Letter to Jason Chaffetz

Sir,
I watched with some distress last night the announcement that you will not challenge Orrin Hatch for his Senate seat.
I heard that your decision not to do so was for reasons that I personally can not understand.
It seems that your decision not to challenge him is purely economical. I do understand this to a point. I personally do not agree with your decision though.
I am sure that you do not know that I am in the process of trying to get on the Western states General Ballot for the position of President of the United States.
I am not politically connected, wealthy, or someone of the elitist self entitled sort that seems to reach this lofty position in the country.
I am just an ordinary citizen, that meets all the Constitutionally required conditions and feels that I can make a difference in Washington.
I do not understand sir, how you go from wanting to be a person with exceptional ideals, goals and aspriations, to belittling yourself and only thinking it is about money.
I do understand that the electoral process and the marketing that it takes to reach the people is very expensive, but you must not lose sight of your ideals and goals.
If I were to go by your statement last evening that it was purely about the money that it costs to run I certainly would not have any aspiration to pursue this goal I have.
I understand sir, that my goal is lofty, but not unattainable. I feel that I, as a regular individual, have something to offer the American public that has been sorely lacking in the political arena for some time now. I will not back down, I will not surrender, I will prevail even in the face of certain defeat.
There are opportunities that only infrequently present themselves to us in this journey of life, and the choice to take a chance or not is purely individual.
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss things if you are available sometime in the near future.
I work for a large construction contractor and usually at this time, have fridays free.
If it is possible I would like to meet with you to discuss this matter and others further.
Do not dismiss this opportunity, the failure to excell is only a matter of choice and circumstance.
Failure is difficult, even more so when the opponent is yourself.
Thank you for your time,
Barte P. Hess
Candidate for President of the United States
and ordinary citizen.

Friendly dialogue and an RV

Listening to President Obama trying to justify the remarks of Vice President Biden when he called the tea party members, terrorists, was really funny.
I did notice that he really didn't say that Biden said it, he just tried to justify the context. How do you justify that sort of remark. You make that sort of remark in an airport and you will definately miss your flight. You will be locked up faster than an old lady driving to bingo.
I don't have anything against old ladies and bingo, but I do have an issue with all the rhetoric and hostility from our country leadership. How are we supposed to respect this bunch of children? They really do act like little children. Maybe it is time for them to get a spanking, or maybe just the modern way of a "time out", hell, I don't know.
I get tired of listening to it, and see it every night on the news. I for one have had enough. It is about time for these people to learn that they need to act like adults and just get to work doing the business of the country. They were selected and sent there by their respective states and townships with the expectation that they could do something. Yeah, all they are doing right now is acting like stupid spoiled children.
They get entitlements and benefits for their public service, and still act like someone is trying to take their toys away.
I agree with Warren Buffett about his thinking that the ultra wealthy need to pay a proportional percentage just like the rest of us. This theory of the "trickle down economics" hasn't trickled down to me......
Now onto the new Obama super bus!
What a piece of work. I understand the secret service wants to protect him and they need to get him around, but, who commissioned these things? We are in the midst of the worst economic crisis in modern history and we can spend over a million dollars each for a couple of tour buses? How much does it cost for a "few good men" to protect Obama? I think less than a million dollars.
This is more of the same irresponsible spending that this administration has done since day one. I see the world looking at us like fools for the oversized diesel hungry behemoth that he took to the G6 summit and got stuck in Ireland, now this crap.
I would love to just use my hot rods for transportation and maybe the secret service would have to just keep an eye out for me like they used to do for past Presidents.
I guess I don't have to worry though, I have no intention of getting my butt shot off and I think the public would actually like me, (well, not every one, but more than him).
I remember that Kennedy took his inaugural procession in a convertible, and I would do the same. I do know though, that the secret service would have a cow, but they need to just do their jobs. Sometimes you need to take the high road and stand for the average citizen.You can still have some sort of interaction with the people and it is about time for someone to be an approachable, middle class, sensible President.
I AM THE GUY!!!

Political roadblocks

Watching the tv coverage from the budget non-progress and I see one very pertinent thing, Probably the same thing that everyone else sees.
Politicians only are in the office to take care of themselves and their own special interest groups and perks.
I firmly believe in term limits for ALL political offices. This would foster a new crop of ideas, and independant thinking every few years.
I just noticed a poll that says that 63 percent of Americans have decided that it is time for a change in the current crop of political boneheads running things into the ground around here.
Think about this for a minute. There are some old school guys out there, that say changing representatives and senators every few years would disrupt the political process and make it harder to get things done. Well, how is that working right now with the current crop of lifetime politicians?
I think these same guys are the ones that are afraid that if we get some new ideas in there and they actually know how to think, that their cushy little side deals will go out the window and they actually might have to accomplish something.
I say it is about time to set term limits on these career guys. We need to change the thought process in Washington and if it takes throwing all the bums out, then lets do it.
If they had to have a benefits package that gave them benefits equal to years of service, and their healthcare plan that was similar to those offered by business or medicare, I can almost bet that they would step it up some when it comes to reform.
I saw an item the other day about secret political offices for senior senators. It was such a proud moment for Orrin Hatch to get the coveted office of former senior Senator Edward Kennedy.
Wow, great to have been a career politician as mister Hatch has, but, a little too much on the celebratory side all over an office space.
I know they have to have a place to reflect and study the reports and bills before them, but, a totally seperate secret office space?
Lots of corporate people do this by taking their work home, or working on it outside of the office without having to have a seperate second office paid for.
Look, this isn't all just about second offices. It is really about career politicians that are afraid that if we set term limits it might upset the apple cart. So be it, we need to really change this set of roadblocks in Washington and make them remember how and why they got there, and why we allow them to stay.
Do something or get the hell out. I for one have had enough of political party garbage.

Unemployment

I have so much to be thankful for, even the basic thing such as having a job. I was just reading an article about the long term unemployed and it makes you shudder to hear the stories of these nearly forgotten Americans (at least by the politicians) that struggle every day with the need for financial security.
I have been affected by this as well, with my sweetie having a seasonal work schedule, but we have learned to adjust things for that consequence. I couldn't imagine both of us being out of work for 6 or 12 months, or years as some have been.
I hear these stories and I see the frustration and despair coming off of them in waves. They start to doubt their own given talents and abilities when this goes on for so long.
I can't totally blame this on the economy, or the government, but I can blame it on our own recent practices of becoming a consumer nation that does not produce that much here anymore.
We need to try to figure out how to regain the manufacturing industry here in America. This would really help not only the lack of employment opportunities for everyone, but reduce our foreign dependance on other imported goods.
Not that many years ago America was a manufacturing and resource giant. We have given that up for cheaper quailty goods and the corporate vision of cheap labor.
We need to regroup and bring back manufacturing and the jobs that come with it. We can do this if we decide we have had enough of cheaply toxic painted chinese toys.
Take our economy back along with our government.......

The numbers are in????

I just noticed that Iowa conducted a survey of voters to see whom they would support for the GOP nomination and it is still up in the air. It does look like Mitt and Michelle are duking it out for the eastern states and I do understand that I have a long way to go.
I did see a very important thing right at the end of the story. It states that most voters are still up in the air as to whom they might support for the Presidential election as the numbers are very early in the campaign. As Jeff Daniels character said in Dumb and Dumber, having a chance in a million, is "I still have a chance".
I am still gathering signatures and getting an article ready for SLUG Magazine. I should be having an article coming out soon in Salt Lake City Weekly.
Please check them out and give me any feedback you might have. I really do want to do the best I can for America and all Americans.

Only in America

I spent the weekend enjoying the freedoms that we have in this country. I went to 2 different car shows and attended the 15th Anniversary celebration at the local drag strip.
It is wonderful to see the patriotic celebration that accompanies these type of events.
There are so many countries that do not have the freedom to enjoy such an activity and it is certainly taken for granted by so many.
Freedom isn't free, is more than a slogan. We need to appreciate the freedoms we have here every day and really appreciate the sacrifices borne by those before us that have enabled us to do the things we do.
I never fail to be inspired when I hear the national anthem and see our flag raised over these events. It is our responsibility to be respectful and reverent when the colors are presented as well as to understand that America is the greatest nation on the globe.
Be happy to be an American, and always be proud.

Motivation and success

Yesterday, just as I was seriously starting to doubt my ability to succeed in this immense task, I suddenly recieved and email from Motivateus.com.
Funny how when you need something to spark you to do things and suddenly it is right under your nose.
I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful and supportive family and the other basic necessities of life, even in these very difficult times.
I needed a kick in the pants and suddenly there it was. I truly feel that this is the time for a totally different perspective in Washington. It is really time to "take it back", our country, from the political stonewalling and stagnation that strangles the American public and spirit.
It is truly about "attitude", whether you succeed or fail. I refuse to admit failure in this task.
The time is right, and the American spirit needs a real motivational chit chat.
Keep your heads up, and never quit. Failure is not an option, I think I heard that somewhere before. It makes sense.

The Pledge of Allegiance and being an American

There has been alot of controversy in the press lately about the Pledge of Allegiance and having the words "under God" in the refrain.
I personally don't see any sort of an issue there, it does not specify the particulars of the God, it could mean, the catholic version, protestant version, budda, or any other number of supreme entity you may choose.
There are those that use this little refrain to complain that there is no seperation of church and State and that as a Nation we are hypocritical, as we also have the word God on our currency.
Here in this country you have many choices, unlike many other nations on the globe. If you choose not to say the words "under God" , don't. I don't see how this equates into an epidemic of hypocrisy.
Our founding fathers did their collective best in setting up and structuring this world class democracy. They believed that there was a greater being at work in helping them accomplish this task. Not to say that they all believed in the same version of God, but the humility of understanding they were not all powerful kept them firmly on track and allowed them the open mindedness to achieve a leadership structure that has stood the tests of time and numerous conflicts and wars, both here on our shores and world wide.
Freedom of speech, freedom of expression, the freedom from oppression, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievences.
If you are an American you should be very proud, if not, you should want to be one and please accept our collective value system and join us as a Nation.

Wisdom from the past

So this morning I received an email from my boss and included was a video featuring Archie Bunker.
Some of you may remember him from the early 70's as a working class guy that lived in the suburbs. He was very opinionated and worked hard for a living. The reason the show was so popular was his version of what he perceived as the truth of the way of the world.
He was prejudicial, judgemental and actually a very grumpy sort of fellow, but his way of expression spoke directly to the situation in the country at the time.
I just noticed that the thoughts of that time have some real similarities to now. I understand that things are very difficult, but. as Americans we still have the power to make a difference.
Do so, do not just sit idly by and let things go to hell in a handbasket.
I started my campaign on the belief that we have all had enough of the shenanigans going on in the Government right now.
Stand up and be counted, I will do my best to help you all be heard.

Fathers Day

What else can I say today, except Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there. I do miss my dad sometimes. We did have alot of fun from time to time.
Nice to have kids, they tell you just how much difference you can make in the life of someone else.
I love my kids, and being a grandpa isn't such a bad thing either.........

I have a past, imagine that......

I almost forgot to tell all of you. I have a past, imagine that.
I had an interview yesterday with a writer from Salt Lake City Weekly. It didn't take him long to find out that I have a past that had some issues.
I used to drink, (there are so many of you that do not know this). My behaviour at the time (almost 22 years ago) that I used to behave badly.
I had run-in's with the court and had to pay some fines and spent some time in a courtroom.
I am not sure how he is going to approach this issue (as it shouldn't be an issue because of how long ago) but I thought it best I tell you all up front.
I would believe that my behaviour as a young man and an alcoholic will not change the way you all look at me now. I have been sober for nearly 22 years and that behaviour was something that I knew would come up eventually.
Many of you have no idea as to my past as you see me for how I am now. I do not forget for a minute how I used to be, but, as most of you know, I am quite different now as you can see.
There are those that will try to use my past against me and if there are those that can not look past the way I used to act and the way I conduct myself now, I will not hold it against you. I merely ask you to see what I do, see how I conduct myself and how I act toward my friends and family without the prejudices of my past.
It certainly is quite a different way of thinking when you see that I am not like all other politicians (I certainly am not a politician). They want to hide the past and try to portray themselves as angels who never had any sort of past issues. Look at the Clinton era, where he never inhaled.......ha, ha.....
I never said I was an angel, I never deny my past. I say that my past makes me human and I have learned much from my mistakes. Just ask my family.
Realize this truth, I am a human being that has used my life experiences to sculpt the person you see on a daily basis. I am not perfect, nor did I ever say I was.
Experience is necessary for the growth of all people. Life teaches you much everyday. It is what you do after you make those choices that define how you live the rest of your life.

It's just funny

It seems to me that it is just funny how sometimes the dregs suddenly come out of the woodwork. I understand that, while I may have an antiquated sense of values, I guess i just miss the boat when it comes to joining modern society.
I see how politicians act while in office and am appalled as to their conduct. Not all of them mind you, just a few.
We all need to remind them that they are there to take care of all of us and our collective needs, not just their own special interests or line their pockets. While I appreciate the need to make money, I feel that they have a bigger job to do and with partisan politics, they are failing miserably.
I pursue this goal for election to remind them of that and to provide a neutral voice to encourage them to do so.
The time of party politics is coming to an end hopefully. It is time for the public to stand up and demand for them to do the job we have all selected them to do on our behalf.

What was he thinking?

Heard about Mitt Romney making light of the unemployment situation in the country? How could you not? Sounds like his comments just reinforce my assertion and position that the elitist and entitled still think they are better than the rest of us in America.
He makes a joke about how "he is unemployed too".
Wow, guess that just goes to show how far out of touch the current batch of candidates really are with those of us that live that way everyday.
Keep me in your sights, I am gathering the signatures necessary to get on the ballot. We really need representation that truly understands how middle class America lives everyday. This is not a joke, no matter what the other candidates say.
Keep on trying, leadership is only a vote away.

Presidential Campaign

Just found out that I can get federal funding for my campaign if I raise at least 5k in 20 states. Guess I may have to go on the road and meet you all!!! Looking forward to it, not the road trip, but meeting you all and getting a feel for what I can do to help you.

Just read something interesting

Trying to get the ball rolling and using the social media to convey my message.
I just was looking at the site of Rush Limbaugh, and found out that we both have the same view on the stonewalling and stagnation in the current political arena.
I have put this as my number one priority if elected. I want to get the House and Senate together and give them a little positive reinforcement and coaching.
They have all been selected by their respective states and jurisdictions to do a job. This does not include using the us versus them mentality that has become the way of things.
They need to see that there is a nation of people out there that depend on them doing their jobs and doing it in a effective and efficient manner.
Get it together ladies and gentlemen, stop the party fighting and stonewalling. Work for the people that elected you and not for your own selfish interests.