JOE BIDEN TOOK AWAY MY RETIREMENT

President Biden’s Legacy to me will be:
“The man who took away my retirement”

In 2019, I finally retired. In 2024, I must go back to work. Don’t overcomplicate the word INFLATION. It is a vague, vanilla word. Think of inflation as a PAY CUT.

My wife and I are blessed to receive social security disability of roughly $4,000 monthly. In 2024, under Joe Biden, our combined pensions now total $2,800 in buying power. The numbers are simple. Where once I was able to put away a few hundred dollars per month in savings – we now live on $1,200 less per month factoring in inflation. We have cut back a lot, but things are tight, and we even go backwards some months.

I will be going back to work, or trying to make an “author and radio guy” living (a tall order these days). But either way, Joe Biden took away my retirement. I can’t be retired anymore. Money challenges are common with older folks – but at 65, I never thought it would be me going through a financial squeeze, and headed back to work.

In Biden’s near four years, the average American household has taken a $1,000 PAY CUT. During Trump’s four years, the average American household received a $6,000 annual PAY RAISE – 500 bucks more every month! $500 is a lot of money for families, or folks like me who are on fixed incomes.

Do not let any smarty-pants Talking Head or “Newscaster” tell you differently or try to mix you up. The numbers don’t lie. The economy, and the fiscal health of the United States, was better under Donald Trump. Consumer Confidence skyrocketed, look it up.

I joke to my worldly Democrat friends, who insist that life is better as long as Trump is not in the White House, that all I want is my $1.75 TRUMP GAS back. That’s it. And my grocery prices back down to where they were under Trump. 

Sure, I liked our Energy Independence, no new wars, a secure southern border, families having more money every month, peace in the Middle East – and the long list of Quantifiable Trump accomplishments and Historic Milestones during his term. Sure, I liked prison reform, where thousands of inmates accused of non-violent drug crimes were released. 

These and other trivial facts are irrelevant, according to haughty Democrats and the mainstream media. They mean nothing, because psychiatrically, these people are unable to give President Trump credit for ANYTHING. Or goodness, offer APOLOGIES to Trump for being RIGHT about so many things.

Can you even imagine?...

“President Trump, we apologize. We told the world that Hillary Clinton would have been President had you not colluded with Russia. We now know Hillary concocted it. We were just trying to take you down. We apologize.”

November 5th will be a day to remember in America’s young history. Either way. I believe the everyday voter – including record Democrats, Independents, women and minorities – will vote for Donald Trump. Even if they have to hold their noses and vote.

I think they liked their cheap gas and groceries too.

—------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2024 by Greg Meakin
gregmeakin2020@gmail.com

*Greg Meakin is a retired Seattle businessman now living in Arizona. He is an author and radio guy in his retirement. His website (including a full Bio) is gregmeakin.com, and his YouTube Channel is @GregMeakin.

DAVE MATHIESON 1959–2023

Why are The Good Guys taken so soon? My brother Bob, and now Dave Mathieson? Whether a Trusted Teammate, or a Feisty Foe – in hockey, football, or goodness, British Bulldog – my old friend Matty was one of the nicest human beings on the planet.

Just ask around.

There have been countless tributes, and many details of this sixty-four-year-old man’s wonderful life – online, on paper, and in-person. From 2,587 miles away, I will jot down just a few thoughts, and pen a story below, to add to the growing stack of love.

I am broken for Peter – Dave’s loving brother and courageous caregiver for the past few years – as well as the endless scroll of friends whose hearts he deeply touched during his lifetime. But, I do know that my old friend’s release from the awful bondage of earthly illness has become blissful peace, free of pain.

May Dave Mathieson have a continued presence of “Good” in our lives, way down here on earth. I believe, without doubt, his legacy of goodness will live on in the lives of those he touched.

Sadly, the “Weddings and Funerals” cliche is true, now more than ever, with how spread out families and friends have become. But that doesn’t mean we can’t return to the kitchen table, bring what we can, and share from the heart. No matter the miles, or even the kilometers!...we might be closer than we think.

In the Olden Days of Dorval, The Mathieson Rink was legendary. From 1964 to 1976, the ice was open for business on Brunet Avenue. In Montreal, everyone knows that life starts at the local rink. Quebec kids skated before they walked. Whether Dorval Arena, Westwood, Ballantyne, or the rest – indoors or out, in sickness and in health, the game of hockey ruled.

And Norm Mathieson, Dave’s awesome dad, built a true Hockey Heaven…in his backyard. The Mathieson Rink would not only host family and friends, our elementary school would have FIELD TRIPS there. Seriously? A backyard rink?

Kind of a little Rink of Dreams, perhaps?

I bring this up because this homefront setting – and this wonderful Mathieson family – clearly formed a great kid. A happy kid. A kid who loved his friends.

I lost touch with Dave, and most of my Montreal buddies, after leaving for the States in 1983. But in Dorval, losing touch just meant you weren’t on the ice together anymore. Dorval never left me. To this moment, my hometown sits comfortably in my mind and soul, with the warmest memories of Dorval Gardens, Dorval High, the arena, the community, the friends. 

I now realize, Dave Mathieson never left me, and is with me still. 


My mother and grandmother were teachers at Dorval Gardens, and both taught Dave. This elementary school, much like the local arena, was a microcosom of what I now describe in my writing and on radio, as a “1950s Handshake World”. My mum adored Dave Mathieson. “Polite, respectful, a great kid” – clearly one of her favorite students.

Matty – much like say, a Clint Eastwood or Jean Beliveau — was impossible to dislike.

Between hockey and football, I am guessing I played on dozens of teams with Dave Mathieson as my teammate, and dozens of teams where he was my opponent. Unlike today’s nasty and divisive political world, Montreal hockey players could punch each other in the nose on the ice…and go have a beer together after the game.

Matty was a beloved, loyal teammate…and a vicious little opponent. It was great. 

Reading the volumes of tributes, memories and accolades last week, the one thing I noticed has become the Elephant in the Room, at least in my author's mind. A great big Elephant.

Dave was small. I mean, a little little guy.

A few decades ago in Seattle, I had coffee with a Dorval High alum, and I casually asked how Matty was doing. Ralph said, “Greg, you won’t believe it. Dave Mathieson is like, over six feet tall”.

I thought I was going to puke up my Starbucks. “WHAT?!!!”

Somewhere between when I left Dorval, and having a quick coffee in Seattle, Dave Mathieson grew like, three feet. After witnessing this miracle myself – on Facebook and through a few friends – it all made sense. Total sense.

My friend Dave Mathieson was big. Really big. Even if it took 64½ years for me to realize it. 

A la prochaine, mon ami. A la prochaine.

See you on the ice.

Greg Meakin
Arizona City AZ
September 2023

A MATTY STORY

It was the Giants versus the Riders, Dorval Junior Football, circa 1970s. I played for the Giants, Dave Mathieson was a Rider. Being a small player, Dave was all technique – great technique, practiced technique. He would routinely go low on a big guy, and flip him on his ass, just like tossing a 250-pound pancake.

He did the same in hockey; a great skating defenceman with excellent technique, and a really punchy hip check. Believe me. 


In football, Matty wasn’t the fastest player, but he would make up for it by smashing your face in.

We played a night game at Ballantyne Park, the Giants’ home field, and we prepared all week for this tough team. I was a receiver that season, or as Canadians say, a Flanker. Our quarterback was Gerry Wayland. Smart quarterback, great arm.

Even though we were at home, we were the clear underdog. We had to do something different, something unexpected, to beat these guys. Pregame, we decided we were going to start out with a bang. Rarely in Canadian football back then – especially boring junior football – did teams pass the ball on first down, never mind to open a game. It was run, run, run on first down.

Anyhow, after winning the coin toss, and just before the first snap, I snuck out wide left. I mean wide, just like NFL receivers. I winked at Gerry. The Riders were completely unprepared, as we expected.

The only defensive back who saw what was happening was Dave Mathieson. I know he said in his mind, “Oh shit. Meakin is going wide”. 


I smiled at him, because he now knew what was coming. He didn’t smile back. 

Once I saw that Matty was covering me, I winked at Gerry again. Dave was a small player, an instigator, and very tough. I confess he was actually a tougher player than me, especially pound-for-pound. But I was faster, and he knew it. As the saying goes, I could see it in his eyes.

It was called a Fly Pattern. Go Long. When the ball finally came down from Gerry, I had torched Matty by five or ten yards, whatever, and we led the game 6-0. Just like that.

Even in Canadian football, it’s called a Touchdown. 

What I remember about that play is not what you might think. I remember Dave Mathieson. He is the guy who came out to cover me – not one of the others on defence. I was no JB Wiley – the best football player in the history of Dorval! – but I was fast, and Dave knew he was overmatched.

But he still came out to cover me. He didn’t point to someone else. And he did his best for his team. He got “beat bad”, but he did his best.

I don’t even remember who won the game. In those days it mattered, but it didn’t matter. We all just got together after the games, and went about small town life.

But I did remind him, more than once, that Gerry Wayland and I torched him that night.

And we’d laugh.

Greg Meakin
Arizona City, AZ
September 2023

Lisa (Scott's Lisa), Scott (Dave's oldest), Lilly (Dave's first grandchild, from Scott), Dave, Ricky (Dave's youngest) Kevin (Dave's daughter's husband), Lisa (Dave's daughter), Laurie's (Dave's wife and love of his life) and young Jack (Jackie Boy; from Lisa and Kevin)... gathered for a feast of lobster.

Family photo taken May 7, 2022 courtesy of Peter Mathieson

A la prochaine, mon ami. A la prochaine.

DAVE MATHIESON PHOTO MEMORIES

These priceless, timeless photos in this mini-slideshow are courtesy of Peter Mathieson

September 6, 2002 Ice Arena Groundbreaking

I penned this Letter to the Editor to newspapers and media in Bremerton WA, and to the Kitsap and Seattle regions…

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
September 6, 2022

Dear Editor –

September 6th is a cool, historic day in Bremerton and the entire Kitsap region. It is a milestone 20th Anniversary for the community. 

On September 6, 2002 ground was broken on the region’s first ice arena in over 50 years. It was the “First jewel in a crown of revitalization” according to then Mayor Cary Bozeman. Bozeman was spot on, as can be illustrated by peeking at the Bremerton Waterfront today. Wow. When the ice arena was launched twenty years ago, downtown Bremerton was just a virtual parking lot!

At the time, I guaranteed there would be an NHL franchise in Seattle. Many people laughed! But here we are – The Seattle Kraken World is the newest, hottest region for the Great Game of hockey in the entire country. And yes indeed, Bremerton led the way!

I encourage all residents of Bremerton and Kitsap County to patronize Bremerton Ice Center in Manette.

The original mission in 2002 was having a safe and fun gathering place for the kids and community, and access to ice sports for everyone, including those with special needs and financial hardship. There was endless time, treasure and sacrifice made twenty years ago to bring the ice arena dream to reality. There is much history online about this cool facility, and I am featuring some fun videos and highlights of the rink on my YouTube Channel. 

Whether a novice skater, experienced hockey player, or just to drop in and watch the fun, there is a program for everyone. The rink is located at 1950 Homer Jones and is on the web at bremertonice.com. Or, give the arena a call at 479-RINK.

Happy 20th Anniversary Bremerton! And have fun on the ice everyone!

It was built for you.

–GREG MEAKIN
Founder and original owner, 

Bremerton Ice Arena
(now Bremerton Ice Center)
*Proud 30-year Kitsap resident, now living in sunny Arizona!
GregMeakin.com
YouTube Channel, Greg Meakin
(360) 340-3172
gregmeakin2020@gmail.com

WHAT IS A REPUBLITARIAN?

By Greg Meakin

 

A Republitarian is a Libertarian who chooses to vote Republican in order to win elections. A Republitarian understands that in order to drive change for good…you must get elected into office first! Hello?


The margin of victory is so razor-thin today, a symbolic or protest vote for some fringe Party-de-Jour is not only a wasted vote – it can actually devastate the country and its citizens, as we are seeing today. 


Elections do matter, as so many have witnessed since January 2021, with the spiraling plummet of the country since a certain relic president took office. President Joseph Robinette Biden’s first year managing America was a screaming nosedive I have never seen in my sixty-three years. And the freefall continues right this minute, as I tap on my keyboard.

I honestly can’t believe what I am seeing.

 

I believe the majority of Republicans seated in leadership today are actually Republitarians. But let’s back up for a minute.

 

I first heard the term Republitarian in the 1990s by Larry Elder, a popular conservative pundit. I can’t say whether he coined the phrase, but he definitely mainstreamed it. I have followed Elder since the beginning, and really like him. I would have been giddy to see him defeat that idiot Marxist, Gavin Newsom, for Governor of California.

 

Libertarians have historically been viewed as a fringe third party, verging on quackery. They believe in shrinking the federal government to a fraction of its size, abolishing the IRS and bloated government agencies, decriminalizing most drugs, bringing American troops home from foreign countries, and a score of other Constitutional positions. They promote aggressive deregulation of the private sector, and a doctrine of personal responsibility vs. government bureaucracy and oppression. 


To me, Tea Party folks were Libertarians. The Freedom Convoy is a perfect example of pure libertarianism. 

 

As with most third parties, Libertarians have been unelectable at the national level. Mainstream voters simply can’t come to grips with dismantling the “safety-net” (perceived or otherwise) of traditional government. 

 

For those who remember, Ross Perot single-handedly changed the American political landscape in 1992, when his ideologically Libertarian platform wooed almost 20% of the electorate. Perot’s supporters were largely Republicans who were disgruntled with George H.W. Bush’s tax hikes, and big government approach to his presidency.

Bill Clinton would have never been a US President without Ross Perot splitting the Bush vote. Sorry, Bubba fans. 

 

As wacky as Perot appeared at times, in my view he did indeed usher in a new era of “Libertarian Thinking” and mainstreamed an elusive idea to regular Americans: Can we somehow get away from the Fat Cat two-party system, and choose something different for a change? Why are elections often the lesser-of-two-evils…rather than a passionate vote for a candidate and platform you actually believe in?

 

(Senator Ron Paul continued the Perot mantle of libertarianism into the new millenium, and also divided the Republican vote along the way. Dr. Paul’s son Rand carries the Libertarian Torch to this day).

 

But today, enter Republitarians center-stage...
Libertarian players, headed by Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Kevin McCarthy and so many others, have transformed the old-guard Republican Party from within. The November Midterms, and 2024 will show the world. There will be sweeping Republican victories in Congress, the Senate, and the White House. Write it down, and yes, including the Senate.

 

I believe Donald Trump was a Republitarian president. From the get-go of his candidacy, I identified (and published) many of Trump’s Libertarian traits and policies. Matter of fact, the more I analyzed, the more I believed Trump was more Libertarian than he was a traditional Republican. His one-term quantifiable accomplishments and historic milestones (sorry Dems, there were a bunch!) are trademark Libertarian. 

 

One of my favorite Trump Libertarian policies was immediate Prison Reform, where thousands of federal prisoners, guilty of drug charges and non-violent crimes, were released and mentored back into society. You might remember that era, with Kim Kardashian working closely with President Trump. (To this day, I applaud Ms. Kardashian for her efforts to free federal prisoners who had served more than enough time for their crimes).

 

My favorite Libertarian was the late Harry Browne, presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000 ( vs. Clinton and Bush Jr. respectively). My interest was largely due to his 1995 book, Why Government Doesn’t Work – which changed my view of politics and life at the time. Browne was unelectable of course, and garnered less than 1% of the popular vote.

 

I was so taken with Browne, his platform and his style, I published a 3,000-word essay during the leadup to 2016, Harry Browne for President…or the next best thing for an ailing country.

 

With my Libertarian bent, I was curious who would be the “most electable Libertarian” of the seventeen 2016 Republican candidates. In other words, Republitarian! In the essay, I asked (and concluded) who Harry Browne would likely vote for amongst the crowded field of squabbling Republican candidates. 


After publication, I received a wonderful letter from Pamela Browne, Harry’s widow. The letter is still posted on my website. Mrs. Browne would have indeed been the First Lady if her husband had won either election. In her letter, and further eChats, Pamela was coy about who Harry would vote for in 2016, but my conclusion (reading between the lines) is she agreed with me.

Indeed, candidate Donald Trump was the most electable Libertarian candidate in the field!


To purists and political wonks, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) is the most Libertarian of Libertarians in the Republican Party – much more than Trump. However, Dr. Paul was, and remains, completely unelectable in a presidential race, as evidenced by his early pullout in the Primary.

The purpose of this essay is to officially usher in a new phrase, and a new united platform – REPUBLITARIAN. When the Democrat Party loses the House, the Senate, and the White House, the mainstream media will be scrambling for excuses and explanations – and likely pointing fingers or blaming something for the lost elections. Maybe Russia again, perhaps?

Whatever, the last place losing Democrats look…is in the mirror.

But there will two main reasons the Democrats will lose all power in the next two years:

1. Under Joe Biden, they are a political grease fire, and the country is in shambles
2. Republitarians will unite and kick their butts

Take it to the bank…and the voting booth.

Americans are fed up.

—------------------------------------------------
Greg Meakin is a dual-citizen raised in Montreal and now living in Arizona City AZ. He just released his third book, Why I Came to America…and what I think now. The book, and Meakin’s work, are featured on his website, gregmeakin.com.

Bill Cosby Sparked This Firestorm

After watching the Bill Clinton Sexcapades back in the whoring '90s, I became a bit jaded. Not unaware or unconcerned, just deeply saddened, and frustrated. Especially for the victims, beginning with Juanita Broaddrick, who never received an ounce of respect, never mind justice.        

But in 2014, the curtain rose on a fresh American Tragedy, and the drama unfolded before our eyes. My jaw dropped from the first act of the new Bill Cosby Show Sans Laughs – and without the comedy albums and cool sweaters. I loved the man, but this changed everything in my eyes.

I now see Bill Cosby as an evil Bell-Hop, strolling us through the lobby of a new era. A gross place – the Violate Women At-Will HOTEL.

Mouthy Liberals Are Hypocrites With Their Own Money

I have a mouthy French-Canadian buddy who lectures me about the civic responsibility of paying high taxes in order to fund precious government programs. I do remember my days slinging real estate in 1980s Montreal, and the thrill of shelling out those happy 50% tax rates from my paycheque. It was great.

I couldn't believe the gouging taxes in Quebec, especially on ambitious, high earners. 

Now I just giggle to myself whenever I hear about the desperate need for higher taxes to fund any government, in any westernized country for that matter. 

SALLY

I have found that all nice companies have their Sally. Sally is the person who runs the company like a Swiss watch, greets customers, and keeps them loyal for life. Sally is the Go-To person who has all the answers – for customers, for vendors, for employees, and for anyone needing help right away. 

There is always a person running these companies, and it ain't the CEO. It's Sally.

Randy Travis and Country Western Hockey

Randy Travis performing in Kitsap County and possibly being at an ice arena? What gives with that?

To my knowledge, Randy Travis is not a hockey player. Rather, his incredible rise to fame since the late 1980s is apparently due to his talents as a country western singer, not by skating exploits on East Coast frozen ponds.

Why then, pray tell, does an ice arena have great interest in this national legend’s local concert? Heck, an outdoor concert in the middle of a blazing summer doesn’t even remotely sound like hockey or ice sports.

Hockey Mums and Nestle's Quik

It’s 5:30 Saturday morning. Outside, it’s pitch dark. A blistering Canadian winter awaits, scowling. Only a few courageous souls will venture out, only to be met by the ferocious wrath known as January in the northeast.

The temperature appears to be hovering right around five thousand degrees below zero. Being a dual citizen, it’s unclear to me whether it’s five thousand below Fahrenheit or Celsius. Whichever is coldest would be my guess.

Only cars with block heaters will even discuss starting-up this morning. Very large shovels will be essential to open negotiations leading to a peaceful settlement with the driveway.

Inside, it’s cozy in the tiny flat. A single lamp embraces the kitchen with a warm glow. A steaming bowl of Quaker Oats Cream of  Wheat invites the sleepy ten year-old to the table. With Nestlé’s Quik mixed in, no less. You know, the way only moms used to make cool stuff like that!

Humbled by a Hockey Hero

The other day I received a personal telephone call from Jean Béliveau.

Oh my goodness – JEAN BELIVEAU!

In the professional hockey world, Béliveau is a man Wayne Gretzky looks up to. We’re talking a BIG name here.

Mention the name Jean Béliveau to anyone remotely familiar with hockey – or anyone with a Canadian birth certificate – and the recognition will show immediately. It’s a certain “knowing” look in the eyes, a kind of formal glow of respect and admiration.

Of Hate and Lies and Other Happy Thoughts

Is it just me, or is there a lot of hate going on these days? Am I imagining it, or is the word lie being spoken today as frequently as other thoughtful three letter words, such as cat and dog?

Examples abound. Theory research can begin by simply skimming a local newspaper or eavesdropping on a heated conversation in the bagel joint down the street. And don’t even think about turning on a television or radio unless you want your notes to give you writer’s cramp.

The Secret Seven-Step Plan...That Guarantees a Republican White House in 2016

Many who declare themselves to be Out-Of-The-Box people completely freak if they get within inches of the edge, never mind crawling anywhere outside. In July 2014, I began analyzing the 2016 U.S. election, most notably the rule-breaking candidacy of Donald Trump.

Since the 1970s – and personally living under governments with such opposing political ideologies as Canada and the United States, and born a British Subject to-boot! – I have heard so many voters wishing their country would be run more like a business. You know, rather than the yawning, traditional bureaucracy, rabid partisan politics, screaming nepotism, and above-the-law cronyism.

However, the minute an out-of-the-box candidate emerges, everything hits the fan!

So much for regular voters misjudging their status-quo and comfort-zone tendencies. We're talking fear of change on steroids for the vocal Trump-haters out there! 

My fabulous daughter-in-law, Catherine, recently gave me a wonderful book, Team of Rivals, a fascinating work by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Caty knows I am a voracious reader, and thought I'd enjoy it. She was so right. 

Kearns Goodwin's 800+ page book is a modern-day epic of centuries past. I haven't even read it all yet. It's easily the most challengingly intellectual read I've tackled in a long time, and uncovers the deepest and most intricate details of the Civil War era, and colorful characters therein. The depth of Abraham Lincoln's thoughts and principles are unimaginable, and the book describes his outrageously contrarian management model of appointing key rivals – and outright political enemies – to his inner working circle of leadership. Lincoln's cabinet was way out-of-box by yesterday's standards.

And sadly, by today's, I fear. 

However, I do believe the stars are uniquely aligned at present. I do not know why, it is just a feeling. Aligned in a perfect way for a Team of Rivals to be possible in the United States – and other western countries whose populace might desire fundamental change from the past administration or two. Westernized countries like Canada, Britain, Australia and others are candidates for the Team of Rivals approach, as are sports teams, companies, and almost any activity where more than one person makes the rules! 

An indepth analysis of Team of Rivals President Model would describe the team as the ultimate, common sense Shadow Government – yet it operates in the sunlight of open-book, full disclosure activities. All towards a common goal. A team effort. 

In this election cycle, "the stars aligning" to me means:


1. A clear cut leader exists who is electable, and brand-proven (Trump)

2. A common cause mission is within reach (winning the White House back)

3. A state of chaos or controversy exists within the opposition (can you say, Hillary?)

4. A Perfect Storm of Change seems inevitable (polling suggests eight years of
Hope and Change would today be completely changed with the right nudge)


STEP ONE – Declare the 2016 Team Of Rivals

A Candidate is declared Team Leader and President of the United States In-Waiting. A clear cut pact – and the primary mission of the Team of Rivals – is to defeat any Democratic Candidate in the 2016 election. This goal is embraced by the entire team and implemented. The importance of the President position is that it provides a clear "buck stops here" role, yet with a mandate – as well as the ultimate authority and responsibility for all decisions. 

The Team of Rivals model is collaborative, yet authoritarian. After advice, the President makes his or her OWN decision of how to proceed, then moves forward via existing governing channels, and as mandated by the Constitution and rule of law. A sitting president must always remain independent to make decisions, with the authority to proceed, and ultimate responsibility.

The practical and fiscally responsible part of this Team of Rivals model, is that nothing changes in terms of the current political structure or rule of law within the United States. The Team advises the President, who assertively moves forward to Congress, or the Senate, or the Judiciary, for policy implementation or the proffering of proposals. The President, with the team fighting by his or her side, actively engages any opposition along the way, always in pursuit of "Targeted Results".

A Targeted Result, for example, could be eliminating the National Debt. Not reducing the debt – actually paying it down to zero. But that Libertarian conversation is for another day. Contrary to some perceptions, Libertarians are not obliged to exclude socio-economic programs, or health and welfare safety nets from federal responsibility. Other Targeted Results could even include zero-deductible, comprehensive healthcare for all citizens. There are barrels and barrels full of money in any westernized country. Expenditures should be up to the people, and simply delivered by elected officials. It is a formula that President Ronald Reagan would have surely embraced.  

In the brutal public arena of 2016, Donald Trump is easily the most recognizable and electable brand in the entire election, and would be a smart choice for Leader. Additional Republicans – or Democrats, Independents, and other Thirds for that matter – are selected to form the President's Team of Rivals Advisory Board. I envision the team being limited to seven members, in addition to the President. 

First blush? Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio, Carly Fiorina, Rand Paul, Chris Christie, or others could be considered. A team should continue to be revamped or renewed every cycle, and should always include foes on both sides of the aisle. In the hypothetical plan here, I believe Trump to be the businessman he boasts, and would be a perfect initial candidate. As a successful CEO, he has a a track record of effectively empowering his teams by creating leadership positions targeting specific areas. In charge of aggressive reform of government bureaucracy – from the ground up in most areas – he would turn loose his surrogates for positive streamlining and change. 

For example, Ben Carson might be put in charge of health care reform; Ted Cruz, immigration; Carly Fiorina, business development; Allen West, defeating ISIS – or myriad possibilities for other team members and roles. In any case, roles are created for effectiveness and targeting quantifiable results – rather than symbolism, nepotism, or quid-pro-quo tap dances. 


STEP TWO – Define Mission and POA (Plan of Action)

Many a company, and many a country for that matter, have folded due to lack of a defined mission, or not having a clear plan of action. Also, a team that cannot adjust immediately to adversity – such as halftime adjustments in the NFL – or cannot quickly pivot in order to excel or accommodate, is surely doomed in this blur-paced world. With the Team of Rivals, the mission is clear from day-one. Win the White House back from the Democrat Party, and go from there.

A smart POA, such as establishing super-majority, mutually friendly alliances across all party lines, will easily follow this positive brand and energy for change. The story will have legs. People will climb aboard the bandwagon, and catch the wave of reform, for sure. Love cliches.

Either way, this would be a nice change from continuing to dwell in the damp and negative cellar of today's partisan, underachieving, stuck-in-the-mud politics. 


STEP THREE – Pool Resources

Goodness, working together and cheerfully pooling resources. How quaint. Why is it impossible for so many powerful entities and powerful people to be unable or unwilling to band together more often? Especially in the United States. In this case, why couldn't the RNC establish a Presidential Election Fund, donate to the Trump campaign directly, or implement whichever funding mechanism is most effective and in compliance of election law? Then ALL Republican candidates go home to rally their own constituents and donors, energetically endorsing the chosen Republican Candidate, and committing ongoing 2016 General Election funding and human resources towards winning back the White House for Republicans. As a team against only one opponent. Powerful stuff. 


STEP FOUR -- Commit to operate government with 80/20, Big-Five approach

I believe that most of us agree on most things in life. 80%, just say. Things like our kids, our seniors, our health, our safety, and other common areas of life and love, we seem to agree. That means we disagree on 20% of stuff – in this case, things like abortion, marriage rights, gun laws, and other controversial (usually socio-political) issues.

In the case of the Republican Big-Five categories of focus for 2016 and beyond, I envision National Defense being one, Local Law Enforcement being another. Illegal Immigration another, for sure. Infrastructure, Healthcare Improvement, Defeating ISIS, are all possible Big-Five goals of which a federal government might establish.

Not to sound like a patriotic broken record here, but it's up to the Team, based on the desire of the American public, and using good old-fashioned wisdom and common sense.

Lest we make completely logical sense in our collective pursuits forward in life? 

Very importantly, the other 20% of categories are not, repeat not unimportant or ignored. Rather, they are delegated to the states or municipalities, where they belong. Even some Big-Five areas of focus can eventually be de-funded and relegated to the states or local governments. A core founding principal to this country was enabling and encouraging competition between the states, competing for respect and patronage. The ordinary citizen should be able to freely move to another state, or another town for that matter, in pursuit of the protected American Dream.

So many financially wasteful things can become state issues, tabled issues, or otherwise do not require federal time or resources. These 20-percenter issues or categories can vary from year to year, and are addressed at the pleasure of the applicable constituents. Simple. 


STEP FIVE – Launch Team Leader against Democrat Presidential Candidate

Speaks for itself. With unity of timing and message, open the floodgates of marketing and campaigning as a team. Of all seven steps, this is the noisiest. The exponential power of multiple rival groups banding together and launching into the marketplace with a unified message, ready to soundly defeat a single foe, is a stout concept indeed. So very powerful, especially in view of this nanu-second sound-byte Twitter age.

STEP SIX – Continue pragmatism, humility, and strong leadership

Hand-in-hand, with the President at the helm, the Team of Rivals continues its mission in a pragmatic fashion, making adjustments and improvements as it moves through its four-year term. Always staying humble and in touch with the average citizen, the team staunchly remains committed to Constitutional leadership on a daily basis. 

STEP SEVEN – Respect the American people by fulfilling checklist of campaign promises

To me, this is as crucial as any step. The gaping hole in the public's faith in government today (and bloating corporate interests for that matter) has to have evolved from more than one phenomenon. Indeed, we have all witnessed the fall-to-ruins of so many seemingly untouchable institutions and prominent people in recent years, not to mention the blatant corruption and incompetence of public and private leaders on a daily basis.

The endless and myriad scam and fiduciary mismanagement stories written within the history pages of the past few decades have been all-consuming to wonky and analytical types like me. I believe all western governments have failed their constituents for years – the private citizen they were elected to serve and protect – to the level of embarrassment. I really do. I guess I just can't believe how much money exists, but somehow we can't pay for the most needed and noble of services. Astonishing to me. 

The public cynicism in this country, and other civilized places where civil unrest is allowed and even encouraged, is not an anomaly. It seems to represent the vast majority of the younger generation today – the Gen Ms and soon to arrive Zs. And let's not ignore the older Gen Ys and Xs. It is imperative for the new President and the Team of Rivals to cross generational and ideological lines and to continue planning for the future – to continue pursuing the team goals, as well as endeavoring to set the table for future generations. It is so important to maintain an honorable approach to public service and governance, to restore faith in public institutions, public figures, the United States Constitution, and the oft-ignored (and very clear) rule-of-law of the land.

Note: Many of my friends and readers (especially my Canadian family and friends) ask me how a Libertarian society is possible, where the individual citizen keeps most of the tax money and makes his or her own choices in daily life. Isn't it Anarchistic, or too free to operate safely and functionally? Oftentimes, a feisty conversation follows. Fun stuff. Matter of fact, there has been enough banter to warrant a followup FAQ about the Libertarian platform, and about my personal interpretation and practical application for today. That might be published as another GregsList sooner rather than later. 

But, take it or leave it, my suggestion is always to first educate oneself to the platforms and nuances of any political party, any politician, or any other retail purchase. To me, it is imperative to know the difference between the often-overflowing choices for leadership, or for other products, that exist at most levels of a market-based, competition-driven world. It is imperative to know a Libertarian from a Liberal, a Conservative from a Populist, a This from a That, and decide what fits your wishes most closely.

And even more importantly, choose which elected leader you trust the most to actually deliver your priceless wishes. The best platform can be destroyed by a poor choice of leader, and certainly vice versa.

Your private wishes are represented by the only vote that counts in a republic. That single vote of yours, of mine, and of ours, really. Very cool.

Just ask anyone who doesn't live in a free country.

Harry Browne For President...Or The Next Best Thing For An Ailing Country

Since 1995, I have loved talking about Harry Browne. The first thing I usually hear is, "Who the heck is Harry Browne?" This gives me an automatic upper hand in the conversation, especially with people who think they are really, really smart. And, as an old, uber-competitive ex-jock, I love getting the upper hand on my opponent.

As a sneak preview of his legacy, I will simply say the more people learn about the late Harry Browne, the more they discover he viewed American citizens as having only one major opponent in life -- The United States government. Not the mushy Dems, or the mean Republicans, or the utopian Sanders socialists. Our enemy, according to this teacher and provocateur of the U.S. Constitution and individual freedom -- is government itself.