Maintain political discussions

I had a conversation with a younger male family member recently and realized that it’s important to keep the discussion about what’s happening in the country and around the world ongoing. This young man is insightful and thoughtful, but there were certain myths about America that he believes, for example that America is a conquering nation, which it clearly isn’t, rather, we help countries solve their problems and set them up for success. Obama, on the other hand, pulled us out of Iraq before the Iraqis were ready, and their situation is becoming increasingly dire as a result. We have to do something to ensure that the fighting doesn’t creep its way onto American soil.

Scott McAfee, owner of Don’s Bicycle Store in Rialto and in Redlands, joined me on my radio show last week and we had a dynamic conversation about the abysmal state of this country. We both agreed on the importance of keeping the lines of communication open with those who disagree with our views.

I had a recent conversation with my sister, a college graduate and pretty intelligent. What baffled me was her response to my question about whether the Supreme Court decision in favor of Hobby Lobby was a win for religious freedom or a loss for women’s rights. She answered that it was a little of both, but ultimately she would not vote for a man who wants to outlaw abortion. Is this where we’re going to lose this country? Over whether abortion is legal or not?

Scott and I shifted our conversation to the immigration fiasco we currently have on our hands. We are bewildered and angered by how easy it is for people to cross over our border and how much easier it is for them to remain within our border. There doesn’t seem to be any effort to send them back from where they came, and who’s paying to house, provide medical care and educate the illegal immigrants? Are we taxpayers supposed to do this forever?

There is mention of a federally-backed group planning to purchase a 7-acre resort hotel in Texas that boasts three swimming pools, tennis courts and concierge service for a price tag of $3.8 million to house 600 illegal immigrant minors aged 12 – 17. 650 workers would be hired to work on the property at $45 per hour. How many Americans actually get to live in such pristine quarters with concierge service?

Scott mentioned that his father-in-law is a Mexican immigrant who came over legally. In order to be granted residency he had to show he had secured employment, had a sponsor and complete English classes. No one simply walked over back then. As I mentioned before MSNBC sent reporters to Honduras who uncovered the rumor circulating in Central America that Obama’s foreign policy would allow those who crossed the border to remain in the United States, which explains the recent surge at the borders.

In the PennySaver there’s an ad for foster parents to house illegal immigrant minors that promises tax-free compensation if they sign up and complete a 45-day approval course. For a minor under the age of 16 the foster parent would receive $854 per month, that figure is increased to $1,018 for housing a minor over the age of 16. If a foster parent has a five bedroom home and can house up to six minor illegal immigrants, they would be paid $6,054 a month. Is this how the White House is seeking to solve the unemployment problem? This is absolutely nonsensical.

52 percent of my income is apportioned to taxes, and I have no problem paying that if that’s what it costs to live in America, but do they really need 52 cents of each dollar I make? What is the government doing with all that money? Obama will be headed to Hollywood this week to attend a photo reception followed by a dinner at the home of Shonda Rhimes, producer of hit series “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal”. The price per person to take a picture with Obama is $5,000, and $10,000 for dinner. What’s Obama doing with all this money? Where is this money going? We know it costs taxpayers $180,000 an hour for Obama to fly around on Air Force One on his vacations and photo receptions.

I have recently revived my Twitter account because we all have a job to do to disseminate information if we want to ensure that our kids and grandkids have an America to grow up in, because in this day and age people are getting their information from social media. Keep the dialog open, and if it incites a fight, isn’t America worth fighting for?

Ed Hoffman is the host of the Main Event on AM590 which airs Saturday 9:30AM- 10:30AM and Sunday 4:00PM- 5:00PM.