Vote Joseph Wendt

New site

2009-06-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

I have created a new site:

josephwendt.webs.com

I will blog on this site from time to time, but josephwendt.webs.com will be the permanent site.

Universal Healthcare for Tampa

2009-06-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

I want to make it a focal point of my platform to create near univeral healthcare coverage for everyone in the city of Tampa. I propose doing this in two ways:

First, we should voluntarily group all the small businesses together with the city government to form a large group that I call the Tampa Health Cooperative. This group would be large enough to negotiate a lower cost for healthcare coverage from say Humana or Aetna. This would have 2 benefits:

1) Small businesses would be able to provide healthcare to their employees at a lower cost with this Cooperative then if they could by themselves.
2) If the group is large enough, the City Government could save millions of dollars in healthcare costs to it's employees since it would not be responsible for all the cost.

Second, we should establish about five Free Clinics in low income neighborhoods that would provide basic care. This would allow those who do not have help those who are unemployed, homeless, or just don't have healthcare coverage to get some treatment for minor problems before they become bigger, and ultimately cost those who have health insurance an arm and a leg in fee increases. No, these clinics should not be mini-hospitals; rather they should only have about one doctor and four physicians assistants, and maybe a pharmacist. It should be like that because every problem does not need a Doctor; I am pretty sure a physicians assistant can diagnose a cold, or the flu, or a migraine. Let the Doctor handle real problems.

Now, before someone shouts "how are we going to pay for this," I am going to tell you how. I propose a 75 cent tax on soft drinks and on fast food to pay for this program. Now we all know that both soft drinks and fast food are unhealthy, but they are delicious (I am a fat man, and I can admit I enjoy McDonalds). So, my thinking is let an unhealthy habit pay for healthcare; it makes sense to me.

Joe for City Council

2009-06-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today, I am mailing the paperwork to run for the District 1 City Council seat and the privilege to succeed Gwen Miller. I feel that we need a City Councilman who will work toward making not only our city better, but to make it into the best city in the world. I shall be campaigning on these 10 points:

1) I want minimal government bureaucracy. I will work to downsize City Government, by either merging departments or elimination. I think government's responsibilities should be limited to the protection of individual rights from the initiation of force/fraud and promote public safety.
2) I support will work to merge the Fire Rescue and Police Departments into a single department and eliminate any redundancies that exist.
3) I will work for the elimination of the Neighborhood & Community Relations office in city government, it is a waste on money and resources that can be better spent.
4) I support merging the Department of Growth Management & Development Services and Department of Code Enforcement and Business Tax into a single department, and eliminating all redundancies.
5) I support the creation of a red-light district, where brothels are legal, licensed, regulated, and taxed. If we can get cops to stop hunting down hookers and focus on real crimes, imagine how many crimes would be solved.
6) I support outsourcing of the Fire and Police Pension Fund to a private company such as Fidelity or Euro-Pacific Investments. Having a board of trustees to manage the fund is a waste of money when there are companies who can do the same job.
7) I support the creation a city subsidized Small Business Healthcare Cooperative, so small businesses can provide affordable healthcare to it's employees. I also want to create 5 Free Clinics in low income areas to give basic and decent healthcare to those who need it the most.
8) I want to cut the Mayor's salary by 50%, the City Council's by 25%, and City Employees by 5%.
9) I also want to require all city departments and agencies to be 90% green by 2015, including requiring all city vehicles to be either hybrid or clean diesel.
10) I support a full expansion of the TECO line to North Tampa, to give more Tampa residents to opportunity to use public transportation.

I feel it is not only my duty as a citizen of this great country, but as a Christian, to help and improve the great city of Tampa. God Bless Tampa, God Bless America, and God Bless the American people.

Official Announcement

2009-06-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

I will withdraw from the State House 60 race. I do so primarily because of lack of funds and general interest. I will be throwing my hat into the Tampa City Council race, hoping to have the priviledge to succeed Gwen Miller. However, on another note, I wish to chastize my 2 Republican opponents. I have read their websites and that of Mr. Chris Cano, the Democrat in the race. I researched Mr. Cano and I have to say, I liked what he has said on his site. He is on the same wavelength on the issues as I am, and he appears to be of the same mindset. I wish him the best.

So, I announce both my candidacy for City Council and my endorsement of Chris Cano for State Rep. God Bless.

Announcement

2009-06-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have decided to review my campaign for the State House. In my view, I would like to say that my chances of winning the primary could potentially be a longshot, due to a 3 way primary between and established politician & sucessful businessman; being a poor college student, I am aware that I could not raise as much as they can. I addition, I recieved a rather lukewarm reception from the HCRP at their candidate meet & greet (little to few people willing to join the campaign), and there has been an extreme lack of volunteers.

However, another reason I am considering a withdrawl is due to the 2011 elections in Tampa. Given that 6 out of 7 City Council seat my be open and being a resident of the City of Tampa, I am extremely interested in running for City Council. Now, I could not run against my local Councilman Joe Caetano (I strongly support him), however Gwen Miller is term limited and it is one of the 3 City-wide seats up for election. Tomorrow, I intend to file to run for that seat as part of the exploratory stage of running for that seat.

If anyone has some input or thoughts about this possibility, please e-mail or comment on my blog.

LAW AND ORDER - crack down on crime!

2009-06-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

I want a crack down on crime and restore public safety and confidence. We will free the police and courts from the politically correct straitjacket that is stopping them from doing their job properly. The liberal fixation with the ‘rights’ of criminals must be replaced by concern for the rights of victims, and the right of innocent people not to become victims. I support the re-introduction of corporal punishment for petty criminals and vandals, and I fully support the use of capital punishment for pedophiles, terrorists and murderers in cases where their guilt is proven beyond dispute, as by DNA evidence or being caught red-handed.

Heatlhcare for All

2009-06-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

I would like to announce that I am in full support of universal healthcare. However, I will not support socialized healthcare. In my view, with costs continuing to rise and more people losing their coverage from their places of employment, we need to create some form of coverage. What I will work towards if I am elected is to implement healthcare reforms along the following lines:

First, a healthcare voucher. This voucher I will propose will be worth $5000 and would be adjusted to inflation every 2 years. This voucher would be redeemable for healthcare coverage at any licensed providers, such as an HMO, PPO, or POS. Of course, this plan would replace our current Medicaid system; however, this plan would be easy to implement, since the current Florida Medicaid budget could give a voucher to over 200,000,000 people. Plus, since the state would not be dealing with insurance paperwork, we would save millions of dollars.

Second, setting a price ceiling. In order to prevent gouging and overcharging, I feel that a price ceiling should be set on healthcare providers in regards to premiums and deductibles. A price ceiling of say $3000 for a premium and $1000 for a deductible seems fair to me. Now, for people who have certain health conditions and are very overweight should be required to pay a higher co-pay, since those individuals are part of the reason why healthcare costs are so high.

Third, setting a new school health policy. I think every school should have one Physicians Assistant per thousand student, and one Doctor per school. With the recent swine flu scare, ensuring every child's health and safety in Florida should take top priority.

Job Hunt

2009-06-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

Well, to be honest to everyone who reads this site, I am hear to announce that I am looking for a job. Although I am confident that I at least have a slim chance in hell of winning this race, I am also going to look for a job that will help me pay the bills regardless of the outcome of the primary. To be honest, it sucks being a college student. True, I am thankful that I am fortunate enough to have the GI Bill paying for my education; I am still young and restless, in need of work. So, if anyone knows about any part-time jobs available, please let me know. God Bless.

9/12

2009-05-30T07:46:00.001-07:00

Today, I announce that my campaign will abopt the 9 principles and 12 values Glenn Beck has been promoting. For those who are not familiar with 9/12, here they are:

9 Principles
1. America Is Good.
2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.
3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.
4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
9. The government works for the people. The people do not answer to the government, the government answers to the people.

12 Values
1. Honesty
2. Reverence
3. Hope
4. Thrift
5. Humility
6. Charity
7. Sincerity
8. Moderation
9. Hard Work
10. Courage
11. Personal Responsibility
12. Gratitude

I will be sending a letter to the 912candidates.org to be listed as a 9/12 candidate. I think these are the guidelines America needs in these troubling times. These are real American principles and values. Thank you Mr. Beck for creating this list, God Bless you!!

I like Sonia Sotomayor

2009-05-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

I like this Sotomayor Obama has appointed. She seems to have the right mindset on a variety of issues:

In the 2002 decision Center for Reproductive Law and Policy v. Bush, Sotomayor upheld the Bush administration's implementation of the Mexico City Policy, which states that "the United States will no longer contribute to separate nongovernmental organizations which perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning in other nations." Sotomayor held that the policy did not constitute a violation of equal protection, as "the government is free to favor the anti-abortion position over the pro-choice position, and can do so with public funds."

In Pappas v. Giuliani, Sotomayor dissented from her colleagues’ ruling that the NYPD could terminate an employee from his desk job who sent racist materials through the mail. Sotomayor argued that the First Amendment protected speech by the employee “away from the office, on [his] own time,” even if that speech was “offensive, hateful, and insulting," and that therefore the employee's First Amendment claim should have gone to trial rather than being dismissed on summary judgment.

In Krimstock v. Kelly, Sotomayor wrote an opinion halting New York City's practice of seizing the motor vehicles of drivers accused of driving while intoxicated and some other crimes and holding those vehicles for "months or even years" during criminal proceedings. Noting the importance of cars to many individuals' livelihoods or daily activities, she held that it violated individuals' due process rights to hold the vehicles without permitting the owners to challenge the City's continued possession of their property.

So, in my humble opinion, I have no idea what my fellow Conservatives are complaining about. Judge Sotomayor is probably the most conservative pick Obama would ever appoint. She appears to be pro-life and pro-property rights. Hell, if she were already in the Supreme Court, we can probably get Roe v. Wade finally overturned. So, I will give Obama props for an actual good decision, now if he could only stop being a pinko-commie with the economy.

My Endorsement

2009-05-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

In light of the opportunism of Charlie Crist and the rather insulting attempts by Marco Rubio to get donations (note, he has Jeb Jr's endorsement, not our former Governor), I have made a decision on whom I will support in the upcoming Republican primary. I firmly support fmr. US Senator Robert Clinton ("Bob") Smith to become our next US Senator. His record as both a Senator and a Congressman from New Hempshire show he is a real conservative. He is also a veteran of the US Navy like myself; personally I think we need more people in Congress who can tell the difference between a schuttlebutt and a forcastle. I want Bob Smith to be our next Senator and bring back some common sense back to our great Republic. I will militantly campaign with him and help in his effort to be my next Senator in anyway I can, and I strongly urge all true Republicans (whether Conservative or Libertarian) to do the same.

An e-mail I received

2009-05-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is perhaps the saddest and most pathetic attempt to raise money any which way he can. Instead of focuing on an actual game plan to win, Marco is extremely focused on raising money instead of articulating an ideas. So far, his only arguement for him to be the GOP nominee is "I'm not Charlie Crist." This e-mail I just have to share, because frankly this is sad:

"Dear Joseph,

Today I would like to let you know that I will be enthusiastically supporting my friend Marco Rubio for his bid for the United States Senate.

Florida and our country are at a crossroads. Not only in our economic life, but in who we are as Republicans.

My choice was a simple one: Marco Rubio represents the best in what our Party should strive to be and who it must engage – he is young, conservative, and believes in the principles of our Founding Fathers, that individual freedom and liberty are what makes our country great and always will.

Marco Rubio is a candidate who can help to bring our Party back on track by reaching out to our youth, entrepreneurs, Hispanics and those who believe that if you work hard enough, anything you dream can be achieved. With Marco, we have a great opportunity to elect a true conservative and a greater obligation to elect a man of principle.

I hope that you will join with me in this exciting journey to elect my friend Marco Rubio to the United States Senate in 2010. If you can make a donation today to keep this effort going it will go a long way to bring back common sense and a return to conservative principles in Washington.

I thank you for your time and consideration.

With warm regards,

Jeb Bush, Jr."

You know, just because you the son of our former governor, doesn't mean you actually have any clout. Personally, this reminds me of that Seinfeld episode when George bought the John Voight car. I am not going to support Marco or Charlie this time around.

Housing market

2009-05-26T05:41:00.000-07:00

Government housing programs have ruined the housing market. Let's bring sanity back to the market. Loan money only to folks who can pay back the loan. How did we ever get away from that simple wisdom? If I am elected, I will work hard to reform and eventually abolish government housing programs. I will also work hard to allow banks to restrict who can get a home loan based on their credit histroy and collateral.

In addition, those who lied on there mortgage applications and received a loan should be fined or sent to jail. They created this mess, so they should be punished. In addition, lenders who bent the law to allow this to happen, will be punished.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day. Today is a day not only when people get a 3 day vacation and enjoy a barbecue, but it is a day of remembrance. Today commemorate every soldier, sailor, and airman who has fought and died for this great country. Everyday, these fighting men and women are ensuring that we are a great and free country. No one can ever understand their sacrifice until you have served this great land in the armed forces. As a Navy Vet, I understand and will honor those who still serving this great country. God Bless You!!!!

America First

2009-05-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

During the Great Depression, the last resort for many struggling Americans was to go from farm to farm looking for work. Today we face a similar situation, but right now many hardworking people can't find work because illegal migrants have been taking good paying farm jobs away from hard working Americans. I want to end all that. If I am elected, I will work to require farmers to hire only workers who can prove their citizenship and ban all non-citizen residents from obtaining drivers licenses. I think that's fair.

Teen Pregnancy

2009-05-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

I would like to make a radical and unorthodox proposal today. I find the rate of teen pregnancy to be a epidemic in our society and needs some new thinking. We actually discussed the subject in my sociology class today, and after that discussion it came to me the best way to prevent teen pregnancy is to discourage teens from having sex. Now, I am not just advocating abstinance but I am saying we should make sex between 2 underage indviduals a crime. I am not advocating jail time for teenagers because that would be ridiculous and wouldn't help. What I am proposing is a law that would teens under that age of 18 (the legal age of consent) to pay a fine of $500 per individual for having underage sex. That's an incentive not to have sex, and when you think about it it is only fair. After all, most of these teenage moms end up living off our tax dollars in the form of welfare. So, since we have to pay for them to raise the child, I think it is only fair for them to pay for making a rather idiotic decision.

Memorial Day

2009-05-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

I would like to have a barbeque for all of my supporters at my house on Memorial Day. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Coke. Anyone interested in attending, just contact me, my phone # is 813-495-5440 and e-mail is sipowicz54@aol.com

I need to know how many people so I can get enough hot dogs and hamburger meat. If anyone wants to bring some stuff, great just let me know if your coming, what your bringing and at what time.

REC meeting and candidate introduction

2009-05-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today, I not only introduces myself as a candidate, but also became a Hillsborough County Republican Committeeman and will be sworn in at the next meeting. I gave a rather short and simple speech about myself and what I stand for, I will admit I was overwhelmed with the crowd and I think overall I did fairly well and did not make a complete ass of myself. I also noticed that out of the 3 Republicans running for this district I was the only one who mentioned what I would do if I was elected. No disrespect to Shawn Harrison or Trey Stroud (both of whom I have met tonight and rather like as individuals, was even tempted to get them a beer), but this race should be about ideas and the direction the Party and Florida should take. Infact, most of the candidates where rather bland and did not mention any specifics with the exception of myself, Bernie DeCastro, Rhonda Storms, Tom Aberhold, and Bob Smith. Talking just about your past accomplishment and experience, or talking about your faith and listening to the people really is not doing a service to the Party. I know I am not the greatest speaker, but in my rather nervous rant I at least told the REC that I would fight to abolish the property tax, all of Florida's welfare programs, and legalize Casino gambling. I feel any person who respresents our party should be up front, tell it like it is, and state what they believe and what they would do. If we are going to win, I feel that is the only way we can do it, by being blunt and honest. Speaking from our heart will win the election, I think. I look forward to hopefully soon debate Shawn and Trey, the sooner the better I think and hopefully we can hear their ideas for Florida and the GOP.

Need for Reform.

2009-05-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

In the wake of the tragic child rape at Walker Middle School I am now calling for reforms that reflect a true emphasis on family values and good parenting.

1) Allow same-sex couples to adopt children in our state. We need people who will love their children and ensure that they will be allowed to grow up as responsible and moral adults. I feel the best way to do that is to have 2 parents, regardless of their gender and chosen lifestyle. This measure will also save the state millions in foster care fees.

2) Prohibit single people from adopting. It is shameful to not only prohibit same-sex couples from adopting a child, but at the same time allow single people to adopt is contradictory to family values but also hypocritical.

3) Require the parents of children who commit crimes to be put on trial as accessories. If they raise a child who rapes and/or kills someone, they should be held as responsible. The parents of the Walker rapists should face judgement for raising such sick and demented individuals. Had they disciplined their children and taught them right from wrong, this tragedy would have never happened. In my point of view, they are accessories because they raised these monsters.

The Rape at Walker Middle School

2009-05-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Four teenage boys accused of raping a 13-year-old classmate with a broom handle and a hockey stick at Walker Middle School went home after spending a single night in juvenile detention. I am applaud at the Judge who let them go. If I were in charge, I would have them charged like adults on day one and fight tooth and nail to see those four kids rot in jail. It is sad to see our society come to such an incident. Although, I will admit I am a pretty open minded person, we need to set firm boundaries and severely punish those who cross those boundaries. These four teenagers have traumatized a 13-year-old for the rest of his life, and will never be the same. These four must be sent to jail and tried as adults; they did an adult crime, therefore they need to do adult time. No excuses. I hope Lee Louis Myers, Raymond A. Price-Murray, Randall John Moye, and Diemante J. Roberts, the vicious and disgusting perverts that committed this horrible crime go to hell. The world would be much better if these degenerates where shot in the head on site.

End all discrimination

2009-05-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

I posted Pat Buchanan's article because I agree with him on the racial hypocrisy the Democrats and Neo-Cons are putting on our great country. The only qualification for any position in this great land of ours is the ability to get the job done and knowledge of one's chosen profession.

One of the most important pillars of the Republican philosophy is the belief in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex or national origin. That is why I view the Republican Party as the only real vehicle of change, because that's what they honestly believe. Liberals want to right old wrongs while creating new ones against every hard working American who's busted his ass for a better life. I think every hardworking American deserves everything they've earned, because that's the right thing to do.

Jim Crow Liberalism

2009-05-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

By Patrick J. Buchanan

Having lost both houses of Congress and the White House in two straight elections, Republicans are going through an identity crisis, its leaders holding town hall meetings to “listen” to the people.

“What should we focus on? Should we drop the social issues? How do we get the young people back?”

Such angst and soul-searching is not the mark of the leader, but the mark of a man suffering from doubt and despair.

Why is the party in trouble? Simple. Dubya got a hold of the keys, got high on neocon hooch, and crashed and rolled the family SUV.

He launched an unnecessary war against a country that had not attacked us. With his utopian No Child Left Behind scheme and his Medicare drug plan, he did his passable imitation of LBJ, and blew a hole in the budget.

Touting globalism, he presided over the loss of one in every four U.S. manufacturing jobs and ran up $5 trillion in trade deficits. He refused to defend the Mexican border against an invasion, then pushed an amnesty for the invaders.

This was no Reaganite. This was the neocons’ apprentice.

How does the party reconnect with Middle America? How does it win back the Reagan Democrats who went home disgusted?

Become again the party of Frank Ricci.

And who is Frank Ricci?

He is a fireman in New Haven, Conn., with 11 years in the department, who suffers from dyslexia, but nonetheless has pursued his dream of becoming a lieutenant and a captain.

Six months before the promotion test, Ricci quit his second job. He bought $1,000 worth of the textbooks he was told to study, had a friend read them onto tapes to compensate for his dyslexia, studied every spare hour he got, and sat for the test, to compete for one of eight lieutenant slots open.

Frank made it. Frank Ricci came in sixth.

It was after the results of the test were made known that the problems arose. For, of the officers who had made the cut, all were white, except for one Latino.

Concluding the test results would, if used by the department, have an “adverse impact” on the black community, New Haven tossed out the results and called for new exams to ensure a “fair” outcome.

Thus, because he is a white man whose people came from Italy, Frank Ricci is to be denied a promotion he worked for and won, and be robbed of his American dream by the liberal bigots who run New Haven.

Had Frank Ricci and half of the other top performers been black, all would be on their way to becoming lieutenants and captains.

What is being done to Frank Ricci is exactly what was done to black folks for decades. Great black ballplayers who might have become legends like DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig never got the chance because they were black. Black students were denied admission to prep schools, colleges and military academies because of their color.

Now, what was done to them is being done to white folks. And it is just as wrong as it was then.

In 21st century America, race discrimination endures.

All we have done is switch the color of the victims with the color of the beneficiaries. Today it is white males applying for jobs and promotions as cops, firemen, government workers, who are held back because their color does not comport with the desired “diversity.”

What New Haven has done to Frank Ricci is like the U.S. Olympic Committee throwing out all the trial heat results in the 100- and 200-meter races because not a single white runner qualified.
New Haven contends the “disparate impact” of the test hurts the black community, proving discrimination. But does the relative absence of blacks in the National Hockey League prove discrimination?

If the Republican Party wants a future, it will become again the party that stands on the principle that “No discrimination means no discrimination,” that stands with the victims of state bigotry, and that stands up to hypocrites like the Jim Crow liberals of New Haven.
Affirmative action began as a mandate to cast a wider net and ensure all had an equal shot. It has become a mighty engine of state injustice that seeks to remedy the consequences of past racial sins and crimes, by committing new ones.

In Michigan, Washington and California, none of them red states, majorities have voted to abolish affirmative action. Only Colorado failed in a dead heat last fall. A Republican drive to write into federal law an end to all race and gender preferences, as well as to all race and gender discrimination, is a cause whose time has come.

This is a winning issue for the GOP, for it is rooted in principle and comports with what is written on the human heart. Down deep, even liberals know that what is being done to Frank Ricci is not right.

Winds of Change

2009-05-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

The winds of change have come and the Republican Party, as well as every American must change with it.

A ban on same-sex marriage was rule unconstitutional in Iowa, and it will eventually be ruled unconstitutional on a federal level. I fear Christian and Constitutional Conservatives such as myself are on the wrong side of history. Instead of banning same-sex marriage, I feel we should embrace it. After all, the institution of marriage has been failing since the sexual revolution in the 1960's. America's divorce rate is about 40% of the population, and more and more children are being born out of wedlock. Perhaps, if we embrace same-sex marriage we will be strengthening the institution of marriage and bringing morality back to our society. After all, love between two adult men or two adult women is just as strong as a love between an adult man and an adult woman. Let love, not sex be the deciding factor in marriage.

More and more Americans are more supportive of universal healthcare. I am one of them, but there must be a better option then the socialized medicine the Democrats try to cramp down our throats. I think the answer is a Healthcare Voucher; a government voucher to allow all uninsured people to buy a Health Insurance Policy of their choice and requiring them to only pay the deductible and co-pay. Such a system is cheaper and easier to impliment then any government run scam. That is the GOP's future.

Swine Flu Threat

2009-04-28T05:06:00.000-07:00

As opposed to Mr. Obama, I believe that we should and need to take drastic action to prevent the dangerous swine flu from hitting our great state. To that extent, I would propose a state-wide quarantine of all migrant workers if I am elect your State Representative. Like it or not, most migrant workers are from Mexico (the epicenter of this disease) and many are undocumented so we are unaware if they are infected with this aliment or any other disease. If we don't take this action, with the up-coming harvest season we could face an epidemic. I think it is better to side with caution and take drastic action now, then to wake-up to a pandemic.

I have been Chosen

2009-04-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

I have recently been chosen to serve as President of the Mens Fellowship at my Church. As a born again Christian and member of the Advent Christian Church, I am humbled to receive such an honor and will do my best in the position I have been appointed to.

Thought of the Day

2009-04-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

I feel that in America, the following has to be done:

1. We must undo the hardship Americans are feeling during this bad economic period, we most create a conductive environment that also induces personal and individual initiative for meaningful development, to take lead in eradicating poverty, and addressing unemployment, homelessness, disease, crime and other political socio-economic ills of our country.
2. America needs a solid foundation based on Christian principles with a clear and unequivocal mission to raise and maintain the quality of life of all citizen and effect good governance.
3. We have to unlock develop and employ both human and material resources in areas of great needs in partnership with civil society, in the most equitable way to improve the quality of life of all citizens in Florida.
4. Every single person in our country needs to foster and protect all Christian family values.

I feel the best way to accomplish this is to do the following:

o Scrap Medicaid and SCHIP, and create a Healthcare Voucher
o Enforce English as our official language to build and enhance community throughout our state.
o Create a E-Verify system to ensure only American citizens and legal residents are employed
o Promote faith-based programs for the homeless, and give these programs grants instead of wasting our tax dollars on failed government programs
o End FCAT based school funding and increase funding for education; a great education is every child’s ticket to success.
o End property taxes, why should we tax a God given right
o Teach Christian principles in Elementary School
o Ban Hijab, we need to allow muslims to join our society and be American

Healthcare Reform Now!

2009-04-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

In my view, I think we need to scrap both the state medicaid and SCHIP programs. Instead, we should institute a program similar to the one outlined by Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel and Dr. Victor R. Fuchs. Such a program would be more market-oriented, easier to administer, and overall cheaper then the current system.

Healthcare Voucher

2009-04-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

I support this kind of healthcare reform, it embodies both the free-market and is not state-run healthcare.

A Comprehensive Cure: Universal Health Care Vouchers
by Ezekiel J. Emanuel and Victor R. Fuchs

The Universal Healthcare Voucher System (UHV) achieves universal health coverage by entitling all Americans to a standard package of benefits comparable to that received by federal employees. Enrollment and renewal are guaranteed regardless of health status, as is the individual's right to buy additional services beyond the standard benefits with aftertax dollars. Health plans would receive a risk-adjusted payment based on their enrollment. UHV is funded entirely by a dedicated value-added tax (VAT) with the rate set by Congress. A VAT of approximately 10 to 12 percent would insure all Americans under age 65 at a cost no greater than current public and private health care expenditures.

UHV offers true universality, individual choice, effective cost control, and competition based on quality of care and service. To foster accountability and efficient administration, the voucher system creates a National Health Board and twelve regional boards with a governance structure and reporting requirements similar to the Federal Reserve system. The National Board establishes the overall rules and procedures and sponsors an independent Institute for Technology and Outcomes Assessment, which will slow the rate of growth of expenditures by encouraging cost-effective innovations. In each region a Center for Patient Safety and Dispute Resolution replaces the dysfunctional malpractice system. UHV is relatively simple compared with other reforms that have similar objectives. Most importantly, it is congruent with basic American values: equality of opportunity and freedom to pursue personal goals.

Complete Voucher proposal:
http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2007/~/media/Files/rc/papers/2007/07useconomics_emanuel/200707emanuel_fuchs.pdf

Slide-show presentation here: http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2007/~/media/Files/rc/papers/2007/07useconomics_emanuel/200707emanuel_fuchs_ppt.pdf

My Plan for Florida

2009-03-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Well, these are my priorities if I am elected State Representative:

Abolish the Property Tax. Many home-owners are hurting in this recession, abolishing this tax will help them financially.
Update all equipment in Water Treatment facilities in our great state. Across our great state, our water is filled with disgusting stuff and is naturally hard. I know first hand when my Mom bought a Rain Soft filtration system for our new house. If we update the equipment in Water Treatment facilities and add better filtration systems, everyone in Florida will have great quality water.
Protect Florida Pre-Paid and exempt Pre-Paid students from paying more in fees.
Expand legalized gambling. Charlie Crist thinks it's a great idea to give the Seminoles the exclusive right to have Blackjack and other big casino games. I think it's unfair and that we need to allow such an expansion to go to the horse/greyhound race tracks and big resorts. That would create more jobs across the state.
Legalize marijuana. The Obama Administration is giving states more leeway to regulate marijuana. If we legalize it, regulate it, and tax it like we do with alcohol or tobacco, imagine the revenue the state would get without raising taxes and imagine the drop in crime.
Enforce English as the official language. Like it or not, English is the official language of our state. I am against any government document (including ballots) being written in any other language. It is a waste of taxpayer dollars to provide the same document written in 2 languages.
Ban Hijab. Muslim-Americans are refusing to do what my grandparents did, assimilate into American culture. By allowing them to wear headscarves, we are allowing them to remain different and un-American.
Require a Loyalty Oath. I am in favor of requiring all non-citizen residents to sign a loyalty oath, to affirm that they understand that they are in our country and they must obey the laws.
Create a Health Insurance Voucher program. The state pays the premium, you pay the deductible and/or copay.

Upcoming Events

2009-03-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have the following announcements about my schedule.

March 27, 2009: I will be meeting with Gus Bilirakis, also know as my Congressman. I am really excited about that and hope it's as cool as I think it will be.

April 8: I will be attending the meeting of the Hillsborough Libertarian Party.

April 14: I will be at the New Tampa Republican Club meeting at the Stonewood Restaurant.

April 15: I will be at the Tampa Tea Party rally at the Federal Courthouse in downtown Tampa.

More will be announced, I am trying to arrange a meeting with Ed Homan and other figures.

Obama is the Great Satan

2009-03-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Robert Reich, former secretary of labor under Bill Clinton who has been advising Obama, states:

The scale of Obama’s ambition has only just begun to sink in. If his budget for 2010 passes through Congress largely unscathed, it will represent the “the biggest redistribution of income from the wealthy to the middle class and poor this nation has seen in more than 40 years”, said Robert Reich, a former secretary of labour under Bill Clinton who has been advising Obama.

Reich told The Sunday Times: “It is the boldest budget we have seen since the Reagan administration, and drives a nail in the coffin of Reaganomics. We can basically say goodbye to the philosophy espoused by Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.”

Joe's Thoughts

I am going describe Obama using a phrase that Iran has used to describe America in general; he is the great satan. By saying goodbye to the philosophy of Reagan and Thatcher, Obama is turning this country into a Euro-Socialist state; that scares me. I have been to France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Croatia; so making our great country more like them scares the crap out of me. All of those countries have a many homeless people, and overall just a bad standard of living if your not a professional (like a Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant, and so on). The myth that Europe is better because it's socialist is dead wrong, I know because I've been there. True, that have great healthcare and great social programs, but the people are being taxed and receiving substandard care. Like it or not, America's free enterprise system out performs European socialism any day in every way.

Investor confidence in Obama plummeting

2009-03-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

Originally posted by Donny Ferguson on Mar 11, 2009 (http://www.lp.org/blogs/donny-ferguson/investor-confidence-in-obama-plummeting):

"Rasmussen Reports released a new poll this morning of the investors responsible for much of the job creation in this country, and it's another resounding vote of no confidence in Barack Obama's plans for crippling taxes on employers.

Seventy-two percent (72%) of investors now say the economy is getting worse. That's a sharp increase from the 68 percent who said so when Obama was inaugurated.

Rasmussen's Investor Index, the measure of investor confidence on a daily basis, had never been lower than the Consumer Index in its seven-year history. It dipped below the Consumer Index last week and has remained there much of the time.

What does all the mean? It means the people who actually create jobs in this country recognize Obama's policies for what they are -- proven failures that destroy jobs and will delay our eventual economic recovery.

Investors aren't the only ones giving Obama's economic train wreck a thumbs-down. Confidence in the job market among all Americans also continues to dry up. His approval rating among all voters is pretty much what is was for every previous president, but his disapproval rating is nearly twice as high. Despite the spin from the White House and water-carrying by the media, Americans have little faith in Obama's failing plan to tax Americans into prosperity.
So what are investors, employers and everyday Americans looking for?..."

Joe's Thoughts

As someone who originally invested $800 in the stock market in early 2007, only to see it around $400, I can say that I have zero confidence in the Obama administration. I feel the only way the economy will recover is if we have someone from the corporate world with experience in restructuring a company. That's why I feel we need someone like Mitt Romney (who I hope runs again) to be the Republican nominee. Our government needs to restructure most if not all departments and agencies in order to make them more cost efficient. It's sad to say, but we need that kind of experience. We also need to simplify the tax code; the easier it is to understand, the fewer tax cheats there will be. Anyway, those are my thoughts.

Speech

2009-03-12T05:10:00.000-07:00

I will be speaking tonight at to the Tampa Tea Party, of which I am a member. I am a member of this fine organization because I am against the stimulus package, and am also against all government waste and deficit spending. My speech will cover the following:

Government Spending
Taxation
My thoughts on how to improve the economy
The Obama administration
How the GOP can win
Stuff in general

Now, If yourgoing to be in the neighborhood, here is where it will be at:

Perkins Restaurant
5002 E Fowler Ave
Tampa FL 33617
(813)899-2266

Me on the Economy

2009-03-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Clearly the biggest challenge facing Florida and the rest of the nation is our faltering economy. I know first hand the effect our economy is having on working families and businesses. As a veteran and a independent business owner, I see it on the faces of those who have lost their income and jobs stemming from a dangerous encroachment on the inherent guarantees of our free market system.

With the collapse of the economy and more government spending, everyone is feeling the pinch. And yet, the impact of the economy and taxes is not limited just to my business. Indeed, the pervasiveness of government incompetence threatens to undermine a basic tenant of free market capitalism—that creativity and hard work should be rewarded and protected.

Whether it’s the couple in their garage inventing our next source of energy or me working on my next sale, all entrepreneurs deserve to know that the results of their efforts are going to be protected. This is the ultimate role of our government in a free market economy. Without these protections, enterprise suffers, creativity dims and a once healthy free market system finds itself on a collision course with socialism. I understands the double edge sword of 21st century technology in a global market environment. And I understand that protecting individual enterprise and production in an tech-based economy is one of the biggest challenges we face in our quest to rescue the free market.

Challenging times call for new perspectives. I will work hard to infuse Florida with the entrepreneurial experience and inspiration needed to meet these challenges with confidence.

I want to make Florida not a welfare state, but a state of entrpreneurs.

Economic Miracle

2009-03-04T07:39:00.000-08:00

Imagine a country that is in a deep economic recession, hyper-inflation, and high unemployment. Now imagine that this same country implimented most, if not all, of Milton Friedman's economic principles and concepts to help their economy. Now imagine the country having the highest standard of living and levels of economic growth, as well as one of the lowest unemployment rates in it's region. I know this sounds like a wonderful fairy tale, but this actually happened.

In 1973, Chilean President Augusto Pinochet implimented a economic plan designed by economists trained by Milton Friedman. The results are still there. Chile is still the most prosperous country in all of Latin America (even oil-rich Venezula can't compete).

I feel America needs to take the same approach, and if I am elected to the Florida State House I will promote similar policies to help Florida. We need to cut government to create economic opportunity, and we need to do it now.

Obama is Destroying America

2009-03-03T05:21:00.000-08:00

Barry (Barack) Obama is so far the biggest threat to America's sovereignty, national security, and economy. He has single handedly brought the economy down to pre-Clinton levels. He is giving up on missile defense to appease Russia. He is even joining British PM Gordon Brown's call for a global New Deal. My only question: What the F*** is this guy on?

So far, Obama feels more and more spending is the only way to bring our country out of this recession. Ok, so when the country is in debt and in recession, his solution is to spend money we don't have. Who's going to pay for this; the answer my friends is us, the taxpayer. We are eventually going to pay enormous taxes (possibly up to 70%), and the sad thing is it will barely pay for a fraction of the cost as our national debt increases. So far, the markets have unanimously rejected this idea; as shown by the Dow dropping below 7000. Maybe Obama should really consider listening to Ron Paul, Paul Broun, Mike Pence, and others about the economy.

Barry Obama also wants to give up the missile defense shield in exchange for Russia to politely as Iran to give up it's nuclear program. I what Bizarro World does Obama live in? Russia has aided and supported Iran's nuclear efforts; for God's shake the Russians built Iran's reactor, and Russian scientists are advising the Iranians. To think the Russians are really going to help us stop Iran is both a joke and irresponsible. Not only does giving up the missile shield put us in danger from Iran, but also North Korea. Maybe Obama seriously needs a reality check.

A global New Deal to help every country on Earth. What the F***!!!!! America is already going down the economic toilet and deeply in debt, now they want us to spend money to help other countries recover. Is this guy F***ing nuts.

THROW THE BUM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

End College Political Correctness

2009-02-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

I would like to announce my intent to propose a bill banning Black History Month in Florida, prohibit State Universities from offer degrees in Woman studies and African-American studies, and end all unprofitable sporting events at State Universities.

We waste one month of the year teaching what is largely irrelevant history and promoting a hip-hop culture that is largely offensive. Instead, we could be using that time teach students basic skills to help them survive the real world.

Banning Woman's and African-American studies will cut costs at a college level. In addition, it will eliminate 2 degrees that can not be used in the real world.

As for ending profitable sporting events, who really goes to girls fencing? What about college soccer? Cutting these programs will not only cut college expenses, but also will provide more scholarship money.

No Stimulus

2009-02-26T03:37:00.000-08:00

I am against the stimulus plan Obama has proposed, for a very good reason: America is drunk on Spending.

We have a spending problem in America. We spend and spend, not realizing that we can't generate the revenue to break even. So, more spending isn't going to help. Also it's going to increase our national debt. In effect, we are stealing our grandkid's future by spending all this money. They are the ones who are going to have to pay off this debt. That's not right or fair.

I think all levels of government should dramatically cut the budget to bare bones essentials. And if they are still spending more then they are generating in revenue, then they have to do the responsible thing: raise taxes.

That's the only way America will get out the mess we're in right now.

Real Help for Home Owners

2009-02-24T07:20:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, the economy is in a recession, home prices are falling and unemployment is rising. Home owners can't afford to pay a property tax in this economy, it's an unfair tax on the American dream. In additon, many more are unable to afford to keep their homes, slowly killing the American dream. We need action, and quickly.

I propose suspending the property tax for 6 years, and freezing Mortgage interest rates in Florida at 1% and prohibiting adjustable-rate mortgages.

By freezing interest rates and prohibiting adjustable-rate mortgages, we will not only allow more people more time to pay off their mortgages, but we also prevent this situation from happening again.

By suspending the tax, we will be aide those who are finding it hard to pay for thier homes. It will also encourage home ownership in our great state. That will help Florida's economy.

Thoughts on Government

2009-02-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

How I believe Government should work:

The people must have independence in thought and politics and economic self-sufficiency.
Policies and laws must reflect the will and aspirations of the tax-payers, and ensure a better tomorrow for future generations.
Protect the free-market and American interests
Protect the rights and liberty of all, while ensuring law and order is mantained.

My Economic Recovery Plan

2009-02-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

My Plan to bring a speedy recovery to the Florida economy:

State-wide suspension of all property taxes.
Tax incentives for agribusinesses and energy companies to produce bio-fuel from Kudzu, Jatropha, Palm Oil, Switch grass and Pine Trees.
Reduce the salary of State Legislators and Constitutional Officers to minimum wage.
Reform state-employee retirement plans.
Increase Educational funding for Vocational programs.

That's my recovery plan. It's cheaper the implement then Barry Obama's stimulus and will immediately revive Florida's economy.

A Solution to Florida's debt

2009-02-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

As you may know, I support a limited expansion of gambling to create jobs, but I also have solutions to cut government costs:

End paid vacations for state employees
Shorten the school year by one month
Replace current government retirement plans with voluntary IRA contributions
Close state facilities for 2 months a year.

Do all of this will greatly reduce government spending.

My Platform for a better Florida

2009-02-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I feel it is time for me to tell you the voters what I will be campaigning for during the upcoming election:

Economy:

Legalize Blackjack, Backgammon, Pai Gow, Poker, Mahjong, Bridge, Baccarat, Craps, and Roulet in licensed Casinos and Hotels in Hillsborough County. A 3% tax on all income generated from these games. By having this limited expansion of gaming, we will not only generate more revenue but also create jobs.
End all Sales Tax holidays.
Offer automotive makers tax incentives to build a factory in Florida.

Health care:

Create an Emergency Room Medical Fund to pay for all ER expenses in every hospital in the state of Florida. By doing this, we eliminate the need for hospitals and insurance companies from increasing rates to cover the expenses of the uninsured.
Ban all drug advertisements, let doctors decide what is the best prescription.
End Medicaid, it's a failed program that provides substandard care.
Give Insurance Companies tax incentives for creating no cost low-income insurance programs.

Education:

Instead of having teachers focusing on the FCAT, they should be teaching their students how to survive in the real world.
End the practice of tying school funding to FCAT scores.
Promote vocational training.
Create a voucher for parents who home-school.

Energy/Environment:

Tax incentives to all companies that produce biofuel out of algae, jatropha, garbage, and sewage within the state of Florida. I want to make Florida the Saudi Arabia of biofuel.
Require all new cars in Florida to have flex-fuel capability.
Give Florida farmers tax incentives to grow jatropha for biofuel.

What I believe

2009-02-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

Life: I believe that all human beings have an individual right to life and are born with freedoms based upon this right. To deny any the right of life is wrong. I firmly oppose both abortion and euthanasia
Family: The family is the only way traditions can be preserved. When we redefine what is a family beyond it's traditional meaning, we essentially lose the meaning of family. I support any and all efforts to preserve the traditional family, including protecting traditional marriage. When we lose the traditional family, we America will be heading for disaster.
Environment: We must operate with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature. I believe we in Florida need to move to an energy efficient economy and live in ways that respects nature. Florida is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I think it's worth protecting. I fully support algae and waste based ethanol production.
Economy: I believe in the old saying less is more. I think we have to decrease the taxes we pay and decrease the amount the state spends and regulates, so we increase economic growth and increase job creation.
Guns: I am not a gun owner or an NRA member, but I support your absolute right to bear arms. We live in a scary time and everyone has the right to protect themselves.
Crime: I believe that those who break the law should pay for their crimes and should be made into examples. I firmly support the death penalty and believe we should introduce the firing squad as an option for execution; those kill others forfeit their right to life. I also firmly believe that organizations such as NAMBLA should be considered criminal organizations, and whose members should be prosecuted and jailed.
Education: I fully support reform of our educational system. I strongly oppose the FCAT and am in favor of a preparing students for the real world. I believe education should be the largest chunk of our state's budget and will fight for that. I also strongly support charter schools and homeschooling.
Health-care: I believe we should help those who cannot afford health insurance. Doctors and patients need to control health-care, not government bureaucrats.

That is what I believe in a nut shell.

Keep the Faith,

Joseph

I am running

2009-02-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today, I announce my intention to run for State Representative, district 60. I feel we the tax-payers need someone who will fight for a better future. From 2004 to 2008, I served in the US Navy where I went to the Persian Gulf 3 times; each time off the coast of Iraq. I defended my country against terrorists, now I wish to defend my country from the forces of big government. Right now, our government is addicted to spending; I pledge to fight this addiction. I want government to spend less of our tax dollars and I want our government to lower our taxes. Our economy needs tax relief. If you allow people to keep more of THEIR money and spend it how THEY chose, our economy will improve. Government does not know how to run the economy; North Korea, Belarus, and the former Soviet Union have more then proved this. If elected I promise:

To fight deficit spending
To fight government pork
To fight for lower taxes
To fight for less government
To fight for the tax-payers

Keep the Faith,

Joseph Wendt