Liberal Dave..

The nickname sounds like a pejorative; it is most certainly not. It refers to a very good friend with whom I work. He's liberal; I am conservative; that's it.

Dave and I do not have violent arguments about politics. We have known each other since August 2006 (which is to say that's how long I have been working at my current gig) and he never rubbed my nose in any perceived problems with George W. Bush. He was always cordial, civil, and possessed a marvelous sense of humor.

Still does.

Similarly, I knew Dave desperately wanted Obama to beat Hillary and was delighted when that -- ahem -- person was inaugurated. I also know that he is very disappointed in the current POTUS's performance. (Or lack of same.) Still in all, I am courteous, polite, and have only occasional fun at Dave's expense.

We both enjoy each other's company and professional relationship far too much to let politics interfere.

So, imagine my surprise when I get the e-mail below from Dave; a sentiment about one thing he believes is wrong with our government. Speaking with him, I get the impression he truly wants this amendment to come to be.

I joked about him showing up at the Santa Ana Civic Center on 15 April for the 2nd anniversary of the Tea Party get-togethers and he responded, "I just might."

So here's why Dave's so mad and here's what he wants us to do. It's made the rounds before, but coming from Dave to me it has special meaning:

No one has been able to explain to me why young men and women serve in the U.S. Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only get 50% of their pay. While politicians hold their political positions in the safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and receive full pay retirement after serving one term. It just does not make any sense.

Monday on Fox news they learned that the staffers of Congress family members are exempt from having to pay back student loans. This will get national attention if other news networks will broadcast it. When you add this to the below, just where will all of it stop?

35 States file lawsuit against the Federal Government

Governors of 35 states have filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention.

This will take less than thirty seconds to read. If you agree, please pass it on.

This is an idea that we should address.

For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform... in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop.

If each person that receives this will forward it on to 20 people, in three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message.. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."

..you all are among my 20. Let's get this thing done for Dave.

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