Think with me for a moment. Let's say you are in a classroom...elementary school, high school or college. What if the teacher said you can get an 'A', just for being you. You have no need to show up, no need to perform work, no need to learn.
What is the purpose of being in that class?
Success cannot exist without failure. James tells us that we should rejoice in trials, because the testing of our faith develops perseverance and ultimately maturity. (James 1, the Bible)
Have you answered the question yet?
Government bailouts are an automatic 'A'. If you are under the impression that government bailouts are necessary in any capacity, or beneficial in any way...why? Have you ever learned anything without being tested? Have you ever accomplished anything without risk? Have you ever learned anything that you had no incentive to learn about?
I am at a loss for words when it comes to the lack of common sense that is going around. People have abandoned philosophy. Is intent the only quality that we judge our leaders by? Does bad policy, led by good intent, lead to success and accomplishment? There are more questions than answers.
Encourage your leaders who lead with honor, fight against those who play politics with your life.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Turning Point
Last week we hit a turning point. Much of the media has been focused on politics and economics over the last several months, maybe the last year. With several high profile, celebrity deaths last week, I feel like the media and people in general have turned the corner on all the political and economic stuff that has been bogging them down.
It makes sense really, people get tired of the same old negativity weighing them down. It is easy to take the Hollywood route and turn to the world of entertainment for the high's and low's that get you through life. For many in this country, unless you have lost your job, it is easy to work and play, forgetting that there is a big world around us that we have a responsibility to be involved in.
Through the policies and guidance of our federal government, the very poor and the very wealthy in this country are continuing to ride the backs of the middle class. This trend has never turned out well. The world is coming to the understanding that America is going down a path that will destroy our economy. The policies that our government is passing are not sustainable. The intentions, I believe, may be good; but they cannot work. I am not saying that they MAY not work, I believe they CANNOT work.
The people who believe global warming is manmade in this country are in the minority, yet they have just passed one of the biggest government expansions in history to fight their cause. Not one member of congress who voted for the Cap and Trade bill even read the whole bill. Even the author, Henry Waxman claimed that he could not possibly read the whole thing. One day before the bill was voted on, a 300 page addendum was added.
Does it comfort you to see your elected leaders voting for a bill they have not read?
I would say the system is broken, but I don't know if that is true. Our government is not even playing within the confines of the system. Every Czar that reports to the president is working outside the authority given to our president. Our system has been forgotten. Something needs to change.
It makes sense really, people get tired of the same old negativity weighing them down. It is easy to take the Hollywood route and turn to the world of entertainment for the high's and low's that get you through life. For many in this country, unless you have lost your job, it is easy to work and play, forgetting that there is a big world around us that we have a responsibility to be involved in.
Through the policies and guidance of our federal government, the very poor and the very wealthy in this country are continuing to ride the backs of the middle class. This trend has never turned out well. The world is coming to the understanding that America is going down a path that will destroy our economy. The policies that our government is passing are not sustainable. The intentions, I believe, may be good; but they cannot work. I am not saying that they MAY not work, I believe they CANNOT work.
The people who believe global warming is manmade in this country are in the minority, yet they have just passed one of the biggest government expansions in history to fight their cause. Not one member of congress who voted for the Cap and Trade bill even read the whole bill. Even the author, Henry Waxman claimed that he could not possibly read the whole thing. One day before the bill was voted on, a 300 page addendum was added.
Does it comfort you to see your elected leaders voting for a bill they have not read?
I would say the system is broken, but I don't know if that is true. Our government is not even playing within the confines of the system. Every Czar that reports to the president is working outside the authority given to our president. Our system has been forgotten. Something needs to change.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Government in Action
Today our federal House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the Cap and Trade bill.
Questionable and politically motivated science is guiding our government to increase taxes on the very motor which allows our economy to turn...energy. If this bill passes, we continue down the path of government control over every sector of life. The White House has declared that it will "necessarily drive energy prices up", in the hopes of forcing us to use less.
Contact your congressman and tell them NO THANKS.
This bill is about control.
However if you want companies to move jobs overseas to economies that are growing and do not care about the affects on the environment, then maybe this is your bill.
Questionable and politically motivated science is guiding our government to increase taxes on the very motor which allows our economy to turn...energy. If this bill passes, we continue down the path of government control over every sector of life. The White House has declared that it will "necessarily drive energy prices up", in the hopes of forcing us to use less.
Contact your congressman and tell them NO THANKS.
This bill is about control.
However if you want companies to move jobs overseas to economies that are growing and do not care about the affects on the environment, then maybe this is your bill.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Leading By Example
You may have seen one of those WWJD bracelets that have been floating around since the 90's. What Would Jesus Do? The answer to this question highlights the reason why Christianity is one of the largest religions in the world. Depending on who you define as Christians, it is THE largest religious/faith group in the world. Why?
Jesus led by example. To answer the question "what would Jesus do", you look at the way he lived his life and apply the same principles to whatever situation you are in. Some people might come to different conclusions, but the answer is still steeped in what we believe to be true about Jesus. The life Jesus asks us to live, is the same life he lived. When we see the poor and needy, we are asked to give. When we see sinners, we are asked to forgive. When we see sad and lonely people, we are asked to love. We are asked to lead by example.
The largest and most "successful" religions in the world, have a similar setup. A historical figure, sent by God, to give people an example on the way they should live and act within the laws of that God.
Our founders understood that they could not lead in a way that was right, true, just and moral unless they led by example. The character of our founders has been lost. The example and the principles that they set before us has been forgotten.
I am honing in on what bothers me the most about the liberal progressive agenda. In many ways, this is what bothers me about government in general. Our leaders have forgotten that they are examples. Rather than businessmen and farmers who reserved several years of their life to public service, they have instead made a living off the fruits of our labor and the sweat off our brows. I believe conservative principles will lead us back towards the formula that created the greatest nation on earth.
Environmentalists preach and lobby for rules and regulations that will lead to responsible use of our natural resources. The goal is admirable, but these same activists use their wealth and power to buy their way out of actually following the same guidelines that they want everyone else to follow.
Proponents of welfare and food stamps want to raise the burden of taxes on everyone around them to help the poor and hungry. The goal is admirable, but these same activists give meager amounts of their own wealth to the poor and hungry they wish to help.
Our leaders who want to provide health care for everyone in America, by whatever means possible, work in a system that guarantees they will have the best care available to them at no cost for the rest of their lives. A system of benefits voted to them, by them.
Our leaders in Washington have no idea what it is like to actually live in the systems they want to create for the country around them. They have no idea what problems face main street. They say whatever they need to say so to remain in power and in a position to live off of the people, contributing no real benefits to society.
Liberal progressives are doomed to fail. They fight to change the world, but refuse to accept the same standards that they require of those around them.
There is a false idea going around that government run programs are beneficial. Show me a program run by the government that has succeeded in it's goals. I can show you a hundred different organizations that combat the social problems our country faces with much more effectiveness and efficiency than our government.
FDR created a committee to study the economic security of individuals. "The Committee shall study problems relating to the economic security of individuals and shall report to the President not later than December 1, 1934, its recommendations concerning proposals which in its judgment will promote greater economic security."
Does our country have "greater economic security" now than it did before the social security programs that FDR started? If it did, why are there still people without jobs? Why are people still hungry? If this system was created to avoid the same depression that preceded FDR, why do those problems exist.
With the greatest of intentions, government run programs take money from successful systems and create waste. Just think of all the good the people of this country could do if they actually controlled their own wealth!
Conservative principles teach me that first we must take responsibility for our own lives, then we can begin to help those around us. We must elect leaders that lead by example.
Only when the waste of government is out of the way can we begin to tackle the environmental, social, educational, technological and ethical concerns of the day.
Jesus led by example. To answer the question "what would Jesus do", you look at the way he lived his life and apply the same principles to whatever situation you are in. Some people might come to different conclusions, but the answer is still steeped in what we believe to be true about Jesus. The life Jesus asks us to live, is the same life he lived. When we see the poor and needy, we are asked to give. When we see sinners, we are asked to forgive. When we see sad and lonely people, we are asked to love. We are asked to lead by example.
The largest and most "successful" religions in the world, have a similar setup. A historical figure, sent by God, to give people an example on the way they should live and act within the laws of that God.
Our founders understood that they could not lead in a way that was right, true, just and moral unless they led by example. The character of our founders has been lost. The example and the principles that they set before us has been forgotten.
I am honing in on what bothers me the most about the liberal progressive agenda. In many ways, this is what bothers me about government in general. Our leaders have forgotten that they are examples. Rather than businessmen and farmers who reserved several years of their life to public service, they have instead made a living off the fruits of our labor and the sweat off our brows. I believe conservative principles will lead us back towards the formula that created the greatest nation on earth.
Environmentalists preach and lobby for rules and regulations that will lead to responsible use of our natural resources. The goal is admirable, but these same activists use their wealth and power to buy their way out of actually following the same guidelines that they want everyone else to follow.
Proponents of welfare and food stamps want to raise the burden of taxes on everyone around them to help the poor and hungry. The goal is admirable, but these same activists give meager amounts of their own wealth to the poor and hungry they wish to help.
Our leaders who want to provide health care for everyone in America, by whatever means possible, work in a system that guarantees they will have the best care available to them at no cost for the rest of their lives. A system of benefits voted to them, by them.
Our leaders in Washington have no idea what it is like to actually live in the systems they want to create for the country around them. They have no idea what problems face main street. They say whatever they need to say so to remain in power and in a position to live off of the people, contributing no real benefits to society.
Liberal progressives are doomed to fail. They fight to change the world, but refuse to accept the same standards that they require of those around them.
There is a false idea going around that government run programs are beneficial. Show me a program run by the government that has succeeded in it's goals. I can show you a hundred different organizations that combat the social problems our country faces with much more effectiveness and efficiency than our government.
FDR created a committee to study the economic security of individuals. "The Committee shall study problems relating to the economic security of individuals and shall report to the President not later than December 1, 1934, its recommendations concerning proposals which in its judgment will promote greater economic security."
Does our country have "greater economic security" now than it did before the social security programs that FDR started? If it did, why are there still people without jobs? Why are people still hungry? If this system was created to avoid the same depression that preceded FDR, why do those problems exist.
With the greatest of intentions, government run programs take money from successful systems and create waste. Just think of all the good the people of this country could do if they actually controlled their own wealth!
Conservative principles teach me that first we must take responsibility for our own lives, then we can begin to help those around us. We must elect leaders that lead by example.
Only when the waste of government is out of the way can we begin to tackle the environmental, social, educational, technological and ethical concerns of the day.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Question of the Day
Have you ever worked for someone with less money/earnings than you?
Depending on your answer of course, this leads me to ask the question. What is the best way to provide jobs? Of course, if private industry exists it seems to me that by taking less from those that provide jobs might increase employment. Rather, the last couple years has seen our government take from the providers, reduce the value of that "take" by the overhead of the middle-man (aka. the government), and then give the remainder to those who have failed, allowing them to continue their waste and irresponsibility.
Have you ever worked for someone with less money/earnings than you? Let this question really sink in. How might the answer change your views on the economy or the government?
Depending on your answer of course, this leads me to ask the question. What is the best way to provide jobs? Of course, if private industry exists it seems to me that by taking less from those that provide jobs might increase employment. Rather, the last couple years has seen our government take from the providers, reduce the value of that "take" by the overhead of the middle-man (aka. the government), and then give the remainder to those who have failed, allowing them to continue their waste and irresponsibility.
Have you ever worked for someone with less money/earnings than you? Let this question really sink in. How might the answer change your views on the economy or the government?
100 Projects - 100 Days
Here is a report from the White House about 100 projects that have been funded by stimulus funds. I won't comment much, but we should be aware of what is going on.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/100-days.pdf
Just keep in mind that our country has trillions of dollars of debt and your kids and grandkids will be paying for these projects. Government cannot create wealth. Think about this statement, drill it into your head. Government cannot create wealth. The only resources that government has, are those that it takes.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/100-days.pdf
Just keep in mind that our country has trillions of dollars of debt and your kids and grandkids will be paying for these projects. Government cannot create wealth. Think about this statement, drill it into your head. Government cannot create wealth. The only resources that government has, are those that it takes.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Dictating Healthcare
We can see that our current leaders are Ok telling us that it may be in everyones best interest if we are all required to pay the government to run the healthcare system. This is a scary road to go down. After a nation begins relying on a system like this, we won't just stop doing it when we see that it is not working. The people of this country must wake-up and see what is going on. Do your research, and let your elected leaders know where you stand.
The following questions are ones that cause me to pause and say, "maybe we shouldn't do this?":
- If the currently socialized programs of Medicaid and Medicare have worked so well, why is everyone wondering how we're going to save those programs and make them work beyond the next few years?
- How can we assume that the federal government will "insure" our medical coverage better than the current insurance companies?
- Look at the countries around the world that provide socialized medicine. Do they work? If not, why are we pursuing the same course of action?
- People across the globe are sending their sick and wounded to the United States of America for medical care, because it's the best in the world. Why are we attmepting to model our system after theirs?
The problem with socialized programs is that we must assume that the government makes better decisions than the people. I think I can run my life, better than the government can. We must change the philosophy that is underlying this rediculous liberal train of thought. The government is not the answer.
If you see a person in need, do you help them, or do you wonder why the government doesn't do more? I am tired of hearing about how the "government" should do more to help the poor in this country when those very same people are wondering what movie they should see this weekend and what car they will buy next.
With all the talk of socialism and how great it is. With the communist leaders of the country endorsing the actions of America, and the rest of the world talking about the problems with socialism. I think America is slowly coming around. We will soon see that freedom is the answer. We will soon realize that freedom has value. We will soon realize that the change we were looking for was a shrinkage of government, not the expansion that we have experienced for the last 20 years.
The following questions are ones that cause me to pause and say, "maybe we shouldn't do this?":
- If the currently socialized programs of Medicaid and Medicare have worked so well, why is everyone wondering how we're going to save those programs and make them work beyond the next few years?
- How can we assume that the federal government will "insure" our medical coverage better than the current insurance companies?
- Look at the countries around the world that provide socialized medicine. Do they work? If not, why are we pursuing the same course of action?
- People across the globe are sending their sick and wounded to the United States of America for medical care, because it's the best in the world. Why are we attmepting to model our system after theirs?
The problem with socialized programs is that we must assume that the government makes better decisions than the people. I think I can run my life, better than the government can. We must change the philosophy that is underlying this rediculous liberal train of thought. The government is not the answer.
If you see a person in need, do you help them, or do you wonder why the government doesn't do more? I am tired of hearing about how the "government" should do more to help the poor in this country when those very same people are wondering what movie they should see this weekend and what car they will buy next.
With all the talk of socialism and how great it is. With the communist leaders of the country endorsing the actions of America, and the rest of the world talking about the problems with socialism. I think America is slowly coming around. We will soon see that freedom is the answer. We will soon realize that freedom has value. We will soon realize that the change we were looking for was a shrinkage of government, not the expansion that we have experienced for the last 20 years.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Constitutional Reminder
It will be interesting when people start realizing that our government is breaking the laws set forth by our constitution. The case against Chrysler, which halted the sell-off to Chrysler may be a turning point.
Take a minute to digest the 5th amendment:
"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
It sure seems to me that government control of GM and Chrysler is a bit suspicious. When the White House tells the bond holders of Chrysler that they must take 29 cents for every dollar that Chrysler owes them, giving more resources and control to the Unions; it sure seems like private property is being taken without just compensation.
Stinking constitution, it always gets in the way of supreme power of our god....
Hmmmm. Has our infatuation gone too far?
On the lighter side: President Obama did make a great command on Colbert last night, ordering General Ordierno to shave Stephen's head.
Take a minute to digest the 5th amendment:
"No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
It sure seems to me that government control of GM and Chrysler is a bit suspicious. When the White House tells the bond holders of Chrysler that they must take 29 cents for every dollar that Chrysler owes them, giving more resources and control to the Unions; it sure seems like private property is being taken without just compensation.
Stinking constitution, it always gets in the way of supreme power of our god....
Hmmmm. Has our infatuation gone too far?
On the lighter side: President Obama did make a great command on Colbert last night, ordering General Ordierno to shave Stephen's head.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Random Thought
I just had a thought. I hope somebody does some research on this point.
How much energy/pollution does it take to transport oil from the middle-east to the US? How much pollution would be saved if we drilled for our own oil instead of transporting it all the way across the globe? Or perhaps we wouldn't save any energy, but it would be worth knowing.
How much energy/pollution does it take to transport oil from the middle-east to the US? How much pollution would be saved if we drilled for our own oil instead of transporting it all the way across the globe? Or perhaps we wouldn't save any energy, but it would be worth knowing.
The Craziness Will End
Perhaps the free spirit of the American people will once again look to common sense, turning away from the progressive, new deal, hand-out, nanny-state policies that have taken freedom and hindered the very growth and progress that the leaders on the left think they are promoting.
The brains over at the Misus institute have a fantastic article on how our current economic times stack up to those in history with some great examples of how the economy works. It is semi-long, but well worth reading.
http://mises.org/story/3487
The brains over at the Misus institute have a fantastic article on how our current economic times stack up to those in history with some great examples of how the economy works. It is semi-long, but well worth reading.
http://mises.org/story/3487
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The foundation seems to be cracking
"WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says he's open to requiring all Americans to buy health insurance, as long as the plan provides a "hardship waiver" to exempt poor people from having to pay.
Obama opposed such an individual mandate during his campaign, but Congress increasingly is moving to embrace the idea." - 6/4/2009
Sure sounds like our leaders are OK "dictating" rights to me. I fear that one day, we might look back at the words that conservatives are preaching right now and say, "why didn't we listen." I don't mean to say that a conservatives know everything, but I CAN guarantee that freedom is worth something. From the progressive left, freedom is an idea standing in the way of their agenda. The progressive left vilifies the very system that allows them to operate. I don't know about you, but I don't particularly enjoy voting for hypocrites.
The progressive left leaders in this country promise that the poor won't pay a dime for anything. They think that the government is the answer to all your problems, as long as they are in charge. I refuse to believe that government intervention is required to "make the right call", provide a service that benefits the poor, or provide jobs. The government only stands in the way of prosperity for all.
The bleeding heart of the liberal has blinded them to the fact that social programs must be limited and tempered if they are to exist at all. History is ignored everyday as we look to the ideals that socialism, Marxism and communism promote, yet fail to recognize the results that those systems have yielded throughout history.
The progressive left leaders in this country are blinding their supporters with rhetoric. While Al Gore lobbies Washington for climate change legislation, he stands to make billions of dollars. If the environment is so important, why doesn't he do more? President Obama made millions of dollars over the last few years from book royalties. If feeding the poor and healing the sick is so important, how can he live such an opulent lifestyle, begrudging the wealth of others, and expect the collective to pick up the slack?
To any liberal, democrats and bleeding hearts reading this: Evaluate your candidate! Their talk and their walk do not align. Of course much of this stems from the liberal progressive mindset, which thinks that their must be a way to "change the world." Since it is plain that their efforts alone will not accomplish their goals, they seek power, and will do anything necessary to force everyone but themselves to take care of every need around them.
On top of it all, the liberal progressives fail to realize that their actions cannot be sustained. Providing health care, food, shelter and clothes for all the needy people in the world sounds like a great idea. Is it worth doing if you destroy the very means that allow the programs to exist?
The progressive left is giving everyone a fish, while forcing the fisherman to quit his job. Who's left to do the fishing? Just imaging if everyone actually did their part, instead of forcing others to pick up the slack. Then we would truly have a society where all the sick, homeless and hungry are cared for.
Socialism pulls everyone down, rather than lifting everyone up. I don't know how many ways this needs to be said. It doesn't work!
It seems that the Americans who voted for this "change" have either been duped or are completely ignorant of the history that has made this nation lurch forward like no other nation has in the history of time. We need less government, not more. Government only stands in the way of the real power, generosity and ingneuity of the american spirit.
The foundations of our country have gone missing. Personal responsibility is no more. We are being tricked into thinking that government is the solution, when it only stands in the way.
Obama opposed such an individual mandate during his campaign, but Congress increasingly is moving to embrace the idea." - 6/4/2009
Sure sounds like our leaders are OK "dictating" rights to me. I fear that one day, we might look back at the words that conservatives are preaching right now and say, "why didn't we listen." I don't mean to say that a conservatives know everything, but I CAN guarantee that freedom is worth something. From the progressive left, freedom is an idea standing in the way of their agenda. The progressive left vilifies the very system that allows them to operate. I don't know about you, but I don't particularly enjoy voting for hypocrites.
The progressive left leaders in this country promise that the poor won't pay a dime for anything. They think that the government is the answer to all your problems, as long as they are in charge. I refuse to believe that government intervention is required to "make the right call", provide a service that benefits the poor, or provide jobs. The government only stands in the way of prosperity for all.
The bleeding heart of the liberal has blinded them to the fact that social programs must be limited and tempered if they are to exist at all. History is ignored everyday as we look to the ideals that socialism, Marxism and communism promote, yet fail to recognize the results that those systems have yielded throughout history.
The progressive left leaders in this country are blinding their supporters with rhetoric. While Al Gore lobbies Washington for climate change legislation, he stands to make billions of dollars. If the environment is so important, why doesn't he do more? President Obama made millions of dollars over the last few years from book royalties. If feeding the poor and healing the sick is so important, how can he live such an opulent lifestyle, begrudging the wealth of others, and expect the collective to pick up the slack?
To any liberal, democrats and bleeding hearts reading this: Evaluate your candidate! Their talk and their walk do not align. Of course much of this stems from the liberal progressive mindset, which thinks that their must be a way to "change the world." Since it is plain that their efforts alone will not accomplish their goals, they seek power, and will do anything necessary to force everyone but themselves to take care of every need around them.
On top of it all, the liberal progressives fail to realize that their actions cannot be sustained. Providing health care, food, shelter and clothes for all the needy people in the world sounds like a great idea. Is it worth doing if you destroy the very means that allow the programs to exist?
The progressive left is giving everyone a fish, while forcing the fisherman to quit his job. Who's left to do the fishing? Just imaging if everyone actually did their part, instead of forcing others to pick up the slack. Then we would truly have a society where all the sick, homeless and hungry are cared for.
Socialism pulls everyone down, rather than lifting everyone up. I don't know how many ways this needs to be said. It doesn't work!
It seems that the Americans who voted for this "change" have either been duped or are completely ignorant of the history that has made this nation lurch forward like no other nation has in the history of time. We need less government, not more. Government only stands in the way of the real power, generosity and ingneuity of the american spirit.
The foundations of our country have gone missing. Personal responsibility is no more. We are being tricked into thinking that government is the solution, when it only stands in the way.
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