It seems that nothing gets the attention of the public like charges of racism. No decent American wants to promote one race over another, or practice the denigration of anyone based on race, sex or national origin. America has always drawn strength from her diversity of legal immigrants, each one bringing unique talents and skills to the melting pot of capitalism. Only a fool would want to live in a world where everyone mirrored themselves in beliefs, talents, preferences, and physical characteristics.
Racism being an extremely volatile subject, it is easy to understand why people don't want to be associated with it. The extremists on the left side of political ideology have not missed out on this. In fact, the charge of racism has become one of their most powerful tools over the years. They have charged Republicans and conservative politicians with being against the poor, the aged, the minorities every time they seek to promote conservative ideas through our legislative system. This has become such a constant mantra that they have even effectively stolen the credit for civil rights legislation that passed in the 1960's by the efforts of the Republican Party.
With the election of President Obama there was a great deal of talk about how we had moved into the era of post-racism in America. As long as their candidate was in office, it was a great step forward in the healing of old racial scars and a better world was dawning. This post-racist era was evidently short lived. The racism, this time however, seems to be promoted by the very same liberals that seemed appalled by it just a few short months ago. These are the people that avoid any debate in the arena of ideas, by focusing on their opponents race and using their telepathic abilities to decipher the true meaning of any conservation. You say you doubt their telepathic ability? How else do you explain Maureen Dowd's interpretation of Joe Wilson's outburst in Congress? Only with her special powers could she know that what Mr. Wilson was really saying was not the audible "You lie", but actually "You lie, boy!".
It seems that this will be the trend for anyone that opposes this President and his agenda. I guess because of their racist attitudes these leftist individuals cannot fathom anyone that would actually oppose someone because they have differing ideas, not because of race. Well, if that be the case, then label me a racist. I will not allow this false accusation to silence my opposition to the fascist policies of our President or his liberal friends.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
You Really Don't Get It... Do You?
These days it seems that our elected representatives in D.C. have really stirred up a hornet's nest. The discontent on both ends of the political spectrum is growing almost daily and this has the politicians scurrying around trying to find the middle ground that will keep the constituents happy. It is as if each one of them is trying to put their name in the history books as the person that saved healthcare by coming up with a bill that is an acceptable compromise to everyone. The only problem I see with this is that they are missing the message of "We The People". While our career politicians banter back and forth trying to find the right combination of key items that will get the appropriate buy-in from their colleagues, the public movement against big government is growing.
I watch as the parade of reform ideas passes by on the television news (more like commentary). I get frustrated at the left side of the ruling class with their Socialist and Fascist ideas for government run everything and complete control over our lives. As bad as that is, I have come to expect Socialist ideas from Socialists. What really puts me over the edge are those that affiliate themselves with the "conservative movement" on the right. Made up almost exclusively of Republicans their ideas irritate me more than anything else. I want to start pacing the floor, yelling like a mad man at a piece of electronic equipment, venting my frustration at the density of their skulls! I want to make a George H. W. Bush statement... "Read My Lips"!
The problem is not the healthcare reform. The problem is not the TARP legislation. The problem is not the government takeover of private business. The problem is all of it! What we want is to be left alone. What we want is a return of the founding father's ideas of a smaller, less intrusive central government. What we want is the opportunity to make our own decisions about what schools our children go to, what car (or truck) we drive, what insurance plan (if any) we have. You see the problem is not the few items contained in the healthcare proposals, the problem is the proposals period! It is not your job to fix most of what you spend your time and our money on. If you wanted to do anything at all to help healthcare in the U.S., you could start with Tort reform, limiting your greedy, cash hungry, ambulance-chasing buddies in the legal profession. I wonder if saving physicians $80-250k per year in malpractice insurance might help lower the cost of basic healthcare?
Is there anyone at all in D.C. that will stand up for the principles on which this country was founded? If you are out there, please stand up and be heard. I know of a few million people that will support you.
I watch as the parade of reform ideas passes by on the television news (more like commentary). I get frustrated at the left side of the ruling class with their Socialist and Fascist ideas for government run everything and complete control over our lives. As bad as that is, I have come to expect Socialist ideas from Socialists. What really puts me over the edge are those that affiliate themselves with the "conservative movement" on the right. Made up almost exclusively of Republicans their ideas irritate me more than anything else. I want to start pacing the floor, yelling like a mad man at a piece of electronic equipment, venting my frustration at the density of their skulls! I want to make a George H. W. Bush statement... "Read My Lips"!
The problem is not the healthcare reform. The problem is not the TARP legislation. The problem is not the government takeover of private business. The problem is all of it! What we want is to be left alone. What we want is a return of the founding father's ideas of a smaller, less intrusive central government. What we want is the opportunity to make our own decisions about what schools our children go to, what car (or truck) we drive, what insurance plan (if any) we have. You see the problem is not the few items contained in the healthcare proposals, the problem is the proposals period! It is not your job to fix most of what you spend your time and our money on. If you wanted to do anything at all to help healthcare in the U.S., you could start with Tort reform, limiting your greedy, cash hungry, ambulance-chasing buddies in the legal profession. I wonder if saving physicians $80-250k per year in malpractice insurance might help lower the cost of basic healthcare?
Is there anyone at all in D.C. that will stand up for the principles on which this country was founded? If you are out there, please stand up and be heard. I know of a few million people that will support you.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Look Who's Protesting Now!
Much like many of you, I have been watching the news and commentators on the various networks and the response to the town hall meetings that some of our elected representatives have been sponsoring lately. I must admit I am encouraged by what I have seen. First of all, just to see people showing up at these meetings is a positive thing. It seems throughout most of my life the only folks that have really taken the time to get involved in the process have been members of some fringe or special interest group, a group that generally doesn't seem to represent anyone that I know and certainly not the mainstream of middle America. Now I am seeing many getting involved that, by their own admission, have never really taken an interest in politics or activism of any type before. This is, in my opinion, a step in the right direction regardless of their political affiliation or ideas. There needs to be involvement by "The People" or the form of self government that we live under (a republic, not a democracy for those of you that went to public school like me) fails to function as it should.
Poor voter turn-out at election time has always puzzled me. I remember the first election that I was able to vote in and how excited I was at the opportunity to finally have a voice and take part in the choosing of leaders that would shape the future of this great country. I also remember so many of my friends that didn't care one way or the other and did not vote. These were the same people that I heard over the next several years complaining about one politician or another and how the country was not being run as they thought it should. It made no sense to me. I do not understand apathy when it comes to something as important as free elections, a luxury that most of the world will never experience, so when I see a greater percentage of the population engaging in the debate and becoming active in the political process I naturally think this is a positive thing.
So why are so many on the left upset over this resurgence of interest in the process? Why is the media so quick to try and portray these people as terrorists, thugs, mobsters and a threat to freedom? Some have even gone so far as to compare the growing movement of citizens against government run health care to the Brown Shirts of the National Socialist Party of Germany (Nazi's). Aren't these the same people that have always been in support of the protests of the past? Where are the great, open-minded liberals that have always encouraged the freedom of speech and protest (right to peaceably assemble) for the minority and fringe environmental, gay rights, animal rights and other groups? Why are they so disturbed over the sight of "The People" exercising their right to make their voice heard? Do they not understand, or do they understand much more than they are letting on?
I believe that the reaction from the left and so-called 'moderates' in both parties is an indication that someone is on the right track. I think they are reacting out of a fear that they are losing their power and privilege. The elite of society that have guided this country farther and farther down a path that leads away from our Constitution, individual rights and limited government are seeing the threat of 'a great awakening' of the freedom that is deep in the DNA of the American people. I hope and pray that this is the case.
Poor voter turn-out at election time has always puzzled me. I remember the first election that I was able to vote in and how excited I was at the opportunity to finally have a voice and take part in the choosing of leaders that would shape the future of this great country. I also remember so many of my friends that didn't care one way or the other and did not vote. These were the same people that I heard over the next several years complaining about one politician or another and how the country was not being run as they thought it should. It made no sense to me. I do not understand apathy when it comes to something as important as free elections, a luxury that most of the world will never experience, so when I see a greater percentage of the population engaging in the debate and becoming active in the political process I naturally think this is a positive thing.
So why are so many on the left upset over this resurgence of interest in the process? Why is the media so quick to try and portray these people as terrorists, thugs, mobsters and a threat to freedom? Some have even gone so far as to compare the growing movement of citizens against government run health care to the Brown Shirts of the National Socialist Party of Germany (Nazi's). Aren't these the same people that have always been in support of the protests of the past? Where are the great, open-minded liberals that have always encouraged the freedom of speech and protest (right to peaceably assemble) for the minority and fringe environmental, gay rights, animal rights and other groups? Why are they so disturbed over the sight of "The People" exercising their right to make their voice heard? Do they not understand, or do they understand much more than they are letting on?
I believe that the reaction from the left and so-called 'moderates' in both parties is an indication that someone is on the right track. I think they are reacting out of a fear that they are losing their power and privilege. The elite of society that have guided this country farther and farther down a path that leads away from our Constitution, individual rights and limited government are seeing the threat of 'a great awakening' of the freedom that is deep in the DNA of the American people. I hope and pray that this is the case.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Contemplating Confounding Conclusions of the Common Man
What a world we live in! Knowledge is expanding at an exponential rate in all areas. Technology is making available to us electronic devices we only dreamed of, or saw on Star Trek. We are able to do more with less natural resources than just a few years ago. Automobile emissions have been reduced by nearly 98% since 1975. One laptop computer contains more computing power than what was available to most businesses just 25 years ago. The discoveries of man have been astounding, and yet when we look at the world today politically very little has changed since the beginning of time.
Never before has the manipulation and disinformation of the general public been more obvious. In centuries past there were very few educated and even fewer with access to any kind of information that would dispute or question the policies of those in power. Today, however, in free countries around the world we have access to information that can bring in to question the information (or propaganda) that we are being given by our media and elected officials. What continues to amaze me is how many in our global society continue to follow the curriculum that is hand-fed to them without even questioning... like sheep (no wonder the Bible uses illustrations of sheep and the shepherd so much) blindly trusting and following where their leader says to go.
Now, with what I am about to say next please don't label me as a extremist, gun-toting, Bible-thumping, hate-monger set on destroying the planet. That seems to be the tactic most often used by leftists to destroy anyone that disagrees with their agenda. Instead, consider for a moment the possibility that some of what we are being told about the economy, gun control, terrorism, climate change, etc. could be wrong. What if actions we are taking are not making things better, but worse? Is there anything wrong with analyzing the facts (and not those force-fed to us by the media) and at least questioning our policies? In the current political arena this seems to be treated as heresy and a attack on well-known and established truths. This is not at all the case.
Why are we so determined to give up freedom and liberties that we have had for more than 200 years based on unproven theories? Why does the media never question the fact that states and communities with a larger number of concealed handgun permit holders experience less violent crime than those that demand an unarmed population (read More Guns, Less Crime by John Lott) ? Why do they never mention the fact that over 700 international scientists dispute the claims of man-made global warming (from the website of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, hardly a bastion of conservative thinkers)? Why do we continue down the road of less freedom, less choice, less individual responsibility when it is costing us jobs, safety, freedom of speech and expression? When did common sense become so un-common? When will we wake up and rise up to a higher level of personal responsibility and throw off the chains of government control? I fear that if it is not soon... it will never be.
Never before has the manipulation and disinformation of the general public been more obvious. In centuries past there were very few educated and even fewer with access to any kind of information that would dispute or question the policies of those in power. Today, however, in free countries around the world we have access to information that can bring in to question the information (or propaganda) that we are being given by our media and elected officials. What continues to amaze me is how many in our global society continue to follow the curriculum that is hand-fed to them without even questioning... like sheep (no wonder the Bible uses illustrations of sheep and the shepherd so much) blindly trusting and following where their leader says to go.
Now, with what I am about to say next please don't label me as a extremist, gun-toting, Bible-thumping, hate-monger set on destroying the planet. That seems to be the tactic most often used by leftists to destroy anyone that disagrees with their agenda. Instead, consider for a moment the possibility that some of what we are being told about the economy, gun control, terrorism, climate change, etc. could be wrong. What if actions we are taking are not making things better, but worse? Is there anything wrong with analyzing the facts (and not those force-fed to us by the media) and at least questioning our policies? In the current political arena this seems to be treated as heresy and a attack on well-known and established truths. This is not at all the case.
Why are we so determined to give up freedom and liberties that we have had for more than 200 years based on unproven theories? Why does the media never question the fact that states and communities with a larger number of concealed handgun permit holders experience less violent crime than those that demand an unarmed population (read More Guns, Less Crime by John Lott) ? Why do they never mention the fact that over 700 international scientists dispute the claims of man-made global warming (from the website of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, hardly a bastion of conservative thinkers)? Why do we continue down the road of less freedom, less choice, less individual responsibility when it is costing us jobs, safety, freedom of speech and expression? When did common sense become so un-common? When will we wake up and rise up to a higher level of personal responsibility and throw off the chains of government control? I fear that if it is not soon... it will never be.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Are We Still Talkin' About This?
I can't believe that we are still following a course of action based upon claims of some scientists that may not even be true. Since the election last year it seemed to me that some of the supposed global warming science was not as prevalent in the media as it had been through the George W years. I thought, this is a good thing... there is no conclusive scientific evidence behind all this and it will just quietly fade away and we can move on to another supposed crisis. I guess I was wrong. Just this past week I have been hearing more about the insanity that passes for our actions to 'save the planet' from a man-made mess.
Don't get me wrong, I believe that we should do all we can to be wise and develop alternative sources of energy while seeking ways to reduce the amount of harmful waste we produce. What puzzles me is how so much of what is touted as a good alternative energy source is either unwise or not feasible. Burning up crops to replace petroleum products... that's just brilliant! Especially when it takes more energy to produce fuel from corn than is yielded when it is used. Or how about wind power. How many of the people that try to push this government subsidized alternative on us refuse to have any of the giant windmills anywhere near where they live? (If it is such a good alternative, how come it needs to be subsidized?) It is almost beyond my comprehension that some people actually believe that some of these insane actions will actually make any difference in our climate. I have heard (and I cannot recall the source) that some politicians want to outlaw the incandescent light bulb in favor of those little fluorescent bulbs that are hard on your eyes and are hazardous to dispose of. Now that's a bright idea!
What I see most of all with all the environmental hype is hypocrisy and deceit. Why is it that all the big name politicians in support of all this 'green' technology use more energy than any of us. The high priest of environmental ecstacy, the inventor of the internet, Mr. Al Gore is making literally millions on this false doctrine while leaving a huge carbon footprint with his excessive lifestyle. Supposedly he 'off-sets' his carbon footprint by buying carbon credits from developing nations. What a scam that is. Who really thinks that if I give my money away to others (so they can build a huge military machine, as with Red China) for imaginary feel good credits that I have helped to save the poor, failing climate of the earth? Sounds to me like a brilliant idea for the Chinese and Indians to suck money out of the capitalist system of America while making us feel good about it!
With all the scientist that have come out lately refuting the junk science behind global warming can we please move on to another imaginary crisis? If you are going to take all our money away from us and socialize everything (including our home thermostats), can you not find a more creative way to do it?
Don't get me wrong, I believe that we should do all we can to be wise and develop alternative sources of energy while seeking ways to reduce the amount of harmful waste we produce. What puzzles me is how so much of what is touted as a good alternative energy source is either unwise or not feasible. Burning up crops to replace petroleum products... that's just brilliant! Especially when it takes more energy to produce fuel from corn than is yielded when it is used. Or how about wind power. How many of the people that try to push this government subsidized alternative on us refuse to have any of the giant windmills anywhere near where they live? (If it is such a good alternative, how come it needs to be subsidized?) It is almost beyond my comprehension that some people actually believe that some of these insane actions will actually make any difference in our climate. I have heard (and I cannot recall the source) that some politicians want to outlaw the incandescent light bulb in favor of those little fluorescent bulbs that are hard on your eyes and are hazardous to dispose of. Now that's a bright idea!
What I see most of all with all the environmental hype is hypocrisy and deceit. Why is it that all the big name politicians in support of all this 'green' technology use more energy than any of us. The high priest of environmental ecstacy, the inventor of the internet, Mr. Al Gore is making literally millions on this false doctrine while leaving a huge carbon footprint with his excessive lifestyle. Supposedly he 'off-sets' his carbon footprint by buying carbon credits from developing nations. What a scam that is. Who really thinks that if I give my money away to others (so they can build a huge military machine, as with Red China) for imaginary feel good credits that I have helped to save the poor, failing climate of the earth? Sounds to me like a brilliant idea for the Chinese and Indians to suck money out of the capitalist system of America while making us feel good about it!
With all the scientist that have come out lately refuting the junk science behind global warming can we please move on to another imaginary crisis? If you are going to take all our money away from us and socialize everything (including our home thermostats), can you not find a more creative way to do it?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Charitable Giving - Big Government Style
Okay, I'll admit it. I really, really don't get this. Can someone clue me in please? We were just recently subjected to months of campaigning (or lying, depending on how you look at it) by two politicians, neither of which should even have been running for the top office in this country. During this time I heard so much from a man (that I never believed for a minute) about change and creating a caring culture. A place where we, as Americans, take care of each other and level the playing field so everyone can achieve the American Dream. A culture that supports and encourages those that have traditionally not had access to the prosperity promised by this great country.
Now our beloved President has come out in favor of reducing the tax reduction that we can receive for charitable giving. Is this not completely opposite of what you would do if you really cared about helping others and creating a caring culture? It seems to me that if a person wanted to encourage the citizens of this country to give and help those less fortunate, maybe one way to do this would be to increase the tax savings available for charitable giving. Perhaps if it were more advantageous for people to give to worthy causes that help the poor and needy in our communities, we would actually see an improvement in the conditions of the less fortunate among us. I would think that this would promote more help with education, job training, and life skills and provide more opportunities for those with limited access to economic prosperity.
Why then would the head of the Executive Branch of the government take action in direct opposition to this? The answer, as with most of what we have seen so far is that he, and it would seem most of his political party, have Socialist tendencies. They want more of the money currently headed to charities to go to their big government so they can dictate to you exactly how much you will give, and where and how that money is spent. They believe that this same government that has yet to institute a successful program, should be in charge of every program... public or private. They see this as a way to control behavior and to ensure their long-term power by distributing money only to 'charities' that adhere to their value system and help to advance their cause. A government that controls all the money has significant control of the population. By controlling charitable contributions they also control to some extent our freedom of speech, as they already do with religious organizations. Any organization that does not support their socialist, liberal agenda would obviously not be eligible for funding... that certainly makes their world a better place!
As with every area of life, the less government intrusion allowed the better it is for the people. Taxes are no exception. Taxation should not be used as a tool to shape the behavior of the populace according to some arbitrary set of values dictated by politicians. It is time for serious tax reform and a major down-sizing of our government. This is the answer to stimulating the economy and providing opportunity for those that have been victimized by the failure of the war on poverty.
Now our beloved President has come out in favor of reducing the tax reduction that we can receive for charitable giving. Is this not completely opposite of what you would do if you really cared about helping others and creating a caring culture? It seems to me that if a person wanted to encourage the citizens of this country to give and help those less fortunate, maybe one way to do this would be to increase the tax savings available for charitable giving. Perhaps if it were more advantageous for people to give to worthy causes that help the poor and needy in our communities, we would actually see an improvement in the conditions of the less fortunate among us. I would think that this would promote more help with education, job training, and life skills and provide more opportunities for those with limited access to economic prosperity.
Why then would the head of the Executive Branch of the government take action in direct opposition to this? The answer, as with most of what we have seen so far is that he, and it would seem most of his political party, have Socialist tendencies. They want more of the money currently headed to charities to go to their big government so they can dictate to you exactly how much you will give, and where and how that money is spent. They believe that this same government that has yet to institute a successful program, should be in charge of every program... public or private. They see this as a way to control behavior and to ensure their long-term power by distributing money only to 'charities' that adhere to their value system and help to advance their cause. A government that controls all the money has significant control of the population. By controlling charitable contributions they also control to some extent our freedom of speech, as they already do with religious organizations. Any organization that does not support their socialist, liberal agenda would obviously not be eligible for funding... that certainly makes their world a better place!
As with every area of life, the less government intrusion allowed the better it is for the people. Taxes are no exception. Taxation should not be used as a tool to shape the behavior of the populace according to some arbitrary set of values dictated by politicians. It is time for serious tax reform and a major down-sizing of our government. This is the answer to stimulating the economy and providing opportunity for those that have been victimized by the failure of the war on poverty.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Limiting Compensation
Lately I have been amazed at all the talk about limiting executive compensation. I understand the frustration that some people have expressed over companies that are mis-managed and now have been unwisely bailed out by the federal government, giving large salaries and bonuses to their execs. I also understand the politics of class warfare that so many in D.C. have exhibited expertise in. They always play one class, one race or one sex against the other... seems they use a divide-and-conquer strategy to take more power away from "We the People". They are so eager to limit the income and opportunity that is available to others while making sure that the sky is the limit for the income and excess that they enjoy. I have even heard of some of the brilliant Hollywood crowd getting in on this act.
Aside from the fact that I think this is the worst idea possible in a supposedly capitalist society, maybe we should take a look at their ideas, and even make this a universal application of limiting income. First of all, maybe we should limit income to, say $75,000 annually for anyone in an elected office for the state or federal governments. This would make sure that they are much more in touch with the middle-class that they all say they want to represent. Oh, and of course we would need to eliminate any form of contributions for the maintenance of multiple households, use of any government vehicles or any government paid expenses other than the normal office expenses... you know, things like stamps, stick pens, staples and printer paper. They could all be enrolled in the wonderful Social Security Program and be provided with a modest private provider group health plan similar to what would be provided at a comparable paying private sector job.
Then we could move on to the sports industry. Oh, God forbid we mess with these celebrity superstars! Since a corporate executive has quite a bit of responsibility for the salary that they would be paid under this plan, we must adjust the athletes salaries accordingly. Maybe $100,000 a year would be fair for the best of the best... after all they probably do work more than our elected officials! With the remainder of the multi-million dollar salary that is paid to way too many of these, we could provide free benefits to all the illegal aliens that politicians love so much.
Next would have to be Hollywood! These folks are always so outspoken on how the rest of us should live while they indulge themselves like a divine aristocracy too good for the common folks in fly-over country. How about, in addition to a salary cap of $50,000 per movie, we also hold them accountable for the results of their effort. We need to be fair about this, so perhaps if they make a movie that is a blockbuster at the theaters they get to be eligible for a small additional bonus of say, $1,000 per $1,000,000 of box office revenues. That sounds fair! Oh, but on the flip side is the condition that they loose money if the movie gets poor reviews! We can appoint a 3 person panel to review all films and all starring actors/actresses lose $2,500 for each bad review. That limits them to just $7,500 of risk if they put out a really bad movie... of which there are plenty. This makes it fair for everyone!
Writing this has got me so optimistic about the possibilities that are available when we allow the government to decide how much someone in a free-market society gets paid! I need to come up with something really special for those who just want to save the planet like Al Gore... they are so nice, I am sure they will want to give it all away, except of course for what is needed to maintain their eco-friendly, all natural, mud and straw huts! This is going to be so much fun!
Aside from the fact that I think this is the worst idea possible in a supposedly capitalist society, maybe we should take a look at their ideas, and even make this a universal application of limiting income. First of all, maybe we should limit income to, say $75,000 annually for anyone in an elected office for the state or federal governments. This would make sure that they are much more in touch with the middle-class that they all say they want to represent. Oh, and of course we would need to eliminate any form of contributions for the maintenance of multiple households, use of any government vehicles or any government paid expenses other than the normal office expenses... you know, things like stamps, stick pens, staples and printer paper. They could all be enrolled in the wonderful Social Security Program and be provided with a modest private provider group health plan similar to what would be provided at a comparable paying private sector job.
Then we could move on to the sports industry. Oh, God forbid we mess with these celebrity superstars! Since a corporate executive has quite a bit of responsibility for the salary that they would be paid under this plan, we must adjust the athletes salaries accordingly. Maybe $100,000 a year would be fair for the best of the best... after all they probably do work more than our elected officials! With the remainder of the multi-million dollar salary that is paid to way too many of these, we could provide free benefits to all the illegal aliens that politicians love so much.
Next would have to be Hollywood! These folks are always so outspoken on how the rest of us should live while they indulge themselves like a divine aristocracy too good for the common folks in fly-over country. How about, in addition to a salary cap of $50,000 per movie, we also hold them accountable for the results of their effort. We need to be fair about this, so perhaps if they make a movie that is a blockbuster at the theaters they get to be eligible for a small additional bonus of say, $1,000 per $1,000,000 of box office revenues. That sounds fair! Oh, but on the flip side is the condition that they loose money if the movie gets poor reviews! We can appoint a 3 person panel to review all films and all starring actors/actresses lose $2,500 for each bad review. That limits them to just $7,500 of risk if they put out a really bad movie... of which there are plenty. This makes it fair for everyone!
Writing this has got me so optimistic about the possibilities that are available when we allow the government to decide how much someone in a free-market society gets paid! I need to come up with something really special for those who just want to save the planet like Al Gore... they are so nice, I am sure they will want to give it all away, except of course for what is needed to maintain their eco-friendly, all natural, mud and straw huts! This is going to be so much fun!
Monday, March 16, 2009
We The People
Maybe it's just me, but in the event that it is not... is anyone else sick and tired of hearing about the Economic Stimulus plans, plans to bail out Wall Street, Detroit, the health-care system, small business, etc? I hear something everyday about how the wonderful, benevolent officials we the sheeple have elected are going to bestow economic prosperity on us and fix the economy. Are they really that stupid, or do they just think that we are that stupid? We wasted around $800 Billion on a first plan that did nothing... we wasted more on a larger (understand more earmarks and special interest) plan that was going to get things going... it continues still and there is no end in sight. Now nearly $2 Trillion later, things are the same or maybe worse.
Now I hear our beloved and anointed President saying that we need to spend more to open up lending to small business. Hello!!! Anyone paying any attention? Isn't borrowing and credit what got us into this mess to begin with? Are we going to borrow our way out of it? That's a brilliant idea! How about this for a revolutionary idea... quit taxing everyone into oblivion to pay for more stupid stimulus plans! Want to start the economy? Put more money into the hands of those who actually work and create jobs and wealth in this great country and stop the hand-outs, bail-outs, and give-away programs. Stop paying for condoms and abortions with our tax dollars! Stop pouring money into the false science of Global Warming! Stop the graft and corruption in the District of Corruption and allow the people of this land to take care of themselves, their families and each other!
Now I know that there are some idiots among us that don't have a clue how to earn, spend, or save money. Fine, let them suffer the consequences of their decisions... that is called learning! Quit over regulating the financial and auto industries, telling them what to do, how and when to do it... then blaming them when it doesn't work and bailing them out with our tax dollars and more pitiful oversight and regulation from the people that have ruined everything they have touched! Mr President, Congress, our elected officials at every level... YOU ARE NOT THE ANSWER, YOU OBVIOUSLY DO NOT HAVE THE ANSWER, YOU WILL NEVER FIND THE ANSWER UNLESS WE THE PEOPLE SHOW IT TO YOU!
The American people have always been hard working, ingenious, and productive people and still are today. If "you the government" will leave "We The People" alone we can make this economy work as it should and make smart decisions that will reward the producers and penalize the non-contributing parasites. Stop giving trophies to all the teams in Little League and start rewarding the winners for their hard work and perseverance. Give the also-rans in life something to shoot for. Let this nation full of generous and able people take care of their families and neighbors. Get out of our way and worry about National Defense like you are supposed to. Quit telling me to wear a seat-belt, where or if I can smoke, if I can have a firearm and forcing me to pay into a failed, pitiful supplemental retirement system that you politicians have bankrupted! We make this country run, not you. Get over it!
Now I hear our beloved and anointed President saying that we need to spend more to open up lending to small business. Hello!!! Anyone paying any attention? Isn't borrowing and credit what got us into this mess to begin with? Are we going to borrow our way out of it? That's a brilliant idea! How about this for a revolutionary idea... quit taxing everyone into oblivion to pay for more stupid stimulus plans! Want to start the economy? Put more money into the hands of those who actually work and create jobs and wealth in this great country and stop the hand-outs, bail-outs, and give-away programs. Stop paying for condoms and abortions with our tax dollars! Stop pouring money into the false science of Global Warming! Stop the graft and corruption in the District of Corruption and allow the people of this land to take care of themselves, their families and each other!
Now I know that there are some idiots among us that don't have a clue how to earn, spend, or save money. Fine, let them suffer the consequences of their decisions... that is called learning! Quit over regulating the financial and auto industries, telling them what to do, how and when to do it... then blaming them when it doesn't work and bailing them out with our tax dollars and more pitiful oversight and regulation from the people that have ruined everything they have touched! Mr President, Congress, our elected officials at every level... YOU ARE NOT THE ANSWER, YOU OBVIOUSLY DO NOT HAVE THE ANSWER, YOU WILL NEVER FIND THE ANSWER UNLESS WE THE PEOPLE SHOW IT TO YOU!
The American people have always been hard working, ingenious, and productive people and still are today. If "you the government" will leave "We The People" alone we can make this economy work as it should and make smart decisions that will reward the producers and penalize the non-contributing parasites. Stop giving trophies to all the teams in Little League and start rewarding the winners for their hard work and perseverance. Give the also-rans in life something to shoot for. Let this nation full of generous and able people take care of their families and neighbors. Get out of our way and worry about National Defense like you are supposed to. Quit telling me to wear a seat-belt, where or if I can smoke, if I can have a firearm and forcing me to pay into a failed, pitiful supplemental retirement system that you politicians have bankrupted! We make this country run, not you. Get over it!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
How Fair is "Fairness"?
Why is it that those who claim to be the largest proponents of freedom and personal choice (i.e. liberals) oppose any freedoms that are not granted by the state? Last time I checked we have a country founded on the belief that our rights and freedoms are granted by God, not the Federal Government. Our right to freely and openly oppose our government or express our dissenting opinion is what makes America different, and may I say, better than any other country. In their quest for a liberal Utopia the political left in this country is on a crusade to silence opposition. One of the most obvious examples is their efforts to silence "hate speech". While I don't endorse any speech that is born out of hatred and meant to demean and devalue those of another race or religion, in America we have a right to express dissent and opposition to any person, organization or government institution.
The left in this country continually defends the right of individuals to use any type of crude , obscene or sexually explicit language in the public arena. This is touted as 'freedom of speech'. I would argue that all citizens have the right to any type of language in private, but are required by the laws of decency to eliminate this from public use. The Constitution provides, through the Bill of Rights, free speech in the form of economic, political and religious ideology, basically the type of speech that is most valuable and on the top of the list for liberals to ban. We may very soon be experiencing the reinstatement of the 'Fairness Doctrine' that will take us a long way towards government control of any dissenting point of view via radio. Liberals that spout off about freedom of choice and free speech are working hard to silence talk radio, the only media dominated by conservative political and religious thought. They cannot compete in a free market on the basis of their liberal agenda, and so the only course of action for them is to silence freedom's number one outlet.
Lately this has become an all-out war on Rush Limbaugh. Regardless of what you think about Rush, Sean Hannity, or Glenn Beck, if they are allowed to succeed in silencing conservative political speech on the radio, how long before they move to silence the internet news and bloggers? Or how about the churches that speak out on issues of morality? How long before any anti-abortion speech or the teaching that homosexuality is sin is condemned? Will the left continue to tolerate the homeschooling crowd that is bypassing their state indoctrination program? How soon will we find any speech opposing the liberal, socialist agenda outlawed as 'hate speech'? I am convinced that day is coming, and possibly much sooner than most of us think. Will entertainment addicted America ever wake up? I pray to God that we do.
The left in this country continually defends the right of individuals to use any type of crude , obscene or sexually explicit language in the public arena. This is touted as 'freedom of speech'. I would argue that all citizens have the right to any type of language in private, but are required by the laws of decency to eliminate this from public use. The Constitution provides, through the Bill of Rights, free speech in the form of economic, political and religious ideology, basically the type of speech that is most valuable and on the top of the list for liberals to ban. We may very soon be experiencing the reinstatement of the 'Fairness Doctrine' that will take us a long way towards government control of any dissenting point of view via radio. Liberals that spout off about freedom of choice and free speech are working hard to silence talk radio, the only media dominated by conservative political and religious thought. They cannot compete in a free market on the basis of their liberal agenda, and so the only course of action for them is to silence freedom's number one outlet.
Lately this has become an all-out war on Rush Limbaugh. Regardless of what you think about Rush, Sean Hannity, or Glenn Beck, if they are allowed to succeed in silencing conservative political speech on the radio, how long before they move to silence the internet news and bloggers? Or how about the churches that speak out on issues of morality? How long before any anti-abortion speech or the teaching that homosexuality is sin is condemned? Will the left continue to tolerate the homeschooling crowd that is bypassing their state indoctrination program? How soon will we find any speech opposing the liberal, socialist agenda outlawed as 'hate speech'? I am convinced that day is coming, and possibly much sooner than most of us think. Will entertainment addicted America ever wake up? I pray to God that we do.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Crazy Times
Maybe it's just me... I have always been a little different. My wife has often told me that I am just too extreme! I need to quit being so radical about things. Maybe she's right, I don't want to come off sounding like some wacko razor-wire, compound-livin', bomb-shelter-building, government conspiracy, Republic of Texas nut case. Yet, at the same time, I cannot sit by and just watch some of the crazy things that are going on without commenting. I feel that many like me are no longer heard in our representative republic and it is getting extremely frustrating.
I recently viewed a excerpt from a CNBC broadcast in which the usual talking heads were discussing the economy and the stimulus bills. If you have not seen this, you need to. In this excerpt Rick Santelli starts to actually tell it like it is (can you imagine, on CNBC) and of course is treated like a extremist radical by the elitist news people. You can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEZB4taSEoA
I have not seen anyone on any mainstream news outlet get it more right than this guy. Of course Hannity, Rush and Glenn Beck have been saying things like this for years... but this was a shot right into the numb-minded, propaganda believing audience of CNBC. Hope someone out there wakes up. I could not agree more with what was said. We have an establishment of elitist career politicians, educators and media pundits that are so out of touch with reality and what I hope is the silent majority of main-stream America that it is no longer even a little bit funny. These people walk around in their rich, elitist, socialist dream world without a clue about what the average middle-class American stands for or believes.
I am beginning to think that for the next presidential election we need to support Tommy. You know, the deaf, dumb and blind kid from Soho? I figure that he could not possibly more detached from what is happening in the real world outside D.C. (District of Corruption) than the idiots we have there now. These people are destroying America and running rough-shod over the Constitution and our rights. Do they not understand they are taxing us into oblivion? Are they really so stupid as to believe that government spending can solve anything besides lining the pockets of themselves and their friends. Taking from the producers in society to give to those that refuse to produce will not stimulate anything except a economic collapse.
Maybe I am a little extreme... but then again, I was raised to believe in a country founded by men of extreme faith and belief. A country that valued freedom above all else. A country that was founded to provide the opportunity (not the guarantee) for all people to work hard, usually against the odds, and to achieve something for themselves and their families. Guess that is a little extreme!
I recently viewed a excerpt from a CNBC broadcast in which the usual talking heads were discussing the economy and the stimulus bills. If you have not seen this, you need to. In this excerpt Rick Santelli starts to actually tell it like it is (can you imagine, on CNBC) and of course is treated like a extremist radical by the elitist news people. You can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEZB4taSEoA
I have not seen anyone on any mainstream news outlet get it more right than this guy. Of course Hannity, Rush and Glenn Beck have been saying things like this for years... but this was a shot right into the numb-minded, propaganda believing audience of CNBC. Hope someone out there wakes up. I could not agree more with what was said. We have an establishment of elitist career politicians, educators and media pundits that are so out of touch with reality and what I hope is the silent majority of main-stream America that it is no longer even a little bit funny. These people walk around in their rich, elitist, socialist dream world without a clue about what the average middle-class American stands for or believes.
I am beginning to think that for the next presidential election we need to support Tommy. You know, the deaf, dumb and blind kid from Soho? I figure that he could not possibly more detached from what is happening in the real world outside D.C. (District of Corruption) than the idiots we have there now. These people are destroying America and running rough-shod over the Constitution and our rights. Do they not understand they are taxing us into oblivion? Are they really so stupid as to believe that government spending can solve anything besides lining the pockets of themselves and their friends. Taking from the producers in society to give to those that refuse to produce will not stimulate anything except a economic collapse.
Maybe I am a little extreme... but then again, I was raised to believe in a country founded by men of extreme faith and belief. A country that valued freedom above all else. A country that was founded to provide the opportunity (not the guarantee) for all people to work hard, usually against the odds, and to achieve something for themselves and their families. Guess that is a little extreme!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Life Just Isn't Fair
The old saying is true. Life isn't fair. I think most people's idea of fair is a level playing field, equal opportunity, a chance for everyone to be or do what they most want in life. This will never happen. One man is born with an IQ of 136 while another has a intelligence quotient of only 86. One woman is born with extraordinary athletic ability while another is born crippled and unable to walk. Many people are born in America where opportunity abounds, while others are born in war-torn areas of Africa suffering abuse and persecution. Life just isn't fair.
So, where does that leave us? Should we abandon our efforts to help those that are disadvantaged? No. I do not believe that we can in good conscience abandon our efforts to help our fellow man, however, we must also realize that penalizing those with more opportunity is never the way to improve the situation. We must help those that will help themselves rise up to the highest attainable level their skills allow. We must not legislate penalties into our system to punish or slow down the achievers in society. We must be a society that teaches a mindset of running to win the prize... and if you fail, you get up, learn what you can from the experience, train more and run again.
The agenda we have allowed in our schools teaches cooperation and scorns competition. Teach the children to work together for the better of everyone. Take from those with an abundance and give to those in poverty. Sounds like a good idea doesn't it comrade? Don't compete, don't question, just cooperate. The problem is that they are being taught not to question or oppose liberal ideas. It appears that our students, from elementary through the universities, are being indoctrinated into the way of thinking that will make them fit best into a socialist society. The same people that during the decades of the 60's and 70's taught our young to question everything (because we were much more conservative) are now teaching them to question nothing. This is a huge failure on the part of our educational system. The most important thing we can teach our citizens is the history of this great nation, the documents that established it (i.e., the Constitution with it's Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence), and the ability to think for themselves.
Our young people need to realize that life is not fair. If you want to succeed you will have to compete. They need to be taught that overcoming an obstacle is a healthy learning experience that ought to be embraced for the reward that it offers on the other side. Dependence on one's self, family and God needs to replace dependence on the nanny state. We must teach them that cooperation and competition are not polar opposites. We all must cooperate with others to achieve common goals while we compete individually to be the best we can be. Life is not fair and you may not achieve the same success as someone else, but if you pursue excellence in all you do, live to use your unique talent to help others, and learn to mature from a state of dependency to healthy interdependence, you will achieve your own success.
So, where does that leave us? Should we abandon our efforts to help those that are disadvantaged? No. I do not believe that we can in good conscience abandon our efforts to help our fellow man, however, we must also realize that penalizing those with more opportunity is never the way to improve the situation. We must help those that will help themselves rise up to the highest attainable level their skills allow. We must not legislate penalties into our system to punish or slow down the achievers in society. We must be a society that teaches a mindset of running to win the prize... and if you fail, you get up, learn what you can from the experience, train more and run again.
The agenda we have allowed in our schools teaches cooperation and scorns competition. Teach the children to work together for the better of everyone. Take from those with an abundance and give to those in poverty. Sounds like a good idea doesn't it comrade? Don't compete, don't question, just cooperate. The problem is that they are being taught not to question or oppose liberal ideas. It appears that our students, from elementary through the universities, are being indoctrinated into the way of thinking that will make them fit best into a socialist society. The same people that during the decades of the 60's and 70's taught our young to question everything (because we were much more conservative) are now teaching them to question nothing. This is a huge failure on the part of our educational system. The most important thing we can teach our citizens is the history of this great nation, the documents that established it (i.e., the Constitution with it's Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence), and the ability to think for themselves.
Our young people need to realize that life is not fair. If you want to succeed you will have to compete. They need to be taught that overcoming an obstacle is a healthy learning experience that ought to be embraced for the reward that it offers on the other side. Dependence on one's self, family and God needs to replace dependence on the nanny state. We must teach them that cooperation and competition are not polar opposites. We all must cooperate with others to achieve common goals while we compete individually to be the best we can be. Life is not fair and you may not achieve the same success as someone else, but if you pursue excellence in all you do, live to use your unique talent to help others, and learn to mature from a state of dependency to healthy interdependence, you will achieve your own success.
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