We've all read or heard the news about Tiger Woods and his alleged affairs. Perhaps you've heard or read the news about war in the Congo. Perhaps you've read about the piles of bodies in the morgues in Nigeria. How about the skyrocketing deficit in our country? Or the failure of many to pay their debts by filing for bankruptcy? Or the endless kidnappings, rapes, and murders? You've no doubt read or heard about death, divorce, financial issues and drugs over and over again.
In some strange way all of these stories fascinate us to some extent. There's a curiosity factor in them. However, in spite of the fascination, regardless of the headlines there seems to be something conspicuously missing from these stories. The reports seem to be glaring in their omissions. Well they are to me anyway. The children. What about the children?
In all of these stories there are children affected. Tiger's children are going to suffer for his behavior. There are children in the Congo that are missing. The bodies in the morgue are actually children. Today's debt is going to be left for our children. And think of the countless souls that have suffered at the hand of adults.
When do we, the adults who are supposed to know better, start thinking about the children? When do we put aside selfish ambitions, attitudes and ideas to consider those little humans who are looking to us for wisdom, care and love?
It's way too easy to do what we want and then try and deal with the consequences later. Don't you think that if we always said "how will my actions affect the children?" that we would change many of our actions?
So how did we get here? Consider that we feed ourselves a steady diet of rubbish in our music, our television, our movies, the internet, and our video games. And then we try to act as responsible human beings. We pump out porn and rubbish on the airways and then complain when someone molests another human being. We worship people that are good at *playing games,* aka sports figures, while we leave our churches empty. We allow these so called heros a "free pass" for their transgressions if they can keep it together on the field. We spend so much time making money that we don't have time to actually play with the kids.
With all of these things, we neglect to consider the impact on the children. I don't end up seeing the worst of the worst and yet I encounter children who are being neglected, or fed a steady diet of rubbish more often than I'd like. How will we ever turn it around? When is enough, enough? How many have to suffer or die before we stop?
Well I say start tomorrow. With everything you do start asking the question "How will my actions affect the children I encounter?" Don't think it matters? What have you got to lose? The children are already suffering and dying.
In case you think these words are simply man made musings, consider this verse from the book of James in the Bible- "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
If God cares, maybe we should too.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Soccer Pride
One of the joys of being a parent is bragging about your kids. Yes, I admit it is bragging, but it's a little more acceptable because it's not about ourselves. I want to brag about my oldest this time. He and his teammates just finished another trip to the Minnesota State High School League tournament for Adapted Soccer.
On Friday night, Josh lead the team with a double-hat trick (6 goals for you non-sports readers) and an assist in an 11-1 victory. The goals were nice, but I am most proud of his assist. Josh worked his way down low to the right side of the goal and passed to a waiting teammate on the left side of the goal. He had pulled the defense and goalie toward himself so all his teammate had to do was drill a shot into a virtually empty net. She did just that and we were all thrilled that she scored a state tournament goal.
I was proud because he could have continued to score on his own, but he showed that he had listened to his coach and passed at the right time giving another team member a moment of glory.
That win took them to the semi finals against an undefeated Dakota United team. The team played very well and they handed the Hawks their first loss of the season, and won 9-5. A fellow senior led the team with four goals while Josh added 3 goals and 2 assists.
This win took them to the final against their division rival the Robbinsdale Robins. It seems that in sports, you never get away from your rivals. The Mustangs and Robins have battled in numerous regular season and tournament contests. This one was one of the most intense and closely fought contests they've had. At half, the Mustangs were down 3-1. In the second half the coach changed the configuration of forwards to a "1-2-1" set up. That left Josh as the lone deep forward for part of the second half. He used his good footwork to move around the larger defenders and eventually score. He and his teammates battled back to a 4-4 tie at the end of regulation. After an aggressive but unsuccessful overtime, the teams went to a shootout.
At the very end of the overtime, one of our players injured his right foot. He is the player that usually is in goal for penalty shots or shootouts. With that injury, he would not be able to be the goalie. The coach decided to have Josh be in the net for the shootout. She showed great confidence in him by asking him to step up and take the pressure of a shootout in spite of the fact that he rarely plays goalie.
I was proud once again because he stepped up and gave his all for the team. He could have cowered from the challenge, but he didn't. He got in there and made 2 out of 4 stops - pretty good for not having been in a shootout before. Sadly the team did not score in their part of the shootout and lost the match.
While everyone wants to win a championship, I am still extremely proud of my son and the team. They could have given up when it was 3-1, but they didn't. Josh could have said "I don't want to be the goalie for the shootout," but he didn't. It takes some fortitude and confidence to take on a challenge you haven't faced before.
I am proud of his athletic accomplishments during the tournament and the fact that he was honored to be selected to the "All-Tournament Team," but I am more proud of the qualities he displayed. He was selfless in the first game when he made a great assist. He played as a team member working hard with his fellow teammates in the second game. And he showed perseverance, guts and confidence as he worked to tie the third game and take on the goalie role.
Now that I've bragged about my son, I want to commend all of the Mustangs. It amazes me every time I watch them play how hard they work and how well they work as a team. You have to realize that each of these kids is already battling some type of physical limitation - some are more obvious than others. Add this to trying to be coordinated enough to kick a rolling ball and execute a pass or a shot and you have an amazing spectacle. When you think of gifted athletes who have done amazing feats and compare them to these kids, there is no comparison. I'll take an adapted soccer team over a Beckham team ANY day.
On Friday night, Josh lead the team with a double-hat trick (6 goals for you non-sports readers) and an assist in an 11-1 victory. The goals were nice, but I am most proud of his assist. Josh worked his way down low to the right side of the goal and passed to a waiting teammate on the left side of the goal. He had pulled the defense and goalie toward himself so all his teammate had to do was drill a shot into a virtually empty net. She did just that and we were all thrilled that she scored a state tournament goal.
I was proud because he could have continued to score on his own, but he showed that he had listened to his coach and passed at the right time giving another team member a moment of glory.
That win took them to the semi finals against an undefeated Dakota United team. The team played very well and they handed the Hawks their first loss of the season, and won 9-5. A fellow senior led the team with four goals while Josh added 3 goals and 2 assists.
This win took them to the final against their division rival the Robbinsdale Robins. It seems that in sports, you never get away from your rivals. The Mustangs and Robins have battled in numerous regular season and tournament contests. This one was one of the most intense and closely fought contests they've had. At half, the Mustangs were down 3-1. In the second half the coach changed the configuration of forwards to a "1-2-1" set up. That left Josh as the lone deep forward for part of the second half. He used his good footwork to move around the larger defenders and eventually score. He and his teammates battled back to a 4-4 tie at the end of regulation. After an aggressive but unsuccessful overtime, the teams went to a shootout.
At the very end of the overtime, one of our players injured his right foot. He is the player that usually is in goal for penalty shots or shootouts. With that injury, he would not be able to be the goalie. The coach decided to have Josh be in the net for the shootout. She showed great confidence in him by asking him to step up and take the pressure of a shootout in spite of the fact that he rarely plays goalie.
I was proud once again because he stepped up and gave his all for the team. He could have cowered from the challenge, but he didn't. He got in there and made 2 out of 4 stops - pretty good for not having been in a shootout before. Sadly the team did not score in their part of the shootout and lost the match.
While everyone wants to win a championship, I am still extremely proud of my son and the team. They could have given up when it was 3-1, but they didn't. Josh could have said "I don't want to be the goalie for the shootout," but he didn't. It takes some fortitude and confidence to take on a challenge you haven't faced before.
I am proud of his athletic accomplishments during the tournament and the fact that he was honored to be selected to the "All-Tournament Team," but I am more proud of the qualities he displayed. He was selfless in the first game when he made a great assist. He played as a team member working hard with his fellow teammates in the second game. And he showed perseverance, guts and confidence as he worked to tie the third game and take on the goalie role.
Now that I've bragged about my son, I want to commend all of the Mustangs. It amazes me every time I watch them play how hard they work and how well they work as a team. You have to realize that each of these kids is already battling some type of physical limitation - some are more obvious than others. Add this to trying to be coordinated enough to kick a rolling ball and execute a pass or a shot and you have an amazing spectacle. When you think of gifted athletes who have done amazing feats and compare them to these kids, there is no comparison. I'll take an adapted soccer team over a Beckham team ANY day.
Friday, November 6, 2009
1990 pages
I was going to blog about the actual statements in the 1990 Pelosicare-Obamacare-I don't care bill, but the WSJ and others did it for me. Check this out:
Defend your health care
WSJ
Ways and Means
The bill will so dramatically change our country that I won't even go out on a limb to say "If they pass it, we (the United States of America) will die."
You will see this country go from one which experiences great freedoms to one that will literally force you to have health care.
Think I'm making it up? Read the bill.
Defend your health care
WSJ
Ways and Means
The bill will so dramatically change our country that I won't even go out on a limb to say "If they pass it, we (the United States of America) will die."
You will see this country go from one which experiences great freedoms to one that will literally force you to have health care.
Think I'm making it up? Read the bill.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Your pay
Did you ever think that your pay would be determined by someone other than your boss or your company? If you did, did you ever in your wildest imagination think that the government would control your pay?
Fox news reports "The Washington pay czar who's ordered steep pay cuts for executives at bailed-out firms could have practically unlimited power to regulate compensation at any company that gets federal funding, lawyers say -- even if his legal authority is sketchy."
Unlimited power to regulate compensation? Really? Yep, that's what's happening. So you get a job, negotiate a contract and plan your life style based on your salary. Your company gets in trouble and decides to get a loan from Uncle Sam and viola they now control your salary. There goes your lifestyle.
I'm not for anyone receiving excessive wages, but if you earn that money, I don't care if it's a dollar or a trillion dollars - it's yours.
The federal government now seems to have the authority to trump a signed contract. Why?
The argument is that these companies owe money to the federal government and that gives the government the right to exercise an "ownership stake" or other not so nice tactics like embarrassment etc.
The first problem here is that the government shouldn't have an "ownership stake" in any private industry. Amendment 5 of the constitution reads "... nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." The private property is the key here. You can call it land, buildings, widgets or even a salary -it's all private property and it's not supposed to be taken by the government. And IF it is then we are supposed to receive JUST compensation. Tell me how slashing anyone's salary by 90% is JUST compensation.
Amendment 8 states "...nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." It sure seems cruel and unusual for the government to control the salary of a private company.
And Amendment 27 states "No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened." The lawmakers themselves can't have pay raises or cuts UNTIL the next election. Not so for these lucky few under the power of the Pay Czar.
Perhaps you don't care for any of my arguments. That's fine you don't need to agree, but you do need to realize that this power grab by the 'savior of the world' and his czar is only the beginning. If they can find a way to alter the pay of these executives or "own" a car company, they can find a way to come after your job and your salary too.
Fox news reports "The Washington pay czar who's ordered steep pay cuts for executives at bailed-out firms could have practically unlimited power to regulate compensation at any company that gets federal funding, lawyers say -- even if his legal authority is sketchy."
Unlimited power to regulate compensation? Really? Yep, that's what's happening. So you get a job, negotiate a contract and plan your life style based on your salary. Your company gets in trouble and decides to get a loan from Uncle Sam and viola they now control your salary. There goes your lifestyle.
I'm not for anyone receiving excessive wages, but if you earn that money, I don't care if it's a dollar or a trillion dollars - it's yours.
The federal government now seems to have the authority to trump a signed contract. Why?
The argument is that these companies owe money to the federal government and that gives the government the right to exercise an "ownership stake" or other not so nice tactics like embarrassment etc.
The first problem here is that the government shouldn't have an "ownership stake" in any private industry. Amendment 5 of the constitution reads "... nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." The private property is the key here. You can call it land, buildings, widgets or even a salary -it's all private property and it's not supposed to be taken by the government. And IF it is then we are supposed to receive JUST compensation. Tell me how slashing anyone's salary by 90% is JUST compensation.
Amendment 8 states "...nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." It sure seems cruel and unusual for the government to control the salary of a private company.
And Amendment 27 states "No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened." The lawmakers themselves can't have pay raises or cuts UNTIL the next election. Not so for these lucky few under the power of the Pay Czar.
Perhaps you don't care for any of my arguments. That's fine you don't need to agree, but you do need to realize that this power grab by the 'savior of the world' and his czar is only the beginning. If they can find a way to alter the pay of these executives or "own" a car company, they can find a way to come after your job and your salary too.
Monday, September 14, 2009
How "rich" are you?
Each day I read horrible things going on in our world. Tragedies that I don't even want to recount here. Each time I read something, I think "Wow! I have been given so much!" Recently I was told that I am a rich man. I want to tell you how really rich I am.
I have enough food each day. I've never gone hungry. I have a home that is very comfortable and clean. I sleep on a bed every night. I have money to buy clothing for our family. We have heat to keep us warm and air conditioning to keep us cool. I have all of my material needs met and most of what I want.
I have a wife who is not only my mate and confidant, but my lover and best friend. She works so hard to take care of our family that I could fill many pages with the details and at the end of a busy day, guess who she wants to hang out with? Me! After 23 plus years of marriage, she still wants to be with ME! It really truly doesn't get better than that!
I have kids that teach me things every day. Sometimes I have to repeat the lessons because I just don't learn very well the first time. But I have them there to help me learn. They also show me amazing things that I would not otherwise take the time to watch.
I have my health. I know a LOT of people that are not very healthy. They have medicine for this or go to doctors for that. My own kids struggle with that issue.
I have choices. I can choose what to do with my time or my money. I can come and go as I please. I have freedom and I am reminded often that many others (primarily our military) have paid the price so I could be free.
I have tools to help me get jobs done. I have friends to call when I need help. I have good neighbors who look out for my kids.
I get the privilege of looking in on various lives that I encounter. Sometimes I can give some guidance along the way so they can avoid the pitfalls I've experienced. Other times I can merely be there and listen. It's an incredible honor when someone invites me to be a part of their world.
I have a faith that guides me day by day. There are SO MANY lost souls in this world. They are trying this or that as they desperately look for some kind of fulfillment. Sadly, most of what they try comes up short and leaves them empty. I really can not imagine where my life would be without my faith in Jesus Christ.
So you can see what was told to me recently is true - I am a rich man.
I have enough food each day. I've never gone hungry. I have a home that is very comfortable and clean. I sleep on a bed every night. I have money to buy clothing for our family. We have heat to keep us warm and air conditioning to keep us cool. I have all of my material needs met and most of what I want.
I have a wife who is not only my mate and confidant, but my lover and best friend. She works so hard to take care of our family that I could fill many pages with the details and at the end of a busy day, guess who she wants to hang out with? Me! After 23 plus years of marriage, she still wants to be with ME! It really truly doesn't get better than that!
I have kids that teach me things every day. Sometimes I have to repeat the lessons because I just don't learn very well the first time. But I have them there to help me learn. They also show me amazing things that I would not otherwise take the time to watch.
I have my health. I know a LOT of people that are not very healthy. They have medicine for this or go to doctors for that. My own kids struggle with that issue.
I have choices. I can choose what to do with my time or my money. I can come and go as I please. I have freedom and I am reminded often that many others (primarily our military) have paid the price so I could be free.
I have tools to help me get jobs done. I have friends to call when I need help. I have good neighbors who look out for my kids.
I get the privilege of looking in on various lives that I encounter. Sometimes I can give some guidance along the way so they can avoid the pitfalls I've experienced. Other times I can merely be there and listen. It's an incredible honor when someone invites me to be a part of their world.
I have a faith that guides me day by day. There are SO MANY lost souls in this world. They are trying this or that as they desperately look for some kind of fulfillment. Sadly, most of what they try comes up short and leaves them empty. I really can not imagine where my life would be without my faith in Jesus Christ.
So you can see what was told to me recently is true - I am a rich man.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
A little respite
With more heat in Washington over the health care reform than in our summer days, it's time to turn from the political topics back to 'Raising Prices.' We enjoyed a wonderful respite at a Joni and Friends retreat hosted at the Castaway Club in Detroit Lakes MN.
We spent an extended weekend at a facility that is top notch in my book with regard to: accessibility, clean facilities, excellent food and ample room for our family. In addition to that, we had a great time in worship, teaching, networking and recreation.
Some highlights:
-We were greeted by 150 volunteers wearing yellow shirts and clapping and shouting similar to the way you see it on "Extreme Home Makeover." Laura and I were moved as we drove up the long driveway and greeted by an army who took our gear out of the trailer and had it in our room faster than you can say "Are we there yet?"
-We were assigned 4 STM's - Short Term Missionaries for the kids with formal disability labels. They were all wonderful and connected with each of our kids in a unique and special way. It was a treat to see these folks genuinely interested in who our kids are and what they wanted to do. Some of them had never been exposed to people with disabilities before. They were by their own admission "out of their comfort zone" but you never would have guessed.
-I mentioned the facility briefly, but wanted to add that when you try to pack 9 people and a dog into 1 room the results are usually not pretty. We weren't cramped here though. We had 12 bunk beds, a large 3 shower, 2 stall bathroom and ample room for the kennel and a wheelchair. For us, it was a dream camping set up!
-We heard some great teaching. When you deal with disability, you end up confronting some tough questions from "Why Me?" to "Why isn't my child healed?" to "Is this really God's will?"
We spent a lot of time talking about God doing things for HIS glory. That's a hard concept. My child/family member has this disability and that's bringing glory to God? I believe this is true, but I have to confess I'm still working through some of that. It isn't easy to see how hardship, difficulty, disability or even death of a loved one brings glory to God. But if we don't believe that then what are the options for why disability occurs? Some people deserve it? Some people are better than others? I don't thing so.
The teaching was good and gave me a better perspective on this thing called disability.
-Worship. When you have the opportunity to worship more frequently than once a week it gives you a chance to actually leave the distractions of this world behind and focus on God and His glory. This concentrated time gave me the chance to experience God in a new and closer way. A chance to feel His presence and know that He was hearing me and speaking to me.
It's much easier to get drawn into total worship when you watch others who worship with no regard for the 'outward appearances.' For example, one young man simply liked the tambourine. He wanted to be near the worship band so he walked up on stage and used his tambourine to praise. The innocence and purity of his desire moved me.
-Food. Lots of it and very, very good!
-Fun. It was somewhat rainy each day, but we managed to get something done each day. Vicki and I went on REAL inner tubes behind a REAL speed boat. She loved it, but I think I was choking her with my 'death grip' on her life jacket. Andrew went with our PCA Stephanie. He's so adventurous.
Tim and Josh did the zip line. They climbed 4 stories up and got in these harnesses. The harness was attached to a line and then they zipped down into the water. Andrew wanted to do it, but the harnesses were too big.
Most of us went into the hot tub. One day it was raining, but we didn't really mind for some reason.
Then there was the rock climbing wall. Tim and Andrew were harnessed and looking like Batman and Robin instantly. They made it up about 3 stories before their little arms and legs just wore out. Josh gave it a try too, but we saw how his Myotonic could actually hamper something he wanted to do - he didn't get very far. I decided that I had to at least try the wall. I went with some fear and trembling, but reminded myself not to look down. With great support from the belayer on the ground, I did make it to the top of the 4 story wall! Then I had the fun of 'sliding' down the wall. Once on the ground I realized my forearms had turned to Jello. Better at the end than in the middle of the climb!
The little boys and I played Frisbee golf. Someone needs to tell them that smaller numbers are better!
-Vicki and Laura had a nice time meeting and talking with Joni Eareckson Tada. She has lived with her disability for a long time and still conveys God's grace to those she meets. We were able to get a family picture with Joni! It was a great encouragement to us to meet her and watch how God uses her.
-Networking. We met a number of really great people who live with all different kinds of disabilities. We talked about everything from insurance to personal cares, to struggles, to vacations. It was nice to share stories with others who go through similar things.
-At the end of the time, I realized how much refreshment I had received. The best way I can describe it is to say I am ready to 'run this race' a little longer.
Here's a few glimpses of our time.
http://raisingprices.shutterfly.com/
We spent an extended weekend at a facility that is top notch in my book with regard to: accessibility, clean facilities, excellent food and ample room for our family. In addition to that, we had a great time in worship, teaching, networking and recreation.
Some highlights:
-We were greeted by 150 volunteers wearing yellow shirts and clapping and shouting similar to the way you see it on "Extreme Home Makeover." Laura and I were moved as we drove up the long driveway and greeted by an army who took our gear out of the trailer and had it in our room faster than you can say "Are we there yet?"
-We were assigned 4 STM's - Short Term Missionaries for the kids with formal disability labels. They were all wonderful and connected with each of our kids in a unique and special way. It was a treat to see these folks genuinely interested in who our kids are and what they wanted to do. Some of them had never been exposed to people with disabilities before. They were by their own admission "out of their comfort zone" but you never would have guessed.
-I mentioned the facility briefly, but wanted to add that when you try to pack 9 people and a dog into 1 room the results are usually not pretty. We weren't cramped here though. We had 12 bunk beds, a large 3 shower, 2 stall bathroom and ample room for the kennel and a wheelchair. For us, it was a dream camping set up!
-We heard some great teaching. When you deal with disability, you end up confronting some tough questions from "Why Me?" to "Why isn't my child healed?" to "Is this really God's will?"
We spent a lot of time talking about God doing things for HIS glory. That's a hard concept. My child/family member has this disability and that's bringing glory to God? I believe this is true, but I have to confess I'm still working through some of that. It isn't easy to see how hardship, difficulty, disability or even death of a loved one brings glory to God. But if we don't believe that then what are the options for why disability occurs? Some people deserve it? Some people are better than others? I don't thing so.
The teaching was good and gave me a better perspective on this thing called disability.
-Worship. When you have the opportunity to worship more frequently than once a week it gives you a chance to actually leave the distractions of this world behind and focus on God and His glory. This concentrated time gave me the chance to experience God in a new and closer way. A chance to feel His presence and know that He was hearing me and speaking to me.
It's much easier to get drawn into total worship when you watch others who worship with no regard for the 'outward appearances.' For example, one young man simply liked the tambourine. He wanted to be near the worship band so he walked up on stage and used his tambourine to praise. The innocence and purity of his desire moved me.
-Food. Lots of it and very, very good!
-Fun. It was somewhat rainy each day, but we managed to get something done each day. Vicki and I went on REAL inner tubes behind a REAL speed boat. She loved it, but I think I was choking her with my 'death grip' on her life jacket. Andrew went with our PCA Stephanie. He's so adventurous.
Tim and Josh did the zip line. They climbed 4 stories up and got in these harnesses. The harness was attached to a line and then they zipped down into the water. Andrew wanted to do it, but the harnesses were too big.
Most of us went into the hot tub. One day it was raining, but we didn't really mind for some reason.
Then there was the rock climbing wall. Tim and Andrew were harnessed and looking like Batman and Robin instantly. They made it up about 3 stories before their little arms and legs just wore out. Josh gave it a try too, but we saw how his Myotonic could actually hamper something he wanted to do - he didn't get very far. I decided that I had to at least try the wall. I went with some fear and trembling, but reminded myself not to look down. With great support from the belayer on the ground, I did make it to the top of the 4 story wall! Then I had the fun of 'sliding' down the wall. Once on the ground I realized my forearms had turned to Jello. Better at the end than in the middle of the climb!
The little boys and I played Frisbee golf. Someone needs to tell them that smaller numbers are better!
-Vicki and Laura had a nice time meeting and talking with Joni Eareckson Tada. She has lived with her disability for a long time and still conveys God's grace to those she meets. We were able to get a family picture with Joni! It was a great encouragement to us to meet her and watch how God uses her.
-Networking. We met a number of really great people who live with all different kinds of disabilities. We talked about everything from insurance to personal cares, to struggles, to vacations. It was nice to share stories with others who go through similar things.
-At the end of the time, I realized how much refreshment I had received. The best way I can describe it is to say I am ready to 'run this race' a little longer.
Here's a few glimpses of our time.
http://raisingprices.shutterfly.com/
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Just the facts man!
The Administration of our recently elected 'savior of the world' is really worried that you don't have the facts about health care reform. They are so worried that they sent out an email telling you to watch various videos that will give you 'just the facts.'
Well I don't trust our beloved Administration so I sought out 'just the facts' myself. All of these facts come from the current version of H.R. 3200.
Fact number 1. This will cost us money we don't have (i.e we have to borrow it). Read the facts:
Sec 222 Premiums and Financing
"(2) START-UP FUNDING-
(A) IN GENERAL- In order to provide for the establishment of the public health insurance option there is hereby appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $2,000,000,000. In order to provide for initial claims reserves before the collection of premiums, there is hereby appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as necessary to cover 90 days worth of claims reserves based on projected enrollment.
(B) AMORTIZATION OF START-UP FUNDING- The Secretary shall provide for the repayment of the startup funding provided under subparagraph (A) to the Treasury in an amortized manner over the 10-year period beginning with Y1.
(C) LIMITATION ON FUNDING- Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing any additional appropriations to the Account, other than such amounts as are otherwise provided with respect to other Exchange-participating health benefits plans."
This is JUST for the public health insurance option. 2 BILLION plus enough to cover 90 days worth of claims. In other words, we don't know exactly how much. And then we're SUPPOSED to pay back the money. HA! We can't service the debt we have now! Here's one snipet from the Congressional Budget Office website:
"CBO estimates that the federal government incurred a deficit of $1.3 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal year 2009. Outlays were $526 billion greater than those in the October-July period last year, while revenues have fallen by $353 billion."
So we're spending more than we take in, we're already in debt and the Administration wants to add another 2 plus billion JUST for the Public Option. Can ANY economics major tell me how this is viable? Without Voodoo economics?
Fact number 2: You WILL be taxed no matter what.
Section 207 Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund
(side note when the government says "Trust Fund" you shouldn't)
"(1) DEDICATED PAYMENTS- There is hereby appropriated to the Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the following:
(A) TAXES ON INDIVIDUALS NOT OBTAINING ACCEPTABLE COVERAGE- The amounts received in the Treasury under section 59B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to requirement of health insurance coverage for individuals)."
Whether you want coverage or not, you WILL pay a tax. That means if you opt for ANY alternative type 'insurance' plan that doesn't meet their standards, you pay.
Fact number 3: INCREASED government
"SEC. 141. HEALTH CHOICES ADMINISTRATION; HEALTH CHOICES COMMISSIONER.
(a) In General- There is hereby established, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government, a Health Choices Administration (in this division referred to as the ‘Administration’).
(b) Commissioner-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall be headed by a Health Choices Commissioner (in this division referred to as the ‘Commissioner’) who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) COMPENSATION; ETC- The provisions of paragraphs (2), (5), and (7) of subsection (a) (relating to compensation, terms, general powers, rulemaking, and delegation) of section 702 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 902) shall apply to the Commissioner and the Administration in the same manner as such provisions apply to the Commissioner of Social Security and the Social Security Administration."
If we have to pay this newly appointed clown, then it's increased government.
OK folks, there you have it 3 FACTS coming right out of H.R. 3200.
Don't let anyone fool you. There are serious problems with this bill and these are but 3 of them.
Well I don't trust our beloved Administration so I sought out 'just the facts' myself. All of these facts come from the current version of H.R. 3200.
Fact number 1. This will cost us money we don't have (i.e we have to borrow it). Read the facts:
Sec 222 Premiums and Financing
"(2) START-UP FUNDING-
(A) IN GENERAL- In order to provide for the establishment of the public health insurance option there is hereby appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $2,000,000,000. In order to provide for initial claims reserves before the collection of premiums, there is hereby appropriated to the Secretary, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as necessary to cover 90 days worth of claims reserves based on projected enrollment.
(B) AMORTIZATION OF START-UP FUNDING- The Secretary shall provide for the repayment of the startup funding provided under subparagraph (A) to the Treasury in an amortized manner over the 10-year period beginning with Y1.
(C) LIMITATION ON FUNDING- Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing any additional appropriations to the Account, other than such amounts as are otherwise provided with respect to other Exchange-participating health benefits plans."
This is JUST for the public health insurance option. 2 BILLION plus enough to cover 90 days worth of claims. In other words, we don't know exactly how much. And then we're SUPPOSED to pay back the money. HA! We can't service the debt we have now! Here's one snipet from the Congressional Budget Office website:
"CBO estimates that the federal government incurred a deficit of $1.3 trillion in the first 10 months of fiscal year 2009. Outlays were $526 billion greater than those in the October-July period last year, while revenues have fallen by $353 billion."
So we're spending more than we take in, we're already in debt and the Administration wants to add another 2 plus billion JUST for the Public Option. Can ANY economics major tell me how this is viable? Without Voodoo economics?
Fact number 2: You WILL be taxed no matter what.
Section 207 Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund
(side note when the government says "Trust Fund" you shouldn't)
"(1) DEDICATED PAYMENTS- There is hereby appropriated to the Trust Fund amounts equivalent to the following:
(A) TAXES ON INDIVIDUALS NOT OBTAINING ACCEPTABLE COVERAGE- The amounts received in the Treasury under section 59B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to requirement of health insurance coverage for individuals)."
Whether you want coverage or not, you WILL pay a tax. That means if you opt for ANY alternative type 'insurance' plan that doesn't meet their standards, you pay.
Fact number 3: INCREASED government
"SEC. 141. HEALTH CHOICES ADMINISTRATION; HEALTH CHOICES COMMISSIONER.
(a) In General- There is hereby established, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government, a Health Choices Administration (in this division referred to as the ‘Administration’).
(b) Commissioner-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Administration shall be headed by a Health Choices Commissioner (in this division referred to as the ‘Commissioner’) who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) COMPENSATION; ETC- The provisions of paragraphs (2), (5), and (7) of subsection (a) (relating to compensation, terms, general powers, rulemaking, and delegation) of section 702 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 902) shall apply to the Commissioner and the Administration in the same manner as such provisions apply to the Commissioner of Social Security and the Social Security Administration."
If we have to pay this newly appointed clown, then it's increased government.
OK folks, there you have it 3 FACTS coming right out of H.R. 3200.
Don't let anyone fool you. There are serious problems with this bill and these are but 3 of them.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
We Are Out of Money!
Did you watch the MLB All-Star game? If you did, and you saw the recently elected 'savior of the world,' you know that the United
States is out of money! Yep, he said it with his own mouth "We're out of money."
Those who support this administration will say "It was just a joke." The reality is there is always a modicum of truth in every joke.
So now you know the truth folks - we don't have any more money. So why on God's green earth are we trying to pass "Health Care Reform" that will only INCREASE the costs to our own pocket books.
Here are some examples from the legislation in it's current form:
1. You WILL be taxed if you choose not to get health care insurance. Page 110 "Taxes on Individuals Not Obtaining Acceptable Coverage."
2. Increased government page 107 "There is hereby established the Office of Inspector General for the Health Insurance Exchange" Increased government means more taxes
3. Increased government page 30. Section 123 Health Benefits Advisory Committee. Public and private people getting together to talk about this with per diem and travel expenses paid for by YOU.
So let's do some figuring - We are out of money according to our own 'savior of the world.' We are planning to FORCE you to get health care insurance and we are planning to make sure there is more government to oversee it. Add it up and you get - - drum roll please MORE taxes! Yes America you are the new winner of decreased take home pay! Thanks for playing our "We're out of Money" game.
States is out of money! Yep, he said it with his own mouth "We're out of money."
Those who support this administration will say "It was just a joke." The reality is there is always a modicum of truth in every joke.
So now you know the truth folks - we don't have any more money. So why on God's green earth are we trying to pass "Health Care Reform" that will only INCREASE the costs to our own pocket books.
Here are some examples from the legislation in it's current form:
1. You WILL be taxed if you choose not to get health care insurance. Page 110 "Taxes on Individuals Not Obtaining Acceptable Coverage."
2. Increased government page 107 "There is hereby established the Office of Inspector General for the Health Insurance Exchange" Increased government means more taxes
3. Increased government page 30. Section 123 Health Benefits Advisory Committee. Public and private people getting together to talk about this with per diem and travel expenses paid for by YOU.
So let's do some figuring - We are out of money according to our own 'savior of the world.' We are planning to FORCE you to get health care insurance and we are planning to make sure there is more government to oversee it. Add it up and you get - - drum roll please MORE taxes! Yes America you are the new winner of decreased take home pay! Thanks for playing our "We're out of Money" game.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Live Within Your Means
Whatever happened to the good old fashioned idea that if I don't have the money I can't buy it? Where did we turn the corner from "responsible living" to "rights based" living? Rights based living is the idea that because I'm an American I have the RIGHT to have prosperity whether or not I actually earn it. If I don't want to work for it, then the country owes it to me.
Using "rights based" living many have taken on grand ideas of how they should be able to "make" their wealth. Look at recent scam artists that were "working" to make money - Madoff, Petters, and Hecker to name a few. Perhaps they all started out as Responsible Living people, but somewhere their plans took a hit and they became Rights Based people. They went from hard work and dedication to 'give it to me at any cost.'
Eventually they were caught at their games, but not before many, many people were hurt. Their rights somehow trumped the rights of others and they were allowed to profit from their schemes for many years.
Unfortunately the same is NOT true for our federal government. Although there have been many loud outcries against bailouts, 'bridges to nowhere' and other pork projects, the government goes merrily on with it's head in the sand in the name of "saving the economy" or whatever tag line feels good at the time. The Rights Based living has taken us down a dark and dirty road. It has placed a burden on our country that is likely to bury us. The amount of debt saddling our country now will only balloon in years to come.
Where did we turn the corner from living responsibly to this 'rights based' living? More importantly WHY did we turn the corner? Did we think it would be easier just to give prosperity away? Did we think that our children would be better off if they DIDN'T have to work hard? Do we really think that we can sustain this kind of living? Oh I'm sorry, look at the housing crisis and we have our answer - we can't.
People everywhere are worried. They're worried that their investments won't be enough for retirement. They're worried that their houses will be taken. They're worried that their lifestyles will have to be altered. Those worries are justified if the plan is to rely on the federal government to take care of the problems. Washington can't save any of us. Washington's Right's Based system is so entrenched in their thinking that they only see one way to save the world.
In the state of MN recently our state government took action that I haven't seen in some time. The governor actually "unalloted" programs. Yes folks, that means he took money away from various programs. Was it pleasant? No. Was it painful? Yes and no. Was it necessary? Absolutely.
You see Rights Based living can't go on indefinitely. Eventually we have to go back to working for what we get. We have to do responsible things like - spending less than we make, paying our bills, buying only what we can afford, and oh yes working for all of it.
If you want to be more secure in the future, start down the road of Responsible Living today. Make it a goal to pay off your house early. Make it a priority to stop using your credit cards. Make a plan to have money tucked away for a rainy day. If you do this, then you won't need Washington to help bail you out. If you don't, then don't knock on my door asking for bread. After all, I don't believe it's your Right to have it if you haven't earned it.
Using "rights based" living many have taken on grand ideas of how they should be able to "make" their wealth. Look at recent scam artists that were "working" to make money - Madoff, Petters, and Hecker to name a few. Perhaps they all started out as Responsible Living people, but somewhere their plans took a hit and they became Rights Based people. They went from hard work and dedication to 'give it to me at any cost.'
Eventually they were caught at their games, but not before many, many people were hurt. Their rights somehow trumped the rights of others and they were allowed to profit from their schemes for many years.
Unfortunately the same is NOT true for our federal government. Although there have been many loud outcries against bailouts, 'bridges to nowhere' and other pork projects, the government goes merrily on with it's head in the sand in the name of "saving the economy" or whatever tag line feels good at the time. The Rights Based living has taken us down a dark and dirty road. It has placed a burden on our country that is likely to bury us. The amount of debt saddling our country now will only balloon in years to come.
Where did we turn the corner from living responsibly to this 'rights based' living? More importantly WHY did we turn the corner? Did we think it would be easier just to give prosperity away? Did we think that our children would be better off if they DIDN'T have to work hard? Do we really think that we can sustain this kind of living? Oh I'm sorry, look at the housing crisis and we have our answer - we can't.
People everywhere are worried. They're worried that their investments won't be enough for retirement. They're worried that their houses will be taken. They're worried that their lifestyles will have to be altered. Those worries are justified if the plan is to rely on the federal government to take care of the problems. Washington can't save any of us. Washington's Right's Based system is so entrenched in their thinking that they only see one way to save the world.
In the state of MN recently our state government took action that I haven't seen in some time. The governor actually "unalloted" programs. Yes folks, that means he took money away from various programs. Was it pleasant? No. Was it painful? Yes and no. Was it necessary? Absolutely.
You see Rights Based living can't go on indefinitely. Eventually we have to go back to working for what we get. We have to do responsible things like - spending less than we make, paying our bills, buying only what we can afford, and oh yes working for all of it.
If you want to be more secure in the future, start down the road of Responsible Living today. Make it a goal to pay off your house early. Make it a priority to stop using your credit cards. Make a plan to have money tucked away for a rainy day. If you do this, then you won't need Washington to help bail you out. If you don't, then don't knock on my door asking for bread. After all, I don't believe it's your Right to have it if you haven't earned it.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
How's your health care?
Did you watch the markets on Monday June 15th? They lost. Why? Because our newly elected 'savior of the world' was talking about government run health care.
The markets know what they like and government health care isn't it.
Who or what are 'the markets' anyway? The markets are big conglomerate businesses that pitch money to and fro with no rhyme or reason, right? Wrong.
The markets are small (and large) investors who put money into companies with the desire to make a profit. That profit is then used to do other things like more investing or purchasing things - thereby stimulating the economy in a real way.
When the markets hear that the government wants a chance to run something that they shouldn't (and are definitely not capable of running) they become afraid. Why? Because they see their hard earned profits going for something other than their desired goals. They see their money being frittered away into la la land never to be seen again.
So you see my friends that 'the markets' are simply you and I telling the rest of the world through our investing what's good for the economy (and our own profits) and what's not.
Mark my words, if we see *any* intrusion into health care greater than exists today, you WILL see your profits shrink.
The markets know what they like and government health care isn't it.
Who or what are 'the markets' anyway? The markets are big conglomerate businesses that pitch money to and fro with no rhyme or reason, right? Wrong.
The markets are small (and large) investors who put money into companies with the desire to make a profit. That profit is then used to do other things like more investing or purchasing things - thereby stimulating the economy in a real way.
When the markets hear that the government wants a chance to run something that they shouldn't (and are definitely not capable of running) they become afraid. Why? Because they see their hard earned profits going for something other than their desired goals. They see their money being frittered away into la la land never to be seen again.
So you see my friends that 'the markets' are simply you and I telling the rest of the world through our investing what's good for the economy (and our own profits) and what's not.
Mark my words, if we see *any* intrusion into health care greater than exists today, you WILL see your profits shrink.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Awards
Tonight was a fun filled evening. Unfortunately we couldn't all be at the same venue.
My friend Tom McMahon, nominated me for a "Change Maker" award at Arc. Thanks Tom, it was really nice to receive that. I was very moved when I read the letter talking about the award.
My three bowlers - Vicki, Matt and Rachel all went to their bowling banquet. Yes they had PCA's - after all if you're getting an award from one organization, it's really bad press if the cops show up because you weren't caring for your children :)
Vicki medaled in both singles and doubles this year taking 3rd place in each. The other two didn't medal, but they bowled well and had fun.
It's fun to see the accomplishments of my kids and it was a nice treat to be recognized at Arc.
My friend Tom McMahon, nominated me for a "Change Maker" award at Arc. Thanks Tom, it was really nice to receive that. I was very moved when I read the letter talking about the award.
My three bowlers - Vicki, Matt and Rachel all went to their bowling banquet. Yes they had PCA's - after all if you're getting an award from one organization, it's really bad press if the cops show up because you weren't caring for your children :)
Vicki medaled in both singles and doubles this year taking 3rd place in each. The other two didn't medal, but they bowled well and had fun.
It's fun to see the accomplishments of my kids and it was a nice treat to be recognized at Arc.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Twitter prayers
Our modern electronic culture has moved from your basic text and email to a non-stop in your Facebook twitterpating maniacal craze. People are spending countless hours tweating, twitting and facing life. While I am certain that some of this is good, consider the number of hours talking to no one. Well yes I suppose you do talk, but not face to face. (And to be fair, it's not unlike what I'm doing now. I'm talking to no one, just writing my opinions).
But consider numbers like 400, 5,000, 10,000 etc. Why are those numbers important. I've heard of people on Facebook having 400 "friends." Now I'm not the most popular person on the planet so maybe I'm not a good example, but I KNOW I don't have 400 friends. MAYBE 40. So why is that important. First of all, no one has 400 friends. If we say they have the 40 I mentioned, what are the other 360 doing? They're simply voyeurs looking into that persons life. They're "watching" that person via the internet. Watching some fairly intimate details. Watching and waiting for an opportunity to cause some kind of harm. Think I'm kidding, read or watch the news.
The other two numbers 5k and 10k are fairly large. Those are the number of text messages (or twits, tweats etc) that ONE person has done in a month. Do the math - 5,000 divided by 30 is 167 per DAY which is about 7 per hour for EVERY hour which is about 1 every 10 minutes! For 10k that's about 1 every 5 minutes! Is it any wonder that we feel stressed out!
Finally consider this recent development. Today is the "National Day of Prayer." We have had a formal National Day of Prayer for 58 years. For the first time in 7 years, the office of the White House will NOT have any kind of prayer meeting. HOWEVER, they will begin to Facebook and Twitter in the coming days.
So instead of getting on his knees and talk to God to ask for guidance, our newly elected 'savior of the world' will get on his BlackBerry and talk to the rest of the world to tell them what a great job he's doing.
Sorry I gotta go, I have 10,000 prayer messages to get in before lunch.
But consider numbers like 400, 5,000, 10,000 etc. Why are those numbers important. I've heard of people on Facebook having 400 "friends." Now I'm not the most popular person on the planet so maybe I'm not a good example, but I KNOW I don't have 400 friends. MAYBE 40. So why is that important. First of all, no one has 400 friends. If we say they have the 40 I mentioned, what are the other 360 doing? They're simply voyeurs looking into that persons life. They're "watching" that person via the internet. Watching some fairly intimate details. Watching and waiting for an opportunity to cause some kind of harm. Think I'm kidding, read or watch the news.
The other two numbers 5k and 10k are fairly large. Those are the number of text messages (or twits, tweats etc) that ONE person has done in a month. Do the math - 5,000 divided by 30 is 167 per DAY which is about 7 per hour for EVERY hour which is about 1 every 10 minutes! For 10k that's about 1 every 5 minutes! Is it any wonder that we feel stressed out!
Finally consider this recent development. Today is the "National Day of Prayer." We have had a formal National Day of Prayer for 58 years. For the first time in 7 years, the office of the White House will NOT have any kind of prayer meeting. HOWEVER, they will begin to Facebook and Twitter in the coming days.
So instead of getting on his knees and talk to God to ask for guidance, our newly elected 'savior of the world' will get on his BlackBerry and talk to the rest of the world to tell them what a great job he's doing.
Sorry I gotta go, I have 10,000 prayer messages to get in before lunch.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Accepting Jesus
You may have wondered from recent posts how my "Raising Prices" theme got sidetracked with political talk. The reality is that the rules our government makes are highly important in the discussion of raising our kids. If we have a bad government, we have to stand up and say so. If we do nothing, our children will suffer the consequences.
Fortunately no matter how bad a government may be, God can still be at work. Consider what Laura said about our 6 year old the other night:
He was in bed tonight and I could hear him crying. I went in his room to see what was the matter. He said he was crying because he needed a kleenex (we strongly discourage getting out of bed once in it). He said the other reason he was crying was that he hadn't prayed yet so he could go to heaven. I asked him if he would like to do that now. He said he would. We talked about how only Jesus can take away the sin that we all have and that sin separates us from God. He repeated a prayer after me. We went out to tell Dad and I noticed that he was almost glowing. We told him we were very excited and told him that he will never be separated from Jesus again because He lives in his heart now. His face was so peaceful and then he took a deep breath and his whole body relaxed.
This kind of night is what we as Christian parents look forward to. This world is messed up and has nothing to offer us for eternity. There really is only one way to peace and to heaven and it is through Jesus Christ. Now regardless of the crapola faced on this earth, my son will enjoy an eternity completely crap free. What could be better than that?
Fortunately no matter how bad a government may be, God can still be at work. Consider what Laura said about our 6 year old the other night:
He was in bed tonight and I could hear him crying. I went in his room to see what was the matter. He said he was crying because he needed a kleenex (we strongly discourage getting out of bed once in it). He said the other reason he was crying was that he hadn't prayed yet so he could go to heaven. I asked him if he would like to do that now. He said he would. We talked about how only Jesus can take away the sin that we all have and that sin separates us from God. He repeated a prayer after me. We went out to tell Dad and I noticed that he was almost glowing. We told him we were very excited and told him that he will never be separated from Jesus again because He lives in his heart now. His face was so peaceful and then he took a deep breath and his whole body relaxed.
This kind of night is what we as Christian parents look forward to. This world is messed up and has nothing to offer us for eternity. There really is only one way to peace and to heaven and it is through Jesus Christ. Now regardless of the crapola faced on this earth, my son will enjoy an eternity completely crap free. What could be better than that?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
100 is such a nice number
It's time for report cards class. How many of you can count to 100? Jimmy A+, Susie B-, Rachel C, 'savior of the world' D.
Oh I'm sorry 'sotw' you can count to 100, but you have not accomplished anything meaningful before you reached 100. 100 days that is. Yes we're actually talking about the first 100 days of the newly elected 'savior of the world.'
While the rest of the world is drooling over the accomplishments, I am simply drooling. I realize there are a number of possibilities as to why I am drooling, but that's beside the point. Consider these possibilities:
-A private sector company's president was ousted
-Numerous high level appointees have been turned down or stepped down because they didn't pay taxes
-We now pay to kill babies in foreign countries
-We are allowed to make and kill babies in the name of research
-Known enemies of the state are now free
-Other known enemies of the state will go free
-Enemies of the state are laughing uproariously at us because they know we won't really hurt them anymore
-TRILLIONS of dollars have been thrown away and my portfolio is still in the toilet
By now you may be saying 'wow, he's lost it.' Well folks, there are verifiable stories for each one of the above mentioned actions. Now you know why I'm drooling. I'm seething so bad, it's just leaking out.
You wanted change. You got it. How's it going now? Not so good? Too bad you were fooled by all of the rhetoric.
If you think 100 is a nice number, just wait until we get to 1000. By then things should be bad enough that you'll finally see the truth.
As for me, I've got a drooling problem to control.
Oh I'm sorry 'sotw' you can count to 100, but you have not accomplished anything meaningful before you reached 100. 100 days that is. Yes we're actually talking about the first 100 days of the newly elected 'savior of the world.'
While the rest of the world is drooling over the accomplishments, I am simply drooling. I realize there are a number of possibilities as to why I am drooling, but that's beside the point. Consider these possibilities:
-A private sector company's president was ousted
-Numerous high level appointees have been turned down or stepped down because they didn't pay taxes
-We now pay to kill babies in foreign countries
-We are allowed to make and kill babies in the name of research
-Known enemies of the state are now free
-Other known enemies of the state will go free
-Enemies of the state are laughing uproariously at us because they know we won't really hurt them anymore
-TRILLIONS of dollars have been thrown away and my portfolio is still in the toilet
By now you may be saying 'wow, he's lost it.' Well folks, there are verifiable stories for each one of the above mentioned actions. Now you know why I'm drooling. I'm seething so bad, it's just leaking out.
You wanted change. You got it. How's it going now? Not so good? Too bad you were fooled by all of the rhetoric.
If you think 100 is a nice number, just wait until we get to 1000. By then things should be bad enough that you'll finally see the truth.
As for me, I've got a drooling problem to control.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hold on to your CAPS
My advice for this post is that you hold on to your CAPS. Yep, look it up. Your CAP is going to be taxed. Well not exactly your cap, but if you exhale too much you'll be taxed. Think I'm kidding? Here's a quote from an article at "http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/apr09/8348" "In his address to the U.S. Congress in February, Obama called on lawmakers “to send me legislation that places a market-based cap on carbon pollution ..."
Carbon based pollution is what you exhale every time you breathe! Those who love our Mother the earth truly and deeply believe this. Sure they're talking about factories or energy producers, but they're also talking about you and me.
When our newly elected 'savior of the world' was on the campaign trail he said this "You know, when I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, uh, you know — Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket. Even regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad. Because I’m capping greenhouse gases, coal power plants, you know, natural gas, you name it — whatever the plants were, whatever the industry was, uh, they would have to retrofit their operations. That will cost money. They will pass that money on to consumers."
While the focus in this quote is on the raising of your taxes (without calling it a tax), you must read a little deeper. He said "...natural gas, you name it.." Alright, let's name it. Carbon dioxide. You put too much into the atmosphere and you get taxed.
It appears to be a stretch doesn't it? But think about all those people in years gone by who didn't believe people like the Wright brothers, or that we could put a man on the moon. It sounds far fetched when I say it too, but it's really right around the corner - or right out your nostrils to be accurate.
Carbon based pollution is what you exhale every time you breathe! Those who love our Mother the earth truly and deeply believe this. Sure they're talking about factories or energy producers, but they're also talking about you and me.
When our newly elected 'savior of the world' was on the campaign trail he said this "You know, when I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, uh, you know — Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket. Even regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad. Because I’m capping greenhouse gases, coal power plants, you know, natural gas, you name it — whatever the plants were, whatever the industry was, uh, they would have to retrofit their operations. That will cost money. They will pass that money on to consumers."
While the focus in this quote is on the raising of your taxes (without calling it a tax), you must read a little deeper. He said "...natural gas, you name it.." Alright, let's name it. Carbon dioxide. You put too much into the atmosphere and you get taxed.
It appears to be a stretch doesn't it? But think about all those people in years gone by who didn't believe people like the Wright brothers, or that we could put a man on the moon. It sounds far fetched when I say it too, but it's really right around the corner - or right out your nostrils to be accurate.
How was your TEA?
Did you attend a recent TEA party? As much as I wanted to go, life just gets in the way and I can't get to things like that. Nevertheless, I can have my own pitea (pity) party right here if I want to.
Are you impressed with your new government yet? I am. I've never seen anyone spend money so fast. And money we don't have to boot! Here's what really baffles me. What are they thinking? Seriously. Think about when you were a kid. Did your parents EVER tell you when the Ice Cream man came "Go out there and ask him to put it on our tab?" If you did, I'm moving in next week.
And how about at the baseball game? Did dad ever tell the Sno-Cone guy or the Cotton Candy guy 'Hey my kid is short this week, can we get one and we'll settle up next game?' Once again, if he did, I want him to take me to the ball game.
Even if they did, what would the Ice Cream, Sno-Cone, or Cotton Candy guys have said? They'd have said, "stick it in your ear." But they would have used nice kid words like, "Sorry sonny, bring me some cash and I'll give ya the best I've got."
If we all followed what I'm calling the "Ice cream man rule," we'd be better off. If you ain't got it, don't spend it. That's what I want our government to hear. Not that they'll listen, but hey I feel better because I just dumped my TEA (and I hate tea).
Are you impressed with your new government yet? I am. I've never seen anyone spend money so fast. And money we don't have to boot! Here's what really baffles me. What are they thinking? Seriously. Think about when you were a kid. Did your parents EVER tell you when the Ice Cream man came "Go out there and ask him to put it on our tab?" If you did, I'm moving in next week.
And how about at the baseball game? Did dad ever tell the Sno-Cone guy or the Cotton Candy guy 'Hey my kid is short this week, can we get one and we'll settle up next game?' Once again, if he did, I want him to take me to the ball game.
Even if they did, what would the Ice Cream, Sno-Cone, or Cotton Candy guys have said? They'd have said, "stick it in your ear." But they would have used nice kid words like, "Sorry sonny, bring me some cash and I'll give ya the best I've got."
If we all followed what I'm calling the "Ice cream man rule," we'd be better off. If you ain't got it, don't spend it. That's what I want our government to hear. Not that they'll listen, but hey I feel better because I just dumped my TEA (and I hate tea).
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hockey Pride
We just completed the MN State Adapted Floor Hockey tournament this last weekend. It was the 3rd time we've been involved with Matt and Josh on the team.
The first two years we were State Champions. This year's finish was not first, but still an impressive 3rd place.
The teams we had to play to get 3rd place were tougher than in previous years because we were not the number one seed.
This year was special for a different reason. In the first game, we were tied with Rochester 0-0 going into the third period. Around 5 minutes into the 3rd, Josh scored the first goal. He followed it shortly thereafter with his second tally and we led 2-0. The reason he scored those two goals was his dogged persistence in the corners. He worked so hard to earn those goals.
In the semi-final they lost a heartbreaker to Dakota 3-2 in OT. Let's just say that I don't want to talk about the officiating. However Josh once again led the way with one goal and one assist. Once again he was often the first player to the puck digging hard to gain possession for a shot or a pass.
In the third place game, he and teammate Jacob Wiehle were gunning for top honors in the scoring department. They played a formidable Brainerd team, but with these two "hot shots," Brainerd struggled to get the puck in our end. Josh tallied 4 goals and 1 assist and his teammate scored 5 times for a 10-3 victory and third place honors.
I mentioned that this year was special for a different reason. For the first time, Josh made the All-Tournament team. A dozen players are selected for this honor based on effort, sportsmanship and productivity. In past tournaments, Josh has been in the shadow of other deserving players from our team who won the honor. This time his hard work paid off.
I told him after the first game that I was so proud of how hard he worked. His coach told him that he felt it was Josh's best game to date. Many other players, coaches and parents complimented him throughout the weekend.
This award was special for me because we have worked with Josh over the years to be more aggressive and work hard to attain things. When he played community basketball in elementary school he often waited for the ball to come to him. He really didn't know better at that time. We worked and drilled on the importance of hunting down the ball in order to help your team. Those years of seemingly unrelated events and drills paid off in this tournament.
I told him once again after the loss to Dakota that I was equally as proud of him because he worked so hard.
These kinds of events come so few and far between that when they do they're sweet and worth savoring. Now I am savoring and sharing the pride of my star floor hockey player with you - enjoy.
The first two years we were State Champions. This year's finish was not first, but still an impressive 3rd place.
The teams we had to play to get 3rd place were tougher than in previous years because we were not the number one seed.
This year was special for a different reason. In the first game, we were tied with Rochester 0-0 going into the third period. Around 5 minutes into the 3rd, Josh scored the first goal. He followed it shortly thereafter with his second tally and we led 2-0. The reason he scored those two goals was his dogged persistence in the corners. He worked so hard to earn those goals.
In the semi-final they lost a heartbreaker to Dakota 3-2 in OT. Let's just say that I don't want to talk about the officiating. However Josh once again led the way with one goal and one assist. Once again he was often the first player to the puck digging hard to gain possession for a shot or a pass.
In the third place game, he and teammate Jacob Wiehle were gunning for top honors in the scoring department. They played a formidable Brainerd team, but with these two "hot shots," Brainerd struggled to get the puck in our end. Josh tallied 4 goals and 1 assist and his teammate scored 5 times for a 10-3 victory and third place honors.
I mentioned that this year was special for a different reason. For the first time, Josh made the All-Tournament team. A dozen players are selected for this honor based on effort, sportsmanship and productivity. In past tournaments, Josh has been in the shadow of other deserving players from our team who won the honor. This time his hard work paid off.
I told him after the first game that I was so proud of how hard he worked. His coach told him that he felt it was Josh's best game to date. Many other players, coaches and parents complimented him throughout the weekend.
This award was special for me because we have worked with Josh over the years to be more aggressive and work hard to attain things. When he played community basketball in elementary school he often waited for the ball to come to him. He really didn't know better at that time. We worked and drilled on the importance of hunting down the ball in order to help your team. Those years of seemingly unrelated events and drills paid off in this tournament.
I told him once again after the loss to Dakota that I was equally as proud of him because he worked so hard.
These kinds of events come so few and far between that when they do they're sweet and worth savoring. Now I am savoring and sharing the pride of my star floor hockey player with you - enjoy.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Market Speaketh
Oh yeah baby! Look at those numbers! They're getting smaller and smaller each day! And no I'm not talking about the "stimulus" package.
Thank you Congress. You have once again proven your ability to ignore both common sense and the American people. You passed a BIG bill. So big in fact that few if any in Congress actually had time to read the bill before it was passed.
But the market never lies. The market expressed it's feeling about the ability of Congress to act wisely. Basically the market gave Congress the raspberries. A nearly 300 point loss is nothing to sneeze at. But hey Congress didn't have any trouble spending 3/4 of a trillion dollars that we DON'T HAVE.
Our government has really lost touch. Better start digging a hole for your money. It's the only safe place left.
Thank you Congress. You have once again proven your ability to ignore both common sense and the American people. You passed a BIG bill. So big in fact that few if any in Congress actually had time to read the bill before it was passed.
But the market never lies. The market expressed it's feeling about the ability of Congress to act wisely. Basically the market gave Congress the raspberries. A nearly 300 point loss is nothing to sneeze at. But hey Congress didn't have any trouble spending 3/4 of a trillion dollars that we DON'T HAVE.
Our government has really lost touch. Better start digging a hole for your money. It's the only safe place left.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Construction phase II
You may have noticed the political tirades of my recent posts. If you haven't figured it out, I've had it with our government. So I'm going back to one of the original reasons for starting this - our project(s).
Phase II has begun. In this phase we've gutted the main bathroom and blown out the wall between the bath and Vicki's new room. We will be putting in a roll-in shower, heated floor, and a track lift to get Vicki from the bed to the bath.
Here's a glance at the last bath and it's current state of "guttedness."
Phase II has begun. In this phase we've gutted the main bathroom and blown out the wall between the bath and Vicki's new room. We will be putting in a roll-in shower, heated floor, and a track lift to get Vicki from the bed to the bath.
Here's a glance at the last bath and it's current state of "guttedness."
Stop the Bleeding II
They just don't get it. Billions or trillions it doesn't seem to matter.
The "stimulus package" is nothing more than the appropriations bill that is passed in every congress. Well actually it is something more. It has a LOT more in it and it has been spun so many ways the words are falling off the pages of the bill.
The new prez is now ticked because the love fest he received during the campaign is now turning hostile. His critics are saying that throwing all this money down the toilet is a bad idea. After all a LOT of the bill is not stimulus at all, but pet projects that involve *government* facilities and programs.
The prez thinks "If we do not move swiftly to sign [the act] into law, an economy that is already in crisis will be faced with catastrophe," he said.
Here's one more example of really backward thinking by our new 'savior of the world.' Doing SOMETHING even if it's a really bad idea is better than doing nothing.
Let's make that personal. My kid needs a new pair of shoes. He doesn't have the money right now. I'm going to "stimulate" his economy by getting him a credit card. After all, what kind of a father would I be if I didn't get him new shoes. Let's say he's fairly responsible with that card and finds a pair of shoes for $100. No big deal right? It's only $100. Since he doesn't have any money he can't pay the bill for 6 months. After six-months the $100 grows to $117 with interest ~ 17% more.
He gets a job taking care of the neighbors cat for a while. He gets his $117 and pays the bill. Case closed, no harm, no foul right? Wrong. He LOST $17 because I "stimulated" his economy. The actual money didn't hit the economy for 6 MONTHS. There was no stimulation and my sons shoes cost him more than they should have.
Go back to the billions and trillions of dollars. Give the people their $1,000 checks out of money WE DON'T HAVE (i.e credit). Add a simple 17% interest and you have $1170 for the $1k check.
Again no big deal right? Wrong. First of all that's 17% simple interest. There's no such thing when it comes to debt. Your interest will be more than that if you don't pay the bill. And now we multiply the $1k check by 100,000,000 (a rough estimate based on 300 million Americans. Now we have 100 BILLION dollars in "stimulus." Add the interest and we have $1.7 BILLION dollars in interest alone. And that assumes it gets paid off immediately.
Remember now, that money isn't real. It will come from "deficit" spending - borrowing money we don't have. The interest alone will be difficult if not impossible to pay back - not to mention the principle.
I have 1.7 billion reasons to disagree that doing "something" is better than doing "nothing."
Good bye America, it was nice knowing you.
The "stimulus package" is nothing more than the appropriations bill that is passed in every congress. Well actually it is something more. It has a LOT more in it and it has been spun so many ways the words are falling off the pages of the bill.
The new prez is now ticked because the love fest he received during the campaign is now turning hostile. His critics are saying that throwing all this money down the toilet is a bad idea. After all a LOT of the bill is not stimulus at all, but pet projects that involve *government* facilities and programs.
The prez thinks "If we do not move swiftly to sign [the act] into law, an economy that is already in crisis will be faced with catastrophe," he said.
Here's one more example of really backward thinking by our new 'savior of the world.' Doing SOMETHING even if it's a really bad idea is better than doing nothing.
Let's make that personal. My kid needs a new pair of shoes. He doesn't have the money right now. I'm going to "stimulate" his economy by getting him a credit card. After all, what kind of a father would I be if I didn't get him new shoes. Let's say he's fairly responsible with that card and finds a pair of shoes for $100. No big deal right? It's only $100. Since he doesn't have any money he can't pay the bill for 6 months. After six-months the $100 grows to $117 with interest ~ 17% more.
He gets a job taking care of the neighbors cat for a while. He gets his $117 and pays the bill. Case closed, no harm, no foul right? Wrong. He LOST $17 because I "stimulated" his economy. The actual money didn't hit the economy for 6 MONTHS. There was no stimulation and my sons shoes cost him more than they should have.
Go back to the billions and trillions of dollars. Give the people their $1,000 checks out of money WE DON'T HAVE (i.e credit). Add a simple 17% interest and you have $1170 for the $1k check.
Again no big deal right? Wrong. First of all that's 17% simple interest. There's no such thing when it comes to debt. Your interest will be more than that if you don't pay the bill. And now we multiply the $1k check by 100,000,000 (a rough estimate based on 300 million Americans. Now we have 100 BILLION dollars in "stimulus." Add the interest and we have $1.7 BILLION dollars in interest alone. And that assumes it gets paid off immediately.
Remember now, that money isn't real. It will come from "deficit" spending - borrowing money we don't have. The interest alone will be difficult if not impossible to pay back - not to mention the principle.
I have 1.7 billion reasons to disagree that doing "something" is better than doing "nothing."
Good bye America, it was nice knowing you.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Stop the Bleeding
To our federal lawmakers:
What don't you get about the word "deficit"? Who cares if it's 819 Billion or 888 Billion. Why do you continue to spend money the United States doesn't have? Here's just a few examples I received from the American Family Association:
" * $20 million "for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers." (Pg. 45 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "20,000,000 for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers)
* $25 million to rehabilitate off-roading (ATV) trails (Pg. 45 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "$25,000,000 is for recreation maintenance, especially for rehabilitation of off-road vehicle routes, and $20,000,000 is for trail maintenance and restoration")
* $34 million to remodel the Department of Commerce HQ (Pg. 15 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: $34,000,000 for the Department of Commerce renovation and modernization")
* $70 million to "Support Supercomputing Activities" for climate research (Pgs. 14-15 of Senate Appropriations Committee Report: $70,000,000 is directed to specifically support supercomputing activities, especially as they relate to climate research)
* $150 million for honey bee insurance (Pg. 102 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "The Secretary shall use up to $ 50,000,000 per year, and $150,000,000 in the case of 2009, from the Trust Fund to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary")"
Don't like these examples? How about this list from the Wall Street Journal:
"There's $1 billion for Amtrak, the federal railroad that hasn't turned a profit in 40 years; $2 billion for child-care subsidies; $50 million for that great engine of job creation, the National Endowment for the Arts; $400 million for global-warming research and another $2.4 billion for carbon-capture demonstration projects."
This is akin to me saying that I need a vacation, but I don't have the money so I'll take out a loan to finance this 'trip of a lifetime.' And then when I return, I'll want to buy a baseball stadium, so why not increase that debt again. After all it'll only be a small percentage of my budget. Never mind the fact that by borrowing money I can't pay back I'm not only paying more than if I had saved my money for it.
Of course it's absurd that I would act this way, not to mention buying a baseball stadium that I'll NEVER afford.
It's equally absurd that you our government leaders want to spend money on honey bee insurance and remodeling a government building with money WE DON'T HAVE.
Now I'm not saying that debt is 100% wrong. After all, I have a mortgage. But I've structured the debt in such a way that I won't be in trouble even if I lose some income. There are good and wise uses for borrowing money. But it has to be part of a plan where there are good solid returns for such investments.
When does it stop? When will common sense prevail? My guess is when the world stops spinning and all of us fall of this rock, then and only then will you stop your stupid way of thinking.
What don't you get about the word "deficit"? Who cares if it's 819 Billion or 888 Billion. Why do you continue to spend money the United States doesn't have? Here's just a few examples I received from the American Family Association:
" * $20 million "for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers." (Pg. 45 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "20,000,000 for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers)
* $25 million to rehabilitate off-roading (ATV) trails (Pg. 45 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "$25,000,000 is for recreation maintenance, especially for rehabilitation of off-road vehicle routes, and $20,000,000 is for trail maintenance and restoration")
* $34 million to remodel the Department of Commerce HQ (Pg. 15 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: $34,000,000 for the Department of Commerce renovation and modernization")
* $70 million to "Support Supercomputing Activities" for climate research (Pgs. 14-15 of Senate Appropriations Committee Report: $70,000,000 is directed to specifically support supercomputing activities, especially as they relate to climate research)
* $150 million for honey bee insurance (Pg. 102 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: "The Secretary shall use up to $ 50,000,000 per year, and $150,000,000 in the case of 2009, from the Trust Fund to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary")"
Don't like these examples? How about this list from the Wall Street Journal:
"There's $1 billion for Amtrak, the federal railroad that hasn't turned a profit in 40 years; $2 billion for child-care subsidies; $50 million for that great engine of job creation, the National Endowment for the Arts; $400 million for global-warming research and another $2.4 billion for carbon-capture demonstration projects."
This is akin to me saying that I need a vacation, but I don't have the money so I'll take out a loan to finance this 'trip of a lifetime.' And then when I return, I'll want to buy a baseball stadium, so why not increase that debt again. After all it'll only be a small percentage of my budget. Never mind the fact that by borrowing money I can't pay back I'm not only paying more than if I had saved my money for it.
Of course it's absurd that I would act this way, not to mention buying a baseball stadium that I'll NEVER afford.
It's equally absurd that you our government leaders want to spend money on honey bee insurance and remodeling a government building with money WE DON'T HAVE.
Now I'm not saying that debt is 100% wrong. After all, I have a mortgage. But I've structured the debt in such a way that I won't be in trouble even if I lose some income. There are good and wise uses for borrowing money. But it has to be part of a plan where there are good solid returns for such investments.
When does it stop? When will common sense prevail? My guess is when the world stops spinning and all of us fall of this rock, then and only then will you stop your stupid way of thinking.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Blame Game
Haven't even finished the oath of office and 'The Blame Game' begins. You saw this, right?
Here's how Tuesday's oath went:
Chief Justice: ... that I will execute the office of president to the United States faithfully ...
Prez elect: ... that I will execute ...
Chief Justice: ... the off -- faithfully the pres -- the office of president of the United States ...
Prez elect (at the same time): ... the office of president of the United States faithfully ...
It was reported that the oath was done again because the Chief Justice messed up. The way I read it, the Prez elect didn't finish the first line. It's right there. He didn't finish the line. Then the Chief Justice had to recover because he was expecting the Prez elect to do it right. He had to back peddle because he was ready to move on to the next line.
But the Chief Justice got the blame for screwing it up. Here we go folks, we're in for a fun ride!
Here's how Tuesday's oath went:
Chief Justice: ... that I will execute the office of president to the United States faithfully ...
Prez elect: ... that I will execute ...
Chief Justice: ... the off -- faithfully the pres -- the office of president of the United States ...
Prez elect (at the same time): ... the office of president of the United States faithfully ...
It was reported that the oath was done again because the Chief Justice messed up. The way I read it, the Prez elect didn't finish the first line. It's right there. He didn't finish the line. Then the Chief Justice had to recover because he was expecting the Prez elect to do it right. He had to back peddle because he was ready to move on to the next line.
But the Chief Justice got the blame for screwing it up. Here we go folks, we're in for a fun ride!
How's your portfolio?
Inauguration plus 1.
Did you look at your investments yesterday? After all, the 'savior of the world' was inaugurated. They should have skyrocketed. They didn't though, did they? Nope, mine either.
You see when we base our 'salvation' on a man, we find very quickly that a *man* can NOT be our salvation. Salvation can only be found in the *perfect* man.
Your portfolio isn't your salvation either. It may pay some bills or get you a vacation somewhere, but it won't keep you from eternal agony. It won't get you to eternal joy.
Perhaps your portfolio will change, maybe it won't. Where is your security? Where is your future? Is it in the newly elected 'savior of the world'? It is in your portfolio?
I'm not happy to see my hard earned money dwindle either, but my security isn't there. If it was, I wouldn't be sleeping at night.
My security is in the perfect man. His name is Jesus. I hope yours will be too. Trust me, you'll sleep better.
Did you look at your investments yesterday? After all, the 'savior of the world' was inaugurated. They should have skyrocketed. They didn't though, did they? Nope, mine either.
You see when we base our 'salvation' on a man, we find very quickly that a *man* can NOT be our salvation. Salvation can only be found in the *perfect* man.
Your portfolio isn't your salvation either. It may pay some bills or get you a vacation somewhere, but it won't keep you from eternal agony. It won't get you to eternal joy.
Perhaps your portfolio will change, maybe it won't. Where is your security? Where is your future? Is it in the newly elected 'savior of the world'? It is in your portfolio?
I'm not happy to see my hard earned money dwindle either, but my security isn't there. If it was, I wouldn't be sleeping at night.
My security is in the perfect man. His name is Jesus. I hope yours will be too. Trust me, you'll sleep better.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
What color was your vote?
Have you read the stories?
Have you heard the sound bytes?
"Why I voted."
People have a myriad of reasons for voting. "I hate the current administration." "I can't stand that candidate." "Throw the bums out." "Let's have change." "He was black." "I don't like her dress."
Wait a minute, hold the phone - "He was black?" Are you serious? You voted for a man solely because of the color of his skin? I thought I heard you say the other day that those white folks are racist. Doesn't it run both ways? Aren't you a racist if you take an action *solely* on the basis of the color of someone's skin?
It's absolutely amazing to me that one group of people can claim that another group of people are racist and then in the same breath admit that they voted for our new "savior of the world" because he was black. Sounds like racism to me.
I get it that some groups of people were treated horribly in the past. I get it that racism and lots of other isms are alive and well in our country. But can you look in the mirror and say that you are not a racist if you vote for someone because of his skin tone?
Do we really need to keep this battle of the skin shades alive by voting based on color?
Here's my take. I did not vote for the current Prez-elect. It had absolutely nothing to do with his hue. It had to do with his ideas, thoughts and plans for this nation. I don't like them. I don't trust them. I don't think they'll work. This time I was in the minority - more people voted for him than the other guy. And even though I don't like it, I accept it. It's called democracy. You can bet that I'll be working hard to see that guys (or gals) who have ideas, thoughts and plans that I do support will be victorious next time.
And I won't really care about the skin tone.
Have you heard the sound bytes?
"Why I voted."
People have a myriad of reasons for voting. "I hate the current administration." "I can't stand that candidate." "Throw the bums out." "Let's have change." "He was black." "I don't like her dress."
Wait a minute, hold the phone - "He was black?" Are you serious? You voted for a man solely because of the color of his skin? I thought I heard you say the other day that those white folks are racist. Doesn't it run both ways? Aren't you a racist if you take an action *solely* on the basis of the color of someone's skin?
It's absolutely amazing to me that one group of people can claim that another group of people are racist and then in the same breath admit that they voted for our new "savior of the world" because he was black. Sounds like racism to me.
I get it that some groups of people were treated horribly in the past. I get it that racism and lots of other isms are alive and well in our country. But can you look in the mirror and say that you are not a racist if you vote for someone because of his skin tone?
Do we really need to keep this battle of the skin shades alive by voting based on color?
Here's my take. I did not vote for the current Prez-elect. It had absolutely nothing to do with his hue. It had to do with his ideas, thoughts and plans for this nation. I don't like them. I don't trust them. I don't think they'll work. This time I was in the minority - more people voted for him than the other guy. And even though I don't like it, I accept it. It's called democracy. You can bet that I'll be working hard to see that guys (or gals) who have ideas, thoughts and plans that I do support will be victorious next time.
And I won't really care about the skin tone.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
What a Mess!
I'll bet you thought I was going to write about a mess in our addition - gotcha.
I'm commenting on some of the political mess we find ourselves in.
Here at home in Minnesota we can't declare a winner in the Senate race. The reason we can't has nothing to do with either candidate. The reason we can't is because many Minnesotans (and Americans for that matter) are illiterate. Illiterate you say, how does that affect the election? Illiterate because they couldn't read the instructions on their ballots and fill them out correctly. If you are offended by the word illiterate, try the word stupid.
How hard is it to read the directions and fill out the ballot? You (if you're a tax payer, you paid part of the bill) spent a lot of money trying to figure out "voter intent." The intent is always very clear - they either filled it out correctly or they didn't. There are NO gray areas here. If you can't follow directions, your vote shouldn't count.
And then there's the "lost" votes or was it the "found" votes. Either way some election worker tried to stack the results in favor of the candidate they supported. It wasn't on purpose you say? Really? You believe that? Not a chance. Neither side is above doing stuff like this. How is it that the supreme element of democracy - voting - is handled so loosely? Because those in power don't care how they get there or who they step on to get there.
Are you still questioning this reasoning? Look a little further south to Illinois. You know, the home of our recently elected 'savior of the world.' You only need to look at the governor there to find out that power has it's price. Fortunately for us, his price should be prison.
And finally the Prez-elect. He hasn't even taken office and he's up to his eyeballs in drama. He wants to nominate Panetta for the CIA and the guy doesn't have one stitch of experience being a spook. Now there's leadership. Offer a job to a guy that isn't qualified for it. Oh wait the banking industry and the car makers already beat the Prez-elect to that one.
Not messy enough yet? How about that other governor - Richardson - the potential commerce secretary that had to say "thanks but no thanks." Turns out he's being investigated too. I guess you shouldn't try and give favors if you're a governor - of any state.
So let's recap:
-One senate race undecided due to illiteracy (stupidity for those who are offended)
-One senate seat unseated because our democracy really isn't for sale
-One CIA leader appointee who isn't qualified
-One commerce secretary appointee who can't accept the job (possible corruption you know)
-And finally one Prez-elect who hasn't been sworn in and is ready to spend money we don't have. Translation "stimulus package."
Add that up and you get - let's see 1+1+1+1+Billions = 1 BIG STINKING MESS.
Excuse me I have to go throw up. Of course I'll have to clean up my own mess which is more than I can say for our political leaders.
I'm commenting on some of the political mess we find ourselves in.
Here at home in Minnesota we can't declare a winner in the Senate race. The reason we can't has nothing to do with either candidate. The reason we can't is because many Minnesotans (and Americans for that matter) are illiterate. Illiterate you say, how does that affect the election? Illiterate because they couldn't read the instructions on their ballots and fill them out correctly. If you are offended by the word illiterate, try the word stupid.
How hard is it to read the directions and fill out the ballot? You (if you're a tax payer, you paid part of the bill) spent a lot of money trying to figure out "voter intent." The intent is always very clear - they either filled it out correctly or they didn't. There are NO gray areas here. If you can't follow directions, your vote shouldn't count.
And then there's the "lost" votes or was it the "found" votes. Either way some election worker tried to stack the results in favor of the candidate they supported. It wasn't on purpose you say? Really? You believe that? Not a chance. Neither side is above doing stuff like this. How is it that the supreme element of democracy - voting - is handled so loosely? Because those in power don't care how they get there or who they step on to get there.
Are you still questioning this reasoning? Look a little further south to Illinois. You know, the home of our recently elected 'savior of the world.' You only need to look at the governor there to find out that power has it's price. Fortunately for us, his price should be prison.
And finally the Prez-elect. He hasn't even taken office and he's up to his eyeballs in drama. He wants to nominate Panetta for the CIA and the guy doesn't have one stitch of experience being a spook. Now there's leadership. Offer a job to a guy that isn't qualified for it. Oh wait the banking industry and the car makers already beat the Prez-elect to that one.
Not messy enough yet? How about that other governor - Richardson - the potential commerce secretary that had to say "thanks but no thanks." Turns out he's being investigated too. I guess you shouldn't try and give favors if you're a governor - of any state.
So let's recap:
-One senate race undecided due to illiteracy (stupidity for those who are offended)
-One senate seat unseated because our democracy really isn't for sale
-One CIA leader appointee who isn't qualified
-One commerce secretary appointee who can't accept the job (possible corruption you know)
-And finally one Prez-elect who hasn't been sworn in and is ready to spend money we don't have. Translation "stimulus package."
Add that up and you get - let's see 1+1+1+1+Billions = 1 BIG STINKING MESS.
Excuse me I have to go throw up. Of course I'll have to clean up my own mess which is more than I can say for our political leaders.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Look 'em in the eye
In a mere matter of days, we are embarking on an historic change in our country. We are getting a new Presidient. For some this comes with tears of joy while for others many fears loom at this prospect.
Regardless of the spectrum you are on, consider this. Our President-elect doesn't look straight ahead. Watch his speeches. Watch his head. He looks to the right. He looks to the left. He rarely if ever looks straight ahead.
Big deal you say? Not so. It has been said that we communicate more by our body language than we do with our words. When you have a one-on-one conversation with someone how do you feel if they don't look you in the eye? You feel as if they're not listening to you or aren't confident in themselves.
It's the same thing here. When the Prez-elect doesn't look straight ahead, he's saying that he lacks the confidence in what he's saying. When he moves from left to right without stopping in the center, he's saying that he wants to include *everyone* regardless of their beliefs or position on what he's saying. When you fail to stop, look America in the eye and stand up for something, you get policies and actions that mean nothing. Sure everyone feels good because they're included, but if the policies and actions stand for nothing, what value are they?
Think I'm blowing smoke? Look at other world leaders and past presidents. Watch how they look at the crowd and compare it to what they stand for.
As for me, I'll be waiting for our new leader to look me in the eye the next time he talks to me.
Regardless of the spectrum you are on, consider this. Our President-elect doesn't look straight ahead. Watch his speeches. Watch his head. He looks to the right. He looks to the left. He rarely if ever looks straight ahead.
Big deal you say? Not so. It has been said that we communicate more by our body language than we do with our words. When you have a one-on-one conversation with someone how do you feel if they don't look you in the eye? You feel as if they're not listening to you or aren't confident in themselves.
It's the same thing here. When the Prez-elect doesn't look straight ahead, he's saying that he lacks the confidence in what he's saying. When he moves from left to right without stopping in the center, he's saying that he wants to include *everyone* regardless of their beliefs or position on what he's saying. When you fail to stop, look America in the eye and stand up for something, you get policies and actions that mean nothing. Sure everyone feels good because they're included, but if the policies and actions stand for nothing, what value are they?
Think I'm blowing smoke? Look at other world leaders and past presidents. Watch how they look at the crowd and compare it to what they stand for.
As for me, I'll be waiting for our new leader to look me in the eye the next time he talks to me.
Friends and family
We all know how important friends and family are. Loneliness is felt by those that have no friends or family. Happiness is felt by those that have many friends and family.
I'm very thankful for our friends and family - especially during this holiday season. We've had an incredible Christmas break. Part of it is due to the fact that our children have been sleeping in - a rare treat. Most of it has been the times we've had to get together with friends (and family too) - from birthday celebrations to Christmas to New Year's Eve, we've had some great get-togethers.
Last night we hosted our first New Year's Eve party in many years. We had our new growth group from Constance come over. We had 30 people here! It was a great time for all ages.
In some ways it's a small thing - we had a party and people came over. But this year it meant a great deal more to me. Maybe it's my age, or maybe it's the fact we were able to share our addition. Maybe it's the simple fact that we were able to participate on a larger scale this year - I don't really know for sure.
In my ramblings here I'm trying to say that it's an extremely good feeling when the circumstances come together in a way where our entire family is able to join a group of friends in a celebration. There can be challenges in trying to join the celebrations when your children have vastly different needs/abilities than most of their peers. There can be excuses such as "I'm too tired." "It's too much work." "My kids won't have fun." etc. When we put away the excuses and work at solving the barriers, we got an opportunity like we had last night.
A very large HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all. I hope that you are able to make connections this year that bring meaning and fulfillment to your life.
I'm very thankful for our friends and family - especially during this holiday season. We've had an incredible Christmas break. Part of it is due to the fact that our children have been sleeping in - a rare treat. Most of it has been the times we've had to get together with friends (and family too) - from birthday celebrations to Christmas to New Year's Eve, we've had some great get-togethers.
Last night we hosted our first New Year's Eve party in many years. We had our new growth group from Constance come over. We had 30 people here! It was a great time for all ages.
In some ways it's a small thing - we had a party and people came over. But this year it meant a great deal more to me. Maybe it's my age, or maybe it's the fact we were able to share our addition. Maybe it's the simple fact that we were able to participate on a larger scale this year - I don't really know for sure.
In my ramblings here I'm trying to say that it's an extremely good feeling when the circumstances come together in a way where our entire family is able to join a group of friends in a celebration. There can be challenges in trying to join the celebrations when your children have vastly different needs/abilities than most of their peers. There can be excuses such as "I'm too tired." "It's too much work." "My kids won't have fun." etc. When we put away the excuses and work at solving the barriers, we got an opportunity like we had last night.
A very large HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all. I hope that you are able to make connections this year that bring meaning and fulfillment to your life.
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