"Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich." --William F. Buckley Jr. (1925-2008)
*From the Patriot Post this morning
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Rush Hour Musings
Traffic ebbs and flows; four lanes of cars move in and out, slow down and speed up all at the discretion of the driver. Isn’t it amazing that this unchoreographed dance frenzy takes place all across the U.S. with only the barest of rules and laws set down by government, yet the large majority of these people arrive safely at their destination?
I see a similarity between driving styles and people’s approach to their personal finances.
Some pay close attention to traffic conditions ahead. They see a slow down and smoothly change lanes in plenty of time to avoid coming to a stand-still or abrupt stop. Others are not watching carefully and hit the brakes just in time to avoid a crash. Still other drivers, not in any hurry at all, see the traffic slow down but don’t worry about trying to avoid it - they figure they will get to their destination in due time. They just pick a lane and stick to it. Of course on the opposite end, there will always be the guy who is in such a hurry that he’s willing to break the law, risk a monetary fine, and endanger everyone’s safety by driving on the shoulder, swerving erratically, and changing lanes at fast speeds.
There are all types of styles but people choose for themselves how to handle the road ahead. People might choose to take large risks, calculated risks, or no risks at all. Most follow the rules and hope for the best. Many will make bad decisions and have a close call. Others break laws and hurt others by their crazy rush to get ahead but these paths are chosen without the expectation that government will be riding shotgun preventing all risks and consequences of decisions made by individuals.
So stay alert, keep your eyes on the road ahead, choose your course wisely, and buckle up. I’m afraid it’s going to be a bumpy road for some miles to come.
I see a similarity between driving styles and people’s approach to their personal finances.
Some pay close attention to traffic conditions ahead. They see a slow down and smoothly change lanes in plenty of time to avoid coming to a stand-still or abrupt stop. Others are not watching carefully and hit the brakes just in time to avoid a crash. Still other drivers, not in any hurry at all, see the traffic slow down but don’t worry about trying to avoid it - they figure they will get to their destination in due time. They just pick a lane and stick to it. Of course on the opposite end, there will always be the guy who is in such a hurry that he’s willing to break the law, risk a monetary fine, and endanger everyone’s safety by driving on the shoulder, swerving erratically, and changing lanes at fast speeds.
There are all types of styles but people choose for themselves how to handle the road ahead. People might choose to take large risks, calculated risks, or no risks at all. Most follow the rules and hope for the best. Many will make bad decisions and have a close call. Others break laws and hurt others by their crazy rush to get ahead but these paths are chosen without the expectation that government will be riding shotgun preventing all risks and consequences of decisions made by individuals.
So stay alert, keep your eyes on the road ahead, choose your course wisely, and buckle up. I’m afraid it’s going to be a bumpy road for some miles to come.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
How to Spot a Scam (The Obama Jobs Bill, for example)
Listening to the radio today, an expert on consumer scams listed several red flags that we should be watchful for in avoiding scam artists. He suggests we walk away if:
- The salesmen pushes you to buy or sign right now. He uses words like, "hurry" and "last chance" and conveys a sense of urgency by saying "It's a great deal, buy today!"
- The offer is too complicated to be easily understood.
- The offer sounds too good to be true; there is a promise of great reward for little risk.
Unintended Consequences
When we make decisions, we should always keep in mind the unintended consequences of those actions. Thomas Sowell, author of the book Basic Economics, makes the point, "..consequences matter more than intentions." This is true in our personal lives as well as laws, rules, and regulations (or the lack thereof) set in place by our government.
It's not enough that we want to help people, but we must always ensure that what we do to "help" isn't hurting the very people we intended to benefit.
The lack of border enforcement allows illegal immigrants to come to America, ostensibly for work and a better life. Many kind-hearted people and church groups support an open border. They feel bad for poor people across the border. They want to help them. But the reality is that these immigrant's undocumented status hurts them in ways far beyond what most people realize.
Recent cases of farm slave labor have been tried in Florida. Yes, you read that right. Slave labor. Here in America. Right now. Illegal immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, etc...were smuggled into the U.S., stuffed into vans driven to Florida, and sold to crew bosses to work in tomato fields. They were locked in un-airconditioned trailers at night, some were even chained to prevent escape, and forced to work in the fields daily. Beaten if they tried to escape, some were captive for years. The gangs of thugs that sold them into slavery warned that their families back home would be in danger if they escaped or told authorities.
Distrustful of police, afraid of being caught for their illegal status, lack of English or education all contributed to these captives being held against their will, but it was their undocumented status that made them vulnerable in the first place.
Unscrupulous employers can abuse illegal immigrant workers knowing they won't be reported to authorities. Basic work and safety conditions are not met; wages are far below the legal limit; exposure to dangerous chemicals is common. The list goes on and is not limited to the tomato industry in Florida; sex-slave rings, child pornography, sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and kidnapping all under the radar in communities with large undocumented worker populations. These people are not living the American dream. We're not "helping" them by allowing them to enter the U.S. illegally.
Doesn't it make sense to expand our worker-visa program to accommodate enough farm workers? Doesn't it make sense to control who comes into our country? Doesn't it make sense to create immigration policies based on reality and not just good intentions?
It's not enough that we want to help people, but we must always ensure that what we do to "help" isn't hurting the very people we intended to benefit.
The lack of border enforcement allows illegal immigrants to come to America, ostensibly for work and a better life. Many kind-hearted people and church groups support an open border. They feel bad for poor people across the border. They want to help them. But the reality is that these immigrant's undocumented status hurts them in ways far beyond what most people realize.
Recent cases of farm slave labor have been tried in Florida. Yes, you read that right. Slave labor. Here in America. Right now. Illegal immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, etc...were smuggled into the U.S., stuffed into vans driven to Florida, and sold to crew bosses to work in tomato fields. They were locked in un-airconditioned trailers at night, some were even chained to prevent escape, and forced to work in the fields daily. Beaten if they tried to escape, some were captive for years. The gangs of thugs that sold them into slavery warned that their families back home would be in danger if they escaped or told authorities.
Distrustful of police, afraid of being caught for their illegal status, lack of English or education all contributed to these captives being held against their will, but it was their undocumented status that made them vulnerable in the first place.
Unscrupulous employers can abuse illegal immigrant workers knowing they won't be reported to authorities. Basic work and safety conditions are not met; wages are far below the legal limit; exposure to dangerous chemicals is common. The list goes on and is not limited to the tomato industry in Florida; sex-slave rings, child pornography, sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and kidnapping all under the radar in communities with large undocumented worker populations. These people are not living the American dream. We're not "helping" them by allowing them to enter the U.S. illegally.
Doesn't it make sense to expand our worker-visa program to accommodate enough farm workers? Doesn't it make sense to control who comes into our country? Doesn't it make sense to create immigration policies based on reality and not just good intentions?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
What Goes Around, Comes Around
The recent United Nations-undeclared war on Libya, with the U.S. a willing, and motivated co-conspirator to overthrow yet another Middle East dictator, makes me …..well, it makes me several things. First and foremost, it makes me want to throw up. Why, and by what right do we bomb a sovereign country that has not attacked us or posed imminent danger?
Secondly, and the point of this post, it makes me wonder what would happen if there were an insurrection here in the U.S. I always like to follow an idea to its absurd end. Not only does it help clarify the unintended consequences and dangers of proposed actions, policies, or laws but it also keeps me amused. So bear with me for a few sentences.
What if a revolutionary force surfaces here in the U.S. and demands an overthrow of the federal government? Imagine if they assassinate government officials, capture control of some vital industry or cities? The U.S. military is called out to stop them, protect the homeland and such. The rebels have weapons, guns, & tanks and fire on the military. This is sedition, rebellion, revolution. The military fires back – this is war.
A sovereign nation has a right to restore order and enforce its laws, doesn’t it? But then......but then,(here comes the good part and possibly a made-for-TV-movie), along comes the United Nation and orders the U.S. to stop firing on its own citizens. The world community is outraged and demands that the U.S. stop killing its own citizens. The U.N. orders the United Sates to bring the rebels to the table to discuss concessions and hear their grievances and integrate them into the government. Or maybe they enforce a no fly zone or covertly provide weapons and supplies to the rebels. Wow. We wouldn’t like that very much would we?
Oh Americans, be careful how you embrace those “one world” organizations because what goes around comes around and the U.S. could soon find itself on the other side of the table with the UN dictating to us.
Secondly, and the point of this post, it makes me wonder what would happen if there were an insurrection here in the U.S. I always like to follow an idea to its absurd end. Not only does it help clarify the unintended consequences and dangers of proposed actions, policies, or laws but it also keeps me amused. So bear with me for a few sentences.
What if a revolutionary force surfaces here in the U.S. and demands an overthrow of the federal government? Imagine if they assassinate government officials, capture control of some vital industry or cities? The U.S. military is called out to stop them, protect the homeland and such. The rebels have weapons, guns, & tanks and fire on the military. This is sedition, rebellion, revolution. The military fires back – this is war.
A sovereign nation has a right to restore order and enforce its laws, doesn’t it? But then......but then,(here comes the good part and possibly a made-for-TV-movie), along comes the United Nation and orders the U.S. to stop firing on its own citizens. The world community is outraged and demands that the U.S. stop killing its own citizens. The U.N. orders the United Sates to bring the rebels to the table to discuss concessions and hear their grievances and integrate them into the government. Or maybe they enforce a no fly zone or covertly provide weapons and supplies to the rebels. Wow. We wouldn’t like that very much would we?
Oh Americans, be careful how you embrace those “one world” organizations because what goes around comes around and the U.S. could soon find itself on the other side of the table with the UN dictating to us.
Forget about Terrorists, save us from Teen-Age Drivers
Rather than dealing with the multitude of crisis situations confronting the U.S., some Senators would rather save us from teen-age drivers.
According to the Orange County Register, a group of Senators & Representatives have introduced legislation establishing FEDERAL driver's licensing standards for beginning drivers. Wait, isn't that what the states' Departments of Motor Vehicles do? Not if these misguided lawmakers get their way.
If the bill is passed, states "would face gradual reductions in federal highway funding"* if they don't comply. Another power grab by the feds,(disguised as protecting us) and at the expense of state and individual rights.
Better buckle your seat belts, boys and girls, it's going to be a rough ride.
*OC Register, Sunday March 20, 2011
According to the Orange County Register, a group of Senators & Representatives have introduced legislation establishing FEDERAL driver's licensing standards for beginning drivers. Wait, isn't that what the states' Departments of Motor Vehicles do? Not if these misguided lawmakers get their way.
If the bill is passed, states "would face gradual reductions in federal highway funding"* if they don't comply. Another power grab by the feds,(disguised as protecting us) and at the expense of state and individual rights.
Better buckle your seat belts, boys and girls, it's going to be a rough ride.
*OC Register, Sunday March 20, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Concerned Citizen or Busybody?
As I was leaving my house to go walking with a friend, I ran into a solicitor walking up my sidewalk about to deposit a wad of advertisement litter on my front porch. (Now, door to door solicitors are a BIG pet peeve of mine, especially after I caught one peering through the glass and then attempting to open my front door apparently because he thought I wasn’t home.)
So, I sprang into action. “No way,” I said. “Don’t leave those papers on my property. In fact, these are private streets with no soliciting signs clearly posted. You need to leave.” I whipped out my trusty cell phone, dialed up the association and reported this guy. My friend, obviously impressed, said she was glad I did that because she’s tired of all the solicitors as well. I felt good. A few minutes later we passed by some gang graffiti on a wall and cable box, and immediately I called the city’s graffiti hot line to report it. My friend said she didn’t realize I was such an involved neighbor and good citizen. Someone has to pay attention to what’s happening in our neighborhoods she said. I felt good.
We continued our walk and re-entering our neighborhood we happened upon the same solicitor, still leaving wads of advertisements on people’s property. This time, I asked him for the flyers and rang up the companies directly, told them they were illegally distributing advertisements on private streets. But this time, did I detect a note of disapproval from my walking buddy for my vigilante actions? And that got me to thinking. Where is the line between concerned citizen and busybody? Where is the delineation in trying to make the world a better place or just getting on your high horse and sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong? Righteous anger or ill-advised intervention? I felt bad.
Of course, being a Sensible Woman, I began to wonder how I could write a blog about this, uh, I mean, I wondered about the busybody stance of the UN and the U.S. involvement in Libya. Yes, Ghadaffi is a ruthless, insane dictator. BUT, is it the world’s job to side with the rebels against an established, albeit merciless, cruel government of a sovereign country? The media keeps repeating the phrase, "Ghadaffi is killing his own people". Yes, that's what happens in a civil war or revolt. Each side tries to kill each other. Civilized, isn't it? That’s what happened in the American Revolution. We, as revolutionaries, forced the British to fire on us – it’s own citizens.
We in the United States want so desperately to believe that this civil war is about the oppressed finally rising up to fight for their freedom and democracy. Maybe. Maybe they are the majority or maybe they are the minority. Who knows? Are we to say who should win control of Libya? The West has proven time and time again that we don’t understand the Middle East and we don’t always support the “good guys”. If there are freedom fighters in Libya, this is their fight to win or lose. As proven time and time again, the U.S. can’t “give” a country freedom and democracy. It has to come from the courage and sacrifice of the people themselves and it must be paid for with the blood of patriots.
And by the way, if killing one’s own citizens is the litmus test for UN or US intervention, then I’m pretty sure North Korea’s Kim Jung-Il has starved to death more of his citizens than Ghadaffi has killed in the last few weeks, but where's the UN on that one?
So, I sprang into action. “No way,” I said. “Don’t leave those papers on my property. In fact, these are private streets with no soliciting signs clearly posted. You need to leave.” I whipped out my trusty cell phone, dialed up the association and reported this guy. My friend, obviously impressed, said she was glad I did that because she’s tired of all the solicitors as well. I felt good. A few minutes later we passed by some gang graffiti on a wall and cable box, and immediately I called the city’s graffiti hot line to report it. My friend said she didn’t realize I was such an involved neighbor and good citizen. Someone has to pay attention to what’s happening in our neighborhoods she said. I felt good.
We continued our walk and re-entering our neighborhood we happened upon the same solicitor, still leaving wads of advertisements on people’s property. This time, I asked him for the flyers and rang up the companies directly, told them they were illegally distributing advertisements on private streets. But this time, did I detect a note of disapproval from my walking buddy for my vigilante actions? And that got me to thinking. Where is the line between concerned citizen and busybody? Where is the delineation in trying to make the world a better place or just getting on your high horse and sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong? Righteous anger or ill-advised intervention? I felt bad.
Of course, being a Sensible Woman, I began to wonder how I could write a blog about this, uh, I mean, I wondered about the busybody stance of the UN and the U.S. involvement in Libya. Yes, Ghadaffi is a ruthless, insane dictator. BUT, is it the world’s job to side with the rebels against an established, albeit merciless, cruel government of a sovereign country? The media keeps repeating the phrase, "Ghadaffi is killing his own people". Yes, that's what happens in a civil war or revolt. Each side tries to kill each other. Civilized, isn't it? That’s what happened in the American Revolution. We, as revolutionaries, forced the British to fire on us – it’s own citizens.
We in the United States want so desperately to believe that this civil war is about the oppressed finally rising up to fight for their freedom and democracy. Maybe. Maybe they are the majority or maybe they are the minority. Who knows? Are we to say who should win control of Libya? The West has proven time and time again that we don’t understand the Middle East and we don’t always support the “good guys”. If there are freedom fighters in Libya, this is their fight to win or lose. As proven time and time again, the U.S. can’t “give” a country freedom and democracy. It has to come from the courage and sacrifice of the people themselves and it must be paid for with the blood of patriots.
And by the way, if killing one’s own citizens is the litmus test for UN or US intervention, then I’m pretty sure North Korea’s Kim Jung-Il has starved to death more of his citizens than Ghadaffi has killed in the last few weeks, but where's the UN on that one?
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