Glenn Beck expresses it perfectly in this video clip. Americans are sick to death of politicians who blatantly lie and the wasteful spending of taxpayer money on pet projects like swine odor research and astronomy in Hawaii. The abuse in Government needs to stop NOW.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Milton Friedman on Greed, Socialism, and Capitalism
Watch Milton Friedman's elegant explanation of why all people -- especially those in need -- are better off in countries that are capitalist than in coutries that are socialist or countries that *depart* from capitalism (which is where we are heading now). This video interview with Phil Donahue could not be more relevant to our times.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Style Over Substance
Now that we have an orator as President, the only thing that matters is giving a good speech and how people "feel" about it. Fox News has a focus group where democrats and republicans turn a little dial so they can record how people feel about every word and phrase in the speech. Commentators express their disappointment that Bobby Jindal didn't "perform" to the level of Obama. What about the content of what they said?
Obama, amidst a bunch of historical obfuscation (great word, huh?), seems to just throw out whatever words he thinks people want to hear:
"Not because I believe in bigger government - I don't." For someone who doesn't believe in bigger government, he's been spending every waking hour creating one. And in the very same speech, lets us know that we're irrevocably heading toward a National, government-run health care. If that's not bigger government, I don't know what is.
"Not because I'm not mindful of the massive debt we've inherited - I am." Apparently, he's mindful of the massive debt he's inherited, but conveniently sweeping under the rug the massive debt his adminstration and congress have created since they've been in power. In little over a month, they've managed to spend more money than we've spent in total on the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, and the recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
Bobby Jindal hits the nail on the head:
"Democratic leaders say their legislation will grow the economy. What it will do is grow the government, increase our taxes down the line, and saddle future generations with debt. Who among us would ask our children for a loan, so we could spend money we do not have, on things we do not need? That is precisely what the Democrats in Congress just did. It's irresponsible. And it's no way to strengthen our economy, create jobs, or build a prosperous future for our children."
Obama, amidst a bunch of historical obfuscation (great word, huh?), seems to just throw out whatever words he thinks people want to hear:
"Not because I believe in bigger government - I don't." For someone who doesn't believe in bigger government, he's been spending every waking hour creating one. And in the very same speech, lets us know that we're irrevocably heading toward a National, government-run health care. If that's not bigger government, I don't know what is.
"Not because I'm not mindful of the massive debt we've inherited - I am." Apparently, he's mindful of the massive debt he's inherited, but conveniently sweeping under the rug the massive debt his adminstration and congress have created since they've been in power. In little over a month, they've managed to spend more money than we've spent in total on the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, and the recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
Bobby Jindal hits the nail on the head:
"Democratic leaders say their legislation will grow the economy. What it will do is grow the government, increase our taxes down the line, and saddle future generations with debt. Who among us would ask our children for a loan, so we could spend money we do not have, on things we do not need? That is precisely what the Democrats in Congress just did. It's irresponsible. And it's no way to strengthen our economy, create jobs, or build a prosperous future for our children."
Call to Duty
"We have the duty to change bad laws and resist grave evil in our public life, both by our words and our non-violent actions." --Archbishop Charles Chaput
Source: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15176
But the Archbishop goes on to say, "it doesn’t matter what we claim to believe if we’re unwilling to act on our beliefs". Excellent point. The question for all to consider then is: how shall we act?
I've called my congressional representatives. Senator Specter's office took their phones off the hook and Senator Casey's voicemail is full (thanks for listening to your constituents ) . I've also emailed my representatives, and received, from all three, a lukewarm form letter explaining that even though the stimulus bill wasn't perfect or what they wanted, they voted for it because they had to act.
I've talked to people about the stimulus and what I've found is that people are in one of three camps:
a) those who are just as appalled as I am, and equally lethargic and lax, immobile and disengaged. To be fair, we don't know what to do or how to do it, and we're not sure that we can make any kind of difference.
b) those who have no idea what's going on. These are people who are just living their lives and hoping that everything will work out OK. They try not to pay too much attention, probably because they realize that if they did, they wouldn't like it and wouldn't be able to do anything about it. They keep busy with other things.
c) those who think this is all a good idea, but can't explain exactly why or provide uncontested proof of how it has ever worked in the past.
We've got to connect and network. We've got to look for opportunities to do our "duty" beyond calling congress and then let each other know when we find them, and make the most of them.
Source: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=15176
But the Archbishop goes on to say, "it doesn’t matter what we claim to believe if we’re unwilling to act on our beliefs". Excellent point. The question for all to consider then is: how shall we act?
I've called my congressional representatives. Senator Specter's office took their phones off the hook and Senator Casey's voicemail is full (
I've talked to people about the stimulus and what I've found is that people are in one of three camps:
a) those who are just as appalled as I am, and equally lethargic and lax, immobile and disengaged. To be fair, we don't know what to do or how to do it, and we're not sure that we can make any kind of difference.
b) those who have no idea what's going on. These are people who are just living their lives and hoping that everything will work out OK. They try not to pay too much attention, probably because they realize that if they did, they wouldn't like it and wouldn't be able to do anything about it. They keep busy with other things.
c) those who think this is all a good idea, but can't explain exactly why or provide uncontested proof of how it has ever worked in the past.
We've got to connect and network. We've got to look for opportunities to do our "duty" beyond calling congress and then let each other know when we find them, and make the most of them.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tea Parties all 'round!
If you haven't seen Rick Santelli's infamous rant on cnbc, check out the video on YouTube.
Join us for the Re-Tea Party. Its as simple as this:
1) "With sincerity and respect, we ask that you join us on April 1st, 2009, in sending the Oval Office a Tea Bag, in honor of the party in Boston on December 16, 1773, and in anticipation of its nationwide symbolic re-enactment in the summer of 2009."
2) "We WILL be dumping SOMETHING into the Ocean/Lake. (Feel free to comment below suggesting what that something should be. We will have a poll soon). This event will be held in early July, 2009. (We are leaning on Saturday, July 4th, however the date will be more definite when event permits are secured and sponsors are finalized.) We have decided to hold 3 Major Tea Parties, however, we may hold more in other areas of the country depending on support levels. (Boston, Chicago, and LA)
3) On March 10th, send an email to your congressional representatives (a symbolic act even if it accomplishes nothing) and remind them of the 10th Amendment: "This is a friendly reminder that I still believe in the 10th Amendment. Please represent me." Simple!
In case you are rusty on the Constitution:
Amendment 10: Powers of the States and People.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Its time to let BIG government know how we feel by some peaceful demonstrations. Sign up now at reteaparty.com!
Join us for the Re-Tea Party. Its as simple as this:
1) "With sincerity and respect, we ask that you join us on April 1st, 2009, in sending the Oval Office a Tea Bag, in honor of the party in Boston on December 16, 1773, and in anticipation of its nationwide symbolic re-enactment in the summer of 2009."
2) "We WILL be dumping SOMETHING into the Ocean/Lake. (Feel free to comment below suggesting what that something should be. We will have a poll soon). This event will be held in early July, 2009. (We are leaning on Saturday, July 4th, however the date will be more definite when event permits are secured and sponsors are finalized.) We have decided to hold 3 Major Tea Parties, however, we may hold more in other areas of the country depending on support levels. (Boston, Chicago, and LA)
3) On March 10th, send an email to your congressional representatives (a symbolic act even if it accomplishes nothing) and remind them of the 10th Amendment: "This is a friendly reminder that I still believe in the 10th Amendment. Please represent me." Simple!
In case you are rusty on the Constitution:
Amendment 10: Powers of the States and People.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Its time to let BIG government know how we feel by some peaceful demonstrations. Sign up now at reteaparty.com!
Public Choice Vs. Private Choice
Caroline Baum gives us food for thought on what happens when the government becomes too powerful and over-reaches itself:
"Government is nothing more than a collection of individuals acting in their own -- yes, their own -- self-interest, in much the same way that Wall Street does. The only difference, according to advocates of public choice theory, is that governments make public, not private, choices: They choose for us, in other words.
"Government is nothing more than a collection of individuals acting in their own -- yes, their own -- self-interest, in much the same way that Wall Street does. The only difference, according to advocates of public choice theory, is that governments make public, not private, choices: They choose for us, in other words.
And we aren’t free to reject those choices. Whereas transactions in the private sector are voluntary, the government coerces us (threat of imprisonment) to pay for goods and services via taxes." Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aLzfDxfbwhzs
Wow. "And we aren't free to reject those choices." What all this spending legislation means is the permanent creation of more and more bureaucracy that will -- in the guise of trying to help and save us -- reduce our freedom and our choices. Private choice is what this country is founded upon. Private choice is not just eroded by Obama's recent legislation, its obliterated.
National Health Care in Stimulus Bill (Things You Should Know)
Another must-read article shedding some much-needed light on what other travesties lurk in the Stimulus Bill is Betsy McCaughey's "Ruin Your Health With the Obama Stimulus Plan" at http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aLzfDxfbwhzs
Highlights: Betsy outlines how all your medical treatments will be tracked by a federal database, but there's more. "One new bureaucracy, the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, will monitor treatments to make sure your doctor is doing what the federal government deems appropriate and cost effective. The goal is to reduce costs and “guide” your doctor’s decisions (442, 446)." Also, "Medicare now pays for treatments deemed safe and effective. The stimulus bill would change that and apply a cost-effectiveness standard set by the Federal Council (464)." To summarize, a federal government board will be making decisions on what care or treatments you can receive based on how much they cost and how much longer you are likely to live.
Hmm, I don't remember reading that one in the Constitution. Is there an amendment that gives the federal government the power to control what treatments I can receive for my illnesses? And what, do you think, will be the consequences of effectively forcing American patients to forgo experimental treatments? Today's experimental treatments -- many of them -- are tomorrow's routine treatments. Heart by-pass surgery was once considered an experimental treatment. Food for thought.
Highlights: Betsy outlines how all your medical treatments will be tracked by a federal database, but there's more. "One new bureaucracy, the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, will monitor treatments to make sure your doctor is doing what the federal government deems appropriate and cost effective. The goal is to reduce costs and “guide” your doctor’s decisions (442, 446)." Also, "Medicare now pays for treatments deemed safe and effective. The stimulus bill would change that and apply a cost-effectiveness standard set by the Federal Council (464)." To summarize, a federal government board will be making decisions on what care or treatments you can receive based on how much they cost and how much longer you are likely to live.
Hmm, I don't remember reading that one in the Constitution. Is there an amendment that gives the federal government the power to control what treatments I can receive for my illnesses? And what, do you think, will be the consequences of effectively forcing American patients to forgo experimental treatments? Today's experimental treatments -- many of them -- are tomorrow's routine treatments. Heart by-pass surgery was once considered an experimental treatment. Food for thought.
The RAT Board (Things You Should Know)
There are so many "things you should know" that its hard to know where to begin, so in no particular order, lets start with "the RAT Board", one of the many transformative things in the "Stimulus Bill" that has absolutely nothing to do with "stimulus".
"In the name of accountability and transparency, Congress has given the RAT Board the authority to ask “that an inspector general conduct or refrain from conducting an audit or investigation.” If the inspector general doesn’t want to follow the wishes of the RAT Board, he’ll have to write a report explaining his decision to the board, as well as to the head of his agency (from whom he is supposedly independent) and to Congress. In the end, a determined inspector general can probably get his way, but only after jumping through bureaucratic hoops that will inevitably make him hesitate to go forward." --Byron York
Ed Morrissey summarizes what this means in his blog post:
"What the RAT Board can do, as York points out, is direct or quash investigations by Inspectors General throughout the federal bureaucracy. Until now, IGs have had independence of action in order to avoid charges of politicization (remember that word?) and to conduct probes without interference from the Department of Justice, the White House, or Congress. Now they will answer to Congress not on general performance, but on the specifics of their probes."
Source: http://hotair.com/archives/2009/02/19/smelling-a-rat/
Appalled? You should be. But its too late. Congress has signed this "RAT" into law.
"In the name of accountability and transparency, Congress has given the RAT Board the authority to ask “that an inspector general conduct or refrain from conducting an audit or investigation.” If the inspector general doesn’t want to follow the wishes of the RAT Board, he’ll have to write a report explaining his decision to the board, as well as to the head of his agency (from whom he is supposedly independent) and to Congress. In the end, a determined inspector general can probably get his way, but only after jumping through bureaucratic hoops that will inevitably make him hesitate to go forward." --Byron York
Ed Morrissey summarizes what this means in his blog post:
"What the RAT Board can do, as York points out, is direct or quash investigations by Inspectors General throughout the federal bureaucracy. Until now, IGs have had independence of action in order to avoid charges of politicization (remember that word?) and to conduct probes without interference from the Department of Justice, the White House, or Congress. Now they will answer to Congress not on general performance, but on the specifics of their probes."
Source: http://hotair.com/archives/2009/02/19/smelling-a-rat/
Appalled? You should be. But its too late. Congress has signed this "RAT" into law.
Obama and Fiscal Responsibility?
My kids have a game they call "Opposite World". When in "Opposite World" everything you say actually means the opposite. When I see President Obama host a "Fiscal Responsibility" summit hard on the heels of the most wasteful spending bills ever passed in the history of our country, I begin to wonder... am I dreaming, or are we in "Opposite World" where we do the opposite of what we say?
When it comes to spending money on liberal causes ($30 million to the salt marsh mouse in California, just one example), "fiscal responsibility" goes out the window. But Obama's idea of "fiscal responsibility" appears to be raising taxes on the very people in our country who actually *create* jobs. I'm not an economist, but I don't think it takes an economist to realize that spending like crazy on one hand (on what, apparently, it doesn't matter, just spend!) while raising taxes in order to create the appearance of "fiscally responsibility" is a recipe for disaster.
When it comes to spending money on liberal causes ($30 million to the salt marsh mouse in California, just one example), "fiscal responsibility" goes out the window. But Obama's idea of "fiscal responsibility" appears to be raising taxes on the very people in our country who actually *create* jobs. I'm not an economist, but I don't think it takes an economist to realize that spending like crazy on one hand (on what, apparently, it doesn't matter, just spend!) while raising taxes in order to create the appearance of "fiscally responsibility" is a recipe for disaster.
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