Is Big Brother Becoming a Bully?

I'd have to answer that question with a YES! You know, you just can't trust a bully and you never know who or what he's going to go after next. We are all aware of the cameras over the stop lights in many communities now. Remember what they were "originally" supposed to be for? Or at least what we were told. The cameras were supposed to be there for safety, for monitoring the traffic flow, so if the timing needed to be changed, it could be. Well, BB has come a long way baby. BB is short for Big Brother, as I'll be using it throughout the blog. In many cities, tickets can now be sent through the mail for running those red lights with cameras sitting over them. And once some of the cities have seen that revenue, more ideas have come to the table. Seems Red lights are making city government see "green!" An insurance company, an arm of BB says the camera at the intersection can also run the plates and uninsured motorists can be fined through the mail. So far, the only bright spot of BB becoming so big is there will be fewer Barney Bad-butt traffic cops. Obviously the importance of many laws is not for our protection, but rather for government revenue, which brings me to the next sign of bullying. Even with all the federal funding we the people are providing, and the federal government is offering to the states, it seems the states need more money. Through taxation is the plan. Trillions of dollars of debt into the next three generations just isn't enough. So they are going to tax, tax, tax. We will see the cigarette tax tomorrow, and Kentucky is thinking of hiking the price of bourbon with taxes. Don't need prohibition, who can afford the taxes in the recession? New York was at one time going to have a tax for everything, fat, thin, golf, skiing, you name it. I haven't read about a tax for breathing yet, but . . . give 'em time. I kind of chuckled when I read that the legal brothels in Nevada were considering adding a state tax per "transaction." This would change the tax laws from an actual purchase to taxing services. Then what's next? There's always been a difference on any bill between parts and labor, merchandise and service. Once they tax brothel transactions, it's just a matter of time before the doctor will add tax, the beautician will add tax, and the undertaker will add tax.
Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days it shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. a prophet of Holy Scripture

Special Edition!

Well, it would appear that a certain Senator wants to offer the Newspapers some assistance, courtesy of the tax payers. This touches more than just my wallet. His plan is to offer a bail out to the newspapers, and allow them to go "non-profit." In order for any entity to gain "non-profit" status, they must abide by a few political rules. One is, they cannot endorse a particular candidate, and they have to watch the way certain views are expressed, as well as avoiding certain hot button politically correct issues. Basically, I would say, this Senator wants to eliminate the First Amendment. If the government can do to the newspapers what it did to religious organizations, our information will be silenced, except of course, what Big Brother wants us to think. Only the programing will get through this filter. So far, this Senator isn't garnering much support, but clearly it is on the table and the idea has been presented. It's only a matter of time until our Congress manages a way to reword it, or add it to some other bill and without any fanfare . . . the presses will be bound and gagged.
. . . and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen . . . history in Holy Scripture

Peace

So often my perspective is rather negative in this blog and today I'm going for a more positive or at least a less negative post. It is, however; going to take me a few negative comments to get there. I was very disappointed in the re-election of Bill Clinton in 1996. I never did figure out how he got the backing of the Unions and the Teamsters when he signed NAFTA into being, not to mention how much outsourcing began to take place through his administration. Then there was the disappointment of the 2000 election. Not that I wanted Gore, I was truly hopeful that a third party could be elected in this new millennium, and that was the golden opportunity, but it simply didn't happen. Now the third parties are barely even holding enough political clout to be on the ballot. By 2004, I just thought America had decided to be dumb and aggressive for life, and completely unquestioningly loyal. It was through 2004, though, that I did notice the next plan, and sure enough, Barack Obama was on the national scene in no time. Now, I didn't vote for him, I'm completely unimpressed with his plan and direction, but he is the president and it is through his administration that I have come to peace with what America is and the fact I have no say about it. He has proposed a 3.6 Trillion Dollar budget, debt, whatever to pull us out of a recession, calling it an investment. "This budget is inseparable from this recovery because it is what lays the foundation for a secure and lasting prosperity," Obama said. Clearly this guy aced public speaking, but I don't know where he was for math class. I truly don't want anyone that doesn't know the difference between going into debt and investing to make my financial decisions, but he is. I appreciate the fact that republicans are now concerned about the debt we are leaving to our grandchildren, because they already know our grandchildren will still be paying for the Iraq war. I'm concerned that our "new owners" won't be so nice to us and I hate, simply hate the fact that our nation has continued to dig the debt hole deeper for the next generation, calling it progress, but all these guys know is what they were taught growing up. It's not easy, knowing, politicians cannot and will not make it better, but they will continue to exert authority over us. And so I am making the only choice I truly have control over, the choice to trust G~D and be at peace with that decision.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. a Prophet of Holy Scripture

Okay, This is the Solution . . .

I've never read about or heard so much confidence in every move that's made, and yet, more upon more continues to be needed. I think this economic solution of printing money and selling bonds to foreign nations is ridiculous. The only people that are not benefiting by this Obama plan are the same ones that did not benefit when Bush started the war in Iraq, the average American grandchild. We have the ultra rich maintaining and even some making money and of course, other countries are making money or at least holding something they can collect on, but not the average American and certainly not the average American's children and grandchildren. They are going to be paying for all these "sure fire fixes" long after we've all lived out a normal life expectancy. I am glad they are backing down on that 90% tax business, as we all know, our government's one time tax legislation never sunsets, it only expands to other levels. I'm amazed at the number of people that are still ignorantly trusting this new administration, as it has already spent as much as most of us were griping about Bush spending. Debt is debt, and forty years from now, nobody will care which side of the aisle caused the debt, the collection thereof, will be exacted by another sovereign power, anyway. Selling our debt to another nation, enslaves us, pure and simple. And while our government officials want to crack down on bankers and insurers for doing a lousy job and I would agree with their assessment, I have yet more assessment to offer. Our legislators aren't doing such a whiz bang job and they haven't been for several years. I think it's time to fire them all, stop the life long perks and get real people on Capitol Hill. We don't need all the money to campaign, the internet is cheap and we can get a grass roots movement happening. Let's get real people to Washington and get the current mess gone, along with their lobbyist buddies. I didn't like it when Nixon started making long range promises to China, I didn't like it when Clinton and Walmart sold us out to China. I didn't approve of Bush selling us out to Saudi oil and Iraq reconstruction, and I do not appreciate the man of hope and audacity selling us out to all of the above and turning Afghanistan and Pakistan into VietNam. Confidence in a proposal that really doesn't resolve the issue is just cockiness and arrogance. I didn't appreciate it all the other times it arrived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and I don't appreciate it now. Our current President is confident in his ability to express and incite confidence in him!
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

the Death Penalty

I realize, we here in America, do not consider ourselves on the level of other nations in which the "heathens" execute in all sorts of unconscionable methods. I've heard a number of people get all up the air about the beheadings in the Middle Eastern countries, apparently forgetting about Henry VIII and let us not forget what the first Queen Elizabeth ordered done to her cousin Mary. The death penalty is hideous. Granted murder is hideous, which is what makes the death penalty such a paradox. As far as I know, only a nation that is a Bible based Theocracy has the G~D instructed right and responsibility to carry out the death penalty. America doesn't qualify any more than Saudi Arabia does. Now, the reason for this rant, is the headline I read today about the guy that started a couple of wildfires in California, in which five fire fighters lost their lives. I've served as chaplain to both fire and police departments and the loss of life by someone trying to protect others is particularly heart wrenching, so I understand the high level of emotion associated with this particular case. I would like to point out just a couple of facts regarding the death penalty, however. First degree murder must be proven to be premeditated, and if these fires were set where no human life was directly in the path, that would negate the premeditation factor. The fact that only the firefighters lost their lives, although tragic, pretty much proves these fires were not aimed in an area of human habitation. I read that three of them died trying to keep an unoccupied house from being destroyed, with two more dying later from that same situation, again indicates, although the fire may have been intentional, the deaths, were not. Considering the number of intentional murders committed in this country, every week, I find this just a point to ponder and question. Granted, I realize, I'm a bleeding heart on the subject of the death penalty, but even the staunch supports would be hard pressed to actually prove the deaths that took place as a result of this particular arson, to have been pre-meditated. If the capital punishment supporters are going to claim execution, to be their Biblical right, perhaps we should also consider cities of refuge for those that are slayers, without premeditation.
Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.

New and Improved FDA and Health Care . . .

We can all expect our government to be right in the middle of our kitchen and our doctor's appointments! And is there a collective YAY? We are so rich here in America in the middle of a self-made recession, that our President is going to give us new and improved food tasters! We're all going to live like royalty and nothing will pass our lips without first being tested for goodness, and not to worry, if there are any problems, everyone will have government provided health care. I know I'm all excited about this. I don't go to doctors and I raise my own food. I'm not thrilled with the concept of food and drug czars telling me that aspartame is acceptable to ingest and genetically modified food is both delectable and healthy. And I really don't even want to deal with the insurance enforcement that will be appointed, once the universal health care arrives. I made up my mind a few years back, as all of this coming down the pike was becoming obvious, that I was going to at least give warning and offer an alternative. I told my husband, if it's up to me, our grandchildren will not receive a health care chip and they will not starve, and as for our kids that think we're idiots in the wilderness, I'll still make sure they get a package of seeds. It will be my religious and simple basic version of the TARP. Interestingly, my lifestyle which is now the alternative, was the original plan.
O taste and see that YHVH is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. a Psalm of Holy Scripture

Political Posturing

I believe that's what it's called when someone introduces something to see the reaction and response. Although they are vying for a position of leadership, this wannabe leader is actually looking for the signs from the crowd. The wannabe leader, without great risk to their personal aspirations, does what the crowd wants to see, or says what the crowd wants to hear . . . Kind of runs something up the flagpole to see who salutes, so to speak . . . Sarah Palin is the best example I can give regarding political posturing. She hit the hot button topic, "life" and ran with it every way she could, first and foremost as a conservative, then as a past forty mom with a special needs baby, right down to raising her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend to fame and "fortune" through the Republican National Convention, all because her daughter and he chose to practice unsafe sex. Now, is that just priceless or what? The same women that would gossip and point fingers in the local community, stood and applauded Bristol and her mom, standing behind her. I don't know why I'm so unimpressed, it really was a tactical feat and quite the political strategy. I know from personal experience, single teen age moms didn't used to get the support this one has. I told my husband when I saw the photo-ops, they weren't going to make it to a summer wedding. If Bristol and friend actually planned to marry, they would have before the baby came. I mean this is the party and thinking of: "shotgun weddings are atonement for fornication." And not that I am suggesting the solution from Torah, either, but it did get me thinking. In Bible times, when these unmarried women were "caught in the act of fornication or adultery," and pregnancy would be "caught," they were stoned. What happened to the unborn child? hmmm. . . Just one of those, I never thought about it deals. I find it the most curious, that it is usually, at least it was for me, those that did the proper thing and trapped some guy, tend to be the most judgmental toward a woman that just realizes her mistake and chooses to not "make it right" with another mistake. That is not to say, to choose to have the baby is a mistake, but rather, the circumstances and the other person involved are often a matter of poor judgment. I have no idea what I think of Bristol Palin, because I think she's been elevated to stardom for basically no reason, other than her mom needed a great prop at the time, and the pro-life crowd got all excited. I don't think they'll be quite so excited when they realize the "right and proper choice" has been called off. I am glad, and I do speak from experience, that through all of this, the young, single moms, are treated with more civility, but still that dropping out of school and teen-age motherhood have not become something to actually admire. And just out of curiosity, since Levi wasn't so excited, after all, big surprise!; and they weren't married, just who did foot the bill on this blessed event?
The integrity of the upright shall guide them . . . a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Fifty Days . . .

I knew this President was going to turn as soon as he got in, but I really didn't expect him to be so "in our face" about it. I'm really more unimpressed than I expected to be. There's just nothing like charisma going rancid, is there? And I'm going to ask again. Where's the "change?" So far the biggest change I've noticed is the change in him, between his campaign promises and his actual decisions as President. Funny, everything he's doing is exactly what he said was wrong with Washington. I was hoping it would take him a little longer to act like a Washington insider, but then again, I guess you don't get the address of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, you're not already an insider. You can't get "elected" if you actually do take a stand against political corruption and keep your campaign promises. This bill that he's signing is exactly what he said he was going to put an end to. Remember, he was going to end earmarks and political pork. We are supposed to know he means what he says, because he says this is the last time . . . Just one more thing he said, to get what he wanted and now "we the people, all have to understand, it's not going to happen overnight." Oh, I understand, all right. You know, I bet those little girls of his don't have their puppy, yet, either. I wondered that when he won after the election and suddenly the "choosing of the first dog, was going to take research" and apparently months. They could have had it and had it house broken and doing a few tricks, between November 4th and January 20th. I guess a guy that can make a promise to his kids and then stall on the delivery, isn't going to worry about what he promised a bunch of strangers that are stuck with this decision for four years.
. . . but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. New Testament

MADOFF

This will be a short blog today, because I just can't really elaborate. Seems Bernard Madoff will be pleading guilty and planning on spending the rest of his life in prison on some really huge charges! I don't understand why he's decided to do this, but perhaps his conscience finally got the best of him. I would think, he would have been able to drag this out in court for several years. And I can't imagine finding a jury that didn't already have some opinion of a Wall Street Financier living large at other's expense. Oh, that's right, they all do don't they? Well, I was kind of surprised to see that he had chosen this route, thinking he would have some high dollar Philadelphia lawyer managing to come up with a mistrial or acquittal or something, even though the evidence is overwhelming. Sometimes the incredibly obvious simply eludes us. I realized the correlation with Bernard Madoff's name, when this story broke.
He "made off" with how many fortunes?
Thou shalt not steal. Exodus 20:15

It's Only Money

The stimulus plan is doing just what I expected . . . absolutely nothing. The stock market is plummeting, the unemployment is rising, and President Obama says he "inherited" this mess. Well, NO President Obama did not inherit this mess. Granted President Bush authored a similar stimulus plan and undoubtedly, the economy has been tanking for some time, but my argument with President Obama is in the use of the word "inherit." He campaigned to have this position. He collected millions upon millions of hard earned tax dollars to have this position, to give away more millions upon millions of hard earned tax dollars. He spent two years of what should have been a Senate term, trying to get this position, only to resign his half completed Senate term. And now, the hard working Americans that have invested in America, rather than collect for themselves, like politicians are bearing the brunt of this mess and he has the audacity to cry, "he inherited this mess." Oh, no, Mr. President, you promised Hope for this mess. You said you recognized that this was a mess, and you said, you had a plan to resolve this mess. I, personally, don't want to hear any more whining about you and what you are up against. The American people have battled more than you could ever imagine and there are many hard working Americans that didn't deserve to lose their jobs and their savings and their retirement accounts, Mr. President. You see, your retirement account is nice and safe, Mr. President. And you don't have to worry about mortgage foreclosure, Mr. President. And you, Mr. President, have no more idea what it is to live the average American existence than the last President. But while we are on the subject, I would like to know how the Bush family investments are holding up in the stock market fluctuation. And I would like to know how the Clinton's cattle futures are doing. And it would be great if the Supreme Court and the Congress had some idea of what "we the people are going through" between imminent domain and outrageous taxation for bailouts for those that are too big to fail. As I see it, it's the American tax payer that someone should recognize and protect from failing, since it's the American tax payer that is making it possible for politicians to never have to actually put in an honest day's work.
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? New Testament

What Does The First Bipartisan Effort Mean to We The People?

Government health for all! Every time our government gets both sides of the aisle together on an issue, I know "we the people" are going to pay, and pay dearly. Our President wants us to have as good a health care system as Congress, and he wants all those that lose their jobs to have coverage. Maybe Congress just needs the same health coverage as the general population, and maybe members of Congress shouldn't be so confident in their employment security. I do know, our government is planning to "meet all our needs" and from the last two stimulus plans, our government also appears to be planning to create "all our needs." If this health plan comes to fruition by the end of the year, I shudder to think how quickly everyone will be required to receive their medical micro-chip. It probably won't be over night. The Department of Health and Human Resources and the Ad Council will need some time to design the delusion to convince the general trusting population that the medical chip isn't really the mark of the beast. Although, I do think children should receive the same quality of care that the elders in their families have "earned," it doesn't seem that the elderly want to share their socialized medicine with the younger generations, and as for those of us who do not want medical care at the hands of humans at all, I'm not looking forward to a mandatory, universal, socialized health system. I've truly found a better way!
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of YHVH thy G~D, and wilt do that which is right in HIS sight, and wilt give ear to HIS commandments, and keep all HIS statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am YHVH that healeth thee.

The Definition of an Emergency

I've been particularly annoyed as of late over the requirements for 911 and since 9/11, and then today an event in the news just inspired me to go ahead a blog away. We looked at some land and made inquiry as to the cost and procedure for having a septic tank dug. The very first thing we were told was that a permit was required from the health department. I thought . . . and if we decide a septic tank isn't worth the bureaucratic red tape, isn't a privy or cess pool going to make a bigger health issue? I personally think all the emergency association with 911 is nothing more than a lack of faith and utter dependence upon TPTB, and one more way to track us. Look at all of the liberties we lost with USA Patriot Act. I realize there was a horrible calamity on September 11, 2001, but did we right any of the injustice by giving up liberty? I just think we have lost so much over security and safety, and I don't feel a bit more secure or safe. Then today, when I read a woman called 911 because McDonald's didn't have any mc'nuggets but wouldn't give her a refund, I decided, we are simply too dependent all together, and have no idea what a real emergency is. We are becoming a people that give up everything to have the illusion of safety and we are a people that complain over the least discomfort, and expect someone to fix it. And I love the fact that the police will respond to give a ticket, but it's getting rather difficult to get them to pursue thieves and vandals.
I would give up many conveniences for some true freedom and even a bit of so called safety and security, for liberty.
Therefore thus saith YHVH; Ye have not hearkened unto Me, in proclaiming liberty . . . A Prophet of Holy Scripture

I Think I'm Understand the Change, Now

First, there are more walking in lock step on the left than there ultimately were on the right. That's change! This new stimulus package is truly different from the one President Bush designed, and here are just a couple of differences. Each person working will receive an extra $12.00 on his paycheck, due to less withholding. Isn't that lovely, but I'm guessing the 1040's to be filed next year will not have changed, so anyone that didn't get at least a $400.00 refund on an individual return or $800.00 married, filing jointly, just may find themselves owing money. And what about the $250,000.00 income to define wealthy, regarding taxes being raised. I heard this morning, it's $75,000.00 for an individual and $150,000.00 for a married couple. Wow! A President whose campaign rhetoric was redefined after inauguration. Is this bold change or what! I remember one that said, "Read my lips" regarding taxes and sure enough, when he chose differently, it cost him the next election. Please keep that in mind, President Obama. Or, maybe we the people should keep that in mind. We seem to forget quickly, especially those on the extremes of either party. Now, here are some interesting facts as well. Those on unemployment will get a $25.00 a week raise, which is twice as much as those working. And the first $2400.00 of unemployment is tax exempt. It's beginning to look like those without employment may end up money ahead of those working. And those aspiring for success may realize, they need to set their sites lower, monetarily, to actually succeed. There was something about government employee pensions, but I didn't catch that particular promise. That's right, those promises will remain at least for a time, because according to our new President, he plans to hire on 3 to 4 more million government employees, to repair the infrastructure. Stimulus schimulus, everything is about to be redefined, right before our very eyes. I sure hope those open-minded lock step left supporters, see it before the faithful followers of the last administration.
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

The Cabinet is Just About Built

I read today that Kansas Governor, Kathleen Sebelius, has been tapped for HHS. This has me now, further into a theory. I don't think it's conspiranoid thinking, but I do think the agenda is being built, and I honestly have no idea who is a willing participant and who is an ignorant one, but the politicians are participating, none the less. Immediately when I read the headline about her probable appointment, the next line inferred that the abortion issue is about to become front and center, AGAIN! Now, I've been watching this mess go back and forth for over 30 years. Every time there is something big in the works being orchestrated behind the scenes, the politicians throw this controversy of life, out before the people. It's the biggy that nobody is going to do anything about, but it gets the people going! It's the most personal and passionate, political controversy in America. I've heard all sorts of outrageous arguments, both ways. I've heard the pro-choice people say it's the woman's body, and that may well be, but then when they start the extra terms between fertilized egg and baby, then I just turn it off. If it's a fertilized human egg in the womb, and it's splitting and growing, I don't care what terms someone introduces, it is a living organism, and to actively stop the growth, is to kill it. I'm not talking about the science projects in a petri dish in some fertility clinic, but genuinely conceived eggs in the womb. I've even heard pro-lifers say the social security system would be solvent, if it weren't for the abortions reducing the work force and tax payers. Granted, that is such a heart-warming self-less defense of life, but considering the unemployment rates right now, I'm not sure that no abortion would have saved social security. You know, if we just outlawed doctors, there would be no abortion, the years of collecting social security would not last so long, and there would be no medicare . . . just a thought. That's the politician that will get my vote!
Back to Kathleen. I'm thinking she'll get things stirred, she seems to take every opportunity to raise controversy. And as for Obama, his sweeping change turns out to just be giving more of the same, only it's more expensive. So, my thought for bigness in the works behind the scenes, once again builds on my theory that the politicians in both parties are really puppets of TPTB. So, my theory is, as Rush has now taken to the screen to organize the Republicans, and Obama will never gain bipartisan cooperation, and regardless of his cries that it didn't start on his watch, it will collapse on his watch, and we the people will be either crushed or be starting all over. This is the very reason the Republicans walked around picking their noses and scratchin' their behinds through the '08 campaign. They didn't want this term in office. Kathleen is just the girl to keep the political ping pong game going while the shell game gets more organized. Round and round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows.
We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: a Proverb

Welcome to Brave New World, And It's Already Broke

Apparently, Citigroup is still too big to fail, but not so savvy, as to actually be able to conduct business. This is reminding me of the old saying, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." And we the people get to catch them! So, the government is aiming for what 35 or 40 percent ownership. That's getting just a bit too invested for my taste. Not to mention, we the people are supposed to be the ones that determine what the government is doing. Isn't it great that the republicans a few years ago, harped and harangued about the difference between a republic and a democracy and the US is a republic, which is a representative form of government. That means the people in a republic elect people to make the decisions. In a democracy, the decisions are made by the majority of the people. Which is not referred to as "mob rule." See how the insistence to nitpick and split hairs has worked out now! So now that we tax payers are part owner of Citigroup, what gives? It's about to hit the value of dollar stock anyway. I would really like our government to stop investing in losing propositions, and there have been a list of them.
I like this latest Pontius Pilate President. He says no mileage tax, but Congress, his own party, is going to go ahead and draw up some sort of proposal. Are you ready for this big idea and the reason behind it? With vehicles with better gas mileage as required from the Big Three, the fuel tax being collected is not as large a sum as is needed, so now it's time to tax the drivers by the mile, or that's the latest brain storm out of Washington. We all would have GPS technology installed in our vehicles and then simply be taxed for our mileage. This concept isn't even thinly veiled, it's in our face, containment and tracking. Enough, all ready. The US government actually appears to now be openly aspiring to the full title of Big Brother. Track our money, track our miles, and record our Walmart purchases.
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. a Proverb

Fairness Doctrine

I've decided I would truly enjoy and appreciate the Fairness doctrine. The reasons are simple. First, there is Dr. Dean Edell, then there are all those talking heads on both sides of the aisle and the prosperity preachers. The Fairness Doctrine would open the air waves to someone like me to have pretty much a 12 hour show 7 days a week. Of course, there are more than just myself that disagree with the above listed, so, in all fairness, I would be happy to share that time with them. The fairness doctrine offers something that I don't think too many folks have considered. Oh, I know the right wing extremists are worried that they will lose some of their precious Rush and Sean time, but clearly in this capitalistic society, these two guys would not have the big, big contracts they recently signed if the powers that be, were going to make them share. Besides, speaking of fairness, Sean doesn't have Alan Colmes any more, so in all fairness, Sean's opinion is still broadcast for the same period of time, without any opposing view . . . After all these years of both sides, how fair is that? See, if there was a fairness doctrine, then those of us who are telling people to give up their dependence, on both sides of the aisle would be guaranteed some air time, also. There are non-socialist, non-capitalistic people out here in this world, and we deserve a voice, also. And these prosperity Christian ministers would have to move over and give the simple itinerant Bible believers equal time. And as for Dr. Dean Edell. I think, most anything he is promoting, I'm against, and anything he argues, I whole heartedly believe in. Wouldn't life be great in my world, if I and the people that believe what I believe, got equal time with these guys?
Why does it seem that the biggest opponents of the Fairness Doctrine simply sound as if they value editorialized information, calling it news, and cannot abide a challenging perspective?
He who pleads his cause first seems right; Until another comes and questions him.

I Just Don't Understand . . .

Political cartoons are outrageous. We are a nation of absolutely no respect for our leaders or a nation with leaders lacking respectability. There have been some pretty questionable comments and cartoons, as of late, and of course Al Sharpton says an apology is not enough. But then, is anything ever enough for Al? He absolutely exemplifies the very thing he claims to be standing against. How many years have we heard that a reference that lumps all blacks in the same mindset is racist, and I whole-heartedly agree with that sentiment. Yet Al Sharpton just continues to speak for all the people of color, with a single voice of so called oneness. I don't think all people of color are the same, why does he? Considering most Americans now believe in evolution, although I don't, the monkey reference would pretty much be a nonracial statement, but offensive, rather, to those that believe in creation. Isn't it about time to realize evolution is a racial slur against the human race? Now, back to the cartoons and commentary in poor taste, and they undoubtedly, are. But I recall a few pictures that went around the internet referencing the previous administration. Where was Al, when this went on? Where was the outrage?

And G~D said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion . . . Torah of Holy Scripture

First National Bank to First Nationalized Bank???

As we debate the economy and the solution, I'd like to point out the fact that the United States government should be the last entity to straighten out the banking industry. Our government has not been solvent in, well, ever. Historically, everytime the leader in the government decided more money was needed, taxes were raised. The problem with this plan now is, even if taxes are increased, with the current unemployment situation, there are fewer pay checks being written, thus limiting the sum total for withholding tax. And as someone that has lived frugally within my means since my twenties, I don't really feel as generous as our government appears to. I have no desire to offer a bailout or even have concern for that matter, if a bank or the CEO is failing. I would, however; be happy to teach him how to live more modestly, and I would be willing to do that at no charge, even for the Wall Street types. And I don't really have a great deal of compassion for people who refuse to live within their means and always have an excuse or a request. I, also would be happy to teach them how to live within more modest means. Whether it's begging at the bank, the government, the church, or the local food kitchen, it kind of boils down to the same thing on all levels. People want to live more extravagantly than they can support, and when they finally exhaust all their options, they seem to think the rest of us should take care of them. I don't mind helping, but from the looks of things, throwing more money at the problem isn't helping. A government that is taxing the wage earners, and then promising more than is coming in, clearly indicates printing more money doesn't work and has not worked twice, now. Bankers that were unable to stay solvent, and cannot account for $350B dollars, certainly do not need more money to lose or mishandle. And for those that borrowed more than they could repay and used their homes as collateral for more debt, really don't place the same value that I do, for a roof over their heads, so why is our government going to insist that the rest of us pick up their mortgage debt?
Teaching people from Washington DC to Wall Street to the food pantry how to better manage money and not count on other's money would be the place we really need to start.
If our banks cannot rally, rather than nationalize them, perhaps it just time to find a new system for our commerce and a different way to exchange products and service.
And G~D said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself . . . History contained in Holy Scripture

Finishing a Project

I'm just a little concerned about all this infrastructure remodeling, which is slated to both rebuild the roads and provide jobs for millions of Americans. I'm also a bit unsettled about the fact that, not even 100 days after inauguration, this is already referred to as President Obama's first term. He has big plans for 2013. From what I've seen of his political career, he always has big plans. I read at one site, when he was a little boy in Indonesia, the children were to write a paper about what they wanted to be when they grew up, and amidst "doctor, pilot, etc." Mr. Obama was reported to have written, he wanted to be president. I have no idea if Indonesia had a president as their country's leader, but if he did write it, I find it interesting, since up to that point, he'd spent virtually no time on the mainland of America.
On to the real point of this blog, today, though. As I read his bio, I noticed the odd lengths of time for his terms served and did a bit more digging. First, he served seven years in the Illinois State Senate, resigning to serve in the US Senate, then of course, he resigned from the US Senate to move to the White House. In the middle of one of his state senate terms, he made an unsuccessful bid for the US House of Representatives. I realize he's ambitious, but he also quits before the term is up.
What happens when all the bridges are under construction, and the roads are barreled, our economy tanks, and he gets a better offer somewhere? Who knows, if there is a better position to hold, than President of the US, but if an offer comes along, will he just resign here too? With all this globalization, the North American Pac, and he did campaign in Europe??? Maybe there will be an offer for President of the North American Continent, or even the world. And what will happen? I can see it. Unfinished Bridges, suspended in mid air, half completed, going nowhere. Roads barricaded, blocked, and heavy equipment sitting on what was supposed to be the new shoulder. I realize ambition is a wonderful trait, but so is finishing what you begin, and so far, his bio doesn't indicate that to be one of his many outstanding qualities.
and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished. a Prophet of Holy Scripture

Wall Street to Main Street

This is yet another short blog. Although we have chosen to define the "Great Depression" by men jumping out of windows on Wall Street. Have we considered the number of men that have "shot up" Main Street, over job loss and foreclosures? If our government hadn't opted to bailout Wall Street a few months ago, and now this last stimulus to bail out those that are poverty stricken, is anyone paying any attention to the general working class, formerly known as the middle class? The only way to adjoin the GREED of Wall Street with the never ending NEED of those that want to be on Main Street is to combine them in one of two ways, which I believe is defined as a stimulus bill. One for the Wall Street by a republican president and one for those scrambling to get up to Main Street by a democrat president. Unfortunately, for the working middle class, both bills landed on them, and the working middle class is shrinking. Meanwhile, the men that have been working for the American dream, day in and day out, are making the headlines regularly as they lose their jobs, get served foreclosure notices, and take a gun to their family and themselves. They aren't jumping out of the windows on Wall Street, the government will take care of them, and those on assistance will be tended to, but if we pay attention, we would realize, the working class is, in fact, already experiencing the Great Depression. Losing a job and house today, is really basically the same as losing the farm in 1933.
Better is a little with righteousness, than great wealth with wrongdoing. a Proverb of Holy Scripture