Congress may actually pass an economic stimulus bill this week, which is good news for the short-term needs of the country. There is no question the economy is tottering, and could easily tip over from recession to depression, so a bill that focuses on saving jobs and creating jobs is desperately needed. The good news is that the bill will definitely help achieve some of those aims. The bad news is that it will lay a crushing debt burden on taxpayers for the future, which can only be addressed if government becomes far more efficient in the use of tax dollars than it has in the past. That could very well force, down the road, what many of us have wanted for years, a smaller, more efficient government. But somehow, that doesn't seem likely. Because Congress hasn't figured out that the model for government is, and should be, changing. And the best example is the stimulus package. Despite billions of dollars in cuts, it still contains way too much pork. And some of the cuts (to make way for that pork) seem to make no sense, such as dropping $40 billion to help keep schools from having to fire teachers. That's counter-productive. The bill is supposed to save or create jobs, not leave them threatened. Both sides of the aisle bear the blame. The Democratic leadership rolled over on way too many pet projects among its members, losing sight of the long-term goal of the bill. And Republicans kept insisting on sticking to the same failed policies of the past, and playing the same old games where personal and party political power carried more weight than the needs of the nation. One GOP leader actually admitted his goal for the bill, and the amendments he introduced, were designed to divide the Democrats and make them look bad. So much for caring about the people of this country. Both parties should be ashamed. It is time for Congress to look up from its myopic and petty party power games, and its proclivity for pork, and look at the desperate state of the nation, focusing solely on programs that stand a good chance of meeting the goal of keeping people working. Making things work should be a bipartisan issue. This bill should be about America, not the Republican or Democratic parties. -- Kelly Everitt

Let the process begin

Posted Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at 9:25 AM

We're pleased to see the United States and the government of Saudi Arabia finally putting their signatures on the arms deal that will include establishing a Saudi training squadron in the United States.

They've trained troops in this country, on a temporary basis, for years, and exchange programs with American pilots have helped the two nations's militaries learn to work together.

The Saudis are a valued ally of the United States and a key partner in helping contain Iran's influence in the Mideast.

More importantly, at the local level, it means the process can now proceed to locate that training squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

There's always going to be a few islamaphobics out there who won't like that. But they're few and far between. The local community leaders are united in their belief this would be good for Mountain Home, good for the Air Force and good for the nation.

We agree. The extra personnel, and the additional construction that will be required for the squadron, will be welcome additions to the local economy, which is finally starting to move again.

More importantly, it will help strengthen the bond between our two nations, as each of us learns more about the other. That can only be a good thing.

We hope the National Environmental Policy Act process that is required before the squadron can be located here moves quickly and smoothly.

We're looking forward to adding some new neighbors.

Comments

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Gee Mr. Everitt, I wonder what side of the issue you lean toward......

-- Posted by Trouble2011 on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 2:08 PM
Is the "additional construction" you so naively mentioned to include a mosque? Then, once they have become firmly established in our community, how long do you predict it might take for them to demand sharia law? Call me an Islamophobe if you feel the need, but I live in a realistic world.

-- Posted by Idaho Al on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 2:24 PM
I see we are thanking the SAUDIES full force for supporting our efforts in IRAQ,KUWAIT AND AFGANISTAN....BUT of coures we discard those ALLIES who lay there BUTTS out there.(they do have air to air victory's over the Iraqe airforce) ...I know that doesnt count...... NEVER let it be said that we are not gratefull.SO when we go after Iran and need bases to operate from IT WILL BE ok IF THEY SAY NO.......SHARIA law is a non issue as is there RIGHT to worship as they see fit according to OUR laws. SO like everyone else they will be subject to OUR LAWS...WE dont have a law baring the KORAN, you want one talk to your congressman...that is part of a realistic world as is the fair treatment of ALLIES.

NO I DO NOT AGREE WITH KELLY'S TERMINOLOGY,BUT IS HE WRONG ??????????

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 4:39 PM
Kelly, I have to wonder, how many Muslims do you know? Or perhaps more specifically, how many Saudis do you know?

I'm fairly sure that from my previous posts you would be convinced that I belong in that group of folks that don't share your view and thus am branded in your terms an "islamaphobe". Now, having read the Koran (have you Kelly? You can borrow my copy if you'd like), I certainly have my concerns about various passages, but I'm sure that we could pick apart the books of many different religions and find things to be concerned about. The fact of the matter is that I've had the opportunity to interact with Muslims from a lot of different places. With four or five deployments to Turkey under my belt I can say that I had no issues with the Muslims there. I found that the folks in Kuwait, mostly a Muslim country, were tremendous. The folks in Qatar, overwhelmingly Muslim, were also first rate. The Egyptians, also being mostly Muslim, well that was about a 50/50 proposition on whether they could be trusted. But after spending a year training the Saudis (and with the state religion being Islam, yes, they were all Muslim) in their own country, I can tell you they are a completely different breed. They can only hide their contempt for us so long (and contempt is probably mild on how many of them feel). Yes there are some parts of Saudi where I have met some great folks, but most of those were in passing, those that I lived around and worked with for almost a full year eventually showed themselves to be less than friendly to us and our way of life. I'm not an Islamaphobe, as above, I've worked with some excellent Muslims over the years, but I am a person that has real world experience dealing with many of the same folks that could wind up here as part of this "deal" and I know that we want absolutely nothing to do with them.

-- Posted by Northside on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 5:37 PM
The EPA move quickly and smoothly? Why is there never a cliff around when I need one?

-- Posted by skeeter on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 6:02 PM
BOCKSHOT........I BELIEVE I STATED THAT I DID NOT AGREE WITH KELLY'S TERMINOLOGY.

Please do not attempt to tell me what I would raise heck about you do not know.I have made no attempt to say what you would say or not say....OK???????? should I take this to mean that when someone makes a subliminal racist remark that you will do the same or is that different?????

I SAW YOUR COMMENT FIRST AND I KNEW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WERE GETTING AT. I THOUGHT KELLY'S COMMENT WAS UNCALLED FOR AND INSULTING. WHY DIDNT YOU CONTINUE WITH KELLY WHY ARE YOU ATTEMPTING TO PICK A FIGHT WITH ME?????

TO bad others dont consider some comments made here in reference to other things as demeaning I do.I guess if you are not part of the in crowd your thoughts and feelings dont count.

Anyhow you have a problem with kelley please addresse it to him.I am not defending him and my post didnt either..........

NORTHSIDE....what you had to say this time was reasonable and on it;s face considered.Your previous posts on this subject turned me right off.Thankyou for some clarification

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 6:59 PM
Well, at least everyone knows now that 30 billion or so in arms sales, and the profits that go with it, means more to the feds than your wants or wishes.

This is what happens when you worship at the alter of the almighty profit.

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 9:17 PM
I'll add one more to the story: The next day a CEO comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you; I'm doing community service this week.' The CEO was pleased and left the shop. When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, he found his shop was bought by the CEO's company, his job was outsourced to India, and he was being sued for all he's worth, because the lawyers were bored. (And that illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the rich CEO's who own it.)

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 10:49 PM
Maybe the Saudi's could do what the U. S. Air Force did at least twice after the base re-opened in 1953....

Pay the enlisted folks with $2 Bills and head them towdard town.

-- Posted by wh67 on Wed, Jan 4, 2012, at 10:57 PM
Buckshot, I didn't say that, you have tried to put words in my mouth again, which is exactly what I would expect from you.

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 5:44 AM
I'm going to take it a step further Buckshot. The biggest problem this country faces today is the attitude that you and people like you hold. When a company tries to bribe an elected official there's no real harm done. Your words sir!

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 6:07 AM
BUCKSHOT ....you dont even know when someone agrees with you,,,,SO again you are attacking the person and not the comment otherwise there would be no reason for the comments directed at me.....

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 8:29 AM
ZOOK........you are late.The wording was changed.....No I still dont like the implications .I didnt like the patriot act either had and still has the same implications,so lets scream about both of them OK.

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 8:39 AM
Buckshot sounds like you can't take the heat lol!

You go after anyone or everyone who disagrees with your insight on the Republicans, wealthy Americans and Corporations.

There wouldn't of been much attention to Kelly's blog without your help!

Keep those zingers coming !

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 8:57 AM
Buckshot, I'm glad to know that you feel it's ok for you to offer a bribe if it suits your needs. Also, you may wish to read the Constitution as to the interstate commerce clause.

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 9:14 AM
Few and Far between huh? really don't look that way according to all the comments. Why would we want any one here who's religion calls for all infidels dead? And i am pretty sure they call us the infidels, right?

-- Posted by shockwave on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 11:55 AM
Good question, Zombie. For those not read up on the world's religious persecutions, note that Saudia Arabia is ranked third. (See: http://cnsnews.com/news/article/nine-top-ten-religious-persecutors-are-islamic-a... - and yes, we are all infidels.

I notice that the originator of this mess has not once come forth to defend his statements. Wonder why that is? Perhaps he's out rounding up all the "We's" to help reinforce his misled opinions.

-- Posted by Idaho Al on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 1:21 PM
ZOOK.......language changed before it was signed,however I still dont like it.THERE NOT PERFECT,it got caught that for me is what counts, but it does show intent and that bothers me.

I dont have a problem with health care, it needs to be for all AMERICANS.We WOULD RATHER HAVE PEOPLE DIE OR BECOME DESTITUTE WARDS OF THE STATE THAN HAVE A MANDATE MAKES NO SENSE TO ME.!!.BUT that's me.I think that the people that feel this way think it could never happen to them.PART of the problem is that poverty has taken on a face of colour.If POVERTY WAS SHOWN FOR WHAT IT IS A RAINBOW I THINK PEOPLE WOULD BE MORE RECEPTIVE TO IT.......My thoughts.

DOESNT cost you anything to sell your house ZOOK you get a one time freebe your of age(SMILE)

NOW LETS SEE.......HE IS SOPPOSED TO SIT AT HIS DESK 24/7.....RIGHT???????? Nobody else has,is/whatever, so why him anymore or less than the next GUY.????????? IS CONGRESS IN SESSION, IS THE SENATE IN SESSION??????? GIVE ME A BREAK.

ZOMBIE.....READ THE BIBLE

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 1:22 PM
FUBAR...they are guests of the US government,subject to our laws.The amount of airman here are dependent upoun the assigned mission of the base,it is that simple.As someone who has been here awhile I have seen it up and down based on that criteria.LETS just say we have a base there are some places that lost theres and with it went a lot of things to include housing sales,rentals and all associated business.

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 3:30 PM
Uh-oh Roy, I remember "someone else" stopped reading your blogs also.

On a side note, Watch out folks, there's a modern day minuteman out there continually throwing innuendoes of his impending apocalypse (for all the marbles, dontcha know).

Subtlety has a new identity; it has become meshed with quasi-overtness.

-- Posted by MrMister on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 7:39 PM
Buckshot, in your words, everything is on the table when it comes to cuts. 45 billion out of almost 1 trillion isn't that severe. To say that there is no harm done when a bribe is offered would seem to imply a distinct lack of morals or ethics. If you seriously believe there will ever really be a major boots on the ground war again, I think we have learned our lesson in Iraq and Afghanistan. I know we didn't in Vietnam because we ended up these 2 other actions.

-- Posted by royincaldwell on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 7:49 PM
Buckshot you never let me down. You keep this blog lively Thank you for the entertainment........ now where's the popcorn?

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 8:36 PM
1- Base closures come through BRAC

2- The military is returning to a size about the size it was right after the start of IRAQ.Unless we are planning ANOTHER war THAT WOULD BE THE RIGHT MOVE.......I FEEL THAT ANYONE WHO WANTS ANOTHER WAR RIGHT NOW SHOULD GO AND VOLUNTEER THEY COULD USE YOU.THE REMOVAL OF BUILD UP FORCES IS NEEDED.THE ENTIRE PROPOSAL IS ON LINE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO READ IT.

3- AS A PERSON WHO HAS HIRED AND FIRED AND STILL DOES,I TAKE NO PLEASURE IN LAUDING THAT OVER ANYONE AS AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OR PUT DOWN IT CERTAINLY IS NOT A RESPECTFULL THING TO DO......BUT THAT'S MY OPINION....AND I DONT GET A LOT OF RESPECT BUT I AM NOT MOVING.

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Jan 5, 2012, at 8:40 PM
SPEAKING OF SUBLIMINAL INSULTS.....NEWT AND SANTORUM....NOW THAT IS A PAIR

-- Posted by lamont on Sat, Jan 7, 2012, at 11:49 AM
Some here claim that we need to give Kelly a "pass" for not defending his commentary. I'm not one of those people. Kelly has his own little version of the bully pulpit going on here, and claims to be speaking for some vast majority since those of us against this (islamophobes, in his words) are few and far between. Does he have some sort of data to back any of this up? Most folks that post here are held to provide some kind of justification for what they say, yet the editor, speaking for some claimed vast majority is not. I'm calling a foul. What I read is the standard talking points, which ignore a very large portion of the real story. I also see reference to our "community leaders", who are united in supporting this. I would imagine they are, since the politicos already have their marching orders on this one, and I'm sure many of the local business types are foaming at the mouth thinking about how much money they'll make (for at least the short term, as they fail to understand the possible fallout from this deal).

As for the Saudis being our "allies", we have much better friends in that part of the world. Once the threat of Iraq was gone they wasted little time showing us the door. We haven't had any combat troops stationed in that country since the end of 2003. Our primary presence right now is probably our military training mission, continuing to provide active duty folks to train them on US weapons systems. Many of these activities were originally supposed to last only a few years, just to get the Saudis on their feet operationally. Instead they've been going on for decades. The Saudis have had F-15s since the early 80s, and and got their first F-15S models in the mid 90s, yet a large portion of their claim to want a base here in the US is so that they can better train their maintainers to do more of their own work. If they haven't been able to figure out how to train their maintainers over the last fifteen plus years with the S model, combined with over thirty years with their C models, do you think coming here is going to fix it? Or do you think they may have some other reasons? It's certainly not airspace. As good as our airspace complex is here at Mt Home it pales in comparison to what they have at their disposal back home. Weather? Yes, we have great weather most of the year, but don't you think the skies over Saudi are generally just as clear. So, what is the real reason behind this?

We should take to heart their old adage: Don't let the camel stick his nose in the tent, because the next thing you know, his whole body will be inside the tent, and there will be no room for you.

-- Posted by Northside on Sun, Jan 8, 2012, at 12:21 PM
Enjoyed reading many comments. Northside, Mike, Buckshot.... kudos!

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Mon, Jan 9, 2012, at 8:28 AM
Thanks Buckshot...I appreciate that.

I don't get alot of comments, and I just assume it's cause their is nothing to take issue with, as you say.

I prefer to see life my way. But I'm awatchin'!

Common Sence sure seems sparce

Thanks again

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Mon, Jan 9, 2012, at 7:45 PM
Yes, let's HOPE so.... and pray a bit...

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Tue, Jan 10, 2012, at 10:33 AM
I wouldn't say Hillary is a "fashion gimmick" HA !

I'm reading a book that Barbara Walters wrote, there is so much in there, she tells everything, and you know she has been interviewing people forever. Here's what she said about Hillary "she is quite small on top, but rather large in the hips" She said that because she had an interview with Hillary and thats the first time she seen her wearing pants.

She also talks about Nixon and one of his speech writers gave the news media a name

"nattering nabobs of negativism" lol!

When I'm done reading it, I will gladly loan it out...

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Tue, Jan 10, 2012, at 11:23 AM
WE have a choice we can go by our constitution or we can amend it.I have a problem with the ruling and would not have won a bet if I HAD BET.hOW EVER THE INTERPRETATION OF THE JUDGES CAN BE QUESTIONED AND JUST LIKE THE SUPREME COURT HAS BROKE PRECEDENSE BEFORE THEY CAN AGAIN.This will wind up in there lap were it should be.In the mean time and injunction will stop it all until then.And that will mean NO SHARIA LAW.IT is simple for me OUR COUNTRY OUR LAWS,NO RELIGION PERIOD SHOULD BE ABLE TO PRE OP OUR LAWS AND THAT INCLUDES CHRISTIANITY.

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jan 11, 2012, at 2:37 PM
WE ARE ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE ISSUE.......WILL WONDERS NEVER CEASE.......HA!!!!!!!!

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jan 11, 2012, at 8:21 PM

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