‘Network’ Revisited

By Dale Glading | The Save Jersey Blog

One of the most famous scenes in cinematic history is the one where an enraged anchorman, portrayed by Peter Finch, leans out of an office window and shouts the words, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore.”

Well, I think it may be time for each of us to grab some popcorn and watch the movie “Network” again and this time, to actually put those words into practice.

I’m not suggesting that we all hang out of random windows and scream at the top of our lungs, although it may make us feel better in the short term.  After all, bottled-up stress is a real killer.

Instead, what I am advocating is that we start taking the necessary steps to stop the insanity that is taking place all around us.

Let’s start with foreign aid and work our way “back home.”

Can someone please tell me why we are sending $50 billion of American taxpayers’ dollars overseas each and every year – often to countries who don’t like us and openly criticize us – while we have a myriad of problems at home including a huge budget deficit and a $17 trillion federal debt?

According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, we send $2.3 billion to Afghanistan; $2.1 billion to Pakistan; and $1.7 billion to Iraq.  Egypt and Jordan combine for more than $2.2 billion; while four African nations (Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania) account for another $2.4 billion.

As former senate majority leader Everett Dirksen is attributed as saying, “[a] billion here and a billion there, and pretty soon we’re talking about real money.”

Yes, Israel tops the list at $3.1 billion, but their friendship and support is unwavering.  And as our lone true ally in the Middle East, I consider that money well spent.    

So here is my proposal – reduce U.S. foreign aid by 50% and double the amount we give to Israel.  Not only would that save almost $20 billion annually, but it would also send an unmistakable message to the world that we take care of our friends first and foremost.

My proposal for the United Nations is far less charitable: slash our U.N. funding by 90%.  I am tired of paying for other countries to send their representatives to New York to call us every name in the book.

And if they don’t like it, they can find someplace else to meet.

Which I doubt they will do, because the U.S. provides 22% of the United Nations’ annual budget, more than twice as much as the second largest contributing nation, Japan, at 10.8%.

So how come we don’t get five votes for every other nation’s one?

O.K., I promised you at least one domestic rant…

Why is the U.S. Army wasting a single nanosecond considering Pvt. Bradley Manning’s request for hormone replacement treatments?  The last time I looked, he is a traitor to our country.  And even if Pvt. Manning had served with valor, spending people’s hard-earned tax dollars so Bradley can become Chelsea is utter nonsense.

Time and space don’t allow me to elaborate on congressional perks and pensions, Common Core, and the illogic behind locking up non-violent offenders at a cost of $30,000 per year.

But let me end with a few simple questions…

What do the people of New Mexico think about Obamacare now that their health care premiums are predicted to increase by a whopping 130%?  Or those living in Vermont (97%); South Dakota (83%); and Connecticut (59%)?

Since when did bombing another country become anything other than an act of war requiring congressional authorization?

How come it is considered double-homicide for someone to kill a pregnant woman, but a woman can legally terminate the life of her own unborn child?

Just asking…

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