Son of Liberty

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2009-02-04T10:40:00.003-05:00

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END

STIMULATE ME!

2009-01-30T09:38:00.004-05:00

I won't spend a lot of time on this because it is all over the Internet. It's pretty clear the stimulus package is no such thing. It is really a pork laden liberal wish list.

Here are a couple Items listed by Congressman Forbes from VA.

50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, which recently spent $95,000 for the American Ballet Theatre in New York City; $300,000 to restore an outdoor sculpture collection in Miami, Florida; and $190,000 for various artistic endeavors in San Francisco, CA; $335 million for STD Education and Prevention, such as the CDC's transgender beauty pageant to advertised HIV testing, and an STD awareness event that taught participants how "to flirt with greater finesse;" $600 million to buy new cars for government workers, on top of the $3.5 billion already spent each year on government passenger cars; $150 million for repairs to the Smithsonian Institution, which recently spent $31,000 for designer upholstery, and $4,000 for a heater for the lap pool of their most recent Director.

Thats just from one website. We could go on for days showing waste.

So here is my take on saving the economy. The first bailout program was a panic attack that flushed a bunch money down the toilet. Yes it stopped some large financial institutions from failing but it did not loosen credit and those financial institutions have not changed their ways. A better solution would have been to buy the bad debt at a steep discount and we could have recovered some of the money we shelled out and have made more credit available. However we should have also demanded large cuts in operating expenses if tax dollars where going to be used to buy a "banks" bad debt.

This would have restored some discipline to the financial markets and we would have emerged from the crisis in better shape.

Now we are going to give more money away and this will not do what it is supposed to do either.

All this government spending is not going to stimulate the economy out of this recession. It did not work in the 1930's it will not work now. It is however going to hurt us in the long run. Some strategic spending in reasonable amounts might have been a good idea. Such as on transportation infrastructure BUT only with cuts is non essential areas. The Republicans failed to properly respond to the economic crisis and now the Democrats are making it worse.

The picture above is more stimulating then anything the Government has done so far and I don't know about you but I could use some stimulus to get my mind off the economy.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2009-01-29T15:02:00.002-05:00

The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for among old parchments or musty records. They are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.

Alexander Hamilton

IMAGINE

2009-01-22T17:33:00.005-05:00

Imagine it is August 30th 2001. You are a Special Agent for a government agency working on anti-terrorism

You have an Al Qaeda Terrorist is custody. The chatter is that something big is going down soon. You know this guy knows what it is. You have tried all the classic interrogation techniques. Good Cop bad Cop, trying to relate to the guy even bribery. He ain't talking.

The next step is to get rough with him, real rough. What do you do?

Hair of the Dog

2009-01-22T10:13:00.005-05:00

I believe that government does not have much of an impact on the economic cycle in the short term although some things like low interest rates can help. Even tax cuts are more of a long term benefit to the economy then a short term benefit. More important are the long term policies.

Things like encouraging savings and investments. Most people do not understand this and want the government to do something anything to end an "economic crisis". P oliticians generally get more blame and more credit then they are entitled to when it comes to the economy. So the government does something whether it actually has an effect nobody really knows. Does the recession end because of government programs or does the bad cycle just end because the economy has readjusted? All FDR's spending didn't seem to end the depression.

The current economic downturn is a massive hangover caused by too much debt. Everybody has too much debt consumers , businesses and government.

The government (both the one that just left and the one that just arrived) felt the need to do something. Their remedy for the hangover is hair of the dog that bit us. More Debt.

Now as many of you know hair of the dog is one of the few hangover remedies that actually works. The only problem is that you have to keep it up or the hangover will come back. If you run out of booze it will come back with a vengeance. In the long run you are worse off. The best thing to do for a hangover is too tough it out and you will gradually feel better. Then try to remember how bad you felt the next time you want to over-indulge.

Investing in infrastructure is a good thing. I agree with Obama on that. But we are not going to spend our way out of this economic downturn (which by the way is not the worse since the depression, anyone who lived through the 70's can attest to that). What is really required is a readjustment of spending priority's, a leaner government, getting control of entitlement programs. What is not needed is more debt.

This hangover may go away faster then we all think. The next one, when the money runs out and we can not borrow anymore, that will be one hell of a hangover.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2009-01-22T09:54:00.003-05:00

I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.

James Madison

as reported in Annals of Congress, House of Representatives, 3rd Congress, 1st Session, page 170 (1794-01-10)

Closing Club GITMO

2009-01-19T15:46:00.008-05:00

President Obama has announced he will close Guantánamo Bay Detention Camp (GITMO). One of his first official acts was to request a halt of all prosecutions of GITMO prisoners. Eric Holder our new A.G. (pending confirmation) confirms water boarding is torture. It looks like terrorists are going to get the Full Monte of constitutional niceties.

Who are these terrorists? A new report from liberal leaning Brookings Institute report finds that the government alleges the following about the remaining 248 inmates;

"81 detainees traveled to Afghanistan for jihad, 130 stayed in Al Qaeda, Taliban, or other guest- or safehouses, 169 detainees took military or terrorist training in Afghanistan, 84 actually fought for the Taliban, many of them on the front lines against the NorthernAlliance, 88 were at Tora Bora, 71 detainees’ names or aliases were found on computers, hard drives, physical lists of Al Qaeda operatives, or other material seized in raids on Al Qaeda safehouses and facilities. 64 detainees were captured under circumstances—military surrenders, live combat actions, traveling in a large pack of Mujahideen, or in the company of senior Al Qaeda figures, for example—that strongly suggest belligerency and 28 detainees served on Osama Bin Laden’s security detail."

Pentagon officials say that about 110 detainees should never be released because of the potential danger they pose to U.S. interests.

What has happened to those already released.

The Pentagon said on Tuesday that "61 former detainees from its military prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, appear to have returned to terrorism since their release from custody."
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said 18 former detainees are confirmed as "returning to the fight" and 43 are suspected of having done so in a report issued late in December by the Defense Intelligence Agency.

In the first public comment by any CIA officer involved in handling high-value al Qaeda targets, John Kiriakou, now retired, said the technique (water boarding) broke (terrorist) Zubaydah in less than 35 seconds.
“The next day, he told his interrogator that Allah had visited him in his cell during the night and told him to cooperate,” said Kiriakou in an interview to be broadcast tonight on ABC News’ “World News With Charles Gibson” and “Nightline.”

His "cooperation" led directly to information which saved American lives.

These terrorists are not US citizens, They are not covered under the Geneva Conference. They are not legally entitled to the rights they are about to be given. In fact by their violations of the very same rights of others that they now seek, they have forfeited any claim to be treated as well as they have been. These people want to kill your Mothers, your Sons and Daughters all your family as well as you. Better yet they do not want to do it cleanly. They want it to be in as horrifying a manner as is possible. The way they have been treated to date is legit mate self defense. It is legally and morally justified.

But hey lets treat them like a run of the mill miscreant say a bank robber instead of what they really are. Then pray we don't live to regret it. Pray real hard!

UPDATE 1/25/09 Two ex-Guantanamo inmates appear in Al-Qaeda video

Thank You Rev. King

2009-01-19T15:09:00.002-05:00

No one did more to end segregation and discrimination and for that the USA owes its eternal gratitude To Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

See his I have a Dream speech at More Monmouth Musings

Thank You Mr. President

2009-01-16T08:54:00.003-05:00

I have disagreed with the president Bush on many issues, No Child Left Behind is a disaster, Serious miscalculations where made in prosecuting the Iraq and Afghanistan wars early on. He did not do enough to try to control spending. On other things like katrina and the economy I think he has been given more blame for then is his due. All in all though I understand why so many are relieved he is leaving office.

I am however disturbed by the invective and hate that has been directed at President Bush by those who disagree with him.

At the opening of the Frost Nixon movie the Hollywood elites compared George Bush to Nixon saying Nixons crimes pale in comparison to what Bush did. Luckily Journalist Chris Wallace had the guts to stand up to them. He said;

“Richard Nixon's crimes were committed purely in the interest of his own political gain,"… I think to compare what Nixon did, and the abuses of power for pure political self preservation, to George W. Bush trying to protect this country — even if you disagree with rendition or waterboarding — it seems to me is both a gross misreading of history both then and now,"

I also find it interesting that the incoming administration is paying so much homage to Abraham Lincoln at the inaugural. Yet Lincoln (probably unconstitutionally) suspended the writ of Habeas Corpus at the beginning of the Civil War. Lincoln did it for the same reasons Bush did what he did, to protect the United States of America. I am not saying you can not disagree with them. I am saying their motives where pure and neither deserves to be vilified for their actions.

The fact of the matter is that since September 11th 2001 there has not been a terrorist attack on US soil. Looking back did you on September 12th did you think that would be the case today? I hope we can say the same thing over the next eight years.
He also deserves credit for removing a vicious sadistic and dangerous dictator and giving the Iraqi people the opportunity for freedom. I admit the final outcome is not yet clear but let me ask the critics. Four years from now if I Iraq is at peace and has a democratically elected government will you give Bush credit for that?

Yes the Bush administration has made mistakes but the unrivalled hate that has been directed at him is disgraceful. George Bush is a good, honest, decent man who did what he believed was right rather then what was politically expedient. He did the best that he could in what has been one of our countries most trying times.

To President Bush I say thank you for your service to your country, Thank you for keeping us safe and God Bless You.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2009-01-14T08:14:00.002-05:00

I've lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing Proofs I see of this Truth — That God governs in the Affairs of Men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that except the Lord build the House they labor in vain who build it. I firmly believe this, — and I also believe that without his concurring Aid, we shall succeed in this political Building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our Projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a Reproach and Bye word down to future Ages.
Benjamin Franklin Speech to the Constitutional Convention (1787-06-28)

Simple examples

2009-01-11T20:48:00.002-05:00

Question: Name two things that consistently year after year increase in cost more then the rate of inflation?

Answer: College Tuition and Medical Care.

Question: Name two things that the government has decided everybody has to afford?

Answer: College Education and Medical Care.

Government interference in these two markets has driven the cost up. As more people can afford it regardless of the cost, cost becomes less and less of an issue.
Providers have no reason to control prices and consumers get it no matter the cost with the governments help. The laws of supply and demand are skewed.

What happens next is the items becomes so expensive government can’t afford it anymore. They then will institute price controls.

What do you think price controls will do to the quality of the product provided?

Richard John Neuhaus, RIP

2009-01-09T12:40:00.002-05:00

A Christian Soldier who sought justice and a great theologian and philosopher has passed.

Father John Neuhaus has gone to the Lord at age 72

He was a writer for First Things a Journal of religion Culture and Public Life and a co-founder of Evangelicals and Catholics Together.

May he Rest in Peace.

Only One is True

2009-01-08T17:35:00.006-05:00

In a post a while back I discussed why the atheist view does not work for me.
Recently I was castigated by some commentators on another blog for suggesting that one religion had a monopoly on the truth. While I am not the worlds greatest apologist lets discuss which religion is true.(1 )

After we say God exists the next obvious question is which God do I believe in. Most of us practice the religion we were raised in without critical analysis and call it faith. That’s not faith that’s lazy. God gave us the ability to think rationally and he expects us to use that gift even when thinking about him. To me belief requires faith and intellect its not simply believing because that’s what my Mommy and Daddy believed.

What I really can not stand are the people that say all religions are true or they all have truth in them. I have more respect for atheists because even though they came to the wrong conclusion they actually thought it through. All Religions can not all be true when the essential doctrines of the major religions are in conflict. Let me express it mathematically. If G is constant and x and y are NOT equivalent, when X+ G = A then Y+ G ≠ A. A represents Truth.
Plus if your position is they are all true does that mean that worshipping Thor or Zeus or Ishtar or any other dead mythology is to be intellectually taken serious? I don’t think so.
What about the religions that engaged in human sacrifice do they get the seal of approval from the Society of Everything is True?

Quite frankly if it were not for the reasons set forth below I might be a Deist or I might give certain aspects of Buddhism a look.

But to anyone who reads this blog it is obvious I am a Christian. So if I have as I said examined the faith of my fathers why did I decide to stick with it over the other choices?

Well to put it simply if I go to the Tomb of Buddha I will find Buddha.
If I go to the tomb of Mohamed I will find Mohamed. If I go to the tomb of Jesus it is empty. Jesus conquered Death. He is the only founder of a religion that proved he was what he said he was.
All the others, well they had some interesting ideas and great stories but it was all based on their mere say so. “God” revealed this to me. Buddha, Mohamed, Joseph Smith, L. Ron Hubbard. Take your pick. Name any prophetic founder of any religion you want to.
To which I say: “I should believe you why?” Most of them (followers of Buddha excepted)) don’t even claim to have performed any Miracles. I mean why should I believe on their say so. At least show me something.
I am especially suspicious of the ones who accrued wealth and or power because of their prophecies.

Jesus talked the talk and walked the walk. You want Miracles he has tons of them. OK you skeptics are saying lots of witch doctors and shamans can do slight of hand.
True but no mere mortal, no confirmed historical figure, has ever been scourged, crucified, stabbed with a spear, tightly wrapped in heavy burial linens put in a cave had a huge stone rolled in front of it and walked out like nothing happened three days later.

Next you will say oh yeah how you know you weren’t there. Got me there I have to rely on writings of people who either saw it or talked to the people who saw it.

The skeptic says well maybe they were lying. To what end? Even if one Disciple was delusional why would so many claim to have seen the risen Christ. It’s not like it got them wealth or power. Tradition has it that all the Apostles were martyred except John who was exiled to the Island of Patmos. Their does not seem to be a credible motive for lying. Especially for so many. The Bible claims over 500 saw Christ after his death. Wouldn’t some of those people come forth and say hey stop making stuff up. Wouldn’t that show up somewhere in the historical record.

Next theory, the body was stolen. By who? It would have been a terrible sacrilege for the Jewish authorities to do it, plus it accomplished the exact opposite of what the Jews and the Romans wanted. That is kill the story that Jesus was the Messiah. When it was claimed that Jesus had risen wouldn’t they have made sure that the body somehow turned up if they had it. Well then maybe his followers did it. Once again the motive is what? Claim that a guy who isn’t God is God and get stoned to death for no reason? And not just one person in on it but a whole slew.

Now maybe some of you people smarter then me can poke some holes in this but you have to admit that even if it is not conclusive there is more evidence here then anyone else has.

So that’s why I am putting my money on Christianity and I am all in and betting the ranch.

Coming soon Christianity: The Historical Outcome Good or Bad?

(1) To read some really good Christian apologetics I recommend Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

WARNING!

2009-01-08T17:12:00.004-05:00

Well I promised /threatened I would do it. WARNING, tomorrow it starts. A series on religion. I was told I shouldn't’t but it appears to engender lively responses and quite frankly that’s what gets me up in the morning. BUT BE WARNED. If you are easily offended by discussions on religion DON”T read this blog tomorrow. If you hate to have your politically correct pre / mis-conceptions challenged STAY AWAY.
DISCLAIMER the views I will express do not mean I want a State mandated religion, theocracy or that I think infidels and heretics should be burned at the stake. I strongly support the right to practice any religion you want, respect the religious practices of others and respect them as human beings… even if they are wrong .

You have been warned!

Its enough to make me stop

2009-01-07T09:01:00.003-05:00

I have got to plug this website. I have recently started reading the American Thinker. The writers are so dead on so often it is scary. The writing is clear concise and flows logically.

For instance todays article on Healthcare.

Absolutly the best Political Internet Magazine out there.

They are so good I am tempted to stop blogging. Its like somebody who does paint by numbers watching Rembrandt.

I highly recomend you add them to your daily reading list!

Double Oh! Panetta

2009-01-06T19:05:00.004-05:00

Ohh and Obama was doing sooo well with his appointments (well at least as well as can be expected for a Democrat) and then he had to ruin it by appointing a political hack, Leon Panetta to head the CIA. Its a bad move in these troubled times.
Even Senate Democrats like Fienstien are pissed. She said she might oppose it. Of course my own congressman Rush "Rocket Scientist" Holt chimed in that he thought it was a great pick. We know where his head is at. That guy is such an embarrassement .

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2009-01-06T07:51:00.001-05:00

We have no government armed with the power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.… Our Constitution was made only for a moral and a religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other

John Adams

A MUST READ!!!!

2009-01-05T17:10:00.002-05:00

The Diamond Anniversary of Dehumanization

In the American Thinker.

Read it and remember those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

Burning Leaves and Low Taxes

2009-01-03T12:16:00.004-05:00

Just before the holidays I was looking out my window as the municipal leaf vacuum and some municipal workers stopped in front of my neighbors house for the last leaf pickup of the year.

t made me think about the halcyon days of my youth where rather then the sound of leaf blowers on a Autumn weekend there would be the pungent aroma of burning leaves wafting through the air. While this practice was banned for good reasons I do miss it.

Then I realized we used to take care of our leaves ourselves now we must depend on the municipal government to do it. How much of our taxes go towards the man hours and equipment needed to pick up leaves?

The worse part is we do not have to. We could do it ourselves. I shred my leaves and either compost them or use them as free mulch.

So you want to save tax dollars take care of your own leafs. Form a neighborhood cooperative and buy a shared leaf vacuum or have your lawn guy suck them up and shred them instead of blowing them around. It really would not take a longer and the resulting compost is free fertilizer.

Then start thinking. What else could I do for myself instead of relying on the government to do it for me. That is the first step to smaller government and smaller government means less taxes!

Space Wars and Kudos to Obama?

2009-01-02T14:31:00.003-05:00

Wow I can not believe I am doing this but I just read this ARTICLE which indicates that President elect Obama is going to be taking the threat that China poses to us seriously and I have to give him kudos for it.

His incoming administration seems to think that the Chinese space program is a military threat and we have to prepare to defend against it. They have suggested combining Pentagon and NASA know how to speed up our space capabilities. Sounds like a good idea.

If this keeps up my whole world view may come crashing down causing a mental breakdown and my commitment to an insane asylum.

Salt the Earth

2009-01-02T14:05:00.004-05:00

The New Year once again starts with massive violence in the Middle East.

Sorry to say the Palestinians have not yet learned their lesson. They continue to kill innocent Israeli citizens. Of course when Israel responds they are condemned. We should encourage Israel to once and for all purge this terrorist scum from the Earth. There are no innocents. Most of the people in the Gaza strip support Hamas. The Israels need to go Old Testament on them. Let civilians out if they want out through a controlled checkpoint kill all the terrorists and "Salt the Earth." Make Gaza an uninhabitable wasteland. With a warning that the same will happen to the West Bank if they start in. Maybe then the Palestinians will see that terrorism is not the way.

Is this harsh? Yes it is but history teaches us that your enemies must be totally crushed or they will keep coming back at you.

The sad thing is it did not have to come to this. The Palestinians could have achieved so much if they had followed the path of Martin Luther King and Ghandi. They would have had all the sympathy. Israel as a righteous nation would have caved in and the Palestinians could have had the West bank and the Gaza strip all to themselves and had a thriving nation. All without the massive amount of death and Misery. The Arab people and the Palestinians in particular seem culturally incapable of grasping this.

They have to either change or be crushed. It saddens me to say all this but 40 years of on and of violence needs to finally end, one way or another.

Resolutions

2008-12-28T14:55:00.002-05:00

My new Year Resolutions not in any particular order.

Piss off more people (who read this blog)

Get serious about the vegtable garden.

Drink More.

Pray more

That should keep me busy in 09

Christmas Quote of the Week

2008-12-24T10:27:00.002-05:00

1:And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2: (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3: And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4: And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6: And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7: And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9: And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12: And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke, chapter 2 King James Version

Merry Christmas to All

A Christmas Tribute

2008-12-19T09:41:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas, My Friend
by Corporal James M. Schmidt, former U.S. Marine
First published in "Leatherneck Magazine", December 1991

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home. ,

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

Mery Christmas and God Bless to all who the brave men and women in the USA Armed Forces.

For a complete history of this poem and to view the Army Navy and Airforce versions please visit http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/soldier.asp

Coming Attractions

2008-12-19T09:16:00.003-05:00

After today's posts there will be a post on Christmas eve but that will be it until after new Years.

In 2009 I am going to attempt to give the President Elect Obama a honeymoon and avoid blogging him. I actually think that since he is entitled to that (unless he does something really bad ) But I do have some controversial things I plan to Blog on.

Education whats wrong with it and how to fix it.

Christianity positive influence or not? Which religion is true and how to tell. Christianity and the founding of our country. I recently got in a heated discussion on these subjects on another blog but for some reason the thread was deleted. So we will have the discussion here. It should be scads of fun.

We will also try to discuss economics. Here is hoping their are some economists out there who can help with that discussion. Oh yeah and a farewell blog to president Bush.

Hope to hear from a lot of you in the new year.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-12-17T11:56:00.001-05:00

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged

Ronald Reagan

Why has the economy gone down the drain?

2008-12-16T10:29:00.002-05:00

I’ll be frank, this economic crisis has had me baffled. I can not understand how 10% of mortgages in the US being at risk can sink a global economy. I am now subscribing to a straw that broke the camels back or in this case consumer confidence theory.

I have been listening to a lot of pundits on the subject. I heard a really good interview with Steve Forbes Saturday morning he seems to have a good handle on the why and the how to fix.

Anyway we do need to learn from our mistakes and to that end I have put together a list of things I think led to this. This will not be a list that bashes one group, person or party because frankly everybody has some skin in this game. Here it goes not in any particular order. Just free form.

1. Politicians who cannot control their need to spend taxpayer dollars.
2. An economic policy that kept the dollar to weak. (Thanks Alan Greenspan)
3. Consumers who went into hock up to their eyeballs.
4. Failure to regulate Fanny and Freddie Mac.
5. Greedy, stupid bankers and Wall Street moguls.
6. Investors who focused on short term stock prices rather then the long term health of companies and the Boards of Directors who let that drive their decisions.
7, Corporate CEO’s who wasted money on luxuries like corporate jets and fancy parties (take a lesson from good old Sam Walton) and the stockholders who paid them ridiculous amounts even when they did not perform.
8. New accounting rules that needlessly destroyed the book value of some financial institutions.
9. Politicians who mandated banks make bad loans so more people could own homes.
10. Panic.

Feel free to add suggestions for additional reasons. i am sure I missed some.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-12-10T09:47:00.001-05:00

"I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.”

Barry Goldwater

The "Social" issues

2008-12-09T09:30:00.002-05:00

The last piece in my series on a Republican platform.
What to do about the social issues. My answer is no surprise. No big changes.
The Republicans gain more votes then they loose by supporting Pro Life, Pro family. Conservative social values. Survey after survey has shown this. For instance single issue pro-life voters outnumber single issue pro-choice voters 2 to 1. Most of the people who support liberal social policies and vote Democrat are not going to start voting Republican if the Republicans abandon those issues. Conversely a large number of Republican voters will stay home or migrate to third parties if the Republican party abandons conservative social causes. I am not arguing that this makes sense I am only stating facts.
The Republicans do have to do a better job of explaining their views but that's another issue.
On the two big ones I would try to accommodate some tweaking and too that end I have a massage to my religious conservative friends.
I have been thinking about what Cal Thomas has been saying. He is right to a point. I do not think the Christian Right should abandon politics but morality does not follow the law the law follows morality. So you should spend more time on convincing the the world to be moral and then the laws will follow.
Also think in increments. Abortion is a good example. An overwhelming number of Americans support abortion restrictions except where the life of the mother is at stake or in cases of incest and rape. We loose them when we insist that it be restricted in those instances too. I am not saying morally you are wrong to restrict it in cases of Rape and incest but that only accounts for what 1% of all abortions, Wouldn't it be great if we could stop 99%. We might be able too if we convinced the public we were the moderates on the issue by taking that circumstance off the table. Do that and eventually people will come to see it our way on the rest.
Another big one Homosexuality . NO one should be discriminated against in housing and employment and government should not be telling people what to do in their bedrooms. We should say that. However we should also say that it is not the governments job to give affirmative approval to a lifestyle that a majority believes is of questionable morality. That is an important distinction.
The Republican party and the Christian right need to discuss openly and come to terms with how theses issues are presented but it would be a great mistake for them to part ways.

A lesson in a Christmas Song

2008-12-05T07:41:00.005-05:00

I love Christmas and listening to Christmas Carols. So as my family gets ready to meet the day we listen to Christmas music on a station that plays nothing but from Thanksgiving till New years. This morning that sappy song from the 1980's African Live Aid concert came on. You know the one where they sing about "and there won't be snow in Africa this year."(1 ) (I much prefer the classics ). Any way I mentioned to my teenage son where that song came from and ended with the comment and they are still starving in Africa.

My Teenage son immediately responded with "That's because they are all run by dictators. if we just went in and removed the dictators they wouldn't be starving. I don't understand why people think its wrong to use military action to remove dictators." And the UN is no use because most of them are dictators."

Out of the mouths of babes comes wisdom.

(1)Nothing in the post should be considered a denigration of the efforts of Live Aid to get food to starving people. I applaud private charity work to relieve suffering if even temporarily. It is however a sappy song.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-12-03T09:46:00.002-05:00

Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. Ronald Reagan

Bush Considers Florida Senate Run

2008-12-03T09:28:00.004-05:00

My favorite Bush is the one who didn't run for president. The articulate and popular former Gov. of Florida Jeb Bush. Not that I want to see any more Bush's run for President. I do think Jeb would be a great Senator and would win. News reports are he is considering running for Martinez's seat. Martinez has announced he is not running for re-election in two years.

Why do I like him. He is nothing like his Dad or Brother. Besides being articulate he says things like this.

"In an interview with Politico immediately after November’s election, the former Governor said the Republican Party should take four primary steps to regain favor with voters: show no tolerance for corruption, practice what it preaches about limiting the scope of government (“There should not be such a thing as a big-government Republican”), stand for working families and small business, and embrace reform.
Bush said conservatives should “do the math of the new demographics of the United States,” explaining that the Republican Party “can’t be anti-Hispanic, anti-young person, anti many things and be surprised when we don’t win elections.”

What he said Amen.

An Education Platform for Republicans

2008-12-02T08:28:00.004-05:00

As part of my continuing series on a new Republican platform lets talk about Education.

The Republican platform for a national education policy should be......a policy that we not have a policy. I'm not kidding. Newt Gingrich was right 10 years ago. Abolish the Department of Education. Think about it. The DOE was formed in the 1970's under Carter. Since then has our Education system gotten better? It has not. Look at the recent foray into education policy, No Child Left Behind is a disaster of a policy. By any measure we are failing.

This is because education is a local issue. It is a local issue because what determines how a school system performs is more then anything else the culture of the community. Yes quality and dedication of teachers and facilities condition play a role but the overwhelming factor is culture. What value do the parents and the community as a whole but on education.

Our education system needs to be reformed radically but it can not come from the top down it must come at the local and state level. This is where federalism can shine and states can innovate and try solutions that meet the particular needs of their communities. Innovation is the key to revitalization of our educational system. Some great ideas are floating out their and will be the subject of future posts but for now the message to the federal government is back off.

The key is to present this the right way. Giving power back to the States and Communities to educate their children. We are going to let the states find the right course. Giving power back to the people. These are the things that need to be said about education by Republicans.

Some Random thoughts on the Appointments

2008-12-01T13:26:00.003-05:00

I must admit I am pleasantly surprised. While I am sure I have some policy differences with President elect Obama's cabinet appointments so far they seem like competent appointments and none that would appear to want to drag the US in a radical direction. This is a good thing for the country on these perilous times.

Their has been a lot of questions about why he would appoint Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. Putting a former rival in a powerful position where they can undermine you is a dangerous proposition. Their are a lot of reasons why appointing her might be good or might be bad. Lets throw out one really devious reason that someone would do that. I am not claiming this is why the President Elect appointed her but if someone where an evil genius consider this. She has to give up a powerful senate seat. If a year or two years from now she gets fired as Secretary of State she has no platform for her future political aspirations. Think about it. (just for fun)

A bright spot for Republicans; Obama has picked a couple of popular governors and senators to be in his cabinet.

This now gives the Republican Party a better chance to win those seats.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-11-26T16:30:00.002-05:00

"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far"

Theodore Roosevelt (Quoting a West African Proverb)

A New Forign Policy Platform for Republicans

2008-11-24T09:19:00.003-05:00

The Republican Party needs a new Foreign Policy Platform.

I was a supporter of the Iraq war. I believe it was a just cause and it advanced freedom in the world. I do not understand how the removal of a brutal aggressive tyrant can ever be a bad thing for the USA or the rest of the world. However, I have learned that the American public does not have the stomach for a drawn out conflict unless there is an eminent and direct threat to this nation. That reality though disappointing must be considered. Our current posture needs to be rethought. We must be muscular but more low key. Not isolationist but not so willing to carry all the water. Energy independence is one of the keys to an effective foreign policy because it will allow us more room to maneuver in other areas.

Here are a dozen points for a new foreign policy.

1. We will use all non-military means at our disposal to promote freedom in the world. This includes democracy, personal freedoms like speech and religion and economic freedom.

2. If our national security is directly threatened we reserve the right to act swiftly, unilaterally, and with maximum force.

3. If you harbor our enemies we reserve the right to take appropriate military action on your soil and against you if needed.

4. If an ally of ours is subject to an unprovoked attack and we are asked for assistance we will stand by our allies. This includes responding in kind to a nuclear attack. (take note Iran and North Korea). however our allies must take more responsibility for their own defense and take the lead in diplomatic efforts to diffuse regional crisis. They must be willing to step up the the plate. An example; let's face it North Korea is not a threat to us but to South Korea and Japan.

5. We will not intervene in other military conflicts either between two nations or internally in one nation UNLESS the majority of our allies in the free world support the action, ask for our assistance and shoulder an equal share of the burden. Its time for Europe to step up to the plate. No more should we shoulder the responsibility of protecting peace and freedom only to be used as an international punching bag.

6. India is the largest Democracy in the world and will become an economic powerhouse. We must develop a close economic and military alliance with them.

7. We must improve our relations with Central and South America. We can not interfere when Democratic choices are made that we disagree with. We must take steps to convince Latin Americans that we respect them, seek their friendship and strengthen economic ties with them. We can not have a hostile Latin America at our back door.
Our enemies China, Russia and Iran are making inroads and this must not be permitted to go unchallenged. It should be challenged not militarily, but with public relations efforts and economic ties that are mutually beneficial. Countries like Venezuela that are hostile to us but not a real threat should just be ignored. To fight with Chavez only strengthens him.
Finally it is time to end the isolation of Cuba. What was once an appropriate posture towards Cuba is no longer the case. At this juncture in history freedom in Cuba will be advanced through cultural and economic exchanges. Negotiations should be opened up with Cuba provided Cuba is willing to talk and with the understanding that for the time being there are some things we must agree to disagree about.

8. We must maintain our military technology advantage. That is the only way we can maintain our Freedom. This means a missile defense shield for the USA and the ability to fend off computer attacks and launch our own as well as defend our assets in space from attack and maintain our technological advantage on the ground. If our allies want in on the missile defense they can. Screw Russia. If our allies do not have enough guts to stand up to the” Paper Bear” that’s ok too. The decision is theirs.

9. For diplomatic reasons this can not be said in the platform, at least not in this way, but we must recognize that the biggest long term threat we face is China and plan accordingly.

10. Foreign Aid is what I call enlightened self interest. It can generate enormous reservoirs of good will around the world. However it can be done more effectively for less money. No more huge cash transfers that wind up lining the pockets of corrupt foreign politicians but investing more money in small scale projects that directly benefit people.
Many of these programs also promote economic freedom. Many missionary and not for profit groups are very good at this as is the Peace Corp. We should both mimic their efforts and provide funding to them. This will be more effective and less expensive.

11. We are advocates of fair and free trade.

12. We will not enter into multi lateral treaties that erode our sovereignty.

2008-11-24T07:56:00.003-05:00

This is an interesting article from the NY Times. I think it highlights the debate in the Democratic party about what is the appropriate economic policy.

Think about this. Depending on which way the debate goes conservatives may wind up being nostalgic about the good old Clinton days. Now thats irony!

Just say NO

2008-11-19T12:37:00.002-05:00

Mitt Romney says the first coherent thing about the Auto Industry.

Just let them go Bankrupt.

An Immigration Platform

2008-11-19T10:04:00.003-05:00

I have said Republicans need to go back to being the party of Reagan. What would the Gipper do with the immigration issue? We know the answer to that because he gave illegal aliens amnesty. Ok yes we got more immigrants after that but that was because the other issues were not addressed. My point is that Reagan recognized the contribution that immigrants make to the US. We are a nation of immigrants. It is not a conservative position to be anti-immigrant.
But they are breaking the law we can not reward law breakers you say. Ok that is a valid point but we also need to be realistic in dealing with this issue. Can we really hope to deport them all? What about the people who hire them? Are conservative willing to go after all those small businesses?

Here is my solution.
1. Institute a realistic guest worker program that addresses the labor requirements of our country and gives workers from Mexico and Central America the ability to fill those needs. The Democrats will have a hard time supporting this because of Union opposition and we can gain traction with Hispanic voters.

2. We will not give amnesty to. No rewards for illegal activity. However we will not penalize them in the guest worker program application process. They will be able to become legal through that program.

3. We must gain control of our Borders. Put more feet on the ground and use more technology so we can stop illegals coming in. It can be done with enough resources.

4. Their must be severe penalties for employers who break the rules once we give them a legal way to hire foreign workers.

5. The guest workers will be taxed, pay into social security and be eligible for benefits like everyone else.
They will not be eligible for welfare or unemployment. Those are only for citizens. If you can not find enough work please go home. Their Children should receive an education. Educating anyone is ALWAYS a benefit to everyone.
What about health care costs? Employees who hire guest workers will be required to pay a fixed amount per day for each worker that would go into a fund that would reimburse hospitals for care given to uninsured guest workers. Hopefully that will work out to a nominal amount like 2 or 3 dollars per day.

6. Finally as a quid pro quo we do away with all federal laws that require government forms (Bonus: this will save $$) and ballots be printed in multiple languages. To become a citizen you are supposed to be able to understand English. You should only be voting if you are a citizen .Therefore, if you can not understand English you should not be voting. Immigrants must be forced to learn English because language is one of the linchpins that hold a culture together. I welcome Immigration but insist they learn to speak and read English if they are going to stay here.

That is my realistic conservative solution to the Immigration.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-11-18T23:23:00.003-05:00

If everything isn't black and white, I say, 'Why the hell not?'

John Wayne

Secretary Clinton ?

2008-11-18T20:56:00.002-05:00

So it seems Hillary Clinton may get the nod for Secretary of State. I can live with that. if it has to be a Democrat I can think of worse choices. She is intelligent, not as liberal on foreign affairs as some other Dems and she is tough as nails. I actually admire how tough she is. I bet she can stare down Putin and their certainly will not be any looking in his eyes to see his soul or heart or anything like that. Don't panic, their are plenty of things not to like about her. But like I said we could do a lot worse for Secretary of State.

Three quick and easy things for the New Republican Platform

2008-11-18T09:14:00.005-05:00

1. Adopt the T. Boone Pickens Energy Plan (or something close). Energy Independence is a matter of National Security. A bonus, you will not have to advertise it T. Boone will do it for you.

2.End Earmarks, corporate subsidies , farm subsidies, (all subsidies) and reduce the size of government. (SEE this recent column by George Will)

3. No more unfunded mandates on State and local governments. These raise property taxes hurting people on fixed Incomes (a populist issue Republicans can get behind and out flank the Dem's) and stifle federalism.

More to come on Immigration, a new foreign policy for a new reality, education, and what to do about social issues. Keep checking back

Another example of Media Bias.

2008-11-12T09:01:00.003-05:00

John Podesta ex Clinton Aide head of a liberal think tank and Obama Transition Chief once took the Pentagon to task for covering up information regarding UFO's.
Read all about it hear. Now my purpose in bringing this up is not to make fun of Podesta. he strikes me as very intelligent (although I often think "intelligent liberal" might be an oxymoron) competent individual.
I am certainly open to the possibility of alien life having visited our planet so I don't have any problem with what he has said on the subject.

My point is this. Can you imagine if he was a conservative and was John McCain's transition chief.
Stories in every major media outlet that would not actually come out and say "What a whack job" but that would be the direction they pointed and never mind the late night TV Monologues and Saturday Night Live skits. They would go on about it for weeks.
Is a little balance asking for too much?

A Must Read

2008-11-12T08:53:00.004-05:00

This column by Camille Paglia is very interesting. I disagree with Paglia a lot and I also agree with her a lot. Either way she is always thought provoking. She has one of the most interesting minds of all the pundits out there. Take a few minutes and read what she has to say about Obama (whom she supported) and Palin.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-11-10T23:25:00.002-05:00

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana

How to Fix Social Security

2008-11-09T22:23:00.003-05:00

Some of you may recognize I am revisiting this issue but it is an an area where Conservatives need a palatable alternative to what Liberals have to offer.

Their are many problems with social security. First it is demographically unsustainable in the long run without raising taxes on the working or cutting benefits on the retired. Second it redistributes money without in any way creating economic gain. In contrast 401ks, Ira's etc... give a boost to the economy because they provide capital funds to business. In spite of recent events in the long term they provide a higher rate of return then Social Security. Of course liberals will not hear of changing Social Security's pay as you go system into a better system that gives some control to the public. I once had Congressman Rush Holt (D, NJ) say to me that the "public is not smart enough to make there own investment decisions"

In spite of this I think I have come up with an idea that we might be able to sell to the public. The percentages I use are for illustrative purposes only. The numbers would have to be played with to find the combination that works and that will require someone with more technical knowledge and mathematical ability then I can muster. Any way here it goes.

We pay a Social Security payroll tax of 7.5%. Give people the ability(voluntary) to divert 1% to a government approved mutual fund that invests only in state, local or federal bonds (leaving 6.5% for Social security). Completely safe and they get more money when they retire then just social security would pay.

"Wait a minute" you are saying. "Did you not just say this is a pay as you go system." What happens to the people currently getting benefits if that money is diverted?" Well the answer is part of the profit being made on the invested funds will not go to the investor. Part will have to go to shore up social security but not so much that the investor does not come out ahead.

This helps Social Security, Increases the amount of capital available and starts getting people use to the idea that there might be a better way.

As I said this is an outline of a concept that probably needs a lot of work but I think it may be a solution.

The Road Back

2008-11-07T20:21:00.004-05:00

How does the Republican party come back.

First and most importantly we must go back to being the party of Ronald Reagan. We can not just pay lip service to it as we have for many years. Yes I know it was 30 years ago but that does not matter because the principles he stood for are still applicable. Smaller government, fiscal responsibility, low taxes, a robust military used judiciously, (in fact go back even further and walk softly but carry a big stick) America first and yes family values. Ask ourselves what would Reagan do?

By the way Ronald Reagan would not be rabidly anti immigrant. Forget that demagoguery on that issue it is not helping.

Second Impose party discipline. Forget the big tent nonsense. Take some core issues and tell dissenters stay on the reservation or you can forget about party support when you run again. Might we loose some seats that way? yes but in the long run worth it. Take earmarks for example. Tell them either you vote against all earmarks or else. Lead follow or get the hell out

of the way.

Develop Patience. The one thing Democrats are good at is incrementalism (except when they are in complete control then luckily for us they forget that). Move the country in your direction with little steps. Pick and choose your really big battles. Vote against all the hair brained proposals but really go to the mat on the ones that the public will get riled about. (think back to Hillary's Health Care plan). Wait for it....wait for it... let Obama push something stupid. Don't be too quick to pile on. Let him screw up

Public relations, Ohh where do I start. Yes I know it is hard because we do not get a fair shake from portions of the media but we can do better. I know rabid conservatives like Coulter and Limbaugh excite the base and are entertaining but they alienate the middle. We need reasonable sounding politicians who can explain why Republican policies are better for them in terms they can understand. (people like Bobby Jindal) Then we need to get this message to college kids, seniors, Hispanics and Independents. These groups may have gone to Obama but they are not wed to him. They will switch once they see how democratic policies hurt them. Believe me those policies are coming. Raising payroll taxes for social security and would you belief the Democrats are talking about doing away with private 401 k's and replacing it with a government run one. Their will be plenty of opportunities we just have to discipline ourselves to go after them in the most effective way.

Don't go to compassionate conservatism explain why conservatism is compassionate. Thats how Reagan did it.

Obama is not a Moderate but he convinced the voters he is. Learn that lesson.

Finally we have to be the party of Integrity. Keep lobbyists at a distance. Anyone who even engages in something that has a hint of impropriety or immorality must be swiftly shut down.

This policy must be strictly enforced. The Democrats are incapable of this. We have been much harder on our own in the past then the Dems are on theirs but we have been slipping. If we want credibility when go after corrupt Democrats we must put the word out that anything less then the highest ethical and moral standards will not be tolerated with in our party.

Specific policy positions to follow.

Worth discussing

2008-11-07T20:15:00.002-05:00

THOMAS: Religious right requiem

this article by Cal Thomas is worth discussing. Not sure I completly agree but it's worth discussing.

How Did We Get Here?

2008-11-06T19:51:00.004-05:00

Well first let's give credit where credit is due. Obama is an amazingly good communicator and his ability to inspire people is exceptional. He is a leader. (my problem is with where he is leading). I also think his race helped him. It turned out the minority vote strongly and a lot of people wanted to vote for him to prove to themselves and the world that we are not racists

Second the Republicans have not given the voters any reason to love them. many of our best and brightest were corrupted by Washington and developed the arrogance of power. They discarded Republican principles in order to win reelection.

George Bush made some big mistakes. That turned the nation against him. Don't get me wrong I believe he is a good man and he did not get credit for a lot of the good things he did but lets face it he made some errors. I will argue forever that what we did in Iraq was just but in hindsight it was a mistake to do it. ( a full discussion of that may be a separate post). Then he mishandled the dam thing for 6 years. We lost the PR war when it came to "rights of Terrorists" I am not sure why we lost on that but it has had negative consequences for us. I could go on but fairly or not the American Public lost confidence in the President and that negatively effected the whole party.

Lastly Poor timing. An economic disaster occurred at the wrong time. Lets face it the party in power when the bubble bursts gets the blame whether they deserve it or not and I have seen both Democrats and Republicans burned by that.

Considering this perfect storm McCain didn't do half bad.

Some of these things we can fix. So enough Post Mortem. Get up off the ground. The next job is to design a blueprint for success.

A break in the clouds

2008-11-06T19:33:00.004-05:00

A few rays of sunshine for conservatives. In three states the voters declared marriage may only be between a man and a women. I mean if we can get that passed in flaky California we can do it anywhere. Also it looks like Norm Coleman will keep his seat in Minnesota eking out a real close one over that freakazoid Al Franken.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-11-05T18:30:00.001-05:00

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

Ronald Reagan

The Audacity of Despair

2008-11-05T07:21:00.004-05:00

OK maybe not abandon all hope. I am however in a deep funk. I predict this country is headed down a very bad road. The same road that the anemic economies of Europe have gone down.

In an effort to look for a silver lining I will say that the one good thing that will come out of this is that NEVER AGAIN WILL SOMEONE CALLING AMERICA A RACIST COUNTRY HAVE ANY CREDIBILITY. That lie now has a stake through its putrid heart.

The ray of hope is that conservative Republicans can get there act together and capitalize on the coming disaster to sweep back into office in 4 years. More on a blueprint for that will be coming in a future post.

For now I suggest prayer. Pray that Barack Obama is kept safe. Pray that this country wakes up to the fact that they threw out the baby with the bathwater and pray that our culture turns from its immoral ways.

LAST CHANCE TO HEAR

2008-11-03T14:18:00.004-05:00

Today I heard Obama say. " Tommorrow we change America."

Is anybody listening? Do the voters realize he is not talking about changing a dozen Bush policies?

He is talking about changing the Nation we have known for over 200 years. He is going to male it into something none 0f us will recognize and few of us will like.

Push past the historic candidacy, however, and one sees something even larger at stake in this [presidential] vote. One sees what Joe (The Plumber) Wurzelbacher saw. The real 'change' being put to a vote for the American people in 2008 is not simply a break from the economic policies of 'the past eight years' but with the American economic philosophy of the past 200 years. This election is about a long-term change in America's idea of itself," Wall Street Journal columnist Daniel Henninger writes.
"I don't agree with the argument that an Obama-Pelosi-Reid government is a one-off, that good old nonideological American pragmatism will temper their ambitions. Not true. With this election, the U.S. is at a philosophical tipping point.
"The goal of Sen. Obama and the modern, 'progressive' Democratic Party is to move the U.S. in the direction of Western Europe, the so-called German model and its 'social market economy.' Under this notion, business is highly regulated, as it would be in the next Congress under Democratic House committee chairmen Markey, Frank and Waxman. Business is allowed to create 'wealth' so long as its utility is not primarily to create new jobs or economic growth but to support a deep welfare system.
"The political planets are aligned to make this achievable. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, prominent Democrats, European leaders in France and Germany and more U.S. newspaper articles than one can count have said that the crisis proves the need to permanently tame the American 'free-market' model. POW Alan Greenspan is broadcasting confessions.
"The question is: Are the American people of a mind to throw in the towel on the system that got them here?

Still Undecided ?

2008-11-03T07:17:00.003-05:00

Are you still undecided as to who to vote for?

We are here to help. It is really very simple.

If you believe government should make sure you have a place to live, medical care and all your other necessities OR if you believe the government should cut up the pie to make sure you get your share OR if you made bad financial decisions, or didn't get enough education, or got 3 different girlfriends knocked up or are a drug addict or alcoholic or just generally make poor decisions and think the government should bail you out OR If you think you are entitled to more not because you work for it but because that is what would be fair THEN you should vote for Obama and the Democrats.

If you believe that the less the government gets involved in your life the better OR if you believe in taking responsibility for fixing your own mistakes OR If you believe instead of dividing up the pie we should make more pies OR if you believe that the way to get ahead is through hard work and sacrifice then vote for McCain and the Republicans.

Tommorrow is the day the nation gets what it asks for. Let us hope the nation does not regret its choice.

Lessons from History

2008-10-31T10:51:00.005-04:00

I had a history teacher in College who was fascinating because he had lived history. He was from a family of White Russian Cossacks who fled Russia and scattered across Europe. His Grandparents where both killed by communists one by being tied to a bed and left out in the snow. He was also a linguist who was an interpreter at the Nuremberg trials.

One story he told was how he was sent to boarding school in Germany during the rise of Hitler.

He listened to the propaganda his teachers spouted and became a fan of Hitler. On returning home during a break he told his father of this. His father asked him "Son have you read Mien Kampf ?" My Professor admitted he had not. His father told him "read the book" and he did.

It opened his eyes to what Hitler was really about. He returned to school and became increasingly unpopular with the teachers as he challenged their propaganda.

Soon he left Germany and wound up coming to the United States where he joined the army so that he could fight the evil he knew was coming but which the German people either did not know or did not believe was coming.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-10-30T12:35:00.001-04:00

Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time, that in our time we did everything that could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith.

Ronald Reagan

Redistribution Made Real

2008-10-30T12:28:00.002-04:00

Here is an interesting email floating around the internet.

Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed. Once in the restaurant my server had on an "Obama 08" tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference--just imagine the coincidence. When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight. I went outside, gave the homeless guy $5 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful. At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more. I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Redistribution of someone else's wealth.

A great idea? Or just a fool's game?

Orwellian tax language.

2008-10-28T08:00:00.006-04:00

Not raising taxes on the Middle class so says Obama. Well that all depends on your definition of a tax increase.

Some History. Ronald Reagan cut taxes. Both Bush I and Clinton raised them. Bush II enacted a tax cut after 9/11. That tax cut lowered the top rate, cut capital gains taxes and reformed the onerous estate tax system. If you recall these tax cuts helped limit the economic downturn brought on by the attack of 9/11. Something W does not get enough credit for.

The problem is those cuts expire in 2010 unless congress renews them. Something Obama and the Democrats have made clear they will not do. That result will be a top rate that will increase to Clinton era levels and will result in middle class taxpayers paying more taxes. Not to mention the increase in the capital gains tax and how the estate tax will force many small family owned farms and business to liquidate when the owner dies.

If you make $ 63,000 you taxes will go up when this cut expires. GO HERE TO COMPARE 2000 tax rates and 2008 tax rates. Of course Obama does not consider letting a cut expire an increase.

More double speak. A tax cut involves giving money to people who pay no taxes now. Part of Obama's plan.

Also not a tax increase is increasing the payroll tax you will pay into social security. This will hit you if you make over $150,000.00

Let me summarize. Obama President = wage earners paying more taxes. Ignore the double speak and hear the truth.

The Audacity of Hope

2008-10-28T07:52:00.007-04:00

From my lips to Gods ears.

Only a week left.

I am at the point where I will be glad when this election is over and we can go on to other issues. I want to talk more about religion and I want to start a discussion on education. I think we also need to start discussing another favorite subject of mine called History. No matter the outcome of the election I hope to be able to stick around.

How Cool is This!

2008-10-28T07:46:00.002-04:00

Nuclear-powered passenger aircraft 'to transport millions' says expert

ARE YOU LISTENING!

2008-10-27T07:54:00.003-04:00

Listen to the two Obama Videos linked below.

They speak of how it is a tragedy that the Supreme Court did not adress redistribution of wealth and how his personal salvation and the salvation of the nation is dependent on redistributing wealth to the African American community. Not my words his. LISTEN!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7fi8STNlxM&feature=email

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iivL4c_3pck&feature=email

Todays laugh

2008-10-24T08:11:00.004-04:00

Why can't they put the Ten Commandments in Government Buildings?

................... because posting things like Thou shalt not Lie and

Thou shalt not Steal

would be harrassment of Lawyers, Judges and Politicians!

ba dum bump.

Conservative Roundup

2008-10-24T08:05:00.004-04:00

They each make a point worth thinking about

Read Pat Buchanan and

Charles Krauthammer

Breaking News!

2008-10-23T13:18:00.002-04:00

Another Obama Endorsement.

What Momentum

Don't Believe Me.

2008-10-23T13:09:00.002-04:00

For a while I have been screaming that Obama is not a moderate but a socialist.

Well don't believe me. Read this article in Investors Daily which lays out the facts in great detail.

The Evidence

2008-10-23T12:53:00.003-04:00

Read THIS to see more evidence that Socialism is better then Capitalism. ;-)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

2008-10-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.

Ronald Reagan

Sarah Palin

2008-10-21T12:41:00.003-04:00

Some people have questoned whether John McCain used sound judgment in picking Sarah Palin for his VP some have actually sated it as a reason for endorsing Obama, Including Powell, some conservative pundits and the liberal rag that is my hometown paper.

Are their criticisms that she is not ready valid? I think not. I think it stems from bigotry. No not gender based. They are intellectual and cultural bigots. (the same bigotry a certain cowboy movie actor once suffered from) She actually has more relevant experience then Obama and has a record of getting things accomplished. The fact that she can see Russia from her state actually does give her more foreign policy experience then Clinton had as governor of Arkansas or Carter as Governor of Georgia had. (thats a joke in case you elites missed it)

The problem is that she did not get an Ivory league education. She speaks differently then the East Coast elite. She speaks the vernacular of rural America. She kills animals instead of spending time pondering Supreme court decisions. Seriously do we want a women like that in the oval office?

Well I do. The last 3 presidents were all ivory league made and as far as I am concerned they were all screw ups.

Look at the genius Governor we have in NJ. Wall Street Financier gold plated credentials, a gazzilionaire. His approval rating is lower then George Bush's and he did what no one thought possible and screwed up NJ even more. He has been touted as everything from a presidential candidate to Secretary of the Treasury.

Meanwhile Sarah Palin has an 85% approval rating in Alaska and got a pipeline built that no one else could. She beat the hell out of the entrenched old guard in her own party to get where she is. This is a women who is a natural born leader.

I wish all our politicians were like her. Are there some things she will need to study up on. Sure. but she is capable of that. It actually is not rocket science. What you can not learn is how to be a great leader. Sure you can learn a few skills but greatness is born not made. Sarah Palin has proven she can lead and I hope all the regular people stand up and stick it to the elites on election day.

Colin Powell

2008-10-21T08:54:00.006-04:00

I am sure the Powell endorse has hurt McCain.

There are a couple of things that Powell said that really tick me off.

First he said some things about Palin which I will address in the next post.

Then he said I do not want to see two more conservatives appointed to the Supreme Court.

This highlights the fact that Powell is a RHINO (Republican in name only.) Can anyone tell me one Republican position that this guy agrees with. One just one is all I ask for. Of course you can't. By the way McCain is (unfortunately in my opinion) no raging conservative. We are not likely to get far right judges with him. We are more likely to wind up with judges like Sandra Day O'Connor and Kennedy. I can not understand why this guy is Republican (guesses anyone) and I am not surprised he backed Obama.

Secondly he spoke about a US soldier who gave his life in the current conflict who happened to be a Muslim and spoke about how he was disturbed by the Republican efforts to falsely paint Obama as a Muslim.

The problem is he is holding John McCain and the Republican party responsible for fringe groups they have no control over. With the Internet any nut job with a computer can spout whatever they want (case on point THIS BLOG) and it can take on a life of its own. To hold McCain responsible for that is disingenuous.

But what if he were a Muslim? I thinK a persons religious beliefs are fair game. It is not like race which is an irrelevant factor. It says a lot about you. I have Muslim friends. I disagree with their choice of religion but they are wonderful people. I would defend there right to believe what they want and would risk my own life to defend them from harm. That being said many Muslims hold beliefs that are an anathema to our culture and before I would vote for a Muslim for any office I would demand evidence that they are sufficiently acculturated to America that they have rejected that subset of their beliefs.

For instance would you vote for someone who believed all Women should wear a chador in public? Of course most of you would not.

But I digress the main point is that Colin Powell's reasons for his endorsement strike me as phony. He has endorsed Obama because he is a liberal who wants liberal policies enacted. So Mr Powell while you can endorse anyone you want please stop pretending to be a Republican.

Just for laughs

2008-10-21T08:49:00.002-04:00

Proof Positive that some people will do ANYTHING to get elected. LOL

Intresting Reading

2008-10-20T12:43:00.002-04:00

This might cause you to Vote for Obama or against him. Either way it is interesting reading.

Why Europeons Love Obama

Step # 1

2008-10-20T09:26:00.004-04:00

So you thought the Bush administration threatened your freedom by imprisoning foriegn terrorists at Gitmo or looking at somebodys list of library reading material.

Read about the real coming threat to freedom.

Step one is to stifle dissent !

Bonus Quote

2008-10-18T22:06:00.002-04:00

"I THINK WHEN YOU SPREAD THE WEALTH AROUND IT'S BETTER FOR EVERYONE."

Senator and president wanabe Barack Hussien Obama

The Return of "Quote of the Week"

2008-10-16T09:38:00.002-04:00

The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I’m here to help.". . . . Ronald Reagan

The Manchurian Candidate

2008-10-16T07:58:00.003-04:00

The Manchurian Candidate is a book/movie about someone who is brainwashed into be a sleeper agent for the communists.

In politics it has come to mean someone who has a secret agenda inimical to the interests of the US and is seeking high office. It is quickly becoming an overused cliche, however if there was ever a politician who deserves the moniker it is Barack Obama. No not because he is secretly a Muslim I seriously doubt that.

It is because he portrays himself as a moderate centrist Democrat when in reality he is a radical socialist.

I believe one of the reasons he has such a sparse record for the time he has been in office is to help him maintain his veneer. Even still during the time he has been in the senate he has had the most liberal voting record. This guy is further from the center then Pat Buchannan is. Just in the opposite direction.

Look at the radicals people and organizations he has associated with. Bill Ayers, Father Phleger, Reverend Wright, Farrakhan, Acorn, the New Party. I will not detail the relationships here that is all over the web. then there are the ones not publicized as much. Marilyn Katz former head of the Security for Students for for a Democratic Society. The 60's radical group that the Weatherman Terrorists split off from. She serves on Obama national Finance Committee. The fact is they are all anti capitalism and in most cases anti-American. Their are other troubling alleged associations I can not confirm so we will leave them alone for now.

Now I have seen a lot of articles suggesting that McCain is making a mistake, people are interested in pocket book issues not whether Obama knows some has been 1960's domestic terrorist. But pocket book issues are exactly why these affiliations matter. You can judge a person by the company he keeps. These associations are evidence that he is more radical then he pretends to be. Once in office he will move this country towards a socialist economy. History shows that socialism does not work. For all its flaws capitalism has been shown to be the best economic model their is.

Sarah Palin is correct when she says Barack Obama is not like us. He does not hold the same values as middle America. If people understood what his true agenda is for this country McCain would win by a landslide. Hell if they understood this guy George Bush could beat him.

His whole life history points to his true beliefs. he spent many formative (elementary) years being educated in Indonesia. Does anyone think he was inoculated with respect for capitalism there, or respect (never mind love) for America? In High School his mentor Frank Marshall Davis was a member of the Communist Party.

The problem is twofold one our current president is blamed for all our problems (and to be fair he has screwed up his fair share) and two many people just take the attitude we need change I do not care what it is as long as it is different and they do not bother to investigate whether the change will be better or worse. Believe me when I say that things could get worse much much worse. I remember the last time this happened. After Nixon the nation wanted change and they got Jimmy carter and stagflation and Gas shortages the decline of our military. Things where pretty bleak.

Second Obama is a great speaker. ( In an informal setting there are too many ahhs interspersed but that is a small flaw) He knows how to create imagery. He knows how to inspire with the turn of a phrase , hoe to effectively use inflection and he has a pleasing voice. In short he is the best political speech giver since Ronald Reagan.

So he has many voters fooled. If he wins this election it will be the greatest con job ever pulled on the voters. I just hope his agenda does not damage this country beyond repair in the next 4 years.

Robin Hood

2008-10-15T16:08:00.005-04:00

Read about Obama as Robin Hood

Actually Robin Hood did not steal from the rich.

He stole from a government that over taxed its people and gave it back to the taxpayors. Thats the kind of Robin Hood we need.

The Greatest Movie Line Ever

2008-10-14T08:48:00.000-04:00

From a time when Hollywood was better.

Let's Spread the wealth

2008-10-13T13:40:00.002-04:00

Obama tells a plumber, "I do not want to punish you for success I just want to make sure the people behind you are taken care of. I want to spread the wealth."

Now he says he is only going to raise taxes on corporations and the top 5 % earners.

How long do you think before he will go after the Middle class too.

Not only that there are a lot of small businesses making over $250,000.00 per year.
How is taxing them going to help the economic recovery? If you work for one of them say bye bye to your job.

LEARN

2008-10-13T13:28:00.001-04:00

Learn what happens when the government runs private industry by studying a
real life example.

Free Markets for all there warts still work best.

A Taste of the Iron Boot

2008-10-13T12:20:00.003-04:00

Things are starting to feel more like Venezuela or maybe Cuba around here.

Go here to taste the Iron Boot

or Here for a little appetizer.

UPDATE: Can you taste it yet

I call it Income Redistribution

2008-10-13T12:17:00.002-04:00

Obama Tax Cuts? I think not.

Hat tip to More Monmouth Musings

Bill Maher makes a movie

2008-10-09T10:26:00.007-04:00

Let us take a well needed break from politics and discuss religion instead.

Their is a new movie out called Religulous starring Bill Maher. Now honestly I have not seen the movie but I have seen enough clips and read enough articles to know the premise of the movie is that a belief in God is silly and people who believe in God are ignorant. The movie concentrates on making fun of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Any objective person who has watched Bill Maher would have to agree that he is an arrogant jerk. He probably believes anyone who does not agree with him on a whole host of things are stupid. Quite frankly that is an easy trap for an intelligent person to fall into.

But the fact of the matter is there are a lot of people more intelligent then Bill Maher who believe in God. Do you know which group of scientists has the highest percentage of God believers?
Mathematicians. That is because the science of Math reveals a symmetry to the universe that could not have developed randomly. While Albert Einstein did not believe in a personal God he did believe in a creator God. " I believe in Spinoza's God who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with the fates and actions of human beings."(Albert Einstein, responding to Rabbi Herbert Goldstein who had sent Einstein a cablegram bluntly demanding "Do you believe in God?" Quoted from Victor J. Stenger, Has Science Found God? 2001, chapter 3.) " I want to know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know his thoughts. The rest are details. " (The Expanded Quotable Einstein, Princeton University Press, 2000 p.202). There are an un-endless list of scientists who have had there faith strengthened by their scientific studies. Admittedly their are other scientists who have reached an an opposite conclusion but the point is that it is a mistake to call religious believers ignorant or unintelligent. To me a creator God makes more sense then a belief that this is all the result of randomness, from the big bang, to life forming , to the development of the human mind it is hard to belief that it is all an accident. It is all rather complicated for that.
The problem that atheists ( and quite frankly Einstein where he refuses to believe in a personal God) have is that they believe if something does not make sense to their superior intellect it can not be true. If they can not understand why God allows evil to exist then the conclusion is that God does not exist. This is actually the height of arrogance. One of my favorite Books in the bible is the book of Job. There is a beautiful poetry to it.
The story is about how God and the devil have a bet. The Devil bets that if all the good things in life Job has are taken away from him he will turn away from God. God sets out to prove the devil wrong and a series of very terrible things happen to Job. God wins the bet but their is one part where Job rails against what is happening to him and asks God why. I love Gods answer.

38:1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 38:2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? 38:3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
38:5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 38:6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 38:8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? 38:9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, 38:10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? 38:12 Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; 38:13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? 38:14 It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.
38:15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
38:16 Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? 38:17 Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? 38:18 Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all.
38:19 Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, 38:20 That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? 38:21 Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great? 38:22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, 38:23 Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war? 38:24 By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth? 38:25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; 38:26 To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; 38:27 To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? 38:28 Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? 38:29 Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? 38:30 The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.
38:31 Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? 38:32 Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? 38:33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? 38:34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? 38:35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go and say unto thee, Here we are? 38:36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? 38:37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, 38:38 When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together? 38:39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, 38:40 When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? 38:41 Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.

The point is that our small minds are incapable of understanding God. No matter how smart we are we will never fully understand the mind of God. That is not a reason for unbelief.

Now there are a lot of religious beliefs even among various Christian sects that I do not agree with.
Self flagellation, snake handling, the belief that the book of genesis is literal, that we should not use technology the list could go on and on. I do not however mock those beliefs. Because our capacity to understand God is limited we all come to him on terms we can understand and we all have different levels of understanding. Of course I am talking in the context of Judaism and Christianity.
God did give us the ability to reason and that should be applied to how we choose which world religion we will adhere to but that is another long post.

The root of Maher's problem is that he is an arrogant jerk and that explains his viewpoint. While it would be easy to get angry with him the appropriate response is to pray that he will loose his arrogance and then he will be able to see the light.

Something else community organizers do.

2008-10-08T23:08:00.003-04:00

As a community organizer Obama worked with a non- profit called Acorn.

Courtesy of Acorn, today we found out something else community organizers do.

Election Fraud.

Wondering Why?

2008-10-08T23:04:00.002-04:00

Are you wondering why lately it hurts when you sit down ?

Here is the answer.

The Big Question.

2008-10-08T08:09:00.002-04:00

Our economy seems to be continuing a downward spiral spurred on by a media with a constant news cycle and panicky investors. Meanwhile pandering politicians suggest ever bigger government control of the economy and a presidential election rapidly approaches.

In light of all this I have a question for you the reader and I hope I will receive some answers.
Here it is.

What are you doing to prepare for life under the crushing Iron Boot of Socialism?

Great Column

2008-10-03T09:07:00.003-04:00

Read this column "Inside Politics" by Greg Pierce that appears in the Washington Times
First he explains Obama's philosophy of government and then he lets us know exactly what a "community organizer" does. Short and sweet but enlightening.

THE DEBATE

2008-10-02T22:39:00.004-04:00

I do not usually watch political debates. They really do not tell us a whole lot. They are mostly shtick. I would prefer to read position papers by the candidates.

That being said I watched the Palin/Biden debate because I wanted to see how Palin did and I will say that Biden did an outstanding job. Palin did not screw up but I was not overly impressed. She did OK. Although she may have played better in the "heartland" I would say Biden won on style and rhetoric skills.

Neither of them changed my mind on who has the better policies.

Biden did say a few things of interest.

One he admitted that Obama wanted to DOUBLE the amount of foreign aid we give out.
but that the economic downturn would slow that down. (that may be fodder for another post)

Two he said that the Middle class deserves tax cuts not corporations and wealthy Americans because the middle class is the economic engine of this Country. Now I am firmly in what Obama calls the Middle Class. My household income fluctuates between 90,000 and 150,000
per year and I live in a very expensive part of the country. While I always love a tax cut If you do not include social security taxes I am not terribly overtaxed by the federal government.
I can tell you that the Middle Class is not the economic engine of this country. The Middle Class reaps the benefit of the economic engine which is the corporations that Obama wants to tax.
The corporations by the way that that the Middle Class owns a good portion of via pension plans, 401ks, IRA's and mutual funds. The same corporations that the Middle Class work for.

Three he said Obama will withdraw troops from Iraq in 16 months that is his plan McCain has no plan to get us out. When did it become a good idea to tell your enemies what your plan is? Somebody has to explain how that is a good way to win a war cause I just do not see it.

Biden may have said the things that won him the debate (and which may win Obama the election) but he did not change my mind.

Obama's Glass Steagal Scam

2008-10-02T12:50:00.002-04:00

Obama has been blaming the recent economic crisis on the deregulation of the financial Markets which resulted from amendments to the Glass Steagal Act. He says this Republican deregulation got us in this mess.

Bill Clinton who as president signed the bill disagrees. Read all about it in the Wall Street Journal . He does not think the bill contributed to the problem at all.

It is also interesting to note that though the bill was introduced by Republican Senator Phil Gramm it was supported by Senators "Chuck Schumer, John Kerry, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, Dick Durbin, Tom Daschle -- oh, and Joe Biden. Mr. Schumer was especially fulsome in his endorsement".

Bar Stool Economics.

2008-10-02T12:08:00.002-04:00

This was sent to me in an email. Very Good!

Bar Stool Economics
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.The fifth would pay $1.The sixth would pay $3.The seventh would pay $7.The eighth would pay $12.The ninth would pay $18.The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.So, that's what they decided to do.The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until on day, the owner threw them a curve. "Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20."Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.And so:The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).<>The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings."I only got a dollar out of the $20,"declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man," but he got $10!""Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!""That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!""Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.Professor of EconomicsUniversity of Georgia.

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Economic Downward Spiral Good For Obama

2008-10-01T09:33:00.004-04:00

It appears that the looming economic disaster is helping Obama.
This is because the president and by association his party gets blamed for economic woes.
In most cases this is unfair because the President does not have as much influence on the economy as people think.
Also some people are actually saying things are so bad we need another FDR and that is Obama.
Poppycock.
First FDR did not get us out of a Depression. All of his programs did nothing to turn the economy around. What got us out of the depression was WWII. First Arming England and Russia through the lend lease program and then our own forces when we entered the war followed by a surge in demand for consumer goods after the war.
Second Obama's economic policy would not help it would hurt. We want to grow the public sector economy not the government sector. Even if Obama did not raise taxes (of course we know he will) he would limit the amount of capital available to the private sector through deficit spending. There is not an infinite supply of capital. The more the government spends the less capital is available to finance the public sector.
The Federal Governments spending is the biggest problem. Obama says he will spend more. McCain says he will spend less. A pretty clear dichotomy between the two.

By the way the "Bush" tax cuts have not in any way contributed to the current economic problems. Revenue collection has increased not decreased as a result of the tax cuts. The cuts spurred economic growth. More growth equals more taxes (yes I know at some point in tax cutting this no longer holds. We have not yet reached that point). The fact of the matter is that after 9/11 we were headed for a recession. Anybody remember that? The Republican response. cut taxes! This lead to 7 years of a strong economy . It would still be strong if the housing bubble did not burst. A housing bubble caused by democratic policies.

Of course I have little hope that the public will grasp this. It is much easier to understand take from the rich and give to the poor is the cure. Election advantage OBama the socialist.

Meat must be rationed to four portions a week, says report on climate change

2008-09-30T15:51:00.003-04:00

On another note read what these MORONS have to say.
Like that is gonna happen.

How about we put some energy into dealing with Global warming (assuming it is a problem) rather then engaging in these fantasies.

I can not believe a warm planet means the end our civilization.

You MUST See This

2008-09-30T15:39:00.001-04:00

This video shows who is responsible for the mess we are in.

http://www.youtube.com/TheMouthPeace

Do yourself a favor. See it and spread it.

The Reason for the Siezing (of the economy)

2008-09-30T09:23:00.002-04:00

Hats off to Monmouth Musings. Take a look at the Fox video that reveals the reason for the crisis and the videos which explain the House Republicans position. These tell it like it is.

The fact of the matter is Wall Street has us by the short hairs. They are overreacting. Yeah they have some bad mortgage loans but enough to bring down the economy? They say it has caused a credit crunch. Do they really have to stop lending to everyone or maybe they should just stop lending to bad risks? The stock market is tanking. Why? many of these companies still have strong value. The amount of decline is because of one thing. PANIC. Wall Street should follow the advice they give us and invest for the long term. The question is how do you stop an irrational overreaction?

If we do nothing and make Wall Street fix its own problems do we have a year long recession or do we have a Depression? Can we afford to take the gamble? We have to do something but I tend to think that the Paulson plan stinks. Can we find a better way. Rep. Thadeus Cotter has some good points. Are there any economists out there who want to weigh in.

Good Job

2008-09-29T19:09:00.000-04:00

Good Job Voice of Reason.

Evolving Thoughts on Financial Crisis

2008-09-28T20:13:00.002-04:00

As a capitalist I have been very conflicted about this bailout. These financial institutions made bad financial decisions so they should fail.

However the number of companies facing failure all at once may be too much for the economy to handle. We could be facing a major long term recession or even depression if they fail. I do not know for sure but we can not afford to take the risk. So I reluctantly will agree that the government needs to take some action.

What should they do? Well I am leery of Paulson’s plan because he is from Wall Street. I think that colors his view of what should be done. He thinks Wall Street is the be all and end all and I think he shares Wall Streets tendency to overreact to Wall Streets problems. (really Wall Street has over-reacted and that is part of the problem).

So I am not ready to roll over and agree to whatever he wants. I hope the package it gives the taxpayers the ability to make their money back. I do agree that if we are bailing these companies out there management should forget about golden parachutes.
It will be interesting to see what the deal finally looks like.

The Dolphin and the Congressman.

2008-09-26T08:05:00.004-04:00

I usually do not do local stories but this one is such a great illustration of what is wrong with Congress. (well one thing that is wrong) that I had to do it.

Some background. A pod of dolphins have taken up residence in a local tidal estuary. If they do not leave before winter sets in they probably will not survive. Now many people want us to rescue the dolphins by forcibly removing them or driving them out. NOAA officials say that should not be done until they are in clear peril which is not yet the case because forcibly rescuing them could kill a lot of them. It also begs the question as to why tax dollars should be used to interfere in a completely natural process but that is not what we will talk about today.

Today's paper had an article about how one of the juvenile dolphins expired , probably from pneumonia. The Article reveals that Congressman Frank Pallone (D) wrote a letter to the Marine Fisheries Service requesting they implement a Dolphin evacuation plan.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME! We are trying to deal with major economic issues an energy problem, massive hurricane damage in Texas and two wars ( not to mention the closing of a local military base that he has dropped the ball on) and this clown is wasting his time worrying about some Dolphins? Is this what his constituents elected him to worry about? This is illustrative of why Congress does not work. They can do not understand what their job is. He probably got a few letters from some whack jobs about the Dolphins and decided the issue could get him another 20 or 30 votes. So while he fiddles around Rome burns. Why idiots like this get re-elected is beyond my comprehension.

I ♥ Bill Clinton

2008-09-25T09:12:00.002-04:00

Does anyone out there really believe the Clintons want Obama to win. That would mean Hillary has to wait 8 long years to run for President. If Obama looses she gets a shot in 4. (imagine an election Hillary v Sarah WOW).
Bill is out there doing everything he can to deep six Obama in a way that he can not be openly criticized for.
He has said nice things about Palin like he gets why people like her. The latest is; "Bill Clinton praised Sarah Palin Wednesday, saying he found the Alaska governor an “appealing person” and her and her family “gutsy, spirited and real.” and "I think that it’s best to say that Senator McCain looks like he knew what he was doing. He picked somebody who gave him a lot of energy, a lot of support.”

Previously he has said politically Hillary would have been the best choice politically for Obama but she did not really want the second spot. he has also said Democrats should not launch personal attacks on Palin.

Then Clinton defended "Sen. John McCain's request to delay the first presidential debate, saying McCain did it in "good faith" and pushed organizers to reserve time for economy talk during the debate if the Friday plans move forward".

Cinton says he will campaign for Obama after the Jewish Holidays. Obama must be praying that is not true. Imagine this phone call: Hi Bill this is Barack. You know Alaska is turning out to be a key state for us. Could you spend the next six weeks going door to door in Nome. I know its cold but we really need you up there.

I hope all you Clinton Cool Aid drinkers are getting the message. The fastest way for Hillary to become president is to vote for McCain in November.

SOLAR WIND DIMINISHES

2008-09-25T09:07:00.002-04:00

I was going to write a piece on this article about the Solar Wind Diminishing because I thought the article was interesting and entertaining. Then I realized I could not write commentary more entertaining then the comments people have already posted on the article. So I recommend you read it. It will be fun.

The Bail Out

2008-09-21T21:39:00.003-04:00

I am conflicted about this Bail out. My gut does not like government intervention in the market.

Why should these companies who screwed up be bailed out. What would be the actual effect on the economy if they failed? How do you bail them out and tell the guy who can not pay his mortgage Tough Luck?

On the other hand is it staving off a depression? A short recession is survivable but no one wants to re-live 1929. Larry Kudlow who I like and is a lover of free markets thinks it is a good thing and if it is done right the taxpayers will make money. He claims they made money on the S&L bailout.

I have a lot of questions on this one. Anybody out there have answers? I would love to hear what some experts think?

Race Effects The Race?

2008-09-21T21:13:00.003-04:00

So there is a study out that racial factors could cause Obama to loose the election if it is close.

Apparently racial attitudes among Democrats and independents are causing some problems.

"The pollsters set out to determine why Obama is locked in a close race with McCain even as the political landscape seems to favor Democrats"

I am sure there are racists in all parties who would not vote for a black man. I am not sure if I buy that is the source of Obama's problems. The study did reveal some lingering stereotypes. I know a couple of elderly Karry Voters who will not vote for Obama. Probably because he is Black. On the other hand there are a few people who are so anxious to elect a black man to prove we are not racists that they ignore the mans short comings

One thing though "The poll sought to measure latent prejudices among whites by asking about factors contributing to the state of black America. One finding: More than a quarter of white Democrats agree that "if blacks would only try harder, they could be just as well off as whites"

Is that racist? Seems to me there are blacks out there who do try harder and are successful. Is it racist to say that? It does not seem to me to be a racist thing to say. The fact is there are bigots. There will always be bigots. There is no longer institutional racism. Individual bigots can not hold back the entire Black community. What is holding back the majority of blacks is there own culture. Not Racism.

The study does mention this.

"Race is not the biggest factor driving Democrats and independents away from Obama. Doubts about his competency loom even larger, the poll indicates. More than a quarter of all Democrats expressed doubt that Obama can bring about the change they want, and they are likely to vote against him because of that."

But what will really cost Obama is the independents. I bet he looses them by a few percentage points. Not because of race but because people are realizing that 1. he is not what he pretends to be and 2. the change he wants to bring would be bad change.

He says he will not raise taxes on the middle class. That is a lie. He will have to raise taxes on everyone to re image government the way he wants it. He is not a moderate. I will beat the drum again he is a socialist. His friends are radical socialist. His voting record is rated as more liberal then the only admitted socialist in Congress(Bernie Saunders who runs for office in Vermont on the Socialist ticket)

The only color that bothers me and a lot of other Americans is Socialist RED, and Obama is that shade of RED!