating hours from Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 12.
May 4-12: Spring Bag Sale at Santa Clarita Public Library
A former public school teacher who launched a racist and anti-immigrant tirade against a Santa Clarita street vendor is being sued by a Latino civil rights group for civil assault and violating California civil rights laws.
MALDEF Sues Man After Rant at Fruit Vendor in SCV
The Village of Pine Mountain Club has hosted wine festivals since 2003. You can taste exciting wines from the world’s top wine-growing regions, with dozens of premier wineries to choose from on Saturday, July 6, 1-4 p.m. at Wine in the Pines.
July 6: Wine in the Pines, Pine Mountain Club
1842 - California's first mining district established in SCV; Ygnacio del Valle, chairman [story]
Ygnacio del Valle
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley will be held Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at Central Park, with the theme “May The Cure Be With You,” a Disney/Star Wars celebration.
May 4: SCV Relay for Life ‘May the Cure Be With You’
Ten risk-taking, mid-career artists were announced Thursday as the recipients of the 2024 Herb Alpert Award in the Arts (HAAIA).
CalArts Announces 2024 Herb Alpert Award Winners
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Master's University men's volleyball team won their opening match of the 2024 NAIA National Championship with a 3-set win over the No. 9-seed Mount Mercy (IA) Mustangs.
Mustangs Post-Season Play Continues After First Round Win
Andrew Skerratt did not anticipate graduating with an electrical engineering degree from The Master’s University.
TMU Student Set to be School’s First Electrical Engineering Graduate
Nichole Muro was brilliant in the circle through seven shutout innings and Gigi Garcia broke the game open with a two-run double in the sixth inning as No. 15 College of the Canyons got past No. 18 Cuesta College 4-0 in its 3C2A Southern California Regional Playoffs play-in game at Whitten Field on Tuesday.
Lady Cougs Advance to Next Round in Regional Playoffs
As we kick off the new month, I am proud to reflect on the incredible growth and achievements we've witnessed over the past four months.
Message from Carlos Orozco JCI President
SCVNews.com