Maladroit -- lacking in dexterity; clumsy
It felt rather maladroit when I tripped on the sidewalk.
Cogitate--to meditate; ponder; to think carefully about
I have asked you to clean your room--quite cogitating about it and just do it!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Humorous Quotes
"How many legs does a horse have if you call it's tale a leg? Four. You can call it a leg but it's still a tail."
"My wife is the only thing I'm afraid of that can't hurt me."
~both attributed to Abraham Lincoln
"My wife is the only thing I'm afraid of that can't hurt me."
~both attributed to Abraham Lincoln
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Forgotten President of Honor
Many of us know Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR and Ronald Reagan--but do you know Grover Cleveland?
Grover Cleveland had the unique experience of serving two terms as president of the United States but not together! His first term was 1884-1888. Then he lost an election to Benjamin Harrison only to run and win again in the election of 1892 four years later.
Grover Cleveland was a Democrat who valued his honor. His appointments and policies were about what was constitutionally right--not what was politically right. He refused to twist policies into political favors. Once he was approached by members of his own party who suggested he remove a worthy Republican from a position and replace him with a friendly fellow Democrat. He refused. When solicitied to buy documents that were devastating to his political opponent, he bought the documents and then burned them in front of the solicitor there on the spot.
Cleveland had no tolerance for corruption. His persistence brought the out of control pension corruption to a screeching halt. Pensions were healthcare benefits paid by the gov't for veterans of the Civil War. But, when veterans of the Civil War were beginning to die off of age, the claims continued to grow!! Claims were being filed long after the war was over by people who hadn't fought in the war!! Congress knew how much time it took for the president to review each pension claim. So they would send all the pension claims to the Whitehouse for the president to sign late on Friday nights with the expectation he would be too tired/busy to review them all and just sign them. Once 400 claims were sent in one night. Cleveland grew tired of the 'pension game' and vetoed as many as possible. Congress eventually gave up and the Civil War pension scams came to a halt.
Cleveland was loyal to the gold standard and sought to reduce taxes. He considered himself a 'guardian of the peoples money'.
So, here is to a fair and honorable Democrat President who presided over the country with conservative principles and revered Constitutional ideals.
So when you think of honorable men and capable leaders like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Calvin Coolidge and Ronald Reagan--don't forget Grover Cleveland.
*A Patriots History of the United States pg 446-449
Grover Cleveland had the unique experience of serving two terms as president of the United States but not together! His first term was 1884-1888. Then he lost an election to Benjamin Harrison only to run and win again in the election of 1892 four years later.
Grover Cleveland was a Democrat who valued his honor. His appointments and policies were about what was constitutionally right--not what was politically right. He refused to twist policies into political favors. Once he was approached by members of his own party who suggested he remove a worthy Republican from a position and replace him with a friendly fellow Democrat. He refused. When solicitied to buy documents that were devastating to his political opponent, he bought the documents and then burned them in front of the solicitor there on the spot.
Cleveland had no tolerance for corruption. His persistence brought the out of control pension corruption to a screeching halt. Pensions were healthcare benefits paid by the gov't for veterans of the Civil War. But, when veterans of the Civil War were beginning to die off of age, the claims continued to grow!! Claims were being filed long after the war was over by people who hadn't fought in the war!! Congress knew how much time it took for the president to review each pension claim. So they would send all the pension claims to the Whitehouse for the president to sign late on Friday nights with the expectation he would be too tired/busy to review them all and just sign them. Once 400 claims were sent in one night. Cleveland grew tired of the 'pension game' and vetoed as many as possible. Congress eventually gave up and the Civil War pension scams came to a halt.
Cleveland was loyal to the gold standard and sought to reduce taxes. He considered himself a 'guardian of the peoples money'.
So, here is to a fair and honorable Democrat President who presided over the country with conservative principles and revered Constitutional ideals.
So when you think of honorable men and capable leaders like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Calvin Coolidge and Ronald Reagan--don't forget Grover Cleveland.
*A Patriots History of the United States pg 446-449
John Witherspoon
John Witherspoon was a cleric from New Jersey in revolutionary days. He was a spiritual man who took up arms to fight for the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence. His reason for fighting he expressed this way;
"There is not a single instance in history in which civil liberty was lost, and religious liberty preserved entire."
Translation--histroy proves that power hungry people seek power over everything and our right to worship will be lost sooner or later if we are not vigilant. Though many good and fair people have served in government it is still true that government is where the power hungry hide. Unchecked government allows these people to get their way. We must always be on our guard and be willing to fight.
"There is not a single instance in history in which civil liberty was lost, and religious liberty preserved entire."
Translation--histroy proves that power hungry people seek power over everything and our right to worship will be lost sooner or later if we are not vigilant. Though many good and fair people have served in government it is still true that government is where the power hungry hide. Unchecked government allows these people to get their way. We must always be on our guard and be willing to fight.
Paul Revere gets Involved!
Paul Revere is famous for his midnight ride in which he warned revolutionary forces 'The British are coming, the British are coming!' But this midnight ride was not the only crucial role Paul Revere played. Revere was also effective in the organizing of revolutionary forces. Why--because Paul Revere was connected. He was part of many different organizations that connected him to many different people. He was a common thread that helped the flow of information among revolutionary allies and groups. His connections were a vital resource in planning resistance.
The more people you know--the more resources you have! So get involved!
The more people you know--the more resources you have! So get involved!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Things that could destroy America
Some are saying unchecked capitalism could destroy America. Here are some other groups that could destroy America;
unchecked unions,
unchecked environmentalists,
unchecked lobbyists.....
AND my favorite...
unchecked government.
unchecked unions,
unchecked environmentalists,
unchecked lobbyists.....
AND my favorite...
unchecked government.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Something to think about.....
"The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain nuetral in times of great moral conflict."
~Martin Luther King Jr.
~Martin Luther King Jr.
Words of Wisdom.....
“It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning can not be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction can not lay claim to progress.”
~Calvin Coolidge
~Calvin Coolidge
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Charity tax
"President Barack Obama’s proposal to raise taxes and reduce charitable deductions for the wealthy mistakenly suggests that government bureaucracy can deploy citizens’ resources more effectively than nonprofit civil society organizations can."
~Ryan Messmore, The Heritage Foundation
(Personally, I believe that-- like most things--charity is handled best by the private sector.)
~Ryan Messmore, The Heritage Foundation
(Personally, I believe that-- like most things--charity is handled best by the private sector.)
Health Care Reform--indeed
Here is an interesting summation by the Heritage Foundation of Kennedy's Health Care Reform Bill:
"Within the federal government, much of the decision-making power would be concentrated in the hands of the secretary of health and human services (HHS), who would be given broad regulatory authority over various aspects of health care financing and delivery.
1. A Public Plan That Would Compete with Private Health Insurance. Under Title I, the bill specifies how the HHS would assist the states in setting up a "gateway," the committee's version of a "health insurance exchange." In establishing a gateway, the states would be required to make "qualified health plans" available to state residents, and in making available that coverage, "a Gateway shall include a public insurance option."[4]
In other words, the committee envisions a government-sponsored plan competing with private plans on a supposedly level playing field. That means government officials would ultimately be responsible for one plan while setting the rules of competition for all plans. It is impossible to believe that government officials would set rules without stacking the deck in favor of their own plan. It is hardly surprising, then, that under the public insurance option, the authors of the Senate bill have a notation: "Policy under discussion."
I highlighted my favorite part.
Read the whole article here:
http://www.heritage.org/Research/HealthCare/wm2481.cfm
"Within the federal government, much of the decision-making power would be concentrated in the hands of the secretary of health and human services (HHS), who would be given broad regulatory authority over various aspects of health care financing and delivery.
1. A Public Plan That Would Compete with Private Health Insurance. Under Title I, the bill specifies how the HHS would assist the states in setting up a "gateway," the committee's version of a "health insurance exchange." In establishing a gateway, the states would be required to make "qualified health plans" available to state residents, and in making available that coverage, "a Gateway shall include a public insurance option."[4]
In other words, the committee envisions a government-sponsored plan competing with private plans on a supposedly level playing field. That means government officials would ultimately be responsible for one plan while setting the rules of competition for all plans. It is impossible to believe that government officials would set rules without stacking the deck in favor of their own plan. It is hardly surprising, then, that under the public insurance option, the authors of the Senate bill have a notation: "Policy under discussion."
I highlighted my favorite part.
Read the whole article here:
http://www.heritage.org/Research/HealthCare/wm2481.cfm
Friday, June 5, 2009
Don't Blame Capitalism!!!
In 1869 the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad met at Promontory Point, Utah. What a celebration!!!!! But did you know.......
*In the beginning, in order to 'encourage' railroad construction, Congress granted 44 million acres of land and $61 million in federal loans to the transcontinental railroad project.
*Congress paid incentives for every mile laid and even bigger incentives for track laid on difficult terrain. As a result;
--Tracks were built meandering all over the place to increase mileage. Some were even built on ice and had to be totally reconstructed.
--Quality was sacrificed for quantity--both railroad companies were planning reconstruction before the Golden Spike ceremony.
*Congress mandated the railroads had to sell their stock for $100 par value.
*When stock prices dropped, the Credit Mobilier was a credit arm founded by Railroad owners solely to buy up railroad stocks, and get railroad contracts. In short, the railroad was awarding it's own contracts to itself and buying its own stock through the Credit Mobilier arm. This allowed them to over bill the government for the railroad and make double profits off of government subsidies.
*Several congressman were being paid off by Credit Mobilier to ensure that the government continued to fund the railroad projects.
*Though many people were suspicious of shoddy railroad construction no one questioned it because the government was financially backing the whole thing--they trusted the gov't to oversee it.
*Great Northern Railroad and the Milwaukee Railroad were transcontinental railroads built with private capital.
*The private railroads made investments in communities to ensure their railroads had customers. They also arrived at national standard measurements for the tracks amongst themselves without gov't mediation.
*These private lines held up in financial recessions and panics when the government subsidized railroads failed.
*Politicians blamed the waste, the corruption and the Credit Mobilier scandal on unbridled capitalism and cried out for--you guessed it--more government 'oversight' and regulation.
"Far from laissez-faire capitalism necessitating government regulation, it was government intervention that caused the corruption and fed it. People acted no better, or worse, in the 1870's than they did in George Washingtons' day. What had changed, however, was the opportunity for graft combined with the incredible profits to be gained from corruption. Such corruptions tracked precisely with the expansion of the federal bureaucracy."
~Larry Schweikart
*In the beginning, in order to 'encourage' railroad construction, Congress granted 44 million acres of land and $61 million in federal loans to the transcontinental railroad project.
*Congress paid incentives for every mile laid and even bigger incentives for track laid on difficult terrain. As a result;
--Tracks were built meandering all over the place to increase mileage. Some were even built on ice and had to be totally reconstructed.
--Quality was sacrificed for quantity--both railroad companies were planning reconstruction before the Golden Spike ceremony.
*Congress mandated the railroads had to sell their stock for $100 par value.
*When stock prices dropped, the Credit Mobilier was a credit arm founded by Railroad owners solely to buy up railroad stocks, and get railroad contracts. In short, the railroad was awarding it's own contracts to itself and buying its own stock through the Credit Mobilier arm. This allowed them to over bill the government for the railroad and make double profits off of government subsidies.
*Several congressman were being paid off by Credit Mobilier to ensure that the government continued to fund the railroad projects.
*Though many people were suspicious of shoddy railroad construction no one questioned it because the government was financially backing the whole thing--they trusted the gov't to oversee it.
*Great Northern Railroad and the Milwaukee Railroad were transcontinental railroads built with private capital.
*The private railroads made investments in communities to ensure their railroads had customers. They also arrived at national standard measurements for the tracks amongst themselves without gov't mediation.
*These private lines held up in financial recessions and panics when the government subsidized railroads failed.
*Politicians blamed the waste, the corruption and the Credit Mobilier scandal on unbridled capitalism and cried out for--you guessed it--more government 'oversight' and regulation.
"Far from laissez-faire capitalism necessitating government regulation, it was government intervention that caused the corruption and fed it. People acted no better, or worse, in the 1870's than they did in George Washingtons' day. What had changed, however, was the opportunity for graft combined with the incredible profits to be gained from corruption. Such corruptions tracked precisely with the expansion of the federal bureaucracy."
~Larry Schweikart
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Property rights = Responsibility = Liberty
"Property rights brought people to America because property ensured you could become someone. Secure property rights established a climate of competition that rewarded skill, talent, and risk taking."~Larry Schweikart
I believe secure property rights are also about accountability. When I know what belongs to me, I know what I am responsible for--and so does everyone else.
I know what I can risk, and I risk it because I know I reap the rewards when I succeed. And when I fail, I answer to myself.
This is the problem I see in the government owning (or running) something; Public land and services belong to everyone--and no one--all at once. We all pay for them, but whose accountable for them? Bureaucrats? But bureaucrats do not have an immediate personal interest in public properties, they have a bureaucratic interest in public properties. They spend money that belongs to no one imparticular, no one imparticular reaps the rewards and no one imparticular is accountable for the failure. Perhaps this is why no one seems to be able to track down where all the bail out/stimulus funds have gone.
Secure property rights are about more than ownership of material goods. They are about me owning my successes and my failures. It is about me owning me--and that is liberty.
Character Counts. Virtue comes first.
~ An excerpt from A Patriots History of the United States by Larry Schweikart
Honor counted to founding patriots like Adams, Jefferson, Washington, and then later, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Character counted...virtue came first.
These giants knew that their actions of character mattered far more to the nation than mere temporary political positions. The ideas they fought for in 1776 and debated in 1787 were paramount. And that is what American history is all about--ideas.
Character was tied to liberty; and liberty to property. All three were needed for success, but character was the prerequisite because it put the law behind property agreements, and it set responsibility right next to liberty.
And the surest way to ensure the presence of good character was to keep God at the center of one's life, community, and ultimately, nation.
"Separation of church and state" meant freedom to worship, not freedom from worship. It went back to the link between liberty and responsibility, and no one could be taken seriously who was not responsible to God. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." They believed those words.
Honor counted to founding patriots like Adams, Jefferson, Washington, and then later, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Character counted...virtue came first.
These giants knew that their actions of character mattered far more to the nation than mere temporary political positions. The ideas they fought for in 1776 and debated in 1787 were paramount. And that is what American history is all about--ideas.
Character was tied to liberty; and liberty to property. All three were needed for success, but character was the prerequisite because it put the law behind property agreements, and it set responsibility right next to liberty.
And the surest way to ensure the presence of good character was to keep God at the center of one's life, community, and ultimately, nation.
"Separation of church and state" meant freedom to worship, not freedom from worship. It went back to the link between liberty and responsibility, and no one could be taken seriously who was not responsible to God. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." They believed those words.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Vocabulary
histrionic - adj. - overdramatic or theatrical; affected
histrionics -n. - exaggerated emotional behavior
Sometimes I wonder if my own histrionics are my biggest problem.
histrionics -n. - exaggerated emotional behavior
Sometimes I wonder if my own histrionics are my biggest problem.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Words of Wisdom
"Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond it's limits is deciding to protect us from ourselves."
~Ronald Reagan
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Patrick Henry--A Patriot for All Times
Patrick Henry is most known for his proclamation, 'Give me liberty or give me death!' But his speech, delivered to the Virgina Convention of Delegates 3 weeks before the first shots of the Revolutionary War, is full of other tidbits of wisdom that transcend time.
~"...it is natural of man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth...Are we disposed to be of the number who having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern our temporal salvation?...For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and to provide for it."
~"I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves?"
~"They tell us, sir, that we are weak, unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger?....Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies have bound us hand and foot?"
~"The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave."
~"Gentlemen may cry 'peace, peace', but there is no peace--the war is already begun!...What is it gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"
~"...it is natural of man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth...Are we disposed to be of the number who having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern our temporal salvation?...For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and to provide for it."
~"I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves?"
~"They tell us, sir, that we are weak, unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger?....Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies have bound us hand and foot?"
~"The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave."
~"Gentlemen may cry 'peace, peace', but there is no peace--the war is already begun!...What is it gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"
Slavery--Freedom from Choice
'A Southern farm is the beau ideal of Communism; it is a joint concern, in which the slave ... is far happier, because ... he is always sure of support.' ... 'The best governed countries, and which have prospered the most, have always been distinguished for the number and stringency of their laws,' ... 'liberty is an evil which government is intended to correct.'"
~Sociology for the South 1854 by George Fitzhugh-a socialist.
Mr. Fitzhugh argued that slaves were better off because they were free from decision making. His book asserts that Liberty only leaves people free to destroy themselves. The government must be the 'master' that keeps people safe (from themselves) and provides for them so they need not be burdened with working in an unfair and unjust world--they aren't suited for it.
If being free from choice is truly the ideal situation as Mr. Fitzhugh believed, then I can't imagine how oppressive it would be to have to make choices for everyone! I am left to marvel at the benevolence of those willing to be the government that is burdened with making the decisions for all of us. That, by Fitzhugh's argument, would be the most unfree, oppressive job ever. We should be grateful for those willing to do this for us. Those who seek to be our masters are making a great personal sacrifice. They truly are benevolent.
Of course this is the great idiocy of Fitzhughs premise. He criticizes the free market and capitalism for its harsh unfairness; it's corruption and greed (too much liberty, you see. This is what happens when you give us liberty). But he talks about government as if it is a God-like entity with selfless love and charity for all--government is above human folly--well, as long as the right people are running it--the elite class. (Would the elite class step aside and let God run the show? Not likely, God has proven himself to be too harsh and unfair. They are better than God. They are the only ones charitable enough to take on the burden of government and make it fair for all.)
(I just had a random thought about Barack Obama--where did that come from? That was wierd.)
If We the People are too incompetent to handle liberty are we competent enough to know what restraints our benevolent, all controling government should operate under? Certainly not. We will just have to leave that to them. It's a good thing we have 'them', the elite, above-human-folly, more-fair-than-God, superhumans among us that know all that stuff. What good fortune. And what a blessing for the rest of us--to be free from making choices--just like slavery.
~Sociology for the South 1854 by George Fitzhugh-a socialist.
Mr. Fitzhugh argued that slaves were better off because they were free from decision making. His book asserts that Liberty only leaves people free to destroy themselves. The government must be the 'master' that keeps people safe (from themselves) and provides for them so they need not be burdened with working in an unfair and unjust world--they aren't suited for it.
If being free from choice is truly the ideal situation as Mr. Fitzhugh believed, then I can't imagine how oppressive it would be to have to make choices for everyone! I am left to marvel at the benevolence of those willing to be the government that is burdened with making the decisions for all of us. That, by Fitzhugh's argument, would be the most unfree, oppressive job ever. We should be grateful for those willing to do this for us. Those who seek to be our masters are making a great personal sacrifice. They truly are benevolent.
Of course this is the great idiocy of Fitzhughs premise. He criticizes the free market and capitalism for its harsh unfairness; it's corruption and greed (too much liberty, you see. This is what happens when you give us liberty). But he talks about government as if it is a God-like entity with selfless love and charity for all--government is above human folly--well, as long as the right people are running it--the elite class. (Would the elite class step aside and let God run the show? Not likely, God has proven himself to be too harsh and unfair. They are better than God. They are the only ones charitable enough to take on the burden of government and make it fair for all.)
(I just had a random thought about Barack Obama--where did that come from? That was wierd.)
If We the People are too incompetent to handle liberty are we competent enough to know what restraints our benevolent, all controling government should operate under? Certainly not. We will just have to leave that to them. It's a good thing we have 'them', the elite, above-human-folly, more-fair-than-God, superhumans among us that know all that stuff. What good fortune. And what a blessing for the rest of us--to be free from making choices--just like slavery.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Hopeful Quote.....
"We make scientific decisions based on fact, not ideology."
~President Obama
Does Al Gore know this?
Realistic Quote
"Politics are present wherever money and government mix."
~American Conservative Magazine
~President Obama
Does Al Gore know this?
Realistic Quote
"Politics are present wherever money and government mix."
~American Conservative Magazine
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Longevity of Slavery
I am reading an account of American history written by a history professor named Larry Schwiekhart. He openly contests some of the mainstream history being taught in our schools and wrote this book to counter them. He had this to say about the 'peculiar institution'--slavery:
He asserts that slavery lasted as long as it did in America because it was insulated by the hand of government. Had the government acted in a 'nuetral' way instead of in the protective way it did, market principles would have forced slavery out much sooner as in other parts of the world.
Slavery was not as cost effective as other industrial methods that had been or were being developed. This factor, in other places in the world, naturally ended slavery. But because of various laws implented by legislatures (that spread the costs of slavery in the South throughout the general population and prevented blacks from elevating themselves in society) that natural decay did not occur in the US. Such laws included:
Laws forcing whites to join posses to recapture runaway slaves-even if they didnt' own any.
Laws forbiding slaves from owning property or getting an education.
Laws prohibiting slaves from purchasing their own freedom.
Laws prohibiting slaves from testifying in court.
Laws restricting the movement of free blacks who lived in/or visited the south.
All these laws "emanated from the government, not the market....slave holders benefited from monumental reductions in the cost of slavery by, as economists would say, externalizing the costs to nonslaveowners". Whether they liked it or not, everyone was subsidizing slavery.
The natural "emancipating powers could work only where the government served as a neutral referee instead of a hired gun working for the slave owner."
He asserts that slavery lasted as long as it did in America because it was insulated by the hand of government. Had the government acted in a 'nuetral' way instead of in the protective way it did, market principles would have forced slavery out much sooner as in other parts of the world.
Slavery was not as cost effective as other industrial methods that had been or were being developed. This factor, in other places in the world, naturally ended slavery. But because of various laws implented by legislatures (that spread the costs of slavery in the South throughout the general population and prevented blacks from elevating themselves in society) that natural decay did not occur in the US. Such laws included:
Laws forcing whites to join posses to recapture runaway slaves-even if they didnt' own any.
Laws forbiding slaves from owning property or getting an education.
Laws prohibiting slaves from purchasing their own freedom.
Laws prohibiting slaves from testifying in court.
Laws restricting the movement of free blacks who lived in/or visited the south.
All these laws "emanated from the government, not the market....slave holders benefited from monumental reductions in the cost of slavery by, as economists would say, externalizing the costs to nonslaveowners". Whether they liked it or not, everyone was subsidizing slavery.
The natural "emancipating powers could work only where the government served as a neutral referee instead of a hired gun working for the slave owner."
Vocabulary
satiate - verb - 1. to satisfy fully 2. To gratify to excess
I've had a sweet tooth craving all day! I am finally going to satiate it with a Barnes and Noble Brownie!! Yummy.
I've had a sweet tooth craving all day! I am finally going to satiate it with a Barnes and Noble Brownie!! Yummy.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Ban those dirty banks!!
In 1837 America fell into a 'panic'--or a 'depression'. During the years prior to the panic, many states had opened banks for the sole purpose of providing funds to the dominant political party of that state. The management of these banks was stacked, of course, to ensure loans were given to that particular party. And, of course, the banks got 'breaks' because of the political interests of the state gov't--run by the dominant party. These banks operated almost exclusively in states dominated by the Jacksonian party--it was their system.
(The Jacksonians were the early Democrats).
When the Panic of 1837 set in, these banks couldn't hold up and many collapsed. The Jacksonians were so burned by this, that in some states they banned banks altogether. The economy inevitably revived by itself, but the states where banks had been banned--by the Jacksonians--hung in bankruptcy. One of these states was Missouri which resorted to using fur as currency during that time because there was no money.
Let's recap--the Jacksonians spend years setting up state banks for the purpose of supplying themselves with money--these banks then fail in a bad economy because they operated on political whims and not market principles--so the Jacksonians ban ALL banks and this ban further inhibits economic recovery? It's interesting--isn't it?
Are there institutions operating under political whims now? Unions? Freddie Mac? Fannie Mae? Banks? Automobile industry? Whether it's through stacked management or intrusive regulations--it's the same. Are some of these institutions now failing because of the political hands that have been messing with them or running them altogether? Are guilty parties trying to cover up their ineptness (or corruptness) by going after the 'crooks' with show stopping fierceness? Are bailouts about helping the American people or about covering up failed schemes because the sooner they correct it the less we find out?
In light of all that is going on right now with the housing crisis, failing corporations, bail outs, claw backs, salary caps, and 100% taxation on bonuses, this historical account gives me pause. Is history repeating itself? Did someone get burned in their schemes?
Ban those dirty banks!
(The Jacksonians were the early Democrats).
When the Panic of 1837 set in, these banks couldn't hold up and many collapsed. The Jacksonians were so burned by this, that in some states they banned banks altogether. The economy inevitably revived by itself, but the states where banks had been banned--by the Jacksonians--hung in bankruptcy. One of these states was Missouri which resorted to using fur as currency during that time because there was no money.
Let's recap--the Jacksonians spend years setting up state banks for the purpose of supplying themselves with money--these banks then fail in a bad economy because they operated on political whims and not market principles--so the Jacksonians ban ALL banks and this ban further inhibits economic recovery? It's interesting--isn't it?
Are there institutions operating under political whims now? Unions? Freddie Mac? Fannie Mae? Banks? Automobile industry? Whether it's through stacked management or intrusive regulations--it's the same. Are some of these institutions now failing because of the political hands that have been messing with them or running them altogether? Are guilty parties trying to cover up their ineptness (or corruptness) by going after the 'crooks' with show stopping fierceness? Are bailouts about helping the American people or about covering up failed schemes because the sooner they correct it the less we find out?
In light of all that is going on right now with the housing crisis, failing corporations, bail outs, claw backs, salary caps, and 100% taxation on bonuses, this historical account gives me pause. Is history repeating itself? Did someone get burned in their schemes?
Ban those dirty banks!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Ronald Reagan is one of my new favorite people. He was pretty funny---and I hear he was a good president. (I was a teenager back then so I wasn't paying much attention.)
Anyway, here is a good Reagan quote;
"I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through Congress."
Want another one? Ok, ok, one more...
"Republicans believe everyday is the Fourth of July, Democrats believe everyday is April 15th."
Boy, oh boy, how loud that truth is going to ring over the next 4 years.
Vocabulary
sagacious - adj. - shrewd and wise
Apparently, neither the legislature or administration is sagacious enough to oversee all the bail out funds.
I always thought 'shrewd' meant 'ruthless' but it doesn't.....
shrewd - adj. - discerning; astute
uh..........
astute - adj. - having a cunning, clever mind; perceptive; insightful
Apparently, neither the legislature or administration is sagacious enough to oversee all the bail out funds.
I always thought 'shrewd' meant 'ruthless' but it doesn't.....
shrewd - adj. - discerning; astute
uh..........
astute - adj. - having a cunning, clever mind; perceptive; insightful
Waiting on the rooftop....
Last year I read Bill O'Reilly's book A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity. Mostly, it's an autobiography. It's pretty funny--I laughed out loud a lot. He reminds me of Tom Sawyer. One lesson he learned growing up was the value of work and self reliance and to help illustrate it he offered a recap of Hurricane Katrina.
He describes the awful aftermath of Katrina. People were left without resources--food, water, utilities, bathroom facilities--and many were left stranded on overpasses and rooftops for days waiting for help. He agrees that neither the government of New Orleans or Louisiana was prepared--they should have been the FIRST branch of gov't to have an emergency plan in case of a hurricane. He also agrees that the federal government was not prepared for such a catastrophe and was slow in reacting. But most of the victims did not have a personal plan in case of evacuation due to a hurricane.
He describes the awful aftermath of Katrina. People were left without resources--food, water, utilities, bathroom facilities--and many were left stranded on overpasses and rooftops for days waiting for help. He agrees that neither the government of New Orleans or Louisiana was prepared--they should have been the FIRST branch of gov't to have an emergency plan in case of a hurricane. He also agrees that the federal government was not prepared for such a catastrophe and was slow in reacting. But most of the victims did not have a personal plan in case of evacuation due to a hurricane.
The mainstream media and of course hollywood (the mainstream media's BFF) claimed it was because of race--'no one cares for the black people'. Through research and interviews with victims, O'Reilly finds out most of the victims were poor and didn't have money for a trip and a hotel. This is where O'Reilly inserts is lesson;
"New Orleans is not about race; it's about class. If your're poor, you're powerless, not only in America but also everywhere on earth. If you don't have enough money to protect yourself from danger, danger is going to find you. And all the political gibberish in the world is not going to change that.
The aftermath of Hurrican Katrina should be taught in every American school. If you don't get educated, if you don't develop a skill and force yourself to work hard, you'll most likely be poor. And sooner or later, you'll be standing on a symbolic rooftop waiting for help.
Chances are that help will not be quick in coming."
I totally agree with his opinion. As harsh as it is--it's true. I've learned this in my own life.
This past winter we saw several big snowstorms--nothing debilitating--but we certainly had alot of snow to shovel. The condo association we are part of pays a company to shovel our snow for us--of course, other people are paying the same company for the same service. I have noticed in the time I've lived here that the bigger the storm, the longer it takes for them to get to our house and clear our walks and driveway. 
It usually takes 24 full hours for them to get to us. In the meantime, we are trompin' snow all over our house, our cars are snowed in, and overnight the snow freezes and then you can't clear it away very easily at all. So we don't wait around at our house--we dig out our own car then clear our walkway and put ice melt on it. (When the service finally shows up and starts on the other walkways--they scrape off what they can and a then throw sand on it for traction. I hate that sand! It tracks through the house like crazy!!) You should see the difference in how our walkway looks compared to the people who wait for the service--ours is always cleaner and safer! The fact is, we care more about our family, our safety, our convenience, and our walkway than any service does. We do a better job of providing for ourselves because we have an immediate interest in our well being.
My point is this; I don't know who's driveway gets shoveled first when the snow falls but I know it isn't ours. And the longer we wait around for that service the more of an inconvenience it is for us.
Here is another point--we live in a very affluent community. They are probably shoveling the big mansions first--because that's where the money is!!!! The wealthy probably give them tips--and if I was getting tips that's where I'd go first. Money is power and clout because everybody needs and wants it!!!! That's human reality and that will never change! And most people who have money have worked for it--they deserve it.
What's that you say? The government could and should regulate this inequality and make it fair? Why should the amount of money I have dictate how many breaks I get? Well, geez I don't know-maybe as incentive to work hard and earn money?
Can anyone really believe that the government will take a personal interest in me and my little town house and set up regulations to ensure that we all get taken care of at the same time with the same quality? (I've never heard of a program like this ever being proposed, but, I've heard of plenty that operate under the same delusional principle). It's impossible to take care of many people all at once in any quality way--someone will end up last--and the quality will still stink. In airplanes they tell you that in case of emergency, put on your own oxygen mask first and then help your neighbor because you are no help to anyone if you can't breathe. Should we make putting on our oxygen masks part of the stewardess' job description? Remember--you'll be waiting in line (hope it doesn't take as long as that snack cart). We should not rely on the government for any more than we absolutely have to--and that isn't much. This is one reason why our founders included the right to bear arms in the Constitution--they didn't even trust the government to protect us from our enemies all the time!
With all of 'its' good intentions, the government cannot possibly provide for large amounts of people with the same quality that the people could provide themselves individually and "all the political gibberish in the world is not going to change that."
Like O'Reilly said--anyone who isn't willing to work hard and gain skills will sooner or later find themselves sitting on that symbolic rooftop crying for help that isn't coming fast enough.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Humorous Quote
"Me? I'm dishonest--and a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest. Honestly, it's the honest ones you want to watch out for."
~Captain Jack Sparrow
~Captain Jack Sparrow
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Vocabulary
ubiquitous - adj. - omnipresent; seeming to be everywhere at the same time.
My house is a realm of ubiquitous clutter.
My house is a realm of ubiquitous clutter.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Just a thought.....
We cannot cling to ALL of our ideals ALL the time.
We often have to pick and choose.
We often have to pick and choose.
Alexander Hamilton
Barack Obama compared his new Secretary of the Treasury, Tim Geithner, to Alexander Hamilton yesterday. That's funny, I've never heard that Alexander Hamilton didn't pay his taxes.
ha ha ha
Ok, I read--on what I think was a conservative blog--that Alexander Hamilton was a 'good ole boy' crony--totally in it for the elitest rich. Until recently, the only thing I knew about Alexander Hamilton was that he was a prominent early American and he was shot by Aaron Burr. But here is what I have read in my history book--written by a man contesting liberal historical claims. I quote ;
Ok, I read--on what I think was a conservative blog--that Alexander Hamilton was a 'good ole boy' crony--totally in it for the elitest rich. Until recently, the only thing I knew about Alexander Hamilton was that he was a prominent early American and he was shot by Aaron Burr. But here is what I have read in my history book--written by a man contesting liberal historical claims. I quote ;
"Hamilton was so suspicious of government that he thought the only way to keep it from spinning out of control was to tie it to the wealthy......'The only plan that can preserve the currency is one that will make it the immediate interest of the moneyed men to cooperate with the government.' Whether agreeing or not with his solutions, few could doubt that his reports constituted masterful assessments of the nation's economic condition."
The United States was in debt $102 million at the end of the revolution. It was bankrupt. Hamilton's challenge was to address all this debt (individual state debts, bonds, and Washington's IOUs to soldiers), establish credit and finance the nations upcoming expenses.
Hamilton's theory was that " A national debt, if not excessive, is a national blessing." He believed that owing people money bought some security--because debt is a lenders 'investment' in us and it's in their best interest to get a return on it. (So...if the debt does get 'excessive' and our lenders know we can never pay it back--what happens then?)
The United States was in debt $102 million at the end of the revolution. It was bankrupt. Hamilton's challenge was to address all this debt (individual state debts, bonds, and Washington's IOUs to soldiers), establish credit and finance the nations upcoming expenses.
Hamilton's theory was that " A national debt, if not excessive, is a national blessing." He believed that owing people money bought some security--because debt is a lenders 'investment' in us and it's in their best interest to get a return on it. (So...if the debt does get 'excessive' and our lenders know we can never pay it back--what happens then?)
"Hamilton had no illusions about the dangers inherent in big government. He had rightly understood that over the long term, prices did not lie. Monetary values reflect real value in short order. While the will of the people might swing wildly, depending on emotions, news coverage, propaganda or other factors, markets generally are constrained by reality, and he wanted to let that reality enforce its discipline on American finances. It worked; when Hamilton's plan took effect in 1791, U.S. debt per capita, in real dollars, stood at $197 million, but within 20 years it had plummeted to $49 million." That's three-quarters of the national debt in 20 years--which, according to this author, is pretty good.
It may be worth noting that Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were bitter political rivals. They had different ideas on things. For instance, Thomas Jefferson wanted no national debt, whatsoever. Each generation had to pay off their own debt and shouldn't accrue more than they could pay off. Ironically, Jefferson accrued one of the largest debts up to date (at the time)in a single transaction when he acquired the Louisiana Purchase. Apparently, even for Thomas Jefferson, debt was sometimes justifiable.
Anyway, it is this authors opinion that like it or not Alexander Hamilton was the right man for the job at the right time and he got this nation off to a good economic start while paying down the nations debt.
Though I do pity him a little, maybe we should wait to see if Tim Geithner's policies can pay off three-quarters of the new multi-trillion dollar debt in 20 years before we compare him to Alexander Hamilton--who as far as we know--paid his taxes.
Here is a good visual for understand how much a trillion is;
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The United States of.....Columbia?
Have you ever wondered why we are named 'America' after the Florentine, Amerigo Vespucci instead of 'Columbia', after Columbus?
Columbus reached the American continent the first time in 1492. He returned to Europe but made 2 more voyages to the New World before 1501 when Amerigo Vespucci, a passenger on a Portuguese voyage, started writing letters to friends back home describing the New World. His letters circulated faster than any of Columbus' personal accounts so people started thinking of the New World as Amerigo's world. So, we are the United States of America.
There is an element of this tale that I find funny. This would happen to me. I don't know why Columbus' accounts didn't circulate well, but if by some miracle I made an amazing discovery I'd have to wait until I got home to email anyone. I'd procrastinate calling, I'd stop at the grocery store on the way home, and the next thing I'd know is my great discovery has been named for some organized wiz with a blackberry!!! ha ha ha! It's true.
Columbus reached the American continent the first time in 1492. He returned to Europe but made 2 more voyages to the New World before 1501 when Amerigo Vespucci, a passenger on a Portuguese voyage, started writing letters to friends back home describing the New World. His letters circulated faster than any of Columbus' personal accounts so people started thinking of the New World as Amerigo's world. So, we are the United States of America.
There is an element of this tale that I find funny. This would happen to me. I don't know why Columbus' accounts didn't circulate well, but if by some miracle I made an amazing discovery I'd have to wait until I got home to email anyone. I'd procrastinate calling, I'd stop at the grocery store on the way home, and the next thing I'd know is my great discovery has been named for some organized wiz with a blackberry!!! ha ha ha! It's true.
Boston..I mean, Cincinnati Tea Party
Here is a news article done by Brett Baier at Fox News Political Grapevine...
Police in Cincinnati say at least 4,000 people showed up Sunday for a grassroots protest of wasteful government spending in general, and President Obama's stimulus package and budget in particular.
It was one of many tea party protests around the country — inspired by the Revolutionary War era Boston Tea Party protesting British taxation. Protesters had signs reading "Give us liberty, not debt" and "Where's my bailout?"
One report states there are more than 150 tea parties scheduled across the nation in the upcoming months. The events so far have been largely ignored by the mainstream media, but several blogs are tracking them.
Noel Sheppard, associate editor for the conservative NewsBusters.org writes on the coverage so far: "Compare that to how these networks practically fell all over themselves to report war protests after the public's opinion changed concerning Iraq in late 2003."
Interesting--the tea party thing and the news coverage thing.
Police in Cincinnati say at least 4,000 people showed up Sunday for a grassroots protest of wasteful government spending in general, and President Obama's stimulus package and budget in particular.
It was one of many tea party protests around the country — inspired by the Revolutionary War era Boston Tea Party protesting British taxation. Protesters had signs reading "Give us liberty, not debt" and "Where's my bailout?"
One report states there are more than 150 tea parties scheduled across the nation in the upcoming months. The events so far have been largely ignored by the mainstream media, but several blogs are tracking them.
Noel Sheppard, associate editor for the conservative NewsBusters.org writes on the coverage so far: "Compare that to how these networks practically fell all over themselves to report war protests after the public's opinion changed concerning Iraq in late 2003."
Interesting--the tea party thing and the news coverage thing.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Quote
It's easy for anyone to say that they 'want to help kids learn', [but] it's hard to tell the truth about why they aren't learning.
~Bill O'Reilly
Bill O'Reilly asserts that it is a lack of discipline at school (not only of the children but among administrators as well) and lack of parental guidance at home that prevent children from learning and graduating--not a lack of money.
Read statistics that support his theory here:
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Education/ednotes111.cfm
~Bill O'Reilly
Bill O'Reilly asserts that it is a lack of discipline at school (not only of the children but among administrators as well) and lack of parental guidance at home that prevent children from learning and graduating--not a lack of money.
Read statistics that support his theory here:
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Education/ednotes111.cfm
Friday, March 13, 2009
Vocabulary
INVEIGLE--to lead astray or win over by flattering or deceiving; to obtain through flattery or deceit.
I was inveigled today by my own 10 year old son--I need to get smarter.
I was inveigled today by my own 10 year old son--I need to get smarter.
Post War Revolutions.......
In the 19 years following the Revolutionary war, Americans arose in revolt 3 times. Each revolt was driven by the same thing---taxes. Hey--isn't that what also set off the Revolutionary war itself? Mm.
I've not done an in-depth study of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, but one source I read claimed that it was Marie Antoinette's lavish parties that set off the French population. They were starving and cold, and the King and
Queen were having extravagant get togethers. When approached with concerns on behalf of the general population the Queens response was "Let them eat cake!" Well I guess the French people decided they would have cake--they were going to eat the Queen's cake in the palace right after they cut off her head. Chop. Chop. Interestingly, the author claims that by all accounts King Louis and Marie Antionette were nice, amiable people, but, they were accustomed to wealth and oblivious to the plight of the common man.
Don't mess with people's money!! We all accept that we must be taxed, but only take what you need and use it wisely!!
I've not done an in-depth study of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution, but one source I read claimed that it was Marie Antoinette's lavish parties that set off the French population. They were starving and cold, and the King and
Queen were having extravagant get togethers. When approached with concerns on behalf of the general population the Queens response was "Let them eat cake!" Well I guess the French people decided they would have cake--they were going to eat the Queen's cake in the palace right after they cut off her head. Chop. Chop. Interestingly, the author claims that by all accounts King Louis and Marie Antionette were nice, amiable people, but, they were accustomed to wealth and oblivious to the plight of the common man.Don't mess with people's money!! We all accept that we must be taxed, but only take what you need and use it wisely!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Work, what is it good for?
In the book I'm currently reading, A Patriots History.....the author claims that one of the primary reasons the colony of Jamestown was brought to the brink of failure was the lack of willingness among the people to work. The population of Jamestown was primarily made up of wealthy gentleman who were not accustomed to work and refused to do it because it was beneath them. At one point John Smith implored the London Company (who owned the charter for the colony) to send "30 carpenters, husbandmen, gardeners, fishermen, blacksmiths, masons, and diggers up of trees.... [instead of] a thousand of such as we have." Eventually, Smith imposed martial discipline over the colony and famously proclaimed "he who will not work, will not eat." His efforts succeeded in stabilizing the colony and the rest is history.
Interestingly, several years later this issue of 'work' came up among another group. As we all know, the new freedom in America encouraged a boom of ideas. Religious practices that had not been allowed to flourish in previous societies found outlets in the free air of America. Utopians were free to try out their ideas too. A Utopian is one who believes a society can be created where there is no suffering or hardship. One such group was founded by two men named Robert Dale Owen and Charles Fourier. Their sect, sought to eradicate individualism through education--they valued 'head work' (education) over 'hand work' (physical labor). In fact, they despised physical work(probably because they believed it to be a 'hardship'). Well, needless to say, their sect didn't last very long because no one wanted to work! The group ran out of food and Robert Dale Owens lost millions trying to maintain it.
So, I conclude, based on these two examples (and there are more I'm sure) that in order to fully enjoy the benefits of ideas and opportunity...or just to simply SURVIVE!... one must be willing and able to work.
Interestingly, several years later this issue of 'work' came up among another group. As we all know, the new freedom in America encouraged a boom of ideas. Religious practices that had not been allowed to flourish in previous societies found outlets in the free air of America. Utopians were free to try out their ideas too. A Utopian is one who believes a society can be created where there is no suffering or hardship. One such group was founded by two men named Robert Dale Owen and Charles Fourier. Their sect, sought to eradicate individualism through education--they valued 'head work' (education) over 'hand work' (physical labor). In fact, they despised physical work(probably because they believed it to be a 'hardship'). Well, needless to say, their sect didn't last very long because no one wanted to work! The group ran out of food and Robert Dale Owens lost millions trying to maintain it.
So, I conclude, based on these two examples (and there are more I'm sure) that in order to fully enjoy the benefits of ideas and opportunity...or just to simply SURVIVE!... one must be willing and able to work.
Vocabulary
I've read many nonfiction books over the last 9 months--ok, only 4--but I have come across many words that I either had never heard before, or that I had heard I just didn't know the meaning of. Sadly, it became such a problem that I started keeping a notebook of all the new words and last week I went through and looked them all up in the dictionary. Honestly, it was very entertaining. There are so many quirky words.
So here's one: BELLICOSE
Has anyone heard or used this word before? If you have you are smarter than me!
Here it is in a sentence....
Andrew Jackson had a bellicose disposition.........and so did I growing up!!!
So here's one: BELLICOSE
Has anyone heard or used this word before? If you have you are smarter than me!
Here it is in a sentence....
Andrew Jackson had a bellicose disposition.........and so did I growing up!!!
A Patriots History.......
I love history, and I've always been especially fascinated with American History. Naturally, when I saw this book on the shelf, A Patriots History of the United States with it's bold red, white and blue cover, I was drawn to it. The word 'Patriot' got my attention. I wondered why a 'patriots' history would be any different from regular history? I read the foreword in which the author, Larry Schweikart claims that because liberals dominate our education system it is liberals who decide what goes into the history books our children learn from in school and they are construing history to suit their political agendas. One case in point he mentioned; of the many history books he and his co-author examined, most will have a whole chapter on Bill Clinton's virtues but none on Ronald Reagan, and only a paragraph (average)about Abraham Lincoln. He claims they also seek to minimize honorable virtues in history which means they marginalize 'good' and 'bad' and religion generally.
This was all very juicy and intriguing, so I bought it and have been reading it ever since.
The author Larry Schweikart is a professor of history at the University of Dayton and has written several history books including some on finance/banking history, and national defense. His co-author is a professor of history at a University of Washington in Tacoma.
I love history. I suppose it's true that if we can control what people understand about history, to some extent, we control the future. After all, ' if we do not learn from history, we are bound to repeat it.'
This was all very juicy and intriguing, so I bought it and have been reading it ever since.
The author Larry Schweikart is a professor of history at the University of Dayton and has written several history books including some on finance/banking history, and national defense. His co-author is a professor of history at a University of Washington in Tacoma.
I love history. I suppose it's true that if we can control what people understand about history, to some extent, we control the future. After all, ' if we do not learn from history, we are bound to repeat it.'
Humorous Quote:
Governments view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases; If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it.
~Ronald Reagan
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Actually..... it doesn't seem so funny right now.
~Ronald Reagan
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Actually..... it doesn't seem so funny right now.
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