Osama Bin Laden is dead. Keep your eyes open because there will be a backlash. That being said this is a great day in American history. For years I’ve wondered if we would ever get this guy or thought perhaps he was already dead. I may be out of line here but the reaction on the streets of Washington D.C. and in Philadelphia reminded me of how certain countries reacted to the attacks on 9/11. Personally I wasn’t quite sure how to feel. I am happy Bin Laden is gone but it doesn’t make up for the pain I saw in the weeks that followed the attacks. 

There is the feeling of closure. I was reminded of the bracelet I wore in remembrance of the firefighters who died in the twin towers. It broke but I kept it, promising to keep it until Bin Laden was brought to justice. Reflecting back images of this evil man laughing at the attacks stirred up the anger I felt on that tragic day. My mood last night was the same as it was on September 11, 2001. I sat on a stool serving drinks to the regulars at the bar I worked in, the entire scene silent, all of us glued to the television set. Once in a while a sudden burst of language I won’t repeat here would come from a certain patron. Anger and fear filled the room.

Finally something has happened that all of us can agree is a good thing. The death of Bin Laden tells the world we will not stop until justice is served. I want to take the time here to say thank you to those who are serving. Thank you to those who planned and executed this operation. Thank you Mr. President for continuing to be relentless in getting this guy. Thank you to the special forces for putting a bullet in his eye. (I was reminded of the movie The Godfather when Moe Green gets shot in the parlor) Personally I could care less where or how this piece of ____ was buried. He was a mass murderer, period.

I hope this brings closure to the family and friends of those who lost loved ones on September 11^th. 

God Bless and God Bless America!           

  Yes, I know it has been awhile since I last posted. I have been busy trying to create a new blog website. I had a great one, deleted it, started a new one, hated it, decided to recreate the first one I was working on, then took a break! So, my new blog will be launched but not today.

I had to write about the fight over the budget. First, the Dems, with large majorities should have passed a budget last October and we should be discussing the 2012 budget. No amount of hyperbole by the Democrats can get them out of answering the question of why they didn’t pass a budget for 2011. And the demagoguery, usually something I enjoy, is completely insane. We are 14 trillion dollars in debt, our deficit, yes, just the money our country will spend this year MORE than we will take in is about 1.5 trillion dollars. The Democrats claim the Republicans are trying to kill women, that 6 million seniors will not eat, breast cancer screens will end, and I heard one report that the shutdown is the equivalent of ‘bombing innocent civilians.’ The difference between the two sides? The Repubs want 61 billion in cuts and the Dems want 33 billion in cuts. Grandma will die if we cut 61 billion. The rate of breast cancer will skyrocket if we cut 61 billion. Any of this sounding absurd to you? On Facebook the DNC is calling for dumping trash on the Speaker of the House’s lawn.

FYI – the budget is up over 40% from the 2007 budget. Thank God we are no longer killing off seniors like we were WAY back then when our government was so archaic.

  It is time to call on all of congress and the president to cut, drastically, government spending. This fight over such a small percentage is a vital one. If the Repubs blink and show they fear a government shutdown the spending will continue until we are completely broke. We need the Dems to blink on this one. This is no longer about a political fight but about the future of the country. If we can’t get one side who wants to cut the budget 1.05%, yes, that’s right, 1.05%, nothing ever will happen when it comes to cutting real spending. That’s an accounting error not the fear of grandma dying!

This will not come down to a shutdown tonight and the winner of this fight will have an upper hand in the 2012 budget. I don’t care what side of the aisle you’re on, (unless you lean left of Stalin) getting this spending under control is the most important issue facing this country. We have lived like drunken sailors long enough. Just like in our own homes now that gas prices have climbed up and we have rising food prices it is time they tighten their belts at every level of government. Call your senator, call your congressperson, call the White House, (I have all their numbers on speed dial) let them know, regardless of party; that now is the time to end the out of control spending.

Until the next time – (hopefully on my new blogsite) God bless and God bless America!

Visit our store at Godcenteredcountry.com

 

“It is impossible to bargain collectively with the government.”

"The process of collective bargaining, as usually understood, cannot be transplanted into the public service. Yes, public workers may demand fair treatment. I want to emphasize my conviction that militant tactics have no place [in the public sector.] A strike of public employees manifests nothing less than an intent on their part to prevent or obstruct the operations of Government."

These two quotes one might guess comes from someone like Ronald Reagan or George Wallace. Not true. The first quote was said by George Meany, former president of the A.F.L. – C.I.O. union. The second quote is from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

I don’t have a problem with Unions although I find myself disagreeing with their tactics and political beliefs often. The job of a Union is to protect their members and bargain on their behalf. In the private sector I see no problem. A baseball player gets millions and the opportunity to become a free agent because of what Curt Flood fought for in the 1960s. Before Flood came along Major League Baseball was basically corporate slavery. Curt Flood lost his career helping baseball players get their right to bargain with the owners. When a Union negotiates with a company like GM they are negotiating with the people who control the profits of that company. If GM gives up more than they can afford it’s really not my problem, or your problem, or the problem of anyone who doesn’t work for GM. If the workers strike my child doesn’t stay home from school. Instead I can choose to vote for or against the unions, for or against the company, with my wallet. Today I won’t buy a GM vehicle not because they have a Union but because they took government money. I get to vote with my money and when I go to purchase another vehicle I will but a Ford or Toyota.

I don’t like the idea of Public Union’s. The biggest problem I see is the Union negotiates with someone who has no stake in the process. In fact, many times the Union gave money to the political campaign of the man or woman they are negotiating with! This just isn’t right. The Union, in essence, is negotiating to get taxpayer money. Maybe we the taxpayers should vote for what our state workers get. I would vote to spend my tax dollars on teachers, fireman, and policeman. I would spend a bit more of my money to get the best of the best in these areas. What is interesting is that federal employees do not have the right to strike or negotiate for wages or benefits. This law was signed by President Jimmy Carter and written by a Democratic congress.

God Bless you and God Bless America!

Tammy and I have started a new business. Check it out at Godcenteredcountry.com       

 

  I decided not to pipe in on the shooting in Arizona since there really isn’t anything I can add to the discussion. I pray for the congresswoman and the victims and hope to see the killer get the justice he deserves. The State of the Union speech last night was just as boring as the last twenty plus I have watched. I hope to see a president in the near future just write a letter to congress instead of giving the speech. (It has been done that way in the past) There was nothing new from the speech and nothing new in the rebuttal to the speech. But, I did my duty and watched it anyway. I think I am just at the point where words no longer have any meaning without a heavy dose of action.

Anyway, I wanted to leave you with something I found from Benjamin Franklin. I just finished his autobiography and found a story I am compelled to share with you.

 “I am charmed with your description of Paradise, and with your plan of living there; and I approve much of your conclusion, that, in the meantime, we should draw all the good we can from this world. In my opinion we might all draw more good from it than we do, and suffer less evil, if we would take care not to give too much for whistles. For to me it seems that most of the unhappy people we meet with are become so by neglect of that caution.

You ask what I mean? You love stories, and will excuse my telling one of myself.

When I was a child of seven years old, my friends, on a holiday, filled my pocket with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children; and being charmed with the sound of a whistle, that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily offered and gave all my money for one. I then came home, and went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my whistle, but disturbing all the family. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure.

This, however, was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary thing, I said to myself, Don’t give too much for the whistle; and I saved my money.

As I grew up, came into the world, and observed the actions of men, I thought I met with many, very many, who gave too much for the whistle.

When I saw one too ambitious of court favor, sacrificing his time in attendance on levees, his repose, his liberty, his virtue, and perhaps his friends, to attain it, I have said to myself, this man gives too much for his whistle.

When I saw another fond of popularity, constantly employing himself in political bustles, neglecting his own affairs, and ruining them by that neglect, "He pays, indeed," said I, "too much for his whistle."

If I knew a miser, who gave up every kind of comfortable living, all the pleasure of doing good to others, all the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and the joys of benevolent friendship, for the sake of accumulating wealth, "Poor man," said I, "you pay too much for your whistle."

When I met with a man of pleasure, sacrificing every laudable improvement of the mind, or of his fortune, to mere corporeal sensations, and ruining his health in their pursuit, "Mistaken man," said I, "you are providing pain for yourself, instead of pleasure; you give too much for your whistle."

If I see one fond of appearance, or fine clothes, fine houses, fine furniture, fine equipages, all above his fortune, for which he contracts debts, and ends his career in a prison, "Alas!" say I, "he has paid dear, very dear, for his whistle."

When I see a beautiful sweet-tempered girl married to an ill-natured brute of a husband, "What a pity," say I, "that she should pay so much for a whistle!"

In short, I conceive that great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by the false estimates they have made of the value of things, and by their giving too much for their whistles.

Yet I ought to have charity for these unhappy people, when I consider that, with all this wisdom of which I am boasting, there are certain things in the world so tempting, for example, the apples of King John, which happily are not to be bought; for if they were put to sale by auction, I might very easily be led to ruin myself in the purchase, and find that I had once more given too much for the whistle.”

So remember not to pay too much for your whistle.

May God Bless you and remind us never to forget the history that has made us the greatest country ever to exist.

 

New year, new hope, new fears, new Speaker of the House, and an attack on Mark Twain. Yes, that’s right; there is a group that wants to change the wording in the classic novel Huckleberry Finn. The “N” word and other words referring to race are to be taken out and replaced in the “new version” of the book. First, as an English major, this is nothing more than destroying a great work of fiction, a timeless classic. Second, this is political correctness gone wild. The book is a scathing look at racism in the South after the Civil War. The story is how Huck Finn’s personal views change over the course of the book. Jim, the black slave who escapes is shown as a loving, good, fully human man longing for freedom. Twain took aim against racial prejudice and through the Huck Finn character showed how Finn struggled with what society has taught him and what was morally right. Of course, he chooses to do the right thing and comes to that conclusion by realizing that Jim is a friend, and is human. Mark Twain once said, “a sound heart is a surer guide than an ill-trained conscience.” Why would we not use this work of art to teach our children what it once was like and show the evils of racism? The argument for these changes simply falls short.

And finally, are these changes only being proposed because the author was white? Isn’t this type of thinking the same thing only in reverse? I wonder if these people will look to change the words of one of our greatest comedians Richard Pryor, or Eddie Murphy. Will they ask the rappers in the music industry to go back and re-record their songs and change the lyrics? I am no fan of rap music but I would die fighting for their right to continue to make it their way. Are we going to change the classic Uncle Tom’s Cabin as well? How far do we take this? When racial slurs are used do we look at the person to decide if we are going to be offended or not? Maybe it’s time to stop all this political correct nonsense and realize those who are racist will reveal themselves. Maybe it is time we all began to live our lives as Martin Luther King said and judge others by the content of their character instead of the color of their skin. Remember, what made King so powerful was his ability to feel the pain of those who hated. He wanted black children and white children to play together, learn together, and love each other. Instead of destroying our precious gift of literature let us work towards loving each other and looking to embrace the words of Martin Luther King by judging each other by the content of our character.

“Censorship is like telling a man he can’t eat steak because a baby is unable to chew it.” Mark Twain.

Hope all of you had a Merry Christmas and happy new year!

 I have been thinking a lot about the free market system during this past month. I guess budgeting and shopping for Christmas presents has put those thoughts in my head. There are those out there, in my life and in serving in our government, who continue to claim that capitalism has failed. Supposedly the Chinese have it right it what they call “State Capitalism.” State capitalism??? Isn’t that just another word for Communism? I mean, when the people have to put a number on their back and work for slave wages what would you call it? Mao, a hero to some, killed tens of millions of his own people, coming up with the number system so it would be easier to keep track of his slaves… I mean people. The number system also allows him to dehumanize his subjects, but that’s a different story.

This is how I see the free market system in our country. (First, I must say we could use much more freedom in this category but still, it is the best system in the world) Many claim the American dream is no longer possible here that the odds are too much against them. This usually comes from someone who is either too lazy to work or too young to realize the opportunities available in our country. In the past thirty years we have seen amazing growth in a number of industries despite the government obsession to regulate our lives. 

Bill Gates, the richest man in the country, started Microsoft in his garage! Gates has personally created over 30,000 millionaires and a few billionaires. Sounds like there just might be something to that trickledown theory. How many millionaires has the government created… not counting those who are supposedly “serving” the people in congress. Mark Zuckerberg started Facebook from his college dorm room and has just passed the 500 million user mark. Michael Moore, who still complains he couldn’t get his movies made because the odds are so stacked against us regular folk, has become a multi-millionaire making the movies he wants to make. Jon Huntsman, my personal hero in the free market, has become a billionaire making egg cartons. (Okay, he has done more than that, you should look him up) Huntsman wrote the book “Winners Never Cheat,” a must read. His father was a school teacher and his mother was a homemaker. He has been married to his wife for over fifty years and they have 56 grandchildren. He has given away over 1.2 billion dollars to charities for the homeless, the under privileged, and the ill. Huntsman’s greatest charity is the Huntsman Cancer Institute that is dedicated to finding a cure for all cancers. It is the leading cancer research center in the world. On the building it says, "Selfless giving unto others represents one's true wealth." You got to hate those evil, greedy, capitalists! The government should stop him so they can decide where his money goes… call your Senator immediately.

In the United States we have the freedom to dream. These men had a dream and not only reaped the rewards but made this world a better place to live in. We are given the right to pursue happiness but not given the right to equal results. That would be, what is it called now? State Capitalism? 

 A great example of the free market system is lying on my coffee table right now. I bought the Kindle 2 for $260 over a year ago. In that short time the Kindle 3 has come out, I had to have it and thanks to my wonderful children (the two that are serving our country) I got it for Christmas. The Kindle 3 holds 2500 more books than the Kindle 2; the contrast is much better and now has audio. The cost, $139. When we allow the free market system to work the products get better and cheaper, allowing in the long run, everyone to have the opportunity to have it. It has happened time and time again with the automobile, the typewriter, the computer, and the cell phone. The first laptop I ever used (in 1989) cost $2000 and had a 40 megabyte hard drive and 640 K memory. The computer I am using right now has 650 gigabyte hard drive, 4 megabytes of memory and cost under $1000. 

So remember: the next time you hear someone tell you that capitalism is a failed system let them in on these facts. Look up how GM, the biggest corporation in the world was started. Ask them about the founder of KFC, and how his first two restaurants failed before coming up with the original recipe. If you want to look up the car their government made while they were the Soviet Union it would be just more ammo of how the government only consumes wealth instead of creating it. Since the 1960s and the start of the “Great Society” the poverty rate has remained unchanged. The job of the government is to protect our right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. So go out there, start a business, or live your dream, or invent the next great software package or video game, start a band, write a book, or take acting classes. Whatever works for you remember you live in a country that makes it possible. If you believe the odds are against you here in this country I suggest you move to Cuba and write a critique on the Castro Administration. See what that gets you.

My favorite present I received this year for Christmas was from my daughter. This summer we had our roof fixed and during the construction a plate fell from its holding place and broke. She got me a replacement plate with a scene in the snow with Santa and the Snowman. She told me she had been worried about the empty space since it happened. You just never know what your children will remember… or how they will pull at your heart. She is beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside. The best gifts are the ones God makes…            

 

It has been a few weeks since I have written on this blog. I took a short vacation for the holidays, plus, life has just been busy. 

Much has happened since we last met. Obama suddenly turned to the right and put together a deal with the terrorists (his words, not mine). I can’t believe the left is attacking him for this move. I think he brokered a deal like Clinton did back in the 90s. He got extension for unemployment and the Republicans got the tax rates to stay the same for everybody. Once the GOP takes over in January the deal would be much worse for the president. I must admit, I thought it was a bit strange to have Clinton come in and do the talking for him. I found myself wishing he was our president – good stuff was accomplished during his tenure. I will never forget the words, “The era of big government is over,” Clinton spoke years ago. Too bad he couldn’t “keep it in his pants” or more may have been accomplished. 

In a few different areas in the country there have been arrests for plotting a terrorist attack. And, oh course, there is the groping of American citizens at the airport (or pictures of well, everything!). If I can’t do it the government can’t do it, period! Just wait and see what happens when a forty year old man “frisks” a six year old boy. It is time to look to Israel to help us learn how to keep our airplanes safe.   

The biggest news is Europe is on fire. Greece, Ireland, England, and now Italy have had violent protests over cuts in their “entitlements.” What a terrible word that is… entitlements. Already in California we have seen these kinds of protests – I have a feeling there will be more.  

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.   You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.   You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence. You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.   ... Abraham Lincoln  Hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and happy new year!

 

Here is an idea that all of us, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents can get behind. Here are some stats:

Average salary for the military: $26,000

Starting salary for a Congressperson: $174,000

Average salary in the private sector: $50,000

Average salary in the public sector (YOU pay this to them): $71,000

Let us start with the first two; both the military and congress are in positions of service. You go to Washington to serve your country. You join the military to serve your country. Those who “serve” in congress end up becoming multi-millionaires during their unusually long stay in Washington. Nancy Pelosi was worth 4 million when she was first elected to congress and is now worth over 21 million. How do you get rich “serving” your country? 

The idea? Congress shall never make more than the average salary given to our men and women in the military. Same pay, same benefits. Can you imagine the state-of-the-art facilities the VA would have if congress had to go there? 

The same with the bottom two; if you work in the public sector you cannot make more than the average salary in the private sector. 

This is an idea that the politicians can’t say, “What about the children?” or “You just want to kill grandma.” Or hold up a puppy and make us feel guilty. There is no reason why someone who is “serving” in congress, working 140 days a year, should make more than those who defend our freedom. 

One last thought – we can also save a fortune in travel money by making each Senator and congressperson vote in their district. Technology today makes it possible for all those “serving” in congress able to remain in their district. An added bonus here is we the people can show up during critical votes in congress and have our say. 

Pass this idea around, we can make a difference.      

I hope you went out and voted yesterday. I was excited to see that over 60% of registered voters voted here in South Dakota. That is amazing considering it was a midterm. The people are waking up in this country; let us not go back to sleep and keep those, new and old, that we have sent to our State capitals and Washington accountable for their actions. In two years, when we go back to the polls, let us go with the same enthusiasm we had this year. In some cases those we have put in may need to go, in other cases we may be supporting them based on their record, and then there are those we came close to sending home that I would bet still need to go. One that comes to mind is Prince Harry in Nevada. His rhetoric today tells me he just doesn’t get what the people really want. 

I am listening to the president right now in his press conference. I am skeptical. Again he claims he wants to work with Republicans on solutions to problems like the deficit, energy, and earmarks. I actually heard him admit he was wrong to just sign laws and not demand the elimination of earmarks. Again, as I did when he was first elected, I will wait to see what happens before I make any comments, good or bad. 

The Republicans had a great night. The last time I looked 58 House seats turned and they picked up at least 6 Senate seats. The Senator from South Dakota, John Thune, ran unopposed. In the governor’s corner the Republicans will end up with over 30 seats by the time the counting is done. I believe, with all my heart, this is the last chance for the Republicans. They will go the way of the Whig Party, (remember them? They evaporated almost overnight) if they just go back to growing government. In 2006 and 2008 they got exactly what they deserved. I can only hope they have learned their lesson. The massive incoming of freshman is the only nugget I have to hold on to. Last night, in my humble opinion, was more a vote against the policies of the Obama Administration than a vote for the Republicans. I hope, when they all arrive in Washington, they remember why they were sent there; limited government, balance the budget, cut the debt and follow our governing document called the Constitution. 

Let us not forget to pray for all our leadership, (yes, even Nancy Pelosi, who probably needs it more than we’ll ever know) I do each night. 

I hope that we never forget what our founding fathers sacrificed. The Declaration of Independence states: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” 

Until next week, God Bless you.     

 

Yesterday I went to the Glenn Beck rally here in Rapid City, South Dakota. I enjoyed the opportunity to see him live and shake his hand. I bought his new book, Broke, and watched him sign it right in front of me. Yes, he cried. His speech for me was inspiring and just what I needed to move forward in my own life. Next week we go to the polls and vote in what I believe is the most important election in my lifetime. Go out there and vote and make sure you know who it is you are voting for. I refuse to tell anyone who to vote for because I believe “We the People” are smart enough to make those kind of decisions for ourselves. I guarantee I would turn some heads with some of my choices.

Anyway, back to Beck. After I was herded through the line so he would have the chance to sign everyone’s book I went, got my camera, and stood about 10 feet away from Beck watching him sign books and shake hands. The best way to describe what I say was a sense of humility. Beck appeared uncomfortable with all the praise he was receiving but gracious at the same time. He looked humbled by the experience of so many people wanting just a moment with him. When he finished signing all the books he walked over to one of the police officers, asked his name, shook his hand, thanked him and then told him to “be safe.” Another police officer stood on the other side where Beck went over, shook his hand and thanked him. After he was done he looked over at the few of us still standing there;

 “God bless you all,” he said. More than that, I knew he meant it. 

A child, about eight years old stood next to me. “Thank you Mr. Beck,” he said with sincerity. 

Beck waved and once again said, “God bless you all!” His crew led him through the curtain on his way to his next stop in Colorado. 

Since January of 2009 I have been watching Glenn Beck on television and listening to him on the radio. He struck a chord in me I still can’t fully explain. I trust him for starters. His latest idea of let us put God first and the answers to all our problems will come, is an idea I can get behind. Many of our political pundits and politicians continue to claim that nothing else matters but the debt and the deficit. I agree, these financial things are a problem, but without God in the picture all bets are off. In my own life I have learned that financial success always comes after spiritual growth, never before it. In fact, this is a spiritual truth in all aspects of my life. 

Yesterday by having the chance to see Glenn Beck in person I had the privilege to see the human in him. He is just a man doing things that only a Higher Power could give you the strength to do. In his face I could see fear but the courage to continue. I saw a man who still can’t believe that he has inspired millions. Beck is a man humbled by his success. I was moved by all the emotions I could see on his face. Two personal body guards scanned the crowd leaving the sober fact that Glenn Beck’s life is always in danger. I don’t think I could do what he does. I stood there taking a moment to reflect on what I just experienced. Closing my eyes I prayed for the safety of Mr. Beck and asked God to let his family know how much I realize they sacrifice each day. The dream of seeing him perform live really took a backseat to learning that the trust I have given this man has not been wasted. 

Thank you Glenn and God bless you!

Happy birthday Mom, I love you!    

  Freedom is not free. What does that mean to you? For those on the far left I think they believe freedom is free. If you don’t believe me just click here to see pictures on how the One Nation rally left the World War II memorial in Washington D. C. on October 2, 2010. The list of supporters for this rally include groups like the Communist Party, the Coalition of Democracy and Socialism, Green for All (Van Jones group), and many, many more radical groups. I even found a blog from a Communist on why they support the Democratic Party. But, I digress, I was about to tell you what freedom is not free means to me. Many men and women have lost their lives since the founding of this country. The ultimate sacrifice is the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today. One responsibility we have is to stay informed and vote. We have a duty to read, understand and study the Constitution and Declaration of Independence that explain where our rights come from and what our rights are in a free country. It is vital to know that the government is not the source of our rights; the moment we allow the government to be that source then we can lose those rights. Our rights, explained quite well in the Bill of Rights James Madison demanded we add to the Constitution come from natural law, God, or our Creator as Jefferson wrote so eloquently in the Declaration. Freedom is not free also means I cannot demand my freedom and work to take your freedom away. I have a responsibility to fight just as hard for the freedoms of those I disagree with. It is just as wrong to demand a student pray in a public school as it is to deny that child the right to do so. Our freedom to freely exercise our religion does not give anyone the right to ban prayer or the Pledge of Allegiance. Freedom of the press means it is not the job of any politician to tell us what news channel is or is not a ‘real’ news channel. Freedom of speech means when you disagree with somebody’s stand on an issue that you do not walk away from them but respect their right to their opinion. Freedom to assemble means that no matter how much I disagree with the One Nation rally that I never try to stop them from peacefully coming together. The responsibility we have in a free country means we must always be on guard for healthcare bills and patriot acts that attempt to whittle away at our freedoms. That no matter how popular or unpopular a stand we must take that the principle behind our stance is what matters. Freedom is not free.

On another note I just wanted to mention that the latest fight against the Tea Party stating that they want to go back to bailouts is just plain stupid. The Tea Parties came to life because of the opposition to bailouts, deficit spending and our enormous debt. Bailouts mean more government not limited government like the Tea Party wants. 

I am no supporter of Bush but what failed policies would we be going back to? Could someone answer that question for me? Is it tax cuts for EVERYONE? If we are talking about TARP, his comment about abandoning the free market to save the free market, or the war in Afghanistan then great, I understand. The problem is we are still, two years later, doing the same thing. So, what would we go back to???

Get your Glenn Beck tickets for next Tuesday!       

 Benjamin Franklin once said, "The best way to help the poor is to make them uncomfortable in their poverty." We have a new record in our country for people of food stamps. You can get unemployment for over 2 years and there is no incentive to save for your own retirement. In fact, it feels like the government is saying; spend, spend, spend! Don’t worry, we will take care of you! The latest is you will not be able to buy sodas with food stamps. I agree with this policy. If you take the handout you have to play by their rules. I disagree with making it like a credit card so the person is saved from being embarrassed by using food stamps. It should be, as Mr. Franklin claims, uncomfortable. People should be motivated to no longer receive food stamps. 

When we start to condone certain behaviors society begins to breakdown. If you don’t believe me just look at the unwed and teenage pregnancy rates. In 2007 40% of all births were born to single mothers. That is not just a problem but an epidemic. Being a single parent is tough and sacrifices must be made.

As I write this the television is telling stories of miners in Chile being rescued. 21 of the 33 miners have been brought up to the top, it has been emotional. I watched it for hours last night and have been tuned in all day. Sheppard Smith interviewed a guy earlier today that help build part of the pulley system they are using to save these men. I am always amazed at real life stories of people who, facing a difficult situation, discover new inventions, face life threatening arenas, and show a genuine love of mankind. 

Until next week – God Bless!

Don’t forget to get your Glenn Beck tickets for October 26, 2010, at the Rapid City Civic Center.   

 Today I am going to leave you with videos you must see. This kind of stuff is coming to the United States. The lady in this video is a major journalist in England. In case you do not find this shocking just know it is thinking like this that lead to the progressive ideas of eugenics. That then popular stance (popular here in the United States in the 20s and 30s) became very unpopular because of a leader named Adolph Hitler and how he ENDED up using this kind of thinking. The original case in Germany that gave way to the killing of 6 million Jews was a father who wanted to have the right to mercifully kill his own child who was suffering.

This next video is quite shocking. Please watch it before you allow you children to see it. This group helps fund events like last weekend’s One Nation rally in Washington D.C. Groups like this are becoming mainstream. Not only did One Nation rally get endorsements from groups like Media Matters, The Communist Party of the United States, but also by the White House. I could go on and on about this rally, that, if you look up you will see the real fight we are in in this country, but I think it is more important to understand their tactics, presented in this video. Remember, parental discretion is advised. 

Sorry to leave you with this but I thought it was important to see what happens when a person or group of persons think they are absolutely right.

  When I turned eighteen it was an election year for the president. I was excited; I visited the campaign headquarters for Michael Dukakis, I ate up all the propaganda I could find on the election, and I talked non-stop about the importance of voting in our country. Yes, I know, not your typical eighteen year old. I dreamed of someday becoming a U.S. Senator. I looked up to those who served in the Senate; I considered it a position of prestige and still held on to the belief that any American, with dedication and hard work, could become one. 

This has been the most interesting election year I have watched in my lifetime. The candidates that are running in some areas are business owners, doctors, and just regular folks with interesting backgrounds. I heard a U.S. Senator claim that some of those who are running are not worthy of becoming a Senator. I do not know much about Sharon Angle, (running in Nevada) or the lady running in Delaware, they may be terrible candidates, but I do know the people voted to have them run for the office. This Senator talks about being worthy and yet we are 13 trillion dollars in debt, have a healthcare bill the majority do not want and nobody has read, stimulus that did not work under Bush and is not working under Obama, and issues on the floor where it appears that no one is willing to take a stand on. 

The funny thing is it is the fault of the progressives for the situation we are in with the Senate and those that they feel are “undesirables” running for certain seats. The famous Lincoln/Douglas debates (originally called the Douglas/Lincoln debates) were performed in front of the Illinois house of representative. Back then the states elected their senators not the people. The progressives, in 1913, changed this part of our Constitution (by the 17th amendment) to end corruption. How did that work for them? Of course, this started our new found system of special interest groups. So, the next time a progressive liberal complains about one of these candidates, who fairly won their primaries, or better yet if they win in the general election, you can just simply say, had we stuck to the Constitution, the way our founders had intended it, we would not be in this mess. If you read the words of our founders instead of forcing us to “progress” past the Constitution, they warn us about the dangers of popularly electing our Senators. 

“Am I not destroying my enemy when I make friends with them?” Abraham Lincoln

 

I am currently reading the book Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand. Great book. Really speaks about what is going on today in our country. I promised myself once I graduated I would read it. It is very long but the story is captivating and the characters are well written. I hope to learn to write fiction as well as Rand does someday. I suggest if you have not read the book to pick it up; regardless of your political leanings you will enjoy it. 

It appears that the Obama Administration is looking to attack the Tea Parties trying to link them to the Republican Party and make them out to be extremists. I think this is a mistake on their part. Just to clarify, the Tea Party is not anti-government. The Tea Party is not a kin to the KKK. The Tea Party is not some fringe group looking to change what America is all about. What it is for is limited government, following the Constitution, and fiscal responsibility. I love how the Media writes “mostly white” about the crowds but never writes “mostly black” about an NAACP rally. The Tea Party looks to our founding documents; we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights among them is the right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Our rights come from God, or for those who do not believe Natural Law. Where are rights do not come from is the government. When our rights start to come from the government then the government has the right to take them away. That is what I am afraid is happening today. This movement is really about putting the government back in its place according to the Constitution. Anti-government? No, just reeling in an out of control government. 13 trillion in debt, spending more than is coming in, creating entitlements that head us in the direction of a European Social Democracy (Google Greece to see how well that’s working), and not highlighting and pursuing where our country is good, is doing the right thing. 

The problem with the free market system is not the free market. Greed, unsafe products, cheating, and stealing are not the free market. Those things are, well, greed, cheating, stealing and not providing the best for the consumer. Read the story on the man who created GM and you will see how the free market is suppose to work. What is missing from the free market system are principles. Rand in the book I am reading puts it into words better than I can. Bill Gates is a perfect example of the free market system at work. Gates, without government interference, has given billions of dollars to charity. What to make a difference? Give; do not force me to give to a government that is incapable of real charity. My problem with the government forcing credit card companies to do this or do that is simply that they are not at fault. They are bad; they send out perhaps millions of "sign this" mail and practice methods I disagree with. Credit card companies use every trick to keep us swiping our cards in the name of, “I gotta have that now!” But, really, who is at fault? I have learned that when the credit card companies started to call me when I put myself in a situation where I could not pay them that really all they wanted was their money back, they didn’t want my money. I suggest everyone cut up their cards and stop using them, those people are sharks. What I do not want to see is the government try to save me from me. I am responsible for the money I charged on those cards, not American Express, or Visa, or Discover. So, how do we make this the country we are looking for? I believe it starts with me. If I begin to make changes to my own life; be honest, caring, change the things in my life that need to change, be more charitable, and try to live by the golden rule then real change is possible. If one by one we live better than those we elect will mirror our values. Our families will be closer, our friends will change, and sometimes it will be new friends or old ones that see a difference in us. A Pastor once told me I had the power to change the world. I always wondered what he meant by that but I am starting to see what the power really is. When I try to be more loving, caring, honest, and charitable I attract people around me who want the same thing. There is a reason why when they wrote the Constitution “WE THE PEOPLE” is written in huge letters. That is our answer. But if we are living beyond our means, if we are dishonest with others as well as ourselves, if we are not charitable, and if we are not helping our fellow man how can we possibly believe those we elect, or the Pastor or Rabbi we listen to, or the people we work with are going to be any different. I need to change, not the Credit Card companies, not the Constitution, not the banks, and certainly not the free market system. The next time you ask why the government is not doing enough for the schools, the poor, or healthcare ask yourself what you are doing to make your world a little better in those areas. 

“The best thing we can do for the poor is make poverty uncomfortable.” Benjamin Franklin