Gas Subsidies for Iraqis, Gas Taxes for Americans

My constituents in the Texas gulf coast are very concerned about the price of gasoline, especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Katrina has left nine gulf coast refineries inoperable, and reduced capacity at four. This will mean the loss of 20 to 40 million barrels of oil in coming months, and prices at the … Continue reading “Gas Subsidies for Iraqis, Gas Taxes for Americans”

Our Rights Suspended for 10 More Years

Congress passed legislation last week that reauthorizes the PATRIOT Act for another 10 years, although the bill faced far more opposition than the original Act four years ago. I’m heartened that more members of Congress are listening to their constituents, who remain deeply skeptical about the PATRIOT Act and expansions of federal police power in … Continue reading “Our Rights Suspended for 10 More Years”

PATRIOT Act is a Threat to Liberty

The USA PATRIOT Act and Terrorism Prevention Act (HR 3199) in no way brings the PATRIOT Act into compliance with the Constitution or allays concerns that the powers granted to the government in the act will be used to abuse the rights of the people. Much of the discussion surrounding this bill has revolved around … Continue reading “PATRIOT Act is a Threat to Liberty”

Tax-and-Spend GOP Sends Billions Overseas

Something has gone terribly wrong with our foreign policy when we feel we must take almost $21 billion out of the pockets of American taxpayers and ship it overseas. Imagine what the Founders of this country would say if they were among us to see this blatant disregard for the Constitution and for the founding … Continue reading “Tax-and-Spend GOP Sends Billions Overseas”

The Hidden Costs of War

The cost of war is always more than anticipated. If all the costs were known prior to the beginning of a war, fewer wars would be fought. At the beginning, optimism prevails. Denial and deception override the concern for the pain and penalties yet to come. Jingoistic patriotism and misplaced militarism too easily silence those … Continue reading “The Hidden Costs of War”

UN Bill Not What It Appears to Be

This week, Congress will vote on a bill to expand the power of the United Nations beyond the dreams of even the most ardent left-wing, one-world globalists. But this time, the UN power grabbers aren’t European liberals; they are American neoconservatives who plan to use the UN to implement their own brand of world government. … Continue reading “UN Bill Not What It Appears to Be”

Last Chance to Stop National ID

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a spending bill last week that contains provisions establishing a national ID card, and the Senate is poised to approve the measure in the next few days. This week marks the American public’s last chance to convince their senators they don’t want to live in a nation that demands … Continue reading “Last Chance to Stop National ID”

PATRIOT Act Should Ride Into the Sunset

When Congress passed the PATRIOT Act in the emotional aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a sunset provision was inserted in the bill that causes certain sections to expire at the end of 2005. But this begs the question: If these provisions are critical tools in the fight against terrorism, why revoke them after five … Continue reading “PATRIOT Act Should Ride Into the Sunset”

Who’s Better Off?

Whenever the administration is challenged regarding the success of the Iraq war, or regarding the false information used to justify the war, the retort is: "Aren’t the people of Iraq better off?" The insinuation is that anyone who expresses any reservations about supporting the war is an apologist for Saddam Hussein and every ruthless act … Continue reading “Who’s Better Off?”