Politics
The President of the elite
By Tom Quiner I have just completed writing a musical called “The Pope of the People.” It covers John Paul II’s ( JP2) first ten years as Pope (click the icon on the right for more info). What was striking about this man was the way he connected with ordinary people. I talked with a…
Read MoreFederal Spending for Dummies
By Tom Quiner I have a simple and effective way to assess federal spending. I call it Federal Spending for Dummies. Use it as a handy voting guide tomorrow when you head out to vote. Here’s how it works. I take the total amount of money the federal government spends each year, including off-budget items…
Read MoreWhy is Governor Christie so great to listen to?
By Tom Quiner [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd8_SuyN8Vc&feature=player_embedded] He’s a straight-talker. His kind of honesty resonates in this political climate. The Democrats in New Jersey left the state in shambles. Governor Christie is fixing it. He makes no apologies for the tough decisions that were forced upon him by his predecessor. Republicans may have the opportunity after Tuesday’s election…
Read MoreWhat is the most important vote on Tuesday’s ballot?
By Tom Quiner Iowans are faced with huge choices on Tuesday. Do we replace our big-spending Governor? Do we oust three activist Supreme Court judges who imposed gay marriage on Iowa? Do we replace a Congressman with a 100% voting record on the Pelosi index with a fiscally-prudent conservative? These are all big choices. But…
Read MoreMy coffee with Brad Zaun
By Tom Quiner [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBvONiWm9iM&feature=player_embedded] I had the pleasure of sitting down with Brad Zaun at my neighborhood coffee shop earlier this year. We discussed, what else, politics. (For out-of-state readers, Mr. Zaun is running for Congress here in Iowa against incumbent, Leonard Boswell, Democrat.) A few things struck me immediately. Brad is a regular guy.…
Read More87,500,000 reasons to vote Republican
By Tom Quiner Who pays the union dues for public employees? You do, Mr. Taxpayer. Who on average makes more money and has better benefits, public or private employees? Public employees. Who pays for these lavish salaries and benefits? Private employees. To whom did President Obama give $160 billion in stimulus money to protect them…
Read MoreIt’s all about me
By Tom Quiner “It’s not about you.” That is the first sentence in Rick Warren’s best-selling book, “The Purpose-Drive Life.” Mr. Warren’s premise, that our lives belong to God, that true happiness only comes when we do what God placed us on earth to do, is counter-cultural. American culture disagrees with Mr. Warren. Our culture…
Read MorePolitics, not justice
By Tom Quiner I’ve just become aware of a website called Justice, Not Politics. The premise of the site is this: if you vote against retaining the three Iowa supreme court justices up for retention (re-election), it is somehow unjust. Why, then, does the Constitution even give us a vote on this issue if a…
Read MoreDoes Iowa really need another tax increase?
By Tom Quiner Be prepared to vote on a “Land Stewardship” amendment to the Iowa Constitution. The amendment calls for future taxes to protect Iowa’s environment (sales tax increases). These taxes will help subsidize farmer’s conservation efforts. The monies will be housed in a trust fund. The idea is worthy, however an amendment is the…
Read MoreEnjoy this Barbara Boxer “tribute” video
By Tom Quiner California Senator Barbara Boxer is not only one of the most liberal Senators in Congress, she is one of the most personality-impaired. Her insufferable treatment of Brigadier General Michael Walsh is legendary. She has earned the spoof that follows. Enjoy! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrpFSfpXD50&feature=player_embedded] [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIHBHYp5Woo&feature=player_embedded]
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