There is a lot of angst and debate over the possibility of a third party candidate in 2012. As I look at the two political parties it strikes me that there is little difference between the Republicats and the Demicrans. I have been reading "Lincoln and Douglas: The Debates That Defined America" by Allen Guelzo and the thing that struck me is there was one political party. The Democrat and Democrat Lite, aka Whigs. The issue was; should slavery be allowed in the new territories?
The Democrat party, led by Stephen Douglas, said "They should be allowed to vote on it". Abraham Lincoln said "No, it is not right that one man should own another". The Whigs said, "Let's study it some more."
We know what happened to the Whigs.
Today we have one political party, Democrat and Democrat Lite. I am ready for our country to return to a two political party system.
This short dissertation was inspired by the following article by Star Parker titled, "Why 2012 Looks Like 1860".
http://townhall.com/columnists/starparker/2011/06/06/why_2012_looks_like_1860
Enjoy.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Feel Safer Yet?
I hate those backscanner naked people machines that they are putting in at airports around the US. My bionic wife prefers them because she doesn't have to undergo a pat down. My experience is just the opposite.
I put my cell phone, and my shoes, and my loose change, and my laptop in two of those lovely litterboxes; walk through the magnetometer and then I am done.
Not so with the naked person machine. I put my cell phone, and my shoes, and my loose change, and my laptop in two of those lovely litterboxes. Then I put my wallet, and my passport, and my watch, and my belt, and my boarding pass in another litter box. Then I step into the machine and assume the position. I step out and the attendent says, "Just a minute. I need to check your waist (pocket) (pant leg) (whatever, it is always something)."
So, why do I have to strip and go through the machine if they are going to feel me up anyway?
And, it is my opinion that this whole dance is a violation of my rights under the fourth amendment to the Constitution. This amendment states; "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
Are you telling me that the purchase of an airline ticket is probable cause that I intend to commit a crime? Really?
Then you will love this. The TSA is seriously researching how they can read your thoughts to determine if you have mal intent. This is not science fiction. This is here and this is now.
It is called Future Attribute Screening Technology (or FAST for those of you who like government acronyms) . Follow this link to the YouTube video posted by the Department of Homeland Security.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wqooBmYfQ4
Based on this video; simply going any place there is a crowd like a football game, or a mall, or a political rally will provide probable cause to check to see if you have 'Mal Intent'.
Just like the book '1984' by George Orwell; you may be arrested for thought crimes.
I am told this is the premise of the movie 'Minority Report'. Need to go rent it. Apparently this is a case of life imitating art.
Is this what is meant when you say the Constitution is a 'living document'?
Sorry. I am NOT interested. Count me out. (I wonder how soon such sentiments will be considered Mal Intent?)
I put my cell phone, and my shoes, and my loose change, and my laptop in two of those lovely litterboxes; walk through the magnetometer and then I am done.
Not so with the naked person machine. I put my cell phone, and my shoes, and my loose change, and my laptop in two of those lovely litterboxes. Then I put my wallet, and my passport, and my watch, and my belt, and my boarding pass in another litter box. Then I step into the machine and assume the position. I step out and the attendent says, "Just a minute. I need to check your waist (pocket) (pant leg) (whatever, it is always something)."
So, why do I have to strip and go through the machine if they are going to feel me up anyway?
And, it is my opinion that this whole dance is a violation of my rights under the fourth amendment to the Constitution. This amendment states; "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
Are you telling me that the purchase of an airline ticket is probable cause that I intend to commit a crime? Really?
Then you will love this. The TSA is seriously researching how they can read your thoughts to determine if you have mal intent. This is not science fiction. This is here and this is now.
It is called Future Attribute Screening Technology (or FAST for those of you who like government acronyms) . Follow this link to the YouTube video posted by the Department of Homeland Security.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wqooBmYfQ4
Based on this video; simply going any place there is a crowd like a football game, or a mall, or a political rally will provide probable cause to check to see if you have 'Mal Intent'.
Just like the book '1984' by George Orwell; you may be arrested for thought crimes.
I am told this is the premise of the movie 'Minority Report'. Need to go rent it. Apparently this is a case of life imitating art.
Is this what is meant when you say the Constitution is a 'living document'?
Sorry. I am NOT interested. Count me out. (I wonder how soon such sentiments will be considered Mal Intent?)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Babied Boys of DC - Guest Commentary
Dr. Elizabeth Morgan of Atlanta GA contributed a letter to the Financial Times last week. I am going to repeat it here simply because it is exactly on target.
"Sir; As a counterpoint to all the male analysis of Tuesday's elections and Barack Obama's failings, let me offer a simpler one, that of a working, single mom."
"Our president, his pals, and most men in higher walks of the federal government are de facto college freshmen. They come from elite, usually Ivy League institutions and are imbued by their professors with the peculiar arrogance and ignorance that comes from over-education, lack of experience and fear."
"Academics are risk-averse. They and the students who admire them uncritically avoid scary experiences like working in the real world but they always know better than those who do. Washington is now largely run by these kids and their loyal gal pals. Like all privileged kids, they think they have it hard, they like to spend other people's money (once their parents, now the taxpayers'), they never think their allowance is enough, they blame everyone who criticises them - again substituting taxpayers for parents - and duck for cover when things get tough. They like to party, to fight the other team - it's required for team membership - and they are out to fix the world. These babied boys of DC have for years wrecked the car, time and again, passing the bill to their parents, that is, the taxpayer."
"In contrast, moms - not the privileged but those who have faced adversity- are easy to make fun of and look down on, but when you wreck the car, you need this kind of mom or equivalent dad. They have courage, common sense and emotional maturity. They fix problems. These are not traits developed by taking the bar exam. This is the appeal of Sara Palin and those she supports. They are among the few grown-ups in national politics."
"With mostly kids to vote for, what can Americans do? Vote out the latest car wrecker until you get one who knows how to drive."
I couldn't have said it better.
"Sir; As a counterpoint to all the male analysis of Tuesday's elections and Barack Obama's failings, let me offer a simpler one, that of a working, single mom."
"Our president, his pals, and most men in higher walks of the federal government are de facto college freshmen. They come from elite, usually Ivy League institutions and are imbued by their professors with the peculiar arrogance and ignorance that comes from over-education, lack of experience and fear."
"Academics are risk-averse. They and the students who admire them uncritically avoid scary experiences like working in the real world but they always know better than those who do. Washington is now largely run by these kids and their loyal gal pals. Like all privileged kids, they think they have it hard, they like to spend other people's money (once their parents, now the taxpayers'), they never think their allowance is enough, they blame everyone who criticises them - again substituting taxpayers for parents - and duck for cover when things get tough. They like to party, to fight the other team - it's required for team membership - and they are out to fix the world. These babied boys of DC have for years wrecked the car, time and again, passing the bill to their parents, that is, the taxpayer."
"In contrast, moms - not the privileged but those who have faced adversity- are easy to make fun of and look down on, but when you wreck the car, you need this kind of mom or equivalent dad. They have courage, common sense and emotional maturity. They fix problems. These are not traits developed by taking the bar exam. This is the appeal of Sara Palin and those she supports. They are among the few grown-ups in national politics."
"With mostly kids to vote for, what can Americans do? Vote out the latest car wrecker until you get one who knows how to drive."
I couldn't have said it better.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The United Methodist Church Is Against Honor
Well, not exactly. The General Board of Church and Society is endorsing and recruiting people to attend the One Nation Working Together Rally, billed by it's promoters as the anti 8/28. The organizers and promoters of this rally include SEIU, ACORN, the Communist Party of America, Democratic Socialists of America, and other progressive groups.
The biggest promoter of this rally is Organizing for America at BarackObama.com
Another promoter and participant in the One Nation Working Together Rally on October 2 is the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church. No surprise here.
The GBCS generated headlines like "METHODIST CHURCH SCOLDS THE PRESIDENT" when President Bush endeavored to free 20 million people from a psychopathic dictator. If you read the entire article, on the jump page, buried in the next to the last paragraph would be a disclaimer to the effect "The GBCS does not speak for the UMC".
I believe it was the predecessor to the GBCS who funneled money and support to Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwean dictator who took a rich, free society (Rwanda) and created a socialist utopia. They went from a net exporter of food to a net importer of food in less than two years. Their currency inflates at 10,000% per year. He retains power by intimidation and murder.
The UMC is governed by the Book of Discipline which is amended every four years by a General Conference. There are more UMs in Africa than North America, so the rules of the GC were adjusted to insure that North American representatives would not be outvoted by African representatives. The GC also adopts a series of social principles which are supposedly biblically based and non binding. The social principles read like progressive social justice.
These are the basis for the actions of the GBCS. Membership in the United Methodist Church continues to decline. It is my thesis that the GBCS has abandoned the Gospel of Jesus Christ to embrace progressive political action, thereby alienating members and potential members.
The following links will provide more information on the GBCS:
The General Board of Church and Society of the UMC
Faith in Action newsletter
Contact information on the GBCS is available on this page:
Staff Directory of GBCS
Full Disclosure: I have been a member of the United Methodist Church all my life. I believe their emphasis on social justice is replacing God with the government. History will show this never ends well. My wife and I are active in a declining UM congregation because we feel called to serve here.
We will go when and where the Spirit leads.
The biggest promoter of this rally is Organizing for America at BarackObama.com
Another promoter and participant in the One Nation Working Together Rally on October 2 is the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church. No surprise here.
The GBCS generated headlines like "METHODIST CHURCH SCOLDS THE PRESIDENT" when President Bush endeavored to free 20 million people from a psychopathic dictator. If you read the entire article, on the jump page, buried in the next to the last paragraph would be a disclaimer to the effect "The GBCS does not speak for the UMC".
I believe it was the predecessor to the GBCS who funneled money and support to Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwean dictator who took a rich, free society (Rwanda) and created a socialist utopia. They went from a net exporter of food to a net importer of food in less than two years. Their currency inflates at 10,000% per year. He retains power by intimidation and murder.
The UMC is governed by the Book of Discipline which is amended every four years by a General Conference. There are more UMs in Africa than North America, so the rules of the GC were adjusted to insure that North American representatives would not be outvoted by African representatives. The GC also adopts a series of social principles which are supposedly biblically based and non binding. The social principles read like progressive social justice.
These are the basis for the actions of the GBCS. Membership in the United Methodist Church continues to decline. It is my thesis that the GBCS has abandoned the Gospel of Jesus Christ to embrace progressive political action, thereby alienating members and potential members.
The following links will provide more information on the GBCS:
The General Board of Church and Society of the UMC
Faith in Action newsletter
Contact information on the GBCS is available on this page:
Staff Directory of GBCS
Full Disclosure: I have been a member of the United Methodist Church all my life. I believe their emphasis on social justice is replacing God with the government. History will show this never ends well. My wife and I are active in a declining UM congregation because we feel called to serve here.
We will go when and where the Spirit leads.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Perpetual Motion Machine
I took Econ 101 and 102 in college. The thing that I remember was how they explained government spending, the Federal Reserve, and the multiplier effect.
It goes something like this: The Federal Government collects revenue and spends money as directed by congress. If congress chooses to spend more money than is collected; then the government issues debt instruments like T-bills, T-notes, and T-bonds. If, by chance, they are unable to sell enough debt to the public then the Federal Reserve will buy the debt at a predetermined discount rate.
The Federal Reserve is a private banking company whose directors are appointed by the President with approval of congress and is tasked with providing a 'stable' money supply. This is a privately owned bank who creates money by simply writing a number in a ledger and collecting interest from the taxpayer on that number. Is this a great country or WHAT??
But it gets better! Economists believe that every dollar the Federal government spends generates $5 of economic activity. They also believe that every dollar spent by private business will generate $8 in economic activity.
Therefore; if the economy is retracting then the government needs to spend MORE to stimulate the economy.
WOW!! Why not spend money when the economy is expanding? I mean think about it; if spending 1,000 billion dollars will generate 5,000 billion dollars in economic activity why not spend 2,000 billion dollars and generate 10,000 billion dollars? Better yet, if the government would spend 10,000 billion dollars then the tax revenue from the accompanying 50,000 billion would pay off the debt in one year.
A true perpetual motion machine!! Paul Krugman; New York Times columnist, Princeton University professor, and all round smart person has been making this argument for weeks.
This came up again last week in the debate over extending unemployment benefits. The Secretary of Labor scolded that one dollar of tax cuts only generates $1.15 of economic activity because those who get the cuts save the money (those unpatriotic bastards). One dollar of unemployment benefits generates $1.39 of economic activity by the fine, patriotic unemployed persons spending money at restaurants and buying clothes.
I know when I was unemployed I dined at fine restaurants every night and purchased a new wardrobe after I got home from my cruise. NOT!!
Nearly everyone learns there is no such thing as perpetual motion by the third grade. Sophisticated persons educated at the nation's finest universities are relieved of common sense in the isolated utopian world of academia where they are required to return to the dreams of childhood.
Our freedom and our liberty are at risk when these persons gain positions of power in our society and make us live in a dream world that cannot exist.
Pray for a return of common sense and integrity.
It goes something like this: The Federal Government collects revenue and spends money as directed by congress. If congress chooses to spend more money than is collected; then the government issues debt instruments like T-bills, T-notes, and T-bonds. If, by chance, they are unable to sell enough debt to the public then the Federal Reserve will buy the debt at a predetermined discount rate.
The Federal Reserve is a private banking company whose directors are appointed by the President with approval of congress and is tasked with providing a 'stable' money supply. This is a privately owned bank who creates money by simply writing a number in a ledger and collecting interest from the taxpayer on that number. Is this a great country or WHAT??
But it gets better! Economists believe that every dollar the Federal government spends generates $5 of economic activity. They also believe that every dollar spent by private business will generate $8 in economic activity.
Therefore; if the economy is retracting then the government needs to spend MORE to stimulate the economy.
WOW!! Why not spend money when the economy is expanding? I mean think about it; if spending 1,000 billion dollars will generate 5,000 billion dollars in economic activity why not spend 2,000 billion dollars and generate 10,000 billion dollars? Better yet, if the government would spend 10,000 billion dollars then the tax revenue from the accompanying 50,000 billion would pay off the debt in one year.
A true perpetual motion machine!! Paul Krugman; New York Times columnist, Princeton University professor, and all round smart person has been making this argument for weeks.
This came up again last week in the debate over extending unemployment benefits. The Secretary of Labor scolded that one dollar of tax cuts only generates $1.15 of economic activity because those who get the cuts save the money (those unpatriotic bastards). One dollar of unemployment benefits generates $1.39 of economic activity by the fine, patriotic unemployed persons spending money at restaurants and buying clothes.
I know when I was unemployed I dined at fine restaurants every night and purchased a new wardrobe after I got home from my cruise. NOT!!
Nearly everyone learns there is no such thing as perpetual motion by the third grade. Sophisticated persons educated at the nation's finest universities are relieved of common sense in the isolated utopian world of academia where they are required to return to the dreams of childhood.
Our freedom and our liberty are at risk when these persons gain positions of power in our society and make us live in a dream world that cannot exist.
Pray for a return of common sense and integrity.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Glenn Beck - Prophet, Pundit, or Punk?
Just finished reading "The Overton Window", a fictional thriller based on current events. The story moves quickly and is quite engaging, reminiscent of a Tom Clancey novel. This is the first fiction novel I have read that has a bibliography.
These reference notes are in the afterword beginning on page 293. I suggest Glenn Beck skeptics begin by reading this first.
I recommend pages 318 and 319 be required reading for JFK conspiracists and truthers. A JFK conspiracist is someone who believes that Lee Oswald was not the sole gunman in Dealey Plaza. A truther is someone who believes the government was complicit in the attacks on 9/11. These two pages point out the potential trap that lays for those who infer a conspiracy based on facts.
This book affirms my belief that the greatest legacy we can give our children is the ability to think critically. Faith, values, and self respect are important; however, one must learn to question with boldness to avoid being manipulated by religion, government, and family.
"The Overton Window". A great beach read and perfect place to start thinking, critically, about who we will elect to represent us in November.
These reference notes are in the afterword beginning on page 293. I suggest Glenn Beck skeptics begin by reading this first.
I recommend pages 318 and 319 be required reading for JFK conspiracists and truthers. A JFK conspiracist is someone who believes that Lee Oswald was not the sole gunman in Dealey Plaza. A truther is someone who believes the government was complicit in the attacks on 9/11. These two pages point out the potential trap that lays for those who infer a conspiracy based on facts.
This book affirms my belief that the greatest legacy we can give our children is the ability to think critically. Faith, values, and self respect are important; however, one must learn to question with boldness to avoid being manipulated by religion, government, and family.
"The Overton Window". A great beach read and perfect place to start thinking, critically, about who we will elect to represent us in November.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Big Government vs Big Oil
Government employees are paid to not make decisions. Remember your last trip to renew your driver’s license or get a license plate for your car? Remember the frustration you had because some form was not filled out to the satisfaction of the person on the other side of the counter? Ever tried to board an airplane when the name on your photo ID was not identical to the name on the boarding pass?
The sole motivation of all government employees is to preserve their pension. The greatest risk to their pension is when they do something that is outside the strict verbiage of policy. If a government employee makes a decision and something happens to attract the attention of their supervisor or, God forbid, their supervisor’s supervisor; then their next promotion and the associated increased pension payout are in jeopardy. Therefore, a government employee will not make a decision.
The governor of Louisiana asked for permission to dredge a berm to protect the shore and the Federal government said, “We will study this.” Fifty five days later the permit was approved after crude oil had flooded onto the Louisiana shore. Over a dozen foreign countries and foreign companies have offered to help clean up the spill and the government said, "No, this will require a waiver from the United States Maritime Administration". (Details)
Big companies in general and oil companies in particular are very jealous of their processes and procedures. As a rule they will not adopt any process that is Not Invented Here (NIH).
Kevin Costner proposed utilizing his prototype oil recovery system and British Petroleum said, “Sorry, it is Not Invented Here”. A couple of amateurs have produced a YouTube video of a process to trap oil floating on the water using hay. Again, BP chuckled but declined their offer of help because it was (you guessed it) Not Invented Here.
Meanwhile, crude oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico.
The President has said that he has personally been focused on this incident from the beginning. Many people don’t think that is true because he did nothing nor said anything useful. I disagree.
“Never let a serious crisis go to waste and what I mean by that is it gives you an opportunity to do things you couldn’t do before.” Rahm Emmanuel; White House Chief of Staff.
I believe the President was waiting for the pictures of oil soaked birds to saturate the media. The loss of 11 persons and a $500 million platform is certainly a tragedy; but it is not a crisis.
When you are a hammer; everything looks like a nail. When you are trained as a lawyer; every problem is addressed with litigation. The first response from the White House was to encourage all the people affected to sue BP. The White House has threatened criminal prosecution.
Meanwhile, crude oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico.
On April 19 it was unthinkable to suggest the government should take over oil companies. Now, two months later, pictures of oil soaked wildlife are being shown on TV, the newspapers, and the internet every day. Everyone from the bartender at the airport to my son, who should know better, is calling for the government to take over BP.
The White House and a number of congresspersons have suggested that BP be required to place billions of dollars into a separate escrow account.
Question: When are these pillars of fiscal responsibility going to place $109,000 billion into a separate escrow account to fund my, and your, unfunded social security and medicare liabilities?
Congressman Barton has it right. The White House shook down BP for $20 billion. It appears this separate account will be administered by the Executive Branch. Kind of a slush fund to benefit select friends of Obama.
Meanwhile, crude oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico.
“I’m telling you this liberal is about, uh, socializing.......... uh, is about........basically, taking over the oil companies” Congresswoman Maxine Waters, D-CA.
The Obama administration has utilized three separate crises to take over the financial industry, two automobile manufacturers, and the health care industry. This shakedown is the first step to taking over BP. BP is not a US company so that makes it problematic; but a few more oily birds should make it possible for him to pull it off. Who is going to stop him?
Bonus: The government has placed a moratorium on all offshore drilling. This will force tens of thousands of families to be largely dependent upon the Federal government for survival. The cap and trade legislation will distribute thousands of billions of dollars from every person to a select group of politically connected traders through the Chicago Climate Exchange.
And crude oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico.
The sole motivation of all government employees is to preserve their pension. The greatest risk to their pension is when they do something that is outside the strict verbiage of policy. If a government employee makes a decision and something happens to attract the attention of their supervisor or, God forbid, their supervisor’s supervisor; then their next promotion and the associated increased pension payout are in jeopardy. Therefore, a government employee will not make a decision.
The governor of Louisiana asked for permission to dredge a berm to protect the shore and the Federal government said, “We will study this.” Fifty five days later the permit was approved after crude oil had flooded onto the Louisiana shore. Over a dozen foreign countries and foreign companies have offered to help clean up the spill and the government said, "No, this will require a waiver from the United States Maritime Administration". (Details)
Big companies in general and oil companies in particular are very jealous of their processes and procedures. As a rule they will not adopt any process that is Not Invented Here (NIH).
Kevin Costner proposed utilizing his prototype oil recovery system and British Petroleum said, “Sorry, it is Not Invented Here”. A couple of amateurs have produced a YouTube video of a process to trap oil floating on the water using hay. Again, BP chuckled but declined their offer of help because it was (you guessed it) Not Invented Here.
Meanwhile, crude oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico.
The President has said that he has personally been focused on this incident from the beginning. Many people don’t think that is true because he did nothing nor said anything useful. I disagree.
“Never let a serious crisis go to waste and what I mean by that is it gives you an opportunity to do things you couldn’t do before.” Rahm Emmanuel; White House Chief of Staff.
I believe the President was waiting for the pictures of oil soaked birds to saturate the media. The loss of 11 persons and a $500 million platform is certainly a tragedy; but it is not a crisis.
When you are a hammer; everything looks like a nail. When you are trained as a lawyer; every problem is addressed with litigation. The first response from the White House was to encourage all the people affected to sue BP. The White House has threatened criminal prosecution.
Meanwhile, crude oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico.
On April 19 it was unthinkable to suggest the government should take over oil companies. Now, two months later, pictures of oil soaked wildlife are being shown on TV, the newspapers, and the internet every day. Everyone from the bartender at the airport to my son, who should know better, is calling for the government to take over BP.
The White House and a number of congresspersons have suggested that BP be required to place billions of dollars into a separate escrow account.
Question: When are these pillars of fiscal responsibility going to place $109,000 billion into a separate escrow account to fund my, and your, unfunded social security and medicare liabilities?
Congressman Barton has it right. The White House shook down BP for $20 billion. It appears this separate account will be administered by the Executive Branch. Kind of a slush fund to benefit select friends of Obama.
Meanwhile, crude oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico.
“I’m telling you this liberal is about, uh, socializing.......... uh, is about........basically, taking over the oil companies” Congresswoman Maxine Waters, D-CA.
The Obama administration has utilized three separate crises to take over the financial industry, two automobile manufacturers, and the health care industry. This shakedown is the first step to taking over BP. BP is not a US company so that makes it problematic; but a few more oily birds should make it possible for him to pull it off. Who is going to stop him?
Bonus: The government has placed a moratorium on all offshore drilling. This will force tens of thousands of families to be largely dependent upon the Federal government for survival. The cap and trade legislation will distribute thousands of billions of dollars from every person to a select group of politically connected traders through the Chicago Climate Exchange.
And crude oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico.
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