Ron Paul, thinks the mosque is a good idea. The more I hear him talk, the more I comprehend. I am grateful that I am in good company and that there are others out there who share our feelings about bringing people together in a conciliatory manner and upholding private property rights and rights to worship. End of story.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Book Review: The Conscience of a Libertarian by Wayne Allyn Root
This is an unexpected endorsement of The Conscience of a Libertarian: Empowering the citizen revolution with God, guns, gambling & tax cuts by Wayne Allyn Root. Root was the 2008 Vice Presidential nominee for the Libertarian party on the ticket with Bob Barr.
I picked this book up on a trip to Utah last year, and I could not bring myself to read beyond chapter one. I experienced Root, at that time, to be out of touch with the economic reality for many Americans and I did not have faith that I would find myself anywhere in the pages of his book. I like books that help me find pieces of myself, which are undoubtedly scattered throughout a wide range of spiritual, political and fictional works from Austin's Pride and Prejudice to John Adams by McCullough. So Root's work collected dust on my nightstand for a year.
A friend posted something on Facebook about Ayn Rand, Russian writer and philosopher who wrote Atlas Shrugged and other contemporary works with cult followings. Rand was raised in socialism in the early 1900s, defected to America in the 1930's and despite exposure to America during the Great Depression, was a quick convert to capitalism and a champion of individual freedoms. A superficial study of Rand exposed her atheism (which repelled me to due my own struggles linking morality with freedom reclamation and preservation) yet implicated her in championing personal responsibility and the founding Mother of Libertarianism. I was intrigued, so rather than buy Atlas Shrugged, I visited my own nightstand and reopened Root's The Conscience of a Libertarian and began again.
Root is a scholar of Barry Goldwater, whose conservative principles I have yet to read, but if you are reading this, you might study them as well. Root is a self-described Bob Barr on steroids and this is reflected in his simple ideas of dismantling the federal government as we know it and encouraging toleration of state and local regulations.
Root brilliantly compares the American voter to an abusive housewife and is almost as relentless in his attack of the Obama administration as he is on his own former GOP party. He states a compelling case on why the two-party system is a failure in this nation and how the historical executive branch GOPs have expanded the federal government worse than many democrats. Regarding Obama's execution of promises made on the campaign trail, Root describes Obama as doing an adequate job of "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic".
Root deftly explains how one can be a champion of personal freedom (which I interpret as the ultimate toleration and compassion) such as gays in the military, prostitution, pornography, gambling and STILL locally and personally reject any or all of these if that is local or personal moral obligation and will. We are reminded that these activities, (i.e. Prohibition) are going to occur anyway, and the state governments ought to generate revenue off of these activities rather than pillage the small business owner, middle income earner and property holder. As Thomas Jefferson once said, "A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have".
How religion and morality became interwoven with the GOP deserves further study and another post. I encourage anyone currently or formerly drawn to the GOP but feeling like an abuse victim whose spouse only seems to love them during voting season, to take a closer look at the Libertarian movement and Root's book. I am certain it will earn more accolades from me as I read further.
...It cannot be repeated too often that the Constitution is a limitation on government, not on private individuals-that it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government-that it is not a charter for government power, but a charter of the citizens' protection against the government. ~ Ayn Rand
I picked this book up on a trip to Utah last year, and I could not bring myself to read beyond chapter one. I experienced Root, at that time, to be out of touch with the economic reality for many Americans and I did not have faith that I would find myself anywhere in the pages of his book. I like books that help me find pieces of myself, which are undoubtedly scattered throughout a wide range of spiritual, political and fictional works from Austin's Pride and Prejudice to John Adams by McCullough. So Root's work collected dust on my nightstand for a year.
A friend posted something on Facebook about Ayn Rand, Russian writer and philosopher who wrote Atlas Shrugged and other contemporary works with cult followings. Rand was raised in socialism in the early 1900s, defected to America in the 1930's and despite exposure to America during the Great Depression, was a quick convert to capitalism and a champion of individual freedoms. A superficial study of Rand exposed her atheism (which repelled me to due my own struggles linking morality with freedom reclamation and preservation) yet implicated her in championing personal responsibility and the founding Mother of Libertarianism. I was intrigued, so rather than buy Atlas Shrugged, I visited my own nightstand and reopened Root's The Conscience of a Libertarian and began again.
Root is a scholar of Barry Goldwater, whose conservative principles I have yet to read, but if you are reading this, you might study them as well. Root is a self-described Bob Barr on steroids and this is reflected in his simple ideas of dismantling the federal government as we know it and encouraging toleration of state and local regulations.
Root brilliantly compares the American voter to an abusive housewife and is almost as relentless in his attack of the Obama administration as he is on his own former GOP party. He states a compelling case on why the two-party system is a failure in this nation and how the historical executive branch GOPs have expanded the federal government worse than many democrats. Regarding Obama's execution of promises made on the campaign trail, Root describes Obama as doing an adequate job of "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic".
Root deftly explains how one can be a champion of personal freedom (which I interpret as the ultimate toleration and compassion) such as gays in the military, prostitution, pornography, gambling and STILL locally and personally reject any or all of these if that is local or personal moral obligation and will. We are reminded that these activities, (i.e. Prohibition) are going to occur anyway, and the state governments ought to generate revenue off of these activities rather than pillage the small business owner, middle income earner and property holder. As Thomas Jefferson once said, "A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have".
How religion and morality became interwoven with the GOP deserves further study and another post. I encourage anyone currently or formerly drawn to the GOP but feeling like an abuse victim whose spouse only seems to love them during voting season, to take a closer look at the Libertarian movement and Root's book. I am certain it will earn more accolades from me as I read further.
...It cannot be repeated too often that the Constitution is a limitation on government, not on private individuals-that it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government-that it is not a charter for government power, but a charter of the citizens' protection against the government. ~ Ayn Rand
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
LDS Church issues statement on immigration
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a rare political statement on the topic of immigration. The statement was viewed by many to offer compassionate direction regarding reforms in the immigration system. Click link for full text article from ksl.com.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Mormon Helping Hands Sends Thousands into California Parks
Click link for full story. An excellent example of helping build and restore community when budgets are being squeezed at all levels of government. Gardening, litter pickup, stocking food shelves - things we can do to build community.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
What does Avatar have to do with God and TARP?
I read a blog post by an independent bookseller in my community today that took jabs at the simple plot of Avatar and mocked the masses who were captivated with the film. The writer, assuming the smug tone that all intelligent people share his thoughts, called the movie a “grade-school primer” and accused Avatar creator James Cameron of remaking his older movies like Titanic and Terminator rather than creating new ones.
Now I don’t pretend to know the political ideals of this blogger, but I bet if I guessed left-of-center, My odds would be more than 50% correct. His post represents the complications of yielding to the misguided principle that the world has no black and white, just gray. Things are.. well…complicated.
James Cameron has tapped into something primal with us, so primal that his films have grossed $5.75 billion worldwide. Avatar was nominated for nine and won three Academy Awards. Avatar was credited for Cameron’s advanced cinematography and technological breakthroughs. Despite the long anticipation of new 3D cameras, we are a people so accustomed to communicating and organizing our lives with invisible signals that travel to outer space and back, that I just don’t buy that we spent our money to see the technology of Avatar.
If Hollywood executives can be credited with anything culturally significant, it is that they know how to place their corporate finger on the pulse of America, or humanity. So what does Avatar’s success tell us about the pulse of America? What are we collectively thinking and feeling to find such common ground with a film?
The world has turned so gray, and well....complicated, that for many of us, Avatar represents a return to black and white (under the guise of beauty and blue); a simple moral struggle and of course, a honorable love story complete with a Pandora-style temple marriage. Avatar represents a return to a time when things were simpler. I believe Avatar triggered a complex nostalgia by mass proportions; some truth resonating in our souls that we are all familiar with and find comfort in.
We are a people longing for a reason to find God. On Avatar’s Pandora, she is called Eywa. We are a people longing for a pure connection to each other and the world around us. We long to hear and believe the truth that God/Eywa hears prayers and protects the balance of life.
Progressive messaging that liberals promote and subscribe to negates the good/evil notions that humans have held for thousands of years. This new messaging tells us things are complicated, there is no such thing as good and evil, just webs and webs of complicated structures and decisions. This is where TARP is rooted. This sweeping action that extended mercy while removing justice, appears tender and heart-felt and those who question are labeled cold-hearted right-winged monsters. Perhaps winged “Last-Shadows” is a better metaphor.
Deep down, each of us is born with the intuitive understanding that mercy cannot rob justice. Avatar reminds us of this fact, even if many of us are not yet in touch with it. If we would leave our Avatars to apply the principles we are so fond of in Avatar into our earthly lives, we may restore the beauty lost by liberal bulldozers over the faith in our Republic.
~ H.L. Whitley
Now I don’t pretend to know the political ideals of this blogger, but I bet if I guessed left-of-center, My odds would be more than 50% correct. His post represents the complications of yielding to the misguided principle that the world has no black and white, just gray. Things are.. well…complicated.
James Cameron has tapped into something primal with us, so primal that his films have grossed $5.75 billion worldwide. Avatar was nominated for nine and won three Academy Awards. Avatar was credited for Cameron’s advanced cinematography and technological breakthroughs. Despite the long anticipation of new 3D cameras, we are a people so accustomed to communicating and organizing our lives with invisible signals that travel to outer space and back, that I just don’t buy that we spent our money to see the technology of Avatar.
If Hollywood executives can be credited with anything culturally significant, it is that they know how to place their corporate finger on the pulse of America, or humanity. So what does Avatar’s success tell us about the pulse of America? What are we collectively thinking and feeling to find such common ground with a film?
The world has turned so gray, and well....complicated, that for many of us, Avatar represents a return to black and white (under the guise of beauty and blue); a simple moral struggle and of course, a honorable love story complete with a Pandora-style temple marriage. Avatar represents a return to a time when things were simpler. I believe Avatar triggered a complex nostalgia by mass proportions; some truth resonating in our souls that we are all familiar with and find comfort in.
We are a people longing for a reason to find God. On Avatar’s Pandora, she is called Eywa. We are a people longing for a pure connection to each other and the world around us. We long to hear and believe the truth that God/Eywa hears prayers and protects the balance of life.
Progressive messaging that liberals promote and subscribe to negates the good/evil notions that humans have held for thousands of years. This new messaging tells us things are complicated, there is no such thing as good and evil, just webs and webs of complicated structures and decisions. This is where TARP is rooted. This sweeping action that extended mercy while removing justice, appears tender and heart-felt and those who question are labeled cold-hearted right-winged monsters. Perhaps winged “Last-Shadows” is a better metaphor.
Deep down, each of us is born with the intuitive understanding that mercy cannot rob justice. Avatar reminds us of this fact, even if many of us are not yet in touch with it. If we would leave our Avatars to apply the principles we are so fond of in Avatar into our earthly lives, we may restore the beauty lost by liberal bulldozers over the faith in our Republic.
~ H.L. Whitley
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Immigration and Tough Love
When a system is broken, it leads to lawlessness and weakens our own rule of law. ~John Lukacs.
The hopeful assertion is this: History shows that the most ambitious, self-reliant individuals risk life and limb to immigrate into a new land.
However, we are dealing with millions each year of illegal immigration from a third-world country that threatens the cultural and sovereign aspects of our nation. This is not an “exceptionalism” view, rather a realistic one taken from world history. A nation cannot take in millions of people a year from a different region, holding vastly different political ideals, a different language and a potentially different moral code and hold on to who she is.
Everyone agrees immigration reform is needed, but few will acknowledge that a physical barrier will ensure reform and upholding of the law of the land is meaningful to everyone on both sides of the literal fence. Current immigration rules only allow a certain number of legal immigrants into the U.S. each year. Wait times for VISAs can be up to eight years even with good legitimate sponsors. The reality is, that no fence, virtual or physical, is going to keep ambitious people concerned with bettering themselves from coming to the Land of Promise.
Modern progressives feel a physical fence and laws like the one recently enacted in Arizona are cruel and fly in the face of progressive Kumbaya campfire, One-World-Nation philosophies. To that I assert this: You cannot offer amnesty without simultaneously upholding the law of the land which means respecting the states’ sovereign rights to enforce the existing law. The U.S. or a state cannot freely take in millions of economic refugees each year without her face changing.
At the root of this conflict is the same argument we see over and over. Is the U.S.A. worth protecting or is she inherently broken and need fixing? I support the former ideal. Does that make me a racist? On the contrary, it is a tough love philosophy of recognizing and upholding laws and rights of citizens at all costs. What is a citizen? One who is entitled to be here, is committed to holding our values close to their heart and has made the enormous sacrifice to obey the rules to earn the right of U.S. citizenship. Have you ever heard the phrase “one does not know the worth of something until they have to pay for it”? Ponder that.
President Obama recognized the need for an orderly method for controlling immigration on the campaign trail. Amnesty can never be a one-time deal. It lays the groundwork for a perpetual flow of illegal immigrants without meeting the problem at its source.
I advocate peaceful organized protests and boycotts of businesses that utilize now or have ever utilized illegal immigrant or migrant workers. Such businesses exist everywhere in this nation, not only in the south. It is the grass roots that drive change, and currently, the only signs I see on the news are from amnesty seekers. Voting with your wallet or your feet is often the most powerful.
Switzerland was among the poorest of European nations just over two hundred years ago. Then, ingenuity set in and they emerged as one of the wealthiest, most successful civilizations on the planet. All the while, Switzerland’s humanitarian traditions made them a safe-haven for political refugees. With the emergence of their industrial leadership and pride in craftsmanship in their cultural perspective, they more dramatically curtailed immigration during the 20th century than any other nation in Western Europe.
Japan is another fine example. After WWII, their resources were no longer permitted by the world economy to establish a large military presence. Their redirected industrial energies made them a leading manufacturing and economic world power. The last 40 years has shown marked restriction in their immigration policies. Do the Swiss and Japanese understand something about sociology and the economic and cultural impacts of unbridled immigration that we do not?
Obama on the campaign trail with Larry King said “I think all Americans think that we should be able to regulate who comes in and out of this country in an orderly way. Not only for sake of our sovereignty but also to avoid the hundreds of people who have been dying across the desert.” While turning a blind eye to the physical structure already in progress from the Bush administration along the Mexican border, Obama simultaneously cut the budget almost in half, hindering the effort toward reform, as assuredly, reform cannot be effective without a physical structure deterring the simple means of coming into to the U.S. against U.S. laws.
Although logic and compassion both argue against the rationale of a physical barrier between Mexico and the U.S., the reality is that no reform will slow the human flow without one. An alternative to the physical structure is supporting states’ such as Arizona for enacting legislation to uphold the existing law, when the federal government sits idle. Other examples of such action provide evidence that crime is reduced and other burdens on a state will be reduced with local enforcement of the law.
~H.L. Whitley
The hopeful assertion is this: History shows that the most ambitious, self-reliant individuals risk life and limb to immigrate into a new land.
However, we are dealing with millions each year of illegal immigration from a third-world country that threatens the cultural and sovereign aspects of our nation. This is not an “exceptionalism” view, rather a realistic one taken from world history. A nation cannot take in millions of people a year from a different region, holding vastly different political ideals, a different language and a potentially different moral code and hold on to who she is.
Everyone agrees immigration reform is needed, but few will acknowledge that a physical barrier will ensure reform and upholding of the law of the land is meaningful to everyone on both sides of the literal fence. Current immigration rules only allow a certain number of legal immigrants into the U.S. each year. Wait times for VISAs can be up to eight years even with good legitimate sponsors. The reality is, that no fence, virtual or physical, is going to keep ambitious people concerned with bettering themselves from coming to the Land of Promise.
Modern progressives feel a physical fence and laws like the one recently enacted in Arizona are cruel and fly in the face of progressive Kumbaya campfire, One-World-Nation philosophies. To that I assert this: You cannot offer amnesty without simultaneously upholding the law of the land which means respecting the states’ sovereign rights to enforce the existing law. The U.S. or a state cannot freely take in millions of economic refugees each year without her face changing.
At the root of this conflict is the same argument we see over and over. Is the U.S.A. worth protecting or is she inherently broken and need fixing? I support the former ideal. Does that make me a racist? On the contrary, it is a tough love philosophy of recognizing and upholding laws and rights of citizens at all costs. What is a citizen? One who is entitled to be here, is committed to holding our values close to their heart and has made the enormous sacrifice to obey the rules to earn the right of U.S. citizenship. Have you ever heard the phrase “one does not know the worth of something until they have to pay for it”? Ponder that.
President Obama recognized the need for an orderly method for controlling immigration on the campaign trail. Amnesty can never be a one-time deal. It lays the groundwork for a perpetual flow of illegal immigrants without meeting the problem at its source.
I advocate peaceful organized protests and boycotts of businesses that utilize now or have ever utilized illegal immigrant or migrant workers. Such businesses exist everywhere in this nation, not only in the south. It is the grass roots that drive change, and currently, the only signs I see on the news are from amnesty seekers. Voting with your wallet or your feet is often the most powerful.
Switzerland was among the poorest of European nations just over two hundred years ago. Then, ingenuity set in and they emerged as one of the wealthiest, most successful civilizations on the planet. All the while, Switzerland’s humanitarian traditions made them a safe-haven for political refugees. With the emergence of their industrial leadership and pride in craftsmanship in their cultural perspective, they more dramatically curtailed immigration during the 20th century than any other nation in Western Europe.
Japan is another fine example. After WWII, their resources were no longer permitted by the world economy to establish a large military presence. Their redirected industrial energies made them a leading manufacturing and economic world power. The last 40 years has shown marked restriction in their immigration policies. Do the Swiss and Japanese understand something about sociology and the economic and cultural impacts of unbridled immigration that we do not?
Obama on the campaign trail with Larry King said “I think all Americans think that we should be able to regulate who comes in and out of this country in an orderly way. Not only for sake of our sovereignty but also to avoid the hundreds of people who have been dying across the desert.” While turning a blind eye to the physical structure already in progress from the Bush administration along the Mexican border, Obama simultaneously cut the budget almost in half, hindering the effort toward reform, as assuredly, reform cannot be effective without a physical structure deterring the simple means of coming into to the U.S. against U.S. laws.
Although logic and compassion both argue against the rationale of a physical barrier between Mexico and the U.S., the reality is that no reform will slow the human flow without one. An alternative to the physical structure is supporting states’ such as Arizona for enacting legislation to uphold the existing law, when the federal government sits idle. Other examples of such action provide evidence that crime is reduced and other burdens on a state will be reduced with local enforcement of the law.
~H.L. Whitley
Thursday, April 15, 2010
From force to persuasion - Audrey Pietrucha
Click the title link for a full column on persuasion versus taxes, and what taxes and laws indicate about a society.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Understanding How Pride in America Became Politically Incorrect
Generation X’ers and the Boomers were impassioned by the Nationalism of Ronald Regan in the 1980s peak of the Cold War. We were impassioned to witness on live TV George Bush Sr.’s Gulf War that liberated Kuwait and claimed victory within minutes without casualty. When the Twin Towers and Pentagon were attacked, we felt for the first time real fear since Pearl Harbor. Fear shifted to hope and pride when George W. Bush stood atop rubble and gave the most inspiring rally cry of his Oval Office tenure. Then what happened to hope and pride?
The trend toward a new global awareness and connectivity tugged at our moral and better judgment. As academia sought to “understand” the rationale behind Muslim extremists, Michael Moore was promoting entertaining and popular movies going as far as implicating the Bush administrations in the 9-11 and Columbine tragedies. All of a sudden, it was no longer politically correct in many parts of the nation to talk about God or be remotely conservative. We were swept away in the current of Bush-bashing on both sides of the aisle. Because we struggled with our own moral confusion, we criticized an administration that remained firm in their convictions despite great opposition.
Obama was elected because we have become a culture that finds it difficult to know for sure if there actually even is a right and wrong let alone be able to discern a difference, and Obama is the leader that best represents this predicament. Perhaps confusion about our own spirituality (or lack thereof) is the root of this dilemma. We have become a culture of tolerance no matter what cost of confusion this creates for domestic and foreign policy and our personal lives and community conduct.
The liberal agenda promotes the thinking that we might emulate Europe more for their govo-socio policies. Europe broke apart into approximately 50 nations, many were born in our lifetime, due to cultural and political inabilities to peacefully coexist. Why on earth would we want to emulate this? The world is a vast plethora of individuals and communities with unique heritages, ideas about God, ideas about women, ideas about children. No rational leader of the free world would envision a global kumbaya togetherness unless they were comfortable forcing a set of standards and laws upon everyone, robbing man of his greatest gift, free-agency.
Our schools are pumped with liberal agenda textbooks that some parents claim dedicate more pages to the Muslim faith than America’s own historical Christian/Judaism influence. Speaking about Christianity in schools is no longer tolerated, let alone politically correct in many parts of the nation, namely the east and west coastal urban areas. Yet there is media sympathy and coverage for homosexual prom dates or a student who violates the community dress code with a provocative prom dress while Christians are simultaneously silenced under the guise of “Political Correctness”.
Texas’ recent move to stand in defiance to the national education standards offered by the Obama administration may drive some momentum to swing the pendulum back. Texas alone may be changing the tone of our textbooks, as many publishers follow Texas’ lead in education text selection that is mass distributed throughout the nation. Glenn Beck is taking this a step further by peddling the notion that we disband the Department of Education. This is an alluring concept that would require parents and local governments step up and get involved with their kids’ education, which would in turn, strengthen families, which would in turn, reduce the welfare state (according to research) and other far reaching noble ideas. Is “noble” still a politically correct or relevant term in the U.S.A.?
~ H.L. Whitley
The trend toward a new global awareness and connectivity tugged at our moral and better judgment. As academia sought to “understand” the rationale behind Muslim extremists, Michael Moore was promoting entertaining and popular movies going as far as implicating the Bush administrations in the 9-11 and Columbine tragedies. All of a sudden, it was no longer politically correct in many parts of the nation to talk about God or be remotely conservative. We were swept away in the current of Bush-bashing on both sides of the aisle. Because we struggled with our own moral confusion, we criticized an administration that remained firm in their convictions despite great opposition.
Obama was elected because we have become a culture that finds it difficult to know for sure if there actually even is a right and wrong let alone be able to discern a difference, and Obama is the leader that best represents this predicament. Perhaps confusion about our own spirituality (or lack thereof) is the root of this dilemma. We have become a culture of tolerance no matter what cost of confusion this creates for domestic and foreign policy and our personal lives and community conduct.
The liberal agenda promotes the thinking that we might emulate Europe more for their govo-socio policies. Europe broke apart into approximately 50 nations, many were born in our lifetime, due to cultural and political inabilities to peacefully coexist. Why on earth would we want to emulate this? The world is a vast plethora of individuals and communities with unique heritages, ideas about God, ideas about women, ideas about children. No rational leader of the free world would envision a global kumbaya togetherness unless they were comfortable forcing a set of standards and laws upon everyone, robbing man of his greatest gift, free-agency.
Our schools are pumped with liberal agenda textbooks that some parents claim dedicate more pages to the Muslim faith than America’s own historical Christian/Judaism influence. Speaking about Christianity in schools is no longer tolerated, let alone politically correct in many parts of the nation, namely the east and west coastal urban areas. Yet there is media sympathy and coverage for homosexual prom dates or a student who violates the community dress code with a provocative prom dress while Christians are simultaneously silenced under the guise of “Political Correctness”.
Texas’ recent move to stand in defiance to the national education standards offered by the Obama administration may drive some momentum to swing the pendulum back. Texas alone may be changing the tone of our textbooks, as many publishers follow Texas’ lead in education text selection that is mass distributed throughout the nation. Glenn Beck is taking this a step further by peddling the notion that we disband the Department of Education. This is an alluring concept that would require parents and local governments step up and get involved with their kids’ education, which would in turn, strengthen families, which would in turn, reduce the welfare state (according to research) and other far reaching noble ideas. Is “noble” still a politically correct or relevant term in the U.S.A.?
~ H.L. Whitley
Monday, April 12, 2010
What's Still Missing from the Freedom Movement and Palin is Not "The One"
I like Sarah Palin, I do. But after listening to her recent speeches at the McCain rally and the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans, I am still not convinced that she is "The One" to embody all of our hopes and aspirations. The reason is this: She has proven that she excels at Obama-bashing. Okay, we get it. She has not figured out that she continues to preach to the choir. Really, when I say choir, I'm talking about the kind of beautiful Baptist choir you only hear when you go to Harlem . The authentic one.
I think this repeated messaging is starting to fall on deaf ears and Palin may find herself maintaining her plateau rather than truly uniting the conservative movement. She's not "The One" guys, sorry.
We were convinced for a while with her tales of Applehood and Motherpie. We all felt electricity with her first rallies, but like many politicians, she has continued to run with the same current that at one time provided electricity, but is now grounded.
Somewhere out there, there is someone who can electrify like Palin, probably another woman, I don't know. But whoever she is, will maintain contact with that element of her womanhood that inspires us with talking points to reclaim in our movement the notion that we must care for other members in our communities, privately, organizationally, with non-profits, with social entrepreneurship.
Never before has social entrepreneurship been so pervasive and momentous. I haven't heard Plain or Rush, Laura or Glenn LEVERAGE this to forward the cause. Not only would such talking, planning and convincing unite the fragmented right, but undoubtedly DRAW moderate, equally confused members from the left toward the Greater Cause.
I would like to see popular conservatives come out of the dark ages, get in touch with the enlightened masses and assure us how we are going to transition into a new Libertarian state that cares deeply for others and ACTIVELY seeks out ways to provide privately through sophisticated, private or corporate social structures.
We still have a ways to go. I'm not hearing it. My heart is not twitter-pated.
~h. Whitley
I think this repeated messaging is starting to fall on deaf ears and Palin may find herself maintaining her plateau rather than truly uniting the conservative movement. She's not "The One" guys, sorry.
We were convinced for a while with her tales of Applehood and Motherpie. We all felt electricity with her first rallies, but like many politicians, she has continued to run with the same current that at one time provided electricity, but is now grounded.
Somewhere out there, there is someone who can electrify like Palin, probably another woman, I don't know. But whoever she is, will maintain contact with that element of her womanhood that inspires us with talking points to reclaim in our movement the notion that we must care for other members in our communities, privately, organizationally, with non-profits, with social entrepreneurship.
Never before has social entrepreneurship been so pervasive and momentous. I haven't heard Plain or Rush, Laura or Glenn LEVERAGE this to forward the cause. Not only would such talking, planning and convincing unite the fragmented right, but undoubtedly DRAW moderate, equally confused members from the left toward the Greater Cause.
I would like to see popular conservatives come out of the dark ages, get in touch with the enlightened masses and assure us how we are going to transition into a new Libertarian state that cares deeply for others and ACTIVELY seeks out ways to provide privately through sophisticated, private or corporate social structures.
We still have a ways to go. I'm not hearing it. My heart is not twitter-pated.
~h. Whitley
GOP Could Talk Less, Listen More
While the GOP continues to send guilt-ridden "compliance" messaging to conservatives and Tea Party activists in fear of the party splitting up and failing in November, Tea Party rallies press forward in their beautiful, unstructured ways and will continue to be like children who continue to disobey in the face of inattentive parents.
Conservatives and Tea Party activists are bombarded with more messaging to "go-with-the-flow". Success and progress will come by keeping a course that is steady, one step at a time. One new curious member at a time.
When the left-of-right GOP decides to instate leadership and messaging that listens more and talks less, they might just find that they gain the momentum and ground they so desperately seek from the Tea party and true conservatives who, like children, are going to grow no matter how much their parents inadvertently try to dismiss and suppress them.
Conservatives and Tea Party activists are bombarded with more messaging to "go-with-the-flow". Success and progress will come by keeping a course that is steady, one step at a time. One new curious member at a time.
When the left-of-right GOP decides to instate leadership and messaging that listens more and talks less, they might just find that they gain the momentum and ground they so desperately seek from the Tea party and true conservatives who, like children, are going to grow no matter how much their parents inadvertently try to dismiss and suppress them.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Virginia's Health Care Freedom Act
Virginia has acted with bipartisan effort, to establish an anti-mandate law that states Virginians cannot be compelled to purchase health care insurance against their will! They have filed a lawsuit to defend it. The best part? This was passed by democrats in the Virginia senate! Democrat Virginia state Senator Phillip Puckett references the Mess in Massachusetts I've been blogging about. He also says: "Forcing someone to buy Healthcare is unAmerican." What is your state legislature doing? I predict we will see unprecedented cases of states versus the federal government in the Supreme Court. Just last week, I blogged about Utah's moves toward lawsuit against Uncle Sam.
If We Become Europe - Who Becomes Us? (NRO)
If we Europeanize, Europe is in Trouble. Another great National Review Online article from my new favorite contributor, Jonah Goldberg. Mr. Goldberg highlights an interesting rationale why Euopean govo-social models have thrived; we have offered all of the military protection to them, all of the medical innovation. While our guns money gives way to butter money in our new social paradigm, who gets the guns? Iran? China? Venezuela? yikes.
Click on the title above to read his article.
Click on the title above to read his article.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
No More Monsters? I Found our Lost Moral Code!
Parents and Community Leaders could be better supporters of literature and media that *supports* a return to the basic moral code inherent in every human being. Today we are bombarded with media that blurs moral code, and we accept this because we are lost. After reading this, have a watchful eye for when this occurs, because it's in the seemingly most innocent places!
Popular media and literature teaches us and our children that there are no such things as "bad guys". People are "just sometimes misunderstood". Really? Then explain why I cannot, in good conscience, turn the news on in the presence of my children, with fear that they will be horrified at their discovery of the inherent evil and lack of moral standards in the world today. What kind of world is it that a parent feels they must screen the NEWS like they would a PG or PG-13 movie (that's a topic for another post) for fear that our children will hear about sex, infidelity, kidnappings, brutal murders, rape... before I am ready to discuss this with them?
How does a parent explain? I belong to a church organization with clear moral standards of conduct - I therefore find it easier and easier to explain our complicated world to my kids. But consider those without this iron rod to hang on to, and the societal pressures tempting us to say, "there is no such thing as monsters" "sometimes people are just misunderstood". Does this not just blur the moral lines, make them fuzzy? hazy? easier to cross? easier to accept being crossed?
Popular (Religionless) "spirituality" proponents are guilty of the same thing. They see the world now, as I know one day I'll see Heaven. They seem to be missing from their lives a real awareness, or acknowledgment of the darker side of the world that we must teach our children to recognize immediately, and avoid.
The link on this post title has an excellent article by Jonah Goldberg (National Review Online) on this topic that I loved and wanted to share with you.
For a list of classics that you can read to your children, grandchildren or re-incorporate into your own life or work to reincorporate into your child's curriculum, click on my sponsor - TJEd Marketplace.
When we return to the classics in our literature and homes, we will see a return to the moral standards of conduct that this great nation was founded on. Our Founding Fathers' parents read these same works to them. I'm not sure we can evolve from where we are, without an incorporation of our past deeply ingrained in us.
~h. Whitley
Popular media and literature teaches us and our children that there are no such things as "bad guys". People are "just sometimes misunderstood". Really? Then explain why I cannot, in good conscience, turn the news on in the presence of my children, with fear that they will be horrified at their discovery of the inherent evil and lack of moral standards in the world today. What kind of world is it that a parent feels they must screen the NEWS like they would a PG or PG-13 movie (that's a topic for another post) for fear that our children will hear about sex, infidelity, kidnappings, brutal murders, rape... before I am ready to discuss this with them?
How does a parent explain? I belong to a church organization with clear moral standards of conduct - I therefore find it easier and easier to explain our complicated world to my kids. But consider those without this iron rod to hang on to, and the societal pressures tempting us to say, "there is no such thing as monsters" "sometimes people are just misunderstood". Does this not just blur the moral lines, make them fuzzy? hazy? easier to cross? easier to accept being crossed?
Popular (Religionless) "spirituality" proponents are guilty of the same thing. They see the world now, as I know one day I'll see Heaven. They seem to be missing from their lives a real awareness, or acknowledgment of the darker side of the world that we must teach our children to recognize immediately, and avoid.
The link on this post title has an excellent article by Jonah Goldberg (National Review Online) on this topic that I loved and wanted to share with you.
For a list of classics that you can read to your children, grandchildren or re-incorporate into your own life or work to reincorporate into your child's curriculum, click on my sponsor - TJEd Marketplace.
When we return to the classics in our literature and homes, we will see a return to the moral standards of conduct that this great nation was founded on. Our Founding Fathers' parents read these same works to them. I'm not sure we can evolve from where we are, without an incorporation of our past deeply ingrained in us.
~h. Whitley
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Black and Conservative
Conservative black voters are blogging, marching and joining the Tea Party. They are defying the "expectation" that blacks HAVE to be democrats. They are called insidious names because they dare to criticize the first African American president under their right to exercise the First Amendment.
Many have kept their against-the-grain political views to themselves - until now. Although most voted for Obama, many feel the nation is overburdened with tax, disagree with Obama policies, and believe in fiscal responsibility and conservative action.
I hope we see more become active to squash the unfounded myth that Tea Party activists are racists.
I am not a member of the Tea Party. Simply an observer.
Many have kept their against-the-grain political views to themselves - until now. Although most voted for Obama, many feel the nation is overburdened with tax, disagree with Obama policies, and believe in fiscal responsibility and conservative action.
I hope we see more become active to squash the unfounded myth that Tea Party activists are racists.
I am not a member of the Tea Party. Simply an observer.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Great Lie that Women Believe - Nudity Begets Power??
So if we are all about freedom preservation here, why do we disapprove of women walking around with no shirts on? In Maine, nudity is only illegal if genitals are exposed.
Taking advantage of this caveat, a small group of very white women who looked as though they had not seen the sun in a decade, took to the streets of Portland, with the intention of calling attention to society's double standard toward male and female nudity.
What a Great and Terrific Lie today's women continue to believe and worse, perpetuate.
Not only should you put your shirt on, you should wear a bra. And while you're at it, cover your shoulders and at least a bit of your legs.
We need to tell our young women and girls of this Lie before they fall victim like countless others. And share with them the best kept secret of the source of a woman's power. Show less. Reveal less. Herein lies the source of all that is good, righteous, and powerful within a woman and her influence over her husband and children or others.
Pretending like it's normal for a woman to be naked and provocative, and there is something inherently wrong with men and the rest of us for not acting normal when we see bare breasts....it's simply the Great Lie that perpetuates the promiscuity and is exactly the factor that robs women of their power to begin with.
I challenge any woman or man to dig deep into their soul and show me where a woman has earned true power from disrobing publicly or behaving provocatively outside of marriage.
A woman's power lies within her, in her family. In her modesty. In her wide open heart that NURTURES her children, her husband and her friends.
Women are continuing to lose their wombs. They are continuing to choose being gender-neutral or neutered, in place of CLAIMING THEIR INHERENT GOD-GIVEN POWER. Until women claim their power correctly, our children will continue to be lost and not know their worth.
Men and Women: In what ways have you believed or perpetuated the Lie?
~ h.Whitley
Taking advantage of this caveat, a small group of very white women who looked as though they had not seen the sun in a decade, took to the streets of Portland, with the intention of calling attention to society's double standard toward male and female nudity.
What a Great and Terrific Lie today's women continue to believe and worse, perpetuate.
Not only should you put your shirt on, you should wear a bra. And while you're at it, cover your shoulders and at least a bit of your legs.
We need to tell our young women and girls of this Lie before they fall victim like countless others. And share with them the best kept secret of the source of a woman's power. Show less. Reveal less. Herein lies the source of all that is good, righteous, and powerful within a woman and her influence over her husband and children or others.
Pretending like it's normal for a woman to be naked and provocative, and there is something inherently wrong with men and the rest of us for not acting normal when we see bare breasts....it's simply the Great Lie that perpetuates the promiscuity and is exactly the factor that robs women of their power to begin with.
I challenge any woman or man to dig deep into their soul and show me where a woman has earned true power from disrobing publicly or behaving provocatively outside of marriage.
A woman's power lies within her, in her family. In her modesty. In her wide open heart that NURTURES her children, her husband and her friends.
Women are continuing to lose their wombs. They are continuing to choose being gender-neutral or neutered, in place of CLAIMING THEIR INHERENT GOD-GIVEN POWER. Until women claim their power correctly, our children will continue to be lost and not know their worth.
Men and Women: In what ways have you believed or perpetuated the Lie?
~ h.Whitley
Don't Mind My Mug.
I decided it was time to come out of my shell and put my own face onto these audacious posts I'm creating, so people who wish to criticize the heck out of me, can do it right to my face. So there... I apologize for those of you who would prefer not to stare at my face while reading.
It should be noted that this is a passport photo - the only thing remotely professional I have. AND, I was nine months pregnant with my third child. So if you want to bark at me, know that you are doing it to a poor pregnant lady who can't afford a decent professional headshot. All kidding aside, I welcome all posts in any form.
I can't tell exactly who dislikes my posts more, liberals who can't stand anything conservative and think we're all cold-hearted mean people, or conservatives who think I can't possibly be conservative because I love everyone. WHATEVER. I know there's more of us out there. We are the new "heightened-awareness" element of the right-wing.
I am about to teach my children more about the life of Thomas Jefferson today as well as colonial South Carolina interspersed with decimals, long division, fractions and renaming - oh - and we bought caterpillars this week - soon to be hatched into Butterflies! This sort of spirit-filled school day at home is just the thing that usually inspires the kinds of posts from me that make people either really inspired or really irritated. Stay tuned!
~h. whitley
It should be noted that this is a passport photo - the only thing remotely professional I have. AND, I was nine months pregnant with my third child. So if you want to bark at me, know that you are doing it to a poor pregnant lady who can't afford a decent professional headshot. All kidding aside, I welcome all posts in any form.
I can't tell exactly who dislikes my posts more, liberals who can't stand anything conservative and think we're all cold-hearted mean people, or conservatives who think I can't possibly be conservative because I love everyone. WHATEVER. I know there's more of us out there. We are the new "heightened-awareness" element of the right-wing.
I am about to teach my children more about the life of Thomas Jefferson today as well as colonial South Carolina interspersed with decimals, long division, fractions and renaming - oh - and we bought caterpillars this week - soon to be hatched into Butterflies! This sort of spirit-filled school day at home is just the thing that usually inspires the kinds of posts from me that make people either really inspired or really irritated. Stay tuned!
~h. whitley
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Podcast Episode 3 is Up!
Today's Podcast Episode: Mess in Massachusetts' Universal Healthcare, Medicare paying 19 cents on the dollar in Vermont, Utah's intent to sue the U.S. Government for reclamation of lands, and Is Conservation really Conservative? - Yes! Hear why.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Utah Wants Land Back from U.S. Government
Using Eminent domain as the grounds for taking back Utah land from the U.S. Government may anger environmentalists, but will allow Utah to contribute needed tax dollars into their schools if federal lands are reclaimed. Utah is hoping other western states will file suit as well, triggering a Supreme Court battle.
Utah spends less per pupil than any other state, yet has the largest class sizes. Utah has applied a tax increase of $1 per pack of cigarettes to generate additional funding for schools. Utah claims that revenues generated from the resources located in the disputed lands will properly generate revenue that can be used for educating the children of Utah.
Utah claims that the U.S. Government is in violation of a contract with Utah issued when statehood was granted, promising to sell state lands long ago.
Utah spends less per pupil than any other state, yet has the largest class sizes. Utah has applied a tax increase of $1 per pack of cigarettes to generate additional funding for schools. Utah claims that revenues generated from the resources located in the disputed lands will properly generate revenue that can be used for educating the children of Utah.
Utah claims that the U.S. Government is in violation of a contract with Utah issued when statehood was granted, promising to sell state lands long ago.
Disgruntled Democrats Join Tea Party
Between the recent blunders of the out-of-touch RNC (RNC's $2000 strip club reimbursement to a misguided donor), and disgruntled Democrats defecting to the Tea Party, leaves one to wonder, is the RNC on its inevitable way out?
More on the Massachusetts Health Insurance Mess
As the race for the Massachusetts governor's office ensues, incumbent Gov. Deval L. Patrick wields his power to deny insurance company rate hikes. Although well-intended, three out of the four largest insurers in Massachusetts reported operating losses last year.
It appears this mess is turning into a circular firing squad, as all stakeholders were once united in the effort to provide universal healthcare. Although the insurers are requesting rate hikes of 7-34%, the state insurance commission believes this is way out of line relative to the regional medical inflation rate of 5%. The insurance lobby states that the real culprit is the Massachusetts medical system. The New York Times reports that a Boston University study recently found that hospital costs per Massachusetts resident were 55 percent higher than the national average. An investigation this year by the state attorney general concluded that the pricing leverage exerted by academic medical centers played a major role.
Lora M. Pellegrini, the president of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, called the denials “a very reckless act” and warned that insurers on thin margins might have trouble paying claims.
What to do?
It appears this mess is turning into a circular firing squad, as all stakeholders were once united in the effort to provide universal healthcare. Although the insurers are requesting rate hikes of 7-34%, the state insurance commission believes this is way out of line relative to the regional medical inflation rate of 5%. The insurance lobby states that the real culprit is the Massachusetts medical system. The New York Times reports that a Boston University study recently found that hospital costs per Massachusetts resident were 55 percent higher than the national average. An investigation this year by the state attorney general concluded that the pricing leverage exerted by academic medical centers played a major role.
Lora M. Pellegrini, the president of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, called the denials “a very reckless act” and warned that insurers on thin margins might have trouble paying claims.
What to do?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Is Conservation Conservative?
There is a growing movement of Conservatives who claim that conservation is really an issue for our movement to own. RepAmerica is the grass-roots political group who has won over many local and national politicians to preserve natural resources. To decide for yourself, check out the link in the title above as well as:
www.repamerica.org
REAGAN LEAD THE WAY:
“I'm proud of having been one of the first to recognize that States and the Federal Government have a duty to protect our natural resources from the damaging effects of pollution that can accompany industrial development.”
~ Ronald Reagan July 19, 1984
www.repamerica.org
REAGAN LEAD THE WAY:
“I'm proud of having been one of the first to recognize that States and the Federal Government have a duty to protect our natural resources from the damaging effects of pollution that can accompany industrial development.”
~ Ronald Reagan July 19, 1984
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The New York Times - Interesting Experiment Ends in NYC
New York City to End Program Giving Cash to the Poor. What began as a private endeavor and was intended for public financing, did not prove successful. Was it condescending? Or must we find other ways to motivate and inspire our most impoverished citizens?
Hutaree Militia Reminiscent of Famous Bacon Rebellion of 1676
Teaching my fourth-grader history today, it occurred to me that what we are seeing in recent events, predictably, parallels historical drama. I encourage you to draw your own conclusions about similarities between the recent 'Hutaree Militia's' plots/arrests and the famous 'Bacon's Rebellion' of 1676.
Bacon's Rebellion occurred one hundred years before our successful revolution against the most powerful military nation in the world. Many of you probably have heard of Bacon's Rebellion from middle school history, but do you actually recall what it was or why it was significant?
We are so detached from the seriousness of such "Rebellions", but I'm sure it was viewed just as audacious by the populace in 1676 as today's "home-grown" terrorists and right-wing militias are viewed today. I have Facebook friends commenting on the horror of these 'crazy people'. I challenge you to take a hard look at the dynamics of the situation and in the spirit of compassion, examine what may be in the minds and hearts of the Hutaree Militia that would prompt them to take such drastic action.
Bacon and his followers were planters situated along the "frontier" of the American Colonies, what is now considered central Virginia. They were experiencing Indian trouble, as tribes were coming into farm land, pillaging and burning settlers' homesteads. Bacon and other Virgina Colony pioneers pleaded with the King-appointed governor Berkeley for troops and support. This request was not honored. Taking measures into their own hands, Bacon and his followers raised a militia to deal with the Indian invasions. Bacon's success led him to instigate an overhaul in the House of Burgesses and encouraged criticism of the king-appointed governor for overtaxing and under-serving the people. Neighboring Maryland launched their own similar rebellion against the status quo as a result of the energy created around Virginia's movement.
The fight against Indians was the first uniting of blacks and whites under a shared cause. Because Bacon's followers were mostly non-aristocrats, this threatened the wealthy landowners who held power and resulted in a hardening of racial lines which would continue for another two hundred years.
Governor Berkley was furious and clearly threatened. In response to Bacon's success, Berkeley raised his own 'sanctioned' army. Bacon's militia marched east to the capital, Jamestown, captured it, burned it to the ground, sending Berkeley and his men retaliating in defeat across the Chesapeake. Bacon began to set up his own government. Unfortunately for his cause, Bacon died of dysentery before the completion of his campaign. Successors were not inspirational enough to maintain the cause and Berkeley recaptured lost ground and hung most of Bacon's followers, confiscating their property.
Although it is suggested that Bacon may not have been the most exemplary political leader, he did stir up a great deal enough trouble to drive change with the Virginia people to re-elect the House of Burgesses, have the King of England (Charles II) remove Berkeley as governor and return to England to answer for the Virginia chaos.
History books suggest the importance of Bacon's Rebellion was limited to the Indian wars or the cause of long term racial divisions. But I see where a great deal of seed-planting was taking place by way of questioning government, bucking high taxes and shedding light on a general disregard for the 'common man'. Although it took a couple of generations, it manifested into a tangible cause that could be won and a new government, the likes of it never before and never since created, was born.
Do you see similarities between colonial Virginia's aristocratic leadership and today's Hollywood elite and ruling class? When someone speaks out about preserving freedoms, they are mocked, ridiculed, and treated as if they had no compassion for others on issues such as universal health care or education.
What is so misunderstood about the cause of freedom preservation is that many American citizens hold their freedoms as a matter of life or death. These people have very likely studied history, yet are labeled as red-necked, uneducated and uncivilized. On the contrary, these people know that history shows us that bloodshed is typically the only way to recapture lost freedoms. This is a world historical fact. I believe that we are seeing early tendencies toward this recapturing and unless freedom purists are heard, the homegrown 'terrorism' or 'freedom fighters' will continue to make headlines.
Peace and Understanding
~H. Whitley
Bacon's Rebellion occurred one hundred years before our successful revolution against the most powerful military nation in the world. Many of you probably have heard of Bacon's Rebellion from middle school history, but do you actually recall what it was or why it was significant?
We are so detached from the seriousness of such "Rebellions", but I'm sure it was viewed just as audacious by the populace in 1676 as today's "home-grown" terrorists and right-wing militias are viewed today. I have Facebook friends commenting on the horror of these 'crazy people'. I challenge you to take a hard look at the dynamics of the situation and in the spirit of compassion, examine what may be in the minds and hearts of the Hutaree Militia that would prompt them to take such drastic action.
Bacon and his followers were planters situated along the "frontier" of the American Colonies, what is now considered central Virginia. They were experiencing Indian trouble, as tribes were coming into farm land, pillaging and burning settlers' homesteads. Bacon and other Virgina Colony pioneers pleaded with the King-appointed governor Berkeley for troops and support. This request was not honored. Taking measures into their own hands, Bacon and his followers raised a militia to deal with the Indian invasions. Bacon's success led him to instigate an overhaul in the House of Burgesses and encouraged criticism of the king-appointed governor for overtaxing and under-serving the people. Neighboring Maryland launched their own similar rebellion against the status quo as a result of the energy created around Virginia's movement.
The fight against Indians was the first uniting of blacks and whites under a shared cause. Because Bacon's followers were mostly non-aristocrats, this threatened the wealthy landowners who held power and resulted in a hardening of racial lines which would continue for another two hundred years.
Governor Berkley was furious and clearly threatened. In response to Bacon's success, Berkeley raised his own 'sanctioned' army. Bacon's militia marched east to the capital, Jamestown, captured it, burned it to the ground, sending Berkeley and his men retaliating in defeat across the Chesapeake. Bacon began to set up his own government. Unfortunately for his cause, Bacon died of dysentery before the completion of his campaign. Successors were not inspirational enough to maintain the cause and Berkeley recaptured lost ground and hung most of Bacon's followers, confiscating their property.
Although it is suggested that Bacon may not have been the most exemplary political leader, he did stir up a great deal enough trouble to drive change with the Virginia people to re-elect the House of Burgesses, have the King of England (Charles II) remove Berkeley as governor and return to England to answer for the Virginia chaos.
History books suggest the importance of Bacon's Rebellion was limited to the Indian wars or the cause of long term racial divisions. But I see where a great deal of seed-planting was taking place by way of questioning government, bucking high taxes and shedding light on a general disregard for the 'common man'. Although it took a couple of generations, it manifested into a tangible cause that could be won and a new government, the likes of it never before and never since created, was born.
Do you see similarities between colonial Virginia's aristocratic leadership and today's Hollywood elite and ruling class? When someone speaks out about preserving freedoms, they are mocked, ridiculed, and treated as if they had no compassion for others on issues such as universal health care or education.
What is so misunderstood about the cause of freedom preservation is that many American citizens hold their freedoms as a matter of life or death. These people have very likely studied history, yet are labeled as red-necked, uneducated and uncivilized. On the contrary, these people know that history shows us that bloodshed is typically the only way to recapture lost freedoms. This is a world historical fact. I believe that we are seeing early tendencies toward this recapturing and unless freedom purists are heard, the homegrown 'terrorism' or 'freedom fighters' will continue to make headlines.
Peace and Understanding
~H. Whitley
Monday, March 29, 2010
Children and Orphans Obtain Water, Supplies.
Imagine one meal a day and random losses of plumbing and running water. LDS Church donates a large water tank, school supplies and preschool toys to serve 960 children and to ensure their only meal a day - lunch - is able to be prepared.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Massachusetts "Model" Universal Heathcare Bust
Just as the nation and Democrats have looked to states like Massachusetts who have pioneered universal health coverage for almost all citizens,
"This year’s state budget is out of balance by $295 million, partly because of rising health costs, meaning more cuts may lie ahead. Insurance premiums continue to grow far faster than inflation. State regulators are thinking about exempting more people from the insurance mandate because they cannot afford to buy policies." (Kevin Sack, The New York Times Online, 3/26/10).
"....health insurers are seeking approval of increases from 7 percent to 34 percent." (Kevin Sack, The New York Times Online, 3/26/10).
How does the Federal government differ? Are they exempt from deficit pressures in an impossible economy?
What if the federal government reimbursed/rewarded states with subsidies if they are able to provide good coverage to residents? State control. State autonomy.
"This year’s state budget is out of balance by $295 million, partly because of rising health costs, meaning more cuts may lie ahead. Insurance premiums continue to grow far faster than inflation. State regulators are thinking about exempting more people from the insurance mandate because they cannot afford to buy policies." (Kevin Sack, The New York Times Online, 3/26/10).
"....health insurers are seeking approval of increases from 7 percent to 34 percent." (Kevin Sack, The New York Times Online, 3/26/10).
How does the Federal government differ? Are they exempt from deficit pressures in an impossible economy?
What if the federal government reimbursed/rewarded states with subsidies if they are able to provide good coverage to residents? State control. State autonomy.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Emory University Article - Mal Practice Insurance The Mother of All Insurance Woes
Emory University published this October 2009 article implicating Mal Practice Insurance as the root of problems in the medical model we currently have. "Defensive Medicine" is ironically driving up our healthcare costs and causing SWEEPINGLY poor outcomes while lawsuits are up. I want your thoughts now - either here or on Facebook.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Vote Before Cost Analysis
Would a Sustainable Business Operate This Way? Drudge Report article demonstrates that House leaders have called this vote on healthcare BEFORE a cost analysis. It is certain that ACTION must be taken on healthcare reform. Certain. But no large entitiy, for profit or non-profit, takes a major leap in strategic direction without a cost analysis.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Democratic Senators want us to stop making babies!
National Review reports that a Senate democrat whistle-blower says his com-padres want us to stop having children as they will cost millions more in ObamaCare, hence YOUR tax dollars will fund ABORTION.
All Hands On Deck - Now or Never!
All Hands On Deck - Now or Never!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Graduation Rate for Rochester , NY Students Below 50%
This Democrat and Chronicle article offers great subject material for tomorrow's podcast. I hope you check it out.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Video - Amanda Marshall - I Believe In You
This video embodies the inspirational hope of this Blog and my message to my loved ones, friends and kindred spirits... ">
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Responds to Chile
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile delivered six tons of food from local bishops' storehouses to the city of Talca on 2 March to help meet needs in several cities north of Concepción. A second shipment of 20 tons of food is expected to reach Concepción on 3 March. Two additional shipments of food have been sent to affected areas to the south of Concepción.....An estimated two million Chileans have been affected by the earthquake, with at least 500,000 homes sustaining considerable damage. Dozens of aftershocks, some registering as high as 6.9 on the Richter scale, continued to rattle the region over the weekend.
Those wishing to donate to the Church Humanitarian Aid Fund can do so here:
https://secure3.convio.net/ldsp/site/Donation2?df_id=1280&1280.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=3o41y1y712.app333a
Resources from the Church Humanitarian Aid Fund make it possible for the Church to conduct humanitarian activities all over the world. One hundred percent of all contributions are used to help the needy. (March 1, 2010 www.lds.org Newsroom)
Those wishing to donate to the Church Humanitarian Aid Fund can do so here:
https://secure3.convio.net/ldsp/site/Donation2?df_id=1280&1280.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=3o41y1y712.app333a
Resources from the Church Humanitarian Aid Fund make it possible for the Church to conduct humanitarian activities all over the world. One hundred percent of all contributions are used to help the needy. (March 1, 2010 www.lds.org Newsroom)
PODCAST Episode 1
Welcome to our pilot episode! In this show we discuss the Obama Adminstration's recent move to nationalize education and Texas' blatent rejection by establishing their own conservative curriculum directives. Why is telling the truth to our children about U.S. national heritage and history so difficult for "the herd"?
~Credit must be given to my dear friend Jodie Palmer, for a few words of hers that I used in this show.
~Credit must be given to my dear friend Jodie Palmer, for a few words of hers that I used in this show.
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