Swick Speak

Let Us Spend Even More Money

2009-11-23T20:34:00.002-05:00

Yes, let us spend even more money. We are illiterate when it comes to finance. We want to be entitled so we do not have to work in our lifetimes. Other people need to work not us. We also deserve it. Our interpretation of the United States Constitution says we can have it. So what if we are now $13 trillion dollars in debt. It is not my problem. Who cares about unfunded liabilities? Who really cares if we have jobs, all we care about is pork and earmarks. How much is my vote worth? To me $300 million is not enough! What do you mean we broke away from England over taxation without representation...get use to it sucker. Tax and spend. Tax and spend. And have nothing to show for it either.

Yes let us spend even more money. We are the 2009 United States Congress, the most out of touch with reality Congress ever.

Health Care Fever

2009-11-21T07:46:00.005-05:00

Listen to the taxpayers
there is dissension all around.
There is a vote going down
and we disagree with it.

In the bowels of Congress
there are payoffs galore.
If there is a vote to buy
we will pay for it.

And that socialized health care
creeps into all of our lives.
Controlling all of our lives.
When it reaches for our money
giving us higher taxes and poor health.

Then I get health care fever, health care fever.
We know we don't want it.
Gimme that health care fever
We know we don't want it.

Here we have
folks praying that this doesn't pass.
Living with my health care plan
Born free
death as a socialist.

Health care fever, health care fever.
We know we don't want it.
Gimme that health care fever
We know we don't want it.

In the heat of the debate
we all know that this bill is a mess.
We got a horrific Congress.
We got a runaway national debt.
And we see the tide turning in 2010.
We are giving Congress warning.

Health care fever, health care fever.
We know now we all will die
Gimme that health care fever
We know we don't want it.

(You may wish to hum this to the tune of Saturday Night Fever
as the Senate is forcing a vote in one week on a 2000 page bill that they have not read also-Thanks Congress, I hope you find work in 2011.)

Unemployment Benefits Will Continue Forever and Ever-Ad Infinitum

2009-11-17T20:09:00.003-05:00

I was told tonight by a friend of ours that unemployment benefits have been extended to 93 weeks in Connecticut. 104 weeks makes 2 years thus you can remain on unemployment benefits for 1 year and 9 months and collect $537 a week at the maximum for not working.
Obviously our economy is having a difficult time creating jobs. The falsification of the recent economic stimulus package-jobs created and saved statistics has shown its ineptness. Teaching economics for 27 years now, I never heard of the term "jobs saved" nor understand what is meant by that. One either has a job or does not have a job. People do not have a "saved job". Saved by whom or what? A governmental program bloated with earmarks and pork, that does nothing for the economy except to raise the National Debt? That is how this administration responds to job creation.
What we need to stimulate jobs in our economy is simplistic but not politically popular-lower taxes on businesses and industries, drop all nationalized health care plans, eliminate the pay czar, drop all cap and trade plans, allow the free markets to work on the profit motive and cut governmental spending at all levels (and ultimately pay off the National Debt). Sounds crazy? No 93 weeks of unemployment benefits is crazy and if I was unemployed I would want the private sector to help create a job for me. How about it?

What Cost Nationalized Health Care?

2009-11-14T05:39:00.003-05:00

I am still wondering what will be the costs of nationalized health care? And who will pay for it? In trying to follow the limited information given by Congress regarding the bill I see that the bulk of this bill will be payed for by those who can least afford it and by yet again raising taxes. In other words, care will be cut for many, a governmental bureaucracy will be created, taxes will become higher again and the national debt will continue to soar. Thus what in economic terms will be the benefits of this new nationalized health care? I truly can not see any. For the new limited amount of individuals who will be covered it would be cheaper for the government to pay for premiums to an insurance company to cover them.
The real economic questions of health care reform were never addressed; health savings accounts, the portability of health insurance plans, tort and medical malpractice reform. They were lost in lobbying.
As I have stated numerous times before, this is a health plan that will make America sick and now make it go broke. 2010 and 2012 can not happen soon enough.

What Economic Problems?

2009-11-11T21:18:00.003-05:00

What Economic Problems? I can't think of any but unemployment, a massive national debt, a loss of our manufacturing base, disincentives to save and invest, a pay czar dictating to private businesses what salaries can be paid, massive home foreclosures, the stripping of power of the Federal Reserve System, an unethical and economically illiterate Congress and last but not least, two wars which are being fought in Washington by bureaucrats while American military lives are being lost.
What Economic Problems? What solutions? I hear none from Washington except for higher taxes, more governmental spending at all levels, the socialization of our free enterprise and market system, an enemies list and last but not least embracing our enemies and turning our backs on our allies.
As I continue to state 2010 can't come soon enough and for that matter 2012 either.

Congress To Taxpayers-Drop Dead. We Will Under Their Health Care Plan.

2009-11-10T06:42:00.003-05:00

By taxpayers dropping dead there will be more health care available to those living under the House health care plan that was recently passed and read by very few who actually voted on it. It is a victory for socialism, poor health care service, government run health care, rationing of health care services, massive tax increases and a higher national debt. What is actually good about the bill? In my economic opinion, little if anything. We see tax increases to pay for the rationed care. We see jail terms for those who do not wish to or can afford the health plans being offered or the penalty for not paying for it. We see death panels to help push along those terminally ill to speed up their deaths. And the list goes on and on.
The United States House of Representatives is a legislative body completely out of touch with economic realty nor do they wish to represent those people who elected them by passing this bill.
Tort reform, health savings accounts, well care were all lost in this bill-a bill crafted by socialists whose failed politically philosophies are being rammed down taxpayers throats. 2010 elections can not happen soon enough.

Wallingford Voters Vote No and Embrace Republican Majorities

2009-11-04T06:37:00.002-05:00

Wallingford voters spoke loudly on Tuesday. They defeated by an overwhelming margin charter revision and placed the Town Council and Board of Education into Republican majority. This election was in my political opinion a strong statement against the policies and tactics of the Wallingford Democratic party and the state party also. It proved that the Wallingford voter would not be intimidated by the bullying of confusing charter revision and a lack of a candidate for mayor by the Democrats.
Good luck again to the Mayor and the new majorities. It is now time to lead Wallingford to greater growth and prosperity for the next two years.

Jobs Can Not Be Saved, You Are Either Employed Or Unemployed. Simple.

2009-10-31T05:02:00.004-05:00

You are either employed or unemployed in our economy. I am confused myself, when is a job saved that makes $30,000 a year worth spending $160,000 to save it? Only if you are trying to follow the massive pork laden economic stimulus bill which was shoved down taxpayers throats earlier this year. Yes the same bill that is now producing 10%+ unemployment, lowering consumer confidence and causing the national debt to skyrocket. The actual costs of the job creation aspect of the bill are enormous and poorly spent.
In all of my years of teaching economics I have never heard of the term "job saved". I can not believe that anyone in the Obama administration who actually understands economics would lower themselves to use this false term. In real economic terms, jobs are not saved, you either are employed or not employed (unemployed) - you do not have a job that was saved. If I have high enough enrollment at the Universities that I teach at, my class goes on and I teach it. I am employed by the University-not with a job that has been saved. It is the most ridiculous economic statement that I have ever heard of and I still can not believe the media actually reports it.
We have massive unemployment in our economy. The pork economic stimulus package has only added to our national debt and has done nothing for our economy. Try reporting that with the realism that jobs are not saved, the concept does not exist economically.

Brodinsky Debates Himself and Wins The Debate! I Still Will Vote No On Charter Revision

2009-10-28T05:42:00.003-05:00

Mike Brodinsky recently debated himself on Wallingford Charter Revision in front of no one but a public access television camera, no audience and minus that anti Charter revisionist revolutionary Steve Knight who rightfully declined the debate. And Brodinsky won the debate hands down! I guess when one debates oneself one can win a debate. However I thought a debate was engaged when more than one speaker was involved? I could be wrong by the Democratic interpretation of a debate-to that party it must mean we will push through our agenda through the Charter revision process, force them to accept our changes, strip the Mayor of one of his most important checks and balances powers (the veto, appointments and the like). And we will do it without the Democratic party even running a candidate for Mayor this election. Maybe with the time spent on Charter Revision they could have spent trying to actually field a candidate for Mayor. But there are separate rules for the Democratic party especially here in Wallingford.
I urge Wallingford voters to keep our current government strong and vote against Charter Revision next week.

Michael Brooder for Wallingford Board of Education

2009-10-25T17:18:00.002-05:00

I am using one of my votes to help elect Michael Brooder to the Wallingford Board of Education. Michael has a child in Rock Hill School and is active in our community. He also believes in a strong educational curriculum which address our economy's needs.
From the www.wallingfordgop.com website
“As a father of a Rock Hill School student, I understand the need for a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for the 21st century. I firmly believe we must create a learning environment that assures educational opportunities for our students. I have been a longtime supporter of quality education. Drawing from my experience as a Certified Public Accountant and current community involvement, I will focus on fiscal responsibility and leadership for educational excellence for Wallingford.

“I look forward to serving the youth of Wallingford, their parents and the town’s citizens and take on this opportunity with vigor and enthusiasm. I am eager to take on this challenge and confident that with hard work and determination I can make a difference.”
I urge you to vote for Michael Brooder for Wallingford Board of Education.

Rod Varney for Wallingford Board of Education

2009-10-23T17:13:00.002-05:00

I am using one of my votes to help elect Rod Varney to the Wallingford Board of Education. Rod greatly impressed me with his views for Wallingford education especially since he has children in our schools in town.
From the www.wallingfordgop.com website
"As a parent, my children’s education is of the utmost importance. Like all parents, we strive to give our children the best opportunities for a prosperus, healthy and happy future.

As a resident of Wallingford , my community is of great importance too. Wallingford is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, with an outstanding school system and a sound local government, Wallingford is a town we can all be proud of.

Though we have some challenges ahead in Board of Education, such as compliance with the No Child Left Behind law, budgetary and contract issue and keeping our schools a safe and healthy environment, I feel I can be an important part in such decision making.

If elected, it is my hope that with my fellow board members, we can make the Wallingford school system a shining example in this great state. "
I urge Wallingford voters to vote for Republican Rod Varney for Board of Education.

Don Cornwall for Wallingford Board of Education

2009-10-21T06:01:00.002-05:00

I am using one of my votes to help elect Don Cornwall to the Wallingford Board of Education. In discussions with Don I was impressed with his knowledge, experience and economic views for Wallingford education. Don has an extensive background in private industry which I feel will help his role on the Board.
From the www.wallingfordgop.com website
I am seeking a position on the Board of Education because I have a strong desire to serve our community. I believe that being a husband and a dad to our two sons, as well as my skills and experiences as a business leader will assist me in the challenges and decision making of this position.
As an engineering graduate, I support a strong education. Throughout my career I’ve supported science and technology programs. I have worked through my employer to provide funding for the local high school’s participation in the US FIRST robotic competition and I sat on the board for the ‘Project Lead the Way’ program gaining certification for this rigorous curriculum which prepares students for a higher education in science and technology.

As a business leader, my responsibilities are global. My travel around the world has developed my understanding of the environment in which our children must be prepared to participate. I have been trained and practice the business principles of 6 sigma, a process with emphasis on continuous improvement and lean principles that drive efficiencies. Both of these of these concepts enable me to analyze situations and understand the real issues to provide effective solutions.

I stand for:
Continuous Academic improvements for All Students
I will work to monitor curriculum and ensure that it challenges and motivates our students to prepare them for the 21st century. I will strive to provide a learning environment to effectively teach our students throughout the entire school system.

Safety in Our Schools
I believe every child is entitled to a quality education in a safe and comfortable learning environment. I promote a zero-tolerance policy concerning drugs, alcohol, and violence in our schools.

Clear and Accountable Spending Policies
I will work to provide a quality education for our children while remaining sensitive to the economic climate. I will seek opportunities to save money, while exploring unique ways to generate revenue to assist our budget.

I urge Wallingford voters to elect Republican Don Cornwall to the Board of Education.

Joe Marrone for Wallingford Board of Education

2009-10-15T19:13:00.003-05:00

I am using one of my votes to help elect Joe Marrone to the Wallingford Board of Education. I recently met Joe at the Taste of Wallingford and was impressed with his knowledge, youth and views for Wallingford's role in the future of education. Joe has been a lifelong resident of Wallingford, graduating from Sheehan High School in 1995.
From the www.wallingfordgop.com website
“My wife and I chose to live here as we couldn’t think of a better place to raise our family. In these tough economic times, we need to make sure that our kids get a great education and the taxpayers get a great value for their tax dollars.”
I urge Wallingford voters to elect Republican Joe Marrone to the Board of Education.

Yet Another Socialistic Health Care Bill

2009-10-13T05:36:00.003-05:00

Yes, yet another socialistic health care bill is getting closer to reality. We as taxpayers do not know what is in it but like everything else in this administration if we do not pass it immediately and implement it when another administration comes into office, our country will fall apart. Just the the economic pork stimulus bill, just like cap and trade, just like turning your back on your allies and embracing your enemies. Yes just like all of that.
We are now closer to real pain and suffering, real illness and most importantly massive tax increases that our economy can not afford. No, all of these pet issues are much more important than the current dismantling of our free market, capitalistic economic system. It is also much more important than free market job creation for our economy.
Thus we will continue to see poor and inept leadership along with massive national debt, excessive taxation and a socialistic health care system. Wow, I am getting sick already, is it 2010 yet?

Vincent Cervoni For Wallingford Town Council

2009-10-11T19:34:00.003-05:00

Another strong candidate that the Wallingford Republican party is running for Town Council this election is Vincent Cervoni. He is in favor of low taxes and continued economic growth for Wallingford. He is in favor of tax incentives to help bring more small businesses to Wallingford. In my opinion Cervoni would an excellent addition to the Town Council for the taxpayers of Wallingford.

Taken from the Wallingford GOP website, www.wallingfordgop.com
“I have made my home in Wallingford for fifteen years and am proud to be a resident of this Town. I believe that the quality of life for Wallingford residents is terrific in light of the variety of services and opportunities available to residents. I have enjoyed public service and my prior experience in municipal government. I would enjoy the opportunity to utilize my municipal and leadership experience to represent the residents of Wallingford on the Town Council.”
You can find more information at his website www.vincentcervoni.com
Mr. Cervoni has my vote this November.

The Unrealistic Baucus Plan

2009-10-08T06:02:00.003-05:00

Another socialistic health plan. What is another $829 billion dollars spent? It supposedly saves $81 billion dollars. How, if you spending $829 billion dollars and raising taxes by about $313 billion dollars? Those using Medicare advantage will see a massive cut in their policies as spending for that will be cut by over $117 billion dollars. Thus senior citizens will have cuts in their health care, do not be fooled by the new rhetoric coming out of this plan. Immediacy is not realistic as this plan will take over 10 years to implement (like the failed economic stimulus plan, no results, high debt). Thus why the rush? Why the waste of taxpayers monies? Why in the face of taxpayer opposition must we accept a bad law and costly mandate? All for the socialist and failed economic policies of the Obama administration.
Obamacare and Baucuscare will help bankrupt our country and make America sick. All in the spirit of socialistic change. They are other healthy alternatives to this medical debacle.

Craig Fishbein for Wallingford Town Council

2009-10-06T05:27:00.004-05:00

Another strong candidate that the Wallingford Republican party is running for Town Council this election is Craig Fishbein. I admire his views especially on limited government and his disgust with the Charter Revision debacle (please vote no also for charter revision). He is articulate and in my opinion would be an excellent representative for the taxpayers of Wallingford.

Taken from the Wallingford GOP website, www.wallingfordgop.com, “I am a candidate for Town Council because I believe in limited government; a government based on providing essential services rather than excessive, intrusive regulation. People do not work for the benefit of government, but rather, it is the government that works for the benefit of the people. That is what we have in Wallingford, and we need leadership on the Town Council to retain that philosophy into the future.”
If you go to www.fishbeinforcouncil.com you will find more information about our future Town Councilor Craig Fishbein.

Tom Laffin for Wallingford Town Council

2009-10-04T17:02:00.003-05:00

I like Tom Laffin. I am going to vote for him as one of my votes for Wallingford Town Council. Tom currently is on the Wallingford Board of Education serving his second term. He is articulate when it comes to issues that have come before him at the Board of Education. He is a life long resident of Wallingford and to me is greatly qualified to serve our community with his education and business experience.
This was taken from the http://www.wallingfordgop.com/laffin.html website
“In my various dealings, I often meet people critical of the handling of one issue or another, on all levels of government. In these discussions, I am compelled to ask them “So? So what are you gong to do about it?’ And I ask myself the same question whenever I have a complaint about one issue or another.

“This is what I am doing about it. To address my issues and my concerns, I am running for Town Council to be a voice, to participate in the process and to make it better. Our town is a great one and is managed exceptionally well. We need to keep that focus and not let others distract us from what has been done well for so long. We must stay with the basic services of municipal government, performing them efficiently for the benefit of all the residents. And that means avoiding inconsequential projects taken on strictly for the sake of politics. That is my pledge to you”
You can find more information at his website www.voteinlaffin.com
I know Tom has my vote this November.

Why Socialized Health Care Still Will Not Work

2009-09-30T05:35:00.002-05:00

Socialized health care will still not work. No matter what ridiculously written bills one looks at, I can not see any form of socialized health care working. The simplest plan to help legal citizens obtain health insurance who do not have it is to give them a tax credit for the cost of their insurance. Why is this option so difficult to understand? Why has this administration wasted so much of our tax monies campaigning for their failed plan? What purpose does it actually serve other than force governmental control over our health and contribute to the vastly expanding national debt? Power and control of our lives is the key to the Obama administration.
Socialized health care is a miserable plan. American taxpayers do not want it nor do we wish to insure illegal immigrants in our country. Congress and this administrations' lack of response to those taxpayers who are vehemently against this plan need to be heard once and for all. The 2010 elections will help vote out of office these failed representatives and senators. And then maybe our elected officials can see that the biggest problem we have in our economy is jobs and the lack of them. It is the economy. Trust me.

The Coming Economic Storm

2009-09-29T05:42:00.002-05:00

Out of the alleys of Hartford, the coming economic storm is brewing. Excessive debt, high taxes and non productivity is entrapping Connecticut. It is like a cancer spreading its tumors through all aspects of our society, communities and economy. It is the result of years of excessive and out-of-control spending coupled with high taxes, high workers compensation costs, high transportation costs and a corrupted politcial heirarchy. Its unfunded mandates and high long term debt only continues the waves of the economic storm. We have no captain or leader trying to ride out the storm but just a bunch of egotistical, self promoting and economicaly illiterate politicians swimming further into the storm only to drown in their own neglect.
The coming economic storm is fast approaching. A do-nothing legislature has helped to create and nuture it to its own political adavantage. Connecticut will continue to decline economically until we see actually leadership in Hartford. Can the storm end in November 2010?

The Behind The Scenes Raise Your Fees Assembly

2009-09-26T04:39:00.002-05:00

Connecticut Democrats never cease to amaze me in their unethical dealings with taxpayers. The latest is the the behind the scenes, behind close doors, 2am raising all of our licenses and fees especially for driving. The Democrats who are obviously clueless to the current negative economic conditions in our state will raise $60 million more in these fees to help continue to fuel their unlimited and unchecked and out-of-control spending. Governor Rell has every right to veto this as she should have vetoed the final budget. I thought everything was finished but Democrats have had to waste more taxpayers monies by calling two special sessions already. They only have a year to get their act together but still can not figure anything out as of 9/25. It is a sham of leadership.
The waste of taxpayers monies will mercifully come to an end when we elect a new Governor and General Assembly in 2010. And hopefully the Democrats will become a minority party here for years to come. They are incompetent to lead.

Connecticut's Dead Economy

2009-09-23T08:08:00.002-05:00

For all intents and purposes, Connecticut's economy is dead. It has died a long and painful death, led by the misery created by the long line of liberal Democratic leaders who have heaped tax upon tax, law upon law, rule upon rule on business and industry in our state. State unemployment will take another jolt with Pratt moving a large portion of its operations out of state. They are moving out of state because it is cheaper to do business in many other states in our country. It is no longer profitable to do business in Connecticut with excessive taxes, excessive laws, excessive workers compensation costs and excessive transportation costs. The blame lies directly with the Connecticut Democratic party. Their liberalism has failed our economy miserably and they still do not understand the consequences of their actions. No, they continue to embrace high taxes, excessive laws and regulations and failed social policies. They are the cause of our demise not the business and industry that support these inept and economically illiterate leaders. Eventually the shell that is called our economy will be no more and these Democratic leaders will be forced to pawn their spoils.
Connecticut needs the 88% program. Hopefully in 2010 with a new Governor and an entirely new legislature, they will come in with a budget that sets spending at 88% of current levels and starts to create the change that is so vital to help our economy once again by lowering state spending and taxes. If voters choose these same stale legislators, you might as well put up a for sale sign and move...I know many will especially businesses.

What About The Economy?

2009-09-21T06:22:00.002-05:00

Yes, what about the economy? Or better yet how does an economy pay for socialized health care, a failed economic stimulus, a supposed carbon tax cap and trade and other numerous socialistic programs being promoted by the Obama Administration.
I am curious, how are we as an economy going to pay for all of this? It still has yet to be explained to me nor has it been explained by this administration. Yes, what about the economy?
In my economic opinion, we are on the high road to massive national debt for the long term with all of these negative economic programs which are being forced on taxpayers. Can you explain to me in economic terms how socialized health care will create cost savings in our economy? From everything that I have read I still can see no savings just massive amounts of spending. And at the same time we have massive amounts of unemployment which is not going away any time soon with these programs.
Yes, what about the economy? Maybe some elected official could answer that question. Too bad our leaders are deaf to the economy and to the reality of capitalism.

The Wallingford Local Election-Vote No For Charter Revision

2009-09-17T05:22:00.003-05:00

It is time. Wallingford's local election is starting to heat up. And I find it amazing that the Democrats could not field a candidate for Mayor, even though you hear their chronic complaints against him. But they had enough time to tinker with Charter revision. It is evident that the Democrats need to strip the Mayor of his most important function. A strong Mayor for Wallingford is essential for our town. It eliminates the need and costs of a town manager and it allows for a strong form of government. Charter revision in my opinion comes down to one point, to let a Democratically led town council to only need six votes to override a Mayor's veto not seven as is currently by law.
Why is that? Because obviously the Democrats feel they will hold the Council and hopefully expand to six seats and if charter revision passes they will be in complete control of our government. It is ironic that they have spent years hoping to unseat Bill Dickinson and now want to strip him of his power through a back room maneuver. They did not even allow the Mayor to appoint two people to the Charter Revision Commission as was done in the past. Unbelievable. And then deny that it was not politically motivated.
Wallingford is a wonderful community, strong, vibrant, great schools and low taxes. It has a lot to do with a strong, non egotistical, humble Mayor who runs the town. I know my family and I will vote against Charter Revision and I urge my readers to do so also.

Out Of Control Spending

2009-09-15T05:21:00.002-05:00

Do you spend too much money? Do you have a great deal of debt? Or because of the economic conditions have you and your family cut back in your personal spending and consumption?
Our government has not cut back especially at the Federal and State levels. No spending has increased dramatically, almost to a point of no return with massive borrowing and unfunded liabilities. In my economic opinion, our long term debt created by government has reached a point of no return. How is it going to paid back? And I no longer accept the answer that the debt is owed by our country because it is not. It is owed by many foreign countries and it becomes even more alarming that there is absolutely no long term plan for lessening the debt.
With government at a Federal and State level that has become self serving, non ethical and non law abiding, taxpayers have had enough. The Tea Party movement is the second coming of a revolt against taxation without representation. We have taxation without representation in both Washington and Hartford in 2009.
Government is out of control with its spending. And taxpayers have had enough.