Author: therealtruckmaster

I am the Real Truckmaster: 1. I am a born-again Christian (a sinner saved by the grace of God). 2 I am a retired US Army Transportation Sergeant First Class (E-7), my last position of assignment was as the "Truckmaster" of the US Army Transportation Motor Pool in Yokohama Japan (1989-90). 3. I am an amateur military historian. 4. I am a Thailand Veteran of the Vietnam War. 5. I detest "Politics as Usual". 6. I'm pro-life (Abortion is murder) and there is no justification or excuse for it. 7. I believe that we must place the security and welfare of America First! Clarification of Real Truckmaster Blogs For those who follow my blog posts on RTM blogs let me clarify and clear up some confusion. I write highlighting the inconsistencies and hypocrisy of the far-left's war on anything Trump. There are too many willing to argue without merit and I would be remiss attempting to argue against their ignorance, they have way too much experience. My writings are my personal opinion intended to be educational in nature, a bit humorous, satirical, while being informative providing food for thought, which is sorely lacking today. For those who find my posts offensive, I am truly sorry, you have the right NOT to read them as have many before you. I will not attempt to change your mind politically, but provide the opportunity to show something you may wish to consider, thereby illuminating prejudice and misinformation! - I am the Real Truckmaster!

The Heart of the SWAMP

1-6-2019

 

The Heart of the SWAMP

 

We have known that Congress had been corrupt for quite a long time. Oh not every member, but those in key political positions of power. We hear about the Speakers of the House and Senate, and the Minority Leaders, the Whips and Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs. Newbies (freshmen in Congress) are assigned committees and told to sit down and shut up and learn how things are done. Those who don’t ascribe to the hierarchy simply leave after one term or before the end of their term.

 

What we haven’t heard about is the power behind the power. So think about this for a minute.

 

Congressmen and Congresswomen are human beings. They have their good points, their weaknesses and faults as do all human beings. The dominant ones we refer to as Alphas, the ones who lead the pack. I’m sure that every committee chair is an Alpha. They direct the committee and insure specific agendas are pushed forward to the floor for a vote. That is one reason why bills get passed and moved over to the other chamber for a vote on a companion bill, before it goes to the President to be signed into law.

 

One of the things that have turned Congress into the cesspool (SWAMP) that it has become is called a Caucus. A caucus is more like a lobbying group within the Congress. A Caucus is where 2 or more like minded Members of Congress join together to advance specific goals, or projects that favor their states or districts. In 2017 there were 242 Congressional Caucuses and today in 2019 there are now 512 Congressional Caucuses. It is conceivable that all of the 535 Members of Congress could belong to each of the Caucuses (providing they meet the Caucus’s racial, religious or other biases). That means 512 different lobbying groups vying for the attention and assets of the entire 535 Members of Congress. That my friends are what the SWAMP looks like in Washington, D.C. and during my research I have discovered “The Heart of the SWAMP” is none other than the Congressional Black Caucus. Shock and Awe right?

 

Now I know you’re going to say that I’m way off base, or that I don’t know what I’m talking about right? How else can you explain how a group of 49 Representatives and Senators, now claiming up to 55 members with Chair/Co-Chair and/or membership in various Committees/Sub-Committees, Taskforces and Working Groups (28+) can steer first the Democratic Party, The Democratic National Committee, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in a direction that is contrary to Federal, State or Local laws or in opposition to the Constitution of the United States which they have sworn to protect and defend?

 

Career politicians are fueled by power and money. Power over people (votes) and money from lobbying groups and campaign contributors and to lose either makes them unable to function successfully in Congress. The Congressional Black Caucus with their power over blacks (African-Americans) and in conjunction with other minority Caucuses makes them a very powerful voting bloc in Congress.

 

The funny thing about power and money is that there is never enough. We have seen a sudden and decided shift in politics with the arrival of President Donald Trump in the White House. We hear cries of “White Supremacy in the White House” from the very racially charged “Congressional BLACK Caucus” in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the U.S. Senate, who consider themselves outside the law, or better yet they have become the “Racial Self-Appointed Police” of the government. It is no wonder that all the political hype about stopping Trump from draining the SWAMP comes from the CBC and other groups who align themselves against the President.

 

Stomp on

Whites

And

Make them

Pay

 

Seems to be the rationale of the Congressional Black Caucus as they clamor for retributions based upon what they “FEEL” are owed them for the mistreatment of their ancestors by a “white America”. In fact one of the CBC talking points on their official website says something to the effect that for 200 years Congress was a white man’s club and now that the CBC has arrived it is their duty to upset the club by making theirs an “exclusive” for blacks only (understood yet unwritten in the bylaws).

 

For the nation to truly heal the wounds of past racial division there need not be any Congressional “Salt” poured into those wounds. What kind of example does the CBC exhibit to the young people of today when they are voicing divisive and destructive words or actions to divide and control fellow Americans whom they have sworn to represent as they make life better for all?

 

Yes the Heart of the SWAMP is the Congressional Black Caucus with tentacles into every major facet of Congress with the soul intent to bring this nation to its knees.  For Americans who have taken “the oath” to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic, we must take a closer look at who our domestic enemies are.

 

“It’s a very imperfect world, and you can’t always choose your friends. That’s life. But you can never fail to recognize your enemies.” – President Donald J. Trump

 

I call on all Americans to consider the facts that Congress is not our friends. They are in fact there to serve OUR needs, not to line their pockets, pad their bank accounts or acquire wealth (power and money). We must hold our members of Congress accountable for their actions and for their failing to act in our behalf. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

 

Realtruckmaster.blog

MeWe.Com/The_Real_Truckmaster_Series

Race Discrimination in the Workplace

1-5-2019

 

Race Discrimination in the Workplace

And In The Congress of the United States

 

Historically, race discrimination has been practiced and even sanctioned by the United States government in a number of ways. Not everyone born on US soil was afforded citizenship, given the right to vote, allowed into public accommodations, allowed employment, afforded credit or housing in certain neighborhoods.

 

Law makers have enacted several federal laws to address discrimination. Many states have enacted civil rights laws of their own and even extended protection to LGBT individuals. Anti-discrimination laws prevent certain classes of individuals to get a fair shake at almost every level. Even cities and counties have ordnances and laws for civil rights.

 

In the area of education schools have removed certain standards (affirmative action) so as to accommodate students who might otherwise be unable to attend classes or pursue their areas of interest.

 

In this day and age it has become politically incorrect to refer to individuals by their birth gender and parents are told they must wait until the child decides what gender they identify as.

 

During the era of the Civil Rights Movement we saw legislators pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Title II (Equal Employment Opportunities).

 

The Civil Rights Act of 1964: Title VII (Equal Employment Opportunities)

The Civil Rights Act was a very significant piece of legislation when it was enacted in 1964 and continues to protect individuals against discrimination. The Act has many anti-discrimination provisions including Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( Equal Employment Opportunities) which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin (including limited English proficiency).

 

Next the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

 

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act grants all applicants an equal opportunity to obtain credit through the anti-discrimination provision. The ECOA prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, age, and the applicant’s use of public assistance.

 

Then U.S. Code Title 42, Chapter 21-Civil Rights

 

U.S. Code Title 42, Chapter 21-Civil Rights

Title 42, Chapter 21 of the U.S. Code prohibits discrimination against persons based on age, disability, gender, race, national origin, and religion (among other things) in a number of settings – including education, employment, public accommodations, federal services, and more. Chapter 21 is where a number of federal acts related to civil rights have been codified – including the Civil Rights Act of 1866, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.

 

 

 

Followed by the Fair Housing Act, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

 

Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

 

Voting Rights Act of 1965

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) bans the denial or restriction of the right to vote and forbids discrimination in voting practices on the basis of race and color nationwide.

 

Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act

The Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act provides for equitable and impartial relief operations, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, or economic status during an official emergency or disaster.

 

Whether it is discrimination in education, on the job, housing, public accommodations, or another area, anti-discrimination laws are here to protect you. However, the laws are complex.

https://civilrights.findlaw.com/discrimination/race-discrimination-applicable-laws.html

 

With all the emphasis on correcting racism it is inconceivable that the U. S. House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate would allow blatant and open discrimination and racism to taint the halls of Congress.

 

In January 1969 a group of U.S. Representatives decided to form a “Democratic Select Committee” as a legislative service organization to work together for the mutual good of the Black communities who elected them to public office. In 1971 the DSC officially renamed to become the Congressional Black Caucus in February 1971.

 

In 1971 President Nixon refused to meet with the CBC leadership or recognize their existence. In retaliation the CBC boycotted the 1971 State of the Union address. A tactic they used against President Reagan, and continued with President Trump’s State of the Union address in 2017.

 

The Congressional Black Caucus and 27 other legislative service organizations were to have their funding rescinded by the House of Representatives in 1994. However that did not stop the group from restructuring into the “Congressional Black Caucus” as a Congressional Member Organization on January 4, 1995.

 

Although their caucus bylaws do not make race a prerequisite for membership, they have “chosen” to remain an “exclusively black” caucus. In 2007 Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen applied to join but was denied because he was white.

 

Missouri Rep. William Lacy Clay, Jr. said “it’s time to move on because we have racial policies to pursue and we are pursuing them.” Rep. Clay also said “Rep. Cohen will have to accept what the rest of the country will have to accept…….It’s our turn to say who can join ‘the club’. He does not, and cannot, meet the membership criteria unless he can change his skin color. Primarily, we are concerned with the needs and concerns of the black population.”

 

Later that same week Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo objected to the continued existence of the CBC, as well as the Democratic Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Republican Congressional Hispanic Conference arguing that “It is utterly hypocritical for Congress to extol the virtues of a color-blind society while officially sanctioning caucuses that are based solely on race. If we are serious about achieving the goal of a colorblind society, Congress should lead by example and end these divisive, race-based caucuses.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Black_Caucus

 

It was during that 2007 campaign cycle that CBC member Sen. Barack Obama ran for and won the election as President of the United States. His campaign and election emboldened the CBC to not only remain solvent but extend themselves as the political powerhouse they are today. Read my Conspiracy versus Collusion blog https://wordpress.com/post/realtruckmaster.blog/1254.

 

Today the Congressional Black Caucus have committee chairs/co-chairs and members in more than 25 Congressional Committees, Sub-Committees, Taskforces and Working Groups. Their members span both political parties and across the chambers of the Legislative Branch from the House to the Senate, which compromise the integrity of the entire Legislative Branch of government.

 

Congressional Black Caucus members are openly blatant in their hunt for racism in the White House, on Federal Property while choosing to ignore their own individual and collective racism. It is my sincere opinion that the CBC is a major player in the Washington DC Swamp. Their members must be held to a higher standard and they must be accountable for their actions and inactions in the performance of their duties as public servants. It is time for American voters to make better choices for the sake of their children and grandchildren if this nation is to survive.

 

Money plus People equal Power. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

 

Realtruckmaster.blog

MeWe.Com/The_Real_Truckmaster_Series

 

 

Conspiracy versus Collusion

1-4-2019

 

Conspiracy versus Collusion

 

 

I know what you’re thinking with all the hype about Trump and the Russians colluding to influence the 2016 elections and all, well it’s not about that. So to begin let us start by defining the terms of Conspiracy and Collusion.

 

Definitions

https://grammarist.com/usage/conspiracy-vs-collusion/

 

Conspiracy describes two or more people secretly plotting an action, usually but not limited to a harmful or illegal action. Conspiracy may refer to the plot itself or the act of planning of the plot. Conspiracy comes from the Old French word conspiracie, which means plot or conspiracy. The plural form is conspiracies, the verb form is conspire. 

 

Collusion describes two or more people secretly plotting an illegal or fraudulent action. Collusion may refer to the plot itself or the act of planning the plot. Collusion comes from the Old French word, collusion. The verb form is collude. Remember, conspiracy describes a secret plot that may or may not be illegal, collusion is always an illegal or fraudulent plot.

 

Since its inception in 1971 the Congressional Black Caucus has fought for the equal treatment and equal rights of blacks in America. However that has not been the case for quite some time. They have become the standard barrier for inciting racism within the federal government. They have strong ties within the Democratic Party, to Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam and to the Black Lives Matters. Their esteemed alumni include then Senator and now former President Barack H. Obama.

 

The Congressional Black Caucus has sought out and implied racist connections within the White House and the Trump Administration while totally ignoring their own racist goings on within the Congress of the United States. I have written about the Congressional Black Caucus in the past 2 years and have been criticized as them being a “nothing-burger” or my having given the Congressional Black Caucus too much credit.

 

So this phase of research is to provide more details on one of 512 Congressional Caucuses within the Legislative Branch. The Congressional Black Caucus is much more than a simple caucus, but in my opinion has crossed over the line as a Congressional Lobbying Organization with an unprecedented Voting Block which has at its core inherently racist underpinnings.

 

A stated goal of the Congressional Black Caucus is to “Root out Racism in federal policy, the White House and on Federal Property”. They have taken it upon themselves to become the congressional pit bull against anyone or anything they deem offensive or racist.

 

I find it hard to take the Congressional Black Caucus seriously when by their very name and membership criteria is restrictive to blacks (African-Americans) while refusing membership based upon the same criteria and those who qualify but choose not to join or refuse membership are ostracized and have had their names posted to the CBC official website.

 

What I see posted on their Congressional Black Caucus  for the 115th Congress and in news releases are their membership is expected to increase to 55 members or more after the 116th Congress has been sworn in. They expect to chair 5 House Committees and infuse CBC membership into 28 Subcommittees. CBC membership crosses both party lines and between the House and the Senate in what is stated as flexing its Voting Block muscles within the Congress.

 

Congressional Black Caucus members are either chairing (ranking members) or members of following House Committees:

 

  • The responsibilities and goals of the House Committee on Agriculture are as diverse as the needs of American agriculture. They face issues as varied as renewable energy, rural development, nutrition, crop insurance, conservation, international trade, futures market regulation, animal and plant health, agricultural research and development, bioterrorism, forestry and many others.
    • David Scott (D-GA-13)
    • Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH-11)
    • Alma Adams (D-NC-12)
    • Stacey Plaskett (D-VI)
    • Dwight Evans (D-PA-02)
    • Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)
    • Al Lawson (D-FL-05)

 

  • The Appropriations Committee – comprised of 28 Republicans and 22 Democrats and organized into 12 subcommittees – is responsible for writing the laws that fund the federal government’s myriad responsibilities.
    • Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02)
    • Barbara Lee (D-CA-13)

 

  • The oversight responsibilities of the Committee on Armed Services are conducted throughout the calendar year. They are instrumental in the committee’s consideration of the annual defense authorization bill, which covers the breadth of the operations of the Department of Defense as well as the national security functions of the Department of Energy and other related areas. The annual national defense budget involves millions of military and civilian personnel, thousands of facilities, and hundreds of agencies, departments, and commands located throughout the world. Contingency operations related to the global war on terrorism will continue to expand the range of topics requiring committee oversight including strategic, operational, and budgetary issues of great scope and complexity.
    • Marc Veasey (D-TX-33)
    • Anthony Brown (D-MD-04)
    • A. Donald McEachin (D-VA-04)

 

  • The Budget Committee’s chief responsibility is to draft an annual concurrent resolution that provides a Congressional framework for spending and revenue levels, the federal surplus or deficit, and public debt. The budget resolution can contain reconciliation instructions directing authorizing committees to change laws in their jurisdiction to change revenues or mandatory spending levels. The resolution also can include mechanisms that aid in enforcing budget procedures in general or for particular purposes. In drafting the budget resolution, the Committee examines the President’s annual budget request, as well as economic and fiscal projections from the Congressional Budget Office. The Committee also has jurisdiction over budget process laws, and tracks the budgetary effects of legislative action.
    • Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18)
    • Barbara Lee (D-CA-13)
    • Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08)

 

  • The Committee on Education and the Workforce’s purpose is to ensure that Americans’ needs are addressed so that students and workers may move forward in a changing school system and a competitive global economy. The committee and its four subcommittees oversee education and workforce programs that affect all Americans, from early learning through secondary education, from job training through retirement.
    • Bobby Scott (D-VA-02), Ranking Member
    • Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24)
    • Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH-11)
    • Alma Adams (D-NC-12)
    • Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)

 

  • The Energy and Commerce Committee has responsibility for matters including telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health and research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce among others.

o   Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL-01)

o   Rep. G. K. Butterfield (D-NC-01)

o   Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09)

 

  • The House Committee on Ethicsis the only standing committee of the House whose membership is evenly divided between each political party. The Committee includes five members of each party. Also, unlike other committees, the day-to-day work of the Committee on Ethics is conducted by a staff that is nonpartisan by rule. Under House rules, the Committee has the jurisdiction to administer travel, gift, financial disclosure, outside income, and other regulations; advise members and staff; issue advisory opinions and investigate potential ethics violations.
    • Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09)
    • Anthony Brown (D-MD-04)

 

  • The Financial Services Committee oversees all components of the nation’s housing and financial services sectors including banking, insurance, real estate, public and assisted housing, and securities. The Committee continually reviews the laws and programs relating to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Reserve Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and international development and finance agencies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The Committee also ensures enforcement of housing and consumer protection laws such as the U.S. Housing Act, the Truth In Lending Act, the Housing and Community Development Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Community Reinvestment Act, and financial privacy laws.
    • Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Ranking Member
    • Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05)
    • William Lacy Clay, Jr. (D-MO-01)
    • David Scott (D-GA-13)
    • Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05)
    • Al Green (D-TX-09)
    • Gwen Moore (D-WI-04)
    • Keith Ellison (D-MN-05)
    • Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03)
    • Mia Love (R-UT-04)

 

  • The Foreign Affairs Committee is responsible for oversight and legislation relating to: foreign assistance (including development assistance, Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Account, HIV/AIDS in foreign countries, security assistance, and Public Law 480 programs abroad); national security developments affecting foreign policy; strategic planning and agreements; war powers, treaties, executive agreements, and the deployment and use of United States Armed Forces; peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and enforcement of United Nations or other international sanctions; arms control and disarmament issues; the United States Agency for International Development; activities and policies of the State, Commerce, and Defense Departments and other agencies related to the Arms Export Control Act and the Foreign Assistance Act, including export and licensing policy for munitions items and technology and dual-use equipment and technology; international law; promotion of democracy; international law enforcement issues, including narcotics control programs and activities; Broadcasting Board of Governors; embassy security; international broadcasting; public diplomacy, including international communication and information policy, and international education and exchange programs; and all other matters not specifically assigned to a subcommittee. The full Committee will have jurisdiction over legislation with respect to the administration of the Export Administration Act, including the export and licensing of dual-use equipment and technology and other matters related to international economic policy and trade not otherwise assigned to a subcommittee, and with respect to the United Nations, its affiliated agencies, and other international organizations, including assessed and voluntary contributions to such organizations. The Committee may conduct oversight and investigations with respect to any matter within the jurisdiction of the Committee as defined in the Rules of the House of Representatives
    • Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05)
    • Karen Bass (D-CA-37)
    • Robin Kelly (D-IL-02)

 

  • The Homeland Security Committee was established in 2002 to provide Congressional oversight for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and better protect the American people against a possible terrorist attack.
    • Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Ranking Member
      Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18)
      Rep. Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA-02)
      Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NY-10)
      Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12)
      Rep. Val Butler Demings (D-FL-10)

 

  • The House Committee on Natural Resources considers legislation about American energy production, mineral lands and mining, fisheries and wildlife, public lands, oceans, Native Americans, irrigation and reclamation.
    • William Lacy Clay, Jr. (D-MO-01)
    • Anthony Brown (D-MD-04)
    • A. Donald McEachin (D-VA-04)

 

  • The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is the main investigative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. It has authority to investigate the subjects within the Committee’s legislative jurisdiction as well as “any matter” within the jurisdiction of the other standing House Committees.
    • Elijah Cummings (D-MD-07), Ranking Member
    • Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
    • William Lacy Clay, Jr. (D-MO-01)
    • Robin Kelly (D-IL-02)
    • Brenda Lawrence (D-MI-14)
    • Stacey Plaskett (D-VI)
    • Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12)
    • Val Butler Demings (D-FL-10)

 

  • The Committee on Rules was first created as a select (or temporary) committee on April 2, 1789, later becoming a standing committee from 1849-53 and permanently retaining that function from 1880 until the present. The Rules Committee’s role has evolved dramatically since its inception. Starting out as a select committee that only reported general House rules, the modern Rules Committee’s main function is to report “special rules” governing the consideration of major legislation. Among other things, special rules govern which legislation can go to the House Floor, when legislation goes to the Floor, how long bills can be debated, which amendments can be offered and who can offer them.
    • Alcee Hastings (D-FL-20)

 

  • The Science, Space, and Technology Committee has jurisdiction over much of the non-defense Federal research and development (R&D) portfolio. The Committee has exclusive jurisdiction over the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The Committee also has authority over R&D activities at the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
    • Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30), Ranking Member
    • Marc Veasey (D-TX-33)

 

  • The U. S. House of Representatives created the House Select Committee on Small Business in 1941 as a means to provide direct oversight and consideration of matters affecting small firms. This Select Committee was reauthorized each Congress until 1975, when it was made a permanent standing committee of the House. As a result, it was given certain areas of legislative jurisdiction and the specific responsibility to oversee the wide-range of challenges facing small businesses.
    • Alma Adams (D-NC-12)
    • Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09)
    • Dwight Evans (D-PA-02)
    • Al Lawson (D-FL-05)

 

  • The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has jurisdiction over all modes of transportation: aviation, maritime and waterborne transportation, highways, bridges, mass transit, and railroads. The Committee also has jurisdiction over other aspects of our national infrastructure, such as clean water and waste water management, the transport of resources by pipeline, flood damage reduction, the management of federally owned real estate and public buildings, the development of economically depressed rural and urban areas, disaster preparedness and response, and hazardous materials transportation.
    • Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
    • Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30)
    • Elijah Cummings (D-MD-07)
    • Hank Johnson (D-GA-04)
    • André Carson (D-IN-07)
    • Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24)
    • Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ-10)
    • Brenda Lawrence (D-MI-14)

 

  • The Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest committee of the United States Congress, and is the chief tax-writing committee in the House of Representatives. The Committee derives a large share of its jurisdiction from Article I, Section VII of the U.S. Constitution which declares, “All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.”
    • John Lewis (D-GA-05)
    • Danny Davis (D-IL-07)
    • Terri Sewell (D-AL-07)

 

  • The United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. Created in 1977, HPSCI is charged with oversight of the United States Intelligence Community—which includes the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the following seventeen elements of the U.S. Government—and the Military Intelligence Program.
    • André Carson (D-IN-07)
    • Terri Sewell (D-AL-07)

 

  • S. Senate Committees

 

 

 

Many Congressional Black Caucus  members are on multiple House Committees as well as the following Congressional Black Caucus Taskforces and Working Groups.

 

HBCU (House Black Caucus Universities)

  • American Baptist College
    • John Lewis
  • Central State University
    • Joyce Beatty
  • Clark Atlanta University
    • Hank Johnson
  • Fisk University
    • John Lewis
    • Alcee Hastings
    • Frederica Wilson
  • Florida A&M University
    • David Scott
    • Al Green
    • Alcee Hastings
    • Al Lawson
  • Howard University
    • Elijah Cummings
    • Kamala Harris
    • Alcee Hastings
    • Gregory Meeks
    • David Scott
  • Jackson State University
    • Bennie Thompson
  • Morehouse College
    • Cedric Richmond
  • North Carolina A&T State University
    • Alma Adams
  • North Carolina Central University
    • G.K. Butterfield
  • Prairie View A&M University
    • Eddie Bernice Johnson
    • Emanuel Cleaver
  • South Carolina State University
    • James Clyburn
  • Texas Southern University
    • Al Green
    • Hank Johnson
  • Tougaloo College
    • Bennie Thompson
  • Tuskegee University
    • Al Green
  • Virginia Union University
    • A. Donald McEachin
  • Wiley College
    • Eddie Bernice Johnson

 

 

Caucuses

  • Bipartisan Congressional HBCUS Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Alma Adams
  • Childhood Cancer Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. G.K. Butterfield
  • Congressional Afghan Caucus
    • Co-Chair Sheila Jackson Lee
  • Congressional Automotive and Performance and Motorsports Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.
  • Congressional Aviation Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Marc Veasey
  • Congressional Blue Collar Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Marc Veasey
  • Congressional Carbon Dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Marc Veasey
  • Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls
    • Co-Chair Rep. Robin Kelly
    • Co-Chair Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman
    • Co-Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke
  • Congressional Caucus on Bosnia
    • Co-Chair Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
  • Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth
    • Co-Chair Rep. Karen Bass
    • Co-Chair Rep. Brenda Lawrence
  • Congressional Caucus on Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality Technologies
    • Co-Chair Rep. Yvette Clark
  • Congressional Caucus on Women’s Issues
    • Co-Chair Rep. Brenda Lawrence
  • Congressional Children’s Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
  • Congressional Caribbean Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Maxine Waters
    • Co-Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke
    • Co-Chair Del. Stacey Plaskett
  • Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus
    • Co-Chair Mia Love
  • Congressional Diversifying Tech Caucus
  • Co-Chair Rep. Robin Kelly
  • Congressional European Union Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Gregory Meeks
  • Congressional Everglades Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Alcee L. Hastings
  • Congressional Financial And Economic Literacy Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Joyce Beatty
  • Congressional Free File Caucus
    • Co-Chair Re. G.K. Butterfield
  • Congressional Heart and Stroke Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Joyce Beatty
  • Congressional Higher Education Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. André Carson
  • Congressional Homelessness Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
    • Co-Chair Rep. Alcee Hastings
  • Congressional Home Protection Caucus
    • Co-Chair Cedric L. Richmond
  • Congressional House Sugar Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Alcee L. Hastings
  • Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Barbara Lee
  • Congressional Lupus Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
  • Congressional Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Gregory W. Meeks
  • Congressional Minor League Baseball Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Cedric L. Richmond
  • Congressional Multicultural Media Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke
  • Congressional Men’s Health Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.
  • Congressional Military Family Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.
  • Congressional Nigeria Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
  • Congressional Oral Health Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Elijah Cummings
  • Congressional Out of Poverty Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Barbara Lee
    • Co-Chair Rep. G.K. Butterfield
  • Congressional Peanut Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.
  • Congressional Pediatric Trauma Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. G.K. Butterfield
  • Congressional Pollinator Protection Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Alcee L. Hastings
  • Congressional Rare Disease Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. G.K. Butterfield
  • Congressional Refinery Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Cedric L. Richmond
  • Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Marcia L. Fudge
  • Congressional Skilled American Workforce Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Brenda Lawrence
  • Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Marc Veasey
  • Congressional Somalia Caucus
    • Co-Chair Keith Ellison
  • Congressional Sudan and South Sudan Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Barbara Lee
  • Congressional Texas Maritime Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
  • Congressional Tunisia Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Alcee L. Hastings
  • Congressional Voting Rights Task Force
    • Co-Chair Rep. Bobby Scott
    • Co-Chair Rep. Terri Sewell
    • Co-Chair Marc Veasey
  • Congressional Working Forests Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.
  • Congressional Youth Sports Caucus
    • Co-Chair Rep. Marc Veasey

 

Groups, Task Forces & Committees

  • Cuba Working Group
    • Co-Chair Rep. Barbara Lee
  • Democratic Budget Group
    • Co-Chair Rep. Robin Kelly
  • Democratic Faith Working Group
    • Co-Chair Rep. James E. Clyburn
  • Democratic Israel Working Group
    • Co-Chair Rep. Alcee Hastings
  • Democratic Women’s Working Group
    • Co-Chair Rep. Brenda Lawrence
  • Access to Jobs Task Force
    • Co-Chair Rep. Marc Veasey
    • Co-Chair Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester
  • Congressional Childhood Obesity Taskforce
    • Co-Chair Rep. Marcia L. Fudge
  • Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity
    • Co-Chair Barbara Lee
  • Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
    • Co-Chair Rep. Bobby Scott
    • Co-Chair Rep. Robin Kelly
    • Co-Chair Rep. Val Butler Demings
  • The Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism
    • Co-Chair Rep. Marc Veasey
  • The Congressional Task Force on Election Security
    • Co-Chair Rep. Bennie G. Thompson
  • United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force
    • Co-Chair Rep. A. Donald McEachin
  • House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee
    • Co-Chair Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
  • House Democratic Policy and Steering Committee
    • Co-Chair Rep. Barbara Lee

 

What is clear to me is that the Congressional Black Caucus has strategically placed members in key positions within certain Committees and/or Caucuses as to influence the legislative agenda of the entire Congress.

 

Scrolling through the Congressional Black Caucus website what is also clear to me is their hatred of President Trump that greatly exceeds the Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) of the liberal left and the Democratic Party. Having become emboldened since their 1971 inception their stated purpose is to stop Trump at all costs.

 

When I look at the Congressional Black Caucus’s involvement in Caucuses, Committees, Taskforces and Working Groups it is hard to understand how Congress is able to function at all. This may also explain why Congress is at a dead stop when it comes to full-fledged resistance of President Trump’s agenda for draining the swamp and making American great again.

 

My questions are many, but because money equals power and in Washington D.C.

 

I wonder how these “committees” are funded.

 

I wonder what kind of financial “kickbacks” find their way into the pockets of unscrupulous legislators or Congressional Black Caucus members.

 

I wonder how much “cross contamination” exists between House and Senate that violate the intent of the Constitution of the United States or existing U.S. laws concerning Conspiracy and/or  Collusion between the Congressional Black Caucus, the Democratic Party, and individual legislators as they conspire to stop President Trump from Executive Actions and Enforcement of national security, domestic and foreign policy decisions and Presidential Actions.

 

Do the statutes of RICO apply?

https://www.justice.gov/jm/criminal-resource-manual-109-rico-charges

 

As stated earlier there are 512 Congressional Caucuses in Congress, up from the 426 of 2017 when President Trump was inaugurated into office. Now if each of the 512 Congressional Caucuses had roughly 50+ active members vying for specific legislative outcomes (blocking Trump or passing pork barrel projects, attached to legislation) it would be perfectly clear that the Congress would be greatly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of such legislation.

 

I am prepared to revisit and update this document as events unfold after the 116th Congress has been fully sworn in, committees assigned and in the even they actually convene to the legislative work each has been elected to perform and to uphold the Constitution. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

 

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Trumpmania What’s It All About In A Nutshell

1-1-2019

 

Trumpmania What’s It All About In A Nutshell

 

I wanted to start off the 2019 Real Truckmaster Series deciphering Trumpmania and why it matters. Contrary to what the Liberals on the left or Rhinos on the right might lead you to believe it’s not about Donald Trump or even that he is President of the United States.

 

The issue goes much, much deeper than what you might imagine. To get a true idea one would have to look back on the life of private citizen Donald Trump. For those of not on the east coast or from the New York City lifestyle it’s a non-issue. Many had never heard of Trump, and what we did hear wasn’t impressive.

 

I mean who cares about the goings on of the rich and famous anyway? Unless you are part of that crowd something called raising family and putting bread on the table take a much higher priority. Like me the military kept me pretty much focused on other things. After the military it was adjusting to civilian life and reacting to the health issues which followed.

 

Because my kids had grown, married and had children of their own my life took an unexpected turn as I became grandpa and chauffer to the younger generation. Yup McDonalds play area became my focus, along with Happy Meals and walks with the young ones in the local Bear Creek Park.

 

So I didn’t enjoy Esquire, Star Magazine or the latest business journals to worry about this New York Real Estate Tycoon and Business Executive of the Trump Organization. As we used to say our worlds would never collide, we were in an entirely different universe.

 

Politics was not my focus either, so I didn’t pay attention to the hob-knobbing of the capitol hill crowd or who was getting their picture taken with “the Donald” or flying around to the latest hot spots.

 

I could sense that things had changed after 9/11/01 and when President George W. Bush stated that you are either with us or you are against us. America suddenly became patriotic and veterans found ways to contribute as our best and brightest went into the military to fight for America.

 

I did hear a rumor that the businessman tycoon sent his airplane to help out some of America’s troops who were stranded after coming back from the war. I verified the story a bit later and found out the tycoon was Donald Trump.

 

If you’ve read any of my previous articles you’ll find that a number of them referenced the beginning of the Trump Resistance Movement happened during the 2015-16 presidential campaign cycle after it became clear that the Republican nominee would be Donald J. Trump.

 

Without going into great detail I’ll let you in on a little clue. (God told Donald Trump to run for president). In fact Trump called a famous evangelist and told her, then asked for her advice and prayer. This was confirmed through a completely different source when God revealed to a prominent Dallas businessman and instructed him to tell Donald Trump. During a meeting at Trump Tower in 2015 in a room full of pastors and evangels Donald Trump as informed that he would in fact become president. He would not become just another “politician” president but had a specific purpose to fulfill. Donald Trump would become POTUS #45 and God said he would be an “Isaiah 45 President”. He would become a sword against the Spirit of Political Correctness that had taken control in America.

 

So the Trump Resistance began when God called Donald Trump and Trump said “Here am I Lord”. No don’t get the idea that Trump is some sort of Billy Graham or Pat Robertson who grew up in the church. Trump has been religious all his life and attended church every Sunday and during holidays whenever he could. He had the knowledge of God and the salvation plan, but he had no relationship with God (essential for salvation). The church calls that the “Salvation Knowledge of God”.

 

It is my opinion that Trump Resistance is in fact a manifestation of resistance to God by the devil who sees this as a way to derail God’s plan from being completed. I am not trying to say this is a biblical interpretation of Trump or America as it relates to the last days or the end times.

 

I am saying that all throughout the bible we read of insignificant men and women who were called and used by God to accomplish specific goals. Some were good, others not so good but all were available and when they yielded themselves to God, his plan became manifest into reality.

 

Trump was a self-made man, who was a scrapper, a fighter who loved conflict and didn’t give up easily. His battles were many in his life, his business and with family. He was knocked down many times, but still got back up and overcame these hardships. That was why God chose him. He wouldn’t quit.

 

You may not like Donald Trump and that’s ok. What’s not to like about him, right? What you must acknowledge is that Trump is like a little yappy dog that pulls at your pant leg and keeps on pulling until you give him what he wanted in the first place, a bone.

 

Everything Trump promised to do during the campaign has been met with stiff resistance from day one, but he still enjoys victories one after another. Take a moment to google Trump and his faith in God and then select from the results something that is a factual spiritual biography of Trump. There are a couple of books that have been written about Trump and God that make good reading for those desiring an honest and complete look at the life of Donald Trump.

 

I’ll leave you with these thoughts. When God sends you to do a job, he prepares the way before he sends you, and he has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. There is nothing that can separate us from God’s love or from his purpose for our lives until that purpose is fulfilled.

 

On the other hand if go off on a tangent but have not been sent by God you will fail miserably and the consequences  can be devastating (Read about the Sons of Skeba in the new testament). – I am the Real Truckmaster!

 

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Pick Your Battles

12-31-2018

 

Pick Your Battles

 

As I prepare for the New Year ahead I have decided to look back at the many “crisis” that have hit our nation as the left has waged an all-out war against President Donald Trump for the past 2 years. I have taken each crisis as it came and did my best to be informative, constructive and yes at times satirical as I wanted the reader to see the hypocrisy and pettiness of liberals on the left as well as the Rhinos on the right.

 

We watched as everyone began calling right wrong and wrong right. Women marched in the streets holding signs demanding the same rights as guns. Too bad they didn’t get their wish because guns have no rights or lefts for that matter.

 

The spontaneous walkout of students across the nation, and nobody challenged these blatant attempts at manipulation where students were bussed across towns and across the nation and financed by who, all in the name of gun control?

 

When you thought it couldn’t get any crazier Women’s March organizers gathered women and huge signs and demanded the right to murder their unborn children in the womb, in the name of “A Woman’s Right to Choose an Abortion”. Well women many women have made that choice even though it goes against the 10 Commandments as written in Exodus 20: 2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:5-21, you know the part where we are commanded not to kill (murder).

 

We’ve see gays marching in the streets parading themselves around as something they are not. Women dressed up as men; men dressed up as women; men and children dressed up as drag queens, all in an attempt to gain acceptance by mainstream America. Let me point back to Exodus and Deuteronomy, where God calls it sin. There are no big sins and little sins, sin is sin. We are admonished not to sin.

 

We’ve had the “caravan” scare more times than I can count, and all it boils down to are people manipulating other people and facilitating their blatant attack on our nation’s sovereignty by pressing our border so that the USA becomes an open border state. It matters not that many immigrants make the trip north with diseases and illnesses that are highly contagious and even deadly to children (2 from Guatemala have already died at the border), and there is no telling how many may have died on the way.

 

The attack against President Trump, his administration and even his supporters goes against all sense of normalcy and the laws of our nation. These attacks are carried out by members of Congress (who cannot be prosecuted when they do so during a session of Congress), but many have taken to the streets and instigated their loyal followers to harass, stalk at work, home or in public places and attack, attack, attack.

 

I haven’t even discussed the sanctuary cities, counties and states with politicians, mayors and governors who instruct their state agencies to disregard US law enforcement requests concerning illegal immigrants who commit crimes against US citizens.

 

There are many who act like schoolchildren on the playground when someone doesn’t play “fair”. They pout, moan and groan about the President not acting presidential. Well howdy doody, do you know that I didn’t vote for Trump to act presidential. I voted for him because he wasn’t a politician and he promised to do the very things he has been doing for the past 2 years.

 

That being said, I don’t make “New Year’s Resolutions) as a general rule, but I resolve over the next 24 months to do everything in my power to stand firm against those anti-American attacks on my President Donald Trump. However I will not argue debate or go “tit for tat” with anyone anymore.

 

I will battle with the truth and with facts; not the CNN’s style “facts” as they are presented nor the fake news media journalistic Hodge- Podge of inaccurate trash of the past. Don’t bring “allegations” or “he said, she said” either.

 

State your case, include a source (links are acceptable) then move out smartly. I will not be bullied, nor will I be silent. It is my belief that the Congress of the United States has been compromised and has no integrity left. The Schumers, Pelosis, Feinsteins, Bookers and Harris’ have all contributed to this hateful spirit oozing out of the pores of Congress. I have not yet dug into the “caucus” effect, where 535 members of Congress have created 512 Congressional Caucuses and have contributed to the chaos in the halls of Congress. As far as I can tell a caucus is no different than a lobbyist organization, only most caucuses are paid for by US tax dollars. I will begin sorting through each caucus membership and determining exactly how they effectively bully other members of Congress into becoming nothing more than a legislative doormat! – I am the Real Truckmaster!

 

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Moving Forward with Reckless Abandon

Moving Forward With Reckless Abandon

 

While going to the store the day after Christmas we came to a light that changed from green to yellow and then red. We were in the left turn lane and witnessed the most bazaar incident where two kids crossing traffic were within inches of being hit by two cars that ran through the red light completely oblivious to the danger of their actions of moving forward with reckless abandon and it was a miracle that neither child was hit.

 

Normal reactions range from alarm, relief, dismay and anger (not necessarily in that order), before trying to pin the blame on the drivers for running the red light, or the children who pushed their bikes across the intersection. Who’s at fault?

 

In the mindset of today (2018) some would say it was the parents fault, because they should have had eyes on their children at all times. Others would blame the auto manufacturers for making cars that could be driven over the posted speed limit. A few would blame the bicycle makers because they made the bikes to attract kids. I’m sure someone would blame the city because the light changed to red (a hindrance to the drivers).

 

To all I ask, what would you do? Would you roll down the window and yell at the kids? Would you follow the drivers and attempt to get license numbers? Or would you even care?

 

Politics of today is much like that incident at the intersection. One side is clambering for the wall, the other side is wailing against a stupid wall and some are going about their business and don’t care one way or the other.

 

Is it futile to argue over the wall, because after all what is the purpose of the wall? Do we complain when we go to a ballgame? They have walls to contain the players and insure the playing field is clear of obstructions. Visitors are seated in the bleachers, behind a wall that separates them from the players to insure their safety. There is a manned entrance where one often pays for and receives a ticket to gain admission. Is there a big fuss when someone tries to gain entrance without a ticket?

 

What happens when you go to the mall? Can you gain access without going through one of the sets of doors? What happens if the doors are locked and the mall is preparing to shut down for the night? Are there demonstrators demanding entrance because they can?

 

Let’s discuss border security. What is the purpose of having a closed border, with access points where everyone crossing into or departing from are checked for proper identification and documentation that authorizes them to cross? Prior to the events of 9/11/2001 many countries simply required picture identification for citizens to gain access to certain countries.

 

For those of us who travel we understand that security is a major concern and US immigration laws require everyone who enters or exits the USA must have a picture ID and a valid passport. We also understand that everyone who enters the USA must proceed through the TSA checkpoint where personal items are checked and everyone receives a body scan.

 

For those physically crossing the Southern and Northern borders of the US the rules are a bit different in that vehicles are scanned and passengers have their passports checked, and occasionally a detailed inspection is conducted searching for unauthorized passengers, drugs or weapons.

 

There are serious problems along the Southern border with Mexico. Inadequate or non-existent security fencing, paneling or wall paneling allows for the often times unrestricted access of individuals who possess not identification or documentation to gain entry.

 

Whether you agree or disagree with having a border wall is irrelevant. It is the responsibility of the Government of the United States of America to secure our borders and to keep our citizens and visitors safe. Building an adequately reinforced border wall is vital to the national security of our nation.

 

Those who are ill-advised misinformed or simply against a secure border because it has been requested by the President of the United States are prime examples of a people moving forward with reckless abandon. Just like the intersection the consequences of doing nothing are far outweighed by the benefits of building a wall which will reduce or eliminate the flow of illegal drugs coming across the border as well as bring illegal immigration and human trafficking to a halt.

 

Immigration is not a democrat or a republican “thing” it is vital for the national security of our Constitutional-Republic. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

 

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Constitutionalism versus Legalism

12-27-2018

 

Constitutionalism versus Legalism

 

Do you ever wonder why Republicans and Conservatives hang everything on the Constitution, yet Democrats and Liberals hang everything on the Law, well sort of?

 

Time and time again we see President Trump use the powers of the Executive Office, backed up by the Constitution to right a wrong or to protect the citizens of the United States, only to have Democrats or a Liberal Justice of a federal court strike it down, or block the EO from going into effect. Is that crazy or what?

 

When Trump questions an area that needs to be addressed, he notifies the Legislative leadership and provides detailed problem areas that need to be fixed. Doing this in a public setting, with cameras rolling and journalists in abundance everyone is all smiles as they tippy toe around the bramble bush, waiting for the room to be cleared so that they can get down to the real wheeling and dealing in private, so much for transparency.

 

While the president tweets, “We had a good meeting” shortly after the meeting has concluded and almost before the doors are unlocked the main stream media has released an in depth article telling all the nasty things the president “allegedly” said.

 

The first thing the Democrats do is head outside to the press and tell American citizens and the world how they are going to stop the president in his tracks and prevent him from getting his way. They even throw in a “presidential tantrum” or two to emphasize their point.

 

Take the recent resignation of Defense Secretary Mattis. The White House announced that the Secretary was going to resign effective February 2019 and as the President thanked the Secretary for his honorable and faithful service, the media had published the entire letter online. So President Trump decides to make the resignation official on 1 January 2019 and the speculation blows up.

 

I’m just surprised that a judicial ruling didn’t spring up saying the President couldn’t do that? After all when Trump blocked an adversarial Twitter follower, there came a court decree that he couldn’t. When Trump had Jim Acosta removed from the White House Press Room, pulled his credentials and had him escorted off the premises, a judicial decree demanded Acosta be reinstated and his credentials returned.

 

When President Trump issued an Executive Order stemming the flow of immigrants from select countries and geographical areas, as is his power to do, a judicial decree soon popped up blocking it from taking effect.

 

Conversely when in 2012 President Obama got tired of waiting for Congress to act he issued his unconstitutional Executive Order on DACA and there was no outrage or judicial decree blocking it. Yet in 2017 when President Trump instructed Congress to fix DACA or it would expire naturally and not be renewed. Everyone pitched a fit and a judicial decree soon appeared.

 

Democrats attempting everything from allowing illegal immigration to gun control and confiscation complain that except for the Constitution they would have already succeeded. They offer “bribes” to low income and minorities in exchange for Democrat votes, but do not hesitate to belittle and shame anyone who dares to stand up against them by calling them stupid, racist and anti-American.

 

Republicans on the other hand stand on the Constitution as the basis for protecting citizen’s rights against a tyrannical government. They encourage everyone to become familiar with the Constitution and with the Bible which was the basis of its standards. Everyone is encouraged to work hard, save for their retirement and vote according to their personal values and common sense and are called Americans.

 

Don’t let the insane rantings from the left or the right because you to cause you to do what is wrong because they say it is right. Think about it. – I am The Real Truckmaster!

 

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Memories of Army Truckin’ 2

193inbde1

12-26-2018

 

Memories of Army Truckin’ 2

 

I have a number of memories stored up about driving trucks overseas while in the army, but not all truckers drive trucks, or do they? This one involved the “snake eaters” of the Green Berets in the Panama Canal Zone.

 

It was 1974 and Vietnam was still a war when I did a permanent change of station (PCS) to Fort Davis in the Canal Zone which was on the Atlantic side near Colon and the lake called Gatun. Sometime in 1975 I found myself being assigned and working as a military customs inspector. Technically it was a military police function, but our office was a three man office and only Staff Sergeant Brian Stoner was a cop.

 

Our job was to go anywhere on the Atlantic side to inspect household goods, hold baggage shipments, privately owned vehicles and to customs certify (clear) unaccompanied and unit baggage for our Special Forces guys who would leave in the dead of night for parts unknown and incase their baggage ended up stateside it had to have a customs seal affixed to it. We’d go to their isolation area and do our business, then leave. No sweat, no problem.

 

Other times we’d be at Fort Sherman clearing temporary duty unit personnel after they finished jungle school. One of those times I had finished clearing a unit and we were standing around when “Doc” (don’t remember his real name), he was my next door neighbor, a SF medic, came up to me and asked if I was going to be around for the rappelling demonstration? I told him I might be able to wait for it. Doc said he would be the first one out of the helicopter because the medic needed to be on the ground in case anyone got injured. I believed him.

 

So when the helicopter came overhead above the drop zone we all had our eyes on what was going to happen and as they threw out the rappelling ropes, the first one out dropped like a rock. My mouth must have hid the ground just as he did. What was I going to tell his wife? She was Japanese and my Thai wife and she were good friends. I’m stunned and in shock.

 

About that time Doc came up behind me laughing. He saw that I was in no laughing mood and begged me not to tell his wife what he’d done to me. He said for demonstrations the first one out is always the dummy.

 

It was lunch time so we went to the mess hall where they served huge lobsters on Fridays, and since I don’t eat shellfish, Stoner ate his and my lobster. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

 

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Congressional Caucuses Friend or Foe

12-26-2018

 

Congressional Caucuses Friend or Foe

 

I’ve written several articles about Congressional Caucuses. When President Trump took office there were 242 Congressional Caucuses. Yesterday I decided to check again and by golly in the span of 2 years there are now 512 Congressional Caucuses. 512! Do you wonder about whether this is a good thing or not? There is even a Caucus Makers Caucus!

 

Don’t get these confused with Congressional Committees.

 

The House has a committee and the Senate has a matching committee. Take the House Veterans Affairs Committee (I just made that up as an example), it would presumably create legislation about a specific need for Veterans. It would then vote to send it to the floor of the House for a vote. The full body of the House would vote on it, say to issue a pair of clean socks to Veterans. If it is rejected it would go back to committee to be reworked and then voted on to send it back to the floor. If it is passed, it goes to the Senate.

 

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (again I just made that up as an example), would create legislation about the same specific need for Veterans. It would vote to send it to the floor of the Senate for a vote. The full body of the Senate would vote on it, say to issue a pair of clean socks to Veterans. If it is rejected it would go back to committee to be ironed out then voted on to send it back to the floor. If it passes it is combined with the House bill and goes to the President to be signed into law.

 

This process is extraordinarily complicated in itself. The language must be exact. The voting must go exactly right. Both chambers of Congress must basically agree in detail. The President can reject it with a veto, or sign it into law, but if it is vetoed there are specific procedures to override the Presidential Veto and it becomes law.

 

Are you still with me? According to the Constitution the House and the Senate are separate bodies of the Legislative Branch of government. One of the “perks” is the creation of Caucuses. These are where members can join together to further like-minded goals. A Caucus is controlled by the rules of the House. Some are even funded by taxpayer dollars while others are not. They sort of act like Congressional Lobbyists and can bring legislators together to enable or block certain legislation.

 

Now think of 512 Congressional Lobbyists Groups each with a possible total of 535 members that could feasibly give 273,920 votes on any particular bill. What if a single Caucus had say, 49 members and out of those members there were 36 actively engaged in more than 100 different caucuses, involving members from BOTH sides of the isle and BOTH chambers of Congress? Would that be troubling to you? Or is that not troublesome whatsoever?

 

Someone once told me that I’m placing too much importance on the activities of one simple caucus and they are not that important. I strongly disagree.

 

Let’s look at one caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus which began in 1971. It currently has 49 members of both sides of the isle and of both chambers of congress. Sound familiar?

 

As of the date of this article they have 36 members actively engaged in a total of 109 Congressional Caucuses and 9 Congressional Organizations. The CBC has 13 members who may not be visibly active in caucuses, but many are extremely up front and vocal never-Trumpers frequently in the spotlight of the news at the drop of a hat.

 

The Congressional Black Caucus is made up entirely of African-American members (a requirement) and non-African-Americans are not accepted. They are primarily responsible for attacking public and private organizations, church organizations as they have taken the “mantle” of searching out racism in government and shedding light on it. Too bad they don’t start with themselves.

 

Currently they are attacking the Knights of Columbus (a Catholic entity) as a racist group. They have attacked men in general calling for them to be silent. They have sought to bring down statues of American Veterans, Christian symbols and even attempted to have US military installations renamed because they were named after Confederate Generals.

 

Their attack on law enforcement (Abolish ICE, etc) and their resistance to enforcement of immigration laws is a threat to the national security of the United States.

 

Are there no checks and balances in Congress to stop this kind of racism? Who is to say, “Enough is Enough”? Some of the more recognizable members of the CBC are Maxine Waters, Cory Booker, Keith Ellison, Mia Love, Elijah Cummings, Frederica Wilson, Kamala Harris, Sheila Jackson Lee and many others.

 

I have not delved into any of the other 511 Caucuses or 9 Congressional Associations, but how difficult just working in Congress can be without being thrown into the proverbial Lion’s Den with the appearance of political corruption by a few bad apples? Maybe we need a special investigation into Congressional Caucuses? – I am the Real Truckmaster!

 

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Memories of Army Truckin’

12-26-2018

 

Memories of Army Truckin’

 

I have a number of memories stored up about driving trucks overseas while in the army. Some of them involve the “snake eaters” of the Green Berets.

 

During my final overseas tour (they now call it a deployment) I was in the land of the rising sun and on my very first (no field duty) Corps level Field Training Exercise North Wind ’89 to the northern island of Hokkaido. Keep in mind I’m an army senior transportation sergeant (E-7) with 20 years active duty, and sitting behind a field desk as a dispatcher and I’m not real happy.

 

I also have the job of transporting soldiers to and from the airport as well as out to training locations in a right hand steering Isuzu minivan. This particular day I’m transporting an A-Team to the rifle range over a snow and ice covered dirt road we call a tank trail. Inside the van is an entire A-Team complete with rucksacks, gear and weapons needed on the rifle range where they will be qualifying soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division out of Hawaii.

 

Everyone was joking and carrying on as we bounced along the snow covered dirt road. The Captain was sitting on the engine cover between the two front seats. He leaned over and asked, “Sergeant how long have you been in Japan?” That was an easy question so I answered, “Two weeks sir!” Boy howdy did it get quiet in the van. All we heard was the creaking and squeaking as the van bounced along.

 

After seemingly catching his breath he asked a follow up question, “Where did you come from before Japan?” Without hesitating I said, “Fort Carson sir!” Immediately it was like everyone collectively breathed a sigh of relief and the joking and carrying on continued until I dropped them off at the range.

 

As I drove away I thought to myself, why does everyone think Colorado is the land of snow and ice? Prior to ending up in Japan I had been stationed at Fort Carson for almost 4 years. My office had been a conex container in the motor pool. I spent quite a bit of time in the field or out to some remote training location and don’t seem to remember any “big ones” dumping snow. Oh that would come a few years later when we got hit with “the big one” in 96 or 97. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

 

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