I read, this morning, that the bottom 50% of wage earners in the USA pay no taxes at all. It is no wonder that we have such discontent. We have raised, and are now raising, a whole generation of "citizens" that have no connection to that great nation that was built by our forebears. In my opinion, only those who substantially participate in government can feel ownership in it. By helping to fund the operation of our government even those of modest means can feel that they have a stake in the way government is run.
Just imagine a Senator, Congressman, Governor, or President who hears from a citizen comlaining about this or that. He looks in the tax roles and finds that this citizen pays no taxes and therefore has no stake in how the money is spent. He feels no need to respond.
Similarly, a citizen who pays no taxes is also not concerned about how much tax money is wasted. I've inteviewed many who indicate, "I don't care; it's not my money".
I have always said every citizen needs to participate in helping to fund government, even if it is only .01%. By so doing patriotism, citizen morale, and citizen participation in the political process will improve.
While I think we collectively pay too much in taxes, I believe each citizen should pay something.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Wars and Rumors of War
Here we go again sticking our noses in where they do not belong. First Libya, then Egypt, and now Syria and then later on Iran. When does it end? When will the world stop depending on the USA to be the world's policeman? And when will the world help pay for the work the USA does in doing so?
When we went to Iraq, the liberal crazies said we were going for the oil. Where did it go? Certainly not to the USA. We've spent billions of dollars there and have not even been given gratitude, much less recompense.
We spent, and are still spending, millions of dollars in Libya. For what purpose? And now the Islamic Brotherhood will take over. It is an aggressive anti-American organization. Our national leaders seem pretty pleased with themselves to let anti-American despots rule nations.
Our war in Afganistan is a legal war, but we don't fight it. Instead we play at it, trying to create good will out of extreme hate. I said from the beginning, we should invite the good world citizens out of Afganistan and then turn it into a sea of glass. Then these terrorists will understand that we indeed mean what we say. We don't need to be pernicious about it, just set our collective jaw and get down to business. I just can't stand the political correctness of our current noodle spined leaders. We need to kill the evil in order for the good to prosper.
And now Egypt. Egypt's new Islamic Brotherhood leaders are trying to blackmail the USA. And we are likely to capitulate. WHY? They don't like us, the will never like us. But, we'll continue to try to buy their friendship. It won't work. It never has worked. We spend money we don't have, giving money to those who will not appreciate it, to help those who will never see it.
Now we'll send in "advisors" to help the Syrian rebels. I say KEEP OUT! We have no business there. We have no national interest there. There is no national threat there.
What about Iran? We do have a national interest there because Iran is a self-proclaimed and vocal sponsor of terrorism against civilized nations. They publicly advocate the destruction of Israel and the United States. We have treated the populace in Iran badly in the past when citizens wanted to overthrow the current Islamic despotic government. We gave promises and then left them flat. We need to stop messing around and do what we already know needs to be done. Defend ourselves against these loud mouth despots aggressively, decisively, and immediately.
I guess this is just the natural progression of things. We spent millions of dollars defending Europe during two world wars. The people of Europe are not grateful. They would still rather our people not interact with them. We see that every time we visit. We never asked anything in return for liberating Europe except a place to bury our dead. However, we don't even get that much from these middle east countries.
We are the stepchildren of the world, whom the world despises, and whom the world would rather not exist except when it needs help. The people of the USA are the most generous people in the world. We donate liberally each time a natural disaster happens. Our churches and charities are the first to assist. And we do it without guile. We ask nothing in return except perhaps a kind smile now and then. I know of no other nation that does as much.
When we went to Iraq, the liberal crazies said we were going for the oil. Where did it go? Certainly not to the USA. We've spent billions of dollars there and have not even been given gratitude, much less recompense.
We spent, and are still spending, millions of dollars in Libya. For what purpose? And now the Islamic Brotherhood will take over. It is an aggressive anti-American organization. Our national leaders seem pretty pleased with themselves to let anti-American despots rule nations.
Our war in Afganistan is a legal war, but we don't fight it. Instead we play at it, trying to create good will out of extreme hate. I said from the beginning, we should invite the good world citizens out of Afganistan and then turn it into a sea of glass. Then these terrorists will understand that we indeed mean what we say. We don't need to be pernicious about it, just set our collective jaw and get down to business. I just can't stand the political correctness of our current noodle spined leaders. We need to kill the evil in order for the good to prosper.
And now Egypt. Egypt's new Islamic Brotherhood leaders are trying to blackmail the USA. And we are likely to capitulate. WHY? They don't like us, the will never like us. But, we'll continue to try to buy their friendship. It won't work. It never has worked. We spend money we don't have, giving money to those who will not appreciate it, to help those who will never see it.
Now we'll send in "advisors" to help the Syrian rebels. I say KEEP OUT! We have no business there. We have no national interest there. There is no national threat there.
What about Iran? We do have a national interest there because Iran is a self-proclaimed and vocal sponsor of terrorism against civilized nations. They publicly advocate the destruction of Israel and the United States. We have treated the populace in Iran badly in the past when citizens wanted to overthrow the current Islamic despotic government. We gave promises and then left them flat. We need to stop messing around and do what we already know needs to be done. Defend ourselves against these loud mouth despots aggressively, decisively, and immediately.
I guess this is just the natural progression of things. We spent millions of dollars defending Europe during two world wars. The people of Europe are not grateful. They would still rather our people not interact with them. We see that every time we visit. We never asked anything in return for liberating Europe except a place to bury our dead. However, we don't even get that much from these middle east countries.
We are the stepchildren of the world, whom the world despises, and whom the world would rather not exist except when it needs help. The people of the USA are the most generous people in the world. We donate liberally each time a natural disaster happens. Our churches and charities are the first to assist. And we do it without guile. We ask nothing in return except perhaps a kind smile now and then. I know of no other nation that does as much.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Politics tires me out
I wonder when the election cycle will begin for the 2016 elections. Thinking it should have started last year. That way we can have non-stop bickering, fighting, contentious, litigious, and hating. Whew! How do they get that much energy. I could not do it, and I'm tired of hearing it now.
I wish the candidates would just ignore each other's prattle and just tell us what they stand for, what they will do to institute change, and then let us decide what stance we will endorse.
Just think. The yellow journalists would have little to say. Perhaps they could report real news instead of make it up as they go along. My own belief is that today's so-called journalists create the news. They spend so much time interviewing each other they don't have time to go find out what is happening around them that might be good to report. PBS is famous for interviewing each other and calling each other "specialists" on this subject or that subject.
I long for times past when we were civil to each other, less selfish, more tolerant, less offended, more helpful, less mean and just good neighbors. We need to discard the boorish behavior that seems to pervade our personalities these days.
I wish the candidates would just ignore each other's prattle and just tell us what they stand for, what they will do to institute change, and then let us decide what stance we will endorse.
Just think. The yellow journalists would have little to say. Perhaps they could report real news instead of make it up as they go along. My own belief is that today's so-called journalists create the news. They spend so much time interviewing each other they don't have time to go find out what is happening around them that might be good to report. PBS is famous for interviewing each other and calling each other "specialists" on this subject or that subject.
I long for times past when we were civil to each other, less selfish, more tolerant, less offended, more helpful, less mean and just good neighbors. We need to discard the boorish behavior that seems to pervade our personalities these days.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentine's Day 2012
Today is the 39th Valentine's Day we've enjoyed together. My princess bride and I are enjoying it and I hope my readers are also. I'd like to deviate from my normal rant today and I hope you'll forgive me for waxing personal.
Princess and I began dating in January 1973. I believe it was in February she invited me to come to her house "to count pennies" to see if she had enough to pay for her to take me to a "girls ask boys" dance. Little did I know that she had scoured her siblings and parents (and perhaps the neighborhood, for all I know) so that she had just enough pennies. Little 'ol naive me was impressed that she would take me, much less break her piggy bank to pay for it.
It was a nice time and we've had many nice times since. We've invited and received 7 children into our family through the years. I wouldn't trade any of them. While some of their decisions aren't what I would make, they are generally pretty good people and I love them all along with their respective spouses.
We've enjoyed good times; times of laughter and joy. And we've endured some sad times, like when our 2nd daughter died in an auto wreck. We've enjoyed times of great strength and times of extreme weakness, like when Princess was confined to a wheel chair for a few months before giving birth to twins or when I was bedridden for a time recovering from a severe blood clot in my leg.
We've enjoyed camping with our children, taking tours of the Grand Canyon and other wonders. We've laughed and played and enjoyed our family..
These times and events have all given us strength. Even the sad times have brought us closer together and our love has grown ever stronger. I wondered, 39 years ago, how I could ever love my princess bride more than I did then. Now I wonder at how little I knew then.
I love her, I honor her, and I worship the ground she walks on. I love her talents. She makes everyone around her feel better. I know she loves me, but sometimes I wonder why. I've been a pretty big burden sometimes.
Thank you for letting me express myself here.
Princess and I began dating in January 1973. I believe it was in February she invited me to come to her house "to count pennies" to see if she had enough to pay for her to take me to a "girls ask boys" dance. Little did I know that she had scoured her siblings and parents (and perhaps the neighborhood, for all I know) so that she had just enough pennies. Little 'ol naive me was impressed that she would take me, much less break her piggy bank to pay for it.
It was a nice time and we've had many nice times since. We've invited and received 7 children into our family through the years. I wouldn't trade any of them. While some of their decisions aren't what I would make, they are generally pretty good people and I love them all along with their respective spouses.
We've enjoyed good times; times of laughter and joy. And we've endured some sad times, like when our 2nd daughter died in an auto wreck. We've enjoyed times of great strength and times of extreme weakness, like when Princess was confined to a wheel chair for a few months before giving birth to twins or when I was bedridden for a time recovering from a severe blood clot in my leg.
We've enjoyed camping with our children, taking tours of the Grand Canyon and other wonders. We've laughed and played and enjoyed our family..
These times and events have all given us strength. Even the sad times have brought us closer together and our love has grown ever stronger. I wondered, 39 years ago, how I could ever love my princess bride more than I did then. Now I wonder at how little I knew then.
I love her, I honor her, and I worship the ground she walks on. I love her talents. She makes everyone around her feel better. I know she loves me, but sometimes I wonder why. I've been a pretty big burden sometimes.
Thank you for letting me express myself here.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Today's pet peeves.
1. Whew! With all the spin touting the greatness of the Ayatollah Barry Obama, my emotions are all a dither. He is reported to be such a great public speaker that every sane American should be jealous. I see it differently. If it wasn't for for tele-prompters he couldn't even form a complete sentence as he has proven over and over. As far as reading....I have a 6th grade granddaughter that can read aloud better than can Mr. Obama. There are many people who can read without giving it away. Mr. Obama isn't one of them.
One of the best at reading a speech was Ronald Reagan. Listening on the radio, one could not tell he was reading. One ALWAYS knows Mr. Obama is reading. ;
2. I hear the conservative talk shows commenting that Ronald Reagan was the ultimate conservative. However, my memory recorded it a little differently. It was Ronald Regan that gave amnesty to over 3.5 million illegal aliens. It was Ronald Regan that elected to move Social Security funds to the General Fund in order to brace up US Government finances, taking away the "insurance" every American thought they would have for their retirement. While every president since then has also done so, this is the real reason Social Security will fail. Had those monies been kept separate, the fund would have been fine.
I don't consider these acts to be acts of conservatism. Government rules, restrictions, limits on liberty, and domestic spying have increased every year since I can remember. While Mr. Obama didn't start them, he and the lower gov't imams have certainly increased them to skyrocketing momentum.
We need to give Mr. Obama a ticket out of the White House, but what will we get in return? Can we put in a congress and president that will return us to our constitutional government and close the rest of the agencies, departments, bureaus, and offices? I am very pessimistic on this score.
On the other hand we cannot allow the liberals to continue to make a 3rd world nation out of the USA. We are an extremely blessed by our creator. Our constitution was divinely inspired. If we continue to drift away from recognizing the hand of God, we will fail. Prophets have warned us over and over and we have scorned them just as the prophets of ancient Israel were scorned. We will inherit the same fate if we do not return to our Christian-Judeo heritage.
One of the best at reading a speech was Ronald Reagan. Listening on the radio, one could not tell he was reading. One ALWAYS knows Mr. Obama is reading. ;
2. I hear the conservative talk shows commenting that Ronald Reagan was the ultimate conservative. However, my memory recorded it a little differently. It was Ronald Regan that gave amnesty to over 3.5 million illegal aliens. It was Ronald Regan that elected to move Social Security funds to the General Fund in order to brace up US Government finances, taking away the "insurance" every American thought they would have for their retirement. While every president since then has also done so, this is the real reason Social Security will fail. Had those monies been kept separate, the fund would have been fine.
I don't consider these acts to be acts of conservatism. Government rules, restrictions, limits on liberty, and domestic spying have increased every year since I can remember. While Mr. Obama didn't start them, he and the lower gov't imams have certainly increased them to skyrocketing momentum.
We need to give Mr. Obama a ticket out of the White House, but what will we get in return? Can we put in a congress and president that will return us to our constitutional government and close the rest of the agencies, departments, bureaus, and offices? I am very pessimistic on this score.
On the other hand we cannot allow the liberals to continue to make a 3rd world nation out of the USA. We are an extremely blessed by our creator. Our constitution was divinely inspired. If we continue to drift away from recognizing the hand of God, we will fail. Prophets have warned us over and over and we have scorned them just as the prophets of ancient Israel were scorned. We will inherit the same fate if we do not return to our Christian-Judeo heritage.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Faced with two choices. The devil or the deep blue sea.
Oh boy...what a time to be a conservative. The only real conservative left is Mr. Santorum. And now I have to rconsider my thoughts for Herman Cain and Sarah Palin. Why, oh why, would they endorse a morally corrupt and political opportunist candidate like Newt? I have lost a lot of respect for the two of them. I had great hopes for Mr. Cain, and hoped for Ms. Palin would come forward. Now I'm sorry I supported the two of them.
While I have problems with Mr. Romney, and won't vote for Mr. Paul, I find myself wondering why Paul Ryan didn't offer himself up. Perhaps he needs to be drafted at the convention.
I'd consider it of great value, if the delegates to the convention just sidestepped the current candidates and drafted a real conservative. I'm tired of having to hold my nose to vote.
My ideal candidate:
1. enforces the constitution
2. protects our borders
3. cuts government to its constitutional limits
4. endorses freedom of religion and not freedom from religion.
5. protects the institution of the family.
While I have problems with Mr. Romney, and won't vote for Mr. Paul, I find myself wondering why Paul Ryan didn't offer himself up. Perhaps he needs to be drafted at the convention.
I'd consider it of great value, if the delegates to the convention just sidestepped the current candidates and drafted a real conservative. I'm tired of having to hold my nose to vote.
My ideal candidate:
1. enforces the constitution
2. protects our borders
3. cuts government to its constitutional limits
4. endorses freedom of religion and not freedom from religion.
5. protects the institution of the family.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Will a Real Conservative Please Stand Up?
We all thought we'd fool the political knuckleheads into thinking they could actually be civil during the Christmas season. Boy were we wrong.
I'm still waiting for the real conservative to stand up. Please someone give me a candidate for whom I can vote.
I still won't vote for Mitt Romney. As a conservative he's a real good liberal. Check out amnesty, global warming, etc.
I still won't vote for Newt Gingrich. He doesn't stand in one place long enough to know what he believes in.
I still won't vote for Gov. Perry. He wants to permit blanket amnesty for felons.
I still won't vote for Ron Paul. Withdrawal from the international stage is not in our best interest.
I may be able to vote for Rick Santorum. I don't have a whole lot of faith in his ability to beat the Ayatollah Obama, though.
I can't vote for Michele Bauchmann. She has international criminals on her staff. If she hangs out with that crowd as a candidate, I'm guessing she will continue as president.
Jon Huntsman is more liberal than the Ayatollah Obama. He never met a crisis he didn't believe in.
I would have voted for Herman Cain, and I would have voted for Sarah Palin.
We need a clean candidate who will STAND UP for AMERICA each and every time. Be honest in his dealings with the public, both foreign and domestic, AND PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION. We need a candidate that will close those departments that are not specifically noted in the Constitution, and then strengthen our military, protect our borders, get rid of "political correctness" and be an honest leader.
IN WHOM CAN I TRUST?
I'm still waiting for the real conservative to stand up. Please someone give me a candidate for whom I can vote.
I still won't vote for Mitt Romney. As a conservative he's a real good liberal. Check out amnesty, global warming, etc.
I still won't vote for Newt Gingrich. He doesn't stand in one place long enough to know what he believes in.
I still won't vote for Gov. Perry. He wants to permit blanket amnesty for felons.
I still won't vote for Ron Paul. Withdrawal from the international stage is not in our best interest.
I may be able to vote for Rick Santorum. I don't have a whole lot of faith in his ability to beat the Ayatollah Obama, though.
I can't vote for Michele Bauchmann. She has international criminals on her staff. If she hangs out with that crowd as a candidate, I'm guessing she will continue as president.
Jon Huntsman is more liberal than the Ayatollah Obama. He never met a crisis he didn't believe in.
I would have voted for Herman Cain, and I would have voted for Sarah Palin.
We need a clean candidate who will STAND UP for AMERICA each and every time. Be honest in his dealings with the public, both foreign and domestic, AND PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION. We need a candidate that will close those departments that are not specifically noted in the Constitution, and then strengthen our military, protect our borders, get rid of "political correctness" and be an honest leader.
IN WHOM CAN I TRUST?
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The 2nd most sacred celebration
In my mind we are about to enjoy the 2nd most sacred celebration the world has ever known. Tonight and tomorrow we will celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. While we know his actual birthday is in the spring, it is convenient and acceptable to celebrate it now.
Few in the days preceding Jesus' birth knew the importance of what was about to happen. The ancient prophets knew and some historians and scholars of the time recognized the signs and knew, but the general populace had no idea that the great Jehova would present himself as a tiny baby in a most humble circumstance so that he could fulfill prophesy.
Mary knew, of course, that the baby she carried would be the Savior, but she could not have known the pain and suffering that would accompany her son. Joseph knew, but did not know how or why.
Mary was the one righteous enough to be the mother of Jesus. Joseph was the one righteous enough care for the little child and His mother. What a wonderful family. Jesus was not the only child, but He was the only mortal child of Almighty God.
It is a wonderous event. We thank God for the temporary loan of his Son. We thank Jesus Christ for his life upon the earth, the atonement affected in our behalf, and His resurrection. All this so that we have the opportunity to return to that Heavenly Father from whom we all came.
We praise our most powerful, omniscient, righteous Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, whom we worship.
Merry Christmas to all.
Few in the days preceding Jesus' birth knew the importance of what was about to happen. The ancient prophets knew and some historians and scholars of the time recognized the signs and knew, but the general populace had no idea that the great Jehova would present himself as a tiny baby in a most humble circumstance so that he could fulfill prophesy.
Mary knew, of course, that the baby she carried would be the Savior, but she could not have known the pain and suffering that would accompany her son. Joseph knew, but did not know how or why.
Mary was the one righteous enough to be the mother of Jesus. Joseph was the one righteous enough care for the little child and His mother. What a wonderful family. Jesus was not the only child, but He was the only mortal child of Almighty God.
It is a wonderous event. We thank God for the temporary loan of his Son. We thank Jesus Christ for his life upon the earth, the atonement affected in our behalf, and His resurrection. All this so that we have the opportunity to return to that Heavenly Father from whom we all came.
We praise our most powerful, omniscient, righteous Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, whom we worship.
Merry Christmas to all.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Excerpt from my new book-are you interested?
We sat on her mother’s couch visiting about our evening. I knew I wanted to ask her to marry me, but I was so worried that she might laugh me out of the house that I stammered and delayed. I told her that I wanted to tell her something, but I was afraid. She used every wile she could think of to get me to speak up and eventually I did. I said, “I think....” And paused, I was very nervous. My palms were sweating, my heart was pounding, and I was sooo apprehensive of the whole situation.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“Well, I'm not sure I I want to tell you what I think.” I was extremely unsure of myself.
“I’ll wait until you do.” Now the pressure was on me. She sat there quietly waiting for me to speak. She wasn't going to wait for another day, or another week. She was expecting me to speak right then. I suspect she knew what was in my heart, but I didn't know that then.
“I think I want you to be my wife,” I finally got around to saying.
Oh boy! What a response that elicited. There was a little scream and she ran out of the room. What had I done? I wondered if I had offended her. I wondered if she was gone and had left me sitting on her mother’s couch. I wondered if she’d be back. I wondered if I should leave. I wondered if I had made a complete fool of myself. I was an emotional wreck.
What really happened is that she ran to the back of the house to tell her parents that I had proposed to her. But I didn’t know that. I was bewildered. I didn’t know what to do. Should I leave? Should I apologize and say I would never do it again? My mind was running through the possible scenarios and my thoughts were running amuck.
Then she returned. She had a smile a mile wide. She was bouncing. She was beaming. She leaped onto the couch next to me and yelled “YES!” I still hadn’t asked her to marry me. I had only told her what I wanted. I never did propose, officially. She, and I guess I, just assumed we were now engaged. Whew! I could breath again. My sweaty palms could dry. My level of stress could diminish. My anxiety could quiet. My nervousness could quell. My emotions could settle. I was in love!
“What do you think?” she asked.
“Well, I'm not sure I I want to tell you what I think.” I was extremely unsure of myself.
“I’ll wait until you do.” Now the pressure was on me. She sat there quietly waiting for me to speak. She wasn't going to wait for another day, or another week. She was expecting me to speak right then. I suspect she knew what was in my heart, but I didn't know that then.
“I think I want you to be my wife,” I finally got around to saying.
Oh boy! What a response that elicited. There was a little scream and she ran out of the room. What had I done? I wondered if I had offended her. I wondered if she was gone and had left me sitting on her mother’s couch. I wondered if she’d be back. I wondered if I should leave. I wondered if I had made a complete fool of myself. I was an emotional wreck.
What really happened is that she ran to the back of the house to tell her parents that I had proposed to her. But I didn’t know that. I was bewildered. I didn’t know what to do. Should I leave? Should I apologize and say I would never do it again? My mind was running through the possible scenarios and my thoughts were running amuck.
Then she returned. She had a smile a mile wide. She was bouncing. She was beaming. She leaped onto the couch next to me and yelled “YES!” I still hadn’t asked her to marry me. I had only told her what I wanted. I never did propose, officially. She, and I guess I, just assumed we were now engaged. Whew! I could breath again. My sweaty palms could dry. My level of stress could diminish. My anxiety could quiet. My nervousness could quell. My emotions could settle. I was in love!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Embarking Upon a New Season
Let it SNOW!
We've enjoyed some snowfall, here in Paradise, over the last few days. In fact, it is snowing now. I like how clean and fresh the snow leaves the air and the landscape. It's too bad our political discourse can't take a page out of mother nature's book.
Wouldn't it be nice if the election cycle were limited to six months instead of 4 years or longer? I think we'd have a much better turnout and a better election review if campaigning for federal office could not begin until 6 months before the election. I'm sure I'm not the only person that gets tired of all the political clap-trap that goes on the moment an election result is announced. And the next election is 2, 4 or 6 years away!
The electorate is becoming tired of the rhetoric. This group or individual bashing that group or individual. You'd think we have 4 year-olds tattling on each other. Isn't it enough that we get that with our children? We don't need supposed adults running to "mama" (the press) with some juicy tidbit that might bring down a campaign, destroy an individual and/or his family, and make the entire populace uncomfortable. I wonder when good manners went out of fashion. I remember my dear mother telling me something like this, "If you can't say something nice about him, don't say anything at all." I believe slander is slander even when the target is a public personality. I don't especially want to hear it.
To me all this wrangling feels like a war! Indeed there are no violent weapons, but people are destroyed nonetheless. Families are cartwheeled into chaos. Individuals are tossed onto the dung heap of political waste with no consideration at all. I believe those who perpetrate this kind of assassination should be isolated. I suspect it will never happen because people enjoy watching the destruction of others. I don't understand it, but I know that to be the case.
Rodney King, scoundrel that he was, made a good point. "Can't we all just get along?" I think our political lives depend on it.
We've enjoyed some snowfall, here in Paradise, over the last few days. In fact, it is snowing now. I like how clean and fresh the snow leaves the air and the landscape. It's too bad our political discourse can't take a page out of mother nature's book.
Wouldn't it be nice if the election cycle were limited to six months instead of 4 years or longer? I think we'd have a much better turnout and a better election review if campaigning for federal office could not begin until 6 months before the election. I'm sure I'm not the only person that gets tired of all the political clap-trap that goes on the moment an election result is announced. And the next election is 2, 4 or 6 years away!
The electorate is becoming tired of the rhetoric. This group or individual bashing that group or individual. You'd think we have 4 year-olds tattling on each other. Isn't it enough that we get that with our children? We don't need supposed adults running to "mama" (the press) with some juicy tidbit that might bring down a campaign, destroy an individual and/or his family, and make the entire populace uncomfortable. I wonder when good manners went out of fashion. I remember my dear mother telling me something like this, "If you can't say something nice about him, don't say anything at all." I believe slander is slander even when the target is a public personality. I don't especially want to hear it.
To me all this wrangling feels like a war! Indeed there are no violent weapons, but people are destroyed nonetheless. Families are cartwheeled into chaos. Individuals are tossed onto the dung heap of political waste with no consideration at all. I believe those who perpetrate this kind of assassination should be isolated. I suspect it will never happen because people enjoy watching the destruction of others. I don't understand it, but I know that to be the case.
Rodney King, scoundrel that he was, made a good point. "Can't we all just get along?" I think our political lives depend on it.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
And the Nastiness Begins
I wonder when it became more important to run opponents down than to express why our own ideas are more sustainable than theirs are. Are our candidates so void of political ideas that they have to spend their energy in such non-productive ways?
In my perfect political world, ladies and gentlemen would comport themselves in such a way that they could be observed and considered for their ideology and positions rather than "who stinks least." I have been voting for more than 40 years now, and I can't remember a time when I haven't just held my nose and voted for the "stinker" just because he smelled better than the "skunk".
Why cannot politicians be pictures of morality, spiritually and leadership? Why do we not have what we'd like to call "statesmen" anymore. Instead we have a pack of coyotes, whose purpose appears to be to tear others down in order to make themselves look good. Why not simply build up one's own self and let the others be concerned about themselves. At the same time, why worry about what they say? Simply ignore them. Ignore the questions about personal life and get on with the things the office you say you seek requires.
Nobody benefits when the life of one of these candidates and/or his/her family is shattered because of the stupidity of so-called journalists. When I was young we called it "yellow journalism". I think the term still applies. Reporters should report the news. News..not rumors, not hunches. Honest reporters do not seek to glamorize, distort, inflate, or alter news; they only report it. Honest reporters do not go out looking for a way to destroy peoples' lives. Unfortunately we have all too few honest reporters.
Back to the candidates. We have a rather weak field. We can have an Islamist, a Socialist, a Communist, a Social Experimenter, a Thinker, a Centrist, a Rino, a Businessman, an Isolationist, or an conservative. We've already seen what the Islamist/Socialist is like. He needs to be unemployed. The isolationist won't get my vote. The Centrist will also not get my vote, the Social Experimenter is not for me. The Rino is not mine either. So I can choose between the businessman and the conservative. Neither of them exudes confidence.
What to do...what to do. I still lean towards Cain......if he stays in the race. I'd really like to see Sarah drafted at the convention. I think the nation would benefit. I wonder how we can get it done.
In my perfect political world, ladies and gentlemen would comport themselves in such a way that they could be observed and considered for their ideology and positions rather than "who stinks least." I have been voting for more than 40 years now, and I can't remember a time when I haven't just held my nose and voted for the "stinker" just because he smelled better than the "skunk".
Why cannot politicians be pictures of morality, spiritually and leadership? Why do we not have what we'd like to call "statesmen" anymore. Instead we have a pack of coyotes, whose purpose appears to be to tear others down in order to make themselves look good. Why not simply build up one's own self and let the others be concerned about themselves. At the same time, why worry about what they say? Simply ignore them. Ignore the questions about personal life and get on with the things the office you say you seek requires.
Nobody benefits when the life of one of these candidates and/or his/her family is shattered because of the stupidity of so-called journalists. When I was young we called it "yellow journalism". I think the term still applies. Reporters should report the news. News..not rumors, not hunches. Honest reporters do not seek to glamorize, distort, inflate, or alter news; they only report it. Honest reporters do not go out looking for a way to destroy peoples' lives. Unfortunately we have all too few honest reporters.
Back to the candidates. We have a rather weak field. We can have an Islamist, a Socialist, a Communist, a Social Experimenter, a Thinker, a Centrist, a Rino, a Businessman, an Isolationist, or an conservative. We've already seen what the Islamist/Socialist is like. He needs to be unemployed. The isolationist won't get my vote. The Centrist will also not get my vote, the Social Experimenter is not for me. The Rino is not mine either. So I can choose between the businessman and the conservative. Neither of them exudes confidence.
What to do...what to do. I still lean towards Cain......if he stays in the race. I'd really like to see Sarah drafted at the convention. I think the nation would benefit. I wonder how we can get it done.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Shepherd vs. Sheep Herder
Many people do not know the difference between a shepherd and a sheep herder. Today I shall attempt to describe the difference in my own personal way.
A shepherd leads, guides, trains, protects, cares for, worries about, is concerned with regard to his/her flock and each member of it. He/she goes to great length to be sure the flock understands where the flock is headed because he/she is at the head of it as it moves. He/she cares for the emotional/mental/physical health of his/her flock, protecting from harm whether from within or from without. He/she takes pro-active measures to assure the flock is not attacked by enemies that could destroy it. He/she provides for the flock in order to keep the members of it healthy and productive. The shepherd expects no loss from the flock. There is no margin upon which he/she is satisfied. He/she spares no effort to salvage every lamb of the flock.
A sheep herder, on the other hand, pushes a milling flock in an attempt to get it to go the direction he wants it to go without ever giving direction or even a hint as to which way he/she wants the flock to go. He/she merely prevents the flock from going the way he/she does not want it to go and thus forces the flock to move the direction he/she wants it to go. The sheep herder is not concerned with the health of the flock, because he/she is merely an employee hired to do a job. His/her position isn't one of of care and concern, but only one of results. Losses are expected by the sheep herder and he bases his/her "success" on a "margin" of loss.
Similarities could be drawn between these two leadership styles and the types of corporate leaders we see in the business world today. The most effective leaders of the most productive companies are generally those who use the "shepherd" style of leadership. They are they who look for success by training, by teaching, by coaching, and by example. Morale is generally high, incidents of personal injury are low and individual energy and innovative thinking are high.
Companies that struggle, it appears to me, are those who subscribe to the "sheep herder" method. They use force and coercion, intimidation and bullying techniques in order to push their employees. Morale is generally low, incidence of personal injury are relatively higher, individual energy and innovative thinking are relatively low.
I personally use the "shepherd" method of leadership. Unfortunately many of those around me subscribe to the "sheep herder" mentality.
I suspect many of our governmental elites are also "sheep herders" and are not "shepherds". Way too few of our so-called leaders are willing to lead. Instead they follow whatever lead the masses happen to take.
A shepherd leads, guides, trains, protects, cares for, worries about, is concerned with regard to his/her flock and each member of it. He/she goes to great length to be sure the flock understands where the flock is headed because he/she is at the head of it as it moves. He/she cares for the emotional/mental/physical health of his/her flock, protecting from harm whether from within or from without. He/she takes pro-active measures to assure the flock is not attacked by enemies that could destroy it. He/she provides for the flock in order to keep the members of it healthy and productive. The shepherd expects no loss from the flock. There is no margin upon which he/she is satisfied. He/she spares no effort to salvage every lamb of the flock.
A sheep herder, on the other hand, pushes a milling flock in an attempt to get it to go the direction he wants it to go without ever giving direction or even a hint as to which way he/she wants the flock to go. He/she merely prevents the flock from going the way he/she does not want it to go and thus forces the flock to move the direction he/she wants it to go. The sheep herder is not concerned with the health of the flock, because he/she is merely an employee hired to do a job. His/her position isn't one of of care and concern, but only one of results. Losses are expected by the sheep herder and he bases his/her "success" on a "margin" of loss.
Similarities could be drawn between these two leadership styles and the types of corporate leaders we see in the business world today. The most effective leaders of the most productive companies are generally those who use the "shepherd" style of leadership. They are they who look for success by training, by teaching, by coaching, and by example. Morale is generally high, incidents of personal injury are low and individual energy and innovative thinking are high.
Companies that struggle, it appears to me, are those who subscribe to the "sheep herder" method. They use force and coercion, intimidation and bullying techniques in order to push their employees. Morale is generally low, incidence of personal injury are relatively higher, individual energy and innovative thinking are relatively low.
I personally use the "shepherd" method of leadership. Unfortunately many of those around me subscribe to the "sheep herder" mentality.
I suspect many of our governmental elites are also "sheep herders" and are not "shepherds". Way too few of our so-called leaders are willing to lead. Instead they follow whatever lead the masses happen to take.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Still waiting for a candidate to shine
I'm still waiting for a candidate to announce his or her willingness to endorse the "Title of Liberty", which is: "In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives and our children."
I have proposed this test of conservatism in the past and offer it again. Anyone that will endorse this Title of Liberty and will work to see that it is preserved will lead our nation to prosperity and peace. This is meant as a call to vigorously defend our nation against all enemies both foreign and domestic. If one is not for preserving our founding documents and the ideals they present, then they must be considered an enemy.
Our borders must be protected. Our people must be protected physically, emotionally, mentally through military, cyber, psychological, and any other means available.
Our people must be protected from abuses projected from our own government. We must abolish the portions of government that are chronic abusers of our citizens. I've reported those departments that I think are not worthy of being retained in the past because of their unrighteous regulations.
Our elderly and infirm must be protected from abuse. Our widows and orphans must be protected and loved not merely warehoused.
We must return to our churches and synagogues to worship Almighty God.
I have proposed this test of conservatism in the past and offer it again. Anyone that will endorse this Title of Liberty and will work to see that it is preserved will lead our nation to prosperity and peace. This is meant as a call to vigorously defend our nation against all enemies both foreign and domestic. If one is not for preserving our founding documents and the ideals they present, then they must be considered an enemy.
Our borders must be protected. Our people must be protected physically, emotionally, mentally through military, cyber, psychological, and any other means available.
Our people must be protected from abuses projected from our own government. We must abolish the portions of government that are chronic abusers of our citizens. I've reported those departments that I think are not worthy of being retained in the past because of their unrighteous regulations.
Our elderly and infirm must be protected from abuse. Our widows and orphans must be protected and loved not merely warehoused.
We must return to our churches and synagogues to worship Almighty God.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Why I am the way I am
I am a follower of Jesus Christ.
I believe that men and women are responsible for the choices they make. If those choices lead them to wealth, I'm pleased to permit them to retain that wealth. If they choose to share that wealth to those who are less fortunate than they are, I am also pleased. I'm less pleased when men/women make choices that will lead to financial ruin and public humiliation, but they most often make those choices themselves.
I am pleased when our young people choose to serve the Lord and then choose to serve our nation in whatever capacity. Three of my sons followed in my footsteps and served as missionaries. Two of my sons have served or are serving in the military. One as a Navy Submarine Electronics Tech, and one as an Air Force Combat Electronics Tech. I am not less pleased with my children who have chosen not to thus serve, however. I am very pleased that my daughters have presented me with grandchildren. I'm looking forward to the day when my sons will follow suit so that I will have someone to perpetuate the family name.
I am pleased when our young people seek to become educated. In my mind education does not end in the colleges and universities, but rather begins with the rather liberal, mind-numbing drivel that is spread there. The real education comes with learning how that training fits in with the real-life adventure that begins afterward. The real education comes after the shiny theory is dulled with the scouring, eye-opening experience of life.
I'm pleased whenever a person finally admits that the utopian thought he/she learned in philosophy was just theory, or that the economic theory learned in school was a model that didn't work in reality. I'm pleased when one of these people is willing to share what they have finally learned with young people in terms they can understand.
I'm please to be acquainted with associates that have learned many of the same life lessons that I've learned.
I guess I'm just pretty pleased.
I believe that men and women are responsible for the choices they make. If those choices lead them to wealth, I'm pleased to permit them to retain that wealth. If they choose to share that wealth to those who are less fortunate than they are, I am also pleased. I'm less pleased when men/women make choices that will lead to financial ruin and public humiliation, but they most often make those choices themselves.
I am pleased when our young people choose to serve the Lord and then choose to serve our nation in whatever capacity. Three of my sons followed in my footsteps and served as missionaries. Two of my sons have served or are serving in the military. One as a Navy Submarine Electronics Tech, and one as an Air Force Combat Electronics Tech. I am not less pleased with my children who have chosen not to thus serve, however. I am very pleased that my daughters have presented me with grandchildren. I'm looking forward to the day when my sons will follow suit so that I will have someone to perpetuate the family name.
I am pleased when our young people seek to become educated. In my mind education does not end in the colleges and universities, but rather begins with the rather liberal, mind-numbing drivel that is spread there. The real education comes with learning how that training fits in with the real-life adventure that begins afterward. The real education comes after the shiny theory is dulled with the scouring, eye-opening experience of life.
I'm pleased whenever a person finally admits that the utopian thought he/she learned in philosophy was just theory, or that the economic theory learned in school was a model that didn't work in reality. I'm pleased when one of these people is willing to share what they have finally learned with young people in terms they can understand.
I'm please to be acquainted with associates that have learned many of the same life lessons that I've learned.
I guess I'm just pretty pleased.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Republicrat "debates"
These so-called debates are driving me crazy. I wonder why any of these people who aspire to be president would agree to be questioned by an ultra liberal moderator. The questions were not what I'd call substantive and did not convince me of anything. I want to know these things.
1. Will you protect the border and enforce immigration law?
2. Will you work to set American English as the "National language"?
3. Will you fight to maintain our Christian foundational roots?
4. Will you return government to its constitutional limits?
5. Will you protect American workers by stopping "dumping" by foreign nations?
6. Will you work to de-fund the following: the United Nations, the department of Education, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Homeland Security (should be integrated into the department of Interior anyway), the EPA, most of the Department of Transportation, most of the Department of Agriculture, most of the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Energy, The Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Labor, Department of Veteran Affairs (reintegrate back into Department of Defense where it belongs).
Then I can begin to make a decision.
1. Will you protect the border and enforce immigration law?
2. Will you work to set American English as the "National language"?
3. Will you fight to maintain our Christian foundational roots?
4. Will you return government to its constitutional limits?
5. Will you protect American workers by stopping "dumping" by foreign nations?
6. Will you work to de-fund the following: the United Nations, the department of Education, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Homeland Security (should be integrated into the department of Interior anyway), the EPA, most of the Department of Transportation, most of the Department of Agriculture, most of the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Energy, The Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Labor, Department of Veteran Affairs (reintegrate back into Department of Defense where it belongs).
Then I can begin to make a decision.
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