I realize the Copenhagen climate summit is over but I just thought of a couple of good ideas. And I'd be willing to let Hillary and Obama could use these as talking points at the next big U.N. pot luck.
A little background, please. The G77, which is comprised of over 100 developing countries (that's what used to be called "third world" before that term became politically incorrect, don't ya know), is unhappy with a $10 billion annual commitment from rich countries in climate reparations. The logic goes something like this: poor countries will suffer from the effects of climate change (that's what used to be called "global warming" before that term became politically incorrect when scientists reported the earth might actually be cooling) more than the rich countries who caused all the problems to begin with when they went and built all those factories to produce goods which improved people's lives. See, the United States ruined Mother Earth and now we should just give billions of dollars to poor countries to say we're sorry for being so bad. Get it?
OK, here's my idea. We take the United States' share of that $10 billion annually, which would probably be in the ballpark of of $9.99 billion and subtract all the money that the U.S. has spent helping and/or saving the rest of the world since 1776. We can also subtract all the money given to international charities by U.S. corporations, churches, and other non-profits. We can subtract all the money spent in Europe and Japan to rebuild those countries after both world wars; we can even bill most of those still-existing countries for saving them from Hitler. We can subtract all the economic benefits those countries got from implementing U.S. inventions and products. We can place a dollar value on the number of their citizens' lives which were saved by U.S. pharmaceuticals, doctors, and nurses. We can subtract millions of dollars we spend on AIDS research, prevention, and treatment. What is our total foreign aid budget in one year, anyway? Multiply that times 233 years.See where I'm going here?
Climate reparations? I don't think so. They owe us money. And a big thank-you, but don't hold your breath.
Monday, December 21, 2009
I Hate Harry Reid so Let's Boycott Nevada
Harry Reid. How long has he been in the Senate? 23 years. But honestly, I didn't know the man existed until a year ago. Now I hate him. I know, I know; I'm supposed to be the "Sensible Woman". I can't go around blogging from an emotion-based frame of mind writing that I hate Harry Reid. Someone might accuse me of being an extremist. That term is getting thrown around a lot lately. But that's another blog for another day.
But let's get back to old Harry. What to do when the esteemed Senator from Nevada bribes hesitant Democratic Senators from Louisiana and Nebraska with $142 MILLION in appropriations and extra medicaid funds, respectively, to kowtow to the party line on the health care bill? What to do when he values prevailing over Republicans ahead of doing what's right for America? What to do when he refuses to admit this health care bill is unconstitutional? Even the Governor of Nevada said today that Harry has "put his national political ambitions ahead of Nevada." That's harsh.
Well, being sensible and all, (instead of just being a hater) I call for a boycott of Nevada. That's right. Hit those Nevada voters, who keep voting him in year after year, after year, after year....whoa, almost dozed off there...where it hurts - their pocketbook. A little peer pressure from the citizens of other states just might do the trick. Surely we can skip Vegas and silver jewelry until 2010. We could even have a slogan: No Craps until there's no more crap. Something like that. I'll work on it. Who's with me?
Hey, this idea could snowball and take off to other states whose Senators and Representatives have lost their common sense from being in Washington D.C. for decades. States like, oh say, California? We could even get a two-fer and de-throne Pelosi and Boxer at the same time. Be still my beating heart.
But let's get back to old Harry. What to do when the esteemed Senator from Nevada bribes hesitant Democratic Senators from Louisiana and Nebraska with $142 MILLION in appropriations and extra medicaid funds, respectively, to kowtow to the party line on the health care bill? What to do when he values prevailing over Republicans ahead of doing what's right for America? What to do when he refuses to admit this health care bill is unconstitutional? Even the Governor of Nevada said today that Harry has "put his national political ambitions ahead of Nevada." That's harsh.
Well, being sensible and all, (instead of just being a hater) I call for a boycott of Nevada. That's right. Hit those Nevada voters, who keep voting him in year after year, after year, after year....whoa, almost dozed off there...where it hurts - their pocketbook. A little peer pressure from the citizens of other states just might do the trick. Surely we can skip Vegas and silver jewelry until 2010. We could even have a slogan: No Craps until there's no more crap. Something like that. I'll work on it. Who's with me?
Hey, this idea could snowball and take off to other states whose Senators and Representatives have lost their common sense from being in Washington D.C. for decades. States like, oh say, California? We could even get a two-fer and de-throne Pelosi and Boxer at the same time. Be still my beating heart.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Liberty's Due - It Must be Paid
"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it." - George Bernard Shaw
A long, long time ago I was in 5th grade (I can already see my children rolling their eyes) and our teacher, Mrs. Jenkins, taught us about the Constitution and Bill of Rights. She was careful to emphasis though, that that along with those rights came responsibilities. I think that responsibility part is getting lost these days.
We have the responsibility to educate ourselves on the issues facing our states and nations. We have the responsibility to vote and to demand ethical candidates. We have the responsibility to hold elected officials accountable and let them hear from us. We have the responsibility to keep government under our control, not the other way around.
But we can't do it by just sending emails around to each other. That's what we call "Preaching to the choir". We have to spend the time and sign those petitions, contact the Senators, call our representatives, write that letter, and encourage our friends and family to do the same.
I understand. We live in a busy world - jobs, children, financial pressures. But we've been so busy with our heads down, working hard digging that ditch, that we haven't seen not everyone around us is doing the same. There's a whole lot of people out there resting on their shovels while you and I are digging the ditch. Then there's a whole other group (not digging either) telling us how deep to dig, how fast to dig, and requiring us to dig with one hand tied behind our back. I understand. We're tired.
But our liberty and Constitution is at stake and like it or not, we have to add one more thing to our "to do" list today. Otherwise, we deserve what we get.
A long, long time ago I was in 5th grade (I can already see my children rolling their eyes) and our teacher, Mrs. Jenkins, taught us about the Constitution and Bill of Rights. She was careful to emphasis though, that that along with those rights came responsibilities. I think that responsibility part is getting lost these days.
We have the responsibility to educate ourselves on the issues facing our states and nations. We have the responsibility to vote and to demand ethical candidates. We have the responsibility to hold elected officials accountable and let them hear from us. We have the responsibility to keep government under our control, not the other way around.
But we can't do it by just sending emails around to each other. That's what we call "Preaching to the choir". We have to spend the time and sign those petitions, contact the Senators, call our representatives, write that letter, and encourage our friends and family to do the same.
I understand. We live in a busy world - jobs, children, financial pressures. But we've been so busy with our heads down, working hard digging that ditch, that we haven't seen not everyone around us is doing the same. There's a whole lot of people out there resting on their shovels while you and I are digging the ditch. Then there's a whole other group (not digging either) telling us how deep to dig, how fast to dig, and requiring us to dig with one hand tied behind our back. I understand. We're tired.
But our liberty and Constitution is at stake and like it or not, we have to add one more thing to our "to do" list today. Otherwise, we deserve what we get.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
University of California tuition increase
Tuition at UC schools will increase by 32% next year. Students organized a protest and the Orange County Register quotes some students who say the increase will force them to drop out. But wait, according to the same article, UC President Mark Yudof doesn't expect to lose any students because one-third of the fee increase will go to what? Expanding FINANCIAL AID!
Yes, that's right. Taking a cue from our Socialist-in-training state and federal government, UC plans to spread the wealth around and increase the burden of those families that actually PAY tuition in order to increase financial aid to those who don't.
I understand haves vs have-nots. But what happens when the "haves" don't have anymore?
Yes, that's right. Taking a cue from our Socialist-in-training state and federal government, UC plans to spread the wealth around and increase the burden of those families that actually PAY tuition in order to increase financial aid to those who don't.
I understand haves vs have-nots. But what happens when the "haves" don't have anymore?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Forced Extraction of DNA
Argentina has authorized the forced extraction of DNA from citizens who may have been born to political prisoners over a quarter-century ago. If a person refuses to provide a sample of blood, saliva, skin, or hair, a warrant will be issued and it will be forcibly taken. The law allows DNA to be extracted anytime a judge deems it "absolutely necessary."
Keep in mind these people are not criminals;they have not been arrested;they have not asked to trace their birth parents, in fact many explicitly don't want to know. But the government of Argentina has declared otherwise.
Beware Americans. Your DNA may not be under your control for much longer.
Keep in mind these people are not criminals;they have not been arrested;they have not asked to trace their birth parents, in fact many explicitly don't want to know. But the government of Argentina has declared otherwise.
Beware Americans. Your DNA may not be under your control for much longer.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Loss of Liberties
"It is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of citizens..."
-James Madison, 1785
-James Madison, 1785
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sarah Palin
A recent Fox News survey shows that among registered Republicans, Sarah Palin received the highest favorable ratings of possible GOP presidential candidates. That's shocking. She rated higher than Mitt Romney. Even though I'm from Alaska, I had no idea why, so I decided to give this a little thought. Ding! Ding! Ding! I got it:
It's not because she has the most experience. It's not because she knows the location of Russia. It's not because the media has attacked her unfairly (anyone see the Newsweek picture and caption?). No, it's because people believe her. They believe she has values, holds fast to those values, and is unapologetic. They believe she tells it as she sees it with no double talk. What you see is what you get.
That's the attraction of Sarah Palin. And it is so rare and refreshing, that many people prefer her honesty and integrity over political experience. She has the courage to stand up not only to the Democrats, CNN, MSNBC, and Oprah, but to her own party leaders as well. How crazy is that? A politician who refuses to do what party leaders tell her to do but actually, stay with me here it's a little tricky, does what she thinks is best for the United States. I know, I know.
Now, do I think Sarah Palin should be President? Nope. But I do think it is an interesting commentary which illustrates the depth of the people's loss of faith in our elected officials.
Where is the leader that will inspire us as a nation? Where is the leader that will protect our Constitution? Where is the leader that is proud to be an American? And where is the leader that will bring us together?
It's not because she has the most experience. It's not because she knows the location of Russia. It's not because the media has attacked her unfairly (anyone see the Newsweek picture and caption?). No, it's because people believe her. They believe she has values, holds fast to those values, and is unapologetic. They believe she tells it as she sees it with no double talk. What you see is what you get.
That's the attraction of Sarah Palin. And it is so rare and refreshing, that many people prefer her honesty and integrity over political experience. She has the courage to stand up not only to the Democrats, CNN, MSNBC, and Oprah, but to her own party leaders as well. How crazy is that? A politician who refuses to do what party leaders tell her to do but actually, stay with me here it's a little tricky, does what she thinks is best for the United States. I know, I know.
Now, do I think Sarah Palin should be President? Nope. But I do think it is an interesting commentary which illustrates the depth of the people's loss of faith in our elected officials.
Where is the leader that will inspire us as a nation? Where is the leader that will protect our Constitution? Where is the leader that is proud to be an American? And where is the leader that will bring us together?
Goodbye Oprah
How can I miss you if you won't go away?
Oprah is leaving her talk show after only 25 years? Wow. How will her legions of robots know what books to read? How will they know who to vote for in the next Presidential election? This is serious.
Oprah is leaving her talk show after only 25 years? Wow. How will her legions of robots know what books to read? How will they know who to vote for in the next Presidential election? This is serious.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Peas on a Plate
Big News Flash: The TARP money hasn't created jobs! Who's surprised? Certainly not the American people as a recent survey shows over 80% agree with that statement.
This type of "stimulus", doesn't stimulate production - it only encourages moving money around from taxpayers to non-taxpayers. Nothing gets created.
It's like the little kid facing the dreaded peas on his dinner plate. He just moves them around, and tries to hide them under the mashed potatoes. It looks like he ate some and might fool Mom, but really, nothing of substance is accomplished.
Oh, wait. Unless you want to call "redistributing the wealth" an accomplishment, but who would do that?
This type of "stimulus", doesn't stimulate production - it only encourages moving money around from taxpayers to non-taxpayers. Nothing gets created.
It's like the little kid facing the dreaded peas on his dinner plate. He just moves them around, and tries to hide them under the mashed potatoes. It looks like he ate some and might fool Mom, but really, nothing of substance is accomplished.
Oh, wait. Unless you want to call "redistributing the wealth" an accomplishment, but who would do that?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"...citizens can hold their own governments accountable." Obama in China
Is there anyone that finds President Obama's statements in China a wee bit ironic? Some people in this country have been trying to hold our government accountable, but the White House doesn't seem to like those taxpayer rallys, citizens showing up at townhall meetings, Fox news, or conservative talk radio. I'm confused. Maybe he only means other countries' citizens?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Where's Waldo?
Aren't we all tired of seeing corrupt politicians from both sides of the aisle? We need leaders who will place America's interests above party politics. We need leaders who can, crazy as it might sound - lead. But where are they? I would vote for an Independent, a Democrat, a Republican, or a Libertarian if he/she:
In a country of over 300 million people, why is it so difficult to find good leaders? Where are they?
- Faithfully follows the Constitution of the United States of America
- Does not cower to special interests
- Will not blindly vote the way party leaders instructed him/her to vote
- Is morally, ethically upstanding
- Loves the United States, flaws and all
In a country of over 300 million people, why is it so difficult to find good leaders? Where are they?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
President Obama Calls Citizens "Extremists"
Just when I think I can write about something other than national politics, current events prove me wrong.
On Saturday, President Obama addressed Democrats in the Cannon Office Building and yet again, referred to American citizens as extremists. He said, "Does anybody think that the teabag, anti-government people are going to support them if they bring down health care? All it will do is confuse and dispirit them (Democratic votes) and it will encourage the extremists."
When, in the history of our nation, has a sitting President ever attacked peaceful, legitimate protesters with such language? Regardless of your political beliefs, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents should band together and protest this attack from the White House on citizens' rights to assemble and criticize the government without being labeled as extremists.
That's a dangerous precedent, Mr. President. I guess if you convince enough people that Tea Parties and 912 Rallys are filled with dangerous, anti-government extremists, then you can convince them of the necessity to use force against these radicals, as well. Is that where we are heading?
America, where is your outrage?
On Saturday, President Obama addressed Democrats in the Cannon Office Building and yet again, referred to American citizens as extremists. He said, "Does anybody think that the teabag, anti-government people are going to support them if they bring down health care? All it will do is confuse and dispirit them (Democratic votes) and it will encourage the extremists."
When, in the history of our nation, has a sitting President ever attacked peaceful, legitimate protesters with such language? Regardless of your political beliefs, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents should band together and protest this attack from the White House on citizens' rights to assemble and criticize the government without being labeled as extremists.
That's a dangerous precedent, Mr. President. I guess if you convince enough people that Tea Parties and 912 Rallys are filled with dangerous, anti-government extremists, then you can convince them of the necessity to use force against these radicals, as well. Is that where we are heading?
America, where is your outrage?
California Citizen Legislature: It's Time for Part-Time Representatives
http://www.reformcal.com/cms/index.php?page=citizen-legislature-project
In 1966 Californians drastically revised their state constitution and transformed the existing part-time legislators into full-time, 24/7, career politicians. BIG mistake.
The Founding Fathers never intended the position of state or federal elected representatives to become a full-time job. They knew that officials living far away from constituents lost a connection to the very people they were elected to represent.
In those days, ordinary citizens were elected, met for some time to take care of state business, and then returned to their regular lives in the community. These "Citizen Legislators" had to return to their communities and face the wrath of, or receive the praise from, their neighbors. It kept them on the straight and narrow. They would certainly see their neighbors at the grocery store, sit next to them at church or temple, watch their kids play Little League together and these politicians would have to justify their votes and actions. They were held accountable and there would be no place to hide from community scorn if they abused their power.
Think that only worked in the "good old days"? Think again. Today, 42 states, including some of the largest (Texas, New York, Florida) still have part-time State Legislators. But not California. Ours go to Sacramento and settle in, earning $113,098 (the highest of any state) plus per diem for every day in session. Once there, they have a lot of time to fill so they have to justify their existence by sitting around thinking of new laws to foist upon the citizens. You know. They just want to "help" us.
Let's help ourselves instead. Citizens for California Reform is a non-partisan political action committee formed to pursue a part-time state legislature, limited government, and increased transparency. Certainly the idea has merit and considering the mess California is in, how could it be worse?
An initiative proposal has been filed. Let the debate begin!
In 1966 Californians drastically revised their state constitution and transformed the existing part-time legislators into full-time, 24/7, career politicians. BIG mistake.
The Founding Fathers never intended the position of state or federal elected representatives to become a full-time job. They knew that officials living far away from constituents lost a connection to the very people they were elected to represent.
In those days, ordinary citizens were elected, met for some time to take care of state business, and then returned to their regular lives in the community. These "Citizen Legislators" had to return to their communities and face the wrath of, or receive the praise from, their neighbors. It kept them on the straight and narrow. They would certainly see their neighbors at the grocery store, sit next to them at church or temple, watch their kids play Little League together and these politicians would have to justify their votes and actions. They were held accountable and there would be no place to hide from community scorn if they abused their power.
Think that only worked in the "good old days"? Think again. Today, 42 states, including some of the largest (Texas, New York, Florida) still have part-time State Legislators. But not California. Ours go to Sacramento and settle in, earning $113,098 (the highest of any state) plus per diem for every day in session. Once there, they have a lot of time to fill so they have to justify their existence by sitting around thinking of new laws to foist upon the citizens. You know. They just want to "help" us.
Let's help ourselves instead. Citizens for California Reform is a non-partisan political action committee formed to pursue a part-time state legislature, limited government, and increased transparency. Certainly the idea has merit and considering the mess California is in, how could it be worse?
An initiative proposal has been filed. Let the debate begin!
The Tenth Amendment
"The several states composing the United States of America are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government"
--Thomas Jefferson
I'm absolutely thrilled to see some state governments finally pushing back against the federal power grab that has been escalating since FDR. States like Texas are leading the way and I can only hope more states will follow. I'm curious to see how media will report this shift. Will this movement, like the Tea Parties and 912, also be dismissed as only "right wing fanatics"?
--Thomas Jefferson
I'm absolutely thrilled to see some state governments finally pushing back against the federal power grab that has been escalating since FDR. States like Texas are leading the way and I can only hope more states will follow. I'm curious to see how media will report this shift. Will this movement, like the Tea Parties and 912, also be dismissed as only "right wing fanatics"?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Obama's Plea to Iran
President Obama issued a statement to Iran that said in part, "...the United States of America wants to move beyond this past, and seeks a relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran based upon mutual interests and mutual respect."*
What? Now, let's see. What could be our mutual interests?
World peace? No, not a big concept in Iran.
Reducing carbon emissions? Not so much.
Converting the word to Islam by threat of the sword? I don't think Obama has signed on for that.
Destruction of Israel? Wait a minute...nah, couldn't be, could it?
*Source: CNN 11/4/09
What? Now, let's see. What could be our mutual interests?
World peace? No, not a big concept in Iran.
Reducing carbon emissions? Not so much.
Converting the word to Islam by threat of the sword? I don't think Obama has signed on for that.
Destruction of Israel? Wait a minute...nah, couldn't be, could it?
*Source: CNN 11/4/09
Protests In Iran on 30th Anniversary of the attack on US Embassy
CNN reported this morning that tens of thousands of Iranians were protesting in the streets against ....the Iranian government. Today is a national holiday in Iran, celebrating the 1979 take-over of the US Embassy, the resulting hostage situation, and Iranian Revolution in which the Ayatollah Kohemeni came to power. But amid the usual anti-American fervor, the opposition group is, well, re-grouping and CNN was oh so happy to report the story. I'm glad to see CNN covering stories of unhappy citizens protesting against a power-hungry government.
But I wonder, where was CNN's in-depth coverage of the 1 million plus 912 Patriots and Tea Party groups that peacefully protested in Washington DC in September?
But I wonder, where was CNN's in-depth coverage of the 1 million plus 912 Patriots and Tea Party groups that peacefully protested in Washington DC in September?
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Put it in the Garage
Ahhh, the garage. It's a great place to store stuff you don't want in your house anymore, but can't bear to give to Goodwill or just completely trash. There's still some emotional connection and you can't quite banish it from your life. On the other hand, you're pretty sure you don't want it in your house anymore. Maybe it's old, doesn't fit your style now, or it's too darn big for the living room. Maybe you're just tired of it.
By putting it out of your day to day sight, maybe you'll come to miss it and want it back? Maybe you'll see it in a new light and find another use for it? Surely you would regret tossing it. So there it sits. Gathering dust. And blocking your path to the work bench, the bicycle, and the ladder. You can't get to the "good" stuff, because of the junk. You look at it and continually ask yourself, "What am I going to do with that?" You have guilt. You feel pressured. You decide not to decide and go back in the house, closing the door behind you.
But eventually, a funny thing starts to happen. It begins to bother you as you maneuver past it. It's taking up too much room. It's dusty. It looks really old and worn out. It doesn't fit in your life anymore. You bang your big toe on it as you squeeze by and that's the moment it looses its power over you. You no longer feel attached to the darn thing, you want it out and you want it out now. You can release it and never look back. It feels good.
The garage serves as a transitional area not only for the physical item, but for your emotional attachment to it as well. I think we need a garage for old, worn out relationships. You know, the friendship you once enjoyed but no longer has a place in your life. They've changed, you've changed - whatever the cause. Some distancing is required to see it in its proper light and that distancing allows you to let it go. Feels good to clean out that garage rather than hanging onto relationships that don't work. Getting rid of the clutter in your life allows you to get to and enjoy the "good" stuff.
Happy De-Cluttering!
By putting it out of your day to day sight, maybe you'll come to miss it and want it back? Maybe you'll see it in a new light and find another use for it? Surely you would regret tossing it. So there it sits. Gathering dust. And blocking your path to the work bench, the bicycle, and the ladder. You can't get to the "good" stuff, because of the junk. You look at it and continually ask yourself, "What am I going to do with that?" You have guilt. You feel pressured. You decide not to decide and go back in the house, closing the door behind you.
But eventually, a funny thing starts to happen. It begins to bother you as you maneuver past it. It's taking up too much room. It's dusty. It looks really old and worn out. It doesn't fit in your life anymore. You bang your big toe on it as you squeeze by and that's the moment it looses its power over you. You no longer feel attached to the darn thing, you want it out and you want it out now. You can release it and never look back. It feels good.
The garage serves as a transitional area not only for the physical item, but for your emotional attachment to it as well. I think we need a garage for old, worn out relationships. You know, the friendship you once enjoyed but no longer has a place in your life. They've changed, you've changed - whatever the cause. Some distancing is required to see it in its proper light and that distancing allows you to let it go. Feels good to clean out that garage rather than hanging onto relationships that don't work. Getting rid of the clutter in your life allows you to get to and enjoy the "good" stuff.
Happy De-Cluttering!
Paranoid? Who Me?
Is George Orwell's 1984 here? Just saying...
1984 Thought crime - you will be punished for thinking bad thoughts against Big Brother
2009 Hate crime laws - you will be punished for what you were thinking when committing a crime
1984 Everyone works for the goverment
2009 1 in 5 Americans work for some level of government*
1984 Surveillance cameras are everywhere, including one's residence
2009 Cameras at traffic lights, highways, airports, convenience stores, banks, offices, schools, and don't forget the satellites. The average Londoner is photographed 300 times each day.
1984 Big Brother controls all media
2009 MSNBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, NPR
1984 Government operated in complete secrecy
2009 California State Legislature voting record log was deleted 77 times
1984 Big Brother made policy changes in the middle of the night; people awoke to a new reality
2009 With government takeover of GM, Obama suspended law and superseded GM corporate bond holder's positions, forever changing the financial playing field.
1984 Government indoctrinates children from a young age, abolishing parental influence
2009 The Constitution is not taught in high school; Traditional Constitutional law is not taught in law school; California has declared a Harvey Milk Day (a known pedophile) for school children, Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" is shown to high school freshmen; and diversity is education's highest goal.
Just saying...
*www.realclearpolitics.com/.../the_public_trough_is_bigger_th.html -
1984 Thought crime - you will be punished for thinking bad thoughts against Big Brother
2009 Hate crime laws - you will be punished for what you were thinking when committing a crime
1984 Everyone works for the goverment
2009 1 in 5 Americans work for some level of government*
1984 Surveillance cameras are everywhere, including one's residence
2009 Cameras at traffic lights, highways, airports, convenience stores, banks, offices, schools, and don't forget the satellites. The average Londoner is photographed 300 times each day.
1984 Big Brother controls all media
2009 MSNBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, NPR
1984 Government operated in complete secrecy
2009 California State Legislature voting record log was deleted 77 times
1984 Big Brother made policy changes in the middle of the night; people awoke to a new reality
2009 With government takeover of GM, Obama suspended law and superseded GM corporate bond holder's positions, forever changing the financial playing field.
1984 Government indoctrinates children from a young age, abolishing parental influence
2009 The Constitution is not taught in high school; Traditional Constitutional law is not taught in law school; California has declared a Harvey Milk Day (a known pedophile) for school children, Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" is shown to high school freshmen; and diversity is education's highest goal.
Just saying...
*www.realclearpolitics.com/.../the_public_trough_is_bigger_th.html -
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Obama Care Vs. O'Mama Care
#1
Obama: Everyone deserves free healthcare
O'Mama: No one owes you a thing.
#2
Obama: This is America; it's your right.
O'Mama: Rights come with responsibilities.
#3
Obama: Listen to me, I'm the President.
O'Mama: The world doesn't revolve around you, little missy.
#4
Obama: Republicans are lying.
O'Mama: Don't whine if you don't get your way.
#5
Obama: If you misrepresent the plan, we will call you out.
O'Mama: Always tell the truth.
#6
Obama: It won't add one cent to the deficit.
O'Mama: There's no such thing as a free lunch.
#7
Obama: The government knows best.
O'Mama: Stand on your own two feet.
Obama: Everyone deserves free healthcare
O'Mama: No one owes you a thing.
#2
Obama: This is America; it's your right.
O'Mama: Rights come with responsibilities.
#3
Obama: Listen to me, I'm the President.
O'Mama: The world doesn't revolve around you, little missy.
#4
Obama: Republicans are lying.
O'Mama: Don't whine if you don't get your way.
#5
Obama: If you misrepresent the plan, we will call you out.
O'Mama: Always tell the truth.
#6
Obama: It won't add one cent to the deficit.
O'Mama: There's no such thing as a free lunch.
#7
Obama: The government knows best.
O'Mama: Stand on your own two feet.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Michigan Tell Moms that Big Brother Knows Best
Have you seen this story? A Michigan stay-at-home mom helps several of her employed friends by letting their children come to her house in the mornings for about an hour to wait for the school bus. Shortly after this school year began, she received a letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services warning her that she was violating a law regarding unlicensed day care centers.
In effect, the Big Brother will decide (for you stupid parents) where your children should wait for the school bus. Where will government intrusion into our lives, and especially parental rights, end?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090929/ap_on_re_us/us_baby_sitter_backlash_mich
In effect, the Big Brother will decide (for you stupid parents) where your children should wait for the school bus. Where will government intrusion into our lives, and especially parental rights, end?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090929/ap_on_re_us/us_baby_sitter_backlash_mich
Monday, September 28, 2009
Forget Nuke Proliferation - What About Blog Proliferation?
Everyone's got a blog these days, including me, but is anyone reading them? It's a writer's worst nightmare. Some years ago, I attended a poetry writing class. One of the classroom sources was a quote from an aspiring poet that went something like this: I'm afraid in my dying moments, I'll grab the shirt of anyone nearby and, with my last breath, beg him to read my poetry.
That's sort of how I feel about my blog. No followers. No comments. Heck, I can't even get my own husband or sons to read my blog. I guess they've heard my know-it-all answers and long-winded pontifications for long enough, they don't need to read about it, too.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Link to Orange Country Register Letter to the Editor
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/obama-tax-going-2575562-sept-don#
Going to bat for Obama
After reading Dena Bunis' Letter from Washington ["Obama opposition takes an ugly turn," Sept. 20], I couldn't figure out if it was an op-ed, a manners lesson, an advertisement for the Democratic National Committee or a letter to the editor. Bunis cites three examples of "ugly" behavior that concerns her: Obama being called a socialist, a sign at the Washington, D.C., Tea Party that caricatured Obama, and Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst of "You lie." While I agree with her on the last one, the first two have been suffered by many previous presidents on both sides of the aisle. Why should Obama be spared the wrath of citizens?
It seems to concern her that Republicans have motivated political involvement from "people who may otherwise not get involved in political discourse." So, let me get this straight – if I haven't been involved in politics before, then, that somehow diminishes my voice to protest now?
Springing to Obama's defense, she asserts, "The GOP has done its best to tie Obama to ACORN." Really? I'm pretty sure Obama has tied himself to ACORN, and the records are plentiful.
Finally, she discredits critics of the current administration because they don't get their news from "reliable" sources like she did back during the Vietnam War. You know, those extremely fair and neutral Big Three TV networks and well-known liberal newspapers? Maybe someone should tell her Al Gore invented this thing called the Internet, and it's 2009.
Going to bat for Obama
After reading Dena Bunis' Letter from Washington ["Obama opposition takes an ugly turn," Sept. 20], I couldn't figure out if it was an op-ed, a manners lesson, an advertisement for the Democratic National Committee or a letter to the editor. Bunis cites three examples of "ugly" behavior that concerns her: Obama being called a socialist, a sign at the Washington, D.C., Tea Party that caricatured Obama, and Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst of "You lie." While I agree with her on the last one, the first two have been suffered by many previous presidents on both sides of the aisle. Why should Obama be spared the wrath of citizens?
It seems to concern her that Republicans have motivated political involvement from "people who may otherwise not get involved in political discourse." So, let me get this straight – if I haven't been involved in politics before, then, that somehow diminishes my voice to protest now?
Springing to Obama's defense, she asserts, "The GOP has done its best to tie Obama to ACORN." Really? I'm pretty sure Obama has tied himself to ACORN, and the records are plentiful.
Finally, she discredits critics of the current administration because they don't get their news from "reliable" sources like she did back during the Vietnam War. You know, those extremely fair and neutral Big Three TV networks and well-known liberal newspapers? Maybe someone should tell her Al Gore invented this thing called the Internet, and it's 2009.
Where's My Calculator?
Obama's proposed healthcare plan is estimated to cost $900 billion in an effort to cover the estimated 29 million uninsured. Let's see now, $900 billion divided by 29 million equals.....$31 million per uninsured person? What?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Government and Soccer Referees
I ref'd my first soccer game last week-end. I know a little bit about soccer, but I was nervous prior to my first official game assignment and asked for a mentor to meet me at the field. He gave me lots of good advice, but one piece in particular rang true: Interfere as little as possible.
"The game isn't about you", he said. "Your job is to ensure the safety of those involved, keep the game moving along, and make judgment calls only when necessary."
Isn't that some great advice for our government, too?
"The game isn't about you", he said. "Your job is to ensure the safety of those involved, keep the game moving along, and make judgment calls only when necessary."
Isn't that some great advice for our government, too?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Community Can't Be Created by Government
Maine: A young woman from the nearby college was swept down a waterfall while swimming with friends at a popular river. The townspeople worked till early morning hours diverting the falls and eventually found her alive. That’s community.
Oklahoma: A toddler goes missing at a local lake and from the closest town (population just 1000) over 600 people come out to search for her. She is eventually found safe by 2 riders on horseback. That’s community.
Florida: The citizens of Jacksonville line the streets to pay respect and honor a Desert Storm, missing-in-action pilot whose remains were just identified and returned home. The pilot’s family knows the town remembers their sacrifice; the soldier is not forgotten. That’s community.
President Obama, - community can't be legislated or demanded. The people of America are the kindest, most generous people on the face of the earth. We don’t need government to tell us how to be a community. It’s in our blood. Please remember too, that charity is a voluntary act. When the government takes money from one person, and gives it to another, well, that’s the definition of theft.
Oklahoma: A toddler goes missing at a local lake and from the closest town (population just 1000) over 600 people come out to search for her. She is eventually found safe by 2 riders on horseback. That’s community.
Florida: The citizens of Jacksonville line the streets to pay respect and honor a Desert Storm, missing-in-action pilot whose remains were just identified and returned home. The pilot’s family knows the town remembers their sacrifice; the soldier is not forgotten. That’s community.
President Obama, - community can't be legislated or demanded. The people of America are the kindest, most generous people on the face of the earth. We don’t need government to tell us how to be a community. It’s in our blood. Please remember too, that charity is a voluntary act. When the government takes money from one person, and gives it to another, well, that’s the definition of theft.
New California State Motto Suggestion
Welcome to New Hampshire: Live Free or Die
Welcome to California: Live With Oppressive Taxes, Ridiculous Regulations, Illegal Immigrants, Failing School Districts, Inept Politicians, then Die. Or move.
Welcome to California: Live With Oppressive Taxes, Ridiculous Regulations, Illegal Immigrants, Failing School Districts, Inept Politicians, then Die. Or move.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Required Health Insurance under Obamacare
In the President's speech to Congress this week, he reiterated that his bill would require everyone to purchase health insurance whether they want it or not. According to Heritage Foundation's Fact Check, Obama's Health and Human Services nominee, Dr. Sherry Glied, discussed the difficulties authorities will have in tracking down those that don't comply. She acknowledged that it "may require a degree of intrusiveness and bureaucracy that some will find unpalatable."
She's right. I find it unpalatable. In fact it makes me want to throw up.
She's right. I find it unpalatable. In fact it makes me want to throw up.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Sign on My Gas-Eating Durango
About a month ago, I put a sign on my vehicle with a quote from Ronald Reagan: Do not look to government to solve our problems, government is the problem. Now I drive quite a bit and I thought surely this sign would create some reaction from other drivers. After the first week, not one person showed any response. The second week, I went into a store and when I came back to my car 2 employees on their smoking break were reading my sign. “I don’t get it,” one said. The third week, a car pulled up next to me on the freeway honking. Finally, a reaction! I looked over and wondered, “Friend or Foe?” The couple inside enthusiastically gave me the thumbs up sign, and then went past me. Their license plate was Texas. The Lone Star State “gets it”. Wake up California!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Text of President Obama's Back to School Speech
This is a good message for all students to hear. I don't have any problem with The President of the United States addressing school children, encouraging them to do their best, stay in school, study hard, and persevere when the going gets rough. In fact, one of my favorite acronyms is AVID: Advancement Via Individual Determination. This speech echos that sentiment.
The problem is with the Department of Education's study guide issued for discussion afterward. They have politicized the President's pep talk by encouraging children to show allegiance to President Obama. The Department of Education should have left well enough alone and stayed out of local school district decisions. Read it for yourself.
The following are prepared remarks from President Obama's Back to School Event scheduled for Tuesday in Arlington, Virginia:
The President: Hello everyone - how's everybody doing today? I'm here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we've got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I'm glad you all could join us today.
I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it's your first day in a new school, so it's understandable if you're a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you're in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could've stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.
I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn't have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday - at 4:30 in the morning. Now I wasn't too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I'd fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I'd complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."
So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I'm here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I'm here because I want to talk with you about your education and what's expected of all of you in this new school year.
Now I've given a lot of speeches about education. And I've talked a lot about responsibility.
I've talked about your teachers' responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn. I've talked about your parents' responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don't spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox.
I've talked a lot about your government's responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren't working where students aren't getting the opportunities they deserve.
But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world - and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.
And that's what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.
Every single one of you has something you're good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That's the opportunity an education can provide.
Maybe you could be a good writer - maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper - but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor - maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine - but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.
And no matter what you want to do with your life - I guarantee that you'll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You're going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can't drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You've got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.
And this isn't just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you're learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.
You'll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You'll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You'll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.
We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don't do that - if you quit on school - you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country.
Now I know it's not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.
I get it. I know what that's like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn't always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn't fit in.
So I wasn't always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I'm not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.
But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn't have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.
Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don't have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there's not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don't feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren't right.
But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life - what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you've got going on at home - that's no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That's no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That's no excuse for not trying.
Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up. No one's written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That's what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.
Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn't speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez.
I'm thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who's fought brain cancer since he was three. He's endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer - hundreds of extra hours - to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he's headed to college this fall.
And then there's Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she's on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.
Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren't any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.
That's why today, I'm calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education - and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book.
Maybe you'll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you'll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you'll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn.
And along those lines, I hope you'll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don't feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.
Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.
I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you're not going to be any of those things.
But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won't love every subject you study. You won't click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won't necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.
That's OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who've had the most failures. JK Rowling's first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
These people succeeded because they understand that you can't let your failures define you - you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn't mean you're a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn't mean you're stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.
No one's born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You're not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don't hit every note the first time you sing a song. You've got to practice. It's the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it's good enough to hand in.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust - a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor - and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.
And even when you're struggling, even when you're discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you - don't ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.
The story of America isn't about people who quit when things got tough. It's about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.
It's the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.
So today, I want to ask you, what's your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country? Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I'm working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you've got to do your part too.
So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don't let us down - don't let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.
The problem is with the Department of Education's study guide issued for discussion afterward. They have politicized the President's pep talk by encouraging children to show allegiance to President Obama. The Department of Education should have left well enough alone and stayed out of local school district decisions. Read it for yourself.
The following are prepared remarks from President Obama's Back to School Event scheduled for Tuesday in Arlington, Virginia:
The President: Hello everyone - how's everybody doing today? I'm here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we've got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I'm glad you all could join us today.
I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it's your first day in a new school, so it's understandable if you're a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you're in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could've stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.
I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn't have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday - at 4:30 in the morning. Now I wasn't too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I'd fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I'd complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."
So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I'm here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I'm here because I want to talk with you about your education and what's expected of all of you in this new school year.
Now I've given a lot of speeches about education. And I've talked a lot about responsibility.
I've talked about your teachers' responsibility for inspiring you, and pushing you to learn. I've talked about your parents' responsibility for making sure you stay on track, and get your homework done, and don't spend every waking hour in front of the TV or with that Xbox.
I've talked a lot about your government's responsibility for setting high standards, supporting teachers and principals, and turning around schools that aren't working where students aren't getting the opportunities they deserve.
But at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world - and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities. Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.
And that's what I want to focus on today: the responsibility each of you has for your education. I want to start with the responsibility you have to yourself.
Every single one of you has something you're good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That's the opportunity an education can provide.
Maybe you could be a good writer - maybe even good enough to write a book or articles in a newspaper - but you might not know it until you write a paper for your English class. Maybe you could be an innovator or an inventor - maybe even good enough to come up with the next iPhone or a new medicine or vaccine - but you might not know it until you do a project for your science class. Maybe you could be a mayor or a Senator or a Supreme Court Justice, but you might not know that until you join student government or the debate team.
And no matter what you want to do with your life - I guarantee that you'll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You're going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can't drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You've got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.
And this isn't just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country. What you're learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future.
You'll need the knowledge and problem-solving skills you learn in science and math to cure diseases like cancer and AIDS, and to develop new energy technologies and protect our environment. You'll need the insights and critical thinking skills you gain in history and social studies to fight poverty and homelessness, crime and discrimination, and make our nation more fair and more free. You'll need the creativity and ingenuity you develop in all your classes to build new companies that will create new jobs and boost our economy.
We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don't do that - if you quit on school - you're not just quitting on yourself, you're quitting on your country.
Now I know it's not always easy to do well in school. I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork.
I get it. I know what that's like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn't always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn't fit in.
So I wasn't always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I'm not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.
But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams. My wife, our First Lady Michelle Obama, has a similar story. Neither of her parents had gone to college, and they didn't have much. But they worked hard, and she worked hard, so that she could go to the best schools in this country.
Some of you might not have those advantages. Maybe you don't have adults in your life who give you the support that you need. Maybe someone in your family has lost their job, and there's not enough money to go around. Maybe you live in a neighborhood where you don't feel safe, or have friends who are pressuring you to do things you know aren't right.
But at the end of the day, the circumstances of your life - what you look like, where you come from, how much money you have, what you've got going on at home - that's no excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude. That's no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That's no excuse for not trying.
Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up. No one's written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That's what young people like you are doing every day, all across America.
Young people like Jazmin Perez, from Roma, Texas. Jazmin didn't speak English when she first started school. Hardly anyone in her hometown went to college, and neither of her parents had gone either. But she worked hard, earned good grades, got a scholarship to Brown University, and is now in graduate school, studying public health, on her way to being Dr. Jazmin Perez.
I'm thinking about Andoni Schultz, from Los Altos, California, who's fought brain cancer since he was three. He's endured all sorts of treatments and surgeries, one of which affected his memory, so it took him much longer - hundreds of extra hours - to do his schoolwork. But he never fell behind, and he's headed to college this fall.
And then there's Shantell Steve, from my hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Even when bouncing from foster home to foster home in the toughest neighborhoods, she managed to get a job at a local health center; start a program to keep young people out of gangs; and she's on track to graduate high school with honors and go on to college.
Jazmin, Andoni and Shantell aren't any different from any of you. They faced challenges in their lives just like you do. But they refused to give up. They chose to take responsibility for their education and set goals for themselves. And I expect all of you to do the same.
That's why today, I'm calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education - and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book.
Maybe you'll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you'll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn. Maybe you'll decide to take better care of yourself so you can be more ready to learn.
And along those lines, I hope you'll all wash your hands a lot, and stay home from school when you don't feel well, so we can keep people from getting the flu this fall and winter.
Whatever you resolve to do, I want you to commit to it. I want you to really work at it.
I know that sometimes, you get the sense from TV that you can be rich and successful without any hard work -- that your ticket to success is through rapping or basketball or being a reality TV star, when chances are, you're not going to be any of those things.
But the truth is, being successful is hard. You won't love every subject you study. You won't click with every teacher. Not every homework assignment will seem completely relevant to your life right this minute. And you won't necessarily succeed at everything the first time you try.
That's OK. Some of the most successful people in the world are the ones who've had the most failures. JK Rowling's first Harry Potter book was rejected twelve times before it was finally published. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, and he lost hundreds of games and missed thousands of shots during his career. But he once said, "I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
These people succeeded because they understand that you can't let your failures define you - you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time. If you get in trouble, that doesn't mean you're a troublemaker, it means you need to try harder to behave. If you get a bad grade, that doesn't mean you're stupid, it just means you need to spend more time studying.
No one's born being good at things, you become good at things through hard work. You're not a varsity athlete the first time you play a new sport. You don't hit every note the first time you sing a song. You've got to practice. It's the same with your schoolwork. You might have to do a math problem a few times before you get it right, or read something a few times before you understand it, or do a few drafts of a paper before it's good enough to hand in.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and to learn something new. So find an adult you trust - a parent, grandparent or teacher; a coach or counselor - and ask them to help you stay on track to meet your goals.
And even when you're struggling, even when you're discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you - don't ever give up on yourself. Because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.
The story of America isn't about people who quit when things got tough. It's about people who kept going, who tried harder, who loved their country too much to do anything less than their best.
It's the story of students who sat where you sit 250 years ago, and went on to wage a revolution and found this nation. Students who sat where you sit 75 years ago who overcame a Depression and won a world war; who fought for civil rights and put a man on the moon. Students who sat where you sit 20 years ago who founded Google, Twitter and Facebook and changed the way we communicate with each other.
So today, I want to ask you, what's your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country? Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I'm working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you've got to do your part too.
So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don't let us down - don't let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.
Wisdom from Churchill
"Capitalism brings the unequal distribution of blessings; socialism brings the equal distribution of miseries."
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Nanny State and Indulgent Parenting
Who likes spoiled kids? No one. They are obnoxious and arrogant. They throw fits demanding all sorts of things, even things everyone knows is not good for them. But, their over-indulgent parents provide everything because they LOVE their children SO much. Many Americans are much the same as these spoiled children and our politicians are happy to act as irresponsible parents. We demand social services, we demand our own home, we demand cheap gasoline, and we demand the government supply everything our greedy little hearts desire. And because the government wants to “help” us, they comply.
Parents want to be kind. Loving. Their heartstrings are pulled by the pitiful wailing of their offspring and so, they give in, not realizing the monsters they are creating. They don’t have the inner fortitude to say “no” and so these parents produce helpless human beings with a sense of entitlement. They don’t grow up to be responsible adults.
Our elected officials can’t say no either. They want to be loved, too (and re-elected) so they are not willing to do what’s best for the country. They are not willing to make tough choices which in the long run, are best for the country and for the people. So politicians hover above us, trying to give everything to everybody.
Spoiled children often make bad choices, but the parents refuse to let them suffer the consequences. Susie got a bad grade because she failed to study? Mom is emailing the teacher the next day. Johnny wrecked his car because he was driving too fast? Dad has a replacement sitting in the driveway that night.
Are we not being rescued from the consequences of our actions by government today? Sign a loan document that you didn’t understand? Bought a house you really couldn’t afford? No problem. The government will punish those nasty old bankers and let you keep your house anyway. It wasn’t your fault.
Even as adults, these spoiled children often are still tied to the apron strings though financial incentives. They are willing to give up their independence and some freedom of choice, in order to have access to Mom and Dad’s money.
American’s today have also made that bad deal. There is a willingness to give up their freedoms in exchange for letting government “take care” of them. But with indulgent parents as well as big government, there are no logical consequences and thus, no lessons learned. We can have it all - no self-responsibility required.
When my children were little, a kindergarten teacher recommended a book titled, Children:The Challenge which, in Chaper 6, introduced the concept of Logical Consequences. It advocates for letting children reap the consequences of their actions and choices. Don’t want to eat the dinner Mom prepared? Fine. Go to bed hungry tonight. Being hungry is the logical consequence of choosing not to eat. Believe me, the next night they will happily eat dinner and say, “Yum!” Lesson learned and not forgotten.
Other chapters in the book which could apply equally to parenting and governing are:
“Use Care in Pleasing: Have the Courage to Say “No”.
“Refrain from Overprotection”
“Stimulate Independence”
“Mind Your Own Business”
“Don’t Feel Sorry”
“Make Requests Reasonable and Sparse”
“Put Them All in the Same Boat
Logical consequence applies to adults and societies, as well as children. It is, in fact, a very familiar concept under capitalism. We should be allowed to choose, succeed or fail, suffer the consequences or reap the rewards, and learn from our mistakes. In time, we can stand on our own two feet, take personal responsibility for our, hopefully wiser, decisions. This is how you raise children and this is how a healthy society functions.
*Children: The Challenge by Rudolf Dreikurs, M.D. with Vicki Soltz, R.N. Published by Plume/Penguin Group, NY, NY.
Parents want to be kind. Loving. Their heartstrings are pulled by the pitiful wailing of their offspring and so, they give in, not realizing the monsters they are creating. They don’t have the inner fortitude to say “no” and so these parents produce helpless human beings with a sense of entitlement. They don’t grow up to be responsible adults.
Our elected officials can’t say no either. They want to be loved, too (and re-elected) so they are not willing to do what’s best for the country. They are not willing to make tough choices which in the long run, are best for the country and for the people. So politicians hover above us, trying to give everything to everybody.
Spoiled children often make bad choices, but the parents refuse to let them suffer the consequences. Susie got a bad grade because she failed to study? Mom is emailing the teacher the next day. Johnny wrecked his car because he was driving too fast? Dad has a replacement sitting in the driveway that night.
Are we not being rescued from the consequences of our actions by government today? Sign a loan document that you didn’t understand? Bought a house you really couldn’t afford? No problem. The government will punish those nasty old bankers and let you keep your house anyway. It wasn’t your fault.
Even as adults, these spoiled children often are still tied to the apron strings though financial incentives. They are willing to give up their independence and some freedom of choice, in order to have access to Mom and Dad’s money.
American’s today have also made that bad deal. There is a willingness to give up their freedoms in exchange for letting government “take care” of them. But with indulgent parents as well as big government, there are no logical consequences and thus, no lessons learned. We can have it all - no self-responsibility required.
When my children were little, a kindergarten teacher recommended a book titled, Children:The Challenge which, in Chaper 6, introduced the concept of Logical Consequences. It advocates for letting children reap the consequences of their actions and choices. Don’t want to eat the dinner Mom prepared? Fine. Go to bed hungry tonight. Being hungry is the logical consequence of choosing not to eat. Believe me, the next night they will happily eat dinner and say, “Yum!” Lesson learned and not forgotten.
Other chapters in the book which could apply equally to parenting and governing are:
“Use Care in Pleasing: Have the Courage to Say “No”.
“Refrain from Overprotection”
“Stimulate Independence”
“Mind Your Own Business”
“Don’t Feel Sorry”
“Make Requests Reasonable and Sparse”
“Put Them All in the Same Boat
Logical consequence applies to adults and societies, as well as children. It is, in fact, a very familiar concept under capitalism. We should be allowed to choose, succeed or fail, suffer the consequences or reap the rewards, and learn from our mistakes. In time, we can stand on our own two feet, take personal responsibility for our, hopefully wiser, decisions. This is how you raise children and this is how a healthy society functions.
*Children: The Challenge by Rudolf Dreikurs, M.D. with Vicki Soltz, R.N. Published by Plume/Penguin Group, NY, NY.
Townhall Meeting: It is a Protest, not a Discussion
For two parties to engage in a "civil" discussion of opinions and facts, there first has to be a level of trust on both sides.
I submit that the government doesn't trust the citizens, otherwise they would not be trying to control every aspect of our lives under the guise of "helping" us.
The citizens certainly don't trust the government, as evidenced by the level of involvement and anger exhibited at these meetings, tea parties, and other protest venues.
Where there is no trust, there can be no agreement.
I submit that the government doesn't trust the citizens, otherwise they would not be trying to control every aspect of our lives under the guise of "helping" us.
The citizens certainly don't trust the government, as evidenced by the level of involvement and anger exhibited at these meetings, tea parties, and other protest venues.
Where there is no trust, there can be no agreement.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Health Care Reform
Just two simple points on a very complicated issue:
- Last year I worked for a company that negotiated medical care rates for Europeans who traveled to the U.S. for health care. These patients lived in countries with "free" medical care - socialized medicine. However, they purchased private individual policies at a very high cost so they could have their surgeries or cancer treatments in the U.S.
- Prior to that, I was employed by a Canadian company at its Dallas, Texas branch office and, of course, became friendly with my colleagues in Montreal. Many of them told me that their socialized national healthcare was okay for simple things like an ear ache, or a cold, but if they had cancer, or needed surgery, then they would come to the U.S. - even though it meant paying out of their pocket for that medical care.
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Vanishing Constitution
"Do not look to government to solve our problems; government is the problem" - Ronald Reagan
I don't sleep much these days. I lie awake at night alternating between terror and depression as American abandons her Constitution and slips into socialism. If only my fellow citizens would wake up and worry. They should be as outraged by the loss of our constitutional freedoms as they are by OctoMom. A woman has eight babies and people go ballistic. But our rights and freedoms are gradually taken from us and we allow it to happen without a murmur of protest. Why? Because gradual erosion is harder to recognize and resist than a quick grab for power. Don't believe me? Look at the evidence:
In 2005, violating the 5th Amendment, the Supreme Court (Kelo v City of New London) upheld that a citizen's private property could be confiscated and redistributed to another private entity. It wasn't eminent domain as we know it - something for the public good such as street widening, a new bridge, or a school. No, the The City of New London condemned the Kelo home and then sold it to a developer who promised to bring in more tax revenue. Justice Stevens wrote that it was a legal land redistribution. Read that part again: LAND REDISTRIBUTION! This was an outrageous ruling that should have had all Americans protesting in the streets. If it can happen to the Kelo family, it can happen to you and it can happen to me.
The Second Amendment was debated in the Supreme Court last year as to "whether it is a right of the people to bear arms" and only narrowly affirmed, 5-4. Justice Beyer in dissent even wrote "no....right guaranteed by the Second Amendment to keep loaded guns in the house..." Regardless of how you feel about guns, everyone should be up in arms over this direct attack on the Constitution.
The federal government has usurped states rights protected under the Tenth Amendment. States are sovereign and have local accountability that doesn't exist at the federal level. States retain every authority not mentioned in the Constitution. As some means of re-asserting that right, at least 7 states have passed Sovereignty Resolutions and another 25 states have introduced the legislation.
In an outright attack on the First Amendment, in an effort to suppress conservative talk radio, our elected officials are trying to resuscitate the Fairness Doctrine which states broadcasters must present opposing views on matters of public importance. President Reagan abolished this violation of free speech in 1987, but here it is again. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin told radio host Bill Press that the Fairness Doctrine is "needed...to ensure that there are a few liberal shows on the air." Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow said that she expects hearings soon on reviving the policy.
As the federal government has nationalized automakers, banks, and insurance companies, the Russian internet newspaper, Pravda just published an article titled, "American Capitalism Gone With a Whimper. The article outlines America's race toward socialism and reads, "...the American descent into Marxism is happening with breathtaking speed, against the backdrop of a passive, hapless sheeple..."
Government is addicted to taxing it's citizens. Currently under consideration or coming soon: a national VAT tax which would apply to every purchase; a reinstatement of the death tax; a tax on employer provided health insurance; an internet tax; a major increase in payroll taxes; severe restrictions on tax breaks for charitable donations; and a tax based on our auto mileage driven tacked with a GPS transponder system. Can anyone say Big Brother? Our Transportation Secretary floated this last idea. Fortunately for now, the Obama administration has rejected it.
Many judges and lawmakers take a "progressive" view of our Constitution. In other words, they don't take it literally. They believe it can be bend and molded to fit situations. Instead of upholding the Constitution as written, they are making policy and making decisions that take us further away from our founding father's road map for freedom. The U.S. Constitution is perhaps the most perfect document ever written. All we have to do is follow it.
WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO?
Do something. Anything. Protest. Write a letter. Call your representatives in Washington. Hold a meeting in your home to educate your friends and family. Stand on the corner with a sign. Send an email. Write your newspaper editor. Vote. Join a citizens group. Educate yourself on U.S. Constitutional history. Get involved. Just do something before it is too late.
Stop the fighting between Democrats and Republicans. They are both struggling for control of the rudder while the ship is sinking. You and I will never be able to agree on everything, but can we agree on one or two things? Yes we can. As Americans, we can agree to fight for our rights protected under our Constitution. Let us work on what we have in common, not what divides us.
Read the Constitution. Know your Bill of Rights. Remember that along with rights come responsibilities and freedom is not free. Teach your children non-revisionist U.S. History because the public schools aren't doing that anymore.
Reach out to each other so we know we are not alone in our love of America and our anger at the judges and politicians who are assaulting the Constitution. Talk to our senior citizens. Many were immigrants who lived through the evils of socialism and all its ugliness. They will tell you, it's not the way.
Don't wait - Lead. Who will stand and say, "Enough"?
We are so fortunate. We don't have to physically fight an oppressive dictatorship. We don't have to resort to arms, violence, or bloodshed. Why, we don't even need courage. We just have to speak out. Our united voices have more power than any weapon. If the people of Iran have the courage to march in the streets, surely we can turn off the TV and tell our elected officials, "enough".
Never forget: Our rights are God-given, and government only exists to protect those rights.
Suggested Resources:
www.usconstitution.net Foundation for Economic Education www.fee.org
The 5000 Year Leap, Principles of Freedom 101 by Cleon Skousen
Glenn Beck's Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government
I don't sleep much these days. I lie awake at night alternating between terror and depression as American abandons her Constitution and slips into socialism. If only my fellow citizens would wake up and worry. They should be as outraged by the loss of our constitutional freedoms as they are by OctoMom. A woman has eight babies and people go ballistic. But our rights and freedoms are gradually taken from us and we allow it to happen without a murmur of protest. Why? Because gradual erosion is harder to recognize and resist than a quick grab for power. Don't believe me? Look at the evidence:
In 2005, violating the 5th Amendment, the Supreme Court (Kelo v City of New London) upheld that a citizen's private property could be confiscated and redistributed to another private entity. It wasn't eminent domain as we know it - something for the public good such as street widening, a new bridge, or a school. No, the The City of New London condemned the Kelo home and then sold it to a developer who promised to bring in more tax revenue. Justice Stevens wrote that it was a legal land redistribution. Read that part again: LAND REDISTRIBUTION! This was an outrageous ruling that should have had all Americans protesting in the streets. If it can happen to the Kelo family, it can happen to you and it can happen to me.
The Second Amendment was debated in the Supreme Court last year as to "whether it is a right of the people to bear arms" and only narrowly affirmed, 5-4. Justice Beyer in dissent even wrote "no....right guaranteed by the Second Amendment to keep loaded guns in the house..." Regardless of how you feel about guns, everyone should be up in arms over this direct attack on the Constitution.
The federal government has usurped states rights protected under the Tenth Amendment. States are sovereign and have local accountability that doesn't exist at the federal level. States retain every authority not mentioned in the Constitution. As some means of re-asserting that right, at least 7 states have passed Sovereignty Resolutions and another 25 states have introduced the legislation.
In an outright attack on the First Amendment, in an effort to suppress conservative talk radio, our elected officials are trying to resuscitate the Fairness Doctrine which states broadcasters must present opposing views on matters of public importance. President Reagan abolished this violation of free speech in 1987, but here it is again. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin told radio host Bill Press that the Fairness Doctrine is "needed...to ensure that there are a few liberal shows on the air." Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow said that she expects hearings soon on reviving the policy.
As the federal government has nationalized automakers, banks, and insurance companies, the Russian internet newspaper, Pravda just published an article titled, "American Capitalism Gone With a Whimper. The article outlines America's race toward socialism and reads, "...the American descent into Marxism is happening with breathtaking speed, against the backdrop of a passive, hapless sheeple..."
Government is addicted to taxing it's citizens. Currently under consideration or coming soon: a national VAT tax which would apply to every purchase; a reinstatement of the death tax; a tax on employer provided health insurance; an internet tax; a major increase in payroll taxes; severe restrictions on tax breaks for charitable donations; and a tax based on our auto mileage driven tacked with a GPS transponder system. Can anyone say Big Brother? Our Transportation Secretary floated this last idea. Fortunately for now, the Obama administration has rejected it.
Many judges and lawmakers take a "progressive" view of our Constitution. In other words, they don't take it literally. They believe it can be bend and molded to fit situations. Instead of upholding the Constitution as written, they are making policy and making decisions that take us further away from our founding father's road map for freedom. The U.S. Constitution is perhaps the most perfect document ever written. All we have to do is follow it.
WHAT CAN ONE PERSON DO?
Do something. Anything. Protest. Write a letter. Call your representatives in Washington. Hold a meeting in your home to educate your friends and family. Stand on the corner with a sign. Send an email. Write your newspaper editor. Vote. Join a citizens group. Educate yourself on U.S. Constitutional history. Get involved. Just do something before it is too late.
Stop the fighting between Democrats and Republicans. They are both struggling for control of the rudder while the ship is sinking. You and I will never be able to agree on everything, but can we agree on one or two things? Yes we can. As Americans, we can agree to fight for our rights protected under our Constitution. Let us work on what we have in common, not what divides us.
Read the Constitution. Know your Bill of Rights. Remember that along with rights come responsibilities and freedom is not free. Teach your children non-revisionist U.S. History because the public schools aren't doing that anymore.
Reach out to each other so we know we are not alone in our love of America and our anger at the judges and politicians who are assaulting the Constitution. Talk to our senior citizens. Many were immigrants who lived through the evils of socialism and all its ugliness. They will tell you, it's not the way.
Don't wait - Lead. Who will stand and say, "Enough"?
We are so fortunate. We don't have to physically fight an oppressive dictatorship. We don't have to resort to arms, violence, or bloodshed. Why, we don't even need courage. We just have to speak out. Our united voices have more power than any weapon. If the people of Iran have the courage to march in the streets, surely we can turn off the TV and tell our elected officials, "enough".
Never forget: Our rights are God-given, and government only exists to protect those rights.
Suggested Resources:
www.usconstitution.net Foundation for Economic Education www.fee.org
The 5000 Year Leap, Principles of Freedom 101 by Cleon Skousen
Glenn Beck's Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government
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