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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.