“If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story.”
Orson Welles
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Reality Check
I went on a diet a few months ago and believe it or not, it has been pretty successful. I have lost over 60 pounds since January. Things are looking up.
You don't believe me? Obviously, if I had not gone on a diet, I would have gained 55 pounds, so while my scale may only show a loss of 5 pounds I actually lost 60 pounds. I think I'll go out for some Mexican food tonight to celebrate my achievement.
Think of this next time you hear that our government has saved 10,000 jobs or reduced our deficit by $200 billion. What is really going on?
I dare you to disagree.
You don't believe me? Obviously, if I had not gone on a diet, I would have gained 55 pounds, so while my scale may only show a loss of 5 pounds I actually lost 60 pounds. I think I'll go out for some Mexican food tonight to celebrate my achievement.
Think of this next time you hear that our government has saved 10,000 jobs or reduced our deficit by $200 billion. What is really going on?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Human Spirit
If you haven't noticed, I am on a quest to show what I believe to be the underlying problems with the liberal progressive philosophy. Conservatism, which assumes life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to be at the very foundation of every individuals human rights, is in my opinion the only philosophy that will lead to prosperity for all and a land that truly offers freedom and opportunity to any who enter it, regardless of race, religion and hair color.
Our country was structured by its founders in a way that provides the basic tenants of life and freedom. The things that snuff out these basic tenants are in violation of the law. There is room for social aid, to strengthen the weakest links in the chain, but that aid should not be taken at the expense of another.
In my view, the leaders of the progressive movement, the truly progressive, believe that there are fundamental rights more important than life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What those fundamentals are, I cannot say, but they clearly believe that a system like socialism is superior to capitalism. It seems that we must make "progress" regardless of the cost. Can we really call it progress. They fail to account for the human spirit. Within my worldview, the progressives have failed to account for humans created in the image of the creator.
Regardless of your personal philosophies, I believe it would benefit you to examine life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in your own life. Examining these basic tenants will help to put your views in perspective and defend them when necessary.
The human spirit wants to grow, invent, achieve, accomplish, explore and serve. It is perhaps a futile attempt at containing the spirit, yet throughout history we have seen ever expanding governments take it upon themselves to dictate to the masses what they can and cannot do. Thanks to cousin Laura for highlighting a National Geographic article about how science explains the 'how', and faith explains the 'why'. She knows of course that I respectfully disagree. I am also trying to make it clear that disagreements are under-rated. We need to be challenged more often.
I don't believe that the How and Why can exist separately. The human spirit is the perfect example of this concept, and I believe "Why" matters. Can we appreciate a work of art, a sunset or a musical composition without both the How and the Why? Of course we understand [how,] that sound waves enter our ears and create noise; but the emotions, feelings and sense of awe that this may create come from our spirit, which tells us why we like it. When we stop our busy routines to gaze at a sunset, we cannot explain How it affects us the way that it does, but we can explain Why we believe it to be so beautiful. If we ignore why something has happened, we may be ignoring the cause, and will never truly understand how it happened. When we ignore the Why, we ignore the very inquisitive nature of the human spirit. If no reason exists for something, we have no need to know how it exists. If we assume that no reason exists, the human spirit and the very feelings that move us to action are meaningless.
Now that I have taken us down a terribly confusing philosophical road, let me get back on track.
DESERVE
–verb (used with object)
1.
to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation: to deserve exile; to deserve charity; a theory that deserves consideration.
–verb (used without object)
2.
to be worthy of, qualified for, or have a claim to reward, punishment, recompense, etc.: to reward him as he deserves; an idea deserving of study.
What we "deserve" is an interesting question. Does a murderer deserve death? Does a homeless person deserve a roof? In reality, we each have passions and desires that prompt us to help others get what they deserve. The real dilemma is: Who gets to decide what you deserve?
Should the government have that power, or you?
Does your answer change depending on who is in charge? Should it?
We each make judgements about what other people may or may not deserve, but people will ultimately disagree on some points and agree on others. When we infringe on life and liberty, we deteriorate the very values, our unalienable rights, that allow our unique and individual human spirits grow in their own ways. The government is a necessary evil. Regardless of the cause, as we continue down the road of bigger and bigger government, we must understand that as our liberties are taken, we are destined to lose them all. That is how Benjamin Franklin saw it, and I think he was right.
We must take a stand for our basic human rights, the rights of the individual. Unless our spirit be dimmed, these are the foundations of conservatism that we must understand and follow.
Our country was structured by its founders in a way that provides the basic tenants of life and freedom. The things that snuff out these basic tenants are in violation of the law. There is room for social aid, to strengthen the weakest links in the chain, but that aid should not be taken at the expense of another.
In my view, the leaders of the progressive movement, the truly progressive, believe that there are fundamental rights more important than life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What those fundamentals are, I cannot say, but they clearly believe that a system like socialism is superior to capitalism. It seems that we must make "progress" regardless of the cost. Can we really call it progress. They fail to account for the human spirit. Within my worldview, the progressives have failed to account for humans created in the image of the creator.
Regardless of your personal philosophies, I believe it would benefit you to examine life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in your own life. Examining these basic tenants will help to put your views in perspective and defend them when necessary.
The human spirit wants to grow, invent, achieve, accomplish, explore and serve. It is perhaps a futile attempt at containing the spirit, yet throughout history we have seen ever expanding governments take it upon themselves to dictate to the masses what they can and cannot do. Thanks to cousin Laura for highlighting a National Geographic article about how science explains the 'how', and faith explains the 'why'. She knows of course that I respectfully disagree. I am also trying to make it clear that disagreements are under-rated. We need to be challenged more often.
I don't believe that the How and Why can exist separately. The human spirit is the perfect example of this concept, and I believe "Why" matters. Can we appreciate a work of art, a sunset or a musical composition without both the How and the Why? Of course we understand [how,] that sound waves enter our ears and create noise; but the emotions, feelings and sense of awe that this may create come from our spirit, which tells us why we like it. When we stop our busy routines to gaze at a sunset, we cannot explain How it affects us the way that it does, but we can explain Why we believe it to be so beautiful. If we ignore why something has happened, we may be ignoring the cause, and will never truly understand how it happened. When we ignore the Why, we ignore the very inquisitive nature of the human spirit. If no reason exists for something, we have no need to know how it exists. If we assume that no reason exists, the human spirit and the very feelings that move us to action are meaningless.
Now that I have taken us down a terribly confusing philosophical road, let me get back on track.
DESERVE
–verb (used with object)
1.
to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation: to deserve exile; to deserve charity; a theory that deserves consideration.
–verb (used without object)
2.
to be worthy of, qualified for, or have a claim to reward, punishment, recompense, etc.: to reward him as he deserves; an idea deserving of study.
What we "deserve" is an interesting question. Does a murderer deserve death? Does a homeless person deserve a roof? In reality, we each have passions and desires that prompt us to help others get what they deserve. The real dilemma is: Who gets to decide what you deserve?
Should the government have that power, or you?
Does your answer change depending on who is in charge? Should it?
We each make judgements about what other people may or may not deserve, but people will ultimately disagree on some points and agree on others. When we infringe on life and liberty, we deteriorate the very values, our unalienable rights, that allow our unique and individual human spirits grow in their own ways. The government is a necessary evil. Regardless of the cause, as we continue down the road of bigger and bigger government, we must understand that as our liberties are taken, we are destined to lose them all. That is how Benjamin Franklin saw it, and I think he was right.
We must take a stand for our basic human rights, the rights of the individual. Unless our spirit be dimmed, these are the foundations of conservatism that we must understand and follow.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Quotes to File Away
"Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith." - Margaret Shepherd
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The End of Waste?
"We can no longer afford to spend as if deficits don't matter and waste is not our problem," ..."We can no longer afford to leave the hard choices for the next budget, the next administration -- or the next generation." - President Barack Obama, 5/7/2009.
WHAT?
This is the perfect example of our President saying what he knows we want to hear, while doing something completely different. He is either referring to the 3+ trillion dollars of debt his administration has committed us to in the last 3 months, or the "mistakes of the past 8 years"? Probably both. Politicians love to place blame on everyone else.
I could scream when I hear our President say stuff like this while blatantly walking a different line. Luckily he has saved the day by announcing $17 billion in cuts of current programs, a mere .5% of the budget.
For your own edification, last years budget was about $3.1 trillion, $400 billion less than this year. These cuts being announced are a joke and a ruse. President Bush spent too much, and President Obama is making that look like chump change. Our President should at least be honest about his spending, and about how he thinks it will ultimately make things better. Why the charade?
Does anyone truly believe what he is saying?
It's a shame that real, passionate questions like this will never be addressed by our leaders. They are all so concerned about their political clout, that they have forgotten how to tell the truth.
THIS, is change we can believe in.
WHAT?
This is the perfect example of our President saying what he knows we want to hear, while doing something completely different. He is either referring to the 3+ trillion dollars of debt his administration has committed us to in the last 3 months, or the "mistakes of the past 8 years"? Probably both. Politicians love to place blame on everyone else.
I could scream when I hear our President say stuff like this while blatantly walking a different line. Luckily he has saved the day by announcing $17 billion in cuts of current programs, a mere .5% of the budget.
For your own edification, last years budget was about $3.1 trillion, $400 billion less than this year. These cuts being announced are a joke and a ruse. President Bush spent too much, and President Obama is making that look like chump change. Our President should at least be honest about his spending, and about how he thinks it will ultimately make things better. Why the charade?
Does anyone truly believe what he is saying?
It's a shame that real, passionate questions like this will never be addressed by our leaders. They are all so concerned about their political clout, that they have forgotten how to tell the truth.
THIS, is change we can believe in.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
What's Wrong?
President Obama has repeatedly said things like "we must remake America." He eludes to the fact that America must fundamentally change the way we do things. He has appologized for America constantly over the last several months.
Since I can't get President Obama on the phone, if there are any supporters out there who can answer my questions, please do so.
What are we re-building America from? What fundamental changes are we talking about? What is Obama appologizing for?
These are real and serious questions.
"I can't just press a button and suddenly have the bankers do exactly what I want or, you know, turn on a switch and suddenly, you know, Congress falls in line," Obama said.
What gives our president the right to have the bankers do exactly what he wants or to get congress to fall in line? Why does he think that's how it needs to be. Ths system is not built that way. Is it OK because he's "your guy?" What authority is he acting under?
Transcript of press conference:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/04/barack-obama-news-conference-text.html
Since I can't get President Obama on the phone, if there are any supporters out there who can answer my questions, please do so.
What are we re-building America from? What fundamental changes are we talking about? What is Obama appologizing for?
These are real and serious questions.
"I can't just press a button and suddenly have the bankers do exactly what I want or, you know, turn on a switch and suddenly, you know, Congress falls in line," Obama said.
What gives our president the right to have the bankers do exactly what he wants or to get congress to fall in line? Why does he think that's how it needs to be. Ths system is not built that way. Is it OK because he's "your guy?" What authority is he acting under?
Transcript of press conference:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/04/barack-obama-news-conference-text.html
Protecting the Little Guy
Please dis-regard this post, it is only a rant against the progressive movement and the hypocrisy that exists amongst their leaders. Please Do Not Read.
"The smallest minority is the individual" -Rush Limbaugh
Under the guise of equality, minority rights, and social justice, the progressive movement in this country is building itself into a party that redistributes wealth and resources at will and seeks to remove the rights of anyone who disagrees with them or is a in a position to stop them. Power is the ultimate goal.
What government programs do you see as great successes?
In my humble opinion, President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and the democratic leaders are all pushing this progressive cause. President Bush did his part too by the way, although gradually. Reagan was the last President to actually reduce government programs at the federal level, which gave way to the last real expansion of wealth and opportunity for everyone in this country.
The progressive movement vilifies wealth and achievement outside of their own circles and seeks to create true class separation by creating a society that is truly dependant on the state to live, while the leaders live at the top of the hill with no regard to the struggles of the country around them.
They use their words to say that their actions are for the good of the whole people, but use their actions to suppress the whole people. Instead of wealth for all, it is poverty for all...shared sacrifice.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.
Show me a politician who themselves sacrifice what they ask their constituents to sacrifice? While our leaders today ask people to tighten their belts, they increase the tax burden to expand their own programs. The top 5% of this country earners pay over 50% of the tax burden, the top 50% of the earners in this country pay over 96% of the tax burden. Is this equality?
Only through conservative principles can freedom and prosperity come to pass. Only when every individual is protected can equal rights be realized. Only through conservatism can the lower class realize that the only person holding them back is themselves. Let's help the helpless, not the clueless.
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.
Why do we not ACT on these words? Let's spread the idea that everyone can succeed. Let's create programs that encourage responsibility and hard work. Let's reward success not failure.
President Obama says that he doesn't want to run GM or the banks, but he has been forced into the position. NO HE HAS NOT. Our federal government has no right to fire individuals in private companies. Success will only be realized when we let the unsuccessful fail. So what if GM goes bankrupt. Maybe we can learn from our mistakes, instead of forcing people to make them again and again. The US economy is not at risk from failures of any size. We can only benefit to a greater degree in the end.
The law is blind and none are above it! Let's at least be consistent in the way we interpret the law.
-----------------------------------------------
"The smallest minority is the individual" -Rush Limbaugh
Under the guise of equality, minority rights, and social justice, the progressive movement in this country is building itself into a party that redistributes wealth and resources at will and seeks to remove the rights of anyone who disagrees with them or is a in a position to stop them. Power is the ultimate goal.
What government programs do you see as great successes?
In my humble opinion, President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and the democratic leaders are all pushing this progressive cause. President Bush did his part too by the way, although gradually. Reagan was the last President to actually reduce government programs at the federal level, which gave way to the last real expansion of wealth and opportunity for everyone in this country.
The progressive movement vilifies wealth and achievement outside of their own circles and seeks to create true class separation by creating a society that is truly dependant on the state to live, while the leaders live at the top of the hill with no regard to the struggles of the country around them.
They use their words to say that their actions are for the good of the whole people, but use their actions to suppress the whole people. Instead of wealth for all, it is poverty for all...shared sacrifice.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.
Show me a politician who themselves sacrifice what they ask their constituents to sacrifice? While our leaders today ask people to tighten their belts, they increase the tax burden to expand their own programs. The top 5% of this country earners pay over 50% of the tax burden, the top 50% of the earners in this country pay over 96% of the tax burden. Is this equality?
Only through conservative principles can freedom and prosperity come to pass. Only when every individual is protected can equal rights be realized. Only through conservatism can the lower class realize that the only person holding them back is themselves. Let's help the helpless, not the clueless.
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.
Why do we not ACT on these words? Let's spread the idea that everyone can succeed. Let's create programs that encourage responsibility and hard work. Let's reward success not failure.
President Obama says that he doesn't want to run GM or the banks, but he has been forced into the position. NO HE HAS NOT. Our federal government has no right to fire individuals in private companies. Success will only be realized when we let the unsuccessful fail. So what if GM goes bankrupt. Maybe we can learn from our mistakes, instead of forcing people to make them again and again. The US economy is not at risk from failures of any size. We can only benefit to a greater degree in the end.
The law is blind and none are above it! Let's at least be consistent in the way we interpret the law.
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