Global Meltdown Continues

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Dec. 22 (Bloomberg) -- U.K. travel was severely disrupted as snow and ice led to gridlocked roads, delayed flights and reduced train services. -- Bloomberg News, 12/22/09

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I take it that this must be the residue from Mr. Al Gore's melting polar ice caps being redistibuted around the world in accord with climate change (formerly global warming) mock science.

The Con Is Still On

I am often amazed at how many times people are taken in by the same con game over after over. Even after they are thoroughly exposed and debunked, people still let themselves fall prey to “Nigerian” e-mails, Ponzi schemes, and pyramid scams.

I should not be surprised, then, to find people still being taken in by the worldwide con game known as “global warming.” But I am surprised. Early on, Mr. Al Gore was forced to admit that he “exaggerated” global warming data and consequences in order to get people to take it seriously. As global warming predictions failed to pan out, the lingo was changed to “climate change” so that we might forget about the “warming” part. Now, e-mails from climate change (formerly global warming) scientists reveal that raw data has been changed or ignored, that predictions based on their science are not occurring, and that scientists who express skepticism are being silenced. In spite of all this, Big Media outlets that have bothered to report any of this at all continue to raise the alarm about climate change (formerly global warming). And, in spite of the many times this con game has been exposed, world “leaders” are gathering in Copenhagen to discuss how they can use climate change (formerly global warming) alarmism to further run and ruin our lives.

Think about the known failures of climate change (formerly global warming) alarmist predictions: polar bear populations face extinction (their numbers are increasing); hurricane seasons are becoming longer, more active, and more destructive (this is one of the mildest tropical storm/hurricane seasons ever); sea levels are increasing in foot increments (where?). Yet, climate change (formerly global warming) alarmists still manage to convince folks that we must sacrifice and ruin our standards of living in order to cut energy consumption. Do you really want your government mandating where to set your thermostat, what vehicle you must drive, where and when to take vacations, and how much TV you can watch in a week? If climate change (formerly global warming) alarmists are really serious about what they preach, then let the world tyrants demonstrate their personal sacrifice by reducing the amount of energy they consume and the amount of greenhouse gasses they pour into the environment. Think that’ll ever happen? Probably not even when a certain “bad place” freezes over.

Nevertheless, I would really like to hear from those who insist that climate change (formerly global warming) must be taken seriously. For a small fee, I have a couple of free winning sweepstakes tickets I would like to send you.
　

The Remarkable Sources of the Pilgrims' Successful Survival

In spite of the historical dilution added over the years, every American raised in our school system no doubt believes he/she knows the story of the Pilgrims’ struggle and success in the New World. Images of that first Thanksgiving, similar to the picture here, flood our minds when we bother to think of it at all. In reality, most Americans probably know very little about this band of colonists who risked all for their freedom to simply obediently worship God.

The primary source of their successful survival was their reliance upon God. Regardless of their circumstance, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God. In his journal, William Bradford writes, "What could now sustain them but the spirit of God and His grace? May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord, and he heard their voice and looked on their adversity, etc. Let them therefore praise the Lord, because he is good and his mercies endure forever. Yea, let them which have been redeemed of the Lord show how he hath delivered them from the hand of the oppressor. When they wandered in the desert wilderness out of the way, and found no city to dwell in, both hungry and thirsty, their soul was overwhelmed in them. Let them confess before the Lord his loving kindness, and his wonderful works before the sons of men." (The Heritage of America, Henry S. Commager & Allan Nevins, editors, p. 34)

The second source of their successful survival was the colony leaders’ change of course from a communal economy to a market economy of private ownership. Destitute and on the brink of starvation even after receiving assistance from the natives, colony leaders identified the source of their problem as a particularly vile form of what Bradford called “communism.” Michael Franc, vice president of Government Relations at The Heritage Foundation, writes about the fruitful results of the Pilgrim’s shift in 1623 from a failed, socialist agricultural system to a free-market system of private ownership of property. This is the story of the Pilgrims that, for whatever reason, fails to make it into our curriculum. Had they not shed the system of “taking away property and bringing [it] into a commonwealth” (Bradford), we would not have a legacy of the Pilgrims to tell. Concerning the market economy that the Pilgrims implemented, Bradford reported, “This had very good success, for it made all hands very industrious... much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been.” The famine of 1623 gave way to abundance.

America has been blessed with much abundance over the years. This is truly a reality worthy of our most humble thanks-giving.

(Photo: Depiction of Thanksgiving)

Neverending Defamation

Ahh... the fairness, the wisdom, the intellect of the left. How can Americans - indeed, the world - fail to fall under their hypnotic spell and allow them to pursue their quest for control? They are, after all, so much smarter than we mere mortals. They prove it all the time in their assessments of anyone daring to question their motives -- like Sarah Palin. Take the misinformation circulating about her formal education. This is from Parade, 11/1/09:

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Q: In pushing her new book, Going Rogue, Sarah Palin has been claiming she has a college degree. I read that she only went to college for a few semesters. Is she telling the truth? -- Michael Hughes, Taylorsville, Utah

A: You betcha. Palin graduated from the University of Idaho in 1987 with a degree in journalism after a very well-traveled academic career: one semester at Hawaii Pacific University, two at North Idaho College, two at the University of Idaho, one at Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna College, and then back to the U. of Idaho for her final three semesters. Hey - the credits count wherever you get them.

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Now how could such misinformation get started? We wonder.

Addendum

Forgot to mention below that one of the places I am spinning some plates is at the Peter Heck / Kokomo Perspective forum. Cruise by and see what you think. Be fun to have some of your comments.

Thanks

Just a quick word of thanks for those who have asked about me. I just go through periods of working on some things and neglecting others. For those who can recall the Ed Sullivan shows, I have for a long time imagined my life (and the lives of many others) to be similar to the guy who would keep a large number of plates spinning on a stick. He has to always run from plate to plate to plate to give it a new spin. Meanwhile, the ones he neglects slow down until they are in danger of falling and crashing. So, over he runs to give it a new spin.

As I think about it, I don't know how entertaining such an act would be now, but it must have made an impression since I remember it.

Sorry I don't make updates here as often as I would like... Ooops! Excuse me, I need to run over and give one of my other plates a spin!

Yet Another Sign of Global Warmageddon

In yet another startling example of global warming, Bloomberg reports...


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Nov. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Beijing’s airport canceled more than 60 flights and delayed more than 120 others today as the heaviest snowfall in the Chinese capital in at least 54 years blanketed the city for the third day this month.
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These global warming temperature increases are just taking my breath away. I was looking forward to affording my health care and cap & trade taxes from the savings I was expecting by not buying heavy cold weather gear and from the revenue I expected to raise from scrapping the copper in my heating system. I don't know what to do now.

Ah, all is well, President Barack Hussein Obama will soon let me know. All hail to the Barack Obama.

Won't Murder Again

"D.C. sniper John Allen Muhammad executed in Virginia" FOXNews Headline, 11/10/09.

We can be certain that Mr. Muhammad will not be murdering anyone again.
Case closed.

SALUTE!

Still Dawdling

As of this date, our Dawdler-In-Chief has still not issued his decision about the prosecution of the war in Afghanistan. He is making a big deal about how "careful" and "thorough" he is trying to be so that he only commits American lives into harms way when only absolutely necessary. As noted before, what does this say about the American lives currently in harm's way?

In his typical flamboyantly political style, I expect President Barack Hussein Obama to announce his grand plan on November 11th - Veteran's Day. What better way to demonstrate his "support" for the courage and sacrifice of American military personnel than to make a decision about the prosecution of the war in Afghanistan? What better way to take credit for doing nothing? What better way to coax the flags and flag pins out of even Big Media for a day?

In sad truth, all this political posturing and maneuvering about how to proceed in Afghanistan has already done tremendous harm to American efforts there. This Dawdler-In-Chief cares very little for the lives of those who serve America so tremendously well.

Stupid Government Tricks

One of the government do-gooder reasons for the "cash-for-clunkers" program was to replace the old gas gizzlers with new fuel efficient, tree huggin' vehicles. How well did that work out? "The single most common swap - which occurred more than 8,200 times - involved Ford F150 pickup owners who took advantage of a government rebate to trade their old trucks for new Ford F150s... The fuel economy for the new trucks ranged from 15 mpg to 17 mpg based on engine size and other factors, an improvement of just 1 mpg to 3 mpg over the clunkers." (Assoc. Press, 11/5/09) The article cites similar loyalty swaps among owners of Chevrolet and Dodge trucks and SUVs.

In effect, our government spent our money to encourage people to purchase new vehicles that the government wants to legislate through global warming mandates out of existence. Clearly a case of our government at work! Who keeps electing these folks into office?

She Probably Doesn't Know What It Is

I couldn't get the embed feature to work on this video, so you'll have to follow the link. The video is less than 30 seconds, but it reveals a lot about the SPEAKER OF THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES!

I think that these people believe that the Constitution is a dastardly figment of the vast [evil] right wing conspiracy.

Prescription for America

As they say, "one picture is worth a thousand words."

(Click on picture to enlarge. Thanks to my sister, Diana, for sending this one.)

Dawdler-In-Chief

Our vaunted Commander-In-Chief says that he will not "rush" to a decision about Afghanistan. Yes, yes, one of the worst things a Democrat liberal can do is to rush to war. Oh, wait... we're already at war. Then by all means, don't rush to win the war.

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President Obama pledged on Monday not to "rush the solemn decision" to send more troops to battle in Afghanistan as he weighs military options on what to do next in the troubled war.
"I won't risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary," Obama told service men and women at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. [Comment: here's a clue... they are already risking their lives] ..."Republicans want very much to support the president's decision," Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., told "Fox News Sunday." But he cited Gen. Stanley McChrystal's own warning that U.S. and NATO forces may only have about one year before the insurgency's momentum becomes irreversible. "It's been more than two months since the recommendation went to the president. And Gen. McChrystal is talking about a 12-month time frame," Kyl said. "So clearly time is of the essence here." Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., also called for an end to the delay. "The sooner the decision is made, the sooner we get people over there and are able to implement the strategy that will succeed," he told CBS' "Face the Nation." "Every day we delay will be a delay in this strategy succeeding." ("Obama says he will not 'rush' decision," FOX News, 10/26/09)

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Let's see how his scorecard stacks up...

-Unconstitutionally shuffle taxpayer money to selected private corporations - rush.

-Unconstitutionally dictate salary caps to executives in private business - rush.

-Unconstitutionally take over the banking, investment, and auto industries - rush.

-Unconstitutionally seek a government takeover of the health care industry - rush.

-Unconstitutionally impose cap and trade energy taxes - rush.

-Constitutionally make national security decisions as the nation's Commander-In-Chief - don't rush.

President Barack Hussein Obama, America's Dawdler-In-Chief, doing all he can to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

No Says Snowe

The current RINO darling of the Democrat party may not remain in their favorable spotlight for much longer as she dares to buck - a tiny bit - their demands for the "public option." (How they get away with such butchery of the language is beyond me. There is nothing "optional" about the "public option" provision.)

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Oct. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Senator Olympia Snowe rejected the idea of backing the immediate creation of any government-run insurance program even as top Democrats are leaning toward including such a plan in U.S. health-care legislation.

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Nevertheless, note that she is opposed to an "immediate" inclusion of this government intrusion. How comforting.

From the Frontline

The Congressional war on America continues. In the Senate, one of the generals, Sen. Harry Reid (D – Nevada), declares that he will reconcile the Senate and House versions of the bill in order to circumvent normal procedure and debate in the Senate and among the public (“Health Care Reform Bill that Isn’t a Bill and Isn’t Going to be a Bill” & “The Baucus Betrayal”). Sen. Reid loves giving the American people the shaft, and he is really working to stick it to us this time. In spite of concerns about the provisions of health care reform bills (“Little Gems from the Health Care Bill” & “Manufacturers Have Concerns on Latest Health Care Bill”), Sen. Reid and other key Democrats declare that President Obama will have a health care reform bill to sign into law no matter what the American people say (“Reid Threatens to Use ‘Nuclear Option’”).

On top of all of this, Sen. Reid’s shaft of all shafts to America are his amendments that insulate his constituents in Nevada from the costs of this “no-cost” reform. Yes, that’s right. In order to continue to buy votes, Sen. Reid plans to shuffle the cost burdens off onto other taxpayers (“Reid Leads Democrats in Carving Out Favors for States on Health” & “Reid Maneuvers for Sweeter Deal”) outside of Nevada.

My suggestion? Write or call your Senators and ask them to request the same favoritism for your state! If it’s good for Nevada, it should be good for the other 49, right?

Further AIDS Vaccine Research

Speaking of suppressed news, here is a report that may not see much daylight:

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The experimental AIDS vaccine that showed promise for the first time in a study released last month may have worked best in the first year. Those who benefited from the shots appear to have done so in the first 12 months and they tended to be heterosexual patients at lower risk of contracting HIV, according to details of the trial published today in the New England Journal of Medicine and released at a Paris conference... Scientists are still mystified as to how two unproven vaccines, when combined and given to more than 16,000 volunteers in Thailand, appeared to cut HIV infections after three years. The study’s credibility was called into question after the journal Science said a second set of data showed the result may have been a fluke. (Simeon Bennett and Michelle Fay Cortez, "AIDS Vaccine’s Benefit May Wane After First Year," Bloomberg.com, 10/20/09)

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The initial announcements of vaccine results were, of course, trumpeted in sensationalist fashion throughout news outlets. After all, this gave hope to the community that is the primary source of the spread of HIV. I am all for the prevention and elimination of deadly viruses, and if such a vaccine discovery can be made, then kudos to them. (Imagine the squawk over the cost that such a vaccine will have; however, consider the enormous cost of the research already invested in it). I doubt that news questioning the results of those studies will receive as much front page headline.

It still appears to me that the fastest, most effective, and least expensive course of prevention is to stop engaging in immoral sexual behavior.

Suppression

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The White House is calling on other news organizations to isolate and alienate Fox News as it sends out top advisers to rail against the cable channel as a Republican Party mouthpiece... several top White House officials have taken aim at Fox News since communications director Anita Dunn branded Fox "opinion journalism masquerading as news" in an interview last Sunday.
White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel told CNN on Sunday that President Obama does not want "the CNNs and the others in the world [to] basically be led in following Fox." Obama senior adviser David Axelrod went further by calling on media outlets to join the administration in declaring that Fox is "not a news organization." ...The White House stopped providing guests to "Fox News Sunday" after host Chris Wallace fact-checked controversial assertions made by Tammy Duckworth, assistant secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, in August. Dunn said fact-checking an administration official was "something I've never seen a Sunday show do." "She criticized 'Fox News Sunday' last week for fact-checking -- fact-checking -- an administration official," Wallace said Sunday. "They didn't say that our fact-checking was wrong. They just said that we had dared to fact-check." ("White House Urges Other Networks to Disregard FOX News," FOX News, 10/19/09)
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A SLUGGISH economy, inflation, strikes and rampant crime: much of the recent news in Venezuela has been bad for the socialist government of President Hugo Chávez. Its response has been to intensify its harassment of the media. On August 1st, 34 radio stations were taken off the air for allegedly failing to submit the proper paperwork to the broadcasting regulator... Days earlier the attorney-general, Luisa Ortega, unveiled a draft law against “media crimes” which proposes jail terms of up to four years for vaguely worded offences such as “prejudicing state security” or the “mental health” of the public... The government’s concerted crackdown on critical media comes as Mr Chávez is pressing ahead with other measures that seem designed to make his “socialist revolution” irreversible. ("Switched Off," The Economist, 8/6/09)
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Notice any similarities?

A sad footnote: While looking up accounts of the Chavez suppression of media in Venezuela, I was startled by the number of left-wing commentaries rationalizing and justifying the move by that government!

Humor For Day

Today's "tweet" from Nilus Mattive offers us a rich laugh for the day: "Ben Bernanke tells Santa Barbara Fed conference that U.S. needs to 'substantially reduce' its budget deficits. Pot meet kettle. LOL."

T.E.A. Party Meeting

I finally had an opportunity to attend a formal TEA Party meeting in Miami County. I am going to post my observations in order to help remove some of the suspicion and concern that some folks seem to have developed toward the movement.

It is not a secret society. The meeting was held at a public library and anyone could enter the meeting area. There were no ID checks or anything of the sort. Just come in, mingle, and even participate.

After the meeting was brought to order, we sang the National Anthem, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and had an invocation prayer. The item of business was the distribution of the very simple By-Laws which were discussed and then voted for approval. The chapter's Treasurer then delivered prepared remarks about American exceptionalism. That was followed by a guest from a neighboring chapter who addressed the known content and status of the proposed health care legislation. Specifically, she referred to HR 3200 (she had a copy present) and the Senate Baucus Bill (no copy because it does not formally exist). Based upon the known contents of the bill, she expressed concern what it will mean to the care that may or may not be provided for her special needs young adult daughter. Following a few brief introductions and announcements, the meeting was adjourned. Individual interaction occurred as the room furnishings were replaced to their before-meeting arrangement.

This is the "extreme right-wing terrorism" of which certain members of our culture and Big Media are afraid. Well, I can understand their concern when normal neighbors gather and expose to the light the darkness of corruption, dishonesty, and decadence that some seek to impose upon us all.

Healthcare Reform - Honestly

In September 2007, Robert Reich - an Obama adviser, former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration, and ultra-liberal economist - told an audience at the University of California what an honest presidential candidate would say about healthcare reform.

Here is a real live intellectual ultra-liberal's assessment of government-run healthcare: (1) everyone, especially younger citizens, are going to have to pay more for healthcare; (2) older citizens are not going to have access to expensive medicines and technology to extend their lives another "couple of months;" (3) the cost of drugs and healthcare delivery will be government controlled at the expense of innovation and discovery of new drugs; and (4) everyone will probably not have lifespans much, if any, longer than their parents.

I am stunned by Reich's "speech." I honestly do not know what to think. Except, let's help the liberals get their message out for everyone to hear. He does, after all, call for an informed citizenship.

Bipartisanship - Democrat Style

In the Senate, one Republican Senator voted with Democrats to send the healthcare reform bill (in phantom form) out of committee. Another Republican Senator, also from Maine, has indicated that she might vote in support of a Senate healthcare reform bill.

Yet, even with these sterling indications of overwhelming bipartisanship on healthcare reform, some Democrats appear that they have not gotten the president's "we're going to work together" memo...

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Oct. 16 (Bloomberg) -- Senator Jay Rockefeller said Democrats shouldn’t tailor a health-care overhaul to the wishes of Republican Senator Olympia Snowe and need to push for legislation that includes a government-run insurance program. “We can’t sort of hedge and say ‘what’s Olympia going to do,’” Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, said in an interview on Bloomberg Television’s “Political Capital with Al Hunt,” airing this weekend. “We’ve got to decide what we want.” (Catherine Dodge, "Rockefeller Says Democrats Can’t Tailor Health Care to Snowe," Bloomberg.com, 10/16/09)
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"Goodness gracious," Democrats seem to be telling us, "wouldn't it be a wonderful world if these pesky citizen constituents would drop this Constitution thing, just go away, and let us run their lives like we want? Why can't they understand what bipartisanship means?"

Washington & Wall Street

Remember those heady days of the Presidential campaign in which the new knight in shining armor arrived on the scene to save us all from the marauding dragons? Particularly those dragons on Wall Street that sought to bleed every American dry? Those dastardly dragons that sought only to take the hard earnings of middle and lower income Americans to keep lining their already rich pockets? Remember the promises to "change Washington" by keeping lobbyists for special interests at a distance and by making decisions in the open? Check out, for example, these you-tube links reminding everyone of BHO's dedication to reduce and limit the influence of "money in politics:" "Barack Obama on Lobbyists and His Campaign" & "Barack Obama on special interest groups and PAC funds." Just last month (September 2009) while speaking to financial executives, President Obama said: “We will not go back to the days of reckless behavior and unchecked excess that was at the heart of this crisis, where too many were motivated only by the appetite for quick kills and bloated bonuses.” (Robert Schmidt, "Geithner Aides Reaped Millions Working for Banks, Hedge Funds," Bloomberg.com, 10/14/09)

Yet, as the same Bloomberg article goes on to point out, "Some of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner’s closest aides, none of whom faced Senate confirmation, earned millions of dollars a year working for Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Citigroup Inc. and other Wall Street firms, according to financial disclosure forms. The advisers include Gene Sperling, who last year took in $887,727 from Goldman Sachs and $158,000 for speeches mostly to financial companies, including the firm run by accused Ponzi scheme mastermind R. Allen Stanford. Another top aide, Lee Sachs, reported more than $3 million in salary and partnership income from Mariner Investment Group, a New York hedge fund." (Robert Schmidt, "Geithner Aides Reaped Millions Working for Banks, Hedge Funds," Bloomberg.com, 10/14/09)

Keep in mind that President Obama, Democrats, and many citizens sharing their populist rhetoric have lashed out and expressed anger at bank executives, hedge funds, speculators, and "Wall Street" in general for every economic woe imaginable. Oh yes, let me not leave out those elected politicians with the "R" attachment who are also to blame for runaway greed and selfishness.

Yet, aides to the Secretary of the Treasury, who works for the Obama administration, receive extremely fat fees and salaries reaching into the millions of dollars from firms like the Mariner Investment Group (a NY hedge fund) and global banking and securities giant Goldman Sachs. Any big surprise now how these firms which just suffered massive losses in the "worst recession since the Great Depression" are now reporting earnings that are "crushing" analysts' expectations?

Says Lynn Turner, a former chief accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, “Where is the transparency this administration promised? You just wonder, who is representing middle Americans?” (Robert Schmidt, "Geithner Aides Reaped Millions Working for Banks, Hedge Funds," Bloomberg.com, 10/14/09)

I can't say it any better myself.

Another Bizarre Czar

President Obama insists on telling us how important his Christian faith and his allegiance to America are, yet he continues to surround himself with the most radical group of people this nation has experienced. This time it is "czar" Cass Sunstein...

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TEL AVIV – President Obama's newly confirmed regulatory czar defended the possibility of removing organs from terminally ill patients without their permission.
Cass Sunstein also has strongly pushed for the removal of organs from deceased individuals who did not explicitly consent to becoming organ donors. (Aaron Klein, "Take organs from 'helpless patients,'" World Net Daily, 10/12/09)

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Anyone wanting to see how the proposed policies of President Obama's bizarre "czars" are going to play out for the American people can refer to any number of science fiction stories and movies as they insist on creating a land of the enslaved. Better yet, refer to the Bible for descriptions of cultures given over to evil.

Economic Liberty

The Hillsdale College publication Imprimis has a reprint of a recent speech given by Dr. Walter E. Williams. "Future Prospects for Economic Liberty" is a must-read piece for anyone seeking to learn of and express the dire consequences of an ever increasing federal government. Says Dr. Williams...

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Every tax confiscates private property that could otherwise be freely spent or freely invested... With this in mind, consider that the average American now works from January 1 until May 5 to pay the federal, state, and local taxes required for current government spending levels. Thus the fruits of more than one third of our labor are used in ways decided upon by others. The Founders favored the free market because it maximizes the freedom of all citizens and teaches respect for the rights of others. Expansive government, by contrast, contracts individual freedom and teaches disrespect for the rights of others. Thus clearly we are on what Friedrich Hayek called the road to serfdom, or what I prefer to call the road to tyranny.

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I encourage you to read his entire essay. Stay informed and speak the truth!

Silver Lining

The conservative positive attitude of hope knows no boundaries. Even the surprising announcement of President Obama as recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize has led to the proverbial silver lining... just imagine how upset the Clintons must be!

America's Pitch Man

Along with its con man, Al Gore, America has its pitch man... President Barack Hussein Obama. We expect, of course, that he would pitch himself during the presidential campaign, but he has not stopped pitching since his successful bid for the office. Pitch for hope & change (which has morphed into bait & switch); pitch for bailouts; pitch for Olympics; pitch for cap and tax energy policies; pitch for government run healthcare; pitch for anything smacking of bigger and more expensive government.

Gee, the only thing that he is not pitching is to win the war in Afghanistan, as he has decided to pitch for the Taliban. Maybe what America needs is for someone to pitch for a new Commander-in-Chief.

Busting Open Our Piggy Banks

We must stop electing politicians who buy our votes. Yes, it is tempting to support those who promise us some type of government entitlement, but keep this vital reality in mind: not one of those politicians is going to bust open his/her piggy bank to keep their promises. They will, however, bust open your piggy banks plus those of your parents, children, and neighbors.

In fact, our elected officials are busting open our piggy banks big time right now. Based upon America’s accumulated debt; obligations to Social Security, Medicare, and pension payments; and Federal Reserve liabilities, each American household is indirectly responsible for over a million dollars debt burden per household! If every American family saved five percent of their earnings and put every penny into a debt repayment pot, it would take 429 years to pay off today’s national debts and obligations! (Source: Weiss Market Research) And that’s if the U.S. government stopped incurring more debt right now.

The truth is that there is no plan in place to slow spending, much less stop overspending. Even though the exact amounts are open for debate, there is wide consensus that cap and trade will increase our energy costs and government health care will increase our taxes and health insurance costs. Both will increase our government debt and, in turn, increase our household debt burden. This is just the national level, friends. Consider the impact at the state and local levels as these governments cope with higher costs and lower revenues caused by the federal spending policies.

Without some serious reality checks, we are not headed for “happy days are here again.” It may already be too late. So if you believe that you deserve entitlements from our federal government, why don’t you just skip the bureaucracy and ask your parents, children, and neighbors to contribute to your cause? Those are the piggy banks our politicians are coming after.

Capitalist

This hypocrisy is too good to pass up...

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Michael Moore says he is sick and tired of special tax breaks for corporations. Unless of course they happen to benefit him personally. Then he likes them. A lot.According to Peter Schweizer in Tuesday's Investor's Business Daily: Moore has found a tax break for corporations he actually likes. And his arguments in favor of it sound more like they're coming from a supply-sider than the populist he professes to be. Michigan, where Moore lives, offers the most generous tax breaks and subsidies for film producers in the country. For every dollar you spend making a movie in Michigan, taxpayers will give you back 42 cents. Moore actually relocated his postproduction team from New York City to Michigan just to take advantage of these tax credits.But Moore is not just a recipient of these tax credits. His hypocrisy goes deeper. As a member of the Michigan Film Office Advisory Council he has been a cheerleader for them. Appointed to the post by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in September 2008, Moore sees himself as an ambassador who will help bring the film business into the state.And how does he profess to bring the film business to Michigan? By offering it tax breaks. (Dr. Mark J. Perry, "Michael Moore, Closet Tax-Cutting Supply-Sider," 10/6/09)

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Capitalist pig.

Health Insurance, Democrats, & Illegal Immigrants

Addressing a joint session of Congress on September 9, 2009, President Obama said, "There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants. This, too, is false – the reforms I’m proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally." And, in fact, the House version of the proposed bill states in Section 246, "Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States." (Uh, what does that mean, exactly?)

Maybe President Obama is not lying on this point (for an interesting analysis on the President's accuracy on this and other issues, see "Obama's Health Care Speech" at FactCheck.org.), but Congressional members of his party (ie, Democrat Party) have signed a letter to Speaker Pelosi and other Democrat leadership saying that illegal immigrants should be allowed to buy into a government health insurance program. Greta Van Susteren went "On the Record" with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D - Tex) concerning health insurance for illegals.

So even if we are to believe President Obama's promise that his reform will not apply to those who are here illegally, what are we supposed to make of the push by key members of his part (ie, Democrat Party) to include coverage for illegal immigrants?

(And what are "affordability credits," anyway?)

Preemptive Bailout

Must be the day for big government news. Congratulations, everybody! You get to provide a loan to yet another automaker...

"Former Vice President Al Gore's campaign to save the planet from global warming has netted him a Nobel Peace Prize, an Academy Award and now $529 million in taxpayer money.
The federal government has loaned $529 million to Fisker Automotive Inc., a small car company backed by Gore to help build a hybrid sports car in Finland that will sell for about $89,000, the Wall Street Journal reported." (FOXNews, 9/26/09)

Our tax dollars at work. Must be nice to be America's con man.


(photo: Fisker Karma)

More From the Command Healthcare Front

"But the legislation includes an individual mandate penalty that could go as high as $1,900. Thomas Barthold, chief of staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, told senators that the IRS could take legal action against those who fail to pay the mandate penalty. In a handwritten note to Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., Barthold said violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and could face up to a year in jail or a $25,000 penalty." (FOX News, 9/26/09)

If nothing else, Americans might want to be concerned that the IRS is going to have parts to play in the command healthcare system. Wow, makes we want to sign up!

(photo: see Death By a 1,000 Papercuts for even more info)

A Tale of Two Protests

There has been a fuss over determining the attendance at the Washington DC TEA Party protest. Our good friends living in the land of left-believe want to ensure that low estimates are reported so that they can take solace in their belief that this is not a meaningful movement. With all the hoopla over the size of the crowd at the DC TEA party, though, I want to point out that the preparation for the protests did not include much of a beefed up security. It's not too hard to figure out why... the demographic of the participants - mainly conservatives I'm guessing - indicated that there would be virtually no trouble. And there wasn't.

Fast forward now to Pittsburgh & the G20 conference. Last night, I watched the report on how many thousands of law enforcement & National Guard troops have been activated for crowd control. And they're not there to control the everyday citizens. They are there to control the protestors. There have already been acts of vandalism. Where are all the calls from those living in the land of left-believe for civilized behavior and debate? This graphic from a radical activism website will give a clue that there will be no civilized behavior (warning: vulgar language content). Night & day difference between the two types of protests, yet who do the Democrats fear the most? This is speaking volumes, folks.

photos: TEA party protest, Washington DC, 9/12/09 (left) & G20 protest, Pittsburgh, PA, 9/24/09 (right)

Great Championship

This year's U.S. Tennis Open was great. Unexpected winners in both the men's & women's singles. Juan Martin del Potro upset Roger Federer - never an easy task. Plus, he defeated Rafael Nadal to advance to the final in the first place. Returning to the women's side following time off to have a daughter and begin motherhood, Kim Clijsters took the championship as an unranked participant. Tremendous tennis!

I have two complaints,though. One is recurring. I'll catch a few minutes to watch some and find out that, even though there are games being played, we are stuck with commentators in the studio for fifteen minutes or more. No matter which station is broadcasting, they all act as if the tennis tournaments are for the announcers to demonstrate their self-congratulatory knowldge instead of for the players and fans.

My second complaint emerged with the confrontation between Serena Williams and a ine judge in the semi-final match with Clijsters. Called for the relatively rare foot fault, Williams went off on the line judge to the extent that the tournament officials were called out. Having been given a warning for an infraction earlier, Williams was given another warning which incurred a point awarded to Clijsters. This was particularly significant, since it was match point. Of course, this became a focal point for our beloved announcers from that point to the present. Surprisingly to me, because of the comentator's infatuation with the William's sisters, the calls are for a stiffer penalty to be levied against Serena. They just ave gone on and on about how this incident "ruined" the championship. Well, it didn't even come close to ruining the championship except in their narrow minds. So, they can put the lid on it anytime. Serena has been given the maximum fine allowable under current rules. Unfortunately, this will be revisited over and over and over and over. After all, the tennis tournaments exist to showcase the commentators.

Slow Posting

I'm a bit slow in my postings... it's U.S. Open Tennis time! And I'm watching way too much tennis. At least I did this weekend. It has just been too easy to get hooked on the matches. There have been some great ones with some surprising results. Among the amazing matches has been American 17 year old Melanie Oudin. She has defeated three seeded players (all Russians so far) to advance to the quarterfinal! Anyhow, that's my reason for being a bit quieter. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Giving Up Freedom

In a discussion over at Peter Heck's website (go to the article "Jesus the Socialist?"), participants are reflecting on the purpose of the proposed healthcare changes. It has occurred to me that if the goal of all these proposals are truly matters of compassion, then why do so many seem so willing to fall prey to one of the greatest sources of uncompassionate behavior known to mankind: consolidated power? History is littered with the sad refuse of humanity who have been trodden beneath the feet of uncontrolled power. In every instance that I know of, the source of unbridled, immoral power emanates from a government's control. Does anyone really need me to provide the specific examples? Now, the most free people in the history of mankind are seriously debating whether or not to voluntarily surrender significant liberties for more government control. There is something seriously wrong with this picture. Have we really become this insane?

Bye Bye Flyover

No flyover at the "God and Country" rally in Idaho because... according to the Pentagon, it was too Christian. But this was the first time in 42 years that the request for a flyover was denied. As asked in the report, what has changed?

National Geographic Takes on 9/11 Conspiracies

A National Geographic documentary tackles the 9/11 conspiracy theories. An overview of the program, along with airing times, is found at this link.

If there really are questions remaining from what is known of the attacks in New York and Washington, DC, then one should consider the implausible questions raised when imposing any of the conspiracy "theories" upon the event.

The Government Can

Hey, Tim says it all in song! Enjoy!

We Need Change

Talk about a 180 degree turn of events. Canada's doctors declare that change is needed in healthcare, only it's government healthcare that needs the change. "In other words, Ouellet believes there could be a role for private health-care delivery within the public system." Imagine that... medical professionals in a government healthcare system calling for change. Makes a person sort of wonder, doesn't it?

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Overhauling health-care system tops agenda at annual meeting of Canada's doctors
By Jennifer Graham (CP) –

SASKATOON — The incoming president of the Canadian Medical Association says this country's health-care system is sick and doctors need to develop a plan to cure it.

Dr. Anne Doig says patients are getting less than optimal care and she adds that physicians from across the country - who will gather in Saskatoon on Sunday for their annual meeting - recognize that changes must be made. "We all agree that the system is imploding, we all agree that things are more precarious than perhaps Canadians realize," Doing said in an interview with The Canadian Press. "We know that there must be change," she said. "We're all running flat out, we're all just trying to stay ahead of the immediate day-to-day demands."

The pitch for change at the conference is to start with a presentation from Dr. Robert Ouellet, the current president of the CMA, who has said there's a critical need to make Canada's health-care system patient-centred. He will present details from his fact-finding trip to Europe in January, where he met with health groups in England, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands and France.
His thoughts on the issue are already clear. Ouellet has been saying since his return that "a health-care revolution has passed us by," that it's possible to make wait lists disappear while maintaining universal coverage and "that competition should be welcomed, not feared." In other words, Ouellet believes there could be a role for private health-care delivery within the public system. (entire article at The Canadian Press)

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For even more info concerning the Canadian system, surf over to the Frugal Cafe Blog Zone. I note that some comments to the post are favorable to the Canadian system. I am sure that it is helpful to some, just as our system provides the healthcare needs of many. When the medical profession begins having second thoughts on the system, maybe we should pay a little attention to them. Just as we should listen to our own medical professionals in America concerning ideas for improvement.

Sunday Funnies

Well, today's (8/16/09) Sunday comics picked on libs. Conservatives, too, a little, but the heaviest humor was directed toward libs.

"Pearls Before Swine," far from one of my favorites, was a parody of a professor who could not be arrested because he was tenured. Reminiscent of a recent event with a professor?

"Get Fuzzy" had a great line: "If a tree falls in the woods, how many liberals would it take to fund the therapy for all the trees around it?"

Then the coup de grace... "Doonesbury." I guess Garry Trudeau finally realized how dull and boring he was becoming. A car dealer receives a request from a valued customer to add a GPS to the sale price. The dealer makes a series of phone calls, the final one being, "Mr. President! Sorry to bother you, but... Yes, I tried your task force." To which the customer is shown walking away, saying, "Never mind."

Poor libs get parodied. Heh-heh.

Learned a New Trick

Given all the serious stuff going on, I thought I'd try something a bit on the lite side. Besides, I have always been about sharing new insights I've been privileged to pick up along the way, and this is one of them.

No doubt like many of you, I have been using aluminum foil, saran wrap, and other products that come on a roll for decades. So there have been plenty of times when you're pulling on the stuff and the whole roll leaps out of the box. Just last night on Wheel of Fortune, I discovered how to prevent that from happening. This had to be Providential, since I do not watch the Wheel with regularity. In fact, I was actually waiting for another program and was just "channel surfing."

Anyway, here's the "secret:" On the ends of the boxes of rolls of foil and plastic wrap are perforated tabs that you can push on which bend inward. Once you do that, the roll is kept in place by that tab. I never knew that until Pat Sajak revealed it last night, and I learned a new trick.

So, go ahead and laugh at me if you want for not already knowing this, but if you did know it, why didn't you tell me? Think of all the frustration & aggravation I could have saved myself all these years!

What Would Reagan Say?

What would Reagan say? Well, let's find out. The more things change, the more they remain the same...



Still an American hero with excellent insight.

Here Is What the Left Calls Honesty

As usual, those living in the land of left-believe learn that their ideologies fail in honest, open debate on the issues. This is why they must resort to deception. Their consciences must be closed to any type of ethical principle.



Thanks, Skyepuppy, for having this posted at your place!

Reality Then & Now

According to our many Democrat friends, those opposing the government health care plan (aka Obamacare) are: Nazis, racists & bigots, members of the KKK, "Washington insiders," and/or "well-financed special interests." This is the respectful consideration being paid by the left to their fellow American citizens. This is the "unity" being brought about by "hope and change."

Of course, there is the land of left-believe... and then there is reality.

History lesson time! I learned this as I grudgingly watched a documentary that my lovely wife wanted to watch. Little did I know the gem I would discover in the History Channel presentation of Jim Jones and the People's Temple. Thank you, sweetheart!

Guess which political party would call upon Jim Jones for support in political rallies, elections, and media coverage? Aww, c'mon someone... take a wild guess! I know that it's an out-in-left-field shot, but let's take a wild swing at... the Democrat party.

Yep, I know it's a big surprise to everyone, but Democrats in San Francisco were enamored by the instant support they could get just by ringin' up good ol' Jimmy Jones. Have a political rally to fill up? Call Jim Jones. Have a protest march? Call Jim Jones. Need some extra votes? Call Jim Jones. Like a miracle (I don't know what term Democrats use since they are enamored with atheists, too), the streets and polls would be filled with willing souls from the Peoples Temple.

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After the tragedy at Jonestown, Temple members revealed to the New York Times that the Temple arranged for "busloads" of members to be bussed from Redwood Valley to San Francisco to vote in the election.[41] A former Temple member stated that many of those members were not registered to vote in San Francisco, while another former member said "Jones swayed elections."[41] Another former Temple member stated of Jones that "he told us how to vote." [41] She stated that Temple members were required to produce booth stubs to prove that they voted, and members that could not produce such stubs were "pushed around, shoved and physically abused."[41] When asked how Jones could know for whom they voted, the member responded "You don't understand, we wanted to do what he told us to."[41] ("Peoples Temple in San Francisco" -- much more content to read there)
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Jim Jones' political fans included Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter, Willie Brown, George Moscone, Harvey Milk, Walter Mondale, Jerry Brown, and others. Intriguingly, Jones also had relationships of varying degrees with the Symbionese Liberation Army, the Nation of Islam, Angela Davis, and the American Indiana Movement - all extremely radical 1960's groups & movements.

As we all know from history, Jones was completely psychotic or something. He was extremely good at luring folks into his cult, and he was extremely good at putting on a good front to gullible civic figures. His manipulation skills were remarkable. But that is not the major point.

The significant reality is that while Democrats at the local, state, and national levels could impress the press (another historical gem here) and boast of large numbers of supporters, what they really had were brainwashed "zombies" who were simply following the orders of their beloved leader to be wherever and to chant whatever. They had no vested interest in the issues in which it appeared they supported.

Now, today, the Democrat party has the gall to accuse Americans opposing this Orwellian health care of numbly and blindly following the "drum beating" of "talk show hosts," "well-financed special interests," or big pharmacy companies. Give me a break! These Democrat folks are calling in organized labor units, ACORN (or whatever they are now), and other "community organizers" to "keep the peace."

If Jim Jones was still around, guess who would be giving him a call, too?

Now We're KKK

Absolutely amazing! The only situations Rep. Dingell can recall where orchestrated protestors "created trouble" are civil rights debates with the KKK present. Wow! What a steel-trap memory this guy has.

On the Road

Time to take in ballparks my son & I have not visited, so will be a little slow with new posts. Especially when the room I am in right now charges for access in the room, but not in the lobby. So... cheapskate that I am, I lug my machine into the lobby. Oh well.

Gangster Government

Al Capone would be proud!

Organizing

Here is an idea of what the left - and Obama supporters in particular - think of national debate and dialogue over major issues...

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Last fall, when swiftboaters and special interests attacked President Obama, folks like you came to his defense. We knocked on doors, talked to neighbors, and made our voices heard.Now, we need to do it again.

This time, he's under attack by Washington insiders, insurance companies, and well-financed special interests who don't go a day without spreading lies and stirring up fear. We need to show that we're sick and tired of the fear mongering.If you can join us at tomorrow's gathering, you'll find refreshments, the company of other local folks who are proud to stand up for President Obama and, most importantly, a chance to publicly show your support for the big changes the President is fighting for and this country needs.

http://in.barackobama.com/ElkhartRSVP

I hope you'll join us.Thanks,Nick

Nick Buis

Indiana State Director

Organizing for America

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The community organizer keeps at it. He just has a little larger community to organize. What comes to mind is Mafioso-style organizing complete with slanders, threats, and extortion. I can hardly wait for the broken knee-cap phase, which will boost Obamacare proposals, of course. After all, who's going to turn it down when they need to get their busted knee caps fixed?

One big fallacy with the slanderous accusations issued above: whereas the great one has failed to read HR 3200, I have. (OK, OK, I've skimmed through it, meaning that I begin reading it and then, upon getting glassy-eyed, move through quite a bit faster). The TRUTH is that the so-called fear-mongers are telling the truth.

Of course, the bill does not outright state that there will be no private coverage; in fact, it says that there will be private coverage. Then it proceeds to impose such draconian regulations on private insurers that the bottom line will be... no private insurer can afford the regulations.

Of course, the bill does not outright state that healthcare rationing will take place; in fact, it states that healthcare will be available for all. Then it proceeds to outline affordable healthcare and how it will be allocated. Bottom line, well... you tell me. If you haven't figured it out yet, let me tell you straight up: liberal ideology means the end of American liberty and selective death.

That's organizing.

Branding

I know that my memory powers are extremely fallible, but I cannot bring to mind ANY recent American president or politician who has worked so diligently on universally branding himself/herself. Here is President Obama, however, plastering his personal logo everywhere. He shows up in front of the cameras over and over and over. Images of Barack H. Obama abound like no other American politician in recent memory.

What does come to my mind is under what circumstances a political figure's image and other unique branding symbology becomes a part of the culture in other countries. Consider, shall we say, Cuba where beloved leader and president-for-life Fidel Castro has posters of himself plastered all over the place and where he gets to thrill crowds with his rhetoric for hours on end. Then there is Venezuela and our good bud Hugo Chavez. How many posters and statues of Saddam Hussein were torn down after his demise? Ditto for Lenin and Stalin, et. al. How self-serving can these guys get? And who can forget Adolf Hitler's branding campaign utilizing the swastika?

I wonder in which nationally funded public park an Obama statue will pop up first. The White House lawn, perhaps? The lengths this guy goes to toot his own horn is astounding... and frightening.

One of my personal criticisms about former President Bush was that he was too low-key. I don't think he should have "built himself up," that part of his character I appreciated. I think that he could have used more publicity time to demonstrate highlight America's victories, similar to FDR. He was good at this during major events like the State of the Union address; I wish he had been similarly proactive at other times.

As far as face-time goes, President Barack Hussein Obama has more than made up for any lack of it by the previous administration. Too bad that it is all about him and the "changes" he plans for America.

America a Stupid Country?

Want to know what libs think of Americans? Here is everything you need to know...


Bill Maher says America is a Stupid Country

(photo: Bill O'Reilly [just using graphic; there is no O'Reilly video to play. Click the Maher link for video])

Why Can't They Tell the Truth for Once?

Once again, the truth is exposed that liberals must deceive in order to make their policies palatable to Americans. A single payer (ie, government) health insurance system is going to make us serfs to our own government like nothing we have witnessed to date. Policy making libs know this, so they openly lie about it now in order to get it passed. And they also know that they will exempt themselves from the policies that the American masses will be herded into.

Watch the short video, and then you decide who is telling the truth in this debate.

----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 10:30 PM
Subject: Another BHO Lie Exposed

Isn't it wonderful when the truth exposes those who lie. It is very disturbing when it comes from BHO. We must pray and vote responsibly in 2010. Click on video below.

http://www.breitbart.tv/uncovered-video-obama-explains-how-his-health-care-plan-will-eliminate-private-insurance/

Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

In response to the published column by a Kokomo High School biology teacher declaring that cap-and-trade is a necessity (Rick Parsons, "Cap-and-trade program is needed," Kokomo Tribune, 8/3/09, p. A4), I wrote the following...

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Dear Editor,

To what extent will government global warming policies intrude into our private lives? Plenty, if global warming alarmist-activists have their way. According to The Natural Resource Defense Council and Green peace (“Cultural Diversity,” KT, 8/3/09, p. A8), Americans’ use of ultra-soft and quilted toilet paper “imposes more costs on the planet than do gas-guzzling cars.” If they have their way, and they have mounted campaigns to have their way, then we can expect to be told what kind of toilet paper we can get and how much we can use.

In the same issue, Mr. Rick Parsons wrote that the cap-and-trade program is necessary and vital to combat global warming. Allow me to make the inaccurate assumption that there are absolutely no climatologists, other legitimate scientists, or high school biology teachers who question the methodology or conclusions of global warming studies, and that all scientists are in complete agreement with the resource recommendations Mr. Parsons provides. Applying this assumption, we can declare with alarm that the earth is in serious trouble and that, as Mr. Parsons writes, we must make drastic carbon dioxide emission reductions in order to save the planet. Since this is the case, then Mr. Parsons must be thrilled with my last two published letters concerning steps to take that curb carbon dioxide emissions. I noted in my first that those alarmed over global warming need to live like me. If anyone needs a reminder of the specifics, the editor can pull my letter from the archive or I can resubmit. In my second letter, I recommended that all available public transportation in Kokomo and surrounding areas be thoroughly utilized. I see no need for high school parking lots to be filled with students’ vehicles when there is a school bus transportation system available. Perhaps Mr. Parsons should take away grade points from those students refusing to comply; call it grade-and-trade or something. And perhaps Mr. Parsons should recommend to his school board that a public transportation system be arranged for teachers and administrators as well. I hope that Mr. Parsons sees fit to join me in this crusade. We are, after all, out to save the planet.
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Additional suggestions are welcome. I want to ensure that Mr. Parsons has all the available tools at his disposal to save the planet.