~ Sam's Place: Good Morning, Mr. President

These notes were actually sent to the President of the United States. This exhibit underscores the importance of not just electing our public officials but continuing to engage them after they take office.

January 3, 2021
Subject: SCOTUS Failure

Good morning, Mr. President

Recently the Supreme Court ruled that the President had no standing regarding fraud in the 2020 election. How completely lame. It is impossible for me to imagine a circumstance where the President of the United States would not “have standing,” on any issue which he chooses to raise - based in the sheer gravity of his office. So, sadly, my cynical side now suggests that there are more sinister forces than mere legalities at work within the present high court. And, in that case, I think the court should be reminded of what has ever been a defining American ideal. It’s “courage.”

Our soldiers, our first responders, and the vast majority of our ordinary citizens all regularly face down life’s most fearful intimidations. They choose courage to be the ideal which first defines them. They do not typically even attempt to conveniently invoke some such cowardly approach which suddenly makes them mere spectators to life. Rather, they insist on being people who very purposefully attempt to shape life for the better – every day – come what may. I am, today, so profoundly sorry that this present court is apparently not cut from that same cloth.

In fact, all but the most naïve among us, now know that The American Republic was mortally wounded on November 3rd by seditious political criminals who very methodically corrupted our election process. And, they have now done so with impunity, thus insuring they will repeat their formula in all future elections.

As a result, the failure of our republic is now completely imminent – though it would seem that most, even now, have not comprehended that reality. But, the nullification of its election process is the sure death knell of even the most vibrant democracy. Elections then become merely a way to legitimize unending dictatorial power. And, this is what has been essentially achieved, in this 2020 election by these seditious criminals.

Nevertheless, at this critical moment in history, the court has chosen to make America’s Lady Justice “blind,” in a new and very ignoble way. To my eye, her blindfold no longer signifies Fairness – but Cowardice.

July 2, 2019
Subject: Socialism's Illogical Mindset

Good morning, Mr. President.

To be frank, sir, this morning, I would simply like to vent a bit, if you have a minute. As I watched the Democrat debate, I could hardly believe what my 70 year old (not my first rodeo) ears were hearing. As I listened, one word took center stage in my mind to drown out all else which was being said. The word was DISINGENUOUS.

Apparently, the Democrat solution for “Income Inequality” is this. “Elect me, so I can subtract money from the economy by raising taxes to astronomical levels - thereby, making the government fabulously wealthy and you, even poorer. But, not to worry. As the politician who would control all that wealth, you can rest assured that I will take care of your every need.”

Yeah, right. Isn't that just like a politician. Taxes live in their head. So, the only solution they can ever come up with is one that involves taxes. If the Dems really cared about income inequality, they would not be talking about raising taxes. They would be talking about Broad-based Profit Sharing.

How about, instead of a new tax law, we pass a new labor law which enhances Capitalism's economic effect. Just suppose, in America, a non-taxable, 10% Profit Share of all corporate profits and a 10% Work Force Gratuity from the Salary and Bonuses of corporate CEO’s were required to be returned annually, to a corporation’s lower echelon work force - you know - the people who actually produce those profits, day to day.

Income inequality would be substantially reduced, overnight. And, everybody except big government, career politicians, and society’s freeloaders and ner’ do well’s would WIN.

America would win by leading the world into this consummate form of Capitalism. Capitalism would win by becoming, indisputably, the supreme economic engine for creating broad-based wealth in a society. The “worker bees” would obviously win big in their “take home.”

And, the corporations and CEO’s would win through a new level of respect and the greater productivity and efficiency of a work force now pulling with them – since all are now being benefited from the same prosperity – instead of each serving divergent self-interests. And, corporate stockholders would win as their corporate investments thrive in a widely energized economic atmosphere.

So, let’s see, which makes more sense? Raise taxes, give it to the politicians, and trust them to always and entirely do the right thing? Or, embrace the vast, yet untapped possibilities of Capitalistic solutions which essentially don't involve "taxing actions?"

Sorry, Bernie and friends, I just don't think I need a government middleman to solve the problem of income inequality. I think, between God’s kindness, our own initiative, and the spectacular possibilities of good ole Capitalism, we're good on that front.

The “government down,” economic system (Socialism) which you would forcefully impose on the country (even though socialist promises have always proven to be empty and that system has miserably failed everyone who ever tired it) is just not a logical choice for thinking adults. But, you might be able to sell it to the kids. They like to play with shiny stuff that makes a lot of noise but doesn't really do anything else.

Have a great day, Mr. President

March 1, 2019
Subject: The War We're Losing

Good Morning, Mr. President

This morning I would like to give you a perspective on the sociopolitical trending’s of our nation. Perhaps never before in history, save in times of war, has social change occurred so rapidly in our world and in this nation. Recent tech developments have compressed the flow of change to an almost unmanageable level. And 5G technology may ultimately become the "too much rope" which actually takes our world to that level.

And, our most naïve and careless generations are using this swift current of change to deeply erode, in the hearts and minds of many citizens, some of the most important foundational piers upon which our nation rests. These erosion's include the validity of our Constitution, the worth of our Capitalist system, and the goodness of American sovereignty – to mention only a few.

And yet, even in the face of this unusually virulent assault, Conservatives are just proceeding as usual. We narrowly focus on simply winning elections. So, as usual, most of our energy goes to merely fund raising, running political ads, and stumping around the country at election time.

And, all the while, we have all but entirely conceded the national media and our educational system, to the Global Socialists. And they have, every single day for generations now, used these invaluable assets, to win the hearts and minds of our population to their views and values.

Mr. Presidents, as you already know, winning elections is always a direct function of first winning those hearts and minds. So, Conservatives must philosophically re-engage – not just in limited times and ways – but in a 24/7/365 effort across the broadest cultural spectrum – to include a more reasonable media share and level of educational influence.

Sir, we are, indeed, losing the philosophical war. And, profound political decline must follow such a serious tactical defeat. And, with present rising generations, the handwriting is already on the wall. We must find a way to “take back the street” now. This is just the absolutely indispensable requirement of these times.

Best wishes for you and your administration

February 26, 2019
Subject: Letter to the Editor > I Was Entirely Mistaken

Good morning, Mr. President

The following is a "Letter to the editor" which I wrote to our local newspaper. I thought you might find it interesting.

"I Was Entirely Mistaken"

02/26/2019

I am not a Democrat or a Republican. I am an independent voter who seeks to make political decisions in the best interest of my faith, my country, and my family - in that order. I use that order because I have realized that sometimes we must commit to personal sacrifice for the greater good.

I once thought that most Americans shared this view. I am now convinced that, if this was ever true, it is no longer true today in the majority. I believe that today the majority of Americans, serve only their personal, momentary expedient regarding morality, social interactions, and politics.

What happened in the U S Senate on Monday only underscores this thought. The senate was unable to pass the bill introduced by Senator Ben Sasse, of Nebraska, which protected the life of our newborn children. The bill made it a crime to intentionally kill a child (for any reason) which had just been born alive. The bill failed to pass because only 3 Democrats were willing to vote in favor of protecting our newborns from a segment of our society which has gone morally insane.

I have long known that the Democrat Party was a party of grievance politics. For my lifetime (70 years), at least, they have merely cobbled together various people groups who feel they have been wronged or disadvantaged somehow by society. And the Dems have been able to successfully coalesce these grievance groups into an effective political machine to gain and maintain political power.

But, that’s about all they’ve done, really. Democrats have not solved our large and inner city problems which they have largely controlled. They have created greater racial tensions – not less. They have created economic problems wherever they have held power. And, they have dragged down the morale, character, and international standing of the country every time they have been entrusted with national leadership.

But, I always thought there was a line out there somewhere, that the Democrat constituency would not cross merely to achieve their political leadership. Monday's vote in the senate indicates that I was apparently entirely mistaken.

February 18, 2019
Subject: Rhetorical Veneers > The Glass Ceiling

Good morning, Mr. President,

This morning, I would like to give you a perspective on “The Glass Ceiling.” I know what I am about to say would be inflammatory in some circles. I never want to be that guy. But, I believe in living truthfully. It is truth which sets us free. And, if we must endure inflammation to live truthfully, then, so be it.

I have noticed that there are many “rhetorical veneers” floating around in the culture, today. These veneers are intended to do what veneers are always intended to do – cover the less attractive substance beneath. And the idea of The Glass Ceiling, as an explanation for female disadvantage in the work place, is one of those veneers.

Obviously, in every nation from the beginning of time, there have been those who are more advantaged and those who are less. And, this is certainly true in present day America. But, this heart-breaking disparity actually cuts across both genders in this country.

And, the less attractive truth beneath the “rhetorical veneering” is that women’s struggle to rise in the workplace is not now (almost three generations after The Equal Employment Opportunity Act) entirely explained by the idea of a Glass Ceiling. It is probably more and better explained in present times by the ever immutable reality of the workplace: competition and office politics.

This dog-eat-dog atmosphere is what males have always known and accepted as the natural reality of the workplace. And, advancement has always meant you must compete to best others – in a never pretty, and not always fair, process.

But, with so much talk of a Glass Ceiling, I think the ladies have not yet realized that a huge percentage of their male co-workers struggle with a reality similar to their own. Most men also feel under appreciated, under advanced, and under compensated for their work.

Perhaps some day soon, sir, the ladies will realize that what they have really encountered in the workplace was there long before they arrived, and it will be there long after they have retired. And, it's not made of glass.  Glass would be great. The stuff of the workplace is more like social concrete and steel - for most everybody.

February 18, 2019
Subject: Rhetorical Veneers > Social Justice

Good morning, Mr. President,

This morning, I would like to give you a perspective on “Social Justice.” I know what I am about to say would be inflammatory in some circles. I never want to be that guy. But, I believe in living truthfully. It is truth which sets us free. And, if we must endure inflammation to live truthfully, then, so be it.

I have noticed that there are many “rhetorical veneers” floating around in the culture, today. These veneers are intended to do what veneers are always intended to do – cover the less attractive substance beneath. And the term, “Social Justice,” as it is presently employed in America, is one of those veneers.

Obviously, in every nation from the beginning of time, there has occurred injustice – social and otherwise. And, certainly injustice of various sorts is, indeed, occurring in present day America. But, the reality is that present social disparities in America are not so much the product of some evil economic system, but the natural outflow of imperfect humanity, itself.

And, the less attractive truth beneath the “rhetorical veneering” in the cry for Social Justice is that this noble ideal has been co-opted and degenerated into an entirely empty promise of Socialism. Indeed, Socialism has never delivered on its promise of Social Justice. It has only ever created greater social injustice.

And, this must always be the case since there is no justice in suppressing human potential and aspirations. And this, Socialism must always do in order to completely homogenize and entirely control the unfortunate people who find themselves living under a Socialist system.

In truth, sir, the closest thing the world has ever known to nationalized Social Justice is the American Democratic/ Capitalistic Republic. And likely, there will be none better until the monarchy of Jesus Christ comes to be.

February 18, 2019
Subject: Rhetorical Veneers > White Privilege

Good morning, Mr. President:

This morning, I would like to give you a perspective on “White Privilege.” I know what I am about to say would be inflammatory in some circles. I never want to be that guy. But, I believe in living truthfully. It is truth which sets us free. And, if we must endure inflammation to live truthfully, then, so be it.

I have noticed that there are many “rhetorical veneers” floating around in the culture, today. These veneers are intended to do what veneers are always intended to do – cover the less attractive substance beneath. And the idea of White Privilege, as an explanation for Black social and economic disparities, is one of those veneers.

And, the less attractive truth beneath the “rhetorical veneering” is that Black disadvantage is not now (almost three full generations after The Civil Rights Act was signed into law) entirely explained by the idea of White Privilege. It is probably more and better explained in present times by the reality of “Personal Socialism.”

Socialism is essentially an exaggerated dependence on government care of the individual citizen. And this approach has always failed every society (and societal subset) which has trusted this completely flawed social and economic system.

And, it is now failing many Black Americans who continue to trust the government instead of their own personal initiative as their means to wealth, upward mobility, security, and social respectability. So, this embrace of Socialism on a personal level should also be factored into our thinking as a very notable and very virulent breaker of the socioeconomic momentum of many in the Black community.

January 17, 2019
Subject: The Wall > Congressional Shame

Good morning, Mr. President,

It’s seems obvious to me that our country is now fully engaged in an existential battle with homegrown political and social subversives who are intent of destroying American sovereignty in the interest of Global Socialism. No issue more starkly illustrates this than the Border Wall Controversy.

I am truly glad, Mr. President, that you are leading the charge on this issue. I'm convinced that you are among a very, very few who have the grit and the cunning to successfully lead such a fight.

I truly hope the rest of the Republican Congress and Senate will follow your lead with real commitment to this issue. I guess we'll see. And, I promise you - we are watching.

This wall must get built. It would be the most crimson mark of shame upon the present Congress if - while our young men and women are being literally sacrificed in defense of our ideals around the world - this Congress does not have the courage and resolve to defend the very seat of those ideals against drug cartels, terrorists, human traffickers, and common criminals.

And, their shame would be made all the more glaring since all that is required of the congress to do so is merely to effortlessly cast an intelligent, common-sense vote. No amount of political rhetoric or Democrat propaganda will ever hide the stupidity and/or seditious intent of failing to do this very urgent and very obvious - “right thing.”

Well, that's it, Mr. President. I pray for your continued stellar success and that of your administration. Davy Crockett once said, "Figure out what's right, and then, go ahead." That works for me. And, it seems to me, that you are an excellent example of just how well that approach can work. Thanks so much for your heroism in the face of such great opposition.

With much appreciation and respect,

Larry Burnett

January 9, 2019:
Subject: Soldier Safety > The A-10 Aircraft

Good Morning, Mr. President,

I just want to send a note of profound thanks for your leadership. It is refreshing to finally have a President who truly has the back of the mostly unempowered. My son, Andy, lost the use of his legs in Afghanistan as a result of a snipers bullet in his neck. He was doing his job as an army medic when he was shot. He has come home and gotten on with his life, like the hero he is.

But, here is my point, sir. I love my son. And, most every soldier serving today also has a mom and/or dad who loves him or her. And, you did something for all of us (which you may not even be keenly aware of) in the early days of your administration.

You did it through your re-invigoration of the of the military's budget. Through that renewal, you removed the A-10 Close Air Support aircraft from the “Decommission” list. The retirement of this life saving aircraft was solely based in budgetary motives.

Apparently, people who make budget decisions in Washington care more about dollars than the lives of our soldiers in combat. In fact, there is no other plane in our air force which can do what this plane does, in the hands of its dedicated and highly trained pilots. Like no other, including the F-35, this airplane, with its very unique Close Air Support capabilities, saves the lives of endangered soldiers on the ground in a combat situation.

So, by your actions to increase the military’s budget, many young men and women will return from the battlefield - alive, who would not otherwise have done so. So, thank you for keeping your word to revitalize and well-equip our military. It is a shame that budgeting bureaucrats, Pentagon generals, and congressional leaders don’t seem to have the same instinct to fight for the safety of their soldiers as have you.

With great respect and appreciation Larry Burnett