For Greater Liberty, a Better Life, and More Happiness...

Why Rand Paul Is Right ... and Wrong | Julian Sanchez | Cato Institute: Commentary

2010-05-24T10:01:00.003-06:00

I thought this was a great article about the extremes of property rights and the need to temper utopian ideals with reality.Why Rand Paul Is Right ... and Wrong Julian Sanchez Cato Institute: CommentaryPosted using ShareThis

Greenspan on the Bailout

2010-04-07T10:40:00.002-06:00

“But if capital and collateral are adequate, and enforcement against misrepresentation and fraud is enhanced, losses will be restricted to equity shareholders who seek abnormal returns, but in the process expose themselves to abnormal losses. Taxpayers will not be at risk. Financial institutions will no longer be capable of privatizing profit and socializing losses.”Alan Greenspan before Congress

A Quote Worth Pondering

2010-03-29T15:09:00.001-06:00

From D. Todd Christofferson:"Policemen and laws can never replace customs, traditions and moral values as a means for regulating human behavior. At best, the police and criminal justice system are the last desperate line of defense for a civilized society. Our increased reliance on laws to regulate behavior is a measure of how uncivilized we’ve become.”

Michael Cannon Speaks on Health Care

2010-03-18T19:49:00.002-06:00

I thought this video was well worth the watch. I encourage you to watch it.a href="/people/michael-cannon"Michael F. Cannon/a discusses health care on FOX's emFreedom Watch/emMainstream media doesn't tell you the whole story - it is all propoganda and support for politicians rather than speaking the truth on policy - on both sides. Seek truth. Learn the facts. Deal with the facts. I encourage

Adam B. Schaeffer details how school districts lie to taxpayers

2010-03-15T15:43:00.002-06:00

I just thought this was very interesting and worth sharing. Know the facts. Deal with the facts.

Deficits, Political Gridlock & The Future

2010-02-17T05:00:00.004-07:00

Here is the opening of an excellent article by Jonathan Ernst/Reuters that I found on the New York Times' website. It is another warning of government spending that must be reigned in."WASHINGTON — In a federal budget filled with mind-boggling statistics, two numbers stand out as particularly stunning, for the way they may change American politics and American power...The first is the projected

House faces tough vote on $1.9 trillion more debt

2010-02-04T10:00:00.002-07:00

I saw this article today and wanted to share it. I cannot believe that they are even having this conversation... where we have to raise the debt by 1.9 trillion dollars to make interest payments on debt already contracted. I know it would be painful to live within our means but I believe it will be even more painful when we have to face what we have created for ourselves... We will have to say

Michael F. Cannon discusses health care on FBN

2010-01-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a good video with an important perspective...Michael F. Cannon discusses health care on FBNThe money has to come from somewhere and it will come from all of us. There are better ways and it is sad to me that the President and Congress are sacrificing those better ways for political wins. The future is just as important, if not more so, than the short term now and the current

Are you an Obama Supporter?

2009-12-23T20:47:00.003-07:00

There have been times in the past 12 months where I have felt that I would lose friendships over my political views because they have differed at times from the President’s. This is a very sad thing for me because, above all, I wish to always show myself to be a true friend to everyone – no matter their political ideology or theology. I therefore wanted to take a moment and say, in all kindness

Immigration Reform & The Declaration of Independence

2009-12-22T10:32:00.002-07:00

I am a friend of immigration reform. I believe in the goodness of immigration and of the wealth that other cultures have brought to our great land and will continue to bring to it in the future. I also believe the best way to preserve the America we love is to let it be a land of liberty to all the world and to welcome with open arms all the good brothers and sisters of the human race our country

As Bank Failures Rise, F.D.I.C. Fund Falls Into Red

2009-12-14T11:06:00.002-07:00

This was another article I thought was telling about the security of the overall financial system at the present. It doesn't mean that things won't turn around - it just means that presently the insurance company that insures the banks needs some insuring itself...From the New York TimesThe government-administered insurance fund that protects depositors fell into the red for the first time since

Can Someone Please Help...

2009-12-09T18:04:00.004-07:00

I saw this today:"COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina lawmakers recommended a formal rebuke on Wednesday for Gov. Mark Sanford for his summertime tryst and travel, opting to censure the Republican after nixing an impeachment measure.A panel considering impeachment called his trip to see his Argentine mistress embarrassing and said his use of state planes was poor judgment, but they mostly agreed it

Wave of Debt Payments Facing U.S. Government

2009-12-05T14:46:00.003-07:00

Another important data point for us to be aware of as we continue to do our part to influence our Representatives in a responsible fashion...From the NY TimesBy EDMUND L. ANDREWS Published: November 22, 2009 WASHINGTON — The United States government is financing its more than trillion-dollar-a-year borrowing with i.o.u.’s on terms that seem too good to be

$4.8 trillion - Interest on U.S. debt

2009-11-30T10:54:00.003-07:00

In continuation of my last post, I found this on CNNMoney.com. I thought that together with the post just before this, it helps paint the picture of the likely future.Unless lawmakers make big changes, the interest Americans will have to pay to keep the country running over the next decade will reach unheard of levels.By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writerLast Updated: November 19, 2009: 1:

China’s Role as Lender Alters Obama’s Visit

2009-11-27T13:53:00.004-07:00

I have recently seen a few articles about the Nation's debt that I will be posting to this site. I wanted to share them because, when taken together, they provide an important perspective we all need to consider in looking at the country we are creating. This article is an indication of the changing dynamic in the world because of our status as a debtor Nation. The more debt we accumulate, the

Health insurers may lose antitrust exemption

2009-10-21T10:19:00.004-06:00

Below is an article that is the best news those in favor of free market health care reform could hope for. Depsite the move being retaliation against the insurance industry's recent report on the potential impact of the Senate Finance Committee's bill on health care costs, the move is welcome. Creating an environment where insurance companies compete is the the first step toward better coverage,

More Evidence of the Forces at Work in Health Care Reform

2009-10-14T10:27:00.004-06:00

I have written substantially regarding the true kinds of reform that is needed in our health care industry as well as the forces at work in Washington that are bringing about the current kind of reform bills. Below is a link to a very informative video regarding the health insurance industry's recent ad campaign against the Baucus Bill. I think you will find it fascinating.Michael F. Cannon on

The 5,000 Year Leap

2009-10-09T10:15:00.001-06:00

Very inspiring. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Health Care Reform - Conclusion

2009-09-25T10:19:00.002-06:00

Over the past several months I have taken you on a journey of education by which we have explored the root causes of the problems we are facing, philosophical arguments for freedom in health care, possible free market reforms, the financial costs involved with passing and not passing reform, the powers at work in health care reform, and the compromises shaping up in Washington.The perspective I

A Look at the President's Health Care Plan

2009-09-24T10:21:00.003-06:00

Now that you have seen some of the possible reforms that should be taken to bring about true change in health care and foreseen the likely benefits derived there from, and seen the powers that are at work in Washington, it is good to give a quick examination to the President's plan and what it actually proposes. The following is the exact text of the President’s plan taken from the White House

The Forces at Work in Health Care Reform

2009-09-23T07:45:00.003-06:00

We just summarized the likely outcomes of Free Market reforms. The blessings of such reforms need not be debated as they are obvious to any reader. True free market reform brings about the desired outcome and blesses everyone. If the blessings are so obvious, why then is this not the direction our government is taking us in?The answer? Because of politics, self interest, a fear of losing power

The Outcome of Free Market Reform

2009-09-22T16:30:00.002-06:00

Over the past several weeks I have introduced to you various new options and choices that are necessary for creating a vibrant, free market system in health care – some of which are non-negotiable for creating a better America. To summarize what those recommendations are, they are as follows:1. End the government sponsorship and protection of the insurance industry by removing the anti-trust

Change the Way Health Care is Paid for: Results vs. Procedures

2009-09-21T16:50:00.001-06:00

One additional major reform that should take place is regarding reimbursement methods. One of the important issues being discussed in the current health care reform debate is how physicians should be paid. Presently, the reimbursement model of both the government and private insurers is based on a negotiated fixed fee schedule for billed services. For example, if a doctor performs a CAT scan, the

Pre-Existing Condition Reform

2009-09-18T11:09:00.002-06:00

People with pre-existing conditions should be able to get health insurance. Pre-existing condition clauses exclude people from receiving care or insurance if they have had a history of disease, ailments, or health risks while they were not insured by a qualified insurance plan. There need to be health care options for these people. That is not negotiable. Leaving them out of the only safety net

The Modified Health Care Exchange

2009-09-17T19:35:00.002-06:00

Imagine what the health care industry would look like if the reforms I have proposed so far were all enacted. Although not yet complete, here is a snapshot of what it is shaping up to be: Because of the birth of a free market system based on options, variety of products, and competition, all Americans would have access to affordable, private health insurance that is tailored to their needs and is

Reform Tax Treatment for Health Care Costs

2009-09-16T10:38:00.002-06:00

We have already discussed two modifications that are needed to address the tax treatment of health care costs:1. Expand the Role of HSAs2. End the Preferred Tax Treatment to Employer Sponsored Health Care PlansWe will now discuss two more:1. Equal Tax Treatment for Individual Health Care Costs2. Tax Credit for Assuming the Health Care Costs of Family MembersEqual Tax Treatment

Employer Vouchers vs. Employer Sponsored Health Plans

2009-09-15T10:39:00.002-06:00

As mentioned in an earlier post, employer sponsored health plans dominate the health care market. As already stated, this poses a problem on at least five levels:1. It reduces the incentives private health insurers have to create a variety of products that could be used by those who do not have group coverage through their employer.2. It creates a dependence of employees on the employer

End the Preferential Tax Treatment on Employer Sponsored Health Plans

2009-09-14T10:11:00.004-06:00

One of the largest issues in our health care market today is the complete dominance of employer based health care plans. This poses a problem on at least five levels:1. It reduces the incentives private health insurers have to create a variety of products that could be used by those who do not have group coverage through their employer2. It creates a dependence of employees on the employer for

Creating New Markets for Low Income Families & the Elderly

2009-09-11T21:04:00.006-06:00

As has been shown, government involvement in health care is the true crisis at hand. The Federal Government is forced to find an additional source of funding for its tremendous unfunded liabilities. The most likely source for this new funding is through expanding its insurance jurisdiction. Amazingly, the government's involvement in health care is one of the major sources in the rise in health

Expanding the Reach & Benefits of HSAs

2009-09-10T11:56:00.002-06:00

As was just discussed, there need to be options for the American consumer to choose in health care.In the reformed world of free market forces, those options so far include:1. Health insurance purchased in a market that truly competes2. Health security through a co-op or HealthShare3. Remain uninsured by using the formula discussed in my past postThere is another product that exists that could

Promoting Justice for the Uninsured

2009-09-09T10:38:00.005-06:00

As discussed in my previous post, the market has failed to deliver options that create competition, add value and drive down prices. Reform is badly needed to restore Justice to our health care system. One reform that must be looked at is decreasing the amount of risk the uninsured have to bear.One of the major advantages the insured have over the uninsured is that, although their premiums are

Cooperatives as a Source of Competition in Health Care

2009-09-08T10:42:00.001-06:00

As shown in my last post, monopolies in health care are at the core of the problem we all must deal with. To break up monopolies, there need to be other options in health care for people to choose besides health insurance. Options create competition and competition drives down prices. Presently, if you do not have insurance you are left incredibly vulnerable. Health care expenses can be

Establishing Justice in Health Care

2009-09-04T20:04:00.001-06:00

What is the end or purpose of Government? According to the first draftsman of our Constitution, “Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit (Footnote 1).”We need government and we need it to administer justice for all. Therefore, government has a place in health care. As

True Health Care Reform

2009-08-30T12:11:00.006-06:00

Even though the current plan being debated in the halls of congress will expand coverage for more individuals, it does nothing to improve health care in the United States over the long run. It will actually deteriorate its quality as has been seen recently in Canada and Norway. In Canada their health care system was found nearly unconstitutional because the level of service was so poor and

Health Insurance Exchange: a Sheep or a Wolf?

2009-08-28T11:54:00.002-06:00

I got the following directly from http://www.barackobama.com/. It explains better than anything the health insurance exchange:“The Obama-Biden plan will create a National Health Insurance Exchange to help individuals purchase new affordable health care options if they are uninsured or want new health insurance. Through the Exchange, any American will have the opportunity to enroll in the new

Time Travel & Deficit Spending

2009-08-25T21:33:00.005-06:00

Some may think we are close to time travel but we can be assured that the masses don't have power to use it within the next generation or two. For if they could, they would comeback in droves and wage a revolution of their own with an all too familiar battle cry: “No taxation without Representation!” Surprising to us however, we are the tyrants and they are ones we have put in chains. How?

Health Care Reform Costs: Peddling Dreams

2009-08-23T16:46:00.011-06:00

“I've also pledged that health insurance reform will not add to our deficit over the next decade, and I mean it... President Obama July 22, 2009 (Footnote 1) I believe this is a laudable and praiseworthy goal and I hope it is true. However, in what reasons, assurances and truth do I have to hope? The American people have no basis upon which to believe anything from Washington D.C. when spending

Can We Justify Ourselves?

2009-08-19T20:56:00.003-06:00

For those who have read any of my recent articles, it is no mystery what my views are regarding most of the parts of the proposed health care overhaul bill. I want reform just as badly as the President but I want a different kind of reform and, throughout these posts, have been making part of that case. However, before proceeding, I must first declare how utterly wrong and contemptible many of

Obama vs. Mathematics

2009-08-16T19:36:00.003-06:00

Discovering the true cost of Health Care Reform is paramount to finding the proper way to fund it. To do that, we have to look at many different sources, including the White House and the press. I found this article provided an important perspective on the debate. I hope you enjoy. by Jagadeesh Gokhale and Kent Smetters Jagadeesh Gokhale is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

2009-08-13T20:56:00.005-06:00

In my last post I showed how the government has usurped, in many ways, the role of the family in providing certain kinds of care that Nature intended the family to provide for one another. Today I will show how the government weakens the family by providing that care.If a Nation is to become stronger, its families must become stronger. And, as with exercise where weight must be added for the

The Fundamental Unit of Society: Government or Family?

2009-08-11T11:21:00.004-06:00

In this post and the next I will briefly illustrate how government welfare weakens the family unit in two ways:1. It takes the place of family by providing welfare that the family, by divine design, should provide 2. It weakens the family by taking from them the very opportunities to serve each other that are essential to bringing them closer together. Of all creation, man is one of the most

Injustice as a Path Means Injustice as a Destination.

2009-08-07T11:20:00.003-06:00

Just governments institute laws to protect, among other things, life, liberty and property. As with all laws, there are consequences for breaking those laws.What happens when the government institutes laws that directly oppress the rights that governments were instituted to protect, and then punish the people for not obeying or complying with those unjust laws?That is the very situation the

To Take Another Human Being’s Property, Without Their Permission, is Stealing

2009-08-04T11:00:00.003-06:00

In a book I recently started, I was impressed by John H. Groberg’s stories from his time serving in Mongolia. The people there were so humble, so simple, so kind and so close to God. They lived in a desert but yet they experienced no violence over scarce resources. The desert people lived in a state of community and oneness that many philosophers only dream of.In that desert community, families

Evil Succeeds Most When it is Made to Appear Perfectly Normal

2009-08-01T19:33:00.002-06:00

The other evening, my wife and I were discussing the original “Bewitched” series. You know the one, Samantha & Darren? It was a series we both enjoyed when we were kids. With our Netflix membership, we decided to order it so we could watch it again and share it with our children.We were both surprised at how non-wholesome in many ways that series was. It really epitomized the culture of the era:1

Reducing Health Care Costs: the Government’s Way

2009-07-29T21:06:00.005-06:00

Throughout my life I have been touched by the stories of people who have exercised their individual liberties to become more than they were and to live life as they choose is best. These stories are being written on all scales in all places by the millions. They are trying to be written in Iran even as I write this post. People there are craving for the right to choose for themselves, and not by

Rationing of Care Brought Home

2009-07-27T20:46:00.004-06:00

We hear stories from the President of the daily letters from people who cry to him to reform health care. I have no doubts regarding those people's sincerity nor do I dispute the need for reform. I hope there is reform – true reform. I personally believe that there is a place for Government in health care. That place however happens to be in governing and not in running an industry.One of the

Michael D. Tanner & Michael F. Cannon Dissect Obama's Health Care Plans

2009-07-25T13:37:00.000-06:00

Never Waste a Good Crisis

2009-07-22T10:01:00.006-06:00

Crises are times for action. Things happen in times of crisis that never could or would have happened otherwise: Presidents invoke Executive privilege; congress cooperates to move legislation through and the people unite around their leaders in a moment of rare support rather than dissent. Such was the case during our Revolution, the Great Depression and immediately following 9/11. The people

The 47 Million: A Closer Look

2009-07-19T16:51:00.004-06:00

It is good for us to take a quick look and refresh our minds about one of the basic pillars of the Government's argument that a crisis in health care exists: the 47 Million uninsured Americans.Julie Seymour of the Business & Media Institute published an excellent article on the census data the 47 million number comes from.I quote:"(Politicians) and media outlets incorrectly claimed the number of

The Government’s Business in Health Care

2009-07-15T20:51:00.004-06:00

For centuries governments were, and many still are today, essentially private businesses for the “Royal” families. The United States of America was the first country in modern times to be founded on the principle that the People, and not a person or group of persons, was the Sovereign. Government was to be the servant of the people and not the master. It was to secure their rights and claim none

Health Care Reform Introduction

2009-07-13T19:32:00.000-06:00

We live in a land of peace, plenty and opportunity. Surely Americans can find a way to better use those resources to take care of those in need. How we do this is the debate we need to have. Sadly, the debate that is taking place is making us think that is what we are doing when, in reality, we are not. The debate in Washington is not about a better way for health care. It is about government

My Independence Day Message

2009-07-04T16:18:00.002-06:00

Not too long ago, Anji and I, along with our children, stood in Independence Hall at 5th and Chestnut. That that was one of the most hallowed houses I have ever been in for that was the place where, “our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”For both Anji and I, they are more than just our

WSJ: Government Health Plans Always Ration Care

2009-06-25T20:01:00.002-06:00

I thought this had some good insight. It is worth the read.Government Health Plans Always Ration CareBy Scott Gottlieb Wall Street Journal Thursday, June 25, 2009Only by expanding government control of health care can we bring down its cost. That's the faulty premise of the various proposals for health reform now being batted around Washington. The claimed cost control depends on politically

Weekly Address From Congressman Paul

2009-06-24T20:39:00.002-06:00

Here is Representative Paul's most recent weekly address. I do no agree with 100% of his conclusions but do agree with many of them. The bottom line is, everything costs money, it has to come from somewhere and there isn't an endless amount of valuable money. We can't continue to deficit spend like we are. It is surely a long term recipe for a total economic disaster. It has to catch up with us

Is Health Care a Right?

2009-06-16T19:11:00.016-06:00

Is health care a fundamental right? Isn't this the question that is at the root of the current debate?What is a right? We often hear of civil rights, economic rights, social rights. etc. For me, all rights falls within two categories:1. Natural Rights2. Legal RightsNatural RightsWhen I personally speak of rights, and when I read the words of our founders, these are the kinds of Rights that I

Re-establishing Our Public Credit

2009-06-14T13:27:00.006-06:00

The following link is to a video showing the growing threat of nuclear war from North Korea.http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=13975026I hope there never is war with North Korea; however, the possibility remains. This situation is one that illustrates to us the need, true nature and main purpose for public credit. We must ask ourselves the following question: Whereas China holds a

Update on Health Care Reform

2009-06-10T10:45:00.007-06:00

This morning I found an article on Senator Kennedy's bill on health care reform. According to this article, "Americans would be able to buy long-term care insurance from the government for $65 a month under a provision tucked into sweeping health care legislation that senators will begin considering next week."The frightening thing about this is that Long Term Care (LTC) insurance was not even

Correspondence From Senator Lieberman

2009-06-07T19:38:00.007-06:00

Here is Senator Lieberman's response to my letter to him regarding health care reform. I personally interpret "ecreasing the costs of insurance" as eliminating the exemption from the Anti-trust laws. Let's hope we can create a true free market system for health care.June 4, 2009Dear Mr. Coman:Thank you for contacting me to express your desire to improve our nation's health care system. I share

American Capitalism Gone with a Whimper

2009-06-07T17:14:00.005-06:00

I found this post, written by Mat Rodina, a Russian who lives in Russia, and thought it would be good to share. It is his perspective on the recent moves of our Government. I don't agree with all of it - including his piece about the Russians fighting for their freedom (when did that happen?) - nevertheless, sometimes an outside perspective is the one that really opens our eyes. Enjoy the read

The Budget Deficit: Not a False Dilemma

2009-06-06T19:03:00.008-06:00

I received a special report from the Brookings Institute this week about what Congress needs to do in order to bring serious and immediate reform to the financial situation of our country. This, and all other measures and indicators show that the problem we face is not a false dilemma, but an ever growing and looming threat to the real security and future of our country. We are on a course to

The President's Speech in Cairo

2009-06-04T08:32:00.004-06:00

Here is the text of the President's excellent speech in Cairo today. I am grateful for his leadership in this very important area and agree with all of the many important points he expressed. I hope you will read it. Our world is better, or at least can be better, because he gave it. Let's hope for continued progress at cooperation and mutual respect for our fellow brothers and sisters around the

Bernanke: Start Work Now to Curb Budget Deficit

2009-06-03T11:59:00.004-06:00

Here are some appropriate pieces of an article I saw today. I hope Congress gives heed.WASHINGTON – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is urging Congress and the Obama administration to start plotting a strategy to curb record-high U.S. budget deficits. Failing to do so could eventually erode investor confidence and endanger the economy's prospects for long-term health, he said.Bernanke's

The Insurance Industry's Impact on Health Care Costs

2009-05-31T14:57:00.006-06:00

In my previous post I shared with you that rational concern that I have for the future of our country based on the unwise financial decisions we are making. Today I wish to share one of the reasons why the government has a legitimate concern in health care costs and some things that can be done to address those concerns.Medicare is an unfunded disaster. Sadly, this disaster is not an isolated

What is The Future?

2009-05-28T10:20:00.008-06:00

I attended a webinar yesterday called "Health Reform 2009: Watershed or Waterloo?" It was put on by my broker and after sitting through it, my heart was broken. As a result, I was moved to a state of heightened concern and anxiety for the welfare of my nation. I will share why.There are a few laws that simply cannot be argued with.1. You need money to buy things2. Money has to come from

Is The Problem With Term Limits the Term?

2009-05-24T20:03:00.007-06:00

Our Country was founded on four main principles of government:1. The Will of the People2. The Representation of the Individual States3. An Independent Judiciary to protect individual rights and ensure the rule of law4. A Chief Executive Representing the United States and the People of ThemEach of these have corresponding terms. They are:1. The House of Representatives: Two Years2. The Senate: 1/3

Obama Will Spend Less--Way Less!--Than Bush

2009-05-16T20:49:00.000-06:00

By Kevin A. Hassett | Forbes.com Monday, January 19, 2009 Government spending as a share of GDP is practically guaranteed to go down on Obama's watch.

Tincture of Lawlessness - Obama's Overreaching Economic Policies

2009-05-14T11:12:00.002-06:00

Outstanding article - I thought you would enjoy.By George F. Will Thursday, May 14, 2009Anyone, said T.S. Eliot, could carve a goose, were it not for the bones. And anyone could govern as boldly as his whims decreed, were it not for the skeletal structure that keeps civil society civil -- the rule of law. The Obama administration is bold. It also is careless regarding constitutional values and is

Live Free or Die by Mark Steyn

2009-05-12T10:32:00.003-06:00

Below is an adapted lecture delivered at Hillsdale College on March 9, 2009. Some individual statements I do not agree with, but all in all, this was a great speach and I think worth your time.MY REMARKS are titled tonight after the words of General Stark, New Hampshire's great hero of the Revolutionary War: "Live free or die!" When I first moved to New Hampshire, where this appears on our

Is it That Big of a Deal?

2009-05-01T21:38:00.008-06:00

I just had to take a screen shot of this on Yahoo! today because I found it just too silly.What is the featured article? "First lady's 'sneaky splurge." When I saw that I said to myself, "Who cares?"Is there so much demand out there for "Michelle Obama Fashion" that there needs to be a Yahoo! search ready to go and a feature article about it and her $540 shoes?Furthermore, does there really need

Can You Fix Our System?

2009-04-22T20:14:00.003-06:00

Similar to many other work facilities, the building where I work has a security system where you have to swipe in before the door will open for your entrance or exit. Today, that system was down for a few moments and it happened to be down when I was leaving. Our security guard's name (for the purpose of this post) is Phil and is one of those Wilson type characters from Home Improvement:

WSJ: Goldman Sets Plan to Escape U.S. Grip

2009-04-20T18:52:00.003-06:00

I saw this on the cover the Wall Street Journal last week and had to share it. I think it does a good job of showing how far beyond reasonable government we have gone and are going to. I had no idea that banks were forced to take the loans from the government - both stable and unstable banks were forced to take them. I also think it intresting how the banks were forced to receive the money and

Fed's Flood May Leave Democracy Needing Bailout

2009-04-13T20:50:00.003-06:00

This is an excellent read from the AEI. I highly recommend it. In an effort to address the Federal Reserve's ballooning balance sheet, bank officials are arguing for the institution to issue its own debt. While this might effectively curtail inflation in the future, the best way to ensure the bank is on sound financial footing--in a democracy--would be for Congress to appropriate the funds to

Khruschev & Benson Meeting

2009-04-12T19:30:00.002-06:00

I found this interesting - particularly his words about the coming of communism & socialism due to the weakening of the economy. A good friend has often said to me, it is in times of trial and hardship that our values really matter. Our American values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - Liberty in essence - are the values we sacrifice in these times. I worry that our sacrifice of

Cyberspies - Disturbing

2009-04-08T07:35:00.004-06:00

I read this this morning and found it troubling. Does anyone else?WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Cyberspies have penetrated the U.S. electrical grid and left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The spies came from China, Russia and other countries, and were believed to be on a mission to navigate the U.S. electrical system and

Too Good to Not Share

2009-03-26T21:26:00.000-06:00

Geithner's Response to China

2009-03-25T10:37:00.006-06:00

Sorry to post two things in one day, but since I posted about China's currency proposal Geithner has responded about it. Again, very interesting and important knowing that Bretton Woods 2.5 is happening in a few weeks. Here it is: NEW YORK (Reuters) – Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Wednesday the U.S. dollar is still the world's reserve currency and will remain so for a long time,

China calls for new global currency

2009-03-25T07:08:00.005-06:00

This was a fascinating read and I recommend it to you. Necessity and difficulty is the birthplace of innovation and ingenuity. In the world financial markets, there is much difficulty and the necessity to find a better way. It is good to know at the very least one of the innovations being pushed. Something very similar was pushed in the original Bretton Woods - it may be gaining traction and was

State's Rights?

2009-03-07T15:32:00.003-07:00

One of the common themes I often hear when discussing our oversized and bloated federal government is "State's Rights." That theme almost kept us from becoming the United States and almost broke our Union during the Civil War. It was the battle cry of the South in the "War Against Northern Aggression" or the "War for State's Rights." It is the battle cry of many even today - especially among the

Bailout of Wall Street

2009-03-04T21:09:00.005-07:00

Governments were instituted by God for the benefit of man. Their proper role is to ensure the safety and domestic tranquility of its citizens, support interstate commerce, and support the general welfare of the People.Do you believe that?The goverment has the powers to enact laws that are necessary and proper to ensure that it can fulfill the responsibilities and powers delegated to it (Article 1

An Amendment to My Plan

2009-02-27T20:47:00.005-07:00

One additional area I would focus on if I were the leader of this Nation at this important time would be a return to the virtues of Freedom and Accountability. Across this Globe the word "America" is synonyms with "Freedom." America is, or should be, Freedom. I would remind the citizens of our great land that America was founded by men and women who craved for personal responsibility. They

Backup Data on Education

2009-02-24T19:49:00.003-07:00

One of the key areas we, as a Nation, must focus on is Education. Bill Gates makes some great points in this short talk on Education. The first part is on Malaria, the second part is on Education.I highly recommend you watch it.http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/451For the long term, we must begin to prize education again as not only a means to an end, but an end to itself. Learning should be an

The Stimulus Bill Text

2009-02-16T19:04:00.004-07:00

I watched an interview with Ron Paul today and he mentioned how there were only five copies of the final bill circulated among the house and the senate on the day the bill was voted on. Unbelievable.If you want to be one of the lucky few to actually see what is in the bill for yourself (instead of reading the cliff notes version), click here:http://thomas.loc.gov/home/h1/Recovery_Bill_Div_A.pdfAs

The Coman Plan - Data backup on Inflation

2009-02-12T20:23:00.005-07:00

Last night I posted what I would do if I were expected to do something. Two of the points I said that would need our attention would be fiscal policy and inflation. Both are obviously related but in the short term, we can make immediate changes to reduce the coming hyperinflation. The current bailout bill is the wrong direction for the short and long term.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

The Coman Economic Plan

2009-02-11T19:59:00.007-07:00

In response to a friend's question about what would I do regarding the economic stimulus plan and the current situation, I put this forward as a possible solution. At first pass, this is the direction I think we should go:Communicate with Hope and VisionIt is the role of all leaders to lead us to a better place. The words we say have a powerful effect on the feelings we feel and the actions we

Another Letter from My Senator

2009-02-10T10:46:00.003-07:00

A good friend of mine received this letter from Senator Dodd yesterday. It is in response to the Economic Stimulus Bill being debated presently. His response, like that of Senator Lieberman, shows that his mind is made up. Imagine what your life would be like if you, in times of trouble, with your income going way down, took out a massive loan to support yourself and hedge your bets that you

More on the Wrong Track for Change

2009-02-06T10:30:00.003-07:00

My only point in this is to document for anyone reading (all two of you (my wife and I)), that this is just more of the same. I am certain that the intent is to bring change but the motives and the rhetoric are the same of the past 16 years. Here is the headline from the political sports coverage by Politico:"At Dem retreat, a partisan love fest"Here are the first few bits of the article:"

Follow Up Post Regarding Wrong Track for Change

2009-02-05T15:27:00.004-07:00

This article is another example of why we are not on course for change. Just look at the headline:"Obama losing the stimulus message war"Rather than having the media focus on the who is winning and who is losing the political game like it's some type of sports coverage, the media should focus on the facts, the policy, the motives, the possible outcomes, costs and benefits. The media has colluded

Wrong Track for Change

2009-02-04T19:34:00.005-07:00

As I read a few news articles on the stimulus package being debated in Congress and the President's response to the difficulty of getting it passed, I couldn't help but see some problems.The two problems were: an ultimatum for Congress on the parameters of the stimulus bill and the President going to the media to sell his bill. Why is that bad and wrong? It is fundamentally wrong in the following

Our New President

2009-01-20T19:33:00.004-07:00

America is an amazing country. To see one leader that some called "King George" peacefully leave his office of power and to watch our new duly elected president take the solemn oath of office was a moving experience for me. I believe in President Obama's sincerity and desire for a better America. I am looking forward to his leadership. On this day, Innauguration Day, let us for at least 24 hours,

More on God & Government

2009-01-09T20:07:00.006-07:00

If you were troubled, or have questions about the different Church's involvement in defeating Proposition 8, please take a few moments to watch this. I found it an incredibly profound and insightful.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you...

2009-01-08T18:29:00.010-07:00

In our society of "freedom from religion", I was dumbfounded when I looked in this semester's Adult (15 years old and up) Continuing Education Courses offered by my local school district - Bristol Public Schools. I wasn't surprised when I saw classes like Computer Basics, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word etc. I am even interested in taking the Web Page Design class - I think that can come in

Second Day of Congress and What Happens?

2009-01-08T05:40:00.005-07:00

I thought we were in the middle of a crisis, didn't you? If that is the case, why was the first item of business presented on the house floor yesterday the Resolution: Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need to prevent the closure or consolidation of post offices? It gets better.There were three resolutions for creating commemorative stamps:http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111

"And to the Republic for which it stands..."

2009-01-03T18:06:00.005-07:00

"And to the Republic for which it stands..." These are words from our Pledge of Allegiance that all US citizens are invited to repeat. A Republic is not a Democracy. Many, if not most, Americans believe that America is a Democracy. I only wish to point out how grateful we should be that America is not a Democracy. Democracy is a complete rule of the will of the people. Benjamin Franklin called

Letter From my Senator

2009-01-03T14:48:00.004-07:00

I wanted to post the letter I received from Senator Lieberman on the newest economic recovery bill being debated in Congress. My letter to the Senator was urging him to not vote for any bill that increased government spending without having an already present way of paying for the new spending. I cannot see how the mismanagement of our own financial resources at the Federal level will be a tool

Bush = Obama?

2008-12-30T15:11:00.007-07:00

Here are some interesting excerpts from an article I saw today that was written from quotes obtained by Vanity Fair which is doing an oral history of the Bush White House. It's a quick read but telling:"Lawrence Wilkerson, top aide and later chief of staff to former Secretary of State Colin Powell, said that as a new president, Bush was like Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the 2008 GOP vice presidential

Why Governor Rod Blagojevich Shouldn't be Forced to Resign

2008-12-27T20:49:00.003-07:00

I know I am very late in the race for the topic of Governor Rod Blagojevich, but I had to write my thoughts on this subject while it was still a subject. In the midst of all of the calls for Governor Blagojevich to resign or step down - from numerous officials including President-Elect Obama and his own Lt. Governor - as well as the AG filing a motion with the state Supreme Court to have the

Soldiers decapitated in new round of Mexico drug war

2008-12-22T10:23:00.005-07:00

I felt this was an important article to share just a week after the US Department of Justice said that Mexican Drug Lords pose the largest organized crime threat to the United States. In light of that, what is happening across the street has much more potential to harm the average American than what is happening across the globe. More than 1300 US Citizens have died in Mexico during the past 6

Trees

2008-12-22T10:13:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder why the middle is a safer place to be to help your cause? If a picture is worth a thousand words, this video is worth a billion of them...

National Intelligence Council's Predictions

2008-11-26T10:29:00.004-07:00

Do want to look into the possible, likely future? Do you want to know what kind of world you and your children or grandchildren will possibly living in in 2025? Take the time to read this. Some things may surprise you, others may not. The NIC is part of the Federal Government and reports to the Director of National Intelligence. GLOBAL TRENDS 2025: THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COUNCIL'S 2025 PROJECT

The World That Awaits

2008-11-24T14:14:00.005-07:00

One thing I try to do is to post true information on my blog rather than post political tabloids. This is a very valuable and informative article from arguably one of the most influential men in the world. It is his letter to President Elect Obama. I think it would be worth your time to read.MEMORANDUM TO: The president-electRE: Foreign policyFROM: Richard N. Haass, President of the Council on