Folkens 4 Congress

New Site for the Blog

2010-05-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

To help consolidate the campaign, there is now a blog on my new website -- www.folkens4congress.com. Please visit the site to see not only my latest blogs, but any new information about the campaign. I will leave this site up so interested people can still access my older blogs.

Folkens vs. Baca -- The Battle Begins

2010-04-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well it has been some time since my last post, and those 4 months have been very intense! But things are finally getting back to "insane" and it is time to hit some new blogs. This last Tuesday, the local paper published my Letter to the Editor (but it dropped off their website so I can't just do the link). And then yesterday, Congressman Baca published a rather large response to my letter -- mentioning me by name several times. I can't be that the powerful head of the Baca dynasty is starting to get worried? I know this will be rather long, but here is my letter and the Congressman's response. You decide who sounds more honest.

"Fuzzy Math?"

In an article published April 13 and again on April 14, Congressman Joe Baca applauds the recent Democratic takeover of America's health system and student loan process for saving #1.3 trillion over the next 20 years -- which amounts to $65 billion per year.

I would be interested in seeing where these savings come from. Since it appears that no one even knows all of the details of the bill, I would like to know how he can know how much it will save us.

Can the savings come from hiring thousands of new IRS agents to enforce the health care takeover? Or maybe it will come from cutting out medical benefits currently provided to the members of our senior citizen community?

Can Mr. Baca cite any examples when a government entitlement program came even close to costing what Congress has guessed it would cost -- Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, War on Poverty? So why should we believe that the promised made by this current Congress or president in regards to health care will "save" us money by giving it away?

And with regard to the takeover of the student loan system, we can only assume that it will be handled with the same government efficiency that Gave us Fannie Mae and Freddi Mac! I hope the congressman will make sure that Sen. Chris Dodd and Rep. Barney Frank will ensure transparency and competency in this new government-run loan racket.

For those who spend all of those hours with the chairman of the Congressional Golf Caucus, you might want to check his score card to make sure he doesn't use government math to keep score.

Scott Folkens

"Health care reform will save money" by Congressman Joe Baca

I write in response to the letter "Fuzzy Math," April 20. The writer of the letter, Mr. Scott Folkens, seems to discredit the assertion made by the nonpartisan Congressional Budge Office that health reform lowers our national deficit by $1/3 trillion over the next 20 years.

I urge Mr. Folkens to actually study the health reform legislation instead of simply repeating sound bites he hears from the right-wing media and the GOP leader of the Party of No here in Washington.

Let me make the math quite simple for Mr. Folkens. Americans spend nearly $2.5 trillion every year on health care costs. Health reform saves money by reducing fraud, abuse and waste in our medical system, by holding insurance companies accountable to end their price-gouging practices, and by focusing on prevention and wellness programs -- which reduce the need for more costly treatments of health conditions later in life.

It also moves Medicare and other government medical reimbursements to a system of value-based payment, meaning providers will be rewarded for the value of the care they give, not the volume of care.

A prime example of cost savings can be seen in the Medicare Advantage program, one of the most inefficient programs found in the entire government. Economist have estimated that for every tax dollar currently spend on Medicare Advantage, 14 percent is passed on to seniors while 86 percent goes straight to the profits of insurance companies. Health reform reduces this improper use of taxpayer money, and instead improves Medicare benefits for all seniors by: 1) giving a #250 one-time credit to all seniors affected by the "doughnut hole" this year, and eventually closing the "doughnut hole" completely so seniors can afford the prescription drugs they need; 2) providing free annual wellness exams and preventive tests to all Medicare recipients, and 3) protecting Medicare solvency for the next decade.

In regard to the so-called "government takeover: of the student loan system, the vast majority of colleges and universities in California have already switched over to the Direct Loan Programs, which this bill makes the new law of the land.

I encourage Mr. Folkens to contact our local universities, colleges, and community colleges and ask them their thought on the new student loan reform. Do they dislike the increase in Pell Grants this bill provides. Or the lowering of interest rates on student loans? Maybe they dislike the $500 million a year this bill invests in community colleges across the country? Or could it be the $3 billion that will be invested in minority-serving institutions like Hispanic-serving institutes and historically black colleges and universities?

No, the truth is that local colleges and universities are ecstatic with this student loan reform. These changes are good for students and families struggling to afford a college education, and good for our colleges and university systems across the country.

As for Mr. Folkens and the Party of No, it's the same old rhetoric. Time and time again, when given the opportunity to stand with America's working families and fight for lower health and education costs, they say no.

I am proud to tell you that I said yes to legislation that provides health coverage to 32 million previously uninsured Americans; yes to legislation that ends the denial of care because of pre-existing conditions; yes to legislation that lowers student loan costs and sends more kids to college; and yes to legislation that, as much as some may try to mislead you, actually lowers the deficit by $1.3 trillion over the next 20 years.

Merry CHRISTmas!!

2009-12-24T10:27:00.001-08:00

I have come to realize that Facebook seems to have become my new "blog". So if you are reading this, I invite you to join me on Facebook. I hope that you and your loved ones have a very, Merry CHRISTmas!!

November 11th -- Veteran's Day and ...?

2009-11-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know if my FaceBook question was that hard or if people are just waiting to see the answer.

In the Name of God. Amen

It is frustrating that most Americans can not name the document that this quote comes from, much less what day it happened. (I will admit that I often forget the day because it falls on Veteran's Day). But the event is one of the most important in U.S. History. For those who wrongly think that America was not founded on Christian principles -- I suggest you read our important historical documents, starting with....

The Mayflower Compact!! November 11, 1620, the Pilgrims and most of the men on the Mayflower agreed that they would set up a "body politick" to govern them. This compact mentions God and godly goals several times. Better not let the activist judges know -- never mind -- most of them have no clue what our Founding Father's and documents said.

Hope you had a great Veteran's Day and a good Mayflower Compact Day.

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, thank a Veteran!!

God Bless!

Lessons from History?

2009-11-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

As a History teacher, I look for ways to tie history to present day situations. I often told students that if we don't understand where we came from we won't know where we are headed -- until it is too late! I find it interesting that the firs 10 days of November mark the anniversary of several important events in History. Events that if we are not careful can be repeated! Remember that history often repeats itself and unfortunately we don't seem to want to learn from history.

November 1938 -- The Nazis of Hitler's Germany launched Kristal Nacht -- an attack against the Jews of Germany which foreshadowed the coming Holocaust.

November 1979 -- The radical Muslim followers of the Ayatollah storm the American Embassy in Tehran and take American hostages, holding them hostage for 444 days.

November 1989 -- The Berlin Wall falls!! (On the 51st anniversary of Kristal Nacht)

Now for the history lesson. In the first two instances, radical followers of a charismatic leader who plastered his face everywhere (television, posters, speeches, etc) and blamed all of the nation's problems on the country's previous leaders forced citizens to obey the new "Order" or else suffer the consequences. And the fact that so-called leaders offered appeasement and apologies instead of determined leadership lead to major problems for America and the World. Anyone remember -- "We have peace in our time!"

The final situation which ended years of brutal oppression and allowed millions (eventually hundreds of millions) to experience freedom for the first time in their lives was only accomplished by a principled leader who stood his ground even when criticized by those who should have known better.

America is in need of a leader who will not cower, apologize, and appease!! We need a leader who will lead us and protect us -- not take away our freedoms and liberty!

Just some pictures for your 2nd Amendment Enjoyment

2009-10-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

Kool-Aid Drinkers of the World -- Unite!

2009-10-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week or so since I last left a blog, and there has been plenty to talk about.

#1 Can anyone explain to me what has happened to the so-called "Global Warming" disaster that was supposed to destroy the world? It appears that the only thing being destroyed are the lives of millions of poor people in 3rd World/Developing countries. The costs of "offsets" is wasting billions of dollars, destroying efficiency and productivity, and ruining the lives of untold millions. Even the BBC (not a bastion of flaming conservatives) is questioning the legitimacy of the global warming hoax. I wonder if it is too late for the jokers at the Nobel Prize factory to take back Al Gore's "illustrious prize"? Speaking of the enlightened leftists at the Nobel Prize factory...

#2 Mr. Nobel must be turning over in his grave. How many bogus awards do they have to give out before someone figures out that the "committee" no longer is in touch with reality. It is sad to see such a distinguished program continue its slide into irrelevancy. For those die-hard kool-aid drinkers, please attempt to explain the "Anointed One's" recent award.

#3 The Governator lied (again and again) and the strength of the California family and children has once again been attacked. A school holiday for Harvey Milk!!! Please, I don't even think Kool-Aid drinkers can come up with any justification for this one.

#4 Speaking of Gays and the Anointed One -- Mr. Obama gave a speech to the largest homosexual activist organization in America and promised that he would end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in our military. Once again, a "commander-in-chief" with ZERO military experience and ZERO respect for our military is attempting to destroy our military. Added to his removal of a defensive missile system (it is only offensive to those who hope to launch missiles at innocent people) and his refusal to honor the request of his top General and send more troops to Afghanistan, how long until he gets to show us how he will handle an attack on American soil.

#5 Speaking of Afghanistan -- who would have thought I would ever say this?! Thank you Senator Dianne Feinstein!! It has been reported that she is asking for more troops in Afghanistan. I believe this is only the second time in history that I have agreed with/thanked the Senator. But I firmly believe that thanks are in order for this!

I realize this has been long, but so much has happened recently. I urge you to visit my web site at http://www.folkens4congress.com/ to see how you can help my campaign with only $10 or how you can sign up for my upcoming newsletters.

Fore!!!

2009-10-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Our nation is fighting two wars, the Iranians are launching missiles and building nuclear plants, unemployment in America is higher than it has been in decades, people are losing their homes and life savings and what does our Congressman do?? He works the halls of Congress in order to pass a bill awarding Arnold Palmer the Congressional Gold Medal!! Don’t get me wrong, I believe that Palmer is one of the greatest golfers in American history and has done wonderful things for the American people. But I don’t believe we pay “Working Joe” $170,000+ a year plus benefits to honor golfers.

That is the job of ESPN – not Congress and the President! But what can we expect from a man who has one of the best golf handicaps in Congress and is the proud chair of the Congressional Golf Caucus. It is time to send the message that we want a Congressman, not a golfer to represent us in Congress. Help me give Joe the boot in 2010 – then he will have plenty of time to work on his golf swing!! Visit my website at www.folkens4congress.com to see how you can help me send Joe and his golf clubs back to Rialto.

I agreed with Obama ... for about an hour!

2009-09-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

This morning as I read the newspaper headlines, I thought I might have finally found an issue on which I could agree with the President!! But after about an hour of thinking about it, I realized that once again, that even though he said something that I might agree with in principle, I would have trouble seeing it applied to our country.

So what was the statement? The President suggested that we need to lengthen the time that students are in school in an effort to help us catch-up with the rest of the industrialized world in education. I have thought about that issue in the past and I might agree that it would be a good idea IF the students were actually being taught lessons which would help them become better American citizens. Looking briefly at some recent news, do we really want our students to spend more time in their public school classrooms?

On the East coast that would give them more time to learn how to sing praises to President Obama! (NJ/NC) -- Imagine the backlash if that had happened under W's term.

Out on the Left coast students would have more time to learn about how wonderful Harvey Milk and his homosexual lifestyle were! (SB572) -- Imagine if the schools honored Ronald Reagan.

In Texas students would be able to study about all types of religious holidays -- except Christmas!! (Recent Texas textbook wants to delte Christmas -- but at the moment Texas isn't buying it!)

And from coast to coast, students would have more time to be warned to use condoms when engaging in homosexual acts (Obama's "safe school czar" Kevin Jennings)

Maybe the President and his Czars could suggest ways in which our children could learn to read and write (in English), learn math, and maybe even learn correct History. Then they could help us figure out ways to help students stay in school long enough to graduate.

But then that would mean they would actually have to develop some original thoughts!!

Bumpers Sticker of the Day and "Pop Quiz"!

2009-09-28T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is amazing. Read this and think about it and before you get to the very bottom where you can see who it is, make a guess WHO IT IS before you check the identification. It might surprise you.

I was born in one country, raised in another.

My father was born in another country.

I was not his only child. He fathered several children with numerous women.

I became very close to my mother, as my father showed no interest in me.

My mother died at an early age from cancer.

Later in life, questions arose over my real name.

My birth records were sketchy and no one was able to produce a legitimate, reliable birth certificate.

I grew up practicing one faith but converted to Christianity, as it was widely accepted in my country, but I practiced non-traditional beliefs and didn't follow Christianity, except in the public eye under scrutiny.

I worked and lived among lower-class people as a young adult, disguising myself as someone who really cared about them.

That was before I decided it was time to get serious about my life and I embarked on a new career.

I wrote a book about my struggles growing up. It was clear to those who read my memoirs that I had difficulties accepting that my father abandoned me as a child.

I became active in local politics in my 30's, then with help behind the scenes, I literally burst onto the scene as a candidate for national office in my 40s. They said I had a golden tongue and could talk anyone into anything. That reinforced my conceit.

I had a virtually non-existent resume, little work history, and no experience in leading a single organization. Yet I was a powerful speaker and citizens were drawn to me as though I were a magnet and they were small roofing tacks.

I drew incredibly large crowds during my public appearances. This bolstered my ego.

At first, my political campaign focused on my country's foreign policy. I was very critical of my country in the last war and seized every opportunity to bash my country.

But what launched my rise to national prominence were my views on the country's economy. I pretended to have a really good plan on how we could do better and every poor person would be fed and housed for free.

I knew which group was responsible for getting us into this mess. It was the free market, banks and corporations. I decided to start making citizens hate them and if they were envious of others who did well, the plan was clinched tight.

I was the surprise candidate because I emerged from outside the traditional path of politics and was able to gain widespread popular support.

I knew that, if I merely offered the people 'hope', together we could change our country and the world. So, I started to make my speeches sound like they were on behalf of the downtrodden, poor, ignorant to include "persecuted minorities". My true views were not widely known and I needed to keep them unknown, until after I became my nation's leader.

I had to carefully guard reality, as anybody could have easily found out what I really believed, if they had simply read my writings and examined those people I associated with. I'm glad they didn't.

Then I became the most powerful man in the world.

And the world learned the truth.

OK, now........... Who am I???

Actually, I want you to post your guess on my Facebook page. I'll give the answer and the source on Wednesday!!

Bumper Sticker(s) of the Day!

2009-09-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

I had a little extra time, so here is something to brighten your day!

Mainstream Media Meltdown?

2009-09-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

It appears that mainstream media (MSM) continues to suffer financial problems. Could it be that the average American who can afford to purchase/watch MSM (and who can read English) are tired of MSM's sloppy job of reporting the news and holding our elected officials accountable? If Americans are interested in cheerleaders for the Democrats or Pres. Obama, they can easily check out their websites.

And it is not just that MSM refuses to perform their traditional roles as watchdogs and gatekeepers as they give the Obama administration an almost "free ride", but they also continue to ignore or degrade anyone who disagrees with Obama's unprecedented power grab. Can you imagine the barrels of printers ink that would have been used if Bush had appointed 40+ czars who are only accountable to the President and who spewed the hatred and venom which many of the Obama czars are famous for? Or what if a "right-wing" group had been caught suggesting 10% of the corruption that ACORN is now accused of? Would MSM have given Bush the "free ride" they are giving Obama (who worked with, and paid for services from, ACORN.

And what about the complete lack of coverage for the 9/12 Tea Party protests? The streets and the Mall of D.C. were packed with people, but no coverage from MSM or the Administration. You can call this "prophecy", but I predict that when 50,000 Muslims gather in D.C. this Friday to pray to Allah, the will get more press (and more support from the White House" than hundreds of thousands of American Patriots received on 9/12. Where your heart is .....

And locally, the Sun Newspaper sees itself as a cheerleader for the Mayor instead of holding him to some real standards. For example, when his opponent does something (oppose Operation Phoenix) that he has consistently done for years (in and out of campaign season) it is labeled as "politicking". But when the Mayor decides to send out birthday cards to voters a couple of months before the election (when he hasn't done this before) there is no mention of it in either the editorial column, news columns, or Letters to the Editor (and yes, letters were submitted).

So it should really come as no surprise that most of the MSM is suffering (except Fox News and Conservative talk radio). And it should come as no surprise that the Obama Administration is talking about a "bailout" for MSM. Why not, he can use taxpayer dollars to fund his "free" press. Much like Germany in the 30's!

2009-09-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hey Mr. President -- The truth can hurt!! If you don't like being called a liar -- then stop the lies! Hey Democrats -- Why are yo so bent out of shape? You spent 8 years saying that President Bush "lied", but you always did it through the media and behind his back. At least Rep. Wilson said it in person!!

Who will set the Health Care Standards?

2009-09-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

While listening to much of this health care debate, something has dawned on me that no one appears to be addressing. If some form of government "run" health care legislation is passed, who will set the standards for various components of health care. For instance, most people say that the government will determine "how much/what type" of health care is good for you and your family. Much like the current auto insurance, there will be minimum levels of acceptable insurance. And if you don't want to carry that much, you will be fined by the government (much like receiving a ticket for not having appropriate car insurance).

But who will determine appropriate fitness levels for Americans? And who will determine if you don't measure up to these levels, what your "fine"will be (extra taxes, less health care, fewer options, etc.). This type of decision is very subjective and open to massive abuse. For instance, those that know me would not say that I am skinny, but I don't think any would label me as overly obese. Yet by many of the current height/weight standards published by various governmental/insurance groups, that is exactly what I am. Even though my cholesterol, blood pressure, pulse, sugars, etc, are fine, the so-called experts say I am unhealthy.

And last week the paper carried an article about the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. According to the article, a healthy 40-year-old should be able to 40 push ups, 65 "half sit-ups" in 1 minute, and run 1.5 miles in under 10 minutes!! (That is under a 7 minute mile.) By comparison, 20 year olds in the Air Force Para Rescue forces have an easier physical test!! Now I believe that I am in better shape than the majority of 40 year olds, but theses are pretty tough standards. Who will decide that if I can't measure up, then maybe I don't deserve to get medical treatment since I am "unfit".

We need to stop our government from taking even more of our freedoms and imposing some "Brave New World" requirements on us. For those pressuring us to adopt and expansion of government control in health care, can you please name me one government run program that has accomplished what it started out to do and came in close to on par with their projected expenses?

Happy Birthday from the Mayor!!

2009-09-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

Mayor Morris,

Are you really stooping that low to send out birthday cards from you and your wife wishing voters a "Happy Birthday" with only 2 months left until the election? And you just started this? Who are you trying to fool? And it sure is a nice touch when the person lives in a ward where one of your "Gang of Four" is running for re-election -- "Councilman Dennis Baxter told me it was your birthday." What a crock!! You got the birthday info from the ROV -- just like any other candidate!! If you were really serious about buying votes with birthday cards, you should have included a birthday gift -- but not a bribe!

Baca's Taxpayer Funded Campaign Flier

2009-09-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Like most voters in the 43rd, I received my taxpayer funded campaign newsleter from Congressman Baca this week. It is interesting that during the month of August he couldn't find time to meet with his constituents, but he had time to spend our money to tell us all of the wonderful stuff he "did" for us.

But Mr. Baca, you try to credit the Obama/Democrat stimuls plan for getting money for the 215 freeway widening. Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't that project started well before the so-called stimulus bill was voted on? And where exactly are the 8,000 new jobs that were created on the 215 project. I drive that road almost every day and I haven't seen anywhere close to 8,000 NEW workers.

And where are the 52,000 new and saved jobs that you said would be a result of the "stimulus"? Last time I checked, unemployment has risen since the "stimulus" and in the Inland Empire it is now around 15%. With a little more "stimulus" from you guys, we might actually reach Depression Era unemployment!! Thanks for the help. It seems that about the only place that the Obama plan has stimulated is government jobs and Czars who hate America.

It is also interesting to note that under your "Pork" Spending section, that 42% (6 out of 14) of your pork projects were done in conjunction with other House Members. And of the $83+ million dollars of pork, over $70 million came with the help of these other house members. And $35,000,000 went towards textbooks and supplies that probably went all across the country and very little came to the 43rd. So you like to brag about "bringing home the money" and yet you seem to be able to bring home very little by yourself and about 1/2 of it didn't even come to our district. Thanks for the help in wasting our tax dollars!