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?
Monday, March 30, 2009
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
