It's hard not to weigh in on the tragic Tiger and Elin Woods situation. I have remained relatively silent because it's not any of our business. Sure Patti and I have talked about the situation at home, but I refuse to cast stones. I only choose to talk about it now because I feel that it's actually a wonderful, yet painful, platform for a lesson to be learned. There are many lessons that can be learned from the Woods' situation.
I have chosen not to judge Tiger for his adultery, or judge Elin for staying or not staying with Tiger because I too have made some monumental mistakes. I don't feel as if what Tiger has done as any worse than some of my past poor decisions. There's a blaring difference...I'm not Tiger Woods. I'm not the most recognizable person in the world. I'm not an iconic figure. Those who have stated how awful he is, should really look into their closet and see if they are qualified to make such a statement. Those who question the man's character need to spot check their past for times in which their character was in-consistent. I am a judgemental person. This is a sin that I struggle with still. I have actually taken this tragedy and used it to re-examine my life and the decisions that I've made in the past. I'm in no place to judge Tiger, and neither are you.
I think that another lesson that can be learned is that with out a God centered relationship and focus we are doomed. You may not have that type of relationship with God and still have a wonderful committed relationship with your spouse, but eternally you will be doomed. This man who has claimed to be "religious" in the past is clearly lost. He is so amazing, determined, and focused on the golf course, but is a complete disaster off. Imagine if Tiger takes this trial in his life and puts as much energy, focus and determination into developing a relationship with God! Can you imagine the impact that he could have? I pray that this happens.
I truly believe that God only gives us what we can handle. He never intends to break us, but rather break us down in order to build us back up into a stronger more effective disciple. God has allowed Tiger to make some choices that have sever consequences, but God has been training Tiger for this his whole life. God has given him all the tools necessary to come through this a better man. I look at my life and some of the choices that I've made in the past and I thank God that He put me through the ringer at times. God has given me some great lessons to draw strength and courage from. He's also shown me what life is like with out Him, and I choose Him.
Have you learned anything from the poor choices that Tiger has made? Have you learned from the poor choices that you have made? Have you sat in judgement on him and his family with out looking at your own life? Can you say that your sins and mistakes aren't as bad as his? I pray that you also seek God in all of this, because I certainly have been.
Love you all.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
It's been a while...
Hey everyone. It's been a while since I've posted anything, so I will make this one about the recent happenings in the Durham world.
Recently I started a new job. It has been a fun and exciting new venture. I'm still doing the same thing (Construction Manager in landscape construction), with a different company. It has been challenging because I'm having to delicately wrangle power away from my boss. He's been doing everything on his own for a couple of years now, so he's having a hard time letting go of the operation side of the business. Slowly, but surely we are both making strides towards a really nice partnership. This has the potential to be something special, but at the same time I'm not ruling out other opportunities...especially if that opportunity were to take us out of the oppressive, communist regime of Russiafornia.
At the beginning of November Patti was able to take her and the kids to Arizona to help my parents organize the most massive garage/yard sale in history. I've heard of friends and neighbors doing one big co-op garage/yard sale, but those wouldn't hold a candle to the one at my parents house. There were items that they got rid of from a time when we lived in Texas...keep in mind we moved to Arizona in 1989! There were items that they got rid of that were purchased from HSN and were NEVER opened! We did get some pretty nice swag for Patti's efforts. It was a really nice trip for my family to be with Patti and the kids too.
Matthew is just an amazing little boy. We have recently started potty training him and he is doing GREAT! He has only had a couple of accidents, but for the most part is doing wonderful with it. He's also more and more loving and concerned with his sister. He loves to hold her and sit with her and talk and laugh with her.
A couple of weeks later we all went back out for Thanksgiving. It was a really special time for all of us. Chris flew in from Boston and it was so fun hanging out with my brother and best friend again. He got to meet his new niece and nephew for the first time! To wrap it up we had a few friends that we hadn't seen in a really long time over for some football and my special Carne Asada!
In the meantime we have added a couple of new additions to the family. Liberty and Dubya are our conservative lab pups(7 months). We love them.
Last night we went to Patti's parents house for the Annual Pre-Christmas Awesome Fest. It's a party that her brother Mike and his friend John have been hosting for many years. It is a lot of fun.
Now we're getting ready for Christmas. This is our favorite holiday and time of year. Patti and I have become more and more grateful for God's blessings. He has given us some of the most valuable lessons to learn from this year. He has brought us closer to Him, which in turn has brought us closer together. We have been through(and still are) tough times that have forced us to go deeper with Him than we ever have or knew we could. We couldn't be more happy with the direction that God is leading us. I look forward to growing more in Him and more with my wife.
Merry Christmas from the Durhams! (we say Christmas in this house)
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Psalm 121
In the last few months I have had to rely on Him more than at any other time in my life. For a while now Patti and I have been struggling financially. We know that lots of people these days are in really bad financial shape. When it comes to finances we both struggle with understanding the purpose behind the struggles. We have felt that we have been obedient and trusting, but in reality we both still worry. Worry means that we still haven't let go of control and trusted the Lord that He's got our backs and our best interests at all times. This is a very tough lesson that Patti and I have been learning. We both have had to struggle to get back with God on a daily basis, because of some under-lying resentment. So we both admitted that to each other and to God. Wouldn't you know, He started presenting himself in different ways. A few extra bucks here and there. He started giving Patti the strength and energy to start doing some more work from home. He also has presented me with several options for a different way through this. See, I don't feel that he opens one door. I feel like He leads us to the hallway of opportunity. Down this corridor are various opportunities of faith. My family and I have been presented with a few different options. On faith we have decided that I should resign from my current company, which is the biggest most well established in this industry and take a chance with a company that has started up in the last 18 months. The pay is better, but the opportunity could be GREAT. Their would be no ceiling with this company, and I have the opportunity to take this company, who is doing well, to a very special level. God has truly blessed my faithfulness by giving me the opportunity to do things that I love to do. I love growing businesses, people and teams. I also love serving people. This will give me a chance to do all of these things and hopefully make some money doing it. We also have an amazing gift of a fall back plan. If He deems it his plan, then we could end up back in Phoenix. We would of course be accepted with open arms from family and friends. We are still scared, but we both trust that our faithfulness to Him and to each other will be rewarded.
In July our beautiful baby girl Ronni was born! She is so sweet and precious. The experience once again started off interesting to say the least. Patti was hospitalized with some un-known sickness that ended up being Mono. We were so blessed in the actual birthing experience. God made everything as smooth as could be. A couple of weeks went by and Patti started feeling very sick. She was inexplicable severe pain and discomfort. She was nauseous and constantly exhausted. We had to go to the ER. For the first several days they had no idea what was ailing her and causing the pain that she was experiencing. She didn't have the strength or the energy to keep Ronni with her at the hospital, so I had to take Ronni home. I had no idea what a woman really deals with until I was home alone with a 2 year old and a new born baby. I was feeding every 3 hours, making sure nap times were on schedule, making sure Matthew was getting fed well, spending quality time with both of them, car pooling them to and from the hospital so that Mommy could see her children, etc... During making sure all of these different things that go done, I realized that I hadn't had any time for myself or time to go to God. One night after a very stressful and defeating day I finally broke down and fell to my knees and turned everything over to God. It was the most intimate and emotional that I had every been with God. Simultaneously Patti was having the exact same emotional conversation with God while lying in her hospital bed. From this point on Patti started improving every day. Dealing with all of the daily tasks became smoother for me, and then shortly there after my mother and sister arrived to assist and support. All God wanted for Patti and I to say was, "OK. You're in charge, and we trust you whole hearted!"
So between finances, health, and not knowing where are future will lead us we absolutely have to rely on our Lord and Savior. Patti is still sick, our medical bills might not be covered, and our future in San Diego is uncertain. Patti and I are still be tested to be trusting in all circumstances, but we're positive that He will provide a way out. We are still working on lifting our eyes towards the hills.
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
In July our beautiful baby girl Ronni was born! She is so sweet and precious. The experience once again started off interesting to say the least. Patti was hospitalized with some un-known sickness that ended up being Mono. We were so blessed in the actual birthing experience. God made everything as smooth as could be. A couple of weeks went by and Patti started feeling very sick. She was inexplicable severe pain and discomfort. She was nauseous and constantly exhausted. We had to go to the ER. For the first several days they had no idea what was ailing her and causing the pain that she was experiencing. She didn't have the strength or the energy to keep Ronni with her at the hospital, so I had to take Ronni home. I had no idea what a woman really deals with until I was home alone with a 2 year old and a new born baby. I was feeding every 3 hours, making sure nap times were on schedule, making sure Matthew was getting fed well, spending quality time with both of them, car pooling them to and from the hospital so that Mommy could see her children, etc... During making sure all of these different things that go done, I realized that I hadn't had any time for myself or time to go to God. One night after a very stressful and defeating day I finally broke down and fell to my knees and turned everything over to God. It was the most intimate and emotional that I had every been with God. Simultaneously Patti was having the exact same emotional conversation with God while lying in her hospital bed. From this point on Patti started improving every day. Dealing with all of the daily tasks became smoother for me, and then shortly there after my mother and sister arrived to assist and support. All God wanted for Patti and I to say was, "OK. You're in charge, and we trust you whole hearted!"
So between finances, health, and not knowing where are future will lead us we absolutely have to rely on our Lord and Savior. Patti is still sick, our medical bills might not be covered, and our future in San Diego is uncertain. Patti and I are still be tested to be trusting in all circumstances, but we're positive that He will provide a way out. We are still working on lifting our eyes towards the hills.
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Love Affair with Barack
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Love Affair with Barack
The infatuation with Barack Obama can be compared to a sexual based relationship. The problem with these relationships is that they are based on physical connection and not on a spiritual connection. The relationship will not fully mature until both people begin to connect on a spiritual level. Often times what happens, is one person is giving more of themself to the relationship than the other. There is no reciprication. In the end this person feels taken advantage of, and/or manipulated. They feel used and lied to.
We have a man who has promised his partner (America) the world. He convincers her that he really likes her. He tells her that he's going to be an honest guy and that he likes kitties. But she's heard things about him from mutual friends that she has questions about. He cheated on his last girlfriend and she thinks she's going to have a hard time trusting him. But, surely he's changed. He will promise to think about her feelings first, unlike his behavior with his former girlfriend. He's going to make sure that he meets all of her needs...especially her emotional needs. Friends say that he hangs out with the wrong crowd. He will give up that group of friends for her. He used to be into drinking and all night partying. He will quit that life style.
She is going to give him a chance, and at least get to know him on a friendly level. He has decided to take her to a couple of nice dinners. He opens her doors for her. He randomly shows up at her work with a spring bouquets. He buys "just thinking about you" cards and discreetly puts them in her mailbox. This is not the cheating type. He's nice. He's "changed". She feels that there is "hope" in taking a chance with him. They become closer and closer. Next...
Now they've developed this physical relationship after only knowing each other a short while. He feels as if for the past month he hasn't seen his old friends. He decides to go out with them. He stays up all night partying and running around. He remembers how much fun his extreme lifestyle was. He begins to embrace the "old him", all the while pushing his girlfriend away. She sees the change starting to take place, but she'll never admit it. She can't, she'll look like a fool to all of her friends that said "I told you so". One day, he tells her with no shame in his face that he can not be the person that he said he would try and become. It's not in his nature. He even goes as far as trying to blame it on her. She put too much pressure on him to be someone that he's not. He followed suit because he thought that was what she wanted to hear. She feels dejected. She feels shame, anger, guilt and knows that she should've never trusted him.
What's going to happen is that Barack made a deal with the devil. He has embraced and lived to the extreme far left his whole life. The far left is what got him into office. Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank; they're all going to come a knockin for there due credit. They put him into the lime light. They made him who he is, and now they want theirs. But, this can't happen...Barack promised America Bi-Partisanship. He promised to govern from the center and reach across the isles. What will happen, is that the far left will eat him alive. They will make him look stupid, because they don't care about anyone. He will not look stupid. So for all those "girlfriends" that threw a line out for "hope" and "change", they will be left feeling used. He's too proud to admit fault, and he will then divide this nation all over again. I'm just glad that I'm one of the "I told you so's".
We have a man who has promised his partner (America) the world. He convincers her that he really likes her. He tells her that he's going to be an honest guy and that he likes kitties. But she's heard things about him from mutual friends that she has questions about. He cheated on his last girlfriend and she thinks she's going to have a hard time trusting him. But, surely he's changed. He will promise to think about her feelings first, unlike his behavior with his former girlfriend. He's going to make sure that he meets all of her needs...especially her emotional needs. Friends say that he hangs out with the wrong crowd. He will give up that group of friends for her. He used to be into drinking and all night partying. He will quit that life style.
She is going to give him a chance, and at least get to know him on a friendly level. He has decided to take her to a couple of nice dinners. He opens her doors for her. He randomly shows up at her work with a spring bouquets. He buys "just thinking about you" cards and discreetly puts them in her mailbox. This is not the cheating type. He's nice. He's "changed". She feels that there is "hope" in taking a chance with him. They become closer and closer. Next...
Now they've developed this physical relationship after only knowing each other a short while. He feels as if for the past month he hasn't seen his old friends. He decides to go out with them. He stays up all night partying and running around. He remembers how much fun his extreme lifestyle was. He begins to embrace the "old him", all the while pushing his girlfriend away. She sees the change starting to take place, but she'll never admit it. She can't, she'll look like a fool to all of her friends that said "I told you so". One day, he tells her with no shame in his face that he can not be the person that he said he would try and become. It's not in his nature. He even goes as far as trying to blame it on her. She put too much pressure on him to be someone that he's not. He followed suit because he thought that was what she wanted to hear. She feels dejected. She feels shame, anger, guilt and knows that she should've never trusted him.
What's going to happen is that Barack made a deal with the devil. He has embraced and lived to the extreme far left his whole life. The far left is what got him into office. Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank; they're all going to come a knockin for there due credit. They put him into the lime light. They made him who he is, and now they want theirs. But, this can't happen...Barack promised America Bi-Partisanship. He promised to govern from the center and reach across the isles. What will happen, is that the far left will eat him alive. They will make him look stupid, because they don't care about anyone. He will not look stupid. So for all those "girlfriends" that threw a line out for "hope" and "change", they will be left feeling used. He's too proud to admit fault, and he will then divide this nation all over again. I'm just glad that I'm one of the "I told you so's".
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Saturday, August 1, 2009
BUTT OUT!
The Government needs to get out of the private sector. They can't run a car company; example the "Cash for Clunkers" broke in just one week and then the Government gave that program an additional $2 BILLION on Friday - which is another tax that is levied upon us (which our fear-less leader said he wouldn't do).
They can't run Health Care; Medicare and Medicaid are both broken, and they've levied such enormous regulations and taxes on the Health Care professionals that their costs have to include the additional costs that the government has forced upon them and then they pass them onto the consumer - no free market is allowed in health care if you get down to all of the regulations, and free market historically increases quality and decreases cost.
When I managed restaurants, I had to make sure that all of my costs were covered too. For example; when you ordered a sandwich from me, you were paying for the "butt end" of the lettuce that I would chop off. You were paying for the un-usable pieces of bread. You knew that you were paying for my labor, and the general cost of goods that you consumed. You didn't know that you were paying for the guy to clean the grease traps behind my restaurant. You didn't know that you were paying for the guy that came by bi-weekly to clean the windows. There are so many necessary operational costs that have to be paid for...it's called business. What is so wrong with insurance companies being profitable? Don't they supply many jobs? What is so wrong with Doctors making a profit? Don't they deserve it? They've spent three people's life's savings to become a doctor. What is awful is that Government gets involved in both of their businesses! The Doctors have to cover all of the ridiculous, fraudulent, and unnecessary regulations that have been forced upon them by the government. Also, the Government is requiring us to pay for coverage that we don't need. I only need a few things to be covered. I don't need to pay for STD prevention. If you don't know that sharing needles or sleeping with multiple partners with out protection will KILL you, then you need to be put to sleep. Please, it will only save me money in the long run. I don't need to pay for anything that has to do with tobacco caused cancers. I'm sorry if this is close to home with some one, but again, I could've told you that those things are bad for your body. Even our newly appointed (obiese) Surgeon General knows that. She just doesn't know how to put the doughnut down. Why should I have to pay into a program that covers the morbidly obiese? I know that there are extenuating circumstances, but I shouldn't have to fund a program that teaches parents how to pull the crap out of their freezers! I'm sick of being baby sat and being the baby sitter! What we do need is Health Insurance Savings Plans.
Banking - Tim Geithner (US Secretary of the Treasury) was testifying before a congressional panel, and claimed that he really didn't know where a Half A TRILLION DOLLARS of the most recent stimulus package went. When the Chairman of the panel informed him that it went to FOREIGN Banks, he claimed that it "probably" did happen. What?? In 2008 the top 1% of earners paid just over 40% of all taxes. That number will inevitably increase this year, and it is no secret. This new government has said that they're going after the top 1%. Also, the top 1% give more charitable dollars than the other 99% combined. This too is on the decline. It is the private sector that truly helps people, and they do that with their time and money. The government needs to stay out of the people's business. There has to be some regulation, because with out laws their is only chaos. I want small limited government, and a strong military to keep me safe. People should be able to make as much money as they can handle, people should also jump in and help out a brother or sister in a time of need. Having money isn't a bad thing, because money is what funds charities, not-for-profits, churches, and missions.
Immigration - We need to get 'em out. Then they'll stop being a drain on our society-across the board. Crime, Health Care, Education, Any Public Services, etc... I'm not against people seeking the American Dream, but there's a reason why they coined the phrase "Illegal Aliens". I don't mean to sound insensitive, and in fact, I know that some of my contractors employ illegals. The simple fact is that much of the financial hardships that America, but in particular, California and Arizona (which economy's directly affect each other) face is due to the criminal aliens that we are harboring. We have removed huge amounts of people before...we did it during Vietnam. We pulled people from their lives that may, or may have not been sensitive to the Communist movement. It was ugly, but it worked - it's our Country. A lot of people who would have done us harm were captured, and the rest were still let free to go back to being a criminal alien. I think we would see a financial dent because of it, but that would quickly rebound because our un-employment (which the current administration is ruining) is so dire right now. Americans would be scooping up the jobs that "nobody else wants" because they have to work. Amnesty will solve nothing. It will only enable more criminal aliens to continue to rape our borders. We need to secure our borders, but first we have to remove those which are a burden on our Country. Once this happens, I think you would see that the amount of money that is instantly freed up would be staggering. We would then be able to hire, promote, and equip our Homeland Security forces to do their jobs successfully.
They can't run Health Care; Medicare and Medicaid are both broken, and they've levied such enormous regulations and taxes on the Health Care professionals that their costs have to include the additional costs that the government has forced upon them and then they pass them onto the consumer - no free market is allowed in health care if you get down to all of the regulations, and free market historically increases quality and decreases cost.
When I managed restaurants, I had to make sure that all of my costs were covered too. For example; when you ordered a sandwich from me, you were paying for the "butt end" of the lettuce that I would chop off. You were paying for the un-usable pieces of bread. You knew that you were paying for my labor, and the general cost of goods that you consumed. You didn't know that you were paying for the guy to clean the grease traps behind my restaurant. You didn't know that you were paying for the guy that came by bi-weekly to clean the windows. There are so many necessary operational costs that have to be paid for...it's called business. What is so wrong with insurance companies being profitable? Don't they supply many jobs? What is so wrong with Doctors making a profit? Don't they deserve it? They've spent three people's life's savings to become a doctor. What is awful is that Government gets involved in both of their businesses! The Doctors have to cover all of the ridiculous, fraudulent, and unnecessary regulations that have been forced upon them by the government. Also, the Government is requiring us to pay for coverage that we don't need. I only need a few things to be covered. I don't need to pay for STD prevention. If you don't know that sharing needles or sleeping with multiple partners with out protection will KILL you, then you need to be put to sleep. Please, it will only save me money in the long run. I don't need to pay for anything that has to do with tobacco caused cancers. I'm sorry if this is close to home with some one, but again, I could've told you that those things are bad for your body. Even our newly appointed (obiese) Surgeon General knows that. She just doesn't know how to put the doughnut down. Why should I have to pay into a program that covers the morbidly obiese? I know that there are extenuating circumstances, but I shouldn't have to fund a program that teaches parents how to pull the crap out of their freezers! I'm sick of being baby sat and being the baby sitter! What we do need is Health Insurance Savings Plans.
Banking - Tim Geithner (US Secretary of the Treasury) was testifying before a congressional panel, and claimed that he really didn't know where a Half A TRILLION DOLLARS of the most recent stimulus package went. When the Chairman of the panel informed him that it went to FOREIGN Banks, he claimed that it "probably" did happen. What?? In 2008 the top 1% of earners paid just over 40% of all taxes. That number will inevitably increase this year, and it is no secret. This new government has said that they're going after the top 1%. Also, the top 1% give more charitable dollars than the other 99% combined. This too is on the decline. It is the private sector that truly helps people, and they do that with their time and money. The government needs to stay out of the people's business. There has to be some regulation, because with out laws their is only chaos. I want small limited government, and a strong military to keep me safe. People should be able to make as much money as they can handle, people should also jump in and help out a brother or sister in a time of need. Having money isn't a bad thing, because money is what funds charities, not-for-profits, churches, and missions.
Immigration - We need to get 'em out. Then they'll stop being a drain on our society-across the board. Crime, Health Care, Education, Any Public Services, etc... I'm not against people seeking the American Dream, but there's a reason why they coined the phrase "Illegal Aliens". I don't mean to sound insensitive, and in fact, I know that some of my contractors employ illegals. The simple fact is that much of the financial hardships that America, but in particular, California and Arizona (which economy's directly affect each other) face is due to the criminal aliens that we are harboring. We have removed huge amounts of people before...we did it during Vietnam. We pulled people from their lives that may, or may have not been sensitive to the Communist movement. It was ugly, but it worked - it's our Country. A lot of people who would have done us harm were captured, and the rest were still let free to go back to being a criminal alien. I think we would see a financial dent because of it, but that would quickly rebound because our un-employment (which the current administration is ruining) is so dire right now. Americans would be scooping up the jobs that "nobody else wants" because they have to work. Amnesty will solve nothing. It will only enable more criminal aliens to continue to rape our borders. We need to secure our borders, but first we have to remove those which are a burden on our Country. Once this happens, I think you would see that the amount of money that is instantly freed up would be staggering. We would then be able to hire, promote, and equip our Homeland Security forces to do their jobs successfully.
Matthew
Jamie, when we had Matthew we went through almost 30 hours of non-productive labor. During that span Patti never dilated more than 4 Cm's and that was including 17+ hours on petocin (the drug used to induce labor). Finally the Docs decided to operate, and when they did, the epidural didn't work. She felt the incision. They quickly had to put her under. They then realized that b/c of the petocin(?), her uterus wouldn't contract back shut. They had to perform multiple major surgeries. They kicked me out with out even seeing Matthew and they had a state of panic about them. When you see surgeons and nurses panic, it's never easy to take. I broke down in the hallway b/c I didn't want Patti's mom to know that anything was going wrong. Matthew was healthy, and for the next few hours I put more into God than I ever had. I need to continue to put that much into Him. In the end He has shown me that He is completely sovereign. He will not forsake us. I love Him more for taking me to that point.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Veronica "Ronni" Faye Durham
She was born on July 22nd at 4:16pm. She was born 19.5" and weighed 6lbs10oz. Patti and Ronni are doing wonderful. I can't tell you how much smoother this was compared to when Matthew was born. If you don't know about that experience please feel free to ask some time, because that was truly a testament to putting everything you have into trusting God and His plan. Ronni's birth was so perfect! Which also reminds me just how great God is to us. She will truly be a blessing to all that she meets, just like Matthew already is. We can't wait to share more pictures and memories with our friends and families! Love to you all more than you'll ever know.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Also from 10/29/2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Trickle Up Effect Vs. Trickle Down Economics
The Trickle Up Effect is defined as the economic theory used to describe the flow of wealth from the poor to the affluent.A common criticism of republicans and capitalism is that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Capitalism by definition alone makes this argument just whining. I will make an argument for Trickle Down Economics by exposing and dismantling the Trickle Up Effect (Obamanomics/Clintonomics/FDR’s “Bad Deal”). Look, I like Robin Hood as much as the next guy. I mean that cute, cunning little fox helped all the forest folk by stealing from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. It was a great story. Well, life’s not a cartoon. Here’s where the lunacy starts.
The trickle up effect states that benefits to the wealthy will be realized due to an increase in sales relative to the amount of benefits that are given to the poor. OK, you got me; I’m intrigued; do go on. The trickle up effect argues itself as more effective than the trickle down effect because people who have less tend to buy more. In other words, the poor are more inclined than the wealthy to spend their money. Why on earth are they poor then? This being so, proponents of the trickle up effect believe that if the lower and lower-middle classes are given benefits(paid for by increased tax rates on businesses and the “wealthy”), such as tax breaks or subsidies, the increased funds would be spent at a much higher rate than would the upper class, given similar fund increases. Furthermore, the trickle up effect argues, many upper-class individuals do not spend their entire yearly salary to begin with, which is an indication that they will not spend any additional funds. You mean being responsible? Instead, they will save additional funds, thereby withholding those funds from the economy and increasing the gap between the rich and the poor. The word withholding is actually slang for re-investing…I know it’s tricky. The trickle up effect avoids this pitfall by giving more money to those who would be more inclined to spend it. So, stop me if you’ve heard enough.
10/29/2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Socialism is bearing down upon us.
As the election nears, I can't help but have a sense of fear for what might come. Senator Obama is the biggest threat to our Country. He will take the principles that this country was founded on and abolish them. There has been much criticism on his theory of "spreading the wealth". I say not enough. This sounds like a great idea to many. This same group of people are also at the root of our housing crisis. Senator Obama was at the forefront for making un-affordable housing affordable. I don't have a problem with this, until it is mis-managed. What happened was, he and other's forced banks to give home loans to individuals that were not worthy. I am not an elitist, rather an objectivist and realist. Let me explain further.Sen. Obama implemented a program in Illinois called NINJA. NINJA: No Income No Job or Assetts. This was a loan program offered to the very people that it was acronymed after. Excuse me! Housing is not a right, it is a well earned privilege. Income aside, I am not credit worthy at this point in my life. I was irresponsible. I embrace the regulation that I cannot, at least with a decent rate, receive a home loan. OK, so how does this relate to Socialism? One way is that these very same banks, that either chose to abuse the system or were forced into supporting this system, no longer have liquidity to lend to businesses. Businesses cannot take out pay-roll loans(good debt), because the bank's funds are spread across defaulted home loans. This is the beginning of the cycle. Bank rates go up for these businesses in order to recuperate some of the money. Businesses lay employees off to counter the rate hikes. Now this individual who has been laid off no longer has his or her own revenue to re-invest(consume) back into the system. Capitalism is broken. How do we fix it? Bigger Government? This will help regulate some of the corrupt banks and businessmen who control them. Well, who pays for these new salaries? Taxpayers. We can't tax the people that have been laid off, so let's increase the taxes on the businesses that laid them off. You see how dangerous this will become.
If Barack Obama wins this election, one thing is certain... he will preside over the largest expansion of the government's role in the economy since the 1930s. This "New New Deal," as some Democrats are already calling it, may well have the same result as the original one: to turn a sharp, painful recession into a long Depression. Will that set the stage for a GOP president in 2012 -- the way '70s stagflation under Jimmy Carter set the stage for Ronald Reagan? I doubt it. More likely, Obama will be able to parlay the hard economic times into a second term. How? The same way FDR did… by blaming everything that happens on his watch on his predecessors. The worse things get, the more the Obamacrats will blame it on "eight years of Republican deregulation, tax cuts and greed," calling for even more government intervention as the solution. And the media, of course, will back them up.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Happy Father's Day
This is my second Father's day. To me this will mark the most significant Father's day that I have ever had. This is not to dis-credit any Father's day with my father, or any day at all with my father. This is actually a tribute to my father, and to his father.
I am a different man than I ever thought I would be. I am a better father than I ever thought I could be. I am a better son than I ever knew I could be. My father is a good, God-fearing man. He has taught me what it truly means to be a man. My father has taught me what it means to lead with the heart. He has taught me, what it means to hold people accountable...no matter what the circumstances. My father has taught me how to care for others first. He taught me that it is definitely not about me. He has helped me to realize that in order for me to be a man and a father that I have to honor God first and above all!
The reason that I say this is the most significant Father's day for me, is because I have never looked at being a father like I do now. I have never realized the impact that I have, until now. Last year, I was still selfish. I thought Father's day was about me. It's not. It's about everyone that I can affect. Father's day is about serving my wife. Father's day is about serving my children. Father's day is about giving Glory to the Lord who gave Everything so that I can be a good Father.
This past year I have grown in ways that I never knew I could. I have been humbled. I was forced to put all of my faith and trust in the Lord. When the patriarch of the family puts all of his trust in the Lord, he breeds faith. A father can teach his children that no matter what they go through, The Father will not forsake them. Patti and I could have never grown as close as we have if we weren't forced to depend on God the Father for everything.
I am so grateful for my father. I am so thankful for God's un-measurable gift of his Son. I could never imagine sacrificing my son Matthew. I would throw myself on the altar to save him. I would throw myself in front of a bullet for my wife and my son.
The greatest gift that my father ever gave me was complete surrender and faith in God. Dad modeled godliness. I love my Father and his Father more than they will ever know. I hope to be more and more Christ like each day. I hope to continue to grow closer to Father God, so that I can grow closer to my father.
Dad I love you with all my beating heart! You make me a better man each day and I thank you!
I am a different man than I ever thought I would be. I am a better father than I ever thought I could be. I am a better son than I ever knew I could be. My father is a good, God-fearing man. He has taught me what it truly means to be a man. My father has taught me what it means to lead with the heart. He has taught me, what it means to hold people accountable...no matter what the circumstances. My father has taught me how to care for others first. He taught me that it is definitely not about me. He has helped me to realize that in order for me to be a man and a father that I have to honor God first and above all!
The reason that I say this is the most significant Father's day for me, is because I have never looked at being a father like I do now. I have never realized the impact that I have, until now. Last year, I was still selfish. I thought Father's day was about me. It's not. It's about everyone that I can affect. Father's day is about serving my wife. Father's day is about serving my children. Father's day is about giving Glory to the Lord who gave Everything so that I can be a good Father.
This past year I have grown in ways that I never knew I could. I have been humbled. I was forced to put all of my faith and trust in the Lord. When the patriarch of the family puts all of his trust in the Lord, he breeds faith. A father can teach his children that no matter what they go through, The Father will not forsake them. Patti and I could have never grown as close as we have if we weren't forced to depend on God the Father for everything.
I am so grateful for my father. I am so thankful for God's un-measurable gift of his Son. I could never imagine sacrificing my son Matthew. I would throw myself on the altar to save him. I would throw myself in front of a bullet for my wife and my son.
The greatest gift that my father ever gave me was complete surrender and faith in God. Dad modeled godliness. I love my Father and his Father more than they will ever know. I hope to be more and more Christ like each day. I hope to continue to grow closer to Father God, so that I can grow closer to my father.
Dad I love you with all my beating heart! You make me a better man each day and I thank you!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thank You Dad! I love you!
In a Father's Footsteps
2 KINGS 21:19-22
Children are keen observers of parents. Even when engrossed in some activity, they will often pick up on Mom or Dad's behavior, speech, and thought patterns. A huge responsibility, then, rests on parents--especially when it comes to how young ones will picture God. The way they think about the heavenly Father is largely influenced by how they relate to the male authority figures in their lives. If you are involved in a child's upbringing, be intentional about modeling godliness. You can do this by: 1. Hungering for God's Word. Fathers who read Scripture every day are demonstrating the confidence that it holds the answers to life's problems. Your love and respect for the Bible will be contagious! 2. Living in faith. Children should hear their parents talk about how they trust Jesus to provide in each circumstance. There's no better way to learn reliance on the Lord than to watch one's parents turn to Him when they need direction. 3. Praying daily. Kids notice parental priorities and often set the same ones themselves. Mom and Dad can model talking to God in a real way, as if they are talking with another person. This helps children understand--and want--their own intimate relationship with the heavenly Father. Reflect upon your own childhood--did your dad point you in a godly direction or provide an unbiblical example? How has that affected your spiritual walk? And if you have sons or daughters, ask them how your life influences theirs. Whatever their answer is, memorize Ephesians 6:4 and commit to follow its wisdom.
Friday, June 5, 2009
America: Home of the Slave
Let me preface this by saying that I love America. I love the America that was founded on limited Government, Religious Freedom, military protection, and serving those who are truly in need. I love the Constitution and the creators of this sacred document. It is amazing to me that this group of gentlemen had the foresight to construct a document that would be the governing voice of reason and protection for the individual freedom of each man for more than a couple hundred years. It's simply amazing! The Founders came to this great nation because all of their freedoms were constantly being attacked and revoked by the Crown. Their entire lives were being governed by the king and the Parliament. A few brave men and women set out to defy the king and start a Revolution!
Right now we are being attacked in the very same manner as our Fore Fathers were well over 200 years ago. We are being force fed beliefs, ideals, and big fat sloppy government. America is being ran by a bunch of drunk, bumbling idiot cowards and cowardice's!
I know saying that America is the Home of the Slave is a little offensive, but I'm not going to apologize. We are slaves to this big fat nasty government right now. Every day we wake up, we find ourselves even more enslaved in the mass murder of our freedom. I'm not going to apologize for 8 years of middle east, terrorist butt kicking! I'm not going to apologize for being safe, and going on the offensive after we were attacked. I'm not going to apologize for checking people "who fit the profile" at the airport. I'm not going to apologize for supporting the sanctity of marriage. I'm not going to apologize for preserving life over any and all circumstances. I will not spend my families hard earned money on an apology tour. I am not sorry.
Our Lying Leader campaigned on the promise of not taxing 95% of Americans. The Deceiver has not only taxed the "Top 5%", but he has managed to levy unconstitutional amounts of taxes against the "95%". If you don't see the taxes that have increased every day then you are blind, or you are living off of my paycheck you slug! Look at your energy bill. Look at your shopping receipts. Look at your gas receipts. If you smoke, then how do you like them taxes? I'm not a smoker, but I do not feel that the government needs to continue to tax one of our original cash crop industry's this way. The more they tax big tobacco, the more that big tobacco passes those taxes on to us. The sanctions that were handed down to big tobacco have done nothing except line the wallets and purses of Washington! I also don't want to generalize, but who consumes the most tobacco products? That's right, there are THOUSANDS of percent more people in the 95% that consume tobacco compared to the top 5%. I'm not judging; I'm just relaying some cold hard facts. Tobacco is consumed more by the middle and lower class than the upper class. You don't see Bill Gates smoking do you? You don't see your girl Oprah smoking? You do see lots of broke street people smoking though. Oh yeah, and you see Obama smoking, but that's because he doesn't pay for them, and he doesn't belong to one of our American classes. There are commuter taxes coming. Who commutes to their jobs in the city? That's right, the 95% that can't afford to live in the city! In California, they're trying to shove a law on us that says that vehicles cannot be painted black, because they use their A/C more than other vehicles! Excuse me?! Guess what color Patti and I are going to paint our truck? Jet Black baby!
In California they raised the state income tax in February (again), and between February and two weeks ago, California lost another $20 BILLION in state revenue! California is the poster child of socialism. If it weren't so darn beautiful, I would tell you that I flat out hate this state! This state is so full of greedy, fat, filth; it's repulsive. I wish we could wipe out all of the wimps in Sacramento and start over! To get a view of the direction that this country is headed, all one needs to do is look at the USSR of California!
One of the main reasons that we are so royally messed up is because of immigration. I love the men and women that man our borders! I love them so much that it breaks my heart to know just how unarmed, unprotected, and unprepared they are when it comes to defending our borders from those gangsters that penetrate our great country! And why wouldn't the illegal criminals try with all their might to get across? It's a free pass. Once here they get benefits beyond that of my family. They get food, medical care, retirement benefits, jobs and all for the whopping price of NOTHING! Most of my money goes to the medical care for these illegal criminals! I am a big supporter of the American Dream. America truly is the land of opportunity. There is no other country that gives so many people the opportunity to be so great. But I also believe in following the rules. There are millions of deserving immigrants that have been trying for years to become naturalized Americans. It's a slap in their face if we continue to support the illegal criminals that rape our borders. It's a slap in the faces of our fore fathers if we continue to provide shelter for illegal criminals. "Give me your tired, your poor, and your huddled masses..." This does not mean: Mexico, give me every one you can't handle. Give me your burden. It does not mean: Cuba, give me that which you can no longer take care of. This beautiful quote means, that we will take care of our own. We will take care of those who have given it their best shot and need assistance. It does not mean that we are handing out well-being. It does not mean that we are taking the illegal criminals from our bordering countries. We are being over-run by non-Americans...we are being invaded whether you like it or not. If this labels me a racist by you pansy liberals, then so be it!
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." Theodore Roosevelt, 1919.
Health Care is not a right or a privilege. I said it! Health Care by definition is: YOU TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEALTH! If you don't take care of your self, then it wont matter how much fatty government cheese you main line into your veins! It wont matter if you're paying for it, or if I am...and right now I am. Shape up! This is another area that you're getting smashed with taxes. The big fat step brother is going to make health care not only cheap by definition, but also by quality. What happens is that Jose gets his for free, and I pick up his and my tab. Not only this, but the quality goes down. Don't believe me, then why is it that every Canuck goes to New York for major surgery? Because Nationalized Heath Care sucks! The doctors are being paid less to perform major operations and procedures, therefore the care is either worse or is non-existent. It's just like waiting in line at the DMV or the Post Office. They're not getting paid anymore to do a better job. We need to put Health Care back into the private sector and allow hospitals and doctors to compete for our business. Not only will this provide better quality, but better cost too. And the Doctors will be able to pay their bills as well. It will be a competing market. Just this week, the big fat Fed is trying to shove through a bill that would REQUIRE every one to GET health care. It also would require every business to provide health care or pay a penalty. "Insurance companies profits will be limited..." Like that's any of the Govs business. This lovely little tax, because that's what it is, is called the "American Health Choices Act". What choice? There is no choice. Everyone is forced into this crap care. Next time I need surgery, I'm going to see if my friend Jerrad feels comfortable doing it. If he doesn't than I'll enlist my son, Matthew. As of this time last year there were already more than 100 MILLION people on Medicare and Medicaid. The gristle eating Dem's have a problem with our current system, and now they want to add every single person to the Health Care bill. Not every single American (which I have a problem with), but every single person. Break your way into my country, and you get Health Care. Congratulations you criminal!
We recently had a one billion dollar tax that was to be set aside to reimburse health care providers for their care and expenses that were performed on illegal criminals. We, Americans, have to pay for the health and well-being of them, illegal criminals. And by illegal criminals, I mean just those people who hopped, skipped, and jumped into our country. Can I get an, Excuse Me?! Our Supreme Court even threw these criminals a bone. "... a person cannot be turned away from health care providers in the United States because of nationality or ability to pay." Well, let's just welcome the Sotomayors to America! Arriba, Arriba!!!
I am sick of this government and their lies and abuse. I'm sick of the stupid liberal media who is still in love with the single biggest threat and terrorist in American history. Obama has done nothing but lie and manipulate. It's sad to realize that after the election, 54% of Americans are flat out stupid. Maybe it's that 54% of our country men and women like being abused in some sort of masochistic manner. I'm sick of the dummies, telling people to give it a chance. I'm sick of those dummies saying that everyone sat back and watched Bush tear this country to pieces. I'm sick of those dummies denying that it was their party that has governed for the last 4 years...the worst of the 8. I'm sick of the un-educated people trying to sound intelligent and the media placating to them. I'm sick of them denying safety that has been provided with blood, sweat, and tears. I'm sick of the military hating leftists who hate American soldiers. If you see a soldier you thank him or her and give them a hug. They deserve it! I'm sick of this modern day slavery. I'm sick of being a slave to this country.
I will not give this a chance. It's too dangerous, and I'm too smart to give this socialist, tyrannical non-American a chance. I've seen this episode many times. Hitler lost. Stalin lost. Marx lost. There are countries where this exact government is still in power - Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela. Do me a favor...if you want to give this a chance then please move to one of those countries, so that we can get back to being prosperous Americans. We need to fight, kick, and scream at that abuse that is being passed on to us. Somewhere in a grave FDR is pissed that Obama, a foreigner, is pillaging the Americans better than he.
I love America. I love Americans. I want us to get back to being Americans, and not apologetic, spine-less, socialist, Europeans. So, like in an earlier writing of mine...pray and hope with all that you have that we can make it through the war on America.
Right now we are being attacked in the very same manner as our Fore Fathers were well over 200 years ago. We are being force fed beliefs, ideals, and big fat sloppy government. America is being ran by a bunch of drunk, bumbling idiot cowards and cowardice's!
I know saying that America is the Home of the Slave is a little offensive, but I'm not going to apologize. We are slaves to this big fat nasty government right now. Every day we wake up, we find ourselves even more enslaved in the mass murder of our freedom. I'm not going to apologize for 8 years of middle east, terrorist butt kicking! I'm not going to apologize for being safe, and going on the offensive after we were attacked. I'm not going to apologize for checking people "who fit the profile" at the airport. I'm not going to apologize for supporting the sanctity of marriage. I'm not going to apologize for preserving life over any and all circumstances. I will not spend my families hard earned money on an apology tour. I am not sorry.
Our Lying Leader campaigned on the promise of not taxing 95% of Americans. The Deceiver has not only taxed the "Top 5%", but he has managed to levy unconstitutional amounts of taxes against the "95%". If you don't see the taxes that have increased every day then you are blind, or you are living off of my paycheck you slug! Look at your energy bill. Look at your shopping receipts. Look at your gas receipts. If you smoke, then how do you like them taxes? I'm not a smoker, but I do not feel that the government needs to continue to tax one of our original cash crop industry's this way. The more they tax big tobacco, the more that big tobacco passes those taxes on to us. The sanctions that were handed down to big tobacco have done nothing except line the wallets and purses of Washington! I also don't want to generalize, but who consumes the most tobacco products? That's right, there are THOUSANDS of percent more people in the 95% that consume tobacco compared to the top 5%. I'm not judging; I'm just relaying some cold hard facts. Tobacco is consumed more by the middle and lower class than the upper class. You don't see Bill Gates smoking do you? You don't see your girl Oprah smoking? You do see lots of broke street people smoking though. Oh yeah, and you see Obama smoking, but that's because he doesn't pay for them, and he doesn't belong to one of our American classes. There are commuter taxes coming. Who commutes to their jobs in the city? That's right, the 95% that can't afford to live in the city! In California, they're trying to shove a law on us that says that vehicles cannot be painted black, because they use their A/C more than other vehicles! Excuse me?! Guess what color Patti and I are going to paint our truck? Jet Black baby!
In California they raised the state income tax in February (again), and between February and two weeks ago, California lost another $20 BILLION in state revenue! California is the poster child of socialism. If it weren't so darn beautiful, I would tell you that I flat out hate this state! This state is so full of greedy, fat, filth; it's repulsive. I wish we could wipe out all of the wimps in Sacramento and start over! To get a view of the direction that this country is headed, all one needs to do is look at the USSR of California!
One of the main reasons that we are so royally messed up is because of immigration. I love the men and women that man our borders! I love them so much that it breaks my heart to know just how unarmed, unprotected, and unprepared they are when it comes to defending our borders from those gangsters that penetrate our great country! And why wouldn't the illegal criminals try with all their might to get across? It's a free pass. Once here they get benefits beyond that of my family. They get food, medical care, retirement benefits, jobs and all for the whopping price of NOTHING! Most of my money goes to the medical care for these illegal criminals! I am a big supporter of the American Dream. America truly is the land of opportunity. There is no other country that gives so many people the opportunity to be so great. But I also believe in following the rules. There are millions of deserving immigrants that have been trying for years to become naturalized Americans. It's a slap in their face if we continue to support the illegal criminals that rape our borders. It's a slap in the faces of our fore fathers if we continue to provide shelter for illegal criminals. "Give me your tired, your poor, and your huddled masses..." This does not mean: Mexico, give me every one you can't handle. Give me your burden. It does not mean: Cuba, give me that which you can no longer take care of. This beautiful quote means, that we will take care of our own. We will take care of those who have given it their best shot and need assistance. It does not mean that we are handing out well-being. It does not mean that we are taking the illegal criminals from our bordering countries. We are being over-run by non-Americans...we are being invaded whether you like it or not. If this labels me a racist by you pansy liberals, then so be it!
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." Theodore Roosevelt, 1919.
Health Care is not a right or a privilege. I said it! Health Care by definition is: YOU TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEALTH! If you don't take care of your self, then it wont matter how much fatty government cheese you main line into your veins! It wont matter if you're paying for it, or if I am...and right now I am. Shape up! This is another area that you're getting smashed with taxes. The big fat step brother is going to make health care not only cheap by definition, but also by quality. What happens is that Jose gets his for free, and I pick up his and my tab. Not only this, but the quality goes down. Don't believe me, then why is it that every Canuck goes to New York for major surgery? Because Nationalized Heath Care sucks! The doctors are being paid less to perform major operations and procedures, therefore the care is either worse or is non-existent. It's just like waiting in line at the DMV or the Post Office. They're not getting paid anymore to do a better job. We need to put Health Care back into the private sector and allow hospitals and doctors to compete for our business. Not only will this provide better quality, but better cost too. And the Doctors will be able to pay their bills as well. It will be a competing market. Just this week, the big fat Fed is trying to shove through a bill that would REQUIRE every one to GET health care. It also would require every business to provide health care or pay a penalty. "Insurance companies profits will be limited..." Like that's any of the Govs business. This lovely little tax, because that's what it is, is called the "American Health Choices Act". What choice? There is no choice. Everyone is forced into this crap care. Next time I need surgery, I'm going to see if my friend Jerrad feels comfortable doing it. If he doesn't than I'll enlist my son, Matthew. As of this time last year there were already more than 100 MILLION people on Medicare and Medicaid. The gristle eating Dem's have a problem with our current system, and now they want to add every single person to the Health Care bill. Not every single American (which I have a problem with), but every single person. Break your way into my country, and you get Health Care. Congratulations you criminal!
We recently had a one billion dollar tax that was to be set aside to reimburse health care providers for their care and expenses that were performed on illegal criminals. We, Americans, have to pay for the health and well-being of them, illegal criminals. And by illegal criminals, I mean just those people who hopped, skipped, and jumped into our country. Can I get an, Excuse Me?! Our Supreme Court even threw these criminals a bone. "... a person cannot be turned away from health care providers in the United States because of nationality or ability to pay." Well, let's just welcome the Sotomayors to America! Arriba, Arriba!!!
I am sick of this government and their lies and abuse. I'm sick of the stupid liberal media who is still in love with the single biggest threat and terrorist in American history. Obama has done nothing but lie and manipulate. It's sad to realize that after the election, 54% of Americans are flat out stupid. Maybe it's that 54% of our country men and women like being abused in some sort of masochistic manner. I'm sick of the dummies, telling people to give it a chance. I'm sick of those dummies saying that everyone sat back and watched Bush tear this country to pieces. I'm sick of those dummies denying that it was their party that has governed for the last 4 years...the worst of the 8. I'm sick of the un-educated people trying to sound intelligent and the media placating to them. I'm sick of them denying safety that has been provided with blood, sweat, and tears. I'm sick of the military hating leftists who hate American soldiers. If you see a soldier you thank him or her and give them a hug. They deserve it! I'm sick of this modern day slavery. I'm sick of being a slave to this country.
I will not give this a chance. It's too dangerous, and I'm too smart to give this socialist, tyrannical non-American a chance. I've seen this episode many times. Hitler lost. Stalin lost. Marx lost. There are countries where this exact government is still in power - Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela. Do me a favor...if you want to give this a chance then please move to one of those countries, so that we can get back to being prosperous Americans. We need to fight, kick, and scream at that abuse that is being passed on to us. Somewhere in a grave FDR is pissed that Obama, a foreigner, is pillaging the Americans better than he.
I love America. I love Americans. I want us to get back to being Americans, and not apologetic, spine-less, socialist, Europeans. So, like in an earlier writing of mine...pray and hope with all that you have that we can make it through the war on America.
That's why we don't play on the chairs...
Because Matthew falls off of them face first against the ground. It's a good thing he's got his father's skull...hardly phased him.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Ronni Faye
Last year my Grandfather Ron Durham passed away. The year before that my Grandmother Faye passed away. People tend to take for granted those who are closest to them. We feel that since they are family that they know that we love them. Often times we fail to express sacrifice and love for our family, because we know that they know it. I have recently felt like I didn't tell my father's parents that I loved them enough. I feel like I'm doing the same thing with my Granny Pat now. I'm not sure why this is the case, but one thing I know is that I still have time to correct that with Granny Pat. As for Ron and Faye, I can only tell you all how much I loved them. They were two of the most beautiful people that you would ever be so blessed to meet. Faye was the perennial matriarch, and Ron the loving father. The two of them also raised such wonderful, God Fearing children, who have continued that lineage. What a legacy?! We are called to spread The Word through many different avenues, and one of those is family. Legacy is not what we accumulate and leave behind, but who we impact and the manner in which we impact them. Both Ron and Faye understood this and made this a commitment to the Lord. There are so many things that I love about both of them, but most of all I love that they taught my father to love and honor God in all that he does. It's because of this that Patti and I are naming our coming Daughter, Ronni Faye Durham. We can't wait to share the Word with her...Matthew already loves it!
Sharing
Many of you know that my blog is very much politically charged. I set out for it to be a blog about everything, but then I titled it "Like it Is". So every time that I have something political on my mind, I feel the need to tell it like it is. I feel that I have a duty as an American to call it like I see it, and to tell it like it is. This is fine and all but I'm not keeping everyone informed on the most important things that are going on in mine and my family's world. I set out to do that, and have failed. Sure there's the Garden post, but that's extremely small amidst all of the changes and blessings that we have had over the past year plus. I will keep telling it "Like it Is", but I would also like for you all to know how God has been working in our lives. I want for you all to know how adorable Matthew is, and how much he develops into this smart and charming young boy every day. I want you to know how God has blessed Patti with the ability of being the best Wife and Mother that a Family could have. I want to start sharing with all of you how the pregnancy of our coming daughter is going. I would like for you all who are close to us to be able to feel as if you are included in all of these wonderful blessings in life. So here goes, I hope you all enjoy sharing our lives, lessons, and blessings!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
My Little Garden
I have recently gotten into this whole gardening thing...well at least growing veggies! I'm always making fresh salsas and sauces in general. So one day, I just made up my mind to start my own little garden. I've got Purple Bell Peppers that are all starting to bud like crazy, which means hopefully we'll start seeing some signs of fruit within the next few weeks. I've got two kinds of tomatoes: Better Boys and Early Girls. The Early Girls are pictured and they are going crazy. I've got Jalapenos and Serrano chili's. They are both going crazy with fruit! So, I'm all in on this whole growing fresh fruits and vegetables! My initial intentions were to grown only pot plants. We're renting right now and I didn't want to put too much effort into a nice Garden Box. Well I think I need to show a little more respect to the plants and give them a proper home. So, stay tuned because I think I see a nice red wood box in their future.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Obama's top 10 Faith-less moments
And this was before the National Day of Prayer. This is despicable and insulting that the media can use the words Faith and Obama in the same sentance. It just further reinforces my point of how much of a biased hard on the media has for the bama. The article in U.S. News and World Report simply exposes this man for what he really is...a heathen.
“Oh, brother, where are thou!” Certainly not in the White House right now…but at the same time, this news story probably does reveal more about Obama’s faith than was intended – his faith is in secularism, pluralism, and human peace-making – all three short-lived if you ask me! - Dr. Donald Durham
Obama's Top 10 'Faith Moments'
05/05/2009
To commemorate President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office, U.S. News & World Report documented what it considers to be the "10 Most Important Obama Faith Moments."
Without defining what "most important" and "faith moment" mean, the magazine clearly showed the thesis and thrust of the article with this sentence: "Barack Obama has embraced faith in a more visible way than any other president in recent memory."
Given that statement, the top 10 list must contain rock-solid faith-stimulating actions by Obama, right? You decide. Here is the list and my thoughts on each item:
"1. Rick Warren's Inauguration Day Invocation." I'll grant Obama and U.S. News & World Report that this was a significant "faith moment," though maybe (as I discussed in a previous column) it wasn't significant for all the right reasons.
"2. Granting First TV Interview to Arabic Language Network." I would call this more of a "diplomatic moment" than a "faith moment" despite the fact that the majority of the Arab world is Muslim.
"3. Reversing Mexico City Policy on Family Planning Providers Abroad." Since when is subsidizing other nations with federal funds to provide more abortions a "faith moment"?
"4. Opening Rallies With Prayer." To describe six simple invocations as "a big step further in embracing religion" in comparison with George W. Bush's practice of starting Cabinet meetings with prayer and encouraging Bible study groups at the White House reveals the author's clear political bent.
"5. Launching White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships." Could the advances of this "faith moment" suffer a horrendous reversal when Obama's administration finally deals with its postponement of the issue of whether to demand these federally funded groups hire leaders from outside their faith traditions?
"6. Convening a Faith Advisory Council." While this council has external appeal, it represents little more than another bureaucratic piece of red tape and another way the long arm of government is weaving into the fabrics of our religious practices.
"7. Joe Biden's Receiving Ashes on Ash Wednesday." With all respect to Biden, to think that the vice president's participation in Lenten church services should be classified as a faith moment of Barack Obama's borders on comical.
"8. Lifting Restrictions on Federally-Funded Embryonic Stem Cell Research." Like No. 3 -- on expanding international abortions -- to include the lifting of restrictions for federally funded embryonic stem cell research in this list is ludicrous.
"9. Announcing Plans to Give Notre Dame's Commencement Address." I would agree with this if Obama had said he would speak at the baccalaureate Mass, but he's giving the commencement address.
"10. Speaking to Muslim World From Turkey." This should be the No. 1 non-faith, or secular, moment of Obama's first 100 days, for he skirted our religious makeup and heritage.
If my math is correct regarding this U.S. News & World Report article, the preceding "10 Most Important Obama Faith Moments" include two instances in which Obama encouraged Muslim relations and Islam around the world, two cases in which he increased the number of terminations of human lives, one nonreligious speaking engagement he committed to making at a university, two acts of his that promoted community development, six events of his that included invocations, and one instance in which religious soot was seen on the forehead of the vice president.
Makes me wonder what U.S. News & World Report means by "most important" and "faith moment." "Most important" for whom? U.S. News & World Report? The left? And what does "faith moment" mean? "Religious moment"? "Secular moment"? "Muslim moment"?
It's strange how or why the magazine left out of its list that Obama proposed to limit tax deductions for charitable contributions. And what about Obama's request for Georgetown University to cover a monogram symbolizing Jesus' name when he gave an economic speech there?
I can think of a title that suits the majority of entries in this article much better: "10 Most Important Obama Faith Mashings." (I wonder whether U.S. News & World Report or any other major news magazine would run that article or my op-ed?)
Regardless of where one lands on Obama's religious actions, there's a real faith moment coming up this week, and we need it more than ever. It's the 58th annual National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 7, with events in your neighborhood. It could be one of your and America's most important faith moments this year.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Miss California
Typical Left Crap
The left and their hoity toity double standards are making this woman out to be a bigot, for standing by her convictions and personal beliefs. She's the enemy for speaking her mind. It's OK to openly support homo-sexual marriage, but it's not OK to denounce it.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519468,00.html
What exactly did Carrie do that was so wrong? She was respectful and polite. She even stated that she is grateful to live in a Country and a State where people are allowed to choose their lifestyle. The very next day the Sodomite that is Perez Hilton made it his point to destroy her. Since then she has been smeared and harassed by the media. She is a modern day martyr. Carrie will tell you that she would never change what she said. She knows that to be a Christian you have to say things that people don't want to hear. To be a leader you have to do what is not always popular. The Miss California organization will be deliberating this week to discuss whether or not to ask her to relinquish her crown. This committee is made up of people who are closed minded and will most likely ask her to turn it over. This is a travesty. She should be commended by the diverse groups for her willingness to do and say what was knowingly "un-popular". Isn't that what diversity is all about? One thing I know for sure, is that I can't walk out and tell gay people that I disagree with their lifestyle, all the while, they can tell me that I'm close-minded for not supporting homosexual marriage. Our country is going to Hell in a hand basket and it's time for some real leaders to stand up and say what is not popular. It's time for someone to stand up and say the things that the left and the media don't want to hear.
You want more on evidence of the societal double standards? Read some of my earlier postings discussing the evidence of just that. It's time to end the PC approach to not hurting people's feelings. You should be able to say what you feel and believe in a respectful way and not be bashed for it.
The left and their hoity toity double standards are making this woman out to be a bigot, for standing by her convictions and personal beliefs. She's the enemy for speaking her mind. It's OK to openly support homo-sexual marriage, but it's not OK to denounce it.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519468,00.html
What exactly did Carrie do that was so wrong? She was respectful and polite. She even stated that she is grateful to live in a Country and a State where people are allowed to choose their lifestyle. The very next day the Sodomite that is Perez Hilton made it his point to destroy her. Since then she has been smeared and harassed by the media. She is a modern day martyr. Carrie will tell you that she would never change what she said. She knows that to be a Christian you have to say things that people don't want to hear. To be a leader you have to do what is not always popular. The Miss California organization will be deliberating this week to discuss whether or not to ask her to relinquish her crown. This committee is made up of people who are closed minded and will most likely ask her to turn it over. This is a travesty. She should be commended by the diverse groups for her willingness to do and say what was knowingly "un-popular". Isn't that what diversity is all about? One thing I know for sure, is that I can't walk out and tell gay people that I disagree with their lifestyle, all the while, they can tell me that I'm close-minded for not supporting homosexual marriage. Our country is going to Hell in a hand basket and it's time for some real leaders to stand up and say what is not popular. It's time for someone to stand up and say the things that the left and the media don't want to hear.
You want more on evidence of the societal double standards? Read some of my earlier postings discussing the evidence of just that. It's time to end the PC approach to not hurting people's feelings. You should be able to say what you feel and believe in a respectful way and not be bashed for it.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Swine Flu
The Swine Flu is so over dramatized it's rediculous. I don't mean to sound insensitive, but it is. I do feel sympathetic for those who've been affected by it. This is only being made a big deal because the media wants to portray this as a disaster that was handled well by the administration. You don't hear anyone in Hollywood saying that the President hates mexicans (right Kanye?). Even though they are 'advising' people to not cross the border. (I'd shut the borders down completely and start the New Immigration Policy, but that's another story.) No, this is being made such a big deal because it's not. This has to be blown up into a Pandemic, because this is the bama's Katrina. They need to divert the attention of the Public from our failing society. They need to distract us from all of the other take overs that are happening. Oh, and because of this over-blown nonsense, the bama is going to spend $1.4BILLION on the fight against the swine. One more tax that is a complete lie. The facts are, that more than 35,000 Americans die EVERY year from the Flu Virus. THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND! So, let me know when this swine epidemic creeps close to that point. But until then, I'll just keep washing my hands, eating right, and taking care of myself. Haven't had the flu in years...guess I'm just lucky.Oh yeah, and I had the BEST Pork Chops last night!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
"Who Will Stop the Rain"?
“Five-Year Plans and New Deals, Wrapped in Golden Chains”
Obama’s Largesse Comes at a Very Steep Price
In Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic 1970 song “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” lead singer John Fogerty laments the seductive but empty nature of government largesse with the lyric, “five-year plans and New Deals, wrapped in golden chains, and I wonder, still I wonder, who’ll stop the rain.”
Fogerty’s line poignantly illustrates the chimerical nature of government aid to eager citizens. The golden luster mesmerizes prospective beneficiaries, but that luster inevitably fades, exposing the entrapping tangle of dependency, bureaucracy and inefficiency. The very golden chains in which the five-year plans and New Deals are wrapped ultimately serve to imprison recipients.
Ronald Reagan cogently expressed this same concept another way when he observed, “the nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’”
Redistributionist five-year plans in the Soviet Union only ended up imprisoning the Russian people in a seventy-year nightmare of shortages, forced labor and oppression.
The New Deal commenced an onslaught of unsustainable government entitlements that are slowly bankrupting America. As but one illustration, the currently maligned stock market has never witnessed a cumulative loss over any twenty-year period, whereas Social Security will soon collapse under its own demographic weight.
And now, Barack Obama is bringing Creedence Clearwater Revival’s lyric to life as never before in American history.
As Exhibit A, consider Obama’s slow-motion bank takeover scheme.
Initially portrayed as a rescue to financial firms, federal bailout funds are suddenly being used as golden chains to nationalize that sector of the economy. In an interview this week, Obama Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner finally confirmed that he may not allow financial firms to voluntarily return government bailout funds – funds that they were forced to accept in the first place.
In what bizarre world does a democratic government feel entitled to force-feed taxpayer dollars to unwilling banks, then turn around and refuse repayment of those dollars?
Making matters worse, the Obama Administration this week leaked that it may insist on converting the shares of stock that it holds in several major national banks from preferred stock to common stock. This may sound like “Inside Baseball” minutiae to those outside the financial world, but it essentially means that Obama seeks to convert stock shares from non-ownership stocks to ownership stocks. Preferred stock is first in line for dividend payments, but it doesn’t provide voting rights. In contrast, common stock allows shareholders to actually vote on company policy and management.
The fact that financial stocks plummeted almost 10% in one day, and the Dow fell 3.5% overall, says all one needs to know about the poisonous nature of Obama’s latest plan to appoint himself, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank as kommissars of the financial sector.
As Exhibit B, consider the battle over federal bailout funds to states.
As part of their massive $787 billion “stimulus” bill, Obama and the Pelosi-Reid Congress offered seemingly benevolent funds to individual states. Within the fine print, however, the legislation created new entitlements that the individual states would be required to maintain even after federal bailout dollars ran out.
In other words, it’s a perfect example of “five-year plans and New Deals wrapped in golden chains.” Much like the banks became unwilling participants once they accepted federal dollars, the states would also remain unwilling participants on a permanent basis.
Fortunately, some state governors such as Texas’s Rick Perry objected to this forced servitude and pledged to oppose expansion of unsustainable entitlement programs created by these finite federal funds. Predictably, those governors were greeted with scorn from the mainstream media and Obama’s other minions, rather than by the accolades they more rightfully deserved. Nevertheless, they may serve as a beacon for a growing opposition to these schemes.
And as Exhibit C, consider the auto bailout.
Last year, we at the Center for Individual Freedom warned that an auto bailout would not only fail in its stated purpose of setting the Detroit automakers on a correct course, but would merely be the first installment in an endless new corporate welfare abyss. In addition, we now see that it is also a mechanism by which Obama in his infinite economic prowess could control the American automobile industry. As a result, Obama has now seen himself fit to terminate GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner and dictate which cars GM will produce, profits be damned.
These five-year plans and New Deals wrapped in golden chains will once again only result in greater servitude for the productive sectors of American society.
That is, unless we rise from our stupor and stop the rain.
Obama’s Largesse Comes at a Very Steep Price
In Creedence Clearwater Revival’s classic 1970 song “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” lead singer John Fogerty laments the seductive but empty nature of government largesse with the lyric, “five-year plans and New Deals, wrapped in golden chains, and I wonder, still I wonder, who’ll stop the rain.”
Fogerty’s line poignantly illustrates the chimerical nature of government aid to eager citizens. The golden luster mesmerizes prospective beneficiaries, but that luster inevitably fades, exposing the entrapping tangle of dependency, bureaucracy and inefficiency. The very golden chains in which the five-year plans and New Deals are wrapped ultimately serve to imprison recipients.
Ronald Reagan cogently expressed this same concept another way when he observed, “the nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’”
Redistributionist five-year plans in the Soviet Union only ended up imprisoning the Russian people in a seventy-year nightmare of shortages, forced labor and oppression.
The New Deal commenced an onslaught of unsustainable government entitlements that are slowly bankrupting America. As but one illustration, the currently maligned stock market has never witnessed a cumulative loss over any twenty-year period, whereas Social Security will soon collapse under its own demographic weight.
And now, Barack Obama is bringing Creedence Clearwater Revival’s lyric to life as never before in American history.
As Exhibit A, consider Obama’s slow-motion bank takeover scheme.
Initially portrayed as a rescue to financial firms, federal bailout funds are suddenly being used as golden chains to nationalize that sector of the economy. In an interview this week, Obama Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner finally confirmed that he may not allow financial firms to voluntarily return government bailout funds – funds that they were forced to accept in the first place.
In what bizarre world does a democratic government feel entitled to force-feed taxpayer dollars to unwilling banks, then turn around and refuse repayment of those dollars?
Making matters worse, the Obama Administration this week leaked that it may insist on converting the shares of stock that it holds in several major national banks from preferred stock to common stock. This may sound like “Inside Baseball” minutiae to those outside the financial world, but it essentially means that Obama seeks to convert stock shares from non-ownership stocks to ownership stocks. Preferred stock is first in line for dividend payments, but it doesn’t provide voting rights. In contrast, common stock allows shareholders to actually vote on company policy and management.
The fact that financial stocks plummeted almost 10% in one day, and the Dow fell 3.5% overall, says all one needs to know about the poisonous nature of Obama’s latest plan to appoint himself, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank as kommissars of the financial sector.
As Exhibit B, consider the battle over federal bailout funds to states.
As part of their massive $787 billion “stimulus” bill, Obama and the Pelosi-Reid Congress offered seemingly benevolent funds to individual states. Within the fine print, however, the legislation created new entitlements that the individual states would be required to maintain even after federal bailout dollars ran out.
In other words, it’s a perfect example of “five-year plans and New Deals wrapped in golden chains.” Much like the banks became unwilling participants once they accepted federal dollars, the states would also remain unwilling participants on a permanent basis.
Fortunately, some state governors such as Texas’s Rick Perry objected to this forced servitude and pledged to oppose expansion of unsustainable entitlement programs created by these finite federal funds. Predictably, those governors were greeted with scorn from the mainstream media and Obama’s other minions, rather than by the accolades they more rightfully deserved. Nevertheless, they may serve as a beacon for a growing opposition to these schemes.
And as Exhibit C, consider the auto bailout.
Last year, we at the Center for Individual Freedom warned that an auto bailout would not only fail in its stated purpose of setting the Detroit automakers on a correct course, but would merely be the first installment in an endless new corporate welfare abyss. In addition, we now see that it is also a mechanism by which Obama in his infinite economic prowess could control the American automobile industry. As a result, Obama has now seen himself fit to terminate GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner and dictate which cars GM will produce, profits be damned.
These five-year plans and New Deals wrapped in golden chains will once again only result in greater servitude for the productive sectors of American society.
That is, unless we rise from our stupor and stop the rain.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Pro Choice
What is the most disturbing thing about this is that, we are granting freedom of "choice" to mother's who want to end their children's lives, but we are restricting the "choice" from Doctors who do not want to perform the heinous act. Very contradictory...but I guess that's to be expected. So far everything has been a contradiction.
http://www.cc.org/blog/obama_reverses_protections_prolife_doctors
http://www.cc.org/blog/obama_reverses_protections_prolife_doctors
Irony
So my wife and I are expecting a new addition to our family this summer! We are very excited. We decided to sign up for Healthy Families which is a state run program offered to provide health care to unborn children through the pregnancy and through their first birthday. What's ironic is not my stance on government provided health care and us taking advantage of this program. It's not ironic because We PAY our taxes. We are AMERICAN citizens, so we are intitled to use the programs that we have been funding for many years now. Infact, we actually still choose to pay for this program out of pocket. The irony is that the only way that we qualify for this is because the State of California recognizes the unborn child as an additional family member from the point of conception. This is the same state that will let women execute these unborn children with my tax dollars. The same state that will use live fetus' for stem cell research. Ok, maybe it's not so much ironic as it is hypocrytical.
Here's a website that goes through the history of the Abortion Laws in the State of California. My favorite is the one from July 8th, 1994 that states "Governor signs Budget Act with full funding for abortion services and no restrictive budget language.".
http://www.ppacca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuJYJeO4F&b=139490
Here's a website that goes through the history of the Abortion Laws in the State of California. My favorite is the one from July 8th, 1994 that states "Governor signs Budget Act with full funding for abortion services and no restrictive budget language.".
http://www.ppacca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuJYJeO4F&b=139490
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Lyndon Baines Obama
by Patrick J. Buchanan
03/10/2009
It was the winter of conservative discontent.
Barry Goldwater had gotten only 38 percent of the vote, and his party had suffered its worst thrashing since Alf Landon fell to FDR in 1936.
Democrats held 295 House seats, Republicans 140. They held 68 Senate seats to Republicans' 32, and 33 governors to the GOP's 17.
Democratic registration was twice that of the GOP. The liberal press was gleefully writing the obituary of "The Party That Lost Its Head."
Decades might pass, it was said, before the GOP recovered from its fatal embrace of right-wing radicalism and foolish rejection of the leadership of Govs. Nelson Rockefeller and William Scranton.
Wrote Robert Donovan in the opening lines of his book, "The Future of the Republican Party":
"The devastating defeat of Barry Goldwater at the hands of voters in all sections of the country but the Deep South has damaged, weakened and tarnished the party. For years to come ... the two-party system will be crippled."
Donovan and all the rest were wrong. The GOP came roaring back in 1966 to capture 47 House seats and eight new governorships. In 1968, Nixon led the party out of the wilderness and into a White House it would hold for 20 of the next 24 years.
Full of hubris in 1965, Lyndon Johnson had seized his moment. He had launched a Great Society that would outdo his beloved patron FDR. He would dispatch 500,000 troops to Vietnam to "bring the coonskin home on the wall" and create a "Great Society on the Mekong." Those were heady days of "guns-and-butter."
By 1968, LBJ's coalition was shredded. Gov. George Wallace had torn away the populist right. Sens. Gene McCarthy, George McGovern and Robert Kennedy had rallied the antiwar left against him. LBJ and Hubert Humphrey were left to preside over a shrinking center.
Why did LBJ fail? He overloaded the circuits. He tried to do it all. He misread a national desire for continuity after Kennedy's death as a mandate for a lunge to the left and a great leap forward with the largest expansion of government since the New Deal.
By 1968, racial riots had torn apart almost every great city. The most prestigious campuses had been rocked by student violence. Thousands of antiwar demonstrators had taken to the streets. And 100 to 200 body bags were coming home from Vietnam every week.
By the winter of 1968, Lyndon Johnson was a broken president.
History never repeats itself exactly. But Barack Obama is making the same mistakes today that LBJ made in 1965.
He has ordered 17,000 more U.S. troops into Afghanistan, as the situation deteriorates and the NATO allies pull out. He has no exit strategy. He has read a repudiation of George Bush as a mandate for a government seizure of wealth and power that exceeds anything attempted in the Great Society.
Fully half of the $3.55 trillion in spending Obama will preside over this year will not be covered by tax revenue but by red ink. The money will have to be borrowed from abroad or printed by the Fed.
Not only is Barack running a deficit four times as large as Bush's largest, he has called for $1 trillion in new taxes on America's most successful, who have already seen their savings and pensions ravaged.
He wants a cap-and-trade system to deal with a global-warming or climate-change crisis many scientists believe is a hoax. He is going to provide health care for all, including immigrants, millions of whom arrive uninsured every year.
He is going to plunge scores of billions more into education, though education has eaten up the wealth of an empire, as SAT scores sink further and further below the apogee of 1964, before LBJ and the feds barged in. He is going to ask Congress for authority to spend another $750 billion rescuing the banks.
He is going to find the cure for cancer. He is going to ensure every kid gets a college education. He is going to drop half of all wage-earners off the tax rolls, while the top 2 percent, who already pay 40 percent of all income taxes, are forced to cough up more.
Obama is misreading the election returns. When America voted to cancel the White House lease of Mr. Bush, it did not vote Barack Obama a blank check.
By misinterpreting his mandate, Obama has accomplished something John McCain could not -- unite the Republican Party and instill in it a new esprit de corps. For the Obama budget is an insult to the core belief of the party -- that free people, not coercive government, should shape the character of society.
By daring Republicans to fight on the issue of a $1.75 trillion deficit, Obama has liberated the GOP from any obligation to him. He has come out of the closet as a radical liberal spoiling for a fight over an agenda of radical change.
Sooner than any might have thought, we have clarity.
by Patrick J. Buchanan
03/10/2009
It was the winter of conservative discontent.
Barry Goldwater had gotten only 38 percent of the vote, and his party had suffered its worst thrashing since Alf Landon fell to FDR in 1936.
Democrats held 295 House seats, Republicans 140. They held 68 Senate seats to Republicans' 32, and 33 governors to the GOP's 17.
Democratic registration was twice that of the GOP. The liberal press was gleefully writing the obituary of "The Party That Lost Its Head."
Decades might pass, it was said, before the GOP recovered from its fatal embrace of right-wing radicalism and foolish rejection of the leadership of Govs. Nelson Rockefeller and William Scranton.
Wrote Robert Donovan in the opening lines of his book, "The Future of the Republican Party":
"The devastating defeat of Barry Goldwater at the hands of voters in all sections of the country but the Deep South has damaged, weakened and tarnished the party. For years to come ... the two-party system will be crippled."
Donovan and all the rest were wrong. The GOP came roaring back in 1966 to capture 47 House seats and eight new governorships. In 1968, Nixon led the party out of the wilderness and into a White House it would hold for 20 of the next 24 years.
Full of hubris in 1965, Lyndon Johnson had seized his moment. He had launched a Great Society that would outdo his beloved patron FDR. He would dispatch 500,000 troops to Vietnam to "bring the coonskin home on the wall" and create a "Great Society on the Mekong." Those were heady days of "guns-and-butter."
By 1968, LBJ's coalition was shredded. Gov. George Wallace had torn away the populist right. Sens. Gene McCarthy, George McGovern and Robert Kennedy had rallied the antiwar left against him. LBJ and Hubert Humphrey were left to preside over a shrinking center.
Why did LBJ fail? He overloaded the circuits. He tried to do it all. He misread a national desire for continuity after Kennedy's death as a mandate for a lunge to the left and a great leap forward with the largest expansion of government since the New Deal.
By 1968, racial riots had torn apart almost every great city. The most prestigious campuses had been rocked by student violence. Thousands of antiwar demonstrators had taken to the streets. And 100 to 200 body bags were coming home from Vietnam every week.
By the winter of 1968, Lyndon Johnson was a broken president.
History never repeats itself exactly. But Barack Obama is making the same mistakes today that LBJ made in 1965.
He has ordered 17,000 more U.S. troops into Afghanistan, as the situation deteriorates and the NATO allies pull out. He has no exit strategy. He has read a repudiation of George Bush as a mandate for a government seizure of wealth and power that exceeds anything attempted in the Great Society.
Fully half of the $3.55 trillion in spending Obama will preside over this year will not be covered by tax revenue but by red ink. The money will have to be borrowed from abroad or printed by the Fed.
Not only is Barack running a deficit four times as large as Bush's largest, he has called for $1 trillion in new taxes on America's most successful, who have already seen their savings and pensions ravaged.
He wants a cap-and-trade system to deal with a global-warming or climate-change crisis many scientists believe is a hoax. He is going to provide health care for all, including immigrants, millions of whom arrive uninsured every year.
He is going to plunge scores of billions more into education, though education has eaten up the wealth of an empire, as SAT scores sink further and further below the apogee of 1964, before LBJ and the feds barged in. He is going to ask Congress for authority to spend another $750 billion rescuing the banks.
He is going to find the cure for cancer. He is going to ensure every kid gets a college education. He is going to drop half of all wage-earners off the tax rolls, while the top 2 percent, who already pay 40 percent of all income taxes, are forced to cough up more.
Obama is misreading the election returns. When America voted to cancel the White House lease of Mr. Bush, it did not vote Barack Obama a blank check.
By misinterpreting his mandate, Obama has accomplished something John McCain could not -- unite the Republican Party and instill in it a new esprit de corps. For the Obama budget is an insult to the core belief of the party -- that free people, not coercive government, should shape the character of society.
By daring Republicans to fight on the issue of a $1.75 trillion deficit, Obama has liberated the GOP from any obligation to him. He has come out of the closet as a radical liberal spoiling for a fight over an agenda of radical change.
Sooner than any might have thought, we have clarity.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Fiscal Responsibility
Obama hosting a "Fiscal Responsibility" summit is like me hosting a basketball camp. It's like Hillary Clinton giving marital advice. Like Timothy Geitner giving tax advice. Like Nancy Pelosi teaching about abstinence. Like Barney Frank telling the truth. Like Al Gore's Global Warming craze. Like Michael Moore giving advice about dieting. Like Bill Ayers teaching a class on patriotism.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Now is the Time...
If you pray, then pray hard. If you hope, then hope with everything that you have. Only a Divine Intervention will prevent this bill from killing America. Only this will stop America from being crippled. Our young and naive government has just committed all of us to poverty, and we need to pray and hope every day that something Extraordinary steps in and prevents us from tanking. Our government has already screwed us, and it's the same bunch that has been screwing us into this position. We can't count on them. We haven't been able to count on them for the last two Congressional Terms, and now a 3rd. They've put us in this spot, and now they've nailed us to it. Hold on because it's going to get a lot worse.
I'm not ready to start impeaching anyone yet, but it's been a pretty piss poor showing for the first month from this new bunch of hoodlams. Not all are new. Pelosi is still ruining peoples lives and is still in favor of the most grotesque form of murdering babies. Harry Reid is still using our money to better himself: Amtrak from LA to Las Vegas is built in to the stimulus package. Anyone know what state Reid is from? Barney Frank still making financial decisions in Congress. And why not, he's easily the one whom should be held most accountable for this debacle that we're in. All I can say is that I don't wish this at all, but the only thing that's going to get us out of this is another World War, or a brand new governement.
Why is that 49% of Americans in 1937 feard FDR? Because he hoarded power in a dictator like manner extremely fast. It was because his policies were always about his power, not the betterment of the country. In one month we have seen an expansion of government that would make FDR blush.
We have seen the census be brought into the White House and put into the hands of one of the most blantantly evil, mean spirited, and vindictive politicians in American history in Rahm Emanuel(Nancy Pelosi and her plastic face aren't too far behind either)! Anyone know the significance of this? The cencus has been protected from political influence since it's inception. Not even the Secretary of Commerce can touch the census. This entity has been placed with the responsibility of taking unbiased and accurate demographics. What happens is that when the census is taken, if certain criteria have changed then there is a re-distributing of government funding and political county lines. Why would the Junior Senator make this one of his first moves? Why would he do this at 11:00pm under the cover of night? Why do you thinkg Judd Gregg declined the position to be the Secretary of Commerce? Because it's completely corrupt...and Senator Gregg pays his taxes so he's automatically not qualified to work for the Bama administration.
We are in a worse spot then we were before January 20th. We don't need a "shot in the arm"(Sen. Reid -D). What we need is fiscal responsibility. We need leaders who pay taxes. We need leaders who say that they want complete transparency to remove those who have stolen from and cheated the American People. In economics, Fiscal policy refers to government attempts to influence the direction of the economy through changes in government taxes, or through some spending (fiscal allowances). It is the use of government spending and revenue collection to influence the economy. It is not about making new money or borrowing more than we owe.
We have now set the tone to hand over complete control to our government. The very same government that put us in this situation. That is why I say pray and hope with all that you are, because it's going to be a rough one.
I'm not ready to start impeaching anyone yet, but it's been a pretty piss poor showing for the first month from this new bunch of hoodlams. Not all are new. Pelosi is still ruining peoples lives and is still in favor of the most grotesque form of murdering babies. Harry Reid is still using our money to better himself: Amtrak from LA to Las Vegas is built in to the stimulus package. Anyone know what state Reid is from? Barney Frank still making financial decisions in Congress. And why not, he's easily the one whom should be held most accountable for this debacle that we're in. All I can say is that I don't wish this at all, but the only thing that's going to get us out of this is another World War, or a brand new governement.
Why is that 49% of Americans in 1937 feard FDR? Because he hoarded power in a dictator like manner extremely fast. It was because his policies were always about his power, not the betterment of the country. In one month we have seen an expansion of government that would make FDR blush.
We have seen the census be brought into the White House and put into the hands of one of the most blantantly evil, mean spirited, and vindictive politicians in American history in Rahm Emanuel(Nancy Pelosi and her plastic face aren't too far behind either)! Anyone know the significance of this? The cencus has been protected from political influence since it's inception. Not even the Secretary of Commerce can touch the census. This entity has been placed with the responsibility of taking unbiased and accurate demographics. What happens is that when the census is taken, if certain criteria have changed then there is a re-distributing of government funding and political county lines. Why would the Junior Senator make this one of his first moves? Why would he do this at 11:00pm under the cover of night? Why do you thinkg Judd Gregg declined the position to be the Secretary of Commerce? Because it's completely corrupt...and Senator Gregg pays his taxes so he's automatically not qualified to work for the Bama administration.
We are in a worse spot then we were before January 20th. We don't need a "shot in the arm"(Sen. Reid -D). What we need is fiscal responsibility. We need leaders who pay taxes. We need leaders who say that they want complete transparency to remove those who have stolen from and cheated the American People. In economics, Fiscal policy refers to government attempts to influence the direction of the economy through changes in government taxes, or through some spending (fiscal allowances). It is the use of government spending and revenue collection to influence the economy. It is not about making new money or borrowing more than we owe.
We have now set the tone to hand over complete control to our government. The very same government that put us in this situation. That is why I say pray and hope with all that you are, because it's going to be a rough one.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Stop the Stimulus!
Right Your Senators and Stop the Stimulus!
This is just an abuse of the American people's money! This is exactly the kind of rediculous spending that put us in this predicament. This will only spin us into a depression. I know that the left has a love affair with Barack, and I see right through what this stimulus is. It is designed to keep the man in office. That is why there is NO, I mean ZERO, upfront spending. It has been designed by the left for the spending to begin in year FOUR! Anyone else see a problem with this type of "immediate action"? That's because it's not immediate. It has been made very obvious in the first 3 weeks that this man has either a very naive approach to government spending and regulation or that he is who the Right thought he was. He is going to run our good country into the ground. We will be no better than the Marxist/Communist Regimes of the world. Barack will run this country much like Fidel Castro.
We don't need the fatty unneccessary spending. I shouldn't be paying for STD prevention! It's not my job to teach America's youth about the dangers of unprotected sex. It's not my job to pay for the children of people who penetrate our borders and society illegally. It's not my job to help spine-less weaklings quit smoking! It's not my job to financially help those who "CHOOSE" not to help themselves. It is my job to pray for all of these people. So I will continue to pray for them. We need to help those who actually need help. Why are we punishing Americans? This is awful. We need to restructure this to benefit those who are, and will be, able to provide jobs. What this country needs is the ability to be able to create more jobs in the PRIVATE sector, not the Government Sector. We have seen what happens when people like Barney Frank and Nancey Pelosi when they have control in this country. We are in the situation that we are in because of Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.
Please stop the stimulus!
This is just an abuse of the American people's money! This is exactly the kind of rediculous spending that put us in this predicament. This will only spin us into a depression. I know that the left has a love affair with Barack, and I see right through what this stimulus is. It is designed to keep the man in office. That is why there is NO, I mean ZERO, upfront spending. It has been designed by the left for the spending to begin in year FOUR! Anyone else see a problem with this type of "immediate action"? That's because it's not immediate. It has been made very obvious in the first 3 weeks that this man has either a very naive approach to government spending and regulation or that he is who the Right thought he was. He is going to run our good country into the ground. We will be no better than the Marxist/Communist Regimes of the world. Barack will run this country much like Fidel Castro.
We don't need the fatty unneccessary spending. I shouldn't be paying for STD prevention! It's not my job to teach America's youth about the dangers of unprotected sex. It's not my job to pay for the children of people who penetrate our borders and society illegally. It's not my job to help spine-less weaklings quit smoking! It's not my job to financially help those who "CHOOSE" not to help themselves. It is my job to pray for all of these people. So I will continue to pray for them. We need to help those who actually need help. Why are we punishing Americans? This is awful. We need to restructure this to benefit those who are, and will be, able to provide jobs. What this country needs is the ability to be able to create more jobs in the PRIVATE sector, not the Government Sector. We have seen what happens when people like Barney Frank and Nancey Pelosi when they have control in this country. We are in the situation that we are in because of Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.
Please stop the stimulus!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
An Answer To Prayer
So, some of you know that I have been praying for God to present Himself to me in an opportunity to volunteer. Well, last night I went to a Men's Bible Study, for the first time in "ages and ages; a really, really, really long time" (Mugatu played by Will Farrell in Zoolander). As the leader was getting ready to introduce the guest speaker, he first had some one come up who is a project coordinator for an organization called San Diego Fire Relief. Ding, Ding, Ding! It was like an alarm went off in my head and heart. It's amazing how God puts things on your heart, and requires obedience before he grants those things to you. Roughly only 10% of the homes that were destroyed in San Diego 14 months ago have been rebuilt. That means that there are still 90% of the affected households that are "displaced". All I'm volunteering to do is go cut some branches, clear some bushes, and maybe hang some fence. If anyone wants to join me, it would be an awesome way of giving of yourself and your time!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
I'm really trying to give the man a chance...
But, I just find it so hard.
5 Executive Orders in less than 3 days!!!!!????
Well let's not do any research. Let's not be thorough. No, no, no...haste is much more practical. A man of the people? What about the 300,000+ people marching for Life today on Washington? Not even so much an acknowledgement. Well it could be because he was too busy being sworn in over and over again. It could be that he and Joe were trying to figure out how to swear in their staff. Regardless there was no attention paid to a most noble, and peaceful (something liberal activists know nothing about) demonstration. A demonstration that you would think that a man who, claims to be able to take America to the moral high ground (seriously?), would be interested in supporting. Not for someone who is so blatantly against the preservation of life, with out exceptions (including partial birth abortions). Speaking of early Executive Orders. George W. Bush 1 in the first 30 days, and this was after his predecessor dismantled our military and national security. Bill Clinton 1 in the first 30 days. George H.W.Bush 0 in the first 30 days. Ronald Reagan 0 in the first 30 days, and this was after taking over for the massive American Failure that was Jimmy Carter. The reason, because they all felt that the need and duty to research the issues once fully submerged as President was better than making a decision out of haste, or to prove a point that "change" is here.
On a side note, our new financial adviser to the President, told congress today that the new economic stimulus package (a.k.a. the first GIANT TAX INCREASE) should be used strictly against "skilled professionals"...sorry college graduates, you worked hard and I know times are tough, but no break for you. Also, this should be used strictly against "white-male construction workers". Well, I guess I'm doubly screwed, and so are the people that are going to be running his "Infrastructure Improvement" (a.k.a. another GIANT TAX) projects that the new Administration is trying to use to hurt, wait I mean "help" the American People. I'm sure these "skilled professionals" are really going to put their best foot forward. Now this is a little something that I like to call Racism. Oh yes it is. Discrimination or prejudice based on race. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination. Discrimination: treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit. the power of making fine distinctions; discriminating judgment. (Dictionary.com)
I'm trying, but when it's the third day and things are already so absurd it makes it hard. I said from the beginning that I wont treat my leadership like the left treated our previous leaders, but I will challenge the decisions that I disagree with. Hey, I'm only American, and that's what American's do...we challenge each other to do better. I would really like the new President to do better than this.
5 Executive Orders in less than 3 days!!!!!????
Well let's not do any research. Let's not be thorough. No, no, no...haste is much more practical. A man of the people? What about the 300,000+ people marching for Life today on Washington? Not even so much an acknowledgement. Well it could be because he was too busy being sworn in over and over again. It could be that he and Joe were trying to figure out how to swear in their staff. Regardless there was no attention paid to a most noble, and peaceful (something liberal activists know nothing about) demonstration. A demonstration that you would think that a man who, claims to be able to take America to the moral high ground (seriously?), would be interested in supporting. Not for someone who is so blatantly against the preservation of life, with out exceptions (including partial birth abortions). Speaking of early Executive Orders. George W. Bush 1 in the first 30 days, and this was after his predecessor dismantled our military and national security. Bill Clinton 1 in the first 30 days. George H.W.Bush 0 in the first 30 days. Ronald Reagan 0 in the first 30 days, and this was after taking over for the massive American Failure that was Jimmy Carter. The reason, because they all felt that the need and duty to research the issues once fully submerged as President was better than making a decision out of haste, or to prove a point that "change" is here.
On a side note, our new financial adviser to the President, told congress today that the new economic stimulus package (a.k.a. the first GIANT TAX INCREASE) should be used strictly against "skilled professionals"...sorry college graduates, you worked hard and I know times are tough, but no break for you. Also, this should be used strictly against "white-male construction workers". Well, I guess I'm doubly screwed, and so are the people that are going to be running his "Infrastructure Improvement" (a.k.a. another GIANT TAX) projects that the new Administration is trying to use to hurt, wait I mean "help" the American People. I'm sure these "skilled professionals" are really going to put their best foot forward. Now this is a little something that I like to call Racism. Oh yes it is. Discrimination or prejudice based on race. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination. Discrimination: treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit. the power of making fine distinctions; discriminating judgment. (Dictionary.com)
I'm trying, but when it's the third day and things are already so absurd it makes it hard. I said from the beginning that I wont treat my leadership like the left treated our previous leaders, but I will challenge the decisions that I disagree with. Hey, I'm only American, and that's what American's do...we challenge each other to do better. I would really like the new President to do better than this.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Spiritual Gift Test
This is a test from our Church website that helps you see where your areas of strength and areas of improvement are. It's pretty cool. I'll post my results, and I'd love to see yours too.
27 Leader/Administrator
25 Prophet/Perceiver
24 Server
23 Teacher
22 Giver
22 Exhorter/Encourager
20 Mercy/Compassion
http://www.therocksandiego.org/giftstest/
27 Leader/Administrator
25 Prophet/Perceiver
24 Server
23 Teacher
22 Giver
22 Exhorter/Encourager
20 Mercy/Compassion
http://www.therocksandiego.org/giftstest/
"Obamas Precarious Position"
President-elect Obama and his team are facing a problem confronted by most of his predecessors.
Those who voted for him in November did so for many reasons. Some voted for him simply because he’s a Democrat or because, having soured on Republicans in Washington, he isn’t a Republican.
Others voted for him because they wanted to help elect the first African-American president in our history, and still others because they found his opponent wanting.
Mr. Obama’s problem as he takes office, however, is that voters tend to identify their candidates with their own views and assume that once elected, those candidates will do what they hoped they would do when they pulled the lever on Election Day. This problem is exacerbated by the simple fact that most voters, while not simply “single-issue” voters, tend to be interested in one or a very small cluster of issues. Thus, those who supported Obama early because of his opposition to the Iraq war heard what he said on that issue early on and tuned out his later, amended statements. Likewise, voters who expected him to “go after” higher-income taxpayers with a vengeance probably didn’t pay a lot of attention to his more measured general-election campaign rhetoric.
Now voters find they’ve elected a president who has not only decided to keep George W. Bush’s Defense secretary, but one who experts are now predicting will follow a Bush-ite foreign policy. That, at least, seems to be the opinion of Foreign Policy magazine’s senior editor, Christian Brose, who concludes in a recent article, “The Making of George W. Obama,” that with Obama in the White House and in charge of U.S. foreign policy, “we’re likely to end up with a lot more of the same.” One wonders how all this sits with the boys and girls at MoveOn.org.
Most presidents face this problem, but Mr. Obama won by appearing to be more things to more different groups and people than previous presidents — and keeping things together could prove incredibly difficult.
Whether Obama can hold his troops together while leading from the center remains to be seen, but as with most new presidents, his supporters and opponents alike should give him a chance. His success will depend on how he handles external challenges on the one hand and the priority he gives ideological and partisan initiatives he supported during or before launching his campaign on the other. He is going to have to make some tough choices, and they will determine his future relations with his liberal base, his friends in Congress, and those who wish any president well although we might oppose some of what he wants to do.
That said, our new president and his advisers seem to believe that, in responding to the national economic crisis, they can act as if even the most basic laws of economics have been repealed. Folks who last year condemned George W. Bush as a spendthrift, for example, are today lining up behind a “stimulus” package that could run the debt up by as much as a trillion dollars and which, from early reports, will resemble nothing so much as a cover for traditional congressional pork-barrel spending.
After Sept. 11, 2001, virtually every major piece of legislation that came before the Congress was described as a “security” measure. Thus, support for both the USA Patriot Act and that year’s farm bill were needed, their sponsors argued, to protect us from terrorists. The more things change, the more they remain the same. Next year’s “Bridge to Nowhere” will be foisted upon us by advocates who are already arguing that building it will stimulate the economy. In fact, it appears that the new administration will eliminate congressional earmarks by rolling every half-baked request into the stimulus package.
These, however, are points worth arguing without partisan rancor and should, given the economic circumstances of the country, be at the top of both parties’ agendas without either party abandoning a serious, substantive debate. In facing an economic threat of the magnitude of today’s, it should be possible for both parties to find areas of agreement that will allow meaningful action so long as neither uses the crisis simply as an excuse to promote its own agenda.
If, however, the new administration makes an early attempt to change the rules of the game in its favor by, for example, reinstituting the so-called “Fairness Doctrine” to shut down conservative talk radio or by pushing early for “card check” legislation to eliminate the secret ballot in union elections, Mr. Obama may well please some of his most ardent backers, but the new president’s honeymoon will be short and the partisan and ideological sniping that has defined this city in recent years will return quickly, decisively, and for good reason.
It’s up to him.
David Keene is the chairman of the American Conservative Union and can be reached at keeneacu@aol.com.
Those who voted for him in November did so for many reasons. Some voted for him simply because he’s a Democrat or because, having soured on Republicans in Washington, he isn’t a Republican.
Others voted for him because they wanted to help elect the first African-American president in our history, and still others because they found his opponent wanting.
Mr. Obama’s problem as he takes office, however, is that voters tend to identify their candidates with their own views and assume that once elected, those candidates will do what they hoped they would do when they pulled the lever on Election Day. This problem is exacerbated by the simple fact that most voters, while not simply “single-issue” voters, tend to be interested in one or a very small cluster of issues. Thus, those who supported Obama early because of his opposition to the Iraq war heard what he said on that issue early on and tuned out his later, amended statements. Likewise, voters who expected him to “go after” higher-income taxpayers with a vengeance probably didn’t pay a lot of attention to his more measured general-election campaign rhetoric.
Now voters find they’ve elected a president who has not only decided to keep George W. Bush’s Defense secretary, but one who experts are now predicting will follow a Bush-ite foreign policy. That, at least, seems to be the opinion of Foreign Policy magazine’s senior editor, Christian Brose, who concludes in a recent article, “The Making of George W. Obama,” that with Obama in the White House and in charge of U.S. foreign policy, “we’re likely to end up with a lot more of the same.” One wonders how all this sits with the boys and girls at MoveOn.org.
Most presidents face this problem, but Mr. Obama won by appearing to be more things to more different groups and people than previous presidents — and keeping things together could prove incredibly difficult.
Whether Obama can hold his troops together while leading from the center remains to be seen, but as with most new presidents, his supporters and opponents alike should give him a chance. His success will depend on how he handles external challenges on the one hand and the priority he gives ideological and partisan initiatives he supported during or before launching his campaign on the other. He is going to have to make some tough choices, and they will determine his future relations with his liberal base, his friends in Congress, and those who wish any president well although we might oppose some of what he wants to do.
That said, our new president and his advisers seem to believe that, in responding to the national economic crisis, they can act as if even the most basic laws of economics have been repealed. Folks who last year condemned George W. Bush as a spendthrift, for example, are today lining up behind a “stimulus” package that could run the debt up by as much as a trillion dollars and which, from early reports, will resemble nothing so much as a cover for traditional congressional pork-barrel spending.
After Sept. 11, 2001, virtually every major piece of legislation that came before the Congress was described as a “security” measure. Thus, support for both the USA Patriot Act and that year’s farm bill were needed, their sponsors argued, to protect us from terrorists. The more things change, the more they remain the same. Next year’s “Bridge to Nowhere” will be foisted upon us by advocates who are already arguing that building it will stimulate the economy. In fact, it appears that the new administration will eliminate congressional earmarks by rolling every half-baked request into the stimulus package.
These, however, are points worth arguing without partisan rancor and should, given the economic circumstances of the country, be at the top of both parties’ agendas without either party abandoning a serious, substantive debate. In facing an economic threat of the magnitude of today’s, it should be possible for both parties to find areas of agreement that will allow meaningful action so long as neither uses the crisis simply as an excuse to promote its own agenda.
If, however, the new administration makes an early attempt to change the rules of the game in its favor by, for example, reinstituting the so-called “Fairness Doctrine” to shut down conservative talk radio or by pushing early for “card check” legislation to eliminate the secret ballot in union elections, Mr. Obama may well please some of his most ardent backers, but the new president’s honeymoon will be short and the partisan and ideological sniping that has defined this city in recent years will return quickly, decisively, and for good reason.
It’s up to him.
David Keene is the chairman of the American Conservative Union and can be reached at keeneacu@aol.com.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Smoking or Non?
There was a new law passed in California: We are no longer allowed to smoke while driving if there are minors in the vehicle. We already can't text, use the hand-held portion of the phone, or obviously drink alcohol (which was legal not too long ago). What's next? Maybe they will place a volume governor on vehicles. I'm not a smoker, and it is actually very gross to me, but I certainly would rather have my freedoms protected rather than have a disgusting habit banned. At first I was all for the smoking ban in restaurants, but the more I started thinking about it (and listening to my mother and sister), I realized that this is a deliberate infringement on our rights. Any thoughts?
Friday, January 2, 2009
This Time vs. Last Time
So Patti is pregnant again and I couldn't be more happy. We told my parents over Christmas break and there was just pure joy, happiness, and excitement. You see, the last time that I sprung this kind of news on them it was met with a different reaction.
This time the room was filled with warmth and joy. Last time the room was filled with broken hearts and worry...maybe even some anger. This time the woman is my wife. Last time the girl was my girlfriend. This time my wife is a Christian. Last time my girlfriend was an Atheist. This time I was a renewed Christian soul. Last time I was immature, lost and broken. This time we told them together, with our son Matthew. Last time I went alone for fear of what my mother might say. This time I was bursting with pride. Last time I was cringing in fear. This time there were high-fives and fist bumps...OK and some hugging. Last time there were used Kleenex's. This time we couldn't wait to tell everyone. Last time I could have lied and hid for 9 more months. This time the child was conceived in God's presence. Last time the child was conceived in Sin. This time was much better than last time.
This time the room was filled with warmth and joy. Last time the room was filled with broken hearts and worry...maybe even some anger. This time the woman is my wife. Last time the girl was my girlfriend. This time my wife is a Christian. Last time my girlfriend was an Atheist. This time I was a renewed Christian soul. Last time I was immature, lost and broken. This time we told them together, with our son Matthew. Last time I went alone for fear of what my mother might say. This time I was bursting with pride. Last time I was cringing in fear. This time there were high-fives and fist bumps...OK and some hugging. Last time there were used Kleenex's. This time we couldn't wait to tell everyone. Last time I could have lied and hid for 9 more months. This time the child was conceived in God's presence. Last time the child was conceived in Sin. This time was much better than last time.
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