MacThornberry

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Welcome To Congressman Thornberry's Video Blog
 

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The opinions expressed below are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent those of this office.
  • Lynna Crockett commented on 9/27/2010
    Suppose an uninvited person (alien) came into my house (America). Suppose he ate my food, drove my car, used my health insurance, wore my clothes, went to my schools, had the luxury of my cooling and heating, my washer and dryer, my kitchen, my baths, etc. Now, suppose I call the law (the Feds) and they did nothing to protect me, so day after day, week after week, and so on the situation continued until I was almost, if not, bankrupt. Then one day this person comes in with two or three other people. Again I call the law, but nothing happens, and I begin to be afraid for my safety. This is how the people in Arizona and surrounding states feel. It is not right. We as a fellow state that experiences these circumstances, should stand and say NO MORE. Do not offer free education, food, jobs,health care, housing, etc. Prosecute those who do. AND REALLY PROSECUTE THEM. LET'S PUT SOME TEETH IN THE LAW! We need to stop this drain on our economy. This would go a long way in solving our economic problems. Along with this, we can do away with income tax, repeal the health care law, and get our fiscal business in order. We could stop making war on countries and then rebuilding them. We could designate Social Security as a fund ONLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY. Get it out of the General Fund and stop everyone from raiding it. Save it for the people for which it was intended. There are so many things that to me we could do that make sense, and what has happened to common sense? These are just some suggestions that might help???? People are always eager to disregard this or that about our principles, so I say let's start with anchor babies. We have let this take on an unintended ramification and it is now sinking us. I believe we should do away with this provision. It is imperitive that our borders be secured or we will be having durg wars here. And finally, I would like some checks and balances on the Supreme Court. It seems to me that in the last decade, it has mostly legislated from the bench instead of intreperting the law. This is not acceptable and should be stopped.
  • Jim McElvain commented on 9/10/2010
    Congressman Thornberry.. We're all going to have to feel some pain to right what has happened to our country and economy. Personal responsibility must return and entitlement programs must be limited both in scope and time. If Republicans are returned to power we must do something bold. Regulations must be addressed that prevent us from being competitive internationally, unions reigned in and people made accountable for their choices (education, children, careers, etc.) We are no longer an agrarian or manufacturing based country with huge frontiers to conquer. It's time we restricted all permanent immigration to those who's skills we need. The world and times have changed. It's time for us to do the same.
  • sam whigham commented on 9/9/2010
    Please try to convince the Washington Republican leadership that they are FAILING in convincing independants that they have a positive solution for the economy. Just repealing Obama's programs is NOT a positive leadership concept. A lot of independants are now just against ALL incumbants because there has been no clear positive leadership by the Republicans in congress. If Republicans want to keep their jobs, they have to do better than they have done.
  • Gail White commented on 8/6/2010
    Mac, my mother is 94 and keeps getting these letters from Washington that say they are the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. I have tried to get her name off the list, but they keep sending letters and asking for money and she has sent some money that she cannot afford thinking Medicare and Social Security is going broke....any suggestions.....
  • Reggie Wheeler commented on 8/6/2010
    "For a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." -- Winston Churchill
  • Robert Clark commented on 8/5/2010
    I believe we should treat illegal immigration the same as many other crimes. For instance, when a hunter is caught poaching illegally, their gun, and many times, their vehicle is seized and sold at auction. When a drug dealer is caught, many times their home, vehicles, and bank accounts are seized. If someone is caught here illegally, seize their assets. If someone is caught employing someone illegally, seize their assets. Illegal immigration enforcement could sustain itself just off of the seized assets of those that are breaking the law. It wouldn't take long for these individuals to cease their activities if they fear losing everything.
  • Patrick Hisel commented on 8/3/2010
    Rep Thornberry, I appreciate your efforts regarding healthcare. You are one of the good guys, no doubt. But now is the time, right now, NOT in December, to correct the recurring 'doc fix' and stabilize my ability to take care of your constituents. I know you get it, but you must do more to get your colleagues to get it. I have already cut my workload by 30% from this time last year in anticipation of having to quit taking Medicare altogether. I will retire from medicine, and I am only 37. It will take 15 years to train 3 physicians that will be needed to replace me. Do more. Convince the others that make the laws.
  • Kay Blancett commented on 8/3/2010
    Repeal the health care reform package? NO!!!!! If anything, it does not go far enough. I am concerned about the growing deficit as much as anyone, but the obvious seems to be eluding the public. To borrow a phrase from Ross Perot, "that giant sucking sound" is coming from the Middle East! What happened to the massive surplice government was handed at the end of the Clinton Administration????? I really would like to know. Did it all go to that ridiculous foray into Iraq?
  • Shellie Barker commented on 8/3/2010
    I think Washington needs to STOP spending our money!!! They do not have to live pay check to pay check when they raise taxes/take more out of our paychecks!!!! Take it out of theirs for awhile and see how it feels!!!!
  • Elizabeth Ten commented on 7/3/2010
    If we don’t get our irresponsible deficit spending & debt under control, reform of our tax code, immigration, etc. will not matter. I was just reviewing a report regarding Overpaid Federal Workers. In 2008 the average total compensation for a Federal Civilian Employ was ~$120,000 vs ~$60,000 for a Private Industry Worker. Its bad enough we have bloated Federal, State & Local Governments but, to pay Government employees twice what Private Industry does is just flat out irresponsible. Our out of control spending & debt is the direct result of both Republication & Democrats – so before we start criticizing the Democrats, the GOP should first get its spending habits under control. Congressman Thornberry, I know you’ve done a good job representing the 13th District but acquiring Pork Funding for the Panhandle is no different than what Senator Byrd did for West Virginia. It might be good for the particular state but it sure isn’t good for the well-being of our nation. A case in point is the 2008 Farm Bill: “USDA Secretary Ed Schafer blasted the 2008 Farm Bill terming it “reckless spending” and “bloated.” "The bill passed today is a farm bill in name only," Schafer said. "It does not target help for the farmers who really need it, and it increases the size and cost of government while jeopardizing the future of legitimate farm programs by damaging the credibility of farm bills in general. At a time of record setting income for farmers, it sends the wrong message to the rest of the country who are not experiencing the boom of the agriculture sector. This bill is loaded with taxpayer funded pet projects at a time when Americans are struggling to buy groceries and afford gas to get to work." "The bill passed today is a farm bill in name only," Schafer said. "It does not target help for the farmers who really need it, and it increases the size and cost of government while jeopardizing the future of legitimate farm programs by damaging the credibility of farm bills in general. At a time of record setting income for farmers, it sends the wrong message to the rest of the country who are not experiencing the boom of the agriculture sector. This bill is loaded with taxpayer funded pet projects at a time when Americans are struggling to buy groceries and afford gas to get to work." “Although the measure is universally known as the farm bill, it has far more money to feed the poor, including $209 billion for nutrition programs like food stamps and food banks, according to the Congressional Budget Office, compared with $35 billion for agricultural commodity.” President Bush vetoed the bill, declaring: "Americans sent us to Washington to achieve results and be good stewards of their hard-earned taxpayer dollars. This bill violates that fundamental commitment." Bush objected to subsidies for wealthy agribusinesses at a time of high food prices and record farm income. “The Senate vote, 81 to 15, with 35 Republicans in favor, guarantees an easy override of a veto. The House passed the bill on Wednesday, 318 to 106, also far more than the two-thirds needed to overturn a veto.” Getting deficit spending under control starts not only in our own Party, it starts in our own District.
  • Mike Browning commented on 7/2/2010
    A nation wide call for a well armed militia would put millions of Americans on the border and I suspect the Illegal immigrant problem and drug problem would soon disappear.
  • Brad Wilkerson commented on 7/2/2010
    First let me say how refreshing it is to see the video submitted by our Texan/Canadian. Here is proof that the system we have in place has some merit. It is most definitely not perfect, but does have some merit. Unfortunately, the system we have in place appears to be not much more than lip service. From where I sit in the bleachers, it appears we have drafted immigration legislation in the past that we are not enforcing today. I have to applaud Arizona for standing up and saying they are willing to take the hard line stand and enforce the laws. I am not against immigration, but only as it is done legally. The US is a very welcoming country and our desire for people to better themselves is being abused by the illegal immigrants that refuse to abide by the rules in place. And finally, I want to say "cheers" to Congressman Thornberry for the stand he continues to make for a fair and equitable financial reform bill. Our IBAT contingency was in D.C. recently and he made us feel quite welcome. He has a good understanding of the real issues of the Wall Street Banks and their "Too Big to Fail" attitude.
  • Connie McKay commented on 7/2/2010
    I'm in some agreement with Teresa Blackwell's comments about "anchor babies". It's my belief that giving illegals so much support after having their babies on US soil and automatically given the children citizenship is perhaps the primary factor with many illegals in their decision to enter our borders illegally. These children belong with their parents and they should be sent back home "together", thus aleveating that particular incentive. Having said that, perhaps there is a way for these children to then apply for citizenship once they've reached a certain age or should their parents become legal citizens. However, this process should begin from their home country not after they in the US illegally. I must confess too, I take great issue with President Calderon's comments about our immigration policies when his country does not afford us any of the benefits his citizens are afford should the situation be reversed. Perhaps his comments are due to the strain it would further put on his country if the illegals were not sending money to Mexico. And perhaps he should take more responsibility in promoting a healthy economy, opportunity, and more incentive for his people to desire to stay in their homeland.
  • Douglas james commented on 7/2/2010
    Congressman Thornberry: -The borders have to be secured or we will have a "drug war" inside the border of USA. -The "Drug Lords" will not stop at the Rio Grande River. Douglas O. James Wichita Falls, Texas.
  • Douglas James commented on 7/2/2010
    Congressman Thornberry: You need to work toward eliminating "payday lending" because in enslaves people. Douglas O. James Wichita Falls, Texas
  • Teresa Blackwell commented on 7/2/2010
    We will make no headway in securing our borders without addressing "anchor babies". Illegals gain access to our entire system through their babies. Without the citizenship of the babies, a lot of the "freebies" would be unobtainable to illegals. This has to be reformed as one of the first steps to solving our illegal problem. Address "anchor babies" and eliminate automatic citizenship and secure the border. Then we can discuss how to proceed orderly to assimilate new immigrants into the privilege of being a U.S. Citizen.
  • Shirley Strahan commented on 7/1/2010
    Congressman Thornberry, It seems that no matter what the american public does or says, the President goes right ahead with anything that he wants to do. It is outrageous that he ignors the constitution on everything.He is suppose to try to do what is best for America. He is also spending us into poverty as fast as he can. Someone needs to stop these things that he is doing to our nation and to the people of America. Thank you, Shirley Strahan
  • chuck Bennett commented on 7/1/2010
    We have to allow some immigration. There are people that need and want it. The U.S.A. needs and wants good minds and diligent people to come to our country. They have been waiting, some for years to apply for work visas. We could handle more legal applicants if we were not covered up with the illegals. The illegals have overloaded our schools, hospitals, jails and federal and state places of incarceration. We know that these people disregard our laws. They need to be apprehended and sent back to their last country of residence.They have no intentions of doing as the commendable lady from Canada did. The borders have to be contained. It is imperative! We know that we have terrorist and drug cartel using our backdoor. This has to be stopped. It is crucial to the safety of our citizens. Children are being exposed to gunfire and drugs from the insecurity of our borders. The situation as it is today is a mockery of our intelligence, integrity and the ability to govern our own country. Sincerely Chuck Bennett
  • Evan Bynum commented on 7/1/2010
    I am a huge supporter and believer in the FairTax. I noticed on the FairTax website's congressional scoreboard that you were checked as being in favor of it. The current tax code is so ridiculous and EXPENSIVE, I think we can both agree that we need tax reform. I believe, this issue alone, whether it's done with the FairTax (preferable) or another proposal, is important enough to be brought to the forefront of our issues. I know the president would like to find little things to do to keep from the issues he already has, but this tax situation is crucial to our economy right now and something needs to be done now! I hope I don't sound angry because it's not directed towards you, or anyone else for that matter. I just want this problem brought to the table. I'm amazed at how I've heard nothing about tax reform in the news. I've heard plenty about the current problem, but nothing about reform.
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