GOVERNMENT'S PLACE - Get Out of Our Liberty! (Or, Gov't, YOU work for US)

 

My ancestors - by that I mean my "Great-Greats" - grandmothers, fathers, aunts, and uncles - all had a MUCH healthier distrust of the federal government than people today.

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People who came before us came from places where government ran roughshod over people's very lives. They were serfs - not much more than slaves really - or subjects, and were at the whim of those in government or the "peerage".

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When they came here - they held a strong arm straight out at the government - because they embraced what we have here - our freedom - and they didn't want those politico types getting their talons into the lives citizens built for themselves.

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Our Founders formed a Republic - not a democracy or aristocracy or any other type of government - it was the first of its kind - and is still materially different than any other place on earth - and our very existence changed the lives of the common people in every other place on earth.

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Sorry to say this - but people have been "dumbed down" by our "government" school systems to think such ridiculous things as "the US is a democracy" (it's not) or "a democracy and our Republic are the same and interchangeable terms" (no, they aren't )

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We need to return to that healthy distrust of federal collective power - and we need to stop relying on the government as some benevolent nanny. They aren't our parent - and they are NOT benevolent.

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Stop thinking they are some cuddly entity with our best in mind - and realize that government - all government - is a leviathan that wants to gobble up more and more power and control - and start understanding that we must force them to work - ONLY - in the ways we TELL them to work.

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America and the entire world depends on this.

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The more we take from government - the more they have their hand in our private business.

The reality with this entire pandemic - government had no business forcing any of the things they did.

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They had responsibility (which they botched badly) to quantify the virus, and determine the risks, characteristics and WHERE it came from. And, to find out what types of medicines we had in the tool chest that would work on it.

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What they did NOT have was the authority to force everyone into 1-size fits all mandates and other. No one but an individual should determine if they wrap a cloth around their faces and restrict their breathing or not - and sure as Hell not forcing people to be test subjects in some global medical Frankenstein experiments.

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WE - as a people - need to be a heck of a lot better at TELLING government where they are and are NOT welcome.

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And most Americans need a clear and deeper understanding of the fact that government works FOR us - not the other way 'round.

Trump's Third SCOTUS Pick - Fill the Seat!!

So people are clear - because there has been a lot of debate and incorrect assumptions, arguments and false statements made since RBG died.

First - this is Trump’s SCOTUS pick. It is freely and clearly his to make.

I know - many are saying “but -Obama and Merrick Garland....” Nope. Sorry. Totally different situation.

How so? Because historic precedent sets out that when the Senate and WH are same party (as now) the president freely makes a SCOTUS (or other) appointment as he chooses - even late in an election year.

In the case of a Senate and WH of opposing parties (as in Obama’s case) the Senate has no compulsion to seat a justice and late in election years, especially with a lame duck president (Obama was not running for re-election- so it was absolute there would be a new president)

Second, people are saying “oh, RBG last wish”. Nope. Just stop. It wasn’t RBG’s seat to determine. She held it while living. It is now Trump’s to pick.

If RBG was so determined that a liberal seat her replacement - she should have retired when Obama was president. She’d already had cancer more than once. She was clearly in her 80’s during Obama’s term. She had the ability to control that choice had she retired. She didn’t.

Third - It is not Biden’s place to say Trump should or shouldn’t seat a judge. He is just a candidate- and not really a very strong one either. He needs to concentrate on the debates and shut up about current policies - they aren’t his to make.

Biden has had close to 50 years to make his mark on America - and the marks he has made have been racist, classist and generally horrible. He is a liar, a plagiarist, a cheat who used position to garner money for his family, and if people can’t see he has issues with small children...well - open your eyes. What he doesn’t get to do is make this court choice - or influence it.

Fourth, and last (for now) - if the left chooses to throw a temper tantrum as we’ve seen from Schumer, Reza, and other so called “prominent” leftist leaders in the past 14 or 15 hours and decides to riot - again..., you really have to ask yourself - what is mentally wrong with these people, why would someone think they were a good choice to lead this nation - and why have so many bought into their lies, innuendo and propaganda?

Our nation started as an idea that a free people should be free to govern and rule themselves. The assumption was that those people chosen from the people would be levelheaded, honest and mentally stable. We’ve seen this summer that the far left leaders (Pelosi, Schumer, et al) have moved far, far away from the likes of liberal greats such as JFK, RFK, Tip O’Neill etc.

Bottom-line - this is Trump’s SCOTUS pick. If the left doesn’t like that - they should have put forth a better candidate that Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Introduction - What is a "Keltic Witch?" - (Repost - Updated )

*Repost with updates - original from 2005

So what, you may ask yourself, is a “Keltic Witch”? And, for that matter, how did she come to be? Well, that is a somewhat long story so sit back and enjoy the ride – it is a meandering one.

I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I spent most of my “growing up” years in the Waltham/Watertown area and lived the typical “small town near a big city” life. My brother is 3 years younger than me and we always tried to “out do” each other. Most of our extended family was within an hours ride – if not ½ hour and we spent a lot of time with family while young.

My maternal Grandfather, Da, was a super great cook. He could go out and have a meal and come home and recreate that same meal. It was amazing to watch him at work. He made fantastic dishes in what has to be the smallest kitchen I have ever worked in. Much of my spare time was spent at his knee and so I learned a great love of cooking and creating recipes.

I went to college in Worcester, MA at the College of the Holy Cross, a Jesuit school. I studied Political Science at a time when we were the biggest superpower in the world, the Soviet Union was still our major rival, and terrorism was something that happened only in the Middle East and Ireland.

I tried my hand at everything I thought I wanted to do. I was a banker, office worker, personal trainer, teacher, and finally found that I was good with computers. I made a career out of managing large-scale software implementation projects. I liked what I did and was good at it. It afforded me the ability to travel and see the country.

I fell in love with a man in the U.S. Navy. He was dashing and handsome. We eloped and planned a great life while he was on leave. He went back to his duty station in Japan and we found I was pregnant. Not a huge obstacle, we could handle it! After 3 months, he was killed while out to sea in a training accident and I was alone. Six months later, I had my son and vowed he would have the best I could provide.

For four years, I scraped and sold myself to the company with the highest bid so I could raise my son. I landed in Texas and met the one man I was born to love forever. My husband, my friend. He smoothed all my rough edges and polished my hurts. It has been nineteen of the best years I could hope for. We have our oldest son and our “bitty boy” too. Our lives are so peaceful.

In a few years, we will move out of the big city and have land and a ranch to enjoy with our boys out of the mess of the city. God Bless my family, please.

It's Not the Guns........

I’m going to be blunt - some won’t like it. Florida wasn’t the fault of the gun. It’s the fault of society. Everyone who wanted to be their kid’s “bestie” rather than their parent - you bear some responsibility. Everyone who raised a little brat, but figured someone else would fix it; who shoved a pill rather than applied a spanking - look in the mirror.

It’s not the gun in the hand that is the problem. It’s what is in the heart (or isn’t depending on how you look at it)

Guns haven’t changed. They’ve been in our nation and part of our lives for over 200 years. They are a tool. A tool like a hammer or a saw.

Some people in America don’t need that tool for their lives. Some people do need it. Depends on the lifestyle you’ve chosen - urban, suburban, rural, country, city - or other. Or, your choice - because we live in a nation where liberty and freedom have a cost and that cost is being responsible.

What has changed is the problem.

Pills instead of parenting - “Ritalin makes Johnny behave so I don’t have to be mean.”

Violent media - music, videos, movies, games - desensitize kids to the value of life.

Erosion of the community - we couldn’t do bad stuff, because some neighbor would tell our parents - no one wants to step in today.

Not supporting teachers - “my kid wouldn’t....” or not supporting other role models. Rewarding losing - failure is a great teacher - but, we didn’t get a medal for failing, we got the lesson.

Not teaching morals, values or faith in something more than ourselves. Right and wrong exist - they are black and white. Evil exists - you don’t have to believe in Satan or the devil - but, he sure believes in you. When you don’t have rock solid foundations of right and wrong, evil slithers in and says “it’s ok....it feels good, doesn’t it - so it’s ok then...”.

It’s not what is in the hand that needs to change. It’s the hearts. We can do it and it doesn’t even take one more law on the books.

Start parenting. Stop shoving pills down the throats of young people. Be your parents - and teach the things your parents taught - right and wrong, good and evil, morals and values. Discipline kids. Don’t let them play GTA or other games where it’s ok to shoot people in the head. Teach that life is precious.

Then, you’ll see a change for the better.

Go down the other road and in 10 years we will be arguing about banning knives, then hammers, next rocks.

Make the right choice - but that requires self-examination and admitting that maybe values aren’t relative. Maybe everything permissive isn’t good for us.  Maybe fantasy or fiction shouldn’t be celebrated as truth.

I have faith in people. We can do this.

Thoughts on Las Vegas...........

I have a general note about Las Vegas. It's actually the same note I have whenever something heinous like this is carried out by some Godless, soul-sucker. It's a good note - so I will reuse it until we need a new one. 

There has been evil in the world since the fall. There will always be evil in the world. It is an active force. It seeks out the cold, empty hearts of men who have no faith in God or anything larger than themselves. It is easy for evil, in its insidious way, to snake in and plant roots in those sad hopeless souls. 

Guns have been - and will continue to be - tools. Tools of the huntsman, outdoorsman, sportsman, rancher, farmer, vet, stockman. Tools of the solider, defender, LEO, and myriad others. They are tools. They serve distinct purposes. 

Currently, in the media of the American left, they serve the purpose of being a target (pun intended). These hapless, uninformed talking heads push more misinformation on an ignorant, sycophantic, worshipful audience who absorb and readily 'lather, rinse, repeat' every word. 

It's not their fault - not really. The left are programmed that "guns are bad". In a world where morals are relative and nothing is off limits - guns are unequivocally bad. This programming - in the progressive cities of the coasts - begins at birth. 

As a result, progressives and left-minded people of all ages have never held, touched, and many times even seen a real fire arm. If they have fired one, it was probably a scout camp and was one small experience in a world of others where reinforcement of the fact that 'guns are bad' was the lesson that was pushed. 

Now, we know guns are tools and we know hammers are tools; a gun is no more evil than a hammer in the right hands.  A gun is no more capable of getting up and killing someone than a screwdriver or a knife. 

I would recommend that people learn about the tools they seek to ban others from having. Learn actual facts - not NPR biased facts or CNN biased facts. Actual facts. 

How do we stop it?  Honestly, we can't stop evil. If he wasn't able to get guns to kill, he would have used bombs or some other thing.  That is my word on Vegas. 

Oh, in another report, a man, in London mowed down a bunch of innocent people with a car.   Another tool.

Racism - Worse or......Not?

I have spent the better part of the past 2 days being told that I am a racist - because I want to know what racism or oppression successful, strong, athletes at the top of their game are suffering in a nation where a black president just finished his second term. 

I don't see racism as a burgeoning problem in the US. I don't because the people I know, work with, associate with and meet don't count their friends, interactions or acquaintances by the color of their skin. 

When you read articles about the "growing problem of racism" in the US, or look at polls about racism, these are all subjective. They all say racism is getting worse, because people feel that racism is getting worse. 

But, there isn't any quantifiable evidence, empirical, measurable studies that show that racism is worse today than in the past. In fact, everything that can be measured shows that racism is at its lowest rate than ever before. 

So how is there a disconnect this big between what is real and what people feel is real?

All the articles point to blacks being shamelessly targeted by police and that this is one factor that makes it clear that racism is growing. Yet, when actual numbers and statistics are analyzed, we find this narrative false. 

So why the divide?  Because we are being told more and more often, in news and print media, on radio and by pundits, that this is the case. 

Why would the people we trust for news and information push and present this type of lie?  Indeed, that is an excellent question. One I have been asking for a while. 

I can only extrapolate, given the numbers, the facts, and the polls, that the false narrative serves the purpose of someone or ones who are powerful and who wants the US to be in a state of racial and civic unrest. 

You have to ask yourself a couple of questions: first - are you a cruel, callous racist who would see your neighbor fail? And, if not that - then who would this unrest serve? 

Stop buying the lies you are being fed and look at true facts and numbers. Look it up. 

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/451466/police-violence-against-black-men-rare-heres-what-data-actually-say

Let's start our world turning again....how about it?

"Where were you when the  world stopped turning, on that September day...."  so begins Alan Jackson's song commemorating the loss Americans faced on September 11, 2001.

I was driving to the barn this morning to tend my horses when this song came on the radio and sent my thoughts back through the years to that morning almost thirteen years ago.  

I was working from my home office that day.  Coming across the living room, I could see the MSNBC Home Page on my PC.  It looked like a building fire and the headline said a plane had hit the WTC Tower.  I thought a small plane like a Cessna had crashed and turned on the TV to see if people were okay.  As I sat to watch the report, the world changed forever....

Now, Americans can see the changes that were wrought that day.  Some for the better and some not so.  If we, as Americans, want to pass on the traditions of our childhood to the generations to come, we need to stand up now and make some changes in our lives.

There are so many groups that are separated from other groups by ideology.  There are groups that hate other groups because they are different.  There are groups that want to win so badly that they will lie about those who disagree with them....this HAS to stop.

We ALL have too much at stake to continue on with this acrimonious environment.  America has for centuries been the shining example.  The one bright light held up for all to reach for across a world that was ever changing.  Americans were the bravest, the best, heroes larger than life.

Today, we have become "R" or "D"; white or black or brown; Christian or Jew; left or right; straight or gay.  No more.  We have more in common that brings us together than we have to drive us apart.  America's best days and best citizens are before her.  Look at your neighbor, your colleague, your friend and think about the gifts of Liberty we have that others only wish for.

America is the "land of opportunity" and we have the ability to work for the life we want.  We can dream of what we want our life to be and then work to create for real, that picture in our heads.  We don't need "universal health-care" or a "welfare state".  We don't need bailouts or handouts or an "escape" - we have the freedom to be whatever we want.  That is a great gift - a miracle for some.

With that possibility and promise of success through hard work comes responsibility too.  Because we have opportunity and the ability to rise above circumstance, we also have risk.  We might fail.  We might not reach our ultimate goal.  That is true.  

Some will fail to reach their goal.  Some may be hurt by that failure.  Some may be crushed.  Some will be galvanized by that failure to even greater success.  It all depends on YOUR attitude. 

You can fail and say "poor me, it isn't fair.  I should have won and someone should make it okay for me".  You can wallow in that for your lifetime.  A bitter, angry shell of what you were meant to be.

You could, instead, use that failure to learn from and pick yourself up from your fall to move forward - smarter, stronger - and more empowered than before.  Consistent action and persistent will can lead to achievement.

Which path will you choose for your life?  Remember - it's not just you and your dreams on the line - you are reaching for your goal - but you are also forging a stronger country - one successful American at a time.

A Thanksgiving Wish

****REPOSTED - See Bottom

November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving

As some of you may be aware, I'm not exactly known as the 'hope' guy around the office. I tend to have what some would describe as a 'negative' outlook on certain things such as the economy. Hope and I have sort of a tumultuous relationship. Some days we get along great, other days we fight. While sometimes hope vanishes entirely and I don't see it again for a while - as was the case just a few days ago on November 6th. I found it hard to get my mind wrapped around the fact that Obama was going to have another four years to work on destroying - or fundamentally transforming, as he would say - America.

But here's the thing about hope - it always comes back. And it didn't take long after the election for me to gain the proper perspective. While the current President may be one of the most astoundingly incompetent, radically left, Eurocentric & egomaniacal presidents America has ever had - I still have hope because he is not bigger than the people. And he's certainly not bigger than God.

Just like we understood the folly of Obama's faithful followers placing all their hope in one human being, we have to understand the folly of pinning all our hope in beating that one human being in an election.

Don't get me wrong, we definitely need to keep fighting the good fight. But we cannot afford to lose sight of who is ultimately in control. And through the ups and downs we must remember to give thanks to Him for everything that has been given to us.

So today I want to share with you a few of the things I'm thankful for & I encourage you to take note of your blessings and share them as well.

I'm thankful for my wife and her utter disregard of all standards when she decided to marry me.
I'm thankful for my children.
I’m thankful for my sisters.
I'm thankful to live in America, a land so rich our worst struggles would be a paradise for most foreigners.
I’m thankful for my friends, who have been there for me at my best and my worst.
I'm thankful for the ability and means to help those in need.
I'm thankful for turkey. And stuffing. And gravy.
I'm thankful we have a forgiving God and a loving Savior.
I'm thankful for Texas, a sliver of sanity among growing madness.
I'm thankful the camera only adds 10 lbs.
I'm thankful for the amazing men and women of our military.
I’m thankful for the blessings that have allowed me to achieve more than I ever thought possible.
I’m thankful for the failures that have kept me humble.
I’m thankful for my staff, who show me everyday what it means to dream.
I’m thankful for my fans, and the opportunity to come into their homes each and every day. I am truly inspired by each and every one of you. YOU are the force protecting America’s founding ideals and it’s truly an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of liberty and freedom.

Truth is, I'm not as pessimistic as everyone makes me out to be. I know that even on our darkest days, I am joined by people across the country who are working every minute of every day to make sure our neighborhoods and our local communities are on the right track. I know that parents are out there teaching the lessons that will one day grow the next George Washington, the next Abraham Lincoln, and the next Martin Luther King, Jr. I know that people are waking up, and that the embers of freedom will never be extinguished as long as some of us are willing to keep the fires burning.

And I know that even on nights when I am far away from home, I can hear my wife’s voice and remember that real answers will only be found through family and faith.

I hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving.

Laus Deo,

Glenn Beck

 ****Republished from Glenn Beck on glennbeck.com  (C) 

 

 

 

Wolf Meaning and Totem Symbolism of the Wolf

To understand totem wolf symbols, one must first understand the heart of the Wolf. This takes time because the Wolf has had to endure many false stereotypes, misconceptions and misunderstandings. 

Not at all the picture of ferocity or terror, the Wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. Another misconception is that of the “lone wolf.” To the contrary, the Wolf is actually a social creature, friendly, and gregarious with its counterparts. 

The Wolf is an incredible communicator. By using touch, body movements, eye contact as well as many complex vocal expressions – the wolf makes his point understood. Those with totem wolf symbols are of the same inclination – they are expressive both vocally and physically. Those who have the wolf as their totem animal are naturally eloquent in speech, and also have knack for creative writing. 

A quick-list of totem wolf symbolic attributes include:

• Intelligence
• Cunning
• Communication
• Friendliness
• Loyalty
• Generosity
• Compassionate

Totem wolf symbols belong to those who truly understand the depth of passion that belong to this noble creature. The Wolf is a representative of deep faith, and profound understanding.
Further, the Wolf possess a high intellect, and have been observed using strategies about hunting, habitat and migration. 

In history, the totem Wolf symbol appears with the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Legend has it that the two founding brothers were raised and suckled by a she-wolf.
In Norse mythology, the Wolf is a symbol for victory when ridden by Odin and the Valkyries upon the battlefield.

As a Celtic Symbol the Wolf was a source of lunar power. Celtic lore states that the Wolf would hunt down the sun and devour it at each dusk so as to allow the power of the moon to come forth.


When this gracious creature appears to us, and serves as a totem in our lives, the Wolf beckons us to ask these questions:

• Are you thinking about a different form of education?
• Are you being a true friend, and are your friends being true to you?
• Are you communicating yourself clearly to others?
• Are you being loyal to yourself?
• Are you incorporating strategies and planning to achieve your goals?
• Are you spending enough quality time with yourself, friends and family?

Easter - A Season of Renewal

Easter is late this year.  So, in many ways is my own "season of renewal".  Though I think mine has been growing for more than just 40 days...and new, things are starting to flower and take root!

For Catholics, in February - deep in the cold and dark of Winter's long time of snow and ice, we celebrate Ash Wednesday - the beginning of Lent - it always brings me the promise of Spring - that knowledge that even in the deepest part of winter's hold, God wants us to feel the spark of warmth that comes with rebirth of all things.

The long 40 days of Lent - when we focused on "giving up" something for Lent.  That sacrifice is not meant to deprive us of something we like, but rather as a focal point for the bigger work of becoming a better person in faith.  By focusing on that one small sacrifice, we can use thoughts of that to strive to be a better mother, wife, friend, person.  For me, it has always been a struggle of my passionate nature - the quixotic, red-headed temperament that has always been my area of weakness, the one, big place to focus improvements.  Over years (YEARS), I have gotten a tight rein on my harsher tendencies and become....more - patient. (perhaps)  I try.  Every year.  Something new.

Then, with the bright little shoots of green, everywhere it seems all at once, it bursts to the surface - my desire to have new, green, growing things all around.  I love the change of seasons and all the different and new flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, promises of things to come....Easter and growing - personal growth and growth of what seeds you planted.  The rebirth and promise of our Lord, Jesus and His gift to us - and the gifts that come from the earth.  They all seem tied together now.

In the Spring, I am always pulled by the earth to plant new, beautiful things to watch and nurture and grow.  I love this time of year and seeing what new things will bloom - just around the corner.  This year, I have planted my herbs and some flowers, my trees have budded and small pears and apples are on the branches.  Grapes have returned - and look to produce this year!  We will see what the harvest provides later in the summer, but for now - everything is coming up....roses.  :-)

So, Happy Easter...Happy Spring, Happy Renewed You!

A Few "Facts" About Taxes....

Some folks out there doubt what The House Leadership - lead by Mr. Ryan's Budget Plan have to say about Federal Spending and Taxes.  Let's take a look at some government tax and budget facts then so you can see why conservatives say America doesn't have a tax shortage, it has a spending problem:

Fact: In 2009, the Federal government collected 2.1 trillion dollars in taxes.
Fact: In 2009, the Federal government spent 3.52 trillion dollars.
Fact: In 2009, the Federal government spent 678 billion dollars on Social Security.
Fact: In 2009, the Federal government spent 676 billion dollars on Medicare.
Fact: In 2009, 38.47% of the entire budget went to Social Security and Medicare and the two programmes consumed 64.48% of all Federal tax revenues.
Fact: The 2009 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports show the combined unfunded liability of these two programmes has reached nearly 107 trillion dollars in today's dollars and Laurence Kotlikoff, a well-known professor of economics at Boston University, puts the real figure over 200 trillion dollars!

Fact: In 2010, the Federal government collected 2.16 trillion dollars in taxes.
Fact: In 2010, the Federal government spent 3.618 trillion dollars.
Fact: In 2010, the Federal government spent 701 billion dollars on Social Security.
Fact: In 2010, the Federal government spent 793 billion dollars on Medicare.
Fact: In 2010, 41.29% of the entire budget went to Social Security and Medicare and the two programmes consumed 69.17% of all Federal tax revenues.

Fact: Discretionary spending under Bush was 6% when he left office. Obama increased discretionary spending by 11% in 2009 and 14% in 2010.

Fact: Under the baseline scenario, for example, the CBO has determined that the federal government can restore fiscal balance by raising all taxes and cutting all transfer payments immediately and for the indefinite future by 35%.

Fact: The CBO also found that if federal income tax rates are adjusted to allow the government to continue its current level of activity and balance its budget, the lowest marginal income tax rate of 10% would have to rise to 26%.

Fact: The CBO has found that if federal income tax rates are adjusted to allow the government to continue its current level of activity and balance its budget, the 25% marginal tax rate would increase to 66%.

Fact: The CBO also found that if federal income tax rates are adjusted to allow the government to continue its current level of activity and balance its budget, the current highest marginal tax rate on 250,000 dollars (35%) would rise to 92%.

Fact: If the CBO doesn’t do it for you, then try the IMF, which has said that the US has a “critical” fiscal problem and is “not serious” about addressing it. According to the IMF, were the US government to repeal the tax cuts enacted in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTRRA), and were the IPAB to succeed in curbing healthcare spending growth as provided in the IPAB mandate, reining in the fiscal gap would still require an immediate and permanent increase in all taxes and cut in all transfers of 26%.

Fact: According to the IMF, there is an alternative to the Paul Ryan Plan -- an 88% flat tax on everyone. Further, that would be in addition to FICA taxes, which would be 37% on gross income in 2054. [Yes, you read that correctly. 37% payroll taxes on gross income + 88% flat tax on everyone. And, yes, I realize that 37 + 88 = 125. Even if employers were to pay 50% of the 37% (18.5%), you are still left with 88% + 18.5% = 106.5%. Not only would you be working for free, you would also have to pay the government for the privilege of getting to work for nothing. And, you think the Madison labour fight was bad?]

Fact: If you raised taxes to 90% on the wealthiest Americans, forget about debt reduction. You wouldn’t be able to eliminate the budget deficit.

Fact: If you confiscated every penny owned (not just earned) by the 400 wealthiest Americans – 1.36825 TRILLION DOLLARS – you would still have a 300 BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET DEFICIT IN FY 2011.

Fact: If you confiscated every penny owned (not just earned) by the 400 wealthiest Americans – 1.36825 TRILLION DOLLARS – you would still not have enough money to fund Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for one year.

Fact: Under the Obama tax plan, the Bush rates would be repealed for the top brackets. Yet the "cost" of extending all the Bush rates in 2011 over 10 years was about 3.7 trillion dollars. Some 3 trillion dollars of that was for everything but the top brackets—and Obama says he wants to extend those rates forever. According to IRS data, the entire taxable income of everyone earning over 100,000 dollars in 2008 was about 1.582 trillion dollars. Even if all these Americans—most of whom are far from wealthy—were taxed at 100%, it wouldn't cover Obama's 1.65 trillion dollar deficit for this year.

Once again, America has a spending problem. Not a revenue problem.

Are you Tired Too?

Robert A. Hall is the actor who plays the coroner on CSI if you watch that show. He also is a Marine Vietnam War veteran. 

This should be required reading for every man, woman and child in the United States of America.


"I'm  63 and I'm Tired"
by Robert A. Hall

I'm 63. Except for one semester in college,when jobs were scarce and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked hard since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired. 

I'm  tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it. 

I'm tired of being told  that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help. But if they bought Mc Mansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the left-wing Congress-critters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them with their own money.

I'm tired of being told how bad America is by left-wing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood Entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers.  In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the economy of     Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Christian people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela.

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor;" of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers," of Muslims burning schools for girls;  of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery," of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to. 

I'm tired of being told that "race doesn't matter" in the post-racial world of Obama, when it's all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of U.S. Senators from Illinois.  

I think it's very cool  that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less arrogantly of an all-knowing government. 

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and mandrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance. 

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's, and if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough. 

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do.  Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off?  I don't think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I #@*# sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I'm tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana. 

I'm tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime.  What's next? Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists?"  And, no, I'm not against Hispanics.  Most of them are Catholic, and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person, who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military.... Those are the citizens we need. 

I'm  tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military.  They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people than themselves.  Do bad things happen in war?  You bet.  Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years and still are? Not even close. So here's the deal.  I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims, who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we'll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear. 

I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption.  Read the papers; bums are bipartisan. And I'm tired of people telling me we need bipartisanship. I live in Illinois, where the "Illinois Combine" of Democrats has worked to loot the public for years. Not to mention the tax cheats in Obama's cabinet.  

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught.  I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor. 

Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in 1970, but we didn't know we were "poor." The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing. 

I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions.  I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems. 

Yes, I'm tired. But I'm also glad to be 63.  Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making.  I'm just sorry for my granddaughter. 

Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts State Senate.

 

 

My Son and the Tantrum - or Truth in Consequences....

Recently, I was complimented on the behavior of my son and how responsible and mature he is for fifteen.  It was nice to know that, regardless of where he goes and whomever is there, he knows how to act in a way that makes a good impression on himself. 

The acquaintance then asked me how I managed to control the behavior of a teenager.  I don't.  I molded the behavior of the toddler he was to influence the comportment of the young adult of today.  You have to be a parent all their lives to mold the person they are becoming so that they have the self-confidence to know how to behave with class in all situations.  That's not always easy, nor is it always fun - but it is always rewarding.

The one big test my son threw at me when he was little comes to mind as I think back on parenting him.  He was two - not newly two, but not super close to three either.  I was taking him out to dinner at the end of the work week.  He liked to go out to eat and was pretty happy with things at the start of the evening.

We got to the restaurant and I settled him in and asked what he wanted for dinner; he made his choice, we ordered and all was well.  He suddenly turned to me after the waitress had taken our orders to the kitchen and said, "I want dessert first."  I explained that after we ate our dinner and all our veggies, he could have the little treat that came with the kids meal.  "No.  First."

My usually well-behaved little boy suddenly threw the first all out tantrum he'd ever had.  You know the kind?  The one where other Mom's look at you with sympathy and relief that it isn't them?  I leaned in, told him he had 3 seconds to stop that unacceptable behavior or we were going home and he would not have his dinner or dessert, but bread and water.  One,...two,...three.

Non-plussed, he redoubled his effort to break all tantrum records.  I gathered our things, picked him up and stopped at the hostess booth on the way out the door to give them my cell phone number and pay for our dinner, plus a nice tip for the waitress.  I told them I'd wait for our food in the parking lot and we would take it to go, if they would call me to come in and get it. 

A few minutes later, they actually brought the food to the car for me (probably so I didn't bring my screaming child back inside). We went home and by the time we pulled in at the house, he had calmed back down and was quietly looking at me with curiosity.  I didn't say anything about the incident. 

We went in; I got him in his PJ's and we went downstairs to the kitchen.  I put him in his booster chair and put his bib on, set a plate in front of him and saw his downcast face as he looked at the bread on the plate and the cup of water.  He looked up at me and I said; "Son, I know you are disappointed.  I am too.  I'm disappointed because you behaved poorly and we didn't have a nice dinner out tonight.  I told you what would happen and you didn't listen to me.  Let's eat and get to bed, tomorrow will be better."  After he ate, I put him in bed, read him a story, said his prayers, kissed him goodnight and we both shut the book on a learning experience. 

I went downstairs and wept for my lack of wisdom in diverting the tantrum.  I felt I had boxed myself in because once I told him the consequence, I had to follow through or I'd have no credibility with my son.  I felt like the worst Mom in the world that night. 

My son has never acted up in public again and he has never forgotten that lesson.  Consequences matter. 

Nicki and the Geese @ Possum Kingdom Lake

DT's family has a reunion each October at Possum Kingdom Lake in Graham Texas. It is a beautiful location and the cabins we rent are dog friendly – which is good because in the our Clan, the canines outnumber the humans by a pretty healthy ratio. The predominant dog being the Australian Shepherd as many participate in Obedience and Agility trials. 


The October of 2009, we had decided to get a small efficiency cabin for our family of 6 (2 adults, 2 children, 2 dogs – that was the “plan”) next to the big cabin for the rest of the family – so we could have a bit of extra room. Due to oversight, instead of bringing Nicki (our Scottie) and Indie (our Aussie) with us, I had messed up the dates on the bordetella vaccines for the schnauzers, and so, they had to come with us too (now a family of 8). Because the schnauzers are quick and (like a Scottie) not good off leash, we brought a “baby gate” as extra protection for the cabin door.

I am not a morning person. I am, in fact, not good until caffeine of some sort – preferably the nectar of the Gods *coffee* has hit my bloodstream. So, in the morning, when the dogs started skootching around to let us know they needed out, it fell to my husband to take them on the first outing. As we knew Indie was the only one we could trust off leash, he made a trip with the schnauzers and then, came back for Nicki. All the while, Indie was at his heels obedient herder that she is.


The cabins are directly on the lake. The lake – in fall – has geese and other water fowl swimming and pecking along near the waterline at the cabins. Nicki had, of course, noticed the birds while on her walk, but as she was ‘on-leash’, she did not fuss with them, or make a big noise or pull to get to them, so DT (who is used to the behavior of an Aussie) thought nothing about the geese or about Nicki and the fact that she might be interested in them. Nicki did think about them - a LOT. When DT came to let Nicki back into the cabin, she pushed on the baby gate –hard – and it popped out of the doorway. Off she ran like a shot!


She ran at those geese full speed right to the waterline, where they swam with nary a care, looking back at her with disdain. Nicki, however, was not to be put off so easily and in she went right after them, fast and hard – swimming out about 100 feet as DT raced to the dock trying to head her off. At about the 100 foot from shore mark, she seemed to realize where she was and that she could no longer touch bottom. This apparently gave her pause and she stopped paddling. And sank like a stone. DT, frantically trying to figure out how he would tell his wife that her darling had drowned, was trying to reach Nicki quickly. Between her stumbling toward shore underwater (DT could see her ‘walking’ on the bottom) and his splashing about like a madman, the two of them managed to get her out of the lake and back to the cabin where I could dry her off.


We all dried her off vigourously rubbing her with towels and checked her out well giving a listen to her lungs to make sure they were clear (thankfully they were) and we kept a VERY close eye on Nicki for the remainder of the weekend to guarantee there were no more ‘swimming’ incidents. She *seriously* likes water and we must be ever vigilant as she has not a whit of fear.

I may get her a doggie life vest before this fall's outing....

Budget Woes and Belt Tightening - Coming Soon to a Town Near You!

Many people all across the country have been discussing all the budgetary cuts happening currently at the local and state level; and I expect soon to happen at the federal level.

Why are we seeing all these deep budget cuts?  Well, frankly, the United States is in serious fiscal trouble.  States, Counties, Cities and Towns must have balanced budgets.  These municipalities can not run deficits like the Federal Government.  In the past few years, the Federal Government was handing out stimulus money like, well...like drunken sailors.  This helped prop up municipal budgets which otherwise would have been carefully and cautiously trimming along the way. Now that the cuts have to be made all in one year, these adjustments seem very draconian.  The piper has come to demand payment. 

As an example of the irresponsible spending I refer to, I will share an episode from the Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) that simply stymied me in its example of short-sightedness. 

In 2009, the LISD was 'awarded' stimulus funds.  Those funds had some strings attached - specifically, they could not be spent on capital expenditures, but had to go to teacher salaries.  (personally, I think teachers deserve more money, but there were better ways to do this) These were funds for 2 years only - 2009 and 2010.  In 2011, at a School Board meeting, members and parents were up in arms over spending cuts and teacher layoffs. 

When asked why the deep cuts were needed, it came out that instead of giving teachers 'bonuses' with the stimulus funds - that is to say 1 or 2 year bonus checks, the ISD had given raises in annual salary.  Not only did they give permanent salary increases to the teachers, they also gave across the board raises to all the Administrative Staff (non-teachers - like the school secretaries, teacher aides, custodians, etc) and now, the budget was short that amount of money.  This (in their minds) necessitated teacher and staff layoffs.  Why didn't the ISD simply return salaries to pre-stimulus levels? 

Sadly, the belt tightening is going to accelerate in the near future.  One of the primary bond funds in the US - the Pimco Select Fund last month sold all its US Bonds.  That is not a good sign.  China is not buying US debt at the rate they have in the past.  Many countries are calling for another 'reserve currency' than the dollar.  All these signs point to fiscally tough times ahead for the US.  What does that mean for individuals and families?

First, municipal and federal budgets are going to see deep, painful cuts.   Increases in fees and charges for all manner of public services will also happen.  Taxes will likely increase starting with local sales taxes.  These actions will take more money out of the pockets of families and working people.  Next, inflation will be rearing its ugly head.  We can see that by looking at grocery prices and fuel/energy costs.  The numbers reported monthly by Washington are manipulated by not including items like food and gas - they say those items are too volatile but, no one can go without food or gas, no matter the cost.  So, less money in your pockets. 

As Washington sees the world stepping further back from US debt, we will see Income Tax increases.  There is no other way that the Federal Government brings in revenue - they don't create anything, make any goods or sell services.  They are totally funded by taxes, fees and penalties.  They will also have to cut their employee rolls.  More lay offs, more cuts and more unemployment.

Those of us who still remember hyper-inflation from the 1970's will be very sad to see a return to those days - and SPAM burgers may make a come back in kitchen tables around the US.  The next 2 - 3 decades will be very tight and many people and programs that are important and worthwhile, will sadly and necessarily see cuts or eliminations.  Hopefully, our children will learn from the mistakes of the past years and not repeat this cycle of living beyond our means.