What?????
So did you all hear about the awesome cap and trade stuff that President ObamaTheOneKenobi is introducing? First off what the heck is cap and trade? In a nutshell it is federal government putting a cap on pollution emissions. That’s a good thing right? Well, we need to look just a little under the shell and discover that there are going to be increases in our energy prices. Why are we doing this? To stop the global warming that is not really happening (oh I mean climate change)! Yeah!!!! Then of course the manufacturers here in the U.S. will be punished and then more Americans will lose jobs. Neat!
So, when a politician was asked about the rising energy prices due to cap and trade they responded that we are all getting a tax cut that will help us pay those higher energy prices. So, us 95% of Americans who will be getting $13 dollars a week will be able to use that money to pay for our rising energy prices! Yeah!!!! So, it is basically zero gain. Nice.
Now another thing President ObamaTheOneKenobi is introducing $989 billion in new taxes over the course of 10 years starting fiscal year 2011. I love that it is 989 billion, it’s like the .99 cent store. It’s not a dollar and it’s not a trillion.
Here it is:
1) On individuals making $200,000+ or households making $250,000+
$338 billion-Bush tax cuts expire
$179 billion-eliminate itemized deduction
$118 billion-capital gains tax hike
2) Business
$17 billion-Reinstate Superfund taxes
$24 billion-tax carried-interest as income
$5 billion-codify “economic substance doctrine”
$61 billion-repeal LIFO
$210 billion-international enforcement, reform deferral, other tax reform
$4 billion-information reporting for rental payments
$5.3 billion-excise tax on Gulf of Mexico oil and gas
$3.4 billion-repeal expensing of tangible drilling costs
$62 million-repeal deduction for tertiary injectants
$49 million-repeal passive loss exception for working interests in oil and natural gas properties
$13 billion-repeal manufacturing tax deduction for oil and natural gas companies
$1 billion-increase to 7 years geological and geophysical amortization period for independent producers
$882 million-eliminate advanced earned income tax credit.
I confess with complete honesty that I don’t understand what the flip these all mean. But, here is what is pretty clear to me. The people who employ Americans are going to get taxed a bunch. They are not going to just eat those increases they will pass it on to the middle class and then it spirals down. The rich will get less wealthy which eventually means that the poor will get poorer. Another couple of things, did you notice all of the taxes on oil production? The prices of oil will go up. The chances of us drilling for oil in the U.S. are ever decreasing. I understand the need for alternative energy sources, but it is going to take a while. In the meantime we need oil! One more thing. The itemized deduction elimination is not specific on that list. But, one of the things that people can deduct is charitable giving. That will be taken away. Americans are some of the most giving people in the world. But, the government by degrees is even taking that away from us. The government is trying to take control of every human need and they are taking away this small reward for giving. Yes, I will continue to give to charity whether or not I can get a deduction for it, but it is fascinating to watch this socialization process.
A couple notes on economics. You keep hearing liberals tell us, or shout at us, that trickle down economics don’t work. Of course trickle down economics work! Increasing wealth in the nation as a whole will bring about increases on all classes. If you decrease taxes on the wealthy and on businesses then they can pass down lower prices to the rest of us. Trickle down poverty also works. If you tax the rich they pass it on down until eventually the middle class gets poorer and then the poor get poorer. Yeah!!!
Instead they preach trickle up economics. You give money to the poorer classes who then start to spend which goes to businesses and then on up. But, how far up is it supposed to go? In fact there is only one way that things can trickle up, and that is if there is something on the top that is creating suction, you know like a straw. So, my question is if trickle up economics is supposed to work where does the money end up. Then it dawns on me. It does not stop at the businesses. They will get the stuffing taxed out of them. So, it ends with the government. That’s right folks our current government SUCKS!!
Yet another rant, hmmm I sound a little disgruntled.
God Bless Americans in every economic class.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
How Fragile Is Our Freedom?
How fragile is our freedom? I said in a previous post that I’ve thought a lot about Ronald Reagan and that I was not the only one. In last years Vice Presidential Debate Sarah Palin invoked some of his words. (Shout-out to http://www.conservatives4palin.com/ for the quote)
“It was Ronald Reagan who said that freedom is always just one generation away from extinction. We don’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream; we have to fight to protect it, and then hand it to them so that they shall do the same, or we’re going to find ourselves spending our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children about a time in America, back in the day, when men and women were free.”
Perhaps no other people can understand the fragility of freedom like those from whom it was taken or those who were born without it altogether. One of my heroes is Frederick Douglass. He was a slave in the U.S. who eventually escaped and became an advocate for African American and women’s rights, a friend to Abraham Lincoln and Susan B. Anthony, a great Orator and Writer among many other things. In one of his autobiographies he recounts an experience which he describes as the time when “the slave became a man.”
He had been "broken" by a slave owner named Mr. Covey who had used irregular but frequent beatings to accomplish the task. Finally after one severe beating Frederick Douglass had had enough. The next attempt of Mr. Covey to beat him, he fought back. He describes a fight scene that lasted around 2 hours. He would not be beaten this time. He wrote of his feelings following this life changing event:
“This battle with Mr. Covey was the turning point in my career as a slave. It rekindled the few expiring embers of freedom, and revived within me a sense of my own manhood. It recalled the departed self-confidence, and inspired me again with a determination to be free. The gratification afforded by the triumph was a full compensation for whatever else might follow, even death itself. He only can understand the deep satisfaction which I experienced, who has himself repelled by force the bloody arm of slavery. I felt as I never felt before. It was a glorious resurrection, from the tomb of slavery, to the heaven of freedom. My long-crushed spirit rose, cowardice departed, bold defiance took its place; and I now resolved that, however long I might remain a slave in form, the day had passed forever when I could be a slave in fact. I did not hesitate to let it be known of me, that the white man who expected to succeed in whipping, must also succeed in killing me. From this time I was never again what might be called fairly whipped, though I remained a slave four years afterwards.”
(From Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave)
This to me is one of the ultimate descriptions of freedom. It does not mean the absence of struggle, sorrow and pain. It means that when those things come along we will not be beaten by it. We choose how we will react to every situation. Our choice determines our freedom.
We are living in a strange and perhaps dangerous time when it comes to our freedom. It seems some are content with giving up some freedoms in order to enjoy certain comforts. However, what we all may find is that enjoyment will be dulled by the price we paid for it. Forced equality will never bring about true freedom. True freedom comes about with our decision to not let the conditions of humanity rob us of our joy.
There are several recent instances where sneak attacks at our freedom are coming to light. In Illinois they are looking to pass a law, not to ban guns, only to require insurance on gun ownership for personal liability of at least $1,000,000. The Health Care reform that was snuck into the stimulus bill will include a National Coordinator of Health Technology. They will determine the appropriateness of treatment based on what, we’re not really sure. But, this sets up a sneaky form of eugenics. What about the right to free speech? The Fairness Doctrine has been a frequently talked about subject. I do not think it will come about, but watch for something similar to it. Unions are vying for Card Check or something like it, in which people without their consent might find themselves part of a union. Also part of Card Check is the loss of a secret ballot. These are only some of the challenges to our rights.
Maybe I’m overreacting. But, when it comes to freedom I think in this case it is better to bring to light those things which might challenge it. Right now it feels we are being fed Socialism by degrees and the doses are increasing.
The truest source of freedom is the God who has endowed us with it. We must turn to Him first. We must strive to live as He would have us live. You know I think it’s funny how people will sometimes tell me that I’m limited because I choose to try and keep the commandments. But, I find in the commandments peace, safety and yes freedom.
I’m not calling for people to go and get muskets, or pitchforks or plastic sporks or anything like that. But, I do want the challenges to our freedom brought to light. We fight with truth on our side.
This is The United States of America, the greatest country in the world. Our freedom is a beacon for others to follow. Stand up and be counted. Do not let yourself be beaten by sharp attacks, sneak attacks, or attacks pillowed in talks of comfort. Walk with God and He will walk with us. As the Battle Hymn of the Republic says, “As He Died To Make Men Holy, Let Us Live To Make Men Free.”
God Bless and Thanks for reading
Sarah Emily Jordan
“It was Ronald Reagan who said that freedom is always just one generation away from extinction. We don’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream; we have to fight to protect it, and then hand it to them so that they shall do the same, or we’re going to find ourselves spending our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children about a time in America, back in the day, when men and women were free.”
Perhaps no other people can understand the fragility of freedom like those from whom it was taken or those who were born without it altogether. One of my heroes is Frederick Douglass. He was a slave in the U.S. who eventually escaped and became an advocate for African American and women’s rights, a friend to Abraham Lincoln and Susan B. Anthony, a great Orator and Writer among many other things. In one of his autobiographies he recounts an experience which he describes as the time when “the slave became a man.”
He had been "broken" by a slave owner named Mr. Covey who had used irregular but frequent beatings to accomplish the task. Finally after one severe beating Frederick Douglass had had enough. The next attempt of Mr. Covey to beat him, he fought back. He describes a fight scene that lasted around 2 hours. He would not be beaten this time. He wrote of his feelings following this life changing event:
“This battle with Mr. Covey was the turning point in my career as a slave. It rekindled the few expiring embers of freedom, and revived within me a sense of my own manhood. It recalled the departed self-confidence, and inspired me again with a determination to be free. The gratification afforded by the triumph was a full compensation for whatever else might follow, even death itself. He only can understand the deep satisfaction which I experienced, who has himself repelled by force the bloody arm of slavery. I felt as I never felt before. It was a glorious resurrection, from the tomb of slavery, to the heaven of freedom. My long-crushed spirit rose, cowardice departed, bold defiance took its place; and I now resolved that, however long I might remain a slave in form, the day had passed forever when I could be a slave in fact. I did not hesitate to let it be known of me, that the white man who expected to succeed in whipping, must also succeed in killing me. From this time I was never again what might be called fairly whipped, though I remained a slave four years afterwards.”
(From Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave)
This to me is one of the ultimate descriptions of freedom. It does not mean the absence of struggle, sorrow and pain. It means that when those things come along we will not be beaten by it. We choose how we will react to every situation. Our choice determines our freedom.
We are living in a strange and perhaps dangerous time when it comes to our freedom. It seems some are content with giving up some freedoms in order to enjoy certain comforts. However, what we all may find is that enjoyment will be dulled by the price we paid for it. Forced equality will never bring about true freedom. True freedom comes about with our decision to not let the conditions of humanity rob us of our joy.
There are several recent instances where sneak attacks at our freedom are coming to light. In Illinois they are looking to pass a law, not to ban guns, only to require insurance on gun ownership for personal liability of at least $1,000,000. The Health Care reform that was snuck into the stimulus bill will include a National Coordinator of Health Technology. They will determine the appropriateness of treatment based on what, we’re not really sure. But, this sets up a sneaky form of eugenics. What about the right to free speech? The Fairness Doctrine has been a frequently talked about subject. I do not think it will come about, but watch for something similar to it. Unions are vying for Card Check or something like it, in which people without their consent might find themselves part of a union. Also part of Card Check is the loss of a secret ballot. These are only some of the challenges to our rights.
Maybe I’m overreacting. But, when it comes to freedom I think in this case it is better to bring to light those things which might challenge it. Right now it feels we are being fed Socialism by degrees and the doses are increasing.
The truest source of freedom is the God who has endowed us with it. We must turn to Him first. We must strive to live as He would have us live. You know I think it’s funny how people will sometimes tell me that I’m limited because I choose to try and keep the commandments. But, I find in the commandments peace, safety and yes freedom.
I’m not calling for people to go and get muskets, or pitchforks or plastic sporks or anything like that. But, I do want the challenges to our freedom brought to light. We fight with truth on our side.
This is The United States of America, the greatest country in the world. Our freedom is a beacon for others to follow. Stand up and be counted. Do not let yourself be beaten by sharp attacks, sneak attacks, or attacks pillowed in talks of comfort. Walk with God and He will walk with us. As the Battle Hymn of the Republic says, “As He Died To Make Men Holy, Let Us Live To Make Men Free.”
God Bless and Thanks for reading
Sarah Emily Jordan
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Keep the Lights On
From President Reagan’s farewell address on January 11, 1989:
The past few days when I've been at that window upstairs, I've thought a bit of the shining city upon a hill." The phrase comes from John Winthrop, who wrote it to describe the America he imagined. What he imagined was important because he was an early Pilgrim, an early freedom man. He journeyed here on what today we'd call a little wooden boat; and like the other Pilgrims, he was looking for a home that would be free. I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace, a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity, and if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it and see it still. And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was eight years ago. But more than that; after 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home.
I know I’m not alone in thinking a lot about President Reagan these days and wishing for a leader like him. I love that he saw our beautiful country this way. We are a shining city on the hill.
Often when I think of this symbolism I think about an experience I had in Israel. The group I was with was visiting the ancient site of Lachish. Lachish and Azekah, 2 cities talked about in Jeremiah, were the last holdouts against the attacking Babylonians. In the mid-1900’s the Lachish Letters were unearthed which brought some detail to the terror the people of the city felt as the enemy neared. On a tablet was a message written by a soldier at an observation post. It basically stated “We no longer see the lights of Azekah.”
Standing there at that site we all looked to the direction of Azekah and I was struck. What must that have been like knowing there was no other protection? The lights were out Lachish knew they were next.
Another scene I think about in relation to that shining city on a hill is from the Lord of the Rings. My favorite part is in the third movie when they light the beacons. One by one the beacons are lit and eventually the message is passed on to the fellow fighters for freedom.
So, America, we know we have been and still are that shining city on the hill. Lately it feels like we are losing some of our shimmer as we are hearing again and again a gloomy outlook on our future. It also seems like some of our freedoms are being challenged. But, what happens if the lights go out? I don’t want to think about it. The world at large may express some distaste (to put it mildly) for America yet most know there is goodness in freedom. The light is something that so many seek for.
If we are to continue to be that light we must turn to the greatest source of light, God. In fact referring again to Lachish, Jeremiah the prophet had warned the people time and time again to return to God or suffer the dire consequences. It’ kind of a depressing story. So, let’s not go there. Let’s focus on what’s good and what our strengths are. Let’s turn to God continually. We are a nation under God and He shines His light on us and then we pass that signal on. Keep the lights on, for us and for the world. We stand for God, faith, freedom, peace and family. Shine on beautiful city, beautiful America.
God Bless
The past few days when I've been at that window upstairs, I've thought a bit of the shining city upon a hill." The phrase comes from John Winthrop, who wrote it to describe the America he imagined. What he imagined was important because he was an early Pilgrim, an early freedom man. He journeyed here on what today we'd call a little wooden boat; and like the other Pilgrims, he was looking for a home that would be free. I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace, a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity, and if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it and see it still. And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was eight years ago. But more than that; after 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home.
I know I’m not alone in thinking a lot about President Reagan these days and wishing for a leader like him. I love that he saw our beautiful country this way. We are a shining city on the hill.
Often when I think of this symbolism I think about an experience I had in Israel. The group I was with was visiting the ancient site of Lachish. Lachish and Azekah, 2 cities talked about in Jeremiah, were the last holdouts against the attacking Babylonians. In the mid-1900’s the Lachish Letters were unearthed which brought some detail to the terror the people of the city felt as the enemy neared. On a tablet was a message written by a soldier at an observation post. It basically stated “We no longer see the lights of Azekah.”
Standing there at that site we all looked to the direction of Azekah and I was struck. What must that have been like knowing there was no other protection? The lights were out Lachish knew they were next.
Another scene I think about in relation to that shining city on a hill is from the Lord of the Rings. My favorite part is in the third movie when they light the beacons. One by one the beacons are lit and eventually the message is passed on to the fellow fighters for freedom.
So, America, we know we have been and still are that shining city on the hill. Lately it feels like we are losing some of our shimmer as we are hearing again and again a gloomy outlook on our future. It also seems like some of our freedoms are being challenged. But, what happens if the lights go out? I don’t want to think about it. The world at large may express some distaste (to put it mildly) for America yet most know there is goodness in freedom. The light is something that so many seek for.
If we are to continue to be that light we must turn to the greatest source of light, God. In fact referring again to Lachish, Jeremiah the prophet had warned the people time and time again to return to God or suffer the dire consequences. It’ kind of a depressing story. So, let’s not go there. Let’s focus on what’s good and what our strengths are. Let’s turn to God continually. We are a nation under God and He shines His light on us and then we pass that signal on. Keep the lights on, for us and for the world. We stand for God, faith, freedom, peace and family. Shine on beautiful city, beautiful America.
God Bless
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Beep! Beep! Get Out Of The Way!
So, today I was working on my taxes. My predominant thought in doing so was, how can we expect the government to run anything really well? I mean doing my taxes, was so much harder than it needed to be. I thought I was done like 10 times!! Anyway I’m glad I got it over with. But, I gotta tell ya. The government just is not the answer for so many things. The governments’ job is to uphold the long established laws and to protect the rights of the people. I understand taxes play a role in that. So, I’m not going to go on about the taxes, it just annoyed me enough to think about other problems I have with the government.
In January there was a slight turn up in the economy. Retail, groceries even car sales all went up last month. That folks is the free-market starting to self correct. It is doing so without the government helping. The free-market always goes through ups and downs. Yes, this is a particularly down down but it will correct itself if left free. In fact it seems like the media would like us all to forget one of the root causes of this whole economic problem was the housing crisis. That was caused by government mismanagement. So, this is my call to the government. GET OUT OF THE WAY!!! Stop messing things up.
Again the government plays an important role, to protect our rights. But, they should not be playing the role of fix everything. Why? Because they stink at it.
The government wants to take over health care. Well, I think anyone in the health care system, and that includes me, knows what a fine job the government does in the sector of health care they already control, Medicare. Medicare stinks! Health care professionals and institutions avoid it if they can. The bureaucracies running health care are just lousy. It gets so muddled and you end up having to satisfy the bureaucracy rather than really just trying to help your client. Yes, the health care system has problems. But, we should be asking health care providers how to solve the problems, not the government. Again get out of the way!
Another interesting point is looking at welfare type work. Please read the article at this link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece
The author is an atheist who recognizes the significantly better work that religious organizations do, in helping the worlds’ poor, than government and/or NGO’s. The solution for solving poverty is found in the hearts of good people. The answer is not the government. They have made a mess of the welfare system. Every time they have tried to fix welfare they have made it worse. Here’s an idea GET OUT OF THE WAY!!
I love this country and I love the system of Government that was set up by our inspired founders. They had no intention of seeing the government so enmeshed in our lives. Government please do your job and let the free market, the health care system and charitable people do theirs.
Wow! That really was a rant.
God Bless
In January there was a slight turn up in the economy. Retail, groceries even car sales all went up last month. That folks is the free-market starting to self correct. It is doing so without the government helping. The free-market always goes through ups and downs. Yes, this is a particularly down down but it will correct itself if left free. In fact it seems like the media would like us all to forget one of the root causes of this whole economic problem was the housing crisis. That was caused by government mismanagement. So, this is my call to the government. GET OUT OF THE WAY!!! Stop messing things up.
Again the government plays an important role, to protect our rights. But, they should not be playing the role of fix everything. Why? Because they stink at it.
The government wants to take over health care. Well, I think anyone in the health care system, and that includes me, knows what a fine job the government does in the sector of health care they already control, Medicare. Medicare stinks! Health care professionals and institutions avoid it if they can. The bureaucracies running health care are just lousy. It gets so muddled and you end up having to satisfy the bureaucracy rather than really just trying to help your client. Yes, the health care system has problems. But, we should be asking health care providers how to solve the problems, not the government. Again get out of the way!
Another interesting point is looking at welfare type work. Please read the article at this link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece
The author is an atheist who recognizes the significantly better work that religious organizations do, in helping the worlds’ poor, than government and/or NGO’s. The solution for solving poverty is found in the hearts of good people. The answer is not the government. They have made a mess of the welfare system. Every time they have tried to fix welfare they have made it worse. Here’s an idea GET OUT OF THE WAY!!
I love this country and I love the system of Government that was set up by our inspired founders. They had no intention of seeing the government so enmeshed in our lives. Government please do your job and let the free market, the health care system and charitable people do theirs.
Wow! That really was a rant.
God Bless
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
WHAT??????
Holy bologna! So guess what. Universal Healthcare is included in the current stimulus package that is under debate. Well, I say under debate, but it will pass and it feels like there is little that we can do about it. Please go to http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_mccaughey&sid=aLzfDxfbwhzs to find out details about what is in the bill. In a nutshell. The bill calls for our medical treatments to be tracked electronically by a federal system. This goes under the guise of making medical records easily transferable. However, rights to privacy are in question. There will be an appointed National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, who will monitor treatments and who will deem the appropriateness including cost of your treatment. It is a call for Dr's to give up autonomy. Penalties will be enforced against incompliant practioners. The Elderly population will be particularly hard hit. Please read the article and please spread the word. This is socialism at its finest or worst whichever you prefer, and it will affect everybody.
I have contacted my representative and plan to request a meeting with her and with other health care professionals.
I have contacted my representative and plan to request a meeting with her and with other health care professionals.
I have contacted my representative and plan to request a meeting with her and with other health care professionals.
I have contacted my representative and plan to request a meeting with her and with other health care professionals.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Our Nations' Character
Warning!!! This one is going to be a bit long.
You know growing up I never really got what the heck people were talking about with political left and right. I’ve really appreciated making more of a study of it as I’ve gotten older and it makes sense. Read The 5000 Year Leap for some great insight.
In a nutshell the very farthest left is Tyranny and the very farthest right is Anarchy. Our forefathers knew that the best form of government would be one that was right smack in the middle. They designed our Constitution with the purpose of government being to protect the rights of the people but without becoming controlling and/or oppressive.
Our forefathers (was anybody else really confused by us having four fathers when learning about our country in grade school?) also knew that government would need some flexibility in order to protect the rights of the people. They thus established 2 wings of American politics that leaned to the left or right. The left wing is the problem solving wing. The founders knew that this type of thinking would be necessary in order to foster changes needed for the good of the governed. The right wing is the Conservative wing. The founders knew this type of thinking would be necessary in order to keep government from creating problems rather than solving them. The Conservative wings' job is to ask if the proposed changes take away the rights of the people, and will it cost too much? Answering yes to either of these questions should give serious pause at the least to any changes.
Looking at it this way there is nothing inherently good or bad in either problem solving or Conservation. In fact each one of us individually should have elements of both when making decisions in our own lives. The problem solving wing has taken up the title of Liberalism or Progressivism. Liberalism tends to go along with the Democrat party and Conservatism with the Republican party. That does not mean that Republicans look down on change. Lincoln was a Republican, Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican. They were examples of political leaders who knew change needed to happen, but in a way that still protected the rights of the people.
I want to take a few sentences here to describe the difference between Democracy and Republic. Democracy is the rule of the people. A Republic is the rule of law, with the people being represented by elected officials. Democrat is left leaning, Republican is more center-right or at least it should be. Our nation is a Republic, remember the Pledge of Allegiance. Over the years the notion that our country being a Democracy has been taken as fact. I will compromise and call it a Democratic Republic because the voice of the people do elect officials and do vote on amendments and such. But, our forefathers understood an important tendency. Democracy or rule of the people, eventually leads to Socialism as the people turn more into sheeple. Socialism leads eventually to Tyranny. More on that in a bit.
You hear a lot of talk about the nation’s populace being center, usually they say center right. I think that is true particularly with regards to social issues such as abortion and marriage. But, looking at our government I think there is no doubt it is tending left, perhaps dangerously so.
It did not start with the election of left leaning President Obama. His ideology is just continuing a trend. President Bush actually is an example of Compassionate Conservatism (which actually really bugs me because it is almost saying that Conservatives are not compassionate people or something). He in his own words “abandoned free market principles in order to save the free market.” What the heck does that mean? It means he made changes that went against Conservative values like less government and letting the free-market companies be free to succeed and fail. Talk about left-leaning. I respect him and think he is a good, God-fearing man, and he has kept us safe these past 7 years. But, this was bad form. It also opened the gates for even more leftism.
Again, the problem-solving wing is not bad. In fact historically I could see some things that I would have been a left-winger about, civil rights and suffrage for example.
But, the political left now subscribes to more than Liberalism, it is Progressivism. My biggest question about Progressivism is “progress to what end?” The biggest goal of Progressivism is the ideal “Great Society.” The idea of the Great Society reeks of Socialism. Looking at the social programs the government has already tried to enforce gives us a hint about the problems of Socialism.
Socialism is not just about spreading the wealth, though economically that is the goal. No, socialism also is about the government taking responsibility for the social needs of the population. The problem with this is it leaves the people without responsibility and they become reliant on the government. Look at some of the ways the government social programs have created a perpetual poverty loop. Those who receive welfare checks often monitor their income to make sure they don’t earn too much to lose their welfare benefits. I’ve come face to face with this reality in my work. It’s sad and you can see in so many of their faces no willingness to try to get out of the system because they are getting by. It’s a lousy system. Pulling the plug on it would create an outcry. But, there has to be a way to modify it, little by little if necessary, but it’s gotta change. Another related system is Medicare. That is government run medical insurance. As a person in the health field sector I can tell ya that the system is riddled with problems. The idea that the government wants to take over the entire health care system. . . Let’s just say that I’m not too thrilled with the idea.
How has this happened? Well, the government got involved in social areas that it shouldn’t have. It started from a place of compassion. The idea was that people were suffering and that something needed to be done. But, government is not the solution. Government protects our rights to help each other. In fact our founders knowing that poverty and other social ills would be a problem, specifically did not address those problems in the Constitution because they relied on the goodness of the citizens to take care of each other.
Once the government got involved, the people started making more demands. The government responded to the voice of the people and started to make even more changes. You can see how Democracy perpetuated can lead to Socialism as the people start demanding more from their government. They then become reliant on the government instead of themselves.
One of the biggest problems I see with Socialism is that it affects the character of the citizens and thus the character of the nation as a whole. Consider this, if the government is taking care of my neighbor, what responsibility do I have? None. When we stop caring about each other we lose some of the greatness of this country.
The greatest societal changes occur first with individuals and families, then communities and eventually out to society as a whole. Then if necessary (that's a big if, because it is probably not needed) laws can adjusted to protect those correct principles. When it goes the other way around, when government takes responsibility for societal corrections problems ensue.
The government absolutely at times needs to examine and make policy changes in order to protect the rights of all of its people. That is their job. But, the government right now has their hands in too much of our lives.
It is also their job to let us be free. Free to choose how we live, and how we build our own personal character. Free to feel compassion for one another and help each other.
*Phew* that was a long rant. I feel like I’m only getting started. Needless to say I am concerned about the direction of the nation. But, our Constitution is firm and if we turn back more to the center we will be alright.
God Bless you and God Bless America, I know He does.
You know growing up I never really got what the heck people were talking about with political left and right. I’ve really appreciated making more of a study of it as I’ve gotten older and it makes sense. Read The 5000 Year Leap for some great insight.
In a nutshell the very farthest left is Tyranny and the very farthest right is Anarchy. Our forefathers knew that the best form of government would be one that was right smack in the middle. They designed our Constitution with the purpose of government being to protect the rights of the people but without becoming controlling and/or oppressive.
Our forefathers (was anybody else really confused by us having four fathers when learning about our country in grade school?) also knew that government would need some flexibility in order to protect the rights of the people. They thus established 2 wings of American politics that leaned to the left or right. The left wing is the problem solving wing. The founders knew that this type of thinking would be necessary in order to foster changes needed for the good of the governed. The right wing is the Conservative wing. The founders knew this type of thinking would be necessary in order to keep government from creating problems rather than solving them. The Conservative wings' job is to ask if the proposed changes take away the rights of the people, and will it cost too much? Answering yes to either of these questions should give serious pause at the least to any changes.
Looking at it this way there is nothing inherently good or bad in either problem solving or Conservation. In fact each one of us individually should have elements of both when making decisions in our own lives. The problem solving wing has taken up the title of Liberalism or Progressivism. Liberalism tends to go along with the Democrat party and Conservatism with the Republican party. That does not mean that Republicans look down on change. Lincoln was a Republican, Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican. They were examples of political leaders who knew change needed to happen, but in a way that still protected the rights of the people.
I want to take a few sentences here to describe the difference between Democracy and Republic. Democracy is the rule of the people. A Republic is the rule of law, with the people being represented by elected officials. Democrat is left leaning, Republican is more center-right or at least it should be. Our nation is a Republic, remember the Pledge of Allegiance. Over the years the notion that our country being a Democracy has been taken as fact. I will compromise and call it a Democratic Republic because the voice of the people do elect officials and do vote on amendments and such. But, our forefathers understood an important tendency. Democracy or rule of the people, eventually leads to Socialism as the people turn more into sheeple. Socialism leads eventually to Tyranny. More on that in a bit.
You hear a lot of talk about the nation’s populace being center, usually they say center right. I think that is true particularly with regards to social issues such as abortion and marriage. But, looking at our government I think there is no doubt it is tending left, perhaps dangerously so.
It did not start with the election of left leaning President Obama. His ideology is just continuing a trend. President Bush actually is an example of Compassionate Conservatism (which actually really bugs me because it is almost saying that Conservatives are not compassionate people or something). He in his own words “abandoned free market principles in order to save the free market.” What the heck does that mean? It means he made changes that went against Conservative values like less government and letting the free-market companies be free to succeed and fail. Talk about left-leaning. I respect him and think he is a good, God-fearing man, and he has kept us safe these past 7 years. But, this was bad form. It also opened the gates for even more leftism.
Again, the problem-solving wing is not bad. In fact historically I could see some things that I would have been a left-winger about, civil rights and suffrage for example.
But, the political left now subscribes to more than Liberalism, it is Progressivism. My biggest question about Progressivism is “progress to what end?” The biggest goal of Progressivism is the ideal “Great Society.” The idea of the Great Society reeks of Socialism. Looking at the social programs the government has already tried to enforce gives us a hint about the problems of Socialism.
Socialism is not just about spreading the wealth, though economically that is the goal. No, socialism also is about the government taking responsibility for the social needs of the population. The problem with this is it leaves the people without responsibility and they become reliant on the government. Look at some of the ways the government social programs have created a perpetual poverty loop. Those who receive welfare checks often monitor their income to make sure they don’t earn too much to lose their welfare benefits. I’ve come face to face with this reality in my work. It’s sad and you can see in so many of their faces no willingness to try to get out of the system because they are getting by. It’s a lousy system. Pulling the plug on it would create an outcry. But, there has to be a way to modify it, little by little if necessary, but it’s gotta change. Another related system is Medicare. That is government run medical insurance. As a person in the health field sector I can tell ya that the system is riddled with problems. The idea that the government wants to take over the entire health care system. . . Let’s just say that I’m not too thrilled with the idea.
How has this happened? Well, the government got involved in social areas that it shouldn’t have. It started from a place of compassion. The idea was that people were suffering and that something needed to be done. But, government is not the solution. Government protects our rights to help each other. In fact our founders knowing that poverty and other social ills would be a problem, specifically did not address those problems in the Constitution because they relied on the goodness of the citizens to take care of each other.
Once the government got involved, the people started making more demands. The government responded to the voice of the people and started to make even more changes. You can see how Democracy perpetuated can lead to Socialism as the people start demanding more from their government. They then become reliant on the government instead of themselves.
One of the biggest problems I see with Socialism is that it affects the character of the citizens and thus the character of the nation as a whole. Consider this, if the government is taking care of my neighbor, what responsibility do I have? None. When we stop caring about each other we lose some of the greatness of this country.
The greatest societal changes occur first with individuals and families, then communities and eventually out to society as a whole. Then if necessary (that's a big if, because it is probably not needed) laws can adjusted to protect those correct principles. When it goes the other way around, when government takes responsibility for societal corrections problems ensue.
The government absolutely at times needs to examine and make policy changes in order to protect the rights of all of its people. That is their job. But, the government right now has their hands in too much of our lives.
It is also their job to let us be free. Free to choose how we live, and how we build our own personal character. Free to feel compassion for one another and help each other.
*Phew* that was a long rant. I feel like I’m only getting started. Needless to say I am concerned about the direction of the nation. But, our Constitution is firm and if we turn back more to the center we will be alright.
God Bless you and God Bless America, I know He does.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Sword in the Stone
I was wrong. I’m not one of those people who has a big problem admitting it when I am. In the Republican primaries I supported John McCain. I still think that he is an American hero and a very respectable person. I still stand by my vote for him in the presidential campaign. But, hindsight is 20/20. Can you imagine how much better Mitt Romney would be handling the economic situation both during the campaign and now as President? I don't know that he would be my ultimate pick, I just think he would have been better. Anyway, I’ve been contemplating this for a while and remembered a blog I wrote a couple weeks back but had not posted it yet, so here it is. . .
My family has always really enjoyed hanging out together. One night when I was a teenager we decided to have a movie night. There were 5 movies nominated, mostly Disney ones. We were all given the chance to vote for a 1st and 2nd choice. Well, everybody was split on their 1st choice and all had the same 2nd choice “The Sword in the Stone.” None of us really wanted to watch “The Sword in the Stone” but it got the most votes because everybody’s first choice was different. So, we all laughed and settled in to watch our chosen movie. Well, in actuality we all slept through this second choice.
Now, I want to make this clear I really liked John McCain. He was my preferred choice for the presidential nomination. But, looking back on it and seeing it through Conservative eyes it seems pretty clear that for most Conservatives Sen. McCain was “The Sword in the Stone.” Everybody was split between Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, and Moderate John McCain ended up with the nomination. The Conservative base of the party was not all that enthused about him as their nominee.
Of course I think his choice of Sarah Palin was an excellent pick especially since she absolutely rallied the Conservative base. Conservatives went crazy nuts excited. Liberals just went crazy hateful nuts. But, the Governor certainly was the right choice for Conservatives.
Out of nowhere the right person came to pull the sword from the stone. Maybe Governor Palin will use the sword to slay the Gadianton Robber media. That’s it. Short and sweet.
My family has always really enjoyed hanging out together. One night when I was a teenager we decided to have a movie night. There were 5 movies nominated, mostly Disney ones. We were all given the chance to vote for a 1st and 2nd choice. Well, everybody was split on their 1st choice and all had the same 2nd choice “The Sword in the Stone.” None of us really wanted to watch “The Sword in the Stone” but it got the most votes because everybody’s first choice was different. So, we all laughed and settled in to watch our chosen movie. Well, in actuality we all slept through this second choice.
Now, I want to make this clear I really liked John McCain. He was my preferred choice for the presidential nomination. But, looking back on it and seeing it through Conservative eyes it seems pretty clear that for most Conservatives Sen. McCain was “The Sword in the Stone.” Everybody was split between Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, and Moderate John McCain ended up with the nomination. The Conservative base of the party was not all that enthused about him as their nominee.
Of course I think his choice of Sarah Palin was an excellent pick especially since she absolutely rallied the Conservative base. Conservatives went crazy nuts excited. Liberals just went crazy hateful nuts. But, the Governor certainly was the right choice for Conservatives.
Out of nowhere the right person came to pull the sword from the stone. Maybe Governor Palin will use the sword to slay the Gadianton Robber media. That’s it. Short and sweet.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Staying Grounded
One of the things that is really standing out for me lately is the necessity of staying grounded in the things that are most important to me. I love The United States dearly, and I want to do whatever I can to make sure correct principles are being practiced in this great country of ours. But, there are other things that are even more core to me personally.
My faith and my family are top priority for me. I believe that when those things are top priority than other things that are important will have the proper attention and focus placed on them. I believe if you love God first in your life than He blesses you with an expanded capacity to love in general. I love my family more than I could without loving God first. The same goes for the country, I love my country more than I could without loving God and my family first. That being said I have a few experiences on faith and family that I want to share.
At a fairly young age, probably around 12, I started thinking, or I should say dreaming, about going to Israel. For some reason it captured my imagination, and my heart, and still does to this day.
At age 20 I made it there for a semester through the BYU center for Near Eastern studies program. To this day it remains one of the highlights of my life. I had some wonderful eye opening and lasting cultural and spiritual experiences. Some of them were quite unexpected.
I come from a large family, I’m the second oldest of 7 kids. We love each other’s company, and are pretty close-knit. My brother Steven is 11 years my junior. But, we always had a special bond. He was my little buddy. I probably should not call him that now since he is a full grown, terrific, man. But, I’ll always be his big sister.
Well, being literally half a world away from my family was hard and I sometimes really missed them. There was one day in particular when I was really missing Steve. Walking back to our campus with friends I was thinking about him. I noticed this adorable little Palestinian family walking a short distance ahead of us. One of the boys turned around to us with a huge grin spread across his face. I could hardly believe my eyes. This kid was the Arab version of my little brother. I kid you not, the smile, the age, the mannerisms, his facial features were just like Steven with an Arab flavor. It seemed to warm me head to toe and especially heart. I felt like my brother was there with me. I was grateful for that special gift that God had granted me, a tender mercy.
That is a great story right? But, it does not end there. I came home from Israel with lots of stories. My poor family and friends had to put up with hearing these stories over and over again. Steven, bless his heart, enjoyed hearing them. In fact we started a little tradition. When it was bed time I would tell him one of my Israel stories before tucking him in.
One night I told him the story of the little Palestinian boy who was a Steven twin and that it made me feel like Steve was there with me. I kissed him goodnight and went to turn out the lights. Then he spoke up, “Sarah?” I turned back around as he said, “That was an answer to my prayer.” That caught me off guard “What do you mean?” I asked. He then said to me “When you were gone I prayed that you would not be alone and that I could be with you.” You can imagine the Spirit that was felt at that moment. All I could say was “Yes, it was Steven, yes it was.”
The faith of this child, combined with his unselfish love made for one of those lasting experiences. Steven has continued to be this great faith filled individual. He has been a great example to me for a long time of love and faith.
I could go on and on about my family. I am one of those people blessed to have family who I consider friends, and also friends that I consider family. But, there is one other experience that has been on my mind lately.
I’ve spent a lot of years living away from my family. But, I have been able to visit fairly often. One of my great joys is spending time with my nieces and nephews. They are such a delight. I can count on seeing them fairly often because most of them live really close to each other. But, recently my brother, sister in-law and their two boys moved to Iowa. Let me tell you that seems like half-way across the world again. I knew it would be hard to say goodbye to this precious family. It would be hard for me if anyone of my siblings and their families went that far away for what is going to end up being a while. But, I did not expect how much it broke my heart to have to say goodbye to them. When I picked up little Isaac and then Will it was like a dam burst. I knew that they were going away for a really great reason and I was pleased to know they were making some great changes in their life, but I knew I would miss them terribly. It still gets me teary eyed just thinking about it. I sincerely hope nobody else in my family is planning on doing that same thing anytime soon. (hint, hint please everybody stay where you are for now and Adam come back as soon as possible) When I think about their departure, I ponder about why that was such a difficult goodbye. The answer is pretty simple, it’s because they, and all of my family, are important to me. Remembering that keeps me grounded.
I love the Gospel because I know that through Christ my family is mine forever and that He will see to their needs.
But, remembering their importance also makes me realize the necessity of making sure I do all I can to make the world a better place for them. My little brother has grown up to be a great man. I want that same opportunity for all of my nieces and nephews. They are such little warriors. I marvel at their strength and the faith they already have and they are going to need, and I’m quite certain that they will be leaders of me and others.
I know this may seem way off topic of Conservatism. But, I just feel the need to make sure that I’m grounded in the things that are the most important. That sets the foundation for my life, and the works I plan to do. This nation allows us the freedom to serve one another. I want to use my life for the benefit of others. Putting God and my family first will allow me to do that the best way I can.
God Bless
My faith and my family are top priority for me. I believe that when those things are top priority than other things that are important will have the proper attention and focus placed on them. I believe if you love God first in your life than He blesses you with an expanded capacity to love in general. I love my family more than I could without loving God first. The same goes for the country, I love my country more than I could without loving God and my family first. That being said I have a few experiences on faith and family that I want to share.
At a fairly young age, probably around 12, I started thinking, or I should say dreaming, about going to Israel. For some reason it captured my imagination, and my heart, and still does to this day.
At age 20 I made it there for a semester through the BYU center for Near Eastern studies program. To this day it remains one of the highlights of my life. I had some wonderful eye opening and lasting cultural and spiritual experiences. Some of them were quite unexpected.
I come from a large family, I’m the second oldest of 7 kids. We love each other’s company, and are pretty close-knit. My brother Steven is 11 years my junior. But, we always had a special bond. He was my little buddy. I probably should not call him that now since he is a full grown, terrific, man. But, I’ll always be his big sister.
Well, being literally half a world away from my family was hard and I sometimes really missed them. There was one day in particular when I was really missing Steve. Walking back to our campus with friends I was thinking about him. I noticed this adorable little Palestinian family walking a short distance ahead of us. One of the boys turned around to us with a huge grin spread across his face. I could hardly believe my eyes. This kid was the Arab version of my little brother. I kid you not, the smile, the age, the mannerisms, his facial features were just like Steven with an Arab flavor. It seemed to warm me head to toe and especially heart. I felt like my brother was there with me. I was grateful for that special gift that God had granted me, a tender mercy.
That is a great story right? But, it does not end there. I came home from Israel with lots of stories. My poor family and friends had to put up with hearing these stories over and over again. Steven, bless his heart, enjoyed hearing them. In fact we started a little tradition. When it was bed time I would tell him one of my Israel stories before tucking him in.
One night I told him the story of the little Palestinian boy who was a Steven twin and that it made me feel like Steve was there with me. I kissed him goodnight and went to turn out the lights. Then he spoke up, “Sarah?” I turned back around as he said, “That was an answer to my prayer.” That caught me off guard “What do you mean?” I asked. He then said to me “When you were gone I prayed that you would not be alone and that I could be with you.” You can imagine the Spirit that was felt at that moment. All I could say was “Yes, it was Steven, yes it was.”
The faith of this child, combined with his unselfish love made for one of those lasting experiences. Steven has continued to be this great faith filled individual. He has been a great example to me for a long time of love and faith.
I could go on and on about my family. I am one of those people blessed to have family who I consider friends, and also friends that I consider family. But, there is one other experience that has been on my mind lately.
I’ve spent a lot of years living away from my family. But, I have been able to visit fairly often. One of my great joys is spending time with my nieces and nephews. They are such a delight. I can count on seeing them fairly often because most of them live really close to each other. But, recently my brother, sister in-law and their two boys moved to Iowa. Let me tell you that seems like half-way across the world again. I knew it would be hard to say goodbye to this precious family. It would be hard for me if anyone of my siblings and their families went that far away for what is going to end up being a while. But, I did not expect how much it broke my heart to have to say goodbye to them. When I picked up little Isaac and then Will it was like a dam burst. I knew that they were going away for a really great reason and I was pleased to know they were making some great changes in their life, but I knew I would miss them terribly. It still gets me teary eyed just thinking about it. I sincerely hope nobody else in my family is planning on doing that same thing anytime soon. (hint, hint please everybody stay where you are for now and Adam come back as soon as possible) When I think about their departure, I ponder about why that was such a difficult goodbye. The answer is pretty simple, it’s because they, and all of my family, are important to me. Remembering that keeps me grounded.
I love the Gospel because I know that through Christ my family is mine forever and that He will see to their needs.
But, remembering their importance also makes me realize the necessity of making sure I do all I can to make the world a better place for them. My little brother has grown up to be a great man. I want that same opportunity for all of my nieces and nephews. They are such little warriors. I marvel at their strength and the faith they already have and they are going to need, and I’m quite certain that they will be leaders of me and others.
I know this may seem way off topic of Conservatism. But, I just feel the need to make sure that I’m grounded in the things that are the most important. That sets the foundation for my life, and the works I plan to do. This nation allows us the freedom to serve one another. I want to use my life for the benefit of others. Putting God and my family first will allow me to do that the best way I can.
God Bless
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