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
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
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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