This one's for those lovable folks at peta.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Medal of Honor Recipient Ed Freeman

An e-mail about Ed "Too Tall" Freeman has been circulating for years. Literally. While I agree with the intent of the forward, which is to highlight Americans' general disregard for true heroism in favor of shallow pop culture, the e-mail use has not been completely accurate.
I ran across the factual details and think it will make an appropriate "forward" this Memorial Day (5/31/10). The accurate portion of the circulating e-mail goes like this:
******
I ran across the factual details and think it will make an appropriate "forward" this Memorial Day (5/31/10). The accurate portion of the circulating e-mail goes like this:
******
'Ed Freeman... A True Hero'
You're an 18 or 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley, 11-14-1965. LZ Xray , Vietnam . Your infantry unit is out numbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.
You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.
Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses.
And, he kept coming back...... 13 more times..... and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.
******
For his bravery under fire, Ed Freeman received the Medal Honor in a ceremony on July 16, 2001:
******
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Good morning, and welcome to the White House...
By all rights, another president from Texas should have had the honor of conferring this medal. It was in the second year of Lynden Johnson's presidency that Army Captain Ed Freeman did something that the men of the 7th Calvary have never forgotten. Years passed, even decades, but the memory of what happened on November 14, 1965 has always stayed with them.
For his actions that day, Captain Freeman was awarded the distinguished Flying Cross, but the men who were there, including the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Crandall, felt a still higher honor was called for. Through the unremitting efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Crandall and many others and the persuasive weight from Senator John McCain, the story now comes to its rightful conclusion.
That story began with a battalion surrounded by the enemy in one of Vietnam's fiercest battles. The survivors remember the desperate fear of almost certain death. They remember gunfire that one witness described as the most intense he had ever seen, and they remember the sight of an unarmed helicopter coming to their aid. The man with the controls flew through the gunfire not once, not 10 times, but at least 21 times. That single helicopter brought the water, ammunition and supplies that saved many lives on the ground, and the same pilot flew more than 70 wounded soldiers to safety...
As a boy of 13, Ed Freeman saw thousands of men on maneuvers pass by his home in Mississippi. He decided then and there that he would be a soldier. A lifetime later the Congress has now decided that he's even more than a soldier because he did more than his duty. He served his country and his comrades to the fullest, rising above and beyond anything the Army or the nation could have ever asked...
Commander Seevers, I'll now ask you to read this citation of the newest member of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and it'll be my honor to give him his first salute.
COMMANDER GEORGE SEEVERS: ...The president of the United States of America, authorized by act of Congress, March 3, 1863 has awarded in the name of the Congress the medal of honor to Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, distinguished himself by numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November, 1965, while serving with Company A, 229th, Assault Helicopter Battalion, First Cavalry Division Air Mobil (ph). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at landing zone X-ray in the Idrang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The infantry unit was almost out of ammunition, after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone, due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire, time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the Paceeds (ph) battalion.
His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival without which they would almost surely have experienced a much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area, due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life- saving evacuation of an estimates 30 seriously wounded soldiers, some of whom would not have survived, had he not acted.All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements.
Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. (CNN Transcripts)
******
Captain Ed "Too Tall" Freeman, American hero and Medal of Honor recipient, passed away in August 2008.
May God bless all of our Armed Forces personnel this Memorial Day.
Captain Ed "Too Tall" Freeman, American hero and Medal of Honor recipient, passed away in August 2008.
May God bless all of our Armed Forces personnel this Memorial Day.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Credit Crisis Warning

A quick update on new warnings sent by the Weiss Research team...
******
Heads up people. Something very big is happening in the global credit markets — something you darn well better pay attention to.
The very same “Credit Crisis” indicators that were flashing red before the stock market meltdown of 2007-2008 — the ones Martin and I used to get our subscribers out of almost all stocks, and “short” the market via inverse ETFs — are flashing red again.
Pay attention and you might save your portfolio. Ignore them and you could get slaughtered. (Mike Larson, "Credit Crisis Indicators Going Bonkers Again! Batten Down the Hatches!" 05-28-10)
The very same “Credit Crisis” indicators that were flashing red before the stock market meltdown of 2007-2008 — the ones Martin and I used to get our subscribers out of almost all stocks, and “short” the market via inverse ETFs — are flashing red again.
Pay attention and you might save your portfolio. Ignore them and you could get slaughtered. (Mike Larson, "Credit Crisis Indicators Going Bonkers Again! Batten Down the Hatches!" 05-28-10)
******
Additionally, the Fitch's credit rating for Spain was downgraded this weekend, so the European sovereign debt issue continues to spread. Meanwhile, American political and government financial leadership continue to tell us that the economic recovery is still doing well. Who do you want to put your money on?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Weiss Ratings

I want to keep in front of everyone the market info coming from the Weiss Research team. Among the latest is their re-acquisition of their proprietary rating service. With that, Dr. Weiss comes out with guns blazing...
******
Later this morning, Weiss Ratings is issuing a landmark press release, warning that 20 giant U.S. banks are still vulnerable to serious financial difficulties — and even failure. (I’ll name them in a moment.) ("Weiss Ratings: 20 Giant Banks Still Vulnerable," 05-24-10)
******
Prior to that, Martin Weiss issued this interesting challenge to the other high profile rating services...
******
Dear S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch,
You are the world’s three dominant rating agencies, largely controlling the ratings of bonds and debts issued by thousands of corporations, municipalities, and sovereign governments. I am the chairman of Weiss Ratings, an independent rating agency. And today, I challenge you to promptly take the bold action that you have so far avoided — to downgrade the long-term credit rating of the U.S. government in order to help protect investors and prod Washington to fix its finances. ("Weiss Ratings’ challenge to S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch: Downgrade the Long-Term Debt of the United States Before It’s Too Late," 05-10-10)
You are the world’s three dominant rating agencies, largely controlling the ratings of bonds and debts issued by thousands of corporations, municipalities, and sovereign governments. I am the chairman of Weiss Ratings, an independent rating agency. And today, I challenge you to promptly take the bold action that you have so far avoided — to downgrade the long-term credit rating of the U.S. government in order to help protect investors and prod Washington to fix its finances. ("Weiss Ratings’ challenge to S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch: Downgrade the Long-Term Debt of the United States Before It’s Too Late," 05-10-10)
******
Plenty more to be found at Money & Markets.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Socialism Fails

Advocates of socialism have for years pointed to European nations as proof to their arguments that centralized economies work. Several Euro-zone nations have implemented varying degrees of government subsidies and social services without introducing the cruelties of communism or some other form of totalitarianism. Consequently, some of our own citizens have wondered why America cannot climb onto the European socialist bandwagon. Indeed, several guests on talk shows over the past few months have treated those who warn of socialism’s dangers as if they are merely conjuring up a false “bogeyman.” According to them, there is nothing to fear from socialism.
Those honestly seeking truth have understood all along the dangers of socialist economies. Whether implemented with or without totalitarianism, socialism always fails. It cannot support its own weight. As a saying goes, “socialism works great until it runs out of other people’s money.” Look at those same European nations that have been held up as socialism’s models. They are in chaos. Their economies are collapsing. In fact, they would have collapsed already if not propped up by external infusions of capital. How did they achieve these dire straits? After running out of their own money to support their redistribution of wealth scams from the productive to the unproductive, they commenced massive borrowing. For awhile, accumulating sovereign debt works; therefore, socialism continues to appear to work. Citizens and politicians remain duped and willfully ignorant of the truth. Eventually, though, the bills come due, and creditors stop accepting more debt as payment of debt. In other words, they can no longer pay their credit card bills with credit cards. So entire nations wake up to the reality that they are bankrupt. What happens to government social services then? Ask the citizens of Greece; they are experiencing it firsthand.
What does this have to do with Americans? We are on the verge of finding out, friends. If it were just that we will be losing the European portion of global economic recovery, that would be bad enough. Unfortunately, it’s worse. Compare America’s spending, debt, and deficits to those of failing European nations, and we sadly discover that our numbers are no better. In fact, they are worse than some of those nations already facing austerity measures. In all likelihood, we are seeing the proverbial chickens come home to roost as a result of our lifetime of unnecessarily reckless runaway spending. It will not be a pretty picture. But that’s socialism for you.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Remarkable Event

A remarkable event took place on May 6th. Across this nation, citizens gathered to pray for America. At the service I attended, we prayed for God’s blessings upon America’s leaders, business men and women, educators, military personnel, and many more. What are God’s blessings? They are described throughout the Bible, such as Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Sadly, some organizations think there should be laws against such things. The freedom from religion foundation (ffrf) has gone to court to declare the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. Not only do they not want God’s blessings for themselves, they do not want God’s blessings for anyone else. Every representative to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 expressed the belief that the citizens of America could not create and sustain the kind of government necessary to secure liberty unless they practiced “Christian forbearance” toward each other. During its contentious beginning, Benjamin Franklin moved that each Assembly be opened with “prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessing on our deliberations… and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.” After such prayers were instituted, Dr. Franklin declared, “May we… continue, under the influence of republican virtue, to partake of all the blessings of cultivated and Christian society.” The actions of organizations like the ffrf are completely foreign to our Founders who wrote our Constitution and its first ten amendments. History has taught us well that, whether benevolent or malicious, any government that attempts to replace the blessings of God with the virtues of man is necessarily and inevitably totalitarian.
Monday, May 03, 2010
National Day of Prayer
As unbelievable as it may be, a federal judge in Wisconsin ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. According to the Associated Press article filed on April 16th, "U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb wrote that the government can no more enact laws supporting a day of prayer than it can encourage citizens to fast during Ramadan, attend a synagogue or practice magic. 'In fact, it is because the nature of prayer is so personal and can have such a powerful effect on a community that the government may not use its authority to try to influence an individual's decision whether and when to pray,' Crabb wrote." (Todd Richmond, "Federal judge rules Day of Prayer unconstitutional," A.P., 4/16/2010)
National Day of Prayer services will be held on May 6, 2010. If you have never attended one of these services before, I submit that it is more vital than ever that you attend. I have attended the service at the Miami County, Indiana, courthouse for several years and have never witnessed a very large turnout. I realize that there are legitimate conflicts that prevent attendance. I even attended the service held in Howard County for several years before realizing that one was held at the Miami County courthouse. At the same time, I am also aware that many more Christian brothers and sisters could support and attend this service than otherwise do. Regardless of where and when you attend, I believe that the challenge has been issued to Christians in America to stand up against the foes of our dear Savior and to clearly demonstrate that we do not intend to stand idly by and watch the rich, vital Christian heritage of our nation be dismantled through deception.
While I will strive to take no action that violates the instructions of Christ, I do not intend to give in quietly to the outright lies of these organizations seeking to remove the witness of the Christian faith from the public forum in America. I personally believe that being present at this year’s National Day of Prayer services is one way to demonstrate that we have no intention to accept such a frivolous and damaging ruling. Let as many of your Christian brothers and sisters as you can know of this challenge so that we may call upon the name of the Lord to continue to bless us with His presence.
National Day of Prayer services will be held on May 6, 2010. If you have never attended one of these services before, I submit that it is more vital than ever that you attend. I have attended the service at the Miami County, Indiana, courthouse for several years and have never witnessed a very large turnout. I realize that there are legitimate conflicts that prevent attendance. I even attended the service held in Howard County for several years before realizing that one was held at the Miami County courthouse. At the same time, I am also aware that many more Christian brothers and sisters could support and attend this service than otherwise do. Regardless of where and when you attend, I believe that the challenge has been issued to Christians in America to stand up against the foes of our dear Savior and to clearly demonstrate that we do not intend to stand idly by and watch the rich, vital Christian heritage of our nation be dismantled through deception.
While I will strive to take no action that violates the instructions of Christ, I do not intend to give in quietly to the outright lies of these organizations seeking to remove the witness of the Christian faith from the public forum in America. I personally believe that being present at this year’s National Day of Prayer services is one way to demonstrate that we have no intention to accept such a frivolous and damaging ruling. Let as many of your Christian brothers and sisters as you can know of this challenge so that we may call upon the name of the Lord to continue to bless us with His presence.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
I Am Conservative

A forwarded e-mail:
If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat.
If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.
If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.
If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.
If a conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.
A liberal will delete it because he's "offended".
Well I forwarded it to you so where does that put me?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sovereign Debt Update

Real world continues to confirm warnings issued by Weiss, et. al.
******
Global markets
******
Global markets
Asian stocks plummeted Wednesday in reaction to the sovereign debt downgrades of Greece and Portugal, and Europe stocks extended losses, with Portuguese stocks especially volatile. Yields on two-year Greek debt surged to the 30% range. (Marketwatch e-Newsletter, 4/28/10)
******
In spite of efforts by European Union to stick their finger in the dam, Greek sovereign debt problems continue to spill over into world markets. Now begin adding the same problems of Portugal, Spain, Italy, & Ireland. Unabated debt always has been and always will be bad news. Sorry about that, socialists.
Probably going to see some rough going as 2010 rolls on. Watch your backside.
******
In spite of efforts by European Union to stick their finger in the dam, Greek sovereign debt problems continue to spill over into world markets. Now begin adding the same problems of Portugal, Spain, Italy, & Ireland. Unabated debt always has been and always will be bad news. Sorry about that, socialists.
Probably going to see some rough going as 2010 rolls on. Watch your backside.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
National Debt Risk

I know that I am sounding like a "broken record" with this (for those too young to understand this comparison, let me know; I'll explain it to you), but I think that there is a need for continuing awareness about the issue of national debt. Even though more leading business men and women are saying that America is in an economic recovery and not facing another dip into recession, the consequences of increasing sovereign debt are becoming reality. I suppose not many Americans are concerned at all about the Greek sovereign debt crisis, but it already has an impact on world markets. Some of our most volatile days of late can be traced to global issues concerning the impending collapse of the Greek economy due to its debt obligations. Right now, the Greek government is staving off greater disaster by making arrangements for assistance from the Euro nations and the International Monetary Fund. However, also tottering on shaky financial ground are Ireland, Italy, Spain, & Portugal. And apparently striving to catch up with their debt problems is the United States.
The question being asked is, "Who can bail out the US?" The answer seems to be, "No one." Here is more discussion on this issue...
The question being asked is, "Who can bail out the US?" The answer seems to be, "No one." Here is more discussion on this issue...
"Dollar Doomsday 2010"
I do not know what the Weiss Group is proposing with their upcoming announcement. I have observed that it typically announces a new service. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of info to be gained from the no-cost issues they provide. And I have noticed that not all advisors within the Weiss family of advisors and newsletters are quite as alarmist as Martin Weiss and Mike Larson are sounding here. So, use your own sense and experience with anything they suggest. That said, I have found in my own research and experience with them that they have made and still make sound suggestions.
I'll keep sharing what I learn, but you can go directly to the source, too.
I do not know what the Weiss Group is proposing with their upcoming announcement. I have observed that it typically announces a new service. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of info to be gained from the no-cost issues they provide. And I have noticed that not all advisors within the Weiss family of advisors and newsletters are quite as alarmist as Martin Weiss and Mike Larson are sounding here. So, use your own sense and experience with anything they suggest. That said, I have found in my own research and experience with them that they have made and still make sound suggestions.
I'll keep sharing what I learn, but you can go directly to the source, too.
Quotes From the Comedians
I didn't think that the late night hosts had it in them!
******
Liberals are asking us to give Obama time. We agree and think 25 to life would be appropriate. America needs Obama-care like Nancy Pelosi needs a Halloween mask. -Leno
Q: Have you heard about McDonald's' new Obama Value Meal?
A: Order anything you like and the guy behind you has to pay for it. -O'Brien
Q: What does Barack Obama call lunch with a convicted felon?
A: A fund raiser. -Leno
Q: What's the difference between Obama's cabinet and a penitentiary?
A: One is filled with tax evaders, blackmailers and threats to society. The other is for housing prisoners. -Letterman
Q: If Nancy Pelosi and Obama were on a boat in the middle of the ocean and it started to sink, who would be saved?
A: America ! -Fallon
Q: What's the difference between Obama and his dog, Bo?
A: Bo has papers. -Kimmel
Q: What was the most positive result of the "Cash for clunkers" program?
A: It took 95% of the Obama bumper stickers off the road. -Letterman
******
Liberals are asking us to give Obama time. We agree and think 25 to life would be appropriate. America needs Obama-care like Nancy Pelosi needs a Halloween mask. -Leno
Q: Have you heard about McDonald's' new Obama Value Meal?
A: Order anything you like and the guy behind you has to pay for it. -O'Brien
Q: What does Barack Obama call lunch with a convicted felon?
A: A fund raiser. -Leno
Q: What's the difference between Obama's cabinet and a penitentiary?
A: One is filled with tax evaders, blackmailers and threats to society. The other is for housing prisoners. -Letterman
Q: If Nancy Pelosi and Obama were on a boat in the middle of the ocean and it started to sink, who would be saved?
A: America ! -Fallon
Q: What's the difference between Obama and his dog, Bo?
A: Bo has papers. -Kimmel
Q: What was the most positive result of the "Cash for clunkers" program?
A: It took 95% of the Obama bumper stickers off the road. -Letterman
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Return of Americans
The last four letters in American.........I Can
The last four letters in Republican.......I Can
The last four letters in Democrats........Rats
End of Lesson! MUST MEAN SOMETHING
Had enough yet? Don't back down! Do something as the primary and general elections approach. Conscientiously choose your candidates and actively support them. Don't allow yourself to be tread upon. Let's keep Americans free!
The last four letters in Republican.......I Can
The last four letters in Democrats........Rats
End of Lesson! MUST MEAN SOMETHING
Had enough yet? Don't back down! Do something as the primary and general elections approach. Conscientiously choose your candidates and actively support them. Don't allow yourself to be tread upon. Let's keep Americans free!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Shooting the Messenger

One of the places I have been spending some time is with the Weiss Market Research site "Money & Markets." For those interested in keeping up with economic trends, I recommend signing up for the no-cost daily e-mail reports. I have been following them for several months now and think that they have high quality insights and recommendations.
The 3/12/2010 issue, "Politicians: Don't Like the Message? Shoot the Messenger!" by Mike Larson provides a good example.
Based upon research coming from Weiss Research and other analysts, I think that there is a good chance that U.S. and world economies will be facing some more significant recessionary/deflationary (ie, recession/depression) pressures in the not-too-distant future. I would like to be wrong, and I think that they would like to be wrong. However, international recoveries to date have been largely driven by fiscal (ie, government) stimulus. For high debt countries like the U.S. and Euro-zone, that's going to have to come to an end at some point. The looming danger is that the fundamental economics that drove us into global recession in 2007-2009 have not been eliminated. They have only been shelved until they have the chance to rear their ugly heads: foreclosures, commercial property downturns, toxic debt still on the books of major institutions, no robust job market, cautious consumer spending, still way too much debt (the average U.S. household debt-to-income ratio has come down, but is still at an alarming 120%).
Investors & savers stand to get crushed again if some thought is not applied to portfolios now. Not advocating drastic, silly moves; just be aware of and prepared for future possibilities. Giving the Weiss Market Research resources a look-over is one potential starting place.
Disclaimer: I want you to know that I receive no remuneration from anyone I have mentioned above. I refer to them only for informational purposes. They offer both no-cost and cost resources. Further investigation on your part is your choice. If interested, for a start, you might read The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide by Martin Weiss (see if you can borrow it from a library or something). The title sounds like they are all a bunch of "doom & gloomers," I know, but they are not. Neither am I. They merely outline ways to "protect your savings and boost your income... even in the worst of times."
The 3/12/2010 issue, "Politicians: Don't Like the Message? Shoot the Messenger!" by Mike Larson provides a good example.
Based upon research coming from Weiss Research and other analysts, I think that there is a good chance that U.S. and world economies will be facing some more significant recessionary/deflationary (ie, recession/depression) pressures in the not-too-distant future. I would like to be wrong, and I think that they would like to be wrong. However, international recoveries to date have been largely driven by fiscal (ie, government) stimulus. For high debt countries like the U.S. and Euro-zone, that's going to have to come to an end at some point. The looming danger is that the fundamental economics that drove us into global recession in 2007-2009 have not been eliminated. They have only been shelved until they have the chance to rear their ugly heads: foreclosures, commercial property downturns, toxic debt still on the books of major institutions, no robust job market, cautious consumer spending, still way too much debt (the average U.S. household debt-to-income ratio has come down, but is still at an alarming 120%).
Investors & savers stand to get crushed again if some thought is not applied to portfolios now. Not advocating drastic, silly moves; just be aware of and prepared for future possibilities. Giving the Weiss Market Research resources a look-over is one potential starting place.
Disclaimer: I want you to know that I receive no remuneration from anyone I have mentioned above. I refer to them only for informational purposes. They offer both no-cost and cost resources. Further investigation on your part is your choice. If interested, for a start, you might read The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide by Martin Weiss (see if you can borrow it from a library or something). The title sounds like they are all a bunch of "doom & gloomers," I know, but they are not. Neither am I. They merely outline ways to "protect your savings and boost your income... even in the worst of times."
(Photo: Mike Larson)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
The Battle

Headlines like this from The Washington Post abound:
They all annoy me because they indicate that the health care "debate" is a matter of politics between the Democrat & Republican parties with the actual citizens of this nation, from whom this government is derived, helpless spectators & pawns.
One of the benefits of the TEA party and similar movements is that the message is being made clear that this is not a matter of two political parties reaching "common ground." This is an issue of the American people rising up in opposition to encroaching totalitarianism.
We are taking back our government, and the power broker, Saul Alinsky types do not like it.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Health Care Crisis Solution

This is my letter to my Congressmen. Feel free to use any or all of it as you see fit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear (Senator/Representative) (Insert name of Congressperson here)
Once again, citizens of this great land get to witness historic events. Today, President Obama held a lecture session with select members of Congress in a so-called bipartisan effort to impose massive, expensive, and liberty-limiting legislation and policy upon the American people under the guise of health care legislation.
In response to this day’s “bipartisan” session, I wish to politely remind you that our elected Senators and Representatives in Congress do not work for the President of the United States of America. You work for, and on behalf of, the citizens living in the districts you represent. In this regard, I remind you that Americans as a whole reject the type of socialized, bureaucratic style of health care legislation being proposed. If you feel that it is absolutely necessary to “fix” America’s health care system, then I request that all proposals be restarted from scratch. In fact, if you would be so kind, please deliver my recommendation to President Obama:
Mr. President, since you are so concerned about and disagree with the way that American health insurance companies conduct their business, I advocate that you vacate your office as President of the United States of America, gather the wealth of talented men and women around you who are wonderful community organizers, enter the private sector, and start the exact type of health insurance company that you want to mandate from your high office. I have no doubt that your company will not lack for clients and will become a model for all health care insurance companies to adopt. Best of all, the American health care “crisis” will be solved without squandering one taxpayer dollar. Indeed, citizens who invest in your business will actually prosper, as will you. To top it off, you can even take your earnings as founder, president, and CEO and contribute to numerous wonderful private organizations who provide health care for those who cannot afford it!
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my concerns.
Your Concerned Constituent,
Your Concerned Constituent,
Friday, February 19, 2010
Moral Ineptitude

I sometimes catch the "news magazine" Inside Edition because it follows the local news cast I watch. I find sadly amusing the reports of the bizarre plights of many of those in the entertainment industry who stylize themselves as experts in matters ranging from international politics to personal relationships.
IE and other rags are certainly getting the mileage out of the Tiger Woods' infidelity situation, which is a classic case of moral ineptitude. First, why is this even news in this culture's popular view of moral relevancy? Everything done in this whole grotesque comedy was between "consenting adults." That is all that is required for behavior to be labeled acceptable. "What is sin to you may not be sin to someone else." No one was hurt.
Second, and more to the point, I find it almost unexplainable that Tiger's many liaisons express anger and grief over being "cheated on" by Tiger. Huh? Yes, Tiger's mistresses who have agreed to interviews have all expressed being deeply hurt that Tiger cheated on them. The known fact that Tiger was cheating on his wife to have an affair with any one of them did not trigger moral concern. They are upset at discovering that they, themselves, became the "other woman" in Tiger's voluminous black book. According to them, it is grievous that Tiger lied, cheated, and deceived them. He was already lying, cheating, and deceiving his wife, for crying out loud. What other kind of moral behavor did they expect from him? Duh!
Moral ineptitude.
"For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord." - Jude 4 (NIV)
IE and other rags are certainly getting the mileage out of the Tiger Woods' infidelity situation, which is a classic case of moral ineptitude. First, why is this even news in this culture's popular view of moral relevancy? Everything done in this whole grotesque comedy was between "consenting adults." That is all that is required for behavior to be labeled acceptable. "What is sin to you may not be sin to someone else." No one was hurt.
Second, and more to the point, I find it almost unexplainable that Tiger's many liaisons express anger and grief over being "cheated on" by Tiger. Huh? Yes, Tiger's mistresses who have agreed to interviews have all expressed being deeply hurt that Tiger cheated on them. The known fact that Tiger was cheating on his wife to have an affair with any one of them did not trigger moral concern. They are upset at discovering that they, themselves, became the "other woman" in Tiger's voluminous black book. According to them, it is grievous that Tiger lied, cheated, and deceived them. He was already lying, cheating, and deceiving his wife, for crying out loud. What other kind of moral behavor did they expect from him? Duh!
Moral ineptitude.
"For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord." - Jude 4 (NIV)
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Snowmageddon

All the talk of “snowmageddon” (President Obama, 2/6/10) leaves some of us wondering about the claims of global warmageddon alarmism. Although now conveniently disguised under the name “climate change,” the theory of global warming is that man’s impact is creating climate havoc that will lead to higher mean temperatures globally and alter every known climate pattern, So the claims go. Climate change (formerly global warming) alarmists attempt to deceive the general public into believing that skeptics who question their theories are “anti-science.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. Climate change (formerly global warming) theories are questioned because of science.
Rather than being able to provide specific, empirical evidence for their claims, climate change (formerly global warming) advocates have been attempting to hide the evidence that appears to weaken or destroy their presumed models. That is an action that is clearly not compatible with the scientific process. As far as we know, collected data fails to fit the models created for climate change (formerly global warming) theories. This is one reason why Professor Al Gore is always telling us that he believes that he must exaggerate the climate change (formerly global warming) claims in order to get our attention. It is also the reason why legitimate scientists who support climate change (formerly global warming) are always having to correct Mr. Gore’s outlandish claims. They value their credibility.
What about scientists who believe that climate change (formerly global warming) theories are correct? I am certainly not accusing all of them of deception. Some no doubt genuinely believe that their conclusions are correct. I merely suggest that we place such conclusions in the light of historical fact before affording them infallibility. In spite of all the sincerity in the world, scientists can still be mistaken; they have been in the past. Consider that in 1972, Dr. Reid Bryson and Dr. John Ross, Director and Associate Director of the University of Wisconsin Institute for Environmental Studies, wrote an article for the World Book Science Annual entitled “Is Man Changing His Climate?” Reflecting the scientific conclusions being drawn then, the authors wrote, “The increase of field dust in the air, much of it the result of our mechanization, could change the climate enough to affect the world’s capacity to produce enough food… A lower mean annual temperature, including summer frosts, could result if dust levels continue to rise.” Nearly forty years later, such a notion would be scoffed at by the current science community, yet this was a part of the conclusions being drawn then. It makes me wonder a little what scientists forty years from now will be saying about the conclusions being formed from today’s climate change (formerly global warming) theories.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Global Meltdown Continues

******
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
******
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.
Friday, December 04, 2009
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
