The Democrats have gone to great lengths and extremes to demonize the TEA Party. Along with the complicit mainstream media, they have painted the movement as a refuge for kooks and racists. They do it out of fear....fear that their deceits will become more easily detected and they will lose their power after November.
The GOP has been a different animal altogether.
Some Republican politicians have embraced the movement as something they have believed all along. Some have tried to hijack it for their own gain.
Still, others have realized it is not an entity that can be shaped by outside forces and it is they who merely try to ride the wave to safety.
For an interesting read about how the GOP Governor of Indiana sees it, give this piece a read when you get the opportunity. He has many detractors for many different reasons, most of them are the same old tired reasons. But mostly it's a case of the big spenders fearing those who want to eliminate bureaucracy and preserve individual freedom and liberty. His actions have usually subverted almost everything the big government crowd wants.
And they don't like him for it.
Showing posts with label Freedom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Freedom. Show all posts
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Of Notable Note
Once again, we have just observed something that is too obvious to ignore. We have heard the story of Mr. Rahm Emanuel calling someone retarded, which is not an endearing term these days. We then saw Sarah Palin type out a Facebook posting condemning it and calling for Mr. Emanuel's dismissal.
As we know, it is unlikely that Rahm will be going anywhere...anytime soon. But it does show that Mrs. Palin can type, hit the send button, and the White House goes into full-speed damage control.
All hail the "power of the pen" and may it forever be protected.
As we know, it is unlikely that Rahm will be going anywhere...anytime soon. But it does show that Mrs. Palin can type, hit the send button, and the White House goes into full-speed damage control.
All hail the "power of the pen" and may it forever be protected.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Making Our Voice Heard
Today, I'd like to call attention to a letter read by Glenn Beck, on his TV show last evening. Mr. Beck reported that it was written by a 53 year-old lifelong Democrat, who really cannot find anyone in Washington that represents her and her concerns anymore. As Glenn read the letter, I could not help but think about how much we have been discussing these very same things, day after day, here on this blog.
Read the entire thing here.
Then, ask yourself something: Are these crooks truly representing you the way you feel they should? Can you honestly imagine what would happen if any of us performed in our jobs, the same kinds of actions these crooks have? I ask these questions because most of us would have been fired a long time ago and possibly sitting in a prison cell right now, if we would behave these people have. Each and every time something illegal or unethical happens to someone in Washington, nothing happens.
In a world where it takes four years of legal wrangling just get a William Jefferson (a man who was caught accepting bribes on tape and with cold cash in his freezer) on trial, it's no wonder the thugs running the government are empowered to do whatever the hell they want, whenever they want, without fear of reprisals. In Washington, the motto has become, "yeah, well, what are you going to do about it?" Whenever anyone asks one of the vermin leading the mess, why we need to do what they say, they in effect answer with a resilient, "because we said so".
Just as it was in the days of Jimmy Carter, a new age of apathy and malaise is beginning to set in. As it was in those days so may it be today, when the people rise up and declare, "enough is enough". That's why this just hearing and reading this letter is encouraging.
To think that I am the only person that sees this BS for what it is ridiculous. I am not, you are not. They, who are on the public dole in government, want us to believe we are.
America, it's time for a serious change to occur in this land, not just as a campaign slogan. It's time for Americans to stop allowing themselves to be categorized solely for the purpose of being demonized and denigrated, as ignorant anti-government extremists. It's time to show those arrogant SOBs who confiscate our hard earned money (to use on whatever vote-buying scam happens to be popular at the time), who they work for.
It's time to stop looking at ourselves as Democrats or Republicans, left or right; it's damned sure time to stop looking at ourselves as black, white, or other. It's time to start looking this thing as a case of us versus them. We are the people who the founding fathers sought to protect, from the very abuses we see so prevalent today. We are the nation, it belongs to us.
Read the entire thing here.
Then, ask yourself something: Are these crooks truly representing you the way you feel they should? Can you honestly imagine what would happen if any of us performed in our jobs, the same kinds of actions these crooks have? I ask these questions because most of us would have been fired a long time ago and possibly sitting in a prison cell right now, if we would behave these people have. Each and every time something illegal or unethical happens to someone in Washington, nothing happens.
In a world where it takes four years of legal wrangling just get a William Jefferson (a man who was caught accepting bribes on tape and with cold cash in his freezer) on trial, it's no wonder the thugs running the government are empowered to do whatever the hell they want, whenever they want, without fear of reprisals. In Washington, the motto has become, "yeah, well, what are you going to do about it?" Whenever anyone asks one of the vermin leading the mess, why we need to do what they say, they in effect answer with a resilient, "because we said so".
Just as it was in the days of Jimmy Carter, a new age of apathy and malaise is beginning to set in. As it was in those days so may it be today, when the people rise up and declare, "enough is enough". That's why this just hearing and reading this letter is encouraging.
To think that I am the only person that sees this BS for what it is ridiculous. I am not, you are not. They, who are on the public dole in government, want us to believe we are.
America, it's time for a serious change to occur in this land, not just as a campaign slogan. It's time for Americans to stop allowing themselves to be categorized solely for the purpose of being demonized and denigrated, as ignorant anti-government extremists. It's time to show those arrogant SOBs who confiscate our hard earned money (to use on whatever vote-buying scam happens to be popular at the time), who they work for.
It's time to stop looking at ourselves as Democrats or Republicans, left or right; it's damned sure time to stop looking at ourselves as black, white, or other. It's time to start looking this thing as a case of us versus them. We are the people who the founding fathers sought to protect, from the very abuses we see so prevalent today. We are the nation, it belongs to us.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday Reflection - Freedom Of Speech
From the White House Blog, we find some disturbing information. Speaking of changes being made to the process of restricting influence toward the Administration, here is one of the more critical points raised:
Another disturbing bit of information can be found here. According to the report, a Tea Party organizer was visited by the FBI after being turned in by a Democratic U.S. Senator, as a possible domestic terrorist. (Hat Tip on this one: Carol)
Loved and revered by the Left, the Obama Administration and his supporters in the federal legislature are attempting to chisel small pieces of freedom away, unnoticed. These are the same people that cried out for dissent when they were the minority and Bush sat in the White House.
Let's take a walk back down memory lane and review what the current Secretary of State once said during the Bush Administration:
Listen to it here for yourself:
She was right. Despite the fact her voice cuts right into my spinal cord, that statement resonated with truth back then. And it still does today.
Also loved and revered by the Left is Noam Chomsky, whom I disagree with about 85% of the time on most topics. But even a stopped clock is right twice a day, and so does a Leftist get it right occasionally. He is credited with this quote:
The Left is forever quoting this man. Let's just see how often this quote gets used during the time this Administration and Democratic Congress are firmly in power.
...we will expand the restriction on oral communications to cover all persons, not just federally registered lobbyists. For the first time, we will reach contacts not only by registered lobbyists but also by unregistered ones, as well as anyone else exerting influence on the process. We concluded this was necessary under the unique circumstances of the stimulus program.
Another disturbing bit of information can be found here. According to the report, a Tea Party organizer was visited by the FBI after being turned in by a Democratic U.S. Senator, as a possible domestic terrorist. (Hat Tip on this one: Carol)
Loved and revered by the Left, the Obama Administration and his supporters in the federal legislature are attempting to chisel small pieces of freedom away, unnoticed. These are the same people that cried out for dissent when they were the minority and Bush sat in the White House.
Let's take a walk back down memory lane and review what the current Secretary of State once said during the Bush Administration:
"I am sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and you disagree with this administration somehow you're not patriotic and we should stand up and say, we are Americans and we have a right to debate and disagree with any administration..."
Listen to it here for yourself:
She was right. Despite the fact her voice cuts right into my spinal cord, that statement resonated with truth back then. And it still does today.
Also loved and revered by the Left is Noam Chomsky, whom I disagree with about 85% of the time on most topics. But even a stopped clock is right twice a day, and so does a Leftist get it right occasionally. He is credited with this quote:
If we do not believe in freedom of speech for those we despise we do not believe in it at all.
The Left is forever quoting this man. Let's just see how often this quote gets used during the time this Administration and Democratic Congress are firmly in power.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Spontaneous Order Vs. Collectivist Solutions
Yesterday, Mustang posted this piece.
It yielded a response from his liberal progressive regular:
My response:
I will add:
Back in 400 BCE, a man named Chuang Tsu was a proponent of spontaneous order, before it was known as such. One of his more prominent quote used by libertarians:
This is the basis of the free market concept. And while there needs to be some regulation due to those who will certainly take advantage of liberties and freedom, the controls established should minimal, not be overly burdensome, and should directly address the problem that the regulation is designed to prevent.
In the case of Henrietta Hughes, we see the theory fully realized. Government failed her and used her only as a prop for propaganda. A private citizen was responsible for helping her far faster than any government assistance.
It yielded a response from his liberal progressive regular:
The language of government/citizen partnership persisted for several decades until Ronald Reagan recast the partnership as paternalism. Reagan simply denied that complex, impersonal systems often outstripped individual will and understanding.
The essential conditions of social and economic life had not changed, he insisted; Americans could master them, as always, by "common sense and free choice" if government only got out of the way. This reversal set the tone for his successors. Clinton, somewhat reluctantly and Bush II enthusiastically agreed that government intervention eroded individual autonomy--or, turning Roosevelt on his head, did not protect individualism but hampered it.
See, the old American individualism of Emerson and Whitman died with the industrial revolution. Poof!
Surely you have read enough history to realize that essential fact. Economic self-sufficiency vanished into our heroic past. Dependence on large, impersonal economic arrangements became the rule and the national government became a force that could allow individuals to achieve some meaningful freedom.
You are trying to revive an archaic past that cannot possibly function. Marx warned that our alternatives were socialism or barbarism. Since you don't like to use the s-word (--the real kind, not the totalitarian travesty--), let's just say that our alternatives are a democratically energized liberalism or a banana republic.
My response:
Long before there were these "impersonal" social and economic systems (that he now touts as the only hope of the future), spontaneous order was an effective problem solving model. And it still is.Things get done faster with a select number of individuals who volunteer their time, money, and/or services.
When an outside force seeks to manage and direct interpersonal relationships, things get bogged down with bureaucratic red tape. When a bureaucratic beast that is out of control and morally reprehensible, it's purpose is tainted with self interest and richly teems with fallacies, red herrings, and other forms of BS. Nothing gets done without a favor being attached to it.
There is no way that this system can effect a better outcome. No @#$%&!! way. Time after time, we can pick a task; time after time, normal people can do a better job (at almost anything), than the government.
But Ducky may be right about it not functioning very well right now. It's because people in this day and age, want the government to take care of them, rather than having to rely on themselves. They would rather surrender their freedoms to make certain choices, in exchange for security. In other words, they trade freedom for easy gain. While it may be termed gain, it is quite expensive.
Sad but true. No responsibility, no freedom. Just dependence and obedience.
I will add:
Back in 400 BCE, a man named Chuang Tsu was a proponent of spontaneous order, before it was known as such. One of his more prominent quote used by libertarians:
"Good order results spontaneously when things are let alone."
This is the basis of the free market concept. And while there needs to be some regulation due to those who will certainly take advantage of liberties and freedom, the controls established should minimal, not be overly burdensome, and should directly address the problem that the regulation is designed to prevent.
In the case of Henrietta Hughes, we see the theory fully realized. Government failed her and used her only as a prop for propaganda. A private citizen was responsible for helping her far faster than any government assistance.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Political Yen/Yang Principle: Radical Changes In Properties
I was going to write on another topic, but have since changed my mind. We'll hit that one another day, but for now I think we need to open up a dialogue with our Representatives and Senators and let them know that there is a need to slow down this juggernaut, just a bit.
Politics is a social science. And as is the case in any science, radical changes in certain properties can cause a great measure of instability. If you are new to PYY, you may not have read these posts from the earlier days, the Political Yen/Yang Principle and the sequel to it. They explain some things more in detail. But whether you read these posts or not, consider some things with me for a moment, will you?
Think about radical changes that occur in chemistry. Acids, bases, the more radical the ions the more unstable the chemical or compound. The same is true in politics. The Left, the Right, the more radical the agenda the more unstable the political and economic situations can become.
Biologically, it is necessary to maintain a certain pH in the blood, as well as the body in general. Death can occur if this balance cannot be maintained, it matters not which direction the shift goes. Homeostasis cannot occur in either direction from the window of the norm. Once again, the same concept holds true in politics. Shifting too far to either extreme cannot sustain a nation. It cannot keep the body of that nation, stable, healthy, and growing strong.
Think about this for a moment, as we use another scientific metaphor, from the world of oceanography. Think about this political juggernaut as you would, if you were sailing out to sea. The farther you go from shore, the farther you must travel back. That means if you get into trouble (like the NFL players that tragically lost their lives recently off the coast of Florida), it takes you that much longer to get back. If the seas become rough and something bad happens along the way, you may find yourself in very unfamiliar territory very quickly.
No government should have the ability to ram through unread agendas, before an adequate amount of thought and discussion can be put into them. It's apparent that very few in Washington read the Obama stimulus package. It's even more apparent that even if they did, they would have voted for it anyway. I remember many of these same people complaining about a GOP controlled Congress and White House, like they were the fascists out of control. Yet with the current Administration and Congress, we do see some disturbing trends developing on the horizon and they are worthy of our concern.
Using techniques used in the election, we are seeing a call to arms in the Obamanation and a data collection of names that are friendly to Obama's policies and proposals. At the same time, data is also being collected on others who are Libertarians and abortion opponents.
Is it getting clearer, yet? Collecting names of those who support and those who do not. Does this not sound strikingly familiar to Europe in the 1930s? Does this not remind one of the nations that ended up in ruins, before they were able to do anything about it.
Think I am kidding about the indoctrination? Take a look at this:
Hitler had his Brown Shirts. Mussolini had his Black Shirts. And now, Obama has his blue shirts, which are now functioning as an information gathering network. Don't you suppose this is how the base of support was solidified, once these men were legally seated in power?
But what happens later? What happens when the names are known? Take a look at this:
After watching how fast these Marxist Alinksyites have come out of the gate, I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't already on the drawing board. Maybe this is something that has already been planned for, here is something from the campaign:
Folks I can't make this stuff up. You see it, just like I do. Many of you are already sold and I am preaching to the choir. But many that may read this blog may not be picking up up on the signals just yet. If this be the case, I ask you to explain this stuff in a way that makes sense, if you think you can. Because from where I sit, it is crystal clear what is happening.
So have you had enough yet? Did you vote for Obama and now regret it?
Whatever, just know that what's done is done. But if you are wanting to rectify things, you can consider helping to put a stop to this out of control beast, which is an animal that is devouring whatever is put before it. Call your Congressman and Senator, tell them enough is enough. Tell them to put the stops on this, before it devours the very institutions that are rooted in the rule of law, and the liberties they are assigned to protect.
If it continues unabated, the response of the system may not be good and the reaction of the people may be even worse. Remember from history that the natural response of socialism rammed down a society's throat is fascism. Pre-Mussolini Italy will bear this out if you take the time to read up on it.. The harder you allow the pendulum to swing to the left, the farther it will swing back to the right to correct.
Politics is a social science. And as is the case in any science, radical changes in certain properties can cause a great measure of instability. If you are new to PYY, you may not have read these posts from the earlier days, the Political Yen/Yang Principle and the sequel to it. They explain some things more in detail. But whether you read these posts or not, consider some things with me for a moment, will you?
Think about radical changes that occur in chemistry. Acids, bases, the more radical the ions the more unstable the chemical or compound. The same is true in politics. The Left, the Right, the more radical the agenda the more unstable the political and economic situations can become.
Biologically, it is necessary to maintain a certain pH in the blood, as well as the body in general. Death can occur if this balance cannot be maintained, it matters not which direction the shift goes. Homeostasis cannot occur in either direction from the window of the norm. Once again, the same concept holds true in politics. Shifting too far to either extreme cannot sustain a nation. It cannot keep the body of that nation, stable, healthy, and growing strong.
Think about this for a moment, as we use another scientific metaphor, from the world of oceanography. Think about this political juggernaut as you would, if you were sailing out to sea. The farther you go from shore, the farther you must travel back. That means if you get into trouble (like the NFL players that tragically lost their lives recently off the coast of Florida), it takes you that much longer to get back. If the seas become rough and something bad happens along the way, you may find yourself in very unfamiliar territory very quickly.
No government should have the ability to ram through unread agendas, before an adequate amount of thought and discussion can be put into them. It's apparent that very few in Washington read the Obama stimulus package. It's even more apparent that even if they did, they would have voted for it anyway. I remember many of these same people complaining about a GOP controlled Congress and White House, like they were the fascists out of control. Yet with the current Administration and Congress, we do see some disturbing trends developing on the horizon and they are worthy of our concern.
Using techniques used in the election, we are seeing a call to arms in the Obamanation and a data collection of names that are friendly to Obama's policies and proposals. At the same time, data is also being collected on others who are Libertarians and abortion opponents.
Is it getting clearer, yet? Collecting names of those who support and those who do not. Does this not sound strikingly familiar to Europe in the 1930s? Does this not remind one of the nations that ended up in ruins, before they were able to do anything about it.
Think I am kidding about the indoctrination? Take a look at this:
Hitler had his Brown Shirts. Mussolini had his Black Shirts. And now, Obama has his blue shirts, which are now functioning as an information gathering network. Don't you suppose this is how the base of support was solidified, once these men were legally seated in power?
But what happens later? What happens when the names are known? Take a look at this:
After watching how fast these Marxist Alinksyites have come out of the gate, I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't already on the drawing board. Maybe this is something that has already been planned for, here is something from the campaign:
Folks I can't make this stuff up. You see it, just like I do. Many of you are already sold and I am preaching to the choir. But many that may read this blog may not be picking up up on the signals just yet. If this be the case, I ask you to explain this stuff in a way that makes sense, if you think you can. Because from where I sit, it is crystal clear what is happening.
So have you had enough yet? Did you vote for Obama and now regret it?
Whatever, just know that what's done is done. But if you are wanting to rectify things, you can consider helping to put a stop to this out of control beast, which is an animal that is devouring whatever is put before it. Call your Congressman and Senator, tell them enough is enough. Tell them to put the stops on this, before it devours the very institutions that are rooted in the rule of law, and the liberties they are assigned to protect.
If it continues unabated, the response of the system may not be good and the reaction of the people may be even worse. Remember from history that the natural response of socialism rammed down a society's throat is fascism. Pre-Mussolini Italy will bear this out if you take the time to read up on it.. The harder you allow the pendulum to swing to the left, the farther it will swing back to the right to correct.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Some Sunday Reflections
After a wild and emotional week that was no less than anti-climactic on Wednesday morning, I thought I'd take a moment and reflect on some things that have emerged from the recesses of my brain.
President-Elect Obama will be my president. I may not like his policies (which led me to vote and actively campaign against him), but he is the man the American people elected and he will treated as such. I will criticize every policy, every stance, which I do not think is right for America. But make no mistake, he will get a far better shake here than George Bush got at liberal blogs. If he does the right thing, I will applaud him for it. If he doesn't, then (metaphorically speaking) I will rip his head off and spit down his neck.
Every move he makes will be watched and studied closely. He has already made some bold moves in his short time as the victor and here is my take on those:
1. Appointed Rahm Emanuel as WH Chief Of Staff.
Some people do not like him because of his affiliation with the Clinton Administration. From WND (HT: AICS) comes this article.
During the campaign, one of my deep concerns was Obama's commitment to Israel. He said he would continue to support the nation, despite the fact Jesse Jackson opened his big mouth to the contrary.
Make no mistake here. Emanuel is a tax and spend liberal, when it comes to domestic policy and it is expected this will not change much. But from the WND article, it would appear Israel will still have a friend in the White House, at least during the opening days of the Obama Administration. This is good news.
2. Obama is committed to the auto industry bailout.
In one respect, I am against the government getting involved in any industry or company within that industry. I do not believe that government intervention is the answer to all issues pertaining to a free market economy. From this perspective, I am not pleased.
But this is the auto industry we are talking about. It is a key component to the industrial infrastructure of this nation. To allow this industry to suffer and even risk shutting down would be a major blow, economically and militarily. If all out war were to ever break out, we need to have the capabilities of manufacturing military vehicles on our own soil and it would be utterly foolish to job it out to foreign countries, which may oppose out efforts.
The one caveat I would bring to the discussion is simple enough. If the car companies get bailout money, they must restructure their management and fire all of the bastards that have mismanaged the situation, allowing us to get to this point. Like I said, I am not thrilled about this at all. But this is a necessary evil, at this point in time, not for union jobs as much as the other reason I have stated.
3. I will be watching how he approaches the Fairness Doctrine issue.
It is my hope that he considers this a background issue for now, with other things considered to be more important. But, being the skeptic I am, I have a feeling this will generate out of Congress and be forced upon him. The question will be, how will he receive it?
As a responsible blogger, I want to ensure that I do my part to act professionally, not like the Daily Kos and HuffPo did during GWB's term. But know this, I will hit hard on issues of freedom and liberty and this area I will consider a priority, if he takes the wrong side of this issue.
4. I believe his election is in some ways positive.
For many blacks it has been viewed as a redemption of sorts, for slavery and other abuses. No one alive today lived under enslavement, but is a fact that many still harbor resentment over it. With that said, there are many good decent (key word: many) black people alive today, who did live under unfair Jim Crow laws. I work with one such woman.
I have worked with this lady for over ten years and she is the sweetest person anyone would ever meet. She remembers being out with her parents and other family members as a little girl in Louisiana; she could not eat in certain restaurants and was relegated to sitting on the back of the bus.
On the day after the election, I felt a myriad of emotions just like the rest of us that worked so hard for Obama's defeat. Some disappointment, disillusionment, and profound sadness permeated my sensibilities on that day. And when I saw her at work that morning, she (knowing I had supported McCain) saw me and was slightly guarded in the first instance of eye contact.
I immediately walked over to her and put my arm around her (in a filial way) and spoke directly to her saying, "although I didn't vote for him because of his politics, for you and especially you, I am truly happy for you. She shed a little tear and looked so relieved and gave me the biggest hug.
Another older black gentleman who I have known and worked with for years, is usually quiet, humble, and overall the nicest guy you would ever want to be around. Never has his countenance shown anger and hostility, at least not that I have ever seen. Many times it has shown some measure of melancholy, with his gait slow, and his head looking at the ground while in the hallways. But when I saw him Friday, he had a spring in his step and a smile on his face; he was walking with meaning and purpose.
For him, I also am happy. But to the little snerts with their hands out, those who haven't had to endure what this man and woman experienced, I have little joy for them.
All it has done for me is confirm what I have already known and believed, for some time now. A black person can make it in America, if they work hard. Obama may not be where I think he ought to be and I may not like his background and teachings, but I cannot deny the fact that he has worked hard for what he has achieved. Running for township trustee is time-consuming in my eyes, I can only imagine how busy he has been for the last two years.
I hope that from this point forward, all blacks can truly believe they are welcome to contribute to this society and that hard work WILL get them somewhere. Dr. Bill Cosby has believed it, Herman Cain has believed it, and countless other success stories have proved this, years ago. And there is no one person in the world happier for these two and the many others, than I am.
So now, the election is over. It is done, it is finished. Now comes the time to govern and set the tone for the next election. President-Elect Obama will get fair treatment here, just as George Bush did. His actions will be assessed, evaluated, and intelligent conclusions will be drawn and communicated, based on merit or the lack thereof.
I am LASunsett and I approved this message.
President-Elect Obama will be my president. I may not like his policies (which led me to vote and actively campaign against him), but he is the man the American people elected and he will treated as such. I will criticize every policy, every stance, which I do not think is right for America. But make no mistake, he will get a far better shake here than George Bush got at liberal blogs. If he does the right thing, I will applaud him for it. If he doesn't, then (metaphorically speaking) I will rip his head off and spit down his neck.
Every move he makes will be watched and studied closely. He has already made some bold moves in his short time as the victor and here is my take on those:
1. Appointed Rahm Emanuel as WH Chief Of Staff.
Some people do not like him because of his affiliation with the Clinton Administration. From WND (HT: AICS) comes this article.
While President-elect Barack Obama and his pick for chief of staff see eye-to-eye on domestic policy, they may find themselves arguing over foreign policy, especially when it comes to Israel, Iraq and Iran.
Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., who served as a captain in the Israeli army, is surprisingly hawkish when it comes to fighting the war on Islamic terror.
And unlike his new boss, he supported the war in Iraq, although he criticized President Bush for missteps.
During the campaign, one of my deep concerns was Obama's commitment to Israel. He said he would continue to support the nation, despite the fact Jesse Jackson opened his big mouth to the contrary.
Make no mistake here. Emanuel is a tax and spend liberal, when it comes to domestic policy and it is expected this will not change much. But from the WND article, it would appear Israel will still have a friend in the White House, at least during the opening days of the Obama Administration. This is good news.
2. Obama is committed to the auto industry bailout.
US President-elect Barack Obama vowed swift moves to help the country's auto industry recover from an economic crisis that has brought car-making giants to their knees, after General Motors said on Friday it was on the brink of collapse.
In one respect, I am against the government getting involved in any industry or company within that industry. I do not believe that government intervention is the answer to all issues pertaining to a free market economy. From this perspective, I am not pleased.
But this is the auto industry we are talking about. It is a key component to the industrial infrastructure of this nation. To allow this industry to suffer and even risk shutting down would be a major blow, economically and militarily. If all out war were to ever break out, we need to have the capabilities of manufacturing military vehicles on our own soil and it would be utterly foolish to job it out to foreign countries, which may oppose out efforts.
The one caveat I would bring to the discussion is simple enough. If the car companies get bailout money, they must restructure their management and fire all of the bastards that have mismanaged the situation, allowing us to get to this point. Like I said, I am not thrilled about this at all. But this is a necessary evil, at this point in time, not for union jobs as much as the other reason I have stated.
3. I will be watching how he approaches the Fairness Doctrine issue.
It is my hope that he considers this a background issue for now, with other things considered to be more important. But, being the skeptic I am, I have a feeling this will generate out of Congress and be forced upon him. The question will be, how will he receive it?
As a responsible blogger, I want to ensure that I do my part to act professionally, not like the Daily Kos and HuffPo did during GWB's term. But know this, I will hit hard on issues of freedom and liberty and this area I will consider a priority, if he takes the wrong side of this issue.
4. I believe his election is in some ways positive.
For many blacks it has been viewed as a redemption of sorts, for slavery and other abuses. No one alive today lived under enslavement, but is a fact that many still harbor resentment over it. With that said, there are many good decent (key word: many) black people alive today, who did live under unfair Jim Crow laws. I work with one such woman.
I have worked with this lady for over ten years and she is the sweetest person anyone would ever meet. She remembers being out with her parents and other family members as a little girl in Louisiana; she could not eat in certain restaurants and was relegated to sitting on the back of the bus.
On the day after the election, I felt a myriad of emotions just like the rest of us that worked so hard for Obama's defeat. Some disappointment, disillusionment, and profound sadness permeated my sensibilities on that day. And when I saw her at work that morning, she (knowing I had supported McCain) saw me and was slightly guarded in the first instance of eye contact.
I immediately walked over to her and put my arm around her (in a filial way) and spoke directly to her saying, "although I didn't vote for him because of his politics, for you and especially you, I am truly happy for you. She shed a little tear and looked so relieved and gave me the biggest hug.
Another older black gentleman who I have known and worked with for years, is usually quiet, humble, and overall the nicest guy you would ever want to be around. Never has his countenance shown anger and hostility, at least not that I have ever seen. Many times it has shown some measure of melancholy, with his gait slow, and his head looking at the ground while in the hallways. But when I saw him Friday, he had a spring in his step and a smile on his face; he was walking with meaning and purpose.
For him, I also am happy. But to the little snerts with their hands out, those who haven't had to endure what this man and woman experienced, I have little joy for them.
All it has done for me is confirm what I have already known and believed, for some time now. A black person can make it in America, if they work hard. Obama may not be where I think he ought to be and I may not like his background and teachings, but I cannot deny the fact that he has worked hard for what he has achieved. Running for township trustee is time-consuming in my eyes, I can only imagine how busy he has been for the last two years.
I hope that from this point forward, all blacks can truly believe they are welcome to contribute to this society and that hard work WILL get them somewhere. Dr. Bill Cosby has believed it, Herman Cain has believed it, and countless other success stories have proved this, years ago. And there is no one person in the world happier for these two and the many others, than I am.
So now, the election is over. It is done, it is finished. Now comes the time to govern and set the tone for the next election. President-Elect Obama will get fair treatment here, just as George Bush did. His actions will be assessed, evaluated, and intelligent conclusions will be drawn and communicated, based on merit or the lack thereof.
I am LASunsett and I approved this message.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Future Of Free Speech In Peril
Although I do not always agree with him, I have the utmost respect for Michael Barone. He calls it like he sees it, always gives his honest opinion, and this time I think he is spot on. In his latest op-ed piece found in the Washington Times, he expostulates on what he sees as a future threat to free speech. In fact, you can scratch the word "future", since the threats have already been exercised.
Mr. Barone does a good job of explaining it, I highly recommend you read every word of it before you cast your votes. This isn't funny anymore.
(I touched on part of this in June of last year. Far be it from me to say I am any kind of a prophet, but don't say I didn't warn anyone.)
Mr. Barone does a good job of explaining it, I highly recommend you read every word of it before you cast your votes. This isn't funny anymore.
(I touched on part of this in June of last year. Far be it from me to say I am any kind of a prophet, but don't say I didn't warn anyone.)
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Obamania Hits Europe
This story comes from the IHT:
I suppose it was only a matter of time before it happened. France is permeated with socialist ideologues, African immigrants, and saturated with multi-culturists, so it's only natural they love this guy. In fact, it's not only France that has adopted this view. The vast majority of the entire continent has become enamored with him, as well.
For years now, Europe has been wanting to promote this "all-inclusive" model as some atonement for past attitudes and actions that were a result of vehement nationalism, which directly resulted in two world wars that destroyed their continent and killed multiple millions of their own citizens. To the many that openly promote this ideology, Obama is a symbol of this spirit. They do not look at the whole of U.S. history, how it welcomed many of Europe's oppressed and persecuted over the years (to include those that came during the two world wars). They refuse to consider this nation afforded them much greater opportunities than could be had elsewhere at the time. Instead, they view Americans as hedonistic and materialistic.
After WWII, the European continent laid in ruins for a second time in less than half a century. Meanwhile, the U.S. prospered immediately afterward, with some of it a direct result of money made off of rebuilding. While Euros were struggling for basic necessities and repairing much needed and badly damaged infrastructure, Americans were getting used to commodities like television, rock & roll music, and hot rod cars. So naturally (as human nature often allows), America became a primary source of envy for many continentals.
Today, 63 years after the bloodbath created by Europeans, many of them are still envious.
But with this understanding of why Euros feel such jealousy towards Americans, comes something they fail to consider in their judgmental biases. Americans sacrificed much to help liberate Europe. Commodities like sugar, coffee, and gasoline were rationed. Many men went to lay down their lives while fighting for the cause, leaving women to operate the factories (many of which were converted to making armaments and supplies for the war effort to succeed).
Today, both Europe and America has embarked upon a new era. Many of that generation that made such sacrifices are dead and gone, or are so old they cannot participate fully in the realm of politics. And with the political scene being what it is today, they wouldn't want to even if they could. The generations that want Sen. Obama to be elected are primarily those that weren't alive in the days of blitzkrieg and genocide. Many, who were alive, are too young to understand the gravity of the situation. This goes for Americans and Europeans, alike.
These are those who see a world, where everything they do not like is unfair. Subsequently, someone must rise up and make it fair (SEE: 1930s Germany). In this world, we are taught that those who work hard for what they have are greedy and selfish. Those that choose not to work hard are disadvantaged and oppressed. And it is up to government to rectify this perceived disparity. Europeans have long felt this way. So when we look at Sen. Obama's website, read his proposals, and analyze his worldview, it should come as no surprise that the French (as well as the whole of Europe) are enamored with him.
Envy is a powerful thing. Planting the seeds of it will ensure its continued existence throughout the ages.
According to Samuel Solvit, president of France's support committee for Barack Obama, the French have not been this excited about America since they shipped over the Statue of Liberty in 1885.
Obamania has gripped most of Europe. But the enthusiasm is particularly striking in France. This is where the disenchantment with U.S. foreign policy under the Bush administration has been the most vocal. And this is where the Continent's largest community of African immigrants and their descendants live.
I suppose it was only a matter of time before it happened. France is permeated with socialist ideologues, African immigrants, and saturated with multi-culturists, so it's only natural they love this guy. In fact, it's not only France that has adopted this view. The vast majority of the entire continent has become enamored with him, as well.
For years now, Europe has been wanting to promote this "all-inclusive" model as some atonement for past attitudes and actions that were a result of vehement nationalism, which directly resulted in two world wars that destroyed their continent and killed multiple millions of their own citizens. To the many that openly promote this ideology, Obama is a symbol of this spirit. They do not look at the whole of U.S. history, how it welcomed many of Europe's oppressed and persecuted over the years (to include those that came during the two world wars). They refuse to consider this nation afforded them much greater opportunities than could be had elsewhere at the time. Instead, they view Americans as hedonistic and materialistic.
After WWII, the European continent laid in ruins for a second time in less than half a century. Meanwhile, the U.S. prospered immediately afterward, with some of it a direct result of money made off of rebuilding. While Euros were struggling for basic necessities and repairing much needed and badly damaged infrastructure, Americans were getting used to commodities like television, rock & roll music, and hot rod cars. So naturally (as human nature often allows), America became a primary source of envy for many continentals.
Today, 63 years after the bloodbath created by Europeans, many of them are still envious.
But with this understanding of why Euros feel such jealousy towards Americans, comes something they fail to consider in their judgmental biases. Americans sacrificed much to help liberate Europe. Commodities like sugar, coffee, and gasoline were rationed. Many men went to lay down their lives while fighting for the cause, leaving women to operate the factories (many of which were converted to making armaments and supplies for the war effort to succeed).
Today, both Europe and America has embarked upon a new era. Many of that generation that made such sacrifices are dead and gone, or are so old they cannot participate fully in the realm of politics. And with the political scene being what it is today, they wouldn't want to even if they could. The generations that want Sen. Obama to be elected are primarily those that weren't alive in the days of blitzkrieg and genocide. Many, who were alive, are too young to understand the gravity of the situation. This goes for Americans and Europeans, alike.
These are those who see a world, where everything they do not like is unfair. Subsequently, someone must rise up and make it fair (SEE: 1930s Germany). In this world, we are taught that those who work hard for what they have are greedy and selfish. Those that choose not to work hard are disadvantaged and oppressed. And it is up to government to rectify this perceived disparity. Europeans have long felt this way. So when we look at Sen. Obama's website, read his proposals, and analyze his worldview, it should come as no surprise that the French (as well as the whole of Europe) are enamored with him.
Envy is a powerful thing. Planting the seeds of it will ensure its continued existence throughout the ages.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
The Economic Freedom Index
For what they are worth, the 2007 rankings are out.
As you may expect, the U.S. fared pretty well, at #4.
When you have a free market economy, free from unnecessary regulation and government interference, you have the ability to be more in control of your own destiny. When you have excessive government interference, you see much of that control lost.
Here is the breakdown of the rankings for the U.S., pay close attention to the ten different areas. Note the particular rating given for Freedom From Government (FFG) - 67.5%. Compare that same category rating with the #1 rated, Hong Kong - 91.6%.
For my French readers, you will note France coming at #45. According to the index, your economy is 66.1% free and your FFG score - 32%. You like government to be involved in your financial world and it shows. Despite the poor showing in this particular category, France does manage to do some things better than others. Note the other nine categories to see how the republic places higher, than most that garner a 32% in the FFG department.
To get a real feel for what government can do to screw things up, take a look at Venezuela. By the numbers indicated in the index, they are 47.7% free, which puts them at #144, overall. While they fare far better in the FFG rating than France (69.5%), they come in almost a hundred places lower. And despite the fact they rate a couple of points above the States in the FFG, they blow it badly in three critical areas.
The success of a nation depends on how free that nation's economy is. It can be as successful as its government and people want it to be. The French people are content to be where they are at, at least that's what I have read. And that's okay, to each his/her own.
France has a choice. They make their choices known through free elections and their willingness to demonstrate in the streets, when they do not like something. No one gets rounded up for expressing themselves, unless they commit crimes in the process.
In Venezuela, they have a government run by someone that wants to be president for life. The people have little choice in the matter, because slowly he erodes their political freedom while he runs their economy into the ground. He closes down opposition media outlets and actively seeks to re-write their constitution, so he can take even more freedom away.
So to all of my fellow Americans that want to be critical of France in the worst way I say, take a look at Venezuela and see that it could be worse. The French are content to be where they are at, let them be. And to all of my fellow Americans that cheer the likes of Harry Belafonte, Sean Penn, and Cindy Sheehan for visiting Brother Hugo in Venezuela (on their "Badmouth America" tours) I say, try living and/or investing some money there.
As you may expect, the U.S. fared pretty well, at #4.
When you have a free market economy, free from unnecessary regulation and government interference, you have the ability to be more in control of your own destiny. When you have excessive government interference, you see much of that control lost.
Here is the breakdown of the rankings for the U.S., pay close attention to the ten different areas. Note the particular rating given for Freedom From Government (FFG) - 67.5%. Compare that same category rating with the #1 rated, Hong Kong - 91.6%.
For my French readers, you will note France coming at #45. According to the index, your economy is 66.1% free and your FFG score - 32%. You like government to be involved in your financial world and it shows. Despite the poor showing in this particular category, France does manage to do some things better than others. Note the other nine categories to see how the republic places higher, than most that garner a 32% in the FFG department.
To get a real feel for what government can do to screw things up, take a look at Venezuela. By the numbers indicated in the index, they are 47.7% free, which puts them at #144, overall. While they fare far better in the FFG rating than France (69.5%), they come in almost a hundred places lower. And despite the fact they rate a couple of points above the States in the FFG, they blow it badly in three critical areas.
The success of a nation depends on how free that nation's economy is. It can be as successful as its government and people want it to be. The French people are content to be where they are at, at least that's what I have read. And that's okay, to each his/her own.
France has a choice. They make their choices known through free elections and their willingness to demonstrate in the streets, when they do not like something. No one gets rounded up for expressing themselves, unless they commit crimes in the process.
In Venezuela, they have a government run by someone that wants to be president for life. The people have little choice in the matter, because slowly he erodes their political freedom while he runs their economy into the ground. He closes down opposition media outlets and actively seeks to re-write their constitution, so he can take even more freedom away.
So to all of my fellow Americans that want to be critical of France in the worst way I say, take a look at Venezuela and see that it could be worse. The French are content to be where they are at, let them be. And to all of my fellow Americans that cheer the likes of Harry Belafonte, Sean Penn, and Cindy Sheehan for visiting Brother Hugo in Venezuela (on their "Badmouth America" tours) I say, try living and/or investing some money there.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Freedom Is A Human Right
No matter how smart a person may be and whether you agree with him or not, one can always learn something from Dr. RJ Rummel, Professor Emeritus of Political Science (University of Hawaii). If you don't read his blog, you are missing something and subsequently, you must ask yourself, why?
I can peruse his works many times over and glean something new that I may have missed, while I was thinking of something else, he inspired me to think about.
He has recently penned an article that is worthy of some thought and consideration. It deals with motives, intentions, attitudes, and to some degree behaviors. It is a well-thought out argument that carries a lot of merit, in my opinion.
See what you think. But before you do, think about this:
It is imperative to know and understand something: Relative freedom is a basic set of rights, the individual has a right to expect. As long as the exercising of my rights does not infringe on the rights of another, I should be allowed to do it.
To be treated fairly and to be left alone to determine your own course in life (all within the bounds of the law), is something we have lost in increments over time. Government takes a little here and a little there, usually in response to some group calling for an outcry on something they think can be prevented by a new law or higher tax. And then without many noticing it, we lose it. When that happens, we rarely get it back.
In relation to the way other governments treat their citizens, one still has to be thankful we do not live in places that have very little freedom (if any at all). Putting this into perspective is very important, when forming an opinion about a given topic. So, in that respect, we have more freedom than many. But when I read about the republic the founding fathers gave birth to, I wonder where it went.
Anyway, check out Dr. Rummel's post. Maybe you can pick something up from it, as I always seem to do, when I read him.
I can peruse his works many times over and glean something new that I may have missed, while I was thinking of something else, he inspired me to think about.
He has recently penned an article that is worthy of some thought and consideration. It deals with motives, intentions, attitudes, and to some degree behaviors. It is a well-thought out argument that carries a lot of merit, in my opinion.
See what you think. But before you do, think about this:
It is imperative to know and understand something: Relative freedom is a basic set of rights, the individual has a right to expect. As long as the exercising of my rights does not infringe on the rights of another, I should be allowed to do it.
To be treated fairly and to be left alone to determine your own course in life (all within the bounds of the law), is something we have lost in increments over time. Government takes a little here and a little there, usually in response to some group calling for an outcry on something they think can be prevented by a new law or higher tax. And then without many noticing it, we lose it. When that happens, we rarely get it back.
In relation to the way other governments treat their citizens, one still has to be thankful we do not live in places that have very little freedom (if any at all). Putting this into perspective is very important, when forming an opinion about a given topic. So, in that respect, we have more freedom than many. But when I read about the republic the founding fathers gave birth to, I wonder where it went.
Anyway, check out Dr. Rummel's post. Maybe you can pick something up from it, as I always seem to do, when I read him.
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